JPH1011038A - Information processor and interface device and picture output control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To output a picture by automatically selecting the picture output device based on an output condition in a system provided with plural picture output devices. SOLUTION: Output conditions such as picture size, output medium (regular paper, OHP sheet or the like) and so forth are extracted from the PDL(page description language) data received from a host computer 120 are extracted in an output condition analyzing part 103. A device managing table 102a manages function information concerning functions of plural picture output devices. A device selecting part 102 selects an picture output device best suited to the PDL data by comparing the output conditions with the contents of the device managing table 102. Then, a proper interpreter process is generated by an interpreter process generating part 101 based on this selection and picture data are transformed by this process to be transmitted to the picture output device related to the selection from a device interface 105.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an interface apparatus, and an image output control method, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus connectable to a plurality of image output apparatuses, an image data supply source and a plurality of image outputs. The present invention relates to an interface device for relaying to an apparatus and an image output control method for selecting one of a plurality of image output devices and outputting an image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various systems have been provided which develop PDL (page description language) data into raster data, transfer the raster data to an image output device, and output an image. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional image output system. FIG. 5A shows that the PDL interpreter 202 for developing PDL data into raster data is
1 shows a system in a form incorporated in FIG. FIG.
2B illustrates a system in which the host computer 203 and the image output device 204 are relayed by the interface device 205, in which the PDL interpreter 202 is incorporated in the interface device 205. FIG. 5C shows the PDL interpreter 20
2 shows a system capable of controlling a plurality of image output devices by an interface device 206 provided with the interface device 2.

[0003]

However, the conventional image output system is, for example, shown in FIG. 5 (a) or (b).
In the case of the system shown in (1), only one image output device is handled, and therefore, one PDL interpreter or an interface device including the same is required for one image output device. FIG.
In the case of a system in which a plurality of image output devices can be connected as in the system shown in FIG. 1C, the user needs to select a desired image output device in advance and issue a print request.

Therefore, in a system as shown in FIG. 5A or 5B, only one image output device can be controlled by one interface device. Also, the interface device is not compatible with various image output devices. For this reason, for example, when an electrophotographic image output device and an inkjet image forming device are used, a dedicated interface device is required for each image output device. In this case, the user can determine from which image output device the created image can be output, or a desired output medium (eg, plain paper, OHP sheet, etc.) for any image output device. It is necessary to select an appropriate image output device and issue a print request after checking whether or not the printer is provided.

In a system as shown in FIG. 5C, a plurality of image output devices can be controlled by one interface device. However, as shown in FIG. 5A or FIG. As in the case of a simple system, it is necessary for the user to grasp the function and state of the image output device in advance, select an appropriate image output device, and issue a print request to the selected image output device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a system having a plurality of image output devices, an image is output by automatically selecting an output destination image output device based on output conditions. Accordingly, the object is to improve the work efficiency.

[0007]

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus connectable to a plurality of image output apparatuses, and includes an output condition obtaining means for obtaining an image output condition, and a plurality of image output apparatuses. Output destination selecting means for selecting an image output device suitable for the output condition from the output device.

[0008] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the output destination selecting means includes managing means for managing device information on each of the plurality of image output devices, and comparing means for comparing the contents of the output condition and the device information. And a selection unit that selects an image output device that meets the output condition from a plurality of image output devices based on a comparison result by the comparison unit.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the apparatus information includes function information for specifying a function of the image output apparatus.

The information processing apparatus according to the present invention further comprises image data generating means for generating image data according to the function of the image output device selected by the output destination selecting means, and the generated image data is used for the selection. Preferably, it is transmitted to an image output device.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the apparatus information includes state information for specifying a state of the image output apparatus.

It is preferable that the information processing apparatus of the present invention further comprises display means for displaying a message specifying the image output apparatus selected by the output destination selecting means.

[0013] The information processing apparatus according to the present invention further comprises second selection means for selecting an image output apparatus to be an output destination based on a user's designation, and the selection by the second selection means is performed by the selection means. It is preferable to prioritize the selection.

An interface device according to the present invention is an interface device for relaying a source of image data and a plurality of image output devices, and a receiving means for receiving image data from the source of image data; It is characterized by comprising output condition extracting means for extracting an image output condition from data, and output destination selecting means for selecting an image output device that meets the output condition from a plurality of image output devices.

In the interface device of the present invention,
The output destination selection unit is a management unit that manages device information about each of the plurality of image output devices, a comparison unit that compares the contents of the output condition and the device information, and And a selecting unit for selecting an image output device that meets the output condition from a plurality of image output devices.

In the interface device of the present invention,
Preferably, the device information includes function information for specifying a function of the image output device.

The interface device according to the present invention further comprises image data generating means for generating image data according to the function of the image output device related to the selection by the output destination selecting means, and converts the generated image data to the image related to the selection. Preferably, it is transmitted to an output device.

In the interface device of the present invention,
Preferably, the device information includes state information for specifying a state of the image output device.

It is preferable that the interface device of the present invention further comprises a notifying means for notifying the image data supply source of information for specifying the image output device selected by the output destination selecting means.

The interface device according to the present invention, when the received image data includes designation information for explicitly designating an image output device to be an output destination, the image output device to be the output destination based on the designation information It is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a second selection unit for selecting the selection, and that the selection by the second selection unit has priority over the selection by the selection unit.

An image output control method according to the present invention is an image output control method for selecting any one of a plurality of image output devices and outputting an image. The output condition obtaining step includes obtaining an image output condition. And an output destination selecting step of selecting an image output device suitable for the output condition from the image output device.

Another image output control method according to the present invention is an image output control method for relaying an image data supply source and a plurality of image output devices, the method comprising receiving image data from the image data supply source. And an output condition extracting step of extracting an image output condition from the received image data, and an output destination selecting step of selecting an image output device that meets the output condition from a plurality of image output devices. I do.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image output system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This image output system includes a host computer 120 as a supply source of image data, and image output devices (A) 111 and (B) 11 as a plurality of image output devices.
2, host computer 120 and image output device (A)
111 and (B) 112.

The interface device 100 automatically selects an image output destination according to information included in image data such as PDL data supplied from the host computer 120, and adapts the received image data to the image output device according to the selection. The data is converted into image data and transmitted to the image output device.

The host interface 106 is an interface connected to the host computer 120, receives image data (PDL data in the present embodiment) from the host computer 120, and outputs an output condition analysis unit for each print job. Hand over to 103.

The output condition analyzer 103 analyzes the output conditions of the image based on the image data received from the host computer 120. The device selection unit 102 is a device management table 1 that manages function information indicating the function of each image output device connected to the device interface 105.
02a, and selects an output destination image output apparatus suitable for the image data according to the contents of the device management table 102a and the output conditions analyzed by the output condition analysis unit 103.

The interpreter process generation unit 101
An interpreter process is generated for converting the received image data into image data suitable for the selected image output device of the output destination. Interpreter process management unit 1
04 is the generated interpreter process 104a,
.. are managed, and the image data is converted by an interpreter process corresponding to the image data.

The device interface 105 has a plurality of ports, and function information indicating the function of the image output apparatus connected to each port (eg, type of image forming apparatus, supported media size, media type, etc.). And notifies the device selection unit of the information. Also,
The device interface 105 is a device selection unit 1
The image data (for example, raster data) converted in the interpreter process is transmitted to the image output device selected in step 02, and the image is output to the image output device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing examples of PDL data transmitted from the host computer 120, respectively. In the PDL data used in the present embodiment, information on image data and various requests (output conditions) of the user are described before the description of the drawing command. For example, in the example of FIG.
The description “dEngine (Not Specified)” indicates that the user did not specify a specific image output device in the host computer 120. Also, “/ PageS”
ize [A1 size] ”, the image size is A1 size, and the description of“ / MediaType (BPF) ”is BPF (back print film) as the output medium type.
The description of “/ ColorType (RGB)” and “/ DataPerPixel24” indicates that 24 bits of the RGB type are specified as the data format of one pixel forming the image.
In the present embodiment, the PDL data as described above is received by the host interface 106 and passed to the output condition analysis unit 103 as one print job, where the output conditions specified by the user are analyzed.

FIG. 3 shows that the output condition analyzer 103
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a process of analyzing PDL data illustrated in FIG. Upon acquiring PDL data from the host interface 106 in 301, the output condition analysis unit 103 determines whether there is a device selection request ("UserSelectedEngine ()"), image size ("PageSize ()"), and output medium in 302 to 307. Type ("MediaTyp
e () ”), image data type (“ ColorType () ”,“ Data
PerPixel () "), information such as the presence / absence of staples, the presence / absence of a double-sided print request, etc., is extracted and supplied to the device selection unit 102 as output condition information.

Next, an operation example of the device selection unit 102 will be described. The device selection unit 102 is based on a device management table 102 a that collects function information of all image output devices (two in the example of FIG. 1) connected to the port of the device interface 105 and output information 310. , An image output device optimal for the PDL data according to the output condition information 310 is selected. The content of the device management table 102a is, for example, the interface device 10
The function information may be acquired and set from the image output device connected to the port by the device interface 105 at the time of turning on the power of the device 0, the power of the image output device, or the like. The setting may be made by a user using an operation panel 100 (not shown) or by another method.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the device selection unit 102. Device selection unit 102
In step S401, the output condition analysis unit 103
Based on the supplied output condition information 310, whether or not there is a device selection request, that is, information (“UserSelectedEngin”) specifying the image output apparatus of the output destination in the PDL data
e () ”) is determined. If the image output device is specified, the process proceeds to step S402; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S40.
Proceed to 6.

In step S402, function information relating to each image output device in the device management table 102a,
The contents of the output condition information 310 are compared with each other, and an image output device that matches the output condition is checked. In step S403, the comparison result in step S402 (for example, image output device (A): selectable, image output device (B): unselectable, etc.)
, An image output device to be used as an output destination is selected.

Here, when two or more output devices can be selected, for example, a high-speed image output device, an image output device that is not used for another printer job, or an image output device that is used less frequently It is desirable to select a preset image output device or the like.

It is desirable to set a priority order for the printing conditions specified in the PDL data. For example, the image size, the output medium, and the type of image data are set to essential output conditions (first priority), and for staple and double-sided printing, an image output apparatus having the function is selected as much as possible. If there is only one image output device that satisfies the essential condition, the image output device is selected. If two or more image output devices exist, An optimal image output device can be selected by making a selection in consideration of negligible output conditions. Note that a third priority lower than the second priority and subsequent priority may be provided.

On the other hand, when there is a device selection request, that is, when the PDL data includes information (for example, “UserSelectedEngine” (“image output device (A)”) or the like) for specifying the output destination image output device (step S401) In step S406, the designated image output device is selected.

In step S404, the host computer 120 is notified of the selection result. This allows
The host computer 120 includes a display unit 121 such as a CRT.
The selection result is displayed on the screen, and the user can recognize which image output device outputs the image.
Next, in step S405, the interpreter process generation unit 101 is notified of the selection result (information specifying the selected image output device) and the output condition information 310.

A specific example regarding the selection of the image output device in the device selection section 102 will be described below. Here, a case will be described in which an electrophotographic printer is connected as the image output device (A) 111 and an ink jet printer is connected as the image output device (B) 112, each having the following functions.

First, the image output apparatus (A) 111, which is an electrophotographic printer, comprises: 1. Can handle images from A6 size to A3 size. 2. Two types of output media, plain paper and OHP sheet, can be selected. As a method of transferring image data, R
Frame data, G frame data, B frame data, or C frame data, M frame data, Y
3. Adopting a transfer method for transferring frame data and K frame data in a frame sequential manner. 4. The output speed is faster than the inkjet method. It has the function of enabling staples and double-sided printing.

Next, the image output device (B) 112, which is an ink jet printer, comprises: 1. Can handle images from A6 size to A1 size. Output media types include plain paper, OHP sheet,
2. 4 types of back print film and glossy paper can be selected. A transfer method for transferring R data, G data, B data, or C data, M data, Y data, and K data dot-sequentially for each pixel as a transfer method of image data. I do.

In such a printer system, the host computer 120 specifies the image output device P
If the DL data has been transmitted ("YES" in step S401), the image output device is unconditionally selected (step S406). For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the received PDL data is “/ UserSelectedEngin
e (image output device (A)) ", when the instruction to select the image forming device (A) is explicitly given,
The image output device (A) is selected according to this instruction. In accordance with this selection, the interpreter process generation unit 105 generates an interpreter process for preparing image data in a data format (frame unit, frame sequential) suitable for the electrophotographic system.

Next, as shown in FIG. 2A, the received PDL data is "/ UserSelectedEngine (Not Specifie
When the selection of the image output device is entrusted to the interface device 100 according to the description “d)” (step S40)
1 is “NO”), the image output device at the output destination is
The device is selected by the device selection unit 102.

In the example shown in FIG. 2A, "/ PageS
According to the description of ize [A1 size], A1 size is used as the image size, and according to the description of “/ MediaType (BPF)”, BPF (back print film) is used as the type of output medium, and “/ Color
According to the description of “Type (RGB)” and “/ DataPerPixel24”, 24 bits of RGB type as the data format of one pixel of the image
Is specified. Therefore, the output condition analysis unit 103 supplies the output condition information 310 corresponding to this designation to the device selection unit 102.

The device selection unit 102 outputs the output condition information 3
Then, the content of the device management table 102a is compared with the content of the device management table 102 (step S403), and an inkjet type image output device (B) capable of outputting an A1 size back print film is selected (step S403).
Similarly, if the received PDL data is compatible with the image output device (A), the image output device (A) is selected.

In accordance with this selection, when, for example, the image output apparatus (A) of the electrophotographic system is selected, the interpreter process generation unit 105 develops an image on a memory as planar data suitable for frame-sequential transfer. Create such an interpreter process. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus (B) of the ink jet type is selected, an interpreter process for developing an image as interleaved data suitable for dot-sequential transfer on a memory is generated.

The image data converted by the generated interpreter process is transmitted to the selected image output device, and an image is formed and output by the image output device.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the most suitable image output device is specified according to the output condition.
When transmitting image data from the host computer, only output conditions for obtaining a desired output image need be selected, and it is not necessary to select an image output device every time while considering output conditions.

<Second Embodiment> In this embodiment, the state (for example, offline state, occurrence of an error, use, etc.) of each image output apparatus is monitored by the device interface 105, and this state is managed by the device. Table 10
2a, the image output device is selected based on the state of the image output device (step S404).

Therefore, even if the image output apparatus has a function corresponding to the output condition, if the state is unusable, another image output apparatus is selected as much as possible. Will be. If any of the image output devices cannot be used, the host computer 120 is notified in step S404.

<Other Embodiments> The above embodiments are
Although the interface device and the host computer are separate bodies, they may be integrated. Further, the interface device may be configured to be integrated with any one of the image output devices. Also,
An object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium in which software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments are recorded.
It is needless to say that the present invention is also achieved by supplying the data to a system or an apparatus and causing a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus to read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0056]

According to the present invention, in a system having a plurality of image output devices, an image can be output by automatically selecting an image output device of an output destination based on output conditions. improves.

[0057]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image output system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of PDL data transmitted from a host computer.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a process of analyzing PDL data illustrated in FIG. 3A in an output condition analysis unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation of a device selection unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional image output system.

Claims (28)

[Claims] An information processing apparatus connectable to a plurality of image output devices, comprising: an output condition acquisition unit for acquiring an image output condition; and an image output device adapted to the output condition from the plurality of image output devices. An information processing apparatus comprising: an output destination selection unit for selecting. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the output destination selecting unit includes: a managing unit that manages device information relating to each of the plurality of image output devices; a comparing unit that compares contents of the output condition with the device information; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a selection unit that selects an image output device that meets the output condition from a plurality of image output devices based on a comparison result. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus information includes function information for specifying a function of the image output apparatus. 4. An image data generating means for generating image data according to a function of the image output device related to the selection by the output destination selecting means, and transmitting the generated image data to the image output device related to the selection. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus information includes state information for specifying a state of the image output apparatus. 6. The information according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a message that specifies an image output device related to the selection by the output destination selection unit. Processing equipment. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second selection unit that selects an image output device to be output based on a user's designation, wherein the selection by the second selection unit has priority over the selection by the selection unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 8. An interface device for relaying a supply source of image data and a plurality of image output devices, a receiving unit receiving image data from the supply source of image data, and outputting an image from the received image data. An interface device comprising: output condition extracting means for extracting a condition; and output destination selecting means for selecting an image output device that meets the output condition from a plurality of image output devices. 9. An output destination selecting unit, comprising: a managing unit that manages device information relating to each of a plurality of image output devices; a comparing unit that compares the contents of the output condition with the device information; The interface device according to claim 8, further comprising: selecting means for selecting an image output device that matches the output condition from a plurality of image output devices based on a comparison result. 10. The interface device according to claim 9, wherein the device information includes function information for specifying a function of the image output device. 11. An image data generating unit for generating image data according to a function of the image output device selected by the output destination selecting unit, and transmitting the generated image data to the image output device according to the selection. The interface device according to claim 10, wherein: 12. The interface device according to claim 9, wherein the device information includes status information for specifying a status of the image output device. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify a source of the image data of information for specifying an image output apparatus selected by the output destination selection unit. 2. The interface device according to claim 1. 14. When the received image data includes designation information for explicitly designating an image output device to be an output destination, a second image output device to select the image output device to be the output destination based on the designation information. Further comprising:
The interface device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the selection by the selection unit (1) is prioritized over the selection by the selection unit (2). 15. An image output control method for selecting one of a plurality of image output devices and outputting an image, comprising: an output condition obtaining step of obtaining an output condition of an image; An output destination selecting step of selecting an image output device suitable for the output condition. 16. The output destination selecting step includes: a managing step of managing device information relating to each of the plurality of image output devices; a comparing step of comparing the contents of the output condition with the device information; 16. The image output control method according to claim 15, further comprising: selecting an image output device that meets the output condition from a plurality of image output devices based on a comparison result. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the apparatus information includes function information for specifying a function of the image output apparatus.
2. The image output control method according to claim 1. 18. An image data generating step of generating image data according to a function of the image output device related to the selection in the output destination selecting step, and transmitting the generated image data to the image output device related to the selection. 17. The image output control method according to claim 16, wherein: 19. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the apparatus information includes state information for specifying a state of the image output apparatus.
Alternatively, the image output control method according to claim 17. 20. The display device according to claim 15, further comprising a display step of displaying, on a display device, a message specifying the image output apparatus selected by the output destination selection step.
An image output control method according to claim 19. 21. The image processing apparatus further comprises a second selection step of selecting an image output device to be an output destination based on a designation of a user,
21. The image output control method according to claim 15, wherein the selection in the second selection step has priority over the selection in the selection step. 22. An image output control method for relaying between a source of image data and a plurality of image output devices, comprising: a receiving step of receiving image data from the source of image data; An image output control method, comprising: an output condition extracting step of extracting the output condition of (1), and an output destination selecting step of selecting an image output device that meets the output condition from a plurality of image output devices. 23. The output destination selecting step, wherein: a managing step of managing device information relating to each of the plurality of image output devices; a comparing step of comparing the contents of the output condition with the device information; 23. The image output control method according to claim 22, further comprising: selecting an image output device that meets the output condition from a plurality of image output devices based on a comparison result. 24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the device information includes function information for specifying a function of the image output device.
2. The image output control method according to claim 1. 25. An image data generating step of generating image data according to a function of the image output apparatus according to the selection in the output destination selecting step, and transmitting the generated image data to the image output apparatus according to the selection. The image output control method according to claim 24, wherein: 26. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the apparatus information includes state information for specifying a state of the image output apparatus.
25. The image output control method according to claim 24. 27. The image processing apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising a notifying step of notifying the image data supply source of information specifying the image output apparatus related to the selection in the output destination selecting step. 2. The image output control method according to claim 1. 28. When the received image data includes designation information for explicitly designating an image output device to be an output destination, a second image selection device for selecting the image output device to be the output destination based on the designation information. And further comprising the step of selecting
The image output control method according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the selection by the fixed selection is prioritized over the selection by the selection step.