JP5699103B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming program for reading out image data stored in an external storage medium and outputting an image.

  When printing as image output, the mainstream method is to install a printer driver in a host computer and send print data generated by the printer driver to the image forming apparatus.

  On the other hand, image data that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus may be directly printed by being sent directly to the image forming apparatus.

  As direct printing, there is one in which printing conditions (output conditions) are read together with image data from an external storage medium into an image forming apparatus, and printing is performed by applying the printing conditions.

  However, in such direct printing, there is a problem that a printing result (output result) unintended by the user occurs when the printing condition does not correspond to the function of the image forming apparatus.

  On the other hand, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a technique in which printing conditions are set once during direct printing and stored in an external storage medium, and this is reflected in the subsequent direct printing.

  However, the held printing conditions are set in relation to the image forming apparatus that has performed direct printing. For this reason, when performing another direct printing from the next time on another image forming apparatus, the held printing conditions may not correspond to the functions of the other image forming apparatuses, and there is the same problem as described above.

JP 2010-179473 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that if the output condition in the external storage medium does not correspond to the function of the image forming apparatus, the output result is not intended by the user.

The present invention prevents image data and output conditions from an external storage medium in order to prevent an output result unintended by the user even when the output conditions in the external storage medium do not correspond to the functions of the image forming apparatus. From each of the reading unit, the condition setting unit that determines whether or not the function on the apparatus side is compatible for each setting of the read output condition, and changes the setting for at least the non-compatible function, and the condition setting unit An output unit that applies an output condition to perform image output on the image data, and the reading unit reads the image data together with the image data if there is a related output condition associated with the image data. If there is no read related output condition, an output condition setting request is output, and the condition setting unit performs the function of the device side for each setting of the read related output condition. It is determined whether or not it is possible to change the setting for at least the non-compatible function, and a new output condition is set for the image data in response to the setting request, and the newly set output condition is set on the device side. The main feature is to accept a function without determining whether it can be handled .

  According to the present invention, even when the output condition in the external storage medium does not correspond to the function on the apparatus side, the setting of the incompatible output condition can be appropriately changed by the user according to the function. It is possible to prevent an output result unintended by the user.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus (first embodiment). FIG. An example of an image data selection screen displayed on the operation panel unit of the image forming apparatus is shown (Example 1). (Example 1) which shows an example of the change request screen displayed on the operation panel part of an image forming apparatus. 2 illustrates an example of a print setting screen displayed on an operation panel unit of an image forming apparatus (first embodiment). 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus (first embodiment).

  Even if the output conditions in the external storage medium do not correspond to the functions of the image forming apparatus, the setting of the output conditions read from the external storage medium for the purpose of preventing an output result unintended by the user. This is realized by determining whether or not the function on the device side can be supported each time, and changing the setting for at least the unsupported function.

  Preferably, for each setting of the output condition, whether or not the function on the apparatus side is supported is also displayed to prompt the user to change the setting. In this case, it can be considered that, for example, only the non-supported function is displayed as being incompatible with the setting of the output condition.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a copying machine, a digital multi-function peripheral, and the like, and can perform direct printing in which image data in an external storage medium 3 is read and printed (image output).

  In addition to the image data for direct printing, the external storage medium 3 stores printing conditions as output conditions associated therewith. The print conditions include various settings for obtaining a desired print result, such as resolution, paper source, color setting, etc., in addition to the paper size, orientation, and type. The association between the printing condition and the image data can be performed by the extension or the file name of the image data.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an external interface unit 5, an operation panel unit 7, a printing unit 9, a storage unit 11, and a control unit 13.

  The external interface unit 5 connects an external storage medium 3 such as a USB memory. As the external storage medium 3, it is also possible to use another memory, a hard disk drive, or the like that is detachable from the image forming apparatus 1.

  The operation panel unit 7 includes a touch panel type liquid crystal display screen and the like, and functions as an operation unit and a display unit. The operation panel unit 7 allows the image forming apparatus 1 to perform an operation input such as a print output execution instruction and print condition setting, and display the operation status.

  The printing unit 9 forms an image on a sheet (image output) based on the input image data.

  The storage unit 11 is a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a hard disk that stores various control applications and data necessary for the control.

  The control unit 13 is a control element such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a software program to perform control and operations of each unit. The control unit 13 causes the selection unit 15, the reading unit 17, the condition setting unit 19, the output request unit 20 as an output unit, and the setting registration unit 22 by executing the image forming program in the storage unit 9. It is provided as a functional configuration of direct printing of the present embodiment.

  The selection unit 15 causes the user to select the image data to be directly printed from the image data held in the external storage medium 3. Selection of image data is performed by acquiring identification information of the image data such as a file name from the external storage medium 3 and displaying it on the operation panel unit 7 as a selection screen. FIG. 2 shows an example of the selection screen.

  The reading unit 17 implements a reading procedure, and reads image data and printing conditions associated therewith (hereinafter also referred to as “related printing conditions”) from the external storage medium 3.

  At the time of reading, it is determined whether or not there is a related printing condition for the image data selected by the selection unit 15. If there is a related printing condition, it is read together with the image data and passed to the condition setting unit 19. If there is no related print condition, a print condition setting request is output.

  The condition setting unit 19 implements a condition setting procedure, and includes an application selection unit 21, a correspondence determination unit 23, and a change reception unit 25.

  The application selection unit 21 allows the user to select whether or not to apply the received related printing conditions to the image data. This selection is performed, for example, while displaying related printing conditions on the operation panel unit 7.

  When application of related printing conditions is selected, an application request for related printing conditions is output, and when application of non-application is selected, a request for setting printing conditions is output.

  In response to an application request from the application selection unit 21, the correspondence determination unit 23 determines whether or not the function on the image forming apparatus 1 side corresponds to each setting of the related printing conditions (whether or not correspondence is possible). The functions of the image forming apparatus 1 are functions for realizing predetermined printing conditions, such as whether color printing is possible.

  When there is no non-corresponding function (when all settings correspond to the functions of the image forming apparatus 1), a request for reflecting the related printing conditions is output, and when there is a non-corresponding function (some settings or all settings are When the function does not correspond to the function of the image forming apparatus 1), a change request is output to the change receiving unit 25.

  In response to the change request, the change receiving unit 25 changes the setting of the print condition for at least the non-compatible function. The print condition setting change is accepted on the change request screen on the operation panel unit 7. FIG. 3 shows an example of the change request screen.

  In the change request screen G1, print condition setting items are displayed in the item column C1, and setting contents for each item are displayed in the content column (current setting in the figure) C2. In the content column C2, whether or not the function of the image forming apparatus 1 is compatible is displayed together with the set content.

  In the present embodiment, only the setting contents that do not correspond to the function of the image forming apparatus 1 are displayed adjacently to the character string indicating that they are not compatible. In addition, the non-corresponding setting contents are displayed as being incompatible even when highlighted.

  However, the indication of non-correspondence is not particularly limited, and may be either one of a character string or highlight, or another mark or the like.

  In the content column C2, a change button B for each item is also displayed, and the change of the setting content is accepted through the selection. For example, when the change button B is selected, setting content candidates that can be handled by the image forming apparatus 1 may be displayed and selected in a pull-down format or the like. In the present embodiment, settings that can be supported by the functions of the image forming apparatus 1 can be changed by the change button B.

  The change receiving unit 25 in FIG. 1 also makes a new setting of print conditions for image data in response to a setting request. In the case of new setting, the setting of printing conditions is accepted on the print setting screen on the operation panel unit 7. FIG. 4 shows an example of the print setting screen.

  The print setting screen G2 is basically the same as the change request screen G1 in FIG. 3, but the function availability indication of the function of the image forming apparatus 1 is omitted.

  Further, the change accepting unit 25 reflects and displays the related print conditions on the print setting screen G2 in FIG. 4 in response to the reflection request.

  The output request unit 20 in FIG. 1 realizes an output procedure, and print requests for image data are printed in accordance with the print conditions being displayed on the change request screen G1 and the print setting screen G2 in FIGS. Output to 9.

The setting registration unit 22 stores the print conditions used for the print output in the external storage medium 3 in association with the image data.
[Direct print]
Hereinafter, direct printing, which is the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The flowchart in FIG. 5 starts when the external storage medium 3 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1.

  In step S1, a process of “reading image data” is performed. In this process, first, the selection unit 15 causes the user to select what is to be directly printed from the image data in the external storage medium 3 on the selection screen of FIG. In response to this selection, the reading unit 17 reads image data from the external storage medium 3.

  Thus, step S1 is completed and the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S <b> 2, a process of “Are there related printing conditions?” Is performed. In this process, the reading unit 17 searches the external storage medium 3 for related print conditions of the read image data.

  If there is a related printing condition (YES), it is read and the process proceeds to step S3. If there is no related printing condition (NO), the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S3, “display related printing conditions” is performed. That is, the application selection unit 21 of the condition setting unit 19 receives the related printing conditions from the reading unit 17 and displays the contents of the related printing conditions on the operation panel unit 7. This display can be performed on the print setting screen G2 in FIG. 4 or a screen similar thereto.

  Thus, step S3 is completed and the process proceeds to step S5.

  On the other hand, in step S4, “new setting of printing conditions” is performed. In this process, the change receiving unit 25 of the condition setting unit 19 displays the print setting screen G2 of FIG. 4 on the operation panel unit 7 and receives a new setting of the printing conditions.

  At the time of new setting, the user himself / herself is made to select on the operation panel unit 7 whether or not to set the printing conditions. When the user himself / herself does not set, the default print condition is set. When the user himself / herself sets, the print condition setting is accepted as described above.

  When the new setting of printing conditions is completed in this way, the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S5, the process “Apply Related Print Conditions?” Is performed. In this process, the application selection unit 21 causes the user to select whether or not to apply (reflect) the related print conditions being displayed to the printing of the image data.

  When the related printing condition is applied (YES), the process proceeds to step S6. When the related printing condition is not applied (NO), the process proceeds to step S4 to newly set the printing condition.

  In step S6, a process of “All settings of related printing conditions correspond to function?” Is performed. In this process, the correspondence determination unit 23 of the condition setting unit 19 determines whether or not the function on the image forming apparatus 1 side corresponds to each setting of the related printing conditions. In this determination, it is only necessary to acquire the function information of the image forming apparatus 1 from the storage unit 11 and determine whether the setting of the related printing condition can be reflected in the apparatus by comparison with the acquired function information.

  When all the related printing condition settings correspond to the function of the image forming apparatus 1 (YES), the process proceeds to step S7, and the partial setting or all the settings of the related printing conditions are for the function of the image forming apparatus 1. If not (NO), the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S7, a process of “reflect related printing conditions” is performed. In this process, the change accepting unit 25 displays the print setting screen G2 of FIG. 4 on the operation panel unit 7 and reflects the related print conditions as they are.

  Thereby, step S7 is completed and the process proceeds to step S9.

  On the other hand, in step S8, “non-compliant setting change acceptance” is performed. In this process, the change accepting unit 25 of the condition setting unit 19 displays the change request screen G1 of FIG. 3 on the operation panel unit 7 and accepts a change to an unsupported setting of the related printing conditions.

  For example, when the related printing condition requires a setting that exceeds the capability of the image forming apparatus 1 or includes a setting that cannot be printed in the current state of the image forming apparatus 1, the change request screen G1 is changed for each such setting. Accept.

  In this embodiment, the setting item “paper size” is set to “B4” in the related printing conditions, and printing is currently impossible when “B4” paper is not set in the image forming apparatus 1. Setting. In this case, the user is prompted by characters and highlights to change the paper size or set the paper.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome model (color printing is not possible), if the setting item “color setting” is set to “color” in the related printing conditions, the setting exceeds the capability of the apparatus. Will be.

  Similarly, when it is designated to write characters in a font that is not mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the setting exceeds the capability of the apparatus.

  In these cases, characters and highlights are urged to change the color and font.

  At this time, on the change request screen G1, only characters and highlights are displayed only for settings that are not compatible with the function of the image forming apparatus 1. It can be surely urged.

  Thus, step S8 is completed and the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S9, a “print output” process is performed. That is, when an instruction to execute printing is given on the operation panel unit 7, the output request unit 20 outputs a print request for image data according to the printing conditions being displayed in step S4, S7, or S8. In response to this, the printing unit 9 can print out the image data by applying the printing condition intended by the user. After the print output is completed, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, a “print condition registration” process is performed. That is, the setting registration unit 22 of the condition setting unit 19 stores the printing conditions used for the print output in the external storage medium 3 in association with the image data by the extension and the file name.

  If there is an existing associated printing condition, it may be overwritten. However, whether or not to perform overwriting may be set by the user.

When step S10 is completed in this way, direct printing of this embodiment is completed.
[Effect of Example 1]
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the function of the apparatus side can be supported for each setting of the read print condition and the read unit 17 that reads the image data and the print condition from the external storage medium 3, and at least the non-corresponding function. A condition setting unit 19 for changing the setting for the function, and a printing unit 9 for applying a printing condition from the condition setting unit 19 to perform print output by image data are provided.

  Therefore, when direct printing is performed, the convenience of the user can be improved by omitting the effort of resetting the printing conditions by reflecting the application of the printing conditions in the external storage medium 3.

  In addition, in this embodiment, even when the printing conditions in the external storage medium 3 do not correspond to the function on the apparatus side, the user can appropriately change the setting of the incompatible printing condition according to the function. It is possible to prevent a printing result unintended by the user.

  In addition, the condition setting unit 19 of the present embodiment also displays on the operation panel unit 7 whether or not the function of the apparatus is supported for each setting of the printing conditions and prompts the user to change the settings. It is possible to prevent the printing result from not being obtained.

  Furthermore, the condition setting unit 19 of the present embodiment displays a message indicating that the function is not supported only for the function that is not supported, together with the setting of the output condition.

  For this reason, in a present Example, the user's misoperation etc. can be suppressed and the change with respect to a non-corresponding setting can be promoted reliably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 3 External storage medium 7 Operation panel part (display part)
17 Reading unit 19 Condition setting unit 20 Output request unit (output unit)

Claims (8)

A reading unit that reads image data and output conditions from an external storage medium, and a condition setting that determines whether or not the function on the apparatus side can be supported for each setting of the read output condition, and changes the setting for at least the non-compatible function And an output unit for applying an output condition from the condition setting unit to perform image output on the image data,
The reading unit, when reading the image data, reads together with the image data if there is a related output condition associated with the image data, and outputs an output condition setting request if there is no related output condition,
The condition setting unit determines whether or not the function on the device side is supported for each setting of the read related output condition, changes the setting for at least a non-compatible function, and the image data in response to the setting request Accepting the setting of the newly set output condition without judging whether or not the function of the device side is compatible,
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The condition setting unit prompts the change by displaying on the display unit whether or not the function on the device side can be supported for each setting of the output condition.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,
The display on the display unit is performed by displaying a non-correspondence only for the setting for the non-corresponding function.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming layer according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The output condition can be selected from setting content candidates that the device can handle.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming layer according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The condition setting unit stores the output condition used for output in the external storage medium in association with the image data, and overwrites when there is an existing related output condition in the external storage medium.
An image forming apparatus. A reading procedure for reading image data and output conditions from an external storage medium, and a condition setting for determining whether or not the function on the apparatus side can be supported for each setting of the read output condition and changing the setting for at least the non-compatible function An image forming program that causes a computer to execute a procedure and an output procedure for outputting image data by applying an output condition that has undergone the condition setting procedure ,
In the reading procedure, when the image data is read, if there is a related output condition associated with the image data, it is read together with the image data, and if there is no related output condition, an output condition setting request is output,
The condition setting procedure determines whether or not the function on the apparatus side can be supported for each setting of the read related output condition, changes the setting for at least the unsupported function, and the image data in response to the setting request Accepting the setting of the newly set output condition without judging whether or not the function of the device side is compatible,
An image forming program.   The image forming layer according to claim 6,
  The output condition can be selected from setting content candidates that the device can handle.
  An image forming program.   The image forming layer according to claim 6 or 7,
  The condition setting procedure stores the output condition used for output in the external storage medium in association with the image data, and performs overwriting when an existing related output condition exists in the external storage medium.
  An image forming program.

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