JP2005271259A - Printing device and processed data - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing device that divides the output of a single job into a plurality of output bins, especially one that can easily separate later because the device can discharge to another output bin in the discharge of an unnecessary tab paper. <P>SOLUTION: The printing device generates a printing job specifying an output bin or a discharge route in a single job and performs the job to divide the output of a single job into a plurality of output bins. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for dividing and printing a single print job into a plurality of output bins when printing is performed on a printing apparatus having a plurality of output bins.

In a conventional printing apparatus having a plurality of output bins, print output is performed by distinguishing the output bins for each user or for each print output content. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes that output bins are distinguished by output of a fax job and output of a printer job. Further, Patent Document 2 proposes to distinguish output bins for each user who issues a print instruction.
JP 2000-341450 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-131583

  However, in these conventional techniques, one print job is collectively output to one output bin. For example, there is no means for realizing this even when one job is divided into a plurality of output bins and printed out by specifying paper type or finishing.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and reads an attribute designating an output bin in a printing apparatus described in one job, and distinguishes the print output based on the attribute to output bins. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print instruction means having an output means and a user interface for designating this attribute.

  The present invention can solve the above problems by providing the following configuration.

  (1) In a system constituted by a computer, a printer device, and a rearrangement device connected by a network, means for dividing one print job into a plurality of output bins and outputting in a printing device having a plurality of output bins. A printing apparatus characterized by having.

  (2) The printing apparatus according to (1), wherein a designation is made to divide and output one print job into a plurality of output bins in units of pages.

  (3) In the printing apparatus according to the above (1), it is possible to specify which path in the printing apparatus is discharged through a page unit or a group of pages in one print job. apparatus.

  (4) The printing apparatus according to (1), wherein an output bin of the printing apparatus can be designated for each page or a group of pages in one print job.

  (5) The printing apparatus according to (1), wherein the printing apparatus has a user interface capable of instructing to divide one print job into a plurality of output bins.

  (6) The printing apparatus according to (1), wherein the printed matter output to a certain output bin is output as a blank page that is not charged.

  (7) Processing data relating to a print job created by a computer and sent to a printing apparatus having a plurality of output bins in a system including a computer, a printer apparatus, and a rearrangement apparatus connected via a network The processing data including an item indicating which page or a group of pages passes through which route in the printing apparatus.

  (8) Processing data relating to a print job created by a computer and sent to a printing apparatus having a plurality of output bins in a system composed of a computer, a printer apparatus, and a rearrangement apparatus connected via a network , Processing data including an item indicating which page or a group of pages is discharged to which output bin.

  (9) Processing data according to (7) or (8), wherein the processing data can be specified in a user interface on a computer screen.

  (10) The processing data according to (7) or (8), wherein the printed matter output to a certain output bin is output as a blank page that is not charged.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that can divide and print out one job into a plurality of output bins, and a system thereof.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

[Overview of overall system]
FIG. 1 shows an overview of the entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The client device 102, the editing server device 103a, the image file server device 103b, the database server device 103c, the print server device 103d, and the job management server device 103e connected to the network 101 serve as a server and a client, respectively. Although only one client apparatus is represented in FIG. 1, there may actually be a plurality of client apparatuses. Moreover, although only one server is represented in FIG. 1 in actuality, a plurality of servers may actually be present. These servers are connected so that they can operate in a coordinated manner.

  In these cases, the client device processes the output image in cooperation with each server, and obtains the desired output. The editing server apparatus performs image editing and image conversion such as enlargement, reduction, and compression / decompression on the input document. In the image file server apparatus, the processed document document is stored as image data in a format immediately before output to the printer. The database server device manages a database such as document originals and image data. The print server device performs output processing on the printer.

  In addition, network-compatible printers 104 and 105 called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) are connected to the network 101. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 104 denotes a color MFP, and 105 denotes a monochrome MFP. These can be scanned and printed in monochrome or full color, and can be further subjected to paper discharge processing such as punching and stapling. These MFPs are provided with a plurality of output bins, and can be printed out in a plurality of output bins, for example, by specifying the type of paper or finishing.

  Further, although not shown in the figure, other devices such as a client, various servers, MFPs other than the above, scanners, printers, and fax machines are also connected.

  Here, on the computer 102 (or 103), so-called DTP (Desk Top Publishing) application software is operated to create and edit various documents and graphics. The computer 102 (or 103) converts the created document / figure into a PDL language (Page Description Language = page description language), and instructs the computer 102 (or 103) with start-up software called a printer driver. And sent to the MFPs 104 and 105 via the network 101 and output.

  An original placed on the scanner unit of each of the MFPs 104 and 105 is sent as image data to the network 101 by instructing from the computer 102 (or 103) by activation software called a scanner driver, and the image file server apparatus 103b. Or displayed on the display of the computer 102 (or 103), or sent to the MFPs 104 and 105 for output.

  Further, each of the MFPs 104 and 105 has a communication means capable of exchanging information with the computer 102 (or 103) side via the network 101, and the setting information and device status of the MFPs 104 and 105 are the computer 102 (or 103). It is a mechanism to inform the side sequentially. Further, the computer 102 (or 103) has utility software that operates in response to the information, and devices such as MFPs are centrally managed under the computer 102 (or 103).

  On the other hand, when output from a client device by a plurality of printers and further discharging processing is performed for those outputs, the job management server device to which a print job is first sent from the client device first determines how the print job is processed. To determine whether to process, and create data describing the processing content. Next, based on this, an appropriate one is selected from a plurality of printers connected to the network, and a print instruction is issued. Finally, the job management server device instructs the network finishers in which the print outputs of those printers are set how to discharge them.

[Configuration of MFPs 104 and 105]
Next, the configuration of the MFPs 104 and 105 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  However, the difference between the MFP 104 and the MFP 105 is a difference between full color and monochrome, and in many parts other than color processing, the full color device often includes the configuration of a monochrome device. Therefore, a description of the monochrome part will be added as needed. The MFPs 104 and 105 are composed of a printer / scanner and a finisher. Normally, it appears as an integrated device from network utility software, for example. The MFP 104 is a network printer that does not have a finisher. Since this is included in the MFPs 104 and 105, the description of the full-color device will be used instead.

  FIG. 2 is an overall block diagram. 201 is a scanner unit for reading an image, 202 is an RGB-IP unit for image processing of the image data, 203 is an image transmission / reception using a telephone line such as a facsimile. A FAX section to be performed, a NIC (Network Interface Card) section 204 for exchanging image data and device information using a network, and a page description language (PDL) sent from the computer side to an image signal. The PDL unit 212 is normally through, but is effective when adding and releasing add-on information. Then, an image signal is temporarily stored in the core unit 206 according to how to use the MFPs 104 and 105, and a route is determined.

  Next, the image data output from the core unit 206 is sent to the PWM unit 208 via the CMYK-IP unit 207, and then sent to the printer unit 209 that performs image formation, and processing for output finishing of paper. Is printed out by the finisher unit 210.

  In addition, the display unit 211 operates as a preview function for determining whether or not the print state is appropriate in order not to print an image.

[Configuration of Scanner Unit 201]
The configuration of the scanner unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in copying a document as a copying machine, reference numeral 301 denotes a platen glass on which a document 302 to be read is placed. The original 302 is irradiated with illumination 303, passes through mirrors 304, 305, and 306, and an image is formed on the CCD 308 by the optical system 307. Further, the first mirror unit 310 including the mirror 304 and the illumination 303 is mechanically driven by the motor 309 at the speed v, and the second mirror unit 311 including the mirrors 305 and 306 is driven at the speed 1 / 2v. The entire surface of the original 302 is scanned.

[Configuration of RGB-IP Unit 202]
The image processing unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The input optical signal is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD sensor 308. The CCD sensor 308 is an RGB 3-line color sensor and is input to the A / D conversion unit 401 as RGB image signals. Here, after gain adjustment and offset adjustment, each color signal is converted into 8-bit digital image signals R0, G0, and B0 by an A / D converter. Thereafter, a known shading correction using a read signal of the reference white plate is performed for each color in the shading correction 402. Further, since the color line sensors of the CCD sensor 308 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the line delay adjustment circuit 403 corrects the spatial deviation in the sub-scanning direction.

  Next, the input masking unit 404 converts the reading color space determined by the spectral characteristics of the R, G, and B filters of the CCD sensor 308 into the NTSC standard color space. 3 × 3 matrix operation using device-specific constants taking into account various characteristics such as spectral characteristics, and the input (R0, G0, B0) signal is converted into a standard (R, G, B) signal. Convert.

  Further, a luminance / density conversion unit (LOG conversion unit) 405 is configured by a look-up table (LUT) RAM, and converts RGB luminance signals into C1, M1, and Y1 density signals.

  When monochrome image processing is performed by the MFP 105, a single color single line sensor is used to perform A / D conversion and shading for a single color, and then processing in the order of input / output masking, gamma conversion, and spatial filter. I do not care.

[Configuration of FAX unit 203]
The FAX unit 203 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, at the time of reception, data received from the telephone line is received by the NCU unit 501 and converted in voltage, A / D conversion and demodulation operations are performed by the demodulation unit 504 in the modem unit 502, and then rasterized by the decompression unit 506. Expand to data. In general, a run-length method or the like is used for compression / expansion by FAX. However, since it is known, the description thereof is omitted here. The image converted into the raster data is temporarily stored in the memory unit 507, and is sent to the core unit 206 after confirming that there is no transfer error in the image data.

  Next, at the time of transmission, the compression unit 505 performs compression such as a run length method on the image signal of the raster image coming from the core unit, and the modulation unit 503 in the modem unit 502 performs D / A conversion and modulation. After the operation, it is sent to the telephone line via the NCU unit 501.

[Configuration of NIC unit 204]
The NIC unit 204 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The NIC unit 204 has an interface function with respect to the network 101. For example, it plays a role of acquiring information from the outside using an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable such as 10Base-T / 100Base-TX and flowing the information to the outside.

  When obtaining information from the outside, first, the voltage is converted by the transformer 601 and sent to the LAN controller 602. The LAN controller unit 602 has a buffer memory 1 (not shown) in its interior, and after determining whether or not the information is necessary information, the LAN controller unit 602 sends it to the buffer memory 2 (not shown), and then the PDL unit. A signal is sent to 205.

  Next, when providing information to the outside, the data sent from the PDL unit 205 is added with necessary information by the LAN controller unit 602 and connected to the network via the transformer unit 601.

[Configuration of PDL Unit 205]
Next, the PDL unit 205 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Image data created by application software running on a computer consists of documents, figures, photographs, etc., each of which consists of a combination of character description, figure code, and image description elements such as raster image data. ing. This is so-called PDL (Page Description Language = page description language), which is represented by the PostScript (registered trademark) language of Adobe Corporation.

  FIG. 6 shows the conversion process from the PDL data to the raster image data. The PDL data sent from the NIC unit 204 is once transmitted to the hard disk (HDD) via the CPU unit 603. It is stored in the large-capacity memory 604, where it is managed and saved for each job.

  Next, as necessary, the CPU unit 603 performs rasterized image processing called RIP (Raster Image Processing) to develop PDL data into a raster image. The raster image data that has been developed is stored for each job in a memory 605 that can be accessed at high speed, such as DRAM, for each color component of CMYK, and again through the CPU unit 603 in accordance with the status of the printer unit 208. It is sent to the core unit 206.

[Configuration of Core Unit 206]
The core unit 206 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The bus selector unit 701 of the core unit 206 plays a role of traffic control in using the MFPs 104 and 105. That is, the bus is switched according to various functions in the MFPs 104 and 105 such as a stand-alone copying function, network scanning, network printing, facsimile transmission / reception, or display display.

If it explains in detail, the following functions can be considered in the flow.
Stand-alone copier: scanner 201 → core 206 → printer 209
Network scan: scanner 201 → core 206 → NIC unit 204
Network print: NIC unit 204 → core 206 → printer 209
Facsimile transmission function: scanner 201 → core 206 → FAX unit 203
Facsimile reception function: FAX unit 203 → core 206 → printer 209
Display display function: scanner 201 → core 206 → display 211
However, the input source of the display function may be the FAX unit 203 or the NIC unit 204.

  Next, the image data output from the bus selector unit 701 is sent to the printer unit 208 or the display unit 211 through the compression unit 702, the memory unit 703 including a large capacity memory such as a hard disk (HDD), and the decompression unit 704. It is done. The scaling unit 705 enlarges or reduces the image data. This is used when transferring a reduced image to a low-resolution display or another device. The compression method used here may be a general method such as JPEG, JBIG, or ZIP.

  Next, the compressed image data is managed for each job and stored together with additional data such as a file name, a creator, a creation date and time, and a file size.

  Furthermore, if a job number and password are provided and stored together, the personal box function can be supported. This is a confidential function in which data can be temporarily stored and only a specific person can print out (read from the HDD).

  For each stored job, when a job is called by specifying a job, after authenticating the password, it is called from the HDD, decompressed and restored to a raster image, and returned to the printer unit. 207.

[Configuration of CMYK-IP Unit 207]
The CMYK-IP unit 207 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The data passed from the core unit 206 enters the output masking / UCR circuit unit 707, and the C1, M1, and Y1 signals after the LOG conversion (405) described in the RGB-IP unit 202 are used as the toner of the image forming apparatus. This is a part that converts the Y, M, C, and K signals, which are colors, using a matrix operation, and converts the C1, M1, Y1, and K1 signals based on the RGB signals read by the CCD sensor 308 into the spectral distribution characteristics of the toner. Based on the C, M, Y, and K signals based on them, the signals are output.

  Next, the gamma correction unit 708 converts the data into C, M, Y, and K data for image output using a look-up table (LUT) RAM in consideration of the color characteristics of the toner, and the spatial filter 709. Then, after sharpness or smoothing is performed, the image signal is sent to the PWM unit 208. Whether the image is black and white or color is determined by the balance of the C, M, Y, and K signals.

[Configuration of PWM unit 208]
The PWM unit 208 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image data separated into four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) from the CMYK-IP unit 207 is image-formed through the respective PWM units 208. The However, in the case of the MFP 105, it is a single color. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a triangular wave generator. Reference numeral 802 denotes a D / A converter which converts an input digital image signal into an analog signal. These two signals are sent to the comparator 803 as shown in FIG. 8-2a and compared in magnitude, and are sent to the laser drive unit 804 as shown in FIG. 8-2b. The laser beam is converted into a laser beam by a laser 805.

  The polygon scanner 913 scans the respective laser beams and irradiates the respective photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929.

[Configuration of Printer 209 (for Color MFP 104)]
FIG. 9 shows an overview of the color printer unit.

  A polygon mirror 913 receives four laser beams emitted from the four semiconductor lasers 805. One of them scans the photosensitive drum 917 through the mirrors 914, 915 and 916, the next one scans the photosensitive drum 921 through the mirrors 918, 919 and 920, and the next one scans the mirror 922. , 923, and 924 to scan the photosensitive drum 925, and the next one scans the mirrors 926, 927, and 928 to scan the photosensitive drum 929.

  On the other hand, 930 is a developing device that supplies yellow (Y) toner, forms a yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 917 in accordance with the laser beam, and 931 is a developing device that supplies magenta (M) toner. , A magenta toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 921 in accordance with the laser light, and a developing device 932 supplies cyan (C) toner. A cyan toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 925 in accordance with the laser light. , 933 is a developing device for supplying black (K) toner, and forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 929 in accordance with the laser beam. The toner images of the four colors (Y, M, C, K) are transferred onto the paper, and a full color output image can be obtained.

  The paper fed from any of the paper cassettes 934 and 935 and the manual feed tray 936 passes through the registration rollers 937 and is sucked onto the transfer belt 938 and conveyed. In synchronism with the timing of paper feeding, toner of each color is developed in advance on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929, and the toner is transferred to the paper as the paper is transported.

  The sheet on which the toner of each color is transferred is separated and conveyed by the conveying belt 939, and the toner is fixed on the sheet by the fixing device 940 and discharged. The four photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 are arranged at equal intervals with a distance d, and the paper is conveyed at a constant speed v by the conveyance belt 939, and this timing synchronization is made. Thus, the four semiconductor lasers 805 are driven.

[Configuration of Printer Unit 209 (for Monochrome MFP 105)]
FIG. 10 shows an overview of the monochrome printer unit.

  A polygon mirror 1013 receives laser light emitted from the four semiconductor lasers 805. The laser beam scans the photosensitive drum 1017 through the mirrors 1014, 1015, and 1016. On the other hand, reference numeral 1030 denotes a developing device for supplying black toner, which forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1017 in accordance with the laser beam, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet to obtain an output image.

  The paper fed from any of the paper cassettes 1034 and 1035 and the manual feed tray 1036 passes through the registration rollers 1037 and is sucked onto the transfer belt 1038 and conveyed. The toner is developed on the photosensitive drum 1017 in advance in synchronization with the paper feeding timing, and the toner is transferred onto the paper as the paper is transported.

  The paper to which the toner has been transferred is separated, and the toner is fixed on the paper by the fixing device 1040 and discharged in the same manner as a color image.

[Configuration of Display Unit 211]
FIG. 11 shows the display unit 211.

  Since the image data output from the core unit 206 is CMY data, the inverse LOG conversion unit 1101 needs to convert the image data into RGB data. Next, in order to match the color characteristics of the output CRT or other display device 1104, the gamma conversion unit 1102 performs output conversion using a lookup table. The converted image data is once stored in the memory unit 1103 and displayed on a display device 1104 such as a CRT.

  Here, the display unit 211 is used when a preview function for confirming an output image in advance, a proof function for verifying whether an output image is surely intended, or an image that does not need to be printed are confirmed. This is to eliminate waste of printing paper.

[Configuration of Finisher Unit 210]
FIG. 12 shows an overview of the finisher section.

  The sheet that has exited the fixing unit 940 (or 1040) of the printer unit 209 enters the finisher unit 210. The finisher unit 210 has two output trays (output bins) called a sample tray (sample bin) 1201 and a stack tray (stack bin) 1202, which are switched according to the type of job and the number of sheets to be discharged. Is done.

  There are two sort methods: a bin sort method that has a plurality of bins and sorts each bin, and a shift that sorts the output paper for each job by shifting the electronic sort function and tray (or bin) described later to the back. Sorting can be performed by the sorting method.

  The electronic sort function is called collate. If you have the large-capacity memory described in the core section above, the so-called collate function is used to change the buffered page order and discharge order using this buffer memory. It can also support electronic sorting functions.

  Next, the group function is a function that sorts for each page while sorting sorts for each job.

  Furthermore, when discharging to the stack tray 1202, it is also possible to store the sheets before discharging the sheets for each job and bind them by the stapler 1205 immediately before discharging.

  In addition to the above two trays, there are a Z-folder 1204 for folding paper into a Z-shape and a puncher 1206 for punching two (or three) holes for files, depending on the type of job. Each process. Further, the inserter tray 1203 can perform a finishing process by placing a sheet for performing a middle insertion function or placing a sheet output from another printer.

  Further, the saddle stitcher 1207 is used to fold the paper into a booklet format and bind the middle of the paper. In this case, it is discharged to the booklet tray 1208.

  In addition, although not shown in the drawing, it is possible to add binding by glue (glue) for bookbinding or cutting for aligning the end surface opposite to the binding side after binding.

[Network 101]
Next, the network 101 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the network 101 is connected by a device called a router that interconnects the network shown in FIG. 1 to form a further network called a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN 1306 is connected to a router 1305 in another LAN 1307 through the Internet 1308 through the internal router 1301, and these network networks are spread several times to construct a vast connection form. .

  Next, the data flowing through it will be described with reference to FIG.

  There is data 1401 existing in the transmission source device A (1400a), and the data may be image data, PDL data, or a program. When this is transferred to the receiving device B (1400b) via the network 101, the data 1401 is subdivided and divided like an image 1402. To the divided data 1403, 1404, 1406, etc., a destination address called a header 1405 (IP address of the destination when using the TCP / IP protocol) or the like is added, and the packet 1407 is sequentially transmitted on the network 101. Send packets to. When the address of the device B and the header 1411 of the packet 1410 match, the data 1412 is separated and reproduced in a data state suitable for the device A.

[Printer Driver]
Next, the process of transmitting image data from the computer 102 (or 103) to the printer using the printer driver will be described with reference to FIG.

  The printer driver is a GUI for instructing a print operation. By instructing this, the user can instruct a desired setting parameter and send a desired image image to a transmission destination such as a printer. Reference numeral 1501 denotes a printer driver window, and 1502 is a transmission destination selection column for selecting a target output destination. Generally, the MFP 104 or 105 or the printer 107 is used, but an image may be transferred to the memory 108 for the purpose of storage. Reference numeral 1503 denotes a page setting column for selecting an output page from the job, and determines which page of the image image created by the application software operating on the computer 102 (or 103) is to be output. 1504 is a number setting column for specifying the number of copies. Reference numeral 1507 denotes a property key for performing detailed settings related to the destination device selected in the destination selection column 1502. Click here to enter setting information unique to the device on a separate screen and display a special image. By processing, for example, changing the parameters of the gamma conversion unit 707 and the spatial filter unit 708 in the CMYK-IP unit 207, finer color reproduction and sharpness adjustment can be performed.

  Reference numeral 1508 denotes a finishing setting. This setting item varies depending on the selected printer. When the right side of the destination selection column 1502 is clicked, a list of printers and MFPs that can be printed is displayed. To this end, it is necessary to search for a printer on the network. When searching for MFPs and printers on the network, a so-called directory service is used. The directory service is a telephone directory related to a network, and stores various information.

  A specific example of the directory system using the directory service is, for example, LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol). The above-mentioned LDAP is described in RFC (Request For Comments) 1777, which is a standard specification issued by IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force). By searching for devices connected to the network using a directory service, a list of network addresses of devices available on the network can be obtained. A computer 102 on the network 101 functions as an LDAP server and stores all information related to devices on the network. The computer can search for a desired device by making an inquiry to the LDAP server without searching for the computer itself. By registering the position information of the apparatus in accordance with information such as equipment information and status of the apparatus, it is possible to search for an apparatus close to a computer or a printer having a desired function closest to the desired printer. For example, the position information defines the distance from the reference point in the XY direction for each floor, and also adds floor information and the like. For example, when it is said that it is 3m in the X direction (may be a distance like the third pillar) and 5m in the Y direction from the reference corner on the second floor, it is expressed by giving information such as 3X5Y2. The driver can display a list of printers in the transmission destination selection column 1502 by making an inquiry to the LDAP server.

  Although the conventional printer driver cannot select two printers at the same time, a key 1509 for selecting the next printer is provided in this embodiment. By pressing this key, a further printer selection column is displayed, and the second printer or finisher can be selected. When another printer is selected, the property key 1507 can be pressed to go to another setting screen to change the printer selection order. When the right end of the printer selection column 1502 of the normal printer driver is clicked with the mouse, a list of selectable printers is displayed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 26, the printer appearing at the top of the list display can be changed according to various conditions. As a result, for example, it is possible to easily select an MFP that is closest to the first selected MFP.

  Further, when processing is not possible in the order of the combination when two units are selected, for example, since stapling cannot be performed after stapling, a warning is displayed in that case. When the desired setting is completed, printing is started with an OK key 1505. When canceling, printing is canceled by a cancel key 1506.

[Description of network utility software]
Utility software that operates on the computer 102 (or 103) will be described.

  A standardized database called MIB (Management Information Base) is built in the network interface part of the MFPs 104 and 105 and the network finisher 107, and the computer on the network via a network management protocol called SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). It is possible to manage a scanner, a printer, or a FAX connected to the network including the MFPs 104 and 105.

  On the other hand, a software program using MIB is running on the computer 102 (or 103), and necessary information can be exchanged using the MIB by using the SNMP via the network. By acquiring MIB information such as ifPhysAddress or sysObjectID defined in RFC1213 or hrDeviceID defined in RFC1514, information for specifying a device can be obtained. Equipment information and capabilities of the device are defined as private MIBs, and it is possible to detect whether or not a finisher is connected as equipment information. Also, by acquiring MIB information between devices on the network, it is possible to communicate with each other and acquire information such as the status and capability of the partner device.

  The computer 102 regularly communicates with devices on the network, or keeps track of the function, status, etc. of each device by transmission from each device. Since the WEB server is constructed based on the MIB data collected from each apparatus, the computer 103 can grasp the state of each apparatus even if the computer 102 is accessed by well-known browsing software using HTTP.

  Throw a print job all the way to the computer 102, then submit the job from the computer 102 to each printer, analyze the user name, department, file name, number of pages, job contents, etc. The number of printings per unit and the total number of pages are stored. In addition, it is possible to manage and manage devices and jobs on the network by counting the number of prints, the number of errors, etc. of each device, and the current remaining amount of paper and toner.

  Further, the computer 102 also converts the printing protocol. For example, if the MFP 105 supports only LPD, but the computer 103 tries to print using the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), the computer 102 can automatically convert it to LPR and throw a job to the MFP 105. The printed data is stored in the memory 108, and the server automatically deletes it according to parameters such as the remaining memory capacity and date.

[Description of GUI]
Next, a screen of utility software that runs on the computer 102 (or 103) called GUI (Graphic User Interface) will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the utility software is started on the computer 102 (or 103), a screen as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. Here, 1601 is a status tab for opening a status page, 1602 is a job tab for opening a page for operating a print job inside the printer, 1603 is an information tab for opening a page for checking the equipment and the like, Reference numeral 1604 denotes a network tab for opening a page for performing network settings.

  In FIG. 16, a status page is displayed. Reference numeral 1605 denotes an external image of the apparatus, and an image corresponding to equipment information such as a finisher or a deck is displayed. On the right side, information on paper in each cassette is displayed as information on the paper feed tray. Reference numeral 1606 denotes an operation state of the apparatus, which changes according to the operation state.

  FIG. 17 shows an information page, and it is possible to confirm the presence / absence of a finisher and the presence / absence of a finisher option.

[Client device]
Here, the client device will be described with reference to FIG.

  The client device is composed of a personal computer, a workstation, or a mobile terminal that can be moved, and provides information to a user such as a LAN data communication unit 1801 having a network connection function, a data processing / control unit 1803, and a display device. In a normal client device having an information display unit 1804 to be displayed and an information input unit 1805 for inputting an instruction from a user such as a mouse / keyboard device, the data processing / control unit 1803 and the LAN data communication unit 1801 A message processing unit 1802 for creating and processing a message, which is a feature of the present invention, is provided in between. In the embodiment, the work performed by the user on the client device is a process of creating and sending a message, receiving a processing result, and editing and creating document image data as a document to be sent when registering and storing the document image data. is there. The client device is assumed to be an environment where two or more users can use at the same time. In other words, the multi-task function of the operating system of the client device can simultaneously send and receive a plurality of messages and create a document. In each client, the user is identified by the user name so that the message transmission source can be clarified and the processing result can be surely returned to the instructing user. Thereafter, in a certain device, when a certain user creates and transmits a message with a certain user name, the name of the device that is the message transmission source and the message processing result or error status should be returned to The user name inside is called the originator.

[Edit server]
Here, the editing server apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 34, which is composed of a personal computer or a workstation, the editing server device includes a LAN data communication unit 1901 having a network connection function, data processing for performing processing and control for performing the function of the editing server, In a normal editing server apparatus including a control unit 1903, an input / output image temporary storage unit 1904 for storing an image to be edited, and an image editing processing unit 1905 for performing image editing processing, a data processing / control unit 1903 and a LAN A message processing unit 1902 for creating and processing a message, which is a feature of the present invention, is provided between the data communication units 1901. The image editing processing unit 1905 has various image editing and image conversion functions described below.

-Image data enlargement, reduction, rotation, resolution conversion.
・ Compression and decompression of various format image data.
-Format conversion of various format image data.
-Color space conversion of various format image data.
-Various color gradation conversion and dither conversion processing-Various PDL data rendering processing.

[Image file server]
Here, the image file server apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image file server apparatus is composed of a personal computer or workstation, and as shown in FIG. 20, a LAN data communication unit 2001 having a network connection function, and processing and control for performing a high-speed and large-capacity management function for image files. In a normal image file server apparatus comprising a data processing / control unit 2003 for performing the above, an input / output image temporary storage unit 2004 for temporarily storing input / output image files, and a data storage unit 2005 for storing image file data, A message processing unit 2002, which characterizes the present invention, is provided between the data processing / control unit 2003 and the LAN data communication unit 2001 to create and process messages. The image file server apparatus processes input document documents and stores image data in a format immediately before output to a printer. Several types of printers are connected on the network, and the optimum image format and resolution of each image received by each printer differ for each type of printer. The document data of the output format for these types of printers is included in the document data.

  If the image data that is about to be printed out and is just before the printer transfer exists in the image file server device, the optimum image output can be achieved within a short time by transferring it immediately to the target printer device. It can be obtained. If the image data in the output printer format does not exist in the image file server device, an intermediate format image described later is obtained, converted into the target printer format by the editing server, and then transferred. . A plurality of image file servers can exist on the network, but there are cases where the data held by each image file server are all the same, some are the same, or all are different. In any case, what kind of document image data is managed in each image file server is managed by the database server. In any of these cases, the present invention can be searched by specifying a server according to a user's instruction, and therefore will not be described in detail below.

[Database server device]
Here, the database server apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  The database server device is composed of a personal computer or workstation, and as shown in FIG. 21, performs processing and control for performing a LAN data communication unit 2101 having a network connection function and a high-speed and large-capacity management function for image files. Data processing / control in a normal database server device including a data processing / control unit 2103 to perform, an input / output image temporary storage unit 2104 for temporarily storing input / output image files, and a data storage unit 2105 for storing data A message processing unit 2102 for creating and processing a message, which is a feature of the present invention, is provided between the unit 2103 and the LAN data communication unit 2101. Multiple database servers can exist on the network, but the information held by each database server may be the same, partly the same, or all different. In these cases, it is left up to the user to use the database server properly.

[Print server device]
Here, the print server apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  The print server apparatus includes a LAN data communication unit 2201 having a network connection function and a message processing unit 2202 having a message processing function according to the present invention. The data processing / control unit 2203 performs processing and control including a print management function. It consists of a personal computer or workstation equipped with an input / output image temporary storage unit 2204 and a printer connection unit 2205 for connecting to a monochrome or color printer. Alternatively, a device configuration in which a message processing function according to the present invention is added to a printer device having a network connection function may be adopted. In other words, the print server device provides a message processing function in addition to the network printing function.

[Job management server device]
Here, the job management server apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  The job management server apparatus has a LAN data communication unit 2301 having a network connection function, and performs communication with a client apparatus, a printer, and a network finisher. A message processing unit 2302 that receives and processes a print job from a client device, and a data processing / control unit 2303 that processes print processing instruction data for a printer and discharge processing instruction data for a network finisher are provided.

[Switch output bin]
Next, a specific implementation method for printing out a job divided into a plurality of output bins according to the paper type and finishing designation will be described. For example, when printing on tab paper, it is inserted into the job, and printing is performed while discharging unused tab paper to another bin.

  A tab sheet is a sheet in which a tab is slightly shifted on one side, and a variety of tab sheets other than five, such as seven or ten, are prepared. The tab sheets are commercially available in a state in which several sets of tab sheets 1 to 5 are arranged in order, and several sets overlap.

  FIG. 24 shows that plain paper 2401 and tab paper 2402 are set in the paper feed tray in the MFP 105. The print job prints on the plain paper 2401 and simultaneously prints it on the tab paper 2402 and inserts it on an appropriate page of the plain paper 2401. As an output result, an output 2404 in which plain paper and tab paper are mixed is obtained in the output bin 1202 of the MFP 105.

  FIG. 24 shows the case of 5 tabs. Furthermore, in this example, only the first 3 tabs of 5 tabs are printed and included in the output, but the remaining 2 tabs are not used. At this time, if the 2 tabs that were not printed are left in the MFP 105, the tab sheet of the 1st tab should be fed when the next number of copies is printed. Paper will be fed. In this case, it is necessary to discharge up to the fifth tab sheet, which is the last tab sheet after the fourth tab.

  As a discharging method, there is a method of discharging the tab sheets of the fourth and fifth tabs at the end of the output 2404 so far, but this is troublesome when removing the unnecessary tab sheets of the fourth and fifth tabs. Accordingly, when the tab sheets of the fourth and fifth tabs that are not used are output to the output bin 1201 of the MFP 105 separately from the output 2404, the unnecessary tab sheets of the fourth and fifth tabs can be easily removed.

  In this case, it should be noted that plain paper and five tab sheets are handled as one job. That is, the output of one job is divided into two output bins and output. Specifically, in one job, a job having a setting in which plain paper and the first three tab sheets are output to the output bin 1202, and the remaining two tab sheets are output to the output bin 1201. As a result of being executed.

  In FIG. 24, the description is given using the MFP having two output bins. However, in the MFP having two or more output bins, the output of one job is divided into two or more output bins and output. It is also possible.

  A method for switching output bins in MFPs 104 and 105 having a plurality of output bins will be described. The output bin switching method is slightly different between color and black and white, but it is the same in the sense that the paper discharge route is mechanically changed by an instruction from the core to the finisher, and is a cross-sectional view of the black and white finisher. 12 will be described.

  The output paper on which the image is formed is conveyed from the entrance 1212 of the path to the finisher. Thereafter, the liquid is discharged from the upper outlet 1210 to the output bin 1201 via 1206 and 1209. This discharge route is referred to as route 1. The output bins 1201 and 1202 have a structure that can be moved up and down, and the output bins 1201 and 1202 can be discharged to the output bin 1202 from the upper outlet 1210. This discharge route is referred to as route 2. The output paper conveyed from the path entrance 1212 to the finisher is reversed by the reversing roller 1209 and discharged from the lower outlet 1211 to the output bin 1202 via 1205. This discharge route is referred to as route 3. The output bins 1201 and 1202 can be lowered to be discharged from the lower outlet 1211 to the output bin 1201. This discharge route is referred to as route 4.

  It is possible to control which of these four paths is passed by controlling the rising and lowering of the reverse roller 1209 and the output bins 1201 and 1202. Then, it is possible to control switching of the output bins 1201 and 1202 to be output. Therefore, it is possible to specify which route is output to which output bin among these by an instruction from the core unit to the finisher unit.

  Further, the same can be considered when there are two or more output bins or when there are a plurality of internal routes and a plurality of discharge paths are combined.

  A method for designating an output bin or a discharge route in a job will be described with reference to FIG. This is one of job description languages called PDL. A sentence surrounded by <Job> to <Job end> represents one job. Output_bin in <Binder> designates an output destination bin. In this example, it is lower_bin, and an output bin 1202 is designated. Input_tray in the next <Document> designates a paper feed tray, and in this example, it is tray_1, and designates a tray that feeds tab paper. The next <page> designates image data for each page, and the MFP 105 forms an image. The image_1 image data indicated as 1st page is formed on the first tab sheet. In the second <Document>, the paper feed tray is changed to tray_2, which designates a paper feed tray on which plain paper is set. <Page> designates image data to be formed on plain paper. This is repeated three times, which is the number of tab sheets. In the second <Binder>, the output destination bin is changed to upper_bin. In this <Binder>, the remaining fourth and fifth tab sheets are output. It is clear from this example that this specification can be specified for each page. At this time, if image = blank is designated, even if image data is designated in <page>, the printer unit 209 of the MFP 105 outputs the image as a blank sheet without forming an image. Furthermore, the billing information is not changed because it is blank at the same time.

  When the core unit 206 of the MFP 105 receives and analyzes the job data, it controls the finisher unit 210 to change the output bin for each <Binder> according to output_bin in <Binder>.

  As a result, even for a single job, it is possible to obtain a print result that is divided into a plurality of output bins.

  FIG. 26 shows the option designation of the printer driver. In this figure, the ON / OFF button for whether to output unnecessary tab paper named Unnecessary Tab Sheet Ejection to another tray and the number of tabs on the tab paper used for printing named Tab Number are displayed in the Printing Option tag screen. The specified frame exists.

  Specifically, a processing method when the setting of Unnecessary Tab Sheet Ejection is turned ON in the printer driver will be described. First, the number of tabs in the tab sheet used for printing in the Tab Number is designated. In this case, 5 tabs are used, so 5 is designated. Next, ON is specified in Unnecessary Tab Sheet Ejection. By this specification, tab sheets that are not used are output to an output bin 1201 that is different from the output bin 1202 that is the normal output destination. The printer driver is instructed to print on the tab sheet of 5 tabs by specifying this option, and it can be seen that when the print job is processed, it is printed on only 3 tab sheets. Thus, it can be determined that the fourth and fifth tab sheets are not used and should be output to an output bin different from the output bin that is the normal output destination. Therefore, a job having the format shown in FIG. 25 can be generated.

  As described above, it is possible to perform printing so that unnecessary tab sheets can be output to another output bin.

  Further, this patent can provide a method capable of outputting to two or more output bins in one job as well as an unnecessary tab sheet.

1 is an overview diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which a paper discharge processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applicable. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing explaining the structure of the scanner part shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a FAX unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a NIC unit and a PDL unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a core unit and a CMYK-IP unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a PWM unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer unit illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the display part shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the finisher section (finisher shown in FIG. 1) shown in FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the network shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the data which flows through the network shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a printer driver screen for transmitting image data from the computer illustrated in FIG. 1 to a printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a printer selection reference | standard screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen of the utility software which operate | moves on the computer called GUI (Graphic User Interface). It is a figure which shows the structure of the outline of the internal function about the client apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the outline of the internal function about the edit server apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the outline of the internal function about the image file server apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the outline of the internal function about the database server apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the outline of the internal function about the print server apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the outline of the internal function about the job management server apparatus shown in FIG. An example is shown in which the job output is divided into a plurality of output bins in the MFP shown in FIG. A specific example of PDL describing the job output shown in FIG. 24 will be shown. A specific example of a printer driver that performs job output shown in FIG. 24 will be described.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Network 102 Client apparatus 103a Editing server apparatus 103b Image file server apparatus 103c Database server apparatus 103d Print server apparatus 103e Job management server apparatus 104, 105 Printer (MFP)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 201 Scanner part 202 RGB-IP part 203 FAX part 204 NIC (Network Interface Card) part 205 PDL part 206 Core part 207 CMYK-IP part 208 PWM part 209 Printer part 210 Finisher part 211 Display part 212 Add-on part 301 Manuscript stand glass 302 Document 303 Illumination 304, 305, 306 Mirror 307 Optical system 308 CCD
309 Motor 303 Illumination 310 First mirror unit 311 Second mirror unit 401 A / D conversion unit 402 Shading correction 403 Line delay adjustment circuit 404 Input masking unit 405 Brightness / density conversion unit (LOG conversion unit)
501 NCU unit 502 Modem unit 503 Modulation unit 504 Demodulation unit 505 Compression unit 506 Expansion unit 507 Memory unit 1201 Output bin (sample tray) (sample bin)
1202 Output bin (stack tray) (stack bin)
1203 Inserter tray 1204 Z folding machine 1205 Stapler 1206 Puncher 1207 Saddle stitcher 1208 Booklet tray 1209 Reversing roller

Claims (10)

In a printing system with multiple output bins in a system consisting of computers, printers, and sorting devices connected via a network,
A printing apparatus comprising means for dividing one print job into a plurality of output bins and outputting the divided output jobs.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a designation is made to divide and output one print job into a plurality of output bins in units of pages.   2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a path in the printing apparatus through which a sheet is discharged can be specified in units of pages or in units of pages in one print job.   2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an output bin of the printing apparatus can be designated in units of pages or in groups of pages in one print job.   2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface capable of giving an instruction to divide one print job into a plurality of output bins.   2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printed matter output to a certain output bin is output as a blank page that is not charged. In processing data related to a print job created by a computer and sent to a printing apparatus having a plurality of output bins in a system composed of a computer, a printer apparatus, and a rearrangement apparatus connected by a network,
Processing data including an item indicating which page or group of pages passes through which route in the printing apparatus. In processing data related to a print job created by a computer and sent to a printing apparatus having a plurality of output bins in a system composed of a computer, a printer apparatus, and a rearrangement apparatus connected by a network,
Processing data including an item indicating which page or a group of pages is discharged to which output bin.   9. The processing data according to claim 7, wherein the processing data can be designated in a user interface on a computer screen.   9. The processing data according to claim 7, wherein the printed data output to a certain output bin is output as a blank page that is not charged.