JP2007245634A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which can execute a designated job at a more accurate time. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming device 100 compares time reliability information of an information processing device 200 being included in a time designating job JB which is received from the information processing device 200, and time reliability information of the image forming device 100. When it is judged that the time of the image forming device 100 has a higher reliability than the time of the information processing device 200, the time designated job JB is executed with the time of the image forming device 100 as a reference. When it is judged that the time of the information processing device 200 has a higher reliability than the time of the image forming device 100, the job executing time is corrected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium based on input image data, and in particular, receives image data and an execution time for image formation of the image data, and receives an image at the execution time. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a function of forming.

  Conventionally, as one function of the image forming apparatus, a job to be executed in advance and an execution time are received from the information processing apparatus, and a clock provided in the image forming apparatus measures the execution time designated. In this case, there is a time designation job in which the received job is executed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Here, since the clock provided in the information processing apparatus and the clock provided in the image forming apparatus are independent, there is a possibility that the time of these two clocks is shifted. Therefore, when executing such a time designation job, a method has been proposed in which the time measured by each of the two clocks is compared, and the job execution time is corrected based on the advanced time.

JP 2005-229486 A

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus simply compares the two times and corrects the job execution time, and therefore cannot determine which time is accurate. There was a problem that a timed job was executed based on an incorrect time.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of executing a designated job at a more accurate time.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above-described object receives an execution time for forming an image of the image data together with the image data. In the image forming apparatus that forms an image at the execution time, together with the image data A first time information acquisition unit that acquires the received first time information; a second time information acquisition unit that acquires second time information indicating a time counted by the image forming apparatus; and a third time. Based on the third time information acquired by the third time information acquisition unit that acquires information and the third time information acquisition unit, the first time information and the second time information A time information determination unit for determining which of the time information is used as a reference for image formation of the image data.

  In such an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, based on the third time information, image formation of image data is performed based on any one of the first time information and the second time information. Therefore, it is possible to improve the reliability of the time as compared with the case where the execution time for forming the image data is corrected by simply comparing the first time information and the second time information. .

  In the present invention, information that increases the reliability of the time is used as compared with the case where the execution time for forming the image data is corrected by simply comparing the first time information and the second time information. The image formation of the image data can be executed at a more accurate time.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  This embodiment is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium based on input image data. In particular, in this image forming system, the image forming apparatus receives image data and an execution time when image formation of the image data is performed as a time designation job, and performs image formation at the execution time.

  First, an image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. This image forming system determines a reference time when correcting the execution time of a time designation job using time reliability information.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 100 and an information processing apparatus 200 via a predetermined network NT such as a wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The In the figure, although one image forming apparatus 100 and one information processing apparatus 200 are connected, the image forming system includes the image forming apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 200. It is not limited to the number of units.

  The image forming apparatus 100 executes transmission / reception of information between the CPU 101 that performs overall control of the entire image forming apparatus 100, a RAM 102 that stores various types of information, and the image forming apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 200. A communication control unit 103; a hard disk 104 that stores a time-designated job JB; an image conversion unit 105 that converts image data that can be printed by a print control unit 106 described later; a print control unit 106 that performs printing on a recording medium; A time measuring unit 107 that measures the current time, a time specifying job managing unit 108 that manages the time specifying job JB received from the information processing apparatus 200, a time specifying job executing unit 109 that executes the time specifying job JB, and a time specifying job A time correction unit 110 that corrects the execution time of JB, and time reliability information that generates time reliability information And a generation unit 111, and these sections are connected via a common bus 112. Of these units, the communication control unit 103 and the time designation job management unit 108 function as a first time information acquisition unit that obtains the first time information received together with the image data, and the time designation job management unit 108. Functions as a second time information acquisition unit that acquires second time information indicating the time counted by the image forming apparatus 100 and a third time information acquisition unit that acquires third time information. Based on the third time information acquired by the third time information acquisition unit, the correction unit 110 uses the time information as a reference between the first time information and the second time information. It functions as a time information determination unit for determining whether to form.

  The CPU 101 is a microprocessor that comprehensively controls the entire image forming apparatus 100 by executing a control program of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the CPU 101 includes a communication control unit 103, an image conversion unit 105, a print control unit 106, a timing unit 107, a time designation job management unit 108, a time designation job execution unit 109, a time correction unit 110, and a time reliability information generation unit. 111 is started.

  The RAM 102 is a volatile memory used as a work area when the CPU 101 executes a control program. Under the control of the CPU 101, the RAM 102 stores various types of information such as a time designation job JB used by the image conversion unit 105 during image conversion and image data generated by image conversion. Various information stored in the RAM 102 is read by the CPU 101.

  The communication control unit 103 is an interface that transmits and receives information to and from the information processing apparatus 200 via the network NT. The image forming apparatus 100 receives the time designation job JB from the information processing apparatus 200 via the communication control unit 103.

  The hard disk 104 is a non-volatile memory that stores the time designation job JB. Here, the time designation job JB will be described. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the time designation job JB represents a job type (JOB TYPE) representing the type of job, a job name (JOB NAME) representing the name of the job, and a sender who has transmitted the job. The job sender (JOB OWNER), the image drawing command generated by the image drawing command generation unit 204 in the information processing apparatus 200, the job execution time (JOB EXECUTION TIME) indicating the time to execute the job, and the time designation It consists of a time designation job transmission time (JOB SENT TIME) indicating the time when the job JB was transmitted, and time reliability information (CLOCK RELIABILITY) described later. The job type is used to determine whether or not the job is a time designation job JB. Examples of the image drawing command include so-called PCL (Printer Command Language), POSTSCRIPT, and the like. In the image forming apparatus 100, other image drawing commands may be used. In the image forming apparatus 100, when the time designation job JB is received from the information processing apparatus 200 via the communication control unit 103, the time designation job management unit 108 stores it in the hard disk 104.

  The image conversion unit 105 converts the image drawing command included in the time designation job JB into image data that can be printed by the print control unit 106.

  The print control unit 106 prints the image data converted by the image conversion unit 105 on a recording medium.

  The timer 107 measures the current time for the image forming apparatus 100. As the timer 107, a hardware clock such as a real-time clock or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) clock, or a software clock such as a system clock can be used. However, the image forming apparatus 100 has other configurations. A timer unit 107 may be used.

  The time designation job management unit 108 manages the time designation job JB received from the information processing apparatus 200 via the communication control unit 103. Specifically, the time designation job management unit 108 refers to the time designation job JB stored in the hard disk 104, and in addition to the number of jobs, the job name, job execution time, job sender, The time designation job transmission time and time reliability information are held.

  The time designation job execution unit 109 executes the time designation job JB managed by the time designation job management unit 108 at the designated time.

  When the time correction unit 110 receives the time specification job JB, the time correction unit 110 uses the time specification job transmission time received from the information processing apparatus 200 as a reference for the execution time of the job, or the time measurement unit in the image forming apparatus 100 Whether to use the time acquired from 107 is determined based on the time reliability information, and the execution time of the time specified job JB is corrected. Further, the time correction unit 110 adjusts the time of the time measuring unit 107 in response to a time change request from the user.

  The time reliability information generating unit 111 generates time reliability information measured by the time measuring unit 107. Specifically, the time reliability information generation unit 111 generates time reliability information of the image forming apparatus 100 at the requested time in response to a request for time reliability information, and sends it to the request source. Send back. The time reliability information generation unit 111 also manages the accuracy of the time measuring unit 107 and the time when the time of the image forming apparatus 100 was last changed. Here, the time reliability information will be described. The time reliability information is an index indicating how reliable the time acquired from the time measuring unit 107 is. Here, the time reliability information is a value obtained by multiplying the accuracy of the time measuring unit 107 by the elapsed time since the time was last corrected. The definition of the time reliability information is merely a specific example, and the image forming apparatus 100 may be any information that can compare the reliability of the time. For example, the time measuring unit 107 has an NTP (Network Time Protocol). The time correction method is used as an index, such as high reliability when time correction is performed periodically and low reliability when time correction is performed irregularly by the user. It may be used.

  The image forming apparatus 100 configured with such units processes data received from the information processing apparatus 200 and forms an image on a recording medium.

  On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 200 is composed of, for example, a personal computer or a workstation. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 200 includes a clock unit 201 that counts the current time, a time reliability information generation unit 202 that generates time reliability information, and the information processing apparatus 200 and the image forming apparatus 100. A communication control unit 203 that transmits and receives information between them, and an image drawing command generation unit 204 that generates image drawing commands. These units are connected via a common bus 205.

  The timer 201 measures the current time for the information processing apparatus 200. As the timing unit 201, a hardware clock such as a real-time clock or a CMOS clock, or a software clock such as a system clock can be used as in the timing unit 107 in the image forming apparatus 100. Alternatively, a timer unit 201 having a configuration other than these may be used.

  The time reliability information generating unit 202 generates time reliability information measured by the time measuring unit 201. In other words, the time reliability information generating unit 202 generates time reliability information as an index indicating how reliable the time acquired from the time measuring unit 201 is. Specifically, the time reliability information generation unit 202, in the same way as the time reliability information generation unit 111 in the image forming apparatus 100, responds to a request for time reliability information, Time reliability information of the information processing device 200 is generated and returned to the request source, and the accuracy of the time measuring unit 201 and the time when the time of the information processing device 200 was last changed are managed. Here, the time reliability information is a value obtained by multiplying the accuracy of the time measuring unit 201 by the elapsed time since the time was last corrected.

  The communication control unit 203 is an interface that transmits and receives information to and from the image forming apparatus 100 via the network NT. The information processing apparatus 200 transmits a time designation job JB to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication control unit 203.

  The image drawing command generation unit 204 converts data generated by the user of the information processing apparatus 200 into an image drawing command that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 100 and generates the image drawing command.

  The information processing apparatus 200 configured by each unit generates an image drawing command to be processed by the image forming apparatus 100 and transmits a time designation job JB.

  In the image forming system including the image forming apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 200 as described above, the time designation job JB is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 to the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 200 transmits a time designation job JB to the image forming apparatus 100 according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG.

  First, as shown in the figure, the information processing apparatus 200 converts data designated by the user into an image drawing command that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 100 by the image drawing command generation unit 204 in step S101. .

  Subsequently, in step S102, the information processing apparatus 200 generates time reliability information at the time of transmitting the time designation job JB for the timing unit 201 by using the time reliability information generation unit 202, and this time reliability information Is added to the image drawing command generated in step S101.

  Further, in step S103, the information processing apparatus 200 acquires the current time from the time measuring unit 201, and adds information indicating the current time to the data generated in step S102. The current time is the above-described time designation job transmission time in the time designation job JB.

  In step S104, the information processing apparatus 200 adds information indicating the job type, job name, job execution time, and job sender to the data generated in step S103, and uses the generated data as the time specified job JB. To the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication control unit 203.

  The information processing apparatus 200 can transmit the time designation job JB to the image forming apparatus 100 according to such a series of procedures.

  In response to this, the image forming apparatus 100 receives the time designation job JB transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200, for example, according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10, in step S201, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the received job is a time designation job JB by the communication control unit 103. Specifically, the communication control unit 103 determines whether the job is a time designation job JB based on the job type included in the received job.

  If the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the received job is not the time designation job JB, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts the process to step S207 in order to perform printing immediately. In step S207, the image forming apparatus 100 converts the image drawing command included in the received job into image data that can be printed by the print control unit 106 in the image conversion unit 105, and then in step S208, converts the image drawing command. The image data converted by the conversion unit 105 is printed on the recording medium by the print control unit 106, and the series of processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the received job is the time designation job JB, the process proceeds to step S202. The time designation job management unit 108 receives the time designation job JB from the communication control unit 103, stores it in the hard disk 104, and then in step S203, the time reliability information generation unit 111 sends the time reliability of the image forming apparatus 100 to the time reliability. In step S204, the current time of the image forming apparatus 100 is acquired from the time measuring unit 107.

  Subsequently, in step S205, the image forming apparatus 100 causes the time correction unit 110 to include the time reliability information of the information processing apparatus 200 included in the time designation job JB received from the information processing apparatus 200, and the time in step S203. The designated job management unit 108 compares the time reliability information of the image forming apparatus 100 acquired. Here, when the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the time of the image forming apparatus 100 is more reliable than the time of the information processing apparatus 200 as a result of comparing the two pieces of time reliability information, A series of job reception processing is completed, and the state shifts to a standby state until the time counting unit 107 counts the job execution time included in the time designation job JB. In this case, since the timing unit 201 of the information processing apparatus 200 is highly likely to be out of order, the time designation job JB is not executed even when the timing unit 201 times the designated time, or the timing unit 201 There is a possibility that the time designation job JB is executed before measuring the designated time. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 may issue a warning to the sender based on information indicating the job sender included in the time designation job JB in order to improve the convenience for the user. On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the time of the information processing apparatus 200 is more reliable than the time of the image forming apparatus 100 as a result of comparing the two pieces of time reliability information, In order to correct the execution time, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the time correction unit 110 to transmit the time designation job transmission time included in the time designation job JB received from the information processing apparatus 200 and the time designation job management unit 108 in step S204. The job execution time is corrected by adding the acquired error with respect to the time of the image forming apparatus 100 to the job execution time, and the series of job reception processing ends.

  The image forming apparatus 100 can receive the time designation job JB transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 according to such a series of procedures. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 executes the received time designation job JB, for example, according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG.

  That is, the image forming apparatus 100 obtains the current time from the time measuring unit 107 at a predetermined cycle by the time specifying job execution unit 109 in step S301, as shown in FIG. Check whether the execution time has been reached. If the corresponding time designation job JB does not exist, the image forming apparatus 100 repeats the process of step S301. On the other hand, if the corresponding time designation job JB exists, in step S302, the time designation job JB. Is removed from the management of the time designation job management unit 108, and the time designation job JB stored in the hard disk 104 is read. The image forming apparatus 100 converts the image drawing command included in the time designation job JB into image data that can be printed by the print control unit 106 using the image conversion unit 105, and then converts the image drawing command in step S303. The data is printed on the recording medium by the print control unit 106, and the series of processes is completed.

  The image forming apparatus 100 can execute the time designation job JB transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 according to such a series of procedures.

  Specifically, for example, when the time designation job transmission time included in the time designation job JB is 15:00 and the job execution time is 17:00, the image forming apparatus 100 receives the time designation job JB. In the situation where the time of the image forming apparatus 100 is 15:10, the time of the image forming apparatus 100 is set to be longer than the time of the information processing apparatus 200 by the time correction unit 110 in step S205 shown in FIG. If the time of the image forming apparatus 100 clocks 17:00, that is, when the time of the information processing apparatus 200 clocks 17:10, the time designation job is determined. JB is executed.

  On the other hand, in the situation where the time designation job transmission time and job execution time included in the time designation job JB and the time of the image formation apparatus 100 when the time designation job JB is received are the same, the image forming apparatus 100 4, if the time correction unit 110 determines that the time of the information processing apparatus 200 is more reliable than the time of the image forming apparatus 100, the time correction unit 110 The job execution time of the time designation job JB is corrected to 17:10. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 executes the time designation job JB when the time of the image forming apparatus 100 measures 17:10, that is, when the time of the information processing apparatus 200 measures 17:00. become.

  In this way, in any case, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the time with higher reliability as the reference for the execution time of the time designation job JB, so that the time designation job JB is actually executed. The time can be a time close to the standard time of the area where the image forming apparatus 100 is operated.

  As described above, in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention, time reliability information is used to determine a reference time when correcting the execution time of the time designation job JB. Therefore, the time designation job JB can be executed at a more accurate time than when the time of the image forming apparatus 100 and the time of the information processing apparatus 200 are simply compared.

  Next, an image forming system shown as the second embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming system shown as the first embodiment, both the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus include a time reliability information generation unit, and the time reliability information generated by these time reliability information generation units is compared. Based on the result, the execution time of the timed job was determined. On the other hand, in the image forming system shown as the second embodiment, the execution time of the time designation job is determined without providing the time reliability information generation unit in both the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus. Therefore, in the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the description of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming system is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 100 ′ and two information processing apparatuses 200 ′ and 300 via a predetermined network NT. In the figure, a state in which one image forming apparatus 100 ′ and two information processing apparatuses 200 ′ and 300 are connected to each other is shown. The number of information processing apparatuses 200 ′ and 300 is not limited.

  The image forming apparatus 100 ′ includes the CPU 101, the RAM 102, the communication control unit 103, the hard disk 104, the image conversion unit 105, the print control unit 106, the time measurement unit 107, the time designation job management unit 108, the time designation job execution unit 109, and the like. In addition to the time correction unit 110, an external time acquisition unit 121 is provided instead of the time reliability information generation unit 111, and these units are connected via a common bus 112. Of these units, the communication control unit 103 and the time designation job management unit 108 function as a first time information acquisition unit that obtains the first time information received together with the image data, and the time designation job management unit 108. Functions as a second time information acquisition unit that acquires second time information indicating the time counted by the image forming apparatus 100, and the time designation job management unit 108 and the external time acquisition unit 121 have a third time. The time correction unit 110 functions as a third time information acquisition unit that acquires information, and the time correction unit 110 performs the first time information and the second time based on the third time information acquired by the third time information acquisition unit. It functions as a time information determination unit that determines which time information of the time information is used as a reference for image formation of image data.

  The external time acquisition unit 121 acquires the time counted by the apparatus from another image forming apparatus or information processing apparatus connected via the network NT. Here, the external time acquisition unit 121 acquires the time from the information processing apparatus 300.

  The image forming apparatus 100 ′ configured by each unit processes data received from the information processing apparatuses 200 ′ and 300 and forms an image on a recording medium. At this time, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ processes the data using a time acquired from a device different from the information processing device that has received the data.

  On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 200 ′ includes the above-described timing unit 201, communication control unit 203, and image drawing command generation unit 204, and these units are connected via a common bus 205. In addition, the information processing apparatus 300 includes a timing unit 301 corresponding to the timing unit 201 described above, a communication control unit 303 corresponding to the communication control unit 203, and an image drawing command generation unit 304 corresponding to the image drawing command generation unit 204. These units are configured to be connected via a common bus 305. That is, these information processing apparatuses 200 ′ and 300 are configured not to include the time reliability information generation unit 202 described above.

  Each of the information processing apparatuses 200 ′ and 300 including such units performs generation of an image drawing command to be processed by the image forming apparatus 100 ′ and transmission of a time designation job JB.

  Now, in the image forming system including the image forming apparatus 100 ′ and the information processing apparatuses 200 ′ and 300 as described above, the information processing apparatuses 200 ′ and 300 are performed according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG. Transmits the time designation job JB to the image forming apparatus 100 ′. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the time designation job JB is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 ′ to the image forming apparatus 100 ′.

  In response to this, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ receives the time designation job JB transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 ′, for example, according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG.

  That is, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ determines whether or not the received job is the time designation job JB by the communication control unit 103 in step S401, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the communication control unit 103 determines whether the job is a time designation job JB based on the job type included in the received job.

  Here, when the image forming apparatus 100 ′ determines that the received job is not the time designation job JB, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ shifts the process to step S406 to perform printing immediately. In step S406, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ uses the image conversion unit 105 to convert the image drawing command included in the received job into image data that can be printed by the print control unit 106, and then in step S407. The image data converted by the image conversion unit 105 is printed on the recording medium by the print control unit 106, and the series of processes is completed.

  On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 100 ′ determines that the received job is the time designation job JB, the process proceeds to step S402. Then, the time designation job management unit 108 receives the time designation job JB from the communication control unit 103, stores it in the hard disk 104, and acquires the current time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ from the time measurement unit 107 in step S403. .

  Subsequently, in step S404, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ uses the time correction unit 110 to perform the time designation job transmission time included in the time designation job JB received from the information processing apparatus 200 ′ and the time designation job management in step S403. The current time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ acquired by the unit 108 is compared. If the image forming apparatus 100 ′ determines that the difference between the two times is smaller than a predetermined value such as 60 seconds, for example, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ ends the series of job reception processing, and the time measuring unit 107 performs the time designation job JB. The system shifts to a standby state until the job execution time included in is counted. On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 100 ′ determines that the difference between the two times is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S <b> 405, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ corrects the job execution time by performing time verification processing by the time correction unit 110. Specifically, the time correction unit 110 performs time verification processing according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG.

  First, as shown in the figure, the time correction unit 110 is a device other than the information processing device 200 ′ connected to the network NT via the external time acquisition unit 121 in step S501, that is, the information processing device 300. The current time of the information processing apparatus 300 is acquired from the time measuring unit 301. Here, the selection method of the external time acquisition destination by the time correction unit 110 is not particularly limited. For example, the time correction unit 110 acquires a highly reliable time using NTP or the like. Alternatively, an arbitrary information processing device may be selected from the information processing devices that have transmitted the time designation job JB in the past, and the time may be acquired from the information processing device.

  Subsequently, in step S502, the time correction unit 110 detects an error between the time acquired from the information processing apparatus 300 in step S501 and the time specified job transmission time included in the time specified job JB received from the information processing apparatus 200 ′. Is calculated. Similarly, the time correction unit 110 acquires the time acquired from the information processing apparatus 300 and the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ acquired by the time specification job management unit 108 when the time specification job JB is received in step S403 in FIG. The error is also calculated. Then, the time correction unit 110 compares these errors.

  Here, as a result of comparing the two errors, the time correction unit 110 finds that the error between the time acquired from the information processing apparatus 300 and the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ acquired when the time designation job JB is received is greater. If it is determined that the error is smaller than the error between the time acquired from the information processing apparatus 300 and the time specified job transmission time included in the time specified job JB received from the information processing apparatus 200 ′, the image forming apparatus 100 It is determined that the time of 'is more reliable than the time of the information processing apparatus 200 ′, and the series of time verification processing is finished and the series of job reception processing shown in FIG. 7 is finished.

  On the other hand, as a result of comparing the two errors, the time correction unit 110 calculates the error between the time acquired from the information processing apparatus 300 and the time specified job transmission time included in the time specified job JB received from the information processing apparatus 200 ′. If it is determined that the error is smaller than the error between the time acquired from the information processing apparatus 300 and the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ acquired when the time designation job JB is received, the information processing apparatus 200 ′ It is determined that the time is more reliable than the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′, and the process proceeds to step S503 in order to correct the job execution time.

  The time correction unit 110 acquires the time specification job transmission time included in the time specification job JB received from the information processing apparatus 200 ′ in step S503 and the time specification job management unit 108 acquired in step S403 in FIG. The job execution time is corrected by adding an error with respect to the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ to the job execution time, and the series of time verification processing is completed and the series of job reception processing illustrated in FIG. To do.

  The image forming apparatus 100 ′ can receive the time designation job JB transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 ′ according to such a series of procedures. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ executes the received time designation job JB according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the image forming system shown as the second embodiment of the present invention, both the image forming apparatus 100 ′ and the information processing apparatus 200 ′ are provided without providing the time reliability information generation unit. It is possible to determine whether either the time of 100 ′ or the time of the information processing apparatus 200 ′ is more accurate and execute the time designation job JB. Therefore, in this image forming system, it is possible to execute the time designation job JB at a more accurate time with a simpler configuration than in the first embodiment. In addition, since this image forming system can be used even in an environment where NTP time correction with high reliability cannot be performed due to the influence of a firewall or the like, reliability is ensured in such an environment. High time correction can be performed.

  Next, an image forming system shown as the third embodiment will be described.

  The image forming system shown as the third embodiment can improve the time correction with higher reliability by improving the image forming system shown as the second embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the third embodiment, the same components as those in the description of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming system is configured by connecting the image forming apparatus 100 ′ and the two information processing apparatuses 200 ′ and 300 via a predetermined network NT.

  In such an image forming system, the time designation job JB is transmitted from the information processing apparatuses 200 ′ and 300 to the image forming apparatus 100 ′ according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the time designation job JB is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 ′ to the image forming apparatus 100 ′.

  In response to this, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ receives the time designation job JB transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 ′ according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG. At this time, the time correction unit 110 in the image forming apparatus 100 ′ performs time verification processing according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG. 9, for example.

  First, as shown in the figure, the time correction unit 110, in step S601, in the device other than the information processing device 200 ′ connected to the network NT via the external time acquisition unit 121, that is, in the information processing device 300. The current time of the information processing apparatus 300 is acquired from the time measuring unit 301.

  Subsequently, in step S602, the time correction unit 110 determines an error between the time acquired from the information processing device 300 in step S601 and the time specified job transmission time included in the time specified job JB received from the information processing device 200 ′. Is calculated. Similarly, the time correction unit 110 acquires the time acquired from the information processing apparatus 300 and the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ acquired by the time specification job management unit 108 when the time specification job JB is received in step S403 in FIG. The error is also calculated. Then, the time correction unit 110 determines whether or not these errors are larger than a predetermined value such as 60 seconds. Here, when both of the two errors are larger than the predetermined value, the time correction unit 110 shifts the process to step S605. On the other hand, when only one of the errors is larger than the predetermined value, the time correction unit 110 The process proceeds to S603.

  When the process proceeds to step S603, the time correction unit 110 compares the two errors, compares the time acquired from the information processing apparatus 300 and the image forming apparatus 100 ′ acquired when the time specified job JB is received. Is determined to be smaller than the error between the time acquired from the information processing device 300 and the time specified job transmission time included in the time specified job JB received from the information processing device 200 ′. Therefore, it is determined that the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ is higher in reliability than the time of the information processing apparatus 200 ′, and the series of time verification processing ends.

  On the other hand, as a result of comparing the two errors, the time correction unit 110 calculates the error between the time acquired from the information processing apparatus 300 and the time specified job transmission time included in the time specified job JB received from the information processing apparatus 200 ′. If it is determined that the error is smaller than the error between the time acquired from the information processing apparatus 300 and the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ acquired when the time designation job JB is received, the information processing apparatus 200 ′ It is determined that the time is more reliable than the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′, and the process proceeds to step S604 in order to correct the job execution time.

  In step S604, the time correction unit 110 acquires the time specification job transmission time included in the time specification job JB received from the information processing apparatus 200 ′ and the time specification job management unit 108 in step S403 in FIG. The job execution time is corrected by adding an error with respect to the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ to the job execution time, and a series of time verification processing ends.

  Further, when the process proceeds to step S605 based on the determination result of step S602, the time designation job transmission time and the time designation job JB included in the time designation job JB received from the information processing apparatus 200 ′ are received. Even when three times of the acquired time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ and the time acquired from the information processing apparatus 300 are used, the error does not fall below a predetermined value and an accurate time cannot be selected. is there. In this case, the time correction unit 110 abandons the automatic time correction, and the information processing apparatus 200 ′ operated by the job sender who has transmitted the time designation job JB via the communication control unit 103. Then, an input request for a new reference time is transmitted. This new reference time is referred to as a correction time.

  Subsequently, when the time correction unit 110 receives the correction time from the information processing apparatus 200 ′ via the communication control unit 103 in step S606, the current time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ from the time measurement unit 107 in step S607. Get it again.

  In step S608, the time correction unit 110 corrects the job execution time by adding an error between the correction time and the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ acquired in step S607 to the job execution time. A series of time verification processing ends.

  The image forming apparatus 100 ′ can receive the time designation job JB transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 ′ according to such a series of procedures. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ executes the received time designation job JB according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the image forming system shown as the third embodiment of the present invention, the error does not fall below a predetermined value with only one information processing apparatus 300, and an accurate time cannot be determined. Even in such a case, it is possible to execute the time designation job JB based on a reliable time.

  Finally, an image forming system shown as the fourth embodiment will be described.

  The image forming system shown as the fourth embodiment is an improvement of the image forming system shown as the third embodiment, and the image forming system is configured in a state in which a time designation job waiting for execution is stored in the image forming apparatus. Even when the time of the apparatus is changed, the optimum processing method for the time designation job can be selected. Therefore, in the description of the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the description of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming system is configured by connecting the image forming apparatus 100 ′ and the two information processing apparatuses 200 ′ and 300 via a predetermined network NT.

  In such an image forming system, the time designation job JB is transmitted from the information processing apparatuses 200 ′ and 300 to the image forming apparatus 100 ′ according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG. In response to this, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ receives the time designation job JB transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 ′ according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG. At this time, the time correction unit 110 in the image forming apparatus 100 ′ performs time verification processing according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ can perform time change processing in response to a request from the user. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ performs the time change process according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG.

  First, as shown in the figure, in step S701, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ receives the time change request from the user, and the time correction unit 110 measures the current time measured by the time measuring unit 107. Is changed to the specified time.

  Subsequently, when receiving the time change notification from the time correction unit 110 in step S702, the time specification job management unit 108 checks whether or not there is a time specification job JB currently waiting for execution.

  Here, when there is no time designation job JB waiting for execution, the time designation job management unit 108 ends the time change processing as it is. On the other hand, if there is a time designation job JB waiting for execution, the time designation job management unit 108 notifies the job sender of the time designation job JB that the time has been changed in step S703. Then, an inquiry is made to confirm the processing method of the time designation job JB. That is, when the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ is changed in a state where the image data waiting for execution of image formation is stored in the image forming apparatus 100 ′, the time designation job management unit 108 It functions as an inquiry unit that makes an inquiry to the sender of the image to confirm the processing method of the image data. Specifically, the time designation job management unit 108 displays the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ on the display screen of the information processing apparatus 200 ′ operated by the job sender of the time designation job JB, for example, as shown in FIG. A processing method confirmation screen provided with information indicating that the information has been changed and a button for selecting a processing method for the time designation job JB is displayed. The processing method of the time designation job JB includes cancellation of the time designation job JB, immediate execution of the time designation job JB, and continuation processing to execute the time designation job JB at the initially designated time. It is done. Here, the time designation job management unit 108 can display the time of the information processing apparatus 200 ′ that is the transmission source of the time designation job JB on the processing method confirmation screen, thereby improving user convenience. . Here, the timing for making an inquiry to the job sender to confirm the processing method of the time designation job JB is the timing at which the time has been changed. The inquiry may be made at a timing immediately before the execution of the time designation job JB according to the time.

  Subsequently, when receiving the processing method for the time designation job JB from the job sender of the time designation job JB, the time designation job management unit 108 confirms the selected processing method.

  Specifically, when the time designation job management unit 108 confirms that the cancellation of the time designation job JB is selected in step S704, the time designation job management unit 108 moves the process to step S707, and the cancel is selected. The time designation job JB is deleted from the hard disk 104 and removed from its management target. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ shifts the processing to step S706 in order to process the next execution time designation job JB.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the cancellation of the time designation job JB is not selected, the time designation job management unit 108 continues to confirm the processing method of the time designation job JB. When the time designation job management unit 108 confirms that immediate execution of the time designation job JB is selected in step S705, the time designation job management unit 108 proceeds to step S708, and the time designation job for which immediate execution is selected. JB is removed from the management and passed to the time-designated job execution unit 109. Then, when the time designation job JB stored in the hard disk 104 is read out by the time designation job execution unit 109, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ causes the image conversion unit 105 to send an image drawing command included in the time designation job JB. Then, the print control unit 106 converts the image data into printable image data, and the print control unit 106 prints the converted image data on a recording medium. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ shifts the processing to step S706 in order to process the next execution time designation job JB.

  Further, when confirming that immediate execution of the time designation job JB is not selected, the time designation job management unit 108 determines that the time designation job JB is to be executed according to the changed time. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 ′ shifts the processing to step S706 in order to process the next execution time designation job JB.

  The image forming apparatus 100 ′ repeats the processing from step S703 to step S707 until the processing of all the time designation jobs JB waiting for execution is completed. If the time designation job management unit 108 determines in step S706 that all the time designation jobs JB waiting for execution have been processed, the series of time change processing ends.

  The image forming apparatus 100 ′ performs the time changing process according to such a series of procedures, and then specifies the time according to the changed time according to the series of procedures shown in FIG. The job JB is executed.

  As described above, in the image forming system shown as the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the time of the image forming apparatus 100 ′ is stored in the state where the time designation job waiting for execution is stored in the image forming apparatus 100 ′. Since the job sender of the time-designated job JB can arbitrarily select an optimal processing method even when the user is changed, the convenience for the user can be greatly improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an image forming apparatus that performs printing on a recording medium has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to any apparatus that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium. For example, it is suitable to be applied to a printer, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, and an apparatus having a combination of these functions.

  Thus, it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system shown as a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the specific example of a time designation | designated job. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processing when the information processing apparatus in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention transmits a time designation job to the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processing when the image forming apparatus in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention receives a time designation job transmitted from the information processing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a series of processes when a time designation job received by the image forming apparatus in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention is executed. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the image forming system shown as the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a series of processing when an image forming apparatus in an image forming system shown as a second embodiment of the present invention receives a time designation job transmitted from an information processing apparatus. 10 is a flowchart illustrating time verification processing performed by the image forming apparatus in the image forming system shown as the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating time verification processing performed by an image forming apparatus in an image forming system shown as a third embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating time change processing performed by an image forming apparatus in an image forming system shown as a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a processing method confirmation screen displayed on the display screen of the information processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

100, 100 'Image forming apparatus 101 CPU
102 RAM
103, 203, 303 Communication control unit 104 Hard disk 105 Image conversion unit 106 Print control unit 107, 201, 301 Timing unit 108 Time designation job management unit 109 Time designation job execution unit 110 Time correction unit 111, 202 Time reliability information generation unit 112, 205, 305 Common bus 121 External time acquisition unit 200, 200 ′, 300 Information processing device 204, 304 Image drawing command generation unit JB Time designation job NT network

Claims (10)

In an image forming apparatus that receives image data and an execution time for image formation of the image data, and performs image formation at the execution time,
A first time information acquisition unit that acquires first time information received together with the image data;
A second time information acquisition unit that acquires second time information indicating a time counted by the image forming apparatus;
A third time information acquisition unit for acquiring third time information;
Based on the third time information acquired by the third time information acquisition unit, an image of the image data based on any one of the first time information and the second time information. An image forming apparatus comprising: a time information determination unit that determines whether to perform formation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third time information is time reliability information indicating reliability of the first time information and the second time information. When the time information determination unit determines that the second time information is more reliable than the first time information based on the third time information, the second time information When the execution time for performing image formation of the image data is determined based on the time information, and the first time information is determined to be more reliable than the second time information, the image data The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an execution time for forming an image of data is corrected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third time information is time information measured by another device acquired from another device. The time information determination unit compares the first time information and the second time information, and determines that the compared time difference is smaller than a predetermined value, the second time information If the execution time for image formation of the image data is determined as a reference and it is determined that the time difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the first time information is based on the third time information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image data is determined to be formed on the basis of which time information of the second time information and the second time information. The time information determination unit calculates a first error that is an error between the third time information and the first time information, and an error between the third time information and the second time information. When the second error is calculated, the first error is compared with the second error, and it is determined that the second error is smaller than the first error, When the execution time for image formation of the image data is determined on the basis of the second time information, and the first error is determined to be smaller than the second error, the image data The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an execution time for performing image formation is corrected. When the time information determination unit determines that the first error and the second error are both greater than a predetermined value, the time information determination unit sets a new reference time to the sender of the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the execution time for performing the image formation of the image data is corrected based on the new reference time. When the time of the image forming apparatus is changed while image data waiting for execution of image formation is stored in the image forming apparatus, a method of processing the image data is provided to the sender of the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an inquiry unit configured to make an inquiry for confirmation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the inquiry unit makes an inquiry to confirm a processing method of the image data when the time is changed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the inquiry unit makes an inquiry for confirming a processing method of the image data when performing image formation of the image data according to the changed time. .