JP4609465B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to reprinting of image data received from an external terminal.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image forming apparatus having a function of storing image data internally when print output is performed, and reading and printing the stored image data by a user's reprint operation. It has been. An image forming apparatus having the reprint function can perform additional printing without re-operating the external terminal when printing is performed from an external terminal such as a personal computer using a network.

Patent Document 1 is a recording apparatus having such a reprint function. Patent Document 1 discloses a recording apparatus having the following configuration. That is, the recording apparatus includes connection means for connecting to an external terminal, and memory means for storing a print file received from the external terminal via the connection means. The recording apparatus further includes file management means for managing the print file stored in the memory means, and recording means for recording the contents of the print file received from the external terminal on a sheet. The recording device obtains file management information including the file name and date / time information of the print file upon reception of the print file from the external terminal, and stores the file management information in the file management means for printing. Manage files.
JP 2003-334999 A

  Here, when a document is printed by a recording apparatus such as Patent Document 1, it is often performed by setting various output conditions for paper. For example, setting of a printing magnification such as reduction / enlargement, setting of reducing and rotating print contents as necessary so that a plurality of pages can be printed on a single sheet (so-called n-page printing), etc. Conceivable.

  In this respect, the recording apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a reprint function, but cannot store the output conditions as described above. Therefore, when it is necessary to reprint under the same conditions, the output conditions must be reset. This work was very time-consuming. In addition, reprinting is often urgent, such as when materials are suddenly short before the meeting. Therefore, the recording apparatus of Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of ease, efficiency, and speed.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, means for solving the problems and the effects thereof will be described.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided the following configuration of an image forming apparatus that rasterizes image information generated by an external terminal and forms an image on a recording medium. That is, the image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives output condition information indicating an output condition of the image information from the external terminal, a storage unit that stores the image information and the output condition information, and an image forming apparatus. An operation unit for operating, a display unit capable of displaying the operation content of the operation unit, and a server unit that causes an image forming apparatus connected to the network to function as a Web server . The image forming apparatus stores the rasterized image information and the output condition information in the storage unit in association with each other when forming the rasterized image information on the recording medium according to the output condition information. . Further, the image forming apparatus is configured to read the image information and the output condition information from the storage unit and re-form an image of the image information on a recording medium according to the output condition information. The image forming apparatus displays image formation history information associated with the image information stored in the storage unit in a list format on the display unit, and operates the operation unit to operate the image formation history information. Is selected, the image of the image information corresponding to the image formation history information is re-formed on a recording medium according to the output condition information corresponding to the image information. The server unit is configured to display a list of the image formation history information on the external terminal in response to a request from the external terminal via the network. When one of the image formation history information is selected by operating the external terminal, the image of the image information corresponding to the selected image formation history information is re-formed on a recording medium according to the output condition information. When the image information stored in the storage unit is formed by an operation of an external terminal, the output condition of the output condition information corresponding to the image information is changed by an operation of a Web browser application of the external terminal. Ru can image forming in accordance with the output conditions after.

According to this, since the image forming apparatus stores the image information from the external terminal and the output conditions, the same image information can be formed on the recording medium by operating the image forming apparatus without operating the external terminal. . Further, since the image is formed according to the output condition stored at the time of the first image formation, the image can be re-formed on the recording medium under the same conditions as the original without troublesome settings. Furthermore, since the image information is rasterized and stored in the storage unit, the time for the image forming process can be shortened. In addition, reprinting can be easily performed by selecting image information for which an image is to be recreated from a list of image formation history information. Also, without directly operating the image forming apparatus, the image of the image information stored in the image forming apparatus can be re-formed on the recording medium in accordance with the output condition information in response to an instruction from any external terminal via the network. Can do. In addition, if connected to a network, image information can be formed using an output condition stored in the image forming apparatus via the server unit even from an external terminal where the output condition cannot be set. Furthermore, since the image information is stored in the image forming apparatus, it is not necessary to transmit the image information from the external terminal, and the network load can be reduced and the processing time can be shortened. Further, when an image is re-formed via an external terminal, the output condition can be changed according to the situation, and the image can be re-formed flexibly.

  The image forming apparatus preferably has the following configuration. In other words, the image forming apparatus includes a thumbnail creating unit capable of storing thumbnail image data created by reducing the rasterized image information in the storage unit. The image forming apparatus is configured to display the thumbnail image data on the display unit when selecting the image formation history information.

  According to this, it is possible to select the image information to be reprinted while confirming the thumbnail image on the display unit and easily grasping the contents of the image information.

  In the image forming apparatus, when forming the image information stored in the storage unit, the output condition of the output condition information corresponding to the image information is changed by an operation of the operation unit, and after the change It is preferable that an image can be formed according to the output conditions.

  According to this, an output condition can be changed according to a situation, and image re-formation can be performed flexibly. Further, since the image information is stored on the image forming apparatus side, it is not necessary to transmit the image information from the external terminal, and the processing time can be shortened.

  In the image forming apparatus, it is preferable that when image formation cannot be performed according to the output condition, it is possible to select whether to stop image formation or to force image formation.

  According to this, even when an image cannot be formed according to the output condition, it is possible to meet various demands of the user.

The image forming apparatus preferably has the following configuration. In other words, the image forming apparatus includes a thumbnail creating unit capable of storing thumbnail image data created by reducing the rasterized image information in the storage unit. Then, the image forming apparatus, when operating the external terminal selects the image forming history information, and the thumbnail image data is configured to be displayed on the external terminal.

  According to this, when an image is regenerated by operating the external terminal, it is possible to easily select an image to be recreated from the image formation history information while referring to the thumbnail image on the external terminal.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copy facsimile multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A copy facsimile multifunction peripheral 90 as an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured as a multi-function peripheral (MFP) having a facsimile function, a copy function, and a scanner function. As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-function device 90 includes an image reading unit 21 that reads a document to obtain image data, and an image forming unit 22 as an output unit that records the image data on a recording medium such as paper. ing.

  The multifunction device 90 includes an operation panel (not shown), and an operation unit 24 having various designation means such as a numeric keypad, a direction key, a start button, and a cancel button for transmitting operation instructions. . The user operates the designation unit to perform various operations of the multi-function device 90 such as facsimile transmission, copy instruction, and document reading start.

  A display 23 as a display unit is disposed in the vicinity of the operation unit 24. The display 23 is configured as a liquid crystal display, for example, and can display various types of information such as the content of the operation input by the operation unit 24 and a message that reprinting to be described later has been stopped.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the multifunction device 90 will be described. That is, the multi-function device 90 includes a main body control unit 11, and the main body control unit 11 includes a CPU that controls the entire apparatus. The multi-function device 90 includes a ROM 12 that stores a program for controlling the hardware of each unit of the apparatus, and a RAM 13 for loading and executing the program.

  The multi-function device 90 includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 14 as a storage unit that stores various programs and data. The HDD 14 is configured to store rasterized image data, which will be described later, and a condition file indicating print conditions for the image data. With this configuration, the image data and print conditions stored in the HDD 14 are later read out as necessary and used for reprinting. Details of the reprint process will be described later.

  The multifunction device 90 includes an image storage unit 25 for storing or temporarily storing the image data acquired by the image reading unit 21, and an image management unit 26 for managing the image data.

  The multi-function device 90 includes a network control unit (NCU) 32 for connection to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 31. The multi-function device 90 includes a FAX modem 33 as a modem device that mutually converts an audio signal and a data string. The multi-function device 90 further includes a facsimile control unit 34 for controlling the NCU 32 and the FAX modem 33, and a codec unit 35 for compressing / decompressing image data. As a result, a facsimile function through a telephone line is realized. The codec unit 35 is configured to compress or expand image data in a known compression format such as MH, MR, or MMR.

  Furthermore, the multifunction device 90 includes a network adapter (reception unit) 40 for connecting to a network 45 such as a LAN. A TCP-IP unit is configured by the hardware and software stored in the HDD 14 or the like, and can communicate with other devices according to the TCP / IP protocol. An IP address is assigned to each of the multifunction device 90 and the personal computer 60 connected to the network 45, and the above communication is performed using the IP address.

  In the multi-function device 90, an SMTP unit 41, a POP unit 42, and the like are configured by a combination of the hardware and software. The SMTP unit 41 is configured to be able to send an e-mail using a simple e-mail transfer protocol (SMTP). The POP unit 42 is configured to be able to receive electronic mail using the POP3 protocol.

  The multi-function device 90 of this embodiment realizes an Internet facsimile function by the SMTP unit 41, the POP unit 42, and the like. More specifically, the multifunction device 90 is an electronic device in which image data read by the image reading unit 21 and compressed in a compression format such as MH, MR, or MMR is attached in an appropriate image format (for example, TIFF format). Create an email. The multi-function device 90 can connect to an SMTP server (not shown) installed in the network as an SMTP client and transmit the electronic mail. The e-mail may be created in accordance with, for example, the well-known MIME standard and BASE64 standard.

  The multifunction device 90 operates as a POP3 client and is configured to connect to a POP server (not shown) at regular intervals. When an e-mail addressed to the multifunction device 90 is received, the image data is extracted from the e-mail and expanded, and can be printed by the image forming unit 22.

  In the multi-function device 90, an HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) server unit 43 is configured by a combination of the hardware and software. The HTTP server unit 43 can be accessed by executing a Web browser application on a personal computer (external terminal) 60 or the like connected to the network 45 and inputting the IP address or the like of the multifunction device 90. The HTTP server unit 43 can display a Web page on the screen of the personal computer 60 by outputting appropriate HTML data.

  The Web page generated by the HTTP server unit 43 has various menus, and the menus can be selected and used from the personal computer 60 or the like. Accordingly, the personal computer 60 can use various services such as various settings of the multifunction peripheral 90 and display of the currently accepted print job. The reprint function provided in the multi-function device 90 of the present embodiment can be used when the user directly operates the operation unit 24, and is also used by using the above service from the personal computer 60 via a Web page. be able to. Details of the remote reprint function using a Web page will be described later.

  The multifunction device 90 has a network printer function. That is, the multi-function device 90 is configured to be able to receive print data from the personal computer 60 via the network adapter 40. The print data includes PDL data and PJL data, and details of these data will be described later. The received print data is appropriately converted and transmitted to the main body control unit 11. Accordingly, the image data can be printed by causing the main body control unit 11 to control the image forming unit 22.

  PDL data will be described. When printing a document or the like on the personal computer 60, the user performs the printing operation by opening the document file or the like with various applications. Then, the printer driver software of the multi-function device 90 installed in the personal computer 60 in advance is called from the application. The printer driver converts drawing instruction data created by the application into PDL data (image information) using a page description language (PDL).

  PJL data will be described. When the user operates the application on the personal computer 60 to give a print instruction, a print dialog is displayed on the screen, and a print condition can be designated. The print conditions that can be specified vary depending on the functions of the multifunction device 90. For example, the number of copies, shift printing, duplex printing, n-page printing, enlargement / reduction, staple setting, punch setting, output paper size, and paper discharge The point etc. can be considered. When a print condition is specified, the printer driver software creates PJL data (output condition information) in which the specified condition is described using a printer job language (PJL).

  The multi-function device 90 includes a raster image processor (RIP) 27 for interpreting the PDL data included in the received print data and creating an image in a bitmap format (raster data). Furthermore, the multifunction device 90 includes a file conversion unit 28 for converting the image data rasterized by the RIP 27 into a PDF file. The multi-function device 90 includes a thumbnail creation unit 29 capable of creating thumbnail image data by reducing the image data.

  With this configuration, the MFP 90 that has received the print data performs a process of rasterizing the PDL data included in the print data by the RIP 27 and creating raster data. The created raster data is converted by the file conversion unit 28 into a PDF file format in which the raster data is embedded, and stored in the HDD 14. At this time, PJL data included in the print data is also stored in the HDD 14 in a file format in association with the PDF file.

  Thereafter, appropriate image processing is performed on the raster data according to the conditions specified by the PJL data. For example, when two-page printing is designated in the PJL data, image processing is performed to reduce raster data for two pages and rotate it 90 °, and arrange them side by side to form raster data for one page. Thereafter, the raster data is printed on a sheet by the image forming unit 22 in accordance with the designation of the output sheet size or the like in the PJL data.

  Next, saving of image data and output conditions during printing from the personal computer 60 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the flow of FIG. 2 is executed, the multi-function device 90 first waits for the print data to be received via the network 45 (S101). Then, it is assumed that a printing operation is performed in an application executed on the personal computer 60, and the created PDL data and PJL data are transmitted as print data to the multifunction device 90, and the multifunction device 90 receives them.

  Then, the multi-function device 90 proceeds to the processing of S102, extracts PJL data from the received print data, and stores it in the HDD 14 as a condition file. The format of the condition file is arbitrary. For example, it may be a text file (CSV file) in which a plurality of output conditions are described by separating them with commas. After saving the condition file, the PDL data is taken out from the print data and rasterized by the RIP 27 to generate raster data (S103).

  Next, the multifunction device 90 converts the obtained raster data into a predetermined file format by the file conversion unit 28 and stores it in the HDD 14 (S104). In this embodiment, raster data is encoded and embedded in a known PDF file and stored.

  The condition file saved in S102 and the PDF file saved in S104 are saved in a form associated with each other. As a method of association, for example, a method of storing the correspondence relationship between the condition file and the file name of the PDF file in the HDD 14 as a database file is conceivable. A method is conceivable in which a directory is created every time print data is received, and a condition file and a PDF file are stored in the directory as a set. Alternatively, a method can be adopted in which a common file name is assigned to the condition file and the image data file.

  Next, the thumbnail creation unit 29 performs image processing for reducing the rasterized image data to an appropriate size, creates thumbnail image data, and stores it in the HDD 14 (S105). In the present embodiment, the thumbnail image data is stored in the HDD 14 by encoding and embedding the obtained thumbnail image data in the thumbnail image definition portion of the PDF file created in the process of S104.

  Next, the main body control unit 11 controls the image forming unit 22 to control the image forming unit 22 to print the rasterized image data on a sheet according to the printing conditions described in the PJL data (S106). . Thereafter, the process returns to S101 and waits for new print data.

  As described above, in the multi-function device 90 of the present embodiment, the processing of S102 to S105 is executed every time print data is received and printed. Accordingly, the PDF file in which the rasterized image data is embedded and the print condition file are stored in association with each other and stored in the HDD 14 of the multi-function device 90.

  Next, the reprint process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the flow of FIG. 3 is executed, the multi-function device 90 first checks whether or not the user operates the operation unit 24 to instruct display of the print history list (S121). If the display of the print history list is not instructed, the flow ends.

  If it is determined in S121 that a print history list display is instructed, the multi-function device 90 displays a list of print histories (image formation history information) on the display 23 (S122). The print history is print history information that has been performed so far using the MFP 90, and one history corresponds to one PDF file (one image data).

  As information displayed in the print history list, for example, the print date and time, the number of prints, the name of the application that performed the print operation, the name of the document file, and the like can be considered. Such information can be read and acquired from the print condition file, for example.

  Note that the user may desire to cancel reprinting in a state where the print history list is displayed. In this case, the user may operate the cancel button on the operation unit. The multi-function device 90 checks whether or not an operation for canceling reprinting has been performed (S123). If the canceling has been instructed, the multi-function device 90 stops the reprinting process and returns the display 23 to the normal standby screen. End the flow.

  In a state where the print history list is displayed on the display 23, the user can select a desired print history from the list by operating, for example, a direction key of the operation unit 24. Then, the multi-function device 90 checks whether an image display instruction is given for the print history (S124).

  When the user gives an instruction to display an image by pressing an appropriate key, the PDF file corresponding to the print history selected at that time is read from the HDD 14, a thumbnail image is extracted and displayed on the display 23 ( S125). The thumbnail image displayed here is a thumbnail having contents corresponding to the first page of the image data. As a result, the user can confirm the print contents with the thumbnail image displayed on the display 23 when selecting data to be reprinted from the list of print histories. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent erroneous specification of data desired to be reprinted.

  Then, the multi-function device 90 checks whether or not the selection of the print history desired for reprinting has been completed (S126). When it is detected that the selection completion operation has been performed, a condition file corresponding to the selected print history is read from the HDD 14 and PJL data is read (S127).

  Thereafter, the multi-function device 90 displays a message on the display 23 as to whether or not to change the output condition (S128).

  In response to this inquiry message, the user can input whether or not the output condition has been changed from the operation unit 24. If it is determined in S128 that the user has instructed to change the output condition, the multi-function device 90 displays the output condition at the time of initial printing based on the PJL data read from the condition file on the display 23. To display. The user can change the displayed output condition to a desired condition by operating the operation unit 24. When the change confirmation operation is performed, the multi-function device 90 changes the PJL data according to the designated condition (S129). On the other hand, if the user selects not to change the output condition for the inquiry message, the process of S129 is not performed.

  Next, the multi-function device 90 reads the PDF file corresponding to the print history for which the reprint instruction has been issued, takes out the embedded data, decodes it, and obtains image data (S130). Next, it is checked whether or not the acquired image data can be printed on paper according to the PJL data (S131).

  In other words, depending on the situation of the multi-function device 90, there may be a case where reprinting cannot be performed according to the PJL data output conditions. For example, in the multi-function device 90, the output paper size designated by the PJL data has run out. When the MFP 90 detects that the paper cannot be output under the conditions of the PJL data by the determination in S131, the multifunction device 90 displays a message on the display 23 asking whether to forcibly print or cancel reprinting. Is waited for (S133). On the other hand, if it is determined in S131 that reprinting can be performed without any problem according to the PJL data output condition, the image data is actually reprinted according to the PJL data condition (S132), and the flow ends.

  In response to the inquiry message displayed in S133, the user can operate the operation unit 24 to select whether to continue (forced printing) or cancel reprinting. If it is determined in step S133 that the user has selected cancel, the reprint process is stopped and the flow is terminated. If it is determined that the user has selected forced printing, the necessary part of the conditions specified by the PJL data is corrected to printable conditions, and then forced printing is performed (S134). For example, when a B5 size paper is specified in the output condition and the B5 size paper is out, forcible printing is performed on an A4 size paper that is not out of paper. Thereafter, the flow ends.

  Next, reprinting using the HTTP server unit 43 will be described. This remote reprint process is substantially the same as the reprint process described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3 except that the user does not operate the operation unit 24 but operates the Web browser application on the personal computer 60. .

  This will be specifically described below. The user executes a Web browser application of the personal computer 60 and inputs an IP address set in the multifunction device 90 or the like. Then, the browser application accesses the HTTP server unit 43 of the multifunction device 90 to request HTML data, and in response to this, the HTTP server unit 43 outputs appropriate HTML data. The browser application interprets the HTML data acquired from the HTTP server unit 43 and displays a Web page on the screen of the personal computer 60. If a host name or domain name is set in the multifunction device 90, a host name or domain name may be input instead of an IP address.

  On this Web page, a desired menu can be selected from a plurality of menus such as a management menu of the multifunction device 90 and a print job browsing menu. The user operates the mouse or keyboard and selects the reprint menu from the above.

  When the reprint menu is selected, the browser application transmits the operation to the HTTP server unit 43 and requests HTML data. In response to this request, the HTTP server unit 43 outputs appropriate HTML data including print history data. As a result, a list of print histories is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 60 in the form of a Web page.

  In this remote reprinting, thumbnail images are displayed on the Web page together with a print history list. Since the screen of the personal computer 60 usually has a considerably larger display area than the display 23 of the multi-function device 90, a sufficient number of print histories can be obtained even if the thumbnail images are displayed side by side simultaneously with the print history list. Can be displayed.

  The user operates the personal computer 60 to select a print history to be reprinted from the displayed list by clicking with the mouse or the like, and gives a print instruction. Receiving this print instruction, the HTTP server unit 43 sends an instruction to the main body control unit 11 and the like. As a result, the image data is printed in accordance with the PJL data in the same manner as when the operation unit 24 of the multifunction device 90 is operated and reprinted. The reprint cancel instruction, the output condition change instruction, the forced print instruction when printing cannot be performed under the PJL data conditions described in FIG. This can be done via a browser application.

  As described above, the multi-function device 90 of this embodiment is configured as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the multi-function device 90 includes a network adapter 40 that receives PJL data indicating PDL data output conditions from the personal computer 60, and an HDD 14 that stores image data obtained by rasterizing PDL data and PJL data. And comprising. Further, the multifunction device 90 is configured to store the rasterized image data and the PJL data in the HDD 14 when forming the rasterized image data on a sheet according to the PJL data (S104 in FIG. 2). S102). Further, the multi-function device 90 is configured to read the image data and PDL data from the HDD 14 and reprint the image of the image data on a sheet according to the output conditions described in the PDL data (S127 in FIG. 3). S130, S132).

  With this configuration, the multi-function device 90 stores image data and output conditions when network printing is performed from the personal computer 60, so that the same image data is printed on a sheet by operating the multi-function device 90 without operating the personal computer 60. be able to. In addition, since the image is formed according to the output condition stored at the time of the first printing, the image can be reprinted on the paper under the same conditions as the original without troublesome settings. Furthermore, since the image data is rasterized and stored in the HDD 14, the time for the image forming process can be shortened.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 90 of the present embodiment includes an operation unit 24 for operating the multifunction device 90 and a display 23 capable of displaying the operation content of the operation unit 24. The multi-function device 90 is configured to display the print history associated with the image data stored in the HDD 14 in a list format on the display 23 (S122 in FIG. 3). When the operation unit 24 is operated to select any one from the list, the image of the image data corresponding to the print history is reprinted on the sheet according to the PJL data (S127, S130, S132). ).

  With this configuration, it is possible to select image data to be reprinted while checking the print history on the display 23.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the multi-function device 90 of this embodiment includes a thumbnail creation unit 29 that can store thumbnail image data created by reducing the image data in the HDD 14. The multi-function device 90 is configured to display the thumbnail image on the display 23 when selecting a print history (S125 in FIG. 3).

  With this configuration, by displaying thumbnail images on the display 23, it is possible to select image data (print history) to be reprinted while easily grasping the print contents.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus 90 of the present embodiment forms the image data stored in the HDD 14, the MFP 90 changes the output condition of the PJL data corresponding to the image information by operating the operation unit 24. It is configured so that it can be reprinted under the output conditions (S128, S129).

  With this configuration, the output condition can be changed according to the situation, and the image can be reprinted flexibly. Further, since the image data is stored in the HDD 14 on the multifunction device 90 side, it is not necessary to transmit the image data again from the personal computer 60, and the processing time can be shortened.

  Further, the multifunction device 90 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to select whether to stop image formation or to force image formation when image formation cannot be performed according to the output conditions (S133).

  With this configuration, for example, when the paper of the size specified in the output condition has run out, if it is absolutely necessary to reprint on the paper of that size, and if it is sufficient if the print contents can be confirmed quickly, etc. It can respond appropriately to a wide range of user requests.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the MFP 90 according to the present embodiment includes an HTTP server unit 43 that causes the MFP 90 connected to the network to function as a Web server. The multifunction device 90 is configured to display a list of print histories on the personal computer 60 in response to a request from the personal computer 60 via the network 45. When the personal computer 60 is operated to select one from the list, the image of the image data corresponding to the selected print history is reprinted on the paper according to the PJL data.

  With this configuration, the image of the image data stored in the multifunction device 90 can be reprinted on the paper according to the PJL data in response to an instruction from the arbitrary personal computer 60 via the network 45 without directly operating the multifunction device 90. can do. Further, even if a personal computer (for example, a computer in which the printer driver of the multifunction device 90 is not installed) that cannot set the output condition if connected to the network, the output condition (PJL) stored in the multifunction device 90 is used. Data) can be used to print image data. Furthermore, since the image data is stored on the multifunction device 90 side, it is not necessary to transmit the image data from the personal computer 60 anew, so that the network load can be reduced and the processing time can be shortened.

  In addition, when the MFP 90 according to the present embodiment displays a list of print histories on a Web page and allows the user to select the thumbnail image data generated by the thumbnail generation unit 29, the MFP 90 displays the thumbnail image data on the Web page. It is configured.

  With this configuration, when reprinting via the personal computer 60, it is possible to easily select an image to be reprinted from the print history with reference to the display of the thumbnail file on the personal computer 60.

  Further, the multifunction device 90 of the present embodiment can change the output condition of the PJL data corresponding to the selected image information by operating the personal computer 60 so that an image can be formed according to the changed output condition (PJL data). It is configured.

  With this configuration, when reprinting via the personal computer 60, the output condition can be changed according to the situation, and the image can be reprinted flexibly.

  Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above configuration can be changed as follows, for example.

  In the above embodiment, the image data (PDF file) and the condition file are automatically stored in the HDD 14 when printing using the network print function. However, instead of this, it is possible to change so that the user can select whether or not to save the image data and the condition file when performing network printing.

  In the above embodiment, the RIP 27 is built in the multifunction device 90, but this configuration can be changed. For example, the RIP 27 can be changed to a configuration that is realized by software on the personal computer 60. In addition, it is possible to introduce a print server into the network 45 and change the configuration so that the RIP functions in the print server.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation on the multifunction device 90 is performed using the direction keys, the numeric keys, and the like. However, instead of this configuration, the display 23 is changed to a touch panel system, and the display is operated by touching the display with a finger. Can be changed to configuration.

  Instead of saving rasterized image data in the PDF file format, the image data can be changed to be saved in a known image file format such as the TIFF format. Further, an image file can be created separately from the file for storing the rasterized image, and the thumbnail image data can be changed to be stored in the image file.

  As the storage unit for storing the image data file and the condition file, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory can be used instead of the HDD 14.

  The reprint process according to the present embodiment is not limited to a copy facsimile multifunction machine, and can be applied to, for example, a printer device capable of network printing document data of a personal computer.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copy facsimile multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing storage processing of image information and output condition information of the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating reprint processing of the multifunction machine.

Explanation of symbols

14 HDD (storage unit)
21 Image Reading Unit 22 Image Forming Unit 23 Display (Display Unit)
24 Operation Unit 25 Image Storage Unit 26 Image Management Unit 27 RIP
28 File conversion unit 29 Thumbnail creation unit 33 FAX modem 34 Facsimile control unit 40 Network adapter 60 Personal computer (external terminal)
90 Copy facsimile multifunction printer (image forming device)

Claims (5)

In an image forming apparatus that rasterizes image information generated by an external terminal and forms an image on a recording medium,
A receiving unit that receives output condition information indicating an output condition of the image information from the external terminal;
A storage unit for storing the image information and the output condition information;
An operation unit for operating the image forming apparatus;
A display unit capable of displaying the operation content of the operation unit;
A server unit that causes an image forming apparatus connected to the network to function as a Web server;
With
When forming the rasterized image information on the recording medium according to the output condition information, the rasterized image information and the output condition information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit,
The image information and the output condition information can be read from the storage unit, and the image of the image information can be re-formed on a recording medium according to the output condition information .
The image formation history information associated with the image information stored in the storage unit is displayed in a list form on the display unit, and the operation unit is operated to select any one from the image formation history information. An image of the image information corresponding to the image formation history information is re-formed on a recording medium according to the output condition information corresponding to the image information,
The server unit is configured to display a list of the image formation history information on the external terminal in response to a request from the external terminal via the network,
When one of the image formation history information is selected by operating the external terminal, the image of the image information corresponding to the selected image formation history information is re-formed on a recording medium according to the output condition information,
When the image information stored in the storage unit is formed by an operation of an external terminal, the output condition of the output condition information corresponding to the image information is changed by an operation of a Web browser application of the external terminal. an image forming apparatus comprising Rukoto can image forming in accordance with the output conditions after. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 ,
A thumbnail creation unit capable of storing thumbnail image data created by reducing the rasterized image information in the storage unit;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the thumbnail image data can be displayed on the display unit when the image formation history information is selected. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
When forming the image information stored in the storage unit, the output condition of the output condition information corresponding to the image information can be changed by operating the operation unit, and the image can be formed according to the changed output condition. An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
An image forming apparatus, wherein when image formation cannot be performed according to the output condition, it is possible to select whether to stop image formation or to forcibly form an image. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein:
A thumbnail creation unit capable of storing thumbnail image data created by reducing the rasterized image information in the storage unit;
When operating the external terminal selects the image forming history information, the image forming apparatus, characterized in that the thumbnail image data can be displayed on the external terminal.

Images