JP7040166B2 - Information processing equipment, image forming equipment, systems and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an image forming device, a system and a program.

An image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product) receives a file created in various formats such as PCL (Printer Control Language), PS (PostScript) or PDF (Portable Document Format), and performs printing processing. To execute. In sequential access format files such as PCL and PS, the data of each page is arranged in page order. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can read and print the data of each page in order while receiving the file in the sequential access format. On the other hand, for a document file recorded in a random access format such as a PDF file, the data of each page can be arranged out of the page order, so that the image forming apparatus has completed receiving the entire document file. Then, while referring to the structural information of the document file placed behind the document file, access the data of each page and print.

Therefore, the PDF file is divided into a plurality of data blocks, the last data block is transferred to the image forming apparatus first, and a notification indicating that the image forming apparatus has received the mutual compatibility table is received from the image forming apparatus. It will be sent later from the first data block. As a result, on the image forming apparatus side, in the past, printing could be started only after receiving up to the end of the PDF file in order to acquire the mutual compatibility table, but since the mutual compatibility table can be acquired first, after that. Is known as a technique for starting and executing printing in parallel with receiving data (for example, Patent Document 1).

However, when the PDF file is converted into a format that can be sequentially processed and printing is executed, it may take longer to print depending on the contents of the PDF file.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the time required for printing a document file.

Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, the information processing apparatus has an image forming apparatus print a plurality of document files, and a conversion unit that generates a second document file having a different format from the first document file, and the first one. A processing unit for transmitting a document file, the second document file, and a print instruction to the image forming apparatus, a time required for printing the first document file, and a time required for printing the second document file. It has a measuring unit that measures From the first document file containing the above, the second document file in which the data of each page in the plurality of pages is arranged in the order of pages is generated, and the first copy to be printed out of the plurality of copies is The second document file is used, the second copy to be printed uses the first document file, and the third and subsequent copies to be printed use the document file in which the time required for printing is shorter.

The time required to print the document file can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows the example of the system 1 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of PC100 or cloud 300 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of the MFP200 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the functional structure example of PC100 or cloud 300 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the functional structure example of the MFP200 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the PDF file in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the example (1) of data processing in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the example (2) of data processing in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the example of the operation of the system 1 in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the example of the operation which creates the conversion rule in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the conversion rule creation condition in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display screen of the conversion rule creation condition list in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display screen which adds the conversion rule creation condition in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the conversion rule in embodiment of this invention.

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 has a PC100, an MFP200 and a cloud 300.

The PC 100 is an information processing device having a communication function, and may be, for example, a smart device such as a tablet or a smartphone, a notebook PC, a video conference terminal, an electronic blackboard, or a camera. The PC 100 may store a PDF (Portable Document Format) file in the cloud 300. Further, the PC 100 can transmit the PDF file to the MFP 200. Further, the PC 100 can instruct the MFP 200 to print the PDF file stored in the cloud 300. Further, the PC 100 has a document file conversion function described later.

The cloud 300 includes an information processing device having a communication function. Similar to the PC 100, the cloud 300 functions as a print server that stores and manages a document file such as a PDF file and sends it to the MFP 200 based on a request from the PC 100 or the MFP 200. In addition, the cloud 300 has a document file conversion function described later.

The MFP 200 is an information processing device having an image processing function and a communication function, and is, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product), a facsimile, a scanner, or a printer. The MFP 200 shown in FIG. 1 may be, for example, an MFP having a facsimile, a scanner, and a printer function, or may be a printer. The MFP 200 can print the PDF file by dividing it into pages. A plurality of MFPs 200 may be included in the system 1.

The PC100, the MFP200 and the cloud 300 are connected via a network. The network may be, for example, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or the like, or may be a network including the Internet as a part. That is, not all devices need to be connected to a single network.

The PC 100 or the cloud 300 can convert a document file in a random access format such as a PDF file into a format that can be sequentially processed by using an arbitrary application or driver. Details of the conversion of the document file will be described later. The PC 100 or the cloud 300 sends a print request including the converted document file to the MFP 200. The MFP 200 receives the document file transmitted by the PC 100 or the cloud 300 and executes the printing process.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the PC 100 or the cloud 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device constituting the PC 100 or the cloud 300 has the same configuration as a general information processing terminal, and has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, an input device 12, and a RAM (Random Access). It has a storage device 13 and an output device 14 composed of a memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like.

The CPU 11 is a calculation means and controls the entire operation of the PC 100 or the cloud 300. The storage device 13 includes a volatile storage device capable of high-speed reading and writing of information, and is used as a work area when the CPU 11 processes information. Further, the storage device 13 includes a read-only non-volatile storage device, and stores a program such as firmware. Further, the storage device 13 includes a non-volatile storage medium such as an HDD capable of reading and writing information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like. The output device 14 communicates with the PC 100, the MFP 200, or the cloud 300 via the network. Further, the output device 14 is a visual user interface that allows the user to confirm the state of the PC 100 or the cloud 300. The input device 12 is a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, or the like, and is a device that serves as a user interface for a user to input information to the PC 100 or the cloud 300.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the MFP 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 200 has a configuration in which the controller 20, the plotter engine 30, the operation panel 31, and the scanner engine 32 are connected via their respective interfaces. The controller 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) 24, an HDD 25, a network I / F26, an engine I / F27, a panel I / F28, and a scanner I / F29.

The controller 20 is a controller that controls the entire MFP 200 and controls and processes printing, communication, and input from the user interface. The plotter engine 30 prints an image on paper. The operation panel 31 acquires the user's input related to the setting of printing conditions and displays the status of the MFP 200 and the like. The scanner engine 32 scans a document by a pressure plate or a DF (Document Feeder).

The CPU 21 executes a program stored in the ROM 22 to control the controller 20. The ROM 22 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data necessary for controlling the controller 20. The RAM 23 is a volatile storage device used by the CPU 21 when executing a program. The NVRAM 24 is a non-volatile storage device for storing data that needs to be retained even when the power is turned off. The HDD 25 is a non-volatile storage device for storing drawn image data, received print data, and the like.

The network I / F 26 is an interface for communicating with the PC 100 or the cloud 300. The engine I / F 27 is an interface for controlling the plotter engine 30 from the controller 20. The panel I / F 28 is an interface for controlling the operation panel 31 from the controller 20. The scanner I / F 29 is an interface for controlling the scanner engine 32 from the controller 20.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the PC 100 or the cloud 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the PC 100 or the cloud 300 has a communication unit 101, a display unit 102, a PDF file storage unit 103, a data processing unit 104, a PDF conversion module 105, and a conversion rule DB 108. The PDF conversion module 105 has a print time determination unit 106 and a PDF conversion unit 107. Each of these functional units is realized by the CPU 11 executing a program stored in the storage device 13.

The communication unit 101 transmits / receives print data. The display unit 102 receives an instruction from the user and notifies the user of the message. The PDF file storage unit 103 saves the PDF file to be printed. The data processing unit 104 determines whether or not to convert the PDF file stored in the PDF file storage unit 103, and if it is determined to convert, instructs the PDF conversion module 105 to convert. Converting a PDF file means converting a PDF file into a format that can be processed sequentially. Further, the data processing unit 104 transmits a printing instruction via the communication unit 101.

The PDF conversion module 105 has a function of converting a PDF file into a format that can be sequentially processed. The print time determination unit 106 prints the converted PDF file as the first copy to acquire the print time, and prints the unconverted PDF file as the second copy to print and acquires the print time. Further, the print time determination unit 106 determines whether the converted PDF file or the unconverted PDF file can be printed faster. The PDF conversion unit 107 converts the PDF file into a format that can be sequentially processed. The PDF conversion module 105 may have the function of the data processing unit 104 described above.

The conversion rule DB 108 is a database for storing information related to the conversion rule of the PDF file. The conversion rule indicates one or a plurality of conditions for determining whether or not to convert the PDF file into a sequentially processable format, which is applied to printing all the print copies of the PDF file.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the MFP 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the MFP 200 has a communication unit 201, a display unit 202, and a printing unit 203. The printing unit 203 includes a print data receiving unit 204, a page data generation unit 205, a copy number printing determination unit 208, a data storage unit 209, a print data processing unit 210, and a transfer unit 211. The page data generation unit 205 has a page-by-page data generation unit 206 and a division possibility determination unit 207. Each of these functional units is realized by the CPU 21 executing a program stored in the ROM 22.

The communication unit 201 transmits / receives print data. The display unit 202 receives an instruction from the user and notifies the user of the message. The printing unit 203 executes a printing process based on the printing data and the printing instruction received by the communication unit 101.

The print data receiving unit 204 receives the print data passed to the printing unit 203 among the data received by the communication unit 201, and instructs the page data generation unit 205 to print. The page data generation unit 205 divides, generates, and instructs the data storage unit 209 to store the print data. The page-by-page data generation unit 206 divides the print data into page-by-page data based on the determination result of the division possibility determination unit 207, and generates print data for each page by calculating and adding insufficient information. The division possibility determination unit 207 determines whether division is possible based on the identification information included in the print data or the instruction from the display unit 202, and notifies the page-by-page data generation unit 206 of the result. The copy printing determination unit 208 can store the PDF file before conversion and the PDF file after conversion as a set in the data storage unit 209. The number-of-copy printing determination unit 208 can acquire both the pre-conversion PDF file and the post-conversion PDF file at the time of printing the third and subsequent copies. The data storage unit 209 stores print data and data divided for each page generated by the page data generation unit 205. The print data processing unit 210 interprets and draws a command of print data, and creates a print image. That is, the print data processing unit 210 has a RIP (Raster Image Processor) function. The transfer unit 211 outputs to paper based on the print image created by the print data processing unit 210.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the PDF file according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6A, the data structure of the PDF file conforms to the open standard managed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the data structure of the PDF file is, in order from the beginning, the header PH and the body PB. , Mutual reference table PR, trailer PT. The information contained in the header PH, the body PB, the cross-reference table PR, or the trailer PT shown in FIG. 6A is an example.

The header PH includes PDF version information and the like.

In the body PB, structural information such as the number of pages of a document and drawing information for drawing are defined as a set of PDF objects. The PDF object is given an identifier in the form of "XY OBj" and is referred to based on the identifier. Due to the PDF language specifications, the objects do not have to be arranged in page order, and the reference number "X" for identifying the objects does not have to be a serial number. For example, "50 obj" shown in FIG. 6A may be necessary for drawing the fifth page, and "180 obj" may be necessary for drawing the first page. It may be, or "70 obj" may be necessary for drawing the third page. Therefore, it cannot be determined whether or not any page can be drawn until all the objects are received.

The cross-reference table PR includes the address information (position information) of the object of each object number defined in the body PB. The address information is offset information indicating how many bytes the object is from the beginning of the header PH. The MFP 200 identifies and accesses the position of the object based on the cross-reference table PR.

The trailer PT includes address information (startxref) indicating the position of the cross-reference table PR, an object number "Root" in the document catalog, a reference "Info" to the creation date and time of the PDF file, and the like.

Further, the logical structure of the object included in the PDF file shown in FIG. 6B is shown. For the sake of explanation, one example is described for the page tree, but as a language specification, the page tree can also have a hierarchical structure.

At the top, there is a trailer dictionary included in the trailer PT, from which an object called a document catalog, which is the root "/ Root" of the logical structure included in the body PB, is defined. The document catalog has a page tree, the page tree "/ Pages" is "/ Parent", and has a page object "/ Kids" indicating information on each page. Further, the page object has a resource "/ Resources" object that defines a resource such as a font or an image, and a content stream "/ Contents" in which drawing information is described.

Due to the data structure of the PDF file as described above, the MFP200 accesses the document catalog by specifying the object number of the document catalog from the trailer PT and the address information corresponding to the object number from the cross-reference table PR. .. That is, in the normal operation by the MFP 200, after reading up to the trailer PT of the PDF file, the image processing related to the PDF file is started.

Here, in the prior art, the PDF file is delivered by a unique processing flow in which the PDF file is divided and transmitted from the end first, and after receiving the reception notification of the cross-reference table PR, the rest is transmitted. In that case, the MFP other than the MFP corresponding to the processing flow cannot receive the PDF file. Therefore, it is necessary to change the PDF file transmission process between the compatible MFP and the non-compatible MFP on the PDF file transmission side.

Also, since the objects in the body PB included in the PDF file are not always arranged in page order, even if the cross-reference table PR is received first, if the objects on the first page are placed near the end. Has a problem that the start of printing is delayed.

Further, when the PDF file is converted into a format that can be sequentially processed and printing is executed, it may take longer to print depending on the contents of the PDF file.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of data processing in the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7A, in a normal PDF file, objects necessary for drawing a page may not be arranged in page order. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, the objects required for drawing are converted so as to be arranged in page order so as to be in a format that can be sequentially processed. The MFP 200 can sequentially process drawing page by page based on the PDF file converted so that the objects required for drawing are arranged in page order.

The objects of the PDF file are arranged in page order and converted into a format that can be sequentially processed, and information indicating that the PDF file has a format that can be sequentially processed is added to the header. The PC 100 or the cloud 300 transmits the converted PDF file from the beginning to the MFP 200 as usual. When the header contains the identification information, the MFP200 side can start printing while receiving the identification information from the beginning in page order without relying on the cross-reference table. On the other hand, even if the MFP200 does not support the converted PDF, it is possible to print by referring to the cross-reference table after receiving up to the end as usual. Therefore, the destination MFP200 is the page on the transmitting side of the PDF file. It is not necessary to be aware of whether the MFP200 is compatible with the PDF file that is sorted in order, that is, has a format that can be sequentially processed, or the MFP200 is not compatible with the PDF file.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example (2) of data processing in the embodiment of the present invention. An example of data processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 (1), (2), and (3). FIG. 8 (1) shows the printing time required for printing 10 copies when the time required for RIP to process the converted PDF file and complete printing is 5 seconds per copy. As shown in FIG. 8 (1), the MFP 200 takes 50 seconds to print 10 copies.

FIG. 8 (2) shows the printing time required for printing 10 copies when the time required for RIP to process the unconverted PDF file and complete printing is 10 seconds per copy. As shown in FIG. 8 (2), the MFP 200 takes 100 seconds to print 10 copies.

In FIG. 8 (3), the converted PDF file is printed in the first copy, the unconverted PDF file is printed in the second copy, and three converted PDF files are printed from the printing time required for each copy. Shows the printing time when printing after the eyes is selected. As shown in FIG. 8 (3), it takes 40 seconds to print 8 copies in 5 seconds for the first copy, 10 seconds for the second copy, and 5 seconds for each copy after the third copy. That is, the MFP 200 takes 55 seconds to print 10 copies.

Further, examples of other data processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 (4), (5), and (6). FIG. 8 (4) shows the printing time required for printing 10 copies when it takes 10 seconds per copy for the RIP to process the converted PDF file and complete printing. As shown in FIG. 8 (4), it takes 100 seconds to print 10 copies.

FIG. 8 (5) shows the printing time required for printing 10 copies when the time required for RIP to process the unconverted PDF file and complete printing is 5 seconds per copy. As shown in FIG. 8 (52), it takes 50 seconds to print 10 copies.

In FIG. 8 (6), the converted PDF file is printed in the first copy, the unconverted PDF file is printed in the second copy, and the unconverted PDF file is 3 from the printing time required for each. Indicates the printing time when printing is selected after the copy. As shown in FIG. 8 (3), it takes 40 seconds to print 8 copies in 5 seconds for the first copy, 10 seconds for the second copy, and 5 seconds for each copy after the third copy. That is, it takes 55 seconds to print 10 copies.

As described with reference to FIGS. 8 (1) to 8 (6), the PC 100 or the cloud 300 compares the print time of the converted PDF file and the unconverted PDF file, and compares the print time of the converted PDF file with the PDF having the shorter print time. Print the third and subsequent copies of the file.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In step S101, the user instructs the PC 100 or the cloud 300 to execute printing. Subsequently, the PDF conversion module 105 requests the conversion rule DB 108 for the conversion rule corresponding to the PDF file to be printed (S102). The conversion rule DB 108 transmits the conversion rule to the PDF conversion module 105 when the conversion rule corresponding to the PDF file exists in the conversion rule DB 108 (S103).

In step S104, when the conversion rule is acquired in step S103, the PDF conversion module 105 transmits the print instruction of all the copies to the MFP 200 in the PDF file format specified by the conversion rule. Subsequently, the MFP 200 executes printing based on the print instruction (S105).

On the other hand, when the conversion rule is not acquired, the PDF conversion module 105 converts the PDF file into a format that can be sequentially processed (S106). Subsequently, the PDF conversion module 105 transmits a print instruction of the converted PDF file to the MFP 200 as printing of the first copy (S107). Further, the PDF conversion module 105 may start the measurement of the printing time of the first copy from step S107. Subsequently, the MFP 200 completes receiving the converted PDF file, saves it (S108), and executes printing (S109). In step S110, the PDF conversion module 105 measures and stores the printing time of the first copy. The print time may be measured based on the information about the print time transmitted from the MFP 200.

In step S111, the PDF conversion module 105 transmits a print instruction of the unconverted PDF file to the MFP 200 as printing of the second copy. Further, the PDF conversion module 105 may start the measurement of the printing time of the second copy from step S111. Subsequently, the MFP 200 completes receiving the unconverted PDF file, saves it (S112), and executes printing (S113). In step S114, the PDF conversion module 105 measures and stores the printing time of the second copy. The print time may be measured based on the information about the print time transmitted from the MFP 200.

In step S115, the PDF conversion module 105 creates a conversion rule. Subsequently, the PDF conversion module 105 transmits the registration instruction of the created conversion rule to the conversion rule DB 108 (S116). Subsequently, the conversion rule DB 108 registers the conversion rule in the database (S117). Details regarding the creation of conversion rules will be described later. It should be noted that steps S115 to S117 may be set to be executed or not to be executed as necessary.

In step S118, the PDF conversion module 105 determines the format in which the print time is shorter in the first and second copies, and transmits the print instruction of the third and subsequent copies of the PDF file having the format to the MFP 200. Subsequently, the MFP 200 prints a PDF file in the specified format.

The execution order of steps S107 to S110 and steps S111 to S114 may be different. That is, the print time of the PDF file converted into the serially processable format may be measured before the print time of the PDF file not converted into the serially processable format, or the PDF file may be converted into the serially processable format. The print time of a PDF file that has not been printed may be measured before the print time of the PDF file converted into a format that can be sequentially processed.

The following two types of printing operations of the MFP 200 can be considered.
1) Printing the first copy, printing the second copy, printing the third and subsequent copies as three jobs 2) Printing all the copies as one job 1) and 2) the first copy It is necessary to save the PDF file when printing the first copy and when printing the second copy. Further, in the case of 1), when printing the third and subsequent copies, it is necessary to perform printing using a PDF file having the format specified by the PDF conversion module 105. Three jobs will be executed in succession, and when printing the third job for printing the third and subsequent copies, the PDF file saved as the job for printing the first copy or the job for printing the second copy will be saved. Need to be able to print using. Further, in the case of 2), it is necessary to enable one print job to receive two PDF files. Furthermore, it is necessary to print using the PDF file specified in the print instruction for the third and subsequent copies.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation for creating a conversion rule according to the embodiment of the present invention. As a conversion rule creation method, the PDF conversion module 105 sets which item among the items included in the conversion rule and how to set the conversion rule to create the conversion rule (hereinafter, "conversion rule creation"). It is held in advance as a "condition"). For example, the conversion rule creation condition may be a condition for creating a conversion rule when the PDF file names match and the MFP / printer IP addresses match. The PDF conversion module 105 creates a conversion rule at the time of printing based on the conversion rule creation condition.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a condition for creating a conversion rule in the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the conversion rule creation condition has the following items.
"Enable?": Whether the conversion rule is valid or invalid "Convert?": Whether to convert the PDF file when the conversion rule is satisfied In addition, the conversion rule creation conditions include the following items related to the PDF file.
"Name": File name "Size": File size "Objects": Number of objects "Hash": Hash value of the file Further, the conversion rule creation condition has the following items related to the MFP 200.
"IP": IP address "MAC": MAC address "CPU": CPU clock number "HDD": HDD capacity "Memory": memory capacity For example, No. 11 in FIG. The conversion rule creation condition of 1 is valid, and when printing is executed, if the PDF file names match and the IP of the MFP200 matches, the conversion rule for converting the PDF file is created. That is, when printing is executed, the PDF file name related to printing and the IP of the MFP 200 are acquired, stored in the conversion rule DB 108, and the conversion rule as shown in FIG. 14 is created.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen of a list of conversion rule creation conditions according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, conversion rule creation conditions are listed in the PC 100 or the cloud 300. In FIG. 12, three conversion rule creation conditions are registered, and No. 1 is valid, No. 2 and No. 3 is set to invalid.

For example, No. 1 is valid, and when printing is executed, the PDF file name and the IP address of the MFP200 are acquired, and the PDF file is converted when the PDF file name is the same and the IP address of the MFP200 matches. A conversion rule is created.

In addition, for example, No. 3 is disabled in FIG. 12, but when it is enabled, the PDF file size, the number of pages, the number of objects, and the MAC address of the MFP200 are acquired when printing is executed, and the PDF file is obtained. Conversion rule that does not convert PDF files when the size of is within ± 10%, the number of pages is within ± 30%, the number of objects is within ± 10%, and the MAC address of the MFP200 matches. Is created.

There is a check box on the far left of each line shown in FIG. 12, and the user can convert the target line by pressing "Modify" (change) and "Delete" (delete) after checking the check box. Rule creation conditions can be changed or deleted. By pressing "Add" (addition), a new conversion rule creation condition can be added.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen for adding a condition for creating a conversion rule according to the embodiment of the present invention. The user can add a conversion rule creation condition on the display screen shown in FIG. The user checks the check boxes of the items used to create the conversion rule and selects the desired value from the options in the pull-down list. The pull-down list provides the following options for each item.
"Name": Matches, does not match "Size": ± 10%, ± 20%, ± 30%, ...
"Pages": ± 10%, ± 20%, ± 30%, ...
"Objects": ± 10%, ± 20%, ± 30%, ...
"Hash": Matches, does not match "IP": Matches, does not match "MAC": Matches, does not match "CPU": ± 10%, ± 20%, ± 30%, ...
"HDD": ± 10%, ± 20%, ± 30%, ...
"Memory": ± 10%, ± 20%, ± 30%, ...
"Conversion": Set the necessary items to be done or not using the pull-down list, and press "Add" to add the conversion rule creation condition.

For example, in the settings shown in FIG. 13, the PDF file size is within ± 10%, the number of pages is within ± 30%, the number of objects is within ± 10%, and the MAC addresses match. A conversion rule creation condition is added to convert the case.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a conversion rule according to an embodiment of the present invention. The conversion rule is managed as shown in FIG. 14 and has the following items.
"Update?": Whether the conversion rule is valid or invalid "Convert?": Whether to convert the PDF file when the conversion rule is satisfied "Name": PDF file name "Size": PDF file size "Objects": Number of objects in the PDF file "Hash": Hash value of the PDF file "IP": IP address of the MFP200 "MAC": MAC address of the MFP200 "CPU": Number of clocks of the CPU of the MFP200 "HDD": HDD capacity of the MFP200 " Memory ”: Memory capacity of the MFP 200 Each item is set with a value and a conditional expression, for example, = (matches), ± 10% (takes a value within), and the like.

For example, the conversion rule No. 1 shown in FIG. 1 is valid, and if the file name matches "xxx" and the IP matches "1.2.3.4", the PDF file is converted. Conversion rule No. shown in FIG. 2 is invalid. Conversion rule No. When 2 is enabled, the hash value is "@@@", the CPU clock count is within ± 10% of 100 MHz, and the HDD capacity is within ± 20% of "500 GB". If the memory capacity is within ± 10% of "4GB", the PDF file is converted.

Conversion rule No. shown in FIG. 3 is valid, the file size is within ± 10% of "1024 bytes", the number of pages is within ± 30% of "100 pages", and the number of objects is within ± 10% of "256". If the MAC address is "0: 1: 2: 3: 4: 5", the 1024 file is not converted.

Return to FIG. Sequentially extract items from the conversion rule creation conditions and check whether the items are currently valid or invalid. If it is invalid, check the following conversion rule creation conditions. When the conversion rule creation conditions are valid, the conversion rule creation conditions are the PDF file name, file size, number of pages, number of objects, hash value, IP address of MFP200, MAC address, number of CPU clocks, HDD size, memory size, etc. Checks if it is specified as, and saves the corresponding value if it is specified. Create a conversion rule from the last saved value and the corresponding conditions (= or ± 10%, etc.). FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the processing in the PDF conversion module 105.

In step S200, one item of conversion rule creation condition is acquired. Subsequently, if the item is valid, the process proceeds to step S202, and if the item is invalid, the process proceeds to step S223.

In step S202, it is determined whether or not Name is specified. If specified, the process proceeds to step S203, and if not specified, the process proceeds to step S204. In step S203, the name of the PDF file is saved.

In step S204, it is determined whether or not Size is specified. If specified, the process proceeds to step S205, and if not specified, the process proceeds to step S206. In step S205, the size of the PDF file is saved.

In step S206, it is determined whether or not Pages is specified. If specified, the process proceeds to step S207, and if not specified, the process proceeds to step S208. In step S207, the number of pages of the PDF file is saved.

In step S208, it is determined whether or not Objects are specified. If specified, the process proceeds to step S209, and if not specified, the process proceeds to step S210. In step S209, the number of objects in the PDF file is saved.

In step S210, it is determined whether or not Hash is specified. If specified, the process proceeds to step S211. If not specified, the process proceeds to step S212. In step S211 the hash value of the PDF file is saved.

In step S212, it is determined whether or not the IP is specified. If specified, the process proceeds to step S213, and if not specified, the process proceeds to step S214. In step S213, the IP address of the MFP 200 is stored.

In step S214, it is determined whether or not the MAC is specified. If specified, the process proceeds to step S215, and if not specified, the process proceeds to step S216. In step S215, the MAC address of the MFP 200 is stored.

In step S216, it is determined whether or not the CPU is designated. If specified, the process proceeds to step S217, and if not specified, the process proceeds to step S218. In step S217, the number of CPU clocks of the MFP 200 is saved.

In step S218, it is determined whether or not the HDD is designated. If specified, the process proceeds to step S219, and if not specified, the process proceeds to step S220. In step S219, the HDD capacity of the MFP 200 is saved.

In step S220, it is determined whether or not Memory is specified. If specified, the process proceeds to step S221, and if not specified, the process proceeds to step S222. In step S221, the memory capacity of the MFP 200 is saved.

In step S222, a conversion rule is created with the saved value and the specified conditions. In step S223, it is determined whether or not there is an unprocessed conversion rule creation condition. If there is an unprocessed conversion rule creation condition, the process returns to step S200, and if there is no unprocessed conversion rule creation condition, the flow ends.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the process of converting the PDF file into a format that can be sequentially processed has been described, but if the document file is composed of a random access format, the sequential process in the embodiment of the present invention has been described. The process of converting to a possible format is applicable.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the system 1, the PC 100 or the cloud 300 has the printing time of printing the PDF file converted into the format that can be sequentially processed by the MFP 200, and the format that can be sequentially processed. It is possible to measure the printing time of the PDF file that has not been converted to the printing on the MFP 200 and have the MFP 200 print the PDF file in a format having a shorter printing time for printing the third and subsequent copies. Further, the PC 100 or the cloud 300 creates a rule for specifying the format used for printing the PDF file satisfying a predetermined condition based on the attribute of the PDF file or the attribute of the MFP 200 at the time of printing, and the rule is applied in the subsequent printing. You can specify the format used to print the matching PDF file.

That is, the time required for printing the document file can be reduced.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the PDF file is an example of a document file. The PC 100 or the cloud 300 is an example of an information processing device. The MFP 200 is an example of an image forming apparatus. The PDF conversion module 105 is an example of a conversion unit, a measurement unit, a determination unit, or a creation unit. The data processing unit 104 is an example of a processing unit. The communication unit 201 is an example of a reception unit or a transmission unit.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such a specific embodiment, and various modifications are made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Can be changed.

1 system 100 PC
200 Image forming device 300 Cloud 11 CPU
12 Input device 13 Storage device 14 Output device 20 Controller 21 CPU
22 ROM
23 RAM
24 NVRAM
25 HDD
26 Network I / F
27 Engine I / F
28 Panel I / F
29 Scanner I / F
30 Plotter engine 31 Operation panel 32 Scanner engine 101 Communication unit 102 Display unit 103 PDF file storage unit 104 Data processing unit 105 PDF conversion module 106 Print time determination unit 107 PDF conversion unit 201 Communication unit 202 Display unit 203 Printing unit 204 Print data reception Part 205 Page data generation unit 206 Page-by-page data generation unit 207 Dividability judgment unit 208 Number of copies Print judgment unit 209 Data storage unit 210 Print data processing unit 211 Transfer unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-348423

Claims (9)

An information processing device that causes an image forming device to print multiple copies of a document file.
A converter that generates a second document file with a different format from the first document file,
A processing unit that transmits the first document file, the second document file, and a print instruction to the image forming apparatus.
A measuring unit that measures the time required to print the first document file and the time required to print the second document file.
It has a determination unit for transmitting a print instruction by a document file in which the measured time required for printing is shorter to the image forming apparatus.
The conversion unit generates the second document file in which the data of each page in the plurality of pages is arranged in the order of the pages from the first document file containing the data of the plurality of pages.
Of the plurality of copies, the first copy to be printed uses the second document file, the second copy to be printed uses the first document file, and the third and subsequent copies to be printed are the prints. An information processing device that uses a document file that takes less time . Based on a conversion rule that defines one or a plurality of conditions for the conversion unit to generate a second document file from the first document file, the processing unit gives an instruction to print the first document file or the second document file. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing apparatus is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the one or more conditions defined by the conversion rule are conditions for the attributes of the document file or the attributes of the image forming apparatus. The attributes of the document file include the file name, file size, number of pages of the document, number of objects in the document or hash value of the file.
The information processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the attributes of the image forming apparatus include an IP address, a MAC address, a number of CPU clocks, an HDD capacity, or a memory capacity. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a creation unit that creates the conversion rule based on the attributes of the document file used for printing or the attributes of the image forming apparatus at the time of printing. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the condition for creating the conversion rule is a condition for the attribute of the document file or the attribute of the image forming apparatus. An image forming device that prints multiple copies of a document file transmitted from an information processing device.
A first document file, a second document file having a format different from that of the first document file, a receiving unit that receives a print instruction from the information processing apparatus, and a receiver.
A printing unit for printing the first document file and the second document file, and
It has a transmission unit that transmits information about the time required for printing the first document file and the time required for printing the second document file to the information processing apparatus.
The printing unit prints a document file in which the time required for printing is shorter, based on the printing instruction received from the information processing apparatus .
The receiving unit receives from the information processing apparatus the second document file in which the data of each page in the plurality of pages is arranged in the order of the pages from the first document file containing the data of the plurality of pages. death,
Of the plurality of copies, the first copy to be printed uses the second document file, the second copy to be printed uses the first document file, and the third and subsequent copies to be printed are the prints. An image forming device that uses a document file that takes less time to complete . A system that has an information processing device and an image forming device and prints multiple copies of a document file.
The information processing device is
A converter that generates a second document file with a different format from the first document file,
A processing unit that transmits the first document file, the second document file, and a print instruction to the image forming apparatus.
A measuring unit that measures the time required to print the first document file and the time required to print the second document file.
It has a determination unit for transmitting a print instruction by a document file in which the measured time required for printing is shorter to the image forming apparatus.
The conversion unit generates the second document file in which the data of each page in the plurality of pages is arranged in the order of the pages from the first document file containing the data of the plurality of pages.
Of the plurality of copies, the first copy to be printed uses the second document file, the second copy to be printed uses the first document file, and the third and subsequent copies to be printed are the prints. Use a document file that takes less time to
The image forming apparatus is
A first document file, a second document file having a format different from that of the first document file, a receiving unit that receives a print instruction from the information processing apparatus, and a receiver.
A printing unit for printing the first document file and the second document file, and
It has a transmission unit that transmits information about the time required for printing the first document file and the time required for printing the second document file to the information processing apparatus.
The printing unit prints a document file in which the time required for printing is shorter, based on the printing instruction received from the information processing apparatus .
The receiving unit receives from the information processing apparatus the second document file in which the data of each page in the plurality of pages is arranged in the order of the pages from the first document file containing the data of the plurality of pages. death,
Of the plurality of copies, the first copy to be printed uses the second document file, the second copy to be printed uses the first document file, and the third and subsequent copies to be printed are the prints. A system that uses document files that take less time to print . A program that can be executed by an information processing device that causes an image forming device to print multiple copies of a document file.
A conversion procedure to generate a second document file with a different format from the first document file,
A processing procedure for transmitting the first document file, the second document file, and a print instruction to the image forming apparatus, and
A measurement procedure for measuring the time required for printing the first document file and the time required for printing the second document file, and
A determination procedure for transmitting a print instruction by a document file in which the measured time required for printing is shorter to the image forming apparatus, and a determination procedure .
A procedure for generating the second document file in which the data of each page in the plurality of pages is arranged in the order of pages from the first document file containing the data of a plurality of pages.
Of the plurality of copies, the first copy to be printed uses the second document file, the second copy to be printed uses the first document file, and the third and subsequent copies to be printed are the prints. A program that causes the information processing apparatus to execute a procedure for using a document file that takes less time .

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