JP7091914B2 - Image forming device, image forming system, communication system, program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a communication system , and a program.

An image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product) receives various files such as PCL (Printer Control Language), PS (PostScript), or PDF (Portable Document Format) and executes a printing process. For sequential access format files such as PCL and PS, the content of each page is arranged in page order. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus receives the file in the sequential access format, the image forming apparatus reads and prints the contents of each page in order while spooling the data. On the other hand, for random access format data such as PDF files, the content of each page can be arranged regardless of the page order, so the image forming device waits for the received data to be spooled before the data. Access and print the content of each page while referring to the position information of the content placed behind.

For the purpose of shortening the time until the first page of the PDF file is displayed on the browser, the location information for accessing the content of the first page is used in a data format called linearized PDF placed at the end of the file. Has been done.

In Patent Document 1, the information processing apparatus divides the data described in the linearized PDF file into a part related to the first page and a part related to the remaining pages, and each of them can be referred to independently. It is disclosed that the PDF file is reformatted and the image forming apparatus having the PDF direct print function is instructed to analyze and output. According to Patent Document 1, the content of the first page of the PDF document is the content of the first PDF file because the data size of the first PDF file consisting of the configuration information of only the first page is small and it does not take a lot of time to read the file. It is said that it will be analyzed and output in a shorter time than it is recognized as a delay by the user.

However, even if the image forming apparatus divides the file of the random access format into the file of the first page and the file of the remaining page, each page in the file of the remaining page is completed until the spool of the file of the remaining page is completed. The position of the data for drawing cannot be specified, and printing cannot be started. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus, there is a problem that it takes time to receive and print a file in a random access format.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is a receiving means for receiving a file including a plurality of pages of data and position information indicating the position of the data of each page on the plurality of pages, and the receiving means. If specific information for specifying the position of data is received for each page of the plurality of pages before the position information is received, each page is based on the data specified by the specific information. It has a starting means for initiating printing of the data.

In the image forming apparatus, it has an effect that the time required for printing based on a random access format file can be shortened.

It is an overall block diagram of the communication system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of the terminal which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of the image forming apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the process of printing an image. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the structure of a PDF file. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the PDF file which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a flow diagram which shows an example of the process of generating a split file. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of a PDF file. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the time required for the printing process of a PDF file. This is an example of the reception screen in the page split mode. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of a PDF file. It is a flow diagram which shows the process of generating the divided file in the modification A of embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the process of printing an image. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the page information generated in the modification B of embodiment. This is an example of a reception screen that accepts the transition to the mode for generating a PDF file containing specific information that can be divided. It is a flow figure which shows the process of generating a PDF file. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of a PDF file. It is a figure which shows an example of the PDF file which has the judgment information. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the process of printing an image. It is a figure which shows an example of the timing diagram when the spool processing and the parsing processing / rendering processing are processed in parallel. An example of the timing diagram when it is determined that only three pages can be temporarily retained is shown. It is a flowchart of an example which shows the procedure which a print data processing part performs spool processing. It is a timing diagram when two parsing processing and rendering processing are executed in parallel.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<< Communication system >>
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the communication terminal is simply referred to as a terminal. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 is constructed by terminals 10A, 10B, image forming devices 20A, 20B, and cloud service 50. Any of the terminals 10A and 10B is referred to as a terminal 10. Any of the image forming apparatus 20A and 20B is referred to as an image forming apparatus 20. In the communication system 1, the number of terminals 10, the image forming apparatus 20, and the cloud service 50 is not particularly limited.

The terminal 10 is an information processing device having a communication function, and is, for example, a smart device such as a tablet or a smartphone, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a television conference terminal, an electronic blackboard, or a camera. The terminal 10A is, for example, a notebook PC, and the terminal 10B is a smart device.

The image forming apparatus 20 is an information processing apparatus having an image processing function and a communication function, and is, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product), a facsimile, a scanner, or a printer. The image forming apparatus 20A is, for example, an MFP having a facsimile, a scanner, and a printer function, and the image forming apparatus 20B is, for example, a printer.

The cloud service 50 is an information processing device having a communication function. The cloud service 50 functions as a server that transmits a document file to the image forming apparatus 20 based on a request from the terminal 10 or the image forming apparatus 20.

The terminal 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 are connected to the LAN 2L (Local Area Network) directly or via the wireless LAN router 2R. The terminal 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 connect to the Internet 2I from the LAN 2L and connect to the cloud service 50 on the Internet 2I. Any of LAN 2L and Internet 2I is referred to as communication network 2. All or part of the communication network 2 may have a place where wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is performed.

The terminal 10 and the cloud service 50 use an arbitrary application or driver to generate a document file in a random access format such as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file. The document file in the random access format has a file structure in which the data on each page can be randomly accessed. The terminal 10 and the cloud service 50 transmit a print request including a PDF file to the image forming apparatus 20. Further, the image forming apparatus 20A reads an image by a scanner function and generates a PDF file by using an arbitrary application or driver. The image forming apparatus 20 receives the PDF file transmitted by the terminal 10, the cloud service 50, or another image forming apparatus 20, and executes the printing process.

<< Hardware configuration >>
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment. The hardware configuration of the terminal 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

The terminal 10 includes a CPU 101 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 102 (Read Only Memory), a RAM 103 (Random Access Memory), an SSD 104 (Solid State Drive), a media I / F105 (Interface), and a network I / F107. , User I / F 108, and bus line 110.

The CPU 101 controls the operation of the entire terminal 10. The ROM 102 stores various programs and applications running on the terminal 10. Hereinafter, the application is simply referred to as an application. The RAM 103 is used as a work area of the CPU 101. The SSD 104 stores data used in various programs or applications. The media I / F 105 is an interface for reading information stored in a recording medium 106 such as an external memory and writing information to the recording medium 106. The network I / F 107 is an interface for communicating with another device via the communication network 2. The user I / F 108 is an interface for receiving an operation input by the user. The user I / F 108 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device equipped with a touch panel function, or a keyboard and a mouse. The bus line 110 is an address bus or a data bus for electrically connecting each of the above components as shown in FIG.

Since the hardware configuration of the cloud service 50 is the same as the hardware configuration of the terminal 10, the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the embodiment. The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

The controller 200 of the image forming apparatus 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an NVRAM 204 (Non-volatile RAM), an HDD 205 (hard Disk Drive), a network I / F206, an engine I / F207, and a panel I /. It has an F208, a scanner I / F209, a media I / F215, and a bus line 210. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a plotter engine 211, an operation panel 212, and a scanner engine 213.

The CPU 201 controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 20. The ROM 202 stores various programs and applications running on the image forming apparatus 20. The RAM 203 is used as a work area of the CPU 201. The NVRAM 204 and HDD 205 store data used in various programs or applications. The network I / F 206 is an interface for communicating with another device via the communication network 2. The engine I / F 207 is an interface for connecting to the plotter engine 211. The panel I / F 208 is an interface for connecting to the operation panel 212. The scanner I / F 209 is an interface for connecting to the scanner engine 213. The media I / F 215 is an interface for reading information stored in a recording medium 216 such as an external memory and writing information to the recording medium 216. The bus line 210 is an address bus or a data bus for electrically connecting each of the above components as shown in FIG.

The plotter engine 211 controls the operation of the plotter of the image forming apparatus 20 in the process of printing an image on a recording medium. The plotter is an arbitrary printing device, and in the case of an inkjet method, for example, an inkjet head, and in the case of a laser printer method, for example, a photoconductor, a laser irradiation device, or a transfer device. The operation panel 212 is a panel for receiving inputs such as settings, conditions, and instructions from the user, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device equipped with a touch panel function, or a keyboard and a mouse. The scanner engine 213 controls the operation of the scanner in the image forming apparatus 20. The scanner is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include known scanners having a pressure plate, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and an image pickup device.

<< Functional configuration >>
Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the embodiment.

The image forming apparatus 20 includes an image reading unit 2100, a printing unit 2200, a communication unit 2300, and a display unit 2400. Each of these parts is realized by operating any of the components shown in FIG. 3 by a program or a command from the CPU 201 according to the program or application for the image forming apparatus 20 developed on the RAM 203 from the ROM 202. It is a function. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 has a storage unit 2000 constructed by the ROM 202, the RAM 203, the NVRAM 204, or the HDD 205.

The image reading unit 2100 executes a process of reading an image by a scanner and generating a file from the read image based on a command from the CPU 201. The image reading unit 2100 includes a reading control unit 2110 and an image generation unit 2120.

The reading control unit 2110 controls to read an image by operating the scanner engine 213 based on a command from the CPU 101.

The image generation unit 2120 generates a PDF file from the read image in response to a command from the CPU 201.

The printing unit 2200 executes a file-based printing process based on an instruction from the CPU 201. The printing unit 2200 includes a page data generation unit 2210 and a print data processing unit 2220.

The page data generation unit 2210 generates a PDF file for each of a plurality of pages from a PDF file of one plurality of pages based on a command from the CPU 201.

The print data processing unit 2220 controls for printing an image by operating the plotter engine 211 based on a command from the CPU 101.

The communication unit 2300 controls communication with another device via the communication network 2 by a command from the CPU 201 and processing of the network I / F 206.

The display unit 2400 controls to display an image from the display of the operation panel 212 by a command from the CPU 201.

<< Processing >>
Subsequently, the processing in the image forming apparatus 20 will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process of printing an image.

The SSD 104 of the terminal 10 stores a multi-page PDF file generated by the terminal 10. The terminal 10 transmits a print request to the image forming apparatus 20 via the communication network 2 in response to an operation input by the user (step S11). The print request includes a PDF file read from the SSD 104, information for specifying a page to be printed as print settings, information indicating allocation such as 2-in-1, and the like.

The source of the print request is not limited to the terminal 10. The source of the print request may be the cloud service 50. Further, the image forming apparatus 20A may generate a PDF file based on the image read by the scanner, and may include the PDF file in the printing request and transmit it to the other image forming apparatus 20B. The printing format is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, mobile printing such as AirPrint (registered trademark) or Mopria (registered trademark), or directly print a PDF file using a protocol such as ftp or lpr. It may be a direct print to be transmitted to the forming apparatus 20, or it may be a cloud print such as GoogleCloudPrint (registered trademark). The print format may be media print. In this case, the process of step S11 is replaced with the process of transmitting a PDF file from the recording medium 216 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory connected to the image forming apparatus 20 to the image forming apparatus 20.

The communication unit 2300 of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the print request transmitted by the terminal 10. When the communication unit 2300 starts receiving the PDF file included in the print request, the received PDF file is sequentially stored (buffered) in the RAM 203 as a buffer. The image forming apparatus 20 continues the following printing process without waiting for the completion of buffering.

The communication unit 2300 transmits a print start notification for starting printing to the page data generation unit 2210 (step S12).

Upon receiving the print start notification, the page data generation unit 2210 determines whether it is possible to generate a PDF file divided for each page from the reception buffer stored in the RAM 203 (step S13). The PDF file divided for each page indicates each PDF file in which the data of each page to be printed is divided from the PDF file of a plurality of pages included in the print request. For example, when the number of pages of the PDF file included in the print request is 10, and all pages are printed, the PDF file divided for each page indicates a PDF file for each of 10 pages. Hereinafter, the PDF file divided for each page is referred to as a divided file.

In explaining whether or not the divided file can be generated, the structure of the PDF file will be described. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the structure of a PDF file. The PDF file complies with the open standards managed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and in order from the beginning, the header PH, body PB, cross-reference table PR (an example of location information), and trailer. Has PT.

The header PH includes PDF version information and the like.

In the body PB, a document catalog, page information, object information of each page, and the like are defined for each object number. The object number is an identifier of the object, and the reference number (x), the generation number (y), and the "obj" are arranged side by side, for example, "1 0 obj". The document catalog is the root (top level) of the object hierarchy. The page information includes a reference to the object information of each page. The object information of each page includes data for drawing each page.

The cross-reference table PR includes the address information (position information) of the object of each object number defined in the body PB. The address information is offset information indicating how many bytes the object is from the beginning of the header PH. The image forming apparatus 20 identifies and accesses the position of the object based on the cross-reference table PR.

The trailer PT includes address information (startxref) indicating the position of the cross-reference table PR, an object number (Root) of the document catalog, and a reference (Info) to the creation date and time of the PDF file.

Due to the structure of the PDF file, the image forming apparatus 20 accesses the document catalog by specifying the object number of the document catalog from the trailer PT and specifying the address information corresponding to this object number from the cross-reference table PR. That is, in the normal operation by the image forming apparatus 20, after reading up to the trailer PT of the PDF file, the image processing related to the PDF file is started.

Subsequently, a specific example of the process of determining whether or not the divided file can be generated in step S13 will be described. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of the PDF file according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, the object that defines various information of the page is simply referred to as the page object. Objects on the page can be randomly placed in the body PB of the PDF file. On the other hand, according to the PDF file of the present embodiment (A) to (D) of FIG. 7, the objects of each page are sequentially arranged in the body PB.

In the present embodiment, the information intentionally given to determine that the page can be divided is referred to as "judgment information". In addition, information for specifying the position of data such as objects included in a predetermined page is referred to as "specific information". Specific information and judgment information may be common. Of the specific information, some information is called "boundary information".

In the header PHi of the PDF files (A) and (B) of FIG. 7, "% Enable Page Split Mode" indicating that the split file can be generated is used as the judgment information for judging whether or not the split file can be generated. "Is attached. Further, in the body PB of the PDF file (A) and (B) of FIG. 7, boundary information is attached to the boundary of the area where the object of each page is recorded. The boundary information "% Page Object" is attached to the PDF file of FIG. 7 (A) in front of the object of each page, and the boundary information "% End" is attached to the PDF file of FIG. 7 (B). "Page" is added after the object on each page. % Page1 Object and% End Page are judgment information and specific information. Also,% Page1 Object and% End Page are boundary information in the sense that they are inserted between pages.

In the header PHi of the PDF file of FIG. 7 (C), the address information "% Page1 = xxxx" and "% Page1 = yyyy" indicating the position of the object on each page in the body PB are offset information as judgment information and specific information. It is attached as.

Further, in the body PB of the PDF file (D) of FIG. 7, a command "/ Type / Page" conforming to the PDF language is arranged as boundary information at the end of the area where the object of each page is recorded. There is. In addition, "/ Type / Page" is also specific information because it is information for specifying the position of the object.

The page data generation unit 2210 can determine that the divided file can be generated based on the determination information when the header PHi portion in the receive buffer is read without referring to the trailer PT of the PDF file. ..

If it is determined in step S13 that the split file cannot be generated, the page data generation unit 2210 waits for the reception of the PDF file sent from the terminal 10 to be completed, and then fills the entire received buffer with PDF. It is stored in the storage unit 2000 as a file. Subsequently, the page data generation unit 2210 transmits the entire PDF file to the print data processing unit 2220 without dividing the PDF file (step S14).

The print data processing unit 2220 linguistically analyzes the entire received PDF file, and generates a print image by drawing an image for each page in the frame memory while randomly accessing the data for drawing each page. The print data processing unit 2220 transmits a print instruction including a print image to the plotter engine 211 to execute the print process (step S15). When the plotter engine receives an instruction for printing processing, it repeats the processing of forming a printed image and discharging the paper.

When it is determined in step S13 that the divided file can be generated, the page data generation unit 2210 generates the divided file for each page each time the object of each page is received in the PDF file (step). S21).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for generating a divided file. The process of step S21 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The process of step S21 is executed without waiting for the completion of receiving the PDF file sent from the terminal 10.

A part of the PDF file received by the communication unit 2300 is sequentially stored in the RAM 203 as a buffer. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of the PDF file. FIG. 9A is a conceptual diagram showing a part of a PDF file stored as a buffer. The page data generation unit 2210 reads the PDF file of the buffer for each record (step S21-1). A record means one item, and in FIG. 9, one line is one record.

The page data generation unit 2210 determines whether the read record corresponds to the cross-reference table PR, the document catalog PBc, the page information PBp, or the trailer PT (step S21-2).

If it is determined in step S21-2 that the record corresponds to any of the cross-reference table PR, the document catalog PBc, the page information PBp, or the trailer PT (YES), the page data generation unit 2210 is read. Delete the record (step S21-3). This is because each record of the cross-reference table PR, the document catalog PBc, the page information PBp, and the trailer PT is newly generated when the divided file is created by the process described later.

If it is determined in step S21-2 that it does not correspond (NO), the page data generation unit 2210 stores the read record in the storage unit 2000 (step S21-4).

The page data generation unit 2210 repeats the processes of steps S21-1 to S21-4 until one page of records, that is, objects has been read. The page data generation unit 2210 reads the boundary information in the body PB ((A), (B) in FIG. 7) or is based on the specific information included in the header ((C) in FIG. 7). It is possible to determine whether the record for one page has been read.

When the above loop processing is completed, the storage unit 2000 excludes the cross-reference table PR, the document catalog PBc, the page information PBp, or the trailer PT from the records for one page extracted from the PDF file. Records, that is, each record showing data for drawing one page, that is, an object is stored. The page data generation unit 2210 uses the record stored in the storage unit 2000 as the body PB in the divided file. FIG. 9B is a conceptual diagram showing the body PB of the divided file generated after the loop processing.

The body of FIG. 9B does not include the cross-reference table, document catalog, page information, trailer, etc. that are discarded in the process of step S21-3. Therefore, even if the body PB of FIG. 9B is transmitted to the print data processing unit 2220 as a divided file, the print data processing unit 2220 cannot execute the printing process. Therefore, the page data generation unit 2210 adds necessary information to the body PB of FIG. 9B to complete the PDF file based on the PDF language specification.

First, the page data generation unit 2210 generates a header PH and adds it to the beginning of the divided file in the generation process. The header PH to be added includes a fixed phrase such as PDF version information.

The page data generation unit 2210 generates the page information Bp required for the print job in the divided file. A predetermined value is assigned to the object number of the page information. Page information includes the number of pages and a reference to the object for drawing the page. Since the divided file contains data for drawing one page, the number of pages is one. The reference to the object is the object number of the object for drawing the pages contained in the split file.

The page data generation unit 2210 generates a document catalog as job information necessary for a print job in the divided PDF file. A predetermined value is assigned to the object number of the document catalog. The job information required for a print job includes a reference to the page information object. As described above, since the object number of the object of the page information is predetermined, the reference to the page information is a predetermined value.

FIG. 9C is a conceptual diagram showing a divided file in the generation process. As shown in FIG. 9C, the page data generation unit 2210 adds the generated document catalog and page information to the rear end of the body PB (step S21-5).

Subsequently, the page data generation unit 2210 generates a cross-reference table PR and adds it after the body PB in the divided file in the generation process (step S21-6). The cross-reference table PR is address information representing the position of each object in the body PB as offset information. The page data generation unit 2210 searches for each object from the body PB generated earlier, and generates the cross-reference table PR by describing the address information indicating the position of each searched object as offset information. FIG. 9D is a conceptual diagram showing a PDF file to which a header PH and a cross-reference table PR are added.

The page data generation unit 2210 generates a trailer in the divided file. The trailer contains the size of the cross-reference table PR and a reference to the document catalog. The size of the cross-reference table PR is calculated based on the generation result of the cross-reference table PR in step S21-6. A predetermined document catalog object number is used as a reference to the document catalog.

FIG. 9E is a conceptual diagram showing a divided file. As shown in FIG. 9 (E), the page data generation unit 2210 adds the generated trailer PT after the cross-reference table PR in the divided PDF file in the generation process, so that the divided file according to the PDF language is added. Is completed (step S21-7). The same PDF file as in FIG. 9E is created for the number of pages.

The process after the divided file for one page is completed will be described by returning to FIG. The page data generation unit 2210 transmits the generated divided file to the print data processing unit 2220 (step S22).

The print data processing unit 2220 linguistically analyzes the received divided file and draws an image for one page in the frame memory while accessing the object for drawing the page to generate a print image. The print data processing unit 2220 transmits a print instruction including a print image to the plotter engine 211 to execute the print process (step S23). When the plotter engine receives an instruction for printing, the plotter engine transfers one page of printed images onto paper and ejects the printed image.

The page data generation unit 2210 determines whether the buffer contains the data of the unprocessed page for which the generation of the divided file has not been completed among the data of the page to be printed. When it is determined that the data of the unprocessed page is included, the image forming apparatus 20 repeats the processing of steps S21 to S23. By repeating the processes of steps S21 to S23 in this way, a divided file for drawing each page to be printed is generated, and the printing process is executed page by page.

After the printing process of all the pages to be printed is completed, the page data generation unit 2210 deletes the information remaining as the buffer (step S24). As a result, the state transitions to the reception waiting state of the next data in the state where the buffer is cleared, so that the capacity required for the buffer is sufficient for one page of received data.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the time required for printing a PDF file. In each figure of FIG. 10, the left end of the horizontal axis indicates the time when the image forming apparatus 20 starts receiving the PDF file, and the more to the right with respect to the horizontal axis, the longer the time from the start of receiving the PDF file. Indicates that it has passed. The PDF file printing process includes a spool process for receiving and buffering a PDF file, a parsing process for language analysis, a rendering process for forming an image, and a feed process for printing and discharging an image.

FIG. 10A is a conceptual diagram showing the time required for each process when receiving and printing a PDF file having a plurality of pages. When printing a PDF file of a plurality of pages, the spool processing of the PDF file becomes rate-determining, and it takes a long time to print the PDF file.

For example, when it takes 0.1 seconds to spool a 100 kB 1-page PDF file, it takes 100 seconds (= 0.1 × 1000) seconds to spool a 100 MB 1000-page PDF file. Therefore, the parsing process of the first page is started after 100 seconds. Assuming that the processing speed of the image forming apparatus 20 is 50 PPM, it takes 1200 seconds to print 1000 pages. The time until the entire job from spool processing to feed processing is completed is 1300 seconds (= 100 + 1200).

Further, in this case, the image forming apparatus 20 requires storage having a size of at least 100 MB for buffering. Since the spool process cannot be executed in the image forming apparatus that does not have the storage of 100 MB in size, the print job is canceled.

FIG. 10B is a conceptual diagram showing the time required for each process when receiving and printing a linearized PDF file having a plurality of pages. When printing the linearized PDF file, the image forming apparatus 20 can specify the data for drawing the first page before reading the entire PDF file, so that after the spool processing of the data on the first page is completed. The printing process of the first page can be executed. However, the image forming apparatus 20 cannot start the printing process because the data for drawing each page after the second page cannot be specified until all the rest of the PDF file is read. Therefore, the spool of the remaining part of the PDF file. The processing becomes rate-determining, and it takes a long time to print the entire PDF file.

FIG. 10C is a conceptual diagram showing the time required for each process when printing a plurality of PDF files on one page. When a plurality of PDF files of one page are printed, the time required for the spool processing of the PDF file is short, and the spool processing is not rate-determining, so that the entire printing time is shortened.

For example, in the case of printing 1000 PDF files of one page of 100 kB, the image forming apparatus 20 can receive the PDF file of the first page, perform spool processing, and then continuously execute printing processing. In the image forming apparatus 20 of 50PPM, when it takes 0.1 seconds to spool the PDF file of the first page and 1200 seconds to print the images related to 1000 PDFs, the time required for the entire print job is , 1200.1 seconds.

Further, the image forming apparatus 20 can execute a print job as long as it has a storage having a size of at least 100 kB. That is, even if the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus 20 is small, the print job is less likely to be canceled.

<<< Modification A of the embodiment >>>
Subsequently, the modification A of the embodiment will be described with respect to the differences from the above-described embodiment. In the modification A of the embodiment, a processing example will be described when the header of the PDF file does not include the determination information for specifying whether the divided file can be generated. For example, when a document is scanned by a scanner, judgment information is generally not given. However, as described below, the split file can be created even when the judgment information is not given.

FIG. 11 is an example of a reception screen in the page division mode. The image forming apparatus 20 displays the reception screen shown in FIG. 11 on the display of the operation panel 212, and receives input from the user for shifting to the page division mode. The page split mode is a mode in which a split file is automatically created from a PDF file of a plurality of pages and printed.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of the PDF file. FIG. 12A shows an example of the structure of a PDF file capable of generating a divided file. As shown in FIG. 12A, the body PB of the PDF file includes the object number of the reference destination as the page information. In this case, for example, the referenced object such as "70 obj" can be regarded as the object PB1 of a certain page, and the object next to the object PB1 can be regarded as the object PB2 of the next page.

FIG. 12B shows an example of the structure of a PDF file in which a divided file cannot be generated. Since the body PB of the PDF file does not have to be sequential, the above-mentioned object may be referred to as page information as shown in FIG. 12B. In this case, if the above-mentioned object is processed as the object of the previous page and does not remain as a buffer, the image forming apparatus 20 cannot access the referenced object. Therefore, in general, if there is a page that refers to the above object, it may be determined that it is impossible to generate a split file, and further, if the buffer is searched and the above object is not found, the split file is split. You may decide that it is impossible to generate a file. In addition, it may be determined that the case in which the object after (later) after the data on the predetermined page is referred to cannot be divided.

In this way, the page data generation unit 2210 of the image forming apparatus 20 can determine whether or not the divided file can be generated while reading the data in the buffer even when the PDF file does not include the determination information.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a process of generating a divided file in the modified example A of the embodiment. In FIG. 13, the same processing as in the flow chart of FIG. 8 is designated by the same reference numeral.

The page data generation unit 2210 stores the record read in step S21-2 in the storage unit 2000 without discarding it (step S21-A1).

If the record read in step S21-2 includes the object number of the reference destination, for example, "70R" in FIG. 12A, the page data generation unit 2210 uses the object number. Hold (step S21-A2).

The page data generation unit 2210 repeats the buffer analysis of the read PDF file, and determines that the objects up to the held object number of the reference destination are the objects of one page. If the read range does not include the structure shown in (B) of FIG. 12, the page data generation unit 2210 determines that a divided file can be generated (YES in steps S21-A3), and the read record Among them, a split file is generated based on the object for drawing the page, and the printing process is executed. The process of generating and printing the divided file is the same as that of the above embodiment.

If the read file contains a structure as shown in FIG. 12B, the page data generation unit 2210 determines that the divided file cannot be generated (NO in steps S21-A3). In this case, the image forming apparatus 20 cancels (cancels) the print job, waits for all of the PDF files to be received, and performs the printing process using the PDF file stored as a buffer in the storage unit 2000. Run. This process is the same as step S14 of the above embodiment. Therefore, if it is determined that the split file cannot be created in the middle of the page, printing can be temporarily stopped and printing can be resumed (continued) using the file stored in the storage means. In this case, printing is restarted from the page that has not been ejected.

Even if the read PDF file contains a structure as shown in FIG. 12B, if the referenced object is stored in the storage unit 2000, the page data generation unit 2210 will store the storage unit 2000. By adding the referenced object left in the above to the body PB of the divided file in the generation process, the divided file may be generated and the processing may be continued.

<<< Modification B of the embodiment >>>
Subsequently, the modification B of the embodiment will be described with respect to the differences from the above-described embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of a process of printing an image. In FIG. 14, the same processing as in the flow chart of FIG. 8 is designated by the same reference numeral.

In the modification B of the embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 repeats the loop processing of steps S21-1 to S21-4 for each set printing unit. The set print unit is included in the print request transmitted from the terminal 10 to the image forming apparatus 20. For example, when the pages to be printed by the image forming apparatus 20 are set to the first page and the third page, the image forming apparatus 20 repeats the loop processing for the objects corresponding to the first page and the third page in the PDF file. The object on the second page is skipped. In this case, for example, if the PDF file received by the image forming apparatus 20 is (A) in FIG. 7, the loop process is executed for the object following the "% Page1 Object", and then the "% Page2 Object" is displayed. The following object is skipped, and loop processing is executed for the object that follows "% Page3 Object".

Further, for example, when the image forming apparatus 20 is set to print 2-in-1, that is, two pages on one sheet, the page data generation unit 2210 describes 1 for the PDF file of FIG. 7A. , Generate a PDF file containing the contents of the second page and a PDF file containing the contents of the third page. That is, the page data generation unit 2210 generates one PDF file based on the object that follows "% Page1 Object" and the object that follows "% Page2 Object", and the object that follows "% Page3 Object". Generates one PDF file based on.

That is, the "divided file" is not limited to one page = one file, and the number of files is not limited to the number of pages. In the case of 2-in-1, by setting 2 pages = 1 file, it matches the unit (paper) of the parsing process and the rendering process. Further, when a page to be printed is specified, it is more efficient to generate a PDF file of only that page. The page data generation unit 2210 generates one file for one or more pages printed on one sheet (one side). Therefore, the split file contains a determined number of pages.

Further, the page data generation unit 2210 may determine the number of pages for both sides as the number of pages to be included in the divided file. Further, in the case of aggregate printing, it may be decided to include one page in one file (for example, in the case of 2-in-1 A4 portrait, the image is divided at the top and bottom, so it is parallel to each area. And draw processing).

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of page information generated in the modified example B of the embodiment. In step S21-6, the page data generation unit 2210 generates the page information PBp required for the print job of the divided file. The page information includes the number of pages and a reference to the object for drawing the page. In 2-in-1, the number of pages in the PDF file divided into two pages is two. Further, in the reference to the object, the object number related to the object for two pages is recorded according to the setting.

<<< Modification C of the embodiment >>>
Subsequently, the modification C of the embodiment will be described with respect to the differences from the above-described embodiment. In the modified example C of the embodiment, a method of generating a PDF file of the present embodiment will be described. When the original is read by the scanner, the judgment information is generally not given as described above. Even if the judgment information is not given, it is possible to judge whether or not to create the divided file as described in FIGS. 12 and 13, but the judgment information is given to make a more reliable judgment. Will be possible.

FIG. 16 is an example of a reception screen that accepts the transition to the mode for generating a divisible PDF file. The image forming apparatus 20 displays the reception screen of FIG. 16 on the display of the operation panel 212, and receives input from the user for shifting to the mode for generating a divisible PDF file.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a process of generating a PDF file. When the document supplied by the ADF is read by the scanner in the image forming apparatus 20, the image generation unit 2120 determines whether or not the mode is set to generate a divisible PDF file (step S41).

If YES is determined in step S41, the image generation unit 2120 generates the header PHi of the PDF file including the predetermined determination information "% Enable Page Split Mode" (step S42). FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of the PDF file. FIG. 18A is a conceptual diagram showing a header PHi of a PDF file including judgment information.

Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 20 repeats the following loop processing for the number of originals. In the loop process, first, the reading control unit 2110 scans and reads the image of the first original document supplied from the ADF (step S43).

The image generation unit 2120 generates an object for drawing a page according to the PDF language based on the image read in step S43 (step S44). The generated object is added as a body PB after the header PHi generated in step S42. FIG. 18B is a conceptual diagram showing a PDF file in the process of generation in which an object for drawing a page is added.

The image generation unit 2120 adds a predetermined comment “% End Page” to the end of the body as boundary information (step S45). FIG. 18C is a conceptual diagram showing a PDF file in the process of generation in which a comment at the end of a page is added. In addition, the image generation unit 2120 always rearranges and arranges a specific object for constructing page data, for example (/ Page), at the end of the page, so that the body can be seen that the objects are arranged in page order. It may be generated.

The image forming apparatus 20 repeats the processes of steps S43 to S45 for each document. At this time, in step S44, the image generation unit 2120 adds an object for drawing the newly loaded page after the comment "% End Page". FIG. 18D is a conceptual diagram showing a PDF file in the generation process generated after repeating the loop processing twice.

When the loop processing for all the documents is completed, the image forming apparatus 20 adds the document catalog PBc, the page information PBp, the cross-reference table PR, and the trailer PT to the generated PDF file (step S46). Since the method of adding these information is the same as the process of steps S21-5 to S21-7, the description thereof will be omitted. When the process of step S46 is completed, the PDF file of the present embodiment capable of generating the divided file is completed (see (E) in FIG. 18).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S41 that the mode is not to generate a PDF file that can be divided, the image forming apparatus 20 uses a known method without serializing the PDF file based on the image read by the scanner. Generate (step S51).

As described with reference to FIG. 7, whether or not the divided file can be generated is determined by the determination information. However, the print data processing unit 2220 may not be able to print the "file capable of generating a split file". A PDF file that cannot be printed even if it is divided will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a PDF file having judgment information. In FIG. 19A, the header PH contains the determination information, and the body PB is divided into pages. After such a "file that can generate a split file" is generated, the user may manually modify the PDF file or edit it using the application and then save it while leaving the judgment information. Can occur.

FIG. 19B shows an example of a modified or edited PDF file (a file capable of generating a split file). The object PB2 on the page of FIG. 19B refers to an object on another page. “… 4 0 R…” 301 is the referenced object number. Seen from the object PB2, "... 40 R ..." 301 is an object on another page, so the printing process of the divided file may not be continued.

In this case, the print data processing unit 2220 falls into a state such as "data cannot be processed" during the parsing process and the rendering process. For example, the object PB1 can be printed and discharged, but the object PB2 has an error. , Will be the situation.

In order to prevent an error from occurring or to prevent a print job from being delayed even if an error occurs, if the print data processing unit 2220 determines that printing cannot be performed, printing can be performed from a page that has not been discharged. It is valid. This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process of printing an image. In the description of FIG. 20, the difference from FIG. 5 will be mainly described. The processing of steps S11 to S22 may be the same as in FIG.

In step S22-2, the print data processing unit 2220 determines whether or not the divided file can be printed. As a determination method, as described with reference to FIG. 19, for example, it is determined whether or not an object in the page refers to a different page. Here, it is assumed that printing is not possible.

In step S22-3, the print data processing unit 2220 requests the page data generation unit 2210 for the entire file. That is, it requests the file before the split file is generated. When the print data processing unit 2220 determines that printing is not possible, the print data processing unit 2220 prints and ejects the pages until it is determined that printing is not possible, and stops printing. The print data processing unit 2220 records to what page the paper has been ejected (printed).

In step S22-4, the entire PDF file before the page data generation unit 2210 is divided is transmitted to the print data processing unit 2220. Subsequent processing may be the same as in FIG. However, the print data processing unit 2220 does not print the page that has already been printed, and resumes (continues) printing from the page that has not been ejected.

Therefore, when the divided file cannot be printed, the communication system 1 of the present embodiment can print from the unprinted page by using the PDF file before the divided file is generated. As a result, even if the divided file is modified or edited while the determination information remains after the divided file is generated, the printing intended by the user can be completed.

In FIG. 10, it was explained that the total printing time can be shortened by printing a plurality of PDF files of one page. In this embodiment, when the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 20 is in a multi-core environment, the image forming apparatus 20 that executes spool processing and parsing processing / rendering processing in parallel will be described. In this embodiment, the description "perspective processing / rendering processing" means either parsing processing or rendering processing. Although the parsing process and the rendering process are described as not being processed in parallel, they may be processed in parallel.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a timing diagram when spool processing and parsing processing / rendering processing are processed in parallel. FIG. 21 shows how each of the vertical spool processing, parsing processing, rendering, printing and paper ejection processing is performed with respect to time. One cell corresponds to the processing of one page.

In FIG. 21, the spool processing is executed asynchronously with the parsing processing / rendering processing. That is, the spool processing and the parsing processing / rendering processing are executed at the same time zone. Since it is multi-core, such parallel processing is possible. Since the spool processing and the parsing processing / rendering processing cannot be executed in parallel with a single CPU, the spool processing and the parsing processing / rendering processing could not be executed in parallel in FIG. 10 (c). Therefore, by utilizing the multi-core as in the present embodiment, the time required for printing the PDF file can be further shortened as compared with FIG. 10 (c).

However, in the parallel execution spool processing as shown in FIG. 21, the PDF file is not spooled page by page, so the image forming apparatus 20 must temporarily store the entire divided file. That is, that much storage capacity is required for the storage means (RAM 203, HDD 205, etc.).

Therefore, it is effective for the print data processing unit 2220 to determine the upper limit number of pages for temporarily holding the "divided file" depending on the free space of the storage means and the status of the available CPU cores. That is, the maximum number of pages to be included in the divided file is determined according to the free space of the storage means and the status of the available CPU cores. The print data processing unit 2220 determines the maximum number of pages for temporarily holding the "divided file" by referring to the spool page number determination table as shown in Table 1.

表１はスプールページ数決定テーブルの一例を示す。スプールページ数決定テーブルでは、利用可能なＣＰＵコア数と記憶手段の空き容量に対応付けて、一時的に保持される「分割ファイル」が有することができる上限のページ数が設定されている。利用可能なコア数が多くかつ空き容量が大きいほど、上限のページ数が大きくなる。なお、利用可能なＣＰＵコア数と記憶手段の空き容量は画像形成装置のＯＳなどに印刷データ処理部２２２０が問い合わせることで検出できる。

Table 1 shows an example of a spool page number determination table. In the spool page number determination table, the maximum number of pages that the temporarily held "divided file" can have is set in association with the number of available CPU cores and the free space of the storage means. The larger the number of available cores and the larger the free space, the larger the maximum number of pages. The number of available CPU cores and the free space of the storage means can be detected by inquiring the print data processing unit 2220 to the OS of the image forming apparatus or the like.

FIG. 22 shows an example of a timing diagram when it is determined that only three pages can be temporarily held (the upper limit is three pages). Since it is determined that the maximum number of pages of the divided file is 3, the print data processing unit 2220 temporarily holds P1 to P3. When the parsing process and the rendering process of P1 are completed, the temporarily stored P1 can be deleted, so that the print data processing unit 2220 spools P4. The same applies to P5 and later, and when the parsing process and the rendering process of P2 are completed, the P5 is spooled, and when the parsing process and the rendering process of P3 are completed, the P6 is spooled.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an example showing a procedure in which the print data processing unit 2220 performs spool processing. The process of FIG. 23 starts when the divided file is generated.

First, the page data generation unit 2210 refers to the spool page number determination table, and determines the maximum number of pages to be spooled according to the number of available CPU cores and the free capacity of the storage means (S201).

The page data generation unit 2210 generates a divided file including pages having an upper limit number of pages determined in step S201 (S202).

Next, the page data generation unit 2210 spools the divided file generated in step S202 (S203).

Then, the page data generation unit 2210 determines whether or not all the pages of the divided file have been spooled (S204). If the determination in step S204 is Yes, the process of FIG. 23 ends.

If the determination in step S204 is No, the print data processing unit 2220 determines whether or not the spooled one-page parsing process and rendering process have been completed (S205). The print data processing unit 2220 waits until the end.

When the parsing process and the rendering process of one page are completed (Yes in S205), the page data generation unit 2210 spools the next page (S206). After step S206, step S204 is executed.

In this way, the image forming apparatus 20 of this embodiment appropriately determines the number of pages to be spooled, and the multi-core CPU 201 executes the spool and the parsing / rendering processing in parallel, so that the time required for printing the PDF file can be reduced. Can be shortened.

Further, when the number of CPU cores is sufficiently large, it is possible to execute a plurality of parsing processes and rendering processes in parallel. When the number of CPU cores is sufficiently large, it means that if one CPU core performs the parsing process and the rendering process, another CPU core can be used for the parsing process and the rendering process.

FIG. 24 shows a timing diagram when two parsing processes and rendering processes are executed in parallel. In FIG. 24, the parse process 1 and the parse process 2 are executed in parallel, and the rendering process 1 and the rendering process 2 are executed in parallel. Therefore, as compared with FIG. 21, the parsing process and the rendering process for 6 pages are completed in a shorter time. In the example of FIG. 24, since the printing and paper ejection processing per page is long, the time until printing is completed is about the same as that of FIG. 21, but in the case of aggregate printing, until printing is completed. You can save a lot of time.

<< Main effects of the embodiment >>
According to the image forming method of the above embodiment, the communication unit 2300 (an example of the receiving means) of the image forming apparatus 20 has an object for drawing a page (an example of data) and a mutual in which the position information of the object is recorded. The mutual reference table PR including the reference table PR receives the PDF file read after the object (an example of reception processing). The fact that the cross-reference table PR is read after the object means that the cross-reference table PR has a larger offset in the PDF file than the object. The PDF file is replaced with an arbitrary file in a random access format. The print data processing unit 2220 (an example of the starting means) of the image forming apparatus 20 has specific information for specifying the position of an object on a predetermined page before the mutual reference table PR in the PDF file is read out in the communication unit 2300. Alternatively, when the boundary information is read, printing of an image of a predetermined page is started based on the object specified by the specific information or the like without waiting for the communication unit 2300 to complete the reception of the PDF file (. An example of start processing). The fact that the specific information or the like is read out before the cross-reference table PR means that the specific information or the like has a smaller offset in the PDF file than the cross-reference table PR. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20 can start printing without waiting for the completion of receiving the PDF file, so that the time required for printing the PDF file can be shortened.

The page data generation unit 2210 (an example of the generation means) of the image forming apparatus 20 generates a divided file in which an object of a predetermined page is divided from a PDF file based on specific information or the like. The print data processing unit 2220 of the image forming apparatus 20 starts printing an image of a predetermined page based on the divided file generated by the page data generation unit 2210. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20 can print the divided file by the function of the existing plotter engine 211.

When the PDF file contains the determination information indicating that the divided file can be generated, the print data processing unit 2220 starts printing the image of the predetermined page. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20 can immediately determine whether to generate the divided file when the specific information is read.

In the PDF file, the boundary information is arranged between the object of a predetermined page and the object of another page. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20 can detect the boundary with the object of another page while reading the object of a predetermined page.

In the PDF file, the specific information is position information indicating the position of an object on a predetermined page. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 20 can identify the object of the predetermined page without referring to the cross-reference table PR.

The page data generation unit 2210 (an example of the determination means) of the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether it is possible to generate a divided file in which an object of a predetermined page is divided from a PDF file. When it is determined that the generation is possible, the page data generation unit 2210 generates a divided file of a predetermined page. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20 can generate a divided file even for a PDF file that does not include determination information.

The storage unit 2000 (an example of storage means) of the image forming apparatus 20 stores an object received by the communication unit 2300. The page data generation unit 2210 of the image forming apparatus 20 generates a divided file based on the object stored in the storage unit 2000. As a result, when the image forming apparatus 20 generates the divided file of a predetermined page, the divided file is generated by using the object stored in the storage unit 2000 even if the referenced object does not remain in the buffer. be able to.

The reading control unit 2110 (an example of a reading means) of the image forming apparatus 20A (an example of a generation device) reads an image of a document. The image generation unit 2120 (an example of the generation means) of the image forming apparatus 20A determines the position of the object indicating the image read by the reading control unit 2110, the cross-reference table PR indicating the position of this object, and the position of the object on a predetermined page. The cross-reference table PR contains the specific information and the like for identification, and generates a file to be read after the object and the specific information and the like. The fact that the cross-reference table PR is read after the object and the specific information and the like means that the cross-reference table PR has a larger offset than the object and the specific information and the like. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20A can generate a PDF file capable of generating a divided file. An image forming system may be constructed by an image forming apparatus 20A having an image generation function and an image forming apparatus 20B having a printing function. In this case, the image forming apparatus 20A receives the PDF file from the terminal 10, creates the divided file, and transmits the divided file to the image forming apparatus 20B. Upon receiving the divided file, the image forming apparatus 20B starts the printing process.

<< Supplement to the embodiment >>
The program for the terminal 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 may be recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium by a file in an installable format or an executable format. Further, as another example of the above-mentioned recording medium, a CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a Blu-ray disc, and the like can be mentioned. Further, the above-mentioned recording medium or HD (Hard Disk) in which these programs are stored can be provided domestically or internationally as a program product.

Further, the terminal 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 in the above embodiment may be constructed by a single device, or may be constructed by a plurality of devices arbitrarily assigned by dividing each part (function or means). You may.

Each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present specification is a processor programmed to execute each function by software such as a processor including an electronic circuit, or an ASIC designed to execute each function described above. It shall include devices such as (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and conventional circuit modules.

1 Communication system 2 Communication network 10 Terminal 20 Image forming device 2000 Storage unit 2100 Image reading unit 2110 Reading control unit 2120 Image generation unit 2200 Printing unit 2210 Page data generation unit 2220 Print data processing unit 2300 Communication unit 2400 Display unit 50 Cloud service

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-26895

Claims (18)

A receiving means for receiving a file containing data of a plurality of pages and location information indicating the position of the data of each page on the plurality of pages.
In the receiving means, when the specific information for specifying the position of the data is received for each page of the plurality of pages before the position information is received, the data specified by the specific information is used. Based on the starting means for starting printing of each page,
Image forming apparatus having. It has a generation means for generating a file in which data of a predetermined page is divided from the file based on the specific information.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the starting means starts printing the predetermined page based on the divided file generated by the generating means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the file contains determination information indicating that the division is possible, the starting means starts printing the predetermined page. A receiving means for receiving a file containing data of a plurality of pages and location information indicating the position of the data of each page on the plurality of pages.
When the receiving means receives the specific information for specifying the position of the data on the predetermined page before the position information is received, the predetermined information is based on the data specified by the specific information. As a starting point to start printing the page,
Depending on whether the object on the page of the file refers to the object on the first or second page, even if the file does not contain judgment information indicating that the file can be split. A means for determining whether it is possible to generate a file in which the data of a predetermined page is divided from the file, and
When it is determined by the determination means that it is possible to generate a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided, a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided is generated from the file based on the specific information. Has a generation means and
The starting means is an image forming apparatus that starts printing the predetermined page based on the divided file generated by the generating means . When the determination means determines that it is not possible to generate a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided in the middle of the plurality of pages.
The generation means stops generating a file in which the data of a predetermined page is divided, and
The image according to claim 4 , wherein the starting means is a file including position information indicating the positions of the data of the plurality of pages and the data of each page in the plurality of pages, and the printing of the unprinted pages is started. Forming device. A receiving means for receiving a file containing data of a plurality of pages and location information indicating the position of the data of each page on the plurality of pages.
When the receiving means receives the specific information for specifying the position of the data on the predetermined page before the position information is received, the predetermined information is based on the data specified by the specific information. As a starting point to start printing the page,
Judgment means for determining whether or not it is possible to generate a file in which the data of a predetermined page is divided from the file, depending on whether or not the file contains determination information indicating that the file can be divided. When,
When it is determined by the determination means that it is possible to generate a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided, a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided is generated from the file based on the specific information. Has a generation means and
The file contains judgment information indicating that the division is possible, and the judgment means has determined that it is possible to generate a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided.
When the determination means determines that it is not possible to generate a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided in the middle of the plurality of pages.
The generation means stops generating a file in which the data of a predetermined page is divided, and
The starting means is an image forming apparatus that starts printing a page that has not been discharged from a file including position information indicating the position of the data of a plurality of pages and the data of each page in the plurality of pages . A receiving means for receiving a file containing data of a plurality of pages and location information indicating the position of the data of each page on the plurality of pages.
When the receiving means receives the specific information for specifying the position of the data on the predetermined page before the position information is received, the predetermined information is based on the data specified by the specific information. As a starting point to start printing the page,
It has a generation means for generating a file in which data of a predetermined page is divided from the file based on the specific information .
The generation means determines the number of pages printed on one side of the paper to be the number of pages to be included in the divided file.
Determine the number of pages for both sides as the number of pages to be included in the divided file, or
Decided to include one page in one divided file in the case of aggregate printing,
The starting means is an image forming apparatus that starts printing the predetermined page based on the divided file generated by the generating means . The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein when the file contains determination information indicating that the division is possible, the starting means starts printing the predetermined page. A receiving means for receiving a file containing data of a plurality of pages and location information indicating the position of the data of each page on the plurality of pages.
A storage means for storing a file received by the receiving means, and a storage means.
When the receiving means receives the specific information for specifying the position of the data on the predetermined page before the position information is received, the predetermined information is based on the data specified by the specific information. As a starting point to start printing the page,
It has a generation means for generating a file in which data of a predetermined page is divided from the file stored in the storage means based on the specific information .
The generation means determines the maximum number of pages to be included in the divided file according to the number of CPU cores available and the free space of the storage means.
The generation means generates a file in which the data of the upper limit number of pages determined from the file is divided.
The starting means is an image forming apparatus that starts printing the predetermined page based on the divided file generated by the generating means . The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein when the file contains determination information indicating that the division is possible, the starting means starts printing the predetermined page. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein the image forming apparatus has a plurality of CPU cores, and spool processing and parsing processing or rendering processing can be executed in parallel. A reading means to read the image and
The position information includes data of a plurality of pages read by the reading means, position information indicating the position of the data of each page on the plurality of pages, and specific information for specifying the position of the data of a predetermined page. Is a means of generating the data of the plurality of pages and a file to be read after the specific information.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , and the image forming apparatus.
The location information includes the data of a plurality of pages, the position information indicating the position of the data of each page in the plurality of pages, and the specific information for specifying the position of the data of a predetermined page, and the position information is the position information of the plurality of pages. An image forming system comprising a generator having means for generating data and a file to be read after the particular information. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , and the image forming apparatus.
A communication terminal that transmits the file to the image forming apparatus,
Communication system with. Image forming device ,
A receiving means for receiving a file containing data of a plurality of pages and location information indicating the position of the data of each page on the plurality of pages.
In the receiving means, when the specific information for specifying the position of the data is received for each page of the plurality of pages before the position information is received, the data specified by the specific information is used. Based on, the starting means for starting printing of each of the above pages,
A program that functions as. Image forming device ,
A receiving means for receiving a file containing data of a plurality of pages and location information indicating the position of the data of each page on the plurality of pages.
When the receiving means receives the specific information for specifying the position of the data on the predetermined page before the position information is received, the predetermined information is based on the data specified by the specific information. As a starting point to start printing the page,
Depending on whether the object on the page of the file refers to the object on the first or second page, even if the file does not contain judgment information indicating that the file can be split. A means for determining whether it is possible to generate a file in which the data of a predetermined page is divided from the file, and
When it is determined by the determination means that it is possible to generate a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided, a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided is generated from the file based on the specific information. To function as a generation means ,
The starting means is a program for starting printing of the predetermined page based on the divided file generated by the generating means . Image forming device ,
A receiving means for receiving a file containing data of a plurality of pages and location information indicating the position of the data of each page on the plurality of pages.
When the receiving means receives the specific information for specifying the position of the data on the predetermined page before the position information is received, the predetermined information is based on the data specified by the specific information. As a starting point to start printing the page,
Judgment means for determining whether or not it is possible to generate a file in which the data of a predetermined page is divided from the file, depending on whether or not the file contains determination information indicating that the file can be divided. When,
When it is determined by the determination means that it is possible to generate a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided, a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided is generated from the file based on the specific information. To function as a generation means ,
The file contains judgment information indicating that the division is possible, and the judgment means has determined that it is possible to generate a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided.
When the determination means determines that it is not possible to generate a file in which the data of the predetermined page is divided in the middle of the plurality of pages.
The generation means stops generating a file in which the data of a predetermined page is divided, and
The start means is a program for starting printing of unprinted pages among files including position information indicating the positions of data of a plurality of pages and data of each page in the plurality of pages . Image forming device ,
A receiving means for receiving a file containing data of a plurality of pages and location information indicating the position of the data of each page on the plurality of pages.
When the receiving means receives the specific information for specifying the position of the data on the predetermined page before the position information is received, the predetermined information is based on the data specified by the specific information. As a starting point to start printing the page,
It functions as a generation means for generating a file in which data of a predetermined page is divided from the file based on the specific information .
The generation means determines the number of pages printed on one side of the paper to be the number of pages to be included in the divided file.
Determine the number of pages for both sides as the number of pages to be included in the divided file, or
Decided to include one page in one divided file in the case of aggregate printing,
The starting means is a program for starting printing of the predetermined page based on the divided file generated by the generating means .

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