JP2004341996A - Task control for printing processing - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently determine the execution order of tasks in a printing data processor. <P>SOLUTION: The start preselected time tp1 of a data processing process of a first priority task TSK(3) is predicted and the end estimated time tp2 of a non-output task TSK(4) is predicted. When the end estimated time tp2 of the non-output task TSK(4) is earlier than the start preselected time tp1 of the first priority task TSK(3), the data processing process of the non-output task TSK(4) is started prior to the first priority task TSK(3). Instead, a task to be executed may be determined in accordance with whether the number of reserved output tasks reaches its upper limit or not. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for generating print output data representing a print image and visually outputting the print image on an image recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the advance of computer technology, digitization using a computer has become widespread even in a plate making process for commercial printing. In the digitized plate making process, first, the print data processing device performs data processing on document data (for example, PDF data or PostScript data; PostScript is a trademark of Adobe), and creates print output data. Then, the print output data is transferred to an output device (a film recorder or a plate making machine (CTP)), and a print image such as a net film or a plate is visually output on an image recording medium. Alternatively, a printing machine that directly prints a printed matter from printed matter output data can be used as the output machine.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In many cases, the print data processing device can execute a plurality of data processing processes in parallel. On the other hand, the output device can usually output only one print image. Further, since the output device is more expensive than the print data processing device, it is preferable to execute a task so as to operate the output device as efficiently as possible. Here, the “task” means one unit of work in the print data processing apparatus, and includes at least a data processing process for creating print output data in the print data processing apparatus, and is generated by the data processing process. Means one work unit that may further include an output process of transferring the output data of the printed matter to the output device. However, conventionally, in such a print data processing apparatus, a technique for efficiently determining the execution order of tasks has not been known.
[0004]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a technique for efficiently determining a task execution order in a print data processing apparatus.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects]
In order to achieve at least a part of the above object, a print data processing apparatus according to the present invention provides a print data processing apparatus for generating print output data to be supplied to an output device for visually outputting a print image on an image recording medium. A print data processing device that performs a processing process,
A data processing execution unit capable of executing a plurality of data processing processes in parallel,
Regarding tasks that include at least the data processing process and may further include an output process of transferring print output data generated in the data processing process to the output device, the contents of the process included in each task and the priority of each task. A task information registration unit capable of registering task information including a plurality of tasks,
When the running data processing process ends, based on the task information registered in the task information registration unit, an execution task determination unit that determines a task to start the next data processing process,
With
The execution task determination unit includes: a first priority task having the highest priority among a plurality of tasks registered in the task information registration unit and waiting to be executed, including the output process; When there is a non-output task that does not include the output process among tasks of lower priority than the task, the data processing process of the non-output task is executed in preference to the data processing process of the first priority task. Even if it is predicted that no waiting time will occur when starting the output process of the first priority task, the data processing process of the non-output task is started in preference to the first priority task. It is characterized by making it.
[0006]
According to this print data processing apparatus, the task for starting the data processing process is selected so as to minimize the waiting time when the output process of the first priority task is started. The order can be determined.
[0007]
Note that the execution task determination unit includes:
(I) Predicting a scheduled start time as a time at which the data processing process of the first priority task should be started in order to prevent a waiting time when starting the output process of the first priority task. ,
(Ii) predicting the expected end time of the non-output task when it is assumed that the non-output task starts immediately after the end of the currently executing data processing process;
(Iii) When the scheduled end time of the non-output task is earlier than the scheduled start time of the first priority task, the data processing process of the non-output task is started in preference to the first priority task. You may do so.
[0008]
According to this configuration, it is possible to realize, with considerable accuracy, that no waiting time occurs when starting the output process of the first priority task.
[0009]
Further, the execution task determination unit includes:
When the first priority task includes an output process, the start of the data processing process of the first priority task may be waited until the scheduled start time of the first priority task.
[0010]
According to this configuration, while waiting for the start of the first priority task, another task may be able to be executed, and in this case, the other task can be executed earlier.
[0011]
Note that the execution task determination unit includes:
(I) at the end of the currently executing data processing process, the number of tasks that are executing the output process and the number of tasks that have not executed the output process after the execution of the data processing process is started. Calculate the total number of output task reservations,
(Ii) when the output task reservation number is less than a predetermined upper limit value, start a data processing process of the first priority task;
(Iii) If the reserved number of output tasks has reached a predetermined upper limit, a data processing process of the non-output task may be started.
[0012]
According to this configuration, it is possible to minimize the waiting time when starting the output process of the first priority task by relatively simple processing.
[0013]
The present invention can be realized in various forms. For example, a print data processing device, a control method and a control device thereof, a computer program for realizing the functions of the method or the device, and a computer program thereof Can be realized in the form of a recording medium or the like in which is recorded.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Equipment configuration:
B. First embodiment:
C. Second embodiment:
[0015]
A. Equipment configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the entire configuration of a plate making system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The plate making system includes a print data processing device 100 that creates print output data based on document data, and an output device 200. The print data processing device 100 includes a keyboard 110 as an input device, a monitor 120 as a display device, a data processing unit 130, and a hard disk device 140. The output device 200 visually outputs a print image on an image recording medium according to the print output data created by the print data processing apparatus 100. As the output device 200, a proof output device that prints a proof print, a film output device that creates a net film, a plate output device that prints a printing plate, a printer that directly prints a printed matter, or the like can be used. The plate output device is also called a CTP (Computer To Plate) device.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the data processing unit 130. The job receiving unit 302 receives a job including document data (PDF data and PostScript data) and stores the job in the hard disk device 140 (FIG. 1). Note that a “job” refers to a group of operations including one or more tasks. Also, as described above, one task may include at least a data processing process and may include an output process. However, one task can be handled as one job. The job content analysis unit 304 analyzes the content of the received job and divides the job into a plurality of tasks as necessary. The job content analysis unit 304 further associates each task and associates each task with a processing resource (described later), and transmits the task content to the task management unit 306.
[0017]
The task management unit 306 registers task information indicating the content of the specified task in the task information registration unit 310. The task information of each task includes the contents of the processes included in each task (the contents of the data processing process and the output process) and the priority of each task. The contents of the data processing process in the task information include, for example, the size of the image to be processed and the contents of the data processing (which includes any of automatic plate making processing and RIP development processing described later). The contents of the output process include, for example, the size of the image recording medium and the number of plates (four in the case of CMYK). Note that the priorities of a plurality of tasks stored in the task information registration unit 310 are registered in the priority order table 312. Note that the priorities of the tasks are normally assigned in the order in which they are received by the job receiving unit 302.
[0018]
The execution task determination unit 320 determines a task for executing the data processing process in the data processing execution units 330 and 340 based on the task information registered in the task information registration unit 310. To make this determination, the execution task determination unit 320 includes a processing time calculation unit 322 and a time prediction unit 324. The processing contents of the execution task determining unit 320 will be described later.
[0019]
The data processing execution units 330 and 340 are processing units for executing data processing processes, respectively. In this embodiment, two data processing processes can be executed in parallel by these data processing execution units 330 and 340. Note that the number M (M is an integer of 2 or more) of data processing processes that can be executed in parallel and simultaneously is determined according to the number of CPUs provided in the data processing unit 130, the memory capacity, and the like.
[0020]
The printed matter output data generated by the data processing execution units 330 and 340 is transferred from the processing result output unit 350 to the output device 200 or to the hard disk device 140 as a data storage unit. The output destination of the print output data is specified in advance when each task is input. If the output device 200 has a large buffer, the output process (data transfer) by the processing result output unit 350 ends before the output (image recording operation) by the output device 200 ends. On the other hand, when the output unit 200 has only a small buffer, the output process by the processing result output unit 350 ends almost simultaneously with the end of the output (image recording operation) by the output unit 200. As can be understood from this description, the “output process” by the processing result output unit 350 is completed when data transfer from the processing result output unit 350 to the output device 200 (or the hard disk device 140) ends. Note that the “output process” is also referred to as a “data transfer process”.
[0021]
The function of each unit in the data processing unit 130 is realized by a computer program stored in the hard disk device 140.
[0022]
FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the data processing execution unit 330. The data processing execution section 330 includes a preflight processing section 332, an automatic plate making processing section 334, and a RIP development processing section 336. The function of each part is as follows.
[0023]
(1) Preflight processing unit 332:
This is a so-called pre-process, which is a process for analyzing the contents of the document data and confirming whether or not the process for plate making can be executed without any problem. For example, from the description of the PDF file or the PostScript file, it is confirmed whether (1) the existence of a file of an object linked in the document, (2) the presence or absence of nonstandard font data embedded in the document, and the like. You. If there are missing data or files, the user is requested to add data or specify specifications.
[0024]
(2) Automatic plate making section 334:
Performs plate making processes such as so-called Sinose, white border, and trapping.
[0025]
(3) RIP expansion processing unit 336:
So-called raster image processing is performed to create raster data (print output data) representing a print image separated into each ink color in accordance with the output resolution.
[0026]
The second data processing execution unit 340 also has the same configuration as the first data processing execution unit 330. In this specification, the individual processing units 332, 334, and 336 in FIG. 3 are referred to as “processing resources”. The output to the output device 200 by the processing result output unit 350 is also one processing resource. In this specification, the “processing resource” is a process that requires a substantial processing time, and means a portion that executes a process to be considered when determining the task execution order.
[0027]
It is not necessary that all the data processing execution units in the data processing unit 130 include the same processing unit. For example, a data processing execution unit that does not include the RIP expansion processing unit 336 may be used. However, in this specification, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that all the data processing execution units 330 and 340 have the same processing units 332, 334 and 336, and the data processing process of each task is three. It is assumed that all the processes by the processing units 332, 334, and 336 are included.
[0028]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure at the time of accepting a job. When the job accepting unit 302 accepts the job in step T1, the job content analyzing unit 304 analyzes the job content in step T2, divides the job into tasks, and registers the task in the task information registering unit 310. In step T3, the task management unit 306 determines whether there is a task that can be executed immediately. The determination in step T3 is performed for all tasks registered in the task information registration unit 310. Here, the “task that can be executed immediately” means a task in which the processing resources used by the task are in a waiting state (that is, a task in which the processing resources are idle). For example, at the stage where the data processing processes of all tasks have been completed, if there is a task that includes only the data processing process without including the output process, the task corresponds to the “immediately executable task”. In step T4, the task management unit 306 determines the execution order of the tasks according to the priority order table 312 in the task information registration unit 310, and executes the tasks according to the execution order in step T5.
[0029]
When the task or process being executed ends, the execution task determining unit 320 selects a task or process to be executed next. This selection procedure will be described in the following first and second embodiments.
[0030]
B. First embodiment:
Before describing the processing procedure of the embodiment of the present invention, a processing example in a comparative example will be described with reference to FIG. Also in this comparative example, two data processing execution units 330 and 340 (FIG. 2) can execute two data processing processes in parallel. Prior to time t1 in FIG. 5, the data processing process of two tasks TSK (1) and TSK (2) (shown by solid lines with arrows at both ends) is executed. Further, there are three tasks waiting to be executed TSK (3) to TSK (5), and priorities 1 to 3 are sequentially assigned to these tasks waiting to be executed TSK (3) to TSK (5). The first three tasks TSK (1), TSK (2), TSK (3) have an output process (indicated by dashed lines with arrows at both ends). On the other hand, the two execution waiting tasks TSK (4) and TSK (5) have only a data processing process and do not have an output process.
[0031]
In the comparative example of FIG. 5, when the data processing process of the running task TSK (1) ends at time t1, the data processing process of the execution waiting task TSK (3) having the highest priority starts. Similarly, the data processing process of the task waiting for execution TSK (4) starts at time t2, and the data processing process of task TSK (5) waiting for execution starts at time t3. Thus, tasks are started in priority order, and tasks are started sequentially so that two data processing processes are executed simultaneously. Also, in the system shown in FIG. 1, since there is only one output device 200, only one output process can be executed at a time. Therefore, as for the output process, after the output process of one task is completed, the output process of the next task is executed.
[0032]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining an execution task in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the determination of the execution task and the execution result in the first embodiment. In step S1 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the data processing process of the task under execution has been completed.
[0033]
In step S2, it is determined whether the first priority task is an output task. Here, "first priority task" means a task having the highest priority among tasks waiting to be executed, and "output task" means a task including an output process. FIG. 7A shows the contents of the processing executed in the procedure of FIG. 6 at time t1. The contents of the plate making process in the five tasks TSK (1) to TSK (5) in FIG. 7A (that is, the time required for each process) are the same as those in the comparative example shown in FIG. The first priority task TSK (3) at time t1 is an output task (a task including an output process). If the first priority task is a non-output task (a task that does not include an output process), the process moves from step S2 to step S8, and the data processing process of the first priority task is executed. The reason is that when the first priority task is a non-output task, by immediately executing the data processing process, the highest priority first priority task among the tasks waiting to be executed can be completed early. .
[0034]
On the other hand, when the first priority task is the output task, in step S3, it is determined whether or not a non-output task exists among the tasks waiting to be executed after the second priority task. Here, the “second priority task” means a task of the second priority among tasks waiting to be executed. If there is no non-output task after the second priority task, the first priority task which is the output task is executed as it is in step S8. On the other hand, when there is a non-output task after the second priority task, the scheduled start time tp1 of the first priority task is predicted in step S4.
[0035]
The scheduled start time tp1 of the first priority task TSK (3) is predicted as follows (see FIG. 7A). First, the processing time calculation unit 322 (FIG. 2) predicts the processing time (predicted output time) of the output process of the running tasks TSK (1) and TSK (2). This prediction is performed based on task information of each task registered in the task information registration unit 310. The processing time calculation unit 322 further estimates the processing time of the data processing process of the first priority task TSK (3). The time prediction unit 324 adds the predicted output time of the output process of the two running tasks TSK (1) and TSK (2), thereby setting the start time tp0 of the output process of the first priority task TSK (3). Predict. This prediction is based on the assumption that only one output device 200 (FIG. 1) is used in the system of the present embodiment, and the output process of each task is executed one by one so that the waiting time of the output device 200 does not substantially occur. It is assumed that it will be. Here, "substantially no waiting time of the output device 200" means that there is no time waiting for data transfer while the output device 200 is operable. Usually, it often takes time to replace the image recording medium (photosensitive material or the like) of the output device 200, but such time is not included in the "waiting time of the output device 200". The time prediction unit 324 further subtracts the prediction processing time of the data processing process of the first priority task TSK (3) from the prediction start time tp0 of the output process of the first priority task TSK (3), The scheduled start time tp1 of the data processing process of the first priority task TSK (3) is calculated.
[0036]
In step S5 of FIG. 6, the expected end time tp2 of the non-output task having the highest priority after the second priority is predicted. In the example of FIG. 7A, the non-output task having the highest priority is the second task waiting to be executed TSK (4). The scheduled end time tp2 of the non-output task TSK (4) is determined from the predicted value of the processing time calculated by the processing time calculation unit 322.
[0037]
If there are a plurality of non-output tasks as tasks waiting to be executed, the scheduled end time is predicted for each of the non-output tasks in step S5. In the example of FIG. 7A, the scheduled end time is also predicted for the third execution waiting task TSK (5).
[0038]
In step S6, the scheduled start time tp1 of the first priority task is compared with the scheduled end time tp2 of the non-output task tp2, and the scheduled end time tp2 of the non-output task tp2 is compared with the scheduled start time tp1 of the first priority task. If it is earlier, a non-output task is selected and executed (step S7). In the example of FIG. 7A, the scheduled end time tp2 of the non-output task TSK (4) is earlier than the scheduled start time tp1 of the first priority task TSK (3). The task TSK (4) is selected and executed (FIG. 7B). If there are a plurality of non-output tasks that satisfy the condition of step S6, the task with the highest priority is executed. The reason for this is that the processing can proceed as efficiently as possible while maintaining the priority order as much as possible.
[0039]
Since the scheduled end time of the non-output task TSK (5) is later than the scheduled start time tp1 of the first priority task TSK (3), the non-output task TSK (5) does not satisfy the condition of step S6. Therefore, even if the priorities of the two non-output tasks TSK (4) and TSK (5) in FIG. 7A are opposite to those in FIG. 7A, the non-output task TSK (4) Is executed preferentially.
[0040]
In step S6, if there is no non-output task whose scheduled end time is earlier than the scheduled start time tp1 of the first priority task, the data processing process of the first priority task is executed (step S8).
[0041]
FIG. 7B shows the execution order determined by the processing procedure of the first embodiment. When the data processing process of the first task TSK (1) ends at time t1, the non-output task TSK (4) waiting to be executed is selected and the data processing process is started. When the data processing process of the second task TSK (2) ends at time t2, the non-output task TSK (5) waiting to be executed at that time is selected according to the procedure of FIG. The process starts. The data processing process of the first priority task TSK (3) at the time t1 is started from the scheduled start time tp1. In other words, the data processing process of the first priority task TSK (3) waits until the scheduled start time tp1. If the data processing process of the output task is made to wait until the scheduled start time tp1, if a task that can be immediately executed in the above-described procedure of FIG. 4 is received, the task can be executed earlier. There is an advantage that can be.
[0042]
FIG. 8 shows a comparison between the above-described comparative example and the result of the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is the same as FIG. 5, and FIG. 8B is the same as FIG. 7B. As can be understood from this figure, in the first embodiment, the end time of the fourth task TSK (4) is earlier by the time d1, and the end time of the fifth task TSK (5) is earlier by the time d2. Has become. The output process is sequentially executed so that the output device 200 does not substantially have a waiting time. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the data processing process can be executed more efficiently than the comparative example without lowering the efficiency of the output device 200. Also, there is an advantage that tasks that do not involve an output process can be efficiently processed in a shorter time.
[0043]
C. Second embodiment:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining an execution task in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the determination of the execution task and the execution result in the comparative example and the second embodiment. In step S11 in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not any process (data processing process or output process) of the task being executed has been completed. When the process is completed, the processes in and after step S12 are executed.
[0044]
In step S12, it is determined whether or not the number N of reservations of the output task has reached a predetermined upper limit value Nmax. Here, the “reserved number N of output tasks” is the sum of the number of tasks currently executing the output process and the number of tasks after the data processing process is started but before the output process is started. In other words, the reserved number N of output tasks is the number of tasks that are after the start of the data processing process and before the completion of the output process. For example, at time t1 shown in FIG. 10B, the reservation number N of the output task is two.
[0045]
The “upper limit Nmax of the number of reserved output tasks” can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, it is assumed that Nmax = 2. The meaning of the “upper limit Nmax of the number of reserved output tasks” will be described later.
[0046]
If the reserved number N of the output tasks has not reached the upper limit Nmax, the first priority task TSK (3) is executed as it is (step S16). On the other hand, if the reserved number N of the output tasks has reached the upper limit value Nmax, it is determined in step S13 whether or not there is a non-output task among the tasks waiting to be executed. Return to The reason for this is that when the execution of an output task (a task involving an output process) is started, it is highly likely that a certain amount of waiting is required when starting the output process of that task. In this case, since a large number of tasks waiting for output are accumulated, the overall processing efficiency may be reduced. In the example of FIG. 10B, at time t1, N = Nmax = 2, and there are execution waiting tasks TSK (4) and TSK (5) which are non-output tasks, so that step S14 is executed. . In step S14, it is determined whether or not there is free processing resources for executing the data processing process of the non-output task. If there is no free space in the processing resource, the process returns to step S11. If there is a free space, the non-output task is executed in step S15.
[0047]
The procedure of FIG. 9 is executed each time the data processing process or the output process ends. In the example of FIG. 10B, N = Nmax = 2 at the time t1 when the data processing process of the first task TSK (1) ends, so the fourth task TSK (4), which is a non-output task waiting to be executed, Is started. Also, at time t2 when the data processing process of the second task TSK (2) ends, since N = Nmax = 2, the fifth task TSK (5), which is a non-output task waiting to be executed, is started. Then, at time t4 when the output process of the first task TSK (1) ends, the number N of reserved output tasks is reduced to 1, and the first priority task TSK (3) at that time is started.
[0048]
As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 10A and 10B, also in the second embodiment, the end time of the fourth task TSK (4) is earlier by the time d1, and the fifth task TSK (4) The end time of TSK (5) is earlier by time d2. The output process is sequentially executed so that the output device 200 does not substantially have a waiting time. Therefore, also in the second embodiment, the data processing process can be executed more efficiently than the comparative example without lowering the efficiency of the output device 200. Further, many tasks that do not involve an output process can be processed in a shorter time.
[0049]
The “upper limit Nmax of the number of reserved output tasks” used in step S12 in FIG. 9 is set as follows. That is, the “upper limit Nmax of the number of reserved output tasks” executes the data processing process of the non-output task TSK (4) having a lower priority in preference to the data processing process of the first priority task TSK (3). Also in this case, the number is set to a number expected to have no waiting time when starting the output process of the first priority task TSK (3) (the number predicted as such). In the second embodiment, such a relatively simple process makes it possible to execute the data processing process more quickly while preventing the output device 200 from generating a wait time.
[0050]
Considering the first and second embodiments described above, it can be considered that the execution task determination unit 320 determines an execution task as follows.
(1) The first priority task TSK (3) having the highest priority among the plurality of tasks TSK (3) to (5) waiting to be executed includes an output process, and the first priority task TSK (3) It is determined whether or not the condition that a non-output task that does not include an output process exists in tasks TSK (4) and TSK (5) having a lower priority than 3).
(2) When the above condition is satisfied, even if the data processing process of the non-output task TSK (4) is executed prior to the data processing process of the first priority task TSK (3), the first priority task When starting the output process of TSK (3), it is determined whether or not it is predicted that no waiting time will occur.
(3) If the above prediction is established, the data processing process of the non-output task TSK (4) is started in preference to the first priority task TSK (3).
[0051]
As an actual criterion for making such a determination, the scheduled start time and the scheduled end time of the process used in the first embodiment can be used, and the output task used in the second embodiment can be used. The number of reservations N can also be used. However, it is also possible to apply various judgment criteria other than the criteria used in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.
[0052]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be carried out in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modified examples are also possible.
[0053]
In the above embodiments, it is assumed that there is only one output device 200, but a plurality of output devices may be available. When a plurality of output machines are available, a plurality of output processes can be executed simultaneously. In this case, in the first embodiment, the times tp1 and tp2 (FIG. 7A) are predicted for each output device, and the execution task can be determined accordingly. In the second embodiment, the upper limit Nmax of the number of reserved output tasks is set for each output device, and the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9 can be executed using the upper limit Nmax.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an entire configuration of a plate making system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a data processing unit 130.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a data processing execution unit 330.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of accepting a job in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example of a comparative example.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining an execution task in the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a determination of an execution task and an execution result in the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the comparative example and the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining an execution task in the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a determination of an execution task and an execution result in the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 print data processing device
110 ... Keyboard
120 ... Monitor
130 ... data processing unit
140 ... Hard disk device
200 ... Output machine
302: Job receiving unit
304: Job content analysis unit
306 ... Task management unit
310 Task information registration unit
312: Priority table
320: Execution task determination unit
322... Processing time calculation unit
324: time prediction unit
330, 340: Data processing execution unit
332: Preflight processing unit
334: Automatic plate making processing unit
340: RIP expansion processing unit
350 ... Processing result output unit

Claims (6)

A print data processing apparatus for performing a data processing process for generating print output data to be supplied to an output device for visually outputting a print image on an image recording medium,
A data processing execution unit capable of executing a plurality of data processing processes in parallel,
Regarding tasks that include at least the data processing process and may further include an output process of transferring print output data generated in the data processing process to the output device, the contents of the process included in each task and the priority of each task. A task information registration unit capable of registering task information including a plurality of tasks,
When the running data processing process ends, based on the task information registered in the task information registration unit, an execution task determination unit that determines a task to start the next data processing process,
With
The execution task determination unit includes: a first priority task having the highest priority among a plurality of tasks registered in the task information registration unit and waiting to be executed, including the output process; When there is a non-output task that does not include the output process among tasks of lower priority than the task, the data processing process of the non-output task is executed in preference to the data processing process of the first priority task. Even if it is predicted that no waiting time will occur when starting the output process of the first priority task, the data processing process of the non-output task is started prior to the first priority task. A print data processing apparatus characterized in that the print data is processed. The print data processing device according to claim 1,
The execution task determination unit,
(I) Predicting a scheduled start time as a time at which the data processing process of the first priority task should be started in order to prevent a waiting time when starting the output process of the first priority task. ,
(Ii) predicting the expected end time of the non-output task when it is assumed that the non-output task starts immediately after the end of the currently executing data processing process;
(Iii) when the scheduled end time of the non-output task is earlier than the scheduled start time of the first priority task, the data processing process of the non-output task is started prior to the first priority task. , Print data processing device. 3. The print data processing device according to claim 2, wherein
The execution task determination unit,
A print data processing device, wherein when the first priority task includes an output process, a start of a data processing process of the first priority task is waited until a scheduled start time of the first priority task. The print data processing device according to claim 1,
The execution task determination unit,
(I) at the end of the currently executing data processing process, the number of tasks that are executing the output process and the number of tasks that have not executed the output process after the execution of the data processing process is started. Calculate the total number of output task reservations,
(Ii) when the output task reservation number is less than a predetermined upper limit value, start a data processing process of the first priority task;
(Iii) A print data processing apparatus for starting a data processing process of the non-output task when the reserved number of output tasks has reached a predetermined upper limit. A method of controlling a print data processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of data processing processes for generating print output data to be supplied to an output device for visually outputting a print image on an image recording medium,
(A) With respect to a task that includes at least the data processing process and can further include an output process of transferring print output data obtained in the data processing process to the output device, the content of the process included in each task Registering a plurality of tasks in the memory with task information including the priority of each task,
(B) determining a task to start the next data processing process based on the task information registered in the memory when the currently executing data processing process ends;
With
The step (c) comprises:
The first priority task having the highest priority among the plurality of tasks registered in the memory and waiting to be executed includes the output process, and among tasks having lower priorities than the first priority task, When there is a non-output task that does not include the output process, even if the data processing process of the non-output task is executed prior to the data processing process of the first priority task, A control method characterized by starting a data processing process of the non-output task in preference to the first priority task if no waiting time occurs when starting the output process. A task execution order is determined in a print data processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of data processing processes for generating print output data to be supplied to an output device for visually outputting a print image on an image recording medium. Computer program for
Regarding a task that includes at least the data processing process and can further include an output process of transferring print output data obtained in the data processing process to the output device, the content of the process included in each task and the content of each task A task information registration function for registering task information including priority and a plurality of tasks in a memory;
A task determination function for determining a task to start the next data processing process based on the task information registered in the memory when the data processing process being executed is completed;
Including a program that causes a computer to implement
The task determination function is such that a first priority task having the highest priority among a plurality of tasks registered in the memory and waiting to be executed includes the output process, and has a higher priority than the first priority task. When there is a non-output task that does not include the output process among low-degree tasks, the data processing process of the non-output task may be performed in preference to the data processing process of the first priority task. A function of starting the data processing process of the non-output task in preference to the first priority task when no waiting time occurs when starting the output process of the first priority task. Computer program to do.

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