U.S. patent application number 11/248962 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-16 for image processing apparatus and system and control method therefor, image data processing method, image forming apparatus and control method therefor, controller, and storage medium.
This patent application is currently assigned to Canon Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Hiroyuki Takahashi.
Application Number | 20060033956 11/248962 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18035580 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060033956 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takahashi; Hiroyuki |
February 16, 2006 |
Image processing apparatus and system and control method therefor,
image data processing method, image forming apparatus and control
method therefor, controller, and storage medium
Abstract
To enable a large amount of printing jobs to be efficiently
carried out with low running costs, thereby preventing
inconveniences such as complicated operations required of an
operator, generating desired data for the operator, and allowing
the operator to work more efficiently, an image processing system
comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses is provided,
control is provided such that a group of image data to be printed
are separated into a plurality of groups and transmitting the
groups to the plurality of image forming apparatuses, image
processes are executed on the image data to be transmitted
depending on printing attributes of the image forming apparatuses
to which the image data are to be transmitted, in a manner such
that different processes are executed for respective ones of the
groups and the image data that have been processed for the
respective ones of the groups are transmitted to respective
corresponding ones of the image forming apparatuses. Further, a
first image forming apparatus is controlled to form images on
sheets with image data of a group of image data which are for pages
corresponding to image data having a first attribute, the group of
image data including the image data having the first attribute, and
image data having a second attribute, and a second image forming
apparatus is controlled to form images on sheets with image data
for pages corresponding to the image data having the second
attribute. The first image forming apparatus is controlled to
operate by selecting one of a plurality of operation modes
depending on a command from a user, the operation modes including
an insertion mode in which image data of the group of image data
which are for the pages corresponding to the image data having the
first attribute are formed on sheets from a first feeding unit
while sheets from another feeding unit which is different from the
first feeding unit are inserted into pages at positions
corresponding to image data of the group of image data which have
the second attribute, and a non-insertion mode in which image data
of the group of image data which are for the pages corresponding to
the image data having the first attribute are formed on sheets from
the first feeding unit while the control means inhibits insertion
of sheets from the another feeding unit which is different from the
first feeding unit into the pages at the positions corresponding to
the image data of the group of image data which have the second
attribute.
Inventors: |
Takahashi; Hiroyuki;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROSSI, KIMMS & McDOWELL LLP.
P.O. BOX 826
ASHBURN
VA
20146-0826
US
|
Assignee: |
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Ohta-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
18035580 |
Appl. No.: |
11/248962 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09705055 |
Nov 2, 2000 |
|
|
|
11248962 |
Oct 12, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 ;
358/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/32502 20130101;
H04N 2201/0082 20130101; H04N 1/32545 20130101; H04N 1/00912
20130101; H04N 1/3255 20130101; H04N 1/32529 20130101; H04N
2201/0081 20130101; G06K 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/001.15 ;
358/400 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 2, 1999 |
JP |
11-312961 |
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus for forming, on sheets, image data of
a group of image data which are for pages corresponding to image
data having a first attribute, the group of image data including
image data having a second attribute for formation of images by
another image forming apparatus, and the image data having the
first attribute which is different from said second attribute,
wherein the image forming apparatus selects one of a plurality of
operation modes depending on a command from a user, the operation
modes including an insertion mode in which image data of said group
of image data which are for the pages corresponding to said image
data having the first attribute are formed on sheets from a first
feeding unit while sheets from another feeding unit which is
different from said first feeding unit are inserted into pages at
positions corresponding to image data of said group of image data
which have said second attribute, and a non-insertion mode in which
the image data of said group of image data which are for the pages
corresponding to said image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from the first feeding unit while the apparatus
inhibits insertion of sheets from the another feeding unit which is
different from said first feeding unit into the pages at the
positions corresponding to the image data of said group of image
data which have said second attribute.
2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in
selecting said insertion mode, said image forming apparatus selects
one of a plurality of insertion modes depending on a command from a
user, the insertion modes including a first insertion mode in which
as many sheets as continuous pages corresponding to the image data
of said group of image data which have said second attribute are
fed from said another feeding unit and inserted into positions of
the continuous pages corresponding to the image data having said
second attribute, and a second insertion mode operating in a manner
such that only one sheet from said another feeding unit is inserted
even into the positions of the continuous pages corresponding to
the image data of said group of image data which have said second
attribute.
3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in
selecting said first insertion mode, either a mode for permitting
image formation on sheets from said another feeding unit or a mode
for inhibiting the image formation on the sheets from said another
feeding unit is selected based on a command from the user.
4. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
image data having the first attribute are black-and-white image
data, and said image data having the second attribute are color
image data.
5. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
image forming apparatus is a black-and-white image forming
apparatus, and said another image forming apparatus is a color
image forming apparatus.
6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
image data having the first attribute are color image data, and
said image data having the second attribute are black-and-white
image data.
7. An image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said
image forming apparatus is a color image forming apparatus, and
said another image forming apparatus is a black-and-white image
forming apparatus.
8. A controller for controlling an image processing system
comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a
first image forming apparatus, and a second image forming
apparatus, comprising: control means for causing said first image
forming apparatus to form images on sheets with image data of a
group of image data which are for pages corresponding to image data
having a first attribute, the group of image data including said
image data having the first attribute, and image data having a
second attribute, and causes said second image forming apparatus to
form images on sheets with image data for pages corresponding to
said image data having the second attribute; wherein said control
means controls said first image forming apparatus to operate by
selecting one of a plurality of operation modes depending on a
command from a user, the operation modes including an insertion
mode in which image data of said group of image data which are for
the pages corresponding to said image data having the first
attribute are formed on sheets from a first feeding unit while
sheets from another feeding unit which is different from said first
feeding unit are inserted into pages at positions corresponding to
image data of said group of image data which have said second
attribute, and a non-insertion mode in which image data of said
group of image data which are for the pages corresponding to said
image data having the first attribute are formed on sheets from the
first feeding unit while the control means inhibits insertion of
sheets from the another feeding unit which is different from said
first feeding unit into the pages at the positions corresponding to
the image data of said group of image data which have said second
attribute.
9. A control method of controlling an image processing system
comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a
first image forming apparatus, and a second image forming
apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting a group
of image data including image data having a first attribute for
formation of images by said first image forming apparatus, and
image data having a second attribute for formation of images by
said second image forming apparatus; inputting a command
instructing said first image forming apparatus to select one of a
plurality of operation modes including an insertion mode in which
image data of said group of image data which are for pages
corresponding to said image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from a first feeding unit while sheets from
another feeding unit which is different from said first feeding
unit are inserted into pages at positions corresponding to image
data of said group of image data which have said second attribute,
and a non-insertion mode in which image data of said group of image
data which are for the pages corresponding to said image data
having the first attribute are formed on sheets from the first
feeding unit while the methods inhibits insertion of sheets from
the another feeding unit which is different from said first feeding
unit into the pages at the positions corresponding to the image
data of said group of image data which have said second attribute;
and transmitting the input command.
10. A computer readable storage medium storing a program for
causing an image processing system comprising a plurality of image
forming apparatuses including a first image forming apparatus, and
a second image forming apparatus to execute the steps of:
transmitting a group of image data including image data having a
first attribute for formation of images by said first image forming
apparatus, and image data having a second attribute for formation
of images by said second image forming apparatus; inputting a
command instructing said first image forming apparatus to select
one of a plurality of operation modes including an insertion mode
in which image data of said group of image data which are for pages
corresponding to said image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from a first feeding unit while sheets from
another feeding unit which is different from said first feeding
unit are inserted into pages at positions corresponding to image
data of said group of image data which have said second attribute,
and a non-insertion mode in which image data of said group of image
data which are for the pages corresponding to said image data
having the first attribute are formed on sheets from the first
feeding unit while the methods inhibits insertion of sheets from
the another feeding unit which is different from said first feeding
unit into the pages at the positions corresponding to the image
data of said group of image data which have said second attribute;
and transmitting the input command.
11. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus for
forming, on sheets, image data of a group of image data which are
for pages corresponding to image data having a first attribute, the
group of image data including image data having a second attribute
for formation of images by another image forming apparatus, and the
image data having the first attribute which is different from said
second attribute, wherein the control method comprises selecting
one of a plurality of operation modes depending on a command from a
user, the operation modes including an insertion mode in which
image data of said group of image data which are for the pages
corresponding to said image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from a first feeding unit while sheets from
another feeding unit which is different from said first feeding
unit are inserted into pages at positions corresponding to image
data of said group of image data which have said second attribute,
and a non-insertion mode in which the image data of said group of
image data which are for the pages corresponding to said image data
having the first attribute are formed on sheets from the first
feeding unit while the method inhibits insertion of sheets from the
another feeding unit which is different from said first feeding
unit into the pages at the positions corresponding to the image
data of said group of image data which have said second
attribute.
12. A computer readable storage medium storing a program for
causing an image forming apparatus for forming, on sheets, image
data of a group of image data which are for pages corresponding to
image data having a first attribute, the group of image data
including image data having a second attribute for formation of
images by another image forming apparatus, and the image data
having the first attribute which is different from said second
attribute, to execute the step of: selecting one of a plurality of
operation modes depending on a command from a user, the operation
modes including an insertion mode in which image data of said group
of image data which are for the pages corresponding to said image
data having the first attribute are formed on sheets from a first
feeding unit while sheets from another feeding unit which is
different from said first feeding unit are inserted into pages at
positions corresponding to image data of said group of image data
which have said second attribute, and a non-insertion mode in which
the image data of said group of image data which are for the pages
corresponding to said image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from the first feeding unit while the method
inhibits insertion of sheets from the another feeding unit which is
different from said first feeding unit into the pages at the
positions corresponding to the image data of said group of image
data which have said second attribute.
13. A control method of controlling an image processing system
comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a
first image forming apparatus, and a second image forming
apparatus, the control method comprising the steps of: causing said
first image forming apparatus to form images on sheets with image
data of a group of image data which are for pages corresponding to
image data having a first attribute, the group of image data
including said image data having the first attribute, and image
data having a second attribute, and causing said second image
forming apparatus to form images on sheets with image data for
pages corresponding to said image data having the second attribute;
and controlling said first image forming apparatus to operate by
selecting one of a plurality of operation modes depending on a
command from a user, the operation modes including an insertion
mode in which image data of said group of image data which are for
the pages corresponding to said image data having the first
attribute are formed on sheets from a first feeding unit while
sheets from another feeding unit which is different from said first
feeding unit are inserted into pages at positions corresponding to
image data of said group of image data which have said second
attribute, and a non-insertion mode in which image data of said
group of image data which are for the pages corresponding to said
image data having the first attribute are formed on sheets from the
first feeding unit while the control means inhibits insertion of
sheets from the another feeding unit which is different from said
first feeding unit into the pages at the positions corresponding to
the image data of said group of image data which have said second
attribute.
14. A computer readable storage medium storing a program for
causing an image processing system comprising a plurality of image
forming apparatuses including a first image forming apparatus, and
a second image forming apparatus, to execute the steps of: causing
said first image forming apparatus to form images on sheets with
image data of a group of image data which are for pages
corresponding to image data having a first attribute, the group of
image data including said image data having the first attribute,
and image data having a second attribute, and causing said second
image forming apparatus to form images on sheets with image data
for pages corresponding to said image data having the second
attribute; and controlling said first image forming apparatus to
operate by selecting one of a plurality of operation modes
depending on a command from a user, the operation modes including
an insertion mode in which image data of said group of image data
which are for the pages corresponding to said image data having the
first attribute are formed on sheets from a first feeding unit
while sheets from another feeding unit which is different from said
first feeding unit are inserted into pages at positions
corresponding to image data of said group of image data which have
said second attribute, and a non-insertion mode in which image data
of said group of image data which are for the pages corresponding
to said image data having the first attribute are formed on sheets
from the first feeding unit while the control means inhibits
insertion of sheets from the another feeding unit which is
different from said first feeding unit into the pages at the
positions corresponding to the image data of said group of image
data which have said second attribute.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of and claims priority from
U.S. application Ser. No. 09/705,055 filed on Nov. 2, 2000. No new
matter has been added.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an image processing
apparatus for selecting a desired one of a plurality of image
forming apparatuses and issuing an output command to the selected
image forming apparatus, an image processing system including the
image forming apparatuses, an image data processing method of
processing image data, and a storage medium storing a program for
executing the method.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] An image processing system has been known, which is
comprised of a plurality of image forming apparatuses including
monochrome or color printers, a computer, and a network such as a
LAN, the image forming apparatuses and the computer being connected
to each other via the network or an exclusive interface so that a
user can select a desired one of the plurality of image forming
apparatuses on the computer to carry out a printing process using
the selected image forming apparatus.
[0006] A client server image processing system has also been widely
known, which is comprised of a client computer (hereinafter
referred to as "the client") directly operated by a user, a
document server computer (hereinafter referred to as "the document
server") for carrying out a predetermined process in response to a
request from the client, a plurality of image forming apparatuses
as mentioned above, and a network, the client, the document server
and the image forming apparatuses being connected to each other via
the network so that a printing job designated by the user is
transferred from the client via the document server to a desired
one of the image processing apparatuses, which then executes a
printing process.
[0007] In the market of light printing, that is, print on demand,
systems for causing an image forming apparatus to print a large
amount of printing jobs based on a command from a computer have
been proposed. It has thus been important how a large amount of
printing jobs can be processed inexpensively and efficiently.
[0008] With the above conventional image processing system,
however, the same printing job is processed by a single image
processing apparatus, so that in processing a printing job
comprising printing both color image data (hereinafter simply
referred to as "color data") and black-and-white image data
(hereinafter simply referred to as "black-and-white data"), even
black-and-white data are processed by an image forming apparatus
adapted for color printing, thereby disadvantageously leading to
increased running costs. That is, the color printing has a higher
unit price (printing cost) than the black-and-white printing, but
if the printing job comprises printing both color data and
black-and-white data, a color image forming apparatus is selected
for the printing process and even the black-and-white data in the
printing job are thus processed by the color image forming
apparatus, thereby leading to degraded efficiency of the printing
process and increased running costs. Thus, the conventional image
processing system is not suitable for processing a large amount of
printing jobs. For such a system, it is desirable to prevent
inconveniences such as complicated operations required of an
operator, generate desired data for the operator, and allow the
operator to work more efficiently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an image
processing apparatus and an image processing system and a control
method therefor, an image data processing method, an image forming
apparatus and a control method therefor, a controller, and a
storage medium storing programs for executing the methods, which
are all free of the above described problems.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
image processing apparatus and an image processing system and a
control method therefor, an image data processing method, an image
forming apparatus and a control method therefor, a controller, and
a storage medium storing programs for executing the methods,
wherein images are processed depending on printing attributes of
the image forming apparatus and printing jobs are distributed to a
plurality of image forming apparatuses depending on the printing
attributes to enable a large amount of printing jobs to be
efficiently carried out with low running costs, thereby preventing
inconveniences such as complicated operations required of an
operator, generating desired data for the operator, and allowing
the operator to work more efficiently.
[0011] To attain the above objects, in a first aspect of the
present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus
which selects at least one image forming apparatus from a plurality
of image forming apparatuses including at least two types of image
forming apparatuses having different printing attributes, the at
least one image forming apparatus having predetermined printing
attributes, and outputs image data to the selected at least one
image forming apparatus, the image processing apparatus comprising
input means for inputting a group of image data, distributing means
for distributing the input group of image data depending on
printing attributes of the group of image data, a plurality of
image processing means for executing image processes corresponding
respectively to printing attributes of the distributed image data,
on the group of image data, selecting means for selecting at least
two image forming apparatuses from the plurality of image forming
apparatuses, which have printing attributes compatible with results
of the image processes executed by the image processing means, and
output means for outputting the image data on which the image
processes have been executed, to the selected at least two image
forming apparatuses.
[0012] Preferably, the printing attributes comprise at least a
first printing attribute, and a second printing attribute, and the
image processing means comprises first and second image processing
means for executing image processes depending on the first printing
attribute and the second printing attribute, respectively, and the
image processing apparatus further comprises
[0013] judging means for judging whether or not each of the image
data of the group belongs to the first printing attribute after the
first image processing means have executed the image process on all
the image data of the group, and image process re-executing means
for determining that each of the image data belongs to the second
printing attribute and causing the second image processing means to
again execute the image process on the each of the image data when
a result of the judgment by the judging means is negative, and the
output means outputs the image data on which the image processes
have been executed by the first image processing means and the
second image processing means, to the selected at least two image
forming apparatuses, respectively.
[0014] In an alternative preferred form of the first aspect, the
printing attributes comprise at least a first printing attribute,
and a second printing attribute, and the image processing means
comprises first image processing means, and second and third image
processing means for executing image processes depending on the
first printing attribute and the second printing attribute,
respectively, and the image processing apparatus further comprises
judging means for judging whether or not each of the image data of
the group belongs to the first printing attribute after the first
image processing means have executed the image process on all the
image data of the group, first image process re-executing means for
determining that each of the image data belongs to the first
printing attribute and causing the second image processing means to
again execute the image process on the each of the image data when
a result of the judgment by the judging means is affirmative, and
second image process re-executing means for determining that each
of the image data belongs to the second printing attribute and
causing the third image processing means to again execute the image
process on the each of the image data when a result of the judgment
by the judging means is negative, and the output means outputs the
image data on which the image processes have been executed by the
second image processing means and the third image processing means,
to the selected at least two image forming apparatuses,
respectively.
[0015] In this preferred form, the first image processing means has
a lower resolution than resolutions of the second and third image
processing means.
[0016] Preferably, the image processing means comprises first image
processing means for executing an image process corresponding to a
first resolution, and second image processing means for executing
an image process corresponding to a second resolution, and the
output means outputs the image data on which the image processes
have been executed by the first image processing means and the
second image processing means, respectively, to the selected at
least two image forming apparatuses which have printing attributes
compatible to a result of the execution of the image process
corresponding to the first resolution and a result of the execution
of the image process corresponding to the second resolution,
respectively.
[0017] In a preferred form of the first aspect, the printing
attributes comprise at least a first printing attribute, and a
second printing attribute, and the distributing means distributes
the input group of image data as a first group of image data having
the first printing attribute and a second group of image data
having the second printing attribute, and the output means
comprises first output means for outputting the first group of
image data having the first printing attribute to a first image
forming apparatus, second output means for outputting the second
group of image data having the second printing attribute to a
second image forming apparatus, and delimiter paper supply
commanding means for issuing a command instructing supply of
delimiter paper to at least one of the first and second image
forming apparatuses, at at least one portion of the first and
second groups of image data where printing attributes are to be
switched.
[0018] More preferably, the at least one of the first and second
image forming apparatuses comprises a plurality of feeding
sections, and the output means comprises control means for
providing such control that the delimiter paper is fed from a
feeding section different from a feeding section from which
recording paper for the first group of image data or the second
group of image data is fed.
[0019] In another preferred form of the first aspect, the printing
attributes comprise at least a first printing attribute, and a
second printing attribute, and the distributing means distributes
the input group of image data as a first group of image data having
the first printing attribute and a second group of image data
having the second printing attribute, and the output means
comprises first output means for outputting the first group of
image data having the first printing attribute to a first image
forming apparatus, second output means for outputting the second
group of image data having the second printing attribute to a
second image forming apparatus, and paper supply commanding means
for issuing a command instructing supplying to at least one of the
first and second image forming apparatuses a predetermined number
of sheets of recording paper corresponding to one of the first and
second groups of image data output to another of the first and
second image forming apparatuses, at at least one portion of the
first and second groups of image data where printing attributes are
to be switched.
[0020] More preferably, the at least one of the first and second
image forming apparatuses comprises a plurality of feeding
sections, and the output means comprises control means for
providing such control that the predetermined number of sheets of
recording paper are fed from a feeding section different from a
feeding section from which recording paper for the first group of
image data or the second group of image data is fed.
[0021] Also preferably, the image processing apparatus of this
preferred form comprises judging means for judging whether or not
images are to be formed on the predetermined number of sheets of
recording paper, and wherein the output means comprises image
formation commanding means for issuing a command instructing an
image forming process to be executed on the predetermined number of
sheets of recording paper using a printing attribute of one of the
first and second image forming apparatuses if a result of the
judgment by the judging means is affirmative.
[0022] Also preferably, the image processing apparatus of the
preferred form comprises judging means for judging whether or not
images are to be formed on the predetermined number of sheets of
recording paper, and wherein the output means comprises non-image
formation commanding means for issuing a command instructing a
non-image forming process to be executed on the predetermined
number of sheets of recording paper if a result of the judgment by
the judging means is negative.
[0023] Preferably, the output means comprises partition paper
supply commanding means for issuing a command instructing partition
paper to be supplied between the first group of image and the
second group of image data.
[0024] Preferably, image processing apparatus according to the
first aspect comprises managing means for managing the group of
image data for each page, and wherein the distributing means
distributes the group of image data for each page.
[0025] In this case, preferably, the image processing apparatus
comprises conversion means for converting the group of image data
into a format that enables the group of image data to be managed
for each page.
[0026] Typically, the printing attributes include at least color
printing, and black-and-white printing.
[0027] To attain the above objects, in a second aspect of the
present invention, there is provided an image processing system
comprising an information processing apparatus directly operated by
a user, a plurality of image forming apparatuses including at least
two types of image forming apparatuses having different printing
attributes, and an image processing apparatus for controlling the
plurality of image forming apparatuses in response to a request
from the information processing apparatus, the information
processing apparatus, the plurality of image forming apparatuses,
and the image processing apparatus being connected to each other,
the image processing apparatus selecting at least one image forming
apparatus from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and
outputting image data to the selected at least one image forming
apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatus comprises input
means for inputting a group of image data, distributing means for
distributing the input group of image data depending on printing
attributes of the group of image data, a plurality of image
processing means for executing image processes corresponding
respectively to printing attributes of the distributed image data,
on the group of image data, selecting means for selecting at least
two image forming apparatuses from the plurality of image forming
apparatuses, which have printing attributes compatible with results
of the execution of the image processes executed by the image
processing means, and output means for outputting the image data on
which the image processes have been executed, to the selected at
least two image forming apparatuses.
[0028] To attain the above objects, in a third aspect of the
present invention, there is provided an image data processing
method of processing image data using an image processing apparatus
connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses including at
least two types of image forming apparatuses having different
printing attributes, for controlling the plurality of image forming
apparatuses, the image processing apparatus selecting at least one
image forming apparatus having predetermined printing attributes
from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and outputting
image data to the selected at least one image forming apparatus,
the image data processing method comprising the steps of inputting
a group of image data, executing a distribution process of
distributing the input group of image data depending on printing
attributes of the group of image data, executing a plurality of
image processes corresponding respectively to printing attributes
of the distributed image data, on the group of image data,
selecting at least two image forming apparatuses from the plurality
of image forming apparatuses, which have printing attributes
compatible with results of the execution of the image processes,
and executing an output process of outputting the image data on
which the image processes have been executed, to the selected at
least two image forming apparatuses.
[0029] To attain the above objects, in a fourth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a controller for controlling
an image processing system comprising a plurality of image forming
apparatuses, comprising separated transmission control means for
separating a group of image data to be printed into a plurality of
groups and transmitting the groups to the plurality of image
forming apparatuses, wherein the separated transmission control
means provides such control that image processes are executed on
the image data to be transmitted depending on printing attributes
of the image forming apparatuses to which the image data are to be
transmitted, in a manner such that different processes are executed
for respective ones of the groups and the image data that have been
processed for the respective ones of the groups are transmitted to
respective corresponding ones of the image forming apparatuses.
[0030] Preferably, the plurality of image forming apparatuses
include a first image forming apparatus, and a second image forming
apparatus, and the separated transmission control means transmits
image data of the group of image data which are contained in a
group to be transmitted to the first image forming apparatus, to
the first image forming apparatus with a resolution which is
suitable for the first image forming apparatus, and transmits image
data of the group of image data which are contained in a group to
be transmitted to the second image forming apparatus, to the second
image forming apparatus with a resolution which is suitable for the
second image forming apparatus.
[0031] Typically, the first image forming apparatus is a
black-and-white image forming apparatus, the second image forming
apparatus is a color image forming apparatus, the group of image
data to be printed include color image data, and black-and-white
image data, and the separated transmission control means
determines, for each page, whether the image data contained in the
group of image data are colored or black and white, and transmits
the black-and-white image data of the group of image data to the
first image forming apparatus, while transmitting the color image
data of the group of image data to the second image forming
apparatus.
[0032] Preferably, the separated transmission control means
determines whether the image data for all pages in the group of
image data to be printed are colored or black and white, with the
resolution suitable for the second image forming apparatus, and
transmits image data that have been determined to be black and
white with the resolution suitable for the first image forming
apparatus, while transmitting image data that have been determined
to be colored to the second image forming apparatus as they were at
a time of the determination.
[0033] Alternatively, the separated transmission control means
determines whether the image data for all pages in the group of
image data to be printed are colored or black and white with a low
resolution, and transmits image data that have been determined to
be black and white with the resolution suitable for the first image
forming apparatus, while transmitting image data that have been
determined to be colored to the second image forming apparatus with
the resolution suitable for the second image forming apparatus.
[0034] Typically, the controller receives image data from an
external device and transmits the received image data to the
plurality of image forming apparatuses.
[0035] To attain the above objects, in a fifth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for
forming, on sheets, image data of a group of image data which are
for pages corresponding to image data having a first attribute, the
group of image data including image data having a second attribute
for formation of images by another image forming apparatus, and the
image data having the first attribute which is different from the
second attribute, wherein the image forming apparatus selects one
of a plurality of operation modes depending on a command from a
user, the operation modes including an insertion mode in which
image data of the group of image data which are for the pages
corresponding to the image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from a first feeding unit while sheets from
another feeding unit which is different from the first feeding unit
are inserted into pages at positions corresponding to image data of
the group of image data which have the second attribute, and a
non-insertion mode in which the image data of the group of image
data which are for the pages corresponding to the image data having
the first attribute are formed on sheets from the first feeding
unit while the apparatus inhibits insertion of sheets from the
another feeding unit which is different from the first feeding unit
into the pages at the positions corresponding to the image data of
the group of image data which have the second attribute.
[0036] Preferably, in selecting the insertion mode, the image
forming apparatus selects one of a plurality of insertion modes
depending on a command from a user, the insertion modes including a
first insertion mode in which as many sheets as continuous pages
corresponding to the image data of the group of image data which
have the second attribute are fed from the another feeding unit and
inserted into positions of the continuous pages corresponding to
the image data having the second attribute, and a second insertion
mode operating in a manner such that only one sheet from the
another feeding unit is inserted even into the positions of the
continuous pages corresponding to the image data of the group of
image data which have the second attribute.
[0037] More preferably, in selecting the first insertion mode,
either a mode for permitting image formation on sheets from the
another feeding unit or a mode for inhibiting the image formation
on the sheets from the another feeding unit is selected based on a
command from the user.
[0038] Typically, the image data having the first attribute are
black-and-white image data, and the image data having the second
attribute are color image data, and the image forming apparatus is
a black-and-white image forming apparatus, and the another image
forming apparatus is a color image forming apparatus.
[0039] Alternatively, the image data having the first attribute are
color image data, and the image data having the second attribute
are black-and-white image data, and the image forming apparatus is
a color image forming apparatus, and the another image forming
apparatus is a black-and-white image forming apparatus.
[0040] To attain the above objects, in a sixth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a controller for controlling
an image processing system comprising a plurality of image forming
apparatuses including a first image forming apparatus, and a second
image forming apparatus, comprising control means for causing the
first image forming apparatus to form images on sheets with image
data of a group of image data which are for pages corresponding to
image data having a first attribute, the group of image data
including the image data having the first attribute, and image data
having a second attribute, and causes the second image forming
apparatus to form images on sheets with image data for pages
corresponding to the image data having the second attribute,
wherein the control means controls the first image forming
apparatus to operate by selecting one of a plurality of operation
modes depending on a command from a user, the operation modes
including an insertion mode in which image data of the group of
image data which are for the pages corresponding to the image data
having the first attribute are formed on sheets from a first
feeding unit while sheets from another feeding unit which is
different from the first feeding unit are inserted into pages at
positions corresponding to image data of the group of image data
which have the second attribute, and a non-insertion mode in which
image data of the group of image data which are for the pages
corresponding to the image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from the first feeding unit while the control
means inhibits insertion of sheets from the another feeding unit
which is different from the first feeding unit into the pages at
the positions corresponding to the image data of the group of image
data which have the second attribute.
[0041] To attain the above objects, in a seventh aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a control method of
controlling an image processing system comprising a plurality of
image forming apparatuses including a first image forming
apparatus, and a second image forming apparatus, the method
comprising the steps of transmitting a group of image data
including image data having a first attribute for formation of
images by the first image forming apparatus, and image data having
a second attribute for formation of images by the second image
forming apparatus, inputting a command instructing the first image
forming apparatus to select one of a plurality of operation modes
including an insertion mode in which image data of the group of
image data which are for pages corresponding to the image data
having the first attribute are formed on sheets from a first
feeding unit while sheets from another feeding unit which is
different from the first feeding unit are inserted into pages at
positions corresponding to image data of the group of image data
which have the second attribute, and a non-insertion mode in which
image data of the group of image data which are for the pages
corresponding to the image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from the first feeding unit while the methods
inhibits insertion of sheets from the another feeding unit which is
different from the first feeding unit into the pages at the
positions corresponding to the image data of the group of image
data which have the second attribute, and transmitting the input
command.
[0042] To attain the above objects, in an eighth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a computer readable storage
medium storing a program for causing an image processing system
comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a
first image forming apparatus, and a second image forming apparatus
to execute the steps of transmitting a group of image data
including image data having a first attribute for formation of
images by the first image forming apparatus, and image data having
a second attribute for formation of images by the second image
forming apparatus, inputting a command instructing the first image
forming apparatus to select one of a plurality of operation modes
including an insertion mode in which image data of the group of
image data which are for pages corresponding to the image data
having the first attribute are formed on sheets from a first
feeding unit while sheets from another feeding unit which is
different from the first feeding unit are inserted into pages at
positions corresponding to image data of the group of image data
which have the second attribute, and a non-insertion mode in which
image data of the group of image data which are for the pages
corresponding to the image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from the first feeding unit while the methods
inhibits insertion of sheets from the another feeding unit which is
different from the first feeding unit into the pages at the
positions corresponding to the image data of the group of image
data which have the second attribute, and transmitting the input
command.
[0043] To attain the above objects, in a ninth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a controller method of
controlling an image processing system comprising a plurality of
image forming apparatuses, the method comprising the step of
separating a group of image data to be printed into a plurality of
groups and transmitting the groups to the plurality of image
forming apparatuses, wherein the step provides such control that
image processes are executed on the image data to be transmitted
depending on printing attributes of the image forming apparatuses
to which the image data are to be transmitted, in a manner such
that different processes are executed for respective ones of the
groups and the image data that have been processed for the
respective ones of the groups are transmitted to respective
corresponding ones of the image forming apparatuses.
[0044] To attain the above objects, in a tenth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a computer readable storage
medium storing a program for causing an image processing system
comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses to execute the
step of separating a group of image data to be printed into a
plurality of groups and transmitting the groups to the plurality of
image forming apparatuses, wherein the step provides such control
that image processes are executed on the image data to be
transmitted depending on printing attributes of the image forming
apparatuses to which the image data are to be transmitted, in a
manner such that different processes are executed for respective
ones of the groups and the image data that have been processed for
the respective ones of the groups are transmitted to respective
corresponding ones of the image forming apparatuses.
[0045] To attain the above objects, in an eleventh aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a control method for
controlling an image forming apparatus for forming, on sheets,
image data of a group of image data which are for pages
corresponding to image data having a first attribute, the group of
image data including image data having a second attribute for
formation of images by another image forming apparatus, and the
image data having the first attribute which is different from the
second attribute, wherein the control method comprises selecting
one of a plurality of operation modes depending on a command from a
user, the operation modes including an insertion mode in which
image data of the group of image data which are for the pages
corresponding to the image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from a first feeding unit while sheets from
another feeding unit which is different from the first feeding unit
are inserted into pages at positions corresponding to image data of
the group of image data which have the second attribute, and a
non-insertion mode in which the image data of the group of image
data which are for the pages corresponding to the image data having
the first attribute are formed on sheets from the first feeding
unit while the method inhibits insertion of sheets from the another
feeding unit which is different from the first feeding unit into
the pages at the positions corresponding to the image data of the
group of image data which have the second attribute.
[0046] To attain the above objects, in a twelfth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a computer readable storage
medium storing a program for causing an image forming apparatus for
forming, on sheets, image data of a group of image data which are
for pages corresponding to image data having a first attribute, the
group of image data including image data having a second attribute
for formation of images by another image forming apparatus, and the
image data having the first attribute which is different from the
second attribute, to execute the step of selecting one of a
plurality of operation modes depending on a command from a user,
the operation modes including an insertion mode in which image data
of the group of image data which are for the pages corresponding to
the image data having the first attribute are formed on sheets from
a first feeding unit while sheets from another feeding unit which
is different from the first feeding unit are inserted into pages at
positions corresponding to image data of the group of image data
which have the second attribute, and a non-insertion mode in which
the image data of the group of image data which are for the pages
corresponding to the image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from the first feeding unit while the method
inhibits insertion of sheets from the another feeding unit which is
different from the first feeding unit into the pages at the
positions corresponding to the image data of the group of image
data which have the second attribute.
[0047] To attain the above objects, in a thirteenth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a control method of
controlling an image processing system comprising a plurality of
image forming apparatuses including a first image forming
apparatus, and a second image forming apparatus, the control method
comprising the steps of causing the first image forming apparatus
to form images on sheets with image data of a group of image data
which are for pages corresponding to image data having a first
attribute, the group of image data including the image data having
the first attribute, and image data having a second attribute, and
causing the second image forming apparatus to form images on sheets
with image data for pages corresponding to the image data having
the second attribute, and controlling the first image forming
apparatus to operate by selecting one of a plurality of operation
modes depending on a command from a user, the operation modes
including an insertion mode in which image data of the group of
image data which are for the pages corresponding to the image data
having the first attribute are formed on sheets from a first
feeding unit while sheets from another feeding unit which is
different from the first feeding unit are inserted into pages at
positions corresponding to image data of the group of image data
which have the second attribute, and a non-insertion mode in which
image data of the group of image data which are for the pages
corresponding to the image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from the first feeding unit while the control
means inhibits insertion of sheets from the another feeding unit
which is different from the first feeding unit into the pages at
the positions corresponding to the image data of the group of image
data which have the second attribute.
[0048] To attain the above objects, in a fourteenth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a computer readable storage
medium storing a program for causing an image processing system
comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses including a
first image forming apparatus, and a second image forming
apparatus, to execute the steps of causing the first image forming
apparatus to form images on sheets with image data of a group of
image data which are for pages corresponding to image data having a
first attribute, the group of image data including the image data
having the first attribute, and image data having a second
attribute, and causing the second image forming apparatus to form
images on sheets with image data for pages corresponding to the
image data having the second attribute, and controlling the first
image forming apparatus to operate by selecting one of a plurality
of operation modes depending on a command from a user, the
operation modes including an insertion mode in which image data of
the group of image data which are for the pages corresponding to
the image data having the first attribute are formed on sheets from
a first feeding unit while sheets from another feeding unit which
is different from the first feeding unit are inserted into pages at
positions corresponding to image data of the group of image data
which have the second attribute, and a non-insertion mode in which
image data of the group of image data which are for the pages
corresponding to the image data having the first attribute are
formed on sheets from the first feeding unit while the control
means inhibits insertion of sheets from the another feeding unit
which is different from the first feeding unit into the pages at
the positions corresponding to the image data of the group of image
data which have the second attribute.
[0049] The other objects and features of the present invention will
be apparent from the following detailed description and the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] FIG. 1 is a view showing the construction of an image
processing system according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0051] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of an MFP;
[0052] FIG. 3 is a view showing the detailed internal construction
of a scanner section of the MFP;
[0053] FIGS. 4A and 4B are block diagrams showing the detailed
constructions of a scanner IP section in the case where the MFP is
a color MFP and the case where it is a monochrome MFP,
respectively;
[0054] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of a facsimile section of the MFP;
[0055] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of a NIC section of the MFP;
[0056] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of a core section of the MFP;
[0057] FIGS. 8A and 8B are block diagrams showing the detailed
constructions of a printer IP section of the MFP;
[0058] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of a PWM section of the MFP;
[0059] FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram showing signals generated by
various portions of the PWM section;
[0060] FIG. 11 is a view showing the detailed internal construction
of a printer section of a color MFP;
[0061] FIG. 12 is a view showing the detailed internal construction
of a printer section of a monochrome MFP;
[0062] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of a finisher section of the MFP;
[0063] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of a document server;
[0064] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C are views showing examples of
description of PDL data;
[0065] FIG. 16 is a view showing PDL data after rasterization;
[0066] FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of a network
connection;
[0067] FIG. 18 is a view showing a data transfer for a printing job
on a network;
[0068] FIG. 19 is a display screen view showing a user interface
for a scanner driver;
[0069] FIG. 20 is a display screen view showing a user interface
for a printer driver;
[0070] FIG. 21 is a display screen view showing a user interface
for a job submitter;
[0071] FIG. 22 is a display screen view showing a user interface
for a job ticket;
[0072] FIG. 23 is a display screen view showing a user interface
for a device status;
[0073] FIG. 24 is a display screen view showing a user interface
for a job status;
[0074] FIG. 25 is a display screen view showing a user interface
for a job merge tool;
[0075] FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing a process procedure of a
method of processing image data according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0076] FIG. 27 is a schematic view showing how a banner adding
process is carried out;
[0077] FIG. 28 is schematic view showing how a simple splitting
process is carried out;
[0078] FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing a procedure of the simple
splitting process;
[0079] FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing a first embodiment of an
automatic RIP routine;
[0080] FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of the
automatic RIP routine;
[0081] FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing a third embodiment of the
automatic RIP routine;
[0082] FIG. 33 is a schematic view showing how a separating paper
inserting process is carried out;
[0083] FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing a procedure of the
separating paper inserting process;
[0084] FIG. 35 is a schematic view showing the concept of a color
page inserting process; and
[0085] FIG. 36 is a schematic view showing how the color page
inserting process is carried out in an image forming processing
mode and in a non-image forming processing mode.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0086] The present invention will now be described with reference
to drawings showing preferred embodiments thereof.
[0087] FIG. 1 is a view of a system configuration showing the
construction of an image processing system according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0088] In the figure, reference numeral 102 denotes a document
server, which includes a mother board 110 with a CPU, a RAM, an
image disk (HDD) and others mounted thereon, to which are connected
first and second NICs (Network Interface Cards) 111 and 112, an
exclusive I/F card 113, and an SCSI card 114.
[0089] First to third client computers (hereinafter simply referred
to as "the clients") 103a to 103c are connected to the first NIC
111 via public networks 101a. The first to third clients 103a to
103c operate application software executing what is called DTP
(Desk Top Publishing), create and edit various documents/graphics,
convert the created and edited documents/graphics into a Page
Description Language (hereinafter referred to as "PDL"), and
transfer the PDL to the document server 102 via the public networks
101a.
[0090] Scanners 106a and 106b capture image data on originals. The
image data read by the scanner 106a are transferred to the mother
board 110 of the document server 102 via a SCSI 114, while the
image data read by the scanner 106b are transferred to the mother
board 110 via the public networks 101 a and the first NIC 111.
[0091] A color MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 104 as a color image
forming apparatus has a copy mode, a facsimile mode, a printer
mode, and other modes, and is capable of reading and printing image
data in full colors with a high resolution and a high gradation. In
the present embodiment, the color MFP 104 is connected to the
exclusive I/F 113 via an exclusive 109 in order to accommodate an
enormous amount of data. The color MFP 104 may be connected to the
network 101, as black and white MFPs 105a to 105d are connected
thereto. Moreover, the MFP 104 is configured to be able to transmit
and receive various data, for example, it can transfer read color
data to another apparatus. The first to fourth monochrome MFPs 105a
to 105d as monochrome image forming apparatuses each have a copy
mode, a facsimile mode, a printer mode, and other modes, and are
capable of monochromatically reading and printing image data, as
well as capable of performing simplified color scanning or printing
with a low resolution or in binary. The first to fourth monochrome
MFPs 105a to 105d are connected to the second NIC 112 via a private
network 101b. The MFP 105 is configured to be able to perform a
read process in colors as well as transmission and reception of
various data such as transfer of image data read in colors to
another apparatus as they are. In the present embodiment, the
monochrome MFP 105 has a resolution of 600 dpi and the color MFP
104 has a resolution of 400 dpi.
[0092] A printer 107 is also connected to the private network 101b,
and arbitrary communication equipment such as a facsimile machine
can be connected to the private network 101b.
[0093] The color MFP 104 and the monochrome MFPs 105a to 105d
(hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "the MFPs 104
and 105"), however, are connected to the document server 102 via
the I/F 113 and the second NIC 112, respectively, as described
above, so that they can communicate with the first to third clients
103a to 103c. The document server 102 and the first to third
clients 103a to 103c have utility software operating on information
from the MFPs 104 and 105, and the MFPs 104 and 105 are managed by
the document server 102 or the client 103.
[0094] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of the MFPs 104 and 105. The MFPs 104 and 105 are each comprised of
a scanner section 201 for reading image data, a scanner IP (Image
Processing) section 202 for subjecting the image data read by the
scanner section 201 to an image process, a facsimile
transmitting/receiving section (hereinafter referred to as "a FAX
section") 203 for transmitting and receiving images using a
telephone line, a NIC section 204 for transmitting and receiving
image data or apparatus information using the network, an I/F
section 205 for exchanging information with the color MFP 104, and
a core section 206 for temporarily saving an image signal and
determining a transmission path for the image signal depending on
an operation mode of the MFP 104 or 105.
[0095] Image data output from the core section 206 are transmitted
to a printer section 209 via a printer IP section 207 and a PWM
(Pulse Width Modulation) section 208. The printer section 209 then
forms an image on recording paper, and the recording paper output
from the printer section 209 is fed into a finisher section 210,
which then classifies and finishes the recording paper.
[0096] The I/F section 205 is comprised of 4-color and 8-bit image
data and communication lines. It performs an interface operation
with the color MFP 104 by transmitting and receiving multi-valued
bits of CMYK in parallel.
[0097] The reason why the exclusive I/F 113 and the document server
102 are connected together via the I/F section 205 is that if, for
example, Ethernet cables are used for transmission and reception of
data, a printing job may not be transmitted at a transmission rate
corresponding to the maximum capability of the color MFP 104 or
other devices connected to the network may have their capabilities
degraded.
[0098] Next, the above described components 201 to 204 and 206 to
210 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10.
[0099] FIG. 3 is a view showing the detailed internal construction
of the scanner section 201 (and the scanner IP section 202). In the
figure, reference numeral 301 denotes an original table glass on
which an original 302 to be read is placed. The original 302 is
irradiated with light by an illuminating lamp 303 and reflected
light therefrom is collected on a lens 307 via first to third
mirrors 304, 305, and 306, so that an image is formed on a CCD
sensor 308. A first mirror unit 310 containing the first mirror 304
and the illuminating lamp 303 moves at a velocity V while a second
mirror unit 311 containing the second mirror 305 and the third
mirror 306 moves at a velocity 1/2V, to thereby scan the entire
surface of the original 302. The first mirror unit 310 and the
second mirror unit 311 are driven by a motor 309.
[0100] FIGS. 4A and 4B are block diagrams showing the detailed
constructions of the scanner IP section 202.
[0101] In the case of the color MFP 104, as shown in FIG. 4A, an
input optical signal is converted into an electric signal by the
CCD sensor 308. The CCD sensor 308 is comprised of a color sensor
with three lines for R, G, and B, so that image signals for the R,
G, and B from the CCD sensor 308 are input to an A/D converting
section 401. The A/D converting section 401 adjusts gain and offset
and then converts the color signals into 8-bit digital image
signals R0, G0, and B0. A shading correcting section 402 applies a
well-known shading correction to each color signal, using a read
signal from a reference white board, and a line-interpolating
section 403 corrects a spatial deviation in a subscanning
direction. That is, since the the CCD sensor 308 has color line
sensors spaced from each other by a predetermined distance, the
line-interpolating section 403 corrects the spatial deviation in
the subscanning direction.
[0102] Then, an input masking section 404 converts a read color
space determined by spectral characteristics of R, G, and B filters
of the CCD sensor 308, into an NTSC standard color space.
Specifically, the input image signals R0, G0, and B0 are converted
into standard R, G, and B signals by executing a 3.times.3 matrix
calculation using constants unique to the apparatus which are
determined taking into account various characteristics such as a
sensitivity characteristic of the CCD sensor 308 and a spectral
characteristic of the illuminating lamp 303. A luminance/density
converting section (LOG converting section) 405 retrieves a lookup
table (LUT) to convert RGB luminance signals into density signals
C1, M1, and Y1.
[0103] On the other hand, in the case of the monochrome MFP 105, as
shown in FIG. 4B, the monochrome one-line CCD sensor 308 reads
image data, the A/D converting section 401 converts the read image
data into a digital signal, and the shading correcting section 402
corrects shading and then transfers the digital signal to the core
section 206.
[0104] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of the FAX section 203. At the time of data reception, an NCU
section 501 receives data transmitted through the telephone line to
subject the data to voltage conversion, a demodulating section 504
of a modem section 502 subjects the data from the NCU 501 to A/D
conversion and demodulation, and an expansion section 506 then
expands the resulting data into raster data. The image data
converted into raster data are temporarily stored in a memory
section 507 and then transmitted to the core section 206 after it
has been assured that the data contain no transfer error. On the
other hand, at the time of data transmission, a compression section
505 compresses an image signal of a raster image transferred from
the core section 206 into compressed data, and a modulating section
503 of the modem section 502 subjects the compressed data to D/A
conversion and modulation and then transmits the resulting data to
the telephone line via the NCU section 502. The above described
compression and expansion processes in the compression section 505
and the expansion section 506 are performed using the run length
method or the like.
[0105] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of the NIC section 204. The NIC section 204 has an interface
function for communication with the network 101 to obtain
information from an external source or deliver information to an
external destination, using an Ethernet cable, for example,
10Base-T/100Base-TX.
[0106] More specifically, if information is to be obtained from an
external source, a transformer section 601 first subjects input
data to voltage conversion and then transmits the resulting data to
a network control section 602. The network control section 602 has
two buffer memories (first and second buffer memories, not shown);
the first buffer memory determines whether or not the external
information is necessary information and if so, transfers the
information to the second buffer memory, wherefrom the information
signal is delivered to the core section 206.
[0107] On the other hand, if information is to be provided to an
external destination, the network control section 602 adds required
information to data transmitted from the core section 206 and
transfers the resulting data to the network 101 via the transformer
section 601.
[0108] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of the core section 206. A bus selector section 611 of the core
section 206 selects and switches buses depending on various
functions of the MFP 104 or 105 such as copying, network scan,
network print, facsimile transmission/reception, or display.
Specifically, to execute the functions of the MFP 104 or 105, the
bus switching is carried out as follows:
[0109] (1) Copying Function
[0110] Scanner section 201.fwdarw.core section 206.fwdarw.sprinter
section 209
[0111] (2) Image Read Function
[0112] Scanner section 201.fwdarw.core section 206.fwdarw.NIC
section 204
[0113] (3) Printing Function
[0114] NIC section 204.fwdarw.core section 206.fwdarw.printer
section 209
[0115] (4) Facsimile Transmission Function
[0116] Scanner section 201.fwdarw.core section 206.fwdarw.FAX
section 203
[0117] (5) Facsimile Reception Function
[0118] FAX section 203.fwdarw.core section 206.fwdarw.sprinter
section 209
[0119] The data output from the bus selector section 611 are
compressed by a compression section 612. The compression method
used by the compression section 612 may be JPEG (Joint Photographic
Coding Experts Group), JBIG (Joint Bi-level Image Experts Group),
ZIP, and others. The compressed image data are managed for each job
and stored in a memory section 613 with additional data such as
file name, creator's name, creation date and time, and file size.
The memory section 613 is comprised of a mass memory such as a hard
disk (HDD), and can support what is called a personal box function
by setting and storing a job number and a password in the memory
section 613.
[0120] When an output command is then issued to a printing job
stored in the memory section 613, the printing job is read from the
memory section 613 and then subjected to image expansion to recover
the raster image, which is then transmitted to the printer IP
section 207.
[0121] FIGS. 8A and 8B are block diagrams showing the detailed
constructions of the printer IP section 207.
[0122] In the case of the color MFP 104, as shown in FIG. 8A, an
output masking/UCR circuit section 701 converts the density signals
C1, M1, and Y1 obtained by the LOG converting section 405 (FIG. 4A)
into signals C1, M1, Y1, and K1, using a matrix calculation,
corrects these signals to C, M, Y, and K signals based on a
spectral distribution characteristic of the toner, and outputs the
resultant signals. Next, a gamma converting section 702 retrieves a
lookup table (LUT) containing various tone characteristics of the
toner to convert the C, M, Y, and K signals into C, M, Y, and K
data for image outputting, and a space filter 703 executes a
sharpness or smoothing process on the C, M, Y, and K data, and the
processed data are then transferred to the PWM section 208.
[0123] On the other hand, in the case of the monochrome MFP 105, as
shown in FIG. 8B, the gamma converting section 702 executes a
predetermined gamma process on monochrome data from the core
section 206, the space filter 703 subjects the resultant data to
the sharpness or smoothing process, and a binarization circuit 704
binarizes and then transfers the data to the PWM section 208.
[0124] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of the PWM section 208. In the figure, reference numeral 801
denotes a triangular wave generating section, and reference numeral
802 denotes a D/A converting section for converting an input
digital image signal into an analog signal. A comparator 803
compares a signal (signal 801a in FIG. 10) from the triangular wave
generating section 801 with a signal (signal 802a in FIG. 10) from
the D/A converting section 802 to generate a signal 803a as shown
in FIG. 10 and then transmits it to a laser driving section 804. In
the laser driving section 804, lasers 805 for C, M, Y, and K
convert the signal into laser beams. A polygon scanner 913 scans
the laser beams, which are then applied to photosensitive drums
917, 921, 925, and 929.
[0125] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the detailed internal
construction of the printer section 209, which is a color printer.
In the figure, reference numeral 913 denotes the polygon scanner or
polygon mirror that receives four laser beams (first to fourth
laser beams) emitted from the four semiconductor lasers 805. The
first laser beam scans the photosensitive drum 917 through mirrors
914, 915, and 916, the second laser beam scans the photosensitive
drum 921 through mirrors 918, 919, and 920, the third laser beam
scans the photosensitive drum 925 through mirrors 922, 923, and
924, and the fourth laser beam scans the photosensitive drum 929
through mirrors 926, 927, and 928.
[0126] Further, reference numeral 930 denotes a developer for
supplying a yellow (Y) toner to form a yellow toner image on the
photosensitive drum 917 in accordance with the laser beam.
Reference numeral 931 denotes a developer for supplying a magenta
(M) toner to form a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum
921 in accordance with the laser beam. Reference numeral 932
denotes a developer for supplying a cyan (C) toner to form a cyan
toner image on the photosensitive drum 925 in accordance with the
laser beam. Reference numeral 933 denotes a developer for supplying
a black (B) toner to form a black toner image on the photosensitive
drum 929 in accordance with the laser beam.
[0127] On the other hand, the printer section 209 has a plurality
of feeding cassettes (in FIG. 11, only first and second feeding
cassettes 934 and 935 are shown), and a manual feeding tray 936.
Recording paper fed from one of the feeding cassettes 934 and 935
or the feeding tray 936 reaches a resist roller 937, whereby the
paper feeding timing is synchronized with the photosensitive drums
917, 921, 925, and 926, and then 4-color (Y, M, C, and K) toner
images developed on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 926
are transferred onto the recording paper, which is then adsorbed
and conveyed by a transfer belt 938. The recording paper thus
adsorbed and conveyed by the transfer belt 938 is separated
therefrom by a separation section 962, and conveyed by a conveyance
belt 939, and a fixing device 940 fixes the toner to the recording
paper. The recording paper is then discharged from the fixing
device 940 and guided downward by a flapper 950, and after its
trailing end has left the flapper 950, the recording paper is
switched back and discharged. The recording paper is thus
discharged in a downwardly facing fashion (i.e. with its image
forming surface facing downward) so that a desired page order is
obtained when the paper is sequentially printed starting with a
leading page.
[0128] In the printer section 209, the four photosensitive drums
917, 921, 925, and 929 are spaced from each other by a distance d,
the recording paper is conveyed at the constant velocity V by the
transfer belt 939, and the four semiconductors 805 are driven in
synchronism in timing with each other.
[0129] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the detailed internal
construction of the printer section 209, which is a monochrome
printer. In the figure, reference numeral 1013 denotes a polygon
mirror for receiving laser beams emitted from the four
semiconductor lasers 805. The first laser beams scan a
photosensitive drum 1017 through mirrors 1014, 1015, and 1016.
Further, reference numeral 1030 denotes a developer for supplying a
black toner to form a black toner image on the photosensitive drum
1017 in accordance with the laser beam.
[0130] On the other hand, in the case of the monochrome MFP 105,
the printer section 209 also has a plurality of feeding cassettes
(first and second feeding cassettes 1034 and 1035), and a manual
feeding tray 1036. Recording paper fed from one of the feeding
cassettes 1034 and 1035 or the feeding tray 1036 reaches a resist
roller 1037, whereby the paper feeding timing is synchronized with
the photosensitive drum 1017. The black toner image developed on
the photosensitive drum 1017 is transferred onto the recording
paper, and the recording paper is then conveyed by a conveyance
belt 1038, and the toner image is fixed to the recording paper by a
fixing device 1040. The recording paper is then discharged from the
fixing device 1040 and guided downward by a flapper 1050. After its
trailing end has left the flapper 1050, the recording paper is
switched back and discharged. The recording paper is thus
discharged in a downwardly facing fashion so that a desired page
order is obtained when the paper is sequentially printed starting
with a leading page.
[0131] FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the detailed internal
construction of the finisher section 210. The recording paper
discharged from the fixing device 940 or 1040 of the printer
section 209 is supplied to the finisher section 210. The finisher
section 210 has two discharge trays (a sample tray 1101 and a stack
tray 1102) that are switched for discharge depending on the type of
a job or the number of sheets of recording paper discharged.
[0132] A sort method employed by the present embodiment includes a
bin sort method of sorting paper sheets into a plurality of bins,
an electronic sort function using the mass memory section 613,
which can store image data corresponding to a large number of
pages, and a shift sort method of shifting the bins (or the
discharge trays) in the lateral directions to sort output sheets of
recording paper for each job. The electronic sort function is also
called "collate function", and since the core section 206 has the
mass memory section 613, the discharge order can be changed to a
buffered page order using the memory section 613 (for example,
input image data are read in an order reverse to that in which the
data have been input or a necessary portion of the data is
repeatedly read to prepare a plurality of output copies).
[0133] The finisher section 210 further has a grouping function of
sorting sheets of recording paper for each page. If sheets of
recording paper are to be discharged onto a stack tray 1102, the
sheets to be discharged onto the stack tray 1102 can be stored for
each job so as to be bound by a stapler 1105 immediately before
they are discharged. Further, before the above described discharge
tray (the sample tray 1101 or the stack tray 1102) are provided a Z
folding mechanism 1104 for folding paper in the form of the
character Z and a puncher 1106 for punching paper for filing. The Z
folding mechanism 1104 and the puncher 1106 can execute their own
processes depending on the type of the job. A saddle stitcher 1107
binds recording paper at two positions in a central portion thereof
and then causes rollers to sandwich the central portion
therebetween to fold the recording paper in half to thereby create
a booklet such as a weekly magazine or a pamphlet. The recording
paper book bound by the saddle stitcher 1107 is discharged onto a
booklet tray 1108. An inserter 1103 supplies recording paper set on
a feeding tray 1110 to one of the discharge trays 1101, 1102, and
1108 instead of feeding it to the printer. This enables the sheet
of recording paper set on the inserter 1103 to be inserted between
sheets of recording paper fed to the finisher section 210. Sheets
of recording paper are set on the discharge tray 1110 of the
inserter 1103 by a user in a fashion facing upward, and a pickup
roller 1111 feeds the sheets of recording paper therefrom starting
with a top sheet. Accordingly, by directly conveying the recording
paper from the inserter 1103 to the discharge tray 1101 or 1102, it
is discharged in a downwardly facing fashion. When the recording
paper is to be conveyed to the saddle stitcher 1107, it is first
fed toward the puncher 1106, switched back, and then fed to the
saddle stitcher 1107 so as to face in the appropriate
direction.
[0134] Although not shown, a binding function using a glue or a
trimming function of trimming, after binding, ends of sheets
opposite to the binding side in such a manner that the ends are
flush with one another can be provided as required.
[0135] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the detailed construction
of the document server 102. The document server 102 can remotely
execute management of various devices (103, 104, 105, 106, and
others) connected to the document server 102 via data communication
paths, arbitration among them, control of them, and other
processes. A printing job input from the first NIC 111 or the SCSI
114 is supplied to an input job control section 1202 via an input
device control section 1201. The input control section 1202 manages
a list of jobs requested by the client 103 or the like and creates
a job list to access individual printing jobs supplied to the
document server 102. Furthermore, the input job control section
1202 has a job routing function of determining an output route for
a printing job, a job splitting function of determining whether or
not a printing job is to be divided or split depending on its
printing attribute so as to be expanded into bit map data, that is,
whether or not RIP (Rasterize Image Processing) is to be carried
out, and a job scheduling function of determining the order in
which printing jobs are executed.
[0136] A printing job output from the input job control section
1202 is supplied to rasterize image processing (RIP) sections
1203a, 1203b, . . . That is, there are a plurality of RIP sections
1203 such that parts of the printing job obtained by splitting it
depending on the number of divisions determined by the input job
control section 1202 are supplied to the RIP sections 1203a, 1203b,
. . . , which then carry out predetermined RIP. That is, the RIP
sections 1203 subject PDL data of various printing jobs to the RIP
to create bit map data of appropriate size and resolution (this
will be described later). The RIP can use various formats such as
PostScript (Adobe, USA), PCL, TIFF (Tag Image File Format), JPEG,
and PDF (Portable Data Format).
[0137] A data converting section 1204 then compresses the bit map
data created through the RIP by the RIP section 1203 or converts
the format of the data to select an optimal image data type
compatible with the output device 104, 105, or 107. If, for
example, the printing job is to be processed for each page, the RIP
section 1203 rasterizes the JIEF, the JPEG, or the like, and the
data converting section 1204 executes a process such as addition of
a PDF header to the rasterized bit map data or edition thereof into
PDF data.
[0138] An output control section 1205 detects image data for each
page of the printing job, determines how the image data are to be
processed based on command settings, and controls the determined
processing. The image data are transferred to an output device
control section 1206 or stored in an image disk 1207. In this
regard, it can be determined whether or not the processed job is to
be saved in the image disk 1207, and if it is to be saved, it can
be read again.
[0139] The output device control section 1206 determines an output
device or devices to which the printing job is to be output and
controls outputting the printing job to the determined output
device or sets clustering for the determined output devices (the
clustering refers to a mode where a plurality of output devices are
connected together so as to concurrently execute printing. For
example, an image forming apparatus is caused to print the first to
fiftieth pages of printing data of 100 pages, and another image
forming apparatus is caused to print the fifty-first to hundredth
pages. Alternatively, if 100 copies of printing data of 10 pages
are to be prepared, an image forming apparatus is caused to print
50 copies, and another image forming apparatus is caused to print
the remaining 50 copies. In this manner, in this mode, printing
data output from a single source of image data are distributed to a
plurality of image forming apparatuses for printing.), and
transfers the printing job to the second NEC 112 or/and the
exclusive I/F 113.
[0140] In this case, the output device control section 1206
monitors a state of the output device or devices to obtain a device
status.
[0141] Next, the above described PDL data will be explained.
[0142] The PDL is classified into three elements: [0143] (1)
Description of images in character codes (character information)
[0144] (2) Description of images in graphic codes (graphic
information) [0145] (3) Description of images in terms of raster
image data (raster image information)
[0146] That is, the PDL means a language describing an image
comprised of a combination of the above elements, and data
described in the PDL are PDL data.
[0147] FIG. 15A shows an example of description of character
information 1301.
[0148] L1311 is a description for designating a character color
(char_color), and 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 1.0 in parentheses sequentially
indicate the densities of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. That
is, for the character color, "0.0" represents a minimum density,
while "1.0" represents a maximum density. Accordingly, the present
embodiment shows a case where the character color L1311 is set as
black.
[0149] L1312 indicates that a string to be printed is written as a
variable (string 1). The present embodiment shows a case where a
string "IC" is written as the variable (string 1).
[0150] L1313 indicates a string layout (put_char) and in the
present embodiment, (0.0, 0.0, 0.3, 0.1, string 1) is written as
the string layout. That is, if the parameters written as the string
layout L1313 are referred to as first to fifth parameters, the
first and second parameters (0.0, 0.0) indicate start position
coordinates (X, Y) on recording paper on which the string "IC" is
to be printed, the third parameter (0.3) indicates the size of the
characters, the fourth parameter (0.1) indicates the character
spacing, and the fifth parameter (string 1) indicates the string
"IC" to be printed. Accordingly, the character information R1301
causes the string "IC" to be printed from coordinates (0.0, 0.0) on
the recording paper with a character size of 0.3 and a character
spacing of 0.1.
[0151] FIG. 15B shows an example of description of graphic
information R1302.
[0152] L1321 indicates a line color (line color) and in the present
embodiment, (1.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0) is written as the line color, and
thus cyan is designated.
[0153] L1322 indicates a line layout (put_line), and in the present
embodiment, (0.9, 0.0, 0.9, 1.0, 0.1) is written as the line
layout. If the parameters written as the line layout L1322 are
referred to as first to fifth parameters, the first and second
parameters (0.9, 0.0) indicate line start point coordinates (X1,
Y1) on recording paper, the third and fourth parameters (0.9, 1.0)
indicate line end point coordinates (X2, Y2) on recording paper,
and the fifth parameter (0.1) indicates the thickness of the
line.
[0154] FIG. 15C shows an example of description of raster image
information R1303.
[0155] L1331 indicates that a raster image to be printed is written
as a variable (image 1). In the present embodiment, (CMYK, 8, 5, 5,
CO, M0, Y0, KO, . . . , C24, M24, Y24, K24) is written as the
variable L1331 (image 1). If the parameters written as the variable
(image 1) are sequentially referred to as a first parameter, a
second parameter, . . . , the first parameter (CMYK) indicates the
image type of the raster image and the number of color components
thereof, the second parameter indicates the number of bits per
color component, the third and fourth parameters (5, 5) indicate
the image sizes of the raster image in X and Y directions, and the
fifth and subsequent parameters (CO, M0, Y0, KO, . . . , C24, M24,
Y24, K24)
[0156] indicates raster image data. The number of data in the
raster image data equals the number of color components
constituting one pixel multiplied by the image sizes in the X and Y
directions. Consequently, in the present embodiment, the raster
image is comprised of four color components including cyan,
magenta, yellow, and black, so that the raster image data contains
100 (=4.times.5.times.5) data.
[0157] L1332 indicates an image layout (put_image) and in the
present embodiment, (0.0, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, image 1) is written as the
image layout. If the parameters written as the image layout L1332
are referred to as first to fifth parameters, the first and second
parameters (0.0, 0.5) indicate start position coordinates (X3, Y3)
on recording paper on which the image data are to be printed, the
fourth parameter (0.5) indicates the size of the image data, and
the fifth parameter (image 1) indicates the printed image data.
Accordingly, the raster image information R1303 causes the image
data image 1 to be printed from coordinates (0.0, 0.5) on the
recording paper with a size of 0.5.times.0.5.
[0158] FIG. 16 shows how the PDL data comprised of the above
described character information R1301, graphic information R1302,
and raster image information R1303 are interpreted and rasterized,
that is, subjected to the RIP.
[0159] These image data have been expanded into a RAM 1208 or the
image disk 1207 for each of CMYK color components. For example, for
the character information R1301, C=0, M=0, Y=0, and K=255 are each
written into a corresponding one of the CMYK RAMs 1208, and for the
graphic information, C=255, M=0, Y=0, and K=0 are each written into
the corresponding RAM 1208. In the document server 102, the PDL
data transmitted from the client 103 or the document server 102,
which have been subjected to the PDL data processing or the RIP,
are written into the RAM 1208 or the image disk 1207 as they are,
and are saved therein as required.
[0160] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing how the public networks
101 a are connected to each other.
[0161] The public networks 101a are connected to each other via a
plurality of routers 1401 to 1404 to constitute a first LAN (Local
Area Network) 1406, which in turn connects to a router 1405 to
constitute a second LAN 1407. The first LAN 1406 and the second LAN
1407 are connected together via a private line 1408.
[0162] In the public networks 101a connected together as described
above, as shown in FIG. 18, if, for example, data 1421 from a
source device 1420a (device A) are to be transferred to a
destination device 1420b (device B), regardless of whether they are
image data, the PDL data, or program data, the data 1421 are
divided into a group of split data 1422, and split data 1423, 1424,
and 1426 each have a destination address (if the TCP/IP protocol is
used, the IP address of the destination) added to a header 1425
thereof. The split data each with the destination address imparted
are sequentially transmitted over the network 101a as packets
1427.
[0163] When the address of the device 1420a matches a header 1431
of a packet 1430, data 1432 is separated from the header and
recovered to a data state in the device 1420a.
[0164] FIG. 19 shows a user interface for a scanner driver which is
installed in the document server 102 or the client 103 and
displayed on a display screen to drive the scanners 106a and 106b
and on which display screen the user can set and designate desired
parameters to convert images into data.
[0165] That is, reference numeral 1501 denotes a scanner driver
window comprised of a source device display section for displaying
a source of image data, a preview image display section 1516 for
previewing an input image, a read attribute display section 1517
for displaying a read attribute of a read image, and an image area
display section 1518 for displaying an image area of the read
image.
[0166] The source device display section 1515 is comprised of a
source device selection display section 1502 for selecting the
source device of the image data, and a property key 1503 for
setting details of the selected source device. In the source device
selection display section 1502, the scanner 106a or 106b or the MFP
104 or 105 is generally selected but a digital camera or the like
may be selected. Further, when the property key 1503 is operated
(clicked with a pointing device such as a mouse), a different
window is displayed in a fashion overlapping the display screen, so
that setting information unique to the device can be input or a
special image process (for example, a character mode/photograph
mode) can be selected to make it possible to input an image in a
process mode compatible with the input or selected information.
[0167] The read attribute display section 1517 is comprised of an
image size display section 1504 for selecting and designating an
image size, a resolution input section 1505, and a color mode
setting section 1506.
[0168] Further, in the image area display section 1518, a unit
setting section 1507 designates a length unit for the read image,
an image width setting section for designating a width dimension
for the image data, and an image height setting section 1509 for
designating a height dimension for the image data.
[0169] When the user uses the above described setting sections 1504
to 1509 to make desired settings and then operates a prescanner
1512, the document server 102 or the client 103 commands the device
selected in the source device selection display section 1502 to
perform a read operation, and the device selected in the selection
display section 1502 receives the command for the read operation to
start inputting the image. In this prescan operation, the image
data are read with a resolution set to a lower value than that in a
main or production scan, and the obtained image is displayed in the
preview image display section 1511 as a preview image. The preview
display is performed on a scale 1510 depending on the setting
status of the unit setting section 1507 of the image area display
section 1518.
[0170] If the user determines the preview image to be "OK", he
operates a scan key 1513 to read image data in accordance with the
setting in the resolution setting section 1505 at a resolution of,
for example, 400 dpi. If the user determines the preview image to
be "NG", he operates the prescan key 1512 again to check the image
data to be read and operates a cancel key 1514 to stop or suspend
the read operation. FIG. 20 shows a user interface for a printer
driver, which is installed in the document server 102 or the client
103 and displayed on the display screen to drive a destination
device such as the printer 107 or the like and on which display
screen the user can set and designate desired parameters to
transmit a desired image to the destination device.
[0171] That is, reference numeral 1601 denotes a printer driver
window comprised of a destination device selection display section
for selecting a destination, a page setting display section 1603
for selecting an output page of image data in the printing job, and
a copy number setting display section 1604 for designating the
number of copies.
[0172] The destination device display section 1607 is comprised of
a destination device display section 1602, and a property key 1607
for setting detailed printing conditions for a destination device.
In the present embodiment, the destination device display section
1602 shows a case where the MFP 104 has been selected from
destination device candidates (the MFPs 104 and 105, the printer
107, a combination of the MFPs 104 and 105 (cluster print).
[0173] When the user operates the property key 1607, a different
window is displayed in a fashion overlapping the display screen, so
that setting information unique to the device can be input or
parameters for a special image process, for example, those for the
gamma converting section 702 or spatial filter section 703 in the
printer IP section 207 of the MFP 104 or 105 can be changed to
enable finer color reproduction or sharpness adjustments.
[0174] The page setting display section 1603 sets an output page
for one of images to be printed which have been created by
application software running on the document server 102 or the
client 103.
[0175] When the user thus makes the desired settings and then
operates the OK key 1605, printing is started. When he operates the
cancel key 1606, the printing is stopped or canceled.
[0176] FIG. 21 shows a user interface for a job submitter for
transmitting data in various formats directly to the document
server 102 from the client 103. This interface is installed in the
document server 102 or the client 103 and displayed on the display
screen so that the user can set and designate desired parameters on
the display screen.
[0177] That is, reference numeral 1702 denotes a job submitter
window comprised of a destination device selection display section
1702 for selecting a destination and a file data display section
1705 for displaying a data format or the like of a file transmitted
to the document server 102.
[0178] The destination device display section 1702 is comprised of
a destination device display section 1703, and a property key 1704
for setting detailed printing conditions for a destination device.
In the present embodiment, the destination device display section
1703 shows a case where the MFP 104 has been selected from
destination device candidates (the MFPs 104 and 105, the printer
107, a combination of the MFPs 104 and 105 (cluster print).
[0179] The file data display section 1705 is comprised of a
directory setting section 1706 for designating a storage location
in a storage medium of the apparatus where a printing job to be
processed is saved, a data format display section 1707 for
displaying the data format of each file contained in the printing
job, a file name display section 1708 for displaying a file name,
and a file type display section 1709 for displaying a file
type.
[0180] The user checks the setting contents, and if they are
correct, operates an OK key 1710 to transmit the printing job
directly to the document server 102. To cancel the setting
contents, the user operates a cancel key 1711 to stop or suspend
the operation.
[0181] That is, while the above described print driver uses an
application on the client 103 to start up the data to thereby
convert them into a predetermined format and then transfers the
converted data to the document server 102, the job submitter can
transmit a file on the client 103 directly to the document server
102.
[0182] FIG. 22 shows a display screen for a job ticket which
displays printing conditions for the destination device. The
display screen is displayed by actuating the property key 1607 or
1704 of the print driver (FIG. 20) or job submitter (FIG. 21),
respectively.
[0183] A job ticket window 1801 is comprised of a setting item
section 1802 for the destination device (for example, the color MFP
104), and a setting item display section 1803 for allowing the user
of the client 103 to select and designate setting contents in a
fashion corresponding to each setting item 1802.
[0184] The setting item section 1802 shows the names of setting
items required for the printing conditions for the output device,
such as image processing parameters, the number of copies, a
recording paper size, and a finishing function so that the user can
arbitrarily set the printing conditions. Those of the setting items
which are not included in the output device are not displayed. If,
for example, the output device without a duplex printing function
is selected, a duplex printing section is not displayed.
[0185] In default setting items, settings which are frequently used
are displayed. For example, the duplex printing section (Duplex)
can be set to ON or OFF so that the ON setting enables the duplex
printing whereas the OFF setting enables single-side printing.
Since, however, the single-side printing is more frequently used
than the duplex one, the OFF is selected and displayed as a
default.
[0186] The user checks the setting contents and if they are
correct, operates an OK key 1804 to transmit the printing job
(including command data indicative of commands input by the user
via the operation screens shown in FIGS. 20, 21, 22, and other
figures, image data to be printed, and other data) directly to the
document server 102. On receiving the printing job, the document
server 102 controls the MFPs 104 and 105 to perform operations
based on the commands from the user. To cancel the setting contents
of the job ticket, the user can operate the cancel key 1805 to stop
or suspend the process. The user can also make various settings for
clustering, described later, as well as other settings (including
various operation modes described later with reference to FIGS. 27,
28, 33, 35, 36, and other figures), using operation screens such as
those shown in FIGS. 20, 21, and 22.
[0187] In the present embodiment, the NIC section 205 of each of
the MFP 104 and 105 and a network I/F section (not shown) of the
printer 107 have a standardized database called "MIB (Management
Information Base)", and the above components can communicate with
the document server 102 or the client 103 via an SNMP (Simple
Network Management Protocol) as a network management protocol to
enable devices on the networks 101a and 101b to exchange data.
[0188] For example, all static information can be obtained such as
facility information on the MFPs 104 and 105, device status,
network settings, the progress of jobs, and management and control
of operation status; for example, functions of the finisher section
210 connected to the MFP 104 or 105 can be detected as the facility
information on the MFPs 104 and 105, and whether or not an error or
a jam is occurring, whether the device is printing or is idle, etc.
can be detected as the device status (status information).
[0189] FIG. 23 shows a user interface for the device status.
[0190] Reference numeral 1901 denotes a device status window,
showing that the first monochrome MFP 105a has been selected as the
destination device. The facility information on the first
monochrome MFP 105a is displayed in a graphic display section 1903,
the printer name, the device name, and others of the first
monochrome MFP 105a are displayed in a device specification display
section 1906, and the device status is displayed in device status
display sections 1904 and 1905. In the present embodiment, the
window shows that the destination device is not ready and that
recording paper is jammed. The user of the client 103 can thus
check information of a remote device such as the MFP 104 or
105.
[0191] Further, by actuating a detailed display key 1907, the user
can display details of the facility information in a different
window. If the device status indicates no problem, the user
operates an OK key 1908 to start printing. If the device status
indicates an error, the user operates a cancel key 1909 to stop or
suspend the process.
[0192] FIG. 24 shows a user interface for a job status.
[0193] Reference numeral 2001 denotes a job status window comprised
of a job status display section 2002 for displaying the status of
printing jobs saved in the document server 102, a printing status
display section 2003 for displaying the status of printing jobs
transferred to the output device, and a finished job display
section 2004 for displaying the histories of printing jobs that
have been processed. The job status display section 2002 displays
"Waiting" indicating that the RIP has not been started or "Ripping"
indicating that the RIP is in progress, and after the RIP, the job
status is passed to the printing status.
[0194] The finished job status section 2004 displays the histories
of printing jobs: it displays "Printed" if the printing job has
been normally finished or "Canceled" if the printing process has
been suspended.
[0195] FIG. 25 shows a user interface for a job merge tool which is
displayed on a printing requesting device, for example, the client
103 or the document server 102.
[0196] Reference numeral 2101 denotes a job merge window comprised
of a first chapter display section (Chapter-1) 2102 for displaying
each page of a first file, and a second chapter display section
(Chapter-2) 2102 for displaying each page of a second file.
[0197] When the user operates an Import/Open key 2104, the first
file saved in the document server 102, the client 103, or the like
is read and its contents are displayed in the first chapter display
section 2102. When the user again operates the Import/Open key
2104, the second file is read from the document server 102, the
client 103, or the like and its contents are displayed in the
second chapter display section 2103. The second file displayed in
the second chapter display section 2103 is thus merged with the
first file displayed in the first chapter display section 2102, so
that the merged files are printed and output (that is, the
plurality of files are bound and output as one printing job). The
user then operates the Import/Open key 2104 while scrolling the
merge tool window 2101 as required, to display a third file, a
fourth file, . . . in a third chapter display section (Chapter-3),
a fourth chapter display section (Chapter-4), . . . , thereby
merging the files together for output.
[0198] A Delete key 2105 is operated to delete a particular chapter
or page, and an Edit key 2106 is operated to add a header, a
footer, renumbering, or the like to a file. Further, a Print key
2107 is operated to output merged printing jobs by actuating the
printer driver to print and output data.
[0199] An OK key 2108 is operated to establish a merged status of
files for printing jobs, and a cancel key 2109 is operated to stop
or suspend the process.
[0200] The present image forming system, however, can execute
cluster printing (a mode where printing data from a source of image
data such as the document server 102, the client 103, or the
scanner 106 are distributed to a plurality of image forming
apparatuses for printing) where a plurality of output devices, that
is, the MFP 104 or 105 or the printer 107 simultaneously print and
output data based on a command from the document server 102. For
example, of plural pages of printing data included in one group,
color data can be printed and output by the color MFP 104, while
black-and-white data can be printed and output by the monochrome
MFP 105.
[0201] The cluster printing includes three types of data splitting
transfer method.
[0202] (1) Job Splitting Method
[0203] This is a printing method of detecting idle output devices
and allotting jobs to the output devices always evenly so as to
disperse loads on the output devices so that a minimum number of
printing jobs must wait, as in a case where a first job is
transferred to the MFP 105a while a second job is transferred to
the MFP 105b. When the user selects this mode via the above
described user interface or the like and transmits, for example, a
group of a job A for printing 100 copies of printing data A of 20
pages and a job B for printing one copy of printing data of 200
pages, from the client 103 to the server computer 102, the server
computer 102 transfers the job A from the received data to the MFP
105a and the job B to the MFP 105b. Then, the MFP 105a prints 100
copies of the printing data A, while the MFP 105b prints one copy
of the printing data B.
[0204] (2) Copy Splitting Method
[0205] This is a method of evenly assigning copies to be printed in
one printing job, to output devices set for clustering (if,
however, there is a remainder left, the remainder will be assigned
to any of the output devices). When the user selects this mode via
the above described user interface and if, for example, 150 copies
of printing data C of 20 pages are to be prepared, the server
computer 102, for example, causes the MFP 105a to print 50 copies
of the printing data C, while causing another MFP 105b to print 50
copies and further MFP 105c to print 50 copies, based on cluster
setting data received from the client 103 together with the
printing data.
[0206] (3) Page Splitting Method
[0207] This is a method of evenly assigning pages in one printing
job to output devices set for clustering (if, however, there is a
remainder left, the remainder will be assigned to any of the output
devices as in the copy splitting method). When the user selects
this mode via the above described user interface, then based on
cluster setting data received from the client 103 together with
printing data D of 100 pages, the server computer 102, for example,
causes the MFP 105a to print the 1st to 25th pages of the printing
data D, the MFP 105b to print the 26th to 50th pages of the
printing data D, the MFP 105c to print the 51th to 75th pages, and
the MFP 105d to print the 76th to 100th pages.
[0208] FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing a method of processing image
data according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
present program is previously stored in a memory in the document
server 102 and is read and executed by a CPU thereof.
[0209] As a preliminary procedure, when the user select, in the
destination device display sections 1607 and 1702, the
color/black-and-white cluster print, for example, the color MFP 104
and the monochrome MFP 105 as output devices, using the pointing
device, keys, or the like in the user interface (FIGS. 20, 21,
etc.) for the printer driver or job submitter displayed on the
display screen of the source of image data such as the document
server 102 or the client 103, and then instructs starting printing
using the OK key, command data from the user including original
size data, output paper size data, scale data, output sheet number
data, output copy number data, and destination setting data are
transmitted with image data to the document server 102 as a
printing job.
[0210] Then, at a step S3201, a setting mode is selected, and at a
subsequent step S3202, it is determined whether or not partition
paper is to be inserted between sheets of recording paper, based,
for example, on the contents of the command data input by the user
via the setting item section 1802 on the job ticket screen shown in
FIG. 22. If the result of the determination is negative (No), the
process proceeds to a step S3204, whereas if the result is
affirmative (Yes), a command for execution of a banner adding
process is issued (step S3203), and the process proceeds to a step
S3204.
[0211] FIG. 27 is a schematic view showing how the banner adding
process is carried out. If the color MFP 104 and/or the monochrome
MFP 105 has no sorting mechanism for sorting each printing job, the
document server 102 commands the MFP 104 or 105 to insert banner
paper (partition paper) between sheets of recording papers to
easily discriminate between copies.
[0212] For example, as shown in FIG. 27, if two copies of a
printing job Job-D of 8 pages comprised of color data and
black-and-white data mixed together are to be printed, the document
server 102 splits the printing job Job-D into, for example,
black-and-white jobs Job-D1 (corresponding to the first page),
Job-D3 (corresponding to the third page), and Job-D5 (corresponding
to the sixth to eighth pages) ,and color jobs Job-D2 (corresponding
to the second page) and Job-D4 (corresponding to the fourth and
fifth pages), as described later.
[0213] On the other hand, the first feeding cassettes 934 and 1034
of the color MFP (FIG. 11) and the monochrome MFP 105 (FIG. 12)
have recording paper housed therein and on which image data are to
be formed, and the second feeding cassettes 1035 of the monochrome
MFP 105 has recording paper housed therein to be used as delimiter
paper, described later, the recording paper being colored yellow.
Thus, if the color MFP 104 and/or the monochrome MFP 105 has no
sorting mechanism, banner paper is accommodated in another feeding
cassette (not shown) installed in the color MFP 104 or the
monochrome MFP 105 or in the feeding tray 1110 of the finisher
section 210. The document server 102 issues a command for insertion
of banner paper 51a between the black-and-white job Job-D5 for the
first copy and the black-and-white job Job-D1 for the second copy,
so that the banner paper 51a is inserted between the
black-and-white job Job-D5 for the first copy and the
black-and-white job Job-D1 for the second copy to thereby discharge
the recording paper into the feeding tray 1101, 1102, or 1108 of
the monochrome MFP 105. Likewise, the document server 102 issues a
command for insertion of banner paper 51b between the color job
Job-D5 for the first copy and the color job Job-D2 for the second
copy, to insert the banner paper 51b between the color job Job-D5
for the first copy and the color job Job-D2 for the second copy to
thereby discharge the recording paper into the feeding tray 1101,
1102, or 1108 of the monochrome MFP 105. One banner page is
typically provided for one job, but if a plurality of copies are to
be printed, banner paper is inserted between sheets of recording
paper for different copies as a separator to further facilitate
sorting.
[0214] Next, at a step S3204 (FIG. 26), it is determined whether or
not the setting mode contained in the command data obtained from
the printing requester such as the client 103 is a simple splitting
mode, based, for example, on the contents of the command data input
by the user via the setting item section 1802 on the job ticket
screen shown in FIG. 22 or via another section. If the result of
the determination is affirmative (Yes), a simple splitting process
is executed (step S3211) to complete the process of the present
program. That is, a printing job with color data and
black-and-white data mixed therein is split into the color data and
the black-and-white data, so that the output devices corresponding
respectively to these image data output printing data.
[0215] On the other hand, if the result of the determination at the
step S3204 is negative (No), the process proceeds to a step S3205
to determine whether or not the setting mode contained in the
command data obtained from the printing requester such as the
client 103 is a delimiter paper inserting mode, based, for example,
on the contents of the command data input by the user via the
setting item section 1802 on the job ticket screen shown in FIG. 22
or via another section. If the result of the determination is
affirmative (Yes), a delimiter paper inserting process is executed
(step S3210) to complete the process of the present program. That
is, a printing job with color data and black-and-white data mixed
therein is split into the color data and the black-and-white data,
followed by putting together each of the color data and the
black-and-white data into a set of continuous color data or
black-and-white data. Then, delimiter paper, which is colored so as
to easily discriminate between the sets is inserted between the set
of continuous black-and-white data and the set of continuous color
data, and printing data are output from the output device with the
delimiter paper inserted therein (refer to a description provided
later with reference to FIG. 33).
[0216] When the result of the determination at the step S3205 is
negative (No), the process proceeds to a step S3206 to determine
whether or not the setting mode contained in the command data
obtained from the printing requester such as the client 103 is a
color page-corresponding paper inserting mode, based, for example,
on the contents of the command data input by the user via the
setting item section 1802 on the job ticket screen shown in FIG. 22
or via another section. If the result of the determination is
negative (No), the process of the present program is immediately
terminated. On the other hand, if the result of the determination
at the step S3206 is affirmative (Yes), the color
page-corresponding paper inserting mode is executed. That is, the
printing job with color data and black-and-white data mixed therein
is split into the color data and the black-and-white data, and the
color data are printed and output by the output device capable of
outputting color output data, while as many sheets of recording
paper as the color pages are output from the monochrome output
device. In this case, those of the image data output from the
monochrome output device whose original image data are colored are
output on colored recording paper as black-and-white data (refer to
a description provided later with reference to FIG. 35).
[0217] Specifically, it is determined whether or not the setting
mode contained in the command data obtained from the printing
requester such as the client 103 is a blank interleaf mode, based,
for example, on the contents of the command data input by the user
via the setting item section 1802 on the job ticket screen shown in
FIG. 22 or via another section. If the result of the determination
is affirmative (No), a non-image forming process is executed (step
S3209) to complete the process of the present program. That is, for
color pages, as many sheets of recording paper as the color pages
are output from the monochrome MFP 105 without generating image
data, the recording paper being blank and having no image data
formed thereon (refer to a description provided later with
reference to FIG. 36).
[0218] On the other hand, if the result of the determination at the
step S3207 is negative (No), the process proceeds to a step S3208
to execute an image forming process to complete the process of the
present program. That is, as in the step S3210, colored paper is
subjected to black-and-white RIP based on image data corresponding
to color data, to thereby change the color data into monochrome
data, and the color paper with the monochrome data formed thereon
is output from the monochrome MFP 105.
[0219] In this manner, the present embodiment allows the user of
the printing requester such as the client 103 to select, for
example, in the setting item section 1802 of the job ticket shown
in FIG. 22, a desired one of a plurality of operation modes
including the mode (the processing at the step S3203, the
processing at the step S3210, or the processing from the step S3206
to the step S3209) in which when one (for example, the
black-and-white MFP 105) of a plurality of MFPs that can be set to
clustering is used for printing, the printer of this MFP is
operated to insert sheets (for example, colored paper) at positions
corresponding to pages to be printed by a different printer (for
example, the color MFP 104), the sheets acting as marks when the
user mixes all pages together later, and the mode (the processing
at the step S3211) for inhibiting the above described insertion
process by operating the printer so as not to insert the sheets.
The above described mode for inserting the sheets acting as marks
when the user mixes all pages together later includes a first
insertion mode (the banner sheet inserting mode at the step S3203)
described above with reference to FIG. 27, a second insertion mode
(the processing at the step S3210) for operating the printer so as
to execute the sheet inserting process in a manner shown in FIG.
33, described later, and a third insertion mode (the processing
from the step S3206 to the step S3209) for operating the printer so
as to execute the sheet inserting process in a manner shown in FIG.
35, described later. The user of the printing requester such as the
client 103 can also select one of these modes in the setting item
section 1802 on the job ticket screen shown in FIG. 22 or in
another section. Further, the above described third insertion mode
includes a mode (the processing at the step S3208) for forming a
predetermined image on the sheet to be inserted as shown in FIG.
36, described later, a mode (the processing at the step S3209) for
inhibiting the predetermined image from being formed on the sheet
to be inserted. The user of the printing requester such as the
client 103 can also select one of these modes in the setting item
section 1802 on the job ticket screen shown in FIG. 22 or in
another section. Each of the MFPs 104 and 105 selects one of the
above described plurality of modes for operation, that has been
designated by the user. The insertion mode may be selected for each
MFP in such a manner that, for example, the black-and-white MFP 105
executes the third insertion mode, while the color MFP 104 executes
the first insertion mode. In this case as well, the user may
designate the insertion mode for each MFP via the user interface on
the screen of the printing requesting PC.
[0220] FIG. 28 is a schematic view showing how the simple splitting
process is executed at the step S3211 (FIG. 26). The present
embodiment shows a case where the color MFP 104 outputs color data,
while the monochrome MFP 105 outputs black-and-white data. A
process described with reference to FIG. 28 is carried out if the
mode for inhibiting the partition paper or the like from being
inserted at positions corresponding to pages to be printed by
another MFP is selected.
[0221] That is, to print two copies of a printing job Job-A with
color data and black-and-white data mixed therein, the document
server 102 first splits the printing job Job-A into a
black-and-white job (hereafter referred to as "the black-and-white
job") Job-A1, and a color image job (hereafter referred to as "the
color job") Job-A2. In the present embodiment, the first, third,
sixth, seventh, and eighth pages constitute the black-and-white job
(Job-A1), and the second, fourth, and fifth pages constitute the
color job (Job-A2). Of the printing job split into the
black-and-white job Job-A1 and the color job Job-A2, the
black-and-white job Job-A1 is transferred to the monochrome MFP
105, and the color job Job-A2 is transferred to the color MFP 104.
Printing data for two copies are thus output from each of the
monochrome MFP 105 and the color MFP 104. Then, a copy 1 from the
monochrome MFP 105 and a copy 1 from the color MFP 104 are manually
mixed together, and a copy 2 from the monochrome MFP and a copy 2
from the color MFP 104 are also manually mixed together, thereby
obtaining two copies of the printing data.
[0222] FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing a procedure for the above
described simple splitting process. At a step S2201, a printing job
transferred from the client 103 is input to the input job control
section 1202 via the first NIC 111 and the input device control
section 1201 and is temporarily spooled therein. Then, at a step
S2202, the process procedure is determined taking the priority of
the printing job into consideration, and at the following step
S2203, the printing job is converted into a format that allows each
page to be managed, for example, PDF data so as to enable the RIP
for each page. At a step S2204, it is determined whether the
printing job has been designated for manual (Manual) processing or
automatic (Auto) processing. If it has been designated for the
manual processing, the process proceeds to a step S2214 to
determine whether or not the entire printing job consists of color
data. If the result of the determination is affirmative (Yes), the
color RIP is executed (step S2216) and the process proceeds to a
step S2207. If the result is negative (No), the black-and-white RIP
is executed and the process proceeds to the step S2207. On the
other hand, if it is determined at the step S2204 that the printing
job has been designated for the automatic processing, the process
proceeds to a step S2205 to determine whether a page to be
subjected to the RIP has been designated for the manual processing
or the automatic processing. If the page to be processed has been
designated for the manual processing, the process proceeds to a
step S2209 to determine whether or not this page is colored. If the
result of the determination is affirmative (Yes), the color RIP is
executed (step S2211). If the result of the determination is
negative (No), the black-and-white RIP is executed (step S2210). At
the following step S2212, it is determined whether or not there is
any page to be processed, that is, a page end (last page) has been
reached. If the result of the determination is negative (No), the
process proceeds to the next page (step S2213) and the processing
from the step S2209 to the step S2213 is repeated for each page.
Once the RIP has been completed for all the pages, the result of
the determination at the step S2212 becomes affirmative (Yes) and
the process proceeds to a step S2207.
[0223] On the other hand, if the page to be processed has been
designated for the automatic processing, the automatic RIP is
executed at a step S2206, and the process proceeds to the step
S2207. At the step S2207, the output job control section 1205
executes a predetermined control over the output job, and the
output device control section 1206 then controls the output device
intended to output the job and transfers (transmits) the processed
image data to this desired output device.
[0224] The black-and-white data are thus output from the monochrome
MFP 105 via the second NIC 112, while the color data are output
from the color MFP 104 via the exclusive I/F 113.
[0225] FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing a first embodiment of the
automatic RIP routine executed at the step S2206 (FIG. 29).
[0226] At a step S2301, the color RIP is executed for all the pages
of the printing job with a resolution of, for example, 400 dpi,
corresponding to that of the color MFP 104. Once the RIP has been
completed, the printing data are temporarily stored in the RAM 1208
in the document server 102 in the form of bit map data, so that it
can be determined whether each page is colored or black or white.
Therefore, it is determined at a step 2302 whether or not the
present page is colored, and if the page is colored, it is then
determined whether or not the present page is the first page (step
S2305). Since the result of the determination at the step S2305 is
affirmative (Yes) in the first loop, the process proceeds to the
step S2306 to create a new color job Jc (step S2306). If it is
determined at a step S2311 that the present page is not the last
page, the process proceeds to the next page at a step S2312 to
again determine whether or not the present page is colored. If the
page is colored, the result of the determination at the step S2305
is negative (No) in the present loop, so that the process proceeds
to a step S2307 to add the page to the color job Jc created at the
step s2306. The process then proceeds to the step S2311.
[0227] On the other hand, if the result of the determination at the
step S2302 is negative (No), that is, if the present page is black
and white, the process proceeds to a step S2304 to execute the
black-and-white RIP with a resolution of, for example, 600 dpi,
corresponding to that of the black-and-white MFP 105, and it is
determined whether or not the present page is the first page (step
S2308). If the present page is the first page, a new
black-and-white job Jb is created (step S2309). If it is determined
at the step S2311 that the page is not the last page, the process
proceeds to the next page at a step S2312, and it is again
determined at the step S2302 whether or nor the present page is
colored. If the page is not colored, the process proceeds to the
step S2308 via the step S2304. Since the result of the
determination at the step S2308 is negative (No) in the present
loop, the process proceeds to a step S2310 to add the page to the
black-and-white job Jb created at the step S2309. Then, the process
proceeds to the step S2311.
[0228] In this manner, the above described process is executed on
all the pages, and when the result of the determination at the step
S2311 becomes affirmative (Yes), the process returns to the main
routine in FIG. 29.
[0229] Once the process has thus been completed up to the last
page, two RIP-expanded output jobs have been created from the color
job Jc and the black-and-white job Jb.
[0230] That is, different output devices (for example, the color
MFP 104 and the black-and-white MFP 105) may have different
resolutions, and a single RIP may not be able to provide sufficient
outputs for these plurality of different output devices.
[0231] In the present embodiment, as described above, the color RIP
is first executed with a low resolution (for example, 400 dpi)
corresponding to that of one of output device candidates for
cluster printing, for example, the color MFP 104, and then the
determination as to whether each page is colored or black and white
is carried out on the pages thus subjected to the color RIP with
the low resolution. If the present page after the color RIP with
the low resolution is black and white, the black-and-white process
is executed on the page with a high resolution (for example, 600
dpi) corresponding to that of the black-and-white MFP 105. Thus,
complicated RIPs with different resolutions can be processed at
high speed substantially simultaneously.
[0232] Attribute information (including information for determining
whether the image forming apparatus is for colors or black and
white, and information indicative of the resolution of the
apparatus) on the plurality of output devices controlled by the
document server 102 may be stored and managed in the memory of the
document server 102 separately for each output device, and the
stored attribute information may be used to process images based on
printing attributes of the output device to which printing data are
to be transmitted as described above. The following method is also
possible. Once it has been determined to which output device the
printing data are to be distributed, a request for the attribute
information is given to this device via the network; and the
attribute information data are received from the device in response
to the request, to thereby perform the above described image
process.
[0233] FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of the
automatic RIP routine. In the second embodiment, the RIP is first
carried out with a low resolution, and the data subjected to the
RIP with the low resolution are used to determine whether the
present page is colored or black and white. Subsequently, the color
page is subjected to the color RIP with a resolution suitable for
the color MFP 104, which is the destination, and the
black-and-white page is subjected to the black-and-white RIP with a
resolution suitable for the black-and-white MFP 105, which is the
destination.
[0234] That is, at a step S2401, the RIP is executed on the
printing job with a low resolution, for example, 72 dpi, and at a
step S2402, it is determined whether or not each of the present
pages is colored. If the page is a color page, the color RIP is
executed with a resolution of 400 dpi, which is suitable for the
color MFP 104, the destination (step S2403). Then, as in the first
embodiment, if the present page is the first page, a new color job
Jc is created (step S2405 to step S2406), and if the present page
is not the first page, the page is added to the color job Jc
created at the step S2406 (step S2405 to step S2407). On the other
hand, if the present page is black and white at the step S2402, the
process proceeds to a step S2404, where the black-and-white RIP is
executed with a resolution of 600 dpi, which is suitable for the
black-and-white MFP 105, the destination. If the present page is
the first page, a new white-and-black job Jb is created (step S2405
to step S2406), and if the present page is not the first page, the
page is added to the color job Jb (step S2408 to step S2410). The
above described process is repeated up to the last page, and when
the result of the determination at the step S2411 becomes
affirmative (Yes), the process returns to the main routine in FIG.
26.
[0235] Once the process has thus been completed up to the last
page, two RIP-expanded output jobs have been created from the color
job Jc and the black-and-white job Jb.
[0236] That is, when a tool such as the job merge tool in FIG. 25
that can display a thumb nail image is available, an image that has
been subjected to the RIP with a low resolution (for example, 72
dpi) is often used to create a thumb nail image. Therefore, in the
second embodiment, the thumb nail display can be realized by first
executing the RIP on all the pages and then determining whether the
pages are colored or black and white, based on the result of the
RIP. Further, by carrying out the color/black-and-white
determination using an image that has been subjected to the RIP
with a low resolution of, for example, 72 dpi, the amount of time
required for this color/black-and-white determination can be
reduced compared to a similar determination using an image that has
been subjected to the RIP with a resolution of, for example, 400
dpi, as in the first embodiment.
[0237] FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing a third embodiment of the
automatic RIP routine. In the third embodiment, two types of
resolutions are used to carry out the RIP and the monochrome MFP
105a and 105b are used for cluster printing. In this regard, the
monochrome MFP 105a is assumed to have a resolution A (for example,
200 dpi), and the monochrome MFP 105b is assumed to have a
resolution B (for example, 300 dpi).
[0238] That is, a printing job consisting only of black-and-white
data or color data is sometimes desired to be output from different
output devices, but even with the same printing attribute
(color/black and white) of the image data, these output devices may
have different resolutions. In such a case, if the RIP is carried
out with the same resolution, it will be difficult to obtain
desired printing results from all the output devices.
[0239] Thus, in the third embodiment, two types of resolutions are
used for the RIP.
[0240] At a step S2501, the black-and-white RIP is executed with a
resolution A (for example, 200 dpi). It is determined whether or
not the page is to be printed with the resolution A (step S2502),
and if the result of the determination is affirmative (Yes), it is
then determined whether or not the present page is the first page
(step S2505). If the result of the determination at the step S2505
is affirmative (Yes), a job A is created (step S2506), and if it is
further determined at a step S2511 that the page is not the last
page, the process proceeds to the next page at a step S2512 to
again determine whether or not the present page is to be printed
with the resolution A. If it is determined that the present page is
to be printed with the resolution A, the result of the
determination at the step S2505 will be negative (No) in the
present loop, so that the process proceeds to a step S2507 to add
the page to the job A created at the step S2506. The process then
proceeds to the step S2511.
[0241] On the other hand, if the result of the determination at the
step S2502 is negative (No), that is, it is determined at this step
that the present page is not to be printed with the resolution A,
the black-and-white RIP is again executed on the page with a
resolution B (for example, 300 dpi) which is different from the
resolution A (step S2508). It is determined whether or not the
present page is the first page (step S2508), and if the present
page is the first page, a new job B is created (step S2509). If it
is further determined at the step S2511 that the present page is
not the last page, the process proceeds to the next page at the
step S2512 to again determine whether or not the present page is to
be printed with the resolution A. If it is determined that the
present page is not to be printed with the resolution A, the page
is again subjected to the RIP with the resolution B (step S2504).
Then, the result of the determination at the step S2508 is negative
(No) in the present loop, so that the process proceeds to the step
S2510 to add the page to the job B created at the step S2509. The
process then proceeds to the step S2511.
[0242] Thus, output jobs that have been subjected to the RIP with
the resolutions A and B are transferred to the monochrome MFPs 105a
and 105b, respectively, so that desired printing data are output
from the monochrome MFPs 105a and 105b.
[0243] In this manner, when printing data from a source of image
data such as the client 103 are distributed to a plurality of
output devices from the document server 102 in order to cause the
output devices to print the distributed printing data, the document
server 102 executes different image processes for the respective
output devices, to which the data are to be distributed, in
separate manners depending on the printing attributes (resolution,
and others) of these respective output devices, and distributes the
image-processed data that have been separately processed to the
respective output devices.
[0244] FIG. 33 is a schematic view showing how the delimiter paper
inserting process is carried out at the step S3211 (FIG. 26). A
printing job with color data and black-and-white data mixed therein
is divided into the color data and the black-and-white data, and
the color data are output from the color MFP 104, whereas
continuous data of the black-and-white data are put together into a
set of continuous black-and-white data, the delimiter paper is
inserted at the leading edge or the trailing edge of the set of
continuous black-and-white data, and the set of continuous
black-and-white data with the delimiter paper inserted are output
from the monochrome MFP 105.
[0245] That is, when two copies of a printing job Job-B with color
data and black-and-white data mixed therein are to be printed, the
document server 102 first splits the printing job Job-B into
black-and-white jobs Job-B1, Job-B3, and Job-B5 and color jobs
Job-B2 and Job-B4. In the present embodiment, the first, third,
sixth, seventh, and eighth pages are black and white, while the
second, fourth, and fifth pages are colored. Of the black-and-white
pages, the first page constitutes the job Job-B1, the third page
constitutes the job Job-B3, and the sixth to eighth pages
constitute the job Job-B5, and of the color pages, the second page
constitutes the job Job-B2 and the fourth and fifth pages
constitute the job Job-B4.
[0246] On the other hand, as previously described (FIG. 12), the
monochrome MFP 105 has a plurality of feeding cassettes (for
example, the first feeding cassette 1034 and the second feeding
cassette 1035), and the first feeding cassette 1034 has white
recording paper housed therein, while the second feeding cassette
1035 has colored recording paper, which is, for example, yellow,
housed therein.
[0247] Then, in response to a command from the document server 102,
for the black-and-white jobs Job-B1, Job-B3, and Job-B5, the
monochrome MFP 105 forms image data on the white recording paper
fed from the first feeding cassette 1034 to output the same, while
for the color jobs Job-B2 and Job-B4, it feeds, at corresponding
portions of the entire job, a single sheet of the yellow recording
paper from the second feeding cassette 1035 as the delimiter paper
(the job Job-B4 includes two continuous color pages P4 and P5, but
in this insertion mode, the monochrome MFP 105 is operated to
insert, also at a portion corresponding to the job Job-B4, a single
sheet of the yellow recording paper from the second feeding
cassette 1035, like a portion corresponding to the job Job-B2. As a
result, the color MFP 104 outputs the color jobs Job-B2 and Job-B4,
whereas the monochrome MFP 105 outputs the black-and-white jobs
Job-B1, Job-B3, and Job-B5 with the delimiter paper 51 inserted
therebetween. Printing data for two copies are output from each of
the monochrome MFP 105 and the color MFP 104, and a copy 1 from the
monochrome MFP 105 and a copy 1 from the color MFP 104 are manually
mixed together, while a copy 2 from the monochrome MFP 105 and a
copy 2 from the color MFP 104 are manually mixed together, to
thereby obtain two copies of the printing data.
[0248] FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing a procedure of the
separating paper inserting process.
[0249] At a step S3101, a color page updating parameter i and a
black-and-white updating parameter j are each initialized by
setting these parameters to "0". Then, at a step S3102, the color
RIP is executed on all the pages with a resolution of 400 dpi. It
is determined at a step S3103 whether or not the present page is
colored, and if the present page is colored, it is then determined
whether or not the preceding page is colored (step S3104). Since
the result of the determination at the step S3104 is affirmative
(Yes) in the first loop, the process proceeds to a step S3105 to
determine whether or not the present page is the first page (step
S3105). Since the result of the determination at the step S3105 is
affirmative (Yes) in the first loop, the process proceeds to a step
S3106 to create a color job Jci. If it is determined at a step
S3114 that the present page is not the last page, the process
proceeds to the next page at a step S3115 to execute the RIP
thereon (step S3102). If the present page is colored, it is
determined whether or not the preceding page is colored (step
S3104). Since the present page is not the first page in the first
loop, the result of the determination at the step S3105 is negative
(No), and the process proceeds to a step S3107 to add the page to
the color job Jci created at the step S3106. The process then
proceeds to the step S3114.
[0250] On the other hand, if the result of the determination at the
step S3104 is negative (No), that is, if execution of a subsequent
loop leads to a determination result that the preceding page is
black and white, the color page updating parameter i is incremented
by "1" (step S3108) and a new color job Jci is created. The process
then proceeds to the step S3114. On the other hand, if the result
of the determination at the step S3103 is negative (No), that is,
if the present page is black and white, the black-and-white RIP is
executed on the page with a resolution of, for example, 600 dpi,
and it is then determined whether or not the preceding page is
black and white (step S3110). Since the result of the determination
at the step S3110 is affirmative (Yes) in the first loop, the
process proceeds to a step S3111 to determine whether or not the
present page is the first page. Since the result of the
determination at the step S3111 is affirmative (Yes) in the first
loop, the process proceeds to a step S3112 to create a new color
job Jbi and then proceeds to the step S3114. Further, since the
result of the determination at the step S3111 is negative (No) in a
subsequent loop, the process proceeds to a step S3113 to add the
page to the color job Jbi created at the step S3112. The process
then proceeds to the step S3114.
[0251] On the other hand, if the result of the determination at the
step S3110 is negative (No), that is, if the preceding page is
colored, the process proceeds to the step 3114 to increment the
black-and-white page updating parameter j is incremented by "1".
The process then proceeds to the step S3112 to create a new color
job Jci and then proceeds to the step S3114.
[0252] The above described process is thus carried out on all the
pages of the printing job to cause the monochrome MFP 104 and the
color MFP 105 to substantially simultaneously output a desired
number of copies of the printing job using a set of continuous
black-and-white image pages and color image pages as a job
unit.
[0253] To mix together output jobs from the color MFP 104 and from
the black-and-white MFP 105, the user, for example, takes out these
output jobs from the discharge tray 1101, 1102, or 1108 (FIG. 13)
of the MFPs 104 and 105, detects those positions between the output
jobs taken out from the black-and-white MFP 105 where the yellow
recording paper is inserted, removes the yellow recording paper
from the output jobs, and instead inserts the output jobs from the
color MFP 104 into these positions. The user carries out this
replacing process (removing the yellow recording paper and
inserting the sheets output from the color MFP into the
corresponding positions) for each position where the yellow
recording paper is inserted (that is, the operation is repeated
until all the sheets of yellow recording paper are removed from the
output jobs), thereby completing the operation of mixing together
the output jobs from the color MFP 104 and from the black-and-white
MFP 105.
[0254] Thus, in mixing together the output jobs from the color MFP
104 and from the black-and-white MFP 105, it can be easily
determined where the color image pages output from the color MFP
104 are to be inserted between the black-and-white image pages
output from the black-and-white MFP 105.
[0255] Although the present embodiment uses a configuration that
the delimiter paper is inserted between the jobs output from the
black-and-white MFP 105, alternatively, it may use a configuration
that the delimiter paper is inserted between the jobs output from
the color MFP 104,
[0256] and subsequently the delimiter paper is replaced by the
black-and-white image pages output from the black-and-white MFP
105, whereby the output jobs from the color MFP 104 and from the
black-and-white MFP 105 are mixed together. In either case, the
configuration has only to cause at least one of the MFPs to output
the delimiter paper.
[0257] FIG. 35 is a view showing the concept of a process which is
executed if the color page-corresponding paper inserting mode is
set at the step S3206 (FIG. 26). A printing job with color data and
black-and-white data mixed therein is split into the color data and
the black-and-white data, so that the color data are printed and
output by the color MFP 104, while as many sheets of recording
paper 53 as the color pages are output from the monochrome output
device 105.
[0258] That is, when two copies of a printing job Job-C with color
data and black-and-white data mixed therein are to be printed, the
document server 102 first splits the printing job Job-C into
black-and-white jobs Job-C1, Job-C3, and Job-C5 and color jobs
Job-C2 and Job-C4. In the present embodiment, of the
black-and-white pages, the first page constitutes the job Job-C1,
the third page constitutes the job Job-C3, and the sixth to eighth
pages constitute the job Job-C5, and of the color pages, the second
page constitutes the job Job-C2 and the fourth and fifth pages
constitute the job Job-C4, as in the delimiter paper inserting
process (FIG. 32).
[0259] On the other hand, the first feeding cassette 1034 of the
monochrome MFP 105 (FIG. 12) has white recording paper housed
therein, while the second feeding cassette 1035 has colored
recording paper, which is, for example, yellow, housed therein.
[0260] Then, for the black-and-white jobs Job-C1, Job-C3, and
Job-C5, the monochrome MFP 105 forms image data on the white
recording paper fed from the first feeding cassette 1034 to output
the same, while for the color jobs Job-C2 and Job-C4, the
monochrome MFP 105 feeds a bundle 53 of as many sheets of the
recording paper as continuous color pages from the second feeding
cassette 1035. As a result, the color MFP 104 outputs the color
jobs Job-C2 and Job-C4, whereas the monochrome MFP 105 discharges
the black-and-white jobs Job-C1, Job-C3, and Job-C5 with the bundle
of as many sheets of the recording paper as the color pages
inserted therebetween, into the discharge tray 1102, 1102, or 1108,
respectively (that is, in this insertion mode, as is distinct from
the insertion mode described above with reference to FIG. 33, the
monochrome MFP 105 is operated in such a manner that a single sheet
from the second feeding cassette 1035 is inserted into the bundle
at a position corresponding to the job Job-C2 containing one color
page, and two sheets from the second feeding cassette 1035 are
inserted at a position corresponding to the job Job-C4 containing
two continuous color pages). Printing data for two copies are
output from each of the monochrome MFP 105 and the color MFP 104,
and a copy 1 from the monochrome MFP 105 and a copy 1 from the
color MFP 104 are manually mixed together, while a copy 2 from the
monochrome MFP 105 and a copy 2 from the color MFP 104 are manually
mixed together, to thereby obtain two copies of the printing
data.
[0261] Moreover, the color page-corresponding paper inserting mode
is configured to allow the user to determine whether or not images
are to be formed on the bundle 53 of sheets of the recording paper.
In the image forming processing mode, the step S3208 is executed,
and in the non-image forming processing mode, the step S3209 is
executed.
[0262] FIG. 36 is a schematic view showing how the image forming
process or the non-image forming process is carried out.
[0263] When two copies of a printing job Job-E with color data and
black-and-white data mixed therein are to be printed, the document
server 102 first splits the printing job Job-E into black-and-white
jobs Job-E1, Job-E3, and Job-E5 and color jobs Job-E2 and Job-E4.
In the present embodiment, of the black-and-white pages, the first
page constitutes the job Job-E1, the third page constitutes the job
Job-E3, and the sixth to eighth pages constitute the job Job-E5,
and of the color pages, the second page constitutes the job Job-E2
and the fourth and fifth pages constitute the job Job-E4, similarly
to the delimiter paper inserting process (FIG. 33).
[0264] On the other hand, the first feeding cassette 1034 of the
monochrome MFP 105 (FIG. 12) has white recording paper housed
therein, while the second feeding cassette 1035 has colored
recording paper, which is, for example, yellow, housed therein.
[0265] Then, if the image forming processing mode (Printed
Interleaf mode) is selected, the black-and-white RIP is executed on
portions of the printing job JOB-E corresponding to the color jobs
Job-E2 and Job-E4 to form images on a bundle 53a of sheets of
recording paper fed from the second feeding cassette 1035, and the
bundle 53a is discharged into the discharge tray 1101, 1102, or
1108 (that is, the monochrome MFP 105 is operated in such a manner
that image data for the second page P2 are printed on a sheet from
the second feeding cassette 1035 as a black-and-white image, and
the printed sheet is then inserted into the bundle at a position
corresponding to the job Job-E2. Then, two sheets are fed from the
second feeding cassette 1035, and image data for the fourth page P4
are printed on one of the sheets as a black-and-white image, while
image data for the fifth page P5 are printed on the other sheet as
a black-and-white image. The two black-and-white-image printed
sheets are inserted into the bundle at a position corresponding to
the job Job-E4).
[0266] On the other hand, if the non-image forming processing mode
(Blanked Interleaf mode) is selected, the black-and-white RIP is
not executed on positions corresponding to the color jobs Job-E2
and Job-E4 to thereby form no images on a bundle 53b of sheets of
recording paper fed from the second feeding cassette 1035, so that
blank sheets are output onto the discharge tray 1101, 1102, or 1108
(that is, the monochrome MFP 105 is operated so that one sheet of
colored paper is inserted into the bundle at a position
corresponding to the job Job-E2, while two sheets of colored paper
are inserted into the bundle at a position corresponding to the job
Job-E4, without executing the image forming process in either
case).
[0267] Thus, in the color page-corresponding paper inserting mode,
in the non-image forming process, for color pages, only colored
paper is output from the monochrome MFP 104 without forming any
image data, whereas in the image forming process, color pages are
output from the monochrome MFP 104 as black-and-white data.
[0268] That is, when sheets corresponding to color pages are
printed and output, errors can be reduced in manually mixing the
color pages and the black-and-white pages together, but the bundle
53 of sheets of recording paper may be counted and billed as print
pages though they are finally discarded. Besides, toner and
recording paper are wastefully used.
[0269] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is made
possible to determine whether the image forming processing mode
(Printed or Blanked Interleaf mode) or the non-image forming
processing mode (Blanked Interleaf mode) is to be executed on pages
corresponding to color data that are to be interleaved.
[0270] If no image is to be formed on pages corresponding to color
data that are to be interleaved, the bundle 53b of sheets of
recording paper have no image formed thereon and can thus be
reused. For example, once the output from each MFP has been
completed and the mixing of the color pages and black-and-white
pages has been completed, the delimiter paper 56 used by the
monochrome MFP 105 are no longer useful. Therefore, by again
storing the delimiter paper in the second cassette 1035 of the
monochrome MFP 105 after the color pages and black-and-white pages
have been mixed together, the delimiter paper can be reused to save
resources and unwanted billing can be avoided to reduce printing
costs.
[0271] The present invention is not limited to the above described
embodiments. Although the color pages and black-and-white pages may
be manually mixed together as described above, the pages may be
automatically mixed together by providing an offline collator (a
device for setting a plural groups of recording paper in the
discharge tray and collating these groups as one output bundle)
with a function of identifying the color of recording paper such
that if the recording paper is identified as colored, the color
pages, for example, yellow pages in the group of recording paper
output from the monochrome MFP 105, are replaced with recording
paper output from the color MFP 104. Alternatively, the separating
paper may be output from both the MFPs (the black-and-white MFP 105
and the color MFP 104) so that output jobs from the MFPs with the
delimiter paper inserted therein can be set in a collator such as
one described above for automatic mixing.
[0272] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a
plurality of image processing sections (RIP sections 1203a, 1203b,
. . . ) are provided to perform image processing in a manner
corresponding to printing attributes (for example, color pages are
subjected to the color RIP with a resolution suitable for the
resolution of the color MFP 104, as the destination device, whereas
black-and-white pages are subjected to the black-and-white RIP with
a resolution suitable for the resolution of the black-and-white MFP
105, as the destination device). As a result, for example, color
pages in the printing job can be output from a color image
processing apparatus, while black-and-white pages can be output
from an image forming apparatus dedicated to monochrome image
formation, thereby making it possible to reduce printing costs and
hence enable a large amount of printing jobs to be inexpensively
processed.
[0273] Further, even if image forming apparatuses with different
resolutions are used for simultaneous outputs, desired printing
data can be output from each of the image forming apparatuses by
virtue of image processing depending on the resolution of the
apparatus using image processing means.
[0274] Furthermore, by inserting the delimiter paper between image
data with different printing attributes, printing portions of the
data to be mixed together can be easily identified to thereby avoid
the operation from being complicated even in the case of the manual
mixing, thereby allowing the user to work more efficiently.
[0275] Still further, by issuing a command which instructs
supplying to at least one of first and second image forming
apparatuses a predetermined number of sheets of recording paper
corresponding to a group of image data output to the other image
forming apparatus at a portion or portions of the group of image
data where printing attributes of the group of image data are to be
switched, portions of the image data where the sheets of recording
paper and the image data are to be replaced with each other can be
easily visually identified.
[0276] Moreover, the user can determine whether or not the image
data output to the other image forming apparatus are to be formed
on the predetermined number of sheets of recording paper. A system
can therefore be provided, which can be easily operated depending
on an application or object of the present invention.
[0277] It is to be understood that the present invention may also
be realized by supplying a system or an apparatus with a storage
medium which stores the program code of software that realizes the
functions of above described embodiments (the functions shown in
FIGS. 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 34 and the functions for executing
various printing processes, sheet inserting processes, and other
processes performed by the printer as described with reference to
FIGS. 27, 28, 33, 35, and 36), and causing a computer (or CPU, MPU)
of the system or apparatus to read out and execute the program code
stored in the storage medium.
[0278] In this case, the program code itself read out from the
storage medium realizes the above described functions of the
present invention, so that the storage medium storing the program
code also constitutes the present invention.
[0279] The storage medium for supplying the program code may be
selected, for example, from a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk,
magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile
memory card, ROM, EEPROM, and silicon disk.
[0280] It is to be understood that the functions of the above
described embodiments can be realized not only by executing a
program code read out by a computer, but also by causing an
operating system (OS) that operates on the computer to perform a
part or the whole of the actual operations according to
instructions of the program code.
[0281] Furthermore, the program code read out from the storage
medium may be written into a memory provided in an expanded board
inserted in the computer, or an expanded unit connected to the
computer, and a CPU or the like provided in the expanded board or
expanded unit may actually perform a part or all of the operations
according to the instructions of the program code, so as to
accomplish the functions of the above described embodiments.
[0282] Moreover, the present invention is applicable to a system
comprised of a plurality of apparatuses or a single apparatus. It
goes without saying that the present invention is applicable to a
case where a program is supplied to the system or apparatus. In
this case, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the
present invention by reading a program from a storage medium which
program is expressed by software for attaining the present
invention.
[0283] Further, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects
of the present invention by downloading a program which is
expressed by software for attaining the present invention, from a
database on a network by means of a communication program.
* * * * *