JP7255277B2 - Image processing device and image processing system - Google Patents

Description

The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to image processing devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to control when an image processing apparatus receives a job generated from an information processing apparatus using an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") standard general-purpose image processing program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a driverless technique has been widely used that allows an image processing apparatus to perform image processing using a general-purpose image processing program incorporated in an OS without installing a driver for the image processing apparatus. When image processing is performed using this OS-standard general-purpose image processing program, the setting items and setting values for image processing are limited to general ones. can't On the other hand, for example, in Patent Document 1, when a printer receives a print job generated using an OS standard general-purpose print program, the print job is temporarily saved, and the terminal device that sent the print job is is disclosed for requesting additional information.

JP 2017-024272 A

However, the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200010 imposes a heavy load on the terminal device that is the transmission source of the print job, and there is room for improvement.

This specification discloses a technique that enables execution of processing based on unique functions in an image processing apparatus that receives a job generated using an OS standard general-purpose image processing program.

In order to solve the above problems, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication interface, an image processing device, a memory, and a computer, wherein the computer comprises the image processing apparatus When path information indicating a path of a setting file indicating a first setting value of is input, a storage process of storing the input path information in the memory; a reception process for receiving a job for performing image processing, and further, the computer receives the job received in the reception process, and installs the job in an operating system of an information processing apparatus that is a transmission source of the job. In the case of a job generated using a general-purpose image processing program, a reading process for reading the path information stored in the memory, and storing the setting file based on the path information read by the reading process. an acquisition process for acquiring the setting file from a storage device, the first setting value indicated in the setting file acquired by the acquisition process, and the second setting value set in the received job; and a first image processing for causing the image processing device to perform image processing using at least one of them.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the setting file indicating the first setting value is stored in the storage device in advance, and the image processing apparatus stores the path information indicating the path of the setting file. When receiving a job generated using a general-purpose image processing program, image processing can be performed using the first setting value indicated in the setting file acquired from the storage device based on the path information. By storing settings for functions specific to the image processing apparatus in one setting, processing based on the functions specific to the image processing apparatus can be performed. Since the transfer of the first set value is performed between the storage device and not between the information processing device that is the transmission source of the job, the load on the information processing device is reduced compared to the technique of Patent Document 1. is low.

An image processing system for implementing the functions of the above device is also novel and useful.

According to the technology disclosed in this specification, in an image processing apparatus that receives a job generated using an OS-standard general-purpose image processing program, a technology is realized that enables execution of processing based on unique functions. .

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing device; FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of another information processing apparatus; FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a print setting creating and storing method and a print execution procedure; It is an explanatory view explaining composition of URL. 4 is a flowchart showing specific operations of the printer; (A) is a flow chart showing a specific operation of reading processing executed in the printer. (B) is a flow chart showing the operation of reading processing executed in the printer according to the second embodiment. (C) A flow chart showing a specific operation of reading processing executed in the printer according to the third embodiment. 4 is a flow chart showing specific operations of conflict resolution processing executed in the printer. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram for explaining print settings included in a print job; FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram for explaining a read print setting file; FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram for explaining print settings after conflict resolution processing; FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing specific operations of conflict resolution processing executed in the printer according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram for explaining print settings included in a print job; FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram for explaining a read print setting file; FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram for explaining print settings after conflict resolution processing;

(First embodiment)
An information processing system according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing system 5 of this embodiment includes three information processing apparatuses 1, 100, and 200 and two printers 2 and 3. , 100, 200 and the two printers 2, 3 are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 4, respectively. The information processing apparatuses 1, 100, and 200 are, for example, personal computers, smart phones, and tablet computers, and are apparatuses that generate and edit image data to be printed by printers, transmit print execution instructions to each printer, and the like.

The information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, and a nonvolatile memory 14, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 15, a network interface (hereinafter referred to as "network IF") 16 connected to the LAN 4, and a USB interface (hereinafter referred to as "USB-IF") 17 , which are electrically connected to the controller 10 .

The ROM 12 stores a boot program and the like for booting the information processing apparatus 1 . The RAM 13 is used as a work area when various processes are executed, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The nonvolatile memory 14 is, for example, an HDD or a flash memory, and is used as an area for storing various programs, data such as image data, and various settings.

The CPU 11 executes various processes according to programs read from the ROM 12 and the nonvolatile memory 14 and based on user's operations. Note that the controller 10 in FIG. 2 is a collective term for hardware and software used to control the information processing device 1, and does not represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the information processing device 1. Not exclusively.

The user IF 15 is hardware that receives user operations and displays information. The user IF 15 may have both an input function and an output function such as a touch panel, or may be configured by a combination of a display, a keyboard, and a mouse.

Network IF 16 includes hardware for communicating with external devices via LAN 4 . The communication standard of the network IF 16 is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or the like. The USB-IF 17 includes hardware for communication based on the USB standard. The form of communication of the network IF 16 and USB-IF 17 may be wired or wireless.

The information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a driverless printing function, which is a function of printing without installing a printer driver. The driverless printing function is a printing function that creates a print job that includes standardized print data, which is general-purpose print data that does not depend on the model of the printer, based on the print content to be printed, and sends it to the printer. There are AirPrint (registered trademark) and Mopria (registered trademark). A print job is an example of a job.

Two printers 2 and 3 are connected to the information processing apparatus 1 via a LAN 4, as shown in FIG. The printers 2 and 3 are devices capable of forming an image on a medium to be printed, and are, for example, page printers, copiers, multi-function machines, and FAX machines.

The printer 2 has a controller 21 , an image forming section 22 , an operation panel 23 , a network IF 24 , a USB-IF 25 and a nonvolatile memory 26 . The controller 21 includes a CPU and memories such as flash ROM and RAM, and controls each component of the printer 2 . Note that the controller 21 is a collective term for software and hardware such as a CPU that are used to control the printer 2 . Specifically, the controller 21 may also include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like. A logic circuit may be responsible.

A non-volatile memory such as a flash ROM of the controller 21 stores a program for controlling each component of the printer 2 .

The printer 2 is connected to the information processing apparatus 1 via the network IF 24, the LAN 4 and the network IF 16, and is compatible with the driverless printing function of the information processing apparatus 1. FIG. The printer 2 has a program for creating print image data used for printing by itself, based on the standard print data of the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 1 . The printer 2 creates print image data based on the received standardized print data, and executes printing in the image forming section 22 using the created print image data.

Note that the printer 2 may be connected to the information processing apparatus 1 via the USB-IF 25 . Further, the image forming method of the image forming unit 22 may employ any one of a thermal printing method, an electrophotographic method, an inkjet printing method, and other methods. Further, the image forming unit 22 may be of an image forming system capable of color printing, or may be of an image forming system capable of only monochrome printing. In addition, the driver print function of the information processing apparatus 1 may be supported.

On the other hand, like the printer 2, the printer 3 is connected to the information processing apparatus 1 via the LAN 4 and the network IF 16 and is compatible with the driverless printing function of the information processing apparatus 1, but is different from the printer 2. It is of the model. Therefore, unique print settings different from those of the printer 2 can be set.

The information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a configuration for transmitting a print job to the printers 2 and 3 described above. Various programs including an OS 41 and a content creation application 42 are stored in the nonvolatile memory 14 of the information processing apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. Note that part of the OS 41 may be included in the ROM 12 .

The OS 41 of the information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a driverless printing function, and is of a version that does not accept installation of printer drivers corresponding to individual printer models. Therefore, the non-volatile memory 14 of the information processing apparatus 1 does not store printer driver programs for the printers 2 and 3, for example.

The content creation application 42 is an application for creating print content to be printed, such as documents, images, charts, and the like. The content creation application 42 includes a function of accepting a print instruction based on a user's operation. The information processing apparatus 1 also has a plurality of content creation applications 42 that support the driverless printing function of the OS 41 . The content creation application 42 can output the print content to the driverless print function of the OS 41 according to the user's print instruction.

In other words, when a print instruction from the user is received on the content creation application 42, standard print data created by the driverless printing function of the OS 41 based on the print content output from the content creation application 42 is included. A print job is sent to the printer 2 . This standardized print data includes general-purpose print settings that can be set for any type of printer. A program that realizes the driverless printing function of the OS 41 is an example of a general-purpose image processing program.

Also, the print setting application 43 is a program used when creating a print setting file specific to the printer 2 or 3 based on user operations via the user IF 15 . Then, the created print setting file is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100 via the LAN 4 to be stored, and the URL indicating the save destination of the stored print setting file is sent to the corresponding printer 2 or 3 via the LAN 4. This is the program used when sending and storing.

As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the information processing apparatus 1, but the print setting application 43 is not stored in the nonvolatile memory 14, and the server program 45 is stored. The server program 45 is a program for realizing a server function for storing the print setting file in the nonvolatile memory 14 when the print setting file is received from the information processing apparatus 1 via the LAN 4 .

The information processing apparatus 200 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the information processing apparatus 1, but differs in that the print setting application 43 is not stored in the nonvolatile memory 14. FIG. Therefore, in the information processing apparatuses 100 and 200, when the printer designated by the print instruction is the printer 2, the standardized print data created by the driverless printing function is transmitted to the printer 2. FIG.

Note that the information processing apparatus 100 or the content creation application 42 of the information processing apparatus 200 does not support the driverless print function of the OS 41, and there is a content creation application 42 that supports the driver print function. I don't mind. Then, when receiving a print instruction from the user, the content creation application 42 outputs the print content to the printer driver. Then, the printer driver creates individual print data based on the print content output by the content creation application 42 and transmits a print job including the individual print data to the printers 2 and 3 .

A print application for creating individual print data may be installed in the information processing apparatus 100 or the information processing apparatus 200 . A user can specify print content and input a print instruction using a print application. When receiving a print instruction from the user, the print application creates individual print data based on the print content specified by the user, and transmits it to the printers 2 and 3 .

The individual print data transmitted in this manner includes printer model-specific print settings that are more detailed than the general-purpose print settings set in the standard print data transmitted by the driverless function described above.

Next, the operation of causing the printer 2 to execute printing in the information processing apparatus 1 will be described. It should be noted that the processing and each processing step of the flowcharts in the following description are basically executed by the processing of the CPU 11 according to the instructions written in the program such as the print setting application 43 and the program stored in the non-volatile memory of the printer 2. 4 shows the processing of the controller 21 according to written instructions.

First, the outline of the operation will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. In this embodiment, the user needs to create and save a print setting file as preparation before printing. There are, for example, the following four methods for creating/saving the print setting file.

As a first print setting file creating/storing method, first, the user receives print setting information that can be set in the printer 2 from the print setting application 43 of the information processing apparatus 1 (step 50). Next, the user selects print setting values using the provided print setting information and creates a print setting file (step 51). Specifically, for example, the print setting application 43 displays a print setting screen on the display of the user IF 15, and the user selects/selects a desired print setting value for each print setting item on the print setting screen displayed on the display. set.

Then, the print setting application 43 creates a print setting file based on the set print setting values. Setting values that can be set by the print setting application 43 are print setting values unique to the model of the printer 2 . As the print setting values specific to the model of the printer 2, for example, as shown in FIG. be done.

Next, the print setting application 43 transmits the print setting file to the information processing device 100 via the LAN 4 and stores it in the non-volatile memory 14 of the information processing device 100 (step 52). Next, the print setting application 43 sets the URL of the save destination of the print setting file in the corresponding non-volatile memory 26 of the printer 2 (step 53).

The URL may be any address that can be accessed by the printer 2. For example, as shown in FIG. , 200 or the ID of the information processing apparatus 1, 100, 200, paper size, print setting file name, and the like. The URL is created for each type of standardized print data, user ID or ID of the information processing apparatus 1, 100, 200, paper size, and print setting file name.

Next, a second print setting file creation/storage method will be described. In the description, the same steps as in the above-described first print setting file creating/storing method are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

This second print setting file creating/storing method is different from the above-described first print setting file creating/saving method in that the print setting file is saved in the non-volatile memory 14 of the information processing apparatus 1 (step 54). differ. Therefore, in this case, the nonvolatile memory 14 of the information processing device 1 also stores the server program 45 .

Next, a third print setting file creation/storage method will be described. In the third print setting file creating/storing method, the user creates and saves the print setting file without involvement of the print setting application 43 of the information processing apparatus 1, and the user himself/herself determines the URL of the save destination. This method differs greatly from the above-described first and second print setting file creation/storage methods in that settings are made to the printer 2 .

That is, the user creates a print setting file by himself or herself using a general-purpose document creation program or a dedicated tool (step 55). Next, the user saves the created print setting file in the non-volatile memory 14 of the information processing apparatus 100 (step 56). Next, the user sets the URL of the storage destination of the print setting file in the corresponding non-volatile memory 26 of the printer 2 (step 57).

Next, a fourth print setting file creation/storage method will be described. In the above-described third print setting file creating/storing method, the user sets the URL of the print setting file storage destination in the corresponding printer 2. However, in the fourth print setting file creating/saving method, the URL is set to This method is largely different from the above-described third print setting file creation/storage method in that the information processing apparatus 100 makes settings. In the description, the same steps as in the third print setting file creating/storing method described above are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

That is, the information processing apparatus 100 sets the URL of the save destination of the print setting file stored by the user in the nonvolatile memory 26 of the corresponding printer 2 (step 58).

Next, referring to the sequence diagram of FIG. 4, the operation when printing is executed based on the print setting file saved before printing by the first to fourth print setting file creating/saving methods described above. The outline is explained.

That is, the content creation application 42 receives a print instruction from the user (step 60). The print instruction from the user includes general-purpose print settings that can be set using the driverless print function of the OS 41 . General-purpose print settings are, for example, settings related to paper size, Nin1, and single-sided/double-sided printing, as shown in FIG. 9A. Upon receiving the print instruction, the content creation application 42 outputs the print content and general-purpose print settings to the driverless print function of the OS 41 (step 61). The driverless print function of the OS 41 creates standardized print data based on the received print content and general-purpose print settings (step 62). Then, the driverless printing function of the OS 41 transmits the print job including the created standardized print data to the printer 2 (procedure 63). Note that the method of transmitting the print job is not limited to this, and as described above, a print job including individual print data created using a print application or printer driver may be transmitted. Next, the printer 2 determines the type of print data included in the print job (procedure 64).

As a result of determination in step 64, if standardized print data is included in the print job and the URL of the print setting file corresponding to the type of standardized print data is stored, for example, the type of print data is driverless print function A In the case of the standard print data created in step 1, the print setting file for the driverless print function A is read (step 65). Further, for example, if the type of standardized print data is standardized print data created by another driverless print function B, the print setting file for driverless print function B is read (step 66).

If the read print setting file has expired, the print setting file is deleted (step 67).

Next, the printer 2 executes printing in the image forming section 22 based on the read print setting file, standard print data, and the like (step 68).

Next, the operation for executing printing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the controller 21 of the printer 2 when the printer 2 receives a print job (step 63). Also, the procedure numbers added in the following description correspond to the procedure numbers shown in the sequence diagram of FIG.

First, the controller 21 determines whether print data included in the print job is standard print data or individual print data. This determination can be made, for example, based on differences in the communication procedure between the information processing apparatus 1 and the printer 2 until the print job is received, the data format or protocol of the print job, and the like (S10). When it is determined that the print data included in the print job is the standard print data (S10: YES), the process of reading the print setting file is executed (S11).

FIG. 7(A) shows a flowchart showing specific operations of the reading process, and the subroutine relating to the reading process will be described in detail below according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7(A).

First, the controller 21 determines the type of standardized print data included in the print job (S20, step 62). This determination can be made, for example, based on differences in the communication procedure between the information processing apparatus 1 and the printer 2 until the print job is received, the data format or protocol of the print job, and the like. Next, the controller 21 determines whether or not a URL corresponding to the determined type of standardized print data is set in the nonvolatile memory 26 (S21). Here, if the standardized print data included in the print job is the standardized print data created by the driverless printing function A, it is determined whether or not the URL corresponding to the driverless printing function A is stored. The URL shown in FIG. 5 is set in the non-volatile memory 26 of the printer 2 in steps 53, 57 and 58 described above.

Next, when it is determined that the URL corresponding to the determined type of standardized print data is set (S21: YES), the URL corresponding to the determined type of standardized print data is read out, and information processing is performed based on the URL. A print setting file is obtained from the non-volatile memory 14 of the device 100 (S22). Note that if a plurality of URLs corresponding to the types of standardized print data are stored, the print setting file may be obtained from all the URLs, or the user may be allowed to select one of them. The print setting file may be acquired by accessing one URL selected based on the conditions. Also, the print setting file is stored in the non-volatile memory 14 of the information processing apparatus 100 in steps 52 and 56 described above. Also, the process of S22 is an example of the read process and the acquisition process. Also, the print setting file is an example of the setting file.

Next, the controller 21 determines whether or not the acquisition of the print setting file has succeeded (S23). If it is determined that the print setting file has been successfully acquired (S23: YES), then the print setting file is read (S24, steps 63, 64).

Then, after the process of S24, this process is terminated and the process proceeds to S12 of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in S21 that the URL has not been set (S21: NO), and if it is determined in S23 that the acquisition has not succeeded (S23: NO), this process ends and the process proceeds to S18 in FIG. Transition.

Next, returning to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the controller 21 determines whether or not the print setting file has an expiration date set (S12). Note that the expiration date is stored in the print setting file saved in the server based on the user's settings. Next, if it is determined that the print setting file has an expiration date set (S12: YES), the expiration date is stored in the nonvolatile memory 26 (S13). After S13, or if it is determined that there is no expiration date set in the print setting file (S12: NO), the controller 21 executes conflict resolution processing (S14).

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart showing specific operations of the conflict resolution process, and the subroutine relating to the conflict resolution process will be described in detail below according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the controller 21 reads print setting items and setting values from the print setting file read in S22 (S40). Next, the controller 21 determines whether or not the read print setting items are the same as the print setting items that exist in the print settings included in the print job (S41). If it is determined that the print setting item exists in the print settings included in the print job (S41: YES), the controller 21 reads the print setting value of the corresponding print setting item in the print settings included in the print job. However, it is overwritten with the set values of the print setting file (S42).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the print setting items do not exist in the print settings included in the print job (S41: NO), the print setting items and setting values in the print setting file are added to the print settings included in the print job (S43). ).

After processing S42 and S43, the controller 21 determines whether or not the print setting item read in S40 is the last print setting item (S44). If it is determined that the print setting item is not the last print setting item (S44: NO), the process returns to S40 to read the next print setting item and setting value from the print setting file read in S22.

On the other hand, if it is determined that it is the last print setting item (S44: YES), the controller 21 determines whether or not there is conflict between the current print setting item and the setting value (S45). That is, it is determined whether or not there are current print setting items and setting values that cannot be set at the same time. If it is determined that there is a conflict between the current print setting items and setting values (S45: YES), then the controller 21 selects the conflicting print settings included in the print job among the conflicting current print setting items and setting values. Existing print setting items and setting items are deleted (S46).

Next, the controller 21 determines whether printing is possible with the current print setting items of the print settings (S47). That is, it is determined whether or not the minimum print setting items for executing printing exist in the current print setting items of the print settings. If it is determined that printing is possible with the current print setting items (S47: YES), and if it is determined in S45 that there is no conflict between the current print setting items and the setting values (S45: NO), the controller 21 sets the print settings. Printing is executed in the image forming section 22 based on the current print setting items and set values of the file, the standard print data, etc. (S48, step 68). Note that S48 is an example of the first image processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S47 that printing is not possible with the current print setting items of the print settings (S47: NO), print stop processing is performed (S49). After the processing of S48 or the processing of S49, the controller 21 terminates the processing of this subroutine and returns to the main routine shown in FIG.

As described above, in this embodiment, when it is determined that printing cannot be performed with the current print setting items, that is, when there is a high possibility that the print result will not be acceptable to the user, printing is canceled and not executed. Waste of processing can be saved. The print cancellation process in S49 may be performed by displaying the fact that printing has been canceled on the display of the user IF 15 to inform the user, or by automatically canceling the print job and notifying the user IF 15 of this fact. may be displayed on the display of

Here, the conflict resolution processing shown in FIG. 8 will be specifically described. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram for explaining print settings included in a print job. FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the print setting file read from the nonvolatile memory 14. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram for explaining print settings after conflict resolution processing.

For example, the print setting items “paper size” and “single-sided/double-sided” exist both in the print settings included in the print job and in the print setting file obtained from the nonvolatile memory 14. The setting values existing in the print setting file acquired from the memory 14 are overwritten (S42). As a result, "B5" is set as the setting value for "paper size", and "double-sided" is set as the setting value for "single-sided/double-sided". Note that the setting values that exist in the print setting file acquired from the nonvolatile memory 14 are an example of the first setting values. A setting value that exists in the print settings included in the print job is an example of the second setting value.

Also, since the print setting items "Nin1" and "scaling" conflict, the print setting item "Nin1" existing in the print settings included in the print job is deleted (S46).

Among the print setting items existing in the print setting file acquired from the nonvolatile memory 14, "watermark", "watermark image", and "watermark position" do not exist in the print settings included in the print job, so they are added. (S43). As a result, as shown in FIG. 11C, the print setting file after the conflict resolution process is obtained.

Next, returning to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the controller 21 determines whether or not the expiration date is stored (S15). If the expiration date has been stored in the previous S13, the controller 21 determines that it is stored (S15: YES), and then determines whether the expiration date has expired ( S16). Then, the controller 21
If it is determined that the expiration date has expired (S16: YES), the print setting file stored in the nonvolatile memory 14 of the information processing apparatus 100 is deleted (S17, procedure 67).

As described above, in the present embodiment, a print setting file set with an expiration date is deleted from the nonvolatile memory 14 of the information processing apparatus 100 when the expiration date has passed. resources can be effectively utilized.

On the other hand, if the controller 21 determines in S10 that the print data included in the print job is individual print data (S10: NO), or if it is determined as NO in S21 or S23 of FIG. Printing is executed in the image forming section 22 based on the print settings and the individual print data or the standard print data (S18, procedure 68). Note that the processing of S18 is an example of the second image processing.

That is, in S10, if the print job was created by, for example, a print application or a printer driver, or if the print job was created by the driverless printing function, the controller 21 performs the driverless printing. If the URL corresponding to the type of function does not exist in the non-volatile memory 26, the controller 21 determines that the URL setting of the print setting file does not exist in the non-volatile memory 26. FIG.

If NO is determined in S15 or S16, this process ends after the process of S17 or after the process of S18.

As described in detail above, in this embodiment, a print setting file is saved in advance in a storage device and a URL indicating the location of the print setting file is set in the printer. is received, the printer can print using the setting values indicated in the setting file obtained from the non-volatile memory based on the URL. By storing the set values for , printing can be performed based on the functions unique to the printer. In addition, since the transfer of the setting file is performed between the storage device and not between the information processing device that is the transmission source of the print job, the load on the information processing device is low.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing specific operations of read processing according to the second embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the process of reading the print setting file in S11 in FIG. Specifically, the first embodiment is configured to acquire all print setting files corresponding to the type of standardized print data determined in S20. In contrast, the present embodiment differs in that the print setting files to be acquired are narrowed down by the user ID or the ID of the information processing apparatus. In the description, the same reference numerals are given to the components that operate in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

That is, in FIG. 7B, the controller 21 determines the user ID logged in to the information processing apparatus 1 or the ID of the information processing apparatus 1 that output the print job based on the information included in the print job. (S25). Next, the controller 21 determines whether there is a URL that satisfies the type of standardized print data determined in S20 and the user ID or the ID of the information processing apparatus 1 determined in S25 (S26). . If it is determined that there is a URL that satisfies the type of standardized print data and the ID of the user or the information processing device 1 (S26: YES), the URL that satisfies the type of standardized print data and the ID of the user or the information processing device 1 , the print setting file is acquired from the non-volatile memory 14 of the information processing apparatus 100 (S27).

On the other hand, when the controller 21 determines that there is no URL that satisfies the type of standardized print data and the ID of the user or the information processing apparatus 100 (S26: NO), the process of this subroutine ends and the process proceeds to S18 of FIG. Transition.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the print setting files to be acquired are narrowed down by the ID of the user or the information processing apparatus, so it is possible to acquire the print setting file suitable for the user or the user who uses the information processing apparatus. , convenience is improved.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 7C is a flow chart showing specific operations of the reading process according to the third embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the process of reading the print setting file in S11 in FIG. Specifically, the first embodiment is configured to acquire all print setting files corresponding to the type of standardized print data determined in S20. In contrast, the present embodiment differs in that the print setting files to be acquired are narrowed down according to the set values of specific print setting items. In the description, the same reference numerals are given to the components that operate in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

That is, in FIG. 7C, the controller 21 determines the set value of the specific print setting item "paper size" included in the print job (S28). Next, the controller 21 determines whether or not there is a URL that satisfies the type of standardized print data determined in S20 and the set value determined in S28 (S29). Then, if it is determined that there is a URL that satisfies the type of standardized print data and the set value (S29: YES), based on the URL that satisfies the type of standardized print data and the set value, the nonvolatile memory of the information processing apparatus 100 14 to obtain a print setting file (S30).

On the other hand, when the controller 21 determines that there is no URL that satisfies the type of standardized print data and the set values (S29: NO), the process of this subroutine ends and the process proceeds to S18 in FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the print setting files to be acquired are narrowed down according to the setting values of specific print setting items, so that a print setting file that utilizes the setting values of specific print setting items desired by the user is generated. This makes it possible to improve convenience.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing specific operations of conflict resolution processing according to the fourth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the conflict resolution process of S14 in FIG. Specifically, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9B, one print setting file includes one set of print settings. In contrast, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11B, one print setting file includes a plurality of sets of print settings. The difference is that the conflict resolution process is applied to the set of print settings including setting values. In the description, the same reference numerals are given to the components that operate in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

That is, in FIG. 10, the controller 21 determines the setting value of the print setting item "paper size" that exists in the print settings included in the print job (S60). Next, the controller 21 determines whether or not there is a print setting set including the discriminated "paper size" setting value in the print setting file read in S11 (S61). If it is determined that there is a set of print settings that includes the discriminated "paper size" setting value (S61: YES), the controller 21 moves to S40, and determines the print setting items of the set of print settings. Set values are read (S40).

On the other hand, if the controller 21 determines that there is no set of print settings that includes the discriminated "paper size" setting value (S61: NO), the controller 21 proceeds to S49 and stops printing (S49).

Here, the conflict resolution processing shown in FIG. 10 will be specifically described. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram for explaining print settings included in a print job. FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the read print setting file. FIG. 11C is an explanatory diagram for explaining print settings after conflict resolution processing.
As shown in FIG. 11B, the print setting file stores a plurality of sets of print settings. In this embodiment, a set of print settings having the same set values as the print setting values included in the print job is selected from the print setting file.

For example, since the setting value of "Paper size" in the print setting item of the print job is "A4", the setting value of "Paper size" in the print setting item among the set of print settings stored in the print setting file is "A4" is selected. Also, since "single-sided/double-sided" exists in both the print setting included in the print job and the print setting file obtained from the nonvolatile memory 14, the print setting value does not appear in the print setting file obtained from the nonvolatile memory 14. Existing set values are overwritten (S42). As a result, "both sides" is set as the set value for "one side/both sides". On the other hand, the "paper size" is matched by processing S61, so the set value does not change.

Also, since the print setting items "Nin1" and "scaling" conflict, the print setting item "Nin1" existing in the print settings included in the print job is deleted (S46).

Among the print setting items existing in the print setting file acquired from the nonvolatile memory 14, "watermark", "watermark image", and "watermark position" do not exist in the print settings included in the print job, so they are added. (S43). As a result, as shown in FIG. 11C, the print settings are set after the conflict resolution process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, conflict resolution processing is performed on a print setting file that includes setting values for specific print setting items included in a print job. It is possible to generate print settings using values, which improves convenience.

It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technology disclosed in this specification can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the number of information processing apparatuses and printers constituting this embodiment is not limited to the example in FIG. For example, the information processing device 200 and the printer 3 may not be connected. Also, when using the second print setting file creation/storage method, the information processing apparatus 100 does not have to be connected either.

Further, in the present embodiment, a case where a printer is used as an image processing apparatus has been described, but the present invention is not limited to a printer as an image processing apparatus, and can also be applied to other apparatuses such as an image scanner. is.

Also, the processing disclosed in the embodiments may be performed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processes disclosed in the embodiments can be realized in various forms such as a recording medium recording a program for executing the processes, a method, and the like.

1 information processing device 11 CPU
14 non-volatile memory 16 network IF
41OS
100 Information Processing Device 14 Nonvolatile Memory 45 Server Program 2 Printer 21 Controller 22 Image Forming Unit 24 Network IF
26 non-volatile memory

Claims (12)

a communication interface;
an image processing device;
memory;
a computer;
An image processing device comprising
The computer is
a storage process of storing the input path information in the memory when the path information indicating the path of the setting file indicating the first setting value of the image processing apparatus is input;
a reception process for receiving a job for causing the image processing device to perform image processing via the communication interface;
and run
Further, the computer
When the job received in the reception process is a job generated using a general-purpose image processing program installed in the operating system of the information processing device that is the transmission source of the job,
a reading process for reading the path information stored in the memory;
an acquisition process for acquiring the configuration file from a storage device that stores the configuration file based on the path information read in the read process;
image processing in the image processing device using setting values based on the first setting values indicated in the setting file obtained in the obtaining process and the second setting values set in the received job; performing a first image process that causes
An image processing apparatus characterized by: In the image processing device according to claim 1,
The computer is
When the job received in the reception process is not a job generated using the general-purpose image processing program, the second setting value set in the received job is used to transfer an image to the image processing device. perform a second image processing that causes the processing to occur;
An image processing apparatus characterized by: In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 and 2,
In the amnestics,
storing in the memory the path information that is different for each of the plurality of types of general-purpose image processing programs;
In the readout process,
reading the path information corresponding to the type of the general-purpose image processing program from the memory;
An image processing apparatus characterized by: In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the amnestics,
storing in the memory the path information that is different for each user of the job or for each information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the job;
In the readout process,
reading from the memory the path information according to the user of the job or the device that sent the job;
An image processing apparatus characterized by: a communication interface;
an image processing device;
memory;
a computer;
An image processing device comprising
The computer is
a storage process of storing the input path information in the memory when the path information indicating the path of the setting file indicating the first setting value of the image processing apparatus is input;
a reception process for receiving a job for causing the image processing device to perform image processing via the communication interface;
and run
Further, the computer
When the job received in the reception process is a job generated using a general-purpose image processing program installed in the operating system of the information processing device that is the transmission source of the job,
a reading process for reading the path information stored in the memory;
an acquisition process for acquiring the configuration file from a storage device that stores the configuration file based on the path information read in the read process;
performing image processing on the image processing device using at least one of the first setting value indicated in the setting file obtained in the obtaining process and the second setting value set in the received job; Execute the first image processing to be performed,
a plurality of setting values can be set for a specific item as the second setting value set for the job;
the setting file includes setting values for the specific item and other items as the first setting values;
In the amnestics,
storing in the memory the path information of the setting file that differs for each setting value of the specific item;
In the readout process,
reading the path information of the configuration file according to the setting value of the specific item from the memory;
An image processing apparatus characterized by: a communication interface;
an image processing device;
memory;
a computer;
An image processing device comprising
The computer is
a storage process of storing the input path information in the memory when the path information indicating the path of the setting file indicating the first setting value of the image processing apparatus is input;
a reception process for receiving a job for causing the image processing device to perform image processing via the communication interface;
and run
Further, the computer
When the job received in the reception process is a job generated using a general-purpose image processing program installed in the operating system of the information processing device that is the transmission source of the job,
a reading process for reading the path information stored in the memory;
an acquisition process for acquiring the configuration file from a storage device that stores the configuration file based on the path information read in the read process;
performing image processing on the image processing device using at least one of the first setting value indicated in the setting file obtained in the obtaining process and the second setting value set in the received job; Execute the first image processing to be performed,
The setting file acquired by the acquisition process has an expiration date,
In the first image processing,
If the setting file obtained by the obtaining process is within the valid period, the first setting value indicated in the setting file is used, and if the setting file obtained by the obtaining process is not valid, the not using the first setting value,
An image processing apparatus characterized by: In the image processing device according to claim 6,
The computer is
deleting the configuration file from the storage device if the configuration file acquired in the acquisition process has not expired;
An image processing apparatus characterized by: a communication interface;
an image processing device;
memory;
a computer;
An image processing device comprising
The computer is
a storage process of storing the input path information in the memory when the path information indicating the path of the setting file indicating the first setting value of the image processing apparatus is input;
a reception process for receiving a job for causing the image processing device to perform image processing via the communication interface;
and run
Further, the computer
When the job received in the reception process is a job generated using a general-purpose image processing program installed in the operating system of the information processing device that is the transmission source of the job,
a reading process for reading the path information stored in the memory;
an acquisition process for acquiring the configuration file from a storage device that stores the configuration file based on the path information read in the read process;
performing image processing on the image processing device using at least one of the first setting value indicated in the setting file obtained in the obtaining process and the second setting value set in the received job; Execute the first image processing to be performed,
The first set value and the second set value are values set for a predetermined item,
In the first image processing,
merging the first set value and the second set value;
if the item of the first setting value is the same as the item of the second setting value, the first setting value is used for the item;
An image processing apparatus characterized by: a communication interface;
an image processing device;
memory;
a computer;
An image processing device comprising
The computer is
a storage process of storing the input path information in the memory when the path information indicating the path of the setting file indicating the first setting value of the image processing apparatus is input;
a reception process for receiving a job for causing the image processing device to perform image processing via the communication interface;
and run
Further, the computer
When the job received in the reception process is a job generated using a general-purpose image processing program installed in the operating system of the information processing device that is the transmission source of the job,
a reading process for reading the path information stored in the memory;
an acquisition process for acquiring the configuration file from a storage device that stores the configuration file based on the path information read in the read process;
performing image processing on the image processing device using at least one of the first setting value indicated in the setting file obtained in the obtaining process and the second setting value set in the received job; Execute the first image processing to be performed,
The first set value and the second set value are values set for a predetermined item,
In the first image processing,
Even if the item of the first setting value and the item of the second setting value are different, if the image processing device cannot execute image processing when the setting values of both items are used, the second setting value change the settings,
An image processing apparatus characterized by: In the image processing device according to claim 9,
In the first image processing,
When changing the second setting value, if the image processing device cannot execute image processing based on the item of the setting value after changing using the first setting value, stop the image processing;
An image processing apparatus characterized by: a communication interface;
an image processing device;
memory;
a computer;
An image processing device comprising
The computer is
a storage process of storing the input path information in the memory when the path information indicating the path of the setting file indicating the first setting value of the image processing apparatus is input;
a reception process for receiving a job for causing the image processing device to perform image processing via the communication interface;
and run
Further, the computer
When the job received in the reception process is a job generated using a general-purpose image processing program installed in the operating system of the information processing device that is the transmission source of the job,
a reading process for reading the path information stored in the memory;
an acquisition process for acquiring the configuration file from a storage device that stores the configuration file based on the path information read in the read process;
performing image processing on the image processing device using at least one of the first setting value indicated in the setting file obtained in the obtaining process and the second setting value set in the received job; Execute the first image processing to be performed,
Further , the computer
deleting the setting file from the storage device after obtaining the setting file in the obtaining process;
An image processing apparatus characterized by: An image processing system comprising an image processing device, an information processing device connected to the image processing device, and a storage device connected to the image processing device,
The storage device stores a setting file indicating first setting values of the image processing device,
The image processing device stores path information indicating the path of the setting file,
The image processing device is
receiving a job for performing image processing from the information processing device;
Further, the image processing device
When the received job is a job generated using a general-purpose image processing program installed in the operating system of the information processing device,
reading the path information, accessing the storage device to acquire the setting file based on the read path information, and setting the first setting value indicated in the acquired setting file to the received job Perform image processing using the second setting value set and the setting value based on
An image processing system characterized by:

Images