JP2004213231A - Distributed printing system, distributed printing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a distributed printing system automatically allocating an operable printer to each terminal for dispersing the load of each printer and performing control for minimizing the number of working printers in a system sharing a plurality of printers between a plurality of terminals. <P>SOLUTION: An allocation management module 11 determines the optimum number of terminals set in an optimum terminal number NTa memory 161 in an allocation condition definition file 16 and a connection condition of a terminal 2 stored in a terminal connection table 15 and performs the automatic allocation of a printer 3 or a printer 4, which is allowed to be used by the terminal 2, so that the loads of the respective printers are unified. As a result of the automatic allocation, when an allocation file 17 designating the available printer is transmitted to each terminal 2, control minimizing the number of working printers is carried out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a distributed printing system, a distributed printing method, and a program for controlling load distribution and control of the number of operating printing apparatuses.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when a plurality of printers (printing devices) are shared by a plurality of terminals, each terminal generally selects and uses an arbitrary printer from all the printers permitted to be used on the server side. It was a target. In this case, since the user of each terminal selects an arbitrary printer, it is inevitable that the load is concentrated on a specific printer.
Therefore, in order to avoid concentration of the load on a specific printer, a group that shares and uses the printer is set in association with the printer, so that only the terminal users belonging to the group can use the set printer. For example, Microsoft provides an operating system incorporating a security function that operates such that the printer A is used only by a plurality of terminal users in a certain group and the printer B is used only by terminal users in another group. Have been. However, in this case, even when the printing process is concentrated on the designated printer, the terminal user cannot use another printer, so that the user waits until the printing process of the print data previously input to the designated printer is completed. There was a problem.
Further, as another method of distributing the load of the printer, it is known to determine the number of distributions by allocating the output printers according to the operation capability of the printer (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2000-151873
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, setting a group or a user whose use is permitted for each printer is a task that is difficult and time-consuming to determine the settings.
Further, even if the load of the printer is set to be equal, the connection state of the terminal is fluctuating, so that the load may be uneven depending on the connection state.
Even when the number of connected terminals is small, all the printers can be operated, so that each printer repeats the operation of warming up each time it receives print data, printing a small number of sheets, and then entering sleep mode. As a result, there is a problem that wasteful power is used at the time of warm-up and the printer is easily consumed.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and has a distributed printing system that automatically allocates printable printers to each terminal so that the load of each printer is distributed and controls the number of operating printers to be minimized. The purpose is to provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a distributed printing system according to the present invention includes a terminal number storage unit that stores a limit number of terminals to be allocated to one printing apparatus, and a plurality of terminals that request printing of the print data are stored in the terminal printing apparatus. Allocating means for allocating to each of the plurality of printing devices such that the number of allocated printing devices does not exceed the limit number stored in the storage device and the number of allocated printing devices is minimized.
[0007]
According to such a configuration, terminals are automatically allocated to terminals connected to the network so that the load of each printer is distributed. It is also possible to prevent a situation in which the load is concentrated on a specific printer which occurs when the user selects an arbitrary printer.
Further, the number of usable printers is determined based on the number of connected terminals and the limit number of terminals per printer, and the determined number of printers is assigned to each terminal, thereby reducing the number of printers connected to the network. Since the unit is stopped, wasteful power consumption can be reduced, the printer can be prevented from being consumed, and noise can be reduced.
[0008]
Furthermore, the distributed printing system according to the present invention may include a time data storage unit that stores time data for starting execution of the allocation by the allocation unit.
In this way, the assignment is not performed every time a connection request / disconnection request is made from the terminal, but is assigned when a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Therefore, the printing apparatus used in the terminal is frequently changed. Can be prevented, so that the convenience for the user increases.
[0009]
Further, the distributed printing system of the present invention further includes an allocation result determination unit configured to determine whether a printing device permitted to print by the plurality of terminals matches a printing device allocated to the plurality of terminals. The allocating means is configured to replace the assigned printing device among the terminals for which the printing device permitted to print by the allocating result determining device and the assigned printing device are determined to be inconsistent with each other, and to assign the assigned printing device to the terminal. The assignment may be made so that the change of the used printing device is minimized.
In this way, even if the printing device used in the terminal is changed as a result of the assignment process, the change of the printing device can be minimized by the replacement process, so that the printing device used in the terminal is frequently used. Can be prevented from being changed, thereby increasing the convenience for the user.
[0010]
Further, in the distributed printing method according to the present invention, the limited number of terminals to be allocated to one printing apparatus is stored, and the plurality of terminals requesting the printing of the print data are allocated to the plurality of terminals without exceeding the stored limited number. The printing apparatus is assigned to each of the plurality of printing apparatuses such that the number of apparatuses is minimized.
[0011]
Still further, a program according to the present invention includes a process for storing a plurality of terminal data requesting printing of the print data in a terminal connection state storage unit, and a terminal to be assigned to one printing device stored in the terminal number storage unit. A process of allocating a plurality of terminal data stored in the terminal connection state storage means based on the limited number data to each of the plurality of printing devices so as not to exceed the limited number and to minimize the number of assigned printing devices. , Is a program for causing a computer to perform
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The entire network includes a server 1 connected to a communication network 5, terminals 2-1 to 2-n (hereinafter, each terminal is abbreviated as a terminal 2), printers 3-1 to 3-m (hereinafter, respective printers). Are abbreviated as printer 3) and printers 4-L1 and 4-L2 (hereinafter, each printer is abbreviated as printer 4) locally connected to the server 1.
[0014]
The communication network 5 is, for example, a telephone line, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, or the like, and transmits and receives data between the server 1 and the terminal 2 and the printer 3. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a LAN is used as the communication network 5.
The server 1 receives a connection request / disconnection request from the terminal 2 via the communication network 5, and details the number of connected terminals 2 and the pre-registered optimal number of terminals per printer, as will be described in detail later. The number of printers that can be used at that time is calculated based on the result, and the printer is assigned based on the result.
[0015]
The terminal 2 is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a personal computer or a PDA, or a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone, and is an information terminal capable of transmitting and receiving data by communication. A connection request / disconnection request and a file to be printed (a spool file 24 described later) are transmitted to the server 1.
The printer 3 receives a print file (a print file 18 described later) from the server 1 and performs a printing process.
The printer 4 is locally connected to the server 1 via a printer cable, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, or the like, and receives a print file (a print file 18 described later) from the server 1 to perform print processing.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the server 1 of FIG.
The server 1 includes a software group including a server module 10, an assignment management module 11, an output module 12, and a printer control module (OS) 13, an output destination table 14, a terminal connection table 15, an assignment condition definition file 16, an assignment file 17, and a print server. It is composed of a file group consisting of files 18.
First, the file groups 14 to 18 will be described.
[0017]
The output destination table 14 stores definition data of the printers 3 and 4 connected to the communication network 5 and the server 1 in advance. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a “No.” memory 141 for storing a serial number as definition data of the printer, a “printer name” memory 142 for storing an identification name of the printer, a printer in use (value: 1), A “usage state” memory 143 for storing a use state value of use (value: 0), an “IP (Internet Protocol) address for storing a logical address on the communication network 5 of the printer, or an“ address for storing a local address ” Memory 144, a "type" memory 145 for storing the printer type, a "maker name" memory 146 for storing the manufacturer name, a "model name" memory 147 for storing the model name, and a "print speed" memory for storing the printing speed. 148.
[0018]
The terminal connection table 15 stores data indicating the connection state of the terminal 2 connected to the communication network 5 as shown in FIG. 5, and a “No.” memory that stores a serial number as shown in FIG. 151, a "terminal IP" memory 152 for storing the IP address of the terminal 2, a "connection state" memory 153 for storing a connection state value indicating whether the terminal 2 is connected (value: 1) or disconnected (value: 0). "Assignment" memory 154 for storing the assigned printers, "reassignment" memory 155 for storing the reassigned printers, and whether the comparison result between the reassignment contents and the assignment contents matches (value: 0), If there is a mismatch, the printer name in the “assignment” memory 154 is used in one of the “reassignment” memories 155 (value: 1). It not used in any of the 155 (value: 2) "reallocation result" that stores Kano value consists memory 156.
[0019]
The assignment condition definition file 16 stores various conditions when assigning a printer as shown in FIG. The data includes an optimum number of terminals NTa memory 161 storing the optimum number of terminals per printer, an interval time memory 162 for allocation processing, a date / time memory 163 for allocation processing, and a day / time memory 164 for allocation processing. .
[0020]
The allocation file 17 stores data instructing the terminal 2 to specify a printer to be permitted to use. As shown in FIG. 6B, a “printer name” memory 171 that stores the printer identification name, The "usage state" memory 172 for storing a use state value indicating whether the printer is in use (print permission) or not, and the "address" for storing a logical address of the printer on the communication network 5 or a local address. The memory 173 is included.
[0021]
The print file 18 receives data to be printed, converts the data into a data format suitable for the model of the printer, and stores the data.
[0022]
Next, the software groups 10 to 13 in FIG. 2 will be described.
The server module 10 receives the connection request / disconnection request from the terminal 2 and converts the connection state corresponding to the terminal 2 received in the terminal connection table 15, that is, the value of the “connection state” memory 153 into the connection request / disconnection request. In addition to updating in accordance with the status, various data transmission / reception such as transmission of the assignment file 17 to the terminal 2 is performed. In addition, synchronization with the allocation management module 11 and the output module 12 is established.
[0023]
The assignment management module 11 stores the printer name data in the “printer name” memory 142 registered in the output destination table 14 into the “assignment” memory 154 or the “reassignment” memory 155 of the terminal connection table 15, which will be described in detail later. Assignment and setting are performed, and an assignment file 17 is generated for each terminal 2. In addition, the printer name data assigned to each terminal stored in the “assignment” memory 154 or the “reassignment” memory 155 of the terminal connection table 15 is reassigned when the connection state of the terminal 2 changes. Controls the number of operating printers.
[0024]
The output module 12 designates the address of the printer to which the spool file 24 received from the terminal 2 by the server module 10 and adds parameter information for converting the spool file 24 to a data format suitable for the model of the printer to which the spool file is to be output. This is transmitted to the control module (OS) 13.
[0025]
The printer control module (OS) 13 generates a print file 18 based on the received spool file 24 and the parameter information. If the output destination of the print file 18 is a printer connected to a network, the printer control module (OS) 13 passes through the server module 10. To the printer 3, and if the output destination is a locally connected printer, directly to the printer 4.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the terminal 2.
The terminal 2 includes a software group including an application 20, a print API (Application Program Interface) 21, and a terminal module 22, and a file group including an assignment file 23 and a spool file 24.
[0027]
The assignment file 23 stores the assignment file 17 received from the server 1 as it is.
The spool file 24 is generated by the print API 21 at the request of the application 20, and includes header data such as a printer identification name and print data in a data format independent of the printer model.
The application 20 may be any application of the user, and requests the print API 21 for print output.
The print API 21 receives a print output request from the application 20, and generates a spool file 24 to be output to the printer specified by the assignment file 23.
The terminal module 22 transmits a connection request / disconnection request to the server 1 together with a terminal IP address. Further, it receives the assignment file 17 from the server module 10 and stores it as the assignment file 23, and transmits the spool file 24 to the server module 10 in cooperation with the print API 21.
[0028]
Next, a description will be given of the overall flow of the printer assignment control process in which the server 1 of the present invention permits use of the terminal 2 by using the "connection" of the terminal connection table 15 as an outline of the printer assignment control process. The relationship between the value of the “state” memory 153 and the value of the “use state” memory 143 of the output destination table 14 will be described. Taking the allocation state 1 in FIG. 7A as an example, all 23 terminals are connected and all four printers are in use. The correspondence between the terminal and the printer is as follows: No. 1 to No. 4 of the printer Nos. 1 to 4 are sequentially associated, and the terminal Nos. No. 5 to No. 8 of the printer Nos. 1 to 4 are again associated with each other. Up to 23 are similarly associated. As a result, the number of terminals per printer is equalized.
[0029]
In the example of allocation state 2 in FIG. 7B, 15 out of 23 terminals are connected and 3 out of 4 printers are in use. This is an example in which the number of printers used is reduced because the number of connected terminals has decreased from the allocation state 1 in FIG. 7A. The correspondence between the terminal and the printer is as follows. 3 has been assigned, so the printer No. 4 sequentially. That is, the terminal No. Printer Nos. 1, 3, and 5 Nos. 4, 1, and 2 are associated with each other. Nos. 8, 9, and 10 of the printer 4, 1, and 2 are again associated with each other. Up to 22 are similarly associated.
[0030]
In the terminal connection table 15, as shown in FIG. Ts is the address of the row where the data related to the first terminal is stored, Te is the address of the row where the data related to the last terminal (No. n1) is stored, and the current address is specified between the addresses Ts and Te. Let T be the address of the row that has been set. Similarly, in the output destination table 14, as shown in FIG. Ps designates the address of the line in which the data relating to the first printer is stored, Pe designates the address of the line in which the data relating to the last printer (No. n2) is stored, and designates the current address between the addresses Ps and Pe. Let P be the address of the row that has been set.
[0031]
Next, the flow of the entire printer assignment control process in the server 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The control of the entire process is performed by the server module 10 and the assignment management module 11 in cooperation with each other.
First, in step S1 (hereinafter referred to as S1), when the server module 10 receives a connection request or a disconnection request from the terminal 2 together with the IP address, the server module 10 refers to the terminal connection table 15 and registers the IP address of the requested terminal 2. It is confirmed whether or not it is (S2). In S3, the result of confirming whether or not the IP address has been registered and whether the request is a connection request or a disconnection request are discriminated, and the process branches to one of S4, S5, and S6. If the result of the determination is a connection request from a terminal 2 that has not been registered yet, the process proceeds to S4, where the terminal 2 that has made the connection request is a new terminal 2, and a new area is designated as a new address T and an IP address is set. Write and add to the terminal connection table 15. If the determination result in S3 is a connection request from the registered terminal 2, the value of the "connection state" memory 153 of the terminal indicated by the address T is further updated to "connecting" (S5). If the determination result in S3 is a disconnection request from the registered terminal 2, the value of the “connection state” memory 153 of the terminal 2 indicated by the address T is set to “disconnected” (S6), and the process proceeds to S8. After the processing in S4 or S5, an additional allocation processing in S7 is performed in order to notify the name of the printer permitted to be used to the terminal 2 that has requested the connection.
[0032]
FIG. 10 shows the detailed contents of the additional allocation processing in S7.
First, the “assignment” memory 154 corresponding to the row of the terminal 2 indicated by the current address T in the terminal connection table 15 of FIG. 5 is stored in the printer row indicated by the current address P of the output destination table 14 in FIG. The corresponding value of the “printer name” memory 142 is written (S11). As a result, since one printer is allocated, the current address P of the output destination table 14 is advanced to the next (S12). In S13, it is determined whether or not the current address P has exceeded the end address Pe. If the determination result in S13 is Yes, the current address P is returned to the start address Ps (S14). If the determination result in S13 is No, the process proceeds to S15. In S15, an assignment file 17 is generated to notify the assigned printer to the terminal that has made the connection request, the created assignment file 17 is transmitted to the terminal, and the additional assignment process ends.
Returning to FIG. 9, in S8, the number of printers is increased or decreased according to the connection state of the terminal 2, and an assignment process of allocating a printer to each terminal 2 is performed.
[0033]
Here, FIG. 11 shows the detailed processing contents of the allocation processing in S8.
This assignment process is performed by the assignment management module 11.
First, with reference to the values of the “connection state” memory 153 of all the terminals registered in the terminal connection table 15, the number of terminals NTn in which the value of the “connection state” memory 153 is “connecting” is calculated. (S22). Next, by referring to the values in the “use state” memory 143 of all the printers registered in the output destination table 14, the number of terminals NPn whose “use state” memory 143 is “in use” is determined. It is calculated (S23). Thereafter, a calculation process (S24) of the optimum assigned number NPa indicating the optimum number of printers in the current connection state of the terminal 2 is performed.
[0034]
Here, FIG. 12 shows the detailed processing contents of the calculation processing of the optimum allocated number NPa in S24.
First, the total number of printers NPt, which is the number of all printers registered in the output destination table 14, is calculated (S31). Next, the number of connected terminals NTn is substituted into the counter N (S32), and 1 is substituted as an initial value of the optimum allocated number NPa to be obtained (S33).
Since the optimum number of terminals NTa indicating the optimum number of terminals per printer is preset, it is determined in S34 whether N is larger than the optimum number of terminals NTa. If the determination result of S34 is Yes, the optimal terminal number NTa is subtracted from N, and the result is substituted into N (S35). In S36, it is determined whether or not the optimum number of terminals NPa is smaller than the total number of printers NPt. If the determination result in S36 is Yes, the value of the optimally allocated number NPa is counted up by one, and the process returns to S34 to repeat the above-described processing (S37). When the determination result is No in S34 and when the determination result is No in S36, the calculation process of the optimum allocated number NPa is ended.
[0035]
Applying the above-described calculation processing of the optimal allocated number NPa to, for example, an example of changing from the allocation state 1 in FIG. 7A to the allocation state 2 in FIG. 7B, the allocation state 2 in FIG. , The total number of printers NPt is 4, the number of connected terminals NTn is 15, and the optimum number of terminals NTa is 6, so that the optimum assigned number NPa is calculated as 3. In the allocation state 1 in FIG. 7A, the optimal allocation number NPa is four, and as a result of this processing, one is reduced.
[0036]
Returning to FIG. 11, in S25, the number of used terminals NPn is compared with the optimally allocated number NPa. If the number of used terminals NPn and the optimally allocated number NPa do not match, a series of re-allocation processing in S26 to S29 is performed. And if they match, the reassignment is unnecessary and the assignment process ends.
In S26, a reassignment output process for updating the contents of the "reassignment" memory 155 of the terminal connection table 15 in accordance with the connection state of the terminal is performed.
[0037]
FIG. 13 shows the details of the reassignment output process in S26. In the output process of the reassignment, among the terminals registered in the terminal connection table 15, the terminals in which the value of the “connection state” memory 153 is “connected” are sequentially assigned to the optimal assignment among the printers registered in the output destination table 14. Assignment is repeatedly performed using the same number of printers as the number NPa.
[0038]
First, since the processing proceeds sequentially from the first terminal to the terminal immediately before the terminal, the current address T of the terminal connection table 15 is set to the first address Ts (S41). Next, the current address P of the output destination table 14 indicating the printer to be assigned at the present time is saved (S42). Subsequently, the optimum allocation number NPa is set in the counter N (S43), and the process proceeds to S44 to S56 in which the value of the “re-allocation” memory 155 of the terminal connection table 15 is updated according to the connection state of the terminal.
[0039]
In S44, it is determined whether the value of the “connection state” memory 153 of the terminal connection table 15 is “connected”. If the determination result in S44 is Yes, the value of the "printer name" memory 142 indicated by the current address P of the output destination table 14 is set to the value of the "reassignment" memory 155 of the terminal connection table 15 (S45). , S47. If the determination result in S44 is No, the value of the “reassignment” memory 155 of the terminal connection table 15 is cleared (S46). In S47, the current address T of the terminal connection table 15 is advanced to the next line, and it is determined whether or not the current address T of the terminal connection table 15 does not exceed the end address Te (S48). If the determination result in S48 is No, the process of returning to S44 after performing the following processes of S49 to S55 is repeated.
[0040]
In S49, 1 is subtracted from N and the result is substituted for N. As a result of the subtraction, it is determined whether or not N is "0" (S50). If the determination result is Yes, the optimum assigned number NPa is set again in N (S51), and the current address P of the output destination table 14 is saved. The value is returned to the set value (S52). If the determination result in S50 is No, the current address P of the output destination table 14 is advanced to the next row (S53). In S54, it is determined whether or not the current address P of the output destination table 14 has exceeded the end address Pe. If the determination result in S54 is Yes, the current address P is set to the start address Ps (S55), and the process returns to S44. If the determination result in S54 is No, the process directly returns to S44.
If the determination result in S48 is Yes, the current address P of the output destination table 14 is returned to the saved value (S56), and the output process of the reassignment ends.
[0041]
As a result of the output process of the reallocation, when the connection status changes from (a) the allocation status 1 to (b) the allocation status 2 in FIG. 7, the value of the “reallocation” memory 155 of the terminal connection table 15 is As shown in FIG. In other words, the number of assigned printers is reduced from four to three, and the printer with the printer name “PRT3” is in a sleep state.
[0042]
Returning to S27 in FIG. 11, a process of outputting a reallocation result for outputting the value of the “reallocation result” memory 156 of the terminal connection table 15 is performed.
In S27, the printer name in the “assignment” memory 154 is compared with the printer name in the “reassignment” memory 155 for each row of the terminal connection table 15, and the comparison result is determined to determine “0”, “1”, “2”. And is set as a value of the “reassignment result” memory 156. The value of the “reassignment result” memory 156 is “0” when the printer name of the “assignment” memory 154 and the printer name of the “reassignment” memory 155 match, and the value of the printer name of the “assignment” memory 154 is “ If the printer name in the “assignment” memory 155 does not match, and the printer name in the “assignment” memory 154 is used in any of the “reassignment” memories 155, “1”. If the printer name in the “reassignment” memory 155 does not match and the printer name in the “assignment” memory 154 is not used in any of the “reassignment” memories 155, “2” is set. “1” means that the currently used printer is continuously used even after the reassignment, and “2” means that the currently used printer is no longer used due to the reallocation, or a new printer is used. Means that is now used.
[0043]
When the connection state changes from the allocation state 1 in FIG. 7A to the allocation state 2 in FIG. 7B, the value of the “re-allocation result” memory 156 of the terminal connection table 15 becomes as shown in FIG. . Of the values of the “reassignment result” memory 156, the contents in parentheses indicate the contents of the result of the reassignment replacement process described later.
In S28, the content of the “reassignment result” memory 156 is determined, and in order to minimize the change of the printer being used due to the result of the reassignment, that is, “1” in the “reassignment result” memory 156, In order to minimize the number of values of “2”, a reallocation exchange process is performed in which the printer names of the “reallocation” memory 155 of the terminal connection table 15 are exchanged between lines.
[0044]
Here, FIG. 14 shows the detailed processing contents of the reallocation exchange processing in S28. This replacement process of the reallocation focuses on the terminal whose value of the “reallocation result” memory 156 of the terminal connection table 15 is “1”, and the value of the terminal and the value of the “reallocation result” memory 156 are “1”. Alternatively, the process of replacing the contents of the “reassignment” memory 155 of the terminal “2” and setting the value of the “reassignment result” memory 156 to “0” is sequentially repeated.
[0045]
First, since the processing proceeds sequentially from the first terminal to the terminal immediately before the terminal, the current address T of the terminal connection table 15 is set to the first address Ts (S61).
In S62, it is determined whether or not the value of the “reassignment result” memory 156 of the row indicated by the current address T is “1”. If the value of the “reassignment result” memory 156 is determined to be “1” in S62, the start address Ts is set to the replacement target address T2 in order to search for a row to be replaced (S63).
[0046]
In S64, it is determined whether the value of the “reassignment result” memory 156 of the row indicated by the replacement target address T2 is “1” or “2”. If the determination result in S64 is Yes, the printer name in the “reassignment” memory 155 in the row indicated by the current address T and the printer name in the “reassignment” memory 155 in the row indicated by the replacement target address T2 are temporarily replaced. See (S65). As a result of the exchange, it is determined whether or not the printer name in the “assignment” memory 154 in the row indicated by the current address T matches the printer name in the “reassignment” memory 155 in the same row (S66). If it is, the processing of the following S67 to S69 is performed, and the printer name in the “reassignment” memory 155 is replaced.
[0047]
In S67, the printer name in the “reassignment” memory 155 in the row indicated by the current address T is replaced with the printer name in the “reassignment” memory 155 in the row indicated by the replacement target address T2. Subsequently, the value of the “reassignment result” memory 156 of the row indicated by the current address T is set to “0” (S68), and the result of replacing the “reassignment result” memory 156 of the row indicated by the replacement target address T2 is set. (S69), and the process proceeds to S72.
[0048]
If the determination result in S66 is No, the target address T2 is advanced to the next line in S70. As a result of advancing the replacement target address T2 to the next line in S70, it is determined whether the replacement target address T2 has exceeded the end address Te (S71). If the determination result in S71 is Yes, the process proceeds to S72. If the determination result in S71 is No, the process returns to S64, and the process of S64 to S71 is repeated by changing the replacement target.
If the determination result in S64 is No, the process also proceeds to S70.
[0049]
In S72, the current address T is advanced to the next line. As a result of advancing the current address T to the next row in S72, it is determined whether the current address T has exceeded the end address Te (S73). If the determination result in S73 is No, the process returns to S62. Then, the processing of S62 to S71 for finding the next row having the value “1” in the “reassignment result” memory 156 is repeated. If the determination result in S73 is Yes, the reallocation exchange processing ends.
[0050]
As a result of performing the above-described reassignment replacement processing, the values of the “reassignment” memory 155 and the “reassignment result” memory 156 of the terminal connection table 15 in FIG. In this example, the values of the “reassignment result” memory 156 of the six terminals 2 are changed from “1” to “0”.
[0051]
Returning to S29 in FIG. 11, a process for transmitting the allocation file is performed.
In S29, since the printer name in the "reassignment" memory 155 of the terminal connection table 15 has been determined by the processing up to S28, a process of notifying each terminal 2 of the printer name permitted to use is performed. The assignment management module 11 generates an assignment file 17 for the terminal 2 whose printer name to be used is changed, and the server module 10 transmits the assignment file 17 to the corresponding terminal 2. The module 22 receives the assignment file 17 and stores it as the assignment file 23.
[0052]
The above is the description of the entire printer assignment control process.
When the server 1 performs the printer assignment control process, an assignment file 23 indicating a printer to be used for each terminal 2 is stored in each terminal 2.
[0053]
Here, an outline of processing until print data from the application 20 of the terminal 2 is printed by the printer will be described.
When the application 20 outputs print data to the print API 21, the print API 21 generates a spool file 24 with reference to the assignment file 23. The terminal module 22 transmits the generated spool file 24 to the server 1.
[0054]
In the server 1, the output module 12 receives the spool file 24 via the server module 10. The output module 12 reads the spool file 24, determines whether the output destination printer is a network connection or a remote connection, and instructs the printer control module (OS) 13 to perform printing.
[0055]
The printer control module (OS) generates a print file 18 in a data format suitable for the designated printer type, and then sends the print file 18 to the printer 3 connected to the communication network 5 or the printer 4 locally connected to the designated output destination. The print file 18 is transmitted. The printer 3 connected to the communication network 5 or the locally connected printer 4 that has received the print file 18 performs printing according to the contents of the print file 18.
[0056]
Next, FIG. 15 shows a part of the printer assignment control process of FIG. 9 in which the assignment process of S8 is partially changed. In FIG. 15, S21 is added to the head of the allocation process shown in FIG. 11, and the allocation process is performed when the time set in advance in the allocation process 162 of the allocation condition definition file 16 in FIG. It is like that.
[0057]
Note that the information processing device 1 in the above embodiment can use any computer device as long as it can execute the program according to the present invention. In this case, the information processing apparatus 1 that executes the above-described processing is configured by installing the program for executing the above-described processing from a medium (a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, or the like) storing the program into a computer device. can do.
[0058]
Further, the program can be supplied to the computer device using various communication means. In this case, the means for supplying the program to the computer device is arbitrary. For example, the program may be superimposed on a carrier wave and supplied via a communication line, a communication network, a communication system, or the like.
[0059]
In the above-described embodiment, the reallocation process is performed each time a connection request / disconnection request is made from the terminal or when a preset time elapses. However, the allocation condition definition file 16 shown in FIG. As shown in (1), the date and time 163 of the assignment process or the day and time 164 of the assignment process may be set, and the assignment process may be performed when the set date and time, the day of the week, and the time match.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since terminals are automatically allocated to terminals connected to the network so that the load of each printer is distributed, complicated work for setting the printer is not required, and the user of the terminal is further reduced. Can prevent a situation in which the load is concentrated on a specific printer, which occurs when an arbitrary printer is selected.
Further, the number of usable printers is determined based on the number of connected terminals and the limit number of terminals per printer, and the determined number of printers is assigned to each terminal, thereby reducing the number of printers connected to the network. Since the unit is stopped, wasteful power consumption can be reduced, the printer can be prevented from being consumed, and noise can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire network according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal 2.
4 is a diagram showing the contents of a data file used by the server 1 shown in FIG. 2, and shows the contents of an output destination table 14. FIG.
5 is a diagram showing contents of a data file used in the server 1 shown in FIG. 2, and shows contents of a terminal connection table 15. FIG.
6 is a diagram showing the contents of a data file used by the server 1 shown in FIG. 2; (a) an allocation condition definition file 16, (b) an allocation file 17 (an allocation file 23 used by the terminal 2 has the same contents) (C) shows the contents of the second embodiment of the allocation condition definition file 16.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the terminal connection table 15 and the output destination table 14, and shows an example in which a state transitions from (a) allocation state 1 to (b) allocation state 2;
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing addresses relating to the terminal connection table 15 and the output destination table 14;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of printer allocation control in the server 1.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the additional assignment processing shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the assignment processing shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a process of calculating an optimum assigned number NPa shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the reassignment output process shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the reallocation replacement process shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment of the assignment processing shown in FIG. 9;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 server
2 terminal
3 Printer (network connection)
4 Printer (local connection)
5 Communication network
10 Server module
11 Assignment management module
12 Output module
13 Printer control module (OS)
14 Output destination table
15 Terminal connection table
16 Assignment condition definition file
17 Assignment file
18 Print file
20 applications
21 Print API
22 Terminal module
23 Assignment file
24 Spool file

Claims (7)

A distributed printing system for distributing and assigning print data from a plurality of terminals connected to a network to a plurality of printing devices connected to the network, and printing print data from the terminals respectively assigned by the plurality of printing devices At
Terminal number storage means for storing a limit number of terminals to be allocated to one printing apparatus;
Allocating means for allocating a plurality of terminals requesting printing of the print data to each of the plurality of printing apparatuses so that the number of printing apparatuses allocated does not exceed the limit number stored in the terminal number storage means and the number of allocated printing apparatuses is minimized When,
A distributed printing system comprising: 2. The distributed printing system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal number storage unit and the assignment unit are provided in a server device connected to the network. Further, a connection state storage means for storing connection state data of the plurality of terminals,
The distributed printing system according to claim 1, wherein the allocating unit performs allocation based on the connection state data stored in the connection state storage unit. 3. The distributed printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a time data storage unit configured to store time data at which execution of allocation by the allocation unit is started. Further, an allocation result determination unit that determines whether a printing device that is permitted to print to the plurality of terminals matches a printing device allocated to the plurality of terminals,
The allocating unit, for a terminal for which a printing device that is permitted to print by the allocation result determining unit and a printing device to which printing has been determined to be inconsistent, has already been allocated to the terminal by exchanging the allocated printing device among the terminals. 3. The distributed printing system according to claim 1, wherein the allocation is performed such that a change in a printing apparatus used by the printer is minimized. A distributed printing method for distributing print data from a plurality of terminals connected to a network to a plurality of printing devices connected to the network and allocating the same, and printing print data from the terminals respectively assigned by the plurality of printing devices And
Memorize the limit number of terminals to be assigned to one printing device,
A plurality of terminals requesting printing of the print data are assigned to the plurality of printing devices so that the number of assigned printing devices does not exceed the stored limit number and the number of assigned printing devices is minimized. Distributed printing method. Distributed printing in which print data from a plurality of terminals connected to a network is distributed and assigned to a plurality of printing devices connected to the network, and print data from the terminals respectively assigned by the plurality of printing devices is printed. Program for
On the computer,
A process of storing a plurality of terminal data requesting printing of the print data in a terminal connection state storage unit;
The number of printing devices to be assigned to a plurality of terminal data stored in the terminal connection status storage means that does not exceed the limit number and is assigned based on the limit number data of terminals to be assigned to one printing device stored in the terminal number storage means. Assigning to each of the plurality of printing devices such that is minimized,
The program characterized by making it execute.

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