Printing control apparatus and method

The present invention relates to print control devices and methods, and more particularly to print control devices and methods that perform output to an electronic file and output to paper in a single scan.

In recent years, with the development of digital copy technology, various controls in double-sided printing have been proposed.

For example, when printing a document with an odd number of pages on both sides, a double-sided printing method in a print control device that prints without switching from double-sided printing to single-sided printing by using a blank image created in advance as the final page. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).<patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-182163</text></patcit>

<p> However, when a single-sided and double-sided original is output as an electronic file, blank pages are wasted. Therefore, the user implements single-sided printing control for the single-sided original and double-sided for the double-sided original. There is a problem that a complicated operation of scanning while performing print control must be performed.</p><p> Furthermore, when outputting the above-mentioned single-sided and double-sided original to paper, the user must rescan the original by double-sided printing, and the digitized file output above cannot be used. There's a problem.</p><p> Therefore, in the present invention, at the same time in one scan, blank pages are deleted when outputting to an electronic file, and when outputting to paper, both sides are printed on both sides just like a manuscript, and one side is printed on one side. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print control device and a method capable of printing.</p>

<p> In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is an instruction designating means for designating an instruction to output the input data in a print control device that requests the image output device to print the input data input processed by the image input device. , A job creation means for creating a job based on an output instruction for the input data specified by the instruction designation means, a print image conversion means for converting the input data into the print image, and a blank sheet for the input data. Corresponds to a blank page detecting means for performing detection, a blank page processing means for deleting input data corresponding to a page detected as blank by the blank sheet detecting means, and a page detected as not blank by the blank sheet detecting means. An electronic file conversion means for converting input data into an electronic file, a print image converted from input data by the image conversion means according to a job created by the job creation means, and an electron converted from input data by the electronic file conversion means. It is characterized by including a file management means for storing a file as a file and a print image transmission means for transmitting the print image to the image output device.</p><p> The instruction designation means corresponds to the instruction designation module 6 shown in FIG. 2, the job creation means corresponds to the job creation means 15 shown in FIG. 2, and the print image conversion means corresponds to the print image conversion means 201 shown in FIG. However, the blank page detecting means corresponds to the blank sheet detecting means 171 shown in FIG. 3, the blank page processing means corresponds to the blank page processing means 181 shown in FIG. 3, and the electronic file converting means corresponds to the electronic file converting means 191 shown in FIG. The file management means corresponds to the file management module 11 shown in FIG. 2, and the print image transmission means corresponds to the print image transmission module 13 shown in FIG.</p><p> The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the print image transmitting means includes a print image account means for calculating the number of print images to be transmitted to the image output device.</p><p> The print image account means corresponds to the print image account means 16 shown in FIG.</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 3 further includes, in the invention of claim 1, an instruction sheet creating means for creating an instruction sheet describing an instruction for outputting input data designated by the instruction designating means, and the job creating means. Is characterized in that the job is created based on the instruction sheet created by the instruction sheet creating means.</p><p> The instruction manual creation means corresponds to the instruction manual creation module 8 shown in FIG.</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, control of assigning a page number to the printed image is performed.</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 5 is an instruction designating means for designating an instruction for outputting the input data and an instruction designating means for designating an instruction for outputting the input data in a print control device for requesting the image output device to print the input data input processed by the image input device. A job creation means for creating a job based on the output instruction of the input data specified in, a single page conversion means for converting the input data into a file for each single page, and a single page converted by the single page conversion means. An ON flag is set for a blank page detecting means that detects a blank sheet for each file and a file corresponding to a page detected as a blank sheet by the blank sheet detecting means, and the blank page detecting means detects that the blank page is not blank. The flag setting means for setting the OFF flag in the file corresponding to the page and the file corresponding to the page for which the ON flag is set by the flag setting means are deleted, and the page corresponding to the page for which the OFF flag is set by the flag setting means is deleted. Input by the electronic file conversion means for converting the file to be converted into the electronic file, the print image conversion means for converting the file into the print image while holding the settings of the ON flag and the OFF flag, and the image conversion means. It includes a print image converted from data, a file management means for storing an electronic file converted from input data by the electronic file conversion means as a file, and a print image transmission means for transmitting the print image to the image output device. It is characterized by that.</p><p> The instruction designation means corresponds to the instruction designation module 6 shown in FIG. 2, the job creation means corresponds to the job creation means 15 shown in FIG. 2, and the single page conversion means corresponds to the single page conversion means 242 shown in FIG. However, the blank sheet detecting means corresponds to the blank sheet detecting means 172 shown in FIG. 7, the flag setting means corresponds to the flag setting means 25 shown in FIG. 7, and the electronic file converting means corresponds to the electronic file converting means 192 shown in FIG. However, the print image conversion means corresponds to the print image conversion means 202 shown in FIG. 7, the file management means corresponds to the file management module 11 shown in FIG. 2, and the print image transmission means corresponds to the print image transmission module 13 shown in FIG. Corresponds to.</p><p> Further, in the invention of claim 6, in the invention of claim 5, the print image transmitting means calculates the number of blank images based on the ON flag set in the print image, and the calculated blank image is used. It is characterized by comprising a print image account means for calculating the number of print images to be transmitted to the image output device excluding the number of images.</p><p> The print image account means corresponds to the print image account means 16 shown in FIG.</p><p> The invention of claim 7 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 5, a thumbnail of a print image in which the OFF flag is set is displayed.</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 8 further includes, in the invention of claim 5, an instruction sheet creating means for creating an instruction sheet describing an instruction for outputting input data designated by the instruction designating means, and the job creating means. Is characterized in that the job is created based on the instruction sheet created by the instruction sheet creating means.</p><p> The instruction manual creation means corresponds to the instruction manual creation module 8 shown in FIG.</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 9 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 5, control of assigning a page number to the printed image is performed.</p><p> The invention according to claim 10 is an instruction designating means for designating an instruction to output the input data and an instruction designating means for designating an instruction to output the input data in a print control device for requesting the image output device to print the input data input processed by the image input device. A job creation means for creating a job based on the output instruction of the input data specified in, a single page conversion means for converting the input data into a file for each single page, and a single page converted by the single page conversion means. The blank page detecting means for detecting a blank sheet for each file and the file corresponding to the page detected as a blank sheet by the blank sheet detecting means are deleted, and the page detected as the blank sheet is recorded in the position information of the blank sheet. The blank page processing means, the electronic file conversion means for converting the file corresponding to the page detected by the blank page detecting means to the electronic file, and the page detected by the blank page detecting means as not blank. File management that saves the print image conversion means that converts the corresponding file into the print image, the print image that is converted from the input data by the image conversion means, and the electronic file that is converted from the input data by the electronic file conversion means. Means and A print control device including a print image transmission means for transmitting the print image to the image output device.</p><p> The instruction designation means corresponds to the instruction designation module 6 shown in FIG. 2, the job creation means corresponds to the job creation means 15 shown in FIG. 2, and the single page conversion means corresponds to the single page conversion means 243 shown in FIG. However, the blank page detecting means corresponds to the blank sheet detecting means 173 shown in FIG. 12, the blank page processing means corresponds to the blank page processing means 183 shown in FIG. 12, and the electronic file converting means corresponds to the electronic file converting means 193 shown in FIG. The print image conversion means corresponds to the print image conversion means 203 shown in FIG. 12, the file management means corresponds to the file management module 11 shown in FIG. 2, and the print image transmission means corresponds to the print image transmission shown in FIG. Corresponds to module 13.</p><p> Further, in the invention of claim 11, the print image transmitting means confirms the position of the blank page based on the position information of the blank sheet, and outputs the blank image prepared in advance as the image output. It is characterized by transmitting to a device.</p><p> The invention of claim 12 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 11, the print image transmitting means includes a print image account means for calculating the number of print images to be transmitted to the image output device.</p><p> The print image account means corresponds to the print image account means 16 shown in FIG.</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 13 is the invention of claim 10, wherein the file management means stores the position information of the blank paper recorded by the blank page processing means together with the print image converted by the print image conversion means. It is characterized by.</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 14 further includes, in the invention of claim 10, an instruction sheet creating means for creating an instruction sheet describing an instruction for outputting input data designated by the instruction designating means, and the job creating means. Is characterized in that the job is created based on the instruction sheet created by the instruction sheet creating means.</p><p> The instruction manual creation means corresponds to the instruction manual creation module 8 shown in FIG.</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 15 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 10, control of assigning a page number to the printed image is performed.</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 16 is a print control method in which an image output device is requested to print input data input processed by an image input device, in which an instruction to output the input data is received and an instruction to output the received input data is instructed. Based on, a job is created, the input data is converted into the print image, blank page detection is performed on the input data, and the input data corresponding to the page detected as blank page by the blank page detection is deleted. It is characterized in that the input data corresponding to the page detected as not blank by the blank page detection is converted into an electronic file, and the print image and the electronic file converted from the input data are saved as a file according to the job.</p><p> The invention of claim 17 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 16, when the print image is transmitted to the image output device, the number of print images to be transmitted to the image output device is calculated.</p><p> The invention of claim 18 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 16, an instruction sheet describing an instruction for outputting the input data is created, and the job is created based on the created instruction sheet. ..</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 19 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 16, control of assigning a page number to the printed image is performed.</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 20 is a print control method in which an image output device is requested to print input data input processed by an image input device, in which an instruction to output the input data is received and the output of the received input data is output. Based on the instruction, a job is created, the input data is converted into a file for each single page, a blank page is detected for the converted file for each single page, and the page detected as blank by the blank page detection is displayed. The ON flag is set for the corresponding file, the OFF flag is set for the file corresponding to the page detected as not blank by the blank page detection, the file corresponding to the page for which the ON flag is set is deleted, and the above The file corresponding to the page on which the OFF flag is set is converted into the electronic file, the ON flag and the OFF flag settings are retained, the file is converted into the print image, and the print converted from the input data. It features saving images and electronic files as files.</p><p> Further, in the invention of claim 21, when the print image is transmitted to the image output device, the number of blank images is calculated based on the ON flag set in the print image in the invention of claim 20. Then, the number of print images to be transmitted to the image output device is calculated excluding the calculated number of blank images.</p><p> The invention of claim 22 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 20, a thumbnail of a print image in which the OFF flag is set is displayed.</p><p> The invention of claim 23 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 20, an instruction sheet describing an instruction for outputting the input data is created, and the job is created based on the created instruction sheet. ..</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 24 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 20, control of assigning a page number to the printed image is performed.</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 25 is a print control method in which an image output device is requested to print input data input processed by an image input device, in which an instruction to output the input data is received and an instruction to output the received input data is instructed. the basis, to create a job, the input data file for each single page is converted into Le, conducted blank page detection for files for each single pages the conversion, the blank page detected page by the blank page detection The corresponding file is deleted, the page detected as blank is recorded in the position information of the blank, the file corresponding to the page detected as not blank by the blank detection is converted into the electronic file, and the blank is detected. The file corresponding to the page detected as not blank is converted into the print image, and the print image and the electronic file converted from the input data are saved as a file.</p><p> Further, in the invention of claim 26, when the print image is transmitted to the image output device, the position of the blank page is confirmed based on the position information of the blank sheet and prepared in advance. The blank image is transmitted to the image output device.</p><p> The invention of claim 27 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 26, when the print image is transmitted to the image output device, the number of print images to be transmitted to the image output device is calculated.</p><p> The invention of claim 28 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 25, the print image is stored and the position information of the blank sheet is stored.</p><p> The invention of claim 29 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 25, an instruction sheet describing an instruction for outputting the input data is created, and the job is created based on the created instruction sheet. ..</p><p> Further, the invention of claim 30 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 25, control of assigning a page number to the printed image is performed.</p>

<p> According to the present invention, there is an effect that print output and electronic output, in which single-sided printing and double-sided printing are switched, can be performed by one operation.</p><p> Further, according to the present invention, since it is not necessary to switch the control of the paper path in the print output, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the printing speed.</p><p> Further, according to the present invention, when a scanner having a PDF function is provided, there is an effect that it is not necessary to perform complicated operations such as single-sided original and single-sided printing designation, double-sided original and double-sided printing designation.</p><p> Further, according to the present invention, there is an effect that the user can specify the page number without being conscious of one side or both sides.</p>

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As an embodiment of the present invention, a configuration in which a print control device, a scanner, and a printer are connected via a network will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the print control system 1 used in the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the print control system 1 is configured by connecting a print control device 2, a plurality of scanners 3, and a plurality of printers 4 via a network 5. It should be noted that a plurality of scanners 3 and printers 4 are not always required.

Here, each device will be described in detail.

The print control device 2 processes the scan data read by the scanner 3 and transmits it to the printer 4.

The scanner 3 inputs scan data by scanning the original, and transmits the input scan data to the print control device 2.

The printer 4 forms a print image from the print control device 2 on the paper.

Next, the configuration of the print control device 2 will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the print control device 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the print control device 2 includes an instruction designation module 6, an instruction transmission module 7, an instruction creation module 8, a job management module 9, a scan data processing module 10, a file management module 11, and a file storage module 12. It is configured to include a print image transmission module 13.

Here, each component will be described in detail.

The instruction designation module 6 gives instructions to the scanner 3 (for example, instructions for resolution, color space, compression format, image scan area, etc.) and instructions for outputting scan data (for example, an electronic file in one scan (hereinafter, hereafter). It has an instruction specification UI (User Interface) 14 for specifying an output instruction to (called an electronic file) and an output instruction to paper).

The instruction transmission module 7 performs a process of transmitting an instruction to the scanner 3 designated by the instruction designation module 6 to the scanner 3.

The instruction sheet creation module 8 performs a process of creating an instruction sheet that describes an instruction for outputting scan data specified by the instruction specification module 6.

The job management module 9 analyzes the instruction sheet created by the instruction sheet creation module 8 and performs a process of requesting processing to the scan data processing module 10 and the file management module 11 according to the analyzed instruction sheet. The job management module 9 has a job creation means 15 that creates a job according to the instruction described in the analyzed instruction sheet. That is, the job management module 9 requests the scan data processing module 10 and the file management module 11 for processing, and manages the job flow in the print control device 2 according to the designated instruction.

The scan data processing module 10 performs a process of converting the scan data scanned by the scanner 3 into an electronic file and a print image.

The file management module 11 performs a process of managing the reading of electronic files and print images in the file storage module 12.

The print image transmission module 13 performs a process of transmitting a print image to the printer 4. The print image transmission module 13 has a print image account means 16 for calculating the number of print images to be transmitted to the printer 4 (hereinafter referred to as an account).

Next, the first embodiment of the functional configuration of the scan data processing module 10 will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the scan data processing module 101 of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the scan data processing module 101 includes a blank page detecting means 171, a blank page processing means 181, an electronic file converting means 191, and a print image converting means 201.

Here, the function of each means will be described in detail.

The blank page detecting means 171 is a function of detecting blank pages in the scan data received from the job management module 9.

The blank page processing means 181 is a function for deleting a blank page detected as a blank page by the blank page detecting means 171.

The electronic file conversion means 191 is a function of converting scan data into an electronic file (for example, PDF [Portable Document Format], TIFF [Tagged Image File Format]).

The print image conversion means 201 is a function of converting the scan data received from the job management module 9 into data that can be interpreted by the printer 4 (hereinafter referred to as a print image).

Next, the first functional operation performed by the print control device 2 when outputting the scan data to an electronic file and paper will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

When the instruction specification module 6 receives the instruction to the scanner 3 and the instruction to output the scan data by the instruction specification UI 14, the instruction to the scanner 3 is passed to the instruction transmission module 7, and the instruction to output the scan data is sent to the instruction sheet creation module 8. hand over.

When the instruction transmission module 7 receives the instruction to the scanner 3, the instruction transmission module 7 transmits the instruction to the received scanner 3 to the scanner 3. Here, the scanner 3 scans the document according to the instruction to the scanner 3, and holds the scanned scan data.

In addition, when the instruction sheet creation module 8 receives the instruction to output the scan data, it creates an instruction sheet describing the instruction to output the received scan data, passes the created instruction sheet to the job management module 9, and passes it to the job management module 9. When 9 receives the instruction, it analyzes the received instruction and creates a job based on the scan data output instruction described in the instruction by the job creation means 15. Then, the job management module 9 fetches the scan data held by the scanner 3 according to the job, and passes the fetched scan data to the scan data processing module 101.

When the scan data processing module 101 receives the scan data, the blank page detection means 171 detects the scan data, the blank page processing means 181 deletes the scan data of the page detected as blank, and the electronic file conversion means. The scan data of the page that was not detected as a blank page by 191 is converted into an electronic file, and the pages converted into an electronic file are bundled. Then, the scan data processing module 101 passes the electronic file to the file management module 11, and when the file management module 11 receives the electronic file, the scan data processing module 101 saves the received electronic file in the file storage module 12.

When the scan data processing module 101 receives the scan data, the print image conversion means 201 converts the scan data into a print image.

Then, the scan data processing module 101 passes the print image to the print image transmission module 13, and when the print image transmission module 13 receives the print image, the print image account means 16 calculates the print image account and prints the print image to the printer 4. Send to.

Further, the scan data processing module 101 passes the print image to the file management module 11, and when the file management module 11 receives the print image, the scan data processing module 101 saves the received print image in the file storage module 12.

Next, when the scan data is output to an electronic file, the processing performed by the blank page detecting means 171, the blank page processing means 181 and the electronic file conversion means 191 included in the scan data processing module 101 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Receive scan data (step S401), set "N = 0" (step S402), set "N = N + 1" (step S403), and perform blank page detection on page N (step S404). ).

If page N is blank (YES in step S405), delete page N (step S406).

If page N is not the last page (NO in step S407), return to step S403.

In step S405, if page N is not blank (NO in step S405), convert page N to an electronic file (step S408) and proceed to step S407.

In step S407, if page N is the last page (YES in step S407), the pages converted into electronic files are bundled (step S409), and the processing procedure ends.

Next, when the scan data is output to paper, the processing procedure performed by the print image conversion means 201 included in the scan data processing module 101 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and the print image transmission module 13 is shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in.

Receive the scan data (step S501), set "N = 0" (step S502), set "N = N + 1" (step S503), and convert page N to a print image (step S504).

If page N is not the last page (NO in step S505), return to step S503.

In step S505, if page N is the last page (YES in step S505), set the print image account to N (step S506), send the print image to the printer (step S507), and end the processing procedure. ..

Next, the electronic file and the print image processed by the scan data processing module 101 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 will be described in detail.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an electronic file 221 and a print image 231 converted by the scan data processing module 101 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 (a) is a diagram showing the scan data 21 read by the scanner 3, and FIG. 6 (b) shows the scan data shown in FIG. 6 (a) in the scan data processing module 101 of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the converted electronic file 221 and the print image 231.

For example, the scan data 21 obtained by scanning the original by the scanner 3 using the double-sided printing function shows "Page 1 [Front], Page 1 [Back], Page 2 [Front], Page 2 [. Back], page 3 [front], page 3 [back (blank)], page 4 [front], page 4 [back], page 5 [front], page 5 [back (blank)] . In addition, "" represents one file.

Then, in the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 6A, the scan data processing module 101 detects that page 3 [back] and page 5 [back] are blank by the blank page detecting means 171. Therefore, the blank page processing means. Page 3 [Back] and Page 5 [Back] are deleted by 181 and Page 1 [Front], Page 1 [Back], Page 2 [Front], Page 2 [Back], Page 3 [ [Front], Page 4 [Front], Page 4 [Back], Page 5 [Front] are converted to electronic files.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the electronic file 221 obtained by converting the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 6 (a) by the scan data processing module 101 of the first embodiment is described in "Page 1 [Table], Page. 1 [back], page 2 [front], page 2 [back], page 3 [front], page 4 [front], page 4 [back], page 5 [front] .

Further, in the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 6A, all the scan data 21 is converted into a print image by the print image conversion means 201 in the scan data processing module 101.

Therefore, the print image 231 obtained by converting the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 6 (a) by the scan data processing module 101 of the first embodiment has "Page 1 [Table]" and "Page 1 [Table]" as shown in FIG. 6 (b). Page 1 [Back] "Page 2 [Front]" "Page 2 [Back]" "Page 3 [Front]" "Page 3 [Back (blank)]" "Page 4 [Front]" "Page 4 [Back] "Page 5 [front]" "Page 5 [back (blank)]".

When the print image 231 converted from the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 6A by the scan data processing module 101 of the first embodiment is saved for reprinting or the like, all the above print images 231 are files. It is saved in the save module 12.

When displaying thumbnails of print images saved for reprinting or the like, thumbnails of all the saved print images are displayed.

Next, a second embodiment of the functional configuration of the scan data processing module 10 will be described in detail.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the scan data processing module 102 includes a single page conversion means 242, a blank page detecting means 172, a flag setting means 25, an electronic file conversion means 192, and a print image conversion means 202.

Here, the function of each means will be described in detail.

The single page conversion means 242 is a function of converting the scan data received from the job management module 9 into a single page file.

The blank page detecting means 172 is a function of performing blank page detection on the scan data converted into a file for each single page by the single page converting means 242.

The flag setting means 25 is a function of setting an ON flag on a page where a blank page is detected by the blank page detecting means 172 and setting an OFF flag on a page where a blank page is not detected.

The electronic file conversion means 192 is a function of converting a page for which the OFF flag is set into an electronic file and deleting the page for which the ON flag is set.

The print image conversion means 202 is a function of converting all pages into a print image. The ON flag and OFF flag set on each page by the flag setting means 25 are retained.

Next, the second functional operation performed by the print control device 2 when outputting the scan data to an electronic file and paper will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 7.

When the instruction specification module 6 receives the instruction to the scanner 3 and the instruction to output the scan data by the instruction specification UI 14, the instruction to the scanner 3 is passed to the instruction transmission module 7, and the instruction to output the scan data is sent to the instruction sheet creation module 8. hand over.

When the instruction transmission module 7 receives the instruction to the scanner 3, the instruction transmission module 7 transmits the instruction to the received scanner 3 to the scanner 3. Here, the scanner 3 scans the document according to the instruction to the scanner 3, and holds the scanned scan data.

In addition, when the instruction sheet creation module 8 receives the instruction to output the scan data, it creates an instruction sheet describing the instruction to output the received scan data, passes the created instruction sheet to the job management module 9, and passes it to the job management module 9. When 9 receives the instruction, it analyzes the received instruction and creates a job based on the scan data output instruction described in the instruction by the job creation means 15. Then, the job management module 9 fetches the scan data held by the scanner according to the job, and passes the fetched scan data to the scan data processing module 102.

When the scan data processing module 102 receives the scan data, it converts the received scan data into a single page file by the single page conversion means 242, and performs blank page detection on the single page file by the blank page detection means 172. , The ON flag is set on the page where the blank page is detected by the flag setting means 25, and the OFF flag is set on the page where the blank page is not detected.

Then, the scan data processing module 102 deletes the page for which the ON flag is set by the electronic file conversion means 192, converts the page for which the OFF flag is set to an electronic file, and bundles the pages converted into the electronic file. .. Then, the scan data processing module 102 passes the electronic file to the file management module 11, and when the file management module 11 receives the electronic file, the scan data processing module 102 saves the received electronic file in the file storage module 12.

Further, the scan data processing module 102 converts all pages into print images by the print image conversion means 202, and retains the flags set for each page.

Then, the scan data processing module 102 passes the print image to the print image transmission module 13, and when the print image transmission module 13 receives the print image, the print image account means 16 is based on the flag set on each page of the print image. Calculates the print image account and sends the print image to printer 4.

Further, the scan data processing module 102 passes the print image to the file management module 11 while holding the flag set for each page, and when the file management module 11 receives the print image, the received print image is saved in the file storage module. Save to 12.

Next, when the scan data is output to an electronic file and paper, the single page conversion means 242, the blank page detection means 172, and the flag setting means 25 included in the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 perform the operation. The processing procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Receive scan data (step S801), convert the received scan data to a single page file (step S802), set "N = 0" (step S803), set "N = N + 1" (Step S804), blank page detection is performed for page N (step S805).

If page N is blank (YES in step S806), set the ON flag for page N (step S807).

If page N is not the last page (NO in step S808), return to step S804.

In step S806, if page N is not blank (NO in step S806), the OFF flag is set for page N (step S809), and the process proceeds to step S808.

In step S808, if page N is the last page (YES in step S808), the processing procedure ends.

Next, when outputting the scan data to an electronic file, refer to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 for the processing procedure performed by the electronic file conversion means 192 included in the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7. explain.

Set "N = 0" (step S901), set "N = N + 1" (step S902), and check the flag set on page N (step S903).

If page N is set to the ON flag (YES in step S904), delete page N (step S905).

If page N is not the last page (NO in step S906), return to step S902.

If the OFF flag is set for page N in step S904 (NO in step S904), page N is converted to an electronic file (step S907), and the process proceeds to step S906.

In step S906, if page N is the last page (YES in step S906), the pages converted into electronic files are bundled (step S908), and the processing procedure ends.

Next, when the scan data is output to paper, the processing procedure performed by the print image conversion means 202 included in the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 and the print image transmission module 13 is shown in FIG. 10. This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in.

Set "N = 0, M = 0" (step S1001), set "N = N + 1" (step S1002), and check the flag set on page N (step S1003).

If the ON flag is set on page N (YES in step S1004), set it to "M = M + 1" (step S1005) and convert page N to a print image (step S1006).

In step S1004, if page N is set to the OFF flag (NO in step S1004), page N is converted to a print image (step S1006).

If page N is not the last page (NO in step S1007), return to step S1002.

In step S1007, if page N is the last page (YES in step S1007), set the print image account to "NM" (step S1008), send the print image to the printer (step S1009), and follow the steps. finish.

Next, the electronic file and the print image processed by the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 will be described in detail.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an electronic file 222 and a print image 232 converted by the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 (a) is a diagram showing the scan data 21 read by the scanner 3, and FIG. 11 (b) shows the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 11 (a) as the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the electronic file 222 and the print image 232 converted in.

For example, the scan data 21 obtained by scanning the original by the scanner 3 using the double-sided printing function shows "Page 1 [Front], Page 1 [Back], Page 2 [Front], Page 2 [. Back], page 3 [front], page 3 [back (blank)], page 4 [front], page 4 [back], page 5 [front], page 5 [back (blank)] . In addition, "" represents one file.

Then, in the scan data processing module 102, the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 11A is detected by the blank page detecting means 172 that the page 3 [back] and the page 5 [back] are blank, and the flag setting means 25 detects the page. Since the ON flag is set on 3 [Back] and Page 5 [Back], Page 3 [Back] and Page 5 [Back] are deleted by the electronic file conversion means 192, and Page 1 [Front] and Page 1 [Back] are deleted. ], Page 2 [Front], Page 2 [Back], Page 3 [Front], Page 4 [Front], Page 4 [Back], Page 5 [Front] are converted to electronic files.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), the electronic file 222 obtained by converting the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 11 (a) by the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment has "Page 1 [Table], Page. 1 [back], page 2 [front], page 2 [back], page 3 [front], page 4 [front], page 4 [back], page 5 [front] .

Further, in the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 11A, all the scan data 21 is converted into a print image by the print image conversion means 202 in the scan data processing module 102.

Therefore, the print image 232 obtained by converting the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 11 (a) by the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment has "Page 1 [Table]" and "Page 1 [Table]" as shown in FIG. 11 (b). Page 1 [Back] "Page 2 [Front]" "Page 2 [Back]" "Page 3 [Front]" "Page 3 [Back (blank)]" "Page 4 [Front]" "Page 4 [Back] "Page 5 [front]" "Page 5 [back (blank)]".

Further, when the print image 232 converted from the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 11 (a) by the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment is saved for reprinting or the like, as shown in FIG. 11 (b). , "Page 1 [Front]: OFF flag" "Page 1 [Back]: OFF flag" "Page 2 [Front]: OFF flag" "Page 2 [Back]: OFF flag" "Page 3 [Front]: OFF flag" "Page 3 [Back (blank)]: ON flag" "Page 4 [Front]: OFF flag" "Page 4 [Back]: OFF flag" "Page 5 [Front]: OFF flag" "Page 5 [Back (back) Blank page)]: ON flag . Therefore, even when the saved print image 26 is reprinted, the flag set for each page is retained, so that the account of the blank page can be deleted.

When displaying the thumbnail of the print image 26 saved for reprinting or the like, only the thumbnail of the print image for which the OFF flag is set is displayed.

Next, a third embodiment of the functional configuration of the scan data processing module 10 will be described in detail.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the scan data processing module 103 of the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the scan data processing module 103 includes a single page conversion means 243, a blank page detecting means 173, a blank page processing means 183, an electronic file conversion means 193, and a print image conversion means 203.

Here, the function of each means will be described in detail.

The single page conversion means 243 is a function of converting the scan data received from the job management module 9 into a file for each single page.

The blank page detection means 173 is a function of performing blank page detection on the scan data converted into a file for each single page by the single page conversion means 243.

The blank page processing means 183 is a function of deleting a blank page detected by the blank page detecting means 173 and recording the position information of the deleted blank page.

The electronic file conversion means 193 is a function of converting scan data into an electronic file.

The print image conversion means 203 is a function of converting scan data into a print image. The position information of the blank page is retained.

Next, the third functional operation performed by the print control device 2 when outputting the scan data to an electronic file and paper will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 12.

When the instruction specification module 6 receives the instruction to the scanner 3 and the instruction to output the scan data by the instruction specification UI 14, the instruction to the scanner 3 is passed to the instruction transmission module 7, and the instruction to output the scan data is sent to the instruction sheet creation module 7. hand over.

When the instruction transmission module 7 receives the instruction to the scanner 3, the instruction transmission module 7 transmits the instruction to the received scanner 3 to the scanner 3. Here, the scanner 3 scans the document according to the instruction to the scanner, and holds the scanned scan data.

In addition, when the instruction sheet creation module 8 receives the instruction to output the scan data, it creates an instruction sheet describing the instruction to output the received scan data, passes the created instruction sheet to the job management module 9, and passes it to the job management module 9. When 9 receives the instruction, it analyzes the received instruction and creates a job based on the scan data output instruction described in the instruction by the job creation means 15. Then, the job management module 9 fetches the scan data held by the scanner 3 according to the job, and passes the fetched scan data to the scan data processing module 103.

When the scan data processing module 103 receives the scan data, the single page conversion means 243 converts the scan data into a single page file, and the blank page detection means 173 detects a blank page for each single page file. The scan data of the page detected as blank by the page processing means 183 is deleted, and the position information of the deleted blank page is recorded.

Then, the scan data processing module 103 converts the scan data of the page not detected as a blank page by the electronic file conversion means 193 into an electronic file, and bundles the pages converted into the electronic file. Then, the scan data processing module 103 passes the electronic file to the file management module 11, and when the file management module 11 receives the electronic file, the scan data processing module 103 saves the received electronic file in the file storage module 12.

Further, the scan data processing module 103 converts the scan data of the page whose blank page is not detected by the print image conversion means 203 into a print image, and retains the position information of the deleted blank page.

Then, the scan data processing module 103 passes the print image and the position information of the blank sheet to the print image transmission module 13.

When the print image transmission module 13 receives the print image and the position information of the blank sheet, the position of the blank page is confirmed based on the position information of the blank sheet, and if it is confirmed that the position of the blank page is confirmed, the file save module 12 is set in advance. The saved blank image is taken out, the taken out blank image is sent to the printer 4, and when it is confirmed that the position is not the position of the blank page, the print image is sent to the printer 4. Then, the print image transmission module 13 calculates the print image account by the print image account means 16.

Further, the scan data processing module 103 passes the print image and the position information of the blank sheet to the file management module 11 while retaining the position information of the blank sheet, and the file management module 11 receives the position information of the print image and the blank sheet when it receives the position information. Save the print image and the position information of the blank page in the file save module 12.

Next, when the scan data is output to an electronic file and paper, the single page conversion means 243, the blank page detection means 173, and the blank page processing means 183 included in the scan data processing module 103 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 The processing procedure to be performed will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Receive the scan data (step S1301), convert the received scan data to a single page file (step S1302), set "N = 0" (step S1303), and set "N = N + 1" (Step S1304), blank page detection is performed for page N (step S1305).

If page N is blank (YES in step S1306), delete page N (step S1307) and record the location of the blank page (step S1308).

If page N is not the last page (NO in step S1309), return to step S1304.

If page N is not blank in step S1306 (NO in step S1306), the process proceeds to step S1309.

In step S1309, if page N is the last page (YES in step S1309), the processing procedure ends.

Next, when outputting the scan data to an electronic file, refer to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 for the processing procedure performed by the electronic file conversion means 193 included in the scan data processing module 103 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. explain.

Set "N = 0" (step S1401), set "N = N + 1" (step S1402), and check for the presence of page N (step S1403).

If there is page N (YES in step S1404), convert page N to an electronic file (step S1405). If there is no page N in step S1404 (NO in step S1404), the process proceeds to step S1406.

If page N is not the last page (NO in step S1406), return to step S1402.

In step S1406, if page N is the last page (YES in step S1406), the pages converted into electronic files are bundled (step S1408), and the processing procedure ends.

Next, when the scan data is output to paper, the processing procedure performed by the print image conversion means 203 included in the scan data processing module 103 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12 and the print image transmission module 13 is shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in.

Set "N = 0" (step S1501), set "N = N + 1" (step S1502), and check for the presence of page N (step S1503).

If there is page N (YES in step S1504), convert page N to a print image (step S1505) and send the print image to the printer (step S1506).

In step S1504, if there is no page N (NO in step S1504), a blank image is taken out (step S1507), and the taken out blank image is sent to the printer (step S1508).

If page N is not the last page (NO in step S1509), return to step S1502.

In step S1509, if page N is the last page (YES in step S1509), set up a print image account (step S1510) and end the process.

Next, the electronic file and the print image processed by the scan data processing module 103 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 will be described in detail.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an electronic file 223 and a print image 233 converted by the scan data processing module 103 of the third embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 16A is a diagram showing scan data read by the scanner 3, and FIG. 16B is a diagram in which the scan data shown in FIG. 16A is converted by the scan data processing module 103 of the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the electronic file 223 and the print image 233.

For example, the scan data 21 obtained by scanning the original by the scanner 3 using the double-sided printing function shows "Page 1 [Front], Page 1 [Back], Page 2 [Front], Page 2 [. Back], page 3 [front], page 3 [back (blank)], page 4 [front], page 4 [back], page 5 [front], page 5 [back (blank)] . In addition, "" represents one file.

Then, in the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 16A, the scan data processing module 103 detects that the page 3 [back] and the page 5 [back] are blank by the blank page detecting means 173. Therefore, the blank page processing means. Page 3 [back] and page 5 [back] are deleted by 183, page 3 [back] and page 5 [back] are recorded in the blank position information, and page 1 [front] is recorded by the electronic file conversion means 193. , Page 1 [Back], Page 2 [Front], Page 2 [Back], Page 3 [Front], Page 4 [Front], Page 4 [Back], Page 5 [Front] are converted to electronic files.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), the electronic file 223 obtained by converting the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 16 (a) by the scan data processing module 103 of the third embodiment is described in "Page 1 [Table], Page. 1 [back], page 2 [front], page 2 [back], page 3 [front], page 4 [front], page 4 [back], page 5 [front] .

Further, in the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 16A, the scan data processing module 103 detects that the page 3 [back] and the page 5 [back] are blank by the blank page detecting means 173. Therefore, the blank page processing means. Page 3 [back] and page 5 [back] are deleted by 183, page 3 [back] and page 5 [back] are recorded in the blank position information, and page 1 [front] is recorded by the print image conversion means 203. , Page 1 [Back], Page 2 [Front], Page 2 [Back], Page 3 [Front], Page 4 [Front], Page 4 [Back], Page 5 [Front] are converted to print images.

Therefore, the print image 233 obtained by converting the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 16 (a) by the scan data processing module 103 of the third embodiment and the blank position information 27 are as shown in FIG. 16 (b). "Page 1 [Front]" "Page 1 [Back]" "Page 2 [Front]" "Page 2 [Back]" "Page 3 [Front]" "Page 4 [Front]" "Page 4 [Back]" " Page 5 [Table] Blank position information .

When the print image 233 converted from the scan data 21 shown in FIG. 16A by the scan data processing module 103 of the third embodiment is saved for reprinting or the like, all the above print images 233 and a blank sheet are used. The location information 27 and the location information 27 of are saved in the file save module 12.

Further, when displaying thumbnails of print images saved for reprinting or the like, thumbnails of all the saved print images are displayed.

In addition, it is possible to meet the page numbering requirements for blank pages.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the assignment of page numbers to blank pages.

For example, suppose that the scan data read by the scanner is "Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4 (blank), Page 5, Page 6" as shown in Fig. 17 (a).

FIG. 17B is a diagram showing a case where the scan data shown in FIG. 17A is output without assigning a page number to a blank page.

FIG. 17 (c) is a diagram showing a case where the scan data shown in FIG. 17 (a) is output by assigning a page number to a blank page.

FIG. 17D is a diagram showing a case where the scan data shown in FIG. 17A is output by skipping blank pages and assigning continuous page numbers without assigning page numbers to blank pages.

It should be noted that the present invention does not have to be limited to the configuration in which the instruction to the scanner and the instruction to output the scan data as described above are described in the instruction sheet, and the instruction to the scanner is transmitted to the scanner as it is, or the scan. It can also be applied to a configuration in which a job is created based on data output instructions.

The present invention also has a configuration in which an image processing program capable of performing the same processing as the print control device 2 of the embodiment described above is installed in a general-purpose computer such as a general PC (Personal Computer). Applicable.

<figref num="1">It is a block diagram which shows an example of the whole structure of the print control system 1 used in embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="2">It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the print control device 2.</figref><figref num="3">It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the scan data processing module 101 of 1st Embodiment.</figref><figref num="4">The processing procedure performed by the blank page detecting means 171, the blank page processing means 181 and the electronic file conversion means 191 included in the scan data processing module 101 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 when outputting the scan data to an electronic file is shown. It is a flowchart.</figref><figref num="5">6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the print image conversion means 201 included in the scan data processing module 101 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and the print image transmission module 13 when the scan data is output to paper.</figref><figref num="6">It is a figure explaining the electronic file 221 and the print image 231 converted by the scan data processing module 101 of the 1st Embodiment shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="7">It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the scan data processing module 102 of the 2nd Embodiment.</figref><figref num="8">When outputting the scan data to an electronic file and paper, the processing procedure performed by the single page conversion means 242, the blank page detection means 172, and the flag setting means 25 included in the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows.</figref><figref num="9">FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the electronic file conversion means 192 included in the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 when outputting scan data to an electronic file.</figref><figref num="10">6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the print image conversion means 202 included in the scan data processing module 102 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 and the print image transmission module 13 when the scan data is output to paper.</figref><figref num="11">It is a figure explaining the electronic file 222 and the print image 232 converted by the scan data processing module 102 of the 2nd Embodiment shown in FIG. 7.</figref><figref num="12">It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the scan data processing module 103 of the 3rd Embodiment.</figref><figref num="13">A processing procedure performed by the single page conversion means 243, the blank page detecting means 173, and the blank page processing means 183 included in the scan data processing module 103 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 when the scan data is output to an electronic file and paper. It is a flowchart which shows.</figref><figref num="14">FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the electronic file conversion means 193 included in the scan data processing module 103 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 when the scan data is output to an electronic file.</figref><figref num="15">6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the print image conversion means 203 included in the scan data processing module 103 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12 and the print image transmission module 13 when the scan data is output to paper.</figref><figref num="16">It is a figure explaining the electronic file 223 and the print image 233 converted by the scan data processing module 103 of the 3rd Embodiment shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="17">It is a figure explaining the page number assignment to a blank page.</figref>

Code description

1 Print control system 2 Print control device 3 Scanner 4 Printer 5 Network 6 Instruction specification module 7 Instruction transmission module 8 Instruction creation module 9 Job management module 10, 101, 102, 103 Scan data processing module 11 File management module 12 File storage module 13 Print image transmission module 14 Instruction specification UI 15 Job creation means 16 Print image account means 171, 172, 173 Blank page detection means 181, 183 Blank page processing means 191, 192, 193 Electronic file conversion means 201, 202, 203 Print image conversion Means 21 Scan data 221, 222, 223 Electronic files 231, 232, 233 Printed images 242, 243 Single-page conversion means 25 Flag setting means 26 Saved print image 27 Blank location information