Image output service system, support device, method, and storage medium

Abstract

A service system for image output, an image output support device, a storage medium, an image output service method and an image output support method, wherein the image output service system is a service system on a cloud that outputs information used for image output, and is characterized by comprising: a conversion unit that obtains converted image data from image data before conversion by a conversion process corresponding to an image output unit of the output image; and an output unit that outputs an information group for image output containing the converted image data, and provision information indicating which multiple information the information group is composed of and where each information is configured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image output service system, an image output supporting device, a storage medium, an image output service method and an image output supporting method. Background Art

[0002] For example, the following technology is known: image data described by a page description language is subjected to image conversion processing corresponding to an image output unit of a device such as a printer, thereby obtaining image data in a raster format, for example, as image data after conversion processing. Patent document 1 discloses an image forming system, which is provided with a plurality of RIP (Raster Image Process) processing units that draw and expand print data into raster data, and performs RIP processing in a distributed and parallel manner.

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-168132

[0004] When performing conversion processing on image data, generally, the larger the amount of image data, the greater the load of the conversion processing. Therefore, for example, when a support device that supports image output based on an image output unit performs image conversion processing corresponding to the image output unit, it is considered that if the amount of image data is large, the load of the conversion processing becomes large and a long time is required in the conversion processing.

[0005] On the other hand, in recent years, various services using cloud computing (hereinafter referred to as "cloud") are being realized. For example, if the converted image data is provided to the support device through the cloud service, the load of the conversion process can be avoided from being concentrated on the support device. However, in the image output based on the image output unit, in addition to the converted image data corresponding to the image output unit, there is also necessary information. It is expected to realize a cloud service that aggregates and provides information used for image output. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to realize a cloud service for outputting an image output information group including image data after conversion processing corresponding to an image output unit and providing information indicating the structure and configuration of the information group.

[0007] The invention involved in Scheme 1 is a service system for image output, which is a service system on the cloud that outputs information used for image output, and is characterized in that it has: a conversion unit that obtains image data after conversion from image data before conversion through a conversion process corresponding to an image output unit of the output image; and an output unit that outputs an information group for image output containing the image data after conversion, and provision information indicating which multiple information the information group is composed of and where each information is configured.

[0008] The invention involved in Scheme 2 is characterized in that in the image output service system described in Scheme 1, the output unit outputs the provided information indicating in which folder each information constituting the information group for image output that is expanded to more than one folder is configured, and the multiple information constituting the information group for image output output from the output unit is expanded to more than one folder and reconfigured according to the configuration indicated by the provided information through a support device that supports image output based on the image output unit.

[0009] The invention involved in Scheme 3 is characterized in that in the image output service system described in Scheme 1 or 2, the conversion unit generates a plurality of converted image data corresponding to a plurality of image output units having different characteristics from the image data before conversion processing through conversion processing corresponding to each image output unit of the plurality of image output units having different characteristics, and the output unit outputs the image output information group containing the converted image data corresponding to the image output unit and the provided information about the information group as information used based on the image output of each image output unit.

[0010] The invention according to Scheme 4 is characterized in that in the image output service system described in Scheme 3, the image output information group corresponding to the same target state in the plurality of image output units is generated based on information that determines the target state of the image output.

[0011] The invention involved in Scheme 5 is an image output support device, which supports image output based on an image output unit, and is characterized in that it comprises: an acquisition unit, which acquires, from a service system on a cloud, an image output information group including converted image data corresponding to the image output unit, and provision information indicating which multiple information the information group is composed of and where each information is configured; a configuration unit, which reconfigures the image output information group obtained from the service system according to the configuration indicated by the provision information; and a support unit, which supports image output based on the image output unit by using the reconfigured image output information group.

[0012] The invention involved in Scheme 6 is characterized in that, in the image output support device described in Scheme 5, the acquisition unit acquires the provided information indicating in which folder each information constituting the information group for image output expanded to one or more folders on the cloud is configured, and the configuration unit expands the multiple information constituting the information group for image output obtained from the service system to one or more folders and reconfigures them according to the configuration indicated by the provided information.

[0013] The invention involved in Scheme 7 is a storage medium, which stores a program that enables a computer on a cloud that outputs information used for image output to function as the following units: a unit that obtains image data after conversion from image data before conversion processing through a conversion processing corresponding to an image output unit that outputs the image; and a unit that outputs an information group for image output that includes the image data after conversion processing, and provides information indicating which multiple information the information group is composed of and where each information is configured.

[0014] The invention involved in Scheme 8 is a storage medium, which stores a program that enables a computer that supports image output based on an image output unit to function as the following unit: a unit that obtains, from a service system on a cloud, an image output information group that includes converted image data corresponding to the image output unit, and providing information indicating which multiple information the information group is composed of and where each information is configured; a unit that reconfigures the image output information group obtained from the service system according to the configuration indicated by the provided information; and a unit that supports image output based on the image output unit using the reconfigured image output information group.

[0015] The invention involved in Scheme 9 is a service method for image output, which is a service method on the cloud for outputting information used for image output, characterized in that it includes the following steps: a conversion step, obtaining image data after conversion from image data before conversion processing through a conversion processing corresponding to an image output unit of the output image; and an output step, outputting an information group for image output containing the image data after conversion processing, and providing information indicating which multiple information the information group is composed of and where each information is configured.

[0016] The invention involved in Scheme 10 is a method for supporting image output, which supports image output based on an image output unit, and is characterized in that it includes the following steps: an acquisition step, obtaining, from a service system on the cloud, an image output information group containing converted image data corresponding to the image output unit, and providing information indicating which multiple information the information group is composed of and where each information is configured; a configuration step, reconfiguring the image output information group obtained from the service system according to the configuration indicated by the providing information; and a support step, using the reconfigured image output information group to support image output based on the image output unit.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a cloud service that outputs an image output information group including image data after conversion processing corresponding to an image output unit and provision information indicating the configuration and arrangement of the information group.

[0019] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image output information group can be expanded and rearranged in accordance with the arrangement indicated by the provided information.

[0020] According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to output the image output information group and the provided information corresponding to each of the plurality of image output units having different characteristics.

[0021] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize image output corresponding to the same target state in a plurality of image output units having different characteristics.

[0022] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image output information group obtained from the service system on the cloud can be reconfigured according to the provided information indicating the configuration and configuration of the information group to support image output.

[0023] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the image output information group obtained from the service system on the cloud can be expanded with the same configuration as that on the cloud.

[0024] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a cloud service that outputs an image output information group including image data after conversion processing corresponding to an image output unit and provision information indicating the structure and arrangement of the information group.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the information group for image output obtained from the service system on the cloud can be reconfigured according to the provided information indicating the structure and configuration of the information group to support image output.

[0026] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a cloud service that outputs an image output information group including image data after conversion processing corresponding to an image output unit and provision information indicating the structure and arrangement of the information group.

[0027] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the image output information group obtained from the service system on the cloud can be reconfigured according to the provided information indicating the configuration and configuration of the information group to support image output. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of an image output system;

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of an output support device;

[0031] Figure 3 A diagram for explaining a specific example of a cloud service that provides information used for image output;

[0032] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of a process performed by the output support device;

[0033] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a specific example of image output information corresponding to a plurality of image output units.

[0034] Explanation of symbols

[0035] 10-service system, 20-output support device, 30-image output device, 40-user device, 110-request information acquisition unit, 120-incidental information processing unit, 130-image conversion processing unit, 140-image information output unit, 210-request information management unit, 220-image information acquisition unit, 230-configuration processing unit, 240-image output support unit, 250-incidental information processing unit, 260-image conversion processing unit, 270-data storage unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 It is a figure which shows an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The middle figure shows a specific example of an image output system including a service system 10 , an output support device 20 , an image output device 30 , and a user device 40 .

[0037] exist Figure 1 In the specific example illustrated in FIG, the service system 10 is connected to a public network (public communication line) 70 for communication, and implements a cloud service for providing information used for image output based on the image output device 30 in the local area. The public network 70 is, for example, a communication line using at least one of wireless communication and wired communication, and this specific example includes the Internet.

[0038] Figure 1 The service system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a request information acquisition unit 110 , an additional information processing unit 120 , an image conversion processing unit 130 , and an image information output unit 140 .

[0039] The request information acquisition unit 110 acquires request information for requesting output of an image. The request information acquisition unit 110 acquires the request information from, for example, the output support device 20 or the user device 40 in the local area. The request information is composed of, for example, image data to be output as an image and accompanying information of the image data. Specific examples of the request information include, for example, a print job.

[0040] The supplementary information processing unit 120 processes supplementary information included in the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit 110. Supplementary information is information used for image output of image data to be image output, and includes, for example, job attribute information, profile information, imposition structure information, and resource file information.

[0041] The image conversion processing unit 130 performs image conversion processing on the image data included in the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit 110. The image conversion processing unit 130 performs image conversion processing corresponding to the image output unit of the local image output device 30, for example, on the image data before conversion processing described by the page description language, thereby obtaining, for example, image data in a raster format (raster data) as image data after conversion processing. In addition, the image conversion processing unit 130 can obtain, for example, an intermediate file in the middle of the conversion processing into a raster format as image data after conversion processing corresponding to the image output unit.

[0042] The image information output unit 140 outputs information used for image output. For example, the image information output unit 140 outputs an image output information group including image data after conversion processing by the image conversion processing unit 130 and provided information indicating which multiple information the information group is composed of and where each information is arranged, as information used for image output (image output information).

[0043] Figure 1 The service system 10 illustrated in the example can be realized by using, for example, one or more computers. The computer has hardware resources such as a CPU and other computing devices, a memory or a hard disk and other storage devices, a communication device using a communication line such as the Internet, a device for reading and writing data from and to storage media such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, and a card memory, a display device such as a display, and an operation device for receiving operations from a user.

[0044] Moreover, for example with Figure 1 The program (software) corresponding to at least a part of the functions of the constituent elements of the service system 10 illustrated in the example is read into the computer, and at least a part of the functions of the service system 10 are realized by the computer through the synergy between the hardware resources of the computer and the read software. The program can be provided to the computer (service system 10) via a communication line such as the Internet, or it can be stored in a storage medium such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or a card memory, and provided to the computer (service system 10) from the storage medium. In addition, the program can also be pre-stored in a storage device of the computer (service system 10).

[0045] exist Figure 1 In the specific example shown in FIG. 1 , the output support device 20 , the image output device 30 , and the user device 40 are located in a local area and are connected to each other for communication and exchange of data (information) via a local area network 50 . The local area network 50 is connected to a public network 70 via a firewall 60 .

[0046] The output support device 20 supports image output by the image output unit. Specific examples of the output support device 20 include a digital front end (DFE) and the like. The information used by the output support device 20 in supporting image output may be obtained from the service system 10, or may be generated by the output support device 20.

[0047] The image output device 30 includes an image output unit that outputs an image. Figure 1 In the specific example shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of image output devices 30 (30A, 30B, ...) are located in a local area, and each image output device 30 includes an image output unit. The specific example of the image output unit includes a printing device that prints an image on a medium such as paper.

[0048] in addition, Figure 1 2 shows a specific example in which the output support device 20 and the image output device 30 are separate devices, but the output support device 20 and the image output device 30 may be integrated into one device. For example, the image output device 30 may have functions related to image output support that the output support device 20 has.

[0049] The user device 40 is a terminal device used by a user who requests image output. Specific examples of the user device 40 include information processing devices such as personal computers and mobile terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals.

[0050] Figure 2 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of the output support device 20 . Figure 2 The figure shows the image output system ( Figure 1 ) is a specific example of an output support device 20. Figure 2 The output support device 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a request information management unit 210 , an image information acquisition unit 220 , a placement processing unit 230 , an image output support unit 240 , an accompanying information processing unit 250 , an image conversion processing unit 260 , and a data storage unit 270 .

[0051] The request information management unit 210 manages request information for requesting image output. The request information management unit 210 manages request information acquired from the user device 40 in the local area, for example. The request information is composed of, for example, image data to be output and accompanying information of the image data. Specific examples of the request information include, for example, print jobs.

[0052] The image information acquisition unit 220 acquires information used for image output. For example, when the service system 10 is caused to execute processing corresponding to request information managed by the request information management unit 210, the image information acquisition unit 220 acquires an image output information group output from the service system 10 and provision information related to the information group as information used for image output.

[0053] For example, when causing the service system 10 to execute processing corresponding to request information managed by the request information management unit 210, the configuration processing unit 230 reconfigures the image output information group obtained from the service system 10 according to the configuration indicated by the provided information.

[0054] The image output support unit 240 supports image output by the image output unit using the image output information. The image output support unit 240 supports image output by the image output unit provided in the image output device 30 using, for example, the image output information group reconfigured by the configuration processing unit 230.

[0055] The additional information processing unit 250 processes the additional information included in the request information. For example, when the output support device 20 performs processing corresponding to the request information managed by the request information management unit 210 without using the service based on the service system 10, the additional information processing unit 250 processes the additional information included in the request information. The additional information is information used for image output of image data to be the image output object, and is composed of, for example, job attribute information, profile information, imposition structure information, resource file information, etc.

[0056] The image conversion processing unit 260 performs image conversion processing on the image data included in the request information. For example, when the output support device 20 performs processing corresponding to the request information managed by the request information management unit 210 without using the service based on the service system 10, the image conversion processing unit 260 performs image conversion processing on the image data included in the request information.

[0057] The image conversion processing unit 260 performs image conversion processing corresponding to the image output unit provided in the image output device 30 on the image data before conversion processing described in the page description language, etc., thereby obtaining image data (raster data) in a raster format, for example, as image data after conversion processing. In addition, the image conversion processing unit 260 may obtain an intermediate file obtained in the middle of the conversion processing into the raster format, for example, as image data after conversion processing corresponding to the image output unit.

[0058] The data storage unit 270 stores various information (data) used in the output support device 20. For example, the image output information group reconfigured by the configuration processing unit 230 may be stored in one or more folders in the data storage unit 270.

[0059] Figure 2The output support device 20 illustrated in the example can be realized by using, for example, one or more computers. The computer includes hardware resources such as a CPU and other computing devices, a memory or a hard disk and other storage devices, a communication device using a communication line such as the Internet, a device for reading and writing data from and to storage media such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, and a card memory, a display device such as a display, and an operation device for receiving operations from a user.

[0060] Moreover, for example with Figure 2 The program (software) corresponding to at least a part of the functions of the components of the output support device 20 illustrated in the example is read into the computer, and at least a part of the functions of the output support device 20 are realized by the computer through the cooperation of the hardware resources of the computer and the read software. The program can be provided to the computer (output support device 20) via a communication line such as the Internet, or it can be stored in a storage medium such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, and a card memory, and provided to the computer (output support device 20) from the storage medium. In addition, the program can be pre-stored in a storage device of the computer (output support device 20).

[0061] Figure 1 The image output system (having Figure 2 The overall structure of the output support device 20) exemplified in FIG. Figure 1 A specific example of the processing implemented by the image output system is described in detail. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The structure (part) shown is used in the following description Figure 1 , Figure 2 symbol.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining a specific example of a cloud service that provides information used for image output. Figure 3 The figure shows that through Figure 1 Image output system (including Figure 2 A specific example of a cloud service implemented by an output support device 20).

[0063] When using the cloud service by the service system 10, request information for image output is sent from the local side to the service system 10. For example, the request information may be sent from the user device 40 to the service system 10, or the output support device 20 may send the request information obtained from the user device 40 to the service system 10.

[0064] When the request information acquisition unit 110 acquires the request information sent from the local side to the service system 10, the supplementary information processing unit 120 processes the supplementary information included in the request information, and the image conversion processing unit 130 performs image conversion processing on the image data included in the request information. The plurality of information constituting the supplementary information and the converted image data are spread over, for example, one or more folders on the cloud used by the service system 10 and are arranged.

[0065] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, job attribute information, imposition structure information, configuration file information, and resource file information are illustrated as specific examples of the supplementary information. The job attribute information includes, for example, setting values ​​related to a plurality of setting items related to image output, such as color output or black and white output setting, output paper size or quality setting, etc.

[0066] The imposition structure information is information related to settings of the imposition layout of the output image, etc. A specific example of the imposition structure information includes setting values ​​related to the imposition layout, such as N UP for processing N pages of manuscripts (N is a natural number) as one manuscript.

[0067] The profile information is information that specifies parameters (color profile) that express the color of the output image, such as brightness, lightness, color temperature, and color difference. Also, the resource file information is composed of various resource files required for image output.

[0068] Moreover, in Figure 3 In the specific example shown, the plurality of information constituting the supplementary information and the converted image data are spread over and arranged in folders A to D on the cloud. Figure 3 In the specific example shown, job attribute information and imposition structure information are arranged in folder A, profile information is arranged in folder B, resource file information is arranged in folder C, and converted image data is arranged in folder D.

[0069] The service system 10 generates an image output information group including the converted image data and provided information indicating which pieces of information the information group is composed of and where each piece of information is arranged.

[0070] The service system 10 generates an information group by collecting a plurality of pieces of information constituting supplementary information and converted image data, which are spread over one or more folders on the cloud, for example. Figure 3 The data group 142 illustrated in FIG. 1 is one specific example of the information group for image output. Figure 3 2 shows, by way of example, a data group 142 consisting of job attribute information, imposition structure information, profile information, resource file information, and converted image data.

[0071] Furthermore, the service system 10 generates provided information related to the information group for image output. The provided information related to the information group for image output is information indicating which multiple pieces of information the information group is composed of and where each piece of information constituting the information group is located. When indicating which multiple pieces of information the information group is composed of, for example, the information name of each piece of information (data name or file name, etc.) may be indicated, or the content of each piece of information (characteristic term, etc.) may be indicated. Furthermore, when indicating where each piece of information constituting the information group is located, for example, the storage location (folder name, etc.) storing each piece of information may be indicated, or the location (path, etc.) of the storage location storing each piece of information may be indicated.

[0072] Figure 3 The configuration information 144 illustrated in FIG. 1 is one specific example of the provided information related to the image output information group. Figure 3 The configuration arrangement information 144 shown indicates which pieces of information constitute the data group 142 and in which folder each piece of information is arranged.

[0073] exist Figure 3 In the specific example shown, the configuration information 144 represents a list of information names of a plurality of information constituting the data group 142. That is, Figure 3 The composition configuration information 144 indicates that the data group 142 is composed of job attribute information, imposition structure information, profile information, resource file information and image data (after conversion processing).

[0074] And, in Figure 3 In the specific example shown, the configuration information 144 indicates the folder name in which each information of the configuration data group 142 is configured. Figure 3 The composition configuration information 144 indicates that the job attribute information is configured in folder A on the cloud, the imposition structure information is configured in folder A on the cloud, the configuration file information is configured in folder B on the cloud, the resource file information is configured in folder C on the cloud, and the image data (after conversion processing) is configured in folder D on the cloud.

[0075] The service system 10 outputs the generated image output information group and provision information related to the information group. For example, the image information output unit 140 of the service system 10 outputs a data group 142 and configuration information 144 in response to a request from the output support device 20 .

[0076] The output support device 20 acquires the image output information group and the provided information output from the cloud service system 10. For example, the image information acquisition unit 220 of the output support device 20 downloads and acquires the data group 142 and the configuration information 144 output from the service system 10.

[0077] Then, the output support device 20 rearranges the image output information group obtained from the service system 10 according to the arrangement indicated by the provided information. For example, the arrangement processing unit 230 of the output support device 20 expands the plurality of information constituting the data group 142 obtained from the service system 10 into one or more folders and rearranges them according to the arrangement indicated by the configuration information 144.

[0078] For example, the arrangement processing unit 230 expands and re-arranges a plurality of information constituting the data group 142 into one or more folders located in a local area used by the output support device 20 (for example, in the data storage unit 270 ).

[0079] The configuration processing unit 230 expands and reconfigures the plurality of information constituting the data group 142 to the folders a to d in the local area according to the configuration shown in the configuration information 144. For example, the configuration information 144 shows that the job attribute information and the imposition structure information are configured in the folder A on the cloud. Then, the configuration processing unit 230 reconfigures the job attribute information and the imposition structure information in the folder a in the local area corresponding to the folder A on the cloud.

[0080] Furthermore, since the configuration information 144 indicates that the configuration file information is configured in the folder B on the cloud, the configuration processing unit 230 reconfigures the configuration file information in the local folder b corresponding to the folder B on the cloud. Furthermore, since the configuration information 144 indicates that the resource file information is configured in the folder C on the cloud, the configuration processing unit 230 reconfigures the resource file information in the local folder c corresponding to the folder C on the cloud. Furthermore, since the configuration information 144 indicates that the image data (after conversion processing) is configured in the folder D on the cloud, the configuration processing unit 230 reconfigures the converted image data in the local folder d corresponding to the folder D on the cloud.

[0081] So, for example, Figure 3 In the specific example shown, the plurality of information constituting the data group 142 collected from the folders A to D on the cloud is expanded to the folders a to d in the local area and reconfigured. Figure 3 In the specific example shown, the image output information group expanded to the cloud is expanded to the local area with the same configuration as on the cloud. Alternatively, for example, the image output information group may be expanded to the local area with a configuration different from that on the cloud according to predetermined configuration conditions.

[0082] If the image output information group obtained from the service system 10 is expanded to the local area, the output support device 20 supports the image output by the image output unit by using the image output information group expanded to the local area. Figure 3In the specific example shown, the image output support unit 240 of the output support device 20 supports the image output by the image output unit provided in the image output device 30 using the plurality of information of the configuration data group 142 expanded to the local area. Thus, for example, the image data arranged in the folder d is output from the image output device 30 according to the settings shown in the accompanying information arranged in the folders a to c.

[0083] When supporting the image output by the image output unit, the output support device 20 may obtain the image output information group from the service system 10 or may generate the image output information group by the output support device 20 itself.

[0084] Figure 4 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of the processing executed by the output support device 20 . Figure 4 The middle figure shows a specific example of a local process in which the output support device 20 generates an image output information group, and a cloud process in which the output support device 20 obtains the image output information group from the service system 10 .

[0085] If the output support device 20 obtains request information for image output (S1), local processing or cloud processing is selected. For example, if local processing or cloud processing is specified in the request information, the output support device 20 can select local processing or cloud processing according to the specification. In addition, for example, local processing or cloud processing can be selected based on the data volume of image data included in the request information. For example, local processing is selected when the data volume of image data is below a threshold, and cloud processing is selected when the data volume of image data exceeds the threshold. In addition, local processing or cloud processing can be selected based on the load condition of the output support device 20.

[0086] In the local processing, the output support device 20 performs the processing of the incidental information (S2L) and the image conversion processing (S3L). For example, the incidental information processing unit 250 of the output support device 20 processes the incidental information included in the request information, thereby expanding the incidental information such as the job attribute information, the profile information, the imposition structure information, and the resource file information to the folder in the local area.

[0087] Then, for example, the image conversion processing unit 260 of the output support device 20 performs image conversion processing on the image data included in the request information, whereby the image data after the conversion processing is expanded to a folder in the local area.

[0088] When the converted image data is expanded to the local folder, the output support device 20 shifts to the image conversion completion state (S4). Then, the image output support unit 240 of the output support device 20 supports the image output by the image output unit of the image output device 30 using the multiple information for image output expanded to the local folder (S5).

[0089] In the cloud processing, request information is transmitted to the service system 10 , and the service system 10 executes processing of the supplementary information and image conversion processing corresponding to the request information, thereby generating image output information by the service system 10 .

[0090] The image information acquisition unit 220 of the output support device 20 downloads the image output information group corresponding to the request information acquired in (S1) and the provision information related to the information group from the service system 10 and acquires them (S2C). Then, the configuration processing unit 230 of the output support device 20 expands the image output information group obtained from the service system 10 into the local area according to the configuration indicated by the provision information related to the information group and reconfigures it (S3C).

[0091] When the converted image data is expanded to the local folder by the relocation, the output support device 20 shifts to the image conversion completion state (S4). Furthermore, the image output support unit 240 of the output support device 20 supports the image output by the image output unit of the image output device 30 using the plurality of information for image output expanded to the local folder (S5).

[0092] Comparing the local processing and the cloud processing, in the local processing, the image conversion processing unit 260 of the output support device 20 performs the image conversion processing on the image data included in the request information. Therefore, for example, if the image data has a large data volume, the image conversion processing (S3L) takes time, and it takes a long time from obtaining the request information (S1) to transitioning to the image conversion completion state (S4).

[0093] In contrast, in cloud processing, for example, even if the image data has a large volume, the service system 10 can be made to perform image data conversion processing in advance (for example, at night). Then, after obtaining the request information (S1), the image output information group including the image data that has completed the conversion processing is downloaded (S2C), and the image output information group is reconfigured in the local area (S3C), thereby omitting the image conversion processing (S3L) that takes a long time, and achieving the transition to the image conversion completion state (S4).

[0094] Furthermore, in local processing, for example, when one output support device 20 sequentially performs image conversion processing on a plurality of image data corresponding to a plurality of request information, a long time is required for the conversion processing on the plurality of image data.

[0095] On the other hand, in the cloud processing, for example, if the service system 10 is caused to perform image data conversion processing on a plurality of image data in advance (for example, at night, etc.), it will not take a long time for the image conversion processing by the output support device 20. In addition, the service system 10 can perform image conversion processing by parallel processing on a plurality of image data, for example.

[0096] When the output support device 20 supports image output, it uses image data obtained by conversion processing corresponding to the image output unit to be supported. Figure 1 In the image output system illustrated in , when the output support device 20 supports image output by the image output device 30A, the image data after the conversion process corresponding to the image output unit of the image output device 30A is used. And, when the output support device 20 supports image output by the image output device 30B, the image data after the conversion process corresponding to the image output unit of the image output device 30B is used.

[0097] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of image output information corresponding to a plurality of image output units. Figure 5 2 shows, by way of example, image output information corresponding to a plurality of image output units obtained from the same request information.

[0098] The image conversion processing unit 130 of the service system 10 generates a plurality of image data after conversion corresponding to the plurality of image output units having different characteristics from the image data before conversion by performing conversion processing corresponding to each of the plurality of image output units. Furthermore, the image information output unit 140 of the service system 10 outputs an image output information group including the image data after conversion corresponding to the image output unit and provision information on the information group as information used for image output based on each image output unit.

[0099] For example, in Figure 5 In the specific example shown, the image output information A is information used for image output by the image output device 30A, and the image output information B is information used for image output by the image output device 30B. The image output information A is, for example, a data set including image data obtained by a conversion process corresponding to the image output unit of the image output device 30A (see Figure 3 ) and configuration information about the data group (reference Figure 3 ). The image output information B is composed of, for example, a data group including image data obtained by a conversion process corresponding to the image output unit of the image output device 30B (see Figure 3 ) and configuration information about the data group (reference Figure 3 )constitute.

[0100] The service system 10 can generate an image output information group corresponding to the same target state in a plurality of image output units based on information that determines the target state of the image output. Figure 5 In the specific example shown, the target profile X is one specific example of information that specifies the target state of image output. As the target profile X, for example, a target value of color reproducibility specified in a standard such as Japanese color by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) can be used.

[0101] And, in Figure 5 In the specific example shown, the device profile A is information indicating the characteristics of the image output unit included in the image output apparatus 30A, and the device profile B is information indicating the characteristics of the image output unit included in the image output apparatus 30B.

[0102] Moreover, in Figure 5 In the specific example shown, the service system 10 generates image output information A corresponding to the image output unit of the image output device 30A whose characteristics are shown in the device profile A, and image output information B corresponding to the image output unit of the image output device 30B whose characteristics are shown in the device profile B from the same image data before conversion processing, based on the target profile X that determines the target state of the image output.

[0103] The service system 10 generates, for example, image output information A based on the target profile X and the device profile A, the image output information A being used to realize the target state of color reproducibility and the like indicated in the target profile X in the image output unit of the image output device 30A. Furthermore, the service system 10 generates, for example, image output information B based on the target profile X and the device profile B, the image output information B being used to realize the target state of color reproducibility and the like indicated in the target profile X in the image output unit of the image output device 30B.

[0104] Thus, it is possible to realize image output corresponding to the same target state in a plurality of image output units having different characteristics. Figure 5 In the specific example illustrated in , even if the characteristics of the image output unit of the image output device 30A and the image output unit of the image output device 30B are different from each other, the image output corresponding to the target state shown in the target configuration file X can also be achieved by the image output device 30A and the image output device 30B.

[0105] Furthermore, image output information corresponding to a plurality of image output units may be generated from the same request information to cope with unexpected situations such as failures associated with the image output units. Figure 5In the specific example shown, the service system 10 can generate image output information A corresponding to the image output device 30A and image output information B corresponding to the image output device 30B from request information requesting image output by the image output device 30A.

[0106] Thus, for example, even if some problem occurs in the image output device 30A and image output cannot be performed through the image output device 30A, or if image output based on the image output device 30A is interrupted, image output based on the image output device 30B using the generated image output information B can be achieved.

[0107] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are merely illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention includes various modifications within the scope not departing from the essence of the present invention.

[0108] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed methods. Obviously, various modifications and changes are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily understand the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technicians in the art can understand the present invention through various variations optimized for specific uses assumed to be various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A service system for image output, which is a service system on a cloud that outputs information used for image output, characterized in that: The invention comprises: a conversion unit for obtaining converted image data from image data before conversion by conversion processing corresponding to an image output unit for outputting the image; and an output unit for outputting an image output information group including the converted image data, and providing information indicating which multiple information the information group is composed of and in which folder each information is configured, wherein the image output information group is related to composition configuration information, wherein the composition configuration information indicates that a data group is composed of job attribute information, imposition structure information, profile information, resource file information and the converted image data, wherein the output unit outputs the providing information indicating that the image output information group is expanded to more than one folder, and the multiple information constituting the image output information group outputted from the output unit is expanded to more than one folder and reconfigured according to the configuration indicated by the providing information through a supporting device for supporting image output based on the image output unit.

2. The image output service system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conversion unit generates a plurality of image data after conversion corresponding to the plurality of image output units by performing conversion processing corresponding to each of the plurality of image output units having different characteristics from the image data before conversion processing. The output unit outputs the image output information group including the converted image data corresponding to the image output section and the provided information on the information group as information used for image output based on the image output section.

3. The image output service system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The image output information group corresponding to the same target state in the plurality of image output units is generated based on information that specifies a target state of image output.

4. An image output supporting device, which supports image output based on an image output unit, characterized in that: have: an acquisition unit that acquires, from a service system on a cloud, an image output information group including image data after conversion processing corresponding to the image output unit, and provision information indicating which multiple information the information group is composed of and in which folder each information is arranged; a configuration unit that reconfigures the image output information group obtained from the service system according to the configuration indicated by the provided information; and a supporting unit that supports the image output by the image output unit by using the reconfigured image output information group, The image output information group is related to the composition configuration information, wherein the composition configuration information indicates that the data group is composed of job attribute information, imposition structure information, configuration file information, resource file information and the converted image data. The acquisition unit acquires the provided information indicating the information group constituting the image output information group expanded to one or more folders on the cloud. The arrangement unit expands and rearranges a plurality of information constituting the image output information group obtained from the service system into one or more of the folders according to the arrangement indicated by the provided information.

5. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer on a cloud that outputs information used for image output to function as the following means: A unit for obtaining image data after conversion processing from image data before conversion processing by performing conversion processing corresponding to an image output unit that outputs the image; and a means for outputting an image output information group including the image data after the conversion process and providing information indicating which plurality of information the information group is composed of and in which folder each information is arranged, The image output information group is related to the composition configuration information, wherein the composition configuration information indicates that the data group is composed of job attribute information, imposition structure information, configuration file information, resource file information and the converted image data. wherein the output unit outputs the provided information indicating that the information group constituting the image output is expanded to one or more folders, The plurality of information constituting the image output information group outputted from the output unit is expanded and rearranged in one or more of the folders according to the arrangement indicated by the provided information by a support device supporting image output by the image output unit.

6. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer supporting image output by an image output unit to function as the following means: A means for acquiring, from a service system on a cloud, an image output information group including image data after conversion processing corresponding to the image output unit, and provision information indicating which plurality of information the information group is composed of and in which folder each information is arranged; means for re-arranging the image output information group obtained from the service system according to the arrangement indicated by the provided information; and a unit for supporting image output by the image output unit by utilizing the reconfigured image output information group, The image output information group is related to the composition configuration information, wherein the composition configuration information indicates that the data group is composed of job attribute information, imposition structure information, configuration file information, resource file information and the converted image data. The acquisition unit acquires the provided information constituting the image output information group that is expanded to one or more folders on the cloud. The arrangement unit expands and rearranges a plurality of information constituting the image output information group obtained from the service system into one or more of the folders according to the arrangement indicated by the provided information.

7. A service method for image output, which is a service method on a cloud for outputting information for image output, characterized in that: The steps include: A conversion step, obtaining converted image data from image data before conversion by conversion processing corresponding to an image output unit that outputs the image; and an output step, outputting an image output information group containing the converted image data, and providing information indicating which multiple information the information group is composed of and in which folder each information is configured, wherein the image output information group is related to composition configuration information, wherein the composition configuration information indicates that the data group is composed of job attribute information, imposition structure information, profile information, resource file information and the converted image data, wherein an output unit outputs the providing information indicating the composition of the image output information group expanded to more than one folder, and the multiple information constituting the image output information group output from the output unit is expanded to more than one folder and reconfigured according to the configuration shown in the providing information through a support device that supports image output based on the image output unit.

8. A method for supporting image output, which supports image output by an image output unit, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: an acquisition step of acquiring, from a service system on a cloud, an image output information group including image data after conversion processing corresponding to the image output unit, and provision information indicating which multiple information the information group is composed of and in which folder each information is configured; a configuration step of reconfiguring the image output information group obtained from the service system according to the configuration indicated by the provided information; and A supporting step, supporting image output based on the image output unit by using the reconfigured information group for image output, wherein the information group for image output is related to composition configuration information, wherein the composition configuration information indicates that a data group is composed of job attribute information, imposition structure information, configuration file information, resource file information and the image data after the conversion process, and an acquisition unit acquires the provision information indicating that the information group for image output is expanded to more than one folder on the cloud, The arrangement unit expands and rearranges a plurality of information constituting the image output information group obtained from the service system into one or more of the folders according to the arrangement indicated by the provided information.

9. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to claim 7 or 8 are implemented.

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