Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system capable of designating an information processing device side so as to execute laminate processing.SOLUTION: In an information processing system including an information processing device and an image forming apparatus, the information processing device includes a reception part for receiving designation operation to designate the execution of laminate processing, and a transmission part for transmitting image data showing an image and designation data showing that the designation operation is received, and the image forming apparatus includes a reception part for receiving the image data and the designation data, an image formation part for forming the image shown by the image data on a recording medium, and a laminate execution part for performing laminate processing of a film of the recording medium with the image formed in the case of receiving the designation data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an image forming apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an information processing system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus has been proposed. In the above information processing system, image data is transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus according to a user's operation. The image forming apparatus forms an image indicated by the image data on a recording medium. Further, conventionally, an image forming apparatus capable of laminating a film on a recording medium by a laminating process has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In the above-described conventional technology, when performing the laminating process, work on the image forming apparatus side was essential. That is, it was not possible to specify on the information processing apparatus side that the laminating process was to be executed. In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to enable specification on the information processing apparatus side that the laminating process is to be executed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing system according to the present invention is an information processing system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a reception unit that receives a designation operation for designating execution of a laminating process, and a transmission unit that transmits image data indicating an image and designation data indicating that the designation operation has been received, and the image forming apparatus includes a reception unit that receives the image data and the designation data, an image forming unit that forms an image indicated by the image data on a recording medium, and a lamination execution unit that laminates a film on the recording medium on which the image has been formed when the designation data is received.

Effects of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to specify that the laminating process is executed on the information processing apparatus side.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of each configuration of the information processing system S of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system S includes an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral Product Printer) 100 which is an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention and a computer 200 which is an example of an information processing apparatus.

[0008] The MFP 100 and the computer 200 can communicate with each other via the network N. As the network N, for example, any of the Internet, a dedicated network, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), and a local network may be used. Also, a combination of the above networks may be used. Further, either wired communication or wireless communication may be adopted.

[0009] The MFP100 has a printer function and can form (print) an image on printing paper P (an example of a recording medium). In addition to the printer function, the MFP100 has a laminating function. Specifically, a laminator (see FIG. 2 described later) for laminating the film F on the printing paper P on which the image is formed is provided in the MFP100.

[0010] The film F is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin and is stored in the MFP100. When the printing paper P sandwiched between the films F is heated and pressed, the film F and the printing paper P can be bonded together (the film F is laminated on the printing paper P). As a technique for providing both the printer function and the laminating function in the MFP100, for example, the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-164593 (the above-mentioned Patent Document 1) can be adopted.

[0011] The computer 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an HD (Hard Disk) (see FIG. 3 described later). In the HD of the computer 200, for example, a printer driver program is stored. When the printer driver program is executed, various operations for controlling the MFP100 can be received by the computer 200. For example, when the printer driver program is executed, an operation for causing the MFP100 to print an image (hereinafter referred to as an "execution operation") can be received by the computer 200.

[0012] In addition, the computer 200 can receive an operation for designating to execute a laminating process (hereinafter referred to as a "designation operation") (see FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) described later). When the computer 200 receives the designation operation, it transmits designation data Ds indicating that fact to the MFP100. On the other hand, when the designation operation is not performed, the designation data Ds indicating that the designation operation has not been performed is transmitted to the MFP100. As shown in FIG. 1, in response to the execution operation, the image data Dg and the designation data Ds are transmitted from the computer 200 to the MFP100.

[0013] For example, assume a case where designation data Ds indicating that a designation operation has been received and image data Dg are received by the MFP 100. In the above case, the MFP 100 prints the image of the image data Dg on the printing paper P and executes a laminating process on the printing paper P. Also, assume a case where designation data Ds indicating that a designation operation has not been received and image data Dg are received by the MFP 100. In the above case, the MFP 100 prints the image of the image data Dg on the printing paper P and does not execute a laminating process on the printing paper P.

[0014] As understood from the above description, according to the information processing system S of the present embodiment, it is possible to specify on the computer 200 side whether or not to perform a laminating process. Therefore, for example, there is an advantage that the convenience for the user is improved as compared with a configuration in which it is possible to specify whether or not to perform a laminating process only on the MFP 100 side. Note that in the present embodiment, a configuration in which it is possible to specify on the MFP 100 side whether or not to perform a laminating process may be employed.

[0015] However, depending on the type of printing paper (shape (area, thickness), material), there may be cases where a laminating process cannot be performed. Also, there may be cases where the MFP 100 does not have a laminating function itself. In the above cases, even if the computer 200 receives a designation operation for designating the execution of a laminating process, the MFP 100 cannot execute a laminating process. In consideration of the above circumstances, in the present embodiment, when the MFP 100 cannot execute a laminating process, the computer 200 is configured to be able to display an image indicating that fact.

[0016] Specifically, the computer 200 receives setting data Dc from the MFP 100 in advance. The above setting data Dc is information for specifying whether the MFP 100 has a laminating function and the type of printing paper on which the MFP 100 can perform a laminating process. The computer 200 determines whether the MFP 100 can execute a laminating process using the setting data Dc. Also, an image indicating the result of the determination is displayed by the computer 200 (see FIG. 5(d) described later). The above configuration will be described in detail later.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 includes a controller 110, a short-range communication circuit 120, an engine control unit 130, an operation panel 140, and a network I / F 150.

[0018] The controller 110 includes a CPU 101 which is a main part of a computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 102, a north bridge (NB) 103, a south bridge (SB) 104, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 106, a local memory (MEM-C) 107 which is a storage unit, an HDD controller 108, and an HD 109 which is a storage unit, and is configured such that the NB 103 and the ASIC 106 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 121.

[0019] The CPU 101 is a control unit that performs overall control of the MFP 100. The NB 103 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 101, the MEM-P 102, the SB 104, and the AGP bus 121, and has a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 102, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

[0020] The MEM-P 102 includes a ROM 102a which is a memory for storing programs and data for realizing each function of the controller 110, and a RAM 102b which is used as a memory for developing programs and data, and for drawing during memory printing. Note that the programs stored in the RAM 102b may be provided in an installable or executable format and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a CD-R, or a DVD.

[0021] SB104 is a bridge for connecting NB103 with a PCI device and a peripheral device. ASIC106 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and serves as a bridge for connecting an AGP bus 121, a PCI bus 122, an HDD108, and a MEM-C107 respectively.

[0022] ASIC106 consists of a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) forming the core of ASIC106, a memory controller for controlling MEM-C107, 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 122 between a scanner unit 131 and a printer unit 132. Note that an interface for USB (Universal Serial Bus) or an interface for IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) may be connected to ASIC106.

[0023] MEM-C107 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. HD109 is a storage for accumulating image data, font data used at the time of printing, and forms. HD109 controls the reading or writing of data to HD109 according to the control of CPU101. The AGP bus 121 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for accelerating graphic processing, and can speed up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing MEM-P102 with high throughput.

[0024] The short-distance communication circuit 120 is provided with a short-distance communication circuit 120a. The short-distance communication circuit 120 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth. Further, the engine control unit 130 is composed of a scanner unit 131 and a printer unit 132.

[0025] The operation panel 140 includes a panel display unit 140a such as a touch panel that displays current setting values, selection screens, etc. and receives inputs from the operator, and an operation panel 140b including a numeric keypad that receives setting values of conditions related to image formation such as density setting conditions and a start key that receives a copy start instruction. The controller 110 controls the entire MFP 100, for example, controls drawing, communication, inputs from the operation panel 140, etc. The scanner unit 131 or the printer unit 132 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0026] Note that the MFP 100 can sequentially switch and select the document box function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function by using the application switching key on the operation panel 140. When the document box function is selected, it becomes the document box mode, when the copy function is selected, it becomes the copy mode, when the printer function is selected, it becomes the printer mode, and when the facsimile mode is selected, it becomes the facsimile mode.

[0027] The network I / F 150 is an interface for data communication using the network N. For example, the MFP 100 communicates with the computer 200 via the network N. The short-range communication circuit 120 and the network I / F 150 are electrically connected to the ASIC 106 via the PCI bus 122.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 includes a laminator 160. The laminator 160 performs a laminating process on the printing paper on which an image is printed by the printer function. Specifically, the laminator 160 is provided with each configuration including a film storage unit on which the above-described film F is laminated, a transport unit that transports the film F from the film storage unit, a moving unit that moves the printing paper P in a state sandwiched between the films F, and a pressing unit that presses the printing paper P sandwiched between the films F while heating.

[0029] The pressurizing unit is provided with a heating roller having a heater, and when performing the laminating process, the heating roller is pre-heated. The heating roller is heated to a predetermined temperature in advance, for example, according to the type of the film F. The laminator 160 is provided with an engine control unit 161. The engine control unit 161 controls each component (conveying unit, moving unit, heating roller) of the laminator 160.

[0030] Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the computer 200. As shown in Figure 3, the computer 200 includes, as shown in Figure 3, a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an HD 204, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 205, a display 206, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 208, a network I / F 209, a data bus 210, a keyboard 211, a pointing device 212, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 214, and a media I / F 216.

[0031] The CPU 201 controls the operation of the entire computer 200. The ROM 202 stores programs used for driving the CPU 201 such as IPL. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The HD 204 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 205 controls the reading or writing of various data to and from the HD 204 according to the control of the CPU 201. The display 206 displays various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, characters, or an image.

[0032] The external device connection I / F 208 is an interface for connecting various external devices. Examples of external devices in this case include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a printer, and the like. The network I / F 209 is an interface for performing data communication using the network N. As described above, the computer 200 communicates with the MFP 100 via the network N. The bus line 210 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 3.

[0033] Also, the keyboard 211 is a type of input means having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like. The pointing device 212 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, and the like. The DVD-RW drive 214 controls reading or writing of various data with respect to the DVD-RW 213 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 216 controls reading or writing (storage) of data with respect to the recording medium 215 such as a flash memory.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the information processing system S. As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing system S includes an image forming apparatus 10 and an information processing apparatus 20. For example, the above-described MFP 100 functions as the image forming apparatus 10 when the CPU 101 executes a program. Also, the above-described computer 200 functions as the information processing apparatus 20 when the CPU 201 executes a program.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing apparatus 20 includes a selection unit 21, a reception unit 22, a determination unit 23, a display unit 24, and a transmission unit 25. The selection unit 21 of the information processing apparatus 20 enables selection of the type of printing paper on which an image is to be formed. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 20 can display a setting image Gp (see FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d)). When the operation unit (such as the pointing device 212) of the information processing apparatus 20 is appropriately operated during the period when the setting image Gp is displayed, the type of printing paper on which an image is to be formed is selected. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, an operation for selecting the type of printing paper may be referred to as a "selection operation".

[0036] The reception unit 22 of the information processing apparatus 20 receives a designation operation for designating execution of a laminating process. Specifically, when the operation unit (such as the pointing device 212) of the information processing apparatus 20 is appropriately operated during the period when the setting image Gp is displayed, a designation operation for designating execution of the laminating process is received.

[0037] However, for the film stored in the image forming apparatus 10, the types of printing paper that can be laminated are predetermined. That is, depending on the type of printing paper selected by the information processing apparatus 20 (selection unit 21), there may be a situation where the laminating process cannot be performed. Considering the above circumstances, the information processing apparatus 20 has a configuration (determination unit 23, display unit 24) that enables it to grasp that the printing paper cannot be laminated when printing paper that cannot be laminated on the image forming apparatus 10 side is selected. The above configuration will be described in detail below.

[0038] The determination unit 23 of the information processing apparatus 20 determines whether it is possible to perform a lamination process on the selected printing paper. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 20 (determination unit 23) acquires setting information Dc from the image forming apparatus 10. The setting data Dc is data for specifying the types of printing paper on which the image forming apparatus 10 can perform the lamination process. The information processing apparatus 20 automatically acquires the setting information Dc, for example, when the printer driver program is started. The information processing apparatus 20 determines whether it is possible to perform a lamination process on the selected printing paper based on the setting information Dc. Note that the timing at which the setting information Dc is acquired is not limited to the above example.

[0039] The display unit 24 of the information processing apparatus 20 displays an image in which the result of the determination by the determination unit 23 is grasped. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 20 (display unit 24) can display the setting image Gp as described above. The above setting image Gp includes button images (Ga to Gd) described later. The button images are displayed in different modes when it is determined that the lamination process is executable (see FIG. 5(b)) and when it is determined that the lamination process cannot be executed (see FIG. 5(d)). Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, when printing paper on which the image forming apparatus 10 cannot perform the lamination process is selected, a designation operation for executing the lamination process cannot be accepted.

[0040] The transmission unit 25 of the information processing apparatus 20 transmits image data Dg indicating an image and designation data Dc indicating that a designation operation has been accepted. Although details will be described later, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives the image data Dg indicating an image and the designation data Dc indicating that a designation operation has been accepted, the image forming apparatus 10 performs a lamination process on the printing paper on which the image has been printed. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives the image data Dg indicating an image and the designation data Dc indicating that a designation operation has not been accepted, the image forming apparatus 10 does not perform a lamination process on the printing paper on which the image has been printed.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a receiving unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a laminating execution unit 13, and a preparation start unit 14. The receiving unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives image data Dg and designation data Ds. As described above, the image data Dg and the designation data Ds are transmitted from the information processing apparatus 20. Further, the image forming unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 forms the image indicated by the image data Dg on the printing paper. When the laminating execution unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives designation data Dc indicating that a designation operation has been received, the laminating execution unit 13 performs a laminating process on the printing paper on which the image has been formed.

[0042] By the way, when performing a laminating process on the printing paper, the image forming apparatus 10 needs to perform a predetermined preparation operation. Therefore, compared with the case where the laminating process is not performed, there is a situation that the processing in the image forming apparatus 10 is likely to be prolonged when the laminating process is performed. In consideration of the above circumstances, in the present embodiment, a configuration (preparation start unit 14) capable of shortening the processing in the image forming apparatus 10 is adopted. Note that the above preparation operation includes, for example, an operation for returning the laminator 160 from an energy-saving state (sleep state).

[0043] Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a preparation start unit 14. When the above preparation start unit 14 receives designation data Dc indicating that a designation operation has been received, the preparation start unit 14 starts a preparation operation for enabling the laminating process before the formation of the image is completed. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 10 (preparation start unit 14) receives designation data Ds indicating that a designation operation has been received, the image forming apparatus 10 inputs a preparation request signal to the laminator 160. The above preparation request signal is input to the laminator 160 before the image forming process is started. When the preparation request signal is input, the laminator 160 returns from the energy-saving state.

[0044] According to the above preparation start unit 14, for example, compared with a configuration in which a preparation request signal is input to the laminator 160 after the image forming process is completed, the processing in the image forming apparatus 10 is likely to be shortened. Note that the preparation operation in the image forming apparatus 10 is not limited to the above example. For example, when a preparation request signal is input to the laminator 160, the heating of the above-described heating roller may be started. Further, when a preparation request signal is input to the laminator 160, the film may be started to be conveyed to a position where the laminating process can be executed.

[0045] FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) are simulation diagrams of specific examples of the set image Gp. When an operation for determining an image to be printed is executed in the information processing apparatus 20, the printer driver program is started and the set image Gp is displayed. However, the timing at which the set image Gp starts to be displayed can be changed as appropriate.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the information processing apparatus 20 displays an instruction image Gs in addition to the set image Gp. The instruction image Gs moves and is displayed in response to a movement operation of the above-described pointing device 212 (for example, a mouse). Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, when the instruction image Gs is located at a predetermined image (for example, tags T1, T2 and button images (Gx, Gy, Ga to Gd) described later), pressing the button of the pointing device 212 (mouse click) may be simply described as "operating the image".

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the set image Gp includes a print button image Gx and a cancel button image Gy. When the print button image Gx is operated, the image data Dg is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10, and the image of the image data Dg is printed. That is, the operation of the print button image Gx is an example of the "execution operation" described above. Note that the content of the execution operation may be changed as appropriate. In the present embodiment, a plurality of images (pages) can be printed on the image forming apparatus 10 by one execution operation. When the cancel button image Gy is operated, the execution of the printer driver program is aborted and the printing of the image is canceled.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the setting image Gp includes tag T1 and tag T2. Although detailed description is omitted, when tag T1 is operated, a selection operation for selecting the type of printing paper becomes acceptable. Also, when tag T1 is operated, various operations including an operation for selecting whether to perform double-sided printing or (and) collating printing and an operation for determining the number of printed copies become acceptable. On the other hand, when tag T2 is operated, an operation for designating to execute various finishing processes (including lamination process) becomes acceptable.

[0049] FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) are simulation diagrams of the setting image Gp when tag T2 is operated. When tag T2 is operated, each button image (Ga to Gd) is displayed on the setting image Gp. Each button image corresponds to one of the finishing processes. The finishing processes of the present embodiment include staple processing, punch (hole punching) processing, lamination processing, and sorting processing. Note that the finishing processes are not limited to the above examples.

[0050] For example, among the button images, button image Ga corresponds to staple processing. Similarly, button image Gb corresponds to punch processing, button image Gc corresponds to lamination processing, and button image Gd corresponds to sorting processing. Each of the above button images (Ga to Gd) is operable by the instruction image Gs. When a button image is operated, it is possible to select whether to execute the finishing process corresponding to the button image.

[0051] Specifically, by appropriately operating the operation unit of the information processing apparatus 20, each button image can be switched between a state of displaying the string "do" (hereinafter "designated state") and a state of displaying the string "do not" (hereinafter "non-designated state"). A specific example of the operation for switching the state (designated state, non-designated state) of the button image will be described later with reference to FIG. 5(b). When the button image is in the designated state when the print button image Gx is operated (executed), the finishing process corresponding to the button image is executed in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0052] For example, in the specific example of FIG. 5(a), all button images (Ga to Gd) are in an unassigned state. Therefore, in the specific example of FIG. 5(a), when the print button image Gx is operated, the finishing process is not executed on the printing paper. As understood from the above description, the operation of setting a button image to the assigned state is also paraphrased as an operation for designating the execution of the finishing process corresponding to the button image.

[0053] FIG. 5(b) is a simulation diagram of another specific example of the setting image Gp. FIG. 5(b) shows the setting image Gp that is displayed when an operation for designating the execution of the finishing process is performed. In the specific example of FIG. 5(b), assume a case where an operation (an example of a designation operation) for designating the execution of the lamination process among the finishing processes is performed.

[0054] As described above, in the present embodiment, by operating the button image, the button image can be mutually switched between the assigned state and the non-assigned state. That is, whether to execute the finishing process corresponding to the button image can be switched by operating the button image. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when the button image is operated, a region for displaying the string "Do" and a region for displaying the string "Don't" are displayed on the button image.

[0055] In the specific example of FIG. 5(b), assume immediately after the button image Gc is operated. In the above case, the above two regions are displayed on the button image Gc. Thereafter, when the region for displaying the string "Do" in the button image Gc is operated (an example of a designation operation), the button image Gc becomes the assigned state. On the other hand, when the region for displaying the string "Don't" in the button image Gc is operated, the button image Gc becomes the non-assigned state. For the other button images (Ga, Gb, Gd), the state can be switched in the same procedure as the button image Gc. Note that the content of the designation operation is not limited to the above example.

[0056] By the way, depending on the type of finishing process, it may not be possible to execute it simultaneously with other finishing processes. For example, printed paper that has undergone a laminating process is protected by a film and thus cannot be stapled. Similarly, punched holes cannot be made in printed paper that has undergone a laminating process. In view of the above circumstances, in the present embodiment, when the execution of a finishing process is specified, the execution of other finishing processes that cannot be executed simultaneously with the specified finishing process is made non-specifiable. The above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 5(c).

[0057] FIG. 5(c) is a simulation diagram of another specific example of the set image Gp. In the specific example of FIG. 5(c), a period during which it is not possible to execute some finishing processes is assumed. Specifically, FIG. 5(c) assumes a case where it is specified to execute the laminating process among the finishing processes. In the above case, the execution of the stapling process becomes non-specifiable, and the execution of the punching process becomes non-specifiable.

[0058] When the finishing process corresponding to the button image cannot be specified, the button image remains in the non-specified state and cannot be operated. Also, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the inoperable button images (Ga and Gb in the example of FIG. 5(c)) are displayed in a distinguishable manner (for example, grayed out) from the operable button images (Gc and Gd in the example of FIG. 5(c)). According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that it is easy to intuitively grasp the finishing processes that cannot be specified for execution.

[0059] When the button image Gc corresponding to the laminating process is switched from the instructed state to the non-instructed state, the button images Ga corresponding to the stapling process and Gb corresponding to the punching process become operable. Note that when the button image Ga corresponding to the stapling process is switched to the instructed state, the button image Gc corresponding to the laminating process may be configured to be inoperable. That is, when the execution of the stapling process is specified, the specifying operation for specifying the execution of the laminating process may be configured to be impossible. Similarly, when the execution of the punching process is specified, the specifying operation for specifying the execution of the laminating process may be configured to be impossible.

[0060] According to the above configuration, when the execution of the finishing process is specified, the inconvenience of specifying the execution of other finishing processes that cannot be executed simultaneously with the said finishing process is suppressed. However, there is a situation where the types of films that can be used for the laminating process (the types of films provided in the image forming apparatus 10) are predetermined. Also, depending on the type of printing paper, laminating cannot be performed with the said film. Therefore, depending on the type of printing paper on which an image is printed, the laminating process cannot be executed regardless of whether other finishing processes are executed or not. Considering the above circumstances, in the present embodiment, when a type of printing paper for which the laminating process is impossible is selected, an image indicating that fact is displayed. The above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 5(d).

[0061] FIG. 5(d) is another specific example of the simulation diagram of the setting image Gp. In the specific example of FIG. 5(d), it is assumed that a type of printing paper for which the laminating process is impossible is selected. When the laminating process is executable, as described with reference to FIG. 5(b) above, when the button image Gc is operated, two regions are displayed on the button image Gc, and the character string "Do" is displayed in one of the regions. Also, when the laminating process is executable, when the region in which the character string "Do" is displayed on the button image Gc is operated, the button image Gc becomes the specified state, and it is specified to execute the laminating process.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5(d), when the button image Gc is operated during a period when the laminating process is not executable, two regions are displayed on the button image Gc in the same manner as during a period when the laminating process is executable. However, among the above regions, the character string "Do not" is displayed in one of the regions, and no character string is displayed in the region where the character string "Do" is originally displayed.

[0063] In the above configuration, the state of the button image Gc changes depending on whether the lamination process is executable or not. Therefore, the user can determine whether the lamination process is executable or not from the state of the button image Gc. Also, the areas of the button image Gc where no character string is displayed cannot be operated. That is, when the lamination process is not executable, it is impossible to switch the button image Gc to the instructed state. The above configuration can also be paraphrased as that the specified operation cannot be accepted during the period when the lamination process is not executable.

[0064] By the way, depending on the image forming apparatus 10, it may not have the lamination function itself. In the above case, the lamination process cannot be performed regardless of the type of printing paper. Considering the above circumstances, in the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 does not have the lamination function, the button image Gc is displayed in the state shown in FIG. 5(d) regardless of the type of selected printing paper. Note that when the image forming apparatus 10 has the lamination function but a printing paper that cannot be laminated is selected, a configuration may be adopted in which a message indicating that the lamination process is possible with other types of printing paper is displayed.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a system sequence diagram for explaining a specific example of the operation of the information processing system S. As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing apparatus 20 can accept an operation from the user for starting a printer driver program (S1). When the printer driver program is started, the information processing apparatus 20 requests the image forming apparatus 10 for the setting data Dc (S2). As described above, the setting data Dc is various information such as information stored in advance in the image forming apparatus 10 for specifying whether the image forming apparatus 10 has the lamination function or not, and information indicating the types of printing papers that can be laminated when the image forming apparatus 10 has the lamination function.

[0066] The image forming apparatus 10 transmits setting data Dc in response to a request from the information processing apparatus 20 (S3). When the information processing apparatus 20 receives the setting data Dc, it displays the above-described setting image Gp (S4). The above steps S2 to S4 are automatically executed when a startup operation is received.

[0067] As described above, during the period when the setting image Gp is displayed, the information processing apparatus 20 can receive a selection operation for selecting the type of printing paper. In the specific example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that a selection operation for selecting printing paper that can be laminated is received (S5). Also, during the period when the setting image Gp is displayed, the information processing apparatus 20 can receive a designation operation for designating execution of the lamination process. In the specific example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that a designation operation for designating execution of the lamination process is received (S6).

[0068] When the information processing apparatus 20 receives an execution operation (operation of the print button image Gx shown in FIG. 5(a)) from the user (S7), it starts displaying a transmitting image (S8). The above transmitting image displays, for example, a message indicating that various types of information (Dg, Di) are being transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10. After starting to display the transmitting image, the information processing apparatus 20 transmits the image data Dg and the print instruction data Di (job information) to the image forming apparatus 10 (S9). The above print instruction data Di includes, for example, data indicating the type of printing paper selected by the selection operation and designation data Ds indicating the presence or absence of a designation operation for the lamination process.

[0069] When the image forming apparatus 10 receives the image data Dg and the print instruction data Di, it transmits a reception completion notification to the information processing apparatus 20 (S10). When receiving the reception completion notification, the information processing apparatus 20 executes end-time processing (S11). The end-time processing includes, for example, processing for making the transmitting image displayed in step S8 above non-displayed.

[0070] Also, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives the image data Dg and the print instruction data Di, it executes preprocessing (S12). The preprocessing is a process that is executed in advance for the image forming process described later. For example, in the preprocessing, the image data Dg received in step S9 is stored in a predetermined storage device (for example, the above-described HD109). Also, in the preprocessing, the designated data Ds in the print instruction data Di received in step S9 is analyzed. Specifically, based on the designated data Ds, it is determined whether or not the laminating process is designated to be executed in the information processing apparatus 20.

[0071] In the preprocessing, if it is determined that the laminating process is designated to be executed, the image forming apparatus 10 starts a preparation operation for executing the laminating process (S13). The preparation operation includes, as described above, an operation for returning the laminator 160 from the energy-saving state (sleep state). Incidentally, if it is determined that the laminating process is not designated to be executed, the image forming apparatus 10 omits step S13.

[0072] After starting the preparation operation, the image forming apparatus 10 executes an image forming process (S14). In the image forming process, the image data Dg stored in the preprocessing is acquired, and the image indicated by the image data Dg is formed on the printing paper. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 10 executes a laminating process on the printing paper on which the image is formed in the image forming process (S15). Incidentally, if it is determined in the above-described preprocessing that the laminating process is not designated to be executed, step S15 is omitted.

[0073] After performing a lamination process on the printing paper, the image forming apparatus 10 discharges the printing paper to the outside (S16). Further, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether all the images (pages) for which printing has been instructed have been printed (S17). When it is determined that all the images for which printing has been instructed have been printed (S17: Yes), the image forming apparatus 10 transmits a completion notification to the information processing apparatus 20 (S18). On the other hand, when it is determined that not all the images for which printing has been instructed have been printed (S17: No), the image forming apparatus 10 repeatedly executes the above-described steps S14 to S17.

[0074] The apparatus that executes each of the above processes can be changed as appropriate. Further, each of the above functions 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 of the functions described above, a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), and devices such as conventional circuit modules.

[0075] <Summary of the Operations and Effects of the Embodiment Example> <First Aspect> The information processing system (S) of this aspect is an information processing system including an information processing apparatus (20) and an image forming apparatus (10). The information processing apparatus includes a reception unit (22) that receives a designation operation for designating execution of a lamination process, and a transmission unit (25) that transmits image data (Dg) indicating an image and designation data (Ds) indicating that the designation operation has been received. The image forming apparatus includes a reception unit (11) that receives the image data and the designation data, an image forming unit (12) that forms the image indicated by the image data on a recording medium, and a lamination execution unit (13) that performs a lamination process on the recording medium on which the image has been formed when the designation data is received. According to this aspect, it becomes possible to designate on the information processing apparatus side that the lamination process is to be executed.

[0076] <Second Aspect> In the information processing system of this aspect, the image forming apparatus includes a preparation start unit (14) that starts a preparation operation for enabling execution of a lamination process before the formation of the image is completed when the designation data is received. According to this aspect, for example, compared with a configuration in which the preparation operation is started after the image is formed, there is an advantage that the time required until the processing on the image forming apparatus side is completed is likely to be shortened.

[0077] <Third Aspect> The information processing system of this aspect includes an information processing apparatus having a selection unit (21) that enables selection of the type of the recording medium on which the image is to be formed, a determination unit (23) that determines whether a lamination process can be performed on the selected recording medium, and a display unit (24) that displays an image (for example, Gc shown in FIG. 5(d)) in which the result of the determination is grasped. According to this aspect, the user can grasp in advance that the lamination process is impossible.

[0078] <Fourth Aspect> The image forming apparatus according to this aspect includes a receiving unit that receives, from an external information processing apparatus, image data indicating an image and designation data indicating that a film is to be laminated on a recording medium on which the image indicated by the image data is formed, an image forming unit that forms the image indicated by the image data on the recording medium, and a lamination execution unit that executes a lamination process on the recording medium on which the image is formed when the designation data is received. According to this aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect is achieved.

[0079] <Fifth Aspect> The program according to this aspect causes a computer to execute a step of receiving a designation operation for designating execution of a lamination process (S6 in FIG. 6) and a step of transmitting, to an external image forming apparatus, image data indicating an image and designation data indicating that the designation operation has been received (S9 in FIG. 6). According to this aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect is achieved.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0080] 10... Image forming apparatus, 11... Receiving unit, 12... Image forming unit, 13... Lamination execution unit, 14... Display unit, 20... Information processing apparatus, 21... Selection unit, 22... Reception unit, 23... Judgment unit, 24... Display unit, 25... Transmission unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0081]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. An information processing system including an information processing device and an image forming device, wherein the information processing device includes a display unit that displays a screen for receiving a plurality of operations including a first operation for selecting a type of a recording medium on which an image is to be formed and a second operation for designating whether to execute a lamination process; a determination unit that determines whether the lamination process can be executed on the recording medium of the type selected by the first operation; and is provided with wherein when the determination unit determines that the lamination process cannot be executed, the display unit displays in a manner that enables understanding that the lamination process cannot be executed on the selected type of the recording medium; the information processing device further includes a transmission unit that transmits print instruction data including data indicating the type of the recording medium received by the first operation and designation data designating whether to execute the lamination process received by the second operation, and image data, to the image forming device; and the image forming device includes a reception unit that receives the print instruction data and the image data; an image forming unit that forms an image based on the received image data on a recording medium of the type indicated by the data included in the received print instruction data; and a lamination execution unit that laminates a film on the recording medium on which the image is formed when the designation data included in the received print instruction data designates execution of the lamination process. and is provided with An information processing system.

2. The image forming device according to claim 1, wherein the image forming device is capable of executing a plurality of finishing processes including the lamination process, and is capable of selecting whether to execute each finishing process, and when execution of the lamination process is designated, it is impossible to designate execution of at least one finishing process other than the lamination process.

3. The image forming device includes a preparation start unit that starts a preparation operation for enabling execution of the lamination process before completion of formation of the image when the designation data is received. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, which is provided with

4. An information processing device connected to an image forming device, including a display unit that displays a screen for receiving a plurality of operations including a first operation for selecting a type of a recording medium on which an image is to be formed and a second operation for designating whether to execute a lamination process. A determination unit that determines whether the lamination process can be executed on the type of recording medium selected by the first operation; comprising; When the determination unit determines that the lamination process cannot be executed, the display unit displays in a manner that enables the user to understand that the lamination process cannot be executed on the selected type of recording medium; The information processing apparatus further comprises; A transmission unit that transmits print instruction data including data indicating the type of the recording medium and designation data for designating whether to execute the lamination process, and image data, to the image forming apparatus; comprising; An information processing apparatus.

5. Causing a computer to: Display a screen for receiving a plurality of operations including a first operation for selecting the type of recording medium on which an image is to be formed and a second operation for designating whether to execute a lamination process; Determine whether the lamination process can be executed on the type of recording medium selected by the first operation; When it is determined that the lamination process cannot be executed, display in a manner that enables the user to understand that the lamination process cannot be executed on the selected type of recording medium; Transmit print instruction data including data indicating the type of the recording medium and designation data for designating whether to execute the lamination process, and image data, to an external image forming apparatus A program for causing the above to be executed.

Images