JP2007199898A - Data processor and image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data processor for quickly printing a stored document while effectively using memory resources by automatically discriminating and storing a document which is frequently printed without designation by a user. <P>SOLUTION: A PDL data generation part 153 installed in a printer driver 15 of a data processor 10 applies PDL data corresponding to document data to a printer 20, and a document data discriminating part 152 automatically discriminates a document frequently printed based on such conditions as a shared file, and instructs a hold management part 231 of a printer 20 to store bit map data to be generated by a bit map data generation part 232 of a printer 20 in a storage part 22 of the printer 20 based on the PDL data corresponding to the document. Thus, it is possible to quickly print a stored document while effectively utilizing memory resources. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that store and re-output a document to be imaged.

  In recent years, in offices and the like, a plurality of computers and printers are connected via a network, and a plurality of users often create, edit, or print various documents including images. In addition, a file server for storing the document and a print server for managing printing by one or more printers are often connected to the network.

  In such a case, the same document is often printed repeatedly. Therefore, some print servers have a function of saving the document and re-outputting it later. With this function, the stored document can be output again at high speed.

However, since the memory resources of the print server are limited, it is necessary to delete documents that do not require re-output. Therefore, conventionally, for example, there is an apparatus that attaches an expiration date to a document (job) to be stored and automatically deletes the stored document that has passed the expiration date (see Patent Document 1). In addition, a configuration may be considered in which the history of documents printed on the print server is managed, and the documents are deleted in order from the saved document with the smallest number of prints.
JP 2002-171379 A

  However, in the configuration in which the expiration date is attached to the document as described above, it is necessary to save all the documents once, so that the memory resource cannot be effectively used. In addition, memory resources can be used effectively if the document to be saved is determined based on the user's specification, but it must be specified that the document that needs to be re-output must be saved. is there.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, a document that is frequently printed repeatedly is automatically determined and stored without being based on a user's specification, so that the stored document can be printed at high speed while effectively using memory resources. It is an object of the present invention to provide a data processing device and a printing device that can be used.

A first invention is a data processing apparatus for outputting an image corresponding to printing data obtained by converting predetermined document data to a predetermined image forming apparatus,
Determining means for determining whether or not the document data is a document that is frequently output by a plurality of users;
And a hold instructing unit that saves, in a predetermined storage unit, printing data obtained by converting document data that is frequently determined to be repeatedly output by a plurality of users.

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
The hold instruction unit stores the printing data in the storage unit in a bitmap format.

According to a third invention, in the first invention,
The determining means determines whether the document data is shared so that it can be accessed by a plurality of users, whereby the document data is repeatedly output by a plurality of users. It is characterized by determining whether or not there are many documents.

According to a fourth invention, in the first invention,
The determination means is a document in which the document data is often repeatedly output by a plurality of users by determining whether or not the document data is downloaded via a predetermined network. It is characterized by determining whether or not.

According to a fifth invention, in the first invention,
The determination means is a document in which the document data is often repeatedly output by a plurality of users by determining whether or not the document data is displayed by predetermined browser software. It is characterized by determining whether or not.

According to a sixth invention, in the first invention,
The determination means determines whether the document data is frequently output repeatedly by a plurality of users by determining whether the document data is referred to by a plurality of users. It is characterized by distinguishing.

According to a seventh invention, in the first invention,
The determining means determines whether the document data is frequently output by a plurality of users by determining whether the document data is output by a plurality of users. It is characterized by distinguishing.

In an eighth aspect based on the first aspect,
The determination means determines whether the document data is edited by a user other than the creator of the document data, so that the document data is repeatedly output by a plurality of users. It is characterized by determining whether or not there are many documents.

According to a ninth invention, in the first invention,
The determination means is a document in which the document data is often repeatedly output by a plurality of users by determining whether or not the document data is an e-mail to be sent to a plurality of destinations or to be sent. It is characterized by determining whether or not there is.

In a tenth aspect based on the first aspect,
By referring to management information for managing the printing data stored in the storage unit, when the printing data is stored in the storage unit, an image corresponding to the stored printing data is The image forming apparatus further includes hold job reference means for outputting control data indicating an instruction to be output to the image forming apparatus.

In an eleventh aspect based on the tenth aspect,
The hold job reference unit inquires of a predetermined user whether or not to output an image corresponding to the print data stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus, and the control data according to a result of the inquiry Is output.

A twelfth invention is an image forming apparatus,
A data processing apparatus according to the first invention;
Printing means for forming the image;
A hold management unit that reads out the stored print data and gives the print unit to the print unit when print data corresponding to an image to be output by the print unit is stored in the storage unit. Features.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing device that causes a predetermined image forming device to output an image corresponding to printing data obtained by converting predetermined document data, the image forming device, the data processing device, and the image forming device. An image forming system comprising a communication unit that is communicably connected,
The data processing device includes:
Determining means for determining whether or not the document data is a document that is frequently output by a plurality of users;
Hold instruction means for instructing the image forming apparatus to store print data obtained by converting document data that is frequently determined to be repeatedly output by a plurality of users by the determination means;
The image forming apparatus includes:
Storage means for storing the print data in accordance with an instruction from the hold instruction means;
Printing means for forming the image;
A hold management unit that reads out the stored print data and gives the print unit to the print unit when print data corresponding to an image to be output by the print unit is stored in the storage unit. Features.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there are provided first and second data processing devices that cause a predetermined image forming device to output an image corresponding to printing data obtained by converting predetermined document data, the image forming device, and the first and second data processing devices. An image forming system comprising a second data processing device and communication means for connecting the image forming device so as to communicate with each other,
The first data processing device includes:
Output instruction means for receiving an operation input that is an instruction by a predetermined user for generating, changing, or obtaining the document data from outside the system and causing the image forming apparatus to output the document data;
Print data generation means for converting the document data to the print data when the operation input is accepted by the output instruction means;
The second data processing device includes:
Determining means for determining whether or not the document data is a document that is frequently output by a plurality of users;
Hold for instructing the image forming apparatus to store the print data converted by the print data generation unit corresponding to the document data determined to be frequently output by a plurality of users by the determination unit An instruction means,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Storage means for storing the print data in accordance with an instruction from the hold instruction means;
Printing means for forming the image;
A hold management unit that reads out the stored print data and gives the print unit to the print unit when print data corresponding to an image to be output by the print unit is stored in the storage unit. Features.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a data processing method for causing a predetermined image forming apparatus to output an image corresponding to print data obtained by converting predetermined document data.
A determination step of determining whether or not the document data is a document that is frequently output by a plurality of users;
A hold instructing step for storing, in a predetermined storage means, printing data obtained by converting the document data determined to be frequently output by a plurality of users in the determining step.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus that causes a predetermined image forming apparatus to output an image corresponding to print data obtained by converting predetermined document data.
A determination step of determining whether or not the document data is a document that is frequently output by a plurality of users;
This is a program for executing a hold instruction step of storing print data obtained by converting document data determined to be frequently output by a plurality of users in the determination step in a predetermined storage unit.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, it is automatically determined by the determining means whether the document data is a document that is frequently output by a plurality of users, and it is determined that the document data is often output repeatedly. Since the print data obtained by converting the document data is stored in the predetermined storage unit by the hold instruction unit, the document can be printed at high speed while effectively using the memory resources (stored as print data).

  According to the second invention, since the printing data is stored in a general bitmap format that can be easily interpreted by a general printer or the like, a general printer can be used for image formation. In addition, the time required for image formation can be shortened.

  According to the third invention, document data is repeatedly output by a plurality of users by determining whether or not the document data is shared so that it can be accessed by a plurality of users. It is possible to easily and clearly discriminate whether or not the document has a large amount of documents.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is a document in which document data is often repeatedly output by a plurality of users by determining whether or not the document data is downloaded via a predetermined network. It is possible to easily and clearly determine whether or not there is.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is a document in which document data is often repeatedly output by a plurality of users by determining whether or not the document data is displayed by predetermined browser software. It is possible to easily and clearly determine whether or not there is.

  According to the sixth invention, whether or not the document data is frequently output repeatedly by a plurality of users by determining whether or not the document data is referred to by a plurality of users. Whether or not can be determined easily and clearly.

  According to the seventh aspect, whether or not the document data is frequently output repeatedly by a plurality of users by determining whether or not the document data is output by a plurality of users. Whether or not can be determined easily and clearly.

  According to the eighth aspect, by determining whether or not the document data is edited by a user other than the creator of the document data, the document data is repeatedly output by a plurality of users. It is possible to easily and clearly discriminate whether or not the document has a large amount of documents.

  According to the ninth aspect, a document in which document data is often repeatedly output by a plurality of users by determining whether the document data is sent to a plurality of destinations or an e-mail to be sent. Or not can be easily and clearly determined.

  According to the tenth aspect of the invention, when the print data is stored by referring to the management information for managing the print data by the hold job reference means, the image corresponding to the stored print data is displayed. Since only the control data to be output is output, the processing can be simplified and the speed can be increased.

  According to the eleventh aspect, the user is inquired whether to output an image corresponding to the stored printing data. With this configuration, for example, even if document data to be printed is referred to by referring to management information, it may be determined by the user that the document data should not be printed. Therefore, printing according to the user's will can be performed. .

  According to the twelfth invention, the effect of the first invention is similarly achieved in the image forming apparatus.

  According to the thirteenth aspect, the effect of the first aspect is similarly achieved in the present image forming system including the data processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the effect of the first aspect of the invention is provided with a first data processing apparatus (for example, a terminal apparatus), a second data processing apparatus (for example, a printer server), and an image forming apparatus (for example, a printer). The same applies to the image forming system.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, the effect of the first aspect is similarly achieved in the present data processing method.

  According to the sixteenth aspect, the effect of the first aspect is similarly achieved in this program.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<1. First Embodiment>
<1.1 Overall device configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a data processing apparatus and a printer (printing apparatus) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the data processing apparatus 10 and the printer 20 shown in FIG. 1 constitute an image forming system in the present embodiment.

  The data processing apparatus 10 includes an operation display unit 11 including a display device such as a CRT display or LCD, an input device including a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse and a touch pen, and a storage unit 12 including a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk. A main control unit 13 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a main memory (semiconductor memory), peripheral devices such as a printer 20 provided outside the data processing apparatus 10, and other data processing apparatuses 101 and 102 And a communication control unit 14 for connecting to each other.

  The other data processing apparatuses 101 and 102 have the same configuration as that of the data processing apparatus 10 and perform the same operation, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, if the data processing apparatus 10 is used by a plurality of users, the other data processing apparatuses 101 and 102 may be omitted.

  The main control unit 13 provided in the data processing apparatus 10 includes an operating system (not shown) in a general personal computer, a printer driver 15 for controlling printing by the printer 20, word processor software for creating a document, It is composed of mail software for sending and receiving electronic mail, or application programs 16 such as browser software for downloading various documents from the Internet or displaying web pages (homepages).

  A printer 20 that prints out document data on paper and other data processing devices 101 and 102 are provided outside the data processing device 10, and the data processing device 10, the printer 20, and other data processing are provided. The devices 101 and 102 are connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) 30 including a predetermined cable or a hub so as to be able to communicate with each other. Instead of the LAN 30, a well-known mutual communication network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or the Internet, or a communication connection means such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection or various parallel interfaces may be used.

  A printer driver 15 of the main control unit 13 provided in the data processing apparatus 10 receives a document data to be printed from a document print instruction unit 161 that prints a document (including characters and images) included in the application program 16. A data acquisition unit 151; a document data determination unit 152 for determining whether or not the document data received by the document data acquisition unit 151 is frequently printed by a plurality of users; A PDL data generation unit 153 that generates print data (hereinafter referred to as “PDL data”) described in a page description language (PDL) that can be interpreted by the printer, and a plurality of users using the document data determination unit 152 If it is determined that the document is often printed repeatedly, A hold instructing unit 154 for instructing the corresponding PDL data to be stored in the printer.

  The application program 16 of the main control unit 13 provided in the data processing apparatus 10 has a function for printing the document in addition to the components for realizing various functions such as creating, editing, or downloading the document as described above. The document print instruction unit 161 is provided.

  Note that the functions of these components of the main control unit 13 are realized by the CPU executing the printer driver 15 and the application program 16 that are expanded in the main memory, which is typically a semiconductor memory. Here, the program is provided by, for example, a CD-ROM that is a recording medium on which the program is recorded. That is, a CD-ROM as a recording medium for the program is mounted on a CD-ROM drive (not shown) built in the data processing apparatus 10 as an auxiliary storage device, and the program is read from the CD-ROM and stored. It is installed in the hard disk device which is the unit 12. The program may be provided via a recording medium other than a CD-ROM or a communication line. When a predetermined operation for starting up the data processing apparatus 10 is performed, the predetermined program installed in the hard disk device is transferred to the main memory and expanded (temporarily stored) there, and the main control is performed. It is executed by the CPU in the unit 13. Thereby, the control process of each part of the main control part 13 is implement | achieved.

  More specifically, the data processing apparatus 10 has a function of a GDI (Graphic Device Interface) (not shown) which is one of the subsystems provided by the operating system when, for example, Windows (registered trademark) is used as the operating system. The printing process is performed via That is, when the application program 16 makes an API (Application Programming Interface) call to the GDI to instruct printing, the GDI dynamically links the printer driver 15 and the printer driver 15 receives data provided from the GDI. Thus, PDL data that can be interpreted by the printer 20 is generated and output. The PDL data is given to the printer 20 via a spooler. With this configuration, the printer driver 15 can perform an operation for printing regardless of the type of the application program 16. Here, the PDL data is a typical example of print data, and the format is not limited. However, when bitmap data is used instead of the PDL data, printing is performed in a predetermined case as described later. It may not be possible to increase the speed.

  The printer 20 includes an operation display unit 21 including a display device including an LCD and the like, an input device including a touch panel and a button switch, a storage unit 22 including a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk, a CPU, a semiconductor memory, and the like. The main control unit 23 configured, the communication control unit 24 for connecting the data processing apparatus 10 and the other data processing apparatuses 101 and 102 so as to be able to communicate with each other, an image formed on a sheet, and the sheet And a printing unit 25 for discharging to the outside. The print unit 25 has a well-known configuration corresponding to various methods for image formation (for example, an electrophotographic method, an ink jet method, and the like), and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The main control unit 23 provided in the printer 20 includes a hold management unit 231 that performs various managements such as storage and reading of bitmap data corresponding to PDL data given from the data processing device 10, and the hold management unit 231. Based on the received PDL data, a bitmap data generation unit 232 that generates data in a bitmap format corresponding thereto, and the bitmap data is stored in the storage unit 22 as a hold job in accordance with the management of the hold management unit 231. A hold job storage unit 233 and a hold job reading unit 234 that reads the hold job from the storage unit 22 are provided.

  Specifically, the hold management unit 231 receives PDL data given from the data processing device 10 and an instruction from the hold instruction unit 154. This instruction is an instruction that the printer 20 should store bitmap data (to be described later) corresponding to the PDL data of the document (by determining that the document is frequently printed by a plurality of users). Hereinafter, this instruction is referred to as “hold instruction”.

  The functions of these components of the main control unit 23 are the same as those of the main control unit 13 in the predetermined program stored in the semiconductor memory (specifically, read from the write-only memory and expanded in the main memory). Is executed by the CPU, and this program may be provided via a CD-ROM, another recording medium, or a communication line. The main control unit 23 also designates the number of prints and the density specified by the user via a device status management unit (not shown) for managing the status related to image formation of the printer 20 such as toner out and paper out, and the operation display unit 21. It includes components such as a front panel control unit that accepts an instruction input and presents various information to the user. Since these components are well known, description thereof will be omitted.

<1.2 Operation of Data Processing Device>
<1.2.1 Operation of application program>
Next, the operation of the data processing apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the application program 16.

  In step S10 (document data processing) shown in FIG. 2, the application program 16 of the data processing apparatus 10 receives character information input by a user's operation input made to the operation display unit 11, and receives a scanner (not shown). Various document data processing such as reading various images from the Internet or downloading a document file via the Internet is performed. The contents of the document data processing are important for determining whether or not the document is frequently printed by a plurality of users as will be described later. The specific contents will be described later. Note that the document data is appropriately stored in the storage unit 12, but the stored document data may be read from the storage unit 12 in step S10.

  In step S <b> 20, the document print instruction unit 161 provided in the application program 16 receives a print instruction for starting printing to be input by a user operation input made on the operation display unit 11.

  In step S30, the document print instruction unit 161 determines whether a print instruction is received in step S20. As a result of the determination, if a print instruction is received (Yes in step S30), the process proceeds to a print process in step S40. If no print instruction is received (No in step S30), the process of step S50 is performed. Proceed to

  In step S40 (printing process), the document printing instruction unit 161 starts processing to be described later in the printer driver 15 in response to the printing instruction, and the printer that has completed preparation for receiving document data to be printed. This is given to the document data acquisition unit 151 included in the driver 15. After that, when all the document data is given to the document data acquisition unit 151, the process returns to step S20 and receives a print instruction or an end instruction.

  In step S50, the document print instruction unit 161 determines whether or not to end the application program, for example, based on a user's end instruction. As a result of the determination, if the processing is to be terminated (Yes in step S50), the data processing apparatus 10 once terminates the processing of the application program 16, and the user activates the application program to perform document creation work and the like. When starting, the process of step S10 is started again. If the process is not ended (No in step S50), the process returns to step S10, and these processes are repeated until the application program is ended (S50 → S10 → S20 → S30 → S50).

<1.2.2 Overall operation of printer driver>
Next, the overall operation of the printer driver 15 in the data processing apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall processing flow in the printer driver 15. As described above, the following process in the printer driver 15 is started by the document print instruction unit 161 in step S40 (print process) shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 110 shown in FIG. 3, the document data acquisition unit 151 receives the document data given from the document print instruction unit 161 in the application program 16. This document data is given to the document data determination unit 152.

  In step S120, the document data determination unit 152 performs a condition determination for determining whether or not the document data received from the document data acquisition unit 151 is a document that is frequently printed by a plurality of users. Processing for acquiring basic data (for example, information such as the type of the application program 16) is performed. The specific contents will be described later.

  Subsequently, in step S130, based on the information acquired in step S120, the document data determination unit 152 determines a predetermined condition (specifically, indicating that the document data is a document that is frequently printed by a plurality of users. In particular, it is determined whether or not it is provided. As a result of the determination, if the above condition is satisfied (Yes in step S130), the process proceeds to step S140. If the above condition is not satisfied (No in step S130), the process proceeds to step S150. move on.

  In step S <b> 140, the hold instruction unit 154 transmits data indicating a hold instruction for causing the printer 20 to store the document determined to satisfy the above condition by the document data determination unit 152, to the printer 20. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S150. The data indicating the hold instruction is transmitted together with the PDL data after being added to the created PDL data, but may be transmitted as control data different from the PDL data. Further, as will be described later, when the bitmap data to be saved by this hold instruction is already saved in the storage unit 22 of the printer 20, this hold instruction is ignored as a result.

  Next, the PDL data generation unit 153 sends PDL data for printing by the printer 20 to the printer 20 via the LAN 30 by the communication control unit 4 (step S150). Thereafter, the data processing apparatus 10 once terminates the process, and when the user starts the application program and issues a print instruction for the document data (S10 → S20 → S30 → S40), again. Printing processing (S110 to S150) in the printer driver 15 is started.

<1.2.3 Specific operation example of printer driver>
As described above, in the condition acquisition process in step S120 and the condition fulfillment determination process in step S130, processing according to the content of the document data processing performed in step S10 is performed. Will be described in detail. The following examples are independent processes for convenience of explanation, but some or all of the configurations shown in these seven examples may be used together. That is, as long as any one or more of the following conditions is satisfied, it may be determined that printing is frequently performed repeatedly by a plurality of users.

(First example)
First, in the first example, a document file (hereinafter referred to as “shared file”) in which access rights that can be used by a plurality of users are set is often repeatedly printed by a plurality of users. In view of this, this is the basis for the above-mentioned condition determination. This makes it possible to make the above condition determination easily and reliably.

  Here, the shared file is a predetermined file in which access rights that can be used by a plurality of users are set in addition to the file in which access rights that can be used by a plurality of users are set as file attributes. All files stored in a logical storage location such as a directory (also called a folder) or a logical drive. Further, if the shared file can be used by a plurality of users, the accessible users may be limited, or may be shared by a method other than setting the access right. Good.

  Here, in the first example, a file server for saving various documents (not shown) is connected to the LAN 30 shown in FIG. 1, and the document file to be printed is stored in this file server. A predetermined logical drive is assigned to this file server, and an access right that can be used by a plurality of users is set in this logical drive, that is, this logical drive is shared.

  Therefore, in step S10 in FIG. 2, a document file stored in the file server is read by, for example, word processor software, and an instruction to print the document file is accepted in step S20.

  When a print instruction is given, the storage location of the document file is acquired in step S110 in FIG. Since a file in a general computer system is given attribute information indicating its logical storage location as path (PATH) information, the document data discriminating unit 152 can usually easily acquire this path information. Can do. Therefore, in step S120, the document data determination unit 152 can easily determine that the file is stored in the file server and is a shared file based on the path information. When attribute information indicating that the file is a shared file is attached to the file, the document data determination unit 152 may acquire this information. As described above, in this first example, the fact that the file to be printed is a shared file is a condition that the document data is a document that is frequently printed by a plurality of users.

(Second example)
Next, in the second example, a file (hereinafter referred to as a “downloaded file”) that is outside the internal network by the LAN 30, typically via an external network such as the Internet, is used in a plurality of ways. In view of the fact that printing is often repeated by a person, this is the basis for the above condition determination. This makes it possible to make the above condition determination easily and reliably.

  Here, the file to be downloaded is often held in, for example, a WEB server connected to the Internet (specifically, a homepage provided there). In this case, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is attached to the file to be downloaded as path information indicating the storage location. Therefore, in step S10 in FIG. 2, for example, a document file downloaded by browser software for reading information such as a home page is displayed by word processor software or the like, and an instruction to print this document file is accepted in step S20.

  When a print instruction is given, in step S110 in FIG. 3, the URL attached to the document file is acquired. Therefore, in step S120, the document data determination unit 152 is a file in which the file is downloaded from this URL. It can be determined that there is. The content is not limited as long as it is information indicating that the file is a downloaded file. For example, instead of a URL, the file is stored in a device connected to an external network. It may be an IP address or the like. In addition, since general browser software retains history information of a downloaded file, the document data determination unit 152 refers to the history information so that the file is downloaded. You may determine that. Thus, in the second example, the fact that the file to be printed is a downloaded file is a condition that the document data is a document that is frequently printed by a plurality of users.

(Third example)
In the third example, in view of the fact that information displayed by browser software for reading information such as a home page is often printed repeatedly by a plurality of users, this is the basis for the above condition determination. To do. This makes it possible to make the above condition determination easily and reliably.

  Here, information displayed by browser software is typically held on a homepage provided by a WEB server connected to the Internet, but recently, in the office, using Internet standard technology. Often built corporate networks (called intranets) are used. In this intranet, information such as an electronic bulletin board and a scheduler is provided, and many users often refer to and print these information by using browser software. Therefore, in step S10 in FIG. 2, for example, the above-mentioned information provided on the Internet or an intranet is displayed by browser software by browser software, and an instruction to print this displayed information is accepted in step S20.

  When a print instruction is issued, the software name that received the print instruction is acquired in step S110 in FIG. 3, and in step S120, the document data determination unit 152 determines that the information to be printed from the software name is the browser software software. It can be determined that the information is displayed. In addition, since the information has an extension (for example, “.htm”) indicating that the information is a file to be displayed by the browser software, the information is displayed by the browser software. It can also be determined. Thus, in the third example, the fact that the file to be printed is a downloaded file is a condition that the document data is a document that is often printed repeatedly by a plurality of users.

(Fourth example)
In the fourth example, in view of the fact that document files referred to by a plurality of users (for example, read by word processor software) are often repeatedly printed by a plurality of users, this is determined by the above condition determination. It is the basis of This makes it possible to make the above condition determination easily and reliably.

  Here, for example, in a document file created by word processor software or the like, in addition to the created date and creator name, the name of the referrer who referred to the file is also used as attribute information of the document file (for example, document data Some files are saved with data indicating attribute information at the end. Therefore, in step S10 in FIG. 2, a document file is read by word processor software or the like, and an instruction to print this document file is accepted in step S20.

  When a print instruction is issued, in step S110 in FIG. 3, the name of the referrer included in the attribute information of the document file is acquired. Therefore, in step S120, the document data determination unit 152 uses the referrer name to identify the file. It can be determined that the document file is referred to by a plurality of users. The information is not limited as long as it is information indicating that the file is a document file referred to by a plurality of users. For example, each time a document file is referred to, the name of the referrer who referred to the document file is changed. Predetermined software that is acquired and written to a predetermined history file may be newly provided, and the history file created by this software may be used as the attribute information. As described above, in the fourth example, a file to be printed is a file that is referred to by a plurality of users, so that document data is often printed repeatedly by a plurality of users. It becomes a condition.

(Fifth example)
In the fifth example, considering that document files printed by a plurality of users are often repeatedly printed by a plurality of users, this is the basis for the condition determination. This makes it possible to make the above condition determination easily and reliably.

  Here, as in the fourth example, for example, a document file created by word processor software or the like is saved together with the date of creation and the name of the creator, as well as the name of the printer who printed the file, as attribute information. There is something to do. Therefore, in step S10 in FIG. 2, a document file is created or edited (or read) by word processor software or the like, and an instruction to print this document file is accepted in step S20.

  When printing is instructed, in step S110 in FIG. 3, the printer name included in the attribute information of the document file is acquired, and in step S120, the document data determination unit 152 determines a plurality of files from the printer name. It can be determined that the document file is referred to by the user. The content is not limited as long as it is information indicating that the file is a document file printed by a plurality of users. For example, each time a document file is printed, the name of the printer who printed the document file is changed. Predetermined software that is acquired and written to a predetermined history file may be newly provided, and the history file created by this software may be used as the attribute information. As described above, in the fifth example, the file to be printed is a file printed by a plurality of users, so that the document data is often repeatedly printed by a plurality of users. It becomes the condition of.

(Sixth example)
In the sixth example, considering that document files edited by users other than the creator are often repeatedly printed by a plurality of users, this is the basis for the condition determination. This makes it possible to make the above condition determination easily and reliably.

  As in the fourth example, for example, a document file created by word processor software or the like is saved together with the date of creation and the name of the creator, as well as the name of the editor who edited the file, as attribute information. There is something to do. Therefore, in step S10 in FIG. 2, the document file is edited by word processor software or the like, and an instruction to print the document file is accepted in step S20.

  When a print instruction is given, in step S110 in FIG. 3, the editor name and creator name included in the attribute information of the document file are acquired, so in step S120, the document data determination unit 152 displays the editor name. It is possible to determine that the file is a document file edited by a user other than the creator from the identity of the name and the creator name. The content is not limited as long as it is information indicating that the file is a document file edited by a user other than the creator. For example, the editor who edited the document file every time the document file is edited. Predetermined software for acquiring a name and writing it to a predetermined history file may be newly provided, and the history file created by this software may be used as the attribute information. As described above, in the sixth example, a file to be printed is a file edited by a user other than the creator. This is a document in which document data is often repeatedly printed by a plurality of users. It is a condition of being.

(Seventh example)
In the seventh example, in view of the fact that e-mails sent (or to be sent) to a plurality of destinations are often repeatedly printed by a plurality of users, this is based on the above condition determination. is there. This makes it possible to make the above condition determination easily and reliably.

  Here, when the mail software transmits an electronic mail via a network such as the Internet or an intranet, the destination is indicated as a mail address. E-mails with multiple e-mail addresses are often printed at their destinations. In particular, e-mails sent to multiple users (e-mail addresses) within a department on the intranet Often printed from the same printer. Therefore, in step S10 in FIG. 2, an e-mail with a plurality of destinations is displayed (or created or edited) by mail software, and an instruction to print the displayed information is accepted in step S20.

  When a print instruction is given, the software name that received the print instruction is acquired in step S110 in FIG. 3, and in step S120, the document data determination unit 152 displays information to be printed from this software name by mail software. If it is determined that the information is to be sent, the email is sent (or should be sent) to multiple destinations by further inquiring the email software or analyzing the content of the email. Can be determined. Note that the e-mail destination is described in a predetermined format in an area to which a unique identifier called “To: field” is attached, so that it can be easily analyzed. As described above, in the seventh example, the fact that the file to be printed is an e-mail sent to (or to be sent to) a plurality of destinations means that the document data is repeatedly printed by a plurality of users. It is a condition that there are many documents.

  Note that even when a document file attached to an e-mail is a file to be printed, the e-mail is sent to a plurality of destinations by analyzing the e-mail destination to which the document file is attached. It can be easily determined that it has been (or should be) sent.

  The mail software is not limited in its configuration as long as it can create a document that can be sent to a plurality of users corresponding to electronic mail, and may be groupware, for example.

  Further, in step S120, the document data determination unit 152 determines that the document to be printed is an email sent to (or to be sent to) a plurality of destinations. “Field” etc.), but may be discriminated by other attributes such as the sender of the e-mail (specifically, “From: Field”). For example, if the sender of an email is a sender that regularly delivers email to a large number of users, specifically a sender of a mailing list, the email is sent to multiple destinations (or To be sent).

<1.3 Printer operation>
Next, the operation of the printer 20 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the main control unit 23 in the printer 20.

  In step S510 shown in FIG. 4, the hold management unit 231 receives the PDL data corresponding to the document data from the data processing apparatus 10 via the communication control unit 24, and receives the hold instruction described above in a predetermined case.

  In step S520, the hold management unit 231 determines whether the bitmap data corresponding to the PDL data received in step S510 is stored in the storage unit 22. This bitmap data is generated in step S540 described later. As a result of the determination, if the bitmap data is stored (Yes in step S520), the process proceeds to step S530. If the bitmap data is not stored (No in step S520), the process of step S540 is performed. Proceed to

  In step S530, the hold management unit 231 gives an instruction to the hold job reading unit 234 to read the stored bitmap data from the storage unit 22. The hold job reading unit 234 sends the bitmap data read based on this instruction to the printing unit 25. Thereafter, the process of step S570 is performed. At this time, the hold instruction transmitted in the above-described step S140 is received. However, since this hold instruction is for a bitmap that has already been stored, the result is ignored.

  In step S540, the hold management unit 231 gives an instruction to the bitmap data generation unit 232 to generate bitmap data corresponding to the PDL data received in step S510. Based on this instruction, the bitmap data generation unit 232 interprets the PDL data to generate bitmap data for image formation, and sends the generated bitmap data to the printing unit 25. Note that a method for converting such PDL data into bitmap data is well known, and thus a description thereof is omitted. Thereafter, the process of step S550 is performed.

  In step S550, the hold management unit 231 determines whether a hold instruction is received in step S510. As a result of the determination, if a hold instruction is received (Yes in step S550), the process proceeds to step S560. If a hold instruction is not received (No in step S550), the process proceeds to step S570. move on.

  In step S560, the hold management unit 231 instructs the hold job storage unit 233 to store the bitmap data generated in step S540. Based on this instruction, the hold job storage unit 233 stores the bitmap data in association with the corresponding PDL data. Although the file size (data amount) of bitmap data is larger than that of PDL data, the conversion process from PDL data to bitmap data requires a certain amount of time, so bitmap data was saved. By reading this later, the document can be printed at high speed.

  In step S570, the printing unit 25 forms an image indicated by the received bitmap data on a sheet, and discharges the sheet to the outside of the apparatus. Thereafter, the printer 20 once terminates the process, and when the user activates a predetermined application program and issues a print instruction, PDL data is transmitted again from the printer driver 15 (S150), and the process of step S510 starts. Is done.

<1.4 Effects of First Embodiment>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a document that is frequently printed repeatedly is automatically determined by the document data determination unit 152 of the data processing apparatus 10 without being based on a user's specification, and a bit corresponding to the document data. Map data is stored in the storage unit 22 of the printer 20. This makes it possible to print a stored document at high speed while effectively using memory resources.

<2. Second Embodiment>
<2.1 Overall configuration of device>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a data processing apparatus and a printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The data processing apparatus 10 and printer 20 shown in FIG. 5 have substantially the same configuration as the data processing apparatus 10 and printer 20 shown in FIG. Is omitted.

  Here, the printer driver 15 included in the main control unit 13 of the data processing apparatus 10 in the present embodiment includes a hold instruction unit 157 further having a function different from that in the case of the first embodiment, and a new hold job reference is made. Part 156 is provided. In addition, the main control unit 23 of the printer 20 in the present embodiment includes a hold management unit 235 that further has a function different from that in the first embodiment, and the storage unit 22 of the printer 20 newly adds management information to be described later. To save. Hereinafter, the operations of the data processing apparatus 10 and the printer 20 in the present embodiment will be described while explaining the functions of these components.

<2.2 Operation of data processing apparatus>
First, the operation of the printer driver 15 in the data processing apparatus 10 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the printer driver 15 of this embodiment. Note that the flow of processing in the application program 16 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, as described above, the following processing in the printer driver 15 is started by the document print instruction unit 161 in step S40 (print processing) shown in FIG.

  Steps S210 and S220 shown in FIG. 6 have the same processing contents as steps S110 and S120 shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, in step S230, based on the information acquired in step S220, the document data determination unit 152 determines whether or not the document data satisfies a condition that the document data is frequently printed by a plurality of users. Determine. The specific contents of this condition are as described with reference to the seven typical examples in the first embodiment. As a result of the determination, if the above condition is satisfied (Yes in Step S230), the process proceeds to Step S240. If the above condition is not satisfied (No in Step S230), the process proceeds to Step S280. move on.

  In step S240, the hold job reference unit 156 reads management information stored in the storage unit 22 of the printer 20 corresponding to the document data. This management information is information indicating the file name (job name) of the bitmap data corresponding to the document data, the storage date / time (creation date / time), and the file size (data amount). 235.

  Next, in step S250, the hold job reference unit 156 refers to the read management information, and whether or not the bitmap data corresponding to the document data is stored in the storage unit 22, that is, has been held. Determine whether or not. As a result of the determination, if the hold has been completed (Yes in Step S250), the process proceeds to Step S260. If the hold has not been completed (No in Step S250), the process proceeds to Step S270.

  In step S260, since the bitmap data corresponding to the document data is stored in the storage unit 223 as the hold job, the hold job reference unit 156 prints the bitmap 20 (main control unit 23 of the printer 20). The data indicating the print instruction is transmitted by the communication control unit 14 to the hold management unit 235). Note that the data indicating the print instruction is predetermined control data having a small data amount different from the PDL data. Thus, when the corresponding bitmap data is stored, only the data indicating the print instruction is transmitted without generating the PDL data, so that the processing load of the data processing apparatus 10 and the communication load of the LAN 30 are increased. Can be reduced.

  Further, in step S260, the hold job reference unit 156 inquires whether the user can print once before transmitting data indicating a print instruction to the printer 20 (for example, the operation display unit 11). The management information corresponding to the document data to be printed is displayed and the user's permission is accepted), and data indicating a print instruction is sent to the printer 20 only when the user inputs an operation permitting the inquiry. The structure which transmits may be sufficient. In this configuration, even if document data to be printed is referred to by referring to the management information, it may be determined by the user that printing should not be performed, so printing according to the user's will can be performed.

  In step S <b> 270, the hold instruction unit 157 transmits data indicating a hold instruction for causing the printer 20 to store the document determined to satisfy the above condition by the document data determination unit 152, to the printer 20. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S280. The data indicating the hold instruction is transmitted together with the PDL data after being added to the created PDL data, but may be transmitted as control data different from the PDL data. Unlike the case of step S140 described above, it is determined by referring to the hold job reference unit 156 that the bitmap data to be stored by the hold instruction is not already stored in the storage unit 22 of the printer 20. Therefore (S240, S250), when this hold instruction is given, the bitmap data corresponding to the PDL data is always stored in the storage unit 22 of the printer 20 as a hold job.

  In step S280, the PDL data generation unit 153 sends the PDL data for printing by the printer 20 to the printer 20 via the LAN 30 by the communication control unit 4. This process is performed according to an instruction from the document data determination unit 152 (S230) or an instruction from the hold instruction unit 157 (S260). Thereafter, the data processing apparatus 10 once terminates the process, and when the user starts the application program and issues a print instruction for the document data (S10 → S20 → S30 → S40), again. The printing process (S210 to S280) in the printer driver 15 is started.

<2.3 Printer operation>
Next, the operation of the printer 20 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the main control unit 23 in the printer 20.

  In step S610 shown in FIG. 7, the hold management unit 235 receives either PDL data or print instruction data corresponding to the document data from the data processing apparatus 10 via the communication control unit 24, and further receives a predetermined predetermined value. In this case, the above hold instruction is received.

  In step S620, the hold management unit 235 determines whether a print instruction is received in step S610. As a result of the determination, if a print instruction is received (Yes in step S620), the process proceeds to step S630. If not received (No in step S620), the process proceeds to step S640.

  The subsequent steps S630 to S670 shown in FIG. 7 are the same as steps S530 to S570 shown in FIG. However, in step S660, when the hold management unit 231 instructs the hold job storage unit 233 to store the bitmap data, the file name (job name) of the bitmap data to be stored together with the storage date ( (Creation date) and file size (data amount) are stored in the storage unit 22 as management information. In this embodiment, unlike the case of the first embodiment described above, a print instruction is always received when bitmap data corresponding to document data is already stored in the storage unit 22. The process of determining whether or not the hold has been performed in step S520 shown in FIG. 4 can be omitted.

<2.4 Effects of Second Embodiment>
As described above, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a document that is frequently printed repeatedly is automatically determined by the document data determination unit 152 of the data processing apparatus 10 without being based on the designation of the user. The bitmap data corresponding to the document data is stored in the storage unit 22 of the printer 20. This makes it possible to print a stored document at high speed while effectively using memory resources.

  Further, when the stored document is printed, only the print instruction is issued by the hold job reference unit 156 of the data processing apparatus 10, so that it is not necessary to generate and transmit the PDL data by the data processing apparatus 10. Therefore, the processing load of the data processing device 10 and the communication load of the LAN 30 can be reduced. In the present embodiment, even when printing data to be given to the printer 20 is bitmap data instead of PDL data, it is possible to achieve high-speed printing in printing according to a printing instruction.

<3. Third Embodiment>
<3.1 Overall configuration of apparatus>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of a data processing apparatus, a print server, and a printer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The data processing device 110, the print server 40, and the printer 20 constitute an image forming system in the present embodiment. The other data processing apparatuses 111 and 112 have the same configuration as the data processing apparatus 110 and perform the same operation, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, since the printer 20 shown in FIG. 8 has the same configuration as the printer 20 shown in FIG. ==, the same reference numerals are given to the same components and the description thereof is omitted. Furthermore, since the data processing device 110 and the print server 40 shown in FIG. 8 partially include the components of the data processing device 10 shown in FIG. ==, the same numbers are assigned to the same components. The description is omitted.

  Since a general print server is a computer having the same hardware as the data processing apparatuses 10 and 110, the same functions can be realized. However, the operation display unit is often not provided, and the function is often specialized for printing such as appropriate switching of a plurality of printers. The print server 40 here includes hardware similar to that of the data processing apparatus 10 except for the operation input unit 11 so that at least a part of the functions of the data processing apparatus 10 can be realized. Thus, it can be said that the print server 40 is a data processing device.

  Here, unlike the case of the first embodiment, the printer driver 15 included in the main control unit 13 of the data processing apparatus 110 according to the present embodiment includes only the document data acquisition unit 151 and the PDL data generation unit 153. The components functionally corresponding to the document data determination unit 152 and the hold instruction unit 154 in the first embodiment omitted here are provided in the newly provided print server 40. That is, the print server 40 includes a document data determination unit 432, a hold instruction unit 433, and a determination information acquisition unit 431. Hereinafter, the operations of the data processing apparatus 110, the print server 40, and the printer 20 in the present embodiment will be described while explaining the functions of these components.

<3.2 Data Processor Operation>
First, the operation of the printer driver 15 in the data processing apparatus 110 in the present embodiment is the same as these processes (S110, S150) except that the processes in steps S120 to S140 shown in FIG. 3 are omitted. Is omitted. Note that the flow of processing in the application program 16 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, as described above, the following processing in the printer driver 15 is started by the document print instruction unit 161 in step S40 (print processing) shown in FIG.

<3.3 Operation of print server>
Next, with respect to the operation of the print server 40, the document data determination unit 432 and the hold instruction unit 433 perform substantially the same processing as the processing from steps S120 to S140 shown in FIG. However, unlike the processing of step S120 shown in FIG. 3, the condition determination for determining whether or not the document data received from the document data determination unit 432 is a document that is frequently printed by a plurality of users. The processing for acquiring the data (for example, information such as the type of the application program 16) that is the basis of this is performed not by the document data determination unit 432 but by the determination information acquisition unit 431. The discrimination information acquisition unit 431 acquires the information on the application program 16 used in the data processing apparatus 110 and the reference information of the document file by the communication control unit 44 and gives the document data discrimination unit 432. The subsequent processing of the document data determination unit 432 is the same as the processing of the document data determination unit 152. Note that the content of the information acquired by the discrimination information acquisition unit 431 is the same as that described in the seven typical examples described above, and thus description thereof is omitted.

<3.4 Printer Operation>
The operation of the printer 20 is the same as the processing flow of the main control unit 23 in the printer 20 shown in FIG.

<3.5 Effects of Third Embodiment>
As described above, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to effectively use memory resources by automatically determining a document that is frequently printed repeatedly without being based on a user's designation. Saved documents can be printed at high speed. Further, since the functions of the document data determination unit 432 and the hold instruction unit 433 are provided only in the print server 40, the configuration of the data processing device 110 (and the data processing devices 111 and 112) can be simplified.

<4. Modification>
Part or all of the functions of each component of the printer driver 15 in each of the above embodiments may be realized by the application program 16. In addition, some or all of the functions of each component of the printer driver 15 in each of the above embodiments may be realized by the main control unit 23 included in the printer 20. For example, the document data determination unit 152 included in the main control unit 13 of the data processing apparatus 10 in the first embodiment is omitted, and the main control unit 23 included in the printer 20 includes components corresponding to the document data determination unit 152. It is possible to determine whether or not the document data received by the document data acquisition unit 151 is a document that is frequently printed by a plurality of users. In this case, since a part of the functions of the data processing devices 10 and 110 are included in the printer 20, it can be said that the printer 20 is also a data processing device.

  In addition, some or all of the functions of each component of the main control unit 23 included in the printer 20 in each of the above embodiments may be realized by the data processing devices 10 and 110 or the print server 40. For example, the data processing device 10 or 110 or the print server 40 has all the functions of the respective components of the main control unit 23, and the printer 20 includes only the communication control unit 24 and the print unit 25. The unit 25 receives bitmap data sent from the data processing devices 10 and 110 or the print server 40 from the communication control unit 24, and forms an image on a predetermined sheet. A method in which the printer receives bitmap data in this manner is called a host-based method, and the printer configuration can be simplified. In this host-based system, by providing the print server 40, even when a plurality of printers 20 are connected thereto, management information is switched by switching the printer 20 and storing management information in the storage unit 42. Centralization can be easily performed. Note that such a function of the print server 40 can be similarly realized even when a plurality of printers that do not employ the host base method are connected.

  The management information is stored in the storage unit 22 of the printer 20 in the second embodiment, but is stored in the storage unit 12 of the data processing devices 10 and 110 (and other data processing devices 101, 102, 111, and 112). May be. This management information is information indicating the file name (job name) of the bitmap data corresponding to the document data, the storage date / time (creation date / time), and the file size (data amount). Instead, one or more of a referrer name referring to a document file included in the history file, a printed printer name, and an edited editor name may be included.

  The print server 40 according to the third embodiment includes a document data determination unit 432 and a hold instruction unit 433 that are functional elements corresponding to the document data determination unit 152 and the hold instruction unit 154 according to the first embodiment. The information acquisition unit 431 is included, but a component functionally corresponding to the hold job reference unit 156 in the second embodiment may be further provided.

  In the third embodiment, the PDL data generation unit 153 provided in the main control unit 13 of the data processing apparatus 110 may be omitted, and a configuration corresponding to this may be provided in the print server 40.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a data processing device and a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the application program in the said embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an overall processing flow of the printer driver in the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the main control part in the printer in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the data processor and printer which concern on 2nd Embodiment in this invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the printer driver in the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the main control part in the printer in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the data processor which concerns on 3rd Embodiment in this invention, a print server, and a printer.

Explanation of symbols

10, 101, 102, 110, 111, 112 ... data processing device 11, 21 ... operation display unit 12, 22, 42 ... storage unit 13, 23, 43 ... main control unit 14, 24, 44 ... communication control unit 15 ... Printer driver 16 ... Application program 25 ... Print section 30 ... LAN
151: Document data acquisition unit 152, 155, 432 ... Document data discrimination unit 153 ... PDL data generation unit 154, 157, 433 ... Hold instruction unit 156 ... Hold job reference unit 161 ... Document print instruction unit 231 ... Hold management unit 232 ... Bitmap data generation unit 233 ... hold job storage unit 234 ... hold job read unit 431 ... discrimination information acquisition unit

Claims (16)

A data processing apparatus for outputting an image corresponding to printing data obtained by converting predetermined document data to a predetermined image forming apparatus,
Determining means for determining whether or not the document data is a document that is frequently output by a plurality of users;
Data processing comprising: a hold instructing unit for storing, in a predetermined storage unit, printing data obtained by converting document data that is frequently determined to be repeatedly output by a plurality of users by the determining unit apparatus.   The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hold instruction unit stores the print data in the storage unit in a bitmap format.   The determining means determines whether the document data is shared so that it can be accessed by a plurality of users, whereby the document data is repeatedly output by a plurality of users. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not there are many documents.   The determination means is a document in which the document data is often repeatedly output by a plurality of users by determining whether or not the document data is downloaded via a predetermined network. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not.   The determination means is a document in which the document data is often repeatedly output by a plurality of users by determining whether or not the document data is displayed by predetermined browser software. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not.   The determination means determines whether the document data is frequently output repeatedly by a plurality of users by determining whether the document data is referred to by a plurality of users. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the data processing device is determined.   The determining means determines whether the document data is frequently output by a plurality of users by determining whether the document data is output by a plurality of users. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the data processing device is determined.   The determination means determines whether the document data is edited by a user other than the creator of the document data, so that the document data is repeatedly output by a plurality of users. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not there are many documents.   The determination means is a document in which the document data is often repeatedly output by a plurality of users by determining whether or not the document data is an e-mail to be sent to a plurality of destinations or to be sent. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not there is any.   By referring to management information for managing the printing data stored in the storage unit, when the printing data is stored in the storage unit, an image corresponding to the stored printing data is The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a hold job reference unit that outputs control data indicating an instruction to be output to the image forming apparatus.   The hold job reference unit inquires of a predetermined user whether or not to output an image corresponding to the print data stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus, and the control data according to a result of the inquiry The data processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: A data processing device according to claim 1;
Printing means for forming the image;
A hold management unit that reads out the stored print data and gives the print unit to the print unit when print data corresponding to an image to be output by the print unit is stored in the storage unit. An image forming apparatus as a feature. A data processing device for outputting an image corresponding to printing data obtained by converting predetermined document data to a predetermined image forming device, communication for connecting the image forming device, the data processing device, and the image forming device so as to communicate with each other An image forming system comprising means,
The data processing device includes:
Determining means for determining whether or not the document data is a document that is frequently output by a plurality of users;
Hold instruction means for instructing the image forming apparatus to store print data obtained by converting document data that is frequently determined to be repeatedly output by a plurality of users by the determination means;
The image forming apparatus includes:
Storage means for storing the print data in accordance with an instruction from the hold instruction means;
Printing means for forming the image;
A hold management unit that reads out the stored print data and gives the print unit to the print unit when print data corresponding to an image to be output by the print unit is stored in the storage unit. An image forming system as a feature. First and second data processing devices for outputting to a predetermined image forming apparatus an image corresponding to printing data obtained by converting predetermined document data, the image forming device, and the first and second data processing devices And an image forming system comprising communication means for connecting the image forming apparatus so as to communicate with each other,
The first data processing device includes:
Output instruction means for receiving an operation input that is an instruction by a predetermined user for generating, changing, or obtaining the document data from outside the system and causing the image forming apparatus to output the document data;
Print data generation means for converting the document data into the print data when the operation instruction is accepted in the output instruction means;
The second data processing device includes:
Determining means for determining whether or not the document data is a document that is frequently output by a plurality of users;
Hold for instructing the image forming apparatus to store the print data converted by the print data generation unit corresponding to the document data determined to be frequently output by a plurality of users by the determination unit An instruction means,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Storage means for storing the print data in accordance with an instruction from the hold instruction means;
Printing means for forming the image;
A hold management unit that reads out the stored print data and gives the print unit to the print unit when print data corresponding to an image to be output by the print unit is stored in the storage unit. An image forming system as a feature. A data processing method for causing a predetermined image forming apparatus to output an image corresponding to printing data obtained by converting predetermined document data,
A determination step of determining whether or not the document data is a document that is frequently output by a plurality of users;
A data processing comprising: a hold instructing step for storing, in a predetermined storage means, print data obtained by converting document data that is frequently determined to be repeatedly output by a plurality of users in the determination step Method. A data processing apparatus that outputs an image corresponding to print data obtained by converting predetermined document data to a predetermined image forming apparatus,
A determination step of determining whether or not the document data is a document that is frequently output by a plurality of users;
A program for executing a hold instruction step of storing in a predetermined storage means printing data obtained by converting document data that is frequently determined to be repeatedly output by a plurality of users in the determination step.

Images