U.S. patent application number 13/247870 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-26 for information processing apparatus, print job conversion method, and program.
This patent application is currently assigned to Canon Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Masashi Kuroshima.
Application Number | 20120019866 13/247870 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38118418 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120019866 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuroshima; Masashi |
January 26, 2012 |
INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, PRINT JOB CONVERSION METHOD, AND
PROGRAM
Abstract
To improve work efficiency and reduce work costs, automatic
transmission/reception and conversion of a print job can be
performed (without requiring manual work) among plural printing
systems having different functions. An information processing
apparatus, connected to plural printing systems, can create a job
ticket for a second system based on a job ticket and content data
for a first system and device function information for the second
system.
Inventors: |
Kuroshima; Masashi;
(Ohta-ku, JP) |
Assignee: |
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
38118418 |
Appl. No.: |
13/247870 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11559207 |
Nov 13, 2006 |
8059290 |
|
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13247870 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1256 20130101;
G06F 3/1204 20130101; G06F 3/126 20130101; G06F 3/1226 20130101;
G06F 3/1282 20130101; G06F 3/1206 20130101; G06F 3/1247 20130101;
G06F 3/1275 20130101; G06F 3/1285 20130101; G06F 3/1245 20130101;
G06F 3/1268 20130101; G06F 3/1264 20130101; G06F 3/1214 20130101;
G06F 3/1232 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 2, 2005 |
JP |
2005-348784 |
Claims
1. An information processing apparatus configured to communicate
with a printing system, comprising: an acquiring unit configured to
obtain device function information in the printing system; a
changing unit configured to change a processing order of postpress
described in first work instruction data in which a plurality of
works are described to an order such that the printing system can
output a final printed material as ordered, when it is determined
that the first work instruction data includes a work that cannot be
performed by the printing system based on the first work
instruction data and the device function information in the
printing system; and a generation unit configured to create second
work instruction data for the printing system indicating that the
printing system performs the postpress described in the first work
instruction data in the order changed by said changing unit.
2. A method for an information processing apparatus configured to
communicate with a printing system, the method comprising:
obtaining device function information in the printing system;
changing a processing order of postpress described in first work
instruction data in which a plurality of works are described to an
order such that the printing system can output a final printed
material as ordered, when it is determined that the first work
instruction data includes a work that cannot be performed by the
printing system based on the first work instruction data and the
device function information in the printing system; and creating
second work instruction data for the printing system indicating
that the printing system performs the postpress described in the
first work instruction data in the order changed.
3. A computer-readable recording medium storing instructions which,
when executed by an apparatus configured to communicate with
printing system, causes the apparatus to perform operations
comprising: obtaining device function information in the printing
system; changing a processing order of postpress described in first
work instruction data in which a plurality of works are described
to an order such that the printing system can output a final
printed material as ordered, when it is determined that the first
work instruction data includes a work that cannot be performed by
the printing system based on the first work instruction data and
the device function information in the printing system; and
creating second work instruction data for the printing system
indicating that the printing system performs the postpress
described in the first work instruction data in the order changed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser.
No. 11/559,207 filed Nov. 13, 2006 which claims priority to
Japanese Application Serial No. 2005-348784, filed Dec. 2, 2005,
all of which the contents of are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a print job conversion
control for an information processing apparatus configured to
perform conversion of a print job among plural printing systems
having different functions.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The commercial printing industries are based on a
print-ordering system capable of receiving, from clients, print
requests for various products (e.g., magazines, newspapers,
catalogs, advertisements, and gravures), creating printed products
requested by the clients, and delivering the printed products to
respective clients.
[0006] This kind of commercial printing industries generally uses
large-scale printing apparatuses, such as offset printing machines,
to perform various processes including document entry, design
and/or layout, comprehensive layout (print output for
presentation), correction (layout correction and color correction),
proof print, camera-ready block copy creation process, printing
process, post-processing process, and delivery.
[0007] On the other hand, highly-advanced technologies of recent
electrophotographic printing apparatuses and inkjet printing
apparatuses can realize a print on demand (hereinafter, referred to
as POD) market comparable to the printing service provided by the
conventional printing industries.
[0008] The POD system is useful in processing a relatively small
lot of job in a short period of time without using large-scale
apparatuses and systems. The POD system can utilize best
performances of digital image forming apparatuses, such as digital
copying machines and digital multifunction peripherals, to obtain a
digital print of electronic data, which cannot be realized by the
above-described conventional printing system using large-scale
printing machines or printing methods.
[0009] According to the POD system, management and control of
printing processes can be greatly digitized and computerized
compared to the conventional printing system.
[0010] Furthermore, the POD system can use a workflow including
plural processing processes (e. g., pre-print process, print
process, and post-print process) required for outputting a print
result. The printing system can execute the print processing
according to the workflow and can efficiently obtain a print result
requested by a client (orderer).
[0011] A technique for automatically creating a workflow including
plural processing process is, for example, discussed in Japanese
Patent Application Laid-open No. 2004-164570. According to a method
for automatically creating a workflow discussed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid-open No. 2004-164570, a workflow creation
apparatus holds environment information (e.g., output conditions
including attribute values of a final output product, workflow
creation rules stored beforehand, presence of processing modules,
and designation of computers that can execute respective processing
modules). Then, based on the environment information, the workflow
creation apparatus automatically creates a workflow for obtaining a
final output product.
[0012] However, according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent
Application Laid-open No. 2004-164570, no consideration is given to
print data created for a different printing system although the
workflow required to obtain a final output product can be
automatically created. As an example of print data, the print data
may include portable document format data (PDF) (content data) and
print instruction data (job ticket).
[0013] For example, creation of PDF for a system A is generally
optimized by performing down-sampling suitable for the resolution
of a printing device in the system A. Therefore, if a digital print
section in a system B is different in resolution from a digital
print section in the system A, the digital print section of the
system B cannot execute optimum print processing for PDF
transferred from the system A. Accordingly, if the PDF transferred
from the system A is processed by the digital print section in the
system B, the print quality will be deteriorated.
[0014] Furthermore, a printing device in the system A and a
printing device in the system B may have different printable
regions even if they can print the same regular size (A4/A3)
documents. For example, a printing device in the system B may
require a larger printing margin compared to that of a printing
device in the system A. In such a case, if PDF created by a
prepress section in the system A is processed by the printing
device in the system B, the peripheral region of an image may not
be printed properly due to the difference of printing margin.
[0015] As described above, various problems arise when print data
created for a particular printing system is processed by another
printing system. An output result requested by a client may not be
obtained. It is, however, difficult and time consuming for a worker
to carefully check function information of devices and print data
processed in both systems and rearrange the print data to smoothly
execute the print processing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed
to a technique for automatically performing transmission/reception
and conversion of a print job among plural printing systems having
different functions and providing a mechanism capable of improving
the entire work efficiency.
[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, at least
one exemplary embodiment provides an information processing
apparatus configured to communicate with a first printing system
and a second printing system. The information processing apparatus
includes: a reception unit configured to receive, from the first
printing system, work instruction data for the first printing
system created based on print request instruction contents and
original content data entered in the first printing system, and
first content data created for the first printing system; a first
acquiring unit configured to obtain device function information in
the second printing system; and a first generation unit configured
to create work instruction data for the second printing system
based on the work instruction data for the first printing system
received from the first printing system, the content data for the
first printing system, and the device function information in the
second printing system.
[0018] Further features and aspects of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description of
exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention and, together
with the description, serve to explain the principles of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
arrangement of a printing system applicable to a POD system.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a practical
arrangement of a process management section in the printing system
shown in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a practical arrangement of
a prepress section in the printing system shown in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a practical
arrangement of a digital print section in the printing system shown
in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a practical
arrangement of a postpress section in the printing system shown in
FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary workflow arrangement
realized by a job ticket in the printing system shown in FIG.
1.
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary job ticket structure usable
in a POD system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary job ticket structure
usable in the POD system according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a practical
arrangement of a conventional integrated printing system.
[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a document that cannot be
processed by the conventional integrated printing system shown in
FIG. 9.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
arrangement of an integrated printing system in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a practical
arrangement of a job portal processing section shown in FIG.
11.
[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of the job
portal processing section shown in FIG. 11.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram schematically illustrating a flow
of data and processing contents in the integrated printing system
shown in FIG. 11.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a first control processing
procedure in the integrated print processing section in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a second control processing
procedure in the integrated print processing section in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 17 illustrates practical PDF and job definition format
(JDF) created in the system A shown in FIG. 14.
[0037] FIG. 18 illustrates a practical structure of job processing
metadata created in the job portal processing section shown in FIG.
14.
[0038] FIG. 19 illustrates a page layout of PDF transmitted from
the system A shown in FIG. 14 and a page layout of original
PDF.
[0039] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a third control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a fourth control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 22 illustrates a page layout of PDF transmitted from
the system A shown in FIG. 14 and bleedbox information representing
the paper cutting position.
[0042] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a fifth control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 24 illustrates a page layout of PDF transmitted from
the system A and cropbox information representing a drawing region
of a content object on each page of the PDF.
[0044] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a sixth control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a seventh control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 27 illustrates an example different from the example
shown in FIG. 10 in that four stitches are removed.
[0047] FIG. 28 illustrates two pieces of paper obtainable when the
A2-size document shown in FIG. 27 is cut along a center line.
[0048] FIG. 29 illustrates documents which are stitched at two
portions.
[0049] FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an eighth control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a ninth control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a tenth control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating a fundamental
arrangement of an integrated printing system in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 34 illustrates a memory map of a storage medium
(recording medium) storing various data processing programs which
are executable in the job portal processing section (information
processing apparatus) of the integrated printing system in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0054] The following description of exemplary embodiments is merely
illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0055] Processes, techniques, apparatus, and systems as known by
one of ordinary skill in the art may not be discussed in detail but
are intended to be part of the enabling description where
appropriate.
[0056] For example, certain circuitry for image processing, data
processing, and other uses may not be discussed in detail. However
these systems and the methods to fabricate these system as known by
one of ordinary skill in the relevant art is intended to be part of
the enabling disclosure herein where appropriate.
[0057] It is noted that throughout the specification, similar
reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the
following figures, and thus once an item is defined in one figure,
it may not be discussed for following figures.
[0058] Various exemplary embodiments will be described in detail
below with reference to the drawings.
First Exemplary Embodiment
[0059] First, a practical arrangement of the above-described POD
system will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0060] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
arrangement of a printing system applicable to the above-described
POD system.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system includes one or more
end-user environments, such as an end-user environment A1, an
end-user environment B2, and a POD site environment 3 connected via
the Internet 8.
[0062] At least one client (orderer) who makes a print order
request is present in each of the end-user environment A1 and the
end-user environment B2. Each client (orderer), operating the
client PC, can request a print job or confirm the status of each
job from the end-user environment (i.e., the end-user environment
A1 or the end-user environment B2).
[0063] The POD site environment 3 usually includes a process
management section 4 and a digital print section 5. However, the
printing system can further include a postpress section 6 and a
prepress section 7 to enhance the function or the ability of a
finishing apparatus connected to a digital image forming apparatus
such as a digital copying machine or a digital multifunction
peripheral.
[0064] The process management section 4 can instruct works in
respective processes of the digital print section 5, the postpress
section 6, and the prepress section 7 in the POD site environment
3. In other words, the process management section 4 can realize
integrated management of workflows in the system including
computers and various devices. The process management section 4 can
receive jobs from individual end-users and store the received jobs.
Furthermore, the process management section 4 can assemble two or
more individual work processes as a workflow based on the
designation of the job requests received from the end-users, and
can efficiently schedule the work processes for individual devices
or workers.
[0065] The prepress section 7 can scan a paper document received
from an end-user using a scan device (e.g., scanner/MFP) based on a
work instruction of a prepress job received from the process
management section 4, and can capture an image of the scanned
document as an image file into a prepress server or a client PC. In
the description of the present exemplary embodiment, MFP stands for
"multifunction peripheral." Furthermore, the prepress section 7 can
execute correction of an image, merging of files,
insertion/deletion of pages, and various page layout/edit and
imposition processing. If necessary, the prepress section 7 can
execute proofing for confirming the layout and the tint of a final
output product.
[0066] The digital print section 5 can copy a paper document
received from an end-user by a monochrome MFP or a color MFP,
according to a work instruction of a print job received from the
process management section 4. Furthermore, the digital print
section 5 can cause a print device (e.g., a monochrome MFP or a
color MFP) to print a document/image file. The document/image file
in the present exemplary embodiment can include a document/image
file received from a client PC via a printer driver or a hot folder
from an end-user, a scan image file scanned by a scan device, and
an edit file.
[0067] The postpress section 6 can control post-processing devices
(e.g., a paper folding machine, a saddle stitch bookbinding
machine, a case binding machine, a paper cutting machine, a mail
inserter, and a collator) according to work instructions of a
postpress job received from the process management section 4 or the
digital print section 5.
[0068] The postpress section 6 can execute various finishing
processing, including paper folding, saddle stitch bookbinding,
case binding, paper cutting, inserting, and collation, applied to
recording sheets output from the digital print section 5.
[0069] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a practical
arrangement of the process management section 4 in the printing
system shown in FIG. 1.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 2, the process management section 4
includes a management information system (MIS) server 20, an
order-receiving server 21, a file server 22, and a client PC 23,
which are connected to a network 24.
[0071] The MIS server 20 can manage various workflows, including
from reception of an order to delivery of a product, in the system
and can manage various administration information and sales
information.
[0072] The order-receiving server 21 can receive a job (including
print request instruction contents and original content data) from
an end-user environment via the Internet 8 and can allocate an ID
number to each received job to manage the job. Furthermore, the
order-receiving server 21 can transmit the ID number and management
information to the MIS server 20, and also can transmit image data
and other information to succeeding processes according to an
instruction from the MIS server 20.
[0073] The file server 22 is a document management server that can
store each job received from an end-user so as to be used in case
of reorder of the same document. In general, the file server 22 can
store image data together with setting information used in the
previous job.
[0074] The client PC (i.e., a host computer) 23 can function as a
client of the MIS server 20, the order-receiving server 21, and the
file server 22.
[0075] The devices 20 to 23 in the process management section 4 can
exchange information using a job ticket describing work
instructions of a job which can be referred to as job definition
format (JDF). The job ticket can be defined as data describing
processing required for outputting requested contents when ordered
from a device in the system. Using the job ticket, the process
management section 4 can transfer a job and issue a control
command, to cooperate with the prepress section 7, the digital
print section 5, and the postpress section 6 to realize a totally
automated workflow.
[0076] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a practical arrangement of
the prepress section 7 in the printing system shown in FIG. 1.
[0077] The prepress section 7 shown in FIG. 3 includes a prepress
server 81 that can execute various page layout/edit and imposition
processing. The prepress server 81 can control a scanner 80 and a
scan device of an MFP 84 to capture an image of a paper document
received from an end-user as a scan image file, and can execute
image correction including correction of obliqueness and removal of
black points.
[0078] Furthermore, the prepress server 81 can combine plural
document/image files received from end-users and plural scan image
files scanned by a scan device. Furthermore, the prepress server 81
can execute various page layout/edit and imposition processing
including insertion/deletion of pages, addition of page numbers and
annotations, insertion of index and cover and interleaf slips, and
designation of N-up printing and multi-page printing.
[0079] The prepress section 7 can include one prepress server 81
and plural client PCs 82 and 83 as shown in FIG. 3, or can include
plural client PCs 82 and 83 only.
[0080] The prepress section 7 has the following work processes.
[0081] When a copy job is received from an end-user, the scan
device (e.g., scanner/MFP) captures an image of a paper document.
Then, the prepress server 81 and the client PCs 82 and 83 input a
scan image file. When the scan image is inclined, the prepress
server 81 and the client PCs 82 and 83 perform processing for
correcting the obliqueness of a scan image. Furthermore, when the
scan image includes punch holes or spoiled portions, the prepress
server 81 and the client PCs 82 and 83 perform processing for
removing black points (i.e., images of punch holes and spoiled
portion).
[0082] Furthermore, when a print job is received from an end-user,
the prepress server 81 and the client PCs 82 and 83 input a
document/image file received from the end-user. If plural
document/image files are received from end-users, or when plural
scan image files are obtained by the scan device, the prepress
server 81 and the client PCs 82 and 83 can combine these files.
[0083] Furthermore, when editing a document/image file or a scan
image file is required, the prepress section 7 performs the
following work. For example, a worker can operate the prepress
server 81 and the client PCs 82 and 83 to insert additional page
(s) to or delete page (s) from an edit object file while confirming
the layout of plural pages.
[0084] Furthermore, the prepress section 7 can execute various page
layout/edit and imposition processing. For example, a worker can
operate the prepress server 81 and the client PCs 82 and 83 to add
page numbers and annotations (e.g., characters and images including
watermarks and logos representing confidential information).
Furthermore, the prepress server 81 and the client PCs 82 and 83
can execute various page layout/edit and imposition processing
including designation of N-up imposition or successive-page
printing (printing plural pages on a single printed surface),
insertion of index and cover and interleaf slips, and designation
of post-processing (e.g., stapling, punching, and Z-shaped
folding).
[0085] The prepress section 7 can constitute a variable printing
system to realize one-to-one marketing (e.g., printing of direct
mails or pamphlets dedicated to individual clients). For example,
the variable printing system can cooperate with the prepress server
81 and another server, if their databases are available, to perform
processing for printing a plurality of sets of the same document
while changing the address and print-output data for individual
clients.
[0086] In the printing industries, before starting plate-making and
print processes, a preliminary print (generally referred to as
"color comprehensive layout") is often performed for the purpose of
presentation to the advertiser. For example, desk top publishing
(DTP) using a personal computer to create publication products can
be used to perform the color comprehensive layout. Furthermore, a
color hard copy outputting a digital color image processed by the
color electronic prepress system (CEPS), which is generally used
for image correction and composition in the print process, can be
used for the color comprehensive layout.
[0087] The POD using an MFP or other printer can perform proof
output processing, including layout confirmation corresponding to
the comprehensive layout, simple tint confirmation, and detailed
tint confirmation corresponding to the proof, using the same color
MFP or color printer (or using the same monochrome MFP or
monochrome printer).
[0088] The prepress section 7 can output a proof to an MFP, if
necessary, to confirm the layout and tint of a final output
product.
[0089] As described above, the prepress section 7 includes the
prepress server 81, the client PCs 82 and 83, the scanner 80, and
the MFP 84, which are connected via the network 85. Respective
devices of the prepress section 7 can perform job transfer
processing and control command issuing processing via the network
85, to process a job received by the prepress section 7.
[0090] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a practical
arrangement of the digital print section 5 in the printing system
shown in FIG. 1.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 4, the digital print section 5 includes a
print server 30, two client PCs 31 and 32, three color MFPs 35 to
37, and two monochrome MFPs 33 and 34, which are connected to a
network 38.
[0092] The print server 30 has two roles. The first role of the
print server 30 is transmission and reception of information to and
from an external device of the digital print section 5. First, the
print server 30 can input image information and setting information
of an entered job and can transmit status information to an
external device upon finishing the job.
[0093] The second role of the print server 30 is management and
control of internal devices in the digital print section 5. The
print server 30 can manage jobs entered from external devices and
jobs generated in the digital print section 5 and can monitor the
status of all devices and jobs processed in the digital print
section 5. Furthermore, the print server 30 can execute various
controls including interruption of job, change of settings, restart
of print, as well as copy, transfer, and deletion of job.
[0094] The client PCs 31 and 32 can edit application files entered
from external devices, instruct a print operation, and input a
print ready file. Furthermore, the client PCs 31 and 32 can monitor
and control the devices and jobs managed by the print server
30.
[0095] The color MFPs 35 to 37 and the monochrome MFPs 33 and 34
are image forming devices having various (e.g., scan, print, and
copy) functions. The color MFPs and the monochrome MFPs are
different in processing speed and cost, and can be selectively
operated for the purpose of use. Furthermore, the color MFP 37 is
connected to a finisher apparatus.
[0096] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a practical
arrangement of the postpress section 6 in the printing system shown
in FIG. 1.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 5, the postpress section 6 includes a
postpress server 40, client PCs 41 and 42, and post-processing
devices including a paper folding machine 43, a paper cutting
machine 44, a saddle stitch bookbinding machine 45, and a case
binding machine 46, which are connected to a network 47.
[0098] The postpress server 40 is a computer capable of controlling
and managing the post-processing processes. The postpress server 40
can create conditions of the post-processing that can be finished
by the postpress section 6 based on a job instruction received by
the order-receiving server 21 or a job instruction produced from
the MIS server 20, and can instruct post-processing (finishing
processing) according to an end-user's request.
[0099] In general, the postpress server 40 can use an information
exchange unit (e.g., JDF) to communicate with external devices and
exchange information with the post-processing devices in the
postpress section 6 using internal commands and status.
[0100] The post-processing devices can be roughly classified into
three categories (i.e., in-line finishers, near-line finishers, and
off-line finishers) which are defined in the following manner.
[0101] <In-line Finisher>
[0102] The in-line finishers are post-processing devices physically
connected to MFPs and can directly receive printed papers produced
from the MFPs via paper paths (conveyance paths). Furthermore, the
in-line finishers are electrically connected to the MFPs and can
receive operational instructions and status confirmation from the
MFPs. In the following description, the in-line finishers may be
simply referred to as "finisher apparatus."
[0103] <Near-line Finisher>
[0104] The near-line finishers are post-processing devices not
physically connected to MFPs via paper paths. Thus, workers
(operators) of respective near-line finishers are required to
manually convey and place (or set) output products. However, the
near-line finishers are electrically connected to the MFPs and can
transmit and receive information (e.g., operational instructions
and status confirmation), via a network or communication medium, to
and from the MFPs.
[0105] <Off-line Finisher>
[0106] The off-line finishers are post-processing devices not
physically connected to MFPs via paper paths and not electrically
connected to the MFPs for transmission/reception of operational
instructions and status confirmation. Thus, workers of respective
off-line finishers are required to manually convey and place (or
set) output products, manually input information and data, and
confirm the status reported from the devices.
[0107] Furthermore, the post-processing devices can execute
post-processing processes applied to document sheets printed by
MFPs or other image forming devices to finish the document sheets
into a bookbinding product requested by each end-user. The
post-processing processes applied to the document sheets include a
paper cutting process, a saddle stitch bookbinding process, a case
binding process, a paper folding process, a punching process, an
inserting process, and a collation process.
[0108] The postpress server 40 can manage various near-line
finishers and, if necessary, can manage off-line finishers. For
example, the postpress server 40 can manage a stapler, a punching
machine, an mail inserter, and a collator, in addition to the paper
folding machine 43, the paper cutting machine 44, the saddle stitch
bookbinding machine 45, and the case binding machine 46. The
postpress server 40 can monitor the device status and the job
status in the near-line finishers by performing successive polling
according to a predetermined protocol and can manage the execution
status of each job.
[0109] In the present exemplary embodiment, the above-described
plural post-processing processes can be performed by an integrated
system including plural processing devices or can be performed by a
single processing apparatus. Furthermore, the system of the present
exemplary embodiment can be arranged so as to include some devices
in an integrated processing system.
[0110] Furthermore, the postpress section 6 may not process all
print jobs in the POD system. The color MFP 37 (in the digital
print section 5) having a finisher apparatus can execute the
post-processing process.
[0111] Furthermore, the print workflow defined by a job ticket can
be used in the commercial printing industries. FIGS. 6, 7, and 8
illustrate a practical "workflow defined by a job ticket" and an
example of the job ticket usable for the POD system in the
commercial printing industries.
[0112] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a practical workflow
arrangement realized by a job ticket in the printing system shown
in FIG. 1. The components identical to those disclosed in FIGS. 1
to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0113] The MIS server 20 can manage workflows, including from
reception of an order to delivery of a product, in the system and
can manage various administration information and sales
information. The MIS server 20 includes a JDF creation application
51 that can create JDF data 52 (i.e., JDF data for the POD site
environment 3) based on an order-receiving job 50. The JDF data 52
corresponds to a job ticket that describes work instructions in a
workflow.
[0114] The order-receiving job 50 can be input from the end-user
environments 1 and 2 into the MIS server 20 via the order-receiving
server 21. The order-receiving job 50 can include PDF data and work
instruction data. Furthermore, the work instruction data can be JDF
data or any other data. The MIS server 20 can create JDF data 52
for the POD site environment 3 based on the JDF data.
[0115] The print server 30 can receive a job entered from the
digital print section 5 and can manage and control the digital
print section. The print server 30 includes a JDF parser 53, a PDL
controller 54, and a printer/finisher interface 55. The JDF parser
53 can interpret the JDF data 52. Furthermore, the PDL controller
54 can process various PDL data including PDF/PS. The
printer/finisher interface 55 is connected via an MFP 56 to a
finisher apparatus (finisher A) 58.
[0116] The workflow using a job ticket can be realized in the
following manner.
[0117] When the order-receiving job 50 is entered into the MIS
server 20, the JDF creation application 51 installed in the MIS
server 20 enables a worker to create the JDF data 52 corresponding
to a job ticket that describes work instructions in a workflow.
[0118] When the JDF data 52 is transmitted to the print server 30,
the JDF parser 53 of the print server 30 interprets the JDF data 52
and executes a job designating the digital print section 5. For
example, the JDF data 52 can include attribute information (e.g.,
output paper size, two-sided or one-sided printing, and N-up
imposition). The PDL controller 54 processes the PDF/PS and other
PDL data with reference to the contents of the JDF data 52 and
controls, via the printer/finisher interface 55, the MFP 56 to
execute a printing operation.
[0119] The document (paper sheet) 57 output from the MFP 56 is
conveyed to the finisher A 58. If the JDF data 52 include attribute
(e.g., case binding, saddle stitch bookbinding, and paper cutting)
information, the finisher A 58 executes post-processing according
to the contents of the JDF data 52 received via the
printer/finisher interface 55.
[0120] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate exemplary job ticket structures
usable in the POD system.
[0121] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary job ticket structure usable
in the POD system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0122] FIG. 7 shows an entire structure of the JDF data 52. A
prepress processing instruction 61 describes an instruction group
relating to prepress processes (e.g., image processing applied to
PDF and other content data, and processing for disposing the
data).
[0123] A press processing instruction 62 describes an instruction
group relating to press processes (e.g., processing for outputting
a document including the image data created according to the
prepress processing instruction 61). A postpress processing
instruction 63 describes an instruction group including postpress
processes (e.g., case binding processing applied to the document
output according to the press processing instruction 62).
[0124] A combined process instruction 60 includes the prepress
processing instruction 61, the press processing instruction 62, and
the postpress processing instruction 63, which are combined as
single processing.
[0125] In general, a color MFP (refer to the MFP 37) performing a
digital printing operation can produce a single output product
resulting from sequential operations (including from the prepress
processing to the postpress processing) in response to entry of one
print job.
[0126] The combined process instruction 60 is useful when the
prepress processing (pre-print processing), the press processing
(print processing), and the postpress processing (post-print
processing) are successively performed for the input data. The
combined process instruction 60 can be used for an MFP or other
digital image forming apparatus that has at least two of prepress
processing, press processing, and postpress processing
functions.
[0127] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary job ticket structure usable
in the POD system according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0128] The JDF, expressing a job ticket, can be described according
to extended markup language (XML) format and can be expressed as a
hierarchical structure of nodes. FIG. 8 shows a hierarchical
structure including detailed bookbinding processes designated by
JDF, while FIG. 7 shows a JDF structure classified according to the
type of execution process.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 8, an "entire body" 71 can be fabricated by
binding a "cover slip" 72 and a "book body" 73 together into a
book. Through these processes, the "entire body 71" can be
accomplished and delivered to each end-user.
[0130] In the JDF, each process for fabricating a physical output
product can be referred to as a product node and each process for
fabricating product nodes can be referred to as a process node.
Furthermore, an assembly including plural process nodes (i.e.,
intermediate elements fabricating the product nodes) can be
referred to as a process group node. The process group node
includes a cover slip output 74, a color page output 75, a
monochrome page output 76, and entire bookbinding processing 77. In
this manner, the JDF includes discriminable processes.
[0131] The prepress processing instruction 61 shown in FIG. 7
corresponds to color page RIP processing 7a and monochrome page RIP
processing 7c shown in FIG. 8.
[0132] Furthermore, the press processing instruction 62 shown in
FIG. 7 corresponds to cover slip output process 78, cover slip
laminate processing 79, color page print processing 7b, and
monochrome page print processing 7d shown in FIG. 8.
[0133] Furthermore, the postpress processing instruction 63 shown
in FIG. 7 corresponds to case binding processing 7e and paper
cutting processing 7f.
[0134] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a practical
arrangement of a conventional integrated printing system, in which
plural POD systems having different functions are connected. In
FIG. 9, a system B is a POD system similar to the printing system
shown in FIG. 1 and a system A is a POD system having different
functions (devices) compared to the devices of the system B. The
end-user environments 1 and 2 are connected to the system A. The
components similar to those illustrated in FIG. 1 are denoted by
the same reference numerals.
[0135] FIG. 9 shows a POD site environment 90 of the system A,
which includes a process management section 91, a digital print
section 92, a postpress section 93, and a prepress section 94 of
the system A. The system A (POD site environment 90) and the system
B (POD site environment 3) are connected with each other via a
network.
[0136] If the digital print section 92 of the system A cannot be
used temporarily (for example, due to malfunction or trouble, lack
of print documents, or processing delay caused due to multiple
print job requests), a print job can be transferred from the system
A to the system B. In this case, the digital print section 5 in the
system B can perform continued processing according to the JDF
contents included in the print job.
[0137] The finishers can perform bookbinding (e.g., stapling,
punching, saddle stitch bookbinding, and case binding) processing
for document sheets output from the image forming processing
apparatus.
[0138] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0139] First, in addition to the above-described problems, various
problems occur if requested print data is transferred to a
different system.
[0140] It is now assumed that the resolution of original content
entered into the system A is 1200 dpi, the device resolution of the
prepress section 94 in the system A is 300 dpi, and the device
resolution of the system B is 600 dpi.
[0141] In this case, to reduce the file size, the prepress section
94 of the system. A creates PDF suitable for its device resolution
(300 dpi) by down-sampling the original content (1200 dpi). If the
PDF equal to 300 dpi is transferred and printed in the system B
having the device resolution equal to 600 dpi, the print quality
will be deteriorated compared to the original content (1200
dpi).
[0142] Furthermore, the digital print section 92 of the system A
may be different from the digital print section 5 of the system B
not only in the device resolution but also in the drawing logic
when the line width is less than 1 dot.
[0143] In such a case, a hairline correction suitable for the
device in the system A may be applied to the PDF. However, the
hairline correction if applied to the device in the system B may
erase or undesirably thicken the lines.
[0144] It is now assumed that the system A has device resolution
equal to 300 dpi and a hairline processing logic that cuts off
fractions less than 1 dot and the system B has device resolution
equal to 600 dpi and a hairline processing logic that counts
fractions over 1/2 as one and disregards the rest.
[0145] In the above-described conditions, if a line equal to "0.1"
point width is drawn, the system A and the system B determine the
dot width in the following manner.
[0146] System A: 0.1 point=0.1.times.300/72=0.41 dot (0.41666-)=0
dot
[0147] System B: 0.1 point=0.1.times.600/72=0.83 dot (0.83333-)=1
dot
[0148] In this manner, the line width determined by the system A is
"0 dot" and the device of the system A requires hairline processing
for the above-described line. On the other hand, the line width
determined by the system B is "1 dot" and accordingly no hairline
processing is required.
[0149] In such a case, the lines in the PDF for the system A that
has been subjected to the hairline processing may become bold when
printed in the system B.
[0150] Furthermore, the JDF transmitted from the system A may
include an image processing instruction that the system B cannot
execute. In such a case, the system B disregards the print job and
stops the processing.
[0151] For example, the system B may not support screening function
parameters described in JDF transmitted from the system A. In this
case, the system B cannot execute the image processing according to
an end-user's request. The processing in the system B may be
stopped, or the parameters may be rounded to default parameters of
the system A and, accordingly, a different print result will be
obtained.
[0152] Furthermore, JDF transmitted from the system A may describe
processing instructions in a designated order that the system B
cannot execute. The system B will disregard the job and stop the
processing.
[0153] For example, when the saddle stitch processing is applied to
obtain a book composed of A4-size pages, the system A can perform
multi-page printing for obtaining an A2-size document including
printed data separated in two regions, can apply stitch processing
to two regions, can cut the sheet along the center line, and can
create a final output product (i.e., a book), as described in
detail below with reference to FIG. 10.
[0154] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a document that the
conventional integrated printing system shown in FIG. 9 cannot
process.
[0155] In FIG. 10, an A2-size document 10 includes A4-size pages
11, 12, 13, and 14, in which two pages 12 and 13 are identical to
each other and other two pages 11 and 14 are identical to each
other. FIG. 10 shows four stitching positions 15 and one cutting
line 16.
[0156] To execute the saddle stitch processing shown in FIG. 10,
the JDF can describe sequential processing, i.e., pre-print
processing.fwdarw.print processing.fwdarw.two-region stitch
processing (stitch processing at four positions).fwdarw.cutting
processing.
[0157] When the JDF including the above-described sequential
processing instructions is transmitted to the system B, the system
B cannot execute these instructions as described in the JDF if the
system B does not have the A2-size print function or the
four-position stitching function.
[0158] To solve this problem, the conventional printing system
requires a worker to confirm the contents of PDF and JDF and
manually change the settings. Thus, complicated and time consuming
manual operations are required. As a result, the work cost
increases.
[0159] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
arrangement of an integrated printing system in accordance with the
first exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 11, components similar to those
illustrated in FIGS. 2-5 and 9 are denoted by the same reference
numerals.
[0160] In FIG. 11, a job portal processing section 110 of the
system B can be a personal computer.
[0161] A print job, if transmitted from the system A (i.e., POD
site environment 90) to the system B (i.e., POD site environment
3), is received by the job portal processing section 110. The job
portal processing section 110 can convert the print job transmitted
from the system A into a print job suitable for the system B, and
can transmit the converted print job to the process management
section 4 of the system B.
[0162] Then, the process management section 4 of the system B can
transfer the received print job to the digital print section 5 or
to another processing section according to JDF instructions
involved in the print job. The print job changing method will be
described later in more detail. The printing system shown in FIG.
11 has the arrangement similar to those shown in FIGS. 2-5 and
9.
[0163] The arrangement shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 9 represents a
general POD system. In the present invention, the devices of the
printing system can be used for various purposes not related to the
present exemplary embodiment.
[0164] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a practical
arrangement of the job portal processing section 110 shown in FIG.
11.
[0165] As shown in FIG. 12, various components are connected via a
system bus 121 in the job portal processing section 110.
[0166] A central processing unit (CPU) 122 can select and load a
program from a hard disk 12f into a program memory (hereinafter,
referred to as "PMEM") 123 and can execute the readout program to
realize various operations (e.g., transmission/reception of print
job data, and analysis of JDF data) according to the present
exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, the CPU 122 can store created
data and print processing data in the PMEM 123 that can function as
a data storage memory. The PMEM 123 can also function as a
temporary memory capable of storing various instructions for the
CPU 122.
[0167] A communication control section 124 can control the
input/output of data via a communication port 125. A signal output
from the communication port 125 can be transmitted, via a network
126, to a communication port of another apparatus 127 connected to
the network.
[0168] The other apparatus 127 may be the MIS server of the process
management section 91 in the system A or the MIS server 20 of the
process management section 4 in the system B.
[0169] The present exemplary embodiment can use any network
arrangement other than LAN. For example, the communication port
connected to the communication control section and the
communication line can be a general public circuit or other
communication media.
[0170] An input control section 128 is connected to a keyboard 129
and a pointing device (hereinafter, referred to as "PD"). The PD
used in the present exemplary embodiment is a mouse 12a. An
operator can operate the keyboard 129 and the mouse 12a to input
instructions to the job portal system.
[0171] Furthermore, the job portal processing section 110 includes
a video image memory (hereinafter, referred to as "VRAM") 12b, a
display output control section 12c, and a CRT 12d. The image data
to be displayed on the CRT 12d can be expanded into bit map data in
the VRAM 12b. The display output control section 12c can control
the bit map data rasterized in the VRAM 12b so as to be displayed
on the CRT 12d.
[0172] An external storage device control section 12e is connected
to a hard disk (hereinafter, referred to as "HD") 12f and a
flexible disk (hereinafter, referred to as "FD") 12g, which are
data file media capable of storing print job data received from the
system A and content data downloaded from the file server of the
system A. The external storage device control section 12e can
control writing and reading of data into and from the HD 12f and
the FD 12g.
[0173] In the present exemplary embodiment, the HD 12f can store
various programs. However, the present exemplary embodiment can use
any other recording medium capable of storing the programs, such as
a ROM, a flexible disk 12g, a CD-ROM, a memory card, or a
magneto-optical disk.
[0174] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional
arrangement of the job portal processing section 110 shown in FIG.
11.
[0175] In FIG. 13, a job portal program function 130 includes a
communication function 131, a PDF analysis function 132, a PDF edit
function 133, a PDF creation function 134, a JDF analysis function
135, a JDF edit function 136, and a JDF creation function 137. The
communication function 131 can support various communication
protocols, such as http, https, and SNMP, to receive a print job
from the system A and transmit the print job to the system B. The
PDF analysis function 132 enables the job portal processing section
110 to analyze various setting information of the PDF and the
contents of an object.
[0176] The PDF edit function 133 enables the job portal processing
section 110 to apply imposition processing to the PDF arranged by
lup (representing a logical page number "1" for the imposition of a
piece of media) and create PDF being set to N-up (representing a
logical page number "N" for the imposition of a piece of media).
The PDF creation function 134 enables the job portal processing
section 110 to create a PDF file from the PDF data created by the
PDF edit function 133.
[0177] The JDF analysis function 135 enables the job portal
processing section 110 to analysis the contents of JDF received
from one system (e.g., system A). The JDF edit function 136 enables
the job portal processing section 110 to edit the JDF data analyzed
by the JDF analysis function 135 (e.g., addition, deletion, and
change of element attribute). The JDF creation function 137 enables
the job portal processing section 110 to create JDF data dedicated
to the system B from the data created by the JDF edit function
136.
[0178] In the present exemplary embodiment, the job portal
processing section 110 can realize the functions 131 through 137 by
executing software programs. In the job portal processing section
110, the programs are loaded from the HD 12f into the PMEM 123 and
the CPU 122 can execute the readout programs.
[0179] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram schematically illustrating the
flow of data and processing contents in the integrated printing
system shown in FIG. 11, wherein components similar to those
illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 2-5 are denoted by the same reference
numerals.
[0180] As shown in FIG. 14, a file server 911 of the process
management section 91 in the system A can store original PDF 142
entered from a client. The original PDF 142 is PDF entered by an
end-user and not yet edited.
[0181] First, the MIS of the process management section 91 in the
system A starts print job processing and transmits JDF to the
prepress section 94 of the system A. The file server 911 transmits
the PDF 142 to the prepress section 94 of the system A (refer to
number (1)).
[0182] Then, the prepress section 94 performs processing for
creating PDF 140 (including content corresponding to the system A)
so that the digital print section 92 of the system A can perform
appropriate print processing. In other words, the prepress section
94 reduces (contracts) the original PDF 142 into the PDF 140 so as
to fit to the imposition processing, hairline processing, and the
printing margin of device.
[0183] Furthermore, the prepress section 94 creates image edit
instructions processible in the digital print section 92 of the
system A and creates processing instruction items and a processing
order suitable for a combination of the digital print section 92
and the postpress section 93. Then, the prepress section 94 creates
JDF 141 (a work instruction F corresponding to the system A)
describing created results.
[0184] Then, the print job arranged by the PDF 140 and JDF 141,
subjected to the processing in the prepress section 94, is
transmitted to the job portal processing section 110 (refer to
number (2)). In this case, the above-described processing delay and
errors are conditions for transmitting the print job created for
the system A to the job portal processing section 110.
[0185] The job portal processing section 110, when received the
print job (PDF 140, JDF 141) from the system A, downloads the
original PDF 142 corresponding to the print job from the file
server 911. As the received JDF 141 describes a storage place of
the original PDF 142, the job portal processing section 110 can
download the original PDF 142 by interpreting the JDF 141.
Furthermore, the job portal processing section 110 creates job
processing metadata 160 with reference to, or analyzing, the
differences of three files (i.e., PDF 140, JDF 141, and PDF 142)
(refer to number (3)).
[0186] Then, the job portal processing section 110 creates JDF 145
dedicated to the system B based on device function information
(i.e., information relating to device functions of the system B,
which can be also referred to as "capability information") and the
job processing metadata 160. The job portal processing section 110
can communicate with the system B to obtain the device function
information. An administrator can input the device function
information. The HD 12f can store the device function information.
Furthermore, the job portal processing section 110 creates PDF 144
dedicated to the system B based on the original PDF 142, the job
processing metadata 160, and the device function information (refer
to number (4)).
[0187] Then, the job portal processing section 110 transmits the
PDF 144 and JDF 145 (as a print job for the system B) to the
digital print section 5 (refer to number (5)). As a result, the
digital print section 5 in the system B can perform continued
processing according to the print job formerly designating the
processing in the system A.
[0188] The method for creating the job processing metadata 160, the
JDF 145 dedicated to the system B, and the PDF 144 dedicated to the
system B will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0189] Furthermore, according to an example shown in FIG. 14, the
job portal processing section 110 determines the digital print
section 5 as a processing section required for performing the
continued processing and transmits the print job to the digital
print section 5. However, the MIS server 20 in the system B can
perform the above-described determination. More specifically, the
job portal processing section 110 can always transmit a print job
created for the system B to the MIS server 20 of the system B.
Then, the MIS server 20 can distribute the print job to the
prepress section 7, the digital print section 5, or the postpress
section 6 in the system B according to the contents of the JDF.
[0190] Furthermore, according to the example shown in FIG. 14, the
PDF 144 dedicated for the system B is created by the job portal
processing section 110. However, the job portal processing section
110 can create JDF dedicated to the system B so as to instruct
"creation of PDF in the prepress section 7 of the system B" and can
transmit the print job to the MIS server 20 in the system B.
[0191] FIGS. 15 and 16 show an entire processing flow of the job
portal processing section 110.
[0192] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a first control processing
procedure in the integrated print processing section in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
[0193] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a second control processing
procedure in the integrated print processing section in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
[0194] To realize the processing of the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and
16, the CPU 122 shown in FIG. 12 can load programs corresponding to
steps S3301 to S3307 of FIG. 15 and steps S3401 to S3403 of FIG. 16
from the PMEM 123 into the HD 12f and can execute the readout
program.
[0195] The job portal processing section 110 can create JDF for the
system B according to the flowchart of FIG. 15. The job portal
processing section 110 can create job processing metadata for the
system B according to the flowchart of FIG. 16. For example, the
job portal processing section 110 performs the processing of FIG.
16 when no processing is required for RIP information and
imposition information.
[0196] First, the flowchart of FIG. 15 will be described.
[0197] The CPU 122 determines whether a job ticket for the system A
and content data are received from the system A (refer to step
S3301). As illustrated in FIG. 14, the system A creates a job
ticket for the system A (i.e., JDF 141 shown in FIG. 14 which can
be referred to as work instruction data) and content data for the
system A (i.e., PDF 140 shown in FIG. 14) based on print request
instruction contents and original content data. The processing in
step S3301 is for confirming reception of the job ticket created by
the system A and the content data for the system A.
[0198] When the job ticket for the system A and the content data
are received from the system A (i.e., YES in S3301), the CPU 122
obtains device function information of the system B (refer to step
S3302).
[0199] Then, the CPU 122 obtains original content data (refer to
step S3303). The CPU 122 can execute the processing of step S3303
based on the job ticket received in step S3301 that describes a
storage place of the original content data. Namely, the processing
of step S3303 is for obtaining original content data used by the
system A to create the content data for the system A.
[0200] Then, the CPU 122 creates job processing metadata
(intermediate work instruction data) based on the job ticket for
the system A, the content data for the system A, function
information of an image forming apparatus in the system B, and the
original data (refer to step S3304). Details of step S3304 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 25.
[0201] Then, the CPU 122 creates a job ticket for the system B
based on the job ticket for the system A, the content data for the
system A, the device function information in the system B, and the
original data (refer to step S3305). In this case, the CPU 122 can
convert created job processing metadata into work instruction data
for the system B with reference to the device function information
in the system B. Details of step S3305 will be described with
reference to FIGS. 26 to 30.
[0202] Then, the CPU 122 creates content data for the system B
based on the original content data obtained in step S3303 and the
intermediate work instruction data created in step S3304 (refer to
step S3306). Details of step S3306 will be described with reference
to FIG. 31.
[0203] Then, the CPU 122 transmits the job ticket and the content
data created in steps S3305 and S3306 to the system B (refer to
step S3307).
[0204] According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 122
creates the job ticket for the system B based on the job ticket for
the system A, the content data for the system A, the device
function information in the system B, and the original data.
However, the CPU 122 can create a job ticket or job processing
metadata without using the original data.
[0205] For example, although the imposition processing described in
FIG. 20 uses the original data, the imposition processing can be
executed without using the original data if the job requires no
imposition processing. Accordingly, the CPU 122 can create a job
ticket for the system B and job processing metadata, at least,
based on the job ticket for the system A, the content data for the
system A, and the device function information in the system B.
However, a reprinting operation requiring imposition processing
will be unfeasible if the creation processing is performed based on
only the above-described three types of information. It is,
therefore, preferable to use the above-described four types of
information in step S3305.
[0206] As a result of the processing shown in FIG. 15, the system B
can receive the work instruction data for the system B transferred
from the job portal processing section 110. Then, according to
processing contents described in the received job ticket for the
system B, the system B can execute the processing to be executed in
the system B.
[0207] Next, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 will
be described.
[0208] First, the CPU 122 determines whether the job ticket for the
system A and the content data are received from the system A (refer
to step S3401).
[0209] When the job ticket for the system A and the content data
are received (i.e., YES in step S3401), the CPU 122 creates job
processing metadata interpretable by the system B based on the job
ticket for the system A received from the system A and the content
data for the system A (refer to step S3402). For example, the CPU
122 can create job processing metadata without using the original
content data when no processing is required for RIP information and
imposition information. In short, the CPU 122 can create job
processing metadata for the system B based on the job ticket for
the system A and the content data for the system A.
[0210] Then, the CPU 122 transfers the created job processing
metadata to the system B (refer to step S3403). The job processing
metadata created in FIG. 16, when transmitted to the system B, can
be converted into a job ticket for the system B. More specifically,
as a result of the processing shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 122 can
create data usable for determining whether the processing involved
in the job processing metadata is executable in the system B based
on the comparison of device function information.
[0211] Furthermore, step S3402 of FIG. 16 is not limited to the
processing for creating the job processing metadata interpretable
in the system B based on the job ticket for the system A received
from the system A and the content data for the system A. For
example, the CPU 122 can obtain the original content data used when
the content data for the system A is created. Then, the CPU 122 can
create job processing metadata based on the job ticket for the
system A, the content data for the system A, and the original
content data.
[0212] As a result of the processing shown in FIG. 16, the system B
can receive the job ticket for the system B transferred from the
job portal processing section 110. Then, the system B can create a
job ticket for the system B based on the function information in
the system B and the job processing metadata for the system B.
[0213] FIG. 17 illustrates practical PDF 140 and JDF 141 created by
the prepress section 94 of the system A shown in FIG. 14.
[0214] In the present exemplary embodiment, the PDF 140 is an
example of 2up PDF that includes logical pages 153 and 154 of the
original PDF 142 disposed on the same page according to the
two-imposition. The PDF 140 includes image data 152 which has been
down-sampled so as to fit to the device resolution of the digital
print section 92 in the system A.
[0215] Furthermore, the PDF 140 includes an elliptic shape 151
which has been subjected to the hairline processing so that no line
of the elliptic shape 151 can be erased when printed by the device
of the digital print section 92 in the system A.
[0216] The pages 153 and 154 are reduced (contracted) and disposed
within a margin region 150 of the device of the digital print
section 92 in the system A.
[0217] The JDF 141 and the PDF 140 are created, as a set of data,
in the system A. The JDF 141 can include lup setting of PDF 140 and
RIP processing setting for the digital print section 92 in the
system A.
[0218] FIG. 18 illustrates a practical structure of the job
processing metadata 160 created by the job portal processing
section 110 shown in FIG. 14.
[0219] In the present exemplary embodiment, the job portal
processing section 110 can convert the JDF 141 transmitted from the
system A into job processing metadata 160 (i.e., intermediate data)
and can create the JDF 145 for the system B based on the job
processing metadata 160.
[0220] The job processing metadata 160 includes a prepress (or
pre-print processing) information section 161 that can store
imposition information 165 and saddle stitch bookbinding
information 166.
[0221] The imposition information 165 can include N-up information
representing the imposition number (i.e., a total number of logical
pages disposed on a piece of paper) and page layout order
representing the order of pages disposed on the same paper.
[0222] The saddle stitch bookbinding information 166 can include
saddle stitch bookbinding execution ON/OFF that indicates
execution/non-execution of the saddle stitch bookbinding processing
and creep information (i.e., creep value) that determines a
clearance between neighboring pages to be subjected to the saddle
stitch bookbinding processing. More specifically, the creep value
is a width between logical pages disposed on the same physical
page.
[0223] The job processing metadata 160 includes a press information
section 162 that can store RIP information 167 and media
information 168. The RIP information 167 can include a screening
method. The media information 168 can include media (recording
medium) size information including vertical and lateral dimensions
and media type information representing the type of media.
[0224] The job processing metadata 160 includes a postpress (or
post-press processing) information section 163 that can store
stitch information 169 and cutting information 16a. The stitch
information 169 can include stitch processing execution information
that indicates execution/non-execution and stitch position. The
cutting information 16a can include information designating a
cutting region of a printed document (e.g., cutting position). The
stitch information 169 can also include the type of stitch (e.g.,
two-stitch or four-stitch).
[0225] The job processing metadata 160 includes a common
information section 164 that can store file information 16b. The
file information 16b can include the PDF file location information
(e.g., URL or PATH) that indicates the location of the PDF.
[0226] In the present exemplary embodiment, the job portal
processing section 110 can execute reduction processing of the
contents. Accordingly, the JDF for the system B can include
non-related information. The job portal processing section 110 does
not record the enlargement/reduction information in the job
processing metadata. However, an enlargement/reduction rate of
content and other information can be included in the job processing
metadata.
[0227] The processing of the information (165-16b) in the
information sections 161 to 163 can be executed according to order
described in FIG. 18.
[0228] The creation of imposition information 165 shown in FIG. 18
will be described below with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.
[0229] FIG. 19 illustrates a page layout of PDF 140 transmitted
from the system A shown in FIG. 14 and a page layout of the
original PDF 142.
[0230] In the present exemplary embodiment, the original PDF 142 is
arranged by lup and six pages. The PDF 140 from the system A is
arranged by 4up and two pages.
[0231] The PDF 140 shown in FIG. 19 includes a leading page 170 and
a succeeding page 1701, which include logical pages 171, 172, 173,
174, 179, and 17a obtainable through bookbinding processing.
[0232] Furthermore, the original PDF 142 includes individual pages
175, 176, 177, 178, 17b, and 17c respectively corresponding to
logical pages. The page 175 is identical to the page 171. The page
176 is identical to the page 172. The page 177 is identical to the
page 173. The page 178 is identical to the page 174. The page 17b
is identical to the page 179. The page 17c is identical to the page
17a.
[0233] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a third control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 20 corresponds to the
processing of the job portal processing section 110 that creates
the imposition information 165 of the job processing metadata 160
based on the original PDF 142 and PDF 140 processed in the prepress
section 94 of the system A. To realize the processing of the
flowchart shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 122 shown in FIG. 12 can load a
program corresponding to steps S1 through S7 from the HD 12f into
the PMEM 123 and can execute the readout program.
[0234] Before starting the flowchart, a print job (PDF 140 and JDF
141) is input from the system A, and the CPU 122 downloads the
original PDF 142 from the file server 911 of the system A and
stores the readout PDF 142 in the HD 12f.
[0235] First, instep S1, the CPU 122 reads leading page data 175 of
the original PDF 142 into the PMEM 123. Next, in step S2, the CPU
122 selects an arbitrary PDF object from the leading page 175 and
stores the selected PDF object into the PMEM 123. In the exemplary
embodiment, the CPU 122 selects text data "A" from the leading page
175.
[0236] Then, in step S3, the CPU 122 extracts page number and
position information of the object selected in step S2 in the PDF
140 of the system A and records the extracted number and
information into the PMEM 123. In other words, the CPU 122 executes
the processing for identifying a page of the PDF 140 (for the
system A) where the object of the original PDF 142 is present.
[0237] Next, the processing flow proceeds to step S4, in which the
CPU 122 determines whether the original PDF 142 contains next page
data. When the next page data is present (YES in step S4), the
processing flow proceeds to step S5.
[0238] Next, in step S5, the CPU 122 loads the next page data of
the original PDF 142 into the PMEM 123. The processing flow returns
to step S2.
[0239] If the next page data is not present (i.e., NO in step S4),
the processing flow proceeds to step S6.
[0240] Next, in step S6, the CPU 122 determines the imposition
number of the PDF 140 of the system A based on the information
obtained in step S3, and stores, in the HD 12f, the N-up number as
the imposition information 165 of the job processing metadata 160.
Regarding the method for determining an N-up number, the CPU 122
can identify a relationship between the page layout on the PDF of
the system A and corresponding pages on the original PDF 142 based
on the page number information obtained in step S3.
[0241] More specifically, the CPU 122 can identify a relationship
between each page of the original PDF 142 and a corresponding page
number on the PDF 140 of the system A, to determine the imposition
number, i.e., to determine how many pages (print data) are disposed
on a piece of paper.
[0242] For example, according to the example shown in FIG. 19, the
print data of first through fourth pages of the original PDF 142
constitutes a first page on the PDF 140 of the system A. The print
data of fifth and sixth pages constitutes a second page on the PDF
140 of the system A. As a result, in step S6, the CPU 122
determines that the imposition number is 4 in 1 (which represents
imposition of 4 pages of the original PDF 142 disposed on the same
page on the PDF 140 of the system A).
[0243] In this case, it is useful to identify a "maximum number" of
pages allowable in the imposition. More specifically, according to
the example shown in FIG. 19, the PDF 140 of the system A includes
a 4-imposition page 170 and a 2-imposition page 1701. If the
decision in step S6 is made based on only the page 1701, the CPU
122 will erroneously recognize the page layout in the system A as
2-imposition. Accordingly, it is desirable for the CPU 122 to check
the maximum page number allowable in the imposition, to accurately
recognize the imposition number in step S6.
[0244] In short, when the CPU 122 creates processing contents of an
item relating to the imposition information in FIG. 20, the CPU 122
can create the imposition information by recognizing the layout and
the position of each page of original content data on the content
data for the system A.
[0245] Then, the processing flow proceeds to step S7, in which the
CPU 122 determines the imposition order based on the object
position information obtained in step S3. First, the CPU 122
designates the first page (170) of the PDF of the system A as a
page to be used in the decision of step S7, because the first page
(170) includes the maximum number of pages. In other words, the
second page (1701) is not used in the determination in step S7.
[0246] Then, the CPU 122 compares the layout order of pages in the
original PDF, which arrange the designated page of the PDF of the
system A for the decision instep S7, with the object position
information stored in step S3.
[0247] Then, based on the comparison result, the CPU 122 determines
the flow in the page layout arrangement and stores the imposition
order determined using the XY-expression, in the HD 12f, as page
layout order in the imposition information 165 of the job
processing metadata 160.
[0248] More specifically, the XY-expression is any one of "xy",
"Xy", "xY", "XY", "yx", "yX", "Yx", and "YX" that can define the
imposition order, wherein a lowercase letter "x" represents being
disposed in the positive direction of the X-axis direction, and an
uppercase letter "X" represents being disposed in the negative
direction of the X-axis direction. Furthermore, a lowercase letter
"y" represents being disposed in the positive direction of the
Y-axis direction, and an uppercase letter "Y" represents being
disposed in the negative direction of the Y-axis direction. The
X-axis direction is equal to the horizontal direction (wherein the
direction from left to right is positive). The Y-axis direction is
equal to the vertical direction (wherein the direction from bottom
to top is positive).
[0249] Furthermore, when the letter X(x) precedes the letter Y(y)
(e.g., "xy", "Xy", "xY", and "XY"), the shifting order of the
layout position starts in the X-axis direction. On the other hand,
when the letter Y(y) precedes the letter X(x) (e.g., "yx", "yX",
"Yx", and "YX"), the shifting order of the layout position starts
in the Y-axis direction.
[0250] According to the example shown in FIG. 19, the imposition
order of the first page 170 starts according to the page order in
the positive direction of the X-axis direction (i.e., toward the
right direction) and then the layout position is changed in the
negative direction of the Y-axis direction (i.e., toward the
downward direction). Namely, pages of the first page 170 are
disposed from the upper left to lower right. Accordingly, the
imposition order of the first page 170 can be expressed as
"xY."
[0251] In the present exemplary embodiment, each page of the
original PDF 142 can include not only a PDF object but also
annotation data (e.g., "-1-" of the leading page 175) so that the
imposition order of each page can be clearly understood on the PDF
of the system A. Furthermore, the method for defining the
imposition order is not limited to the XY-expression and any other
method can be used in the present exemplary embodiment.
[0252] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21, the
processing for creating the RIP information 167 of the job
processing metadata 160 will be described.
[0253] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a fourth control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 21 corresponds to
the processing of the job portal processing section 110 that
extracts the RIP information 167 from the job processing metadata
160. To realize the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 21,
the CPU 122 shown in FIG. 12 can load a program corresponding to
steps S10 through S16 from the HD 12f into the PMEM 123 and can
execute the readout program.
[0254] First, in step S10, the CPU 122 extracts screening parameter
attribute setting (representing screening processing parameters)
from the JDF 141 transmitted from the system A and stores the
extracted data in the PMEM 123. For example, the JDF 141 can
include, as information relating to the screening processing
parameters, device type information of the system A and screening
method information (e.g., AM method or FM method).
[0255] The CPU 122 analyzes the JDF 141 transmitted from the system
A and recognizes the information relating to the screening
processing parameters. Furthermore, the CPU 122 extracts screening
family attribute setting information from the screening parameter
attribute information and stores the extracted information in PMEM
123. The screening family attribute setting information can be
included in the information relating to the above-described
screening processing parameters. Then, the processing flow proceeds
to step S11.
[0256] Next, in step S11, the CPU 122 determines whether the system
B has a screening function of a family identical to the screening
family extracted in step S10 based on the above-described device
function information (i.e., the entire capability of the process
management section 4, the prepress section 7, the digital print
section 5, and the postpress section 6 arranging the system B). At
this moment, the job portal processing section 110 can request the
print server 30 of the system B to transmit the device function
information beforehand and can store the obtained information in
the HD 12f.
[0257] When the system B has a screening function of the family
identical to the screening family extracted in step S10 (i.e., YES
in step S11), the processing flow proceeds to step S12. For
example, when the type of a device executing the screening
processing in the system A is identical to the type of a device
executing the screening processing in the system B, the CPU 122
determines that the compared screening families are identical.
However, any other method can be used for comparing the screening
families.
[0258] In step S12, the CPU 122 determines that the system A and
the system B can perform the same screening processing. Then, the
CPU 122 stores the screening setting information identical to the
JDF 141 of the system A in the HD 12f, as RIP information 167 of
the job processing metadata 160, and terminates the processing of
this routine.
[0259] If the system B has no screening function of the family
identical to the screening family extracted in step S10 (i.e., NO
in step S11), the processing flow proceeds to step S13.
[0260] Then, in step S13, the CPU 122 determines that the system A
and the system B cannot perform the same screening processing.
Then, the CPU 122 extracts screening type attribute information
from the screening parameter attribute information included in the
JDF 141 of the system A and stores the extracted information in the
PMEM 123.
[0261] Furthermore, in step S14, the CPU 122 determines whether the
system B has a screening function of a type identical to the
screening type extracted in step S13. When the system B has the
screening function of the same type (i.e., YES instep S14), the
processing flow proceeds to step S15.
[0262] Then, in step S15, the CPU 122 determines that the system A
and the system B do not have the same screening processing logic,
while the CPU 122 determines that the system B has a screening
function of similar type, such as AM/FM/Error Diffusion. Then, the
CPU 122 instructs execution of screening processing similar in type
to the JDF 141 of the system A. Therefore, the CPU 122 stores the
screening type information for the system A in the HD 12f, as the
RIP information 167 of the job processing metadata 160, and
terminates the processing of this routine.
[0263] If the system B does not have the screening function of the
same type (i.e., NO in step S14), the processing flow proceeds to
step S16.
[0264] Then, in step S16, the CPU 122 determines that the system B
cannot execute the processing according to the method designated by
the JDF 141 of the system A. Then, the CPU 122 selects optimum
processing for the PDF from screening functions executable in the
digital print section 5 of the system B. In other words, the CPU
122 executes best effort processing according to the JDF spec.
[0265] For example, if the digital print section 5 of the system B
has excellent FM screening performance for monochrome images and
excellent AM screening performance for color images, the CPU 122
can instruct execution of FM screening for monochrome images and AM
screening for color images with reference to the type of each PDF
image in the RIP processing.
[0266] Then, the CPU 122 stores the information relating to the
selected screening function in the HD 12f, as the RIP information
167 of the job processing metadata 160 (namely, perform the
settings suitable for the system B). Then, the CPU 122 terminates
the processing of this routine.
[0267] As described above, executing the processing of the
flowchart shown in FIG. 21 enables a client to use the system B to
execute the screening processing requested to the system A if the
system B has the same screening family (i.e., YES in step S11), and
also enables the client to use the system B to execute the
processing similar to the screening processing requested to the
system A if the system B has the same screen type (i.e., YES in
step S14).
[0268] Moreover, the system B can perform optimum (best effort)
screening processing with reference to the screening type(s)
executable in the system B and PDF information, if the system B
cannot execute the processing identical or similar to the screening
type requested to the system A.
[0269] In short, the processing unexecutable by the system B, if
included in a job ticket for the system A, can be replaced with
similar type processing executable in the system B through the
processing of FIG. 21. And, the job processing metadata for the
system B can be created.
[0270] Thus, even when the processing of the system A is
transferred to the system B, the CPU 122 can optimize the screening
processing in the system B so as to realize the output requested by
a client by executing the above-described stepwise processing.
[0271] Next, the method for setting the cutting information 16a
shown in FIG. 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and
23.
[0272] FIG. 22 illustrates a page layout of PDF 140 transmitted
from the system A shown in FIG. 14 and bleedbox information
representing the paper cutting position, wherein the PDF 140 is
arranged by 2up processing (i.e., two-imposition). The bleedbox
information can designate the size and the position of an area to
be cut off in the cutting processing.
[0273] As shown in FIG. 22, the PDF 140 of the system A includes an
entire page 200 that includes bleedbox information 201 and logical
pages 202 and 203. The logical pages 202 and 203 can constitute
physical pages when finished by the bookbinding processing.
[0274] According to the example shown in FIG. 22, page number "1"
is attached to the page 202 and page number "2" is attached to page
203. Thus, the logical pages 202 and 203 become first and second
pages of a physical book obtainable through the bookbinding
processing.
[0275] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a fifth control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 23 corresponds to
the processing of the job portal processing section 110 that
creates cutting information 16a of job processing metadata 160
based on the PDF 140 processed in the prepress section 94 of the
system A. To realize the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.
23, the CPU 122 shown in FIG. 12 can load a program corresponding
to steps S20 through S22 from the HD 12f into the PMEM 123 and can
execute the readout program.
[0276] First, in step S20, the CPU 122 determines whether a leading
page involved in the PDF 140 of the system A has bleedbox
information. If the leading page has no bleedbox information (i.e.,
NO in step S20), the CPU 122 terminates the processing of this
routine. The PDF can include information designating paper cutting
size, such as cutting positions and dimensions. The CPU 122 can
execute the determination processing of step S20 based on the paper
cutting size information obtainable from the PDF 140 of the system
A.
[0277] On the other hand, when the leading page of the PDF 140 has
bleedbox information (i.e., YES in step S20), the processing flow
proceeds to step S21 wherein the CPU 122 reads the bleedbox
information from the leading page of the PDF 140.
[0278] Then, in step S22, the CPU 122 stores the cutting
information (position and dimensions) obtained from the bleedbox
information in the HD 12f, as the cutting information 16a of the
job processing metadata 160, and terminates the processing of this
routine.
[0279] Although the present exemplary embodiment sets the paper
cutting information 16a based on only the bleedbox information of a
leading page of the PDF 140 of the system A, an exemplary
embodiment can identify bleedbox information for each page of the
PDF 140 and record the paper cutting information of each page in
the paper cutting information 16a.
[0280] By executing the processing of FIG. 23, the JDF for the
system B can include paper cutting information obtained from the
PDF. More specifically, paper cutting information of the JDF
created for the system A is information described for a paper
cutting machine of the system A. However, a paper cutting position
(included in the paper cutting information) may be "2 cm from right
and left edges" or "3 cm from upper and lower edges" which is
equally applicable to a paper cutting machine of the system B.
Accordingly, in FIG. 23, paper cutting information of the system A
can be applied to the system B. Furthermore, if desirable to avoid
any problem, it is useful to adjust the paper cutting information
with reference to function information for the system B.
[0281] Next, the method for setting the saddle stitch bookbinding
information 166 shown in FIG. 18 will be described with reference
to FIGS. 24 and 25.
[0282] FIG. 24 illustrates a page layout of the PDF 140 transmitted
from the system A and cropbox information representing a drawing
region of a content object on each page of the PDF. According to
the example shown in FIG. 24, the PDF 140 from the system A is
arranged by 2UP processing (i.e., 2-imposition).
[0283] As shown in FIG. 24, the PDF 140 from the system A includes
a first page 220, a second page 222, and a third page 224.
[0284] The first page 220 includes a cropbox 221, the second page
222 includes a cropbox 223, and the third page 224 includes a
cropbox 225.
[0285] The cropbox represents a drawing region of a PDF object. The
creep processing is required when the prepress section 94 of the
system A creates imposition-processed PDF in a final printout
state. For example, if the imposition-processed PDF is created as
shown in FIG. 24, the clearance between two logical pages is
changed according to a creep value and, accordingly, the cropbox
value must be changed according to the creep value.
[0286] For example, it is now supposed that bookbinding processing
is performed for folding output products printed by 2 in 1
imposition. In this case, an outer physical page wraps inner
physical pages. Therefore, if the gap between logical pages
disposed on the outer physical page is narrow, the logical pages
may not be opened at inner parts along the central folding line
when the outer physical page is bookbinding-processed.
[0287] The creep processing can overcome the above-described
problem. More specifically, the creep processing is processing for
widening the clearance between logical pages of an outer physical
page. The creep value represents an offset value in the creep
processing.
[0288] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a sixth control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 25 corresponds to
the processing of the job portal processing section 110 that
creates the saddle stitch bookbinding information 166 of the job
processing metadata 160 based on the PDF 140 processed in the
prepress section 94 of the system A. To realize the processing of
the flowchart shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 122 shown in FIG. 12 can
load a program corresponding to steps S30 through S33 from the HD
12f into the PMEM 123 and can execute the readout program.
[0289] First, in step S30, the CPU 122 determines whether the JDF
141 of the system A includes a saddle stitching process
instruction. If the JDF 141 includes no saddle stitching process
instruction (i.e., NO in step S30), the CPU 122 stores information
expressing no execution of saddle stitching bookbinding processing
(saddle stitch bookbinding execution OFF) in the HD 12f, as the
saddle stitch bookbinding information 166 of the job processing
metadata 160. Furthermore, the CPU 122 stores information
indicating saddle stitch execution OFF, in the HD 12f, as the
saddle stitch execution ON/OFF information of the job processing
metadata 160. Then, the CPU 122 terminates the processing of this
routine.
[0290] When the JDF 141 of the system A includes the saddle
stitching process instruction (i.e., YES in step S30), the CPU 122
stores information indicating execution ON of the saddle stitch
bookbinding processing, in the HD 12f, as the job processing
metadata 160. Furthermore, the CPU 122 stores information
indicating saddle stitch execution ON, in the HD 12f, as the saddle
stitch execution ON/OFF information of the job processing metadata
160. Then, the processing flow proceeds to step S31.
[0291] Next, in step S31, the CPU 122 determines whether the PDF
140 of the system A includes a cropbox instruction on a leading
page. If no cropbox instruction is included (i.e., NO in step S31),
the CPU 122 terminates the processing of this routine. More
specifically, the PDF can include drawing region information (e.g.,
drawing position and drawing size) for each page. Thus, the CPU 122
can identify a cropbox (i.e., a drawing region) based on analysis
of the PDF 140 to be processed.
[0292] On the other hand, when a cropbox instruction is included in
the PDF 140 of the system A (i.e., YES in step S31), the processing
flow proceeds to step S32.
[0293] Next, instep S32, the CPU 122 extracts cropbox values of the
first and second pages from the PDF 140 of the system A and stores
the obtained values in the PMEM 123.
[0294] Next, instep S33, the CPU 122 calculates a difference of
cropbox values of the first and second pages. Then, the CPU 122
stores a calculated difference in the HD 12f, as a creep value of
the saddle stitch bookbinding information 166 of the job processing
metadata 160, and terminates the processing of this routine.
[0295] The system B can create content data for the system B based
on information of the original PDF 142. However, no creep
processing is applied to the original PDF 142. If imposition
processing, print processing, and saddle stitch processing are
performed, the above-described problem (i.e., the problem of
causing logical pages having unopenable regions along the central
folding line) will arise. Hence, it is useful to use the PDF 140 of
the system A to which the creep processing is already applied for
the saddle stitch print processing, when the processing of step S33
is executed.
[0296] Namely, in FIG. 25, the CPU 122 determines whether the
saddle stitch processing should be executed based on the job ticket
for the system A. Then, when the job ticket for the system A
includes the settings for the saddle stitch processing, the CPU 122
determines a drawing region of each page with respect to the
content data for the system B based on drawing region information
of the content data for the system A. The CPU 122 can describe
drawing region information determined with respect to an item
relating to the post-print processing.
[0297] As described above, the cropbox is measured based on the
leading page and the next page of the PDF 140 created in the system
A. However, in the case of saddle stitch bookbinding processing,
the leading page of the PDF 140 may be a cover slip page and the
body of the book may start with the second page. In such a case,
the CPU 122 can identify a front page in the PDF 140 based on cover
application process information obtainable from the JDF 141 of the
system A. Then, the CPU 122 can determine creep value information
stored in the saddle stitch bookbinding information 166 so as to
skip recording a creep value on the cover slip page.
[0298] Through the processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 20,
21, 23, and 25, the imposition information 165, the RIP information
167, the cutting information 16a, the saddle stitch bookbinding
information 166, and the stitch information 169 are stored as the
job processing metadata 160. Although not shown in the flowchart,
the CPU 122 can extract the media information 168 from the JDF 141
of the system A and store the extracted information as job
processing metadata 160. Furthermore, the CPU 122 can store URL or
PATH (full path) information indicating the storage location of the
original PDF as file information 164 of the job processing metadata
160. Through the above-described processing, the job processing
metadata 160 can be created.
[0299] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a seventh control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 26 corresponds to
the processing of the job portal processing section 110 that
creates the JDF 145 for the system B based on the job processing
metadata 160. To realize the processing of the flowchart shown in
FIG. 26, the CPU 122 shown in FIG. 12 can load a program
corresponding to steps S40 through S48 from the HD 12f into the
PMEM 123 and can execute the readout program.
[0300] First, in step S40, the CPU 122 of the job portal processing
section 110 obtains the job processing metadata 160 and the device
function information of the system B (entire capability). In other
words, the CPU 122 obtains the capability information of the
process management section 4, the prepress section 7, the digital
print section 5, and the postpress section 6, which constitute the
system B. For example, the job portal processing section 110 can
request the print server 30 of the system B to transmit the
capability information. Furthermore, the CPU 122 can read the job
processing metadata 160 from the PMEM 123.
[0301] Next, in step S41, the CPU 122 reads, into the PMEM 123, a
first item of the job processing metadata 160. For example,
according to the example shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 122 obtains the
prepress (or pre-print processing) information section 161
including the imposition information 165 and the saddle stitch
bookbinding information 166.
[0302] In step S42, the CPU 122 determines whether the system B has
a function corresponding to the item read from the job processing
metadata 150 in step S41 based on the device function information
of the system B read in step S40.
[0303] When the item read from the job processing metadata 150 in
step S41 is executable in the system B (i.e., YES in step S42), the
processing flow proceeds to step S43.
[0304] Next, in step S43, the CPU 122 determines that the system B
can execute similar processing using the parameters of the system
A. Accordingly, the CPU 122 creates JDF for the system B describing
the information relating to the item of the job processing metadata
read in step S41 and stores the created JDF in the PMEM 123. Then,
the processing flow proceeds to step S44. In the conversion of the
data corresponding to the imposition information 165 into the JDF,
the N-up number is set to "1" (to create N-up PDF for the system
B).
[0305] If the system B has no function corresponding to the item
read from the job processing metadata 150 in step S41 (i.e., NO in
step S42), the processing flow proceeds to step S44. Namely, the
CPU 122 determines that the system B cannot execute similar
processing using the parameters of the system A. At this moment, no
parameters are described in the JDF for the system B. Each item,
processed in step S42, can be discriminated by a flag indicating
accomplishment of the JDF conversion.
[0306] Next, in step S44, the CPU 122 determines whether any item
not yet converted into the JDF for the system B is present in the
job processing metadata 160. If there is a non-converted item
(i.e., YES in step S44), the processing flow proceeds to step
S45.
[0307] Then, in step S45, the CPU 122 reads, into the PMEM 123, a
next item of the job processing metadata 160. Then, the processing
flow returns to step S42.
[0308] When there is no non-converted item (i.e., NO in step S44),
the processing flow proceeds to step S46.
[0309] Next, in step S46, the CPU 122 determines whether the
processing order is changeable for the item not converted into the
JDF of the system B (i.e., the item not subjected to the processing
of step S43). Details of step S46 will be described later.
[0310] If the processing order is unchangeable (i.e., NO in step
S46), the CPU 122 terminates the processing of this routine.
[0311] When the processing order is changeable (i.e., YES in step
S46), the processing flow proceeds to step S47.
[0312] Next, in step S47, the CPU 122 determines whether the system
B can execute the processing according to the changed order. If the
processing order change is not acceptable by the system B (i.e., NO
in step S47), the CPU 122 terminates the processing of this
routine.
[0313] When the processing order change is acceptable by the system
B (i.e., YES in step S47), the processing flow proceeds to step
S48.
[0314] Next, in step S48, the CPU 122 modifies the JDF for the
system B so as to include the items of the job processing metadata
160 according to the changed processing order. Then, the CPU 122
terminates the processing of this routine.
[0315] According to the above-described exemplary embodiment, the
processing of steps S46 and S47 shown in FIG. 26 presents only one
example (changeable order) for the item not converted into the JDF
of the system B. However, it is useful to create plural candidates
with respect to the changeable order and determine whether the
system B can execute the processing according to each candidate
(changeable order). In this case, it is useful to perform
conversion of the JDF based on a first found candidate (changeable
order).
[0316] Furthermore, in the case of creating plural candidates
(changeable orders) and determining whether the system B can
execute the processing according to each candidate (changeable
order), it is useful to give a priority order to each of the
created plural candidates (changeable orders) considering the
processing cost and processing performances in the system B.
[0317] FIGS. 27 to 30 show a practical example relating to the
processing in steps S46 through S48 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
26 (i.e., the processing for creating JDF for the system B that can
obtain a final output product similar to the result of the system A
by changing the processing order).
[0318] It is now assumed that the system A creates JDF to produce
an output shown in FIG. 10.
[0319] Furthermore, it is supposed that the postpress section 93 in
the system A includes a device capable of performing four-stitch
processing, while the postpress section 6 of the system B includes
a device capable of only performing two-stitch processing.
[0320] In this case, if the JDF 141 includes instructions of
"four-stitch" and "cutting in the central region", the system B
cannot execute the four-stitch processing when the JDF 141 is
transmitted from the system A to the job portal processing section
110.
[0321] In the present exemplary embodiment, the JDF for the system
B capable of obtaining a final output product similar to the result
of the system A can be created by changing the processing order and
settings in the following manner.
[0322] FIG. 27 illustrates an example different from the example
shown in FIG. 10 in that the four stitch positions 15 are removed,
wherein components similar to those illustrated in FIG. 10 are
denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0323] It is supposed that the system B and the system A have the
same functions except for the stitch processing function.
Therefore, the system B can print four logical pages 11, 12, 13,
and 14 disposed on an A2-size document 10 as shown in FIG. 27 and
can cut the A2-size document along the center line 16.
[0324] FIG. 28 illustrates two pieces of paper, i.e., an upper
A3-size document 260 and a lower A3-size document 261, obtainable
when the A2-size document 10 shown in FIG. 27 is cut along the
center line 16, wherein components similar to those illustrated in
FIG. 27 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0325] FIG. 29 illustrates documents 270 (i.e., A3-size documents
260 and 261 shown in FIG. 28) which are stitched at two portions
273.
[0326] In FIG. 29, a logical page 271 is identical to the logical
pages 12 and 13 shown in FIG. 28 and a logical page 272 is
identical to the logical pages 11 and 14 shown in FIG. 28.
[0327] FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an eighth control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 30 corresponds to
the processing for creating JDF processible in the system B by
changing the processing order of "stitch" and "cutting" processing,
and also corresponds to processing of steps S46 to S48 of FIG. 26.
To realize the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 30, the
CPU 122 shown in FIG. 12 can load a program corresponding to steps
S50 through S53 from the HD 12f into the PMEM 123 and can execute
the readout program.
[0328] First, in step S50, the CPU 122 determines whether there is
any non-converted JDF item. As described above, the CPU 122 can
discriminate each item of the job processing metadata 160 using the
flag indicating accomplishment of the JDF conversion. Thus, the CPU
122 can identify the non-converted item(s) with reference to their
flags.
[0329] Subsequently, in step S51, the CPU 122 determines whether
there is any device that can execute processing attribute of the
non-converted item. For example, according to the example shown in
FIGS. 27 through 29, the CPU 122 can recognize, based on flag
information, that the stitch information item 169 of the job
processing metadata 160 is a non-converted item. The processing
performed in step S51 is for confirming the presence of a device
(i.e., stitch processing machine) in the system B that can execute
the processing relating to the non-converted item (i.e., stitch
information).
[0330] When the device that can execute processing attribute of the
non-converted item is present (i.e., YES in step S51), the CPU 122
determines whether the non-converted item can be processed by
changing the processing order (refer to step S52).
[0331] As described above, the system B does not include a device
capable of performing the four-stitch processing. However, the
system B includes a device capable of performing two-stitch
processing. In such a case, the CPU 122 can change the processing
order to enable the system B to perform two-stitch processing.
Namely, the sheets are cut into half-size sheets (physical pages)
before the system B starts two-stitch processing.
[0332] When the non-converted item can be processed by changing the
processing order (i.e., YES in step S52), the CPU 122 creates JDF
described according to the changed processing order (refer to step
S53).
[0333] Through the above-described processing of FIG. 30, the CPU
122 can change the order of processing items included in the job
processing metadata, if the job processing metadata includes a
processing item unexecutable in the system B, so that the system B
can execute all of the processing items. Then, the CPU 122 converts
the job processing metadata into a job ticket corresponding to the
system B based on the changed order.
[0334] Thus, the example shown in FIGS. 27 through 29 can obtain a
final output product similar to the result obtainable from the
processing shown in FIG. 10.
[0335] Although an A2-size document 10 is cut into A3-size
documents in the above-described exemplary embodiment, it is also
useful to obtain a similar final output product by performing
printing on A3-size documents and then performing the stitch
processing.
[0336] Although the processing order of "stitch" and "paper
cutting" processing is changed to create JDF processible in the
system B in the above-described exemplary embodiment, a similar
effect will be obtained even when the processing order of other
items is changed.
[0337] The processing for creating PDF optimized for the system B
will be described with reference to FIG. 31.
[0338] FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a ninth control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 31 corresponds to the
processing for creating PDF optimized for the system B according to
the present exemplary embodiment. To realize the processing of the
flowchart shown in FIG. 31, the CPU 122 shown in FIG. 12 can load a
program corresponding to steps S60 through S63 from the HD 12f into
the PMEM 123 and can execute the readout program.
[0339] First, instep S60, the CPU 122 downloads the original PDF
142 from the file server 911 of the system A. The CPU 122 can
perform the download processing beforehand.
[0340] Then, in step S61, the CPU 122 reads, into the PMEM 123,
capability information of the system B and the job processing
metadata 160 created by the job portal processing section 110.
[0341] Next, in step S62, the CPU 122 obtains the imposition
information 165 recorded in the job processing metadata 160 and
device resolution of the digital print section 5 obtainable from
the capability information of the system B.
[0342] Then, the CPU 122 down-samples the image data so as to have
the resolution identical to the device of the digital print section
5 in the system B, based on the imposition information 165 and the
device resolution of the digital print section 5. In addition, the
CPU 122 creates PDF for the system B including pages arranged
according to the designated imposition.
[0343] In this case, if an object of the PDF extends widely into or
over the margin area of the digital print section 5 of the system
B, the CPU 122 can reduce the size of each object of the PDF so
that the entire object can be properly arranged relative to the
margin area of the digital print section 5.
[0344] Next, in step S63, the CPU 122 executes hairline processing
based on the device resolution of the digital print section 5
obtained in step S61 and a line width calculation method so that no
line can be erased when printed by the device of the digital print
section 5.
[0345] Then, the CPU 122 terminates the processing of this
routine.
[0346] In the present exemplary embodiment, the creation of the PDF
for the system B is subjected to the following three problems:
[0347] (1) Quality problem caused due to down-sampling processing
applied to image data of the PDF; [0348] (2) Unprintable problem
caused due to a difference between margin region sizes of digital
print devices; and [0349] (3) Hairline problem caused due to a
difference between resolution of a digital print device and the RIP
logic.
[0350] However, it is useful to create PDF for the system B so as
to solve any problems other than the above-described items (1)
through (3). Namely, the present exemplary embodiment can be
employed to create PDF for the system B based on the difference
between the digital print devices in the system A and the system
B.
[0351] Although the processing of FIG. 31 is for creating PDF based
on capability information of the system B and job processing
metadata, it is also useful to create JDF for the system B first
and then create PDF suitable for the JDF for the system B.
[0352] By executing the above-described processing of FIG. 19, the
CPU 122 can apply image processing to the original content data
based on the device function information in the system B and job
processing metadata and can create content data for the system
B.
[0353] Furthermore, the CPU 122 can perform imposition processing
using the original content data based on the job processing
metadata and the device function information of the system B and
can create content data for the system B.
[0354] Furthermore, the CPU 122 can apply resolution conversion
processing, hairline processing, and reduction processing to the
original content data based on the device function information in
the system B and can create content data for the system B.
[0355] Next, the processing for transferring a print job from the
system A shown in FIG. 14 to the system B will be described with
reference to the flowchart of FIG. 32.
[0356] FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a tenth control processing
procedure in the integrated printing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 32 corresponds to the
processing for transferring a print job from the system A to the
system B. The processing of steps S70-S73 and S79 in the flowchart
corresponds to the processing executed by the device of the system
A shown in FIG. 11. The CPU 122 shown in FIG. 12 can load a program
corresponding to steps S74 through S78 from the HD 12f into the
PMEM 123 and can execute the readout program.
[0357] First, a client inputs a job into the system A, and content
data (PDF) and work instructions (JDF) are transmitted from the
end-user environments 1 and 2 to the order-receiving server of the
process management section 91 in the system A.
[0358] Next, in step S70, the order-receiving server of the process
management section 91 in the system A receives the job entered by
the client and the file server 911 (FIG. 14) stores the PDF data
included in the job. Then, the JDF included in the job is
transmitted to the MIS server of the process management section 91.
Then, the MIS server of the system A creates JDF for the system A
based on the work instructions described in the JDF.
[0359] Next, in step S71, the MIS server of the system A transmits
the JDF to the prepress section 94 of the system A to start the
prepress processing in the system A. Then, the prepress server of
the prepress section 94 in the system A identifies the PDF stored
in the file server based on location information of the PDF
described in the received JDF, and downloads the PDF from the
prepress server. In this respect, the processing of step S71
corresponds to the flow number (1) in FIG. 14.
[0360] Next, according to the information described in the JDF, the
prepress server of the system A applies prepress processing (e.g.,
imposition processing, hairline processing, enlargement/reduction,
and down-sampling of image data) to the PDF. Then, after
accomplishing the prepress processing, the prepress server of the
system A notifies the MIS server of the process management section
91 of accomplishment of the processing.
[0361] Next, in step S72, the MIS server of the system A determines
whether the next processing is continuously executed in the digital
print section 92 of the system A. When the system A continues the
processing (i.e., YES in step S72), the processing flow proceeds to
step S79. The MIS server of the system A transmits the JDF and the
PDF to the digital print section 92 in the system A and processing
is continued in the system A.
[0362] On the other hand, if the system A does not execute
continued processing (i.e., NO in step S72), the processing flow
proceeds to step S73. For example, the system A does not execute
continued processing when the device of the digital print section
92 is damaged or malfunctioned or when the job processing is
delayed due to many jobs to be processed. In this case, the MIS
server of the system A requests the system B to perform continued
processing of the print job.
[0363] Next, in step S73, the MIS server in the process management
section 91 of the system A instructs the prepress server to
transmit the print job to the job portal processing section 110 of
the system B. Then, the prepress server in the prepress section 94
of the system A transmits the print job (i.e., JDF) and the PDF
processed in the prepress section to the job portal processing
section 110. In this respect, the processing of step S73
corresponds to the flow number (2) in FIG. 14.
[0364] The job portal processing section 110 executes the following
processing.
[0365] The CPU 122 of the job portal processing section 110
receives the print job (JDF and PDF) from the prepress server of
the prepress section 94 in the system A. Then, the processing flow
proceeds to step S74.
[0366] In step S74, the CPU 122 of the job portal processing
section 110 determines, based on the received JDF, that the
original PDF is stored in the file server 22 of the system A. Then,
the CPU 122 of the job portal processing section 110 downloads the
original PDF 142 from the file server 22 of the system A to the job
portal processing section 110. In this respect, the processing of
step S74 corresponds to the flow number (3) in FIG. 14.
[0367] Next, in step S75, the CPU 122 of the job portal processing
section 110 creates job processing metadata 160 as pre-processing
for creating JDF for the system B. In this respect, the processing
of step S75 also corresponds to the flow number (3) in FIG. 14. As
already described, FIGS. 18 through 25 illustrate creation of the
job processing metadata 160.
[0368] Next, in step S76, the CPU 122 of the job portal processing
section 110 creates the JDF for the system B. In this respect, the
processing of step S76 corresponds to the flow number (4) in FIG.
14. Furthermore, FIGS. 26 through 30 illustrate creation of the JDF
for the system B.
[0369] Next, in step S77, the CPU 122 of the job portal processing
section 110 creates the PDF for the system B. In this respect, the
processing of step S77 also corresponds to the flow number (4) in
FIG. 14. Furthermore, FIG. 31 illustrates creation of the PDF.
[0370] Next, in step S78, the CPU 122 of the job portal processing
section 110 transmits the created JDF 145 and the PDF 144 to the
print server 30 in the digital print section 5 of the system B. In
this respect, the processing of step S78 corresponds to the flow
number (5) in FIG. 14. Then, the CPU 122 terminates the processing
of this routine.
[0371] As a result of the above-described processing, each device
of the system B can perform the processing based on the JDF and the
PDF which are created by the job portal processing section 110 for
the system B. In other words, the output product similar to the
final output product to be obtained from the system A can be
automatically produced by the system B without requiring any
assistance by a worker.
Other Exemplary Embodiments
[0372] FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating a fundamental
arrangement of an integrated printing system in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment, wherein components similar to those
illustrated in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference
numerals.
[0373] The integrated printing system shown in FIG. 33 is different
from the integrated printing system shown in FIG. 11 in that the
process management section 4 is not present in that the system
B.
[0374] As shown in FIG. 33, the present invention can be realized
without using the process management section 4 in the system B.
[0375] Similarly, the present invention can be realized without
using the prepress section 7 in the system B.
[0376] Although not described in the above-described exemplary
embodiments, data formats for the PDF and the JDF are opened to the
public. The interpretation method and creation method for the PDF
and the JDF are also conventionally known.
[0377] As described above, the job portal processing section 110
can create, from the original PDF entered in the system A, PDF
optimized through the down-sampling and the hairline processing so
as to fit to the device resolution of the system B and the RIP
processing. Furthermore, the job portal processing section 110 can
create, from the original PDF entered in the system A, reduced PDF
for the system B so that the page data can be properly disposed
within a printable region of the printing device in the system
B.
[0378] According to the above-described arrangement, when a print
job includes PDF optimized through the resolution conversion and
the hairline processing for the printing in the system A and
transferred from the system A to the system B, the system B can
produce a printed product having satisfactory quality.
[0379] Furthermore, the job portal processing section 110 can
convert the JDF created by the system A into an image processing
instruction processible in the system B. Accordingly, if a print
job (JDF) received from the system A includes an image processing
instruction not processible in the system B or a processing order
of instructions unexecutable by the system B, the system B can
reduce or eliminate execution errors of the print job.
[0380] Furthermore, the job portal processing section 110 can
automatically (without requiring manual work) perform
transmission/reception and conversion of the above-described print
job between two printing systems having different functions.
[0381] Thus, a worker is not required to perform a complicated work
including confirmation of the contents of each PDF and instructions
in each JDF and manual change of the contents. Thus, the entire
work efficiency can be improved. As a result, costs for the work
can be reduced. Furthermore, failure in the conversion work which
may be caused by a confirmation work by a worker can be eliminated.
Accordingly, the processing does not stop due to job errors.
[0382] Although the above-described exemplary embodiments are
arranged to transfer a print job from the system A to the system B
via a job portal processing section 110, the system can be modified
so that the job can be transferred from the system B to the system
A.
[0383] Furthermore, the system can be modified in such a manner
that the MIS server of each system can possess functions of the job
portal processing section 110.
[0384] Moreover, the number of printing systems is not limited to
only two (i.e., system A and system B). The job portal processing
section 110 can perform automatic transmission/reception and
conversion of a print job among three or more printing systems
having different functions.
[0385] The arrangements and contents of the above-described JDF,
PDF, and various data (including job processing metadata) are not
limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. It is thus
needless to say that various arrangements and contents can be
employed according to the purpose of use.
[0386] The present invention can be embodied, for example, as a
system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a storage medium.
More specifically, the present invention can be applied to a system
including two or more devices or can be applied to a single
device.
[0387] As described above, among plural printing systems having
different functions (e.g., between a printing system of company A
and a printing system of company B), the job portal processing
section 110 can automatically perform transmission/reception and
conversion of a print job and realize an automatic connection
between plural printing systems.
[0388] For example, the job portal processing section 110 can refer
to both JDF and PDF transmitted from a printing system of company A
and automatically create an optimum JDF for a printing system of
company B. Furthermore, the job portal processing section 110 can
create optimum PDF for a printing system of company B based on
original PDF entered into the printing system of company A.
[0389] The job portal processing section 110, when executing the
above-described processing, can refer to device function
information (i.e., device capability) of the company B system.
Thus, the job portal processing section 110 can automatically
convert a print job for the printing system of company A into a
print job suitable for a printing system of company B.
[0390] A memory map shown in FIG. 34 can be referred to as an
arrangement of a storage medium capable of storing various data
processing programs, which are readable by the job portal
processing section 110 (i.e., information processing apparatus) of
the integrated printing system according to the present
invention.
[0391] FIG. 34 illustrates a memory map of a storage medium
(recording medium) storing various data processing programs which
are executable in the job portal processing section 110 (i.e.,
information processing apparatus) of the integrated printing system
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0392] Although not shown in the drawing, information for managing
program groups stored in a storage medium, including version
information and creators, can be stored. Furthermore, information
depending on an operating system (OS) reading the programs, e.g.,
icons identifying respective programs, can be also stored.
[0393] Furthermore, directories of the above-described storage
medium can manage data belonging to various programs. An
installation program for various programs and an extraction program
for compressed programs can be also stored.
[0394] The functions of the processing shown in FIGS. 15, 16, 20,
21, 23, 25, 26, 30, 31 and 32 (refer to steps S74 to S78) of the
above-described exemplary embodiments can be realized by installing
programs to a host computer. The information including the programs
can be supplied to an output apparatus from an external storage
medium, using a storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM, flash memory, or FD)
or via a network.
[0395] Furthermore, software program code for realizing the
functions of the above-described exemplary embodiments can be
supplied, via a storage medium (or a recording medium), to a system
or an apparatus. A computer (or CPU or MPU) in the system or the
apparatus can read the program code stored in the storage medium
and can execute the readout program.
[0396] In this case, the program code read out from the storage
medium can realize the functions of the exemplary embodiments. The
equivalents of programs can be used if they possess comparable
functions. Accordingly, when the functions or processes of the
exemplary embodiments are realized by a computer, program code
installed in the computer and a recording medium storing the
program are used to implement the present invention.
[0397] In this case, the type of program can be any one of object
code, interpreter program, and OS script data.
[0398] A storage medium supplying the program can be selected from
any one of a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a
magneto-optical disk, an MO, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic
tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and a DVD (DVD-ROM,
DVD-R).
[0399] In other words, the present invention encompasses a computer
program that can realize the functions or processes of the
exemplary embodiments or any recording medium that can store the
program.
[0400] The method for supplying the program includes accessing a
web page on the Internet using the browsing function of a client
computer, when the web page allows each user to download the
computer program of the present invention, or compressed files of
the programs having automatic installing functions, to a hard disk
or other recording medium of the user.
[0401] Furthermore, the program code constituting the programs of
the present invention can be divided into a plurality of files so
that respective files are downloadable from different web pages.
Namely, the present invention encompasses WWW servers or FTP
servers that allow numerous users to download the program files so
that the functions or processes of the present invention can be
realized on their computers.
[0402] Furthermore, enciphering the programs of the present
invention and storing the enciphered programs in a CD-ROM or
comparable recording medium is a practical method when the programs
of the present invention are distributed to the users. The
authorized users (i.e., users satisfying predetermined conditions)
are allowed to download key information from a home page on the
Internet. The users can decipher the programs with the obtained key
information and can install the programs on their computers. When
the computer reads and executes the installed programs, the
functions of the above-described exemplary embodiments can be
realized.
[0403] Furthermore, not only the functions of the above-described
exemplary embodiment can be realized by a computer that executes
the programs, but also an operating system (OS) running on the
computer can execute part or all of the actual processing based on
instructions of the programs.
[0404] Furthermore, the program code read out of a storage medium
can be written into a memory of a function expansion board equipped
in a computer or into a memory of a function expansion unit
connected to the computer. In this case, based on an instruction of
the program, a CPU provided on the function expansion board or the
function expansion unit can execute part or all of the processing
so that the functions of the above-described exemplary embodiments
can be realized.
[0405] The present invention can be applied to a system including
plural devices or can be applied to a single apparatus. Moreover,
the present invention can be realized by supplying the program(s)
to a system or an apparatus. In this case, the system or the
apparatus can read the software program relating to the present
invention from a storage medium.
[0406] While the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all modifications, equivalent
structures, and functions.
[0407] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2005-348784 filed Dec. 2, 2005, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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