Information processing system and information processing program

Abstract

In situations where an image forming apparatus is instructed to perform multiple processes, including printing, the waiting time the user has to wait around the image forming apparatus is reduced compared to when the image forming apparatus performs printing last. [Solution] When the image forming apparatus 10 performs a multi-job flow that includes printing to a recording medium using RAW data of the original document, it executes the printing process before other processes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and an information processing program. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus system including a computer terminal connected to a network and an image forming apparatus, wherein the computer terminal includes print data conversion means for converting a document handled by the computer terminal into data for printing by the image forming apparatus, and transmission means for transmitting the print data converted by the conversion means to the image forming apparatus via the network; the image forming apparatus includes reception means for receiving the print data transmitted by the transmission means, development means for developing the print data received by the reception means into an image in a plurality of different color spaces, storage means for storing the image developed by the development means in the image forming apparatus, operation instruction means for instructing printing of the image stored by the storage means or conversion of a file format, printing means for printing the image instructed by the operation instruction means, and means for converting the image instructed by the operation instruction means into another file format; when generating print data at the computer terminal, means for selecting an output destination, either printing by the image forming apparatus or storing in the image forming apparatus, immediately after the development means develops the print data into an image, transmits information of the selected output destination together with the print data to the development means, and the development means determines, from the information of the selected output destination, whether the selected output destination is printing by the image forming apparatus or storing in the image forming apparatus, and includes means for switching the color space of an image to be developed according to the determined output destination.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an image input / output device that records multiple image data with different resolutions inside the device, comprising: an input means for inputting image data; a means for generating a unique image data ID for the input image data; a conversion means for converting the image data input by the input means to a predetermined resolution; a conversion means for converting the image data converted by the conversion means to a predetermined format; a storage means for adding the image data ID to the converted image data and storing it; and a means for transmitting the converted image data. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-244249 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-333266 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] For example, image data of a document scanned by a scanner unit in an image forming apparatus becomes uncompressed data (referred to as "RAW data") that has not undergone any processing.

[0006] In image forming apparatuses, a data format is defined for each function used by the user, and the data format for each function is converted from RAW data. Therefore, when performing processing for multiple functions using the same RAW data, it is preferable to store the data in the image forming apparatus's storage device as RAW data.

[0007] However, RAW data is larger in size compared to compressed data. In order to reduce product costs, low-end imaging machines tend to use storage devices with less storage capacity than those used in high-end imaging machines. Therefore, especially in low-end imaging machines, situations may arise where it is not possible to store the RAW data of all originals in the storage device.

[0008] For these reasons, situations sometimes arise where RAW data must be converted to a data format corresponding to a specific function among several functions before being stored in memory.

[0009] If a user performs multiple operations, including printing, and the image forming machine finishes the printing process last, the user will need to retrieve the printed materials and will have to wait around the image forming machine until the printing is complete.

[0010] Furthermore, the data format of the data, which is intended for processing other than printing, is converted back to RAW data before being converted to a data format compatible with printing. Consequently, the user's waiting time will increase even further.

[0011] This disclosure aims to provide an image processing system and an image processing program that can reduce the waiting time a user has to wait around an image forming apparatus compared to the case where the image forming apparatus performs printing last, in a situation where the user instructs the image forming apparatus to perform multiple processes, including printing, without individually specifying the processing order. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The information processing system according to the first embodiment includes a processor, and when the processor performs a plurality of processes, including printing on a recording medium, using image data which is uncompressed, unprocessed data that has not undergone image processing, and when the sequence of the plurality of processes is not individually specified, the processor performs the printing process before the other processes.

[0013] The information processing system according to the second embodiment, in the information processing system according to the first embodiment, displays a selection screen that allows the user to choose whether to apply a first mode in which the printing process is executed before other processes, or a second mode in which the time required to complete the multiple processes is shorter than that of the first mode, and if the user selects the first mode, the printing process is executed before other processes.

[0014] The information processing system according to the third embodiment is an information processing system according to the second embodiment in which, when the user selects the first mode, the processor converts the image data into print data in a predetermined lossless compression format and stores it in a storage device, and executes the printing process using the print data stored in the storage device.

[0015] The information processing system according to the fourth embodiment, in the information processing system according to the third embodiment, the processor reverse-converts the print data to the raw data which is the original data format of the image data, then converts the reverse-converted image data into processed data having a predetermined format according to the other processing that has not yet been performed, and then performs the other processing using the processed data.

[0016] In the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment, when the user selects the second mode in the information processing system according to the second embodiment, the processor changes the data format of the image data stored in the storage device according to the remaining capacity of the storage device that stores the data.

[0017] The information processing system according to the sixth embodiment, in the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment, if the number of documents represented by the image data is one, the processor stores the image data representing the documents in the storage device if the capacity of the image data representing the documents is less than or equal to the remaining capacity of the storage device.

[0018] The information processing system according to the seventh embodiment, in the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment, if the number of original documents represented by the image data is one, and the capacity of the image data representing the original document exceeds the remaining capacity of the storage device, the processor converts the image data representing the original document into print data in a predetermined lossless compression format and stores it in the storage device.

[0019] The information processing system according to the eighth aspect, in the information processing system according to the fifth aspect, if there are multiple originals represented by the image data, the processor converts the image data corresponding to each original from the first to a predetermined number of originals into print data in a predetermined lossless compression format and stores it in the storage device. Using the image data representing the predetermined number of originals, the processor estimates a first model capacity, which is the estimated model capacity of the image data per original, and a second model capacity, which is the estimated model capacity of the print data per original after the image data has been converted into print data in a predetermined lossless compression format. The processor then changes the data format of the image data stored in the storage device based on the relationship between the first model capacity, a first estimated total capacity, which is the estimated total capacity of the image data corresponding to the entire remaining number of originals (the capacity obtained from the remaining number of originals for which the corresponding image data has not yet been stored in the storage device), and the remaining capacity of the storage device.

[0020] The information processing system according to the ninth embodiment, in the information processing system according to the eighth embodiment, stores each of the remaining image data representing the original document in the storage device without converting the data format of the image data if the first estimated total capacity is less than or equal to the remaining capacity of the storage device.

[0021] An information processing system according to a 10th aspect is the information processing system according to the 8th aspect, wherein when the first estimated total capacity exceeds the remaining capacity of the storage device, the processor calculates, under the condition that data representing all remaining documents is stored in the storage device, the maximum number of the remaining documents that can be stored in the storage device without converting the data format of the image data, stores each of the image data corresponding to the maximum number of documents in the storage device without converting the data format, and for, among the remaining documents, documents other than the documents stored in the storage device in the original data format of the image data, converts each of the image data representing the documents into the print data and stores the converted data in the storage device.

[0022] An information processing system according to an 11th aspect is the information processing system according to the 9th aspect or the 10th aspect, wherein the processor stores the image data in the storage device when the capacity of the image data to be stored in the storage device is equal to or less than the remaining capacity of the storage device.

[0023] An information processing system according to a 12th aspect is the information processing system according to the 9th aspect or the 10th aspect, wherein the processor converts the image data into the print data and stores the converted data in the storage device when the capacity of the image data to be stored in the storage device exceeds the remaining capacity of the storage device.

[0024] An information processing system according to a 13th aspect is the information processing system according to any one of the 8th aspect to the 10th aspect, wherein the processor changes the prescribed number of sheets in accordance with the number of documents represented by the image data.

[0025] An information processing program according to a 14th aspect is a program for causing a computer to execute a process of executing print processing before other processing when a plurality of processes including print processing on a recording medium are performed using image data that is uncompressed raw data that has not been subjected to image processing, and the plurality of processes are executed without individually specifying the order of the plurality of processes. Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the first aspect and the fourteenth aspect, in a situation where a user instructs an image forming apparatus to perform a plurality of processes including printing without individually specifying a processing order, compared with a case where the image forming apparatus performs printing last, the effect of reducing the waiting time for which the user waits around the image forming apparatus can be obtained.

[0027] According to the second aspect, the effect of being able to switch which of the first mode and the second mode is to be executed can be obtained.

[0028] According to the third aspect, the effect of being able to shorten the time required for a printing process compared with the second mode can be obtained.

[0029] According to the fourth aspect, in conversion to processing data, compared with a case where processing data is directly converted from image data stored in a storage device without using print data, the effect of reducing the degree of pressure on the remaining capacity of the storage device can be obtained.

[0030] According to the fifth aspect, the effect of being able to balance the time required for a printing process and the time required to execute all of the plurality of processes can be obtained.

[0031] According to the sixth aspect, the effect of eliminating the need to decode image data can be obtained.

[0032] According to the seventh aspect, even when an original document cannot be stored as it is in the form of image data in a storage device, the effect of being able to execute a process instructed by a user can be obtained.

[0033] According to the eighth aspect, the effect of being able to store an original document in a storage device in either a data format of image data or processing data can be obtained.

[0034] According to the ninth aspect, the effect of being able to store all original documents as they are in the form of image data in a storage device can be obtained.

[0035] According to the tenth embodiment, there is an effect that as many original documents as possible can be stored in the storage device as image data.

[0036] According to the 11th embodiment, it has the effect of allowing prior confirmation that the original document can be stored in the storage device as image data.

[0037] According to the twelfth aspect, even if the original document cannot be stored in the storage device as image data, the processing instructed by the user can be executed.

[0038] According to the 13th aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress the unnecessary increase in the specified number of original documents used to estimate the first model capacity and the second model capacity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the main components of the electrical system of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of the execution process flow for a multi-job flow. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of a processing flow that prioritizes completion time. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of a process for processing multiple images. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for the same components and processes, and redundant explanations are omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual ratios.

[0041] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 10, which is an example of an information processing system related to this disclosure.

[0042] The image forming apparatus 10 forms an image represented by print data on a recording medium such as paper. Hereafter, the function and process of forming an image represented by print data on a recording medium will be referred to as "print function" and "print process," respectively. The print process is an example of the print process according to this disclosure. Furthermore, the process of forming an image represented by print data on a recording medium will be referred to as "print output." In addition to the print function, the image forming apparatus 10 has at least one other function. There are no restrictions on the type of other function that the image forming apparatus 10 has, but as an example, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this disclosure has a scan data transmission function and a facsimile function.

[0043] The scan data transmission function is a function that transmits scan data, which represents the content of a document optically read by the scanner unit, to an external device specified by the user. The process performed by the scan data transmission function is referred to as the "scan data transmission process." A document is a recording medium on which information represented by, for example, diagrams, photographs, and text is written.

[0044] A facsimile function is a function that sends and receives data in accordance with facsimile standards such as G3 or G4. The image forming apparatus 10 sends, for example, data specified by the user to a facsimile number specified by the user. Hereafter, the facsimile function will be abbreviated as "fax function." Therefore, the processing performed by the fax function will be referred to as "fax processing."

[0045] The image forming apparatus 10, which has multiple functions, includes the following functional units: a User Interface (UI) unit 1, an image forming unit 2, a reading unit 3, a fax processing unit 4, and a communication unit 5. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 includes the following functional units: a control unit 6, a conversion unit 7, and an estimation unit 8, as well as a storage device 9.

[0046] The UI unit 1 provides the user with an interface to the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, the UI unit 1 receives instructions from the user and notifies the user of various information from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0047] The image forming unit 2 forms an image represented by print data on a recording medium using an image forming unit. The image forming method in the image forming unit 2 can be any method, such as electrophotography, inkjet printing, or offset printing.

[0048] The reading unit 3 optically reads the contents of the document using a scanner unit. The contents of the document read by the scanner unit are represented in a data format called RAW data. RAW data is data output by the scanner unit without any processing of the contents of the document it has read. In other words, RAW data is uncompressed, unprocessed data that has not undergone any image processing, and is an example of image data related to this disclosure.

[0049] As will be explained later, print data and scanned data are generated by performing a conversion process on RAW data.

[0050] The fax processing unit 4 receives data addressed to itself, for example, via a fax line, and also sends data to a destination specified by the user.

[0051] The communication unit 5 communicates with external devices, for example, via the internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). In executing the scan data transmission function, the communication unit 5 transmits scan data to an external device specified by the user.

[0052] The control unit 6 controls other functional units included in the image forming apparatus 10 to perform the functions provided by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0053] The conversion unit 7 converts the data format of each piece of data. The reading unit 3 obtains RAW data of the original document, but since RAW data is uncompressed and unprocessed data, there is no loss of information contained within it, and it includes all the information of the original document as it was when scanned by the scanner unit. In other words, RAW data is not data optimized for each function. Therefore, if the image forming apparatus 10 attempts to perform processing for each function using RAW data, it will take longer to process compared to when optimized data is used. For this reason, a data format suitable for processing is predetermined for each function of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0054] For example, in the print function, images are formed using print data. In the scan data transmission function, scanned data is transmitted to an external device specified by the user. Therefore, the conversion unit 7 converts the RAW data into a data format appropriate to each function. Data obtained by converting RAW data into a data format appropriate to each function, such as print data and scan data, is data with a compressed data size compared to the original RAW data. Therefore, the data obtained after converting RAW data into a data format appropriate to each function is sometimes collectively referred to as "compressed data."

[0055] Furthermore, if the converted data is in a lossless compressed format, the conversion unit 7 can decode the converted data into RAW data. "Decoding" refers to the reverse conversion of data. By decoding the converted data into RAW data, the conversion unit 7 can re-convert the RAW data into a data format suitable for processing by other functions. The print data related to this disclosure is in a lossless compressed format.

[0056] Thus, the image forming apparatus 10 may convert data that has been converted to a data format suitable for processing one function back into data that is suitable for processing the other function. In this case, the conversion unit 7 does not directly convert data that is suitable for processing one function back into data that is suitable for processing the other function, but rather decodes it into RAW data first, and then converts it back into data that is suitable for processing the other function. This is because if the RAW data from which the data was converted is stored, even though data in a data format suitable for processing a specific function exists, the available space in the storage device 9 will be strained.

[0057] The estimation unit 8 estimates the model capacity of the RAW data per page and the model capacity of the printed data per page for the original document read by the reading unit 3. The method used by the estimation unit 8 to estimate each model capacity will be explained later.

[0058] The storage device 9 stores at least one of RAW data and data in a data format corresponding to each function. The storage capacity of the storage device 9 varies depending on the model of the image forming apparatus 10. In low-end models, a storage device 9 with a smaller storage capacity than the storage device 9 used in high-end models is used to reduce product costs. The image forming apparatus 10 according to this disclosure is also a low-end model.

[0059] An image forming apparatus 10 having such a functional configuration example is configured, for example, using a computer 20.

[0060] Figure 2 shows an example of the main components of the electrical system of an image forming apparatus 10 configured using a computer 20.

[0061] The computer 20 constituting the image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, which is an example of a processor responsible for executing each functional unit. The computer 20 also includes RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, non-volatile memory 23, and an input / output interface (I / O) 24, which are used as temporary workspaces for the CPU 21. The CPU 21, RAM 22, non-volatile memory 23, and I / O 24 are connected to each other via a bus 25.

[0062] The non-volatile memory 23 is an example of a storage device that retains stored information even when the power supplied to the non-volatile memory 23 is cut off. For example, semiconductor memory can be used for the non-volatile memory 23, but a hard disk may also be used. Information that needs to be retained even when the power supply to the image forming apparatus 10 is cut off is stored in the non-volatile memory 23. Therefore, the non-volatile memory 23 is used as a storage device 9.

[0063] For example, the following are connected to I / O24: a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, a display unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a scanner unit 15, and a fax unit 16.

[0064] The communication unit 11 is connected to the internet or a LAN and is equipped with a communication protocol for sending and receiving data with external devices.

[0065] The input unit 12 is a device that receives user instructions and notifies the CPU 21. The input unit 12 includes, for example, buttons and a touch panel.

[0066] The display unit 13 is an example of a display device that displays information processed by the CPU 21 as an image. The display unit 13 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0067] The image forming unit 14 forms an image represented by the print data on the recording medium in accordance with the instructions of the CPU 21.

[0068] The scanner unit 15 optically reads the contents of a document placed on a platen glass, for example, according to instructions from the CPU 21, and converts the scanned contents of the document into RAW data. The image forming apparatus 10 may also receive RAW data of a document from an external device via the communication unit 11.

[0069] The fax unit 16 is connected to a fax line and has a communication protocol for sending and receiving data with other fax machines.

[0070] The image forming apparatus 10 according to this disclosure, having the example of functional configuration shown in Figure 1, supports multi-job flow. A multi-job flow is a service that performs processing that combines multiple functions for a single input. For example, the process of printing the contents of a document read by the reading unit 3 and simultaneously transmitting the contents of the document is an example of a multi-job flow. In other words, the image forming apparatus 10 may perform, for example, a print process and a scan data transmission process for a document read by the reading unit 3.

[0071] In this manner, we examine the user's behavior when they instruct a multi-job flow that includes printing. Note that there are no restrictions on other processes that can be combined with printing in a multi-job flow. As an example, we will consider a multi-job flow that performs both printing and scanning data transmission on a document scanned by the scanner unit 15.

[0072] Regarding the scan data transmission process, the image forming apparatus 10 simply transmits the scan data to an external device specified by the user. After the user has scanned the document into the scanner unit 15, there is no further action required from the user. Therefore, while some users may wait around the image forming apparatus 10 until the scan data transmission process is complete, users can also leave the image forming apparatus 10 before the scan data transmission process is finished.

[0073] On the other hand, regarding the printing process, the user needs to take home a copy of the printed original. Therefore, the user will wait around the image forming apparatus 10 until the copy of the original is printed.

[0074] Thus, the processes executed by a multi-job flow include processes that require the user to wait and processes that do not require the user to wait. Therefore, for example, if the image forming apparatus 10 performs the print process last, the user will have to wait around the image forming apparatus 10 until all processes included in the multi-job flow are completed. To avoid such a situation, the user could, for example, individually specify the execution order of each process in the multi-job flow. Such a function to individually specify the execution order of each process in a multi-job flow may be available in high-end models. However, since the image forming apparatus 10 is a low-end model, it does not have a function that allows the user to individually specify the execution order of each process in a multi-job flow. Even with such a low-end model, since a multi-job flow executes the processing of multiple functions, the image forming apparatus 10 is required to implement control that minimizes the user's waiting time.

[0075] In the following sections, we will consider processes to minimize the waiting time a user has to wait around the image forming apparatus 10 when they perform a multi-job flow that includes printing.

[0076] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the execution flow of a multi-job flow, which is executed by the CPU 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 when it receives an execution instruction from a user for a multi-job flow that includes printing.

[0077] The information processing program that defines the execution process is pre-stored in, for example, the non-volatile memory 23 of the image forming apparatus 10. The CPU 21 reads the information processing program stored in the non-volatile memory 23 and executes the execution process. As already explained, the execution process will be explained using an example of a multi-job flow that includes print processing and scan data transmission processing. Prior to the execution of the execution process, the RAW flag is set to off. The RAW flag is stored in, for example, RAM 22 and is a flag that represents its state with two values, on or off. The role of the RAW flag will be explained later. In addition, the execution instruction for a multi-job flow includes, for example, the number of documents targeted by the multi-job flow, the number of copies to print, and information specifying the external device to which the scan data will be transmitted. The number of documents targeted by the multi-job flow is expressed as "total number of documents".

[0078] In step S10 of Figure 3, the CPU 21 controls the display unit 13 to display a mode selection screen on the display unit 13. The mode selection screen is an example of a selection screen according to this disclosure. The mode selection screen is a screen that allows the user to select the execution mode of the multi-job flow in the image forming apparatus 10. The execution modes of the multi-job flow include a print priority mode and a completion time priority mode.

[0079] Print priority mode is a mode that minimizes the time required for printing. Print priority mode is an example of the first mode described herein.

[0080] The Completion Time Priority mode is a mode that aims to shorten the total time required from the start to the end of a multi-job flow compared to the Print Priority mode. The Completion Time Priority mode is an example of the second mode described in this disclosure. The user selects the desired mode from the mode selection screen.

[0081] While users can select their preferred mode, they cannot individually specify the execution order of each process in the multi-job flow running within each mode. The execution order of each process in each mode is determined by CPU21.

[0082] In step S20, the CPU 21 determines whether the user has selected a desired mode from the mode selection screen and whether the mode has been confirmed. If the mode has not been confirmed, the determination process in step S20 is repeatedly executed to monitor the user's mode selection status. If the mode has been confirmed, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0083] In step S30, the CPU 21 controls the scanner unit 15 and scans one document placed on the scanner unit 15. This process yields the RAW data of the document. The RAW data of the document scanned by the scanner unit 15 is stored in the RAM 22. Note that scanning a document with the scanner unit 15 is sometimes referred to as "scanning".

[0084] In step S40, the CPU 21 determines whether the mode selected by the user is print-priority mode. If the selected mode is print-priority mode, the process proceeds to step S50.

[0085] In step S50, the CPU 21 converts the RAW data of the original document obtained in step S30 into print data. To increase the free space in RAM 22, the CPU 21 deletes the RAW data converted into print data from RAM 22.

[0086] In step S60, the CPU 21 stores the print data of the original document obtained in step S50 in the non-volatile memory 23.

[0087] In step S100, the CPU 21 determines whether all documents placed in the scanner unit 15 have been scanned. If there are any documents that have not been scanned, the process proceeds to step S30. That is, if the user selects print priority mode, all RAW data of each document is converted into print data and stored in the non-volatile memory 23. If all documents have been scanned, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0088] In step S110, the CPU 21 determines whether the mode selected by the user is print-priority mode. If the selected mode is print-priority mode, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0089] In step S130, the CPU 21 sequentially outputs each print data stored in the non-volatile memory 23 to the image forming unit 14, along with the number of copies specified by the user. This executes the printing of the original document according to the specified number of copies.

[0090] Next, the CPU 21 executes a scan data transmission process, which is an example of other processing related to this disclosure. In order to execute the scan data transmission process, scanned data of the original document is required. However, if the user selects print priority mode, all data representing the original document is stored as print data in the non-volatile memory 23. Also, as will be described later, even if the user selects completion time priority mode, there is an original document stored as print data in the non-volatile memory 23.

[0091] In step S140, the CPU 21 decodes all print data stored in the non-volatile memory 23 and converts it back into RAW data. The CPU 21 stores the converted RAW data in the RAM 22. To increase the free space in the non-volatile memory 23, the CPU 21 deletes each print data that has been converted back into RAW data from the non-volatile memory 23.

[0092] In step S150, the CPU 21 converts all the RAW data of the documents into scanned data. The CPU 21 stores the converted scanned data in the non-volatile memory 23. To increase the free space in RAM 22, the CPU 21 deletes the RAW data converted into scanned data from RAM 22.

[0093] In step S160, the CPU 21 controls the communication unit 11 to send the scanned data of each document stored in the non-volatile memory 23 to an external device specified by the user. This completes the execution process of the multi-job flow in print priority mode.

[0094] Thus, in print-priority mode, the print process is executed before other processes included in the multi-job flow (in the example above, the scan data transmission process). If the print process were performed after the scan data transmission process, the user would have to wait around the image forming apparatus 10 until both the scan data transmission process and the print process were completed. By executing the print process before the scan data transmission process, the user's waiting time is reduced compared to when the print process is performed last in the multi-job flow.

[0095] Furthermore, in print-priority mode, all data representing the original document is stored as print data in the non-volatile memory 23. Therefore, for the same number of original documents, the total data size of the original documents stored in the non-volatile memory 23 is reduced compared to when the data representing the original documents is stored as RAW data in the non-volatile memory 23. On the other hand, the storage capacity of the non-volatile memory 23 is predetermined. Therefore, it can be said that print-priority mode can support multi-job flows using more original documents compared to when the data representing the original documents is stored as RAW data in the non-volatile memory 23.

[0096] Furthermore, if the print process is performed after the scan data transmission process, time is required to convert the scanned data into print data. In print-priority mode, the RAW data of the original document is converted into print data first, eliminating the need to convert the scanned data into print data. Therefore, the time required for the print process itself is reduced compared to when the print process is performed after the scan data transmission process.

[0097] On the other hand, if the determination process in step S40 determines that the selected mode is the completion time priority mode, the process proceeds to step S70.

[0098] In step S70, the CPU 21 performs time-prioritized processing. In print-prioritized mode, all RAW data of documents is converted into print data. In time-prioritized processing, the data format of documents stored in non-volatile memory 23 is changed according to the remaining capacity of non-volatile memory 23.

[0099] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow prioritizing completion time. In step S200 of Figure 4, the CPU 21 determines whether the total number of documents is one. If the total number of documents is one, even if the storage capacity of the non-volatile memory 23 is less than that of a high-end model, the document can often be stored in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0100] In step S210, the CPU 21 determines whether the RAW data size, which represents the volume of the original document's RAW data, is less than or equal to the remaining capacity of the non-volatile memory 23. For the sake of explanation, the remaining capacity of the non-volatile memory 23 will be referred to as "remaining storage capacity" from now on. If the RAW data size of the original document is less than or equal to the remaining storage capacity, the process proceeds to step S220.

[0101] In this case, the original document can be stored in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data. Therefore, in step S220, the CPU 21 turns on the RAW flag and terminates the time-prioritized processing shown in Figure 4.

[0102] If the RAW flag is on, it means that the original document will be stored in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data. On the other hand, if the RAW flag is off, it means that the RAW data of the original document will be converted into print data and stored in the non-volatile memory 23.

[0103] If the determination process in step S210 determines that the RAW data size of the document exceeds the remaining storage capacity, the CPU 21 cannot store the document in non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data. Therefore, the CPU 21 terminates the completion time priority processing shown in Figure 4 without executing step S220, that is, with the RAW flag turned off.

[0104] On the other hand, if the determination process in step S200 determines that the total number of documents is multiple, the process proceeds to step S230.

[0105] In step S230, the CPU 21 performs multi-page processing. In multi-page processing, under the condition that either RAW data or printed data is stored in the non-volatile memory 23 for each document, the CPU adjusts the number of documents stored as RAW data so that as many documents as possible are stored as RAW data. Therefore, as will be described later, in multi-page processing, the value of the RAW flag is set for each document scanned in step S30 of Figure 3. Upon completion of multi-page processing, the time-prioritized processing shown in Figure 4 is terminated.

[0106] Once the time-prioritized processing is complete, the process proceeds to step S80 in Figure 3. In step S80, the CPU 21 determines whether the RAW flag is set to ON or OFF. If the RAW flag is not set to ON, i.e., if the RAW flag is set to OFF, the process proceeds to step S50. Therefore, the RAW data of the document scanned in step S30 is converted into print data. On the other hand, if the determination process in step S80 determines that the RAW flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S85.

[0107] In step S85, the CPU 21 stores the document scanned in step S30 in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data without converting it to print data. It has been confirmed that documents with the RAW flag set to ON can be stored in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data through completion time priority processing.

[0108] In step S90, CPU21 sets the RAW flag to off in preparation for scanning the next document, and then proceeds to step S100.

[0109] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the multi-page processing flow in step S230 of Figure 4. In step S300 of Figure 5, the CPU 21 determines whether the document scanned in step S30 of Figure 3 is the Xth page or not. X, which defines the number of scanned documents, is an integer of 2 or more. The number of pages X is an example of a defined number of pages related to this disclosure, and is a value that is set in advance by the user, for example. The number of pages X is a changeable value and is stored in the non-volatile memory 23. If the scanned document is the Xth page or from the 1st page, the process proceeds to step S310.

[0110] In step S310, the CPU 21 determines whether the document scanned in step S30 of Figure 3 is the Xth document. If the scanned document is the first to (X-1)th document, the process proceeds to step S320.

[0111] In step S320, the CPU 21 stores the RAW data size of the scanned document in RAM 22 and terminates the multi-page processing shown in Figure 5. In this case, the RAW flag is set to off. Therefore, the documents from the first to (X-1) are converted into print data in steps S50 and S60 of Figure 3 and stored in non-volatile memory 23.

[0112] On the other hand, if the determination process in step S310 determines that the document scanned in step S30 of Figure 3 is the Xth document, the process proceeds to step S330.

[0113] In step S330, the CPU 21 calculates a provisional RAW data size using the RAW data sizes of the first to Xth documents. The provisional RAW data size is the estimated model capacity of the RAW data per document scanned by the scanner unit 15. Specifically, the CPU 21 uses the average of the RAW data sizes of the first to Xth documents as the provisional RAW data size. By calculating the provisional RAW data size, the CPU 21 estimates the RAW data size of each subsequent document after the Xth document. The RAW data sizes of the first to (X-1) documents are stored in the RAM 22 in step S320. The RAW data size of the Xth document is obtained from the RAW data of the Xth document stored in the RAM 22 in step S30 of Figure 3. The provisional RAW data size is an example of the first model capacity related to this disclosure.

[0114] In step S340, the CPU 21 calculates a provisional print data size using the print data sizes of the first to Xth documents. The provisional print data size is the estimated model capacity of the print data per document scanned by the scanner unit 15. Specifically, the CPU 21 uses the average of the print data sizes of the first to Xth documents as the provisional print data size. By calculating the provisional print data size, the CPU 21 estimates the print data size for each subsequent document after the Xth document. The print data sizes of the first to (X-1) documents are obtained from the print data of the documents stored in the non-volatile memory 23 in step S60 of Figure 3. The print data size of the Xth document is obtained by the CPU 21 converting the RAW data of the Xth document into print data. In order to calculate the provisional print data size, the CPU 21 converts the RAW data of the Xth document into print data in step S340. Therefore, for the Xth document, the process of converting the RAW data of the Xth document into print data in step S50 of Figure 3 is unnecessary. The CPU 21, after converting the Xth document into print data, deletes the RAW data of the Xth document from RAM 22, similar to the process in step S50. The provisional print data size is an example of the capacity of the second model related to this disclosure.

[0115] In step S340, the CPU 21 calculates the provisional print data size and then terminates the multi-page processing shown in Figure 5. In this case, the RAW flag is set to off. Therefore, the Xth document, like the first to (X-1) documents, is converted into print data and stored in the non-volatile memory 23 by steps S50 and S60 in Figure 3.

[0116] In other words, when the completion time priority mode is selected in a situation where there are multiple documents to be scanned, the CPU 21 calculates the provisional RAW data size and provisional print data size using the first to Xth documents. The CPU 21 also converts the first to Xth documents into a data format suitable for printing and stores it in the non-volatile memory 23.

[0117] As explained below, the CPU 21 determines the data format for the data representing the remaining documents based on the provisional RAW data size, provisional print data size, remaining storage space, and the number of remaining documents. The remaining documents refer to the documents placed in the scanner unit 15 for which the data representing the documents has not yet been stored in the non-volatile memory 23. The number of remaining documents refers to the number of remaining documents.

[0118] If the determination process in step S300 determines that the scanned document is one of the documents after page X, the process proceeds to step S350.

[0119] In step S350, the CPU 21 determines whether the first estimated total capacity is less than or equal to the remaining storage capacity. The first estimated total capacity is the data capacity of the non-volatile memory 23 required if all remaining documents were stored in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data. In other words, the first estimated total capacity is also the estimated total capacity of RAW data corresponding to the total number of remaining documents. The first estimated total capacity is expressed as the product of the provisional RAW data size and the number of remaining documents.

[0120] If the first estimated total capacity is less than or equal to the remaining storage capacity, all remaining documents can be stored in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data.

[0121] As explained above, in the image forming apparatus 10 that supports a multi-job flow, the RAW data is converted to a data format corresponding to the function being executed for each function. When converting data formats, decoding compressed data back into RAW data requires more computation than converting RAW data to compressed data, so the conversion takes longer. Therefore, in order to minimize the time required for data format conversion, it is preferable to store the original document as RAW data in the non-volatile memory 23 as much as possible.

[0122] However, just because the first estimated total capacity is less than or equal to the remaining storage capacity does not necessarily mean that all remaining documents can be stored in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data. This is because the provisional RAW data size is merely the average of the RAW data sizes per document from the first to the Xth document. There is no guarantee that the RAW data size of each remaining document will match the provisional RAW data size. In other words, even if the first estimated total capacity is less than or equal to the remaining storage capacity, it is possible that there will actually be insufficient storage space to store each document in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data.

[0123] Therefore, in step S390, the CPU 21 determines whether the RAW data size of the document scanned in step S30 of Figure 3 is less than or equal to the remaining storage space. If the RAW data size of the document is less than or equal to the remaining storage space, the process proceeds to step S400.

[0124] In this case, the original document can be stored in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data. Therefore, in step S400, the CPU 21 sets the RAW flag to ON and terminates the multi-page processing shown in Figure 5.

[0125] If the determination process in step S390 determines that the size of the original RAW data exceeds the remaining storage capacity, the CPU 21 terminates the multi-page processing shown in Figure 5 without turning on the RAW flag. In this case, the original RAW data is converted into print data by steps S50 and S60 in Figure 3 and stored in the non-volatile memory 23.

[0126] On the other hand, if the determination process in step S350 determines that the first estimated total capacity exceeds the remaining storage capacity, the process proceeds to step S360. In this case, it is presumed that it is not possible to store all the remaining documents in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data. Therefore, in step S360, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the maximum number N (where N is a non-negative integer) has been calculated. The maximum number N represents the maximum number of documents that can be stored in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data, under the condition that data representing all the remaining documents is stored in the non-volatile memory 23 in any data format. If the maximum number N has not been calculated, the process proceeds to step S370.

[0127] In step S370, the CPU 21 calculates the maximum number of pages N and proceeds to step S380. Let's assume that the provisional RAW data size is "RAW", the provisional print data size is "PRN", the number of remaining originals is "W", and the number of remaining originals to be converted to print data and stored is "Y". Also, let's assume that the remaining storage space is "MEM". In this case, if (RAW × N + PRN × Y) ≤ MEM, then each of the remaining originals can be stored in the non-volatile memory 23 in either RAW data or print data data format. Therefore, the CPU 21 should calculate the maximum number of pages N as the value that maximizes (MEM - PRN × Y) / RAW. To make the maximum number of pages N an integer, the CPU 21 truncates the decimal point of the maximum number of pages N.

[0128] On the other hand, if the maximum number of sheets N has already been calculated, the process proceeds to step S380 without executing step S370.

[0129] In step S380, the CPU 21 determines whether the document consists of up to N pages. A document consisting of up to N pages refers to the documents up to N pages, counting from the document following page X. If the document scanned immediately before step S30 in Figure 3 consists of up to N pages, the document may be stored in the non-volatile memory 23 in RAW data format. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S390. The processing from step S390 onward is as previously described.

[0130] On the other hand, if the determination process in step S380 determines that the document is not the Nth page, the CPU 21 terminates the multi-page processing shown in Figure 5 without turning on the RAW flag. In this case, the RAW data of the document is converted into print data by steps S50 and S60 in Figure 3 and stored in the non-volatile memory 23.

[0131] Thus, in the time-priority mode, the CPU 21 converts the data representing the documents into print data and stores it in the non-volatile memory 23 for the first X pages of documents. Furthermore, for documents beyond the Xth page in the time-priority mode, the CPU 21 changes the data format of the documents stored in the non-volatile memory 23 based on the relationship between the first estimated total capacity and the remaining storage capacity.

[0132] In step S110 of Figure 3, if it is determined that the selected mode is not the print priority mode, that is, if it is determined that the selected mode is the completion time priority mode, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0133] In step S120, the CPU 21 converts the original document, which has been stored in the non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data, into print data and proceeds to step S130. The converted print data is stored in the RAM 22. The processing from step S130 onward is as previously described.

[0134] The execution process of the multi-job flow shown in Figure 3 is now complete.

[0135] Thus, even in completion time priority mode, the print process is executed before other processes included in the multi-job flow (in the example above, the scan data transmission process).

[0136] Furthermore, as already explained, decoding compressed data back into RAW data takes more time than converting RAW data back into compressed data. In completion time priority mode, data representing the original document is stored in non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data whenever possible. Therefore, when the scan data transmission process is performed after the print process, original documents for which RAW data is stored can be converted from RAW data to scan data. In other words, in completion time priority mode, the number of original documents that are decoded from print data to RAW data and then converted from RAW data to scan data is reduced compared to print priority mode. Therefore, in completion time priority mode, the total time required from the start to the end of a multi-job flow may be shorter than in print priority mode.

[0137] On the other hand, in print-priority mode, all data representing the original document is converted into print data and stored in non-volatile memory 23. In contrast, in completion time-priority mode, some original documents are stored in non-volatile memory 23 as RAW data. Therefore, as shown in step S120 of Figure 3, the RAW data is converted into print data before the original document is printed. Consequently, the processing time required from the start to the end of the print process may be shorter in print-priority mode than in completion time-priority mode.

[0138] For the reasons stated above, users who take a copy of their original document with them without waiting for other processes to complete should preferably select print priority mode. Conversely, users who leave the image forming apparatus 10 after confirming the completion of a multi-job flow should preferably select completion time priority mode.

[0139] Note that the number of pages X used in the judgment process in step S300 of Figure 5 may be set by the CPU 21 according to the total number of original documents, rather than being set by the user.

[0140] The execution instruction for a multi-job flow includes the total number of documents. Therefore, CPU21 may set the number of documents X to, for example, 10% of the total number of documents. If the total number of documents changes, the number of documents X will also change. Naturally, the 10% of the total number of documents used to set the number of documents X (hereinafter referred to as the "setting ratio") is merely an example, and values ​​other than 10% may be used.

[0141] If the setting ratio is fixed, the number of pages X will increase as the total number of pages increases. In completion time priority mode, pages 1 through X of the original document are converted into print data. Therefore, as the total number of pages increases, the number of pages stored in print data format also increases. If the number of pages stored in print data format increases, the overall time of the multi-job flow will also increase. Therefore, if the total number of pages exceeds a preset threshold, the CPU 21 may set the number of pages X to that threshold to impose an upper limit on the number of pages X.

[0142] Alternatively, instead of setting an upper limit on the number of pages X, CPU21 may decrease the setting percentage as the total number of pages increases. For example, the setting percentage could be set to 20% when the total number of pages is 20 or more but less than 40, and then reduced to 15% when the total number of pages is 40 or more but less than 60.

[0143] Although one embodiment of the image forming apparatus 10 has been described above using embodiments, the disclosed form of the image forming apparatus 10 is merely an example. The form of the image forming apparatus 10 is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Such modified or improved forms are also included within the technical scope of the disclosure. For example, the internal processing order in each process shown in Figures 3 to 5 may be changed without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration in which the execution process of a multi-job flow is implemented in software was described as an example. However, the same process shown in the flowchart may also be performed in hardware. In this case, the processing speed can be increased compared to the case in which the execution process of a multi-job flow is implemented in software.

[0145] In this embodiment, each process is executed on any computer. Furthermore, any computer may execute these processes using a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In that case, the processor is configured to work in cooperation with the program to execute the various processes in this embodiment, and can function as a unit or means in this embodiment. Also, the execution order of the processes by the processor is not limited to the order described and may be changed as appropriate. Any computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer designed for a specific purpose, a workstation, or any other system capable of executing each process.

[0146] A processor may consist of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor may consist of hardware such as a CPU, MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or other programmable logic devices, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other dedicated circuits for executing specific processes, GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or NPU (Neural Processing Unit). Furthermore, the type of hardware may be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a given processor, these multiple hardware components may reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Also, in any embodiment, the order of each process performed by the processor is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate. Hardware is composed of electrical circuits (circuitry) that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0147] Furthermore, the program may be firmware or software such as microcode. Alternatively, the program may be, for example, a group of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform its respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-temporary computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage devices). The program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located on physically separate devices. The program code or code segments may represent any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or instructions, data structures, or program statements. The program code or code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. The program of this application may also be provided as a program product.

[0148] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 may download an information processing program from an external device via the communication unit 11 and store the downloaded information processing program in the non-volatile memory 23.

[0149] The following are additional details regarding this embodiment.

[0150] (((1))) Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, When performing multiple processes, including printing to a recording medium, using uncompressed, unprocessed image data that has not undergone any image processing, and without individually specifying the order of these processes, the printing process is executed before the other processes. Information processing system.

[0151] (((2))) The processor displays a selection screen that allows the user to choose whether to apply a first mode in which the printing process is executed before other processes, or a second mode in which the time required to complete the multiple processes is shorter than that of the first mode. If the user selects the first mode, the printing process will be executed before any other processes. The information processing system described in (((1))).

[0152] (((3))) When the user selects the first mode, the processor converts the image data into print data in a predetermined lossless compression format and stores it in a storage device, and then executes the print process using the print data stored in the storage device. The information processing system described in (((2))).

[0153] (((4))) The processor then reverse-converts the print data back to the raw data, which is the original data format of the image data, and then converts the reverse-converted image data into processed data having a predetermined format according to the other processing that has not yet been performed, and then uses the processed data to perform the other processing. The information processing system described in (((3))).

[0154] (((5))) If the user selects the second mode, The processor changes the data format of the image data stored in the storage device according to the remaining capacity of the storage device. The information processing system described in (((2))).

[0155] (((6))) If the number of documents represented by the image data is one, the processor stores the image data representing the documents in the storage device if the capacity of the image data representing the documents is less than or equal to the remaining capacity of the storage device. The information processing system described in (((5))).

[0156] (((7))) If the number of documents represented by the image data is one, and the capacity of the image data representing the documents exceeds the remaining capacity of the storage device, the processor converts the image data representing the documents into print data in a predetermined lossless compression format and stores it in the storage device. The information processing system described in (((5))).

[0157] (((8))) If the number of documents represented by the image data is multiple, the processor converts the image data corresponding to each document from the first to a predetermined number of documents into print data in a predetermined lossless compression format and stores it in the storage device. Using the image data representing the predetermined number of documents, the processor estimates a first model capacity, which is the estimated model capacity of the image data per document, and a second model capacity, which is the estimated model capacity of the print data per document after the image data has been converted into print data in a predetermined lossless compression format. The data format of the image data stored in the storage device is changed based on the relationship between the first model capacity and the remaining number of documents for which corresponding image data has not yet been stored in the storage device, which is the estimated total capacity of the image data corresponding to the total number of remaining documents, and the remaining capacity of the storage device. The information processing system described in (((5))).

[0158] (((9))) If the first estimated total capacity is less than or equal to the remaining capacity of the storage device, the processor stores each of the image data representing the remaining documents in the storage device without converting the data format of the image data. The information processing system described in (((8))).

[0159] (((10))) If the first estimated total capacity exceeds the remaining capacity of the storage device, the processor calculates the maximum number of remaining documents that can be stored in the storage device without converting the data format of the image data, under the condition that data representing all remaining documents is stored in the storage device, stores each of the image data corresponding to the maximum number of documents in the storage device without converting the data format, and for the remaining documents other than those stored in the storage device in their original image data format, converts each of the image data representing the documents into print data and stores it in the storage device. The information processing system described in (((8))).

[0160] (((11))) The processor stores the image data in the storage device if the amount of the image data to be stored in the storage device is less than or equal to the remaining capacity of the storage device. The information processing system described in (((9))) or (((10))).

[0161] (((12))) If the amount of image data to be stored in the storage device exceeds the remaining capacity of the storage device, the processor converts the image data into print data and stores it in the storage device. The information processing system described in (((9))) or (((10))).

[0162] (((13))) The processor changes the predetermined number according to the number of documents represented by the image data. An information processing system described in any one of (((8))) to (((12))).

[0163] (((14))) When performing multiple processes, including printing to a recording medium, using image data which is uncompressed, unprocessed data that has not undergone image processing, and without individually specifying the order of these multiple processes, the computer is instructed to perform a process that executes the printing process before the other processes. Information processing program.

[0164] According to the information processing system (((1))) and the information processing program (((14))) in a situation where the user instructs the image forming apparatus to perform multiple processes, including printing, without specifying the processing order, the waiting time the user has to wait around the image forming apparatus can be reduced compared to the case where the image forming apparatus performs printing last.

[0165] The information processing system relating to (((2))) has the effect of being able to switch between executing the first mode and the second mode of processing.

[0166] The information processing system described in (((3))) has the effect of reducing the time required for printing compared to the second mode.

[0167] According to the information processing system described in (((4))), when converting to processed data, it has the effect of reducing the degree of pressure on the remaining capacity of the storage device compared to when the image data stored in the storage device is directly converted to processed data without using print data.

[0168] The information processing system described in (((5))) has the effect of being able to balance the time required for printing with the time required to perform all of the multiple processes.

[0169] According to the information processing system described in (((6))), there is an effect that the decoding of image data becomes unnecessary.

[0170] According to the information processing system described in (((7))), even if the original document cannot be stored in the storage device as image data, the system has the effect of being able to perform the processing instructed by the user.

[0171] According to the information processing system described in ((8)), the original document can be stored in a storage device in either image data or processed data format.

[0172] According to the information processing system described in (((9))), all documents can be stored in a storage device as image data, which has the effect of being able to store all documents in a storage device as image data.

[0173] The information processing system described in (((10))) has the effect of being able to store as many original documents as possible in a storage device as image data.

[0174] According to the information processing system related to (((11))), it has the effect of being able to confirm in advance that the original document can be stored in the storage device as image data.

[0175] According to the information processing system described in (((12))), even if the original document cannot be stored in the storage device as image data, the system has the effect of being able to perform the processing instructed by the user.

[0176] According to the information processing system described in (((13))), there is an effect that it is possible to suppress the unnecessary increase in the specified number of original documents used to estimate the first model capacity and the second model capacity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1 UI part 2 Image forming unit 3 Reading section 4. Fax Processing Unit 5 Communications Department 6 Control Unit 7 Conversion Unit 8 Estimation part 9 Storage device 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Communication Unit 12 Input Units 13 Display Unit 14 Image forming unit 15 Scanner Unit 16 Fax Units 20 Computers 21 CPU 22 RAM 23 Non-volatile memory 24 I / O 25 buses

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, When performing multiple processes, including printing to a recording medium, using uncompressed, unprocessed image data that has not undergone any image processing, and without individually specifying the order of these processes, the printing process is executed before the other processes. Information processing system.

2. The processor displays a selection screen that allows the user to choose whether to apply a first mode in which the printing process is executed before other processes, or a second mode in which the time required to complete the multiple processes is shorter than that of the first mode. If the user selects the first mode, the printing process will be executed before any other processes. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. When the user selects the first mode, the processor converts the image data into print data in a predetermined lossless compression format and stores it in a storage device, and then executes the printing process using the print data stored in the storage device. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The processor then reverse-converts the print data back to the raw data, which is the original data format of the image data, and then converts the reverse-converted image data into processed data having a predetermined format according to the other processing that has not yet been performed, and then uses the processed data to perform the other processing. The information processing system according to claim 3.

5. If the user selects the second mode, The processor changes the data format of the image data stored in the storage device according to the remaining capacity of the storage device. The information processing system according to claim 2.

6. If the number of documents represented by the image data is one, the processor stores the image data representing the documents in the storage device if the capacity of the image data representing the documents is less than or equal to the remaining capacity of the storage device. The information processing system according to claim 5.

7. If the number of documents represented by the image data is one, and the capacity of the image data representing the documents exceeds the remaining capacity of the storage device, the processor converts the image data representing the documents into print data in a predetermined lossless compression format and stores it in the storage device. The information processing system according to claim 5.

8. If the number of documents represented by the image data is multiple, the processor converts the image data corresponding to each document from the first to a predetermined number of documents into print data in a predetermined lossless compression format and stores it in the storage device. Using the image data representing the predetermined number of documents, the processor estimates a first model capacity, which is the estimated model capacity of the image data per document, and a second model capacity, which is the estimated model capacity of the print data per document after the image data has been converted into print data in a predetermined lossless compression format. The data format of the image data stored in the storage device is changed based on the relationship between the first model capacity and the remaining number of documents for which corresponding image data has not yet been stored in the storage device, which is the estimated total capacity of the image data corresponding to the total number of remaining documents, and the remaining capacity of the storage device. The information processing system according to claim 5.

9. If the first estimated total capacity is less than or equal to the remaining capacity of the storage device, the processor stores each of the image data representing the remaining documents in the storage device without converting the data format of the image data. The information processing system according to claim 8.

10. The processor, under the condition that if the first estimated total capacity exceeds the remaining capacity of the storage device, stores data representing all remaining documents in the storage device, calculates the maximum number of remaining documents that can be stored in the storage device without converting the data format of the image data, stores each of the image data corresponding to the maximum number of documents in the storage device without converting the data format, and for the remaining documents other than those stored in the storage device in their original image data format, converts each of the image data representing the documents into print data and stores it in the storage device. The information processing system according to claim 8.

11. The processor stores the image data in the storage device if the amount of the image data to be stored in the storage device is less than or equal to the remaining capacity of the storage device. The information processing system according to claim 9 or claim 10.

12. If the amount of image data to be stored in the storage device exceeds the remaining capacity of the storage device, the processor converts the image data into print data and stores it in the storage device. The information processing system according to claim 9 or claim 10.

13. The processor changes the predetermined number according to the number of documents represented by the image data. An information processing system according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

14. When performing multiple processes, including printing to a recording medium, using image data which is uncompressed, unprocessed data that has not undergone image processing, and without individually specifying the order of these multiple processes, the computer is instructed to perform a process that executes the printing process before the other processes. Information processing program.

Images