JP2006202022A - Rearrangement device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rearrangement device for performing an operation to rearrange output paper distribution-outputted by a plurality of printers in the order of documents. <P>SOLUTION: A device for inputting outputted matters printed by any device other than its own device, and for rearranging and outputting them is provided with a means connected to a network and a means for receiving and processing data from another device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a client device, an editing server device, an image file server device, a database server device, a print server device, a job management server device, a printing device, a finisher, and the like that are connected via a network. Input / storage / editing / document format conversion / transfer / print output / output finishing processing function, etc.

  Conventionally, a paper discharge processing device is connected to the image forming apparatus, and paper discharge processing (stapling, punching, etc.) has already been performed on paper output from the image forming apparatus. In addition, it has already been performed that a paper printed out by another image forming apparatus is performed by a dedicated finisher that performs only paper discharge processing (stapling, punching, etc.).

  However, in the conventional dedicated finisher, when setting the processing contents there, the processing information for the image forming apparatus in the previous process is not used as digital data, and human beings mainly set the processing contents.

In recent years, some print servers have a function of performing distributed printing of a job with a plurality of printers (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, when monochrome and color pages are mixed in one print job, the monochrome page is printed by a monochrome printer, and the color page is printed by a color printer. Alternatively, when one print job is composed of a large number of pages, distributed printing is performed in units of pages for a plurality of printers. Specifically, a 100-page print job is distributedly printed by the first printer for pages 1-33, the second printer for pages 34-66, and the third printer for the remaining pages. After distributed printing, it is necessary to rearrange them so that one print job is output. At this time, a so-called collator is generally used. However, in the conventional collator, it is necessary for a human to set an output to the collator and input information on how to arrange the collator.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-034660

  Therefore, in the conventional example, the information of the printing process contents for the image forming apparatus in the previous process and the information of the processing contents for the dedicated finisher or collator in the subsequent process are not linked, and consistency is obtained by human operation. There is a possibility that a human error may occur in the output as a system combining the pre-process and the post-process, and it is a factor of cost increase by requiring manpower.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and includes a client device, an editing server device, an image file server device, a database server device, a print server device, a job management server device, and a printing device connected to a network. Create a job definition file as digital data that is processed in common by multiple devices for the finisher, etc., based on it, print job control, image information communication, image formation output, output paper discharge processing It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming processing system that can be easily performed.

  That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a rearrangement device that can perform an operation of rearranging output papers that have been distributedly output by a plurality of printers in the order of documents.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a device that receives an output printed by a device other than itself as an input, and outputs the sorted output, and means for connecting to a network and means for receiving and processing data from another device. It is the rearrangement apparatus characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, a network finisher capable of connecting to a network, communicating with a job management server device and a printer, mixing and rearranging printed output output by a plurality of printers, and further performing discharge processing. It was possible to provide a device 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.

  Further, network-compatible printers 104, 105, and 106 called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) are connected to the network 101. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 104 denotes a monochrome or color page printer, which normally has no paper discharge process. Reference numeral 105 denotes a monochrome MFP, and 106 denotes a color 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. Also connected is a network finisher 107 that sets sheets output from the MFPs 104, 105, and 106 and performs paper discharge processing and rearrangement of a plurality of output sheets according to instructions.

  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. The data is sent to the MFPs 104, 105, and 106 via the network 101 and output.

  An original placed on the scanner unit of each of the MFPs 105 and 106 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, 105, and 106 for output.

  Further, each of the MFPs 104, 105, and 106 has a communication means that can exchange information with the computer 102 (or 103) side via the network 101, and the setting information and device status of the MFPs 104, 105, and 106 are in the computer 102 ( Alternatively, the system is informed sequentially to the 103) side. 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, 105, 106]
Next, the configuration of the MFPs 104, 105, and 106 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  However, since the difference between the MFP 105 and the MFP 106 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 the monochrome device. Therefore, a description of the monochrome part will be added as needed. The MFPs 105 and 106 include 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 105 and 106, 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. The core unit 206 temporarily stores an image signal and determines a route according to how the MFPs 104 and 105 are used.

  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 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.

  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 208
Network scan: scanner 201 → core 206 → NIC unit 204
Network print: NIC unit 204 → core 206 → printer 208
Facsimile transmission function: scanner 201 → core 206 → FAX unit 203
Facsimile reception function: FAX unit 203 → core 206 → printer 208
Display display function: scanner 201 → core 206 → display 210
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 210 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 display devices 1104 and 105 such as the CRT to be output, 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 or 105 such as a CRT.

  Here, the display unit 210 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 is 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 includes a sample tray 1001 and a stack tray 1002, which are switched and discharged according to the type of job and the number of sheets to be discharged.

  There are two sort methods: a bin sort method that has a plurality of bins and sorts the bins, and an electronic sort function and a bin (or tray), which will be described later, are shifted in the forward direction and the output sheets are sorted for each job. Sorting can be performed by the shift sort 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.

  Further, when discharging to the stack tray 1002, it is also possible to store the sheets before discharging the sheets for each job and bind them by the stapler 1005 immediately before discharging.

  In addition, there are a Z-folder 1004 for folding the paper into a Z-shape and a puncher 1006 for punching two (or three) holes for files before reaching the two trays, depending on the type of job. Each process. The inserter trays 1003a and 1003c can perform the finishing process by placing a sheet for performing the insertion function or placing a sheet output from another printer. The sheets in the inserter trays 1003a and 100c are once moved to the trays 1003b and d. At that time, the contact-type CCD sensor 1009 reads a paper image for various processes to be described later.

  Further, the saddle stitcher 1007 is used to fold the paper into a booklet format and bind the middle. In this case, it is discharged to the booklet tray 1008.

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

  The finisher of the present embodiment is provided with an operation unit 1010, and settings for discharging a sheet set on the inserters 1003a and 1003c and setting of an IP address or the like when the finisher operates alone can be performed.

[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 connects the networks shown in FIG. 1 to form a further network called a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN 1306 is connected to a router 1305 inside another LAN 1307 through a dedicated line 1308 via an internal router 1301, and these network networks are stretched around to construct a vast connection form. Yes.

  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. Here, reference numeral 1601 denotes a printer driver window, and 1602 is a transmission destination selection column for selecting a target output destination as a setting item therein. 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 1603 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. 1604 is a number setting column for designating the number of copies. Reference numeral 1607 denotes a property key for performing detailed settings related to the transmission destination device selected in the transmission destination selection column 1602. 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 1608 denotes a finishing setting. This setting item varies depending on the selected printer. When the right side of the destination selection column 1602 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 specification 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 1602 by making an inquiry to the LDAP server.

  Although the conventional printer driver cannot select two printers at the same time, a key 1609 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 1607 is pressed to go to another setting screen, and the order of selecting the printer can be changed. When the right end of the printer selection column 1602 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 by an OK key 1605. When canceling, the cancel key 1606 cancels printing.

[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 portion of the MFPs 104, 105, 106 and the network finisher 107, and is connected to the network via a network management protocol called SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). This makes it possible to manage scanners, printers, faxes, and the like 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 and sysObjectID defined in RFC1213, and 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 the 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 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, 1701 is a status tab for opening a status page, 1702 is a job tab for opening a page for operating a print job inside the printer, 1703 is an information tab for opening a page for checking the equipment and the like, Reference numeral 1704 denotes a network tab for opening a page for performing network settings.

  In FIG. 16, a status page is displayed. Reference numeral 1705 denotes an external appearance 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 1706 denotes an operation state of the apparatus, which changes depending on 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.

[About add-ons]
Now, addition of a command to be added on will be described with reference to FIG.

  The original image 1801 is image data created by application software on the computer 102 (or 103), and a description will be given of giving a command image thereto.

  The add-on information is an image pattern such as 1802, for example, for performing the paper discharge process created by the printer driver described above when transferring the image data created on the computer to the apparatus of this embodiment. The information is used by the finisher sensor 1009 to read operation instructions such as stapling, punching, and insertion, the number of pages, and the like, and then the finisher operates the paper discharge process based on this information.

[Additional pattern]
Next, FIGS. 19 to 23 are diagrams illustrating an example of the additional pattern of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 19, in the case of 200 line processing, 4 × 4 pixels included in the area 1901 are modulated so that the gradation of the image signal becomes, for example, + α, and 2 × 4 pixels included in the areas 1902 and 1903, respectively. Is modulated such that the gradation of the image signal is, for example, −α, and pixels other than the regions 1901 to 1903 are not modulated. Then, 8 × 4 pixels included in the areas 1901 to 1903 are set as unit dots of the additional pattern. In the case of 400 line processing, 4 × 4 pixel processing is performed. In the case of 100 line processing, 2 × 2 or 1 pixel is used as an additional pattern.

  Since the processing method is the same below, description will be made by taking 8 × 4 pixels as an example.

  20 and 21 are diagrams illustrating an example of the add-on line according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 20, 2001 is an add-on line, for example, a width of 4 pixels. Reference numerals 2001a to 2001e denote the unit dots shown in FIG. 19, for example, 8 × 4 pixels. The unit dots 2001a to 2001e are arranged at a substantially constant cycle of d1 (for example, 128 pixels) in the main scanning direction.

  Further, in FIG. 21, reference numerals 2101 to 2110 are add-on lines, which have a width of, for example, 4 pixels and are arranged in a substantially constant cycle of d2 (for example, 16 pixels) in the sub-scanning direction. Although details will be described later, for example, one add-on line represents 4-bit information, and eight add-on lines 2102 to 2109 can be set as one set to represent 32-bit additional information. Note that add-on lines are repeatedly formed in the sub-scanning direction. For example, add-on lines 2101 and 2109 shown in FIG. 21 represent the same information repeatedly in sequence.

  22 and 23 show an example of a method for expressing information by add-online. In FIG. 22, 2201 and 2202 are ad-onlines, and both ad-onlines are adjacent in the sub-scanning direction. Further, 2201a, 2201b, and 2202a are unit dots. In order to prevent adjacent ad-online unit dots from approaching and conspicuous, adjacent ad-on-line unit dots are at least d3 (for example, in the main scanning direction). (32 pixels) is set to be open.

  The data represented by the unit dot is determined by the phase difference between the unit dot 2202a and the unit dot 2201a. FIG. 22 shows an example representing 4-bit information, but in the example shown in FIG. 22, the unit dot 2202a represents data “3”. For example, if the unit dot 2202a is at the leftmost end, data "0" is indicated, and if the unit dot 2202a is at the rightmost end, data "F" is indicated.

  In FIG. 23, among a set of add-onlines representing all additional information, the line shown in (a) represents the first add-online Line0, and the line shown in (b) represents the fourth add-online Line3. As shown in FIG. 23, in Line 0, dots 2302a to 2302d are added to the right of all of the original unit dots 2301a to 2301d at intervals of d4 (for example, 16 pixels), and Line 3 has the original unit dots. Dots 2305a to 2305d are added to all the right sides of 2304a to 2304d at intervals of d5 (for example, 32 pixels). These additional dots are markers for clarifying which ad online each ad online is. Note that the reason why the markers are added to the two add-on lines is that the vertical direction in the sub-scanning direction can be determined even from the output image.

  Further, for example, if the added pattern is a full-color MFP such as the MFP 104, the Y color information is obtained by utilizing the fact that the human eye has a low identification ability for a pattern drawn with Y toner. Only added. As a result, when the printout is made, no additional information is attached. When this information is added as black information, it is added on as a visible image.

  Further, in the case of a monochrome MFP such as the MFP 105, for example, if it is a density signal of 256 gradations (8 bits), a value of about −8 to +8 is added to the signal value as add-on information. And add it.

  Furthermore, the dot interval in the main scanning direction of the additional pattern and the repetition interval of all additional information in the sub-scanning direction ensure that a thin and uniform area in which dots can be reliably identified in a specific original document. It is necessary to determine that all information is added. As a guideline, information may be added at a pitch equal to or less than a half of a thin and uniform region width that allows dots to be reliably identified in a specific original document.

  When both the user information and the paper discharge processing information are added, they may be added alternately, or the information may be replaced at specific intervals. Since Y add-on information and black density conversion information can be mixed, they can be added at the same position.

  A printout of these additional information cannot be identified visually, but can be sufficiently identified when read by the apparatus of this embodiment. However, if this information is further copied, this information will be lost, so even if the copied paper is set in the finisher of this embodiment, the command will not be effective.

[Add-on unit 212 in MFPs 104 and 105]
Next, add-on addition methods are described. This corresponds to the add-on unit 212 of FIG. 2, and the circuit thereof will be described with reference to FIG. 24, for example.

  First, a rasterized image signal 2401 is input from the PDL unit. At this time, add-on data is output in synchronization with the image signal 2401 from the add-on information page memory 2402 in which add-on information as described above with reference to FIGS. That is, in the add-on information memory 2402, it is stored as add-on data in an information format as shown in FIG. 25, for example, in an 8-bit data format in which the most significant bit is data bits of −127 to +127, and +4 The portions -4 and -4 correspond to the portions 1901-1903 in FIG.

  Referring back to FIG. 24 again, the image signal 2401 and the add-on data of the add-on information page memory 2402 read out in synchronization are input to the adder 2403 or the subtractor 2404, and when saturated to FFH or more, or 00H or less As a countermeasure in the case of, the carrier signal and the OR gate 2405 or the AND gate 2406 are entered into the selector 2407. The select signal 2408 of the selector is the most significant bit (sign bit) of the add-on information page memory, and is switched according to the sign of the add-on information as shown in FIG.

  Conversely, when add-on data has already been added to the image signal 2401, in order to cancel it, the operation is reversed if the most significant bit (sign bit) of the add-on information page memory 2402 is inverted. However, if it is the same add-on data, it is released. This add-on addition circuit is added to the YMC and K signal systems.

  Each pattern can be added to an image by writing the additional pattern in each page memory 2402. Here, if a pattern is written only in the Y page memory, it is added on with only Y. In addition, when an add-on is performed in black, an additional pattern is written in the K page memory so that the add-on is performed in black.

[Discharge Processing]
Next, the operation of each apparatus when performing printing and paper discharge processing will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the operation of stapling a manuscript with both black and white and color will be described.

  In step 101, the operator first performs an operation on the terminal of the computer 103. A color / monochrome mixed document is created using a well-known DTP software or the like.

  When printing is performed in step 102, the printer driver screen is displayed on the display of the computer 103 as shown in FIG. Here, 1608 staple is designated. The printer is also designated at 1602. If the finishing function or the like is unknown, pressing the key 1602 to know details displays detailed information (not shown). Since the original is mixed color and black and white, it is necessary to specify a black and white printer and color printer. First, the monochrome MFP 105 is selected in the printer selection column 1602.

  In step 103, a color printer is selected. When the key 1609 is pressed, a further printer selection column is enabled and a second printer or finisher can be selected. Here, the color MFP 104 is selected as the second printer.

  If the OK key 1605 is pressed, the process proceeds to step 104, where a job number display and a password input window are displayed as shown in FIG. Here, the job number is information that identifies the operator and the manuscript by adding an arbitrary number created by the computer 103 and a character string logged by the operator. The password is necessary for the operation described later, and a combination of alphabets and numbers within 8 characters is input.

  When the OK key is pressed in step 105, the computer 103 creates print data. Commands such as stapling processing, black and white / color mixed processing, two units linkage, and add-on processing are added to the print data together with conventional PDL drawing data. The paper discharge process is performed by the MFP first selected in the column 1602. Alternatively, when the finisher is selected, the finisher is prioritized. When the data creation is completed, the data is transferred to the two designated MFPs.

  Step 106 is the operation of the MFP 105. The MFP 105 to which the data has been transferred analyzes the processing command, draws only the monochrome page, and temporarily stores the data in the memory. At that time, no add-on is performed.

  Step 107 is an operation of the MFP 104. The MFP 104 also analyzes the data and draws only the color page. This is a color processing command, and the job number and page number input by the printer driver are added on in yellow to start printing. . When printing is completed, the computer 103 is notified of completion. The print data is stored in the memory 108 of FIG.

  In step 108, since color printing is completed on the computer 103, the discharged paper is displayed on the finisher of the MFP 105 (not shown). This display is also displayed on the operation unit of the MFP.

  In step 109, the operator takes the paper from the paper discharge unit of the MFP 104 and sets the paper on the insert tray 1003 a of the finisher of the MFP 105. A job number is input from the operation unit of the finisher or the operation unit of the MFP 105. Alternatively, a job list is displayed, and a job is designated from the list. A job number is directly input, and a warning is displayed if there is no job with that number. If the process is still in progress, a warning is displayed as such.

  Enter the password when the job is specified. This is the password displayed in FIG. Someone else can't handle it. A warning is displayed even if the password is incorrect. When a sheet is set on the tray and a finisher start key (not shown) is pressed, the finisher reads the add-on information by the sensor while moving the sheet to the tray 1003b. The job number is read from the add-on information and a password input standby state is entered. If the order of devices to be set is different, a warning is displayed on the operation unit.

  If the password is also normally input, the process proceeds to step 110, and the MFP 105 reads the data for which the drawing process has already been completed from the memory and performs the paper discharge process. At this time, the paper is discharged in consideration of the order of the sheets on the finisher tray 1003. For example, if the first page and the second page are output from the printer 105 and the third page is the first page of the MFP 104, the number of pages in the add-on information is 3, and when the MFP 105 ejects up to two pages, the finisher A sheet corresponding to the third page is fed from the tray 1003b. This is a case of back side discharge, and in the case of front side discharge, the paper is discharged from the last page.

  If the paper from the tray 1003 is jammed in step 111, the process proceeds to step 112, and a display prompting whether or not to reprint the jammed paper is displayed on the operation unit together with the display of JAM. When the operator determines that JAM paper cannot be used and presses the reprint key, the process proceeds to step 113, and the finisher requests the MFP 104 to print only the JAM page. The MFP 104 prints.

  In step 114, when the operator brings a sheet from the MFP 104 and sets it on the tray 1003, a recovery operation is performed.

  In step 115, when all sheets are discharged and finishing processing such as stapling and punching is completed, a job completion notification is sent to the computer 103, and the data in the memory 108 is erased and the operation is terminated.

  Next, operations of the MFP 106 and the finisher 109 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Step 201: First, the operator operates at the terminal of the computer 103. A color / monochrome mixed document is created using a well-known DTP software or the like.
Check the status of each device before printing. As shown in FIG. 17, the utility software displays the status of the apparatus.

  In step 202, when the MFP 106 is displayed, when a key for disconnecting the connection between the MFP and the finisher is pressed (not shown), the MFP 106 becomes an MFP without the finisher. Separation can also be set by the operation unit of the MFP 106 or the finisher 109.

  The utility software has a function called device list that displays a list of devices connected to the network. Before the main unit and finisher were separated, the three MFPs that were seen as shown in FIG. 28 were disconnected. As a result, the finisher 109 starts its own operation and supports SNMP, so that the three devices before the disconnection become visible as shown in FIG. 29.

  In step 203, when the operator confirms the status of the apparatus he / she wants to print and performs printing, the printer driver screen is displayed on the display of the computer 103 as shown in FIG.

  In step 204, the monochrome MFP 106 is selected in the printer selection column 1602.

  In step 205, the color MFP 104 is selected as the second printer. Further, the finisher 109 is selected to specify staples. Since the finisher is specified, priority is given to the setting for the finisher 109 even if the MFP 104 has a finisher. Alternatively, if there is a process that is not in the finisher 109 and can be performed by the finisher of the MFP 104, the setting is also valid.

  When an OK key 1605 is pressed in step 206, a job number display and a password input window are displayed as shown in FIG. Here, the job number is information that identifies the operator and the manuscript by adding an arbitrary number created by the computer 103 and a character string logged by the operator. The password is necessary for the operation described later, and a combination of alphabets and numbers within 8 characters is input.

  Step 207: When the OK key is pressed, the computer 103 creates print data. Commands such as stapling processing, black and white / color mixed processing, two units linkage, and add-on processing are added to the print data together with conventional PDL drawing data. The paper discharge process is performed by the MFP first selected in the column 1602. Alternatively, when the finisher is selected, the finisher is prioritized. When the data creation is completed, the data is transferred to the two designated MFPs and finisher 109. The transfer protocol is performed by a known LPR or the like.

  In step 208, the MFP 106 to which the data has been transferred analyzes the processing command, draws only the monochrome page, and outputs it. When finished, the computer 103 is notified of the completion. The color MFP 104 also analyzes the data, draws only the color page, and starts printing. When printing is completed, the computer 103 is notified of completion. Both devices have add-ons such as job numbers and page numbers.

  In step 209, the computer 103 displays that the discharged paper is set on the finisher 109 since printing is completed (not shown). This display is also displayed on the operation unit of each device.

  In step 210, the operator takes the paper from the paper discharge unit of the MFPs 104 and 106 and sets the paper on the insert trays 1003 a and c of the finisher 109. Enter the finisher operation section job number. Alternatively, a job list is displayed, and a job is designated from the list. A job number is directly input, and a warning is displayed if there is no job with that number. If the process is still in progress, a warning is displayed as such.

  Enter the password when the job is specified. This is the password displayed in FIG. Someone else can't handle it. A warning is displayed even if the password is incorrect.

  When a sheet is set in the tray and a finisher start key (not shown) is pressed, the finisher reads the add-on information by the sensor while moving the sheet to the tray 1003b, d. The job number is read from the add-on information and a password input standby state is entered. If the order of devices to be set is different, a warning is displayed on the operation unit.

  In addition, when handling paper that does not have finisher add-on information, it is possible to set the processing of the paper on each insert tray by the operation unit of the finisher.

  When the password is also normally input in step 211, the sheets in trays b and d are fed in the specified order and the finishing process is performed.

  In step 212, when the paper from the tray 1003 is jammed, the process proceeds to step 213, where the JAM is displayed on the operation unit and a display prompting whether or not to reprint the jammed paper.

  In step 214, when the operator determines that JAM paper cannot be used and presses the reprint key, the finisher 109 requests the MFP 104 or 106 to print only the JAM page.

  In step 215, the MFP 104 performs printing, and when the operator brings a sheet from the MFP 104 and sets it on the tray 1003, a recovery operation is performed.

  If there is a next finisher, an end notification is sent to the finisher.

  Step 216: When all sheets are discharged and finishing processing such as stapling and punching is completed, a job completion notification is sent to the computer 103.

  When the finisher 109 is reconnected to the main body, it becomes an MFP integrated with the main body and becomes invisible on the device list as shown in FIG. 28, and all operations are completed.

  Next, the operation of each apparatus when the server 102 handles jobs will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 301, the operator performs an operation at the terminal of the computer 103. A color / monochrome mixed document is created using a well-known DTP software or the like.

  When the operator confirms the status of the apparatus that he / she wants to print and prints, a screen of the printer driver is displayed on the display of the computer 103 as shown in FIG.

  In step 302, the monochrome MFP 105 is selected in the printer selection column 1602.

  In step 303, the color MFP 104 is selected as the second printer. Further, the finisher 109 is selected to specify staples. Since the finisher is specified, priority is given to the setting for the finisher 109 even if the MFP 104, 105, etc. has a finisher. Alternatively, if there is a process that is not in the finisher 109 and can be performed by the finisher of the MFP 105, the setting is also valid.

  In step 304, when the OK key 1605 is pressed, a job number display and a password input window are displayed as shown in FIG. Here, the job number is information that identifies the operator and the manuscript by adding an arbitrary number created by the computer 103 and a character string logged by the operator. The password is necessary for the operation described later, and a combination of alphabets and numbers within 8 characters is input. When the OK key is pressed here, the computer 103 creates print data. Commands such as stapling processing, black and white / color mixed processing, two units linkage, and add-on processing are added to the print data together with conventional PDL drawing data. The paper discharge process is performed by the MFP first selected in the column 1602. Alternatively, when the finisher is selected, the finisher is prioritized.

  Step 305, when the data creation is completed, the print data is transferred to the computer 102.

  In step 306, the computer 102 to which the data has been transferred analyzes the processing command, reconstructs data for only the monochrome page, and issues a print command to the MFP 105. Also, the data of only the color page is reconstructed and a print command is issued to the MFP 104.

  In step 307, each MFP receives and prints based on the data, and notifies the computer 102 of the end of the operation when finished.

  In step 308, the computer 102 notifies the computer 103 of an end notification. Since the computer 103 has finished printing, it displays that the discharged paper is set on the finisher 109 (not shown). The operator removes paper from the paper discharge unit of the MFPs 104 and 105 and sets the paper on the insert trays 1003 a and 100 c of the finisher 109.

  In step 309, when the finisher operation unit logs in to the computer 102 and selects and executes his / her job from the job list, the computer 102 instructs the finisher 109 to operate. This instruction includes the order of sheets stacked on the trays a and c and a processing instruction.

  In step 310, the finisher 109 feeds the sheets in the trays b and d in the designated order and performs the finishing process.

  If the paper from the tray 1003 is jammed in step 311, the process proceeds to step 312, and a display prompting whether to reprint the jammed paper is displayed on the operation unit together with the display of JAM.

  In step 313, when the operator determines that JAM paper cannot be used and presses the reprint key, the finisher 109 requests the computer 102 to print only the JAM page. The computer 102 issues a reprint request to the MFP.

  Step 314: When the operator takes a sheet from the MFP and sets it on the tray 1003, a recovery operation is performed. The computer 102 sends an instruction to the finisher 109 to display an instruction message to the operator when it is necessary to perform processing at another finisher. The operator sets paper on the next finisher according to the display.

  In step 315, when all the sheets are discharged and finishing processing such as stapling and punching is completed, the computer 102 notifies the end of the job. When the computer 102 totals the processing of each device, the data is stored in the memory 108. Write and notify the computer 103 of the end of the job. The computer 103 displays the end and ends the operation.

[Client device]
Here, the client apparatus 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 has a LAN data communication unit 3301 having a network connection function, a data processing / control unit 3303, and information to a user such as a display device. In a normal client device including an information display unit 3304 to be displayed and an information input unit 3305 for inputting an instruction from a user such as a mouse / keyboard device, the data processing / control unit 3303 and the LAN data communication unit 3301 A message processing unit 3302 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 3401 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 device including a control unit 3403, an input / output image temporary storage unit 3404 for storing an image to be edited, and an image editing processing unit 3405 for performing image editing processing, a data processing / control unit 3403 and a LAN A message processing unit 3402 for creating and processing a message, which is a feature of the present invention, is provided between the data communication units 3401. The image editing processing unit 3405 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. 35, a LAN data communication unit 3501 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 3503 for performing the above, an input / output image temporary storage unit 3504 for temporarily storing input / output image files, and a data storage unit 3505 for storing image file data, A message processing unit 3502 characterized by the present invention is provided between the data processing / control unit 3503 and the LAN data communication unit 3501 to create and process a message. 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, and some are all 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. 36, performs processing and control for performing a LAN data communication unit 3601 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 comprising a data processing / control unit 3603 to perform, an input / output image temporary storage unit 3606 for temporarily storing input / output image files, and a data storage unit 3606 for storing data A message processing unit 3602 for creating and processing a message, which is a feature of the present invention, is provided between the unit 3606 and the LAN data communication unit 3601. 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, all the methods for properly using the database server are left to the user.

[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 3701 having a network connection function and a message processing unit 3702 having a message processing function according to the present invention. The data processing / control unit 3703 performs processing and control including a print management function. It consists of a personal computer or work station equipped with an input / output image temporary storage unit 3704 and a printer connection unit 3705 for connection 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 3801 having a network connection function, and performs communication with a client apparatus, a printer, and a network finisher. A message processing unit 3802 that receives and processes a print job from a client device, and a data processing / control unit 3803 that processes print processing instruction data for a printer and discharge processing instruction data for a network finisher are provided.

  A case will be further described in which a plurality of printers output from the client device and further discharge processing is performed on these outputs.

  A print job created by a DTP application such as Microsoft MS-Word or Adobe PageMaker in the client device is sent to the job management server device. Alternatively, a print job may be created in the job management server device itself. The job management server device starts job processing when a print job is sent. The LAN data communication unit receives a print job from the client device, and the message processing unit processes the print job. When the job management server itself creates a print job, the job is sent directly to the message processing unit.

  The print job processed by the message processing unit is sent to the data processing / control unit to determine how to process the print job. In the conventional processing method, which printer is used to process an entire job is determined. Here, which printer is used for printing is determined for each page. For example, it is determined to output a monochrome page to a monochrome printer and a color page to a color printer. At this time, finishing processing such as punching can be instructed in the printer. For example, if both monochrome printers and color printers have a punch function, and this print job is instructed to punch all pages, punching is also performed simultaneously when printing with a monochrome printer and a color printer. It is also possible. Even in this case, the job management server apparatus determines which printer performs processing for each page punching process.

  Next, it is determined how to output the output printed by a plurality of printers by the network finisher. For example, pages 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9 printed by a monochrome printer and pages 4, 7, and 8 printed by a color printer are determined to be arranged in order from 1. At this time, since there are two outputs, the output from the monochrome printer and the output from the color printer, by feeding from each output in the order of monochrome, monochrome, monochrome, color, monochrome, monochrome, color, color, monochrome The results are arranged in order from 1. Further, the network finisher can also perform a discharge process that was not performed in the printer. For example, the process of stapling the entire 1 to 9 pages must be performed after rearranging the monochrome and color pages, so the network finisher decides to perform the stapling process.

  When the job management server apparatus determines the processing content to be performed by the printer and the network finisher, it creates data describing the processing content. In recent years, a standard that describes the data in an XML-based format has been developed. In this patent, a specific example is described in an XML-based format, but there is no problem even if another format is used. In this patent, data describing the processing contents will be called job description data.

[Job description data]
The job description data will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 39, job description data is expressed using XML. In this patent, a specific example is described in an XML-based format, but there is no problem even if another format is used. Also, there is no problem even if the XML description format is not exactly the same as this example.

  In this example, one job has 9 pages, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9 pages are black and white, and 4, 7, and 8 pages are color. Since the monochrome page is printed by the monochrome printer and the color page is printed by the color printer, a machine for processing the page is designated in the tag <Page>. Machine-1 is a monochrome printer, Machine-2 is a color printer, and Machine-3 is a network finisher. <One side> indicates that this job is single-sided printing in a monochrome printer and a color printer. Further, stapling the entire job in Machine-3 is indicated by <Staple: On>. That is, the job management server apparatus determines which machine is to execute each processing content, and creates job description data to designate it.

  Note that image information is not specified in the job description data. These are specified by print data different from the job description data, and usually PDF data is used.

[Printing instruction from the job management server to the printer]
Here, the procedure in which the job management server apparatus issues a print instruction to the printer using the job description data and the print data will be specifically described.

  If the printer has a function of interpreting job description data and print data, the job management server device may transmit these data to all connected printers. For example, since the MFP 104 in FIG. 1 is not designated for processing in job description data, it does not perform print processing even if it receives job description data and print data. The MFP 105 prints and discharges a page for which processing is specified in the job description data, and does not print or discharge a page for which processing is not specified. The same applies to the MFP 106. In this way, distributed printing processing is performed in a plurality of printers connected to the network 101.

  Next, a case where the printer does not have a function for interpreting job description data and print data will be described. In this case, since the job management server apparatus cannot transmit these data to all connected printers, the job management server apparatus needs to convert the data into a PDL format that can be interpreted by the printer. More specifically, it is necessary to describe only the pages to be printed and the discharge processing to be converted into PS, PCL, or original protocol installed in each printer and printed in each printer. For example, print data relating to pages 4, 7, and 8 for performing color printing is not sent to the monochrome printer 105. As a result, a print job composed of only pages 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9 is sent to the printer 105.

  When printing is completed by the printer, the printed output is set in the network finisher. When all the printouts are set in the network finisher, the network finisher can perform rearrangement and discharge processing.

[Discharge processing at network finisher]
A procedure for discharging a print job that has been subjected to distributed printing processing by a network finisher will be described in detail.

  First, the print output of each printer is set in the network finisher. Here, it is necessary to clarify which printer's print output is set in which tray of the network finisher and in what order. This is calculated when the job management server apparatus processes a print job and creates job description data. For example, a 9-page job in which pages 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9 are black and white, and pages 4, 7, and 8 are in color is a printed output of the black and white printer 105. The print output of the color printer 106 is 4, 7, and 8 pages. The print output of the monochrome printer 105 is set on the tray 4010 of the network finisher shown in FIG. 40, and the print output of the color printer 106 is set on the tray 4020. The job management server device issues this instruction to the operator who sets the printed output on the network finisher.

  As a method of issuing an instruction, a method shown on the display screen of the job management server apparatus, a method of printing this instruction with a printer, or the like can be considered. Alternatively, a method is conceivable in which the output of the printer is set on the tray of the network finisher by an automatic conveyance device represented by a belt conveyor and the like, and this conveyance path is controlled from the job management server device.

  The printed output is set in the network finisher trays 4010, 4020, 4030, 4040 or cassettes 4015, 4025, 4035, 4045 shown in FIG. Depending on the situation, a tray that can be easily set for a small number of copies and a solid cassette for a large number of copies are used.

  When all the printouts are set in the network finisher, the next discharge process is performed according to the job description data.

  Here, the network finisher will be described with reference to FIG.

  The network finisher has a LAN data communication unit 4101 having a network connection function, and communicates with a client device, a printer, and a job management server device. A message processing unit 4102 that receives job description data from the job management server apparatus and processes the data, and a data processing / control unit 4103 that controls the discharge processing inside the network finisher are provided.

  The network finisher receives and processes the job description data, and controls the discharge processing for the network finisher. The control of the discharge process in the network finisher processes the job description data and the instruction data to the operator, and understands in what state the printed output is set in the network finisher. Alternatively, the job management server device may create discharge processing instruction data for the network finisher. In addition, discharge processing instruction data for the network finisher may be written in the job description data.

  For example, the black and white printer 105 print output (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9 pages) is set on the tray 4010, and the color printer 106 print output (4, 7, 8 pages) is set on the tray 4020. The case where this is done will be described. First, since the first page exists in the tray 4010, the first page, which is the first printed output product on the tray 4010, is fed and discharged to the discharge tray 4001 via 4012. Similarly, when a printed output is set in the cassette 4015, it is discharged to the discharge tray 4001 via 4017. Since the next second page is also present in the tray 4010, the second page, which is the second printed output product on the tray 4010, is fed and discharged to the discharge tray 4001 via 4012. The same applies to the third page. Since the next fourth page exists in the tray 4020, the fourth page, which is the first printed output product on the tray 4020, is fed and discharged to the discharge tray 4001 via 4022. In the same manner, the feed source tray is switched between 4010 and 4020, all nine pages are fed, and discharged to the discharge tray 4001. At this point, black and white and color pages are mixed in the discharge tray 4001, and output products arranged in order from 1 to 9 pages are obtained. In the case of a plurality of parts, by repeating this, an output product of a plurality of parts is obtained.

  Further, since the network finisher has functions such as a Z folding machine 4004, a stapler 4005, a puncher 4006, and a saddle stitcher 1007, these processes can be performed simultaneously with the rearrangement. For example, in the case of a job that performs stapling for the entire job, if distributed printing is performed by a black and white printer and a color printer, stapling cannot be performed by the printer, but stapling is performed by this network finisher. This makes it possible to staple the entire job. In this case, needless to say, the job description data instructs the network finisher to perform the stapling process.

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 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 schematic diagram explaining the concept of an add-on. It is a schematic diagram explaining the add-on information shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the add-on information shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the add-on information shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the add-on information shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the add-on information shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the add-on part shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an add-on information page memory illustrated in FIG. 25. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure in an image processing system to which the paper discharge processing apparatus of the present invention is applicable. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a job number display and a password input window. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second control processing procedure in an image processing system to which the paper discharge processing device of the present invention is applicable. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device list for selecting a device that transmits image data from the computer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device list for selecting a device that transmits image data from the computer illustrated in FIG. 1. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third control processing procedure in an image processing system to which the paper discharge processing device of the present invention is applicable. 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. It is a figure which shows one of the specific examples of job description data. It is a schematic diagram which shows the internal function about the network finisher shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the outline of the internal function about the network finisher shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

101 Network 102 Client Device 103a Editing Server Device 103b Image File Server Device 104 Page Printer 105 Monochrome MFP
108 memory

Claims (6)

In a device that takes output printed by a device other than its own as input and sorts and outputs it,
Means for connecting to the network;
A rearrangement device comprising means for receiving and processing data from another device.   2. The rearrangement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rearrangement apparatus determines whether or not to perform processing in the self apparatus based on the data, and performs processing based on the determination.   2. The rearrangement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein processing contents describing contents to be processed in the self apparatus determined in another apparatus are received by means connected to the network, and processing is performed based on the received data. Sorting device characterized by   2. The rearrangement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rearrangement apparatus has a function of reading information for identifying the output object set as an input.   2. The rearrangement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rearrangement apparatus has a function of transmitting / receiving identification information read from the output set as an input to / from another apparatus on the network.   2. The rearrangement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rearrangement apparatus has a function of writing load information to the output object set as an input.