Printing system, print management device, print management method, and print management program

Abstract

To output print data onto a sheet different in size from a specified sheet with a simple configuration.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A printing system includes an image forming device and a print management device. The print management device has: an input receiving unit that receives input of first print data; a sheet size conversion unit that refers to a conversion information memory unit in which conversion information is stored that associates first sheet size information indicating the size of a first sheet with second sheet size information indicating the size of a second sheet different in size from the first sheet to convert the first sheet size information into the second sheet size information associated with the first sheet size information in accordance with the conversion information corresponding to the first sheet size information included in the first print data; and an output unit that outputs second print data after conversion by the sheet size conversion unit to the image forming device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a print management apparatus, a print management method, and a print management program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in government offices, financial institutions, the distribution industry, etc., forms including various application forms, application documents, transfer forms, pressure-sensitive postcards, copy slips, etc. have been used. These forms are printed on continuous paper by a commercial printing apparatus or the like, but recently, due to various circumstances, there has been a demand to print the forms on cut sheets.

[0003] Note that conventionally, as a technique when the size of the prepared paper and the paper size of the print job are different, it is known to notify that the size of the paper of the print job and the size of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus are different and cancel the print job, and execute the next print job.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When printing a form premised on printing on continuous paper on cut sheets, since the size of the continuous paper and the size of the cut sheets are different, it may not be possible to obtain a correct print result, the process may result in an error, and the printing operation may not be able to continue. Further, in order to correctly print the form on cut sheets, it may be necessary to change the design of the system that generates the form, which is troublesome and costly.

[0005] The disclosed technology has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to output print data to a paper having a size different from that of a specified paper with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The disclosed technology is a printing system including an image forming apparatus and a print management apparatus. The print management apparatus includes an input reception unit that receives an input of first print data, a conversion information storage unit that stores conversion information associating first paper size information indicating the size of a first sheet of paper with second paper size information indicating the size of a second sheet of paper having a different size from the first sheet of paper, a paper size conversion unit that converts the first paper size information included in the first print data into second paper size information associated with the first paper size information according to the conversion information corresponding to the first paper size information, and an output unit that outputs the second print data after the conversion by the paper size conversion unit to the image forming apparatus.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] With a simple configuration, print data can be output to a sheet of paper having a different size from the specified sheet of paper.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the print system of the first embodiment.

[0010] The print system 100 of the present embodiment includes a print management device 200, an image forming device 300, and a form generation device 400, each of which is connected via a network or the like. Note that although the print system 100 of the present embodiment includes the form generation device 400, it is not limited thereto. The form generation device 400 may be provided outside the print system 100. In that case, the print system 100 may include the print management device 200 and the image forming device 300.

[0011] In this embodiment, the form generation device 400 generates print data for printing a form and transmits it to the print management device 200. Note that the print data generated by the form generation device 400 may include paper size information indicating the size of the continuous paper corresponding to the form.

[0012] When the print management device 200 receives the print data generated by the form generation device 400, it converts the paper size information included in this print data into paper size information indicating the size of the cut paper, and transmits the converted print data to the image forming device 300.

[0013] More specifically, the print management device 200 of this embodiment includes a conversion information storage unit 210 and a conversion processing unit 220. The conversion information storage unit 210 stores conversion information associating papers of different sizes. The conversion processing unit 220 refers to the conversion information stored in the conversion information storage unit 210, converts the paper size information included in the print data input to the print management device 200 into paper size information indicating the size of the paper associated in the conversion information, and transmits the converted print data to the image forming device 300.

[0014] The image forming device 300 outputs a printed matter based on the print data received from the print management device 200.

[0015] In this embodiment, in this way, by converting the paper size information included in the print data, it is possible to output the print data to a paper having a size different from the specified paper.

[0016] In the following description, the paper size information included in the print data received by the print management device 200 from the form generation device 400 may be referred to as first paper size information. The first paper size information included in the first print data may include information indicating the size of continuous paper for printing forms. Further, the first paper size information may include information indicating the sizes of copying paper and pre-printed paper. Copying paper is paper used for making copies across multiple sheets by pen pressure, and pre-printed paper is paper on which grids, characters, figures, etc. are printed in advance on the printing surface.

[0017] In the following description, the print data transmitted from the form generation device 400 to the print management device 200 may be referred to as first print data. The first print data is print data for printing a form generated by the form generation device 400 on continuous paper.

[0018] Forms generated by the form generation device 400 include, for example, various application forms, application documents, transfer forms, pressure-sensitive postcards, copying paper, and the like.

[0019] In the following description, the paper size information included in the print data output from the print management device 200 to the image forming device 300 may be referred to as second paper size information. The second paper size information included in the second print data is information indicating the size of cut paper associated with the form in the conversion information.

[0020] In the following description, the print data transmitted from the print management device 200 to the image forming device 300 may be referred to as second print data. The second print data is print data for printing a form generated by the form generation device 400 on cut paper.

[0021] Note that in the example of FIG. 1, the print management device 200 is taken as one information processing device, but it is not limited thereto. The print management device 200 may be realized by a plurality of information processing devices. Further, in the present embodiment, the image forming device 300 may be a general multifunction device.

[0022] Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 1, the conversion information storage unit 210 is provided in the print management apparatus 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. The conversion information storage unit 210 may be provided in an external apparatus capable of communicating with the print management apparatus 200.

[0023] Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 1, the number of image forming apparatuses 300 included in the print system 100 is one, but the present invention is not limited to this. The print system 100 may include a plurality of image forming apparatuses 300.

[0024] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an outline of the operation of the print system 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of the print system of the first embodiment.

[0025] In the print system 100 of the present embodiment, the form generation apparatus 400 receives text data 10 indicating the content of the form from the backbone system 500. Note that the text data 10 may be, for example, a CSV file or the like. Further, after generating the text data 10, the backbone system 500 may transmit the text data 10 to the form generation apparatus 400 by batch processing or the like.

[0026] The form generation apparatus 400 includes a form design data storage unit 410 in which form design data indicating the layout of the form is stored. When the form generation apparatus 400 receives the text data 10, it generates a form by referring to the form design data stored in the form design data storage unit 410, and transmits print data 20 (first print data) for printing the generated form to the print management apparatus 200.

[0027] When the print management apparatus 200 receives the print data 20, the conversion processing unit 220 refers to the conversion information storage unit 210 to obtain second paper size information corresponding to the first paper size information included in the print data 20. Then, the print data 20 is converted into print data 20′ (second print data) in which the first paper size information included in the print data 20 is converted into the second paper size information, and the print data 20′ is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 300.

[0028] Note that in the print management device 200, the image forming device 300 that is the output destination of the print data 20' may be preset.

[0029] The image forming device 300 prints the print data 20' on the paper indicated by the second paper size information included in the print data 20'.

[0030] In this embodiment, by doing so, it is possible to print a form premised on printing on continuous paper on cut paper without modifying the form generation device 400 or the core system 500. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to output print data to paper having a size different from the designated paper with a simple configuration.

[0031] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, the hardware configurations of the image forming device 300 and the print management device 200 included in the print system 100 of this embodiment will be described.

[0032] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming device. In FIG. 3A, the hardware configuration when the image forming device 300 is an inkjet machine (liquid ejection device) 300A is shown.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3A, the liquid ejection device 300A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, an NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) 304, an external device connection I / F 308, a network I / F 309, and a bus line B1. The liquid ejection device 300A also includes a paper conveyance unit 311, a sub-scanning driver 312, a main-scanning driver 313, a carriage 320, and an operation panel 330. Further, the carriage 320 includes a liquid ejection head 321 and a liquid ejection head driver 322.

[0034] Among these, the CPU 301 controls the operation of the entire liquid ejection device 300A. The ROM 302 stores programs and the like used for driving the CPU 301 such as IPL. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301. The NVRAM 304 stores various data such as programs and holds the various data even while the power of the liquid ejection device 300A is turned off. The external device connection I / F 308 is connected to a PC (Personal Computer) by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like and communicates control signals and data to be printed with the PC. The network I / F 309 is an interface for data communication using a communication network such as the Internet. The bus line B1 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301.

[0035] The paper conveyance unit 311 is, for example, a roller and a motor for driving the roller, and conveys the printing paper in the sub-scanning direction along the conveyance path in the liquid ejection device 300A. The sub-scanning driver 312 controls the movement of the paper conveyance unit 311 in the sub-scanning direction. The main-scanning driver 313 controls the movement of the carriage 320 in the main-scanning direction.

[0036] The liquid ejection head 321 of the carriage 320 has a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a liquid such as ink, and its ejection surface (nozzle surface) is mounted on the carriage 320 so as to face the printing paper side. The liquid ejection head 321 ejects the liquid onto the printing paper intermittently conveyed in the sub-scanning direction while moving in the main-scanning direction, thereby ejecting the liquid at a predetermined position on the printing paper to form an image. The liquid ejection head driver 322 is a driver for controlling the drive of the liquid ejection head 321.

[0037] The operation panel 330 is composed of a touch panel, an alarm lamp, etc. that display the current set value, selection screen, etc. and receive input from the operator.

[0038] Note that the liquid ejection head driver 322 may not be mounted on the carriage 320 and may be configured to be connected to the bus line outside the carriage 320. Further, the main scanning driver 313, the sub-scanning driver 312, and the liquid ejection head driver 322 may each be functions realized by commands of the CPU 301 according to a program.

[0039] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing another example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3B shows the hardware configuration when the image forming apparatus 300 is an electrophotographic apparatus 300B.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3B, the electrophotographic apparatus 300B includes a controller 910, a short-range communication circuit 920, an engine control unit 930, an operation panel 940, and a network I / F 950.

[0041] Among these, the controller 910 has a CPU 901 which is the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 902, a north bridge (NB) 903, a south bridge (SB) 904, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 906, a local memory (MEM-C) 907 which is a storage unit, an HDD controller 908, and an HD 909 which is a storage unit, and is configured to connect between the NB 903 and the ASIC 906 by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 921.

[0042] Among these, the CPU 901 is a control unit that performs overall control of the electrophotographic apparatus 300B. The NB 903 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 901 to the MEM-P 902, the SB 904, and the AGP bus 921, and has a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 902, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

[0043] MEM-P902 consists of a ROM902a which is a memory for storing programs and data for realizing each function of the controller 910, and a RAM902b which is used as a memory for developing programs and data, and for drawing during memory printing. Note that the programs stored in the RAM902b may be configured to be provided by recording them in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

[0044] SB904 is a bridge for connecting the NB903 with the PCI device and the peripheral devices. The ASIC906 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has the role of a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 921, the PCI bus 922, the HDD controller 908, and the MEM-C907 respectively. This ASIC906 consists of a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) forming the core of the ASIC906, a memory controller for controlling the MEM-C907, a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) for performing operations such as rotation of image data by means of hardware logic, etc., and a PCI unit for performing data transfer via the PCI bus 922 between the scanner unit 931 and the printer unit 932. Note that interfaces for USB (Universal Serial Bus) and IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) may be connected to the ASIC906.

[0045] MEM-C907 is a local memory used as a print image buffer and a code buffer. HD909 is a storage for accumulating image data, font data used at the time of printing, and forms. HD909 controls the reading or writing of data to / from HD909 according to the control of CPU901. The AGP bus 921 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphic processing. By directly accessing MEM-P902 with high throughput, the graphics accelerator card can be made faster.

[0046] Also, the short-range communication circuit 920 is provided with an antenna 920a. The short-range communication circuit 920 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth.

[0047] Furthermore, the engine control unit 930 is constituted by a printer unit 932. It may have a scanner unit 931. Also, the operation panel 940 includes a panel display unit 940a such as a touch panel for displaying current setting values, selection screens, etc. and receiving inputs from the operator, and an operation panel 940b including a numeric keypad for receiving setting values of conditions related to image formation such as density setting conditions and a start key for receiving a copy start instruction. The controller 910 controls the entire electrophotographic apparatus 300B. For example, it controls drawing, communication, inputs from the operation panel 940, etc. The printer unit 932 or the scanner unit 931 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion or gamma conversion.

[0048] Note that the electrophotographic apparatus 300B may switch various functions such as printer functions, settings, color adjustment, print and maintenance schedule management, etc. by using the application switching key on the operation panel 940. Note that the document box function, copy function, facsimile function, etc. may be sequentially switched and selected. Further, the network I / F 950 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network. The short-distance communication circuit 920 and the network I / F 950 are electrically connected to the ASIC 906 via the PCI bus 922.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the print management apparatus. The print management apparatus 200 of the present embodiment is constructed by a computer and includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, an HD 504, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a data bus 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

[0050] Among these, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire printing management apparatus 200. The ROM 502 stores programs used for driving the CPU 501 such as IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to / from the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The external devices in this case are, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a printer, and the like. The network I / F 509 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network. The data bus 510 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 3.

[0051] Also, the keyboard 511 is a kind of input means having a plurality of keys for input such as characters, numerical values, and various instructions. The pointing device 512 is a kind of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, and the like. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls the reading or writing of various data to / from the DVD-RW 513 as an example of a removable recording medium. Note that it is not limited to DVD-RW, and it may be DVD-R or the like. The media I / F 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to / from the recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

[0052] Note that since the hardware configuration of the form generation apparatus 400 of the present embodiment may be the same as that of the printing management apparatus 200, the description thereof is omitted.

[0053] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the conversion information storage unit 210 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the conversion information storage unit of the first embodiment.

[0054] The conversion information stored in the conversion information storage unit 210 of the present embodiment includes, as information items, No., vertical and horizontal size range, cut sheet size, paper feed tray, and print start position. The conversion information of the present embodiment is stored in advance in the conversion information storage unit 210 of the print management device 200.

[0055] The value of the item "No." is identification information for specifying the conversion information. The value of the item "vertical and horizontal size range" indicates the size of the continuous paper. In other words, the value of the item "vertical and horizontal size range" is the first paper size information. The value of the item "cut sheet size" indicates the size of the cut sheet. In other words, the value of the item "cut sheet size" is the second paper size information.

[0056] The value of the item "paper feed tray" indicates the paper feed tray on which the cut sheet is placed in the image forming apparatus 300. The value of the item "print start position" indicates the print start position on the cut sheet. Here, the value of the item "paper feed tray" and the value of the item "print start position" are information related to the cut sheet. Therefore, in the following description, the value of the item "paper feed tray" and the value of the item "print start position" may be referred to as related information. The related information of the present embodiment, in other words, indicates the print conditions set for the image forming apparatus 300.

[0057] That is, the conversion information of the present embodiment includes the first paper size information, the second paper size information, and the related information of the cut sheet.

[0058] Note that the information items included in the conversion information are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5. The conversion information may include, for example, information indicating the print data name.

[0059] Further, when the print system 100 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 300, the conversion information storage unit 210 of the present embodiment may be provided for each image forming apparatus 300. In that case, the conversion information may include identification information for specifying the image forming apparatus 300.

[0060] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the functional configurations of the print management device 200 and the form generation device 400 included in the printing system 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the functional configurations of the print management device and the form generation device according to the first embodiment.

[0061] First, the functional configuration of the form generation device 400 will be described. The form generation device 400 of the present embodiment includes a form design data storage unit 410 and a print data generation unit 420. The form design data storage unit 410 is realized by a storage device such as an HD included in the form generation device 400. The print data generation unit 420 is realized by the CPU of the form generation device 400 reading and executing a program stored in a storage device such as a ROM or a RAM.

[0062] The form design data storage unit 410 stores form design data that is referred to when generating a form from the text data 10 received from the core system 500. The form setting data is data indicating the layout of the form, and is generated in advance and stored in the form design data storage unit 410.

[0063] The print data generation unit 420 generates print data for printing the form generated based on the text data 10 and the form design data. Specifically, the print data generation unit 420 merges the text data 10 into the layout (form) indicated by the form design data to obtain print data.

[0064] Next, the functions of the print management device 200 will be described. The print management device 200 of the present embodiment includes a conversion information storage unit 210 and a conversion processing unit 220. The conversion information storage unit 210 may be realized by an HD504 or the like included in the print management device 200. The conversion processing unit 220 is realized by the CPU501 reading and executing a print management program stored in the ROM502, the RAM503, or the like.

[0065] In the print management device 200 of the present embodiment, the conversion processing unit 220 includes an input reception unit 221, an analysis unit 222, a paper size conversion unit 223, and an output unit 224.

[0066] The input reception unit 221 receives the input of the first print data from the form generation device 400. The analysis unit 222 analyzes the first print data received by the analysis unit 222 and extracts the first paper size information included in the first print data.

[0067] The paper size conversion unit 223 refers to the conversion information storage unit 210 and identifies the cut paper corresponding to the first paper size information extracted by the analysis unit 222. Then, the paper size conversion unit 223 converts the first paper size information included in the first print data received from the form generation device 400 into second print data in which the paper size information (second paper size information) indicating the size of the identified cut paper is used.

[0068] The output unit 224 transmits the second print data to the image forming device 300.

[0069] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the printing system 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system of the first embodiment.

[0070] In the printing system 100 of the present embodiment, the form generation device 400 receives text data from the core system 500 (step S701).

[0071] When the form generation device 400 receives the text data, the print data generation unit 420 refers to the form design data storage unit 410, merges the text data and the form design data, generates a form, and generates first print data for printing the form (step S702).

[0072] Subsequently, the form generation device 400 transmits the first print data to the print management device 200 (step S703).

[0073] In the printing management device 200, when the conversion processing unit 220 receives the input of the first print data by the input reception unit 221, it refers to the conversion information storage unit 210 (step S704). At this time, if the printing system 100 includes a plurality of image forming devices 300 and the image forming device 300 that is the output destination of the second print data is selected, the conversion processing unit 220 may refer to the conversion information corresponding to the selected image forming device 300.

[0074] Subsequently, the conversion processing unit 220 performs a conversion process of converting the first paper size information into the second paper size information based on the referred conversion information (step S705). Details of step S705 will be described later.

[0075] Here, if the second paper size information corresponding to the first paper size information is stored in the conversion information storage unit 210, the printing management device 200 outputs (transmits) the second print data to the image forming device 300 by the output unit 224 (step S706).

[0076] At this time, the output unit 224 may also transmit the related information included in the conversion information referred to in the conversion information storage unit 210 to the image forming device 300 together with the second print data. Further, the output unit 224 may embed the related information in the print data and transmit it to the image forming device 300.

[0077] The image forming device 300 prints the second print data based on the second paper size information included in the second print data (step S707).

[0078] Also, when the second paper size information corresponding to the first paper size information is not stored in the conversion information storage unit 210, the printing management device 200 outputs an error by the output unit 224 (step S708). The error may be transmitted to, for example, the form generation device 400 or may be displayed on the display 506 of the printing management device 200.

[0079] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the processing of the conversion processing unit 220 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the printing management apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 8, the details of step S705 in FIG. 7 are shown.

[0080] When the conversion processing unit 220 of the present embodiment receives the first print data, the analysis unit 222 analyzes the first print data, and the conversion information storage unit 210 determines whether conversion information including the print data name of the first print data is stored (step S801).

[0081] In step S801, when the conversion information including the print data name of the first print data is stored, the conversion processing unit 220 acquires the second paper size information included in the corresponding conversion information by the paper size conversion unit 223, and converts the first paper size information included in the first print data into the second paper size information to obtain the second print data (step S802), and proceeds to step S706 in FIG. 7.

[0082] At this time, the paper size conversion unit 223 may also pass the related information included in the conversion information acquired from the conversion information storage unit 210 to the output unit 224 together with the second print data. Note that the related information may be embedded in the second print data.

[0083] In step S801, when the corresponding conversion information is not stored in the conversion information storage unit 210, the conversion processing unit 220 converts the paper size from the first paper size information included in the first print data into millimeters by the paper size conversion unit 223 (step S803). In other words, the paper size conversion unit 223 acquires the length and width of the paper in millimeters.

[0084] Subsequently, the paper size conversion unit 223 determines in the conversion information storage unit 210 whether there is conversion information corresponding to the vertical and horizontal lengths of the paper, the vertical and horizontal size ranges of which were acquired in step S803 (step S804). If there is corresponding conversion information in step S804, the printing management apparatus 200 proceeds to step S802.

[0085] If there is no corresponding conversion information in step S804, the printing management apparatus 200 proceeds to step S708 in FIG. 7.

[0086] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the operation of the printing system 100 of the present embodiment will be specifically described.

[0087] In the example of FIG. 9, the printing system 100 includes the image forming apparatuses 300, 300a, and 300b, and shows a case where the image forming apparatus 300 is selected as the output destination of the second print data.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of the display of the printing management apparatus. On the screen 90 shown in FIG. 9, display areas 91 and 92 are included. In the display area 91, a list of the first print data input to the printing management apparatus 200 is displayed. In the display area 92, a list of the image forming apparatuses included in the printing system 100 is displayed. More specifically, in the display area 92, the states of the image forming apparatuses 300, 300a, and 300b are displayed. Also, in the display area 92, a mark 93 indicating that the image forming apparatus 300 is selected is displayed.

[0089] Further, the printing management apparatus 200 of the present embodiment may hold log information indicating the history of the conversion process by the conversion processing unit 220. Then, the printing management apparatus 200 may display the history of the conversion process by the conversion processing unit 220 on the display 506 or the like.

[0090] When an operation to display the property information of the first print data is performed in the display area 91, for example, the print management apparatus 200 may display a screen including the first paper size information in the first print data and the second paper size information corresponding to the first paper size information.

[0091] In other words, in the print management apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, the input reception unit 221 may display a history of conversion processing in which the first print data received, the paper size information (first paper size information) included in the first print data, and the converted paper size information (second paper size information) are associated with each other.

[0092] In the present embodiment, as described above, by displaying the history of the conversion process including the paper size information before conversion and the paper size information after conversion, the administrator of the print management apparatus 200 can grasp the paper size specified in the first print data.

[0093] Here, in the following description, a case where the first print data in which the first paper size information is "15 inches × 11 inches" is input to the print management apparatus 200 will be described.

[0094] FIG. 10 is a first diagram for explaining the processing of the conversion processing unit. In FIG. 10, a case where the first paper size information included in the first print data is "15 inches × 11 inches" and the first print data is generated in PostScript is shown.

[0095] In this case, when the first print data is input to the print management apparatus 200, the conversion processing unit 220 of the print management apparatus 200 determines, by the paper size conversion unit 223, whether conversion information with a matching print data name is stored in the conversion information storage unit 210. In the present embodiment, no print data name is stored in the conversion information storage unit 210.

[0096] Therefore, the paper size conversion unit 223 of the conversion processing unit 220 converts the first paper size information "15 inches × 11 inches" into millimeters. Here, it is converted to "381 mm × 279.4 mm".

[0097] Next, the paper size conversion unit 223 determines in the conversion information storage unit 210 whether conversion information whose vertical and horizontal size ranges include "381 mm × 279.4 mm" is stored.

[0098] Here, the conversion information 211 of "No. 3" stored in the conversion information storage unit 210 is conversion information whose vertical and horizontal size ranges include "381 mm × 279.4 mm" (see FIG. 5).

[0099] The second paper size information included in the conversion information 211 is "A3". Therefore, the paper size conversion unit 223 converts the first paper size information "15 inches × 11 inches" of the first print data into the second paper size information "A3" as shown by description 101A according to the conversion information 211, and generates second print data.

[0100] Here, when the conversion processing unit 220 outputs the second print data to the image forming apparatus 300, the related information included in the conversion information 211 is also transmitted to the image forming apparatus 300 together. The related information included in the conversion information 211 is the paper feed tray "3" and the print start position "X: +20.0 mm Y: +5.0 mm". Therefore, the output unit 224 of the conversion processing unit 220 transmits the second print data, the paper feed tray "3" as related information, and the print start position "X: +20.0 mm Y: +5.0 mm" to the image forming apparatus 300.

[0101] FIG. 11 is a second diagram for explaining the processing of the conversion processing unit. The printed matter 110 shown in FIG. 11 shows a printed matter (form) when the first print data is printed, and the printed matter 110A shows a printed matter (form) when the second print data with related information is printed.

[0102] In the printed matter 110A, the paper size is set to A3 of cut paper. It can be seen that the printing start position is set at a position +20 mm in the X direction (horizontal direction) and +5.0 mm in the Y direction (vertical direction) with the top left vertex of the cut paper as the reference point.

[0103] In this embodiment, in this way, by transmitting the related information corresponding to the second paper size information to the image forming apparatus 300, the second print data can be printed appropriately.

[0104] Also, in this embodiment, without changing the print area in the first print data generated by the form generation apparatus 400 which is a higher-level apparatus than the print management apparatus 200, the print data generated by the form generation apparatus 400 can be output to a paper of a size different from the paper size specified by the form generation apparatus 400.

[0105] Therefore, according to this embodiment, when print data is generated in the form generation apparatus 400 which is a higher-level apparatus than the print management apparatus 200 on the premise of printing on continuous paper, this print data can be output to cut paper. Also, in this embodiment, the print data can be output to cut paper without modifying the higher-level system that generates the print data on the premise of printing on continuous paper.

[0106] In other words, in this embodiment, the size of the paper specified in the print data generated by the higher-level system of the print management apparatus 200 can be output to a paper of a different size without modifying the higher-level system.

[0107] (Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, it is different from the first embodiment in that it includes an exception process without changing the paper size information and in that the copy paper is replaced with cut paper. In the following description of the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and components having the same functional configuration as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the printing system according to the second embodiment.

[0109] The printing system 100A of the present embodiment includes a print management device 200A, an image forming device 300, an image forming device 300A, and a form generation device 400, each of which is connected via a network or the like.

[0110] The print management device 200A of the present embodiment includes a conversion information storage unit 210A and a conversion processing unit 220A. Further, the image forming device 300A of the present embodiment may be a continuous paper printer that prints on continuous paper.

[0111] Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the conversion information storage unit 210A will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the conversion information storage unit according to the second embodiment.

[0112] The conversion information stored in the conversion information storage unit 210A of the present embodiment includes, as information items, No., print data name, number of copies, copy pages, form data, vertical and horizontal size range, cut sheet size, print start position, print registration conditions, post-processing, and the like.

[0113] The value of the item "print data name" indicates the name of the first print data received by the print management device 200A. The value of the item "number of copies" indicates the number of pages to be copied. In the present embodiment, when the value of the item "number of copies" is 2 or more, it indicates that the print data is premised on printing on copy paper.

[0114] The value of the item "copy pages" indicates the page numbers for the number of copies specified. The value of the item "form data" indicates the file name of the form data associated with each page included in the first print data.

[0115] The form data of this embodiment may be, for example, data including ruled lines, logos, etc., and is data for printing ruled lines and logos similar to the prepress paper specified in the first print data on the cut paper.

[0116] The value of the item "print condition registration number" indicates the registration number of the related information (print condition) registered in advance in the image forming apparatus. Note that the value of the item "print condition registration number" may include information for identifying the image forming apparatus in which the related information is registered. The value of the item "post-processing" indicates the post-processing of printing in the image forming apparatus 300.

[0117] In FIG. 13, for example, it can be seen that the first print data including the print data name "Form 30" has its first paper size information converted to the second paper size information "A4" by the conversion information 211A including the print data name "Form 30".

[0118] Also, from the conversion information 211A, it can be seen that the number of copies of the first print data with the print data name "Form 30" is "3", and it is merged with the form data indicated by the form data "Form30_1_3.pdf" to make the page number "1", merged with the form data indicated by the form data "Form30_2_3.pdf" to make the page number "2", and merged with the form data indicated by the form data "Form30_3_3.pdf" to make the page number "3".

[0119] Furthermore, from the conversion information 211A, it can be seen that after the first print data with the print data name "Form 30" has its first paper size information converted to the second paper size information to become the second print data, it is output to the image forming apparatus 300 in which the related information indicated by the values of the items "paper feed tray", "print start position", and "post-processing" is registered.

[0120] Also, in FIG. 13, for example, the conversion information 211B including the print data name "Form X" stores neither the value of the item "Vertical and Horizontal Size Range" nor the value of the item "Cut Sheet Size". In other words, the conversion information 211B including the print data name "Form X" does not include either the first paper size information or the second paper size information.

[0121] In this embodiment, as described above, the conversion information that does not include the first paper size information and the second paper size information is information that instructs the execution of exception processing for outputting to the image forming apparatus 300 without changing the paper size specified in the first print data.

[0122] Note that the conversion information indicating the exception processing is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 13. In this embodiment, exception processing may be executed when the conversion information satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition here may be, for example, that the values of the first paper size information and the second paper size information are empty, or a flag indicating that it is exception processing may be given, and the predetermined condition may be arbitrarily determined.

[0123] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 14, the functional configuration of the printing system 100A of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the print management apparatus and the form generation apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0124] The conversion processing unit 220A of the print management apparatus 200A of this embodiment includes an analysis unit 222, a paper size conversion unit 223, an output unit 224, and a copy page generation unit 225.

[0125] When there are multiple copy pages corresponding to the first print data received by the print management device 200A, the copy page generation unit 225 of the present embodiment replicates the second print data after converting the first paper size information into the second paper size information for the number of copy pages. Then, the copy page generation unit 225 merges the second print data replicated for the number of copy pages with the form data. In other words, the copy page generation unit 225 generates print data for printing an image embedded in the form indicated by the form data from the second print data. In the following description, the second print data merged with the form data is referred to as the third print data. The third print data is print data for the number of copies, in which each of the second print data replicated for the number of copies is embedded in the corresponding form data.

[0126] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 15, the operation of the printing system 100A of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the printing system according to the second embodiment.

[0127] The processes from step S1501 to step S1508 in FIG. 15 are the same as the processes from step S701 to step S708 in FIG. 7, except that the conversion process of the conversion processing unit 220A in step S1505 is different from the conversion process in step S705 in FIG. 7, and thus the description thereof is omitted. The details of the process in step S1505 will be described later.

[0128] The conversion processing unit 220A of the print management device 200A of the present embodiment transmits the first print data to the image forming apparatus in which the change of the paper size specified by the first print data is prohibited in the conversion information referred to in step S1506 and the related information indicated by the registration number "2" is registered (step S1509).

[0129] Note that, in this case, the print management device 200A determines whether or not an image forming apparatus in which the related information indicated by the registration number "2" is registered exists within the print system 100A. When an image forming apparatus in which the related information indicated by the registration number "2" is registered exists within the print system 100, the first print data may be transmitted to the corresponding image forming apparatus. Further, when an image forming apparatus in which the related information indicated by the registration number "2" is registered does not exist within the print system 100A, an error may be notified in the same manner as in step S1508.

[0130] Also, in the present embodiment, for a case where any one of the image forming apparatuses 300, 300a, and 300b is designated as an output destination of the target print data and no registration number is designated, the print data may be directly transmitted to the designated image forming apparatus serving as the output destination without performing conversion processing or error processing.

[0131] When the image forming apparatus 300A receives the first print data, it performs printing according to the first print data (step S1510).

[0132] Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the processing of the conversion processing unit 220A of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the print management device according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 16, the details of step S1505 in FIG. 15 are shown.

[0133] When the conversion processing unit 220A of the present embodiment receives the first print data, the analysis unit 222 analyzes the first print data, and the conversion processing unit 220A determines whether or not conversion information including the print data name of the first print data is stored in the conversion information storage unit 210A (step S1601).

[0134] In step S1601, when conversion information including the print data name of the first print data is stored, the conversion processing unit 220A determines whether or not the conversion information including the print data name of the first print data is conversion information indicating exception processing (step S1602).

[0135] In step S1602, when the conversion information including the print data name of the first print data is conversion information indicating exception processing, the conversion processing unit 220A proceeds to step S1509 in FIG. 15.

[0136] In step S1602, when the conversion information including the print data name of the first print data is not conversion information indicating exception processing, the conversion processing unit 220A obtains the second paper size information included in the corresponding conversion information by the paper size conversion unit 223, and converts the first paper size information included in the first print data into the second paper size information to obtain second print data (step S1603).

[0137] Subsequently, the conversion processing unit 220A determines whether the number of copies is plural in the conversion information including the print data name of the first print data by the copy page generation unit 225 (step S1604). Specifically, the copy page generation unit 225 determines whether the value of the item "number of copies" included in the conversion information including the print data name of the first print data is 2 or more.

[0138] In step S1604, when the number of copies is not plural, the conversion processing unit 220A proceeds to step S1506 in FIG. 15.

[0139] In step S1604, when the number of copies is plural, the conversion processing unit 220A copies the second print data by the copy page generation unit 225 for the number of copies (step S1605).

[0140] Subsequently, the copy page generation unit 225 merges each of the copied second print data with the form data for each copy page, generates third print data merged with the form data for each copy page (step S1606), and proceeds to step S1506 in FIG. 15.

[0141] Also, in step S1601, when the conversion information including the print data name of the first print data is not stored, the conversion processing unit 220A converts the paper size from the first paper size information included in the first print data into millimeters by the paper size conversion unit 223 (step S1607). In other words, the paper size conversion unit 223 acquires the vertical and horizontal lengths of the paper in millimeters.

[0142] Subsequently, the paper size conversion unit 223 determines whether conversion information corresponding to the vertical and horizontal size ranges equal to the vertical and horizontal lengths of the paper acquired in step S1607 exists in the conversion information storage unit 210A (step S1608). In step S1608, if the corresponding conversion information exists, the print management device 200A proceeds to step S1603.

[0143] In step S1608, if the corresponding conversion information does not exist, the print management device 200A proceeds to step S1508 in FIG. 15.

[0144] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 17, the processing of the print management device 200A according to the present embodiment will be specifically described. FIG. 17 is a diagram for specifically explaining the processing of the print management device 200A according to the second embodiment.

[0145] In the example of FIG. 17, in the form generation device 400, first print data 20A with a print data name of "Form 30" is generated based on text data 10A.

[0146] When the print management device 200A receives the first print data 20A, the conversion processing unit 220A refers to the conversion information storage unit 210A. The conversion information storage unit 210A stores conversion information 211A including the print data name "Form 30".

[0147] Therefore, the conversion processing unit 220A converts the first paper size information of the first print data 20A into second paper size information associated with the first paper size information in the conversion information 211A, and sets the first print data 20A as second print data 20A'.

[0148] Next, the conversion processing unit 220A acquires the value "3" of the item "number of copies" in the conversion information 211A, and duplicates the second print data 20A' by the number of copies. Then, the copy page generation unit 225 merges each of the duplicated second print data 20A' with the form data that is the value of the item "form data" in the conversion information 211A to generate third print data 20A''.

[0149] Specifically, the copy page generation unit 225 merges the second print data 20A' with the form data 31 indicated by the form data "Form30_1_3.pdf" to obtain the third print data 20'' for the first page. Also, the copy page generation unit 225 merges the second print data 20A' with the form data 32 indicated by the form data "Form30_2_3.pdf" to obtain the third print data 20'' for the second page. Also, the copy page generation unit 225 merges the second print data 20A' with the form data 33 indicated by the form data "Form30_3_3.pdf" to obtain the third print data 20'' for the third page.

[0150] Then, the third print data 20A'' for each page is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 300A specified by the value of the item "print condition registration number" in the conversion information 211A. At this time, the print management apparatus 200A transmits the values of the items "paper feed tray", "print start position", and "post-processing" as related information included in the conversion information 211A to the image forming apparatus 300 together with the third print data 20''.

[0151] In the image forming apparatus 300 of the present embodiment, after printing the third print data 20'' for three pages, three pages are set as one set, and the print data generated by the form generation apparatus 400 is output in a state where it is stapled at the upper left corner.

[0152] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to output a set of copy sheets on which the same content is printed on a plurality of sheets. Further, in this embodiment, when an error occurs during printing by the image forming apparatus 300, printing may be performed again in units of the number of copy pages after the error is resolved.

[0153] Further, according to this embodiment, by preparing form data for each first print data, even when the first print data is print data premised on printing on preprint sheets, it is possible to print ruled lines and logos printed on the preprint sheets on cut sheets.

[0154] Also, in each of the above-described embodiments, the first paper size information indicates the paper size of the form, and the second paper size information indicates the paper size of the cut sheet, but is not limited thereto.

[0155] The first paper size information may indicate the paper size of the cut sheet. In this case, for example, when a cut sheet of the size specified by the first print data is not placed on the specified image forming apparatus, print data can be output to cut sheets of other sizes.

[0156] Note that each function of the above-described embodiment can be realized by one or a plurality of processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) designed to execute each function described above, a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), and devices such as conventional circuit modules.

[0157] Also, the device groups described in each embodiment merely represent one of the multiple computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed in this specification.

[0158] In one embodiment, the print management device 200 includes a plurality of computing devices such as a server cluster. The plurality of computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link including a network or a shared memory, and execute the processes disclosed in this specification. Similarly, the print management device 200 can include a plurality of computing devices configured to communicate with each other.

[0159] Furthermore, the print management device 200 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps in various combinations. For example, a process executed by a predetermined unit can be executed by the print management device 200. Similarly, the functions of a predetermined unit can be executed by the print management device 200. Also, in the print management device 200, each element it has may be grouped into one server device or divided into multiple devices.

[0160] Note that the print management device 200 may be any device with a communication function. The print management device 200 can be, for example, a PJ (Projector), an output device such as a digital signage, a HUD (Head Up Display) device, an industrial machine, an imaging device, a sound collection device, a medical device, a network home appliance, a connected car, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a game console, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, a wearable PC, or a desktop PC, etc.

[0161] Aspects of the present invention are as follows, for example. <1> A printing system including an image forming device and a print management device, The printing management device an input reception unit that receives an input of first print data, a conversion information storage unit that stores conversion information associating first paper size information indicating the size of a first sheet of paper with second paper size information indicating the size of a second sheet of paper having a different size from the first sheet of paper, and in accordance with the conversion information corresponding to the first paper size information included in the first print data, a paper size conversion unit that converts the first paper size information into second paper size information associated therewith, an output unit that outputs second print data after conversion by the paper size conversion unit to the image forming apparatus, a printing system. <2> The first paper size information includes information indicating the size of continuous paper, information indicating the size of copy paper, and information indicating the size of preprinted paper, the printing system according to <1>. <3> The conversion information includes related information indicating printing conditions set for the image forming apparatus, The output unit outputs the related information to the image forming apparatus together with the second print data, the printing system according to <1> or <2>. <4> The conversion information includes a print data name, The output unit When conversion information in which the data name of the first print data matches the print data name among the conversion information stored in the conversion information storage unit satisfies a predetermined condition, outputs the first print data to the image forming apparatus, the printing system according to any one of <1> to <3>. <5> The conversion information includes a print data name, the number of copies, and form data, The printing management device Among the conversion information stored in the conversion information storage unit, when the data name of the first print data matches the print data name and the number of copies is 2 or more, the second print data is replicated by the number of copies, and for each replicated second print data, a copy page generation unit that generates third print data of the number of copies embedded in the form data is provided. The output unit Outputs the third print data of the number of copies to the image forming apparatus. The printing system according to any one of <1> to <4>. <6> The print management apparatus Displays the first print data, the first paper size information, and the second paper size information in association with each other on a display device. The printing system according to any one of <1> to <5>. <7> An input reception unit that receives an input of first print data, A conversion information storage unit storing conversion information associating first paper size information indicating the size of a first paper and second paper size information indicating the size of a second paper different in size from the first paper is referred to, and according to the conversion information corresponding to the first paper size information included in the first print data, it is converted into second paper size information associated with the first paper size information. A paper size conversion unit for conversion, An output unit that outputs the second print data after the conversion by the paper size conversion unit to an image forming apparatus. A print management apparatus having <8> A print management method by a printing system including an image forming apparatus and a print management apparatus, The print management apparatus Receives an input of first print data, A conversion information storage unit storing conversion information associating first paper size information indicating the size of a first paper and second paper size information indicating the size of a second paper different in size from the first paper is referred to, and according to the conversion information corresponding to the first paper size information included in the first print data, it is converted into second paper size information associated with the first paper size information. A printing management method for outputting second print data after conversion to the image forming apparatus. <9> Receiving an input of first print data, Referring to a conversion information storage unit storing conversion information associating first paper size information indicating the size of a first sheet of paper with second paper size information indicating the size of a second sheet of paper having a different size from the first sheet of paper, and converting the first paper size information included in the first print data to second paper size information associated with the first paper size information according to the conversion information corresponding thereto, A printing management program for causing a printing management apparatus to execute a process of outputting second print data after conversion to an image forming apparatus.

[0162] Although the present invention has been described based on each embodiment above, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. Regarding these points, it can be changed within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

Explanation of Signs

[0163] 100, 100A Printing system 200, 200A Printing management apparatus 210, 210A Conversion information storage unit 220, 220A Conversion processing unit 222 Analysis unit 223 Paper size conversion unit 224 Output unit 225 Copy page generation unit 300, 300A Image forming apparatus

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0164]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. A printing system including an image forming apparatus and a print management apparatus, wherein the print management apparatus has an input reception unit that receives an input of first print data, refers to a conversion information storage unit storing conversion information associating first paper size information indicating the size of a first sheet of paper with second paper size information indicating the size of a second sheet of paper different in size from the first sheet of paper, and converts the first paper size information included in the first print data into second paper size information associated with the first paper size information according to the conversion information corresponding thereto, a paper size conversion unit; and an output unit that outputs the second print data after the conversion by the paper size conversion unit to the image forming apparatus.

2. The first paper size information includes information indicating the size of continuous paper, information indicating the size of copying paper, and information indicating the size of pre-printed paper. The printing system according to claim 1.

3. The conversion information includes related information indicating printing conditions set for the image forming apparatus, and the output unit outputs the related information to the image forming apparatus together with the second print data. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The conversion information includes a print data name, and the output unit outputs the first print data to the image forming apparatus when conversion information in which the data name of the first print data matches the print data name among the conversion information stored in the conversion information storage unit satisfies a predetermined condition. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The conversion information includes a print data name, the number of copying pages, and form data, and the print management apparatus has a copy page generation unit that, when the data name of the first print data matches the print data name among the conversion information stored in the conversion information storage unit and the number of copying pages is 2 or more, copies the second print data by the number of copying pages, and for each of the copied second print data, generates third print data of the number of copying pages embedded in the form data. The output unit outputs the third print data of the number of copying pages to the image forming apparatus. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The print management apparatus associates the first print data, the first paper size information, and the second paper size information and causes the display device to display them. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. An input reception unit that receives an input of first print data, A paper size conversion unit that refers to a conversion information storage unit storing conversion information associating first paper size information indicating the size of a first sheet of paper with second paper size information indicating the size of a second sheet of paper having a different size from the first sheet of paper, and converts the first paper size information included in the first print data into second paper size information associated with the first paper size information according to the conversion information corresponding thereto, An output unit that outputs second print data after the conversion by the paper size conversion unit to an image forming apparatus, a print management apparatus.

8. A print management method by a print system including an image forming apparatus and a print management apparatus, The print management apparatus, Receives an input of first print data, Refers to a conversion information storage unit storing conversion information associating first paper size information indicating the size of a first sheet of paper with second paper size information indicating the size of a second sheet of paper having a different size from the first sheet of paper, and converts the first paper size information included in the first print data into second paper size information associated with the first paper size information according to the conversion information corresponding thereto, A print management method of outputting second print data after the conversion to the image forming apparatus.

9. Receives an input of first print data, Refers to a conversion information storage unit storing conversion information associating first paper size information indicating the size of a first sheet of paper with second paper size information indicating the size of a second sheet of paper having a different size from the first sheet of paper, and converts the first paper size information included in the first print data into second paper size information associated with the first paper size information according to the conversion information corresponding thereto, A print management program for causing a print management apparatus to execute a process of outputting second print data after the conversion to an image forming apparatus.

Images