Data processing device and image forming system

Abstract

This data processing device (100) comprises: a verification unit (134) for verifying whether or not first and second image data are derived from the same image data; a comparison unit (135) for comparing the picture quality of the first image data with the picture quality of the second image data when the first and second image data are derived from the same image data; and a display control unit (131) for causing a display unit (110) to display one of the first and second images as a selectable image that can be manipulated using an input unit (120), and causing the display unit (110) to display the other of the first and second images as a non-selectable image that cannot be selected using the input unit (120), on the basis of the result of comparison by the comparison unit (135).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a data processing device and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] Image data such as photographs may be uploaded to the web. For example, in social networking services (SNS), many users upload image data. Users of terminal devices such as smartphones that have a camera and communication functions take photos and upload the generated image data to SNS. However, the uploaded image data may be compressed before being saved. For this reason, when a terminal device has original image data that represents the same image as image data saved in a storage location, a technique is known in which the photo represented by the original image data in the terminal device is printed instead of the image data saved in the storage location (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the image processing device of Patent Document 1, when printing a photograph indicated by image data obtained from a server device, the image data obtained from the server device is compared with image data stored in a terminal device. When the image data obtained from the server device matches the image data stored in the terminal device, the image processing device outputs a high-quality image by prioritizing printing of the image data stored in the terminal device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-45181 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The image processing device of Patent Document 1 accepts a specification for selecting a photo represented by image data obtained from a server, but does not simultaneously display multiple photos represented by multiple image data stored in different sources. As a result, the image processing device of Patent Document 1 cannot select a more appropriate image from multiple images represented by multiple image data stored in different locations.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a data processing device and an image forming system that can easily select high-quality image data from multiple image data derived from the same image data.

[0007] A data processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a display unit, an input unit to which an instruction from an operator is input, a first acquisition unit to acquire first image data, a second acquisition unit to acquire second image data, and a display unit for displaying the first image data and the second image data as the same image data. The image data is generated by performing different processing on the a comparison unit that compares whether the first image data and the second image data are the same image data; The image data is generated by performing different processing on the a comparison unit that compares the image quality of the first image data with the image quality of the second image data, and based on a comparison result of the comparison unit, displays on a display unit a first image represented by the first image data and a second image represented by the second image data. High image quality the image is displayed as a selectable image, and one of the first image and the second image is displayed as a selectable image. Low image quality and an execution unit that, when receiving an instruction to select a selectable image via the input unit, executes a predetermined process on image data corresponding to the selected selectable image, and does not execute the predetermined process on image data corresponding to the selected unselectable image even when receiving an instruction to select an unselectable image via the input unit.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming system includes a data storage device, a data processing device, and an image forming device. The data storage device includes a first storage unit that stores second image data, a first communication unit that communicates with the data processing device, and a first control unit that transmits the second image data to the data processing device via the first communication unit. The data processing device includes a display unit, an input unit that inputs instructions from an operator, and a first control unit that stores the first image data. No. 2 a storage unit and a second communication unit that communicates with the data storage device; No. 2 A first acquisition unit acquires first image data from a storage unit, a second acquisition unit acquires second image data transmitted from a data storage device via a second communication unit, and a communication unit that determines whether the first image data and the second image data are the same image data. The image data is generated by performing different processing on the a comparison unit that compares whether the first image data and the second image data are the same image data; The image data is generated by performing different processing on the a comparison unit that compares the image quality of the first image data with the image quality of the second image data, and based on a comparison result of the comparison unit, displays on a display unit a first image represented by the first image data and a second image represented by the second image data. High image quality the image is displayed as a selectable image, and one of the first image and the second image is displayed as a selectable image. Low image quality and a generation unit that, upon receiving an instruction to select a selectable image via the input unit, generates a print job based on image data corresponding to the selected selectable image and transmits the print job to the image forming device via the second communication unit, and, even upon receiving an instruction to select a non-selectable image via the input unit, does not generate a print job based on the image data corresponding to the selected non-selectable image. The image forming device includes a third communication unit that communicates with the data processing device, an image forming unit that executes the print job to form an image on a recording medium, and a second control unit that, upon receiving the print job via the third communication unit, causes the image forming unit to execute the print job.

[0009] A data processing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a display unit, an input unit to which an instruction from an operator is input, a first acquisition unit to acquire first data, a second acquisition unit to acquire second data, and a display unit to display the first data and the second data. The image data is generated by performing different processing on the a collating unit for collating whether the first data and the second data are the same data; The image data is generated by performing different processing on the a comparison unit that compares the quality of the first data and the quality of the second data when the quality of the first data is higher than the quality of the second data; and a display unit that displays a first image represented by the first data and a second image represented by the second data based on a comparison result of the comparison unit. High image quality the image is displayed as a selectable image, and one of the first image and the second image is displayed as a selectable image. Low image quality and an execution unit that, when receiving an instruction to select a selectable image via the input unit, executes a predetermined process on the data corresponding to the selected selectable image, and does not execute the predetermined process on the data corresponding to the selected unselectable image even when receiving an instruction to select an unselectable image via the input unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, high-quality image data can be easily selected from a plurality of image data derived from the same image data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the structure of a data processing device. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a display mode of the first image and the second image when the first image data and the second image data are not derived from the same image data. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of display modes of the first image and the second image when the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same image data. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for selecting an image to be processed and executing a predetermined process. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the structure of each device constituting the image forming system. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing an upload process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a print job execution process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A data processing apparatus and an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] A data processing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the data processing device 100. For example, the data processing device 100 is a smartphone. Note that the data processing device 100 may be a tablet computer or a personal computer (PC).

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the data processing device 100 includes a display unit 110, an input unit 120, a control unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

[0015] The display unit 110 displays an image represented by the image data. Typically, the display unit 110 displays a plurality of images represented by the plurality of image data as thumbnail images. For example, the image data represents a color or black and white photograph or picture. The image data may be generated by an imaging element such as a camera.

[0016] Display unit 110 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or a plasma display.

[0017] An operator's instruction is input to the input unit 120. The operator can operate the image displayed on the display unit 110 via the input unit 120. For example, the operator can select an image displayed on the display unit 110 via the input unit 120.

[0018] The input unit 120 includes a touch sensor. The display unit 110 and the input unit 120 may be integrated into a touch panel. The input unit 120 may include buttons or a keyboard.

[0019] The control unit 130 includes an arithmetic element. The arithmetic element includes a processor. In one example, the processor includes a central processing unit (CPU). The processor may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0020] The storage unit 140 stores data and computer programs. The storage unit 140 includes a storage element. The storage unit 140 includes a main storage element such as a semiconductor memory and an auxiliary storage element such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 140 may also include removable media.

[0021] For example, the computer program is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which includes a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, or an optical data storage device.

[0022] The storage unit 140 stores various data. For example, the storage unit 140 stores a control program. The control unit 130 controls the operations of the display unit 110, the input unit 120, and the storage unit 140 in accordance with the control program stored in the storage unit 140.

[0023] The storage unit 140 also stores various image data. For example, the storage unit 140 stores two types of image data that have the same origin. In one example, the storage unit 140 stores image data whose data volume is compressed and image data whose data volume is not compressed. The storage unit 140 may also store image data that has not been subjected to image processing and image data that has been subjected to image processing.

[0024] The control unit 130 executes a control program to control the operation of the data processing device 100. In detail, the processor of the control unit 130 reads the data stored in the memory element of the memory unit 140. control The program is executed to control the operation of each component of the data processing device 100.

[0025] The storage unit 140 stores a computer program. By executing the computer program, the control unit 130 functions as a display control unit 131, a first acquisition unit 132, a second acquisition unit 133, a collating unit 134, a comparing unit 135, and an executing unit 136.

[0026] The display control unit 131 controls the display operation of the display unit 110. Under the control of the display control unit 131, the display unit 110 switches the image to be displayed.

[0027] The first acquisition unit 132 acquires first image data. Typically, the first acquisition unit 132 acquires a plurality of first image data. The first image data may be image data captured by a camera or the like, image data processed by the control unit 130, or image data processed in an external device.

[0028] The first acquisition unit 132 may acquire the first image data from the storage unit 140, or may acquire the first image data from an external device.

[0029] The second acquisition unit 133 acquires second image data. Typically, the second acquisition unit 133 acquires a plurality of second image data. The second image data may be image data captured by a camera or the like, may be image data processed by the control unit 130, or may be image data processed in an external device.

[0030] Typically, the second image data differs from the first image data in at least some respects. For example, the second image data may be stored in a device different from that of the first image data, or the second image data may have undergone processing different from that of the first image data. For example, the second image data may be image data obtained by compressing the data volume of the first image data, or may be image data obtained by performing predetermined image processing on the first image data. Alternatively, the first image data and the second image data may be image data obtained by compressing the data volume differently. The first image data and the second image data may be image data obtained by performing different image processing on the first image data.

[0031] The second acquisition unit 133 may acquire the second image data from the storage unit 140, or may acquire the second image data from an external device.

[0032] The collation unit 134 collates the first image data and the second image data. Typically, the collation unit 134 determines whether the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same image data. For example, if the second image data is generated by performing at least one of a compression process and an image process on the first image data, the collation unit 134 determines that the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same image data. Conversely, if the first image data is generated by performing at least one of a compression process and an image process on the second image data, the collation unit 134 also determines that the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same image data. Furthermore, if the first image data is generated by performing at least one of a compression process and an image process on certain image data, and the second image data is generated by performing at least one of a compression process and an image process on the same image data in a different manner, the collation unit 134 determines that the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same image data.

[0033] For example, when the first image data and the second image data each have shooting information including the shooting position, shooting time, shooting device, etc., the matching unit 134 may match the first image data and the second image data by comparing the shooting information of the first image data with the shooting information of the second image data. In one example, the shooting information is included in metadata of the Exchangeable Image File Format.

[0034] The matching unit 134 may determine the similarity between the first image data and the second image data. For example, the matching unit 134 may create a light-dark histogram of the first image data and the second image data and match the first image data and the second image data. Alternatively, if the first image indicated by the first image data and the second image indicated by the second image data include a human face, the matching unit 134 may match the first image data and the second image data by performing face recognition.

[0035] The comparison unit 135 compares the image quality of the first image data with the image quality of the second image data based on the matching result of the matching unit 134. For example, if the matching unit 134 determines that the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same image data, the comparison unit 135 compares the image quality of the first image data with the image quality of the second image data. If the first image data has higher image quality than the second image data, the first image data becomes high-image quality image data, and the second image data becomes low-image quality image data. Conversely, if the second image data has higher image quality than the first image data, the second image data becomes high-image quality image data, and the first image data becomes low-image quality image data.

[0036] For example, the comparison unit 135 compares the image quality of the first image data and the image quality of the second image data based on the data capacity of the first image data and the data capacity of the second image data. Alternatively, when the first image data and the second image data have information indicating resolution, the comparison unit 135 compares the image quality of the first image data and the image quality of the second image data by comparing the resolution of the first image data and the resolution of the second image data.

[0037] The display control unit 131 controls the display operation of the display unit 110 based on the comparison result of the comparison unit 135. For example, the display control unit 131 displays on the display unit 110 an image indicated by one of the first image data and the second image data so that it can be selected from the input unit 120, and displays an image indicated by the other of the first image data and the second image data so that it cannot be selected from the input unit 120.

[0038] The execution unit 136 executes a predetermined process on the processing target image data corresponding to the image selected from the first image and the second image based on an instruction input to the input unit 120. For example, the execution unit 136 transmits the processing target image data to an external device. In one example, the execution unit 136 transmits the processing target image data to a facsimile machine. The execution unit 136 may also transmit the processing target image data to an image forming device. In this case, the image forming device forms an image indicated by the processing target image data. Alternatively, the execution unit 136 may store the processing target image data in the storage unit 140 and delete the non-processing target image data from the storage unit 140.

[0039] Next, the display manner of the first image represented by the first image data and the second image represented by the second image data by the data processing device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the display manner of the first image and the second image in the case where the first image data and the second image data are not derived from the same image data in the data processing device 100. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the display manner of the first image and the second image in the case where the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same image data in the data processing device 100.

[0040] 2, the display unit 110 has a display screen 112. The display screen 112 has a first area 112A for displaying a first image indicated by the first image data, a second area 112B for displaying a second image indicated by the second image data, a third area 112C for displaying an image selected as a processing target image from the first image displayed in the first area 112A and the second image displayed in the second area 112B, a process execution button 112D for executing processing on the processing target image data corresponding to the selected image, and a selection confirmation button 112E for confirming the selection of the image. Here, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display eight first images G1 to G8 in the first area 112A and eight second images H1 to H8 in the second area 112B.

[0041] Note that the first image data corresponding to the first image displayed in first area 112A is image data stored in a format different from the second image data corresponding to the second image displayed in second area 112B. For example, display control unit 131 causes display unit 110 to display the first image according to the first image data acquired from storage unit 140, and causes display unit 110 to display the second image according to the second image data acquired from an external device.

[0042] Alternatively, the display control unit 131 may cause the display unit 110 to display the first image according to the first image data that has not been data-compressed, and the display unit 110 to display the second image according to the second image data that has been data-compressed. Alternatively, the display control unit 131 may cause the display unit 110 to display the first image according to the first image data that has not been image-processed, and the display unit 110 to display the second image according to the second image data that has been image-processed.

[0043] An operator of data processing device 100 can select a first image by operating the first image displayed in first area 112A via input unit 120. When display control unit 131 accepts the selection of the first image, it causes display unit 110 to display the selected first image in third area 112C.

[0044] For example, when the operator of the data processing device 100 operates the first images G1, G3 displayed in the first area 112A via the input unit 120 to select the first images G1, G3, the display control unit 131 accepts the selection of the first images G1, G3 and causes the display unit 110 to display the selected first images G1, G3 in the third area 112C.

[0045] Similarly, the operator of data processing device 100 can select a second image by operating the second image displayed in second area 112B via input unit 120. Upon receiving the selection of the second image, display control unit 131 causes display unit 110 to display the selected second image in third area 112C.

[0046] For example, when the operator of the data processing device 100 operates the second image H3 displayed in the second area 112B via the input unit 120 to select the second image H3, the display control unit 131 accepts the selection of the second image H3 and causes the display unit 110 to display the selected second image H3 in the third area 112C.

[0047] When the operator of the data processing device 100 operates the process execution button 112D via the input unit 120, the execution unit 136 executes a predetermined process on the processing target image data corresponding to the processing target image displayed in the third area 112C. For example, the execution unit 136 executes, as the predetermined process, a transmission process for transmitting the processing target image data to an external device, or a processing process for processing the processing target image data. For example, the execution unit 136 may execute, as the processing process, a compression process, an image process, or a restoration process on the processing target image data.

[0048] In this way, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display the first images G1 to G8 as selectable images, for example, in the first area 112A. The display control unit 131 also causes the display unit 110 to display the second images H1 to H8 as selectable images, for example, in the second area 112B.

[0049] 2, the plurality of first images and the plurality of second images do not include images derived from the same image data. However, the plurality of first images and the plurality of second images may include images derived from the same image data.

[0050] 3, the plurality of first images and the plurality of second images include images derived from the same image data. Here, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display eight first images G1 to G8 in the first area 112A and eight second images H1 to H8 in the second area 112B.

[0051] Here, the first image G2 and the second image H3 are derived from the same image data. The first image G2 has higher image quality than the second image H3. Therefore, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display the second image H3 as an unselectable image. In this case, when the operator of the data processing device 100 operates the first image G2 via the input unit 120, the display control unit 131 accepts the selection of the first image G2 and causes the display unit 110 to display the first image G2 in the third area 112C. On the other hand, even if the operator of the data processing device 100 operates the second image H3 via the input unit 120, the display control unit 131 does not accept the selection of the second image H3 and does not cause the display unit 110 to display the second image H3 in the third area 112C. Therefore, even if the operator of the data processing device 100 operates the processing execution button 112D via the input unit 120, the execution unit 136 can execute processing on the first image data corresponding to the first image G2, but cannot execute processing on the second image data corresponding to the second image H3.

[0052] For example, when the second image H3 is a non-selectable image, the display control unit 131 preferably causes the display unit 110 to display the second image H3 in a grayed-out state. This allows the operator of the data processing device 100 to avoid operating an image corresponding to image data with low image quality among multiple image data derived from the same image data.

[0053] Furthermore, the first image G4 and the second image H4 are derived from the same image data. Here, the second image H4 has higher image quality than the first image G4. Therefore, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display the first image G4 as an unselectable image. In this case, when the operator of the data processing device 100 operates the second image H4 via the input unit 120, the display control unit 131 accepts the selection of the second image H4 and causes the display unit 110 to display the second image H4 in the third area 112C. On the other hand, even if the operator of the data processing device 100 operates the first image G4 via the input unit 120, the display control unit 131 does not accept the selection of the first image G4 and does not cause the display unit 110 to display the first image G4 in the third area 112C. Therefore, even if the operator of the data processing device 100 operates the processing execution button 112D via the input unit 120, the execution unit 136 can execute processing on the second image data corresponding to the second image H4, but cannot execute processing on the first image data corresponding to the first image G4.

[0054] For example, if the first image G4 is an unselectable image, the display control unit 131 preferably causes the display unit 110 to display the first image G4 in a grayed-out state. This allows the operator of the data processing device 100 to avoid operating an image corresponding to image data with low image quality among multiple image data derived from the same image data.

[0055] Next, a flow of selecting an image to be processed by the data processing device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 4 is a flow diagram for the data processing device 100 to select an image to be processed and execute predetermined processing.

[0056] 4, in step S102, the first acquisition unit 132 acquires the first image data from the storage unit 140 or an external device.

[0057] In step S104, the second acquisition unit 133 acquires the second image data from the storage unit 140 or an external device.

[0058] In step S106, the matching unit 134 determines whether the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same image data.

[0059] If the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same image data (Yes in step S106), the comparison unit 135 proceeds to the process of step S108. If the first image data and the second image data are not derived from the same image data (No in step S106), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S130.

[0060] In step S108, the comparison unit 135 compares the image quality of the first image data with the image quality of the second image data. For example, the comparison unit 135 compares the data capacity of the first image data with the data capacity of the second image data, and determines that the image data with the larger data capacity has higher image quality.

[0061] In step S110, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display images indicated by high-quality image data out of the first image data and second image data so that they can be selected by the input unit 120, and to display images indicated by low-quality image data out of the first image data and second image data so that they cannot be selected by the input unit 120. As a result, images corresponding to the high-quality image data become selectable images, and images corresponding to the low-quality image data become unselectable images. For example, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display images indicated by image data with low quality out of the first image data and second image data in a grayed-out state. Note that when a plurality of first image data and a plurality of second image data have been acquired, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display images indicated by image data that are not derived from the same image data out of the plurality of first image data and the plurality of second image data as selectable images.

[0062] In step S112, display control unit 131 determines whether at least one of the first image and the second image has been selected. Typically, when the operator of data processing device 100 operates at least one of the first image and the second image via input unit 120 and then operates selection confirmation button 112E, display control unit 131 accepts the selection of the operated image.

[0063] If neither the first image nor the second image is selected (No in step S112), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S120. If at least one of the first image and the second image is selected (Yes in step S112), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S114.

[0064] In step S114, display control unit 131 determines whether the selected image is a non-selectable image. If the selected image is not a non-selectable image (No in step S114), display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S116. If the selected image is a non-selectable image (Yes in step S114), display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S118.

[0065] In step S116, the display control unit 131 adds the selected image as an image to be processed. Typically, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display the selected image in the third area 112C.

[0066] In step S118, the display control Part 1 31 causes the display unit 110 to display a message indicating that the selected image is an unselectable image.

[0067] In step S120, the display control unit 131 determines whether or not to end the selection of the image to be processed. Typically, when the operator of the data processing device 100 operates the processing execution button 112D displayed on the display unit 110 via the input unit 120, the display control unit 131 accepts the end of the selection of the image to be processed.

[0068] If image selection is not to be ended (No in step S120), display control unit 131 returns to the process of step S112. If image selection is to be ended (Yes in step S120), execution unit 136 proceeds to the process of step S150.

[0069] In step S130, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display the first image indicated by the first image data and the second image indicated by the second image data. Typically, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display the first image and the second image as selectable images in accordance with the first image data and the second image data without changing the first image data and the second image data.

[0070] In step S132, the display control unit 131 determines whether or not at least one of the first image and the second image has been selected. Typically, when the operator of the data processing device 100 operates at least one of the first image and the second image via the input unit 120, the display control unit 131 accepts the selection of the operated image.

[0071] If neither the first image nor the second image is selected (No in step S132), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S140. If at least one of the first image and the second image is selected (Yes in step S132), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S134.

[0072] In step S134, the display control unit 131 adds the selected image as an image to be processed. Typically, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display the selected image in the third area 112C.

[0073] In step S140, the display control unit 131 determines whether or not to end the selection of the image to be processed. Typically, when the operator of the data processing device 100 operates the processing execution button 112D displayed on the display unit 110 via the input unit 120, the display control unit 131 accepts the end of the selection of the image to be processed.

[0074] If the selection of the image to be processed is not to be ended (No in step S140), the display control unit 131 returns to the processing in step S132. If the selection of the image to be processed is to be ended (Yes in step S140), the execution unit 136 proceeds to the processing in step S150.

[0075] In step S150, the execution unit 136 executes a predetermined process on the processing target image data corresponding to the processing target image.

[0076] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to easily select high-quality image data from among a plurality of image data derived from the same image data.

[0077] The data processing device 100 stores one of the first image data and the second image data in a storage unit. 1 40, and the other of the first image data and the second image data may be obtained from an external device. The data processing device 100 may also generate a print job based on processing target image data corresponding to the processing target image, and transmit the print job to the image forming device.

[0078] Next, the configuration of an image forming system 10 including a data processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system 10. In the image forming system 10 shown in Fig. 5, a part of the data processing device 100 has the same configuration as the data processing device 100 described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 4, and therefore, to avoid redundancy, duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0079] 5, the image forming system 10 includes a data processing device 100, a data storage device 200, and an image forming device 300. Typically, the data processing device 100, the data storage device 200, and the image forming device 300 are located at locations remote from each other.

[0080] The data processing device 100, the data storage device 200, and the image forming device 300 are connected to one another via a network. The network may be, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The network is not limited to being wireless or wired.

[0081] The data processing device 100 communicates with the data storage device 200 and the image forming device 300. For example, the data processing device 100 receives image data stored in the data storage device 200 and displays an image represented by the image data. The data processing device 100 transmits an instruction to the image forming device 300 to form the image represented by the image data.

[0082] The data storage device 200 stores image data. The data storage device 200 transmits image data to the data processing device 100. Typically, the data storage device 200 is a so-called server. The data storage device 200 may share and store image data of multiple users. For example, the data storage device 200 stores image data uploaded to a social networking service (SNS).

[0083] The image forming apparatus 300 forms an image on a sheet. The image forming apparatus 300 is, for example, a printer, a copier, or a multifunction peripheral. The image forming apparatus 300 may also have a facsimile function. In one example, the image forming apparatus 300 is an electrophotographic type. The image forming apparatus 300 itself may have a display unit.

[0084] The data processing device 100 generates a print job based on the image data and transmits the print job to the image forming device 300. The image forming device 300 forms an image indicated by the image data on a sheet based on the print job.

[0085] Next, the configuration of each device constituting the image forming system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of each device constituting the image forming system 10.

[0086] [Configuration of data processing device 100] 6, the data processing device 100 includes a display unit 110, an input unit 120, a control unit 130, and a storage unit 140, as well as a communication unit 150. The communication unit 150 communicates with an external device. For example, the communication unit 150 receives image data from the external device. The communication unit 150 transmits a job to the external device.

[0087] The communication unit 150 communicates with the data storage device 200. For example, the communication unit 150 receives image data from the data storage device 200. The communication unit 150 communicates with the image forming apparatus 300. For example, the communication unit 150 transmits a job to the image forming apparatus 300.

[0088] The communication unit 150 has a first communication unit 151 that communicates with the data storage device 200 and a second communication unit 152 that communicates with the image forming device 300. The first communication unit 151 receives image data from the data storage device 200. The second communication unit 152 transmits a job to the image forming device 300.

[0089] The storage unit 140 stores a computer program. By executing the computer program, the control unit 130 functions as a display control unit 131, a first acquisition unit 132, a second acquisition unit 133, a matching unit 134, a comparison unit 135, and a generation unit 136A.

[0090] The generation unit 136A generates a print job based on a processing target image, which is either the first image or the second image, based on an instruction input to the input unit 120. The generation unit 136A is an example of an execution unit in the claims.

[0091] The data processing device 100 may further include an imaging unit 160. The imaging unit 160 includes an imaging element. For example, the imaging element is a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. The imaging unit 160 generates image data.

[0092] [Configuration of data storage device 200] The data storage device 200 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 230. The control unit 210 controls the operations of the storage unit 220 and the communication unit 230.

[0093] The control unit 210 includes a computing element. The computing element includes a processor. In one example, the processor includes a CPU. The processor may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0094] The storage unit 220 stores data and computer programs. The storage unit 220 includes a storage element. The storage unit 220 includes a main storage element such as a semiconductor memory, and an auxiliary storage element such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 220 may also include removable media.

[0095] For example, the computer program is stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, which includes a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, or an optical data storage device.

[0096] The storage unit 220 stores image data. The storage unit 220 stores various data. For example, the storage unit 220 stores a control program. The control unit 210 controls the operations of the storage unit 220 and the communication unit 230 using the control program stored in the storage unit 220.

[0097] The control unit 210 executes a control program to control the operation of the data storage device 200. In particular, the processor of the control unit 210 executes a computer program stored in a memory element of the memory unit 220 to control the operation of each part of the data storage device 200.

[0098] The communication unit 230 communicates with an external device. For example, the communication unit 230 receives image data from the external device. In one example, the communication unit 230 communicates with the data processing device 100. For example, the communication unit 230 receives image data from the data processing device 100.

[0099] [Configuration of image forming apparatus 300] The image forming apparatus 300 includes an image forming unit 310, a control unit 320, a storage unit 330, and a communication unit 340. The control unit 320 controls the operations of the image forming unit 310, the storage unit 330, and the communication unit 340.

[0100] The image forming unit 310 forms an image on a sheet according to a print job. The image forming unit 310 forms an image on the sheet using, for example, toner or ink. The sheet may be, for example, plain paper, recycled paper, thin paper, thick paper, or coated paper.

[0101] The control unit 320 includes a computing element. The computing element includes a processor. In one example, the processor includes a CPU.

[0102] The storage unit 330 stores data and computer programs. The storage unit 330 includes a storage element. The storage unit 330 includes a main storage element such as a semiconductor memory and a secondary storage element such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 330 may also include removable media. The processor of the control unit 320 executes the computer program stored in the storage element of the storage unit 330 to control the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 300.

[0103] For example, the computer program is stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, which includes a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, or an optical data storage device.

[0104] The storage unit 330 stores image data that indicates an image to be formed on a sheet.

[0105] The communication unit 340 communicates with an external device. For example, the communication unit 340 receives image data from the external device. In one example, the communication unit 340 communicates with the data processing device 100. For example, the communication unit 340 receives a print job from the data processing device 100.

[0106] Next, the flow of upload processing for uploading image data from the data processing device 100 to the data storage device 200 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing the upload processing. Here, the imaging unit 160 of the data processing device 100 generates image data by capturing an image.

[0107] 7, in step S202, the communication unit 150 connects to the data storage device 200. Typically, when the operator of the data processing device 100 inputs, via the input unit 120, an instruction to upload image data stored in the storage unit 140 to the data storage device 200, the communication unit 150 connects to the data storage device 200.

[0108] In step S204, the communication unit 150 transmits the image data stored in the storage unit 140 to the data storage device 200. The image data may be generated by the imaging unit 160. The data storage device 200 stores the image data.

[0109] The data storage device 200 may compress the image data before storing it, or may compress the image data after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the image data was stored.

[0110] 1 to 8, a flow of print job execution processing will be described in which data processing device 100 receives and displays image data transmitted from data storage device 200 and transmits a print job to image forming device 300. Fig. 8 is a flow diagram showing the print job execution processing.

[0111] In step S302, the first acquisition unit 132 acquires the first image data. In step S304, the second acquisition unit 133 acquires the second image data. In one example, the first acquisition unit 132 reads the first image data from the storage unit 140.

[0112] In another example, the communication unit 150 is connected to the data storage device 200. Typically, when an operator of the data processing device 100 inputs an instruction to access image data stored in the data storage device 200 via the input unit 120, the communication unit 150 communicates with the data storage device 200. The communication unit 150 receives image data stored in the data storage device 200 from the data storage device 200. The image data may be data previously generated by the data processing device 100 or may be data previously generated by another device. When the communication unit 150 receives first image data from the data storage device 200, the first acquisition unit 132 acquires the first image data. When the communication unit 150 receives second image data from the data storage device 200, the second acquisition unit 133 acquires the second image data.

[0113] In step S305, for example, the display control unit 131 determines whether the image quality priority mode is selected. Typically, for example, the display control unit 131 determines whether the image quality priority mode is selected based on whether an instruction to prioritize the image quality priority mode is input via the input unit 120 by the operator of the data processing device 100.

[0114] If the image quality priority mode is not selected (No in step S305), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S330. If the image quality priority mode is selected (Yes in step S305), the collation unit 134 proceeds to the process of step S306.

[0115] In step S306, the matching unit 134 determines whether the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same data.

[0116] If the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same data (Yes in step S306), the comparison unit 135 proceeds to the process of step S308. If the first image data and the second image data are not derived from the same data (No in step S306), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S330.

[0117] In step S308, the comparison unit 135 compares the image quality of the first image data with the image quality of the second image data.

[0118] In step S310, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display the image indicated by the high-quality image data of the first image data and the second image data so that it can be selected by the input unit 120, and causes the display unit 110 to display the image indicated by the low-quality image data of the first image data and the second image data so that it cannot be selected by the input unit 120.

[0119] In step S312, display control unit 131 determines whether at least one of the first image and the second image has been selected. Typically, when the operator of data processing device 100 operates at least one of the first image and the second image via input unit 120 and then operates selection confirmation button 112E, display control unit 131 accepts the selection of the operated image.

[0120] If neither the first image nor the second image is selected (No in step S312), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S320. If at least one of the first image and the second image is selected (Yes in step S312), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S314.

[0121] In step S314, the display control unit 131 determines whether the selected image is a non-selectable image. If the selected image is not a non-selectable image (No in step S314), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S316. If the selected image is a non-selectable image (Yes in step S314), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S318.

[0122] In step S316, the display control unit 131 adds the selected image as an image to be processed. Typically, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display the selected image in the third area 112C.

[0123] In step S318, the display control Part 1 31 causes the display unit 110 to display a message indicating that the selected image is an unselectable image.

[0124] In step S320, the display control unit 131 determines whether or not to end the selection of the image to be processed. Typically, when the operator of the data processing device 100 operates the process execution button 112D displayed on the display unit 110 via the input unit 120, the display control unit 131 accepts the end of the selection of the image to be processed.

[0125] If image selection is not to be ended (No in step S320), display control unit 131 returns to the process of step S312. If image selection is to be ended (Yes in step S320), generation unit 136A proceeds to the process of step S350.

[0126] In step S330, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display the first image indicated by the first image data and the second image indicated by the second image data. Typically, the display control unit 131 causes the display unit 110 to display the first image and the second image as selectable images according to the first image data and the second image data without changing the first image data and the second image data.

[0127] In step S332, the display control unit 131 determines whether or not at least one of the first image and the second image has been selected. Typically, when the operator of the data processing device 100 operates at least one of the first image and the second image via the input unit 120, the display control unit 131 accepts the selection of the operated image.

[0128] If neither the first image nor the second image is selected (No in step S332), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S340. If at least one of the first image and the second image is selected (Yes in step S332), the display control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S334.

[0129] In step S334, the display control unit 131 adds the selected image as an image to be processed.

[0130] In step S340, display control unit 131 determines whether or not to end the selection of the image to be processed. Typically, when the operator of data processing device 100 operates processing execution button 112D displayed on display unit 110 via input unit 120, display control unit 131 accepts the end of the selection of the image to be processed.

[0131] If the selection of the image to be processed is not to be ended (No in step S340), the display control unit 131 returns to the process of step S332. If the selection of the image to be processed is to be ended (Yes in step S340), the generation unit 136A proceeds to the process of step S350.

[0132] In step S350, generation unit 136A transmits a print job generated based on the processing target image data corresponding to the processing target image to image forming device 300. For example, generation unit 136A generates a print job based on the processing target image data. Generation unit 136A causes second communication unit 152 to transmit the print job to image forming device 300.

[0133] According to this embodiment, it is possible to easily select high-quality image data from among a plurality of image data derived from the same data, and to easily generate a print job based on the high-quality image data.

[0134] The above describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all of the components shown in the above embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings mainly show each component schematically to facilitate understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each illustrated component may differ from the actual components due to the convenience of drawing. Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited. Various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the first acquisition unit 132 and the second acquisition unit 133 acquire image data representing a photograph or the like, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the first acquisition unit 132 and the second acquisition unit 133 may acquire data such as text or a document. In this case, the comparison unit 135 may compare the quality of the data acquired by the first acquisition unit 132 with the quality of the data acquired by the second acquisition unit 133. [Industrial Applicability]

[0136] The present invention is suitably used in a data processing device and an image forming system.

Claims

1. A display unit; an input unit into which an instruction from an operator is input; a first acquisition unit that acquires first image data; a second acquisition unit that acquires second image data; a comparison unit that compares the first image data and the second image data to determine whether there is a high probability that they are derived from the same image data; a comparison unit that compares image quality of the first image data with image quality of the second image data when there is a high probability that the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same image data; a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a display screen including a predetermined first area for displaying the first image data and a predetermined second area different from the first area for displaying the second image data within the same screen, and that causes the display unit to display a high-quality image out of a first image indicated by the first image data and a second image indicated by the second image data on the display screen as a selectable image based on the comparison result of the comparison unit, and to display a low-quality image out of the first image and the second image on the display screen as a non-selectable image based on the comparison result of the comparison unit; a data processing device comprising: an execution unit that, when receiving an instruction to select the selectable image via the input unit, executes a predetermined process on image data corresponding to the selected selectable image; and, even when receiving an instruction to select the non-selectable image via the input unit, does not execute the predetermined process on image data corresponding to the selected non-selectable image.

2. The data processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the low-quality image as the unselectable image in a grayed-out state.

3. further comprising a storage unit that stores the first image data; The data processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the first acquisition unit reads out the first image data from the storage unit.

4. a communication unit that communicates with a data storage device that stores the second image data; The data processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the second image data from the data storage device via the communication unit.

5. a communication unit that communicates with the image forming apparatus; 2. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the execution unit receives an instruction to select the selectable image via the input unit, the execution unit generates a print job based on image data corresponding to the selected selectable image and causes the communication unit to transmit the print job to the image forming device.

6. 2. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the first image and the second image as the selectable images when there is a low probability that the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same image data.

7. the display screen further includes a predetermined third area, different from the first area and the second area, for displaying the selected selectable image; The data processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit, upon receiving an instruction to select the selectable image via the input unit, causes the display unit to display the selected selectable image in the third area.

8. An image forming system including a data storage device, a data processing device, and an image forming device, The data storage device comprises: a first storage unit that stores the second image data; a first communication unit that communicates with the data processing device; a first control unit that transmits the second image data to the data processing device via the first communication unit; The data processing device includes: A display unit; an input unit into which an instruction from an operator is input; a second storage unit that stores the first image data; a second communication unit that communicates with the data storage device; a first acquisition unit that acquires the first image data from the second storage unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires the second image data transmitted from the data storage device via the second communication unit; a comparison unit that compares the first image data and the second image data to determine whether there is a high probability that they are derived from the same image data; a comparison unit that compares image quality of the first image data with image quality of the second image data when there is a high probability that the first image data and the second image data are derived from the same image data; a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a display screen including a predetermined first area for displaying the first image data and a predetermined second area different from the first area for displaying the second image data within the same screen, and that causes the display unit to display a high-quality image out of a first image indicated by the first image data and a second image indicated by the second image data on the display screen as a selectable image based on the comparison result of the comparison unit, and to display a low-quality image out of the first image and the second image on the display screen as a non-selectable image based on the comparison result of the comparison unit; a generation unit that, when receiving an instruction to select the selectable image via the input unit, generates a print job based on image data corresponding to the selected selectable image and transmits the print job to the image forming device via the second communication unit, and, even when receiving an instruction to select the non-selectable image via the input unit, does not generate the print job based on image data corresponding to the selected non-selectable image; the image forming apparatus, a third communication unit that communicates with the data processing device; an image forming unit that executes the print job and forms an image on a recording medium; a second control unit that, upon receiving the print job via the third communication unit, causes the image forming unit to execute the print job.

9. A display unit; an input unit into which an instruction from an operator is input; a first acquisition unit that acquires first data; a second acquisition unit that acquires second data; a collation unit that verifies whether there is a high probability that the first data and the second data are derived from the same data; a comparison unit that compares quality of the first data and quality of the second data when there is a high probability that the first data and the second data are derived from the same data; a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a display screen including a predetermined first area for displaying the first data and a predetermined second area different from the first area for displaying the second data within the same screen, and that causes the display unit to display a high-quality image out of a first image indicated by the first data and a second image indicated by the second data on the display screen as a selectable image and to display a low-quality image out of the first image and the second image on the display screen as a non-selectable image based on a comparison result of the comparison unit; an execution unit that, when receiving an instruction to select the selectable image via the input unit, executes a predetermined process on data corresponding to the selected selectable image, and, even when receiving an instruction to select the non-selectable image via the input unit, does not execute the predetermined process on data corresponding to the selected non-selectable image.

Images