JPH10312251A - Image processing system, image forming device, printer server, device connected to image forming device and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To change the mode setting of a paper size, the number of printing paper and a feeding paper port, which are set in a printer driver, and to add mode setting peculiar to a printer, which cannot be set in the printer driver (presence or absence or sorting, presence or absence of staple and presence or absence of punching), by means of leaving a printing order for jobs waiting for printing as it is in the control panel of an objective printer or a printer server before the objective printer starts printing after a printing request from the printer driver not only for the used printer. SOLUTION: The digital copying machine (printer) 1 receives the printing jobs from client computers CC1-CC4 connected to a network NW through a printer server computer PS. The printing jobs are accumulated in the storage means of the digital copying machine 1 or the printer server and they are managed by the job management table of the storage means. An operator can change and add the printing mode by rewriting the job management table from the control panel and the like.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a printer connected to a network, a printer server interposed between the network and the printer for connecting the printer to the network, and an image processing system comprising the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, it has been practiced to configure a network (LAN) by connecting a plurality of computers by lines to share resources. In many cases, printers are also connected to this network, and a small number of printers are shared by many users. In using such a printer on the network, the user creates documents on each computer or imports documents from others,
Images such as drawings and photographs can be printed using a printer driver. In addition to the paper size, the number of prints, the paper feed port, etc.
For example, it is possible to set whether to sort, whether to staple, whether to punch, etc.If a printer driver dedicated to the printer is used, all functions including functions unique to the printer can be set. it can.

[0003]

However, when a PDL printer driver that is not dedicated to the printer is used, basic settings such as the paper size, the number of prints, and the paper feed port can be made. In the driver,
In some cases, printer-specific functions such as sorting, stapling, and punching cannot be set.

Further, after a print request is once sent after setting the paper size, the number of prints, and the paper feed port, if it becomes necessary to change or add these settings, the previously issued print request is canceled. After resetting necessary items, I had to issue a print request again. Some printers have a function of accepting a large number of print requests and printing in the order in which the requests have been accepted.However, in such a printer, in the case described above, the order of printing is also the last. I have to be.

In the case where the printer cannot accept a large number of print requests, the print requests are stored in the printer server interposed between the network and the printer in the order in which the requests are accepted. If the print mode needs to be changed, the print request is similarly canceled and reset, and then the print request is issued, so that the print order is moved to the end.

[0006] Regardless of the type, all information for printing must be retransmitted only to change or add a printing mode. This inevitably increases the load on the network, and consequently reduces the efficiency of the entire system.

According to the present invention, after a print request from a printer driver and before a target printer starts printing, an operation panel of the target printer or a printer server maintains a print order for a job waiting to be printed, In addition to changing the settings of the paper size, the number of prints, the paper feed port, and the like, it is possible to add mode settings such as the presence / absence of sorting, the presence / absence of staples, and the presence / absence of punching.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems Each of the claimed inventions solves the above problems by means having the following constitutions.

(1) An external terminal having mode setting means for setting mode information for image information, transmitting means for transmitting image information and mode information, image information and mode information, Receiving means for receiving the image information and the mode information received, a storage means for storing the image information and the mode information in association with each other, a mode changing means for changing the mode information stored in the storage means, An image forming apparatus having image forming means for forming an image of stored image information on a sheet based on mode information.

(2) The invention according to claim 2, further comprising a waiting means for waiting the image forming means for a predetermined time to change the mode information before the image forming means performs the image forming. Image processing system.

(3) The mode changing means adds mode information other than the mode information sent from the external device.
The image processing system described in the above.

(4) A receiving means for receiving image information and mode information sent from the outside, and a storage means for storing the received image information and mode information in association with each other. Mode change means for changing the mode information stored in the storage means,
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on mode information based on mode information stored in the storage unit.

(5) The invention according to claim 5, further comprising a waiting means for waiting the image forming means for a predetermined time to change the mode information before the image forming means forms an image. Image forming apparatus.

(6) A receiving means for receiving image information and mode information sent from the outside, and storing the received image information and mode information in association with each other. Storage means, mode change means for changing the mode information stored in the storage means, and transmission means for transmitting the image information and the mode information stored in the storage means to an external image forming apparatus. Printer server.

(7) An external terminal comprising: mode setting means for setting mode information for image information; first transmitting means for transmitting image information and mode information; and an external terminal. Receiving means for receiving the image information and the mode information sent from the apparatus, and storage means for storing the image information and the mode information received via the first receiving means in association with each other A mode changing means for changing the mode information stored in the storage means, and a second mode for transmitting the image information and the mode information stored in the storage means to the external image forming apparatus.
A printer server having a transmitting unit, a second receiving unit for receiving image information and mode information sent from the printer server, and forming an image on a sheet based on the received image information and mode information. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for performing

(8) A receiving means for receiving image information and mode information sent from outside, and storing the received image information and mode information in association with each other. Storage means, mode change means for changing the mode information stored in the storage means, and transmission means for transmitting the image information and the mode information stored in the storage means to an external image forming apparatus. Connected to the image forming apparatus.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium on which a program is recorded, wherein the program is loaded on a device connected to an image forming apparatus or a printer server and connected to the image forming apparatus. Alternatively, the recording medium is a program for causing the printer server to perform the following functions a, b, c, and d.

A a receiving function of receiving image information and mode information sent from outside; b a storing function of storing received image information and mode information in association with each other; c changing stored mode information A transmission function of transmitting the stored image information and mode information to the image forming apparatus.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the present invention, the term paper or paper includes not only paper mainly composed of natural materials in a narrow sense but also broad sense such as plastic films for OHP. A foil that can fix visual information such as figures and photographs on its surface.

In the present invention, the term image is a character,
Including figures and photos.

In the present invention, the image forming means is means for fixing an image on the surface of paper to create an image. Image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers have image forming means.

In the present invention, the mode that can be set by the PDL printer driver is the range and size of the image to be drawn on the paper when the image is formed on the paper by the image forming means (for example, A4B5, vertical orientation). The mode unique to the printer is the processing of the paper after the image is formed (for example, sorting, double-sided printing,
Staples and punch holes). In addition, mode change is to change the mode itself,
In addition to setting a different mode (for example, changing the paper selection from B5 to A4), adding a new mode that has not been set (for example, when the staple mode has not been set, newly switching to the staple mode) Setting).

In the present invention, the storage means may be a RAM or an external storage means such as a hard disk.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

(1) Embodiment of the Invention According to the First Embodiment The image processing system of the present invention includes an external terminal and an image forming apparatus.

The external terminal has mode setting means and transmission means. The mode setting means sets mode information for the image information, and the transmission means transmits the image information and the mode information. .

The image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit, a storing unit, a mode changing unit, and an image forming unit. The receiving unit receives image information and mode information, and the storing unit stores the received image information and the image information. The mode information is stored in association with the mode information, the mode changing means changes the mode information stored in the storage means, and the image forming means stores the image information stored in the storage means on a sheet based on the mode information. Perform imaging.

(2) An image processing system according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the standby means causes the image forming means to form an image. Prior to this, the apparatus waits for a predetermined time to change the mode information.

(3) An image processing system according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the mode changing means further comprises:
Mode information other than the mode information sent from the external device is added.

(4) An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit, a storing unit, a mode changing unit, and an image forming unit.

The receiving means receives image information and mode information sent from an external device, and the storage means
The image information and the mode information received by the receiving unit are stored in association with each other, the mode change unit changes the mode information stored in the storage unit, and the image forming unit stores the mode information in the storage unit. The formed image information is formed on a sheet based on the mode information.

(5) An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the image forming means is provided by a standby means.
Prior to performing image formation, the apparatus waits for a predetermined time to change mode information.

(6) A printer server according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is connected to an external device and an image forming apparatus, and includes a receiving unit, a storage unit, a mode changing unit, and a transmitting unit. The receiving means receives the image information and the mode information sent from the external device, and the storage means stores the received image information and the mode information in association with each other. The mode changing means changes the mode information stored in the storage means, and the transmission means transmits the image information and the mode information stored in the storage means to the image forming apparatus.

(7) An image processing system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes an external terminal, a printer server, and an image forming apparatus.

The external terminal includes a mode setting means and a first transmitting means, wherein the mode setting means sets the mode information for the image information, and the first transmitting means transmits the image information and the mode information to each other. Send

[0036] The printer server comprises: first receiving means;
A storage unit, a mode change unit, and a second transmission unit, wherein the first reception unit receives the image information and the mode information transmitted from the external terminal, and the storage unit includes: The image information and the mode information received by the first receiving means are stored in association with each other, the mode change means changes the mode information stored in the storage means, and the second transmission means The image information and the mode information stored in the storage unit are transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus has a second receiving unit and an image forming unit. The second receiving unit receives the image information and the mode information sent from the printer server, and forms the image. The imaging unit forms an image on a sheet based on the image information and the mode information received by the second receiving unit.

(8) An apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit, a storing unit, a mode changing unit, and a transmitting unit. Receiving image information and mode information sent from the outside, the storage means stores the received image information and mode information in association with each other, and the mode change means stores the received image information and mode information in the storage means. The mode information is changed, and the transmission unit transmits the image information and the mode information stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus.

(9) The recording medium according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is loaded on an apparatus or a printer server connected to the image forming apparatus, and is loaded on the apparatus or the printer server connected to the image forming apparatus. A program that causes the following functions a, b, c, and d is recorded.

A a receiving function for receiving image information and mode information sent from the outside; b a storing function for storing received image information and mode information in association with each other; c changing stored mode information A transmission function of transmitting the stored image information and mode information to the image forming apparatus.

[0041]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A digital copying machine usually has a function as a copying machine and a function as a printer. In this embodiment, in the case of a digital copying machine or simply a copying machine,
Unless otherwise specified, it focuses on functions as a printer of a digital copying machine, and is not substantially distinguished from a printer as far as it is.

"First Embodiment""Overview of System" FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the present invention. This system includes a network NW, a digital copying machine 1, a printer server computer PS, and a plurality of client computers CC1 to CC4. The printer server computer PS and the plurality of client computers CC1 to CC4 are connected via a network NW, whereby the client computers CC1 to CC4 and the printer server computer PS are connected.
Between or client computers CC1 to CC4
Data communication such as image data and various commands can be performed between the two.

The digital copier 1 is connected to a printer server computer PS, so that the digital copier 1 can perform other functions such as copying of an original document, as well as a client computer CC1 via the printer server computer PS. To print out the image data received from CC4.

The printer server computer PS
Receives data described in a page description language from the client computers CC1 to CC4, converts the data into image data, and outputs the image data to the digital copying machine 1.

[Outline of Digital Copying Machine] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the entire structure of the digital copying machine 1 according to the present invention.

The copying machine 1 includes an image reader IR, a page printer PRT, and an external interface unit IU.
And a digital copying machine.

The page printer PRT includes a print processing unit 40 for outputting an exposure control signal, a print head 60 using a semiconductor laser 62 as a light source, a developing / transfer system 70A including a photosensitive drum 71 and its peripheral devices, and a fixing roller pair. It comprises a fixing / discharge system 7OB having an output roller 84 and a discharge roller 85, and a circulating paper transport system 70C including a unit 600, and receives image data transferred from the image reader IR or via the external interface unit IU. A copy image is printed by an electrophotographic process based on the obtained image data.

At the bottom of the page printer PRT, two paper cassettes 80a and 80 capable of storing about several hundred sheets of paper are provided.
b, paper size detection sensors SE11 and SE12, a multi-manual paper feed port 80c capable of storing OHP paper, postcards, and other irregular-size paper, a multi-manual paper size detection sensor SE13, and a paper feed roller group are provided. .

An empty sensor SE1 for detecting the presence / absence of paper in the two paper cassettes and the multi-manual paper feed port.
1E, SE12E and SE13E are also provided.

The laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 62 is deflected by the polygon mirror 65 in the main scanning direction.
The light is guided to the exposure position of the photosensitive drum 71 via the main lens 69 and various mirrors 67a, 68, 67c. The surface of the photosensitive drum 71 is uniformly charged by the charger 72. The latent image formed by exposure along with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 71 becomes a toner image via a developing device 73, and the toner image is transferred onto a sheet by a transfer charger 74 at a transfer position (copying position). 75
The paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 71 by the transport belt 83, is sent to the fixing roller pair 84 by the conveyor belt 83, and is discharged face-up.

The unit 600 is attached to the side of the page printer PRT as an additional device for automating double-sided copying and discharging the paper with the printed surface facing down. The printer has a function of temporarily storing the paper thus formed, performing switchback conveyance, and sending it back to the page printer main body.

In the one-sided copy mode, the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 621 without passing through the unit 600. On the other hand, in the double-sided copy mode, the left end of the switching claw 601 is moved upward by a solenoid (not shown), and the sheet discharged from the discharge roller 85 reaches the forward / reverse roller 603 through the transport roller 602. . When the trailing edge of the sheet reaches the sheet sensor SE61, the forward / reverse roller 603 is inverted.

Thus, the sheet is returned to the page printer main body. The returned paper is fed to horizontal transport rollers 86a,
The sheet is sent to the timing roller 82 through 86b and 86c, where it is on standby to print the next back side (unprinted side). Here, when a plurality of sheets are continuously fed, the sheets are conveyed one after another and sent to the unit 600 at predetermined intervals so that the sheets do not overlap each other. Since the length of the paper transport path is constant, the number of sheets N (the maximum number of circulated sheets) in one circulation by the unit 600 and the horizontal transport rollers 86a to 86c depends on the paper size.

In the printer mode, a solenoid (not shown) moves the left end of the switching claw 601 upward and moves the lower right end of the switching claw 601 downward. The sheet discharged from the discharge roller 85 passes through the transport roller 602 and reaches the forward / reverse roller 603. When the trailing edge of the sheet reaches the sheet sensor SE61, the forward / reverse roller 603 is inverted. As a result, the paper is discharged to the tray 62.
The paper 1 is discharged with the printing surface facing down.

The stapler 100 also stores the printed sheets passing through the forward / reverse rollers 603.
And is discharged to the discharge basket 101. In the case of sorting, the sheets are sorted by sliding the paper discharge tray 621 for each copy.

"Block Diagram of Digital Copier" FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the digital copier 1.

The function of copying an original is controlled by the control unit CTRL based on an instruction from the operation panel OP. The original is read by the image reader IR, and the read image data is read under the conditions (number of copies, density, double-sided copy, single-sided copy, 2in1) specified from the operation panel OP.
Etc.) to perform printing with the page printer PRT.

The digital copying machine 1 is connected to a printer server computer PS via an interface unit IU. Thus, the digital copying machine 1 can print out the image data received from the client computers CC1 to CC4 via the printer server computer PS from the page printer PRT.

The memory M stores a print mode, image data, a job management table for managing jobs, and a paper feed cassette 80.
a, 80b, and a paper feed port management table for managing information on the manual paper feed port 80c.

"Overview of Print Sequence" FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of the print sequence of the network system. Here, these two figures are essentially one figure divided vertically by a dotted line, and the printer server P
Lines extending downward from S and the digital copier 1 are connected to lines marked with * 1 and * 2, respectively.

FIG. 8 shows the client computers CC1 to CC1.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a printer driver activated from a document creation application * 101 on CC4.

The printer driver is activated on the client computer (# 101), the status is obtained from the printer server PS (# 102), and the printer driver screen (FIG. 6) is displayed on the display. On this screen, a print mode that can be set by the printer driver is set (# 103), the set print mode and image data are transferred to the printer server PS (# 104), and the printer driver is terminated (# 104). ).

Here, referring to FIGS. 4 to 8, a sequence from when the user instructs printing on the client computers CC1 to CC4 to when the print data is registered in the digital copying machine 1, and when the print data is digitally copied. The process from printing out from the machine 1 to displaying a status such as completion of printing on the "status display application" operating on the client computers CC1 to CC4 will be described.

In the first embodiment, the digital copier 1 can receive a large number of print requests (print job, copy job), accumulate the received job data, and print out the received job data in the order of reception. It is. This type of digital copying machine 1 has a job management table in a memory, which includes print mode information and a storage location of image data.

(A) Creation of a document The user creates and edits a target document * 102 using a document creation application * 101 operating on the client computers CC1 to CC4.

The document creation application * 101 is usually stored on a hard disk, and is loaded into a memory when needed by a user and executed by being controlled by a CPU.

At this time, the document layout, print instruction information, and the like are displayed on the display.

The user inputs characters, edits an image, prints, etc., using a keyboard or a mouse, and the information is notified to the CPU for processing.

(B) Activation of Printer Driver The document created by the document creation application * 101 is
To translate into a specific page description language so that it can be rasterized, and to set the paper size, the number of prints, and the operation mode of the paper feed port, the user operates the client computer C.
General-purpose PDL described in this embodiment on C1 to CC4
The printer driver * 105 is loaded from the hard disk into the memory and activated (* 103, * 104, # 1 in FIG. 8).
01).

(C) Acquisition of Status Information The started printer driver * 105 sends a status request to the printer server computer PS to acquire the mechanical status of the digital copier 1 itself and the status of the registered job. (* 10
6).

Since the printer server computer PS receiving this request does not have the requested status information of the digital copying machine 1 at this time, the printer server computer PS further transfers this status request to the digital copying machine 1. (* 107).

In response to this request, the digital copying machine 1
Prints its own status information to the printer server computer P
Send it out to S (* 108).

The printer server computer PS further transmits the received status information to the client computer CC.
The data is forwarded to 1 to CC4 (* 109).

By this communication operation, the printer driver * 105 on the client computers CC1 to CC4 has completed the acquisition of the status of the digital copying machine 1 (# 102).

At this time, the printer server computer PS not only communicates with the digital copying machine 1 to acquire and transfer the status of the digital copying machine 1, but also stores the status in the printer server computer PS. The status of the job spooled on the hard disk is also added to the client computers CC1 to CC4.
Notify.

(D) Setting of print mode On the printer driver screen (FIG. 6), the paper size, paper feed port, and number of copies that can be set by the printer driver are set (* 110, # 103 in FIG. 8).

FIG. 6 shows client computers CC1 to CC1.
This is an example of a screen in which a printer driver (* 105) is started from the document creation application * 101 in CC4, and settings for paper and the like are going to be performed.

In the screen shown in FIG.
4 indicates that the printing direction is the vertical direction, and that the paper feeding method is selected to be automatically selected.

However, the printer driver can be set by the status information acquired in the above (c).
At this stage, the setting of the item which does not have the function on the printer side is prohibited (it cannot be selected or the item itself is not displayed).

(E) Print Start After the print mode setting (* 110) is completed, the user starts printing (* 1) with the document creation application (* 101).
11) is specified. In response, the document creation application (* 101) sends the printer driver (* 105)
Is instructed to start printing (* 112).
The printer driver (* 105) notifies the printer server computer PS of the print mode (paper size, number of prints, paper feed port) set in (d) via the network (* 113).

On the other hand, when the printer server computer PS determines that the print job can be accepted, it notifies the return printer driver (* 105) that the print acceptance is permitted (* 115). ,
The printer driver (* 105) having received the reception permission transmits image data to the printer server computer PS, and the printer server computer PS starts receiving the image data (* 116, # 104 in FIG. 8).

When the transfer of the image data ends, the printer driver (* 105) ends (# 105).

(F) Rasterization to Image Layout The image data output from the printer driver (* 105) is usually described in a page description language instead of bitmap image data. In order to print an image with the digital copying machine 1, the image is converted into a bitmap data form that can be printed by the digital copying machine 1 (rasterization, *
117), and transfer to the digital copier 1 is necessary.

In this case, if the print mode requiring layout processing is set in the print mode notified from the printer driver (* 105), rasterization is performed in consideration of the layout (* 118).

In this embodiment, data (print mode information (paper size, number of prints, paper feed port) and image data) from the client computers (CC1 to CC4) are transmitted to the printer server computer PS via the network NW.
And analyzes it and draws it on the memory in the printer server computer PS.

(G) Image Spool The image data rasterized in (f) is temporarily stored (spooled) on the hard disk in the printer server computer PS (* 119).

As a result, regardless of the state of the digital copying machine 1, for example, even if a print job of another person is being printed, a print job from the client computers CC1 to CC4 can be accepted.

(H) Activation of the status display application When the printer drivers on the client computers CC1 to CC4 have all transferred the print data from the document creation application to the printer server computer PS, the status display application program (* 127) Are client computers CC1-C
It is loaded from the hard disk in C4 onto the memory of the computer and activated (* 128).

(I) Transfer of Print Job to Digital Copier The printer server computer PS issues a job registration request to the digital copier 1 at an appropriate timing (* 12
0), when job registration permission is received from the digital copying machine 1 (* 121), the spooled print job (print mode information (paper size, number of copies, paper feed port) and image data) is sent to the digital copying machine 1. Transfer (* 122, * 1
23).

The digital copying machine 1 prints out according to the received print mode (* 124).

(J) Notification of end of printing The digital copier 1 is connected to the printer server computer PS.
When the print job transferred from is completed,
The completion of printing is notified to the printer server computer PS by status information (* 125).

The printer server computer PS updates the information in its own job management table, and notifies the client computers CC1 to CC4 of the update (* 126).

(K) Status display When the client computers CC1 to CC4 are notified by the status information that the print job designated by themselves has been completed, the client computers CC1 to CC4 use the status display application (* 127) loaded on the memory to display the status. Is displayed on the display (FIG. 7) (* 130).

The above description is mainly based on the client computers CC1 to CC4 and the printer server computer PS.
The present embodiment will be described with a focus on the flow of information between the digital copier 1 and the digital copier 1.

[Digital Copying Machine Control (Main Routine)] On the other hand, when starting printing of a job received via the interface unit IU, the digital copying machine 1 of this embodiment uses one of print mode information of the job. Wait for printing to start for a certain print start waiting time setting value. Printing starts when the set time elapses or when the start key is pressed. During this standby time, the print mode set by the printer driver on the operation panel OP is changed, or the print mode of the digital copier (sorting, staple, punching, etc.) that cannot be set by the printer driver is added. It is possible to do.

FIG. 9 shows a control section CTRL of the digital copying machine 1.
6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

The operation starts when the power is turned on or when the reset button is pressed (# 201). After the initial settings such as the mode setting of the peripheral device (IC) are performed (# 202), the internal timer is set (# 203). . This timer controls the time required to execute the following routine.

As shown in FIG. 3, various data are sent to the control unit CTRL of the digital copying machine 1 from the interface unit IU, the memory M, the operation panel OP, the page printer PRT, and the image reader IR.

[0099] The interface unit I
Various information such as print job information sent from outside via U, input information from the operation panel OP, status information from the printer PRT, and status information from the image reader IR are included.
At 204), this data is analyzed.

In the mode setting process (# 205), for example, the print mode (paper size, number of prints, paper feed port) transmitted as the print mode information * 122 in FIG. The operation mode is set according to the processing result.

The reading process (# 206) is performed, for example, as shown in FIG.
As indicated by * 123, the acquired image data is written to the image memory, for example, by reading the transmitted image data.

The print processing (# 207) is a print processing subroutine shown in FIG. 10 described later. The print mode data (paper size, number of prints) for the job with the highest priority stored in the job management table is displayed. , Paper feed port) to print out the image data.

A waiting time is set as will be described later, and printing is waited until the set time or the start key is pressed. During this time, the user can change or add a print mode of the job management table.

In the output data set (# 208), output data such as commands for instructing the page printer PRT, image reader IR and the like in the digital copying machine 1 to operate are set in the communication port.

The change of the print mode (# 209) is for calling a print mode change subroutine of FIG. 12, which will be described later. The print mode can be changed or added.

# 210 is an internal timer set (# 203)
The end of the timer set in step (1) is monitored, and when the timer ends, the flow jumps to the internal timer set (# 203) again.

Thereafter, the digital copier 1 executes the routine # 20.
From step 3, the routine # 210 is repeated.

"Contents of Print Processing (# 207) Routine" FIG. 10 shows the print processing (# 207) in FIG.
The details of the subroutine are shown.

When this subroutine is called, the print processing subroutine (# 207) starts (# 207).
301) Then, it is checked whether or not the digital copying machine 1 is currently printing (# 302). If printing is in progress, the routine immediately exits from this routine (# 313).

If printing is not being performed, the job management table is checked to see if print jobs (including copy jobs) are stored therein (# 30).
3) If not stored, the process exits this routine (# 313).

If it is stored, the order of the job management table is advanced by one (# 304). This allows
The advanced job is displayed on the operation panel (# 30)
5), a preset standby time is set in the standby time measurement timer, and time measurement is started (# 306).

At step # 307, it is checked whether or not the waiting time has been completed. If the waiting time has been completed, the next display "printing" is displayed on the operation panel OP (# 31).
1).

If the waiting time has not been completed, it is checked whether the start key has been pressed (# 308). If the start key has been recognized, the control is transferred to # 311 and the display of "printing" is displayed on the operation panel OP. Display above.

If the start key has not been pressed, it is checked whether or not the mode has been changed on the operation panel OP (# 309), and if not, it is checked again whether or not the standby time has been completed (# 307).

If the mode change check (# 309) is present, the data changed on the operation panel OP is replaced with the mode data of the current job (in this case, the print job to be executed) (# 310). ), Returning to the main routine of this subroutine, when the start key is pressed (# 308) or when the waiting time is completed (# 307), the process jumps to # 311 in the same manner as described above.

A message "printing" is displayed on the operation panel OP, and immediately the print sequence control is started (# 31).
2) Perform printing. After printing is completed, the process exits from this routine and returns to the main routine (FIG. 9).

Routines # 306 and # 30 in FIG.
7, # 308, # 309, and # 310 mean that the digital copier 1 waits for a preset standby time before starting printing, and during this time, the user operates the operation panel OP to operate the current job. Mode can be changed or added.

The standby time is set in the digital copying machine 1 on a screen which is not normally used by a user.
Although not shown in the flowchart, when the current job is displayed on the operation panel OP, the numeric keypad 801 is displayed.
When the start key is pressed while pressing the "0" button, a standby time setting screen is displayed. On this screen, a numeric value is input using the numeric keys, and when the start key is pressed, the setting is confirmed, and the display returns to the current job display screen.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen for setting the standby time displayed on the display section 804 of the operation panel OP. On this screen, the standby time is set to 10 seconds.

"Change of Print Mode of Job in Print Queue" FIG. 12 is a flow chart of changing the print mode of a job in the print queue. The contents of "change of print mode"(# 209) in FIG. It shows.

Print mode change subroutine (# 20)
When entering 9) (# 400), it is checked whether the display switching key 803 is pressed (# 401). Display switching key 8
03 is recognized, the timer is set (# 40).
2) The job list is displayed on the display unit 804 of the operation panel OP (# 402).

If the user does nothing with the job list displayed, the timer will time out (#
404), the display is switched to the display of the current job (#
418), the subroutine returns to the main routine (# 419).

Here, FIG. 13 shows a display switching key 803 on the display unit 804, which switches between displaying the mode of the currently processed job (current job) and displaying the list of jobs being stored. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an existing operation panel OP.

In this figure, the display unit 804 should show the current job, but since there is no job at present, only "printing is possible" is displayed.

FIG. 14 shows a display section 804 on which a job list is displayed by pressing a current job / job list display switching key 803. The display unit 804 is a touch panel, and selects a job by touching a part where a job whose mode is desired to be changed is displayed.

When selected, the job is highlighted. It should be noted that in FIG. 14, the image is shown by being surrounded by a rectangle instead of the inverted display due to restrictions described in the patent drawings. Both the inversion and the rectangle are for the user to confirm the job selected by the user, and other methods such as blinking and changing the color may be used.

When the display is highlighted and the start key 802 is pressed, the print mode of the job is displayed on the display unit 804. FIG. 15 shows an example of the screen at this time.

In FIG. 12, the job is designated by pressing the touch panel in step # 405, and in step # 406
In step # 407, the designated job is highlighted (this state is the selected state), and the press of the start key 802 is detected. In step # 407, the selected job is displayed on the display unit 804. .

Further, at # 408, the timer is set, and the process proceeds to the next mode selection.

The screen shown in FIG. 15 shows a state in which the print mode is about to be changed for the third print job.

The display of “sort”, “printing side”, and “paper” in the portion surrounded by the oval on the screen indicates the items of the print mode change, and the “sort”,
“Simplex” and “Auto” initially indicate the state of the print mode currently set for the printer.

On this screen, "Sort" and "Print side"
Is a print mode that cannot be set by the printer driver, and is a print mode that is additionally set on the touch panel of the display unit 804 of the digital copying machine.

When the elliptical item is touched, the display above it toggles or circulates, so the user repeats this until the desired content is displayed.

The above operation is performed as follows.

In step # 409, it is checked whether the start key 802 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process jumps out of the loop and proceeds to the next step # 413.

If the start key 802 has not been pressed, it is checked in # 410 whether the timer set in # 408 has timed out.

If the timer has timed out, the process jumps out of the loop and proceeds to step # 414.

If the timer has not timed out, the press of the touch panel is detected, and one of the print mode items is determined from the pressed position, and the content of the corresponding item is toggled or circulated by one step. . For example,
In FIG. 15, the single-sided printing is currently selected for the printing side in the printing mode. However, when the ellipse portion in which “printing side” is displayed is pressed, the display on the upper side is changed from “single sided” to “single sided”. Change to both sides.

When this operation is completed, or when the touch panel is not pressed, the process returns to step # 409, and the above operation is repeated.

As described above, when the start key 802 is pressed, the flow jumps to step # 413. Here, the content of the print mode item displayed on the display unit 804 is read, and the content of the mode information of the job management table is rewritten according to the content. Thus, the changed mode information is reflected in the job management table. When this process ends, the process advances to # 414.

On the other hand, when exiting this loop due to a timeout, it is considered that the user has not made a decision according to the contents of the item on the display unit 804 even if the item has been changed. Is not appropriate. Therefore, the job management table is not rewritten, and
Proceed to.

In step # 414, the contents of the job management table are displayed on the display unit 804 as a job list in the same manner as in step # 403.

After the job list is displayed, the timer is set (# 415), and the press of the display switching key 803 is detected (# 417), or the timeout of the timer is detected (# 417).
416) Then, the display is switched again to the display screen of the current job (# 418), and the process exits this subroutine in # 419.

[Management Table in Digital Copying Machine] Various management tables are stored in the memory M (FIG. 3) in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 16 shows the concept of a paper feed port information management table for managing paper feed port information.

The sheet empty sensors SE11E to SE1 located at the respective paper feed ports 80a and 80b and the manual paper feed port 80c.
The information from 3E is reflected on the table at any time.

When a sheet is inserted into the manual feed port 80c, an input request for the sheet size / direction and sheet type is made on the copier panel. This input data is reflected in the table.

FIG. 17 shows the concept of the job management table.

Jobs are arranged from top to bottom in the oldest order (how they are arranged in the actual memory is a completely different matter), and the current job ID is 07.
Is waiting for the next job to be printed. The storage location of the image information is associated with the job ID.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the print job management table in the digital copier 1 is rewritten. However, the print job management table in the printer server computer PS is rewritten. This is the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, since the print mode is changed in the printer server computer PS, the printer server computer PS sends the data to the digital copier and deletes the data before the printer server computer PS erases the data. If the job is currently stored in the print job management table in the PS, the print mode can be changed for this job.

Therefore, the digital copying machine 1 may be either a type for storing jobs or a type for not storing jobs.

However, the digital copier does not have a print job management table, that is, accepts only one incoming copy job or print job, and accepts the next print only after one print is completed.
This is particularly effective for a type that performs sequential printing processing.

As described in the section of the first embodiment, the printer server computer PS determines that the digital copier 1 accepts the image information expressed in the page description language sent from the client computers CC1 to CC4. Convert to possible bitmap data.

The converted data is temporarily stored in the hard disk of the printer server computer PS, and when the digital copier 1 is ready to receive the data, it is taken out of the hard disk and passed to it.

Therefore, this data will be managed by the printer server computer PS until the digital copying machine 1 can receive this data.

For this management, the printer server computer PS has a print job management table similar to that described in the first embodiment.
The print mode of the job stored above can be changed.

The print mode change subroutine is entered from the current job display screen of the printer server computer PS. This screen is substantially the operation panel OP of FIG.
Is displayed on the display screen of the printer server computer PS.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of this subroutine. This figure is not substantially different from that of FIG.
In FIG. 12, pressing of keys and touching of the touch panel are performed by clicking the mouse in the printer server computer PS. Here, all the parts corresponding to the keys and the contact parts of the touch panel are described as buttons.

The normal printer server computer P
Since it is assumed that S does not have an independent general-purpose hardware timer, in this embodiment, the clock of the printer server computer PS is read, thereby realizing the timer function.

Therefore, in the processing set as the timer in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the time obtained by calculating the current time and the required time is stored as the timeout time, and the timeout is newly read out. This is performed by comparing the stored current time with the stored timeout time, and determining that the timeout has occurred when the current time has passed the stored timeout time.

The operation of this subroutine is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment since the operation is the same as that of the first embodiment if the above-mentioned changes are made to correspond. Therefore, this operation will not be described redundantly.

In FIG. 18, the numbers assigned to the respective processes are in the # 500s, but the tens and the tens correspond to the tens and the tens in the # 400s in FIG.

[Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the waiting time is set, and the mode immediately before the printing process can be changed during that time. However, this function can be omitted.

However, in this case, the mode can be changed only for the print job or copy job in the job management table.

This can be achieved by immediately jumping from # 301 to # 311 in the flow of FIG. 10 of the first embodiment, and deleting the routines (# 302 to # 310) in the middle.

"Fourth Embodiment" In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the function of changing the print job or the copy job in the job management table is not necessary, or in the case of a digital type in which the job cannot be stored in the first place. The copier can have only the function of changing the mode of the immediately preceding print processing.

In this case, the subroutine of FIG. 12 is completely unnecessary, so that step # 209 in FIG. 9 is deleted and the print processing # 207 subroutine of FIG. 9 may be replaced with that of FIG.

When the print processing subroutine # 601 is entered, the print mode is ascertained (# 602), and the ascertained print mode is displayed on the display section 804 of the operation panel OP (#
605), the standby time is set in the timer, and time measurement is started (# 606).

When the standby time is completed (# 607) or when the start key 802 is recognized as being depressed (# 608), the print processing is executed in the set print mode (# 612), and the processing is terminated (# 612). # 613).

Further, the standby time is not completed (# 607) and the pressing of the start key 802 is not recognized (# 608).
At this time, the mode change is checked on the operation panel OP (# 609).
That fact is displayed above, and the print mode is changed as displayed on the operation panel OP (# 610).

The completion of the waiting time is checked again, and these are repeated. Eventually, the standby time is completed or the start key 802 is pressed, so that the flow proceeds to the above-mentioned # 612, and this subroutine is terminated (# 613).

[Fifth Embodiment] In the second embodiment, the mode can be changed in the printer server PS.
Connect optional devices to digital copiers and printers,
This optional device can fulfill the function of the printer server PS shown in the second embodiment.

The optional device may be a dedicated device, a personal computer, or the like.

When a personal computer is used, a display, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like attached to the personal computer can be used, so that there is an advantage that an instruction to change the mode can be easily made.

Even if this is a dedicated device, there is no need to particularly change the operation panel of the digital copier and the printer to which it is connected, so that the structure of the digital copier and the printer does not have to be complicated. The merit arises.

[0177]

By adopting the configuration described in each of the claims, the present invention can be applied to a case where printing is performed using a printer driver which cannot set a function specific to a printer to be used. Since the setting can be made on the operation panel of the printer, the function unique to the printer can be utilized, and the print processing can be performed efficiently. Further, after the print request from the printer driver and before the target printer starts printing, the operation panel of the target printer or the printer server
For the jobs waiting to be printed, the order of printing remains unchanged, and in addition to paper size, number of prints,
It is possible to add or change mode settings such as the presence or absence of staples and the presence or absence of punches.

Therefore, even if a request to change the print mode is issued after the operator issues a print request, the print mode can be changed or added by operating the printer or the printer server. In addition, there is an effect that an increase in system load due to retransmission of a print request can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a digital copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of control of the digital copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a print sequence of the network system according to the present invention, showing the upper half thereof.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a print sequence of the network system according to the present invention, showing a lower half thereof.

FIG. 6 is a setting screen of paper and the like of a printer driver.

FIG. 7 is a message screen of a print job end in the status display application.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a flow of control of a printer driver.

FIG. 9 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the control unit of the digital copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a subroutine flowchart showing the contents of print processing (# 207) in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a standby time setting screen displayed on the display unit of the operation panel OP.

FIG. 12 shows the change of the print mode in FIG. 9 (# 209)
5 is a subroutine flowchart showing the contents of the subroutine.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation panel OP and a current job display screen displayed on a display unit thereof.

FIG. 14 is a job list display screen displayed on the display unit of the operation panel OP.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel OP and a print mode change screen of a specific job displayed on a display unit thereof.

FIG. 16 is a view showing the concept of a paper feed port information management table in a memory in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a concept of a job management table in a memory in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a print mode change subroutine of another embodiment for changing a print mode in the printer server computer.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of another embodiment in which a print standby time is set in a digital copying machine having no job management table, and a mode is changed during that time.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 digital copier 40 print processing unit 60 print head 62 semiconductor laser 65 polygon mirror 69 main lens 67a, 68, 67c mirror 70A developing / transferring system 70B fixing / discharging system 70C paper transport system 71 photosensitive drum 72 charging charger 73 developing device 74 transfer charger 75 separation charger 80a, 80b paper cassette 80c manual feed port 82 timing roller 83 transport belt 84 fixing roller pair 85 discharge rollers 86a, 86b, 86c horizontal transport roller 100 stapler 101 discharge basket 600 unit 601 switching claw 602 transport Roller 603 Forward / reverse roller 621 Discharge tray 801 Numeric keypad 802 Start key 803 Current job / job list display switching key 804 Display section PS Printer server Computers CC1 to CC4 Client computer CTRL Controller IR Image reader PRT Page printer IU External interface unit OP Operation panel M Memory NW Network SE11, SE12, SE13 Paper size detection sensor SE61 Paper sensor SE11E, SE12E, SE13E Empty sensor

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An external terminal having mode setting means for setting mode information with respect to image information, transmitting means for transmitting image information and mode information, and receiving means for receiving image information and mode information. Storage means for storing the received image information and mode information in association with each other, mode change means for changing the mode information stored in the storage means, and image information stored in the storage means. An image forming apparatus having image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on mode information. 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a standby unit for waiting the image forming unit for a predetermined time to change the mode information before the image forming unit performs the image forming. 3. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the mode changing means adds mode information other than the mode information sent from the external device. 4. A receiving means for receiving image information and mode information sent from the outside, a storage means for storing the received image information and mode information in association with each other, An image forming apparatus comprising: a mode changing unit that changes stored mode information; and an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the mode information based on the mode information stored in the storage unit. . 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a standby unit for waiting the image forming unit for a predetermined time to change the mode information before the image forming unit performs the image forming. 6. A receiving means for receiving image information and mode information sent from outside, a storing means for storing the received image information and mode information in association with each other, A printer server comprising: a mode changing unit for changing mode information stored in a unit; and a transmitting unit for transmitting the image information and the mode information stored in the storing unit to an external image forming apparatus. 7. An external terminal having mode setting means for setting mode information with respect to image information, first transmitting means for transmitting image information and mode information, and an image transmitted from the external terminal. First receiving means for receiving information and mode information; storage means for storing the image information and mode information received via the first receiving means in association with each other; A printer server having a mode changing unit for changing the stored mode information, a second transmission unit for transmitting the image information and the mode information stored in the storage unit to an external image forming apparatus, and An image forming apparatus comprising: second receiving means for receiving the sent image information and mode information; and image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the received image information and mode information. The image processing system characterized by having a device. 8. A receiving means for receiving image information and mode information sent from the outside, a storing means for storing the received image information and mode information in association with each other, An image forming apparatus comprising: a mode changing unit configured to change mode information stored in the unit; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the image information and the mode information stored in the storage unit to an external image forming apparatus. The device to be connected. 9. A recording medium on which a program is recorded, wherein the program is loaded on a device or a printer server connected to the image forming apparatus, and is stored in a device or a printer server connected to the image forming apparatus. , B, c, and d. a reception function for receiving image information and mode information sent from outside; b storage function for storing received image information and mode information in association with each other; c mode change for changing stored mode information D, a transmission function of transmitting the stored image information and mode information to the image forming apparatus.