JP3958006B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing apparatus control method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention stores input image data and a job in which a processing mode set for the image data is linked to the image data, reads the stored image data, and responds to the processing mode. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of print output, a control method for the image processing apparatus, a program, and a storage medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, image data read from a scanner or image data obtained by developing PDL data sent from a host computer via a network into a bitmap is temporarily stored in a memory such as a hard disk in a copying machine, and an arbitrary document is stored in the memory. There is known a digital copying machine having a function of repeatedly reading out and printing out the image data.
[0003]
These digital copiers can be connected to finishers equipped with finishing functions such as stapling, punching, folding, bookbinding and binding, and image settings such as finishing settings and image assignment on both sides can be saved. At the same time, some printers have a box function that stores them in memory as job attributes and prints them out based on the job information asynchronously with image input. In this box function, there is a function called box combination printing that selects a plurality of documents, collects the plurality of documents as one document, and performs finishing or the like.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the box combination print function of the conventional image processing apparatus described above may cause inconsistency when different print settings such as the number of copies and finishing are set for each document, the user explicitly finishes at the time of output. It was necessary to make print settings.
[0005]
For this reason, if the user notices that the number of copies is insufficient after the start of output, or the combination of documents that are frequently box-bound printed, the user must make print settings each time they print again, and the operation settings are very high. There was a problem that it was complicated.
[0006]
  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is,sameWhen combining and outputting a single document, it is not necessary to perform the same output setting each time, and it is possible to relax the settings when outputting a combined document by performing combined printing of the document with simple operation. It is possible to provide a digital copying environment that can easily handle a combined document obtained by combining a plurality of documents in a digital copying machine havingHow it worksIs to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Main departureTomorrow,Can hold multiple data for jobs for which printing conditions have been set in advanceStorage meansThe print processing of the job data stored inImage processing deviceBecause,An operation control unit that enables selection of job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance from among a plurality of job data stored in the storage unit, according to a user instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus;,From among a plurality of job data stored in the storage unit, job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance is selected by a user instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, and the operation of the image processing apparatus After a print execution instruction is input from the user,Print data for the selected job,According to the preset printing conditions for the job,Control means executed by the image processing apparatus;HaveThe control unit selects a plurality of job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance from a plurality of job data stored in the storage unit, according to a user instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, In addition, after a data combination instruction for a plurality of jobs is input from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus,,Data of one combined job created based on the data of the selected multiple jobs,There is no user input of a print execution instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus in association with the print condition of the combined job newly set in place of the preset print condition for the selected jobs. Without starting printing by the image processing apparatus,Held by the storage means,And the control means is,Print processing of the combined job data held in the storage means;,After a user inputs a print execution instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus,According to the newly set print condition of the combined job instead of the preset print condition for the plurality of selected jobs.,Executed by the image processing apparatusIt is characterized by that.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0019]
In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a digital copying machine main body, which includes an operation unit 102, a reader unit 103, and a printer unit 104. The operation unit 102 is used to operate the digital copying machine main body 101 and the image input / output control unit 105. The reader unit 103 reads an image of a document and outputs image data corresponding to the document image to the printer unit 104 and the image input / output control unit 105. The printer unit 104 records an image corresponding to the image data from the reader unit 103 and the image input / output control unit 105 on a recording sheet. The image input / output control unit 105 is connected to the reader unit 103 and includes a computer unit 106, an image memory 107, a control unit 108, and a backup RAM 110.
[0020]
The computer interface unit 106 is an interface between a print server configured by a personal computer or workstation (PC / WS) 109 and the control unit 108, and receives code data (PDL) representing an image transferred from the PC / WS 109. The image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 104 is developed and transferred to the control unit 108.
[0021]
The control unit 108 controls the flow of data among the reader unit 103, the computer interface unit 106, and the image memory 107. The control unit 108 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and the entire apparatus including the digital copying machine main body 101 and the image input / output control unit 105 based on a program stored in a ROM or a storage medium (not shown) by the CPU. Take overall control. The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU.
[0022]
The backup RAM 110 is a memory that is not erased even when the power is turned off, and stores data that must be backed up in the digital copying machine 101 and the image input / output control unit 105.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the digital copying machine main body 101 shown in FIG. 1, and particularly corresponds to the case where a Z-folding unit, a finisher, and the like are attached. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.
[0024]
In the figure, a reader unit 103 is a document feeder 201 that feeds documents one by one onto the platen glass 202 in order from the top, and discharges the document on the platen glass 202 after the document reading operation is completed. is there. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 202, the lamp 203 is turned on, and the movement of the scanner unit 204 is started to expose and scan the document. Reflected light from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 209 by mirrors 205, 206, 207 and a lens 208. Thus, the scanned image of the original is read by the CCD 209.
[0025]
Next, in the printer unit 104, reference numeral 221 denotes a laser driver, which drives the laser light emitting unit 210, and causes the laser light emitting unit 210 to emit laser light corresponding to the output image data. The laser beam is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 211, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 211. A developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 211 by the developing device 212. In the case of a color machine, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color developing devices are installed. Then, at the timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation, the recording paper is fed from any of the cassette 213, the cassette 214, and the manual paper feed stage 227, conveyed to the transfer unit 215, and developed on the photosensitive drum 211. The agent is transferred to the recording paper.
[0026]
The recording paper on which the developer is placed is conveyed to the fixing unit 216, and the developer is fixed to the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 216. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 216 is discharged by the discharge roller 217. If double-sided recording is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 217 and then the rotation direction of the discharge roller 217 is reversed. Then, the paper is guided to the refeed conveyance path 219 by the flapper 218. The recording sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path 219 is fed to the transfer unit 215 at the timing described above.
[0027]
In the case where the main body is equipped with the Z-folding unit 226, the recording paper is conveyed to the Z-folding unit, and Z-folding is performed according to an operation from the operation unit.
[0028]
When the finisher 220 is installed, the discharged recording sheets are bundled to sort the recording sheets, and according to the designation from the user, the puncher 223 punches the recording sheet, and the stapler 224 performs the stapling. Is called.
[0029]
When the saddle stitcher 225 is used, the recording paper is bound by stitching the central portion of the recording paper and folding the central portion. The inserter 222 can feed a preprinted recording sheet as a cover sheet or a slip sheet, and does not pass through the recording sheet path of the printer unit, so that the sheet can be conveyed without being damaged. A job that does not use the saddle stitcher 225 passes through the paper discharge outlet 231 and is discharged to one of the movable trays 228 and 229.
[0030]
Both of these movable trays 228 and 229 can move up and down. When outputting to the movable tray 228, the movable tray 228 descends to the position of the paper discharge outlet 231. A job using the saddle stitcher 225 passes through the paper discharge outlet 232 and is discharged to the bookbinding tray 230.
[0031]
In the present embodiment, the case where the printer unit (printer engine) 104 is a laser beam method has been described as an example. However, an electrophotographic method (for example, an LED method) other than the laser beam method may be used as a liquid crystal shutter method or an ink jet method. The present invention can be applied to a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, and other printing methods.
[0032]
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of the operation unit (operation panel) 102 shown in FIG.
[0033]
In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a power switch, which controls energization to the main body. A preheat key 302 is used to turn on / off the preheat mode. A copy A mode key 303 is used to select a copy A mode from a plurality of functions. A copy B mode key 304 is used to select the copy B mode from a plurality of functions. Copy A and Copy B have the same copy function, but if one of the copies has been read by the scanner, the next copy can be entered, so the two copies are used for the sake of clarity. It is divided.
[0034]
A mailbox key 305 is used when a mailbox mode is selected from a plurality of functions. The mailbox function is a function that has a storage area in the memory in the copying machine for each user or department, puts PDL or a scanned image in the memory area, and outputs it at any time. Reference numeral 306 denotes an expansion key, which is used when performing an operation on the PDL. These keys 303 to 306 are also used when calling up each function screen of an LCD touch panel 316 described later, and the status of each job can be viewed on the LCD 316 display.
[0035]
A copy start key 307 is used to instruct the start of copying. Reference numeral 308 denotes a stop key which is used when copying is interrupted or stopped. A reset key 309 operates as a key for returning to the standard mode during standby. Reference numeral 310 denotes a guide key which is used when it is desired to know each function. Reference numeral 311 denotes a user mode key which is used when the user changes the basic setting of the system. Reference numeral 312 denotes an interrupt key, which is used to interrupt and copy during copying.
[0036]
Reference numeral 313 denotes a numeric keypad which is used when inputting numerical values. Reference numeral 314 denotes a clear key, which is used to clear a numerical value input with the numeric keypad 313. An ID key 315 is used when shifting to an ID input mode when using a copying machine.
[0037]
Reference numeral 316 denotes an LCD touch panel composed of a combination of a liquid crystal screen and a touch sensor. An individual setting screen is displayed for each mode, and various detailed settings can be made by touching the drawn keys. It also displays the operation status of each job.
[0038]
A tally lamp 317 indicating a network communication state is normally green, blinks green when communicating, and turns red when a network error occurs.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a copy standard screen displayed on the operation panel (LCD touch panel 316) shown in FIG. The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is activated on the following copy standard screen as a default when the power is turned on.
[0040]
In the figure, 401 is a message line that displays the status of the copy job as a message. Reference numeral 402 denotes a magnification display, which displays a magnification that is automatically determined according to a set magnification or a copy mode as a percentage. A sheet size display 403 displays the selected output sheet. If automatic sheet selection is set, a message “auto sheet” is displayed. Reference numeral 404 denotes a number display indicating how many copies are made.
[0041]
Reference numeral 405 denotes a reduction key, which is used when a reduction copy is desired. An equal magnification key 406 is used when it is desired to return to the same magnification when reduction or enlargement is set. Reference numeral 407 denotes an enlargement key which is used when an enlarged copy is desired. Reference numeral 408 denotes a zoom key, which is used when it is desired to perform a reduction copy or an enlargement copy by setting a magnification in a fine unit.
[0042]
Reference numeral 409 denotes a paper selection key which is used when an output paper is designated. Reference numeral 410 denotes a sorter key, which is used when setting a sort or stapling mode. Reference numeral 411 denotes a double-sided key, which is used when setting the double-sided mode.
[0043]
Reference numeral 412 denotes a density display, which shows the current density. The density on the left side is light and the density on the right side is high. Further, the display of the density display 412 changes in conjunction with the light key 413 and the light key 415.
[0044]
The light key 413 is used when it is desired to reduce the density. The rich key 415 is used to increase the density. Reference numeral 414 denotes an automatic key, which is used when a mode for automatically determining density is used.
[0045]
A character key 416 is used to set a character mode that is automatically set to a density suitable for copying a character document. Reference numeral 417 denotes a character / photo key, which is used to set a character / photo mode that is automatically set to a density suitable for copying a document in which photographs are mixed.
[0046]
An application mode key 418 is used to set various copy modes that cannot be set on the copy standard screen. Reference numeral 419 denotes a print status key, which is used when it is desired to check the print status currently being performed by the image processing apparatus 101. The print status key 419 always appears at this position as well as the copy standard screen, and the print status can be viewed at any time by pressing this key.
[0047]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a logical usage method of the image memory 107 shown in FIG.
[0048]
As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the storage area of the image memory such as a hard disk is logically divided into a temporary area 501 and a box area 502 according to usage.
[0049]
The temporary area 501 is a memory that temporarily stores PDL development data and image data from a scanner in order to change the output order of image data or to output a plurality of copies in a single scan. It is an area. The entire box area 502 is a storage area for using the box function, and is divided into a small number of registered storage areas like the box areas 503 to 507.
[0050]
These boxes 503 to 507 are assigned to each department such as each user or company, and each box can be given a box name and a password. The user can input a PDL job or a scan job to each box by designating the box, and by actually entering the password, the user can actually see inside the box, change settings, or perform print output.
[0051]
The box registration procedure in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0052]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the box registration procedure in the present embodiment. This flowchart is executed by the CPU in the control unit 108 shown in FIG. 1 based on a program stored in a ROM or a storage medium (not shown).
[0053]
Registration in the box includes registration of a PDL image from the host computer (PC / WS 109) and a scan image from the scanner, and (a) and (b) in FIG. 6 correspond respectively. In the figure, S601 to S609 indicate each step.
[0054]
First, a case where a PDL image is registered will be described with reference to FIG.
[0055]
First, in step S601, the user performs print settings on the PC / WS 109, and the process advances to step S602. The contents of the print settings are the number of copies, paper size, enlargement / reduction ratio, single-sided / double-sided, page output order, sort output, presence or absence of stapling.
[0056]
In step S602, an area in the box area 502 of the image memory 107 shown in FIG. 5 is designated by setting a box number on the PC / WS 109, and the process proceeds to step S603. For example, here, when the box number is designated as “1”, the box area 1 (503) in the whole box area 502 is designated.
[0057]
In step S603, a print instruction is given on the PC / WS 109, and at the same time, the driver software installed on the PC / WS 109 converts the code data to be printed into so-called PDL data, and the print settings set in step S601. Along with the parameters, the PDL data is transferred to the control device 110 of the image processing apparatus, and the process proceeds to step S604.
[0058]
In step S604, the transferred PDL data is developed (rasterized) into image data. When the development of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to step S605.
[0059]
In step S605, the developed image data is sequentially stored (stored) in the entire box area 502 of the image memory 107. For example, when the box number is “1”, it is stored in the box area 1 (503). The print setting parameters set in step S601 are also recorded in the box area 1 (503). When the box numbers are “2” and “3”, they are stored in the box area 2 (504) and the box area 3 (505), respectively. Then, after the image data is stored, the process ends.
[0060]
Next, a case where a scan image is registered will be described with reference to FIG.
[0061]
First, in step S606, a box number for inputting an image is designated, and the process proceeds to step S607. In step S607, scan settings such as image processing are designated using the operation unit 102, and the process advances to step S608.
[0062]
In step S608, the start key 307 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed to issue a scan start instruction, whereby the reader unit 103 reads the document, and the process proceeds to step S609. In step S609, the image read in step S608 is stored in the box area designated in step S606, and the process ends.
[0063]
It should be noted that the processing mode such as finishing setting set at the time of image input and image allocation such as double-sided is set to the job attribute (document management table described later) when saving the image (when storing the image data in steps S605 and S609). ) And stored in a memory (box) and printed out based on the job information asynchronously with image input.
[0064]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12, the procedure of the document combination storing process in the present embodiment will be described.
[0065]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a box selection screen displayed on the operation panel in the present embodiment, and is displayed on the LCD touch panel 316 when the box key 305 of the operation panel shown in FIG. 3 is pressed. .
[0066]
This screen is a screen for selecting a box, and 701 is an area for displaying the box number, the box name, and information on how much space the box takes in the entire box area 502 of the image memory 107. When the box number is pressed, the screen changes to the password input screen shown in FIG.
[0067]
Reference numerals 702 and 703 denote a down scroll key and an up scroll key, respectively, which are used to scroll the screen when a number of boxes exceeding the display of the area 701 are registered.
[0068]
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a box password input screen displayed on the operation panel in the present embodiment.
[0069]
In the figure, reference numeral 803 denotes a password display area, which displays a password input from the numeric keypad 313 shown in FIG. 3 in obfuscated characters (here, “*”). Reference numeral 801 denotes a cancel key. When this key is pressed, the input password is invalidated, and the screen returns to the box selection screen shown in FIG. Reference numeral 802 denotes an OK key. By pressing this key, the entered password is confirmed, and the password is verified.
[0070]
In this way, by inputting the password set in each box from the password input screen, the screen transits to the in-box screen shown in FIG. 9, and each box can be accessed. If the password is different, the screen changes to a warning screen (not shown) and the box cannot be accessed.
[0071]
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an in-box screen displayed on the operation panel according to the present embodiment.
[0072]
In the figure, reference numeral 901 denotes a file list in the box, which displays the registration date and file name of each file as a list. To select a file, press the file name, and the currently selected file is highlighted. This is a toggle operation, and once selected file name is pressed again, the selection is released.
[0073]
Reference numeral 902 denotes a display indicating the selection order of the selected file. In this example, file names 5, file names 1, and file names 4 are selected in this order. This selection order is the file order when combined and saved.
[0074]
A scan key 903 is used to input an image from the scanner into the currently open box, and transitions to a scan setting screen (not shown). A print key 904 is used when printing a file selected in the file list 901.
[0075]
Reference numeral 905 denotes a combined save key, which is used when a plurality of files selected in the file list 901 are to be stored together as one file. When the combined save key 905 is pressed, the screen changes to the screen shown in FIG.
[0076]
Reference numeral 906 denotes an erase key, which is used when a file selected in the file list 901 is erased. Reference numeral 907 denotes an all selection key which is used when all the files displayed in the file list 901 are selected. When all keys are selected with this key, the selection order is the display order of the file list 901.
[0077]
Reference numerals 908 and 909 denote a down scroll key and an up scroll key, respectively, which are used to scroll the screen when a number of files exceeding the display of the file list 901 are registered. A close key 910 is used to return to the password input screen of FIG.
[0078]
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a combined storage determination screen displayed on the operation panel according to the present embodiment.
[0079]
In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes a setting for erasing the combined and saved original document, and toggles between “Yes” and “No”. When “Yes” is selected, the original document is deleted after being combined and saved. When “No” is selected, the original document is not deleted.
[0080]
Reference numeral 1002 denotes a file name setting key. When this key is pressed, a file name setting screen (not shown) is displayed. This file name setting screen (not shown) displays a soft keyboard and supports kanji conversion and the like. If no file name is set, the default is a list of numbers corresponding to the combined save year, month, day, and time.
[0081]
Reference numeral 1003 denotes an OK key, which is pressed to actually perform combined storage with this setting. A cancel key 1004 is used to return to the in-box screen shown in FIG.
[0082]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure of the document management table at the time of document combination storage in this embodiment.
[0083]
Documents A to D respectively represent document management tables (jobs stored by linking the processing mode of each document (image) with each document) stored in the box area 502 shown in FIG. Note that this document management table is stored in the backup RAM 110, and the link between this document management table and each image is related by indicating the file ID on the image memory 107 such as a hard disk from the page management table of the document management table. It has been. Further, the document management table can be configured to be stored in the box area 502.
[0084]
The management table stores finishing information such as the number of copies, stapling, the number of pages hung on the document, print attributes related to the entire document such as duplex information, and a management table for each page.
[0085]
The page management table pages A-1 to An, B-1 to Bn, and C-1 to Cn have print attributes relating to the page such as the resolution, paper size, and number of pixels of each page. Stored.
[0086]
This figure shows an example of combined storage of three documents, document A, document B, and document C. Document A, document B, and document C are documents before combined storage, and the in-box screen shown in FIG. It is assumed that documents A, B, and C are selected in this order on the same screen.
[0087]
Document D is a document after combined storage, in the order of pages A-1 to An of document A, pages B-1 to Bn of document B, and pages C-1 to Cn of document C. Copied and connected to document D.
[0088]
This combined and saved document D does not inherit all the print attributes of the documents A to C, and when the document D is created, all of the finishing, the number of copies, etc. are cleared, and a very basic sort of 1 copy. New mode. This is to prevent inconsistency from occurring when each document before combining has a different number of copies and a different finishing.
[0089]
Note that all the print attributes (processing modes) of the documents A to C to be combined may be checked (compared), and the processing mode without inconsistency may not be cleared and set as the combined document D as it is. . For example, when the print attributes including the finishing, the number of copies, and the like of the documents A to C to be combined have the same setting, the setting may be set to the combined document D as it is.
[0090]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the second control processing procedure of the image processing apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the combined storage processing procedure in the present embodiment. This flowchart is executed by the CPU in the control unit 108 shown in FIG. 1 based on a program stored in a ROM or a storage medium (not shown). Also, S1201 to S1210 in the figure indicate each step.
[0091]
First, in step S1201, a document management table as a combination storage destination is newly assigned so that the combination storage destination is in the same box, initialized to a basic default setting of one copy, and the process proceeds to step S1202. In the present embodiment, the combined storage destination is the same box, but of course, the user may select the storage destination box and store it in another box. Also, the file name set using the file name setting key 1002 shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the document management table at this point. If the file name is not set, the time is converted to a file name and saved.
[0092]
In step S1202, the original document information is read out, a page connected to the document is searched, and the process proceeds to step S1203. In step S1203, one page read from the original document is read, and the process advances to step S1204. In step S1204, a page management table as a combination storage destination is newly assigned, and the process advances to step S1205.
[0093]
In step S1205, the contents of the page management table of the original document are copied to the page management table of the combined storage destination assigned in step S1204, and the process proceeds to step S1206. Here, the finishing, the number of copies, etc. are all cleared, and a very basic mode of 1 sort is newly set.
[0094]
In step S1206, the page number information of the combined storage destination document management table and the reference number of the actual image of the page read in step S1203 are incremented, and the process proceeds to step S1207. The reference number of the actual image is not to actually copy the image but to count how many documents are referred to so as to prevent the image memory 107 from being compressed by the actual image. When it reaches 0, the actual image is deleted. Of course, when the capacity of the image memory 107 is large, or when editing or the like is added to the image itself, the actual image may be actually copied.
[0095]
In step S1207, it is determined whether or not the page read in step S1203 is the last page of the original document. If it is determined that the page is not yet the last page, the process returns to step S1203 to read the next page. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current page is the last page, the process advances to step S1208.
[0096]
In step S1208, it is determined whether or not the setting to delete the original document combined and saved 1001 shown in FIG. 10 is set to delete the original document (“Yes”), and the deletion setting is set. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1209 to delete the original document, and the process proceeds to step S1210.
[0097]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1208 that the original document is not deleted (“No”), the process directly proceeds to step S1210.
[0098]
Next, in step S1210, it is determined whether the document processed up to step S1209 is the final document to be combined. If it is determined that the document is not yet the final document, the process returns to step S1202 to read the next original document. Do. On the other hand, if it is determined that the document is the final document, the processing is terminated as it is.
[0099]
Thereafter, it is possible to output the combined document many times by simply selecting the combined document on the in-box screen shown in FIG. 9 and pressing the print key 904 without setting the combined document again.
[0100]
[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which a plurality of documents are combined and stored, and then the combined documents are selected and printed out. However, the combined document is configured to be printed out simultaneously with the combined storage of the plurality of documents. May be. The embodiment will be described below.
[0101]
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a combined storage determination screen displayed on the operation panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0102]
In the figure, reference numeral 1301 denotes a setting for whether to print the combined and saved original document at the same time as saving, and toggles between “Yes” and “No”. If “Yes” is selected, the combined document is set to be printed out at the same time as the combined storage, and if “No” is selected, the setting is set to not print out (only stored) at the same time as the combined storage.
[0103]
Reference numeral 1302 denotes a box designation key. When this key is pressed, a box designation screen (not shown) is displayed. On this box designation screen (not shown), it is possible to designate a box for storing (assigning) a document to be combined and saved. If no box is specified, it is newly assigned in the same box as the original document.
[0104]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the third control processing procedure of the image processing apparatus of the present invention. The combined storage processing procedure (processing procedure for printing out during combined storage in the second embodiment of the present invention, that is, FIG. This corresponds to the processing procedure in the case where the setting 1301 for whether or not to perform printing is “Yes”. This flowchart is executed by the CPU in the control unit 108 shown in FIG. 1 based on a program stored in a ROM or a storage medium (not shown). In the figure, S1401, S1202 to S1204, S1402, and S1206 to S1210 indicate the respective steps, and the same components as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, but the description thereof is omitted, and only steps S1401 and S1402 are described. To do. Further, the processing procedure when not printing out at the time of combined storage (when the setting 1301 of whether to perform printing shown in FIG. 13 is “No”) is the same as the flowchart of FIG.
[0105]
First, in step S1401, the document management table of the combined storage destination is newly assigned so that the combined storage destination is in the box designated using the box designation key 1302 in FIG. To step S1202. If there is no box designation, it is stored in the same box as the original document. Also, the file name set using the file name setting key 1002 shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the document management table at this point. If no file name is set, the year, month, date, and time are converted to a file name and saved.
[0106]
In step S1402, the contents of the page management table of the original document are copied to the page management table of the combined storage destination assigned in step S1204, and the actual image of the page managed in the page management table is printed as print data. The data is transmitted to the unit 104 and printed out, and the process proceeds to step S1206. Here, the finishing, the number of copies, etc. are all cleared, and a very basic mode of 1 sort is newly set.
[0107]
When the same combined document is output again by combining the scanner and PDL image once stored in the image memory 107 such as a hard disk and printing on the image memory and creating a new document by the above processing, each time Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the same output setting, and combined printing of documents can be performed with a simple operation.
[0108]
In each of the above embodiments, the case where the combined document is printed out has been described. However, a facsimile transmission unit, a mail transmission unit, or the like (not shown) may be provided to perform the facsimile transmission processing on the combined document. At that time, the destination facsimile number, mail address, and the like may be stored together with each processing mode.
[0109]
Needless to say, the present invention also includes a configuration combining the above-described embodiments.
[0110]
Through the above processing, each time a scanner or PDL image once stored in the image memory 107 such as a hard disk is combined on the image memory to create a new document, the same document is combined and output each time. It is not necessary to perform the same output setting, and it is possible to perform combined printing of documents with a simple operation.
[0111]
Therefore, in a digital copying machine having a box function, user settings can be relaxed by combining and storing a plurality of documents. Note that when storing and re-storing a plurality of documents as one document in the user's selection order in the box, the finisher information and the number of copies information are cleared and combined to prevent inconsistency of the plurality of documents.
[0112]
The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.
[0113]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0114]
Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.
[0115]
Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.
[0116]
The functions shown in FIGS. 6, 12, and 14 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.
[0117]
As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.
[0118]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0119]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon disk, etc. can be used.
[0120]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0121]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0122]
Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading the storage medium storing the program represented by the software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .
[0123]
Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .
[0132]
[Effect of the invention]
  As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus that executes print processing of job data stored in a storage unit that can hold a plurality of job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance. An operation control unit that enables selection of job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance from among a plurality of job data stored in the storage unit, according to a user instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus; Job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance is selected from among a plurality of job data stored in the storage means by a user instruction from the operation means of the image processing apparatus, and the operation means of the image processing apparatus After the print execution instruction is input from the user, the print processing of the data of the selected job is performed according to the print conditions set in advance for the job. And a control unit that is executed by a processing device, wherein the control unit stores, in the image processing apparatus, job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance from among a plurality of job data stored in the storage unit A plurality of selections are made by a user instruction from the operation means, and a data combination instruction for a plurality of jobs is input by the user from the operation means of the image processing apparatus, and based on the data of the selected plurality of jobs. The image processing apparatus associates the data of one combined job created in step 1 with the print conditions of the combined job newly set in place of the print conditions previously set for the selected plurality of jobs. Without causing the image processing apparatus to start printing without user input of a print execution instruction from the operation means, and holding the storage means, and the control means The print processing of the combined job data held in the storage unit is set in advance for the selected jobs after a print execution instruction is input from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus by the user. There is provided an image processing apparatus that is executed by the image processing apparatus in accordance with the print condition of the combined job newly set instead of the print condition ofSo joinPrinting job dataUser settings can be relaxed, Join jobEasy to handle digitalprintingSuch as being able to provide the environmentThe data of the combined job is not printed even though the user of the image processing apparatus does not want to print.PlayIt becomes possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the digital copying machine main body shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of the operation unit shown in FIG. 1;
4 is a schematic diagram showing a copy standard screen displayed on the operation panel shown in FIG. 3; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a logical usage method of the image memory shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a box selection screen displayed on the operation panel in the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a box password input screen displayed on the operation panel in the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an in-box screen displayed on the operation panel in the present embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a combined storage determination screen displayed on the operation panel according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a structure of a document management table at the time of document combination storage in the present embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control processing procedure of the image processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a combined storage determination screen displayed on the operation panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure of the image processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Digital copier body
102 Operation unit
103 Reader part
104 Printer section
105 Image input / output control unit
106 Computer interface unit
107 Image memory
110 Backup RAM
109 Personal computer / workstation (PC / WS)

Claims (22)

An image processing apparatus for executing print processing of job data in advance the printing conditions are stored data of the job of setting end in a plurality holding a storage means,
An operation control unit that enables selection of job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance from among a plurality of job data stored in the storage unit, according to a user instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus ;
From among a plurality of job data stored in the storage unit, job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance is selected by a user instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, and the operation of the image processing apparatus Control means for causing the image processing apparatus to execute print processing of the data of the selected job in accordance with print conditions set in advance for the job after a print execution instruction is input from the means by the user ; have a,
The control means includes
A plurality of job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance are selected from among a plurality of job data stored in the storage means by a user instruction from the operation means of the image processing apparatus, and a plurality of job data Is input from the operation means of the image processing apparatus ,
The data of one combined job created based on the data of the selected plural jobs is newly combined with the selected plural jobs in place of the preset printing conditions. In association with the print conditions of the job, without the user input of the print execution instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, without causing the image processing apparatus to start printing , the storage unit holds it ,
And the control means includes :
The print processing of the combined job data held in the storage unit is set in advance for the selected jobs after a print execution instruction is input from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus by the user. the newly set in place of the print condition according to the printing conditions of the binding job, it is executed by the image processing apparatus,
An image processing apparatus. The control means includes
The combined job data is held by the storage unit and the combined job data is stored on the condition that a print execution instruction for the combined job data is input from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus together with the combined instruction. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein printing processing is permitted to be executed by the image processing apparatus. The control means includes
The combined job data is held in the storage unit and the selected data is provided on the condition that the data deletion instruction of the selected plurality of jobs is input from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus together with the combination instruction. Delete the data of a plurality of jobs from the storage means ,
And the control means includes:
When the data deletion instruction for the selected plurality of jobs is not input from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus together with the combination instruction, the data for the combination job is held in the storage unit and the selected plurality of jobs are stored. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the job data is prohibited from being deleted from the storage unit . The plurality of selected jobs are jobs in which a plurality of printing conditions including at least a processing condition relating to finishing and a processing condition relating to the number of copies are set in advance,
The control means includes
The processing conditions related to finishing and the processing conditions related to the number of copies of the plurality of printing conditions set in advance for the selected jobs are set according to the processing conditions initialized to the default settings. the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 the printing process, characterized in that the executable by the image processing apparatus. The operation control unit is configured to process the image data of a job in which a plurality of printing conditions including processing conditions relating to at least one of the number of copies, paper size, magnification, duplex setting, page output order, sort output, and stapling are set. It can be selected by a user instruction from the operation means of the device,
And the control means includes:
When a plurality of preset printing conditions for the plurality of selected jobs are all the same processing conditions, all the processing conditions can be used as they are as processing conditions for the combined job. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The operation control means includes
Differentiating each box of a plurality of boxes that can be assigned to each user, the job data stored in the storage means can be selected by a user instruction from the operation means of the image processing apparatus,
The operation control means enables selection of which box of the plurality of boxes the data of the combined job is to be stored in the storage means by a user instruction from the operation means of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus. The control means includes
The document data combined into one in the same order as the selection order of the plurality of jobs by the user instruction from the operation unit of the plurality of document data the image processing apparatus corresponding to the data of a plurality of jobs said selected as the data of the merged job, in association with printing conditions of the combined job, the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that held in the storage means. The operation control means stores job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance in the storage means via a display screen for displaying a list of job file names stored in the storage means to be displayed by the operation means. The user of the image processing apparatus can select a plurality of stored data from a plurality of jobs,
The operation control unit can set a file name of the combined job by a user of the image processing apparatus via a display screen displayed by the operation unit . the image processing apparatus according to. The operation control means allows a file name of the combined job to be set by a user of the image processing apparatus via a display screen displayed by the operation means, and the operation control means includes a file name of the combined job. 9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein when the user is not set by a user, the date and time when the data of the combined job is stored in the storage unit can be used as a file name of the combined job . The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above. The control means uses job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance by the host computer and data for jobs for which printing conditions have been set in advance via the operation means of the image processing apparatus as job data to be combined. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is stored in the storage unit . A control method of an image processing apparatus for executing print processing of job data stored in storage means capable of holding a plurality of job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance ,
The control method is:
Job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance can be selected from a plurality of job data stored in the storage unit by a user instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus ,
And the control method comprises:
From among a plurality of job data stored in the storage unit, job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance is selected by a user instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, and the operation of the image processing apparatus in terms of print execution instruction from the unit is user input, the print process of data of the selected job, according to the print condition previously set already for that job, is executed by the person the image processing apparatus,
And the control method comprises:
A plurality of job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance are selected from among a plurality of job data stored in the storage means by a user instruction from the operation means of the image processing apparatus, and a plurality of job data Is input from the operation means of the image processing apparatus ,
The data of one combined job created based on the data of the selected plural jobs is newly combined with the selected plural jobs in place of the preset printing conditions. In association with the print conditions of the job, without the user input of the print execution instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, without causing the image processing apparatus to start printing , the storage unit holds it ,
And the control method comprises :
The print processing of the combined job data held in the storage unit is set in advance for the selected jobs after a print execution instruction is input from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus by the user. the newly set in place of the print condition according to the printing conditions of the binding job, it is executed by the image processing apparatus,
A control method characterized by that. The control method is:
The combined job data is held by the storage unit and the combined job data is stored on the condition that a print execution instruction for the combined job data is input from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus together with the combined instruction. The control method according to claim 11, further comprising: permitting the image processing apparatus to execute a printing process . The control method is :
The combined job data is held in the storage unit and the selected data is provided on the condition that the data deletion instruction of the selected plurality of jobs is input from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus together with the combination instruction. Delete the data of a plurality of jobs from the storage means ,
And the control method comprises:
When the data deletion instruction for the selected plurality of jobs is not input from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus together with the combination instruction, the data for the combination job is held in the storage unit and the selected plurality of jobs are stored. 13. The control method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: prohibiting deletion of the job data from the storage unit . The plurality of selected jobs are jobs in which a plurality of printing conditions including at least a processing condition relating to finishing and a processing condition relating to the number of copies are set in advance,
The control method is:
The processing conditions related to finishing and the processing conditions related to the number of copies of the plurality of printing conditions set in advance for the selected jobs are set according to the processing conditions initialized to the default settings. the method according to any one of claims 11 to 13 printing process, characterized in that the executable by the image processing apparatus. In the image processing apparatus, a plurality of printing conditions including processing conditions relating to at least one of the number of copies, paper size, magnification, duplex setting, page output order, sort output, and stapling are set. Can be selected by user instructions from the operating means,
And the control method comprises:
When a plurality of preset printing conditions for the plurality of selected jobs are all the same processing conditions, all the processing conditions can be used as they are as processing conditions for the combined job. The control method according to any one of claims 11 to 14 . The control method is:
To distinguish for each box of assignable plurality of boxes for each user, the data of the job that has been memorize in the memory means, to be selected by the user instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus,
In addition, the control method enables selection of which box of the plurality of boxes the data of the combined job is stored in the storage unit by a user instruction from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus. the method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in. The control method is:
The document data combined into one in the same order as the selection order of the plurality of jobs by the user instruction from the operation unit of the plurality of document data the image processing apparatus corresponding to the data of a plurality of jobs said selected as the data of the merged job, in association with printing conditions of the binding job, the control method according to any of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that held in the storage means. The control method stores, in the storage unit, job data for which printing conditions have been set in advance through a display screen that displays a list of job file names stored in the storage unit that is displayed by the operation unit. The user of the image processing apparatus can select a plurality from among the data of a plurality of jobs,
And the control method, the file name of the merged job to any of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the settable by the user of the image processing apparatus through the display screen to be displayed by the operating unit The control method described. In the control method, a file name of the combined job can be set by a user of the image processing apparatus via a display screen displayed by the operation unit, and the operation control unit has a file name of the combined job. The date and time at which the data of the combined job is held in the storage means can be used as a file name of the combined job when not set by a user. A control method according to the above. In the control method, data of a job for which printing conditions have been set in advance by a host computer and data of a job for which printing conditions have been set in advance via the operation unit of the image processing apparatus are used as job data to be combined. The control method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the storage means stores the information . A program for executing the control method according to any one of claims 11 to 20 . A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the control method according to claim 11 .

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