JP2003044252A - Printer management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select a printer in line with the states (attributes, performance, printing quality and faults, etc.), of the respective printers, especially dynamic (changing with the lapse of time) parameters (the wear of a drum or the like), or accurately reflecting the demand of a user regarding the print quality or the like. SOLUTION: A printer agent 31 is arranged in the respective printers 3. The respective states of the printers illustrated above, especially for the dynamic parameters, are recognized. When printing is requested, the latest, real time in a sense, information is referred to and suitable candidate printers are extracted. The one for which output standby time is shortest for instance is selected from the candidates and a printing request is transferred. The processing progress of the printing request is reported to the user. At selecting the printer, the printing quality or the like changing with time is taken into consideration as well. The user can condition the respective printers beforehand and can also accept or deny use for the selected printer. The print quality can be specified by three levels or the like as well.

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer management system.
And more specifically, a network with multiple printers
The present invention relates to a system printer management system. 2. Description of the Related Art A network in which a plurality of printers are connected
Examples of conventional technologies related to printer system management
For example, JP-A-1-196624, JP-A-2-993
No. 77, JP-A-2-259821, JP-A-3-3
-122715, JP-A-3-157716
And JP-A-3-257616.
is there. The conventional technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-196624
In technology, the current number of records waiting for
From the processing speed of the printer and the expected output end time,
Assign a new job to the printer whose output ends
(Note that in this specification, "print
"Request" and "Job" are used interchangeably. K
When a client requests a printout of a document
It's more familiar to say "Request a print"
When the printer that receives this executes that printout
Is better to say "process the job"
It is. ). JP-A-2-99377
In the prior art, when trying to print out,
Data types (code data, image data)
Data, vector data) and check for multiple printers.
Of the data that can be printed out
And causes the data to be printed out. JP-A 2-2
In the prior art described in JP-A-59821, a network is disclosed.
Of the printers connected to the current
Select the best printer for your lint request. [0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-122715 describes
In the prior art, an arbitrary printer was selected from among a plurality of printers.
Data in the printer information storage means, and
When using, select one of these registered printers
Select an enabled printer, and from that printer
Print out. Described in JP-A-3-157716
In the prior art, specified by the printer on the network
To complete the print as much as possible by the time, print
The queue that holds the request is specified as, for example, 5 minutes.
There is a print request at the specified time
And the number of print requests in the queue and their
Considering the fixed time, select the optimal queue and place it there.
Queue print requests. JP-A-3-257
In the prior art described in Japanese Patent No. 616, the output data is
Analyze, calculate the required number of output sheets, and
Output time is smaller than the required number of printers
To execute the printout at that time. [0004] However, the state of the printer
That is a lot of change unexpectedly. Especially the net
A relatively large number of printers
Handle requests. For this reason, the process of sequentially processing this
In many cases, troubles occur. Sometimes trouble
Printer is down, maintenance is performed after that.
We may be restarting. Also printer
There are different printing methods, different resolutions,
In addition to the parameters that determine the print quality of the printer,
As time elapses, such as the degree of ram wear and remaining toner
There is a parameter that fluctuates and changes the print quality,
In addition, paper jams and fonts are beautiful.
There are parameters that can be called the linter's personality. Only
However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, sufficient consideration is given to these troubles.
No consideration was given. Also, when outputting data,
Whether the parameter is static or ready
To select a printer with
But the dynamic ones related to the passage of time
Consider what should be called printer's personality
Was not done. (Static: printable paper size, color printing
Items that the printer basically has, such as whether or not it is possible.
It is not possible to launch at that time.
Tastes different). For this reason, in the conventional device, the print request
After a while, or at the designated time
When I went to get the prints, the printer stopped because of paper out.
That the printer has recovered,
The printer is empty because it is not reflected in the data selection.
User's demands on printers, such as
Is not fully reflected in printer selection
was there. [0005] The objects of the present invention are the disadvantages of the above prior art.
Print request or time-designated print
When selecting a printer for a printer request,
Roller attributes, performance, operating status, fault status, etc.
The current state of the printer, so-called real-time state
User's request regarding printing quality etc.
Enables flexible printer selection that reflects accurate
Means that there is no resource such as printer trouble or printer
A printer that can realize a comfortable print environment without waste
To provide a management method. Means for Solving the Problems The invention for achieving the above object is provided.
In one aspect, data processing devices, print management servers and
And a network system with multiple printers
In the printer management method, each of the printers is a printer.
Printer information that outputs information about the current status of
The print management server,
Receiving a print request issued from the data processing device,
The printer output from each printer agent
Refer to the information on the status when the print request
For extracting candidate printers that meet the requirements
And sending the print request to any of the candidate printers.
Transfer means for transferring. In another aspect of the invention, a data processing device,
Network connected to a lint management server and multiple printers
In the printer management system of the network system,
The linter gives information about the current state of the printer.
Print management with a printer agent
The server specifies the time designated by the data processing device.
Accepts a print request and temporarily stores the print request.
Holding means and the print request
Transfer time that calculates the transfer time that matches the specified time
Calculation means and output from each of said printer agents
Refer to the information on the current status of the printer
For extracting candidate printers that meet the print request
A printer extracting means, and a transfer time corresponding to the designated time.
When the preset is temporarily stored in the temporary holding means,
Transfer request for transferring a print request to any of the candidate printers.
And a step. [0008] In still another aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned configuration is provided.
In addition, the print management server further includes the printer
Printer information that holds information about the current state of the printer
Holding means, output from each of said printer agents
Is held in the printer information holding means based on the received information.
Updated information about the current status of each printer
The candidate printer
The extracting means is stored in the printer information storing means;
Refer to the information on the current status of each printer
A candidate printer that meets the print request is extracted.
In this case, each of the printer agents will
When there is a change in the status of a printer,
Information to be supplied to the print management server. Also,
The print management server further determines what the print request is.
When trying to transfer to one of the printers,
The status of the printer at that time.
Printer information collecting means for collecting information
Printer extracting means, for each of the collected printers,
Refer to the information on the status, and accept the received print request.
Extract candidate printers that match. Further, the printer information collecting means includes:
When trying to transfer a print request to any printer
To the printer agent
Inquiry about the state of the above, in response to this
Based on the information output from the printer agent,
Updating the information held in the printer information holding means,
The candidate printer extracting means determines a previous printer based on the updated information.
The candidate printer is extracted. In addition, the printer information
Collecting means is a keyword corresponding to the print request at that time.
Inquiries to each of the above printers by simultaneous broadcast including
Do. Further, the print management server further performs the transfer.
Monitor the processing status of the sent print request, and
The processing status of the request is determined by the data processing that issued the print request.
Notification means for notifying the management device. [0010] In addition, output from each of the printer agents is performed.
Information about the current status that is entered into the printer
Process all print requests stored in the queue
Information on the end time is included. In addition, the management server
But also abstract print quality and printer specific parameters
Has a print quality table that defines the correspondence between
The data extraction means converts the abstract quality specified by the user into this data.
And check the specific parameters of the corresponding printer.
Each printer that is acquired and output from the printer agent
Information indicating the current state of the linter and this specific parameter
Against the meter for an abstract print quality specified by the user.
Extract printers that can print out. Further, the printer agent further comprises:
Correspondence between abstract print quality and specific printer parameters
Has a print quality table that defines the
The specific parameters at that time are checked against this table and
Determines and outputs the printer's abstract print quality when
You. Also, information indicating the status of each printer at that time.
Report printer parameters that change over time
Information about is included. In addition, the data processing device
Prompts the user whether or not to output on the selected printer.
It has a user interface to make it recognized. In addition, the
The lint management server is set by the user for each printer.
Selection conditions that hold the conditions for the selected printer
Case table, and the conditions set in the selection condition table.
Select a printer according to your requirements. In addition, the print tube
Where the management server further holds the time required for each printer.
There is a required time table and the required time obtained from the table
Time is required for each printer's current print request processing
To the time, and based on the time after the addition,
Printers that process the print request. According to one aspect of the present invention, each printer is provided with
Printer agent is the current printer agent
Status information, such as the operating status of the printer, attributes
It outputs the properties, performance, print requests waiting for output, and so on. This
Information is printed in regular inquiries from the management server.
In the form that the agent responds or the management server
In response to the query you made when making a linter selection,
Or, instead of responding to inquiries,
The linter agent voluntarily supplies information to the management server.
Is output in the form Candidate printer extraction means is data processing
The printer receives print requests from the device and
The current status of the printer output from the agent
Refer to the information on
Extract candidate printers. The transfer means uses these candidate printers.
Transfer the print request to one of the printers. According to another aspect of the present invention, a data processing apparatus is provided.
The temporary holding unit receives the print request at the specified time issued from
Accept and hold temporarily. The transfer time calculation means
Conform to the time specified for the print request
Calculate the transfer time. This time is, for example, the number of printouts.
And print speed based on the printer's print speed
Find the time and subtract it from the time specified by the user.
It is required by doing something like that. Candidate printer extraction
The means is used when a request is received or at a designated time.
When the transfer time arrives, the current
Extract candidate printers that meet the lint request. Transfer hands
When the transfer time according to the designated time comes,
Candidates for print requests temporarily stored in temporary storage
Transfer to any of the printers. In this case, the printer information holding means is provided.
And printer information collecting means. Printer information
The information holding means stores information on the current state of the printer.
Hold. The printer information collecting means is provided for each printer agent.
Based on the information output from the
Status of each printer held in the
Update state information. And refer to this information
The candidate printer extraction means responds to the print request at that time.
Extract matching candidate printers. In addition, each printer
Agent has changed the status of the printer.
When the remaining amount of toner changes, the printer
Is supplied to the print management server.
Further, the print management server further includes a printer information collecting unit.
And transferring the print request to any of the printers.
When the printer information collecting means is used,
The agent can tell you about the status of the printer at that time.
Gather information. The candidate printer extracting means is configured to
Information about the current status of each printer
And a candidate printer that meets the received print request.
Is extracted. A print request is sent to any printer.
When trying to transfer, the printer information collection
The agent to the current state of the printer.
The printer agent
Based on the information output from the
Update the information held in the holding means. Candidate printer extraction
Means for extracting a candidate printer based on the updated information
I do. Also, the printer information collecting means may
Keyword corresponding to the print request, for example, “size A3,
Broadcast including keywords such as "color printing"
Therefore, an inquiry is made to each printer. In addition, the
The lint management server further includes a notification unit, and the notification unit
Monitors the processing status of the transferred print request,
The processing status of the print request, for example,
The status of processing such as output stop was determined by issuing the print request.
Notify the data processing device. Further, the output from each printer agent is performed.
Information about the current status that is entered into the printer
Process all print requests stored in the queue
It contains information on the end time. In addition, the management server
The printer also provides abstract print quality and specific printer parameters.
It has a print quality table that defines correspondence with data. abstract
"Pine, bamboo, plum", "special, upper, medium, average"
"" And the specific parameters are
For example, resolution such as 400 dpi, printing method such as laser, etc.
In the print quality table, for example, "Pine is the laser method
400 dpi or more in the formula "
Determined. The candidate printer extraction means is specified by the user.
This table compares the abstract quality
Get specific parameters of the printer
Displays the current status of each printer output from the client.
The user compares the information with the specific parameters,
Select a printer that can print out the specified abstract print quality.
Extract. Further, the same print quality table as in the previous case is used.
Is held by the printer agent. This print quality test
Cables also provide abstract print quality and specific printer parameters.
To determine the correspondence between the printer and the
The specific parameters are checked against this table,
The printer's abstract print quality is
Is determined and output. Also at that time for each printer
Information that changes over time
Information about the parameters of the drum, e.g. drum wear
Degree (total output number after drum replacement)
Based on this, the print quality of each printer at that time is determined.
You. Also, the data processing device has a user interface.
Output to the selected printer, or
The user is asked whether or not to make a candidate. [0018] The print management server may select a condition for selection.
Have a table. This table is for each printer
Holds the conditions for printer selection set by the user
You. This condition is set for each printer.
Select items, check and select, do not select, etc.
You. For example, a printer that is set to “Unconditional selection” is a candidate
Is extracted without asking the user
Printer where the printer processes the current print request
Is selected as Pres that are marked as “check and select”
Once a candidate has been identified as a candidate,
Done, and if OK, the printer sends the print request
Selected as the printer to process. "Do not select"
Printers are not extracted from the beginning. Also,
The print management server further has a required time table.
You. This required time table is used by the user or data processing.
It holds the time required from the device to each printer.
The required time obtained from the table of
To the time required for the print request processing, and
That processes the current print request based on the time
Extract the data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The details of the present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.
A description will be given based on this. A first embodiment is shown in FIGS. FIG.
Is the overall configuration of the first embodiment. In the figure, 1 is the net
Multiple workstations 2 and multiple pre-
The server 3 and the print management server 4 are connected. What
Workstation 2 and printer 3 are actually
And many are connected. 21 is a workstation client
And runs on the workstation 2. The work
The station client 21 is provided in this embodiment.
User interface to use the print service
And communicates with the print management server 4 to
Request, and inquiry about the current status of the printer 3
To receive a print end notification and a printer 3
Do. "Workstation Client 21"
Because of the redundancy, in the following description
The word is abbreviated to “client 21”. Also in the figure
Omitting the word "workstation". Other structures
If parentheses are added after the name,
Like When notation in the figure is omitted, it is also shown in parentheses
You. Reference numeral 31 denotes a printer agent.
On the printer 3. The agent 31
Responds to an inquiry from the print management server
Information about the current status of the printer 3 is stored in the print tube.
To the management server 4. The content of this information is arbitrary. Pre
Printer attributes, performance, operation status, and other printer selection parameters.
Various items that can be used as meters are
Information ". As an example, a printer
Name, printer type, outputable media size (A4,
B4, etc.), media types that can be output (plain paper, fill
), Resolution, output data format, color
-Other functions (such as double-sided printing and bag binding printing)
Printer queue, printer queue, printer queue current
Status, error status, print job status, printer
Current availability status of each function
-Regarding printers, only monochrome printing is currently available,
Currently, printers that load paper of a different type
Printers with a sorter
However, various sorts, such as the sorter currently being stopped, can be considered.
Note that "Printer Agents assigned to each printer
Is redundant, so in such cases the agent
Abbreviation ". In the figure, "agent" is used. An outline of the functions of the print management server 4 will be described.
I do. First, inquire the printer agent 31
For each of the printers 3
Collect and maintain various information. Also client
In response to the print request sent from
Refer to the information on the status at that time, such as the attribute and status of 3
Select the most suitable printer 3 and transfer the print request.
You. The print output related to the print request is
Upon completion, the client 21 that has issued the print request
To notify the print end. The print management server 4
Is the time-designated print sent from the client 21.
Spooling for print requests and print output
Considering the time required, a specified time before the specified time
At the appropriate time, taking into account the attributes and status of the printer 3.
The print request is transferred to an appropriate printer 3. This
When the print output related to the lint request is completed, the print request
Print end notification to the client 21 that has issued
U. Note that the print management server 4 has a client 21
About the current state of the printer 3 issued by the printer
Also responds to inquiries. In addition, the pre
If a failure occurs in printer 3, use printer 3
Notifying the client 21 or the like that is doing so. FIG. 1 shows a configuration provided in the print management server 4.
Each configuration is shown. An outline of the function of each of these components will be described.
The detailed processing procedure will be described later with reference to a flowchart.
You. In the figure, reference numeral 40 denotes a printer information holding unit, and
Information about the state at that time
You. 41 is a timer for collecting printer information at predetermined time intervals
The unit 42 is started. The printer information collection unit 42 is activated
Each time the agent 31 of each printer 3
Collects information on the current status of the printer 3 and
Updates the information held in the linter information holding unit 40.
U. In addition, the client 21 sends the printer 3
When the printer receives the status information inquiry, the printer information
Searching the holding unit 40, and then searching for the printer
Is returned to the client 21. Each
The collection interval of information on the status of the printer 3 at that time is
Optionally, for example, information about the state at that time,
If there are relatively few changes, such as printer attributes,
And those with relatively large changes, such as the queue status.
For example, the former is every few minutes and the latter is every few seconds.
It is also effective to distinguish information collection items and intervals.
is there. 43 is a request receiving unit, issued by the client 21
The print request is accepted, and the candidate printer
Supply information. The candidate printer extraction unit 44
Output media size and output media from the
Type, resolution, output data format, color
Specifying the presence / absence and other functions (double-sided printing, bag binding printing, etc.)
Is analyzed for the presence or absence of The data is stored in the printer information storage unit 40.
Information on the status of each printer 3 held at that time
Printer candidates that meet each condition
I will. A print request issued from the client 21
Request has a field for specifying the printer name.
Have been. A plurality of printers can be specified. Step
If a linter name is specified, the printer
List candidates. If not specified, the printer information
Out of all the printers 3 registered in the
List linter candidates. Normal print request (time
If no), the normal request transfer unit 45
Waiting for the candidate printer extracted by the printer extraction unit 44
Order in ascending order, and print
Transfer the job using the protocol appropriate for the job. Job transfer
If a transfer failure occurs, the job is transferred to the next candidate.
Send. When the transfer is completed, the selected printer name and
And the job ID of the print request to the client 21
Notice. This data is also written to the job data holding unit 46.
Get in. When the received print request has a time designation
When the request is received, the request receiving unit 43
Send necessary information. The transfer time calculation unit 47 converts this information
The transfer time is calculated based on the transfer time. This transfer time is
It is the time minus the expected print time. Anticipation
The lint time is based on the size of the print data
Page number and print speed. Print speed
The speed may be based on the average of the candidate printer speeds, or
May also be based on a slow printer. Also spare time
Or multiply by a certain factor for the spare time
Good. The transfer time calculation unit 47 determines this transfer time by the request reception unit.
43. The request receiving unit 43 determines the transfer time and the
The print with the time designation together with the list of printer candidates
The request is stored in the spool 48. Spool 48 during transfer
This print request is temporarily held until the time comes.
I do. Reference numeral 49 denotes a timer, which is a transfer timing every predetermined time.
The control unit 50 is started. The transfer timing control unit 50 is activated.
Each time a print request is held on the spool 48,
Request transfer time and stored in the printer information holding unit 40.
Information about the current status of each printer
I do. In this embodiment, each candidate printer can process
Of the median time of the print request and the print request transfer time
Compare. The print request transfer time is earlier or
At almost the same time, the transfer timing control unit 50
The designated request transfer unit 51
Instruct transfer. The time designation request transfer unit 51 sends the candidate print
Selected from the data, and
Transfer the print request with the time specification (selection of candidate printers)
About the selection). Once the transfer is complete,
The printer name and the job ID of the print request.
The client 21 is notified. In the job data holding unit 46
Also writes this data. Note that the above “Each candidate
The time at which the printer can be processed is determined by the printer information holding unit 4
0 regarding the queue status of each printer 3 stored in
Calculated from the information. Reference numeral 52 denotes a timer, and the processing elapses at predetermined time intervals.
The monitoring unit 53 is started. The processing progress monitoring unit 53 is activated.
Each time the job data is stored in the job data holding unit 46,
Based on the print job data of the printer 3,
Query the progress of each print job
Let If the print job has been completed,
A print completion notification is sent to the print source client 21.
If a printer failure occurs, the administrator and its
Error notification to the user currently using linter 3
I do. In the case of timed print,
Or when an error occurs, the client
The workstation 2 of the client 21 is turned off
It is possible. In such a case, the client 21
You may send an e-mail to the user who used
Print management when the client 21 is started again
The notification may be made from the server 4. Referring to the flowchart, the print management server
The procedure of each process performed by the server 4 will be described. Printer
FIG. 3 shows a process performed by the information collecting unit 42. Timer 41
Is activated, the printer information collection unit 42
Inquiry about the status at that time
(Step S1). Note that the “step”
Words are omitted. The printer 3 agent that made the inquiry
If there is a response from the server 31 that a fault has occurred, or
If there is no response, a printer failure has occurred.
(S2 "Yes"), refer to the job data holding unit 46
And sends a print request to the printer 3.
An error notification is sent to the client 21 (S
3). If this process is completed or if there is no obstacle,
The current state of each printer 3 acquired in S1 is displayed.
Information is stored in the printer information holding unit 40 and the information is stored.
The information is updated (S4). FIG. 4 shows a procedure for transferring a print request.
Show. These are the request receiving unit 43 and the candidate printer extracting unit 4
4, normal request transfer unit 45, job data holding unit 46, transfer
Transmission time calculation unit 47, spool 48, timer 49, transfer
By the timing control unit 50 and the time designation request transfer unit 51
Be executed. First, the pre-sent message sent from the client 21
The request is received by the request receiving unit 43 (S11).
The request receiving unit 43 analyzes and outputs the received print request.
Media size, other required by the print request
Various conditions are determined (S12). Before the print request
As described above, the field for specifying the printer name is
is there. The request receiving unit 43 checks the contents of the field.
(S13). If specified (S13 "Yes"),
The candidate printer extraction unit 44 stores the information in the printer information storage unit 40.
Refers to the information of the designated printer 3 and
Printer candidates are selected from the printers 3 (S14).
If there is no designation (S13 "No"), the printer information
Of all printers registered in the holding unit 40
A candidate for the printer is given (S15). Print request conditions
Printer candidate not found (S16 "N
o "), the request receiving unit 43 sends the print request
An error notification is sent to the client 21 (S17). If there is a printer candidate (S16
"Yes"), whether the print request has time designation
Check (S18). If no time is specified (S1
8 “No”), the normal request transfer unit 45
Of the queue of each printer candidate in the holding unit 40.
Refer to the information indicating the status at the time of
It is calculated (S19). And pre-order in ascending order of waiting time
Printer candidates (S20), and for the top candidate,
Print job (job) using the protocol that was appropriate for the printer
Is transferred (S21). Job transfer failure
In this case (S22 “ERROR”), the first candidate is deleted.
(S23), transfer the job to the next candidate (S2)
4 “Yes” → S21). Before there are no more printer candidates
When the transfer of this print job is completed (S22 “O
K "), the normal request transfer section 45 sends the selected printer name and
And the job ID to the client 21 (S2
6). Before the transfer destination is found, there are no printer candidates
If it has (S24 "No"), a print request is issued.
An error notification is sent to the client 21 to end the processing (S2
5). If the time is specified (S18 "Ye
s "), and calculates the print request transfer time by the above-described procedure.
(S26). This is included in the print request to the spool 48.
Then, it is stored together with the candidate printer list (S27). Time-designated printing by the transfer time control unit 50
Figure 5 shows the transfer control procedure for the port request.
FIG. 6 shows the states of available times of the linters A to E. It
Each arrow indicates a queue in the printer 3 until that time.
And then the printer 3 cannot be used
It is shown that. Further, the transfer time TT in FIG.
From the specified time DT, the time specified print request
Time returned to the current time by the time t necessary for treatment
This is determined by the transfer time calculation unit 47 in the procedure described above.
Calculated. Now, the transfer timing control unit 50
Is started by the timer 49. When activated,
Check the contents of the spool 48 and there is a print job
It is confirmed whether or not (S31). If there is (S31 "Ye
s "), select unprocessed jobs
(S32). The transfer timing control unit 50 controls the selected job
Printer 3 is a candidate for
Referring to the information holding unit 40, information on each queue is provided.
From the report, use of each of the candidate printers A to E as shown in FIG.
A possible time is obtained, and its median CT is obtained (S33).
(Note that the printer D cannot be used.) Median C obtained
T is compared with the print request transfer time TT. In this embodiment
Means that the median value CT is before the print request transfer time TT.
At or almost at the same time,
It is assumed that it is time to transfer (S34 "Yes"). Through
Normal print job is almost the same for each printer 3
Distributed to Therefore, the median value CT is equal to the print request value.
When it is before the sending time TT or almost at the same time
Is displayed, some of the candidate printers are
At the time of the clock, in other words, at the exact time,
The printout of the lint request is ready to be completed.
This is an opportunity to transfer a timed print request.
You. In other words, if you transfer at such a time, it will be faster than necessary.
Because we do not occupy the printer for a long time,
In the meantime, processing of another print request can be executed. When the time to transfer is reached, the transfer time
The control unit 50 sends the time designation request to the time designation request transfer unit 51.
Command transfer of lint request. Time designation request transfer unit 51
Retrieves the print request at the specified time from the spool 48
And the available processing time is closer to the present than the median CT and
Printer closest to median CT, here printer E
Then, the time-designated print request is transferred (S35).
Then, the print request is removed from the spool (S36).
In both cases, the printer name, job ID, etc.
46. Note that the latest printer information holding unit 40
In the sense of referring to the information, it is indicated by S13 to S15 in FIG.
Is again executed between S32 and S33.
Is also effective. FIG. 7 shows the processing progress monitoring unit 53.
For monitoring the processing status of the print job of each printer 3
The flow of is shown. When activated by the timer 52,
The processing progress monitor 53 pre-registers each printer agent 31.
The processing status of the job is inquired (S41). Pudding
Job has been completed (S42 "Yes"),
Print end notification to the print source client 21
(S43). If a printer failure has occurred (S44
"Yes"), the desktop used by the system administrator
Error message on the console of the
Displays a message or the like. Also, the job data holding unit 46
To the user who is currently using the printer 3
Error notification is also performed (S45). And got
The status of each print job is stored in the printer information holding unit 40.
(S46). Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.
As a method of collecting information of the printer information collecting unit 42,
In the example, the printer information collection unit 42
Inquiry to the client 31 was made. In addition to this,
End of print job and status change such as printer failure
About, spontaneously from the printer agent 31
To add a process for notifying the printer information collection unit 42
It is also good to In this case, the printer agent 31
Area for storing the address of the print management server 4
The printer agent 31 has already
Or, when there is a status change such as a printer failure,
The print management server 4 (the printer information collection unit 4)
Notify 2). In S36 of FIG. 5, a print request is issued.
After transferring to the printer 3, the job
Was removed. But do not do this and use it for job recovery.
May be used. By doing so, S in FIG.
If a job failure is notified in step 44,
If the print time is specified, the spool 48
The request remains. Therefore, reprint the print request.
And can be sent to another printer 3. Pre in this case
4 can be executed in the same manner as in S13 to S15 in FIG.
You. In FIG. 2, the workstation 2, the printer
3. The print management server 4 is physically separate from each other.
Although it is expressed as if it were, for example,
The print management server 4 may be arranged on the station 2
And there is no need for each to be physically independent. A second embodiment will be described. The following
In the description, the code of each block, for example, the code after “4”
There is a case where “B” is added and the code is “4B”.
It adds or removes configuration or functionality from the original
Indicates that. The symbols are “B” for the second embodiment,
In the order of "C" for the three embodiments, for each embodiment,
Assign alphabetic signs. Description of the second embodiment
Return to The configuration of the print management server 4B of this embodiment
As shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the data is transferred to each printer 3.
Monitoring the progress of the job after the completion is not a mandatory requirement.
No. Therefore, in this embodiment, the print tube of the first embodiment is used.
In the configuration of the management server 4 (FIG. 1),
No timer 52 is used to activate it. FIG.
In the print management server 4B of the second embodiment, these are deleted.
Has been removed. These processing progress monitor 53 and timer
The processing by 52 is not naturally performed. That is, the second real
In the embodiment, the processing shown in FIG. 7 is not performed. Other configurations,
The operation is the same as in the first embodiment. The explanation is redundant
Abbreviate. Next, a third embodiment will be described. This practice
The configuration of the example print management server 4C is shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 shows a procedure for the transfer of the data. This third embodiment
Then, processing of the job with the specified time is a mandatory requirement.
Absent. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the printer of the first embodiment is used.
Transfer time calculating unit 4 in the configuration of the client management server 4 (FIG. 1).
7, spool 48, timer 49, transfer timing control unit 5
0, and the time designation request transfer unit 51 is not used. FIG.
In the print management server 4C of the third embodiment shown in FIG.
They have been removed. Naturally, these processes are also performed.
I can't. That is, in the third embodiment, S18 and S18 in FIG.
26 and S27 are not performed. Shown in FIG.
In the print request transfer processing procedure of the third embodiment,
These processes have been deleted. The processing of FIG. 5 is not performed.
No. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Redundantly
The explanation is omitted. The fourth embodiment will be described. This practice
FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the example print management server 4D. No.
FIG. 10 as in the third embodiment, and FIGS. 2 and 5 as in the first embodiment.
3 and In the fourth embodiment, the third embodiment is different from the third embodiment.
Similarly, processing for timed jobs is a mandatory requirement.
There is no. Therefore, also in the fourth embodiment, the transfer time calculation shown in FIG.
Fixed part 47, spool 48, timer 49, transfer timing control
The unit 50 and the time designation request transfer unit 51 are not used. Figure
In the print management server 4D of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.
These have been removed. Of course the processing by these
Not done. That is, the transfer process of the print request of the first embodiment.
The processing of S18, S26 and S27 of the management procedure (FIG. 4)
Not done. In the fourth embodiment as well, these are deleted.
10, which is the same as that of the third embodiment.
The job is transferred. The processing of FIG. 5 is not performed.
No. In the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment,
Monitoring the progress of the job transferred to the printer 3
Is not a mandatory requirement. Therefore, even in this embodiment, FIG.
Processing progress monitoring of the print management server 4 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
The part 53 and the timer 52 for activating it are not used.
No. A print management server according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.
In 4D, these have been deleted. These processing progress monitors
Naturally, the processing by the viewing unit 53 and the timer 52 is also performed.
Absent. That is, the processing shown in FIG. 7 is not performed. Other configurations,
The operation is the same as in the first embodiment. The explanation is redundant
Abbreviate. Here, supplementation is performed. In the present invention,
The state of the printer 3 where the linter agent 31 is located
From printer management server 4 when there is a change in
Information about changes in state without waiting for a match.
This is supplied to the lint management server 4. To do this,
For example, the same as in the above “Description of Modification of First Embodiment”
Thus, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, or the fourth embodiment
Print management service in each printer agent 31
Area for storing the address of the address 4B, 4C or 4D.
Note that the printer agent 31 waits until the job ends.
Or when there is a change in status such as a printer failure.
Print management server 4B, 4C or 4D (each
Should be notified to the printer information collection unit 42) of the
No. This will end the print job and the printer
Printer agent 3
1 to the printer information collection unit 42 voluntarily.
Is performed. The fifth embodiment will be described. (1) When a print request is made, a printer information collecting unit
42E responds to each printer agent 31E.
Inquire about the current state. (2) Response of each printer agent 31E to this
In the response data, the release time of each printer 3 (current
Job end time). (3) Each of these printer release times and each print
Based on speed and each print request
Predicts the end time at the
Select 3 and supply it with the current print job
You. FIG. 12 shows the print management server 4E and the like of this embodiment.
Show. It should be noted that the drawing is necessary for explaining the features of this embodiment.
Only important ones are shown. In the figures, according to the embodiment, FIG.
Each block shown in FIG. 2 is added. FIG. 13 shows the processing procedure of this embodiment. This
The configuration and operation of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to them.
I will tell. In the figure, 61 is an output number counting unit, and a request receiving unit.
43 based on the job information supplied from
The number of printouts requested by the lint request is counted. This information is
Is supplied to the candidate printer extraction unit 44E together with the
You. The candidate printer extraction unit 44E supplies these pieces of information.
In response, the printer information collection unit 42E
Instruct collection. The printer information collection unit 42E is connected
Query printer information for all printers 3
(L51, S52. When each printer is individually indicated)
Uses codes “PR1 to PR3”. ). Each pudding
The agent 31E of the printer 3 transmits printer information, for example,
Type of data that can be printed out by the printer 3
Speed, current printer status (ready or not ready)
), Information such as the printer open time is returned (S6).
1). The printer open time is the printer time at that time.
Is the time at which all jobs held by
Each of these printer agents 31E
The number of pages (number of pages) for each job
And divide this by the print speed of the printer.
Is calculated with The collected printers PR1 to PR3
FIG. 14 shows examples of linter information PD1 to PD3. Candidate
The linter extraction unit 44E outputs such printer information PD1 to PD1.
First, it can adapt to the print request at this time based on PD3
A suitable printer is selected (S53). For example, color printing
Monochrome printers are excluded if requested.
A pre-language that cannot be interpreted by the page description language of the print request
Entrants are also excluded. Does not have the required paper size
Things are also excluded. Not Ready Like Printer PR2
Printers in the (unusable) state are also excluded. At this time
If the printer 3 is determined to be able to process the print request,
Then, calculation of the expected end time is executed (S54). Figure
FIG. 15 shows the calculation procedure. For example, if the printer PR1 is
Job 2 and the expected end time of job 2 is 9:00
It is assumed that the time is 1 minute and 00 seconds. Jo trying to add a new one
The number of pages of the job 3 is “100”, and the print speed is 50 per minute.
If it is a page, it is necessary to print this job 3.
The running time is 2 minutes. Therefore, this printer P
If R1 is to process this job 3, its expected end
The end time is 9:30:00 (FIG. 15). This time prediction process is performed for each of the remaining printers.
And implement it. For example, for the printer PR3,
Expected end time is 8:59:00 and print speed is every minute
If it is 20 pages, the number of pages of job 3 is 1
00, the time required for print output is 5 minutes.
When the processing of job 3 is executed by the printer PR3,
Then, the expected end time is 9: 4: 00 (see Figure
15). In this way, the expected end time of each printer 3
When the calculation is completed, the expected end time is the earliest
Is selected (S55). Here, the printer PR1 is selected.
Suppose that it was selected. The normal request transfer unit 45
Is transmitted to the printer PR1 (S56). Printer
Agent 31E places this job 3 in a queue (not shown).
It is stored (S63). And calculate the expected end time
(S64). The procedure for calculating the expected end time is as described in S54.
Is the same as that performed by the candidate printer extraction unit 44E in
is there. In S54, the job is processed.
Under the assumption that the candidate printer extraction unit 44E
The expected end time was calculated. In this S64,
Calculation of the expected end time for the job
I do. When one print is completed, the print
The agent 31E of the printer 3
Job is removed from the queue (dequeue) (S65, FIG.
16DC). The expected end time of each job is
Does not exactly match the time of completion of the event. In this embodiment, the husband
Based on the expected end time of the last job of each printer 3
Is assigned to the job at that time. Follow
If only the expected end time is accumulated more and more,
There is a risk that the deviation from the print completion time will increase. So
In this embodiment, each time one print is completed,
Based on the actual completion time of each printer agent
31E corrects the expected end time of the following job
Perform (S66). For example, at some point, the queue of the printer PR1
FIG. 16 shows the contents of the queuing list QLO shown in FIG.
Jobs 1 to 3 are held, and the job 1
The actual print completion time is "9:00:30"
Suppose. According to the queuing list QLO, the job
The expected end time of No. 1 was "9:00:00". Subordinate
This job is completed 30 seconds behind schedule
It will be done. Printer PR1 Agent 31E
Is the expected end time of the job
(S66). As a result, job 2, job 3
The expected end time of each is delayed by 30 seconds each later,
It becomes each value shown in the routing list QLN. Other
The behavior of is different from what has been described so far.
No. In the fifth embodiment, a print request is assigned to a printer.
Inquire about the state when attaching. Follow
For example, to exclude the one that just ran out of paper,
At that moment, a printer that accurately reflects the status of each printer at that moment
Job can be distributed. The sixth embodiment will be described. This practice
The example is basically the same as the fifth embodiment, except for the following points.
Are different. (1) Inquiry of printer information is performed by simultaneous broadcast
thing. (2) This indicates the content of the print request at this time
Keywords must be included. (3) This keyword matches,
Only the agent 31F of the printer 3
Printer 3 opening time,
Respond with information about the status. FIG. 17 shows this embodiment.
The main configuration of the print management server 4F of FIG.
Shows the processing procedure. The configuration shown in FIG.
This is the same as the fifth embodiment. However, the printer of this embodiment
The information collecting unit 42F performs a simultaneous broadcast with a keyword.
Cats and printers that do not match this keyword, even if
For example, the agent 31F of the printer PR2 responds at this time.
Do not answer. In this respect, there is a slight difference from the fifth embodiment.
There is a difference. Therefore, the code of the block is updated (additional code
"F") and the drawing was separated. The processing procedure of this embodiment shown in FIG.
This is basically the same as the embodiment. However, the following points are different
You. (1) The printer information collection unit 42F includes a keyword
Broadcast to each printer agent 31F
Inquire about printer information (S52F). (2) Printer agents that match this keyword
Only the printer 31F responds with the status of the printer at that time.
To come (S61F). (3) Therefore, the operation is performed in S53 (FIG. 13) of the fifth embodiment.
In the sixth embodiment, the “selection of a suitable printer”
What is not done. Therefore, this figure was renewed. All at once
The types of keywords included in the broadcast are arbitrary. Specifically
Has static items, such as resolution, printing speed, etc.
Paper size, remaining amount of each paper, printer open time, etc.
There are dynamic items. The advantage of this sixth embodiment is that the key
By devising the type of word and its content,
Can easily find the printer that matches the target
That is. For example, if the total number of printouts is large
To avoid running out of paper in the middle
A keyword such as "the remaining amount of paper A4 is 300 sheets or more"
This ensures that the print request is fulfilled to the end.
You can select the printer to be run. Also pudding
There is no need for a configuration or storage means for storing the information of the data. The seventh embodiment will be described. This practice
The example is basically the same as the first embodiment, but
Are different. (1) Printer selection focusing on printer print quality
To do. (2) This selection is made by the user in an abstract expression of pine, bamboo, plum, etc.
That you can choose. Factors affecting print quality and
Then, the following can be considered.・ Printing method (laser / inkjet / wire dot etc.)
・ Resolution (dpi) ・ Multiple gradations ・ Drum abrasion ・ Developer blade abrasion ・ Remaining amount of toner (the lower the remaining, the lower the quality) ・ Differences between printer models and manufacturers Paper types and brand differences (backing paper etc.
These factors are taken into account as appropriate in the implementation. FIG. 19 shows a print management server according to this embodiment.
Main 4G, workstation client 21G etc.
The configuration is shown. In the figure, 71 is a keyboard, mouse, etc.
An input / output unit 72 is a print request processing unit.
According to the print request input from the output unit 71, the file
Reads the corresponding document file from the file storage unit 73
Then, the data is supplied to the communication processing unit 74. The communication processing unit 74
Management of the print request of the user via the network 1
In addition to supplying to server 4G, seed via network 1
Send and receive various data. 81 is a print management server
The communication processing unit on the 4G side receives the print request.
Transfer various data via the network 1
Make a reception. A job processing unit 82 is a candidate for the first embodiment.
Printer extraction unit 44, normal request transfer unit 45, transfer time calculation
Setting unit 47, timer 49, transfer timing control unit 50, time finger
It has the same function as the fixed request transfer unit 51 and the like. 42G1 is
In the printer information table management section, the printer information table
Create / update 40G1. 42G2 is the printing quality
In the case table management unit, the print quality condition table 40G2
Create / update. 87 is a keyboard, mouse, etc.
It is an input / output unit configured. In this embodiment, the processing is performed as follows.
Be done. First, the administrator of the print management server 4G enters
Using the power unit 87 and the printer information table management unit 42G1
Then, a printer information table 40G1 is created. this
FIG. 20 shows an example of the contents of the printer information table 40G1.
You. Similarly, the input / output unit 87, the print quality condition table
Print quality condition table 40G using management unit 42G2
Create 2. In the print quality condition table 40G2,
An example is also shown in FIG. This makes this system
The type of print quality to be provided and its contents are determined. Of course
The present invention is not limited to the examples given here. A user
Issues a print request using the input / output unit 71. This
Enter the name of the document file or the like you want to print out
And, at the same time, the printing quality
specify. What to specify is, of course, arbitrary. One example
If you want to proofread the created text, the lowest run
Ku's “plum”, the highest ranking document for customers
"Pine" may be specified. The print request that has received this print request
The processing unit 72 stores the specified file in the file storage
3 and print with the print quality specified by the user.
A print job is created and supplied to the print management server 4G. request
The receiving unit 43 receives this job and sends it to the spool 48.
Pool. The job processing unit 82
Remove the bus. And as an attribute of this print job
Take out the specified print quality and print the print quality condition table.
And search for the corresponding print quality condition.
Get the case. The job processing unit 82 performs pre-processing based on this condition.
Search the information table 40G1 to satisfy the condition.
Find the printer 3. And each embodiment described above
As with, you can print out the fastest
The printer 3 is selected, and the job is transmitted to it.
In the seventh embodiment, the print quality is specified in the above-described abstract form.
Was done. Therefore, the resolution of each printer
Other parameters that affect print quality
Printing with the desired print quality without the user having to worry
Things can be easily obtained. In addition, printing quality conditions
The cable 40G2 can be updated at any time. Therefore,
By repeating the update as appropriate for system operation
The system and personality of the system
A matching printing environment can be realized. An eighth embodiment will be described. This practice
FIG. 21 shows the configuration of the example print management server 4H and the like.
Printer information table 40H1, print quality condition table
FIG. 22 shows an example of the contents of 40H2. This example is basic
Is the same as in the seventh embodiment, except that the consumable
The difference from the seventh embodiment is that information is added (FIG. 2).
2). As described above, consumption of toner and ink
The condition of the product affects the print quality. Drums are simple
Although it is not a consumable item, as the number of prints increases
It wears and reduces print quality. So, here is Dora
The contamination status of the system is also included in the consumable information. This information
Is specifically represented by the number of printouts. the expendables
The information is periodically updated by the printer information table management unit 42H1.
And reflect it in the printer information table 40H1.
You. Otherwise, the operation is the same as that of the seventh embodiment. Description
Abbreviate. According to the eighth embodiment, when the request is processed,
Print quality can be reflected in the output.
The printer selection more suitable for the situation is performed. Therefore,
More precisely reflecting the user's desire for print quality,
A more detailed print service can be realized. The ninth embodiment will be described. This practice
In the example, the configuration of the print management server 4I is the same as that of the eighth embodiment.
Same as above (additional code is changed from H to I. Illustration is omitted.
Abbreviation. ). This embodiment is basically the same as the eighth embodiment.
You. Each of the printers 3 has its own
Is different from the eighth embodiment in that the quality information is determined. 8th real
As explained in the example, the print quality is in consumables and other conditions.
Affected by Therefore, the printer must decide for itself.
Quality information reflects the status of consumables that change over time.
It will be reflected. The quality information is the same as in the eighth embodiment.
Printer information table management unit 42H of the management server 4H.
1 periodically collects the information in the printer information table 40I1.
Update. This printer information table 40I1 and printing
FIG. 23 shows an example of the contents of the quality condition table 40I2. This
Here, the quality information is expressed as "excellent", "above", "average"
You. Then, for example, the print quality condition table 40H of FIG.
Each printer 3 has its own consumables etc.
This quality information is determined in accordance with the state of. Other than this
The operation is the same as that of the eighth embodiment. Description is omitted. This ninth real
Depending on the embodiment, the print quality at the time of processing the request is also output.
Can be reflected in the force, more adapted to the situation at that time
Printer selection is performed. Therefore, the printing quality
More detailed, reflecting the user's wishes more accurately
A print service can be realized. Also regarding print quality
Since the evaluation is left to the printer, the print management server 4
The burden on the I side is light. The tenth embodiment will be described. This fruit
FIG. 24 shows a main part of the configuration of the embodiment. Candidate printers
The selection is made by the auxiliary printer extraction unit 44J. This practice
In the example, whether or not to output with the selected printer is
The user can confirm it. Printer print quality
Is, as described above, the remaining amount of toner, the number of printouts,
Affected by various parameters. Of these parameters
Some are hard to detect with sensors etc.
There is something of the nature. In addition to print quality,
Good and bad, good and bad toner, good and bad color
Printers, such as paper jams
There is a parameter that can be called personality. Also installed
Location is far from the user and it is selected
And it ’s hard to go there
There can be problems. The present embodiment is useful in such a situation.
You. That is, when the user issues a print request,
In the window 91 shown, specify whether or not to perform this confirmation.
You can do it. If not specified, the candidate
The job is sent to the printer 3 selected by the linter extraction unit 44J.
And printout is executed. If specified,
At the stage when the auxiliary printer extraction unit 44J selects the printer 3
Then, a confirmation window 92 of FIG. 26 is displayed. Selected
If the printer 3 is like your preference,
Place the cursor on the "Print" button and
Click the button for the resource (because it is redundant,
Abbreviated to "click the button." ). with this
The job is sent to the selected printer 3 and the print output is
Be executed. I don't like the selected printer 3
For example, the user clicks the “next candidate” and “previous candidate” buttons.
The candidate printer extracting unit 44J controls the printer information collecting unit 42
Browse to find another candidate printer and enter the user interface
To the user interface 43J.
Displays this in the window 91. Displayed one after another
If you find the desired one in the printer 3,
Click the "Print" button. Selected pre
The job is transmitted to the printer 3 and printout is executed. When there are no more candidate printers,
The linter extraction unit 44J provides the user interface 43J with the
Tell the effect. The user interface 43J is
The message "Candidate printer has been lost" appears on Dow 92.
Display a message. This message is displayed as "Printer
Was selected. Do you want to print? Message
Is displayed instead of. Change the printing conditions
Click the Cancel button to redo
Check box to stop printing. Weather displayed so far
"Previous candidate" button if you want to be patient with the auxiliary printer
Click to select the printer. this
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when selecting a printer, the sensor
Printers that have subtle differences that cannot be detected
Properly reflect user preferences for parameters
I can do it. The eleventh embodiment will be described. This fruit
This embodiment is similar to the tenth embodiment. The configuration is 10th
This is the same as the embodiment (FIG. 24). In this example, each pre-
To accurately reflect each user's preference for
Therefore, each user can select each printer "unconditionally",
And select it, or select
It is registered in the center table 102 (FIG. 28). "Absurd
Printers that are "selected for" are, so to speak,
The candidate printer extraction unit 44J
Once it is selected, exit it without user confirmation.
It is good as a force printer. "Check and select"
The printer will be notified if the user accepts it.
Printer, and if "No", it is an omit.
For example, there is a little difficulty in print quality
However, since it is the closest and convenient, printing quality such as proofreading is an issue
What you want to use when you don't,
register. Printers marked as “not selected” are
Not used by the user, e.g. remote location
That do not have fonts
Register to rank. An example 101 of the selection criterion registration window is shown in FIG.
27. Each user should consider each situation and
Apply the criteria to any selection criteria. This result is
Printer information as the printer table 102 (FIG. 28)
It is held in the part 40. The settings are the same for the same printer.
For each user. Therefore, the printer table 10
2 exists separately for each user. This printer table
FIG. 29 shows the procedure for selecting a printer by 102. is there
When a print request is received from the user, the printer information
The candidate pre-set that matches the job with reference to the
The operator is taken out (S71). Enter this candidate printer name
The user at this time stored in the printer information holding unit 40
Collation with the printer table 102 of the user. Yu at this time
If the user selects "unconditionally" this printer,
This is selected as an output printer (S76), and
Submit the job. If the printer listed as a candidate is
Is selected, the same pre-selection as in the tenth embodiment is performed.
A window 92 is displayed (S75). A user
After selecting “Print” in this window,
Select the output printer (S76), and select the job
Send When the user selects "next candidate",
The next printer extracted by the auxiliary printer extraction unit 44J is a candidate
(S73), and the same processing is performed for this (S73).
72). If "previous candidate" is selected, the previous
The candidate is read out, and S72 is executed again. "Cancel"
In the case of, the processing is stopped. Select a printer
If "None" is set, the next
A supplement is extracted, and the same processing is repeated for this. Weather
If there are no more printers, "Printer selection failed"
Then, the user is notified and the process is terminated (S74). like this
According to this embodiment, when selecting a printer, a sensor or the like is used.
Does not detect printer parameters with subtle differences
About the user's preference according to the place registered in advance
It can be reflected accurately and easily. The twelfth embodiment will be described. FIG.
The main part of the configuration of this embodiment is shown in FIG. This embodiment is different for each user.
Required distance table from user to each printer
2 (see FIG. 31 for details) and store this value in the candidate
Extraction process of the candidate printer by the printer extraction unit 44K, and
To notify the user of the completion of print output.
You. The location of the printer is not always close to each user.
Not necessarily. The larger the office, the stronger the tendency
Become. In view of this point, in this embodiment, individual users
Look, the pudding that can get the printed matter the fastest
Data selection. In addition, each user is
When I went to the printer after receiving the notification,
Make sure that the printed output is complete
The time to give this completion notice according to the distance between the printers
To adjust. This allows individual users to obtain the desired printed material.
Can be obtained in the shortest time. The required time table 112 is used for individual users.
It is created for each (112A, 112B, 112C). Required
Time may be one-way or round-trip, but here it is one-way
I'll give it time. User position is not fixed
(If each user's desktop is the same workstation
Time table 11)
2 is created for each workstation
Preferably. The candidate printer extraction unit 44K first
The expected output completion time T1 for the candidate printer
Calculate. Next, the required time table of the user at that time
From the file 112 until the user goes to the printer
Reads the time required and calculates the expected output completion time
Add twice the required time (round trip time) to T1
To obtain a print acquisition expected time T2. Each pre-candidate
This process is performed for the printer. And from that user
The estimated time T2 of obtaining the printed material of each of the printers is obtained.
Of these, the one with the earliest time is output at this time
Select as a printer. The actual print output time is
This is the estimated output completion time T1 calculated first. Done
The notice notification unit 111 is provided from the time T1 to the printer.
Time required to notify the user of completion by subtracting the required time
Confuse. When this time comes, this user
And that the printed matter is output at time T2.
You. In response, the user goes to the printer
The output of the printed matter is completed just when we arrive there.
You. The correspondence between the configuration of the embodiment and the configuration of the invention will be described.
(Excluding those using the same name.)
The application 2 corresponds to the data processing device. Printer attributes, gender
Printers that meet printing requirements
Various items that can be parameters for selection
Information on the state at the time. " Normal request transfer unit 4
5 is a transfer means. Spool 48 as temporary holding means
Hit The transfer time calculation unit 47 corresponds to the transfer time calculation means.
You. Printer information holding unit 40 serves as printer information holding means
Hit (the letter of the alphabet is added after the letter 40)
Including those that have been The same applies to other configurations. ). Step
The linter information collecting unit 42 corresponds to the printer information collecting unit.
You. The candidate printer extracting unit 44 becomes a candidate printer extracting unit.
Hit The processing progress monitoring unit 53 corresponds to a notification unit. As described above, in the present invention, each
The printer agent provided for the printer is
Outputs information about the current status of the
The extracting means receives the print request issued from the data processing device.
Accepted and output from each printer agent
With reference to the information, the candidate
Printer, and if the transfer means is one of these candidate printers
The print request is forwarded to. Also, temporarily
The pre-specified time specified by the holding unit is output from the data processing device.
Request and temporarily hold it, and calculate the transfer time.
The column applies to this print request at the time
Calculated transfer time, and the candidate printer extraction means
As in the case above, candidate printers are extracted and the
When the sending time arrives, the transfer means contacts the temporary holding means.
When the held print request is sent to one of the candidate printers
Was transferred to Further, the printer information holding means and the printer
Information collecting means, and the printer information holding means
Information about the current status of the printer
Information collection means outputs information output from each printer agent.
Information stored in the printer information storage means based on the
Update information about the current state of each printer,
By referring to this, the candidate printer extracting means
To select candidate printers that meet
Was. In addition, each printer agent checks the status of the printer.
Information about the status of the printer when it changes
Is supplied to the print management server. Also,
The lint management server further includes a printer information collecting unit,
Attempt to transfer the print request to any printer
When the printer information collecting means is
Information about the status of the printer at that time.
I tried to collect. Then, the candidate printer extracting means
Refers to the collected information and responds to the received print request.
Candidate printers that match are extracted. A print request is sent to any printer.
When trying to transfer, the printer information collection
To the agent for the current state of the printer.
An inquiry is made, and in response to this, the printer agent
Printer information holding means based on the information output from the printer
The candidate printer extracting means updates the information held in the
Extract candidate printers based on updated information
did. Also, the printer information collecting means may
Broadcast including keywords corresponding to
Added inquiry to printer. In addition,
The print management server further includes a notification unit, and the notification unit
Monitors the processing status of the transferred print request, and
Processing status to the data processing device that issued the print request
Added notification. The output from each printer agent is
Information about the current status that is entered into the printer
Process all print requests stored in the queue
Added information on the end time. Also said pipe
The management server also provides abstract print quality and printer specific
It has a print quality table that defines the correspondence with
The supplementary printer extracting means can select the abstract quality specified by the user.
Check this table for the specific parameters of the corresponding printer.
Meter and display the current status of each printer.
Information and this specific parameter, and the user
Printers capable of printing at a defined abstract print quality
I put it out. In addition, the printer agent
It has the same print quality table as
The current specific parameters of the
Printer Agent Determines Abstract Print Quality
Output. The status of each printer at that time is also displayed.
Information that changes over time.
Include information about the meter and use it to
The print quality of each printer at
Was. Also, the data processing device has a user interface.
And thereby output to the selected printer
Or ask the user to make the next candidate
I'm sorry. In addition, the print management server makes a selection condition text.
Table, where "unconditional selection""confirmation and selection"
The printer selected by the user, such as "Do not select"
Keep the conditions regarding and refer to this for candidate printers
Extraction and confirmation to the user. Ma
The print management server further stores a required time table.
The required time obtained from this required time table is
The time required for the printer to process the current print request
And then process the current print request.
Printers to be extracted. Therefore, according to the present invention, the normal purine
Printer for print request or print request at specified time
Attributes, performance, and operating conditions underlying the selection
Status, fault status, etc.
Quick and flexible printer selection is possible,
Printer trouble, or job distribution to the printer
Comfortable with less waste of resources such as not being performed properly
A printing environment is realized. Also, specifically,
Even if the printer goes down, there is at least one printer available
As long as the printing can be finished exactly at the designated time,
Wear. Also, specifically, every time a printer is selected,
Even without asking each printer agent,
You can get the status of each printer and select the printer
Can be performed quickly. Also, specifically,
Inquiry etc. when selecting target or printer
Accurately know the current status of each printer without having to
You can do it. In addition, each printer
Extend the time between inquiries to the linter agent
And network and printer agents
Can be reduced. More specifically, in particular, the printer status change
In a system where the number of printers is high, the latest status of each printer
You can select the printer you have projected. Also, specifically,
The contents of the information storage means are always updated to the latest
Therefore, the status of the printer is acquired by a data processing device, etc.
Build an application that can be used to select linters
In such cases, the application etc. must be
Even without asking the agent about its status,
Just access the printer information holding means,
The latest information can be obtained. Also, specifically, keywords
By devising the type of
A matching printer can be easily found. Ma
Further, specifically, regarding the print request,
The user can easily understand the process, and this point
Provides a more comfortable printing environment for users
Will be. More specifically, the queue of each printer is
The status can be quickly and accurately grasped, and a burden is placed on the management server side.
I don't know. Also, specifically, the resolution of each printer
Other parameters that affect print quality
Printing with the desired print quality without the user having to worry
Things can be easily obtained. Also, specifically,
The print quality status of each printer can be quickly and accurately grasped,
There is no burden on the management server. Also, specifically
Over time, such as drum wear and toner loss
The print quality that changes to
Since the status is reflected, the user's request regarding print quality
More precisely, the finer grained prints
Service can be realized. Also, specifically, select the printer
In such a case, there is a subtle difference that cannot be detected by a sensor, etc.
For the parameters, personality, etc. of a certain printer,
The taste can be accurately reflected. Also, specifically
Is not detected by a sensor when selecting a printer.
Register printer parameters with strange differences in advance.
Precise and easy user preferences according to where they were recorded
Can be reflected in Also, specifically,
In systems where data are located around
The substantial print supply time to the printer can be minimized. In each invention, specifically, the printer
Monitored from time to time and immediately managed in the event of a failure
It is possible to notify a person or the like. Thus reducing downtime
This also improves the user print environment. Also
In each invention, the current state of each printer is
It is centrally managed by the information collection means. Therefore print
Each data processing device is free to distribute requests
Communication with each printer and send a print request.
In addition, the distribution of print requests is averaged,
Reduction and improvement in utilization efficiency. Notification of termination and failure
Each printer also manages the progress of processing such as
It is sufficient to notify only the linter information collection means.
This also simplifies the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration provided in a print management server 4 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a printer information collection unit 42 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a print request transfer processing procedure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a transfer processing procedure when a time is designated according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a processable time and the like of the printer. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing progress management. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print management server 4B according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print management server 4C according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a job transfer process and the like according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print management server 4D according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a print management server 4E and the like according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of printer information. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a procedure for calculating an expected end time. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a calibration procedure of an expected end time. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a main configuration and the like of a print management server 4F according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a print management server 4G, a workstation client 21G, and the like according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer information table and a print quality condition table. FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print management server 4H and the like according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a printer information table 40H1 and a print quality condition table 40H2. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a printer information table 40I1 and a print quality condition table 40I2. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a main part of the configuration of the tenth embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a window 91 for specifying whether to confirm selection. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a window 92 for confirming a selected printer. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example 101 of a selection criterion registration window. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a printer table 102; FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a procedure for selecting a printer based on the printer table 102. FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a main part of the configuration of the twelfth embodiment. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a table representing a required time from each user to each printer. [Description of Signs] 1 network 2 data processing device 3 printer 4 print management server 31 printer agent 40 printer information holding means 40G2, 40H2 print quality condition table 42 printer information collection means 43 user interface 44 candidate printer extraction means 45 transfer means 47 transfer Time calculating means 48 Temporary holding means 51 Transfer means 53 Notifying means 112 Required time table

   ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (72) Inventor Masato Kurosaki             3-2-1 Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture               KSP R & D Business Park Building             Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kosuke Arai             3-2-1 Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture               KSP R & D Business Park Building             Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Ikuo Ebe             3-2-1 Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture               KSP R & D Business Park Building             Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 HP00 HP01 HQ14 HQ17                       HR08                 5B021 BB10 CC05 EE05

Claims (1)

In a printer management system of a network system to which a data processing device, a print management server, and a plurality of printers are connected, each of the printers stores information on a status of the printer at that time. A printer agent for outputting, the print management server receives a print request issued from the data processing device, refers to information on a current state of the printer output from each of the printer agents, and responds to the print request. A printer management system comprising: a candidate printer extracting unit that extracts a suitable candidate printer; and a transfer unit that transfers the print request to any of the candidate printers.