Information processing system and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system and an information processing program that allow switching of a print data output destination in performing image processing on print data for print processing.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a processor. The processor obtains first information about an image forming device that executes print processing for print data for print processing; analyzes the print data and obtains second information of the print data; and outputs the print data, based on the first information and the second information, to either the image forming device that executes image processing or an external device that executes the image processing and transfers the print data after the image processing, to the image forming device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an information processing device that communicates with a cloud print service, and that, when a cloud printer on the cloud print service is selected as an output destination, has a determination means for determining whether a print job can be sent to a printer associated with the cloud printer without going through the cloud print service, and a transmission control means for sending a print job to the printer associated with the cloud printer via a route that does not go through the cloud print service based on the determination result by the determination means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-040993 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to execute printing processing by performing image processing on print data, there is known an information processing system that outputs print data to be printed only to either an external device capable of executing image processing or an image forming device. An example of image processing is raster image processing.

[0005] In such an information processing system, when image processing is performed only by the image forming device, the image processing may not be performed correctly depending on the performance of the image forming device and the state of the print data, etc. Also, when image processing is performed only by the external device, it takes time to transfer the print data that has been image-processed to the image forming device.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing system and an information processing program capable of switching the output destination of print data that is the subject of print processing, on which image processing is executed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an information processing system according to a first aspect includes a processor, which acquires first information regarding an image forming device that performs a print process on print data to be printed, analyzes the print data to acquire second information about the print data, and outputs the print data to the image forming device that performs image processing based on the first information and the second information, or to an external device that performs the image processing and transfers the print data after the image processing has been performed to the image forming device.

[0008] In addition, in an information processing system according to a second aspect, in the information processing system according to the first aspect, the processor acquires the memory capacity of the image forming device as the first information, acquires the memory usage required for the image processing of the print data as the second information, and if the memory usage is greater than the memory capacity, outputs the print data to an external device so that the image processing is performed in the external device.

[0009] In addition, an information processing system according to a third aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect, wherein when the memory usage is less than or equal to the memory capacity, the processor outputs the print data to the image forming device so that the image processing is performed in the image forming device.

[0010] In addition, an information processing system according to a fourth aspect is an information processing system according to any one of the first to third aspects, in which the processor obtains as the first information a mounted font indicating a typeface mounted in the image forming device, obtains as the second information a used font indicating a typeface used in the print data, compares the used font with the mounted font, and if the used font does not match the mounted font, outputs the print data to an external device so as to execute the image processing in the external device.

[0011] In addition, an information processing system according to a fifth aspect is an information processing system according to the fourth aspect, wherein, when the used font matches the installed font, the processor outputs the print data to the image forming device so that the image processing is performed in the image forming device.

[0012] In addition, in an information processing system according to a sixth aspect, in the information processing system according to the first aspect, the processor acquires identification information of a dedicated storage device installed in the image forming device as the first information, and if the identification information indicates information that has not been updated for a predetermined period, outputs the printing data to an external device so as to execute the image processing in the external device.

[0013] In addition, in an information processing system according to a seventh aspect, in the information processing system according to the sixth aspect, the processor outputs the printing data to an image forming device so as to execute the image processing in the image forming device when the identification information indicates information that has been updated within a predetermined period.

[0014] In addition, an information processing system according to an eighth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor acquires the operating status of the image forming device, and when the operating status is in a standby state, outputs the print data to the image forming device so that the image processing is executed in the image forming device.

[0015] In addition, an information processing system according to a 9th aspect is the information processing system according to the 8th aspect, wherein the processor outputs the printing data to an external device so that the image processing is performed in the external device when the operating status is not the standby state.

[0016] In addition, an information processing program according to a tenth aspect causes a computer to execute a process including obtaining first information regarding an image forming device that will perform the printing process for print data that is to be printed, analyzing the print data to obtain second information for the print data, and outputting the print data to the image forming device that will perform the image processing, or to an external device that performs the image processing and transfers the print data after the image processing has been performed to the image forming device, based on a determination based on the first information and the second information. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the first and tenth aspects, there is an effect that it is possible to switch the output destination of the print data to be subjected to image processing on the print data to be subjected to the print processing.

[0018] According to the second aspect, compared to the case where the image forming apparatus executes image processing of print data when the memory capacity is insufficient, the effect of preventing the execution of the image forming processing from being stopped is achieved.

[0019] According to the third aspect, there is an advantage that the transfer time of print data to the image forming apparatus and the operating costs can be reduced compared to the case where image processing is performed in an external apparatus when there is sufficient memory capacity.

[0020] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to perform image processing and printing processing without garbled characters, as compared to when image processing is performed in an image forming device when there is a font used that does not match the installed font.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to reduce the time required to transfer print data to an image forming device and operational costs compared to performing image processing in an external device when the font used matches the installed font.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to obtain an image processing result of higher image quality compared to a case where image processing is performed in an image forming device when the version of the dedicated storage device has not been updated for a predetermined period of time.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, when the version of the dedicated storage device has been updated within a predetermined period of time, the transfer time of print data to the image forming device and the operating costs can be reduced compared to when image processing is performed in an external device.

[0024] According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to reduce the time required to transfer print data to the image forming device and operational costs compared to when image processing is performed by an external device while the image forming device is in standby mode.

[0025] According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to reduce the waiting time that a user has to wait until the image processing and printing processing are completed, compared to when image processing is performed on an image forming device when the operating status of the image forming device is not in a standby state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a user terminal and a server. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a processor of a user terminal. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of a user terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for printing information displayed on a display unit of a user terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a user terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a print instruction screen displayed on a display unit of a user terminal. [Figure 9] 13 is a sub-flowchart showing details of the determination process of the user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0028] First, an outline of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1, which is a diagram showing an example of the outline of the present embodiment.

[0029] This embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 10, a user terminal 20, and a cloud 30.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 10 is installed, for example, in a company. The image forming apparatus 10 performs image processing, print processing, and the like on an original image generated by scanning, or print data output from a user terminal 20. The print data is the subject of the print processing, and includes data related to an image, and print information in which various print settings are specified.

[0031] The user terminal 20 is realized by, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile terminal, etc. The user terminal 20 is an example of an "information processing system." The information processing system may be a single device, or may be configured using multiple devices.

[0032] The cloud 30 provides functions that can be executed by the server 40. One example of a function provided by the cloud 30 is image processing for print data. Note that at least one of the cloud 30 and the server 40 is an example of an "external device."

[0033] An example of the image processing executed by the image forming apparatus 10 or provided by the cloud 30 is raster image processing (RIP: Raster Image Processor). The image forming apparatus 10 executes print processing on print data that has been image-processed by the image forming apparatus 10 itself or the cloud 30.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 10 and the cloud 30 are connected to be able to communicate with each other. In addition, the user terminal 20 and the cloud 30 are connected to be able to communicate with each other. In addition, the user terminal 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 are connected to be able to communicate with each other.

[0035] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0036] The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a processor 10A, a document reading unit 10B, an image processing unit 10C, an image forming unit 10D, a display unit 10E, an operation unit 10F, a storage unit 10G, a paper feed unit 10H, a discharge unit 10I, and a communication unit 10J. The processor 10A includes a CPU 10a, a ROM 10b, a RAM 10c, a non-volatile memory 10d, and an input / output interface (I / O) 10e.

[0037] The processor 10A is a central processing unit, and reads out an image processing program, a print processing program, and various other programs (not shown) from at least one of the ROM 10b, the non-volatile memory 10d, and the storage unit 10G, for example.

[0038] The processor 10A controls the image forming apparatus 10 by executing the read programs using the RAM 10c as a working area.

[0039] The CPU 10a, ROM 10b, RAM 12c, and non-volatile memory 10d are connected to the I / O unit 10e via a bus so as to be able to communicate with each other. The ROM 10b is an example of a "dedicated storage device." The RAM 12c is an example of a "memory." The capacity of the RAM 12c is an example of a "memory capacity."

[0040] The document reading unit 10B includes, for example, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor for performing document reading processing, and is realized by, for example, an image scanner.

[0041] The image processing unit 10C performs image processing such as raster image processing on the document image read by the document reading unit 10B. Also, the image processing unit 10C performs image processing such as raster image processing on PDL (Page Description Language) print data received from the user terminal 20 or the cloud 30. Hereinafter, the PDL print data will be simply referred to as "print data."

[0042] The image forming unit 10D executes a printing process to form an image on a recording medium, for example, by using an electrophotographic method or an inkjet recording method. An example of the recording medium is paper. The image formed on the recording medium is based on an original image or print data that has been subjected to image processing.

[0043] The display unit 10E is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. Information and the like corresponding to user operations and processes of the image forming apparatus 10 are displayed on the display unit 10E.

[0044] The operation unit 10F includes operation keys, operation buttons, a power button, and the like provided on the image forming apparatus 10. Note that the operation unit 10F and the display unit 10E may be integrated into one unit, for example, a touch panel.

[0045] The storage unit 10G is configured, for example, by an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 10G stores, for example, resource information 100. The resource information 100 indicates various information of the image forming device 10 main body. Examples of the resource information 100 include the capacity of the RAM 12c, information on fonts installed in the image forming device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "installed fonts"), information on the version of the ROM 10b, information on the model of the image forming device 10 main body, and information on the page description language (PDL) of print data corresponding to the image forming device 10. The resource information 100 is an example of "first information". Also, the information on the version of the ROM 10b is an example of "identification information".

[0046] The paper feed section 10H accommodates recording media such as paper to be transported to the image forming section 10D during image forming processing.

[0047] The discharge section 10I accumulates prints representing recording media such as paper on which an image has been formed by a printing process.

[0048] The communication unit 10J is an interface for communicatively connecting with the cloud 30, the PC 20, etc. For the communication unit 10J, a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LAN (Local Area Network) is used.

[0049] Processor 10A, document reading unit 10B, image processing unit 10C, image forming unit 10D, display unit 10E, operation unit 10F, memory unit 10G, paper feed unit 10H, discharge unit 10I, and communication unit 10J are electrically connected by a system bus.

[0050] Next, a description will be given of the configurations of the user terminal 20 and the server 40. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configurations of the user terminal 20 and the server 40. Note that since the user terminal 20 and the server 40 have general computer configurations, the following description will be given by taking the user terminal 20 as a representative.

[0051] 3, the user terminal 20 according to the present embodiment includes a processor 20A, a display unit 20B, an operation unit 20C, a storage unit 20D, and a communication unit 20E. The processor 20A includes a central processing unit (CPU) 20a, a read only memory (ROM) 20b, a random access memory (RAM) 20c, a non-volatile memory 20d, and an input / output interface (I / O) 20e, and controls the overall operation of the user terminal 20. The ROM 20b and the storage unit 20D store an information processing program 200, various programs, and various applications. The RAM 20c is used as a work area or the like when the CPU 20a executes the information processing program 200 and various programs.

[0052] The operation unit 20C is used to input various information. The display unit 20B is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 20B is used to display various information. The operation unit 20C and the display unit 20B may be integrated into one unit, for example, a touch panel.

[0053] The storage unit 20D stores, for example, an information processing program 200. The storage unit 20D may also store resource information 100 registered by a user.

[0054] The communication unit 20E is an interface for transmitting and receiving various data to and from, for example, the image forming apparatus 10 and the cloud 30. The communication unit 20E may be configured to be capable of directly communicating with the image forming apparatus 10 using short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The components in the above-described configuration of the user terminal 20 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus.

[0055] In the above description, the storage unit 20D stores the information processing program 200. However, the storage unit 40D of the server 40 may be configured not to store the information processing program 200.

[0056] Next, the functional configuration of the processor 20A of the user terminal 20 will be described.

[0057] 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the processor 20 A. The processor 20 A executes an information processing program 200 to realize the functions shown in FIG.

[0058] The acquisition unit 400 acquires the resource information 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 from the image forming apparatus 10 or the user terminal 20 .

[0059] The analysis unit 410 analyzes the print data generated in the user terminal 20 and acquires resource information 300 of the print data. Examples of the resource information 300 include the maximum memory usage required for image processing of the print data, the fonts used in the print data, and information on the PDL used to generate the print data. The resource information 300 is an example of "second information."

[0060] The determination unit 420 determines whether the image processing for the print data is to be executed by the cloud 30 or by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0061] Next, the operation of the user terminal 20 when outputting print data will be described.

[0062] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the user terminal 20 when outputting print data. The process shown in FIG.

[0063] In step S100, the processor 20A determines whether or not printing information has been received. The determination in step S100 is affirmative, for example, when the button 510 is pressed after each piece of printing information is set on the setting screen 500 shown in Fig. 6. In setting the printing information on the setting screen 500, for example, double-sided printing, single-sided printing, black and white printing, color printing, etc. of the print data is designated.

[0064] If the pressing of the button 510 is accepted (YES in step S100), the processor 20A executes the process of step S102. If the pressing of the button 510 is not accepted (NO in step S100), the processor 20A repeats the process of step S100.

[0065] In step S102, the processor 20A generates PDL print data based on the set print information.

[0066] In step S104, the processor 20A accepts the image forming device that is to be the execution destination of the print process for the print data. The processor 20A may display, for example, a screen 520 shown in Fig. 7 on the display unit 20B and allow the user to select the image forming device 10 that is to be the execution destination of the print process from the list.

[0067] In step S106, the processor 20A determines whether or not a print instruction has been received. The determination in step S106 is affirmative when, for example, pressing of the button 550 on the screen 540 shown in FIG.

[0068] If the operation of the button 550 is accepted (YES in step S106), the processor 20A executes the process of step S108. If the operation of the button 550 is not accepted (NO in step S106), the processor 20A repeats the process of step S106.

[0069] In step S108, the processor 20A executes a process to determine a destination of image processing for the print data. In other words, the processor 20A executes a process to determine a destination of output of the print data. The process of step S108 will be described in detail later (FIG. 9).

[0070] In step S110, the processor 20A determines whether or not it has been determined as a result of the processing in step S108 that image processing of the print data is to be executed in the cloud 30. If it has been determined in the processing in step S108 that image processing of the print data is to be executed in the cloud 30 (YES in step S110), the processor 20A executes the processing in step S112. If it has been determined in the processing in step S108 that image processing of the print data is to be executed in the image forming device 10 (NO in step S110), the processor 20A executes the processing in step S114.

[0071] In step S112, the processor 20A outputs the print data to the cloud 30.

[0072] In step S114, the processor 20A outputs the print data to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0073] When the print data is output to the cloud 30 by the process of step S112, the cloud 30 executes image processing on the accepted print data. Furthermore, the cloud 30 outputs the print data after the image processing to the image forming device 10. The image forming device 10, which has accepted the print data after the image processing by the cloud 30, executes print processing on the print data after the image processing by the cloud 30.

[0074] Furthermore, when the print data is output to the image forming apparatus 10 by the process of step S114, the image forming apparatus 10 executes image processing on the accepted print data. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 executes print processing on the print data that has been image-processed by the image forming apparatus 10 main body.

[0075] Through the above process, image processing for the print data can be executed by the cloud 30 or the image forming device 10 based on the result of determining the output destination.

[0076] Next, the process of step S108 will be described in detail.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the process of step S108 executed by the processor 20A.

[0078] In step S200, the processor 20A determines whether or not the user terminal 20 can directly connect to, for example, the image forming apparatus 10 accepted in step S104. For example, if the user terminal 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 are connected to be able to communicate with each other via a wired line, the determination is positive. Alternatively, if the user terminal 20 and the image forming apparatus 10 are within a range where they can be connected to be able to communicate with each other via a wireless line and are directly connected, the determination is positive.

[0079] If the accepted image forming device 10 and the user terminal 20 are directly connected (YES in step S200), the processor 20A executes the process of step S202. If the accepted image forming device 10 and the user terminal 20 are not directly connected (NO in step S200), the processor 20A executes the process of step S220.

[0080] In step S202, the processor 20A analyzes the print data. The print data is analyzed by an existing method.

[0081] In step S204, the processor 20A acquires the resource information 300. Specifically, the print data is analyzed by performing pre-image processing on the print data, and the maximum memory usage required for image processing of the print data is acquired from the analysis result. The acquired maximum memory usage required for image processing of the print data is referred to as "memory usage." In addition, the print data is analyzed to acquire information on fonts used in the print data. Examples of fonts used in the print data are "Arial," "Cоurier," and "Times." The fonts used in the print data are referred to as "fonts used."

[0082] In step S206, the processor 20A acquires the resource information 100 stored in the image forming apparatus 10 or the user terminal 20.

[0083] In step S208, the processor 20A compares the capacity of the RAM 12c of the image forming apparatus 10 with the memory usage of the acquired resource information 300, and determines whether the capacity of the RAM 12c is equal to or greater than the memory usage.

[0084] If the capacity of the RAM 12c is equal to or greater than the memory usage (YES in step S208), the processor 20A executes the process of step S210. If the capacity of the RAM 12c is smaller than the memory usage (NO in step S208), the processor 20A executes the process of step S220.

[0085] In step S210, the processor 20A determines whether the installed fonts of the image forming device 10 include or correspond to the used fonts in the acquired resource information 300. If all of the used fonts match all or part of the installed fonts, it is determined that the installed fonts include the used font.

[0086] If the installed fonts include the used font (YES in step S210), the processor 20A executes the process of step S212. If the installed fonts do not include the used font (NO in step S210), the processor 20A executes the process of step S220.

[0087] In step S212, the processor 20A judges whether the version of the ROM 12b is capable of executing image processing of the print data. For example, if the version of the ROM 12b is not the latest, the judgment is negative. Or, if the version of the ROM 12b is more than a predetermined generation away from the latest version, in other words, if the installed ROM 12b has not been updated for a predetermined period, the judgment is negative. On the other hand, if the version of the ROM 12b is capable of handling image processing of the print data, for example, the judgment is positive. Specifically, if the version of the ROM 12b is the latest or if the ROM 12b has been updated within a predetermined period, the judgment is positive.

[0088] If the version of ROM 12b is compatible with the image processing for the print data (YES in step S212), the processor 20A executes the process of step S214. If the version of ROM 12b is not compatible with the image processing for the print data (NO in step S212), the processor 20A executes the process of step S220.

[0089] In step S214, the processor 20A acquires the operation status of the image forming apparatus 10. The operation status of the image forming apparatus 10 is information related to the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 at the time of executing the process. The operation status may be, for example, "standby state" or "processing in progress".

[0090] In step S216, the processor 20A determines whether the acquired operating status is a “standby state.” The “standby state” refers to a state of the image forming device 10 in which it is possible to immediately execute processing on accepted print data, etc.

[0091] If the operation status of image forming apparatus 10 is a standby state (YES in step S216), processor 20A executes the process of step S218. If the operation status of image forming apparatus 10 is not a standby state (NO in step S216), processor 20A executes the process of step S220. Note that if the operation status of image forming apparatus 10 indicates a status in which processing schedules are accumulated in addition to "running", the determination in step S216 is negative.

[0092] In step S218, the processor 20A determines that the image forming apparatus 10 will execute image processing on the print data.

[0093] In step S220, the processor 20A determines that the cloud 30 will perform image processing on the print data.

[0094] The processes in steps S208 to S216 are in no particular order, and any process may be performed first.

[0095] Furthermore, in addition to the processes of steps S208 to S216, a process of determining the model may be provided. Specifically, the model of the image forming device 10 may be acquired, and the model may be compared with the type of the print driver that generated the print data. If the model and the print driver are provided by the same company, a determination may be made to determine image processing in the image forming device 10. This process allows image processing to be performed on the print data according to the print driver of the print data.

[0096] Also, for example, it may be determined whether the PDL of the print data is valid for the model of the image forming device 10, and if it is valid, it may be determined to execute image processing in the image forming device 10. Note that, if print data is generated in the user terminal 20 using a PDL that is not valid for the model of the image forming device 10, it is determined to execute image processing on the print data in the cloud 30. This process makes it possible to execute image processing on the print data according to the PDL of the print data.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the above process, compared to when image processing is performed on print data only by the cloud 30, image processing on print data can be executed even if a communication failure occurs on the communication path between the cloud 30 and the user terminal 20. Also, compared to when image processing is performed on print data only by the cloud 30, image processing on print data can be executed even if a communication failure occurs on the communication path between the cloud 30 and the image forming device 10.

[0098] Although the embodiments have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention, and the modifications or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments do not limit the disclosure of the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. The above-mentioned embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions are extracted by combining the multiple constituent elements disclosed. Even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, as long as the effect is obtained, the configuration from which these several constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

[0100] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0101] In addition, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the information processing program 200 is installed in the storage unit 20D, but is not limited thereto. The information processing program 200 according to the present embodiment may be provided in a form recorded in a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the information processing program 200 according to the present embodiment may be provided in a form recorded in an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or in a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a memory card. The information processing program 200 according to the present embodiment may be obtained from an external device via the communication unit 20E.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the processing in the user terminal 20 is implemented by a software configuration using a computer by executing a program, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, information processing may be implemented by a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

[0104] In addition, the configurations of the image forming device 10, the user terminal 20, and the server 40 described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted or new parts may be added within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of this disclosure.

[0105] Furthermore, the processing flow of the information processing program 200 described in the above embodiment (see Figures 5 and 9) is also an example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0106] Furthermore, each display screen described in the above embodiment (see Figures 6-8) is also an example, and it goes without saying that design changes may be made, such as deleting unnecessary elements, adding new elements, changing the arrangement of elements within an image, enlarging or reducing elements, etc., within the scope of the gist of this disclosure.

[0107] Although the embodiments have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention, and the modifications or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0108] Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments do not limit the disclosure of the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. The above-mentioned embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions are extracted by combining the multiple constituent elements disclosed. Even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, as long as the effect is obtained, the configuration from which these several constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

[0109] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0110] In addition, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0111] The following is further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0112] (((1))) a processor, the processor comprising: acquiring first information related to an image forming apparatus that executes a print process on print data to be printed; Analyzing the print data to obtain second information of the print data; outputting the print data to the image forming device which executes image processing based on the first information and the second information, or to an external device which executes the image processing and transfers the print data after the image processing to the image forming device; Information processing system. (((2))) The processor, acquiring a memory capacity of the image forming apparatus as the first information, and acquiring a memory usage required for the image processing of the print data as the second information; If the memory usage is greater than the memory capacity, the print data is output to the external device so that the image processing is executed in the external device. 1. An information processing system as described in (((1))). (((3))) The processor, If the memory usage is equal to or less than the memory capacity, the print data is output to the image forming device so that the image processing is executed by the image forming device. An information processing system as described in (((2))). (((4))) The processor, acquiring, as the first information, a font installed in the image forming apparatus, which indicates a font style installed in the image forming apparatus, and acquiring, as the second information, a font used in the image forming apparatus, which indicates a font style used in the print data; if the used font does not match the installed font, outputting the print data to the external device so that the image processing is executed by the external device; 1. An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((3))). (((5))) The processor, If the used font matches the installed font, the print data is output to the image forming device so that the image processing is executed by the image forming device. The information processing system according to (((4))). (((6))) The processor, acquiring, as the first information, identification information of a dedicated storage device mounted in the image forming apparatus; outputting the print data to the external device so that the image processing is executed by the external device when the identification information indicates information that has not been updated for a predetermined period of time; 13. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. (((7))) The processor, outputting the print data to the image forming device so as to execute the image processing in the image forming device when the identification information indicates information that has been updated during a predetermined period of time; The information processing system according to (((6))). (((8))) The processor, Acquire an operating status of the image forming apparatus; When the operation status is a standby state, the print data is output to the image forming device so that the image processing is executed by the image forming device. 13. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. (((9))) The processor, When the operation status is not the standby state, the print data is output to the external device so that the external device executes the image processing. An information processing system according to (((8))). (((10))) On the computer, acquiring first information regarding an image forming apparatus that executes a print process for print data that is to be printed; Analyzing the print data to obtain second information of the print data; outputting the print data to the image forming device which executes image processing or to an external device which executes the image processing and transfers the print data after the image processing to the image forming device based on a determination based on the first information and the second information; An information processing program that causes a process to be performed including the above.

[0113] According to (((1))) and (((10))), it is possible to advantageously switch the output destination of print data for executing image processing on print data that is the subject of print processing. According to (((2))), compared to a case where image processing of print data is executed in an image forming device when memory capacity is insufficient, the effect of (((2))) is that it is possible to prevent the execution of image forming processing from being stopped. According to (((3))), it is possible to reduce the time required to transfer print data to the image forming device and the operating costs compared to when image processing is performed by an external device when there is no memory capacity shortage. According to (((4))), there is an advantage that image processing and print processing can be performed without garbled characters, compared to the case where image processing is performed by an image forming device when there is a font used that does not match the installed font. According to (((5))), it is possible to reduce the time required to transfer print data to an image forming device and the operating costs compared to when image processing is performed by an external device when the font used matches the installed font. According to (((6))), it is possible to obtain an image processing result of higher image quality than when image processing is performed by an image forming device when the version of the dedicated storage device has not been updated for a predetermined period of time. According to (((7))), when the version of the dedicated storage device has been updated within a predetermined period of time, the time required to transfer print data to the image forming device and operational costs can be reduced compared to when image processing is performed by an external device. According to (((8))), when the operating status of the image forming device is in standby, the time required for transferring print data to the image forming device and the operating costs can be reduced compared to when image processing is performed by an external device. According to (((9))), it is possible to reduce the waiting time that a user has to wait until the image processing and printing processing are completed, compared to when image processing is performed on an image forming device when the operating status of the image forming device is not in a standby state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10...image forming apparatus, 10C...image processing unit, 10G...memory unit, 10b...ROM, 10c...RAM, 20...user terminal, 20A...processor, 20D...memory unit, 30...cloud, 40...server, 100...resource information, 200...information processing program, 300...resource information, 400...acquisition unit, 410...analysis unit, 420...determination unit.

Claims

1. a processor, the processor comprising: acquiring first information related to an image forming apparatus that executes a print process on the print data to be printed; Analyzing the print data to obtain second information of the print data; outputting the print data to the image forming device which executes image processing based on the first information and the second information, or to an external device which executes the image processing and transfers the print data after the image processing to the image forming device; Information processing system.

2. The processor, acquiring a memory capacity of the image forming apparatus as the first information, and acquiring a memory usage required for the image processing of the print data as the second information; If the memory usage is greater than the memory capacity, the print data is output to the external device so that the image processing is executed in the external device.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The processor, If the memory usage is equal to or less than the memory capacity, the print data is output to the image forming device so that the image processing is executed by the image forming device.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The processor, acquiring, as the first information, a font installed in the image forming apparatus, which indicates a font style installed in the image forming apparatus, and acquiring, as the second information, a font used in the image forming apparatus, which indicates a font style used in the print data; if the used font does not match the installed font, outputting the print data to the external device so that the image processing is executed by the external device; The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The processor, If the used font matches the installed font, the print data is output to the image forming device so that the image processing is executed by the image forming device.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4.

6. The processor, acquiring, as the first information, identification information of a dedicated storage device mounted in the image forming apparatus; outputting the print data to the external device so that the image processing is executed by the external device when the identification information indicates information that has not been updated for a predetermined period of time; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

7. The processor, outputting the print data to the image forming device so as to execute the image processing in the image forming device when the identification information indicates information that has been updated during a predetermined period of time; 7. The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. The processor, Acquire an operating status of the image forming apparatus; When the operation status is a standby state, the print data is output to the image forming device so that the image processing is executed by the image forming device. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

9. The processor, When the operation status is not the standby state, the print data is output to the external device so that the external device executes the image processing. The information processing system according to claim 8.

10. On the computer, acquiring first information relating to an image forming apparatus that executes a print process for print data that is to be printed; Analyzing the print data to obtain second information of the print data; outputting the print data to the image forming device which executes image processing or to an external device which executes the image processing and transfers the print data after the image processing to the image forming device based on a determination based on the first information and the second information; An information processing program that causes a process to be performed including the above.

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