JPH11175305A - Output device, output method for image data and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform coping with less time and labor even in the case of changing to the device having different ability or the like. SOLUTION: A document processing part 22 generates a form corresponding to the supply order of an original and stores it in a form queue 26 in the generation order while dividing a document by a page unit and generating an input page (d). In a page processing order decision part 27, a processing order is decided corresponding to the ability of the device and the form order stored in the form queue 26 is rescheduled to the order of the page unit and successively stored in a page queue 28. In a timing decision part 29, information for accessing the input page (d) in the order stored in the page queue 28 is acquired while monitoring a paper carrying system, paper feed start is instructed to a page processing part 23 together with the information for accessing the input page (d) at a desired timing and the page processing part performs the above- mentioned processing with paper feed as a trigger.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an output device, an image data output method, and an information processing system. More specifically, the present invention relates to an output device such as a digital multifunction machine having a combination of a printer function, a copying function, and a facsimile function. The present invention relates to a method of processing image data for outputting image data from the output device, and an information processing system in which an information processing device such as a host computer is connected to the output device via a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A digital multifunction peripheral as an output device has been developed as a system in which a facsimile function is added to a copying machine or a printer function is added to a facsimile device.

Further, in the digital multifunction peripheral, a series of job processing has been conventionally executed in a predetermined order according to the capabilities of devices provided in the digital multifunction peripheral. For example, as a document feeder for reading an image, a document feeder that reads a document placed on a platen from above, a document that reads the document from below, a document that reads both sides of a document that has been printed on both sides one by one, or After reading one side of the document, some devices may read the other side of the document, and some devices may have multiple document feeders built in. Running in order.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional digital multi-function peripheral, as described above, the job is controlled as a series of processes, so that the new multi-function peripheral has a different capability from the currently used device. When it becomes necessary to correspond to a new device, a series of jobs must be newly created, and there has been a problem that creation of such a new job requires a great deal of time and effort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has been made in consideration of the above-described problems. It is an object to provide an apparatus, an output method of image data, and an information processing system.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus which executes a job process based on predetermined control information and prints a recording sheet fed through a sheet transport system. In an output device that outputs image data, a dividing unit that divides the job into predetermined units, a subdividing unit that further subdivides the job divided by the dividing unit, and a job that is subdivided by the subdividing unit Processing order determining means for determining the processing order of the recording paper, paper feeding timing instructing means for instructing the paper feeding timing of the recording paper to the paper conveying system, and outputting the paper feeding timing instructed by the paper feeding timing instructing means Output means for sequentially outputting image data in accordance with a predetermined order determined by the processing order determining means as a start timing.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data output method for executing a job process based on predetermined control information and outputting the image data to recording paper fed through a paper transport system. A division step of dividing the job into predetermined units, a subdivision step of subdividing the job divided into the division steps, and a processing order for determining a processing order of the subdivided job by the subdivision step A determination step; a paper supply timing instruction step for instructing a paper supply timing of the recording paper to the paper transport system; and the processing order determination step using the paper supply timing instructed by the paper supply timing instruction step as an output start timing. An output step of sequentially outputting image data according to a predetermined order determined by To have.

Further, according to the invention of claim 16, the information processing device and the output device are connected via a network,
An information processing system that processes a job sent from the information processing device to the output device based on predetermined control information and outputs the image data to recording paper fed through a paper transport system. An output device determines a dividing unit that divides the job into predetermined units, a subdividing unit that subdivides the job divided by the dividing unit, and a processing order of the job subdivided by the subdividing unit. Processing order determining means, paper feeding timing instructing means for instructing paper feeding timing of the recording paper to the paper conveying system, and the processing order using the paper feeding timing instructed by the paper feeding timing instructing means as an output start timing. Output means for sequentially outputting image data in accordance with a predetermined order determined by the determination means.

[0009] Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention.

[0010]

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

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an information processing system according to the present invention. A first one for inputting various job commands such as a print job, a scan job, a facsimile job, a copy job, etc. And the second host computers 1 and 2 and the digital multifunction peripheral 3 that executes and processes the job transmitted from the first and second host computers 1 and 2 and the like.
work) or the like, and the digital multifunction peripheral 3 has the same function as the first and second host computers 1 and 2 via a parallel or serial interface cable 5. It is connected to the host computer 6.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the digital multi-function peripheral 3.

That is, the digital multifunction peripheral 3 has an operation unit 7 for changing settings, resetting input, and the like, and a display including an LCD for displaying a setting state of the apparatus, a current processing state inside the apparatus, an error state, and the like. A ROM 8, which stores a control program such as a system start-up program, predetermined character data, and the like; a RAM 10 which stores font data additionally registered by download and various calculation results and is used as a work area; An external storage device 11 composed of a hard disk or the like in which a print job is spooled or in which program information and various information files are stored; and an engine which is connected to a printer engine (print control unit) and performs an interface operation between the printer engine and the
An interface (I / F) 12 and a network interface (I / F) connected to the network 4 for controlling an interface operation between the network 4 and the interface 4
13, an external interface (I / F) 14 connected to the third host computer 6 via the interface cable 5 and controlling an interface operation with the third host computer 6, and CP that is connected to each component and controls the entire device
U16.

As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 16 is transmitted from the first or second host computer 1 or 2 via the network 4 or transmitted from the third host computer 6 via the interface cable 5. A command interpreter 17 for interpreting command information, that is, a protocol; a job controller 18 for performing job processing in accordance with the interpretation contents of the protocol interpreter 17;
The job control unit 18 includes a device unit 19 including a plurality of devices used when executing a job.

FIG. 4 shows a job control section 18 and a device section 19.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details of the configuration.

Network I / F 13 or external I / F 1
4, first to third host computers 1, 2, 6
Is transmitted to the digital MFP 3 by the protocol interpreting unit 17, converted into a data format understandable by the job controlling unit 18, and input to the job controlling unit 18.

The job generation unit 20 of the job control unit 18 generates a job a in accordance with the interpretation contents of the protocol interpretation unit 17. As a result, the job generation unit 20 generates a job a such as a copy job, a print job, a scan job, or a facsimile job. For example, in the case of a print job, various types of information such as a print document name, the number of print copies, and designation of a discharge tray are used. Setting information and print data (PDL
Data). Next, the job a is transmitted to the job processing unit 21 to perform setting processing (for example, collectively printing and stapling a plurality of documents) for the entire job, while the job part other than the setting processing is performed in a document unit ( Input document b
Generate Next, the input document b is sent to the document processing unit 22 and is converted into an output document c by the document processing unit 22. For example, in the case of a scan job, a process of reading a bundle of originals with a scanner and converting the read original image into a plurality of image data is performed. In this case, settings and operation procedures relating to the original bundle are written in the input document b. The document processing unit 22 converts the bundle of originals into a plurality of image data, whereby settings and operation procedures relating to the plurality of image data are written in the output document c.

The document processing section 22 performs only processing in units of documents, and performs setting processing relating to page order such as page rearrangement, double-sided printing setting, addition of a cover, OHP insertion, and the like. The input page d is generated by subdividing the job into smaller work units.

Next, the input page d is sent to the page processing unit 23.
And is converted into an output page e by the page processing unit 23. For example, in the case of the above-described scan job, settings and operation procedures such as the resolution of the read image and the reading direction (landscape / portrait) are written in the input page d, and the input page is output by the page processing unit 23. The output page e is converted into a page, and settings and operation procedures relating to the storage location of the image data (address and data name of the RAM 10 or the external storage device 11) are written in the output page e.

Further, in the present embodiment, the job in page units is further subdivided according to the storage capacity of the RAM 10 or the external storage device 11 so that processing in band units is possible. That is, a storage device (R) having a large capacity capable of securing a page memory for one page.
In the case of having the AM 10 or the external storage device 11), the final job processing can be performed by subdividing the page unit, but the printing speed is low from an economic viewpoint or an ink jet printer. In this case, only a few lines of memory, that is, a band memory, may be provided. In the present embodiment, assuming such a case, the job in page units is subdivided into smaller work units, and the input band f
Is configured to be generated. Then, the input band f is input to the band processing unit 24 and converted into the output band g by the same procedure as the above-described page processing.

The device section 19 includes first to third devices 19a to 19c. Each processing of the job processing section 21, document processing section 22, page processing section 23 and band processing section 24 is performed by This is performed using these first to third devices 19a to 19c. Specific examples of the first to third devices 19a to 19c include a page memory, a band memory, a document feeder, a marking engine, a scanner, and the like. In this embodiment, a device is allocated to each of the processing units 21 to 24 by the device allocation unit 25, and the above-described predetermined processing is executed.

The document processing unit 22 includes a paper generation unit 30 that logically generates virtual paper corresponding to the original, and a paper queue (a paper queue) that stores the papers generated by the paper generation unit 30 in the order of access. First storage means) 26;
A page order processing determining unit (processing order determining unit) 27 that determines the order of page processing according to the device capability, and the paper queue 2 based on the determination result of the page order determining unit 27.
A page queue (second storage unit) 28 for re-accumulating the image data accumulated in the page 6 in page units, and supplying the image data accumulated in the page queue 28 in page units to the page processing unit 24 at a predetermined timing. And a timing determining unit (feeding timing determining means) 29 for instructing the start of paper feeding.

The document processing unit 22 having such a configuration detects in advance the number of documents set on the document feeder and the document table and the distinction between single-sided and double-sided documents, and the paper generation unit 30 supplies the document. Generate (virtual or logical) sheets corresponding to the order. The generated paper has a front side and a back side like an actual document, and in the case of a document printed on both sides, the input page d is generated such that the front side and the back side become the first page and the second page, respectively.

The document processing section 22 sequentially accumulates the sheets generated by the sheet generating section 30 in the sheet queue 26 in the order of generation. Then, the page processing order determination unit 27 determines the processing order based on the capability of the device (such as the reading method of the document feeder), and re-schedules the sheet order stored in the sheet queue 26 to the order of the page unit. Are sequentially stored in the page queue 28. Then, the timing determination unit 29 obtains information for accessing the input page d in order from the top of the information stored in the page queue 28 while monitoring the paper transport system where the actual recording paper is fed, The page processing unit 23 notifies the start of sheet feeding together with information for accessing the input page d at an appropriate timing.
, And the page processing unit performs the above-described processing with paper feeding as a trigger.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the output order is controlled by the page order determination unit 29 according to the device capability, so that even if a new function is added to the system, a new job is executed. Need not be recreated,
Flexible support for new devices.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the document processing unit 21 detects the capability of the device in advance. However, the capability of the device is stored in the external storage device 11 as configuration information, and the configuration is stored when the information processing system is started. The processing order of the pages may be determined with reference to the application information, or the device may be inquired about its capabilities when the information processing system is activated, and the page processing order may be determined according to the content of the inquiry. Good.

In the above-described embodiment, the determination of the processing order in page units has been described. However, the same processing is performed in the case of processing in band units, whereby the desired processing order is successfully determined, and It goes without saying that data can be output.

[0028]

As described above in detail, according to the output apparatus, the image data output method, and the information processing system of the present invention, the output order is controlled by the processing order determining means according to the device capability. Even when a device having a different capability is changed or added, it is possible to avoid re-creating a new job, and it is possible to flexibly cope with a new device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an information processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the digital multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of a CPU.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details of a job control unit and a device unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

12 Engine I / F (Output Unit) 21 Job Processing Unit (Division Unit) 22 Document Processing Unit (Subdivision Unit, Sheet Generation Unit) 26 Paper Queue (First Storage Unit) 27 Page Processing Order Determination Unit (Processing Order Determination) Means) 28 page queue (second storage means) 29 timing determination section (feeding timing instructing means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshiji Kanemoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Fumio Furukawa 3- 30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Junichi Shishizuka Inside Canon Inc. 3- 30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. An output device for executing job processing based on predetermined control information and outputting image data to recording paper fed through a paper transport system, wherein the job is divided into predetermined units. Subdividing means for further subdividing the job divided by the dividing means; processing order determining means for determining the processing order of the jobs subdivided by the subdividing means; and Paper feed timing instructing means for instructing the paper feed timing of the recording paper, and image data in accordance with a predetermined order determined by the processing order determining means with the paper feed timing instructed by the paper feed timing instructing means as an output start timing. An output device comprising: an output unit for sequentially outputting. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dividing unit includes a sheet generating unit configured to generate a virtual sheet corresponding to the document on which the image data is drawn, and a first storage unit configured to sequentially store the sheets. The output device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second storage unit configured to store the job subdivided by the subdivision unit in accordance with the processing order determined by the processing order determination unit. Item 3. The output device according to Item 2. 4. The output device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined unit is a document unit. 5. The output device according to claim 1, wherein the subdivision unit subdivides the job in page units. 6. The output device according to claim 1, wherein the subdivision unit subdivides the job into predetermined band units smaller than page units. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of devices for image processing, wherein the processing order determining unit controls the processing order according to device capabilities.
An output device according to any one of the above. 8. A digital multi-function peripheral having at least two functions of a printing function, a facsimile function, an image reading function, and a copying function. Output device. 9. An image data output method for executing a job process based on predetermined control information and outputting the image data to a recording sheet fed via a sheet transport system, wherein the job is set in a predetermined unit. A dividing step for dividing, a subdividing step for subdividing the job divided into the dividing step, a processing order determining step for determining a processing order of the job subdivided by the subdividing step, A paper feed timing instructing a paper feed timing of the recording paper to the printer, and a paper feed timing instructed by the paper feed timing instructing step as an output start timing in accordance with the predetermined order determined by the processing order determining step. An output step of sequentially outputting image data. 10. The dividing step includes a paper generating step of generating virtual paper corresponding to a document on which image data is drawn, and a first storing step of sequentially storing the paper. The method for outputting image data according to claim 9, wherein: 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a second accumulation step of accumulating jobs subdivided by the subdivision step in accordance with the processing order determined by the processing order determination step. The image data output method according to claim 10. 12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined unit is a document unit. 13. The image data output method according to claim 9, wherein the subdividing step subdivides the job in page units. 14. The image data output method according to claim 9, wherein the subdividing step subdivides the job into predetermined band units smaller than page units. 15. A device comprising a plurality of devices for image processing,
15. The image data output method according to claim 9, wherein the processing order determining step determines the processing order according to device capabilities. 16. An information processing device and an output device are connected via a network, process a job sent from the information processing device to the output device based on predetermined control information, and process the job via a paper transport system. An information processing system for outputting the image data to recording paper fed by the printer, wherein the output device includes a dividing unit that divides the job into predetermined units, and a subdivision that divides the job divided by the dividing unit. Converting means, processing order determining means for determining the processing order of jobs subdivided by the subdividing means, paper feed timing instructing means for instructing the paper feed timing of the recording paper to the paper transport system, Image feed is performed in accordance with a predetermined order determined by the processing order determining means, with the paper feed timing instructed by the paper feed timing instructing means as an output start timing. The information processing system characterized in that it has an output means for sequentially outputting. 17. The dividing means includes: virtual paper generating means for generating virtual paper corresponding to a document on which image data is drawn; and first storing means for sequentially storing the virtual paper. 17. The information processing system according to claim 16, wherein: 18. The image processing apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a second storage unit configured to store the job subdivided by the subdivision unit according to the processing order determined by the processing order determination unit. Item 18. The information processing system according to Item 17. 19. The information processing system according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined unit is a document unit. 20. The information processing system according to claim 16, wherein the subdivision unit subdivides the job in page units. 21. The information processing system according to claim 16, wherein the subdivision unit subdivides the job into predetermined band units smaller than page units. 22. A plurality of devices for image processing,
22. The information processing system according to claim 16, wherein the processing order determining unit determines the processing order according to device capabilities. 23. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 16, wherein said output device is a digital multifunction peripheral having at least two of a printing function, a facsimile function, an image reading function, and a copying function. An information processing system according to any one of the above. 24. The information processing system according to claim 16, wherein peripheral devices including a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printing device are connected to a network.