JP2006255956A - Image forming device, job managing method, job managing program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform a precise job management in response to the desire of a user. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming device comprises an element information acquiring means 21, an each element priority degree calculating means 22, a job priority degree calculating means 23, and a job rearranging means 24. In this case, the element information acquiring means 21 acquires information regarding a plurality of elements concerning the priority degree of a job for each job. The each element priority degree calculating means 22 calculates a value regarding the priority degree of the job for each element. The job priority degree calculating means 23 calculates the priority degree of the job from the value regarding the priority degree of the job which is calculated for each element. The job rearranging means 24 rearranges the order of jobs in a waiting line regarding an image formation depending on a requirement from the calculated priority degree of the job. One of the elements is the completion time for processes concerning the image formation which is desired by the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a job management method, a job management program, and a recording medium.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus connected to a plurality of PCs (Personal Computers) via a network, for example, image data is acquired from a PC in units of jobs, and the acquired image data is temporarily stored in a memory or the like ( Alternatively, the processing (or job) for the image data was executed in the order in which they were stored. However, in such an image forming apparatus, if a job that requires urgent (hereinafter referred to as job 2) is acquired after acquiring a job that does not require urgent (hereinafter referred to as job 1), unless job 1 ends, There was a problem that job 2 was not executed.

  In order to solve such a problem, a job management method has been proposed in which the priority of a job is changed as appropriate based on “elapsed time from when image data is accumulated” and “number of images formed” ( For example, see Patent Document 1.)

  In order to solve such problems, the priority for the currently running job is based on the "elapsed time since the job started", "data amount processed", and "number of printed pages". Is calculated, and the priority is compared with the determination condition of whether or not to allow interrupt printing, so that even when a large number of sheets or a large number of copies are printed, a job with high priority is efficiently printed. A job management method has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

In order to solve such problems, when scheduling in the computer, the number of waiting jobs is compared with the average number of waiting jobs. If the number of waiting jobs is less than the average number of waiting jobs, Select the first job in the job sequence, and if the number of waiting jobs is equal to or greater than the average number of waiting jobs, arrange the jobs according to priority, and propose a method to select the first job in the job sequence obtained as a result (For example, refer to Patent Document 3).
JP 2002-137500 A JP-A-11-224168 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-264927

  However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1 described above, the priority is determined based on a plurality of elements, but since each element is treated equally, the priority is created based on the plurality of elements. There was a problem that could not make full use of the advantages. In other words, there is a problem in which elements that the user places importance on are not considered. In addition, there is a problem in that “desired print end time” indicating the print end time desired by the user is not included in the elements constituting the priority. Therefore, in the prior art, there is a problem that detailed job management according to the user's wish is not performed.

  Moreover, in the prior art described in Patent Document 2 described above, as in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, the priority is determined based on a plurality of elements. There was a problem that the degree was not fully exploited the advantage created based on multiple elements. In other words, there is a problem in which elements that the user places importance on are not considered. In addition, there is a problem in that “desired print end time” indicating the print end time desired by the user is not included in the elements constituting the priority. Therefore, in the prior art, there is a problem that detailed job management according to the user's wish is not performed.

  In the prior art described in Patent Document 3 described above, the priority is not determined based on a plurality of elements. Therefore, the “desired print” that represents the print end time desired by the user is included in the elements constituting the priority. “End time” is not included, and there is a problem that detailed job management according to the user's wishes is not performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to perform detailed job management in accordance with a user's desire.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides an element information acquisition unit that acquires, for each job, information related to a plurality of elements related to the job priority, and a value related to the job priority for each element. A priority calculation unit for each element for calculating the job priority, a job priority calculation unit for calculating the job priority based on a value related to the job priority calculated for each element, and the calculated job priority And a job rearranging means for rearranging the order of jobs in the queue for image formation as needed, wherein one of the elements is an end time of the processing for image formation desired by the user It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, element information acquisition means for acquiring information related to a plurality of elements relating to job priority for each job, and element priority for calculating a value related to job priority for each element A calculation means, a job priority calculation means for calculating a job priority based on a value related to the job priority calculated for each element, and a job priority calculation means based on the calculated job priority, if necessary. Job reordering means for reordering jobs in a queue related to image formation, and one of the elements is an end time of processing related to image formation desired by the user. Detailed job management can be performed according to wishes.

  The element information acquisition unit corresponds to, for example, an element information acquisition unit 21 described later. The element priority calculation means corresponds to, for example, an element priority calculation unit 22 described later. The job priority calculation unit corresponds to, for example, a job priority calculation unit 23 described later. The job rearranging unit corresponds to, for example, a job rearranging unit 24 described later. Further, the image forming apparatus corresponds to, for example, a multifunction device 1, a copier, a scanner, a FAX, or a printer described later.

  Further, as a means for solving the above problems, a job management method, a job management program, and a recording medium may be used.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform detailed job management according to the user's wishes.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an example of an image forming system. As shown in FIG. 1, in the image forming system, at least one multifunction device 1 and at least one PC 2 are connected via a network. The image may be formed by a copier, a scanner, a FAX, a printer, or the like instead of the multi-function device. However, for the sake of simplification of description, the multi-function device 1 will be used in the following description.

  The multifunction device 1 accumulates image data acquired from, for example, the PC 2 in a memory or the like in units of jobs (for example, print jobs), “value by numerical value”, “desired print end time”, “number of pages and number of copies”, “ The priority for each job is calculated based on “job capacity”, “user”, and the like, and the job is managed based on the calculated priority.

  The “value by numerical value” is a value by numerical value related to the priority set by the user. The “user” is a value based on the priority assigned to the user (or the title of the user associated with the base value). In the present embodiment, the printing in the multifunction machine 1 is described as an example. However, this does not limit the implementation of the present invention.

  The hardware configuration of an example of the multifunction machine 1 is shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a multifunction peripheral. As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction device 1 includes an operation unit 11, a drive unit 12, a recording medium 13, a memory 14, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 15, an interface unit 16, a scanner unit 17, and the like. The image processing unit 18 and the writing unit 19 are included.

  The operation unit 11 is used when the user inputs various operation information (or operation data) to the image forming apparatus 1 and displays various information (or data) to the user. The interface unit 16 is an interface for connecting the multifunction device 1 to a network or the like. The program of the multifunction device 1 is installed in the multifunction device 1 from the time of shipment, is provided to the multifunction device 1 by a recording medium 13 such as a CD-ROM, or is downloaded through a network. The recording medium 13 is set in the drive unit 12, and the program is installed from the recording medium 13 to the memory 14 or the like via the drive unit 12.

  The memory 14 stores a program and data used for processing the program, for example, a print queue and a priority value to be described later, a weight setting definition file, and the like. The CPU 11 provides, for example, each function indicated by a functional configuration described later, or executes a process shown by a flowchart described later, using the memory 14 as appropriate according to the program.

  The scanner unit 17 is a reading unit that reads an image. The image processing unit 18 is a processing unit that performs image processing. For example, the image processing unit 18 performs image processing on an image read by the scanner unit 17. The writing unit 19 is a writing unit that writes an image. For example, the writing unit 19 writes an image received from the image processing unit 18 or the like on a recording sheet (or forms an image).

  The PC 2 also has a CPU, like a general PC, and the CPU executes processing according to a program while using a memory or the like as appropriate.

  A functional configuration of an example of the multifunction machine 1 is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of a multifunction peripheral. As shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 1 includes an element information acquisition unit 21, an element priority calculation unit 22, a job priority calculation unit 23, a job rearrangement unit 24, and a paper discharge destination determination unit 25. An index value setting unit 26, a weight setting unit 27, a required time calculation unit 28, a required time presentation unit 29, a standby time calculation unit 30, an inspection unit 31, a multifunction device search unit 32, and an inquiry unit. 33, a job transmission unit 34, an end time calculation unit 35, a time information presentation / information selection unit 36, and a weight change unit 37.

  The element information acquisition unit 21 includes job information input (or selected) by a user using a job information form 40, which will be described later, a capacity of a corresponding job input to the multifunction device 1, and a priority assigned to the user. Get the value that is the basis of. The element information acquisition unit 21 temporarily stores the acquired information, for example, in the memory 14 or the like.

  The priority calculation unit 22 for each element is based on the element information acquired by the element information acquisition unit 21 and the weight of each element information set in the weight setting definition file 27 in the weight setting unit 27, for example. Calculate the priority. For example, “value by numerical value” is X1, “desired print end time” is X2, “page number and number of copies” is X3, “job capacity” is X4, “user” is X5, and “value weight by numerical value” is A1, “Weight of desired print end time” is A2, “Page and copy weight” is A3, “Job capacity weight” is A4, “User weight” is A5, “Numeric value priority” Is Y1, “priority of desired print end time” is Y2, “priority of the number of pages and copies” is Y3, “priority of job capacity” is Y4, and “user priority” is Y5. The priority calculation unit 22 calculates the priority for each element as Y1 = X1 · A1, Y2 = X2 · A2, Y3 = X3 · A3, Y4 = X4 · A4, Y5 = X5 · A5.

  The job priority calculation unit 23 calculates the job priority based on the priority for each element calculated by the element priority calculation unit 22. For example, the priority of the job is Y, “priority of the numerical value” is Y1, “priority of desired print end time” is Y2, “priority of page number and number of copies” is Y3, “priority of job capacity” Assuming that “degree” is Y4 and “user priority” is Y5, the job priority calculation unit 23 calculates Y = Y1 + Y2 + Y3 + Y4 + Y5.

  The job rearrangement unit 24 rearranges the print order of the jobs in the print queue based on the job priority calculated by the job priority calculation unit 23, the priority of other jobs in the print queue, and the like. In addition, when the priority of the new job to be submitted to the print queue and the job already in the print queue have the same priority, the job rearrangement unit 24 assigns weights to the elements constituting these jobs. Compared in descending order, priority is given to the job with the higher priority of the element to be compared, and the print order of the jobs in the print queue is rearranged.

  The paper discharge destination determination unit 25 determines the paper discharge destination of the recording paper on which the image is formed based on the job priority calculated by the job priority calculation unit 23. However, the multifunction device 1 inquires of the user about the discharge destination of the recording paper, and when the user sets the discharge destination, the set discharge destination has priority over the discharge destination determined by the discharge destination determination unit 25. . By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the user from mistakenly holding another printed matter or misunderstanding that printing has not been completed.

  The index value setting unit 26 has a high index value (for example, “value by numerical value”) of each element input (or selected) by the user using a weight setting form 50 as shown in FIG. 5 described later. In order, “desired print end time” is set to a weight setting definition file or the like.

  The weight setting unit 27 sets the weight of each element input (or selected) by the user using a weight setting form 50 as shown in FIG. 5 described later, for example, in a weight setting definition file.

  Each time a new job is submitted to the print queue, the required time calculation unit 28 calculates the required time from the start to the end of image formation related to the job by “the number of pages and the number of copies” and “the number of copies of the job”. It calculates based on "capacity". The required time presentation unit 29 displays the required time calculated by the required time calculation unit 28 on, for example, the operation unit 11 and presents it to the user.

  The standby time calculation unit 30 sets the priority for each job for each job in the print queue periodically (for example, every two minutes) or each time a new job is submitted to the print queue, Based on the “number of pages and number of copies”, “job capacity”, and the like of each job, an expected waiting time until printing is started is calculated.

  Whether the job can finish printing by the “desired printing end time” based on the expected waiting time calculated by the waiting time calculation unit 30 and the “desired printing end time”. Check.

  The multifunction device search unit 32 finds the multifunction device 1 and the network that can process the job determined by the inspection unit 31 that the printing cannot be completed by the “desired print end time” by the “desired print end time”. The other MFP 1 connected via the network is searched.

  The inquiry unit 33 inquires of the user by displaying, for example, on the operation unit 11 or the like whether or not the other multifunction device 1 searched by the multifunction device search unit 32 performs printing (or executes a job). When the job transmission unit 34 receives information indicating that the user has selected to perform printing (or execute a job) in the other multifunction device 1 in the operation unit 11 or the like, for example, the job transmission unit 34 sends the corresponding job to the other complex. Transmit to machine 1.

  The end time calculation unit 35 calculates the time until the job being executed ends. The time information presentation / information selection unit 36 presents to the user the time until the job being executed calculated by the end time calculation unit 35 is completed, and waits for the end of the job being executed to wait for the newly input job to be input. Whether the job to be executed, a job that is being executed is temporarily stopped and a newly input job is executed, or a newly input job is executed by an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus, for example, the operation unit 11 And let the user select.

  The weight changing unit 37 uses, for example, a weight setting form 50 as shown in FIG. 5 (or FIG. 14), which will be described later, according to a request, for the weight of each element set in the weight setting definition file or the like. The weight of each element input (or selected) by the user is changed. When the weight changing unit 37 changes the weight, the element priority calculating unit 22 recalculates the priority of each element of the job in the print queue, and the job priority calculating unit 23 recalculates each calculated element. Recalculate the job priority based on the element priority.

  An example of the job information form 40 is shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job information form. In response to a request from the user, the multifunction device 1 displays a job information form 40 on the operation unit 11 or the like, and acquires job information or the like input (or selected) by the user using the job information form 40. Note that the job information form 40 may be displayed on a display or the like of the PC 2 so that the multifunction device 1 acquires job information from the PC 2 via a network. However, for the sake of simplicity, the job information form 40 will be described below as being displayed on the operation unit 11 of the multifunction machine 1.

  An example of the weight setting form 50 is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating the weight setting form. The multifunction device 1 displays a weight setting form 50 on the operation unit 11 or the like in response to a request from the user, and acquires an index value or a weight input (or selected) by the user using the weight setting form 50. . The weight setting form 50 may be displayed on the display of the PC 2 or the like, and the multifunction device 1 may acquire the index value and the weight from the PC 2 via the network. However, for simplification of description, the weight setting form 50 will be described below as being displayed on the operation unit 11 of the multifunction machine 1.

  FIG. 6 shows the print queues and job priorities stored in the memory 14 and the like. FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating the priority of the print queue and the job. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of jobs are stored in the print queue. For each job, the value of each element constituting the priority for each job and the priority of each element constituting the priority for each job And the priority for each job are stored (or set). A plurality of jobs are stored in the print queue in descending order of priority (larger value) for each job.

  An example of job management processing is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the job management process.

  In step S <b> 10, the multifunction device 1 acquires a job created by the user setting paper on the scanner unit 17 or the like and operating the operation unit 11 or the like, for example. Progressing to step S11 following step S10, the job information input by the user using the job information form 40, or information relating to the job acquired in step S10 (for example, the job capacity, assigned to the user who created the job). To obtain the value of the priority based on the priority). It is assumed that the priority value assigned to the user is set in advance in the definition file or the like, for example, in the priority assigned in advance for each user (or group to which the user belongs). Further, it is assumed that the definition file or the like is stored in advance in the memory 14 or the like.

  Progressing to step S12 following step S11, the multi-function device 1 acquires the weight of each element input by the user using the weight setting form 50, for example. Progressing to step S13 following step S12, the multi function device 1 determines the priority of each element based on the job information acquired in step S11, information related to the job, and the weight of each element acquired in step S12. Is calculated.

  Progressing to step S14 following step S13, the multi function device 1 calculates the priority of the job acquired (or submitted) in step S10 based on the priority of each element calculated in step S13.

  Progressing to step S15 following step S14, the multi-function device 1 determines the time required from the start to the end of execution of the input job, the “number of pages and the number of copies” constituting the job, “the capacity of the job”, Calculate based on

  Progressing to step S16 following step S15, the multi-function peripheral 1 compares the priority of the job being executed with the priority of the submitted job. If the MFP 1 determines that the priority of the job being executed is lower than the priority of the submitted job, the process proceeds to process A, where the priority of the job being executed, the priority of the submitted job, , The process proceeds to step S17, and if it is determined that the priority of the job being executed is higher than the priority of the input job, the process proceeds to process B. Details of the process A are shown in FIG. Details of the process B are shown in FIG.

  In step S17, the multi-function device 1 substitutes 1 for a variable i. Progressing to step S18 following step S17, the multi-function device 1 repeats the priority comparison loop of job components from step S18 to step S21 while the variable i is equal to or less than the number of components of priority.

  In step S19, the multifunction device 1 compares the priority of the i-th largest element of the job being executed with the priority of the i-th largest element of the input job. If the MFP 1 determines that the priority of the i-th largest element of the job being executed is higher than the priority of the i-th largest element of the input job, the MFP 1 compares the priority of the elements. And proceed to process B, and determine that the priority of the i-th largest element of the job being executed is the same as the priority of the i-th largest element of the submitted job. In step S20, if it is determined that the priority of the i-th largest element of the job being executed is lower than the priority of the i-th largest element of the input job, the priority comparison of the constituent elements is performed. Exit the loop and proceed to process A.

  In step S20, the multi function device 1 increments the variable i. As described above, the multi-function device 1 repeats the priority comparison loop of job components while the variable i is equal to or less than the number of components of priority.

  Hereinafter, another example of job management processing is shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the job management process.

  Proceeding from step A to step S30, the multifunction device 1 calculates the time required from the start to the end of the execution of the job being executed based on the “number of pages and number of copies”, “capacity of the job”, etc. constituting the job. To do.

  Progressing to step S31 following step S30, the multi function device 1 starts printing the newly input job after waiting for the time calculated in step S30 and the end of the job being executed, Pause and start printing a newly submitted job, or check whether there is a multifunction device 1 that can immediately start a job in the multifunction device 1 other than the multifunction device 1 that is processing the job being executed. These options are displayed on, for example, the operation unit 11 and presented to the user.

  Progressing to step S32 following step S31, the multi-function device 1 determines which option the user has selected among the options presented to the user in step S31. When the multifunction device 1 determines that the user has selected to start printing of a newly input job after waiting for the end of the job being executed, the MFP 1 proceeds to step S33, pauses the job being executed, and starts a new job. If it is determined that the user has selected to start printing of the job input to the MFP, the process proceeds to step S36, and the MFP 1 that can immediately start the job in the MFP 1 other than the MFP 1 that is processing the job being executed. If it is determined that the check whether there is no is selected, the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S33, the multifunction machine 1 executes the job being executed as it is. Progressing to step S34 following step S33, the multi-function peripheral 1 sets the input job second from the top of the print queue.

  Progressing to step S35 following step S34, the multi function device 1 moves the subsequent jobs in the print queue (originally the second and subsequent jobs from the top) one by one from the top of the print queue to the back. Normal job management processing (for example, processing for executing jobs in the print queue in order of priority for each job).

  FIG. 9 shows another example of the print queue and job priority. FIG. 9 is a second diagram illustrating the priority of the print queue and the job. If the input job is job G and the job being executed is job D, for example, even if the priority for each job is the same, the multifunction device 1 performs processing A from step S17 in FIG. When the processing from step A to step S35 is executed, for example, job G is stored (or set) second from the top of the print queue, as shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 8 again, in step S36, the multifunction device 1 temporarily stops the job being executed, and records the execution state (for example, information such as how far the job has been executed) in the memory 14 or the like.

  Progressing to step S37 following step S36, the multi function device 1 sets the input job at the head of the print queue, and sets the job that has been executed up to the second from the head of the print queue. When a job that has been executed up to now is executed later, the multi-function device 1 resumes the execution of the job from the middle of the processing that has been executed in accordance with the execution state stored earlier.

  Progressing to step S38 following step S37, the multi function device 1 moves the subsequent jobs in the print queue (originally the second and subsequent jobs from the top) one by one from the top of the print queue to the back. Let

  Progressing to step S39 following step S38, the multi-function device 1 executes the first job in the print queue (that is, the submitted job), and performs normal job management processing (for example, a job in the print queue). The processing to be executed in order of priority for each job is continued.

  Here, another example of the print queue and job priority is shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 3) illustrating the priority of the print queue and the job. Assuming that the input job is job G and the job being executed is job D, when the multifunction device 1 executes the processing from step S36 to step S38 in FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. Job G is stored (or set) at the head of the print queue, and for example, job D is stored second from the head of the print queue.

  Returning to FIG. 8 again, in step S40, the multifunction device 1 transmits, for example, an inquiry request as to whether or not the job can be started immediately to another multifunction device 1 connected to the multifunction device 1 via the network. Etc. to search for another multifunction device 1 that can immediately start the job.

  Proceeding to step S41 following step S40, the multi-function peripheral 1 determines whether another multi-function peripheral 1 that can immediately start a job has been found. If the multifunction device 1 determines that another multifunction device 1 that can immediately start the job is found (YES in step S41), the multifunction device 1 proceeds to step S43 and determines that no other multifunction device 1 that can immediately start the job is found (step S41). (NO in S41), the process proceeds to step S42.

  For example, if the response corresponding to the inquiry request is not returned from another multifunction device 1 within a predetermined time, the multifunction device 1 determines that no other multifunction device 1 that can immediately start a job has been found, If a response is returned from another multifunction device 1 within a predetermined time, it is determined that another multifunction device 1 that can immediately start a job has been found.

  In step S42, the multifunction device 1 displays, for example, on the operation unit 11 that the other multifunction device 1 that can immediately start the job has not been found and presents it to the user, and returns to step S31. On the other hand, in step S43, the multifunction device 1 displays on the operation unit 11 or the like, for example, that the other multifunction device 1 that can immediately start the job has been found and presents it to the user.

  Proceeding to step S44 following step S43, the multifunction device 1 inquires of the user, for example, by displaying on the operation unit 11 whether or not printing is to be performed using the other multifunction device 1 found. Progressing to step S45 following step S44, if the multifunction device 1 determines that the user has selected, for example, that the user operates the operation unit 11 or the like to perform printing using another found multifunction device 1 (step S44). If YES in step S45, the process proceeds to step S46. If it is determined that printing using another found multifunction device 1 is not selected (NO in step S45), the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S46, for example, the multifunction device 1 transmits the submitted job to the other found multifunction device 1, and the normal job management process (for example, the job in the print queue is assigned a priority for each job). Continue processing to be executed in order. In addition, when the multifunction device 1 transmits a job, information such as an index value of a priority of each element and information such as a weight may be transmitted to another found multifunction device 1 together with the job. . By transmitting these pieces of information, the user does not need to input the information again on another multifunction device 1.

  Another example of job management processing is shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart (part 3) illustrating the job management process.

  Proceeding from step B to step S50, the multi-function device 1 executes the job being executed as it is. Proceeding to step S51 following step S50, the multi function device 1 sets the input job second from the top of the print queue.

  Progressing to step S52 following step S51, the multi-function device 1 moves the subsequent jobs in the print queue (originally the second and subsequent jobs from the top) one by one from the top of the print queue to the back. Normal job management processing (for example, processing for executing jobs in the print queue in order of priority for each job).

  Hereinafter, apart from the processing (or process) shown in the flowchart described above, processing is performed periodically (for example, every two minutes) or each time a new job is submitted to the print queue (or the multifunction device 1). An example of the job management process (or job management process) for starting the process is shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart (part 4) illustrating the job management process.

  In step S60, the multifunction device 1 starts printing for each job in the print queue based on the priority of each job, the “number of pages and the number of copies”, the “capacity of the job”, and the like. Calculate the expected waiting time until

  Progressing to step S61 following step S60, the multifunction device 1 prints the job by the “desired print end time” based on the expected standby time calculated in step S60 and the “desired print end time”. Check if it can be terminated.

  When the multifunction device 1 determines that there is a job in the print queue that cannot finish printing by the “desired print end time” (YES in step S61), the multi-function device 1 proceeds to step S62, and “desired” If it is determined that there is no job whose printing cannot be completed by the “printing end time” (NO in step S61), the process ends.

  In step S62, the fact that the multifunction device 1 cannot finish the job by the “desired print end time” is displayed on the operation unit 11 or the like to the user who has input the job into the multifunction device 1, for example, the memory 14 or the like. Is transmitted to, for example, the user's PC 2 based on the user information and the information specifying the user's PC. In the following description, for the sake of simplification of description, the multifunction device 1 will be described as displaying on the operation unit 11 that the job cannot be completed by the “desired print end time” and notifying the user. The same applies to the following presentation of information and inquiries to the user.

  Further, the multifunction device 1 notifies the user that the job cannot be completed by the “desired print end time”, and determines whether or not there is a multifunction device 1 that can complete the job by the “desired print end time”. Inquiries are also made to the user.

  In step S <b> 63, the multifunction device 1 determines whether the user has selected to search for the multifunction device 1 that can finish the job by the “desired print end time”. If the multifunction device 1 determines that the user has selected to search for the multifunction device 1 that can finish the job by the “desired print end time” (YES in step S63), the process proceeds to step S64. If it is determined that the search for a multifunction device 1 that can finish the job by the “desired print end time” has not been selected (NO in step S63), the processing ends.

  In step S64, the multifunction device 1 immediately sends the job to the other multifunction device 1 connected to the multifunction device 1 via the network, for example, by sending an inquiry request as to whether or not the job can be started immediately. Search for another MFP 1 that can be started.

  Proceeding to step S65 following step S64, the multifunction device 1 determines whether another multifunction device 1 capable of immediately starting a job has been found. If the multifunction device 1 determines that another multifunction device 1 that can immediately start the job is found (YES in step S65), the multifunction device 1 proceeds to step S67 and determines that no other multifunction device 1 that can immediately start the job is found (step S65). (NO in S65), the process proceeds to step S66.

  For example, if the response corresponding to the inquiry request is not returned from another multifunction device 1 within a predetermined time, the multifunction device 1 determines that the other multifunction device 1 that can immediately start the job is not found, and If a response is returned from another multifunction device 1 within a predetermined time, it is determined that another multifunction device 1 that can immediately start a job has been found.

  In step S66, the multifunction device 1 displays, for example, on the operation unit 11 that the other multifunction device 1 that can immediately start the job has not been found and presents it to the user, and ends the processing. On the other hand, in step S67, the multifunction device 1 displays, for example, on the operation unit 11 and the like to notify the user that another multifunction device 1 that can immediately start the job has been found.

  Proceeding to step S68 following step S67, the multifunction device 1 inquires of the user, for example, by displaying on the operation unit 11 whether or not printing is to be performed using the other multifunction device 1 found. Progressing to step S69 following step S68, if the multi-function device 1 determines that the user has selected, for example, that the user operates the operation unit 11 or the like to perform printing using another found multi-function device 1 (step S68). If YES in S69, the process proceeds to step S70, and if it is determined that printing using another found multifunction device 1 has not been selected (NO in step S69), the process ends.

  In step S70, for example, the multifunction device 1 transmits a job whose printing is not completed by the “desired print end time” to the other multifunction device 1 that has been found, and ends the processing. In addition, when the multifunction device 1 transmits a job, information such as an index value of a priority of each element and information such as a weight may be transmitted to another found multifunction device 1 together with the job. . By transmitting these pieces of information, the user does not need to input the information again on another multifunction device 1. The multifunction device 1 also deletes the transmitted job from the print queue.

  When the multifunction device 1 performs the process as shown in FIG. 12, the user can complete the process such as printing by the set “desired print end time”.

  Hereinafter, an example of the weight change process is shown in FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the weight change process. FIG. 14 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating the weight setting form.

  The multifunction device 1 displays the weight setting form 50 on the operation unit 11 or the like in response to a request from the user, and the changed index value and / or input (or selected) by the user using the weight setting form 50 and / or Get weight. In the weight setting form 50 shown in FIG. 14, the weight setting of each element is changed by the user as compared with the weight setting form 50 shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, when the index value and / or weight is changed by the user, the multifunction device 1 starts the process illustrated in FIG. 13. In step S80 of FIG. 13, the multi-function device 1 acquires the index value and / or the weight (change information related to the weight) changed by the user in the weight setting form 50 as shown in FIG.

  Proceeding to step S81 following step S80, the multi function device 1 stores the job stored in the print queue based on the change information related to the weight acquired in step S80 and the information related to the job stored in the print queue. Then, the priority of each element of the job other than the job being executed is calculated.

  Progressing to step S82 following step S81, the multi-function device 1 prioritizes all jobs other than the job being executed among the jobs stored in the print queue based on the priority of each element calculated in step S81. Calculate the degree.

  Progressing to step S83 following step S82, the multi-function device 1 rearranges the jobs in the print queue as necessary based on the job priority calculated in step S82.

  When the MFP 1 performs the processing as shown in FIG. 14, the user can select “value by numerical value”, “desired print end time”, “number of pages and number of copies”, “job capacity”, “user”, etc. Can be freely changed according to the printing environment, printing conditions, etc., and detailed job management in accordance with the user's wishes can be provided.

  FIG. 15 shows another example of the print queue and job priority. FIG. 15 is a diagram (part 4) illustrating the priority of the print queue and the job. As shown in FIG. 15, compared to FIG. 6, the order of jobs stored in the print queue is changed by the multi-function device 1 by changing the priority of each element of the job.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform detailed job management in accordance with the user's wishes.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

  For example, the job component may further include “elapsed time since the job was submitted” and the like.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an example of an image forming system. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a job information form. It is a figure (the 1) which shows a weight setting form. FIG. 6 is a first diagram illustrating the priority of a print queue and a job. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows a job management process. 12 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a job management process. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating the priority of a print queue and a job. FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating the priority of a print queue and a job. 10 is a flowchart (part 3) illustrating the job management process. 12 is a flowchart (part 4) illustrating a job management process. It is a flowchart which shows a weight change process. It is a figure (the 2) which shows a weight setting form. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a print queue and job priority (No. 4);

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP 2 PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Operation part 12 Drive part 13 Recording medium 14 Memory 15 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 Interface part 17 Scanner part 18 Image processing part 19 Writing part 21 Element information acquisition part 22 Element priority calculation part 23 Job priority calculation part 24 Job rearrangement part 25 Discharge destination determination part 26 Index value setting part 27 Weight setting Unit 28 Required Time Calculation Unit 29 Required Time Presentation Unit 30 Standby Time Calculation Unit 31 Inspection Unit 32 Multifunction Device Search Unit 33 Inquiry Unit 34 Job Transmission Unit 35 End Time Calculation Unit 36 Time Information Presentation / Information Selection Unit 37 Weight Change Unit 40 Job Information form 50 Weight setting form

Claims (15)

Element information acquisition means for acquiring information related to a plurality of elements related to job priority for each job;
A priority calculation unit for each element for calculating a value related to the priority of the job for each element;
Job priority calculating means for calculating a job priority based on a value related to the job priority calculated for each element;
Job rearranging means for rearranging the order of jobs in the queue for image formation based on the calculated job priority, if necessary,
Have
One of the elements is an end time of processing related to image formation desired by a user.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a paper discharge destination determining unit that determines a paper discharge destination of the recording paper on which the image is formed based on the calculated job priority.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein before the image is formed, the user is inquired about the discharge destination of the recording paper, and when the user sets the discharge destination, the set discharge destination is prioritized. .   The element related to the priority of the job includes a value related to the priority set by the user, the number of pages and the number of copies, the capacity of the job, and a value related to the priority assigned to the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   5. The image according to claim 1, further comprising index value setting means for setting a value related to a job priority index for each of a plurality of elements related to the job priority. Forming equipment.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a weight setting unit configured to set a weight related to the priority for each of a plurality of elements related to the priority of the job.   The job rearranging means compares the priorities of the elements in the descending order of the elements when the jobs having the same priority exist in the queue, and based on the comparison result, The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the job order is rearranged. A required time calculating means for calculating a required time from the start to the end of image formation related to the job based on the number of pages and the number of copies and the capacity of the job each time a new job is input;
A required time presentation means for presenting the calculated required time to the user;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: An expected waiting time calculating means for calculating an expected waiting time until processing related to image formation is started for a job in a queue related to image formation periodically or whenever a new job is submitted; ,
Based on the calculated expected waiting time and the end time of the process related to image formation desired by the user, can the job be completed by the end time of the process related to image formation desired by the user? Inspection means for inspecting whether or not,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: In the inspection unit, when it is determined that the job cannot be completed by the end time of the process related to image formation desired by the user,
Image forming apparatus search means for searching for another image forming apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via the network, which can process the job by the end time;
Inquiry means for inquiring of a user whether or not to perform processing relating to image formation in the other image forming apparatus searched by the image forming apparatus search means;
Job transmitting means for transmitting the job to the other image forming apparatus when receiving information indicating that the user has selected to perform processing relating to image formation in the other image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: An end time calculating means for calculating a time until the job being executed ends,
Present the time to the user and wait for the job being executed to finish before executing the newly submitted job, or stop the currently executing job and execute the newly submitted job, or Time information presentation / information selection means for allowing the user to select whether to execute a newly input job in an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A weight changing means for changing the weight;
When the user changes the weight by using the changing unit, the element priority calculation unit recalculates a value related to the priority of each element of the job in the queue for image formation, and the job priority 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the calculation unit recalculates the job priority based on the recalculated value relating to the job priority. A job management method in an image forming apparatus,
An element acquisition stage for acquiring information related to a plurality of elements related to job priority for each job;
A priority calculation step for each element for calculating a value related to the priority of the job for each element;
A job priority calculating step for calculating a job priority based on a value related to the job priority calculated for each element;
A job rearrangement step for rearranging the order of jobs in the queue for image formation based on the calculated job priority;
Have
One of the elements is an end time of processing related to image formation desired by a user.   14. A job management program for causing a computer of an image forming apparatus to execute the job management method according to claim 13.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the job management program according to claim 14 is recorded.

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