JP2012153047A - Print data analysis processing part, image forming device, print data analysis processing method and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable high-speed printing in an image forming device connected to a network.SOLUTION: In a print data analysis processing part 21A, a raster data generation part 25A divides PDL data transmitted from a first PC 2A into page unit PDL data, and analyzes and decomposes the page unit PDL data. A determination part 31 determines whether to transfer the page unit PDL data to a second multifunction peripheral 3B, based on a result of the analysis. When it is determined that the page unit PDL data is transferred to the second multifunction peripheral 3B, a transfer part 33 transfers the page unit PDL data to the second multifunction peripheral 3B. A reception part 29A receives page unit raster data transmitted from the second multifunction peripheral 3B after the transfer. A raster data transmission part 27A transmits page unit raster data generated by the raster data generation part 25A and the page unit raster data transmitted from the second multifunction peripheral 3B to a print data transmission processing part 23A.

Description

  The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that prints print data received via a network, a print data analysis processing unit of the image forming apparatus, a print data analysis processing method that is executed in an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to an image forming method.

  In recent offices or the like, a form in which a plurality of PCs (Personal Computers) use printers connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) is common.

  A printer driver installed in the PC creates PDL data based on a page description language (PDL) from print target data and transmits the PDL data to the printer. The printer creates raster data by rasterizing (analyzing and developing) the received print data, and prints the raster data on a sheet.

  The operation of expanding PDL data into raster data may take a relatively long time. Therefore, for pages that take a particularly long time, the PC transmits the pages to other printers on the network to instruct expansion. In this case, the printer receives the expanded page from another printer and prints using the page (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-43040 A

In the technique of Patent Document 1, the printer driver of the PC determines how long it takes to develop the image data. The PDL data that takes a long time to expand is transmitted to the printer that performs proxy expansion instead of the printer of the printing destination. Furthermore, print control data that is designated to perform printing after acquiring data from the proxy development printer is transmitted from the printer driver of the PC to the printer that is the printing destination.
In the above technique, PDL data that takes a long time to develop is difficult to be sent to a printer with low capability. However, actually, even with the above-described technique, PDL data that takes a long time to process may be sent to a printer that does not have sufficiently high performance of the processing unit for generating raster data. is there. In such a case, the time from when the PDL data is received until printing is increased. Therefore, it is conceivable to improve the performance of the printer processing unit. However, considering that not all PDL data takes time to process, using a printer having a low performance processing unit reduces the cost. It is preferable to realize high-speed printing processing at the same time while lowering.

  An object of the present invention is to enable high-speed printing processing even when PDL data that takes time to generate raster data is sent to an image forming apparatus that does not have high performance.

  Hereinafter, a plurality of modes will be described as means for solving the problems. These aspects can be arbitrarily combined as necessary.

A print data analysis processing unit according to an aspect of the present invention is used in an image forming apparatus that functions as a first image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is connected to an external information processing apparatus and another image forming apparatus via a network, and includes a print unit and a print data transfer processing unit that performs print processing by transmitting raster data to the print unit. Have. The print data analysis processing unit includes a raster data generation unit, a determination unit, a transfer unit, a reception unit, and a transmission unit. The raster data generation unit cuts PDL data sent from the information processing apparatus into page unit PDL data, and generates page unit raster data by performing analysis processing and expansion processing on the page unit PDL data. The determination unit determines whether or not to transfer the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus having the raster data generation unit having higher performance than the first image forming apparatus based on the result of the analysis process performed by the raster data generation unit. to decide. If it is determined that the page unit PDL data is to be transferred to the second image forming apparatus, the transfer unit transfers the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus. The receiving unit receives the page unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus after the transfer. The transmission unit transmits the page unit raster data generated by the raster data generation unit and the page unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus to the print data transfer processing unit.
With the above configuration, if it is determined that the page unit PDL data is transferred to the second image forming apparatus based on the result of the analysis process performed by the raster data generation unit, the page unit PDL data is transferred to the second image forming apparatus. Transferred. When page unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus is received, the page unit raster data is transmitted to the print data transfer processing unit. As described above, since the raster data is generated by the second image forming apparatus having higher processing capability, the PDL data that takes time to develop is sent to the image forming apparatus that does not have a high function of the raster data generation unit. Even in this case, high-speed processing is possible. In other words, the time from when the first image forming apparatus receives the PDL data to when the printing process is performed is shortened.
The case where it is determined that the page unit PDL data is transferred to another image forming apparatus is, for example, a case where it is determined that it takes a predetermined time or more if the raster data generation unit directly processes the data during analysis.
Further, the page unit PDL data to be transferred may be an entire page or a part of one page.

The raster data generation unit may analyze whether or not the page unit PDL data includes a command for making the raster data generation for a long time before development. In this case, the determination unit determines whether to transfer the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus based on the analysis result.
In this case, since whether or not the page unit PDL data includes a command to make raster data generation for a long time is analyzed before development, if the page unit PDL data takes time, the first image forming apparatus The expansion process can be omitted. As a result, the overall processing time is shortened.

The attribute information given to the page-unit raster data may be the same between the case where the raster data generation unit generates and the case where the second image forming apparatus generates.
In this case, the print data transfer processing unit can execute the same processing on the received raster data regardless of the device that performed the expansion processing.

The transfer of the page unit PDL data by the transfer unit and the reception of the page unit raster data by the reception unit may be executed in the same session.
In this case, if the second image forming apparatus generates raster data after the page unit PDL data is transferred, the raster data is immediately transmitted from the second image forming apparatus to the first image forming apparatus. Therefore, the time lag is reduced, that is, the first image forming apparatus can obtain the raster data at an early stage.

An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is connected to an external information processing apparatus and another image forming apparatus via a network, and functions as a first image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a printing unit, a communication unit, a print data analysis processing unit, and a print data transfer processing unit. The communication unit receives PDL data from an external information processing apparatus via a network.
The print data analysis processing unit includes a raster data generation unit, a determination unit, a transfer unit, a reception unit, and a transmission unit. The raster data generation unit cuts PDL data sent from the information processing apparatus into page unit PDL data, and generates page unit raster data by performing analysis processing and expansion processing on the page unit PDL data. The determination unit determines whether or not to transfer the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus having the raster data generation unit having higher performance than the first image forming apparatus based on the result of the analysis process performed by the raster data generation unit. to decide. If it is determined that the page unit PDL data is to be transferred to the second image forming apparatus, the transfer unit transfers the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus. The receiving unit receives the page unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus after the transfer. The transmission unit transmits the page unit raster data generated by the raster data generation unit and the page unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus to the print data transfer processing unit.
The print data transfer processing unit includes a storage unit and a print control unit. The storage unit stores page unit raster data. The print control unit reads the page unit raster data from the storage unit and then transmits it to the print unit to instruct printing.
If it is determined that the page unit PDL data is transferred to the second image forming apparatus based on the result of the analysis process performed by the raster data generation unit, the page unit PDL data is transferred to the second image forming apparatus. When the page unit raster data sent from the second image device is received, the page unit raster data sent from the second image forming device is sent to the print data transfer processing unit. As described above, since the development process is performed by the second image forming apparatus having a higher processing capability on the network, PDL data that takes a long time to develop is sent to an image forming apparatus having a low raster data generation function. Even if it is done, high-speed processing becomes possible. In other words, the time from when the first image forming apparatus receives the PDL data to when the printing process is performed is shortened.

A print data analysis processing method according to another aspect of the present invention is used in an image forming apparatus that functions as a first image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is connected to an external information processing apparatus and another image forming apparatus via a network, and includes a print unit and a print data transfer processing unit that performs print processing by transmitting raster data to the print unit. Have. The print data analysis processing method includes the following steps.
A step of cutting out PDL data sent from the information processing apparatus into page unit PDL data and generating page unit raster data by performing analysis processing and expansion processing on the page unit PDL data. Based on the result of the analysis processing, A step of determining whether or not to transfer the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus having a raster data generation unit having higher performance than the first image forming apparatus. ◎ The page unit PDL data is transferred to the second image forming apparatus. If it is determined, the step of transferring the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus ◎ the step of receiving the page unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus after the transfer ◎ generated by the raster data generation unit The page unit raster data and the page unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus are transmitted to the print data transfer processing unit. Steps

  The step of generating the page unit raster data may include a step of analyzing whether or not the page unit data includes a command for generating raster data for a long time before the development. In this case, in the determination step, it is determined whether to transfer the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus based on the analysis result.

An image forming method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes the following steps.
The print data analysis processing method described above. The page unit raster data generated in the raster data generation step and the page unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus are printed.

  In the present invention, high-speed printing processing can be performed in an image forming apparatus connected to a network.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing basic functions of the multifunction machine. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram for explaining functions of a control unit of a data transfer source MFP and a data transfer destination MFP. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation in a multifunction peripheral that is a request for rasterization of PDL data. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation in a multifunction peripheral that is a request for rasterization of PDL data. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation in a multifunction peripheral that is a request for rasterization of PDL data. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of a print data transfer processing unit of the multifunction machine.

(1) Network A network system 1 to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network. The network system 1 includes a first PC 2A, a second PC 2B, and a third PC 2C as a plurality of personal computers, a first multifunction device 3A as a plurality of multifunction devices, a second multifunction device 3B, a third multifunction device 3C, and a LAN 4. Has been. Each device can communicate with each other via the LAN 4.

(2) PC
The functions of the first PC 2A, the second PC 2B, and the third PC 2C will be described. When the user prints a document on the first PC 2A, the second PC 2B, or the third PC 2C, the user opens the document with various applications, and then performs a printing operation. Then, the printer driver installed in each PC is activated. The printer driver converts drawing instruction data created by the application into PDL data using a page description language. The PDL data is transmitted as a print job to, for example, the first multifunction device 3A via the LAN 4.

  Job control information is described at the head of the print job (print data). In the job control information, information for controlling the operation of the printer 10 such as a paper size and a paper type is described. The job control information is described using PJL (Printer Job Language) or the like.

In the print job, PDL (Page Description Language) data described in a page description language is described following the job control information. The PDL data has a plurality of command data and text data. The command data includes various conditions related to rasterization and information indicating an area where each text data is arranged. Text data is data corresponding to character information. Examples of PDL types include PCL (Printer Control Language (registered trademark)), PS (Post Script (registered trademark)), and XPS (XML Paper Specification).
In the following description, a print job is referred to as PDL data.

(3) Multifunction Device Functions of the first multifunction device 3A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic functions of the multifunction machine. The functions described below are common to the first multifunction device 3A, the second multifunction device 3B, and the third multifunction device 3C.
The first multifunction device 3A is a network multifunction device having a print function, a copy function, a FAX (facsimile) function, and an IFAX (Internet FAX) function. Specifically, the first multifunction device 3 </ b> A includes a printer 10, a scanner 11, a FAX control unit 12, and an IFAX control unit 13. The first multifunction device 3A further includes an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 16, a modem 17, and a network I / F 18. The first multifunction device 3 </ b> A includes a bus 19, and each unit in the first multifunction device 3 </ b> A is connected to each other by the bus 19.

  The printer 10 receives facsimile data received by the FAX control unit 12 and IFAX control unit 13, image data created by the scanner 11 based on a copy instruction, and PDL data sent from the first PC 2A, second PC 2B, and third PC 2C. Print. That is, the printer 10 functions as an output unit for the facsimile function, copy function, and printer function of the network multifunction peripheral. The printer 10 employs, for example, an electrophotographic method.

  The scanner 11 realizes a scanner function for reading an image from a document. The scanner 11 has an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), for example.

  The FAX control unit 12 controls transmission / reception of FAX via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephony Network) 91 performed by the NCU 16 and the modem 17. The IFAX control unit 13 controls transmission / reception of IFAX performed via the network I / F 18.

  The network I / F 18 functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from other devices via the LAN 4. For example, the network I / F 18 receives PDL data from the first PC 2A, the second PC 2B, and the third PC 2C.

  The operation unit 14 includes a touch panel and hard keys, and can accept an operation from the user. That is, the user can input an instruction such as copy, scan, or facsimile transmission using the operation unit 14. The display unit 15 displays various information including the contents of the operation input by the operation unit 14. The display unit 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel.

  The control unit 20A is a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 20A is a control unit that controls each unit of the first multifunction machine 3A, and implements a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, a network function, and the like by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM. . The ROM stores control programs or preset parameters. The RAM functions as a work area for executing the program.

(4) Control Unit of Multifunction Device Next, functional components included in the control unit 20A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the functions of the control units of the data transfer source multifunction device and the data transfer destination multifunction device.

  Although the control units 20A and 20B of the first multifunction machine 3A and the second multifunction machine 3B have the same function, only the functions necessary for the description are illustrated in the figure.

  As is apparent from FIG. 3, the control unit 20A includes a print data analysis processing unit 21A and a print data transfer processing unit 23A. The print data analysis processing unit 21A is a printer controller and, as a basic function, rasterizes PDL data and converts it into raster data (image data). Other functions of the print data analysis processing unit 21A will be described later. The print data transfer processing unit 23A is a controller on the MFP body side, and stores the raster data while transmitting the raster data to the printer 10 to cause the printer 10 to execute printing.

  The print data analysis processing unit 21A includes a raster data generation unit 25A, a raster data transmission unit 27A, and a reception unit 29A. The raster data generation unit 25A is a RIP (Raster Image Processor) and has a function of generating raster data by analyzing and further developing PDL data. The raster data transmission unit 27A transmits the raster data to the print data transfer processing unit 23A. The receiving unit 29A receives the PDL data and raster data sent from the network I / F 18A. The receiving unit 29A may be realized as a function of the network I / F 18A.

  The print data analysis processing unit 21A further includes a determination unit 31 and a transfer unit 33. The determination unit 31 determines whether the development takes a predetermined time or more when the raster data generation unit 25A analyzes the PDL data in units of pages. If the determination unit 31 determines that the development takes a predetermined time or more, the transfer unit 33 transfers the PDL data to another multifunction device having a high function (in this case, the second multifunction device 3B), thereby performing rasterization processing. Request. The transfer unit 33 may be realized as a function of the network I / F 18A.

  The print data analysis processing unit 21A has a storage unit 34A. The storage unit 34A is a memory capable of storing data.

  The print data transfer processing unit 23 </ b> A includes a print control unit 35 and a storage unit 37. The print control unit 35 is a computer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and implements various functions by executing a program. Specifically, the print control unit 35 stores the FAX encoded data transmitted from the print data analysis processing unit 21A in the storage unit 37, further reads and decodes the FAX encoded data, and converts the raster data into the printer 10. Send to. The storage unit 37 is a memory capable of storing data.

  Although not shown, the print data analysis processing unit 21A has an encoding function for FAX encoding raster data, and the print data transfer processing unit 23A has a decoding function for decoding FAX encoded data. ing. Encoding and decoding are performed in a known compression format such as MH (Modified Huffman), MR (Modified READ), or MMR (Modified Modified READ). JBIG (Joint Bi-label Image experts Group) may be used.

As described above, the function of the control unit 20B of the second multifunction device 3B is the same as the function of the control unit 20A of the first multifunction device 3A. In the figure, only the control unit 20B, the print data analysis processing unit 21B, the print data transfer processing unit 23B, the reception unit 29B, the raster data generation unit 25B, the raster data transmission unit 27B, and the transmission unit 39 are shown. Are omitted for convenience of explanation.
The transmission unit 39 transmits the FAX encoded data generated by the raster data generation unit 25B and further FAX encoded to the first multifunction device 3A. The transmission unit 39 may be realized as a function of the network I / F 18B.

  In this embodiment, the print data analysis processing unit 21B of the second multifunction device 3B has a higher function than the print data analysis processing unit 21A of the first multifunction device 3A, which means that the print data analysis processing unit of the first multifunction device 3A. 21A is registered in advance.

(5) Control Operation First, the PDL data processing control of the control unit 20A of the first multi-function peripheral 3A, which is the rasterization request source of PDL data, will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the control operation in the MFP as the requester of the rasterization of the PDL data.

In step S1, the control unit 20A waits for PDL data to be transmitted from the first PC 2A, for example. When PDL data is received, the process moves to step S2.
In step S2, PrintJobID, which is an arbitrary number, is generated at the start of print data input.
In step S3, an MFP memory write start open process is executed. At this time, PrintJobID is used.
In step S4, the PJL Language described at the top of the print job is cut out, converted to GDI, and finally stored in the storage unit 37 of the print data transfer processing unit 23A. Hereinafter, an example of the written contents will be shown.

<ESC>%-12345X @ PJL
@PJL ENTER LANGUAGE = GDI
@PJL SET SECURITY = OFF
@PJL JOB NAME = "Test Document"
@PJL SET OUTPUTPC = MURATEC
@PJL SET SENDEARIP = 192.168.1.100
@PJL SET DUBPLEX = OFF
@PJL SET FINISH = OFF
@PJL SET EMODEDE = OFF
@PJL SET OUTBIN = UPPER
@PJL SET PAPER = A4
@PJL ORIENTATION = PORTRAIT
@PJL SET RESOLUTION = 600
@PJL SET INTRAY = AUTO
@PJL SET COPIES = 1
@PJL SET MEDIATYPE = PLAN
@PJL SET SHIFT = OFF
@PJL SET IMAGEFORMAT = MMR

  In step S5, the raster data generation unit 25A cuts out page unit PDL data that is one page of PDL data, and saves page unit PDL data for one page in the storage unit 34A of the print data analysis processing unit 21A.

In step S6, the raster data generation unit 25A reads the page unit PDL data, and then executes primary analysis processing. The primary analysis process is a part of the PDL data analysis process, and analyzes the complexity of the PDL data. More specifically, in the primary analysis process, the entire page unit PDL is scanned to determine how many commands take time to develop.
In step S7, the determination unit 31 determines whether or not the page unit PDL data requires time for image data conversion based on the result of the primary analysis process. If “No”, the process proceeds to step S8, and if “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S18.
PDL commands that are determined to require time for data conversion at the stage of analysis processing include the following.

1) Raster image data included in the PDL In order to enlarge / reduce or rotate the raster image data, the image itself is manipulated, so that the memory occupation amount increases and the calculation amount also increases. As a result, the processing time becomes longer. The processing time becomes longer as the raster image data is larger. Furthermore, when data is compressed, the processing time becomes long if the performance of the encoder is not sufficient.
In the case of PCL XL (registered trademark), it is determined that time is required for data conversion when there is a command such as the following.
BEGINIMAGE: Command like image group header -SourceWidth Original data size -SourceHigh
-Destination Size Paste size READIMAGE: Command to pass the actual image-Compression Mode (compression modes include uncompressed, RLE, JPEG, Delta Row, etc.)
SETPAGEROTATION: Rotation command

2) Clips included in PDL (commands for image cropping)
For example, except for a simple case where the cutout shape is a square, the amount of processing increases when a figure is cut out as another figure. The reason is that all the bits need to be applied to the logical expression after being dropped into the image, and if the vertex information is between, the calculation of the intersection is necessary. In the case of PCL XL (registered trademark), it is determined that time is required for data conversion when there is a command such as the following.
SETPATHTOCLIP: A command to specify the current Path as a clip (Path is similar to the coordinate group that constitutes a figure)

3) Drawing processing commands included in PDL For example, in the case of PCL XL (registered trademark), a figure is stored in the concept of Path, and when a drawing command is received, a portion surrounded by the coordinates is drawn at once. . When the specified amount of Path is large or when the specified amount of Bezier curve that needs further calculation for drawing is large, the processing takes time. In the case of PCL XL (registered trademark), it is determined that time is required for data conversion when there is a command such as the following.
BEZEPATH: Commands for registering Bezier in Path (Three points make up one set, but you can specify a large number by specifying the number of arrays. In that case, calculation is also required, so there are many commands. This will increase the processing time.)
PAINTPATH: Actual Path Drawing Instruction The determination unit 31 takes time to convert the page unit PDL data into image data when there is a predetermined number of the above commands or considering the processing time required for the above commands. Judge whether there is. The processing amount required for the command is registered in advance. Furthermore, the processing amount required for each command may be updated based on the result obtained by actual analysis processing.

In step S8, the raster data generation unit 25A executes the rest of the PDL data analysis process, and further performs a development process. That is, the raster data generation unit 25A converts the page unit PDL data into page unit image data and stores it in the storage unit 34A.
In step S9, the page unit PDL data stored in S5 is deleted.

In step S10, the page unit raster data is FAX encoded, and the page unit FAX encoded data is stored in the storage unit 34A.
In step S11, the page unit image data stored in step S8 is deleted.

Hereinafter, steps S12 to S17 when steps S8 to S11 are executed will be described.
In step S12, PJL GDILENGTH (for example, “@PJL SET GDILENGTH = 12043”) that is attribute information is calculated by checking the data size of the page-by-page FAX encoded data. This attribute information is given to page unit FAX encoded data.
In step S 13, the raster data transmission unit 27 A transmits the page unit FAX code data to the print data transfer processing unit 23 A, and the page unit FAX encoded data is stored in the storage unit 37. The state of the FAX encoded data is PICDATA [... Image data (12043 byte FAX code).
In step S14, the FAX encoded data stored in step S10 or step S21 (described later) is deleted.
In step S15, it is determined whether or not the PDL processing for all pages has been completed. If "Yes", the process proceeds to step S16. If "No", the process returns to step S5.
In step S <b> 16, the following PJL (“@PJL EOJ, <ESC>%-12345X”) is created and written in the storage unit 37. Thereby, in step S17, the writing to the storage unit 37 is completed, and the close process is executed.

Next, the process of step S18-step S21 is demonstrated.
In step S18, the transfer unit 33 requests the rasterization process by transferring the page unit PDL data to the second multifunction device 3B. Specifically, the page unit PDL data is transferred to the control unit 20B of the second multifunction device 3B through the network I / F 18A, the LAN 4 of the first multifunction device 3A, and the network I / F 18B of the second multifunction device 3B. The As described above, the raster data generation process is not performed on the page unit PDL data in the first multifunction device 3A.
Prior to this process, whether or not the second multifunction device 3B is in use is confirmed via the LAN 4.
In step S19, the page unit PDL data saved in step S5 is deleted.
In step S20, the process waits for page-by-page FAX encoded data to be sent from the second multifunction device 3B. When FAX encoded data is sent, the process proceeds to step S21.
In step S21, the received page unit FAX encoded data is stored in the storage unit 34A. Specifically, the receiving unit 29A receives the data and then stores it in the storage unit 34A. If step S21 is completed, the process proceeds to step S12.

Next, steps S12 to S17 when steps S18 to S21 are executed will be described.
In step S12, PJL GDILENGTH (for example, “@PJL SET GDLENGTH = 2448612”), which is attribute information, is calculated by confirming the data size of the FAX encoded data in page units. This attribute information is given to the FAX encoded data.
In step S13, the raster data transmission unit 27A transmits the FAX encoded data to the print data transfer processing unit 23A, and the FAX encoded data is stored in the storage unit 37. The state of the FAX encoded data is PICDATA [... Image data (2448612 byte FAX code).
In step S14, the FAX encoded data saved in step S10 is deleted.
In step S15, it is determined whether or not the PDL processing for all pages has been completed. If "Yes", the process proceeds to step S16. If "No", the process returns to step S5.
In step S <b> 16, the following PJL (“@PJL EOJ, <ESC>%-12345X”) is created and written in the storage unit 37. Thereby, in step S17, the writing to the storage unit 37 is completed, and the close process is executed.

(6) Control Operation of Requested Multifunction Device The control operation when the second multifunction device 3B receives a raster data generation request will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the multifunction peripheral that is the request for rasterization of PDL data.

  In step S31, the control unit 20B of the second multifunction device 3B waits for page-unit PDL data to be transmitted from the first multifunction device 3A (that is, a rasterize request is made). Specifically, the receiving unit 29B of the control unit 20B receives the page unit PDL data. When page unit PDL data is received, the process proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, the page unit PDL data is stored in the storage unit 34B of the print data analysis processing unit 21B.
In step S33, the raster data generation unit 25B converts the page unit PDL data into page unit raster data. At this time, since the raster data generation unit 25B has high performance, even page-unit PDL data requiring complicated processing can be rasterized in a relatively short time. The page unit raster data is stored in the storage unit 34B of the print data analysis processing unit 21B.
In step S34, the page unit PDL data stored in step S32 is deleted.

In step S35, the page unit image data is FAX encoded, and the page unit FAX encoded data is stored in the storage unit 34B.
In step S36, the page unit raster data stored in step S33 is deleted.
In step S37, page-by-page FAX encoded data is transmitted to the first multifunction device 3A. Specifically, the transmission unit 39 transmits the page unit FAX encoded data via the network I / F 18B.
In step S38, the page unit FAX encoded data saved in step S35 is deleted.

  After the second multifunction device 3B establishes a session from the first multifunction device 3A, the transfer of page unit PDL data and the reception of page unit FAX encoded data are executed within the same session. Specifically, WebSocket Protocol is used for the control.

(7) Control Operation of Print Data Transfer Processing Unit The print control of the print data transfer processing unit 23A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the print data transfer processing unit of the multifunction machine.
In step S <b> 41, the print control unit 35 determines whether there is print data in the storage unit 37. If “No”, the process ends. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S42.
In step S <b> 42, the print control unit 35 reads the PJL of the data written in the storage unit 37 and sets print control according to the PrintJob condition. For example, @PJL SET GDILENGTH = xxx, PICDATA [... Image data (xxxx byte FAX code). The print control unit 35 decodes the page-by-page FAX encoded data to convert it into image data.

In step S <b> 43, the print control unit 35 executes printing by transmitting page-unit image data to the printer 10.
In step S44, the print control unit 35 determines whether there is image data with the same PrintJobID. Specifically, the read data is “@PJL EOJ, <ESC>%-12345X”. If “Yes”, the process returns to step S 42, and if “No”, the process proceeds to step S 45.
In step S <b> 45, the print control unit 35 deletes the page unit FAX encoded data stored in the storage unit 37. If step S45 ends, the process ends.
In the operation of the print data transfer processing unit 23A described above, the print data transfer processing unit 23A does not process image data regardless of which of the first multifunction device 3A and the second multifunction device 3B generates raster data. Common processing can be executed. The reason is that the same attribute information is given to the FAX encoded data when the raster data is generated by the first multifunction device 3A and when the raster data is generated by the second multifunction device 3B.

(8) Features The above embodiment can be expressed as follows.

(A) The print data analysis processing unit 21A is used in the first multifunction machine 3A (image forming apparatus) that functions as the first image forming apparatus. The first multifunction device 3A is connected to the first PC 2A and the second multifunction device 3B via the LAN 4, and print data transfer processing for performing print processing by transmitting raster data to the printer 10 (printing unit) and the printer 10. Part 23A. The print data analysis processing unit 21A includes a raster data generation unit 25A, a determination unit 31, a transfer unit 33, a reception unit 29A, and a raster data transmission unit 27A (transmission unit). The raster data generation unit 25A cuts PDL data sent from the first PC 2A into page unit PDL data, and generates page unit raster data by performing analysis processing and expansion processing on the page unit PDL data. Based on the result of the analysis processing performed by the raster data generation unit 25A, the determination unit 31 converts the page unit PDL data into a second composite image forming apparatus having a raster data generation unit having higher performance than the first image forming apparatus. It is determined whether or not to transfer to the machine 3B. When it is determined that the page unit PDL data is transferred to the second multifunction device 3B, the transfer unit 33 transfers the page unit PDL data to the second multifunction device 3B. The receiving unit 29A receives the page unit raster data sent from the second multifunction device 3B after the transfer. The raster data transmission unit 27A transmits the page unit raster data generated by the raster data generation unit 25A and the page unit raster data sent from the second multifunction device 3B to the print data transfer processing unit 23A.
With the above configuration, when it is determined that the page unit PDL data is to be transferred to the second multifunction device 3B based on the result of the analysis process performed by the raster data generation unit 25A, the page unit PDL data is transferred to the second multifunction device 3B. Is done. When the page unit raster data sent from the second multifunction device 3B is received, the page unit raster data is transmitted to the print data transfer processing unit 23A. As described above, since the raster data is generated by the second multifunction device 3B having a higher processing capability, the PDL data that takes time to develop is sent to an image forming apparatus that does not have a high function of the raster data generation unit. Even in this case, high-speed processing is possible. In other words, the time from when the first multifunction device 3A receives the PDL data to when the printing process is performed is shortened.
The case where it is determined that the page unit PDL data is transferred to the second multi-function peripheral 3B is, for example, a case where it is determined that if the raster data generation unit 25A directly processes during the analysis, it takes more than a predetermined time.
Further, the page unit PDL data to be transferred may be an entire page or a part of one page.

(B) In step S6 of FIG. 4, the raster data generation unit 25A analyzes whether or not the page unit PDL data includes a command for generating raster data for a long time before development. In this case, the determination unit 31 determines whether or not to transfer the page unit PDL data to the second multifunction device 3B based on the analysis result.
In this case, since whether or not the page unit PDL includes a command to make the raster data generation for a long time is analyzed before development, if the page unit PDL is time-consuming, the development process in the first multifunction device 3A is performed. Can be omitted. As a result, the overall processing time is shortened.

(C) The attribute information given to the page unit raster data is the same when the raster data generating unit 25A generates the data and when the second multifunction device 3B generates the data.
In this case, the print data transfer processing unit 23A can execute the same process on the received raster data regardless of the apparatus that has performed the expansion process.

(D) The transfer of the page unit PDL data by the transfer unit 33 and the reception of the page unit raster data by the reception unit 29A are executed in the same session.
In this case, if the second multifunction device 3B generates image data after the page unit PDL data is transferred, the image data is immediately transmitted from the second multifunction device 3B to the first multifunction device 3A. Therefore, the time lag is reduced, that is, the first multifunction device 3A can obtain image data early.

(9) Other Embodiments Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, a plurality of embodiments and modifications described in this specification can be arbitrarily combined as necessary.

  (A) In the above embodiment, the number of page-unit PDL data transfer destinations is only one, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. With respect to one piece of PDL data, a rasterization request for each page may be transmitted to a plurality of other image forming apparatuses.

  (B) In the above-described embodiment, the primary analysis process for PDL data in units of pages is performed for one page in step S5 in FIG. 4, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The primary analysis processing of PDL data in page units may be performed continuously for a plurality of pages or all pages.

  (C) In the above embodiment, data is transferred, processed, and returned for each page in steps S8 to S14 and steps S18 to S21 in FIG. 4, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. . Multiple pages of data transfer, processing and return may be performed. A plurality of pages may be distributed and transferred to a plurality of multifunction peripherals.

  (D) In the above-described embodiment, only page-unit PDL data that takes a long time to generate a raster is transferred to another multifunction peripheral. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, even page unit PDL data that does not take a long time to generate a raster may be transferred together when page unit PDL data before and after is transferred.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the primary analysis process is performed to determine the complexity of the page unit PDL. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, while normal raster generation processing (analysis / development) is performed on the page unit PDL data, the page unit PDL data may be transferred if it is determined that the raster data generation takes a long time.

  The present invention can be widely applied to image forming apparatuses that print print data received via a network.

1 Network system 2A 1st PC
2B 2nd PC
2C 3rd PC
3A First multifunction device (image forming apparatus)
3B Second MFP 3C Third MFP 4 LAN
10 Printer (print section)
11 Scanner 12 FAX Control Unit 13 IFAX Control Unit 14 Operation Unit 15 Display Unit 17 Modem 18A Network I / F
18B Network I / F
20A Control unit 20B Control unit 21A Print data analysis processing unit 21B Print data analysis processing unit 23A Print data transfer processing unit 23B Print data transfer processing unit 25A Raster data generation unit 25B Raster data generation unit 27A Raster data transmission unit (transmission unit)
27B raster data transmission unit 29A reception unit 29B reception unit 31 determination unit 33 transfer unit 34A storage unit 34B storage unit 35 print control unit 37 storage unit 39 transmission unit

Claims (11)

Connected to an external information processing apparatus and other image forming apparatuses via a network, and includes a print unit and a print data transfer processing unit that performs print processing by transmitting raster data to the print unit. In the image forming apparatus functioning as the first image forming apparatus,
A raster data generating unit that cuts out PDL data sent from the information processing apparatus into page unit PDL data, and generates page unit raster data by performing analysis processing and expansion processing on the page unit PDL data;
Based on the result of the analysis processing performed by the raster data generation unit, it is determined whether or not to transfer the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus having a raster data generation unit having higher performance than the first image forming apparatus. A determination unit to
If it is determined that the page unit PDL data is transferred to the second image forming apparatus, a transfer unit that transfers the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus;
A receiving unit for receiving page-unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus after transfer;
A transmission unit for transmitting the page unit raster data generated by the raster data generation unit and the page unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus to the print data transfer processing unit;
A print data analysis processing unit. The raster data generation unit analyzes whether or not the page unit PDL data includes a command that causes raster data generation for a long time, before development,
The print data analysis processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether to transfer the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus based on an analysis result.   The print data analysis according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attribute information given to the page-unit raster data is the same when the raster data generation unit generates the data and when the second image forming apparatus generates the data. Processing part.   The print data analysis processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the transfer of the page unit PDL data by the transfer unit and the reception of the page unit raster data by the reception unit are executed in the same session. . An image forming apparatus that is connected to an external information processing apparatus and another image forming apparatus via a network and functions as a first image forming apparatus,
The print section;
A communication unit that receives PDL data from an external information processing apparatus via a network;
The PDL data is cut into page-unit PDL data, and a raster data generation unit that generates page-unit raster data by performing analysis processing and expansion processing on the page-unit PDL data, and results of analysis processing performed by the raster data generation unit. A determination unit for determining whether or not to transfer the page unit PDL data to a second image forming apparatus having a raster data generation unit having higher performance than the first image forming apparatus; If it is determined to be transferred to the second image forming apparatus, a transfer unit that transfers the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus, and a page unit raster sent from the second image forming apparatus after the transfer. A receiving unit that receives data, page unit raster data generated by the raster data generation unit, and page unit raster sent from the second image forming apparatus; A print data analysis processing unit and a transmission unit that transmits over data in the print data transfer processing unit,
A print data transfer processing unit having a storage unit for storing the page unit raster data and a print control unit for instructing printing by reading the page unit raster data from the storage unit and then transmitting the page unit raster data to the print unit; ,
An image forming apparatus. The raster data generation unit analyzes whether or not the page unit data includes a command to make raster data generation for a long time before development,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether to transfer the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus based on an analysis result.   7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the attribute information given to the page-unit raster data is the same when the raster data generation unit generates the data and when the second image forming apparatus generates the data. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the transfer of the page unit PDL data by the transfer unit and the reception of the page unit raster data by the reception unit are executed in the same session. Connected to an external information processing apparatus and other image forming apparatuses via a network, and includes a print unit and a print data transfer processing unit that performs print processing by transmitting raster data to the print unit. In the image forming apparatus functioning as the first image forming apparatus,
Cutting out PDL data sent from the information processing apparatus into page unit PDL data, generating page unit raster data by performing analysis processing and expansion processing on the page unit PDL data;
Determining whether to transfer the page unit PDL data to a second image forming apparatus having a raster data generation unit having higher performance than the first image forming apparatus based on the result of the analysis process;
Transferring the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus if it is determined that the page unit PDL data is transferred to the second image forming apparatus;
Receiving page unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus after transfer;
Transmitting page unit raster data generated by the raster data generation unit and page unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus to the print data transfer processing unit;
A print data analysis processing method. The step of generating the page unit raster data includes a step of analyzing whether or not the page unit data includes a command for making the raster data generation for a long time, before development.
The print data analysis processing method according to claim 9, wherein in the determination step, it is determined whether to transfer the page unit PDL data to the second image forming apparatus based on the analysis result. The print data analysis processing method according to claim 9 or 10,
Printing the page unit raster data generated in the raster data generation step and the page unit raster data sent from the second image forming apparatus;
An image forming method.

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