PRINTING SYSTEM HAVING SETS OF PRINT COMMANDS

Abstract: A system for repeatedly processing, in a production run, a set of original images to form in each case a following copy set each in accordance with a following copy set specification. In a first embodiment, for this purpose the printing system is provided with means for preprogramming a number of copy set specifications and selection means for making a selection from the preprogrammed copy set specifications. After the inputting of a set of original images and activation of a start button, this selection is then carried out on the set of original images without further intervention by the operator. In a second embodiment, the printing system is adapted to set a series of values for each print parameter in respect of one or more print parameters to be set, a following value being applicable in each case to a following required copy set.

Description: Printing system having sets of print commands The invention relates to a printing system for processing a set of original images during a production run in accordance with a job specification, comprising storage means for storing a set of original images supplied to the printing system, and programming means for programming the printing system in accordance with the job specification. It is known to process a set of original images in accordance with a job specification. The printing system is programmed in the required manner, i.e. the required settings are input in order to instruct the machine how to process the print job. Original images are input. Then in a production run the original images are processed in accordance with the settings made, to give a required set of prints/copies from the set of original images. One of the system settings relates to the number of copies N required from an original image. If N = 1 and if there are M original images, then M prints are formed, each a print of each original image, and it should be noted that each print is formed to the same system settings, i.e. to the same job specification. If the set of M original images is to be printed more than once, that results in xN prints. These prints can be delivered unsorted, a complete set being formed from successively N prints of the first original image, N prints of the second original image, and so on up to and including N prints of the M m original image, or they can be delivered in sorted form, in which case the complete set consists of N collated sets each consisting of M prints, a print of each original. Here again it should be noted that each print is made in accordance with the same system settings, i.e. to the same job specification. This means, for example, that in the case of the complete set consisting of N collated sets, these N sets will all be identical. With the printing systems known from the prior art, e.g. as described in UK 1 531 401 in the name of Davey and Simonds, the total copy set formed will in such a case consist of a number of sets which are all identical because they are all printed in accordance with the one job specification. US 5 079 723, Herceg and Perey, discloses allowing one or more pages in a job to be printed in a different form from the others. However, if several sets are required in such a case, then the copy sets for delivery will also all be identical. Take the example that 4 copy sets have to be formed from an original set consisting of 5 originals. Herceg and Perey now describe programming means to specify that e.g. the third page has to be processed in another way than the remaining pages. Suppose that the user decides that the third page has to be printed on a red sheet. Then the processing of the job results in the delivery of 4 copy sets, whereby the third page of each copy set is printed on a red sheet. So yet still all delivered copy sets are identical. In many cases it will be true that the required copy sets are intended for several departments or individuals. However, if the addressees each want a copy set formed in a different way, e.g. enlarged or reduced, offset or otherwise, or on different copy media, then this is possible with the prior art printing systems only by producing the copy sets in a number of separate production runs, the settings being changed for each production run in order to give the required copy set each time. This is extremely tedious for the printing system operator. If the printing system is a copying machine, the original sets will have to be read in again each time and the correct settings made each time. If the printing system is a printer, than a plurality of jobs will have to be sent to the printer. This is undesirable particularly in production environments. There is a need to be able to form different copy sets from one another in one single operation from one set of original images. The object of this invention is to meet this need. To this end, the printing system according to the preamble is characterised in that said job specification comprises at least two copy set specifications; and in that the printing system comprises control means for repeatedly processing, during a production run, one and the same set of original images to produce at least two disparate sets of copies thereof each in accordance with a corresponding copy set specification. Consequently, instead of it being necessary for the operator to carry out several jobs, i.e. several production runs, in order to be able to form different copy sets from one and the same set of original images, a job is defined for the production of all various copy sets, such job consisting in processing the original set to a first copy set in accordance with a first copy set specification, then processing the original set to a following copy set in accordance with a following copy set specification, and so on, until all the required copy sets have been formed. This is an advantage because the operator in a production environment is not compelled to start a new job each time for the purpose. Also, in this way jobs which, in view of the different requirements applied, do not really fit into a production environment, the size of the run being a primary consideration, can be made suitable for processing in such a production environment. While maintaining the run, specialist copy sets can be formed which otherwise would have to be produced in a labour-intensive process. Programming such jobs can be effected in various ways. In a first variant of the invention, the programming means comprise means for preprogramming a series of copy set specifications, and the printing system for this purpose comprises memory means for storing a series of copy set specifications and recall means for activating the preprogrammed series for repeated printing of the set of original images each in accordance with a following copy set specification. For this purpose the printing system gives the operator means for setting a number of job specifications and performing these job specifications as copy set specifications all in one production run, without the operator's intervention, on one and the same set of original images. As a result, the printing system is capable of delivering the required copy sets, each in accordance with its own job specification, quite independently without an operator's intervention. In a second variant of the invention, to this end, the programming means comprise means for specifying for at least one print parameter, a series of parameter specifications, each parameter specification of the series relating to another copy set to be formed. This is advantageous for the rapid programming of a job. With suitable parameters for the purpose, the user has the opportunity of setting the parameter for each required copy set. This is advantageous if only a few parameters have to be changed per copy set. In a next variant the disparate setting of a specification for one original page is combined with the disparate setting of specification for a copy set. This is especially advantageous if there is only one parameter that has to be changed, and said one specifies the number of copies, including zero, to be formed within a particular copyset, for at least one original image, disparately from the number of copies set for the other original images from the set of original images. In many cases, the copy sets will be printed, for example, for different individuals jointly working on a project. The original set, for example, will be all the drawings which should be associated with this project. The individuals concerned, for each of whom a copy set is intended, will each have his own task and responsibility within such a project. This means that not all the drawings are relevant to all the individuals. The measures according to the invention make it possible to indicate for each copy set what prints of the original images should be included in the set. In a next embodiment of the printing system according to the invention, the printing system comprises display means for displaying in matrix form the relationships between original images and the copy images required, in such manner that original images are indicated along a first axis of the matrix and copy sets are indicated along a second axis of the matrix and, wherein a cell of the matrix holds the number of required copy images of the original image corresponding to the cell, for the copy set corresponding to the cell. This measure according to the invention allows simple and readily apparent operation, particularly if different programming is required for each original image. The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a printing system according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows the mode of operation of the system by reference to a flow diagram. Fig. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the printing system. Figs. 4A and 4B show a first and second operating screen and Figs. 5A and 5B show a third and fourth operating screen. Fig. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a printing system 1 according to the invention. The printing system comprises receiving means 2 for the supply of a print job, storage means 3 for storing print jobs and printing means 4 for printing print jobs stored in the storage means 3. Control unit 5 provides for selection of print jobs from the storage means 3 and their supply to the printing means, where they are processed in accordance with the accompanying job specification. Operating unit 6 is connected to the control unit 5 and preferably consists of a number of keys 7 and a display unit 8. A job specification can be input via the receiving means 2 and via the operating unit 6. The receiving means comprise both a scanner for reading in paper originals and a data receiving unit for receiving electronic originals. The print means 4 also comprise interpretation means whereby electronic original images coded in accordance with a given data format can be converted to one or more bitmaps suitable for printing. The printing system comprises a direct and an indirect copying function. In the case of the indirect copying function, the user makes the required settings via the operating unit 6 in accordance with the way in which a print job is to be processed, whereafter the paper originals associated with the job are scanned in. The resulting electronic original images associated with the job and the settings made, which form part of the job specification, are stored in the memory 3. If the print job is next for further processing, then the electronic original images and the associated job specification are transmitted to printing means 4, which further ensure that prints are made in accordance with the job specification. In the case of the direct copying function, the original images input are fed directly to the printing means. There is no storage in memory 3. The printing system also comprises a printer function, print jobs with or without a job specification being received via the datta receiving unit, which is connected to a data network for example, and stored in the memory 3. Via the operating unit 6 it is possible to change the job specification provided the job is still in the memory. Further treatment is identical to the above-described processing of a copying job. The printing system also comprises a hybrid function, in which a job is made up of original images originating from the scanner and original images supplied via the data receiving means. The mode of operation of the printing system will now be explained with reference to the flow diagram of Fig. 2. The set of originals is read in in step 1 and job specifications are input to a program buffer. In step 2 the control unit 5 ensures that the printing unit 4 is set according to the specifications for forming the first copy set. Processing of the original set in accordance with the specification to which the system has been set then takes place in step 3, and this provides a first copy set for delivery. In step 4 a check is made whether a next copy set has to be formed according to a next specification. If so (Y), then in step 5 the control unit ensures that the printing unit 4 is adjusted in accordance with the specifications. Step 3 is then carried out again, a following copy set being formed in accordance with the amended specifications. If it is found in step 4 that there are no following specifications defined, then the job is completely finished and end stage 6 is reached. By processing a print job in accordance with the invention, the printing system is capable of delivering the required copy sets, each in accordance with its own copy set specification, quite independently without the intervention of an operator. As a result, automatic operation of such a system when used in the copying function and in the hybrid function is improved to a far-reaching degree, while in the print function efficiency is improved in that only one print job is required. A first and second embodiment of the invention will now be explained with reference to Fig.3. Fig. 3 shows a variant of the printing system in which the printing system 301 comprises three units connected by data communication lines, a print station 302, a control station 303 and a scanner 304 respectively. The print station comprises a controller 305, an engine 306, a number of finishing units, e.g. a sorting device 307 and a folder 308, and an operating unit 309. The control station 303, which is in the form of a personal computer for example, comprises data reception means 310 for connection to a data network, facsimile network and/or for connection to a host computer, storage means 31 1 for storing print jobs, in the form of a hard disc and/or minidisc (md) system; operating means 312, which include a keyboard, a VDU and a mouse; and a processor unit 313, which is so instructed that required functions are performed. Optionally, the control unit may also comprise a CD-ROM, so that a user has the possibility of including in a print job the data stored thereon. The scanner is, for example, in the form of a page scanner with a moving flat plate, a page scanner through which the page is passed, or a microfilm scanner. The scanner and print unit are adapted to co-operate without the intervention of control unit 303 and then form a digital copying machine. The printing system 301 is provided with a function for scanning in and subsequent storage in the storage means 311 of a number of originals, whereafter these originals are then available in electronic form for inclusion in a print job. Print jobs arrive via the data receiving means 310 from a host computer or via a data network. These print jobs are also stored in the storage means 311. A first embodiment of the invention will be explained by reference to the copying function. In this example, the user uses the printing system via operating unit 309. The latter comprises an LCD screen and a number of keys. Operating screens are displayed on the LCD screen. Choices in these screens are made by means of the keys positioned around the LCD screen. Keys are also provided for directly setting specific functions. A first embodiment of the invention will be explained by reference to the operating screens shown in Fig. 4. The machine is programmed by making the required settings on the machine. This is done by making choices via the keys or via menus on the LCD screen. . A print job is specified by a job specification. According to the invention a job specification comprises disparate copy set specifications. Such a copy set specification specifying the way in which a copy set has to be formed from a set of original images comprises a number of parameters each determining a specific aspect of the job. Examples of such parameters are the number of copies ('copies'), degree of enlargement (zoom percentage), copy media ('roll'), folding ('normal' or 'fold'), delivery station ('stack'), stapling, reinforcement, perforation, glueing, binding, laminating, and so on. All these parameters can be set via the control panel. Once the machine has been set as required, then the user next selects the 'program' menu. This situation is depicted in Fig. 4A, where the user has just entered parameters for a specification. The leftmost column of the screen shows default values. The adjacent column, labeled with program number '1' shows the settings made by the user. After selection of the 'program' menu, the user is given the options 'store', 'erase', 'load' and 'matrix'. The user selects the option 'store' so that the settings made are stored under a program number, in this case under program number '1'. After the user has defined a number of these programs in the same way and stored them, he selects the option 'matrix' (Fig. 4B). The user now selects a number of the stored programs. Selection of a program is visible by the program number being reproduced in inverted form. After selection, the user inputs the set of originals to the scanner and activates the starting button. The printing system then processes the print job by successively performing the selected programs on the read-in set of original images. To program a print job according to the invention there is no need to input job specifications afresh each time. It is possible that a number of frequently used programs will be stored for long periods. To program a job according to the invention, all that is then required is to make a selection from the stored programs, thus resulting in the series of copy set specifications required. A second embodiment of the invention will be explained by reference to the printer function. In the present example, the operator now controls the printing system via the control station 303. Fig. 5 shows two operating screens relating to a job specification to the extent that this is displayed to the operator. These screens may be recalled at different places of the menu and give the operator the possibility of changing the job specification. The "Job Specification" screen indicated by reference 501 comprises three sub-screens "Job Settings" (502), "Files in Job" (503) and "File Settings" (504). The sub-screen "Files in Job" indicates what files form part of the job and in what sequence. A file comprises one or more original images which may or may not be encoded according to a specified data format. The operator has the possibility of adding, removing and moving files. The sub-screen "File Settings" displays a number of properties of a file selected in sub-screen 503, e.g. memory location, name and data format and a number of print settings, such as copy format and copy medium. The sub-screen "Job Settings" displays a number of properties of the job in settings which relate to the entire job, e.g. the number of sets required and if sorting is required and, if so, in what manner. The example illustrated shows that matrix-sorting is required. If this option is selected, then after the box 505 has been selected the screen "matrix sorting" (Fig. 5B, 507) is displayed. Matrix sorting gives the user the possibility of indicating how many prints, including none, of an original image or a file (such a file resulting after interpretation in one or more original images) are to be included in each case in what copy set. This number is displayed on a cell of the matrix of which one axis is one of the original images or one of the files comprising the job and along the other axis the copy sets for forming. The screen illustrated, for example, shows that set 3 contains a print of the first file, two prints of the second file and a print of each of the other files. The operator has the possibility of selecting a cell and introducing a number therein. He also has the possibility of indicating for the present file in the sub-screen "Files Settings", in the field "Matrix Sorting - Copies of File in Set" (Fig.5A, 506), the number of copies to be placed in a specific set. Matrix sorting is advantageous inter alia if a number of copy sets are to be made from one job, the various sets going to different clients having different interests. If the files in the job relate to a complex project, then a department or user concerned with safety will be interested in different files from another department responsible for the total construction. A following variant comprises combining programming per copy set with programming per page. One embodiment with reference to Fig. 4B comprises the user pre-programming a number of jobs and defining a series of programs on inputting each original. The result is that copy sets are formed from the set of original images, whereby it is not necessary for prints of each original image to be present each time. It is also possible to allocate to each cell in the matrix of Fig. 5B a job specification Px. In this way it is possible, within a set for delivery, to allocate individually a job specification to each file for processing comprising one or more original images which may or may not be coded in a specific data format. Other ways of inputting and recalling print specifications are possible. In the case of a print job fed to the printing system via a data network, the person submitting the job then also has the opportunity of including references to different preprogrammed job specifications when sending a print job supplied to the printing system via the data receiving means. If a print job of this kind is processed, the set of original images will first be processed in accordance with the first job specification, and then in accordance with the second job specification, and so on, until all the job specifications recalled have been processed. The sequence in which required copy sets are to be formed is not of primary significance. In one embodiment, the sequence determined by the operator or the person submitting the job is followed; in another embodiment the sequence is determined by conditions of the printing system relating, for example, to utilisation, paper supply, and so on; while in another embodiment print criteria are applied to each job specification of the print job so that a print job is processed divisionally in time, in which case for each set of print criteria the copy sets to be formed according to the permissible job specifications are formed until again a new set of print criteria becomes operative, in which again other copysets according to a following number of job specifications of the print job are formed. In the meantime, other print jobs or parts thereof are processed. If a mechanical sorter is available copy sets can be delivered in disparate trays. However since all original images are stored in the set memory sorted copy sets can also be formed by at first producing and delivering the first copy set, then producing and delivering the second copy set and so on, untill all copy sets have been formed. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described but can be performed by the skilled man in various other ways, all of which however come under the scope of the claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A printing system (1 ; 301) for processing a set of original images during a production run in accordance with a job specification, comprising: storage means (3; 311) for storing a set of original images supplied to the printing system; programming means (6; 309, 312) for programming the printing system in accordance with a job specification, characterized in that said job specification comprises at least two copy set specifications; and in that the printing system comprises control means (5; 305, 313) for repeatedly processing, during a production run, one and the same set of original images to produce at least two disparate sets of copies thereof each in accordance with a corresponding copy set specification. 2. A printing system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the programming means comprise means for preprogramming a series of copy set specifications; and, the printing system for this purpose comprises memory means for storing a series of copy set specifications and recall means for activating the preprogrammed series for the repeated printing of the set of original images each in accordance with a following copy set specification. 3. A printing system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the programming means comprise means for specifying for at least one print parameter, a series of parameter specifications, each parameter specification of the series relating to another copy set to be formed. 4. A printing system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the programming means also program the printing system, for a particular copy set, to process at least one original image disparate from the other original images of the original set. 5. A printing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the programming means specifies the number of copies, including zero, to be formed within a particular copyset, for at least one original image, disparately from the number of copies set for the other original images from the set of original images. 6. A printing system according to claim 5, characterized in that the printing system comprises: display means for displaying in matrix form relationships between each original image and the copy images required, in such a manner that original images are indicated along a first axis of the matrix and copy sets are indicated along a second axis of the matrix, and wherein a cell of the matrix holds the number of required copy images of the original image corresponding to the cell, for the copy set corresponding to the cell. 7. A printing system according to any of claims 1 -6, characterized in that it further comprises receiving means (2; 304, 310) , operatively interconnected to the storage means and the programming means, for receiving at least one of a job specification and a set of original images. 8. A printing system according to claim 7, characterized in that the receiving means comprise an image scanner ( 304) for converting a set of original images on a carrier into a set of electronic original images. 9. A printing system according to any of claims 7-8, characterized in that the receiving means comprise electronic data receiving means (310) for receiving from a source external to the printing system. 10. A print managing method for processing a set of original images during a production run in accordance with a job specification, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: a) storing a set of original images in memory; b) receiving a job specification, wherein said job specification comprises at least two copy set specifications; c) repeatedly processing the set of original images to produce at least two disparate sets of copies thereof each in accordance with a corresponding copy set specification. 11. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the step of receiving a job specification comprises the steps of: d) storing preprogrammed copy set specifications; and e) recalling a series of preprogrammed copy set specifications. 12. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that a copy set specification comprises at least one specification for a particular original image, to process said particular original image disparately from the other original images of the original set. 13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one specification differs from the others in the number of copies, including zero, to be formed from the particular original image within the copy set. 14. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the method comprizes the step of displaying in matrix form relationships between each original image and the copy images required, in such a manner that original images are indicated along a first axis of the matrix and copy sets are indicated along a second axis of the matrix, and wherein a cell of the matrix holds the number of required copy images of the original image corresponding to the cell, for the copyset corresponding to the cell.

Inventors: DEEN JUREK NIKOLAJ, GEURTS GERARDUS JOHANNES MARIA, ORBONS WILHELMUS HENDRIKUS MAR, VAN DEURZEN HENDRIKUS JOHANNES, DEEN, JUREK, NIKOLAJ, GEURTS, GERARDUS, JOHANNES, MARIA, ORBONS, WILHELMUS, HENDRIKUS, MARIA, VAN DEURZEN, HENDRIKUS, JOHANNES, GABRIELLA
Applicants: OCE NEDERLAND BV, OCE-NEDERLAND B.V.
Application year: 1995
Main classification: G06F3
IPC codes: B41J29, G03G21, G06F3, H04N1