JP7272079B2 - Image processing device, image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present application relates to an image processing device, an image processing method, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art A technology is known in which a cloud storage server storing image files and a printing device are linked and an image file specified by an information terminal such as a smartphone is printed by the printing device.

In addition, based on the travel route and travel time of the user of the information terminal and the printing time of the printing device, a printing device installed in a place where the printed matter can be output at the desired timing is determined as the output destination of the printed matter, and the user can print. A technique for shortening the print waiting time from arrival at the position of the apparatus until printing is completed has been disclosed (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-200011).

However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when image processing such as resolution conversion, file compression, and PostScript conversion is performed on image data to be printed before execution of print processing, these images Depending on the execution time of the process, print waiting time may occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus that does not cause printing waiting time.

An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosed technology includes a print job acquisition unit that acquires a print job that instructs print processing based on image data, and a predicted execution time value of the print processing that is predicted based on the print job. a target time acquisition unit for acquiring a target time; a terminal position acquisition unit for acquiring position information of an information terminal; a destination position acquisition unit for acquiring position information of a destination; a destination estimated arrival time acquiring unit for acquiring an estimated destination arrival time at which a user of the information terminal arrives at the destination based on the location information of the terminal and the location information of the destination; , and the estimated time of arrival at the destination, an image processing unit for executing image processing on the image data, and a printing device position acquisition unit for acquiring position information of a printing device that executes the printing processing. wherein the target time acquisition unit acquires the start time of an event in which the user participates as the target time, and the destination position acquisition unit acquires the position information of the destination where the user participates and the destination estimated time of arrival acquisition unit acquires the location information of the information terminal, the location information of the destination, the predicted value of the execution time, and the location information of the printing device. and the estimated time of arrival at the destination is acquired.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that does not cause printing waiting time.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of an image forming system including an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is a block diagram explaining an example of the hardware constitutions of the image processing device concerning an embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining an example of the hardware constitutions of a smart phone. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a printing device; FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of processing by the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system including an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment; FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of processing by an image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of processing by an image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment; FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by an image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of processing by an image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment; FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted.

An image forming system including the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described below as an example.

[First embodiment]
<Configuration of Image Forming System Equipped with Image Processing Apparatus According to First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming system 100 including an image processing apparatus 5 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes a cloud storage server 2, an indoor positioning system 3, a smartphone 4, an image processing device 5, and a printing device 9, which are connected to a network 1 such as the Internet. are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. Also, each has a means of wireless communication or a means of wired communication.

The cloud storage server 2 is a cloud server that stores image files. The cloud storage server 2 can be realized by a computer or the like on which a general OS (Operating System) or the like is installed. Further, the cloud storage server 2 transmits predetermined image files among the accumulated image files to the image processing device 5 in response to the transmission request.

The indoor positioning system 3 can measure (position) the position of the measurement target indoors by transmitting and receiving signals compatible with GPS (Global Positioning System) by dedicated devices such as beacons installed indoors such as offices. IMES (Indoor MEssaging System). For IMES, the technology disclosed in JP-A-2014-075783, JP-A-2014-057273, etc. can be applied, so detailed description is omitted here.

A smartphone 4, which is an example of an information terminal, has a printer driver installed therein, and transmits print jobs via the network 1 to instruct printing of image files stored in the cloud storage server 2 according to instructions from the user of the smartphone 4. is sent to the image processing device 5.

In addition, the smartphone 4 utilizes Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a microphone provided in the smartphone 4 to receive signals transmitted by a dedicated device such as a beacon provided in the indoor positioning system 3, and obtains coordinate information of the current position of the smartphone 4. get. Then, the acquired coordinate information is transmitted to the image processing device 5 via the network 1 . Note that the information terminal is not limited to the smart phone 4 . A mobile phone, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), or the like can be used as long as it has a printer driver installed and has a function of acquiring the coordinate information of the current position based on a signal transmitted by a dedicated device such as a beacon. good.

The image processing device 5 can be realized by a computer or the like on which a general OS or the like is installed. The image processing device 5 acquires the print job from the smartphone 4 and requests the cloud storage server 2 to transmit the image file specified by the print job. Then, the image data included in the image file obtained from the cloud storage server 2 is subjected to predetermined image processing, and the image file including the image data after the image processing is transmitted to the printing device 9 .

Here, the image processing function executed by the image processing device 5 includes at least one of image data resolution conversion processing, scaling processing, image file compression processing, and PostScript conversion processing.

The printing device 9 is a device having a printing function such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral/Product/Printer). The printing device 9 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper based on the image data after image processing included in the image file received from the image processing device 5 . In addition, in the example of FIG. 1, as an example, there is one printer 9, but the image forming system 100 may be provided with a plurality of printers.

In addition, if the printing device 9 is a device having a communication function, it can be output from a PJ (Projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board: a whiteboard having an electronic blackboard function capable of mutual communication), a digital signage, or the like. equipment, HUD (Head Up Display) equipment, industrial machinery, imaging equipment, sound collecting equipment, medical equipment, network home appliances, automobiles (connected cars), notebook PCs (personal computers), mobile phones, smartphones, tablet terminals, game machines, It may be a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, a wearable PC, a desktop PC, or the like.

Furthermore, the configuration of the image forming system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and other configurations may be used.

<Hardware Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus According to Embodiment>
Next, the hardware configuration of the image processing device 5 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing device 5 according to the embodiment.

The image processing device 5 is constructed by a computer. As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, an HD (Hard Disk) 504, and an HDD ( Hard Disk Drive) controller 505 . The image processing apparatus 5 also includes a display 506, an external device connection I/F (Interface) 508, a network I/F 509, a data bus 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514 , media I/F 516 and timer 517 .

Among these, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the image processing apparatus 5 as a whole. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). A RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501 .

The HD 504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls reading or writing of various data to/from the HD 504 under the control of the CPU 501 . A display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, and images.

An external device connection I/F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The external device in this case is, for example, the printer 9 or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. A network I/F 509 is an interface for data communication using the network 1 . A data bus 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting components such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG.

Also, the keyboard 511 is a kind of input means having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like. A pointing device 512 is a kind of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, and the like.

A DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading or writing of various data to a DVD-RW 513 as an example of a removable recording medium. Note that DVD-R or the like may be used instead of DVD-RW. A media I/F 516 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

A timer 517 can acquire the current time and measure time.

The image processing apparatus 5 according to the embodiment can realize various functions described later by the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2 and execution of a predetermined program by the CPU 501 .

Also, the cloud storage server 2 is similarly constructed by a computer. The hardware configuration of the cloud storage server 2 is also the same as that described with reference to FIG. 2, so redundant description will be omitted.

<Hardware configuration of smartphone>
Next, the hardware configuration of the smart phone 4 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the smart phone 4. As illustrated in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the smartphone 4 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, an EEPROM 404, a CMOS sensor 405, an image sensor I/F 406, an acceleration/direction sensor 407, a media I/F 409, and a GPS receiver. A part 411 is provided.

Among these, the CPU 401 controls the operation of the smartphone 4 as a whole. The ROM 402 stores programs used to drive the CPU 401 such as the CPU 401 and IPL. A RAM 403 is used as a work area for the CPU 401 .

The EEPROM 404 reads or writes various data such as smartphone programs under the control of the CPU 401 . A CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor 405 is a type of built-in imaging means for capturing an object (mainly a self-portrait) and obtaining image data under the control of the CPU 401 . Note that imaging means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor may be used instead of the CMOS sensor.

An imaging device I/F 406 is a circuit that controls driving of the CMOS sensor 405 . The acceleration/direction sensor 407 is various sensors such as an electronic magnetic compass, a gyro compass, and an acceleration sensor for detecting geomagnetism. A media I/F 409 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 408 such as a flash memory. The GPS receiver 411 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

The smartphone 4 also includes a long-distance communication circuit 412, a CMOS sensor 413, an image sensor I/F 414, a microphone 415, a speaker 416, a sound input/output I/F 417, a display 418, and an external device connection I/F. It has an F (Interface) 419 , a short-range communication circuit 420 , an antenna 420 a of the short-range communication circuit 420 , and a touch panel 421 .

Among these, the telecommunications circuit 412 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via the network 1 . The CMOS sensor 413 is a type of built-in imaging means that images a subject and obtains image data under the control of the CPU 401 . An imaging device I/F 414 is a circuit that controls driving of the CMOS sensor 413 .

Microphone 415 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into an electrical signal. The speaker 416 is a built-in circuit that converts electrical signals into physical vibrations to produce sounds such as music and voice. A sound input/output I/F 417 is a circuit for processing input/output of sound signals between the microphone 415 and the speaker 416 under the control of the CPU 401 . A display 418 is a kind of display means such as liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) that displays an image of a subject, various icons, and the like.

The external device connection I/F 419 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-range communication circuit 420 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth. The touch panel 421 is a type of input means for operating the smartphone 4 by the user pressing the display 418 .

The smartphone 4 also includes a bus line 410 . A bus line 410 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 401 shown in FIG.

<Hardware Configuration of Printer>
Next, the hardware configuration of the printing device 9 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 9. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the printing device 9 includes a controller 910, a short-range communication circuit 920, an engine control section 930, an operation panel 940, and a network I/F 950.

Among these, the controller 910 includes a CPU 901, which is the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 902, a north bridge (NB) 903, a south bridge (SB) 904, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 906, a local memory (MEM-C) 907 as a storage unit, an HDD controller 908, and an HD 909 as a storage unit. It has become.

Among these, the CPU 901 is a control unit that performs overall control of the printing apparatus 9 . The NB 903 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 901, the MEM-P 902, the SB 904, and the AGP bus 921, and is a memory controller that controls reading and writing with respect to the MEM-P 902, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target. Prepare.

The MEM-P 902 includes a ROM 902a, which is a memory for storing programs and data for realizing each function of the controller 910, and a RAM 902b, which is used as a memory for drawing during expansion of programs and data and memory printing. The program stored in the RAM 902b is configured to be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, etc. as a file in an installable format or an executable format. You may

SB 904 is a bridge for connecting NB 903 with PCI devices and peripheral devices. The ASIC 906 is an image processing IC (Integrated Circuit) having hardware elements for image processing, and serves as a bridge that connects the AGP bus 921, PCI bus 922, HDD 908 and MEM-C 907, respectively.

This ASIC 906 includes a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 906, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 907, and multiple DMACs (Direct Memory) that rotate image data by hardware logic. and a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 931 and the printer unit 932 via the PCI bus 922 . The ASIC 906 may be connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface.

MEM-C 907 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and an encoding buffer. The HD 909 is a storage for accumulating image data, accumulating font data used for printing, and accumulating forms.

The HD 909 controls reading or writing data to or from the HD 909 under the control of the CPU 901 . The AGP bus 921 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to speed up graphics processing, and can speed up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 902 with high throughput. .

The near field communication circuit 920 also includes a near field communication circuit 920a. The short-range communication circuit 920 is a communication circuit for NFC, Bluetooth, or the like.

Furthermore, the engine control section 930 is configured by a scanner section 931 and a printer section 932 . The operation panel 940 displays a current setting value, a selection screen, and the like, and a panel display unit 940a such as a touch panel for receiving input from an operator, and setting values for image forming conditions such as density setting conditions. An operation panel 940b is provided which includes a numeric keypad for accepting a copy start instruction, a start key for accepting a copy start instruction, and the like. The controller 910 controls the entire printing apparatus 9, for example, controls drawing, communication, input from the operation panel 940, and the like. The scanner unit 931 or printer unit 932 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

Note that the printing apparatus 9 can switch and select the document box function, the copy function, the printer function, and the facsimile function in sequence using the application switching key of the operation panel 940 . The document box mode is set when the document box function is selected, the copy mode is set when the copy function is selected, the printer mode is set when the printer function is selected, and the facsimile mode is set when the facsimile mode is selected.

A network I/F 950 is an interface for data communication using the network 1 . A short-range communication circuit 920 and a network I/F 950 are electrically connected to the ASIC 906 via a PCI bus 922 .

<Functional Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus According to First Embodiment>
Next, the functional configuration of the image processing device 5 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the image processing device 5. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the image processing apparatus 5 includes a transmission/reception unit 201, a print job acquisition unit 202, an image data acquisition unit 203, an execution time output unit 204, a target time acquisition unit 205, and a terminal position acquisition unit. 206 and a destination position acquisition unit 207 . The image processing device 5 also includes a printer position storage unit 208 , an estimated destination arrival time acquisition unit 209 , an image processing unit 210 , and an image file transmission unit 211 .

Of these, the print job acquisition unit 202, the image data acquisition unit 203, the execution time output unit 204, the target time acquisition unit 205, the terminal location acquisition unit 206, the destination location acquisition unit 207, the image processing device 5, the destination arrival schedule The time acquisition unit 209 and the image processing unit 210 are implemented by the CPU 501 in FIG. 2 executing a predetermined program.

A transmitting/receiving unit 201 is realized by the network I/F 509 or the like in FIG. 2, and transmits/receives various data.

The print job acquisition unit 202 acquires a print job that instructs print processing based on image data from the smartphone 4 via the transmission/reception unit 201, and outputs print job information to the image data acquisition unit 203 and the execution time output unit 204. . Here, the print job includes identification information that specifies the printing device 9 that executes the printing process.

The image data acquisition unit 203 receives print job information from the print job acquisition unit 202 and transmits a transmission request for an image file containing image data to be printed to the cloud storage server 2 via the transmission/reception unit 201 . The image data acquisition unit 203 also receives the image file corresponding to the transmission request from the cloud storage server 2 via the transmission/reception unit 201 . Then, it outputs the received image file to the image processing unit 210 .

Based on the print job information input from the print job acquisition unit 202 , the execution time output unit 204 predicts the execution time t ₁ of the print processing by the printing device 9 and outputs it to the target time acquisition unit 205 . More specifically, the execution time output unit 204 outputs the print color, the number of copies, presence/absence of post-processing, etc. of the print processing instructed by the print job, and the standard output per sheet of recording medium such as paper by the printing device 9. Execution time _t1 of print processing instructed by the print job is predicted from the print processing time and the like. A standard print processing time per sheet of recording medium such as paper by the printing device 9 is determined in advance and stored in the HD 504 or the like in FIG. Based on the identification information of the printing apparatus 9, the execution time output unit 204 can refer to the HD 504 or the like to acquire the standard print processing time per sheet of recording medium.

In addition, after the user of the smartphone 4 who transmits the print job arrives at the position of the printing device 9, the standard time for performing the user authentication operation using an ID card or the like, and the printing time of the operation panel 940 in the printing device 9 A standard time for the operation of pressing the start button to start printing may be determined in advance, and these times may be added to the print processing execution time _t1 .

The target time acquisition unit 205 acquires, as the target time, the scheduled end time of the print processing (scheduled print end time) when the printing apparatus 9 executes the print processing instructed by the print job. The target time acquisition unit 205 adds the _print processing execution time _t1 input from the execution time output unit ₂₀₄ to the current time _T0 acquired by the timer 517 in FIG. get. The target time acquisition unit 205 outputs the acquired information on the scheduled print end time T ₀ +t ₁ to the image processing unit 210 .

Note that instead of the current time acquired by the timer 517, the target time acquisition unit 205 receives the transmission time information of the print job transmitted by the smartphone 4 together with the print job via the transmission/reception unit 201, and uses this as the current time. You can get it. In the following, there are other cases where the current time acquired by the timer 517 is used. may be acquired as the current time.

The terminal location acquisition unit 206 acquires the coordinate information of the current location of the smartphone 4 transmitted by the smartphone 4 via the transmission/reception unit 201, and outputs this to the destination location acquisition unit 207 and the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209. do.

The destination position acquisition unit 207 acquires, as the position information of the destination, the information of the installation position of the printing device 9 that executes the print processing instructed by the print job. The destination position acquisition unit 207 can acquire information on the installation position of the printing device 9 by referring to the printing device position storage unit 208 based on the identification information of the printing device 9 . The printing device position storage unit 208 is implemented by the HD 504 or the like in FIG. 2, and stores installation position information for each of a plurality of printing devices including the printing device 9 . The destination position acquisition unit 207 outputs the acquired installation position information of the printing device 9 to the destination scheduled arrival time acquisition unit 209 .

The destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209 determines whether the user of the smartphone 4 has , an estimated time of arrival at the destination, or the installation position of the printing device 9, is obtained.

More specifically, the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209 acquires the print job based on the location information of the smartphone 4 acquired from the terminal location acquisition unit 206 and the installation location information of the printing device 9 acquired from the destination location acquisition unit 207. The distance from the position of the smartphone 4 at the time of transmission to the installation position of the printing device 9 is acquired. Then, this distance is divided by a predetermined standard walking speed, and the travel time (travel time of smartphone 4) t ₂ of the user from the position of smartphone 4 at the time of print job transmission to the installation position of printing device 9 is calculated. to get The destination estimated arrival time acquiring unit 209 can acquire the destination estimated arrival time T ₀ +t _{2 by adding the travel time t 2 to} the current time T ₀ acquired by the timer 517 in FIG.

However, the method of acquiring the destination estimated arrival time T ₀ +t ₂ by the destination estimated arrival time acquiring unit 209 is not limited to this. For example, as another example, a standard moving route corresponding to a position is determined in advance and stored in advance in the HD 504 or the like. The destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209 refers to the HD 504 or the like to acquire a standard travel route from the position of the smartphone 4 at the time of print job transmission to the installation position of the printing apparatus 9, and obtains the standard travel route. The travel time _t2 may be obtained by dividing the distance along by the normal walking speed.

The destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209 outputs information on the acquired estimated destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₂ to the image processing unit 210 .

The image processing unit 210 combines the information of the estimated print end time T ₀ +t ₁ input from the target time acquisition unit 205 and the information of the estimated destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₂ input from the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209 into Based on this, the image processing to be executed is determined. Then, the determined image processing is executed on the image data included in the image file input from the image data acquisition unit 203 . As described above, this image processing includes at least one of image data resolution conversion processing, scaling processing, image file compression processing, and PostScript conversion processing.

More specifically, the image processing section 210 has a determination section 220 . The determination unit 220 compares the estimated print end time T ₀ +t ₁ with the destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₂ and determines that the print end time T ₀ +t ₁ is earlier than the destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₂ . It is determined whether or not. Then, when it is determined that the scheduled print end time T ₀ +t ₁ is earlier than the scheduled destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₂ , the image processing unit 210 performs image quality priority image processing according to the instruction of the print job. Execute the process.

Image quality-priority image processing includes, for example, resolution conversion processing to increase the resolution of image data contained in an image file by converting the resolution from 600 dpi (dots per inch) to 1200 dpi, and compression processing to reduce the compression ratio of JPEG images. , or processing to convert to an uncompressed TIFF image. By these processes, it is possible to improve the image quality (increase the size of the image file) and change the size of the recording medium so that the characters are printed larger according to the user's preference. Usability can be improved.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the scheduled print end time T ₀ +t ₁ is not earlier than the destination arrival scheduled time T ₀ +t ₂ , the image processing unit 210 executes image processing with priority given to printing speed. Examples of image processing prioritizing printing speed include resolution conversion processing for converting the resolution of image data included in an image file from 1200 dpi to 600 dpi to reduce the resolution, compression processing for reducing the size of the image file, and the like. By these processes, the time for the printing device 9 to receive (download) an image file from the image processing device 5 and the time for executing print processing are shortened, and the estimated print end time T ₀ +t ₁ is reduced to the destination arrival time T _{0 .} +t can be earlier than ₂ .

The image processing unit 210 outputs the image file containing the image data after the image processing described above to the image file transmission unit 211 .

The image file transmission unit 211 is implemented by the network I/F 509 or the like in FIG.

In the above example, the print job includes identification information for specifying the printing device 9 that executes the printing process, and the destination position acquisition unit 207 acquires the position information of the printing device 9 according to the identification information. has been described, but it is not limited to this.

As another example, image forming system 100 includes multiple printing devices installed at different locations. The destination position acquisition unit 207 refers to the printing device position storage unit 208 based on the coordinate information of the current position of the smartphone 4 input from the terminal position acquisition unit 206, and selects the printing device at the closest position from the current position of the smartphone 4. A device may be specified and its position information may be output to the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209 . By doing so, the user can cause the printing apparatus located closest to the current position to execute the print process instructed by the print job.

<Processing by Image Processing Apparatus According to First Embodiment>
Next, processing by the image processing apparatus 5 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the image processing device 5 according to this embodiment.

First, in step S61, the print job acquisition unit 202 acquires a print job that instructs print processing based on image data from the smartphone 4 via the transmission/reception unit 201, and sends print job information to the image data acquisition unit 203 and the execution time. Output to the output unit 204 .

Subsequently, in step S<b>62 , the image data acquisition unit 203 transmits to the cloud storage server 2 via the transmission/reception unit 201 a transmission request for an image file containing image data to be printed. The image data acquisition unit 203 also receives the image file corresponding to the transmission request from the cloud storage server 2 via the transmission/reception unit 201 . Then, it outputs the received image file to the image processing unit 210 .

Subsequently, in step S<b>63 , the execution time output unit 204 predicts the execution time t ₁ of print processing by the printing device 9 based on the print job information, and outputs it to the target time acquisition unit 205 .

Subsequently, in step S64, the target time acquisition unit 205 adds the print processing execution time _t1 input from the execution time output unit 204 to the current time acquired by the timer 517 in FIG. Get T ₀ +t ₁ . The target time acquisition unit 205 outputs the acquired information on the scheduled print end time T ₀ +t ₁ to the image processing unit 210 .

Subsequently, in step S65, the terminal position acquiring unit 206 acquires the coordinate information of the current position of the smartphone 4 transmitted by the smartphone 4 via the transmitting/receiving unit 201, and transmits it to the destination position acquiring unit 207. Output to the scheduled time acquisition unit 209 .

Subsequently, in step S66, the destination position acquisition unit 207 refers to the printing device position storage unit 208 based on the identification information of the printing device 9 that executes the printing process instructed by the print job, and obtains the installation position of the printing device 9. information as the location information of the destination. Then, the destination position acquisition unit 207 outputs the acquired installation position information of the printing device 9 to the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209 .

Subsequently, in step S<b>67 , the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209 combines the location information of the smartphone 4 acquired from the terminal location acquisition unit 206 with the installation location information of the printing device 9 acquired from the destination location acquisition unit 207 . Based on this, the user of the smartphone 4 acquires the destination arrival scheduled time T ₀ +t ₂ at which the printing device 9 is installed at the destination. The destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209 outputs information on the acquired estimated destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₂ to the image processing unit 210 .

Subsequently, in step S68, the determination unit 220 included in the image processing unit 210 receives the information on the estimated print end time T ₀ +t ₁ input from the target time acquisition unit 205 and the estimated arrival time at the destination acquisition unit 209. By comparing with the information of the estimated destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₂ , it is determined whether or not the estimated print end time T ₀ +t ₁ is earlier than the estimated destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₂ .

If it is determined in step S68 that the scheduled print end time T ₀ +t ₁ is earlier than the destination arrival scheduled time T ₀ +t ₂ (step S68, Yes), the process proceeds to step S69, and the image processing unit 210 , performs image processing with priority on image quality. Then, the image processing section 210 outputs the image file containing the image data after the image processing to the image file transmitting section 211 .

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S68 that the scheduled print end time T ₀ +t ₁ is not earlier than the destination arrival scheduled time T ₀ +t ₂ (step S68, No), the process proceeds to step S70, and the image processing unit 210 executes image processing with print speed priority. Then, the image processing section 210 outputs the image file containing the image data after the image processing to the image file transmitting section 211 .

Subsequently, the image file transmission section 211 transmits the image file input from the image processing section 210 to the printing device 9 via the network 1 .

In this manner, the image processing device 5 performs predetermined image processing on the image data included in the image files stored in the cloud storage server 2 according to the print job, and the printing device 9 processes the image after the image processing. A data-based print process can be performed.

<Effects of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment>
Next, functions and effects of the image processing apparatus 5 according to this embodiment will be described.

2. Description of the Related Art A technology is known in which a cloud storage server storing image files and a printing device are linked and an image file specified by an information terminal such as a smartphone is printed by the printing device.

In addition, based on the travel route and travel time of the user of the information terminal and the printing time of the printing device, a printing device installed in a place where the printed matter can be output at the desired timing is determined as the output destination of the printed matter, and the user can print. Techniques have been disclosed for shortening the print waiting time from arrival at the position of the device until printing is completed.

However, in these conventional techniques, when image processing such as resolution conversion, file compression, and PostScript conversion is performed on image data to be printed before execution of print processing, these images Depending on the execution time of the process, print waiting time may occur.

In this embodiment, the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209 calculates the destination estimated arrival time at which the user of the smartphone 4 arrives at the printing device 9 based on the location information of the smartphone 4 and the location information of the printing device 9 . Get T ₀ +t ₂ . Further, the target time acquisition unit 205 acquires, as the target time, the scheduled print end time T ₀ +t ₁ when the printing apparatus 9 executes the print processing instructed by the print job.

Then, the estimated destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₂ and the estimated print end time T ₀ +t ₁ are compared. If the scheduled print end time T ₀ +t ₁ is earlier than the scheduled destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₂ , when the user of the smartphone 4 arrives at the installation position of the printing device 9 after instructing printing, the instructed printing is completed, there is no waiting time for printing. Therefore, the image processing unit 210 executes image processing with priority given to image quality, thereby improving the usability of the printing apparatus 9 .

On the other hand, if the scheduled print end time T ₀ +t ₁ is not earlier than the destination arrival scheduled time T ₀ +t ₂ , the instructed printing will not end when the user arrives at the installation position of the printing device 9 . Print waiting time occurs. Therefore, the image processing unit 210 executes image processing giving priority to printing speed in order to advance the print end time T ₀ +t ₁ . As a result, the scheduled printing end time T ₀ +t ₁ can be made earlier than the scheduled destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₂ , and the printing process can be completed before the user arrives at the installation position of the printing device 9 . As a result, waiting time for printing can be avoided. In this way, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that does not cause printing waiting time.

[Second embodiment]
Next, an image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the description of the same components as those of the already described embodiment will be omitted.

<Configuration of Image Forming System Equipped with Image Processing Apparatus According to Second Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming system 100a including the image processing apparatus 5a according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming system 100a includes an image processing device 5a and a schedule management server 6. As shown in FIG.

The schedule management server 6 is a cloud server that manages the schedule information of the smartphone 4 user. The schedule management server 6 can be realized by a computer or the like on which a general OS or the like is installed, and is equipped with wireless communication means or wired communication means. In response to the transmission request, the schedule management server 6 transmits predetermined schedule information among the schedule information managed by the schedule management server 6 to the image processing device 5a. Note that the schedule management server 6 can also manage schedule information for users other than the smartphone 4 user.

The schedule management server 6 is constructed by a computer like the image processing apparatus 5 described in the first embodiment. The hardware configuration of the schedule management server 6 is also the same as that described with reference to FIG. 2, so redundant description will be omitted here.

<Functional Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus According to Second Embodiment>
Next, the functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 5a according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the image processing device 5a. As shown in FIG. 8, the image processing device 5a includes an execution time output unit 204a, a printer position acquisition unit 212, a destination time acquisition unit 205a, a destination position acquisition unit 207a, and an estimated destination arrival time acquisition unit. 209a and an image processing unit 210a.

The execution time output unit 204a predicts the execution time _t1 of print processing by the printing device 9 based on the print job information input from the print job acquisition unit 202, and outputs the predicted execution time _t1 to the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit. 209a.

The target time acquisition unit 205a acquires the start time _T1 of the conference in which the user of the smartphone 4 participates as the target time, and outputs it to the image processing unit 210a. The target time acquisition unit 205a refers to the schedule management server 6 via the transmission/reception unit 201 and the network 1 based on the identification number of the user of the smartphone 4, and acquires the start time _T1 of the meeting attended by the user of the smartphone 4. be able to. Here, the start time _T1 of the conference in which the user of the smartphone 4 participates is an example of the "event start time."

The printing device position acquisition unit 212 acquires information on the installation position of the printing device 9 that executes the printing process instructed by the print job. The printing device position acquisition unit 212 can acquire information on the installation position of the printing device 9 by referring to the printing device position storage unit 208 based on the identification information of the printing device 9 . The printing device position obtaining unit 212 outputs the obtained installation position information of the printing device 9 to the destination scheduled arrival time obtaining unit 209a.

The destination position acquisition unit 207a acquires, as the position information of the destination, information on the location of the conference in which the user of the smartphone 4 participates. The destination position acquiring unit 207a refers to the schedule management server 6 via the transmitting/receiving unit 201 and the network 1 based on the identification number of the user of the smartphone 4, and acquires information on the venue of the conference in which the user of the smartphone 4 will participate. can do. Here, the venue of the conference in which the user of the smart phone 4 participates is an example of the “event venue”. The destination position acquisition unit 207a outputs the information on the venue of the conference to the destination scheduled arrival time acquisition unit 209a.

The destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a acquires the location information of the smartphone 4 input from the terminal location acquisition unit 206, the meeting place information input from the destination location acquisition unit 207a, and the execution time input from the execution time output unit 204a. Based on the time _t1 and the installation position information of the printing device 9 input from the printing device position acquisition unit 212, the destination scheduled arrival time at which the user arrives at the meeting venue, which is the destination, is acquired.

More specifically, the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a acquires the print job based on the location information of the smartphone 4 input from the terminal location acquisition unit 206 and the installation location information of the printing device 9 input from the printing device location acquisition unit 212. The distance from the position of the smartphone 4 at the time of transmission to the installation position of the printing device 9 is acquired. Then, this distance is divided by a predetermined standard walking speed, and the travel time (travel time of smartphone 4) t ₂ of the user from the position of smartphone 4 at the time of print job transmission to the installation position of printing device 9 is calculated. to get

Further, the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a acquires the printing device 9 based on the installation position information of the printing device 9 input from the printing device position acquisition unit 212 and the conference venue information input from the destination position acquisition unit 207a. Get the distance from the installation location of the to the meeting location. Then, by dividing this distance by a predetermined standard walking speed, the user's travel time (smartphone 4 travel time) _t3 from the installation position of the printing device 9 to the meeting place is obtained.

In other words, the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a moves from the position where the user sent the print job with the smartphone 4 to the installation position of the printing device 9, obtains the printed matter output by the printing device 9, and carries the printed matter. It is possible to acquire the time to travel to the venue of the conference.

The destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a adds the travel times _t2 and _t3 and the execution time _t1 to the current time T0 acquired by the timer 517 in FIG. ₂ to obtain the destination estimated arrival time _T0. +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ can be obtained.

However, the method of acquiring the estimated destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ by the destination estimated arrival time acquiring unit 209a is not limited to this. For example, as another example, a standard moving route corresponding to a position is determined in advance and stored in advance in the HD 504 or the like. The destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a refers to the HD 504 or the like to obtain a standard movement route from the position of the smartphone 4 at the time of print job transmission to the installation position of the printing device 9, and a meeting route from the installation position of the printing device 9. obtain the travel times _t2 and _t3 by dividing the distance along the standard travel route by the predetermined standard walking speed, Also good.

The destination estimated arrival time acquiring unit 209a outputs information on the acquired estimated destination arrival time _T0 + _t1 + _t2 + _t3 to the image processing unit 210a.

The image processing unit 210a obtains the information of the meeting start time _T1 input from the target time acquisition unit 205a and the information of the estimated destination arrival time _T0 + _t1 + _t2 + _t3 input from the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a. and determines the image processing to be executed. Then, the determined image processing is executed on the image data included in the image file input from the image data acquisition unit 203 .

More specifically, the image processing section 210a includes a determination section 220a. The determination unit 220a compares the conference start time _T1 with the destination _estimated arrival time _T0 + _t1 +t2+ _t3 , and determines that the destination estimated arrival time _T0 + _t1 + _t2 + _t3 is the conference start time T It is determined whether or not the time is earlier than ₁ . Then, when it is determined that the scheduled destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ is earlier than the conference start time T ₁ , the image processing unit 210a performs image processing prioritizing image quality.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the scheduled destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ is not earlier than the conference start time T ₁ , the image processing unit 210a executes image processing with priority given to printing speed. As a result, the time for the printing device 9 to receive (download) an image file from the image processing device 5 and the time for printing it are shortened, and the estimated destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ is calculated from the conference start time T ₁ . can be faster.

The image processing unit 210 a outputs the image file including the image data after the above image processing to the image file transmission unit 211 .

<Processing by Image Processing Apparatus According to Second Embodiment>
Next, processing by the image processing device 5a according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the image processing device 5a according to this embodiment. The processing of steps S91 to S92 in FIG. 9 is the same as the processing of steps S61 to S62 in FIG. 6, and the processing of steps S100 to S102 in FIG. 9 is the same as the processing of steps S69 to S71 in FIG. Therefore, overlapping descriptions are omitted.

In step S93, the execution time output unit 204a predicts the execution time _t1 of the print processing by the printing device 9 based on the print job information input from the print job acquisition unit 202, and outputs it to the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a. do.

Subsequently, in step S94, the target time acquisition unit 205a acquires the start time _T1 of the conference in which the user of the smartphone 4 participates as the target time, and outputs it to the image processing unit 210a.

Subsequently, in step S95, the terminal position acquiring unit 206 acquires the coordinate information of the current position of the smartphone 4 transmitted by the smartphone 4 via the transmitting/receiving unit 201, and transmits it to the destination position acquiring unit 207a. Output to the scheduled time acquisition unit 209a.

Subsequently, in step S96, the printer position acquisition unit 212 acquires the position information of the printer 9 and outputs it to the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a.

Subsequently, in step S97, the destination position acquisition unit 207a acquires information on the venue of the conference, and outputs the information to the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a.

Subsequently, in step S98, the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a acquires the location information of the smartphone 4 input from the terminal location acquisition unit 206, the installation location information of the printing device 9 input from the printing device location acquisition unit 212, Based on the meeting location information input from the destination position acquisition unit 207a and the execution time _t1 input from the execution time output unit 204a, the user is expected to arrive at the destination meeting location. Get the time T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ . The destination estimated arrival time acquiring unit 209a outputs information on the acquired estimated destination arrival time _T0 + _t1 + _t2 + _t3 to the image processing unit 210a.

Subsequently, in step S99, the determination unit 220a included in the image processing unit 210a obtains information on the meeting start time _T1 input from the target time acquisition unit 205a and the destination information input from the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a. By comparing the information of the estimated arrival time T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ , it is determined whether the estimated destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ is earlier than the conference start time T ₁ . .

If it is determined in step S99 that the scheduled destination arrival time _T0 + _t1 + _t2 + _t3 is earlier than the meeting start time _T1 (step S99, Yes), the process proceeds to step S100, If it is determined that the estimated arrival time T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ is not earlier than the conference start time T ₁ (step S99, No), the process proceeds to step S101.

In this manner, the image processing device 5a executes predetermined image processing on the image data contained in the image files stored in the cloud storage server 2 according to the print job, and the printing device 9 processes the image after the image processing. A data-based print process can be performed.

<Effects of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment>
Next, the effects of the image processing device 5a according to this embodiment will be described.

When printing explanatory materials to be used at a conference, the printing of the printed materials such as the explanatory materials is finished by the start time of the conference registered in the schedule management server 6, and the required number of copies of the printed materials is brought to the meeting place. You may want to arrive

In this case, when image processing such as resolution conversion, file compression, PostScript conversion, etc. is executed, the waiting time for printing that occurs according to the execution time of these image processing causes the meeting to start with the printed explanation materials. In some cases, it was not possible to arrive at the conference venue by the scheduled time.

In the present embodiment, the destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 209a acquires the smartphone 4 based on the location information of the smartphone 4, the location information of the printing device 9, the information of the meeting place, and the print processing execution time _t1 . 4 acquires the destination estimated arrival time T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ at which the user 4 arrives at the position of the printing device 9 . The target time acquisition unit 205a also acquires the start time _T1 of the conference as the target time.

Then, the estimated destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ is compared with the conference start time T ₁ , and the estimated destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ is earlier than the conference start time T _{1 .} If so, you can arrive at the meeting location by the start time of the meeting with the printed instructional materials. Therefore, the image processing unit 210a performs image processing with priority on image quality, thereby improving the usability of the printing apparatus 9. FIG.

On the other hand, if the estimated time of arrival at the destination T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ is not earlier than the start time T ₁ of the conference, I will bring the printed explanation materials and arrive at the conference venue by the start time of the conference. unable to arrive. Therefore, the image processing unit 210a executes image processing that prioritizes printing speed. As a result, the estimated destination arrival time T ₀ +t ₁ +t ₂ +t ₃ can be made earlier than the conference start time T ₁ , and the user can hold the printed explanatory material and hold the conference by the start time of the conference. can reach the place.

Note that other effects are the same as those described in the first embodiment, so redundant description will be omitted.

[Third embodiment]
Next, an image processing device 5b according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the image processing device 5b according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the image processing device 5b includes a user selection information acquisition section 213 and an image processing section 210b.

The user selection information acquisition unit 213 is implemented by the CPU 501 in FIG. 2 executing a predetermined program. The user selection information acquisition unit 213 transmits the feature information when the image processing is changed to the smartphone 4 or the like via the transmission/reception unit 201, and displays it on the display 418 or the like in FIG. This feature information is information relating to image processing prioritizing image quality, image processing prioritizing printing speed, scheduled print completion time, scheduled destination arrival time, and the like.

The user selection information acquisition unit 213 acquires an instruction for image processing selected by the user according to the feature information displayed on the display 418 or the like via the transmission/reception unit 201, and outputs the instruction to the image processing unit 210b.

The image processing unit 210 b executes image processing according to an instruction for image processing selected by the user input from the user selection information acquisition unit 213 .

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the image processing device 5b according to this embodiment. The processing of steps S111 to S119 in FIG. 11 is the same as the processing of steps S91 to S99 in FIG. 11 are the same as steps S100 to S102 in FIG. Therefore, redundant description is omitted here.

In step S120, the user selection information acquiring unit 213 transmits the characteristic information when the image processing by the image processing unit 210b is changed to the smartphone 4 or the like via the transmitting/receiving unit 201, and displays it on the display 418 or the like in FIG. Let

Subsequently, in step S121, the user selection information acquisition unit 213 determines whether or not an instruction for image processing selected by the user has been acquired.

In step S121, if an instruction for the image processing selected by the user has not been acquired (step S121, No), the process returns to step S121, and the processing of step S121 is repeated until an instruction for the image processing selected by the user is acquired. .

In step S121, when an instruction for the image processing selected by the user is acquired (step S121, Yes), the process proceeds to step S122.

In step S122, the user selection information acquisition unit 213 determines whether or not the instruction for image processing selected by the user is an instruction to prioritize image quality.

In step S122, if the instruction for image processing selected by the user is an instruction to prioritize image quality (step S122, Yes), the process proceeds to step S123, and the instruction for image processing selected by the user is not an instruction to prioritize image quality. If so (step S122, No), the process proceeds to step S124.

In this way, in the present embodiment, it is possible to reflect the instruction for the image processing selected by the user in the image processing by the image processing unit 210b.

Note that effects other than this are the same as those described in the first and second embodiments, and redundant description will be omitted.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, an image processing device 5c according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the image processing device 5c according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the image processing device 5c includes a participant information acquisition section 214, a setting information storage section 215, and an image processing section 210c.

Participant information acquisition unit 214 is implemented by CPU 501 in FIG. 2 executing a predetermined program. The participant information acquisition unit 214 refers to the schedule management server 6 via the transmission/reception unit 201 and the network 1 based on the identification number of the user of the smartphone 4, and identifies other participants of the conference in which the user of the smartphone 4 participates. Get information. Here, the other participants of the conference in which the user of the smartphone 4 participates are an example of "participants of the event".

Also, the participant information acquisition unit 214 acquires setting information by referring to the setting information storage unit 215 based on the identification information of the conference participants. Here, the setting information storage unit 215 is realized by the HD 504 or the like in FIG. 2, and stores setting information associated with the participants.

This setting information is setting information related to printing processing by the printing device 9. Specifically, it is information such as a setting for enlarging the characters included in the image data for easier viewing, a setting for enlarging the paper size, and the like. Since the setting information changes according to each participant's preference, the setting information storage unit 215 updates the setting information each time when the setting information associated with the participant is changed by the participant. and preferably stores the latest setting information. As a result, the recent preferences of the participants can be reflected in the printing process. The participant information acquisition unit 214 outputs the acquired setting information to the image processing unit 210c.

The image processing unit 210c executes image processing according to the setting information input from the participant information acquisition unit 214. FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the image processing device 5c according to this embodiment. The processing of steps S131 to S141 in FIG. 13 is the same as the processing of steps S111 to S121 in FIG. 13 are the same as steps S123 to S125 in FIG. Therefore, redundant description is omitted here.

In step S142, the user selection information acquisition unit 213 determines whether or not the instruction for image processing selected by the user is an instruction to prioritize image quality.

In step S142, if the instruction for image processing selected by the user is an instruction to prioritize image quality (step S142, Yes), the process proceeds to step S145, and the instruction for image processing selected by the user is not an instruction to prioritize image quality. If so (step S142, No), the process proceeds to step S143.

In step S<b>143 , the participant information acquisition unit 214 refers to the schedule management server 6 based on the identification number of the user of the smartphone 4 and acquires the identification information of other participants of the conference in which the user of the smartphone 4 participates. . Based on the identification information of the participant, the setting information storage unit 215 is referenced to determine whether or not there is the setting information of the participant.

If it is determined in step S143 that there is participant setting information (step S143, Yes), the participant information acquisition unit 214 outputs the setting information to the image processing unit 210c. Then, the image processing unit 210c executes image processing according to the setting information. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no participant setting information (step S143, No), the process proceeds to step S146.

In this way, the setting information of the conference participants can be reflected in the image processing by the image processing unit 210c.

Conference participants may include people who cannot read small characters. In this case, if the print speed is prioritized and the size of the image file is reduced, the conference participants will not be able to use the printed material appropriately. In the present embodiment, the participant information acquisition unit 214 checks the presence or absence of setting information on the participants of the conference, and if there is setting information, acquires the setting information and reflects it in image processing. This allows conference participants to appropriately use the printed material.

Since effects other than this are the same as those described in the first to third embodiments, redundant description will be omitted.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, an image processing device 5d according to the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the image processing device 5d according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the image processing device 5d includes a participant list creating section 216 and an image processing section 210d.

Participant list creation unit 216 is implemented by CPU 501 in FIG. 2 executing a predetermined program. The participant list creation unit 216 refers to the schedule management server 6 based on the identification number of the user of the smartphone 4, acquires the names of other participants of the conference in which the user of the smartphone 4 participates, and extracts the names of the participants. Create a text file. Then, the participant list creation unit 216 outputs the text file of the names of the participants to the image processing unit 210d.

The image processing section 210 d includes a file synthesizing section 221 . The file synthesizing unit 221 synthesizes the text file of the participant names input from the participant list creating unit 216 and the image file input from the image data acquiring unit 203 by logical OR. Then, the combined image file is transmitted to the printing device 9 via the image file transmission unit 211 .

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the image processing device 5d according to this embodiment. The processing of steps S151 to S161 in FIG. 15 is the same as the processing of steps S111 to S121 in FIG. 15 are the same as steps S122 to S125 in FIG. Therefore, redundant description is omitted here.

In step S162, the participant list creating unit 216 refers to the schedule management server 6 based on the identification number of the user of the smartphone 4, and obtains name information of other participants of the conference in which the user of the smartphone 4 participates. , create a text file of the names of the participants. Then, the participant list creation unit 216 outputs the text file of the names of the participants to the image processing unit 210d.

A file synthesizing unit 221 included in the image processing unit 210d synthesizes the text file of the name of the participant input from the participant list creating unit 216 and the image file input from the image data acquiring unit 203 by logical sum. Then, the combined image file is transmitted to the printing device 9 via the image file transmission unit 211 .

In this embodiment, by doing so, it is possible to change the image processing according to the print settings of each participant, and it is possible to print so as to know for whom the printed matter is intended.

Note that effects other than this are the same as those described in the first to third embodiments, so redundant description will be omitted.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. be.

Embodiments also include image processing methods. For example, the image processing method includes a print job acquisition step of acquiring a print job that instructs print processing based on image data, and an execution time output step of outputting a predicted value of the execution time of the print processing predicted based on the print job. a target time acquisition step of acquiring a target time; a terminal location acquisition step of acquiring location information of an information terminal; a destination location acquisition step of acquiring location information of a destination; and location information of the information terminal; a destination estimated arrival time acquiring step of acquiring an estimated destination arrival time at which the user of the information terminal arrives at the destination based on the location information of the destination; and the destination time and the destination estimated arrival time. and an image processing step of performing the image processing determined based on the time on the image data. With such an image processing method, the same effects as those of the image processing apparatus described above can be obtained.

Further, embodiments also include programs. For example, a program may cause a computer to
A print job acquisition unit that acquires a print job that instructs print processing based on image data, an execution time output unit that outputs a predicted value of the execution time of the print processing predicted based on the print job, and a target time that acquires a target time. Based on an acquisition unit, a terminal location acquisition unit that acquires location information of an information terminal, a destination location acquisition unit that acquires location information of a destination, the location information of the information terminal, and the location information of the destination, a destination estimated time of arrival acquiring unit for acquiring an estimated time of arrival at a destination at which the user of the information terminal arrives at the destination; It functions as an image processing unit that is executed on image data. With such a program, the same effects as those of the image processing apparatus described above can be obtained.

Also, each function of the embodiments described above can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in this specification means a processor programmed by software to perform each function, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to perform each function described above. devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) and conventional circuit modules.

1 network 2 cloud storage server 3 indoor positioning system 4 smartphone 5 image processing device 6 schedule management server 9 printing device 100 image forming system 201 transmission/reception unit 202 print job acquisition unit 203 image data acquisition unit 204 execution time output unit 205 target time acquisition unit 206 Terminal location acquisition unit 207 Destination location acquisition unit 208 Printer location storage unit 209 Destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit 210 Image processing unit 211 Image file transmission unit 212 Printer location acquisition unit 213 User selection information acquisition unit 214 Participant information Acquisition unit 215 Setting information storage unit 216 Participant list creation unit 220 Judgment unit 221 File synthesis unit

JP 2004-094777 A

Claims (7)

a print job acquisition unit that acquires a print job that instructs print processing based on image data;
an execution time output unit that outputs a predicted value of the execution time of the print processing predicted based on the print job;
a target time acquisition unit that acquires a target time;
a terminal location acquisition unit that acquires location information of an information terminal;
a destination position acquisition unit that acquires position information of a destination;
a destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit that acquires an estimated destination arrival time at which the user of the information terminal arrives at the destination based on the location information of the information terminal and the location information of the destination;
an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data determined based on the target time and the estimated time of arrival at the destination;
a printing device position acquisition unit that acquires position information of the printing device that executes the printing process;
The target time acquisition unit
Acquiring the start time of an event in which the user participates as the target time,
The destination position acquisition unit,
Acquiring location information of an event in which the user participates as location information of the destination;
The destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit,
An image processing device that acquires the estimated arrival time at the destination based on the position information of the information terminal, the position information of the destination, the predicted value of the execution time, and the position information of the printing device. a participant information acquisition unit that acquires information on participants of the event;
a setting information storage unit that stores setting information of the printing device associated with the participant;
The image processing unit
executing image processing on the image data determined based on the target time, the estimated time of arrival at the destination, and the setting information obtained by referring to the setting information storage unit based on the participant; The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the setting information is character size setting information or paper size setting information included in the image data. The image processing unit
4. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein when the estimated arrival time at the destination is earlier than the target time, a process of increasing the size of an image file containing the image data is executed. . The image processing unit
5. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein, if the scheduled arrival time at the destination is not earlier than the target time, processing for reducing the size of an image file containing the image data is executed. a print job acquisition step of acquiring a print job that instructs print processing based on image data;
an execution time output step of outputting a predicted value of the execution time of the printing process predicted based on the print job;
a target time acquisition step of acquiring a target time;
a terminal location acquisition step of acquiring location information of the information terminal;
a destination position acquisition step of acquiring position information of the destination;
a destination estimated arrival time acquiring step of acquiring an estimated destination arrival time at which the user of the information terminal arrives at the destination based on the location information of the information terminal and the location information of the destination;
an image processing step of performing image processing on the image data determined based on the target time and the estimated time of arrival at the destination;
a printing device position acquisition step of acquiring position information of a printing device that executes the printing process;
The target time acquisition step includes:
Acquiring the start time of an event in which the user participates as the target time,
The destination position acquisition step includes:
Acquiring location information of an event in which the user participates as location information of the destination;
The destination estimated arrival time acquisition step includes:
An image processing method for obtaining the estimated arrival time at the destination based on the position information of the information terminal, the position information of the destination, the predicted value of the execution time, and the position information of the printing device. the computer,
a print job acquisition unit that acquires a print job that instructs print processing based on image data;
an execution time output unit that outputs a predicted value of the execution time of the printing process predicted based on the print job;
a target time acquisition unit that acquires a target time;
a terminal location acquisition unit that acquires location information of an information terminal;
a destination position acquisition unit that acquires position information of a destination;
a destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit for acquiring an estimated destination arrival time at which the user of the information terminal arrives at the destination based on the location information of the information terminal and the location information of the destination;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data determined based on the destination time and the estimated time of arrival at the destination, and a printing device that acquires position information of a printing device that performs the printing process. function as a position acquisition unit,
The target time acquisition unit
Acquiring the start time of an event in which the user participates as the target time,
The destination position acquisition unit,
Acquiring location information of an event in which the user participates as location information of the destination;
The destination estimated arrival time acquisition unit,
A program for obtaining the estimated arrival time at the destination based on the position information of the information terminal, the position information of the destination, the predicted value of the execution time, and the position information of the printing device.

Images