JP2008269129A - Information processing system, information processor and printer driver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To convert a document prepared on a personal computer (PC) into an image format, such as PDF (portable document format), JPEG (joint photographic experts group) without printing the document onto a paper medium instead of printing the document once onto paper with an image forming apparatus, reading the paper with the image forming apparatus and converting it into the image format. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing system comprises an image processor which describes and generates a conversion process method of print data and a file transmission destination on the header portion of the print data when generating the print data, and transmits them to the image forming apparatus, an analysis section which receives the print data and analyzes the conversion process method of the print data and the file transmission destination after conversion, a conversion section which converts the print data into the image format and a control section which transmits the converted data to the image processor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In an image processing system, even if the image processing apparatus does not have an image data conversion function, image data conversion is performed using the image data conversion function in the image forming apparatus, and the converted data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus. It is about the technology to return.

  When a document created on a PC (Personal Computer) is converted to an image format such as PDF (Portable Document Format), bitmap, or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), it is printed on paper once in the image forming device. There is a method in which the printed paper is read again by the image forming apparatus and converted into the image format such as PDF.

  However, since conversion to an image format such as PDF can be performed by the image forming apparatus as described above, image format conversion from a print format transmitted to the image forming apparatus for printing directly to PDF or the like is possible. For example, it is possible to perform conversion to a high-quality image format without taking time and effort to print on a paper medium and without causing image deterioration during image reading.

  As a conventional technology, in a system in which a low-function printer with limited printing languages that can be decoded and a high-function printer that can decode various printing languages are connected via a network, the printing language that can be decoded by a high-performance printer is highly functional. There is a method of converting into a low-level language that can be read by the low-function printer in the printer and printing with the low-function printer (see Patent Document 1).

  However, with this method, conversion from a print language to a lower language for a printer is possible, but conversion from a print language to an image format cannot be performed.

JP-A-11-184649

  The problem to be solved is that the image processing apparatus converts the print data into the image data by using the data conversion function of the external image forming apparatus without installing the function for converting the print data into the image data. The point is that it could not be returned to the processing device.

  An image processing system of the present invention includes a print data conversion unit that converts document data into print data, a transmission destination addition unit that adds transmission destination data to the print data, and an image data reception unit that receives image data. An image processing apparatus capable of transmitting print data to which the transmission destination data is added, a transmission destination information analysis unit that receives the print data to which the transmission destination data is added and analyzes the transmission destination data, and the analysis A format conversion unit that converts subsequent print data into the image data; and a transmission control unit that controls transmission of the converted image data based on the transmission destination data. An image forming apparatus capable of transmitting to the image processing apparatus is the main feature.

  An image processing apparatus of the present invention includes a print data conversion unit that converts document data into print data, a transmission destination addition unit that adds transmission destination data to the print data, and an image data reception unit that receives image data. And the print data to which the transmission destination data is added can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. After the print data to which the transmission destination data is added is converted into the image data in the image forming apparatus, the image data is converted into the image data. It is possible to receive from the image forming apparatus.

  The printer driver according to the present invention includes a print data conversion unit that converts document data into print data in a computer of the image processing apparatus, a transmission destination addition unit that adds transmission destination data to the print data, and image data that receives the image data. Receiving means for causing the image forming apparatus to transmit the print data with the destination data added thereto, and receiving the print data with the destination data added to a computer of the image forming apparatus; Transmission destination analysis means for analyzing transmission destination data, format conversion means for converting the analyzed print data into the image data, and transmission control for controlling transmission of the converted image data based on the transmission destination data And the means for functioning to transmit the converted image data.

  An image processing system of the present invention includes a print data conversion unit that converts document data into print data, a transmission destination addition unit that adds transmission destination data to the print data, and an image data reception unit that receives image data. An image processing apparatus capable of transmitting print data to which the transmission destination data is added, a transmission destination information analysis unit that receives the print data to which the transmission destination data is added and analyzes the transmission destination data, and the analysis A format conversion unit that converts subsequent print data into the image data; and a transmission control unit that controls transmission of the converted image data based on the transmission destination data. The image processing apparatus is equipped with a function for converting print data into image data. In addition, the print data can be converted into image data and returned to the image processing apparatus using the data conversion function of the image forming apparatus without first printing on the paper medium and reading the paper with the image forming apparatus. It has become possible.

  An image processing apparatus of the present invention includes a print data conversion unit that converts document data into print data, a transmission destination addition unit that adds transmission destination data to the print data, and an image data reception unit that receives image data. And the print data to which the transmission destination data is added can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. After the print data to which the transmission destination data is added is converted into the image data in the image forming apparatus, the image data is converted into the image data. Since it can be received from the image forming apparatus, the image processing apparatus is not equipped with a function for converting print data into image data, and is once printed on a paper medium and the paper is processed by the image forming apparatus. Without reading, it is possible to convert print data into image data and return it to the image processing apparatus using the data conversion function of an external image forming apparatus.

  The printer driver according to the present invention includes a print data conversion unit that converts document data into print data in a computer of the image processing apparatus, a transmission destination addition unit that adds transmission destination data to the print data, and image data that receives the image data. Receiving means for causing the image forming apparatus to transmit the print data with the destination data added thereto, and receiving the print data with the destination data added to a computer of the image forming apparatus; Transmission destination analysis means for analyzing transmission destination data, format conversion means for converting the analyzed print data into the image data, and transmission control for controlling transmission of the converted image data based on the transmission destination data Means for transmitting the converted image data to the image processing apparatus. Convert the print data to image data using the data conversion function of the image forming device, without installing the function to convert to image data, and without printing the paper once and reading the paper with the image forming device. It has become possible to return to the image processing apparatus.

  Even if the image processing apparatus is not equipped with a function for converting print data to image data, the data conversion function of the image forming apparatus can be used without printing the paper once and reading the paper with the image forming apparatus. This is realized by a method of converting print data into image data and returning it to the image processing apparatus.

[Constitution]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An image processing system 100 transmits print data that is a source of image conversion, receives the converted image data, a PC (Personal Computer) 101 (image processing apparatus), and an MFP (Multi Functional Peripherals) that performs image conversion. Machine) 201 (image forming apparatus), and an external PC 301 that receives the converted image data.

The PC 101 includes an application 111 (for example, WORD (registered trademark), EXCEL (registered trademark)), a printer driver 120, an e-mail box 131, and a folder 141 on an OS (Operating System) 110.
The printer driver 120 has functional blocks of a file transmission header addition unit 121, an e-mail transmission header addition unit 123, and a PDL (Page Description Language) conversion unit 125 (print data conversion unit).

  The OS 110 is basic software for managing computer systems and running application software.

  The application 111 is a program that realizes information processing functions such as document editing and spreadsheet on a PC. A user has a request to print a document created by the application or to convert the document into an image format.

  The printer driver 120 is a program that generates data that enables a document created on the application to be printed by the image forming apparatus. In this embodiment, not only printing is possible, but also print data (PDL format), which is original data for causing the image forming apparatus (MFP in this embodiment) to perform data format conversion to PDF or the like, is used. Generate.

  A PDL conversion unit 125 (print data conversion unit) converts document data on an application into PDL (Page Description Language), which is a format understandable by the image forming apparatus, when printing is performed by the image forming apparatus (MFP). Then, the image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 201. In this embodiment, not only printing by the image forming apparatus but also conversion to a common format such as PDF is possible, but also in this case, the document data on the application is transmitted in a form converted to PDL.

  Whether the file transmission header addition unit 121 (transmission destination addition unit, conversion condition addition unit) performs printing or image conversion on the head portion (referred to as a header portion) of the PDL file converted by the PDL conversion unit 125 In the case of image conversion, conversion conditions such as what format to convert and what to do with resolution are written. In addition, the IP address and directory name of the transmission destination device required when the converted file is transmitted are also written in the header part.

  Similar to the file transmission header adding unit 121, the e-mail transmission header adding unit 125 (transmission destination adding unit, conversion condition adding unit) prints or converts the transmitted print data, or converts the image. In this case, the conversion condition is written, and the information of the e-mail address when the e-mail is transmitted after the conversion is similarly written in the header part.

  The e-mail box 131 (image data receiving unit) is a storage location when a file after data format conversion in the image forming apparatus is received by e-mail.

  The folder 141 (image data receiving unit) is a storage location when a file after data format conversion in the image forming apparatus is received from the image forming apparatus by file transmission.

  An MFP (Multi Functional Peripherals; MFP, image forming apparatus) 201 receives a PDL file sent from a PC and performs printing or conversion to an image data format such as PDF according to the description of the PDL header part. After the data format conversion is performed, the converted data is transmitted by e-mail or file transmission according to the description of the header part.

  The MFP 201 includes a transmission destination information analysis unit 211 and a transmission control unit 213.

  The transmission destination information analysis unit 211 analyzes the header portion of the PDL file sent from the PC and determines whether to perform printing, image conversion, or under what conditions when performing image conversion. To analyze.

  The transmission control unit 213 controls operations when the converted data is transmitted by e-mail after image conversion and when it is transmitted by file transmission.

  The format conversion unit 215 converts the PDL file received from the PC into another image format such as PDF.

  The printing unit 217 prints the PDL file received from the PC.

  Since the external PC 301 can designate an external PC or an image forming apparatus other than the transmission source PC 101 as a destination of the converted image data, it is a transmission destination at that time.

[flowchart]
The flow of operations on the PC side will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  S11: On the printer driver screen on the PC, the user sets the following items.

(1) Specifying whether to perform data conversion or normal printing (2) Specifying whether to send the file after data conversion by e-mail or sending by file transmission, and the destination data (e-mail address) , Or destination address and directory name)
(3) Setting of Conversion Format, Resolution, Monochrome Color, etc. for Data Conversion S13: It is determined whether data conversion is designated by the user setting in S11 or whether normal printing is designated. In the case of data conversion, the process proceeds to S17. In the case of normal printing, the process proceeds to S15.

  S15: The PDL conversion unit 125 generates PDL data for printing.

  S17: Based on the setting by the user in S11, it is determined whether the transmission method after data conversion is by e-mail or file transmission. In the case of e-mail, the operation proceeds to S19. In the case of file transmission, the operation proceeds to S21.

  S19: The e-mail transmission header adding unit 123 generates PDL data in which a message indicating that transmission by e-mail is to be performed is included in the header portion.

  S21: The file transmission header adding unit 121 generates PDL data in which a message indicating that processing by file transmission is performed is included in the header portion.

  S23: Send the PDL data to the MFP.

  Next, the operation flow on the MFP side will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  S31: The receiving unit of the MFP receives PDL data from the PC.

  S33: The transmission destination information analysis unit 211 analyzes the PDL header.

  S35: It is determined whether to convert the received PDL data based on the analysis result in S33. In the case of conversion, the operation proceeds to S37. If not converted, the operation proceeds to S39.

  S37: The format conversion unit 215 converts the PDL into an image format such as PDF based on the conversion condition analyzed in S33.

  S41: The transmission control unit 213 determines whether to transmit the converted file by e-mail or by file transmission based on the analysis in S33. When transmitting by e-mail, the operation proceeds to S42. When processing by file transmission, the operation proceeds to S45.

  S43: The transmission control unit 213 transmits the file converted in S37 to the designated e-mail address based on the analysis result in S33.

  S45: The transmission control unit 213 transmits the file converted in S37 to the designated directory of the device at the designated file transmission destination address based on the analysis result in S33.

  S39: When it is determined in S35 that the format of the PDL file is not converted, the PDL file is transferred to the printing unit 217 of the MFP and normal printing is performed.

[Effect of Example]
The image processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention can perform the following.

  When converting application data to image data such as PDF on a PC, without using a conversion tool or driver, the conversion function of the MFP and the conversion conditions of the printer driver installed on the PC and the addition of the transmission destination are added. Using the function, it became possible to perform data format conversion.

  For this reason, application data is once printed on a paper medium and read by an MFP, so that the format of the image was converted. However, the conversion can be done only by designation from the PC, and the process is greatly increased. Simplified.

  The file after data conversion can be automatically written to the specified e-mail address or specified file destination.

  When converting image formats only on a PC, it was necessary to purchase conversion software, but since the MFP has an image format conversion function, there is no need to purchase such conversion software, and new equipment is available. Image format conversion is possible without investment.

1 is a functional block diagram of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention (Embodiment 1). FIG. 5 is a flowchart of processing on the PC side (first embodiment). 5 is a flowchart of processing on the MFP side (first embodiment).

Explanation of symbols

100 Image Processing System 101 PC (Personal Computer) (Image Processing Device)
110 OS (Operating System)
111 Application 120 Printer driver 121 File transmission header addition unit (transmission destination addition unit, conversion condition addition unit)
123 E-mail transmission header addition part (transmission destination addition part, conversion condition addition part)
125 PDL converter (print data converter)
131 E-mail box (image data receiver)
141 Folder (image data receiver)
201 MFP (Multi Functional Peripherals) (image forming device)
211 Transmission destination information analysis unit 213 Transmission control unit 215 Format conversion unit 217 Printing unit 301 External PC (Personal Computer) (image processing apparatus)

Claims (7)

A print data converter for converting document data into print data;
A transmission destination adding unit for adding transmission destination data to the print data;
An image data receiving unit for receiving image data;
An image processing apparatus capable of transmitting print data to which the transmission destination data is added, and
A destination information analysis unit that receives the print data to which the destination data is added, and analyzes the destination data;
A format conversion unit for converting the analyzed print data into the image data;
A transmission control unit for controlling transmission of the converted image data based on the transmission destination data;
An image forming apparatus capable of transmitting the converted image data to the image processing apparatus,
An image processing system comprising: The image processing system according to claim 1,
The image processing apparatus includes a conversion condition adding unit that adds a conversion condition to the image data in the image forming apparatus. The image processing system according to claim 1 or 2,
The image processing system, wherein the transmission destination data is an e-mail transmission address or a file transmission destination IP address and directory name. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image processing system, wherein the print data is PDL (Page Description Language) data. The image processing system according to claim 4,
The transmission destination adding unit adds the transmission destination data to the header portion of the PDL,
The image processing system, wherein the conversion condition adding unit adds the conversion condition to a header portion of the PDL. A print data converter for converting document data into print data;
A transmission destination adding unit for adding transmission destination data to the print data;
An image data receiving unit for receiving image data;
Print data to which the destination data is added can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and after the print data to which the destination data is added is converted into the image data in the image forming apparatus, the image data Can be received from the image forming apparatus. A print data conversion means for converting document data into print data in a computer of the image processing apparatus;
Transmission destination adding means for adding transmission destination data to the print data;
Image data receiving means for receiving image data;
To send the print data with the destination data added to the image forming apparatus,
Receiving means for receiving print data with the destination data added to a computer of the image forming apparatus;
Destination information analyzing means for analyzing the destination data;
Format conversion means for converting the analyzed print data into the image data;
A printer driver, comprising: a transmission control unit configured to control transmission of the converted image data based on the transmission destination data to transmit the converted image data.

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