JP2020198011A - Image forming system and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of memory shortage even if a memory mounted in an image forming apparatus has a small capacity, and appropriately print all pages of a document file in a specific format.SOLUTION: In performing printing of a specific format file, an information processing apparatus extracts, from the file, page content data and drawing-related data for each of the pages. The information processing apparatus inserts a description of an indirect object of a reference destination into a portion of the extracted data where there is a description of indirect referencing. The information processing apparatus transmits the pieces of data after the insertion to an image forming apparatus in page order. The image forming apparatus starts the creation of page image data based on the received drawing-related data and page content data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that prints based on data transmitted by the information processing apparatus. The present invention also relates to an information processing device that transmits data to an image forming device.

When printing a file, the computer may convert the file into print data written in a page description language. In this case, the computer transmits the converted data to the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, the file itself may be transmitted from the information processing device without conversion in the page description language, and printing may be performed based on the file received by the image forming device. Such printing may be referred to as direct printing. Direct printing has the advantage that the information processing device does not have to perform complicated processing. An example of such a direct printing technique is described in Patent Document 1.

Specifically, in Patent Document 1, when a memory overflow occurs, the content objects included in the configuration data of the PDF file stored in the RAM are sequentially output with an identification name, and the output content object data is output. A printer that deletes from the RAM, receives the configuration data of the subsequent PDF file, and finally creates and outputs a table based on the identification name of the content object and the information of the page object and the page list object is described. With this configuration, even if the usable capacity of the storage unit is small, the file can be directly received and printed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-322360

For example, the basic components of a PDF (Portable Document Format) file are referred to as objects. In addition, a group of objects with a number (label) may be referred to as an indirect object (Indirect Object). The PDF file contains a plurality of indirect objects. In addition, the PDF file contains data called a cross-reference table and a trailer in the last part of the file. The trailer contains a flag indicating the location of the cross-reference table. Based on this flag, the computer recognizes the cross-reference table. The cross-reference table is a list that shows the starting position of each indirect object in the file.

The content of the page is described using multiple indirect objects. At the time of direct printing of a PDF file, the image forming apparatus generates (draws) image data of each page. When drawing each page, the image forming device refers to the cross-reference table and reads the indirect objects necessary for drawing the page. Here, in the PDF file, the description order (number order) of each indirect object in the file does not always match the reference order of the indirect objects at the time of drawing. Also, one indirect object may be referenced from multiple pages. Therefore, a cross-reference table and a trailer are indispensable to start drawing the page. In this way, there are file formats in which printing cannot be started until the entire file is received and stored.

In direct printing of a PDF file, it is necessary to store (store) the entire PDF file (all data) in a memory (RAM). Further image data is generated with the entire file stored. The generated image data is also stored in the memory. Some low-priced image forming devices do not have a storage such as an HDD and have a small amount of on-board memory. Therefore, in an image forming apparatus having a small memory capacity, there is a problem that a memory shortage (overflow) occurs and all pages may not be printed properly. The larger the data size of the PDF file and the larger the number of pages, the higher the possibility that all pages cannot be printed properly.

In the invention described in Patent Document 1, the content objects are printed in numerical order (Patent Document 1: see FIG. 14). Content is not printed in the order listed on the page. In some cases, only one piece of content is printed on a sheet of paper. The content of one page can be divided into a plurality of pages and printed. The original document is not reproduced and not all pages can be printed properly. Therefore, the technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot solve the above problem.

In view of the above problems, the present invention makes it difficult for a memory shortage (overflow) to occur even if the on-board memory of the image forming apparatus is small, and makes it possible to appropriately print all pages of a document file in a specific format.

The image forming system according to the present invention includes an information processing device and an image forming device. The image forming apparatus prints based on the data received from the information processing apparatus. When printing a specific format file containing a plurality of numbered indirect objects and the reference order of the indirect objects is different from the number order of the indirect objects, the information processing apparatus performs page content data from the specific format file. And drawing-related data, which is an object related to page drawing and includes a predetermined object, is extracted for each page. The information processing apparatus inserts the description of the referenced indirect object into a portion of the extracted drawing-related data and the page content data where there is a description of an indirect reference that refers to the other indirect object. The information processing device transmits the drawing-related data and the page content data after insertion to the image forming device in page order. The image forming apparatus stores the received drawing-related data and the page content data in a memory. The image forming apparatus starts generating page image data based on the received drawing-related data and the page content data. The image forming apparatus starts printing based on the page image data for which generation has been completed.

Further, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an information communication unit, an information storage unit, and an information processing unit. The information communication unit communicates with the image forming apparatus. The information storage unit stores a plurality of numbered indirect objects, and stores a specific format file in which the reference order of the indirect objects is different from the numerical order of the indirect objects. The information processing unit extracts page content data and drawing-related data including a predetermined object that is an object related to drawing the page from the specific format file for each page. The information processing unit inserts the description of the referenced indirect object into a portion of the extracted drawing-related data and the page content data where there is a description of an indirect reference that refers to the other indirect object. The information processing unit causes the image forming apparatus to transmit the drawing-related data and the page content data after insertion to the information communication unit in page order.

According to the present invention, even if the on-board memory of the image forming apparatus is small, it is possible to prevent the memory shortage (overflow) from occurring. As a result, all pages of the specific format file can be printed properly.

It is a figure which shows an example of the image formation system which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the process which used the direct printing application which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the specific format file which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the trailer of the specific format file which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the cross-reference table of the specific format file which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the body of the specific format file which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission processing of the specific format file of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the hierarchical structure of the document of the specific format file which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the page object which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the page content data which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the change of the drawing-related data which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the page content data transmitted by the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing in the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing in the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of the image forming system 100 and the information processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. Each element such as the configuration and arrangement described in the description of the present embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an example of description.

(Image formation system 100)
An example of the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes an information processing device 1 and an image forming device 2. A plurality of information processing devices 1 and a plurality of image forming devices 2 may be provided. For convenience, FIG. 1 illustrates each device one by one. The information processing device 1 and the image forming device 2 can communicate with each other wirelessly or by wire.

The information processing device 1 is, for example, a mobile communication device such as a smartphone. The information processing device 1 may be a PC. For example, the image forming apparatus 2 is a printer. Hereinafter, an example in which the image forming apparatus 2 is a printer will be described. The image forming apparatus 2 may be a multifunction device. The information processing device 1 can transmit data for printing to the image forming device 2. The image forming apparatus 2 prints based on the data for printing from the information processing apparatus 1.

(Image forming apparatus 2)
Next, an example of the image forming apparatus 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the image forming apparatus 2 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a control unit 20 and a storage unit 21. The control unit 20 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 2. The control unit 20 includes a control circuit 20a and an image processing circuit 20b. The control circuit 20a is, for example, a CPU. The control circuit 20a performs calculations and processes related to control. The image processing circuit 20b is, for example, an ASIC. The image processing circuit 20b can generate page image data. Further, the image processing circuit 20b performs image processing of page image data to generate output image data for one page. The output image data is image data indicating whether or not toner is applied.

The storage unit 21 includes a memory 22 and a ROM 23. The memory 22 is, for example, a RAM. The storage unit 21 stores a control program and various data.

The image forming apparatus 2 includes an operation panel 24. The operation panel 24 includes a display panel 24a, a touch panel 24b, and a hard key 24c. The control unit 20 controls the display of the display panel 24a. The control unit 20 displays a screen and an image on the display panel 24a. Based on the output of the touch panel 24b and the hard key 24c, the control unit 20 recognizes the setting contents of the user.

The printing unit 25 includes a paper feeding unit 25a, a paper conveying unit 25b, an image forming unit 25c, and a fixing unit 25d. The control unit 20 controls the operations of the paper feed unit 25a, the paper transport unit 25b, the image forming unit 25c, and the fixing unit 25d. The paper feed unit 25a accommodates paper. The paper feed unit 25a includes a paper feed roller and a paper feed motor. The paper feed motor rotates the paper feed roller. At the time of a print job, the control unit 20 rotates the paper feed motor (paper feed roller). As a result, the paper is supplied from the paper feed unit 25a. The paper transport unit 25b includes a transport roller pair for paper transport and a transport motor. The transport roller pair transports the paper. The transfer motor rotates a pair of transfer rollers. At the time of a print job, the control unit 20 transfers the paper to the paper transfer unit 25b.

The image forming unit 25c includes, for example, a photoconductor drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer roller. Based on the output image data, the control unit 20 causes the image forming unit 25c to form a toner image. The fixing portion 25d includes a heater, a heating rotating body, a pressurized rotating body, and a fixing motor. The heater heats the heating rotating body. The paper passes through the nips of the heated rotating body and the pressurized rotating body. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper. At the time of the print job, the control unit 20 causes the fixing unit 25d to fix the toner image. The paper transport unit 25b discharges the printed paper to the outside of the machine.

The image forming apparatus 2 includes a communication unit 26. The communication unit 26 includes a communication circuit and a communication memory. The communication memory stores communication software. The communication unit 26 communicates with the information processing device 1 in response to an instruction from the control unit 20. For example, the communication unit 26 communicates with the information processing device 1 (information communication unit 14) wirelessly or by wire. Further, the communication unit 26 can communicate with a computer other than the information processing device 1 wirelessly or by wire.

(Information processing device 1)
Next, an example of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment.

The information processing device 1 includes an information processing unit 10, an information storage unit 11, a display 12, an input device 13, and an information communication unit 14.

The information processing unit 10 is an electronic circuit board including a plurality of circuits and elements. The information processing unit 10 includes, for example, a control circuit 10a. The control circuit 20a is, for example, a CPU or SoC. The information storage unit 11 non-volatilely stores the OS, data, and various applications. The information storage unit 11 includes a flash ROM and a RAM. The information processing unit 10 controls the operation of the information processing device 1 based on the OS, data, and various applications. The information processing unit 10 controls each unit of the information processing device 1 according to the stored contents of the information storage unit 11.

The information processing unit 10 displays the screen and information on the display 12. For example, the display 12 includes a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The input device 13 accepts the user's operation. The input device 13 is, for example, a touch panel. A keyboard or mouse may be used as the input device 13. The information processing unit 10 recognizes the operation content based on the output of the input device 13.

The information communication unit 14 includes a communication circuit and a communication memory. The communication memory stores communication software. The information communication unit 14 communicates with the image forming apparatus 2 in response to an instruction from the information processing unit 10. For example, the information communication unit 14 communicates with the image forming apparatus 2 (communication unit 26) wirelessly or by wire.

The direct printing application A1 is installed as an application in the information storage unit 11 of the information processing device 1. The direct printing application A1 is software for transmitting printing data (file) to the image forming apparatus 2.

(Direct printing)
The flow of processing using the direct printing application A1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of processing using the direct printing application A1 according to the embodiment.

For example, the file to be printed can be downloaded to the information processing device 1. For example, when the input device 13 receives an instruction to download a file, the information processing unit 10 causes the information communication unit 14 to acquire the file. The information processing unit 10 non-volatilely stores the acquired file in the information storage unit 11. In this way, the user can get the file. The file that can be stored in the information storage unit 11 includes the specific format file F1. Details of the specific format file F1 will be described later.

Further, a file editing application A2 such as word processing software, spreadsheet software, image data editing software, and OCR software may be installed in the information storage unit 11. In this case, the user activates the file editing application A2. Using the input device 13, the user creates, edits, and saves a file by using the started file editing application A2.

When the input device 13 receives the activation operation of the direct printing application A1, the information processing unit 10 activates the direct printing application A1 (step # 11). Based on the direct print application A1, the information processing unit 10 displays a print setting screen (not shown) on the display 12 (step # 12). For example, the input device 13 accepts the designation of a file to be printed by the image forming apparatus 2. In addition, the user can make print settings using the input device 13. For example, the input device 13 accepts settings such as the number of copies to be printed and the paper size used for printing as print settings. The input device 13 accepts a file specification and print settings (step # 13).

When the input device 13 accepts the completion of the setting on the print setting screen, the information processing unit 10 determines whether or not the file specified to be printed (the file to be directly printed) is the specific format file F1 (step #). 14).

The specific format file F1 is a file having a predetermined file format. In this description, an example in which the specific format file F1 is a PDF format file will be described. Details of the PDF file will be described later.

When the file to be printed is not the specific format file F1 (No in step # 14), the information processing unit 10 causes the image forming apparatus 2 to transmit the specified file and print setting information to the information communication unit 14. (Step # 15). The print setting information is information indicating the setting contents (number of copies to be printed, etc.) on the print setting screen. Then, the information processing unit 10 ends the processing of this flowchart (end).

When a file other than the specific format file F1 is received, the control unit 20 (control circuit 20a) of the image forming apparatus 2 analyzes the received file. Then, the control unit 20 (control circuit 20a) converts the received file and generates data in which the contents of each page are described in the page description language. The control unit 20 (image processing circuit 20b) generates image data (raster data) for each page based on the generated data. The control unit 20 (image processing circuit 20b) generates output image data based on the generated image data. Based on the generated output image data, the control unit 20 causes the printing unit 25 to perform printing.

When the file to be printed is the specific format file F1 (Yes in step # 14), the information processing unit 10 performs a process for transmitting the specific format file F1 (generation of drawing-related data 4 and page content data 5). Transition (step # 16 → end).

(Specific format file F1)
Next, an example of the specific format file F1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the specific format file F1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the trailer 34 of the specific format file F1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the cross-reference table 33 of the specific format file F1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the body of the specific format file F1 according to the embodiment.

As described above, the specific format file F1 is, for example, a PDF format file. A PDF file is a file containing a plurality of objects. In a PDF file, an object is the underlying component of a file. Object types include booleans, nulls, numbers, strings, names, arrays, dictionaries, and streams.

Then, in this description, a PDF file is constructed, and an object with a number (label) is referred to as an indirect object (Indirect Object). Indirect objects include objects. The format of the beginning part of the indirect object is "n obj (see FIGS. 8 and 11). N is an object number and is a positive integer. M is called a generation number and is a non-negative integer. For example. The first indirect object is described as "10 obj". The format of the end part of the indirect object is "endobj". In this description, the whole of "nm obj" to "endobj" is referred to as an indirect object. The specific format file F1 can be said to be a file containing a plurality of indirect objects with numbers (labels).

In the PDF file, each indirect object can be given an arbitrary number regardless of the contents of the indirect object. There is no particular rule in the order of numbering. Therefore, basically, the numerical order of the indirect objects and the reference order of the indirect objects at the time of drawing are different. Also, one indirect object may be referenced on multiple pages.

Then, in the PDF file, an indirect reference is used. Indirect references are defined within indirect objects. By using an indirect reference, it is possible to refer to an indirect object specified by another object. You can create links from one object to another indirect object. The notation format for indirect reference is "nm R". R means reference. And n is an object number. m is the generation number.

For example, the description of << / Length 100 R >> means referring to the indirect object No. 10. It means that the content of Length is written in the indirect object No. 10. Due to this indirect reference, the numerical order of the indirect objects and the reference order of the indirect objects at the time of drawing are basically different. This mechanism of indirect reference is also the reason why the numerical order of indirect objects and the reference order of indirect objects at the time of drawing are different.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the specific format file F1 (PDF file). As shown in FIG. 5, the PDF file includes a header 31, a body 32, a cross-reference table 33, and a trailer 34. In the PDF file, the header 31, the body 32, the cross-reference table 33 (cross-reference table), and the trailer 34 are arranged in order from the beginning of the file. Trailer 34 is located at the end of the PDF file. The PDF file is usually read from the trailer 34.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the description of the trailer 34. The object number of the document catalog (Root object) is described in the trailer 34. The trailer 34 also includes a startref. The number below the start letter indicates the starting position of the cross-reference table 33 in the PDF file. In the case of FIG. 6, it is shown that the cross-reference table 33 starts from 19372 bytes from the beginning of the file.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the cross-reference table 33. The cross-reference table 33 (cross-reference table) is a list showing the number of bytes in which each indirect object starts counting from the beginning of the file. By using the cross-reference table 33, any indirect object can be efficiently accessed.

The second number from the left in the second row of the cross-reference table 33 indicates the number of position information of the indirect object. In the example of FIG. 7, it is shown that the cross-reference table 33 includes the position information of a total of 100 indirect objects. The third and subsequent lines are information indicating the position of each indirect object. The third line shows the position of the 0th indirect object. The fourth line shows the position of the first indirect object. The fifth line shows the position of the second indirect object. The 102nd line indicates the 99th indirect object position.

The 10-digit number on the left side of each line indicates the number of bytes in which the indirect object starts, counting from the beginning of the file. In the case of the example of FIG. 7, it is shown that the first indirect object is described from the position of 18 bytes from the beginning of the file.

In FIG. 8, the body 32 portion of the PDF file is the body portion of the PDF file. The body 32 includes a plurality of indirect objects. For example, the body 32 portion includes indirect objects such as document catalogs, page trees, pages, and content (content streams).

In the PDF file, the cross-reference table 33 is required to perform processing (drawing) based on the description. A trailer 34 indicating the location of the cross-reference table 33 is attached to the end of the PDF file. Therefore, conventionally, a device that directly prints a PDF file cannot start drawing (generation of image data) and printing unless all of the PDF files are received. Direct printing of a PDF file has the disadvantage that it is necessary to receive the entire PDF file in order to start printing.

(Sending of specific format file F1)
Next, an example of the transmission process of the specific format file F1 of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of transmission processing of the specific format file F1 of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hierarchical structure of the document of the specific format file F1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a page object according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of page content data 5 according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of modification of the drawing-related data 4 according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of page content data 5 transmitted by the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment.

When the specific format file F1 (PDF file) is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 for printing, the information processing apparatus 1 (information processing unit 10) performs special processing for the specific format file F1 to perform drawing-related data. 4 and page content data 5 are generated. Then, the information processing unit 10 causes the image forming apparatus 2 (communication unit 26) to transmit the generated drawing-related data 4 and page content data 5 to the information communication unit 14. The image forming apparatus 2 prints based on the received drawing-related data 4 and page content data 5. Allows you to start printing without sending the entire PDF file.

Hereinafter, an example of the flow of generation and transmission of drawing-related data 4 and page content data 5 will be described with reference to FIG. The start of FIG. 9 is when the information processing unit 10 recognizes that the file to be printed (the file specified by the direct print application) is the specific format file F1 (PDF file) (step # 16 of FIG. 5). ).

First, the information processing unit 10 causes the image forming apparatus 2 (communication unit 26) to notify the information communication unit 14 of the start of transmission of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 of the specific format file F1 (step # 21). ). Specifically, the information processing unit 10 transmits a message notifying the start of transmission of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5.

Next, the information processing unit 10 interprets the trailer 34 of the specific format file F1 (PDF file) and recognizes the start position of the cross-reference table 33 (step # 22). In addition, the information processing unit 10 recognizes the object number of the indirect object (Root object) of the document catalog. The indirect object of the document catalog is hereinafter referred to as a catalog object. Catalog objects, also referred to as Root objects, are indirect objects of type "Catalog".

Next, the information processing unit 10 recognizes (detects) the page tree object and the page object based on the catalog object and the cross-reference table 33 (step # 23). The page tree object is an indirect object of type "Pages". A page object is an indirect object that describes the content of a page and is of type "Page".

Here, an example of the hierarchical structure of the indirect objects of the PDF file will be described with reference to FIG. Hierarchically, the catalog object is at the top. The structure of the page is described in the catalog object. For example, the catalog object contains the object number of the page tree object. The information processing unit 10 can recognize the object number of the page tree.

The page tree object is an indirect object that describes the page contained in the PDF file. The page tree object contains, for example, the object number of the page object for each page.

The page object corresponds to one page of the PDF file. If the PDF file contains 10 pages, for example, the PDF file may contain 10 page objects. The information processing unit 10 can recognize the object number of the page object of each page.

The page object includes items (objects) such as "Resources", "MediaBox", and "XObject". For example, in the Resources object, a font is defined. In these items, the font type used on the page, the page size, and the image used are described. The objects in the page object are hierarchically one level below the page object. In this way, the page object includes an object related to drawing the page (generation of page image data) such as a font.

In addition, the page object includes an item (object) of "Conents". The Content object contains the object number of the indirect object that describes the content of the page. The object number is described in the indirect reference format. That is, in the page object, the number of the indirect object that is indirectly referenced is described as the content of the page. The content of the page is described in the indirect reference destination. Content may be described in stream format.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a page object. Indirect references can also be used with page objects. In FIG. 11, for example, in Resources, it is described that the object number of the indirect reference destination is 623. Further, in FIG. 11, it is described that the object number (content stream) of the indirect reference destination is 109 in the Contents (page contents).

FIG. 12 shows an example of page content. In the example of FIG. 12, it is described that the image (image data) of Im0 is pasted as the content of the page. If the text is pasted as the content of the page, it will include data indicating the text.

In this way, the information processing unit 10 detects the page object by following the document catalog, the page tree, and the page in this order. The information processing unit 10 can recognize the number of pages and the content of each page by the page object.

Next, the information processing unit 10 extracts n pages of drawing-related data 4 from the PDF file (step # 24). n is a positive integer. The initial value of n is 1. The drawing-related data 4 is an object related to drawing the page. The object to be extracted as the drawing-related data 4 is predetermined.

For example, the information processing unit 10 may extract the entire page object (indirect object of type Page) as drawing-related data 4.

Further, the information processing unit 10 may extract only a part of the page object (indirect object of type Page) as the drawing-related data 4. For example, the information processing unit 10 extracts only the objects necessary for drawing from the page objects.

For example, the information processing unit 10 may extract objects excluding Contents and Part as drawing-related data 4. The information processing device 1 sends the data corresponding to the contents after the drawing-related data 4. Therefore, it is not necessary to include the data corresponding to the contents in the drawing-related data 4. In the drawing-related data 4, the description of Contents may be excluded. Further, the description of Part in the page object indicates the object number of the page tree object. The contents of the page tree object do not need to be drawn. In this way, the information processing device 1 (information processing unit 10) may extract the objects excluding the objects of the predetermined items from the page objects (indirect objects of each page) as the drawing-related data 4. .. For example, an example of drawing-related data extracted from the page object of FIG. 11 other than "1070 obj", "/ Contents [109 0 R]," / Parent 1030 R ", and" endobj "is the upper side of FIG. It is a figure of.

The information processing unit 10 inserts (adds, pastes) the description of the indirect object of the reference destination into the part ([nm R] part) where the indirect reference is described in the extracted drawing-related data 4. (Step # 25). FIG. 13 shows an example of inserting a description of an indirect reference destination in the drawing-related data 4. The upper figure of FIG. 13 shows an example of drawing-related data 4 before insertion. The lower figure of FIG. 13 shows an example of drawing-related data 4 after insertion. In the lower part of FIG. 13, the portion surrounded by the broken line is the insertion portion.

In the drawing-related data 4 of FIG. 13, indirect reference is used in the item (object) of Resources. For Resources, the indirect object No. 623 is specified as a reference destination. Therefore, the information processing unit 10 pastes (inserts) the description of the indirect object of the reference destination (No. 623) next to the description part of the indirect reference (the part with the keyword R) in the PDF file. In the case of the example of FIG. 13, the description of the referenced indirect object is similarly inserted for XObject.

Indirect references may be used in the description of the pasted indirect object. In this case, the information processing unit 10 inserts the description of the indirect object of the reference destination in the inserted description after the description part of the indirect reference (the part with the R keyword) in the indirect object pasted earlier. To do. In this way, the information processing unit 10 repeatedly inserts the description of the referenced indirect object. Then, the information processing unit 10 includes all the descriptions of the indirect objects that are indirectly referenced in the drawing-related data 4.

Then, the information processing unit 10 causes the image forming apparatus 2 to transmit the drawing-related data 4 on the nth page and after insertion to the information communication unit 14 (step # 26). When image data (image file) is used for drawing the page, the information processing unit 10 causes the information communication unit 14 to transmit the image file together with the drawing-related data 4 (the image of Im0 in the page object of FIG. 11). data).

Next, the information processing unit 10 extracts page content data 5 of n pages from the PDF file (step # 27). The page content data 5 is data obtained by extracting a portion (content portion) indicating the content of the page from the PDF file.

For example, the information processing unit 10 confirms the item of "Contents" of the page object of page n. The information processing unit 10 extracts the indirect object of the indirect reference destination in "Contents" as the page content data 5.

When the extracted page content data 5 has an indirect reference description portion ([nm R] portion), the information processing unit 10 inserts a description of the indirect object of the reference destination after the indirect reference description portion. (Add, paste) (step # 28). If there is no description of indirect reference (keyword of R), the information processing unit 10 does not perform step # 28.

The method of inserting (pasting) the description of the indirect reference destination in the page content data 5 is the same as that of the drawing-related data 4. Even in the page content data 5, the inserted indirect object may further include a description of an indirect reference. In this case, the information processing unit 10 inserts the description of the indirect object of the reference destination in the inserted description after the description part of the indirect reference (the part with the R keyword) in the indirect object pasted earlier. To do. In this way, the information processing unit 10 repeatedly inserts the description of the referenced indirect object. Then, the information processing unit 10 includes all the descriptions of the indirect objects of the indirect reference destination in the page content data 5.

Then, the information processing unit 10 causes the image forming apparatus 2 to transmit the page content data 5 after the insertion of the nth page to the information communication unit 14 (step # 29). FIG. 14 shows an example of page content data 5 transmitted by the information processing device 1.

Subsequently, the information processing unit 10 confirms whether or not the transmission of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 of all the pages of the PDF file is completed (step # 210). When it is not completed (No in step # 210), the information processing unit 10 adds 1 to n (step # 211). Then, the information processing unit 10 returns to the process of step # 24 (step # 24) for the next page. The information processing unit 10 repeats the generation and transmission of data for each page.

When completed (Yes in step # 210), the information processing unit 10 informs the image forming apparatus 2 (communication unit 26) of the end of transmission of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 of the specific format file F1. Notify unit 14 (step # 212). Specifically, the information processing unit 10 transmits a message notifying the end of transmission of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5. Then, the information processing unit 10 ends the process related to the flowchart (end).

(Processing of image forming apparatus 2)
Next, an example of the printing process in the image forming apparatus 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. 15 and 16 are diagrams showing an example of processing in the image forming apparatus 2 according to the embodiment.

An example of the flow of receiving the specific format file F1 in the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The start of FIG. 15 is when the communication unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 2 receives the notification of the start of transmission of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5. As described above, the information processing device 1 (information processing unit 10) causes the information communication unit 14 to transmit the drawing-related data 4 out of the page-related objects and the page content data 5 for one page first.

Of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 for one page, the information processing device 1 (information processing unit 10) causes the information communication unit 14 to transmit the drawing-related data 4 first. The control unit 20 stores the received drawing-related data 4 in the memory 22 (RAM) (step # 31).

When storing the drawing-related data 4, the control unit 20 stores the link information D1 in the memory 22 (step # 32). The link information D1 is information in which the name of the object included in the newly received drawing-related data 4 is associated with the storage location of the data corresponding to the name of the object in the memory 22. For example, when the drawing-related data 4 includes image data, the control unit 20 stores the name of the image data and the storage location of the image data in the memory 22 as link information D1.

Next, the control unit 20 stores the received page content data 5 in the memory 22 (step # 33). Then, the control unit 20 confirms whether or not the notification of the end of transmission of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 has been received (step # 34). In other words, the control unit 20 confirms whether or not the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 have been received and stored for all the pages of the specific format file F1 (PDF file).

When the notification of the end of transmission is received (Yes in step # 34), the control unit 20 ends the processing of this flowchart (end). When the notification of the end of transmission has not been received (No in step # 34), the control unit 20 confirms whether or not the drawing-related data 4 of the new page has been received (step # 35). When the drawing-related data 4 of the new page is not received (No in step # 35), the control unit 20 executes step # 34. When the drawing-related data 4 of the new page is received (Yes in step # 35), the control unit 20 executes step # 31 (returns to step # 31).

Next, an example of the printing flow based on the received drawing-related data 4 and page content data 5 will be described with reference to FIG. The start of FIG. 16 is when the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 for one page are stored in the memory 22. The control unit 20 performs the processing of FIG. 16 for each page of the specific format file F1 (PDF file).

The storage unit 21 (ROM23) non-volatilely stores the specific format file program P1. The specific format file program P1 is a program for drawing (generating page image data) based on drawing-related data 4 and page content data 5. For example, the program P1 for a specific format file is a dedicated interpreter. Then, when the notification of the start of transmission of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 is received, the control unit 20 reads the specific format file program P1 into the RAM and starts it.

The start of FIG. 16 is when the RAM stores one page of drawing-related data 4 and page content data 5. In other words, the start of FIG. 16 is when the reception of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 of the same page is completed.

The control unit 20 starts generating page image data based on the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 (step # 41). The control unit 20 (image processing circuit 20b) generates page image data based on the description of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5. The description itself of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 is the same as that of the PDF file. All references of indirect references are inserted. The control unit 20 can draw based on the description without using the cross-reference table 33. Therefore, the control unit 20 may perform the same processing as the drawing processing in the PDF file to generate the page image data based on the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5. The control unit 20 may perform processing according to the description from the beginning of the drawing-related data 4 to the end of the page content data 5.

In some cases, page image data may be generated using the image data received as the drawing-related data 4. In this case, the control unit 20 (control circuit 20a) refers to the link information D1 and confirms the storage location (address) of the image data. Then, the control unit 20 (image processing circuit 20b) generates page image data using the image data of the confirmed storage location.

When the generation of the page image data is completed, the control unit 20 (control circuit 20a) erases the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 (step # 42). Data that is no longer needed when the generation is completed is quickly deleted.

Then, the control unit 20 (control circuit 20a) causes the printing unit 25 to print based on the page image data for which the generation has been completed (step # 43). Then, the control unit 20 ends the processing of this flowchart (end). When printing is completed, the control unit 20 may erase the page image data of the printed page from the memory 22.

In this way, the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment includes the information processing device 1 and the image forming device 2. The image forming apparatus 2 prints based on the data received from the information processing apparatus 1. When printing a specific format file F1 that includes a plurality of numbered indirect objects and the reference order of the indirect objects is different from the numerical order of the indirect objects, the information processing apparatus 1 (information processing unit 10) uses the specific format file F1. From, the page content data 5 and the drawing-related data 4, which is an object related to the drawing of the page and includes a predetermined object, are extracted for each page. The information processing device 1 (information processing unit 10) describes the indirect object of the reference destination in the portion of the extracted drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 in which the indirect reference that refers to another indirect object is described. insert. The information processing device 1 (information processing unit 10) transmits the inserted drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 to the image forming device 2 in page order. The image forming apparatus 2 (control unit 20) stores the received drawing-related data 4 and page content data 5 in the memory 22. The image forming apparatus 2 (image processing circuit 20b) starts generating page image data based on the received drawing-related data 4 and page content data 5. The image forming apparatus 2 (printing unit 25) starts printing based on the page image data for which the generation has been completed.

The description (content) of the indirect object of the indirect reference destination can be pasted in the part where the indirect reference is described. It can be automatically processed so that the contents of the page can be understood by eliminating the indirect reference and looking at the description. If the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 are read from the beginning, they can be automatically edited so that the contents of the page can be understood.

Therefore, the page can be drawn by reading the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 from the beginning. Even if not all of the specific format file F1 is received, the image forming apparatus 2 generates page image data for one page and generates page image data for one page when the drawing-related data 4 and page content data 5 for one page are received. Printing based on the generated page image data can be started. The drawing-related data 4 for which the generation of the page image data has been completed, the page content data 5, and the page image data for which the printing has been completed are unnecessary. These data may be erased from the memory 22. Even if the on-board memory 22 of the image forming apparatus 2 is small, it is possible to prevent a shortage (overflow) of the memory 22 from occurring.

As a result, all pages of the specific format file F1 can be appropriately printed. The contents of one page can be printed without dividing. All pages can be printed without degrading the image quality of the printed matter.

The information processing device 1 according to the embodiment includes an information communication unit 14, an information storage unit 11, and an information processing unit 10. The information communication unit 14 communicates with the image forming apparatus 2. The information storage unit 11 stores a specific format file F1 that includes a plurality of numbered indirect objects and whose reference order of the indirect objects is different from the numerical order of the indirect objects. The information processing unit 10 extracts page content data 5 and drawing-related data 4, which is an object related to page drawing and includes a predetermined object, from the specific format file F1 for each page. The information processing unit 10 inserts the description of the referenced indirect object into the extracted drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 where the description of the indirect reference that refers to another indirect object is provided. The information processing unit 10 causes the image forming apparatus 2 to transmit the inserted drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 to the information communication unit 14 in page order.

The information processing device 1 pastes the content (description) of the indirect object of the indirect reference destination in the portion where the indirect reference is described. It can be automatically processed so that the contents of the page can be understood by eliminating the indirect reference and looking at the description. If the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 are read from the beginning, they can be automatically edited so that the contents of the page can be understood.

Therefore, drawing can be started by reading the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 from the beginning. Even if the entire specific format file F1 is not received, when the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 for one page are received, the image forming apparatus 2 generates and generates the page image data for one page. Printing based on the created page image data can be started. The drawing-related data 4 for which the generation of the page image data has been completed, the page content data 5, and the page image data for which the printing has been completed are unnecessary. These data can be erased from the memory 22. The print data can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 in a format in which the memory 22 is unlikely to run short (overflow). Even if the on-board memory 22 of the image forming apparatus 2 is small, the occurrence of a memory 22 shortage can be reduced. The print data of the specific format file F1 can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 so that all the pages of the specific format file F1 can be printed appropriately.

The image forming apparatus 2 (control unit 20) erases the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 of the page for which the generation of the page image data has been completed from the memory 22. When the generation of the page image data is completed, the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 used for generating the page image data can be automatically deleted. It is possible to prevent the free area of the memory 22 from becoming small. The free area of the memory 22 is secured as much as possible. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of memory 22 shortage.

The information processing device 1 (information processing unit 10) first transmits the drawing-related data 4 out of the drawing-related data 4 and the page content data 5 for one page. The object (drawing-related data 4) necessary for drawing the page image data can be transmitted first. Preparation for drawing can be started before the reception of the content data is completed.

The image forming apparatus 2 (image processing circuit 20b) stores the link information D1 in which the name of the object included in the received drawing-related data 4 and the storage location of the data corresponding to the name of the object in the memory 22 are associated with the memory 22. Remember in. When the page image data is generated after the page content data 5 is received, the image forming apparatus 2 refers to the link information D1 and is the data received as the drawing-related data 4, which is designated by the page content data 5. Page image data is generated using the data. The storage location (stored address) of the data included in the drawing-related data 4 can be immediately recognized. When generating page image data, the necessary data can be prepared immediately.

The information processing device 1 extracts objects other than objects of predetermined items from the indirect objects of each page as drawing-related data 4. The insertion process of indirect objects can be reduced. The time required to prepare data for transmission can be minimized.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

As described above, an example in which the specific format file F1 is a PDF file has been described. However, the present invention may be applicable to files in formats other than PDF files. For example, the present invention may also be applied to XPS files.

The present invention can be used in an information processing device that handles a description file for printing.

100 Image formation system 1 Information processing device 10 Information processing unit 11 Information storage unit 14 Information communication unit 2 Image formation device 20 Control unit 20b Image processing circuit 22 Memory 25 Printing unit 4 Drawing-related data 5 pages Content data D1 Link information F1 Specific format File

Claims (6)

In an image forming system including an information processing device and an image forming device that prints based on data received from the information processing device.
When printing a specific format file that includes a plurality of numbered indirect objects and the reference order of the indirect objects is different from the numerical order of the indirect objects.
The information processing device
From the specific format file, page content data and drawing-related data that are objects related to page drawing and include predetermined objects are extracted for each page.
The description of the referenced indirect object is inserted in the portion of the extracted drawing-related data and the page content data where there is a description of the indirect reference that refers to the other indirect object.
The drawing-related data and the page content data after insertion are transmitted to the image forming apparatus in page order.
The image forming apparatus
The received drawing-related data and the page content data are stored in the memory.
Start generating page image data based on the received drawing-related data and page content data,
An image forming system characterized in that printing is started based on the page image data for which generation has been completed. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus erases the drawing-related data and the page content data of the page for which the generation of the page image data is completed from the memory. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information processing device first transmits the drawing-related data out of the drawing-related data and the page content data for one page. The image forming apparatus
Link information associated with the name of the object included in the received drawing-related data and the storage location of the data corresponding to the name of the object in the memory is stored in the memory.
When the page image data is generated after receiving the page content data, the data received as the drawing-related data with reference to the link information, and the data specified in the page content data is used to describe the data. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein page image data is generated. The information processing apparatus is any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information processing device extracts the objects other than the objects of predetermined items from the indirect objects of each page as the drawing-related data. The image forming system described in. The information and communication unit that communicates with the image forming device,
An information storage unit that stores a specific format file that includes a plurality of numbered indirect objects and whose reference order of the indirect objects is different from the numerical order of the indirect objects.
From the specific format file, page content data and drawing-related data including objects that are related to page drawing and are predetermined objects are extracted for each page.
The description of the referenced indirect object is inserted in the portion of the extracted drawing-related data and the page content data where there is a description of the indirect reference that refers to the other indirect object.
An information processing device including an information processing unit that causes the information communication unit to transmit the drawing-related data and the page content data after insertion toward the image forming device in page order.

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