JP2006020208A - Job management device, job processing method and job management program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for performing efficient job management using an image processor. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus has: first execution environment which executable by interpreting an instruction of first form for controlling the image forming apparatus; and second execution environment having second execution environment which is realized on the first execution environment and can be executed by interpreting an instruction of second form defined by a form without depending on a model of the image forming apparatus. In this image forming apparatus, a job management device manages job information outputted to the image forming apparatus in the second execution environment in the image forming apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method, a control program, a job management apparatus, a job processing method, and a job management program having functions of a printer, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a copier, and the like and their multifunction machines.

  Conventionally, when a user uses a peripheral device such as a printer (printing apparatus), a scanner, a copier, or a multifunction device (MFP) that integrates them via a network, job management is performed. The device is known. Some of these information processing devices refer to the job history stored in the device via the server PC that is operated overnight, and store it permanently. There is a method of creating a summary table indicating detailed usage, or providing a job history table indicating detailed information for each job. Alternatively, there is one that provides an equivalent function by building an application that operates on the OS on a peripheral device.

  On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus having a combined function of a printer, a scanner, a facsimile, a copying machine, etc., an execution environment for another embedded system is built on an OS for system integration, and an application module is downloaded. It is being tried to install.

  However, if the job management method such as the above-described total table reference and job history is realized in the execution environment constructed on the image forming apparatus having the composite function by the above-described conventional technology, the past job history is deleted. There was a problem that the summary table and job history table could not be referenced. Further, in order to collect and hold the job history, it is necessary to operate a server that operates continuously for 365 days on 365 days. Normally, server operation requires high costs such as maintenance of a PC and a network. Alternatively, when the functions are implemented on the peripheral device, there is a problem that enormous porting work is required to provide the same function with other peripheral devices.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to download and execute the job management module in an execution environment different from the control of the image processing apparatus. By using the image processing apparatus, the job history is referred to, held, and created as a summary table, so that a summary table, And a job management method including a job history table.

  In order to achieve the above object, the apparatus according to the present invention provides the following means.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first execution environment capable of interpreting and executing a first format instruction for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a model of the image forming apparatus realized on the first execution environment. In an image forming apparatus having a second execution environment capable of interpreting and executing an instruction in a second format defined in a format independent of the job information output from the image forming apparatus, 2 is a job management apparatus that manages in the execution environment of FIG. 2, a reference means for referring to a job history, a job history holding means for holding a referenced job history, and a summary table holding means for updating and holding a summary table from the referenced job history A job history display means for displaying the job history, a summary table display means for displaying the summary table, information held by the job history holding means and a summary table holding means. Wherein the independently managing the information.

  The second invention is characterized in that a user can specify a job type and a color mode type when displaying a summary table.

  The third invention is characterized in that the user has means for instructing deletion of the job history and means for instructing deletion of the summary table.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first execution environment capable of interpreting and executing a first format instruction for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a model of the image forming method realized on the first execution environment. In an image forming apparatus having a second execution environment capable of interpreting and executing instructions in a second format defined in a format independent from the job information output to the image forming apparatus, 2 is a job management method for managing in the execution environment of FIG. 2, a reference step for referring to a job history, a job history holding step for holding a referenced job history, and a summary table holding step for updating and holding a summary table from the referenced job history The job history display step for displaying the job history, the tabulation table display step for displaying the tabulation table, the information held by the job history holding step and the tabulation table holding step. Wherein the independently managing the information.

  The fifth invention is characterized in that the user can designate the job type and color mode type when displaying the tabulation table.

  The sixth invention is characterized in that a user provides a step of instructing deletion of a job history and a step of instructing deletion of a summary table.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first execution environment capable of interpreting and executing a first format instruction for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a model of the image forming method realized on the first execution environment. In an image forming apparatus having a second execution environment capable of interpreting and executing instructions in a second format defined in a format independent from the job information output to the image forming apparatus, 2 is a job management program managed in the execution environment of FIG. 2, a reference procedure for referring to a job history, a job history holding procedure for holding a referenced job history, and a summary table holding procedure for updating and holding a summary table from the referenced job history A job history display procedure for displaying the job history, a summary table display procedure for displaying the summary table, and information held by the job history retention procedure and a summary table retention procedure. Wherein the independently managing the information.

  The eighth invention is characterized in that a user can designate a job type and a color mode type when displaying a summary table.

  The ninth invention is characterized in that a user provides a procedure for instructing deletion of a job history and a procedure for instructing deletion of a summary table.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize job management with minimum equipment resources, improve user convenience in job management, and operate applications realizing the job on various models without the trouble of porting. become.

  A preferred example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system block diagram including a copying machine, another image forming apparatus, and a computer. 1 shows a relationship between an information processing apparatus (computer) and peripheral devices such as a copying machine which is a preferred example of an image forming apparatus (image processing apparatus) according to the present invention. The image forming apparatuses 100 and 200 include a reader unit 1, a printer unit 2, a controller unit 3, and a modem communication unit 4, a network processing unit 7, a PDL development unit 8, and a core unit 10 therein. The computer can be a workstation or a standard PC.

  The reader unit 1 reads an image of a document set on the image forming apparatus and outputs image data corresponding to the document image to the printer unit 2 through the core unit 10. The printer unit 2 records an image corresponding to the image data from the reader unit 1 on a recording sheet.

  The computers 11 and 12 are examples of information processing apparatuses, and are personal computers or workstations (PC / WS). Further, the PDL print data is sent from the computers 11 and 12 to the core unit 10 through the network 4 and the network processing unit 7, and the PDL development unit 8 develops the PDL data into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 2. Printing is performed by the printer unit 2 through the unit 10.

  Reference numeral 14 denotes a fax machine, which transmits, for example, a document image read by the reader unit 1 via the public line network 15 via the core unit 10 and the modem communication unit 4. Alternatively, image data from another fax machine 12 is received through the public line network 15, the modem communication unit 4, and the core unit 10, and the received image is printed by the printer unit 2 (printer engine unit 2).

  Further, as an example of the storage means of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the hard disks 30 and 36 in the computers 11 and 12 are used. Reference numerals 35 and 37 denote display devices of the computers 11 and 12, for example, LCD displays. 31 and 38 are input devices of the computer 11 and are keyboards. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example, and is not limited to the illustrated configuration.

  FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of copying machine main bodies 100 and 200 suitable for the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. An example of the image forming apparatus is a printer, a scanner, or a fax. An example of controlling the image forming apparatus is that a predetermined storage area in the HDD of the copier is provided as a box, and image data in the box is stored. It is also possible to operate. The image forming apparatus according to the present invention generally includes an image forming apparatus main body (copying apparatus main body) 100, a deck 150, and a circulating automatic document feeder (RDF) 180.

  The image forming apparatus main body 100 includes a platen glass 101, a scanner 102, scanning mirrors 105 and 106, a lens 108, a CCD sensor (image sensor unit) 109, a photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a pre-exposure lamp 114, and a cleaning device. 116, a transfer charger 118, an exposure controller 120, a developing device 121, a transfer belt 130, an upper cassette 131, a lower cassette 132, pickup rollers 133 and 134, feed rollers 135 and 136, a registration roller 137, an adsorption charger 138, Transfer belt roller 170, pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, fixing device 141, paper discharge roller 142, paper discharge flapper 154, reverse path 155, refeed tray 156, multiple flapper 157, transport path 158, paper feed roller 159, Path 160, discharge roller 161, first feed Roller 162, a second feed roller 162a, and a reversing roller 163. In detail, the reader unit 1 in FIG. 1 corresponds to the platen glass 101 to the CCD sensor 109 in FIG. 2, and the printer unit 2 in FIG. 1 includes the photosensitive drum 110 to the reversing roller 163 in FIG. Corresponding to

  First, the reader unit 1 will be described in detail. The platen glass 101 is a document placement table. The scanner 102 includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. The scanner 102 is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), whereby the reflected light 107 of the original is imaged on the CCD sensor 109 through the lens 108 through the scanning mirrors 104 to 106. It is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD sensor 109, and A / D conversion and shading correction are performed by a scanner image processing unit (not shown) in the vicinity of the CCD sensor 109. In the memory 704 in the core unit 10 (FIG. 7) described later, Accumulated as digital image data.

  Next, the printer unit 2 will be described in detail. The exposure control unit 120 includes a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like, reads out the digital output image data stored in the memory 704 of the core unit 10 from the memory, and the digital image is output from the core unit 10 (FIG. 7) described later. Data is converted into a video signal and sent to the printer unit via the I / F 708. The photosensitive drum 110 is irradiated with laser light 129 modulated based on the video signal. Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charger 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided. In the image forming unit 126 centering on the photosensitive drum 110, the photosensitive drum 110 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow by a motor (not shown), and after being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, The laser beam 129 from the exposure control unit 120 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image.

  On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the main body by the paper feed rollers 135 and 136 and fed to the transfer belt by the registration rollers 137 and visualized. The toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper by the transfer charger 118. After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 110 is cleaned of residual toner by the cleaning device 116, and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114. After the transfer, the transfer paper is separated from the transfer belt 130, the toner is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, sent to the fixing device 141, and fixed by pressurization and heating. Discharged outside.

  The adsorption charger 138 adsorbs the transfer sheet sent from the registration roller 137 to the transfer belt 130. The transfer belt roller 170 is used to rotate the transfer belt 130 and at the same time, is paired with the adsorption charger 138 to charge the transfer paper to the transfer belt 130 by adsorption.

  The image forming apparatus main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 that can store, for example, 4000 transfer sheets. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 ascends according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. In addition, the image forming apparatus main body 100 is equipped with a multi-manual feed 153 that can accommodate, for example, 100 transfer sheets.

  The paper discharge flapper 154 switches the path between the duplex recording side or the multiple recording side and the paper discharge side. The transfer paper fed from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched from the double-sided recording side to the multiple recording side by this paper discharge flapper 154. The multiple flapper 157 switches between double-sided recording and multiple recording paths. By tilting the multiple flapper 157 to the left, the transfer paper is guided directly to the transport path 158 without passing through the reverse path 155. The paper feed roller 159 feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 110 side through the path 160.

  The discharge roller 161 is disposed in the vicinity of the paper discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the apparatus. During double-sided recording (double-sided copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, the recorded (copied) transfer paper is passed through the reverse path 155, and the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left. Then, the paper is stored in the paper refeed tray 156 in a state of being turned upside down through the transport path 158. Further, at the time of multiple recording (multiple copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left, the recorded (copied) transfer paper is passed through the transport path 158, and then the refeed tray 156. To store. The transfer sheets stored in the refeed tray 156 are guided one by one from the bottom to the registration rollers 137 of the main body via the path 160 by the sheet feed roller 159.

  When the transfer paper is reversed and discharged from the main body, the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, and the recorded (copied) transfer paper is transported to the transport path 155 side. After the rear end passes through the first feed roller 162, it is conveyed to the second feed roller 162 a side by the reverse roller 163, and the transfer paper is turned over by the discharge roller 161 and discharged outside the apparatus. Further, the transfer paper discharged out of the apparatus is conveyed to the finisher 190.

A finisher 190 stacks transfer sheets printed by the image forming apparatus 100. A path 193 is a path for receiving a transfer sheet printed by the image forming apparatus 100. The roller 197 sends the transfer paper conveyed from the path 193 to the path 195 or 196. The paper discharge flapper 194 is moved downward to send it to the path 195, and the paper discharge flapper 194 is moved upward to send it to the path 196. When the paper passes through the path 196, the paper is discharged to the bin 192 by the roller 198. When the pass 195 is taken, the paper is discharged to the bin 192 as it is. For example, when copying is performed, the transfer paper is discharged to the bin 191, and when PDL printing is performed, the paper is discharged to the bin 192, thereby improving user convenience.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the core unit 10 of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The core unit 10 includes interface units 701, 706, 707, and 708, data processing units 702 and 705, a CPU 703 (each control unit), and a memory 704 (storage unit).

  More specifically, the image data from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the data processing unit 702 via the I / F 706. The data processing unit 702 performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing. The image data transferred to the data processing unit 702 is stored as digital image data in the memory 704 through the CPU 703. In addition, the data is transferred to the printer unit 2 through the CPU 703, the data processing unit 705, and the I / F 708 in accordance with a control command from the operation unit 500 which is a preferred example of the display unit of the present invention. Alternatively, the data is transferred to the modem processing unit 4 and the network processing unit 7 via the interface unit 701. The operation unit 500 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and the liquid crystal panel functions as a touch pad, and allows a key selection associated with a predetermined command or setting by touching a finger. To do.

  In addition, code data representing an image input via the network processing unit 7 is transferred to the CPU 703 via 701. When the CPU determines that the image is a PDL code, the PDL code is transferred via the I / F 701. The data is transferred to the PDL developing unit 9, where it is developed into image bitmap data. This image bitmap data is stored in the memory 704 through the I / F 701 and the CPU 703. Thereafter, the data is transferred to the printer unit 2 through the CPU 703, the data processing unit 705, and the I / F 708 and printed.

  Fax image data from the modem processing unit 4 is transferred to the data processing unit 705 via the I / F 701 and CPU 703 and then transferred to the printer via the I / F 708.

  The CPU 703 performs the above control according to the control program stored in the memory 704 and the control command received from the operation unit 500 via the I / F 707. The memory 704 is also used as a work area for the CPU 703. As described above, in this image forming apparatus, with the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 as a center, document image reading, image printing, image transmission / reception, image storage, data input / output from a computer, etc. It is possible to perform processing that combines functions. An interface unit (I / F unit) 701, which is a preferred example of the input unit of the present invention, downloads various applications and control programs from a server or other image forming apparatus on an external network and stores them in the memory 704. I can do it. Further, as a preferred example of other input means, a detachable memory slot (not shown) can be considered. The program can be downloaded not only from the network but also from a portable storage medium such as a flexible disk, IC card, DVD, or CD-ROM connected to the memory slot and stored in the memory 704.

  FIG. 3 is a software structure diagram 300 stored in the core unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral 100 as an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 301 denotes an example of the first execution environment of the present invention for controlling the entire image forming apparatus. In general, commands are given to each module or CPU of a real-time OS capable of controlling various functions of the copier in real time. This is a library group that can control each function including an optional device and an expansion card of a copying machine critically. And it is implement | achieved by the module group which provides an interface command with respect to the application which operate | moves in the upper rank. Reference numeral 302 denotes a controller control unit that operates on the first execution environment 301, and is configured by modules that control the reader unit 1, the printer unit 2, the modem communication unit 4, the PDL expansion unit 8, and the like.

  Reference numeral 303 denotes an application programming interface (hereinafter referred to as “API”). In response to an instruction sequence of an instruction input from the application, a process for accessing the controller control unit 302 through this interface, the network processing unit 7 and the network 4 It has a function of sending a control command to the multi-function device 200 or the like. An application 304 runs on the first execution environment 301 and requests various processing from the controller control unit 302 using the API 303. It is also possible to communicate with computers (information processing apparatuses) 11, 12, and 20 on the network 4 via the network processing unit 7.

  Reference numeral 305 denotes a second execution environment that is optimal for executing a specific application, and is realized by, for example, a Java (registered trademark) virtual machine. Reference numeral 306 denotes an API for an application on the second execution environment 305 of the present invention to access the controller control unit 302 operating on the real-time OS 301 as the first execution environment. In this embodiment, the API 303 is called. And a function of sending a control command to the image forming apparatus 200 or the like via the network processing unit 7 and the network 4.

  Reference numeral 307 denotes a framework module having a function for comprehensively controlling applications on the second execution environment 305. Reference numeral 308 denotes an application for managing other applications on the second execution environment 305 according to the present invention. The application 308 cooperates with the framework 307 to download, upload, delete, and invalidate applications 309 and 310 described later. It is.

  Reference numerals 309 and 310 denote applications that operate on the second execution environment 305, and use the API 306 to request the controller control unit 302 for various processes. It is also possible to communicate with the information processing apparatuses 11, 12, and 20 on the network 4 via the network processing unit 7.

  A resource management unit 311 manages resources used by the second execution environment 305 of the present invention, and operates on the real-time OS 301 that implements the first execution environment. When the virtual machine 305 itself that implements the second execution environment, the API 306, the framework 307, or all applications on the OS 305 use the resource resources such as the memory, the resource management unit 311 has more resources than predetermined. It is restricted so that it cannot be used.

  First, the API 303 will be described. The API 303 is a set of interfaces on the real-time OS 301 respectively corresponding to a plurality of control commands for accessing the controller control unit 302 controlled by the real-time OS 301 that is the first execution environment. Each interface corresponding to this control command has a parameter for designating a target device for executing the control command, and the controller control unit 302 in the same device as the designation target, and image formation connected via the network 4 The controller control unit 302 of the device 200 can be specified.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of calling an interface of the API 303. As the API 303, for example, when a real-time OS is conventionally mounted on an image forming apparatus alone, an interface group according to a print protocol capable of finely controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus on the real-time OS can be considered. It is done. Here, the API 303 is a library group for realizing a network printing protocol.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the interface A corresponding to the control command A is called. Here, it is assumed that commands and interfaces can be called in one-to-one correspondence. However, a plurality of simple commands may be combined and regarded as one new command, and this may be associated with interface A. The control application 304 calls the interface A of the API 303 (401). An identifier representing an image forming apparatus to be processed can be added to the interface A. The API 303 interprets the identifier added to the interface A, and if it is determined that the device indicated by the identifier is the image forming apparatus provided with the API 303, executes the command A to the controller control unit 302 in 402. And perform the corresponding processing. If the API 303 determines that the control target of the command is determined using identification information similar to that outside the device (image forming apparatus 200), the data in the packet format corresponding to the command of the network 4 is transmitted via the network processing unit 7 in 403. Send it out.
The network processing unit 7 (acquisition unit) of the image forming apparatus 200 acquires a command from the packet format data, and passes the command A data to the communication application 304 in 404. The communication application 304 recognizes the interface A corresponding to the command A, and calls the interface A of the API 303 targeting the controller control unit 302 in the device in 405.

  At this time, the interface A called in 401 and the interface A called in 405 can be the same. The API 303 performs processing corresponding to the command A to the controller control unit 302 in step 406 because the target of the command is in the device. At this time, the processing corresponding to the command 402 and the processing corresponding to the command 406 are the same.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the operation of the API 306. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the interface A is called as an interface corresponding to the command A that finally instructs the image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 501 denotes that the control application 2 (304) calls the interface A of the API 306. A different part from FIG. 4 is explained in full detail.

  Each interface included in the API 306 is a preferred example of the second type of instruction of the present invention. Each interface included in the API 303 is a preferable example of the first form of the instruction of the present invention.

  First, the API 306 will be described in detail. The API 306 is a set of interfaces on the second execution environment 305 and includes an interface that can call an interface provided by the API 303. Each interface corresponding to each command of the API 306 has a parameter for designating a target for executing a control command as in the API 303, and is connected by the controller control unit 302 in the same device and the network 4 as the designated target. The controller control unit 302 of the image forming apparatus 200 that has been selected can be designated.

  Here, a case is considered in which interface A that needs to be converted into the first execution environment and executed is called. First, if the process to be activated by the called interface A is within the device, the API 306 interface is called. In response to the API 306 interface being called, the API 303 interface that can be interpreted by the real-time OS 301 is activated and called. When called, the API interface starts processing corresponding to the command A (502). The API 303 performs processing corresponding to the command to the controller control unit 302 (503). If the target of the command is outside the device (for example, the image forming apparatus 200), a packet corresponding to the command of the network 4 is transmitted via the network processing unit 7 (504). The network processing unit 7 of the image forming apparatus 200 receives the transmitted packet and passes the packet data corresponding to the command A to the communication application 304 in 505. In 506, the communication application 304 calls the interface A of the API 303 targeting the controller control unit 302 in the device. At this time, the interface A called in 502 and the interface A called in 506 are the same.

  In this way, the function to be operated does not depend on the difference between the image forming apparatus or another image forming apparatus, the apparatus architecture, and the OS. An API 306 that is an interface group can be provided. By using the API 306, various applications can be developed simply by learning the API 306 system of the execution environment 2, and the API 303 can be called and used without overhead. When the various functions are controlled, if there is already an API 303 as a development asset, this can be utilized.

  The API 306 performs processing corresponding to the command A to the controller control unit 302 in step 507 because the target of the command is in the device. Needless to say, the processing corresponding to the command 503 and the processing corresponding to the command 507 are the same. The processing from 404 to 406 and the processing from 505 to 507 are the same, and it goes without saying that the operation when using the API 303 and the operation when using the API 306 are the same.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of interface call processing in the virtual machine 305. First, on the virtual machine 306 which is the second execution environment, when an application is started and an interface is called by an input from the outside of the apparatus or an instruction from the operation unit, the process of FIG. 18 starts. . In step S1801, the interface called by the virtual machine 305 is read and recognized. In step S1802, the virtual machine 305 determines whether the recognized interface is a native method, which is a preferable example of a predetermined instruction in the second format that can be interpreted in the second execution environment. The native method is a method that calls an instruction of the first format of the present invention and is a method that can be interpreted and executed by the real-time OS 301 that is an example of the first execution environment. If the virtual machine 305 determines that the interface from which is called is not a native method, the virtual machine 305 determines that the normal method has been read and activates and calls the normal method. Then, the normal method performs predetermined application processing (S1804), ends the normal method (S1805), and ends the processing. If it is determined in step S1802 that the instruction recognized by the virtual machine 305 in step S1801 is a native method, the process advances to step S1806, and the virtual machine 305 performs native method activation processing (S1806), and an instruction string in the first format. An engine control program which is a preferred example of the above is called (started up and executed). Here, it is described that an engine control program capable of controlling the engine unit is called. This means that a printer control command is called through an interface included in the API 303 in FIG. Applicable. In step S1808, a process for controlling the printer is performed. In step S1809, a native method end process is performed. The process illustrated in FIG.

  Here, it is described that the engine unit is controlled. However, the control program executed in the first execution environment includes various controllers that control the engine unit, a video controller unit, a DC controller unit, and a network board. If there is, a control instruction for controlling the storage contents of the memory in the network board unit and the HDD in the image forming apparatus is included.

  As an application that calls a normal method process, for example, a program that does not require a critical response, for example, an application module for realizing a graphical user interface of an operation panel of a copying machine or a printer by software can be considered. When calling a native method, a process that requires a critical response to control an engine control unit (engine unit) such as a copier or a printer from an application, for example, is performed via a native method interface of Java (registered trademark). An engine control program can be called.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 500 (see FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The real-time OS 301 is an example of the first execution environment of the present invention. This is for selecting and executing an application to be executed. This screen is a touch panel, and the function is executed by touching the frame of the displayed function.

  The copy mode key 623 is a key to be pressed when performing a copying operation. When the copy mode key 623 is pressed, a copy mode screen 630 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. The extended function key 601 enters a mode such as duplex copying, multiple copying, movement, binding margin setting, frame erasure setting, etc., by pressing this key.

  An image mode key 602 enters a setting mode for shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking a copy image.

  A user mode key 603 can be used to register a mode memory and set a standard mode screen.

  The applied zoom key 604 enters a mode for independently scaling the X and Y directions of the document, and a zoom program mode for calculating a scaling factor from the document size and copy size. An M1 key 605, an M2 key 606, and an M3 key 607 are keys that are pressed when calling a mode memory registered in each of them. An option key 609 is a key for setting an optional function such as a film projector for direct copying from a film.

  A sorter key 610 is a key for setting sort, non-sort, and group. A document mixed key 611 is a key to be pressed when setting A4 size and A3 size or B5 size and B4 size documents together in the document feeder. An equal magnification key 612 is a key to be pressed when the copy magnification is set to 100%. A paper selection key 613 is a key to be pressed when selecting a copy paper. The reduction key 614 and the enlargement key 615 are keys that are pressed when performing standard reduction and enlargement. The density keys 618 and 620 are darkly copied every time the key 618 is pressed, and lightly copied every time the key 620 is pressed. The density display 617 changes to the left and right when the density keys 518 and 520 are pressed. An AE key 619 is a key to be pressed when automatic density adjustment copying is performed for a document having a dark background such as a newspaper.

  The HiFi key 621 is a key to be pressed when copying a document having a high halftone density such as a photo document. The character emphasis key 622 is a key to be pressed when it is desired to highlight characters in copying a character document. A transmission mode key 624 is a key to be pressed when performing fax transmission or the like. A box mode key 625 is a key that is pressed when operating data stored in a box. The copy mode key 623, the transmission mode key 624, and the box mode key 625 correspond to operations for selecting the application 304 executed on the OS 301, respectively.

  The extended mode mode key 626 is a mode key of the present invention, and transits to a screen (FIG. 7) for selecting and executing an application executed on the second execution environment 305 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the display is equivalent to the selection of other mode keys. However, the display may be made easier to recognize visually by changing the size or design of the keys.

  A status line 640 displays a message indicating the device status and print information. In the figure, this means that copying is in progress. A history key 650 is pressed to display history information of a printed job. For example, information such as an end time, a user name, a file name, and the number of copies of the print job is displayed.

  When the copy mode screen 630 is displayed, if an execution of a copying operation is instructed by a Start key (not shown) or the like, an interface for starting processing and setting various parameters is sequentially called to the API 303 (401). Usually, since the copying operation is instructed to the inside of the apparatus, the API 303 transmits a command to the controller control unit 302 (402), and the copying operation is executed as a result.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation screen of the application management application 308 which is a preferred example of the application management means of the present invention. In this embodiment, since the image forming apparatus 100 cannot be directly connected to a removable storage medium, the download processing is performed from the storage devices 30 and 36 of the information processing apparatuses 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the application unit 500 is configured to be operated from the operation unit 500 on the image forming apparatus 100. However, the present application may be configured to be operated from the information processing apparatuses 11 and 12 on the network. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the application management module of the present invention is implemented on the OS 2 will be described, but it is needless to say that the present invention can also be applied on the OS 1.

  A list 801 displays a list of applications that have already been downloaded. An item 802 indicates an application name. An item 803 indicates the current status of the application. Activation indicates that it is currently executing.

  An item 804 indicates an application version. Reference numeral 805 denotes an item indicating the date and time when the application is downloaded. A download button 806 is selected when a new application is downloaded. After selection, the screen transitions to a download screen (FIG. 9) described later. Reference numeral 807 denotes an upload button, which selects a desired application from the application list and uploads the downloaded application to a predetermined information processing apparatus by selecting this button.

  Reference numeral 808 denotes a delete button, which is a button selected when deleting an application. A desired application is selected from the application list, and the application is deleted from the image forming apparatus 100 by selecting this button. Reference numeral 809 denotes an application activation button according to the present invention, which instructs the framework 307 to activate a predetermined application, thereby bringing a stopped application into an activated state.

  Reference numeral 810 denotes an application stop button according to the present invention. The application stop button 810 instructs the FrameWork 307 to stop a predetermined application so that the application in the active state is stopped.

  Reference numeral 820 denotes a mode key for selecting an application management application of the present invention.

  821 is a simple copy mode key. Reference numeral 822 denotes an App3 mode key. A status line 830 displays a message indicating the device status and print information. In the figure, this means that copying is in progress. The contents displayed in the application list 801 are not particularly limited to the present embodiment. Further, the display order and display method are not particularly specified.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an application download screen of the application management application. In this embodiment, since the image forming apparatus 100 cannot be directly connected to a removable storage medium, the upload processing is performed on the storage devices 30 and 36 of the information processing apparatuses 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the application unit 500 is configured to be operated from the operation unit 500 on the image forming apparatus 100. However, the present application may be configured to be operated from the information processing apparatuses 11 and 12 on the network.

  Reference numeral 901 denotes an input field for designating an application to be downloaded. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a predetermined application is downloaded from the information processing apparatus 11 connected via the network 4. Reference numeral 902 denotes a button for interrupting the processing of this screen and transitioning to the screen of FIG. Reference numeral 903 denotes a button for instructing the start of download.

  Note that the method of specifying the application to be downloaded is not particularly limited to the method of this embodiment. The information processing devices 11, 12, 20 and the like on the network 4 are visually arranged, and the contents of the storage devices 30, 36 in each information processing device are visually displayed so that a target to be downloaded can be selected. Also good.

  Next, a job management method realized in the second execution environment of the image forming apparatus by the above method will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the job history collection method of the job management application realized in the second execution environment of the image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, processing of the job management application in each step will be described.

  In step S1101 of FIG. 11, the job management application issues a subscription for the job history recording event to 306 API. Thereafter, when execution of a job such as a copy job instructed by the user in the copying machine main body in FIG. 2 or a printing job from the computer in FIG. 1-11 via the network is completed, a job history is recorded in the copying machine in FIG. Is done. When the recording of the job history is completed, the 306 API notifies the application subscribing to the job history recording event of the job history completion event.

  The contents recorded in the job history are shown in FIG. JobID is a number for uniquely identifying a job log issued in the copying machine. The job type indicates the type of job and includes copying, PDL printing, reception printing, and the like. PDL is an abbreviation for PageDescriptionLanguage and describes a print job. PDL printing is to receive and print PDL data created by an application on a computer from a computer on a network. The application name is the name of the application that created the job.

  The number of logical pages is the number of pages based on pages logically divided by the application when a document is created by the application. The number of physical pages is the number of pages arranged on the physical medium during actual printing. Both pieces distinguish double-sided printing and single-sided printing. N-UP is the number of logical pages arranged in one physical page.

  The data size indicates the size of job data transferred during PDL printing.

  The document name is a name given to a document specified by an application or a copier operation unit.

  The start time and end time are times when the job starts and ends on the copying machine.

  The paper size is the size of the paper used for printing, and the paper type indicates the type of media.

  The owner name is an attribute added to the job during PDL printing. For example, an identification name for logging on to the OS is given. The department ID is an identification number based on the user management system of the copying machine. The computer name is the name of the computer that has executed PDL printing. The IP address is the IP address of the computer. The machine number is a number for uniquely identifying the copying machine. The color mode indicates the color of printing and includes, for example, black and white and full color.

  In step S1102, it is determined whether a process end instruction has been issued to the application. If it has been issued, the process ends. If not, the process proceeds to step S1103.

  In step S1103, it is determined whether a job history completion event has arrived. If there is no incoming call, the process returns to S1102, and if there is an incoming call, the process advances to S1104.

  In step S1104, job history information is acquired via the 306 API.

In step S1105, the key information in the job history is scanned. If there is an unprocessed key, the process proceeds to S1106, and if not, the process proceeds to S1108. Here, the key refers to information such as the above-mentioned job history owner name or department ID that can identify a user.
In step S1106, the key is extracted from the job history. In the job history of FIG. 12, the owner name and department ID are extracted sequentially.

  In step S1107, the summary table is updated. A summary table is created for each job type, color mode, and key. FIG. 13 shows a table of job type: PDL printing and color mode: black and white at the start of counting. One line is assigned to one key. Since there is no output record, only total lines exist. In the table of FIG. 13, when the job history of FIG. 2 is processed when the key is the owner name, a row of owner name: Yamada is added, as shown in FIG. 14. When the key is the department ID, 2800 rows are added, as shown in FIG. 13, 14, and 15, the columns include only the number of pages, the number of sheets, the number of double-sided sheets, paper size A3, paper size A4, paper type plain paper, and paper type recycled paper, but the column can be changed depending on the setting. Needless to say.

  In step S1108, the job history is additionally recorded in the 311 resource management unit so that the job history can be referred to permanently. When the storage area is exhausted, the old job history is deleted in order.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a user interface screen for the user of the job management application of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 1601 denotes a drop-down list box for selecting a job type for which a summary table is to be displayed. Here, copy, PDL printing, and all can be selected.

  Reference numeral 1602 denotes a drop-down list box for selecting a color mode job type for which a summary table is to be displayed. Here, black and white, full color, and all can be selected.

  Reference numeral 1603 denotes a drop-down list box for selecting a total key for which a total table is to be displayed. Here, it is assumed that the department ID and the owner name can be selected.

  Reference numeral 1604 denotes a button for instructing display of the summary table. A summary table is created in accordance with the specification of the list boxes 1601, 1602, and 1603. When all are specified in the job type, a summary table is created by summing up all summary tables such as copy and PDL printing. As for the color mode, if all are specified, monochrome and full color are added together.

  1605 displays the job history. 311 The job history held in the resource management unit is converted into a desired display format and displayed in a list. An example is shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 1606 denotes a button for instructing deletion of the job history. When this button is pressed, the job history held in the 311 resource management unit is deleted.

  Reference numeral 1607 denotes a button for instructing deletion of the summary table. When this button is pressed, the summary table held in the 311 resource management unit is deleted.

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral) having an environment capable of executing an application in a second execution environment different from the execution environment for controlling the apparatus is used, and a job history is acquired, By updating the tabulation table while maintaining, and managing the job history and tabulation table independently, it is possible to grasp the usage record with the minimum use of equipment resources. In addition, since the job history and summary table can be deleted independently, deleting the processed job history at any time can improve the work efficiency when performing job management visually, etc. Convenience is improved.

1 is a system block diagram including a copying machine, another image forming apparatus, and a computer. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of copying machine main bodies 100 and 200 suitable for an image forming apparatus. 1 is a block diagram of a core unit 10 of a multifunction peripheral 100 that is an example of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of a command call using the interface of API303. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of API306. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 500 of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a core unit 10 of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of the application management application 308 which is a suitable example of an application management means. It is a figure which shows the application download screen of an application management application. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of interface call processing in a virtual machine 305. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing performed by a job management application executed in a second execution environment of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a job history collected by a job management application executed in the second execution environment of the image forming apparatus. 6 is an example of a summary table held by a job management application executed in a second execution environment of the image forming apparatus. 6 is an example of a summary table held by a job management application executed in a second execution environment of the image forming apparatus. 6 is an example of a summary table held by a job management application executed in a second execution environment of the image forming apparatus. 6 shows a user interface of a job management application executed in the second execution environment of the image forming apparatus.

Claims (9)

A first execution environment capable of interpreting and executing a first format instruction for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a format that is realized on the first execution environment and does not depend on the model of the image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus having a second execution environment capable of interpreting and executing an instruction of a defined second format, job information output to the image forming apparatus is managed in the second execution environment of the image forming apparatus A job management device that performs
Reference means for referring to the job history, job history holding means for holding the referred job history,
Summary table holding means for updating and holding the summary table from the referenced job history, job history display means for displaying the job history, summary table display means for displaying the summary table, information held by the job history holding means A job management apparatus that independently manages the information held by the tabulation table holding means.   The job management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when displaying the summary table, a user can specify a job type and a color mode type.   2. The job management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a user provides means for instructing deletion of a job history and means for instructing deletion of a summary table. A first execution environment capable of interpreting and executing a first format instruction for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a format independent of the model of the image forming method, which is realized on the first execution environment. In an image forming apparatus having a second execution environment capable of interpreting and executing an instruction of a defined second format, job information output to the image forming apparatus is managed in the second execution environment in the image forming method A job management method for
A reference step for referring to the job history, a job history holding step for holding the referred job history,
A summary table holding step for updating and holding a summary table from the referred job history, a job history display step for displaying the job history, a summary table display step for displaying the summary table, and information held by the job history holding step And a job management method characterized in that the information held in the summary table holding step is managed independently.   5. The job management method according to claim 4, wherein the user can designate the job type and color mode type when displaying the summary table.   5. The job management method according to claim 4, wherein the user includes a step of instructing deletion of the job history and a step of instructing deletion of the summary table. A first execution environment capable of interpreting and executing a first format instruction for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a format independent of the model of the image forming method, which is realized on the first execution environment. In an image forming apparatus having a second execution environment capable of interpreting and executing an instruction of a defined second format, job information output to the image forming apparatus is managed in the second execution environment in the image forming method A job management program that
Reference procedure for referencing job history, Job history retention procedure for retaining referenced job history,
Summary table retention procedure for updating and retaining the summary table from the referenced job history, job history display procedure for displaying the job history, summary table display procedure for displaying the summary table, information retained by the job history retention procedure And a job management program for independently managing information held by a summary table holding procedure.   8. The job management program according to claim 7, wherein a user can designate a job type and a color mode type when displaying a summary table.   8. The job management program according to claim 7, wherein a user provides a procedure for instructing deletion of a job history and a procedure for instructing deletion of a summary table.

Images