JP2013120507A - Document processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate appropriate jobs according to output destination devices in a document processing method which performs a print setting while coordinating with a job control server, and outputs the jobs to an image forming apparatus and a post-processing device.SOLUTION: A document processing method comprises: print setting means which sets printing instruction information with respect to an image forming apparatus and a post-processing device; job generation means which generates a print job based on the printing instruction information; and control means which controls the print job. The print setting means includes: determination means which determines a start mode; initial setting reading means which reads initial setting information; and display means which displays a print setting and a post-processing setting. The job generation means includes: determination means which determines whether the initial setting information includes post-processing device information; formation means which forms a job based on a GUI setting; and transmission means which transmits the job to the post-processing device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a document processing method that operates with a job management server, performs print settings for print data, and outputs the print data to a configuration including an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus.

  In the conventional document processing method, when print setting is performed in cooperation with the job management server and output to a system configuration including the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus, an instruction from the user is provided in the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus. The job management server edits the print job received from the document processing method according to either the case where priority is given to output from the processing device or the case where priority is given to using a post-processing device not provided in the image forming device. There was one that performed such control (Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-271661 A

  However, in the document processing method in which the print setting is performed in cooperation with the job management server and output to the system configuration including the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus, a GUI or other device is used according to the cooperation and the output destination apparatus. There was a problem that the control had to be changed.

  Further, when outputting to the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus, it is necessary to control the job management server to edit the print job once generated by the document processing method according to the output destination apparatus, and the processing becomes complicated. There was a problem. Further, there is a problem that the job management server side must have control for editing a print job and control for outputting data for controlling the post-processing device by communicating with the post-processing device. That is, there is a problem that only the document processing method side cannot be applied to a configuration having a control for generating a print job according to an output destination device or a control for outputting to a post-processing device.

Under such a purpose, the first invention provides:
Print setting means (505) for setting print instruction information for the image forming apparatus and post-processing apparatus, job generation means (506) for generating a print job based on the print instruction information, and management means (501) for managing print jobs A document processing method comprising:
The print setting means includes
Determination means (704) for determining whether or not the start mode performs job management;
Initial setting reading means (701) for reading initial setting information;
Display means (713) for displaying print settings and post-processing settings;
When the determination unit determines that the start mode is to execute job management, the initial setting reading unit reads initial setting information including job identification information (508), and the read output destination information and initial setting information. Is displayed on the display means, and GUI control (708) is performed.
If the determination means determines that the mode is not a start mode for performing job management, the initial setting information is started without requiring reading of initial setting information including job identification information,
The job generation means includes
A determination means (805) for determining whether post-processing apparatus information is included in the initial setting information;
Forming means (807) for forming a job based on the setting of the GUI;
A transmission means (808) for transmitting a job to the post-processing apparatus;
When it is determined that the determination unit includes post-processing apparatus information, the forming unit forms a job corresponding to the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus so as to include the job identification information, and the formed image forming apparatus Output the job to the management unit, and the transmission unit transmits the formed job for the post-processing device to the post-processing device,
If the determination unit determines that the post-processing apparatus information is not included, the forming unit forms a job for the image forming apparatus so as to include job identification information, and manages the formed job for the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by being output to.

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
When the determination unit determines that the determination unit includes post-processing apparatus information, the image forming apparatus job is changed to an attached job for job identification and a main body job including print original data for image formation. It is characterized by being divided and formed.

The third invention is
Print setting means (505) for setting print instruction information for the image forming apparatus and post-processing apparatus, job generation means (506) for generating a print job based on the print instruction information, and management means (501) for managing print jobs A document processing method comprising:
The print setting means includes
Determination means (704) for determining whether or not the start mode performs job management;
Initial setting reading means (701) for reading initial setting information;
Setting means (505) for setting output destination information of the post-processing device;
Display means (713) for displaying print settings and post-processing settings;
When the determination unit determines that the start mode is to execute job management, the initial setting reading unit reads initial setting information including job identification information (508), and the read output destination information and initial setting information. Is displayed on the display means, and GUI control (708) is performed.
If the determination means determines that the mode is not a start mode for performing job management, the initial setting information is started without requiring reading of initial setting information including job identification information,
The job generation means includes
Determination means (805) for determining whether output destination information of the post-processing device is designated by the setting means;
Forming means (807) for forming a job based on the setting of the GUI;
A transmission means (808) for transmitting a job to the post-processing apparatus;
When the determination unit determines that the output destination information of the post-processing apparatus is designated, the forming unit forms a job corresponding to the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus so as to include the job identification information, The job for the formed image forming apparatus is output to the management unit, and the transmission unit transmits the job for the formed post-processing device to the post-processing device,
When the determination unit determines that the output destination information of the post-processing apparatus is not specified, the forming unit forms a job for the image forming apparatus so as to include job identification information, and the formed image forming apparatus It is characterized in that a job for use is output to the management means.

According to a fourth invention, in the third invention,
When the determination unit determines that the output destination information of the post-processing device is designated, the forming unit includes a job for the image forming device, an attached job for job identification, and a print original for image formation. It is characterized by being divided into a main job including data.

  In the document processing method that performs print settings (paper settings, duplex settings, etc.) in cooperation with the job management server and outputs the system configuration including the image forming apparatus and post-processing apparatus, depending on the time of cooperation and the output destination Necessary GUI control and processing specific to linkage processing (such as reading initial values (job ID, print settings, output destination image forming apparatus, post-processing apparatus) and starting up with the settings reflected) become able to.

  Furthermore, when the document processing method generates a print job, the job management server can appropriately generate a print job according to the output destination and output it to the post-processing device. Even when the job editing function and the output function to the post-processing apparatus are not provided, appropriate output to the image processing apparatus and the post-processing apparatus can be performed.

It is a figure which shows the network structure of the document processing system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the server of the document processing system of this embodiment, a client, and a printer. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the nearline finisher of the document processing system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the software structure of the document processing system of this embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process outline | summary of the document processing system of this embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example when the imposition application 505 is activated. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of termination processing of an imposition application 505. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of starting an imposition application 505. It is an example of a job setting file 508. It is an example of a status file 511. It is an example of the message which the imposition application 505 displays.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Outline of Document Processing System of this Embodiment]
An outline of the document processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this example, the job management server, the client module, and the imposition application are shown separately so that the respective functions become clear. However, the installation package provided to the user is not limited to these, and these It is good also as an application and system which combined. Details will be described below.

<Example of Network Configuration of Document Processing System According to this Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration of the document processing system according to the present embodiment.

  A server 101, a client 102, a printer 103 as an image forming apparatus, and a nearline finisher 104 as a post-processing apparatus are connected to the network 100. The nearline finisher 104 is not physically connected to the printer 103, but is a post-processing device that can communicate with the server 101, the client 102, and the printer 104. On the server 101, programs such as a job management server program and a WEB server described later are operating. In addition, a printer driver program for connecting the printer 103 and the nearline finisher 104 via the network and controlling the printer 103 is installed. In the figure, there is one client 102, one printer 103, and one nearline finisher 104, but there may be a plurality of each. The network 100 may be the Internet. For example, the network may be configured to access the server 101 from the client 102 over the Internet.

<Hardware Configuration Example of Document Processing System of this Embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server 101, the client 102, and the printer 103 in the document processing system according to the present embodiment. Since the configurations of the server 101 and the client 102 are the same, in FIG. 2, they are collectively referred to as a host computer (hereinafter referred to as host computer 101).

  The host computer 101 executes a CPU 201 that executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets), and the like are mixed based on a document processing program stored in the ROM 203 or a document processing program stored in the external memory 211. The CPU 201 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 204. In addition, an operating system program or the like as a control program of the CPU 201 is stored in the program ROM or the external memory 211 in the ROM 203, and the font ROM or the external memory 211 in the ROM 203 is used for the document processing. Font data and the like are stored, and various data used when performing the document processing and the like are stored in the data ROM in the ROM 203 or the external memory 211. The RAM 202 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201.

  A keyboard controller (KBC) 205 controls key input from a keyboard 209 or a pointing device (not shown). A CRT controller (CRTC) 206 controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 210. A disk controller (DKC) 207 is a hard disk (HD) or floppy (registered trademark) disk that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter referred to as a printer driver), and the like. Controls access to the external memory 211 such as (FD). A printer controller (PRTC) 208 is connected to the printer 103 via a bidirectional interface (interface) 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 103 and the nearline finisher 104. The NC 212 is connected to the network and executes communication control processing with other devices connected to the network.

  Note that the CPU 201 executes, for example, outline font development (rasterization) processing on the display information RAM set on the RAM 202 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 210. The CPU 201 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210 and executes various data processing. When executing printing, the user opens a window relating to print settings, and can set the printer and the nearline finisher, and set the print processing method for the printer driver including print mode selection.

  The printer 103 is controlled by the CPU 312. The CPU 312 of the printer outputs as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 317 connected to the system bus 315 based on a control program stored in the program ROM in the ROM 313 or a control program stored in the external memory 314. The image signal is output. The program ROM in the ROM 313 stores a control program for the CPU 312 and the like. The font ROM in the ROM 313 stores font data used when generating the output information, and the data ROM in the ROM 313 is a host computer in the case of a printer without the external memory 314 such as a hard disk. Information used above is stored.

  The CPU 312 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 318 and can notify the host computer 101 of information in the printer. The input unit 318 may further include a network controller and be connected to the host computer 101 via a network. In this case, the RAM 319 is a RAM that functions as a main memory of the CPU 312, a work area, or the like, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 319 is used for an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. Access to the above-described external memory 314 such as a hard disk (HD) or IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 320. The external memory 314 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 321 denotes the above-described operation panel, on which switches for operation, LED indicators, and the like are arranged.

  The external memory 314 is not limited to one, and a plurality of external memories 314 are provided, and a plurality of external memories storing an option card and a program for interpreting a printer control language having a different language system in addition to the built-in font can be connected. May be. Furthermore, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided, and printer mode setting information from the operation panel 321 may be stored.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the nearline finisher 104 in the document processing system according to the present embodiment.

  The nearline finisher includes a post-processing device 410 that performs post-processing such as saddle stitch binding, case binding, paper folding, and stapling on a print sheet, and a controller 400 that controls the post-processing device 410.

  The controller 400 has a control program execution function and a peripheral device control function. The controller 400 controls the entire finisher, a system bus connecting each component in the control unit, a control program executed by the processor, various data, and the like. ROM is provided. The controller 400 also includes a RAM that stores job tickets and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the controller 400 includes a network unit 4001, a storage device 4002, a job control unit 4003, an operation unit 4004, a job control information interpretation unit 4005, and a device control unit 4006.

  The network unit 4001 communicates with other network devices such as the external host computer 101 and the printer 103, and receives a job ticket (also referred to as “job control information”) in which a post-processing instruction is described. The storage device 4002 is a primary storage device such as a DRAM that temporarily stores information or a secondary storage device such as an HDD. The storage device 4002 is provided with an area 4002a for storing profile information such as the name, format, and ID of the nearline finisher, an area 4002b for storing the above-described job ticket, and the like. Note that data stored in the areas 4002a and 4002b may be stored in a ROM (not shown) in the job control unit 4003. Further, these data may be transferred to the printer 103 via a network and read (or written in advance) by the printer 103. By such a method, various controls described later when the printed matter obtained by the printer 103 is used by the near-line finisher or the offline finisher (post-processing device included in the printer 103) can be executed.

  The job control unit 4003 includes a processor (CPU) that controls a print job in the nearline finisher, a memory, and the like. The operation unit 4004 accepts an operation for selecting a job ticket to be subjected to ID input or post-processing from the user.

  The job control information interpretation unit 4005 interprets the input job ticket and converts it into a format that can control the device. The job ticket for controlling the finisher is also called post-processing setting information. The device control unit 4006 controls the post-processing device 410. The post-processing device 410 is a processing mechanism that performs post-processing (post-press processing), and includes, for example, hardware for realizing a case binding function.

<Software Configuration Example of Document Processing System According to this Embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the document processing system according to the present embodiment.

  The document processing system is realized by computers 101 and 102 which are preferred embodiments of the document processing apparatus (information processing apparatus) of the present invention.

  FIG. 3A shows the software configuration of the server 101. On the server 101, a job management server program 501 that is a program for setting and managing a print job, and a printer driver 502 that is a printer driver program for controlling the printer 103 operate. The job management server program 501 is an application program that accepts a print job from a user, executes printing, and provides a function for managing the print job. The job management server program 501 transmits a print job to the printer 103 through the printer driver 502.

  The user can select a print job held by the job management server program 501 and make settings such as the type of paper to be printed and duplex printing for the selected print job. The job management server program 501 is configured as a program having a GUI unit and can be operated from a keyboard 209 connected to the server 101. However, the job management server program 501 can be operated from a client 102 which is a different computer from the server 101. A configuration may be adopted in which 501 is accessed and operated via a network. By configuring the job management server program 501 to operate together with the WEB server program, the user can access the job management server program 501 operating on the server 101 from the client 102 connected to the network through the WEB browser. Further, instead of a general-purpose WEB browser, a dedicated client application (not shown) may be installed in the client 102 and the job management server program 501 may be operated from this client application.

  FIG. 1B shows a software configuration of the client 102. A WEB browser 503 is installed on the client 102. A client module 504 is installed in order to add operability and functions that are lacking in the standard functions of the WEB browser. The client module 504 is a WEB browser plug-in, which is acquired from the job management server program 501 by a method such as downloading, and installed in the client 102. Furthermore, an imposition application 505 is installed in the client 102, and the user can set a more detailed printing method by operating the imposition application 505.

  The client module 504 receives the print document data 507, the job setting file 508, and the print setting file 509 from the job management server program 501, and stores the files in a location accessible by the imposition application 505. The print original data 507 is data for printing on paper at the time of printing, such as a document created by a program such as a word processor or document data digitized from paper by a scanner. In the case of a document created by a word processor or the like, since printing cannot be performed when there is no application that created the document, a general-purpose data format PDF is often used. The job setting file 508 includes a job management server program 501, a client module 504, an imposition application 505, and the like including a job ID that is information for specifying a job, information on a printer that performs printing, and information on a nearline finisher that performs post-processing. This file contains information to be shared with other modules. The print setting file 509 is a file in which print settings for print original data, for example, information such as double-sided printing, color printing, stapling, and paper used for printing are described.

  The imposition application 505 receives these files 507 to 509 at the time of activation, and is activated in a state in which they are read. The imposition application 505 prints to the printer driver 506 and outputs a job ticket to the nearline finisher 104. When the printer driver 502 is shared as a printer server and the printer driver 506 is installed with the point-and-print function of Windows (registered trademark), the print job printed by the imposition application 505 is a printer. The data is sent to the printer driver 502 through the driver 506 and printed by the printer 103 in accordance with an instruction from the job management server 501. Since the print job is passed to the server 101 via the printer driver 502, the job management server program 501 can manage the print job. The imposition application 505 stores the document file 510 and the status file 511 for which the print setting has been completed in a location accessible by the client module 504 after the execution of printing and the output of the job ticket are completed.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of processing performed by the user, the client module 504, the job management server program 501, the imposition application 505, the nearline finisher 104, and the printer 103.

  The user operates the WEB browser 503 that operates on the client 102 and the client module 504 that operates together with the WEB browser. In FIG.

  The client module 504 receives an editing instruction (601) from the user. When the user selects a data list of candidates for editing displayed on the client module 504 and presses the ENTER key, or when the client module has a button as a GUI component for starting the imposition application 505, this By selecting a button with a keyboard or a mouse, the client module 504 can receive data to be edited and an instruction to start editing as an editing instruction 601. Then, the client module 504 sends a data request (602) to the job management server program 501 together with an ID for specifying the job to be edited. In response to the data request (602), the job management server program 501 sends print document data 507, a job setting file 508, and a print setting file 509 corresponding to the designated job ID (603). As a sending method, an HTTP or FTP communication method, a method using a shared file server, or the like can be used.

  Further, device DB information including information on functions such as paper and stapling that can be used by the printer 103 used for printing is transmitted (604). The device DB information may be virtual device information using a sum (OR) or a product (AND) of information of a plurality of devices, even if the device DB information is information unique to the device. In the case of a workflow in which a device that actually prints later is changed or a printer job is distributed to a plurality of devices, virtual device information can be used. When the OS of the server 101 and the client 102 is Windows, the printer driver 502 can be used as a printer server, and the printer driver 506 can be installed using the “point and print” function of the OS. The printer driver 506 can be used as a device information DB for acquiring information such as the configuration of the printer 103.

  Furthermore, the client module 504 places the print document data 507, the job setting file 508, and the print setting file 509 in a location accessible by the print imposition application 505, and then starts the imposition application 505 in the job management server cooperation mode ( 605). Further, the print document data 507, the job setting file 508, and the print setting file 509 are sent to the imposition application 505 (606). As the print original data, data in PDF format widely used in the printing industry can be used. In addition to the PDF format, image data such as TIFF and JPEG, PS format, and the like may be used. A method of sending print setting information together with print original data is also conceivable. In this case, the imposition application 505 can be configured to start up with the print settings read together with the print data. JDF, which is a standard format, can be used for print settings, but it may be in an original format.

  The user operates the imposition application 505 that has read the print original data or the like (607), and performs various print settings such as paper type settings. When the print setting is completed, the user ends the imposition application 505 (608). The imposition application 505 that has received the end message 608 executes printing (609) for the printer driver 506 designated at the time of activation, sends a job ticket to the nearline finisher 104 (610), and further includes a document file 510 and The status file 511 is sent to the client module 504 (611). Upon receiving the data transmission (609, 611), the client module 504 transmits the received data to the job management server program 501 (612). Further, the client module 504 notifies the job management server program 501 that the processing has been completed (613). When the user issues a print instruction to the client module 504 (614), the client module 504 sends print data to the printer 103 via an instruction (615) to the job management server program 510 (616).

  In this figure, after the imposition application 505 is activated, the print document data 507, the job setting file 508, and the print setting file 509 are sent to the imposition application 505 in 606. However, these parameters are set as parameters at the time of activation. A form in which 605 and 606 are combined, including the path, is also conceivable. Further, as described above, a method in which the print data generated in 609 is not sent to the job management server program 501 by the client module 504 but a method in which the printer driver 506 sends it to the printer driver 502 serving as a printer server is also possible. It is.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example when the imposition application 505 is activated. In this specification, the imposition application 505 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, HDD, and the like. Note that the procedure shown in the flowchart is stored in any of the RAM, ROM, and HDD storage means of the imposition application 505 and executed by the CPU.

  In step 701, the imposition application 505 reads command line parameters at the time of activation, and analyzes the presence of activation options and input files. In step 702, the imposition application 505 determines whether print document data is specified in the command line parameter read in step 701. If it is designated, the process proceeds to 703, and if not, the process proceeds to 704. In step 703, the imposition application 505 reads the print document data 507 specified by the command line parameter read in step 701. In the command line parameter, address information of the print original data 507, the job setting file 508, and the print setting file 509 is described. The address information can be in the form of URL or file path. Also, the print document data 507 need not be single, and a plurality of data may be read together. Next, in step 704, the imposition application 505 determines whether the activation option is specified by the command line parameter read in step 701. If the activation option is specified, the process proceeds to step 705. If not, the application is activated as it is.

  In step 705, the imposition application 505 further reads the job setting file 508. The job setting file 508 can include information such as a job ID, a print destination printer, and an output destination nearline finisher. Next, in step 706, the imposition application 505 determines whether the job setting file read in step 705 includes output destination nearline finisher information. If the nearline finisher information is included, the process proceeds to 707, and if not, the process proceeds to 708. In step 707, the imposition application 505 registers the nearline finisher with the imposition application 505 in order to perform setting and output to the nearline finisher. In step 708, the imposition application 505 reflects the contents of the job setting file 508 read in step 705. For example, when the imposition application 505 uses the job ID as a file name, the read job ID is used as the file name.

  Next, in step 709, the imposition application 505 reads the print setting file 509. The print setting file 509 describes various print settings to be specified for the printer at the time of printing. Print settings include color mode (monochrome color), single-sided / double-sided, binding direction (long-edge binding / short-edge binding), saddle stitching On / Off, punch holes, staple On / Off, collate, staple position, paper size , Paper type (thick paper, coated paper, etc.), paper feeding method, and the like. In step 710, the imposition application 505 reflects the print settings read in step 709. Next, in step 711, the imposition application 505 stores what the activation mode was in preparation for later processing. In step 712, the imposition application 505 saves the data folder in which the print document data and the job information file are placed as a destination to write status information and the like at the end.

  Next, in step 713, the imposition application 505 changes the GUI based on the information read at the time of activation. There are GUIs that are fixed and those that change dynamically. As an example of a fixed item, a process for disabling the alias saving menu of the imposition application 505 can be cited. When linking with the client module 504, in the method of linking the job ID to the file name, changing the file name affects the job ID, so it is necessary to disable the alias saving menu.

  For fixed GUI changes, a table or the like is prepared and GUI items written in the table may be changed. As an example of the dynamic GUI changing process, there is a process for changing the GUI configuration in accordance with the capabilities of the printer and the nearline finisher specified in the job setting file 508. Which GUI to change changes depending on the type of the designated printer or nearline finisher and the capability of the printer or nearline finisher.

  When the file name of the imposition application is “iwppm.exe”, the command line is “iwppm.exe / ud: ¥ temp”. The “/ u” portion is a start option. When this option is designated, the operation is performed in a mode linked with the job management server program 501. The “d: ¥ temp” portion of the command line indicates the path where the job information file and the print setting file are placed. Whether the placed file is job information or print settings can be determined using the extension of the file. Alternatively, the file type information may be written in the file, and the file type may be determined based on the information.

  Through the processing of this flowchart, when the imposition application 505 cooperates with the client module 504, the imposition application 505 can read the print setting as the initial setting at the time of activation, reflect it, and control the GUI for cooperation. Become.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of termination processing of the imposition application 505.

  In step 801, the imposition application 505 acquires the activation mode saved in step 711. Next, in step 802, the imposition application 505 determines whether the activation mode acquired in step 801 is the normal mode or the activation mode from the client module 504. If it is determined that the imposition application 505 is in the normal mode, the process proceeds to step 811 to continue normal termination processing. This processing includes confirmation of overwriting the file. If it is determined in step 802 that the imposition application 505 has been activated from the client module 504, the process advances to step 803 to determine whether an output instruction to the printer is issued from the job setting file 508. If the output instruction to the printer is instructed, the process proceeds to step 804. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 805. In step 804, the imposition application 505 outputs to the printer driver 506 of the printer specified in the job setting file 508 read in step 705. At this time, the printer driver 506 is instructed to set the job ID specified in the job setting file 508 in the output data generated by the printer driver 506.

  In step 805, the imposition application 505 determines whether an output instruction from the job setting file 508 to the nearline finisher has been issued. If an output instruction is given to the nearline finisher, the process proceeds to step 806. Otherwise, go to Step 809. In step 806, the imposition application 505 outputs job information data to the printer driver 506 of the printer specified in the job setting file 508 read in step 705. The job information data is data for associating the printed matter output from the printer 103 with the job ticket selected by the nearline finisher 104. For example, the job information data includes the first thumbnail image of the print job, the value of the job ID, or barcode information. At this time, the printer driver 506 is instructed to set the job ID specified in the job setting file 508 in the output data of the job information data generated by the printer driver 506. In step 807, the imposition application 505 generates a job ticket and thumbnail image data of the first page of the print job. JDF, which is a standard format, can be used for the job ticket, but it may be in a unique format. As thumbnail image data, PDF format data widely used in the printing industry can be used. In addition to the PDF format, image data such as TIFF and JPEG, PS format, and the like may be used. In step 808, the imposition application 505 transmits the job ticket generated in step 807 and the thumbnail image data of the first page of the print job to the nearline finisher specified in the job setting file 508.

  In step 809, the imposition application 505 acquires the data folder saved in step 712. In step 810, the imposition application 505 saves the file in the folder acquired in step 809. This file is sent to the job management server program 501 by the client module 504, and is stored in association with the print job output in step 804 and the job ticket output in step 808. Then, when the user designates editing processing again for the print job output in step 804 and the job ticket output in step 808, it is used instead of the original print original data. In step 811, the imposition application 505 stores the status file 511 in the folder acquired in step 809. In the status file 511, whether or not the output process to the printer driver has succeeded, whether or not the transmission process to the nearline finisher has succeeded, a detailed error code in the case of failure, the output destination printer and the destination nearline Information such as finisher is described. In step 812, the imposition application 505 creates a setting information file and saves it in the folder acquired in step 809. In the setting information file, information of the setting portion of the file saved in step 810 is written, and can be used as job information read in step 709 in the subsequent processing.

  With the processing of this flowchart, the imposition application 505 cooperates with the client module 504 to perform processing different from normal startup (execution of output to the printer driver, execution of transmission to the nearline finisher, file storage, status file) Creation). Further, when the imposition application 505 cooperates with the client module 504, it can generate job information that can be reused for subsequent processing.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of processing in which the client module 504 activates the imposition application 505. In this specification, the client module 504 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, HDD, and the like. Note that the procedure shown in the flowchart is stored in any of the RAM, ROM, and HDD storage means of the imposition application 505 and executed by the CPU.

  In step 901, the client module 504 acquires the activation mode. The startup mode includes a printer fixing mode, a printer change mode, and a near-line output mode. In the printer fixing mode, the printer printed from the imposition application 505 is not changed. In this mode, since the printer to be used can be specified, it is possible to make settings according to the capabilities of the printer. In the printer change mode, it is possible to change the printer later, but it is possible to print to a printer that cannot use all the printer functions used for printing or that cannot realize the print settings set by the imposition application 505. There is also a case. In the nearline output mode, the print job is not output to the printer, but the job ticket is output to the nearline finisher.

  In step 902, the client module 504 determines the printer mode acquired in step 901, and if it is determined that it is the printer change mode, the process proceeds to step 903, and if not, the process proceeds to step 906.

  In step 903, the client module 504 installs a dummy printer driver. This dummy printer driver is passed from the job management server program 501 to the client module 504. It is a printer driver that can receive and set only the common capabilities of available printers, or a printer driver that receives the acquisition and setting of capabilities that are the sum of the capabilities of available printers. Only common ability, sum ability, or common ability and sum ability may be mixed depending on the function. In step 904, the client module 504 registers the custom paper in the client 102. Here, the custom paper is a paper of an arbitrary size that is not a standard paper such as A4 or Letter. As a result, custom paper can be set for the dummy printer driver installed in step 903. In step 905, the client module 504 registers the paper brand information in the client 102. As a result, the paper brand information can be used from the dummy printer installed in step 903. The paper brand information is information that summarizes physical attributes of the paper, such as thickness (basis weight), surface property, color, and the like, and is information used for paper feed designation of the printer.

  In step 906, the client module 504 determines the printer mode acquired in step 901, and if it is determined that it is the printer fixed mode, the process proceeds to step 907. Otherwise (in the case of the nearline output mode), the process proceeds to step 910.

  In step 907, the client module 504 acquires printer information used for printing specified by the user. This information is information passed from the job management server program 501. In step 908, the client module 504 installs the printer driver for the printer acquired in step 907. In step 909, the client module 504 registers the custom paper in the client 102 as in step 904.

  In step 910, the client module 504 stores the print document data 507 passed from the job management server program 501 in a location accessible by the imposition application 505. In step 911, the client module 504 creates a job setting file 508 based on the information passed from the job management server program 501, and stores it in a location accessible by the imposition application 505. In step 912, the client module 504 stores the print setting file passed from the job management server program 501 in a location accessible by the imposition application 505. In step 913, the client module 504 activates the imposition application 505 using the files saved in step 910, step 911, and step 912 as activation parameters.

  FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing an example of a process that can be replaced with the process after step 910.

  Steps 914 to 916 are the same processing as steps 910 to 912. In step 917, it is determined whether the print setting file saved by the imposition application 505 in step 812 is passed from the job management server program 501. If there is a setting file, the process proceeds to step 919; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 918. In step 918, the second print setting file 509 is stored in a location accessible by the imposition application 505. In step 919, the imposition application 505 is activated using the saved print document data 507, job setting file 508, and print setting file 509 as activation parameters.

  Through the processing of this flowchart, the client module 504 can make the printer driver, custom paper, and paper brand information managed by the server 101 by the job management server program 501 available to the client 102. As a result, the imposition application 505 can share information such as custom paper with the job management server program 501.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the job setting file 508. 1000 is the contents of the job setting file. In this figure, the job setting file 508 is an XML format file. In FIG. 9A, reference numeral 1001 denotes a job ID for identifying a job. Reference numeral 1002 denotes printer information, “ModelName” indicates a printer name for specifying the printer 103, and “1” of “PrinterType” indicates a printer fixed mode. Reference numeral 1003 denotes nearline finisher information, and “URL” indicates an address of a server that transmits a job ticket. Reference numeral 1004 denotes information for specifying the print setting file 509, and “Name” describes the file name of the print setting file 509. Reference numeral 1005 denotes information for specifying the print original data 507, “Type” is the file format, and “Name” is the file name of the print original data 507. In this example, a PDF file is designated as the print document data.

  FIG. 9B shows an example of another job setting file 508. Reference numeral 1006 denotes printer information as in 1002. In 1006, “PrinterType” is set to “2”, which indicates the printer change mode. The file format “IWD” specified in 1007 is a file format unique to the imposition application 505. Since an IWD file contains print settings and document data, there is only one file.

  FIG. 10 is an example of the status file 511. 1100 is the contents of the status file. In this figure, the status file 511 is an XML format file. FIG. 10A shows an example of a normal end. Reference numeral 1101 describes file information stored by the imposition application 505. In this example, it is described that a file in the “IWD” format, which is a file format unique to the imposition application 505, is stored. Reference numeral 1102 denotes processing status information, in which a status code “0” indicating successful processing is described. With the status code value, the client module 504 and the job management server program 501 can determine whether the processing by the imposition application 505 has succeeded or failed. FIG. 10B shows an example when the imposition application 505 is terminated without saving. A file corresponding to 1101 is not described, and only a return code “2000” is described in 1103.

  FIG. 10C shows an example when an error occurs. There is no description of the file here, and a negative value error code "-1010" indicating an error is described in 1104 in the return code.

  An example of the print setting file 509 is not shown, but the color mode (color printing / monochrome printing) type, printing method (single-sided printing / double-sided printing long side binding / double-sided printing short side binding), saddle stitch bookbinding On / Off, punch Specification regarding printing such as hole setting, collating / non-collating, stapling setting, paper size, paper name, and paper feeding unit can be described. The print setting is not limited to this, and for example, it is possible to include settings for perfect binding and cutting.

  The imposition application 505 reads the print setting file 509 at the time of activation. Further, capability information of the printer 103 is acquired from the printer driver 506, and capability information is acquired from the nearline finisher 104. Here, when comparing the two, if a function that cannot be realized by the printer 103 or the nearline finisher 104 is described in the print setting file 509, the imposition application notifies the user that there is an item that cannot be set. Can do.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a message displayed by the imposition application 505. This is an example of a message to be displayed when the printer 103 is a printer that cannot switch the color mode and the print setting file 509 is designated to switch the color / monochrome setting for each page. This shows that the setting for switching each page is changed to a setting for printing in all page colors and the processing is continued.

  In this embodiment, when the imposition application 505 is started from the client module 504, the nearline finisher information is described in the job setting file 508, and the imposition application 505 registers the sha in the nearline finisher based on this information. The present invention has been disclosed in a method. However, the present invention also includes a method for setting the near-line finisher by registering the near-line finisher from the GUI without registering the near-line finisher information from the client module 504 and registering the near-line finisher in the imposition application 505. Application to is possible. With this form, it is possible to separate the processing for managing the nearline finisher from the client module 504 to the imposition application 505.

101 Server 102 Client 103 Printer 104 Nearline Finisher 501 Job Management Server Program 502 Printer Driver 503 Installed on Server 101 WEB Browser 504 Client Module 505 of Job Management Server Program 401 Imposition Application 506 Printer Driver 507 Installed on Client 102 Document data file 508 Job setting file 509 Print setting file 510 Document file 511 Status file

Claims (4)

Print setting means (505) for setting print instruction information for the image forming apparatus and post-processing apparatus, job generation means (506) for generating a print job based on the print instruction information, and management means (501) for managing print jobs A document processing method comprising:
The print setting means includes
Determination means (704) for determining whether or not the start mode performs job management;
Initial setting reading means (701) for reading initial setting information;
Display means (713) for displaying print settings and post-processing settings;
When the determination unit determines that the start mode is to execute job management, the initial setting reading unit reads initial setting information including job identification information (508), and the read output destination information and initial setting information. Is displayed on the display means, and GUI control (708) is performed.
If the determination means determines that the mode is not a start mode for performing job management, the initial setting information is started without requiring reading of initial setting information including job identification information,
The job generation means includes
A determination means (805) for determining whether post-processing apparatus information is included in the initial setting information;
Forming means (807) for forming a job based on the setting of the GUI;
A transmission means (808) for transmitting a job to the post-processing apparatus;
When it is determined that the determination unit includes post-processing apparatus information, the forming unit forms a job corresponding to the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus so as to include the job identification information, and the formed image forming apparatus Output the job to the management unit, and the transmission unit transmits the formed job for the post-processing device to the post-processing device,
If the determination unit determines that the post-processing apparatus information is not included, the forming unit forms a job for the image forming apparatus so as to include job identification information, and manages the formed job for the image forming apparatus. Document processing method characterized by output to When the determination unit determines that the determination unit includes post-processing apparatus information, the image forming apparatus job is changed to an attached job for job identification and a main body job including print original data for image formation. The document processing method according to claim 1, wherein the document processing method is divided. Print setting means (505) for setting print instruction information for the image forming apparatus and post-processing apparatus, job generation means (506) for generating a print job based on the print instruction information, and management means (501) for managing print jobs A document processing method comprising:
The print setting means includes
Determination means (704) for determining whether or not the start mode performs job management;
Initial setting reading means (701) for reading initial setting information;
Setting means for setting output destination information of the post-processing device;
Display means (713) for displaying print settings and post-processing settings;
When the determination unit determines that the start mode is to execute job management, the initial setting reading unit reads initial setting information including job identification information (508), and the read output destination information and initial setting information. Is displayed on the display means, and GUI control (708) is performed.
If the determination means determines that the mode is not a start mode for performing job management, the initial setting information is started without requiring reading of initial setting information including job identification information,
The job generation means includes
Determining means for determining whether output destination information of the post-processing device is specified by the setting means;
Forming means (807) for forming a job based on the setting of the GUI;
A transmission means (808) for transmitting a job to the post-processing apparatus;
When the determination unit determines that the output destination information of the post-processing apparatus is designated, the forming unit forms a job corresponding to the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus so as to include the job identification information, The job for the formed image forming apparatus is output to the management unit, and the transmission unit transmits the job for the formed post-processing device to the post-processing device,
When the determination unit determines that the output destination information of the post-processing apparatus is not specified, the forming unit forms a job for the image forming apparatus so as to include job identification information, and the formed image forming apparatus A document processing method characterized by outputting a job for management to a management means. When the determination unit determines that the output destination information of the post-processing device is designated, the forming unit includes a job for the image forming device, an attached job for job identification, and a print original for image formation. 4. The document processing method according to claim 3, wherein the document processing method is divided into a main job including data.