JP2008065788A - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for instructing printing by transmitting stored image information to another apparatus in which a printing part is not in failure, an image forming method, a program and a recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: When given a print job, an MFP 1 checks whether a printing part of its own apparatus is not in failure, checks the number of print jobs of its own apparatus and causes a failure decision part check whether there is an MFP whose printing part is not in failure. When finding an MFP 2 being another apparatus whose printing part is not in failure, a data transmission part is caused to transit image data to the MFP 2, the image data is transmitted to the MFP 2 and a print instruction is output. When all apparatuses have troubles, whether there is an apparatus that recovers from a failure is checked at a fixed interval, and when a recovered apparatus is found, and when the printing part of its own apparatus is repaired at first and when checking whether the recovered apparatus is its own apparatus, its own apparatus performs printing. When a printing part of the MFP 2 is repaired before, the image data is printed from the printing part of the MFP 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program, and a recording medium that manage printing on a network that is connected to a copier other than its own device via a network.

  Today, in a school or office environment, in order to effectively use a digital copier or printer having a printing function as a resource, a so-called LAN (which is connected to an information processing apparatus such as a plurality of equipment workstations having a printing function) A network system such as a local area network is being constructed.

  Copiers connected to this type of network system include digital copiers, copy functions, facsimile functions, print functions, and scanner functions for printing and copying original data created on workstations. A digital multi-function peripheral is used. When printing document data created on a workstation, etc., with this type of digital multi-function peripheral, operate according to the operator's desire to increase productivity or throughput and reduce printer or scanner downtime. Is done. Various inventions have been disclosed with the aim of increasing productivity and throughput while reducing the printing time, which is the desire of the operator.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a failure occurring in a background function controlled by software is displayed to the operator, and when an instruction can be given to the operator to clear the failure, how to use an alternative system function Advise whether the job can be done and include in the menu such instructions to the operator, including all other related faults, fault description, page where the fault occurred, fault code, and these other faults It is displayed along with the removal procedure. The system also monitors the system for the occurrence of a failure, informs the operator of the failure prior to processing and printing of the job sent to the system, and without operator intervention when a failure occurs in the job. Allows the system to process other jobs and provides the operator with information regarding the correction of the fault by displaying instructions that can be provided in a menu on the user interface, when not in conflict with the maximum efficiency of the printing system. An electronic reprographic system is provided that can allow an operator to correct a fault. In this document, “print job” or “job” is composed of one or more documents and includes job parameters (processing description).

  Also, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, conventionally, as this type of printing apparatus, one that can arbitrarily add a plurality of expansion controller boards as expansion boards is known. In such a printing apparatus, when a failure of the expansion controller or the like is found by a self-diagnosis at the time of startup, it is normal that the fact is displayed on a panel or the like so that the printing apparatus cannot be used at all. However, in the conventional printing apparatus described above, if even one expansion controller has failed, it cannot be used as a printing apparatus at all, which is very inconvenient. Thus, there are provided a printing apparatus, a failure processing method, and a storage medium that can automatically perform a printing process even if a failed expansion controller board is connected.

  In Patent Document 3, in a job transfer system of a printing apparatus capable of communicating with a print service center via a network, a print job requested to be output to the printing apparatus is transferred to the print service center when the printing apparatus fails. As a result, when the customer's printing apparatus fails, the print service system can promptly transfer the print job requested to be output to the failed printing apparatus to the print service center via the network. The job transfer system includes a defect detection unit that detects whether or not a printing failure has occurred due to a failure of the printing device when a printing failure occurs in the printing device, and a failure detection unit that detects a failure of the printing device. A data transmission unit that transmits the print job to the print service center. Accordingly, the job transfer system can transmit a print job to the print service center system after confirming that the printing apparatus has failed. The defect detection unit detects whether the printing defect is caused by the consumption of the consumables of the printing device or the operation failure of the printing device, and the job transfer system detects that the consumables are consumed by the defect detection unit. In addition, a purchase guidance display unit that displays purchase guidance for guiding the purchase of consumables, and an operation guide unit that guides improvement of operation failure when the failure detection unit detects an operation failure may be further provided. As a result, the job transfer system can clearly indicate the countermeasure to the customer in accordance with the cause of the printing failure occurring in the recording apparatus. A print service center system that accepts a customer's print request via the network executes a print job sent from the customer's printing apparatus via the network, and instructs the customer to deliver the output printed matter. As a result, the print service center system can quickly perform the printing requested by the customer and reliably deliver the output printed matter to the customer. Further, in the print recovery system of the printing apparatus connected to the network, the job transfer system includes a type identification information acquisition unit that acquires the type identification information for identifying the type of the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus when the printing apparatus fails. The print service center system includes a type identification information attachment unit that attaches type identification information to a print job for which output is requested, and a data transmission unit that transmits a print job with the type identification information attached to the print service center. A proxy printing apparatus having a proxy printing apparatus type storage unit that stores type identification information of a possible proxy printing apparatus in association with the apparatus identification information, and having the same type or an equivalent function based on the transmitted type identification information Select to perform proxy printing. As a result, when a customer's printing device fails, the print recovery system can quickly transfer the print job requested to be output to the failed printing device to the printing service center via the network. Since proxy printing is performed by a proxy printing apparatus having the same function, a job transfer system and a print service center system capable of assuring the quality of printed material by proxy printing, and apparatuses, methods, and programs used in these systems are provided. .

In Patent Document 4, in a copying machine connected to at least one other machine having a printing function via a network, a failure is caused by the means for determining whether or not the printing means of the own machine is out of order, and the means for determining. From the means for reading the original by means for reading the original, the means for storing the read image information, and the means for storing when the printing means recovers from the failure. Means for reading out the image information and executing printing; and when the printing means does not recover from a failure even if a preset time elapses, the image information is transmitted to the other device connected to the network and transmitted. There has been proposed a copying machine characterized in that the copying machine is provided with means for instructing printing to another machine.
Japanese Patent No. 3340450 JP 11-348390 A JP 2004-295785 A Japanese Patent No. 3479407

  However, in Patent Document 1, when there is a failure in the copying machine, the operator is notified of the failure, and the operator is allowed to determine what to do with the job. In this case, the operator is always notified of the failure. In addition to having to be in front of the screen, it takes time and effort to find another copier that does not have a malfunction.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, when a failure occurs in a copying machine, printing is performed using only a portion that does not automatically fail. However, in this case, printing is performed when a printing function fails. In this case, the operator has to manually switch the copying machine.

  In Patent Document 3, a service center monitors a failure of a copying machine, and when a failure occurs in a copying machine, considers how to process a job at the service center and prints it from another copying machine. However, in this case, the cost of installing the service center is high, and in addition to printing after delivery at the service center, there is a time lag before obtaining the printed matter. Will occur.

  Further, in Patent Document 4, when a copier failure is not repaired within a certain time, a job is thrown to another copier. If a plurality of jobs are accumulated, printing is performed until all jobs are completed. I will wait.

  Therefore, the present invention reads and prints image information of a document, stores the image information, determines whether the own device and another device are out of order, and determines that the own device is out of order. If the stored image information is sent to another machine and all devices are determined to be in failure, the image information is sent to the first device that has recovered from the failure and printed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program, and a recording medium that are instructed.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus connected to at least one other machine via a network, comprising: a reading unit for reading image information of a document; and the document. It is determined whether or not the printing means for printing, the storage means for storing the image information of the original, the print job transmission means for transmitting a print job, and the printing means of the own apparatus and the other apparatus are out of order. A failure determination unit; an image information transmission unit that transmits the image information stored in the storage unit to another device when the failure determination unit determines that the own device is in failure; and the failure determination unit When it is determined that the printing unit of all the devices is out of order, the image information transmitting unit stores the storage unit by the image information transmitting unit in the first device that has recovered from the failure. Transmitting the image information which had been characterized by an image forming apparatus and a print instruction unit that instructs to print on the printing unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus connected to at least one other device via a network, a reading unit that reads image information of a document, a printing unit that prints the document, and the document Storage means for storing image information, print job transmission means for transmitting a print job, job completion time prediction means for predicting the time until completion of the print job between the own apparatus and the other apparatus, and the own apparatus and the other apparatus The failure determination means for determining whether the printing means is in failure, and the image information stored in the storage means when the failure determination means determines that the printer is in failure. The time until the end of the print job of the own machine is predicted by the job completion time predicting means when it is determined that the own machine is not in failure by the image information transmitting means to be transmitted to the machine and the failure judging means. An image having a print instruction means for sending the image information stored in the storage means to another machine in which the printing means has not failed and instructing printing when the image information transmission means is longer It is a forming apparatus.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the print job transmission unit transmits the print job to the other apparatus that ends earliest among the apparatuses other than the own apparatus. Features.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the print job transmission unit transmits the print job to a device that ends the earliest among devices including the own device. And

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the print job transmission unit can repair the printing unit when all of the printing units are out of order. The print job is transmitted to a device that has finished the earliest.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the print job transmission unit can perform color printing when a given print job is color printing. The print job is transmitted to a device.

  The invention according to claim 7 is an image forming method connected to at least one other device via a network, the reading step for reading image information of a document, the printing step for printing the document, and the document A storage step for storing the image information, a print job transmission step for transmitting a print job, a failure determination step for determining whether the own device and another device are out of order, and the failure determination step. When it is determined that the device is in failure, it is determined that all devices are in failure by the image information transmission step of transmitting the image information stored by the own device to another device and the failure determination step. In this case, the image information transmission step transmits the image information stored in the storage step to the first device recovered from the failure, and includes a print instruction step for instructing printing. Characterized in that it is an image forming method.

  The invention according to claim 8 is an image forming method connected to at least one other device via a network, the reading step for reading image information of a document, the printing step for printing the document, and the document A storage step for storing the image information, a print job transmission step for transmitting a print job, a job completion time prediction step for predicting a time until the print job of the own device and the other device is completed, and the own device and the other device A failure determination step for determining whether or not a failure is present, and an image for transmitting the image information stored in the storage step to another device when the failure determination step determines that the own device is in failure When it is determined by the information transmission step and the failure determination step that the own device is not in failure, the time until the end of the print job of the own device is longer than the time predicted by the job completion time prediction step Wherein the image information transmitting step, wherein said is the image information stored by the storage process a print instruction step and an image forming method having the instructing printing by transmitting to another machine.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the print job transmission step transmits the print job to the other machine that ends earliest among the devices other than the own machine. Features.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the eighth aspect, the print job transmitting step includes a step of transmitting to a device that ends the print job earliest among devices including the own device. It is characterized by that.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, the print job transmission step is repaired when the printing means of all the devices is out of order. The print job is transmitted to a device that has finished the earliest.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects, the print job transmission step can perform color printing when a given print job is color printing. The print job is transmitted to a device.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program connected to at least one other device via a network, a reading process for reading image information of a document, a printing process for printing the document, and the program for the document. A storage process for storing image information, a print job transmission process for transmitting a print job, a failure determination process for determining whether or not the own machine and another machine are in failure,
When it is determined by the failure determination process that the own device is in failure, the image information transmission processing for transmitting the image information stored by the own device to another device, and all the devices have failed by the failure determination processing. A print instruction for instructing to send and print the image information stored in the storage process by the image information transmission process to the first device recovered from the failure when it is determined that It is a program that causes a computer to execute processing.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program connected to at least one other device via a network, a reading process for reading image information of a document, a printing process for printing the document, and an image of the document. A storage process for storing information, a print job transmission process for transmitting a print job, a job completion time prediction process for predicting the time until completion of the print job of the own machine and the other machine, and the own machine and the other machine are out of order An image for transmitting the image information stored in the storage step to another device when it is determined by the failure determination processing that the device itself is in failure. When it is determined by the information transmission process and the failure determination process that the own machine is not in failure, the time until the end of the print job of the own machine is longer than the time predicted by the job completion time prediction process. To, by the image information transmission processing, characterized in that it is a program for executing a print instruction process for instructing printing by transmitting the image information stored by the storing process in the other machine to the computer.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the thirteenth aspect, the print job transmission process is a process of transmitting to the computer a process for transmitting the print job to the other apparatus that ends earliest among devices other than the own apparatus. It is made to perform.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the fourteenth aspect, the print job transmission process executes, in a computer, a process of transmitting to a device that ends the print job earliest among devices including its own device. It is characterized by making it.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, the print job transmission process can be repaired earliest when the printing unit of all the devices is out of order. A computer is caused to execute a process of transmitting the print job to the finished device.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the thirteenth to seventeenth aspects, the print job transmission process is performed on a device capable of color printing when a given print job is color printing. A process for transmitting the print job is executed by a computer.

  A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium that records the program according to any one of the thirteenth to eighteenth aspects.

  According to the present invention, when a failure occurs in the own machine, when a plurality of jobs are accumulated, or when a job is thrown at the same time, other jobs can be transferred without waiting for the completion of repair or printing by another person. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program, and a recording medium that can obtain a printed matter quickly by automatically sending a job to a device that can be thrown to the machine and that can print the earliest.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a copying machine or a digital multifunction machine will be described as an image forming apparatus.

  The job transfer system of the copying machine of this embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image of job transfer printing of the copying machine according to the present embodiment.

  The print job used in the present embodiment indicates a print command for reading a document, a print command for electronic data, and the like. The copier of this embodiment is a multi-function printer. The multi-function printer here refers to a printing apparatus that is integrated with scanning, FAX, copying, and printer functions. Further, all the copying machines (MFPs) shown in FIG. 1 have the same components. As shown in FIG. 1, the image of job transfer printing according to the present embodiment is a system in which a job is thrown to another non-failed device when the device is faulty or when jobs are concentrated. is there.

  A distributed processing system having a copying machine in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the distributed processing system in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, a distributed processing system that performs processing using a plurality of copying machines is used.

  The distributed processing system according to the present embodiment includes a network 101, a PC (personal computer) 100, a printer 103, a scanner 104, a multifunction peripheral (MFP-Multi Function Printer) 7, and a broker 106 (service integrated control device). Have The multifunction device 1 (MFP 1) and the multifunction device 2 (MFP 2) are devices that are integrally provided with a print function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and the like, and the broker 106 is included in a device connected to the network 101. Middleware that maintains and manages functional information and undertakes the task of establishing a connection between the client and server. The broker 106 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 105, a RAM 107, a communication control network 109, and a function information database 1064, and is generally constructed on the PC 100. The CPU 102 manages the entire broker 106, various control programs for the CPU 102 are stored in the ROM 105, and the RAM 107 stores data and functions as a work area for the CPU 102. In addition, when there is a service request from each component connected to the network 101, the communication control network 109 selects a serviceable component based on the function information stored in the function information database 1064. Control to connect the lines between the components.

<Hardware configuration>
The hardware configuration in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the multifunction machine according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the multifunction device 7 connected to the network 101 includes a ROM 105, a RAM 107, an NVRAM 108, an operation panel 705, a scan / print engine under the control of the CPU 102 that controls the entire multifunction device 7. 706, a storage device 707, a communication control unit 109, and a modem 709. The operation panel 705 is connected to the CPU 701 via the panel control unit 710, the scan / print engine 706 is connected to the CPU 701 via the engine control unit 711, and the storage device 707 is connected to the CPU 701 via the disk control unit 712.

  The ROM 105 stores program codes, fonts, and other static information, and the RAM 107 stores data and functions as a work area for the CPU 102 and is used as a temporary storage location. The NVRAM 108 stores nonvolatile information. An operation panel 705 and a panel control unit 710 are used to interface with a user. An instruction from the user is input to the multifunction device 7 (CPU 102), and information from the multifunction device 7 is displayed. The scan / print engine 706 and the engine control unit 711 execute reading of a paper document and printing on paper as an image data input / output unit. The storage device 707 and the disk control device 712 are large-capacity storage devices used when storing a large amount of image data. The communication control unit 109 is connected to a network (LAN) 101 such as Ethernet (registered trademark) and can communicate with an external device. The modem 709 is connected to a public line (WAN) and can communicate with an external device. To do.

<Software configuration>
The software configuration of the OA device 111 represented by the multifunction machine 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a software configuration diagram of the personal computer and the multifunction machine according to the present embodiment.

  Various drivers 112 provide interfaces for controlling the hardware 113, and the real-time OS 114 recognizes these interfaces as task units, implements scheduling and exclusive control of those tasks, and performs system calls or application APIs. (Hereinafter collectively referred to as “API”), and various manager groups use this API to realize an interface with a user (synonymous with a client). The various manager groups include a database manager 115, a service manager 116, a job manager 117, a device manager 118, and an operation manager 119.

  Among these, the database manager 115 is a process for managing, accessing and storing the resource 1151 of the OA device 111. Here, the resources 1151 include fonts, external characters, forms, scanned images, FAX reception data, usage history data, billing data, and the like, which are also shown in the figure.

  The service manager 116 is a process that executes management, execution, completion notification, monitoring status, and the like of various services. The various services mentioned here include a printer service 1161, a scan service 1162, a FAX service 1163, an AI service 1164, and the like.

  The job manager 117 is a process for executing state management and completion notification as a unit when one job specified by the user is executed by a plurality of services and devices.

  The device manager 118 is a process for executing management, access, status monitoring, attribute management, and the like for using various physical devices. The various physical devices are a printing device 1181, a scanning device 1182, and a paper described later in FIG. A feeding device 1183, a media device 1184, and the like.

  The operation manager 119 is a process that has operation panel information 1191 of the OA device 111 and interactively communicates display contents and operation contents of the operation panel 705 to the user side. As a result, information acquisition, execution instruction, status acquisition, and completion notification acquisition can be performed on the various managers 115 to 119 on the user side.

<Device configuration>
The apparatus configuration of the multifunction machine 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows an overview of the configuration of the multifunction machine according to the present embodiment.

  The multifunction machine 7 includes a printing device (plotter) 1181 corresponding to the printing unit of the present embodiment, a scanning device (scanner) 1182 corresponding to the document reading unit of the present embodiment, and a paper feeding device (paper feeder and paper sorter). 1183, a physical device such as a FAX modem 709, an external storage device 707, a memory (RAM 703, NVRAM 704) corresponding to the storage means of this embodiment, a physical resource such as a font, and an operation panel 1187 for a user interface It has.

  In FIG. 6, 1184 is a paper feed tray, 1185 is a document feeder, 1186 is a paper discharge bin, and 1187 is an operation panel. In this embodiment, a plurality of (a plurality of) discharge bins 1186 are provided, and a display unit and a lock mechanism are provided for each discharge bin.

(Embodiment 1)
This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows a first flowchart in the present embodiment.

  When a print job is given (step S101), the MFP 1 confirms whether or not the printing unit of the own machine is out of order (step S102). If there is no failure (step S102 / NO), the number of print jobs of the own machine is confirmed (step S103). If it is greater than the preset number (step S103 / YES), the failure determination unit Is checked whether there is an MFP whose printing unit is not faulty (step S104). Even when the own device is in failure (step S102 / YES), it is checked whether there is an MFP that is not in failure (step S104). If the number of print jobs is smaller than the preset number (step S103 / NO), printing is performed by the own machine (step S107).

  When the MFP 2 that is another machine in which the printing unit has not failed is found (step S105), the failure determination unit instructs the data transmission unit to transmit image data to the MFP 2 (step S106). At this time, the print instruction unit is instructed to transmit a print command to the original MFP 2. Then, the data transmission unit retrieves the read image data from the image data storage unit and transmits it to the MFP 2, and the print instruction unit issues a print command to the MFP 2. Thus, the image data sent from the MFP 1 is transmitted to the MFP 2 and printed from the printing unit of the MFP 2 (step S107).

(Embodiment 2)
This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows a second flowchart in the present embodiment.

  When a print job is given (step S201), it is determined whether or not the self-printing unit is out of order (step S202). If there is no failure (step S202 / NO), the number of print jobs of the own machine is confirmed (step S203). If the number is greater than the preset number (step S203 / YES), the failure determination unit checks whether there is an MFP in which the printing unit has not failed (step S204). Even when the own device is in failure (step S202 / YES), it is checked whether there is an MFP that is not in failure (step S204). If the number of print jobs is smaller than the preset number (step S203 / NO), printing is performed by the own machine (step S211). When not only the printing unit of MFP 1 but also the printing unit of MFP 2 has failed (step S208), the failure determination unit instructs the data transmission unit not to send the image data and recovers from the failure at regular intervals. It is confirmed whether there is a device (step S209). If the recovered device is found and it is confirmed that it is the own device (step S210), and if the printing unit of the own device is repaired first (step S210 / YES), printing is performed by the own device (step S211). When the printing unit of the MFP 2 is repaired first (step S210 / NO), the image data is printed from the printing unit of the MFP 2 by transmitting the image data and the print command to the MFP 2 as in the first embodiment (step S206). (Step S207).

  The copying machine of this embodiment can automatically print from the copying machine that can obtain the printed matter earliest by using the copying machine that has been restored the earliest at the time of failure.

(Embodiment 3)
This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows a third flowchart in the present embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, the job end prediction unit of the MFP 1 compares the job end times of the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 (step S36).

  When a print job is given (step S301), it is determined whether or not the self-printing unit is out of order (step S302). If there is no failure (step S302 / NO), the number of print jobs of the own machine is confirmed (step S303). If the number is greater than the preset number (step S303 / YES), the failure determination unit checks whether there is an MFP in which the printing unit has not failed (step S304). (← Same as in the second embodiment.) Even when the own device is in failure (step S302 / YES), it is checked whether there is an MFP that is not in failure (step S304). If the number of print jobs is smaller than the preset number (step S303 / NO), printing is performed by the own machine (step S308). If the job end of MFP 1 is earlier (step S306 / YES), the MFP 1 waits for the end of the print job of MFP 1 (step S307) and then prints from the printing unit of MFP 1 (step S308). If the job finishes earlier in MFP 2 (step S306 / NO), the image data is transmitted to MFP 2 (step S309), and is printed from the printing unit of MFP 2 (step S310).

  According to the present embodiment, when a job is accumulated at the time of failure, it is possible to automatically print from a copying machine that can obtain a printed matter earliest.

(Embodiment 4)
This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows a fourth flowchart in the present embodiment.

  In addition to the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment determines whether a job given to the MFP 1 can be printed on the MFP 2.

  When the print job is given (step S401), it is determined whether or not the self-printing unit is out of order (step S402). If there is no failure (step S402 / NO), the number of print jobs of the own machine is confirmed (step S403). If the number is larger than the preset number (step S403 / YES), the failure determination unit checks whether there is an MFP in which the printing unit has not failed (step S404). Even when the own device is in failure (step S402 / YES), it is checked whether there is an MFP that is not in failure (step S404). If the number of print jobs is smaller than the preset number (step S403 / NO), printing is performed by the own machine (step S407). When the MFP 2 that is not malfunctioning is confirmed (step S405), it is determined whether the job given to the MFP 1 is color printing (step S406). If it is determined that the printing is not color printing (step S46 / NO), printing is performed by the own machine (step S47).

  When the job given to the MFP 1 is color printing (step S46 / YES), the job end prediction unit determines whether the printing unit of the MFP 2 can perform color printing (step S48).

  Since the MFP 2 is not capable of color printing (step S408 / NO), the print job waits until the printing unit of the MFP 1 becomes available (step S409). Printing is performed from the printing unit of the MFP 1 (step S407). If the MFP 2 can perform color printing (step S408 / YES), the MFP 2 performs printing (step S410).

  The color print job according to the present embodiment can be automatically printed from a copier capable of color printing.

  According to this embodiment, it is possible to print from another copier at the time of failure, so that a printed matter can be obtained without waiting for repair.

  Since the copying machine according to the present embodiment can print from other copying machines when jobs are accumulated, printed matter can be obtained without waiting for the end of other jobs.

(Operations of Embodiments 1 to 4)
The operation of the first to fourth embodiments will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the own device and another device in the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, the MFP 1 includes a print instruction unit 3, a job end prediction unit 4, a failure determination unit 5, an image information reading unit 6, a data transmission unit 8, a printing unit 9, and an image data storage unit 10. Have The print instructing unit 3 corresponds to the engine control unit 711 described above, and is a print execution unit referred to in the present embodiment. The image data storage unit 10 is a storage unit in the above-described embodiment, and includes a ROM 105, a RAM 107, an NVRAM 108, and the like. The image information reading unit 6 corresponds to the reading unit in the above-described embodiment.

  When the user inputs the number of copies from the operation panel 705 of the MFP 1, a print job is given, and the CPU 102 of the MFP 1 uses the print function of another machine according to the number of copies by the job end prediction unit 4. Is determined to be efficient, and if it is determined to be efficient, the most efficient printing method is selected and printing is performed by the print instruction unit 3.

  In this selection, the MFP 1 is a device having another print function in advance, in this case, the printer 103 and the MFP 2. However, the processing capability of each device can be printed by issuing a processing capability acquisition request to these devices. Print function that can be used now by acquiring size (A5, B5, A4, B4, A3, etc.), resolution (400 dpi, 600 dpi, 800 dpi, etc.) and number of processed sheets per unit time (30 ppm, 50 ppm, etc.) The image information read by the image information reading unit 6 is transmitted by the data transmission unit 8 to the device having The device that has received the image information, for example, the printer 103, stores the received image information in the RAM 107 by the image data storage unit 8, and sequentially reads out and instructs the number of copies to be printed by the printing unit 9. As a result, printing is performed in parallel by the two devices. Of course, depending on the number of copies, the image information and the number of copies to be printed can be transmitted to another multifunction device by the data transmission unit 8, and printing can be executed by a plurality of devices.

  At this time, since the user does not know which device requested the printing, the device output on the display unit of the operation panel 705 of the multifunction device 2 that has read the document is displayed, and the user is at a loss after the copying is completed. So that you can get a copy without having to.

  Here, control is performed so that the MFP 2 directly communicates with another device to perform a predetermined operation, but similar control can be performed via the broker 106. As described above, since the control program between the devices is stored in the broker 106 through the broker 106 and each device only needs to have a communication function with the broker 106, the configuration is excellent in expandability. .

  Alternatively, priorities may be assigned to devices that perform parallel printing in advance, and when performing parallel printing, access may be made in accordance with the priorities, and devices that can be used can be selected.

(If your printer is out of order)
<Printing with other machines>
When the printing unit 9 of the MFP 1, which is its own machine, is determined to be in failure by the failure determining unit 5, and the image information reading unit 6 operates normally when copying is attempted by the printing unit of the MFP 2, the printing unit fails. However, copying may not be possible. In such a case, conventionally, it is often displayed that copying is impossible from the beginning, or that the copy key is displayed in red to indicate that copying cannot be performed. However, in such a device, since the image information reading unit 6 functions normally, the document can be read by the image information reading unit 6 of the multi-function device 2 and printing can be substituted for other devices.

  In such a case, the CPU 102 inquires of the engine control unit 711 whether it is normal or abnormal. If normal, the original is read as usual and printed based on the read image information. If abnormal, the CPU 102 has a print function. The printer 103 and the multifunction device 7 are inquired of each device directly or via the broker 106 as to whether or not printing is possible. If there is a printable device, the image information of the read original is transmitted to the device, and the number of copies input from the operation panel 705 is output. At this time, as described in the previous section, the most efficient method can be selected and output.

<Printing by own machine>
When printing by the own machine, when the printing function is broken, the original is read by the image information reading unit 6 and is temporarily stored in the image data storage unit 10 when a printable device is determined. The read image information is transferred to the requesting device by the data transmission unit 8 and the print instruction unit 3 is instructed to perform printing. However, all devices having other printing functions are used. If it is in use, it will not be possible to request printing. Therefore, in such a case, after the original is read by the image information reading unit 6, the read image information is stored in the image data storage unit 10 of the own device, and the image information reading unit of the own device is stored. When 6 is recovered from the failure, it is automatically printed. In this case, a copy can not be obtained immediately after reading the original, but the copy can be obtained in the shortest time as a system.

  In this example, all other machines are in use. However, when printing is performed on another machine, it is necessary to go to another place to get a copy. If not, the setting can be made so that printing is performed after the image information reading unit 6 of the own apparatus is restored from the beginning regardless of the state of the other apparatus.

<If the failure does not recover>
When the failure does not recover, the printer is configured to wait for recovery of the device's failure, but when the device does not recover from the failure even after the preset time has elapsed, when is printing performed? I don't know. Therefore, in such a case, a waiting time is set in advance, and if the image information reading unit 6 does not recover even after the set time has elapsed, the other device that can be used by accessing the other device is accessed. And the image information is transferred to the other machine by the data transmission unit 6 and printed. With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently obtain a copy with less waiting time.

  It is also possible to monitor the waiting time and the status of the other machine, and when the use of the print function of the other machine is finished, transfer the read image information to the other machine to execute printing. it can. These instructions are given after the print instruction unit 3 selects and displays the mode displayed on the operation panel 705.

<If your scanner cannot be used when warming up>
In addition to the failure of the image information reading unit 6, there is a waiting time when the device starts up. In other words, it generally takes several minutes until the image information reading unit 6 becomes usable after the main switch is turned on at the start of use. This is the time until the fixing device maintains a stable state at the fixing set temperature, and the image information reading unit 6, that is, the scanning device 1182 and the image data storage unit 10 do not need such a waiting time. is there. Therefore, after turning on the main switch and starting up the multifunction device 7, the original is read when the scanning device 1182 becomes usable, and the read image information is held in the image data storage unit 10 of the own device. deep. When the printing apparatus 1181 of the own apparatus becomes usable, the printing instruction unit 3 executes printing to obtain a copy.

  If the user wants to hurry further, it can be set to transfer the image information that has been read to another machine or to print it on the other machine.

  In any case, these functions are selected and executed in response to a user instruction or automatically according to a user input from the operation panel 705.

  According to the copying machine of this embodiment, after the document is read, printing is automatically executed when the image information reading unit 6 recovers from the failure, even if the operator is not waiting on the copying machine side. The operator (user) is not wasted time.

  According to the present embodiment, when the printing unit does not recover from a failure even after a preset time has elapsed, image information is transmitted to the other device connected to the network, and printing is instructed to the transmitted other device. Therefore, even if a preset time elapses, a copy can be reliably obtained even if the failure does not recover.

It is an image figure which shows the job transfer printing in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the relationship between the own machine and other machines in this embodiment. It is a connection diagram showing a network system in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of a personal computer and a multifunction peripheral in the present embodiment. 1 is an overview diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st flowchart in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd flowchart in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 3rd flowchart in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 4th flowchart in this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP1 (Multifunction machine 1)
2 MFP2 (Multifunction device 2)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Print instruction | indication part 4 Job completion estimation part 5 Failure judgment part 6 Image information prediction part 7 Multifunction machine 8 Data transmission part 9 Printing part 10 Image data storage part 100 PC
101 network 102 CPU
103 Printer 104 Scanner 105 ROM
106 Broker 107 RAM
108 NVRAM
109 Communication Control Network 115 Database Manager 116 Service Manager 117 Job Manager 118 Device Manager 119 Operation Manager 705, 1187 Operation Panel 706, 1182 Scan / Print Engine 707 Storage Device 709 Modem 710 Panel Control Network 711 Engine Control Unit 712 Disk Control Unit 1064 Function Information database 1181 Printing device 1183 Paper feeding device 1184 Paper feed tray 1185 Document feeder 1186 Paper discharge bin

Claims (19)

An image forming apparatus connected to at least one other device via a network,
Reading means for reading image information of a document;
Printing means for printing the document;
Storage means for storing the image information of the document;
Print job transmission means for transmitting a print job;
Failure determination means for determining whether or not the printing means of the own machine and the other machine is in failure;
Image information transmitting means for transmitting the image information stored in the storage means to another machine when the failure determination means determines that the own apparatus is in failure;
When it is determined by the failure determination means that the printing means of all the devices are in failure, the image information transmission means stores the storage means by the image information transmission means in the first device that the printing means has recovered from the failure. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a printing instruction unit that transmits the image information and instructs the printing unit to print the image information. An image forming apparatus connected to at least one other device via a network,
Reading means for reading image information of a document;
Printing means for printing the document;
Storage means for storing image information of the original;
Print job transmission means for transmitting a print job;
Job completion time predicting means for predicting the time until the print job is completed between the own machine and another machine;
A failure judging means for judging whether or not the printing means of the own machine and the other machine is out of order;
Image information transmitting means for transmitting the image information stored in the storage means to another machine when the failure determination means determines that the own apparatus is in failure;
When it is determined by the failure determination means that the own apparatus is not in failure, when the time until the end of the print job of the own apparatus is longer than the time predicted by the job completion time prediction means, the image information transmission means, An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing instruction unit that transmits the image information stored in the storage unit to another machine in which the printing unit has not failed and instructs printing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job transmission unit transmits the print job to another apparatus that ends the earliest among apparatuses other than the apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print job transmission unit transmits the print job to a device that ends the earliest among devices including the device itself.   5. The print job transmission unit transmits the print job to a device that has been repaired earliest when the printing unit of all the devices is out of order. 6. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   6. The image according to claim 1, wherein the print job transmission unit transmits the print job to a device capable of color printing when the given print job is color printing. Forming equipment. An image forming method connected to at least one other device via a network,
A reading process for reading image information of a document;
A printing process for printing the document;
A storing step for storing the image information of the document;
A print job sending step for sending a print job;
A failure determination step for determining whether the own device and another device are in failure;
An image information transmission step of transmitting the image information stored by the own device to another device when the failure determination step determines that the own device is in failure;
When it is determined that all devices are in failure by the failure determination step, the image information stored by the storage step is transmitted by the image information transmission step to the first device recovered from the failure. And a printing instruction step for instructing printing. An image forming method connected to at least one other device via a network,
A reading process for reading image information of a document;
A printing process for printing the document;
A storage step for storing image information of the original;
A print job sending step for sending a print job;
A job completion time prediction step for predicting the time until the print job of the own machine and the other machine is completed;
A failure determination step for determining whether the own device and the other device are in failure,
An image information transmission step of transmitting the image information stored in the storage step to another device when the failure determination step determines that the own device is in failure;
When it is determined by the failure determination step that the own device is not in failure, when the time until the end of the print job of the own device is longer than the time predicted by the job completion time prediction step, the image information transmission step, An image forming method comprising: a print instruction step of transmitting the image information stored in the storage step to another apparatus to instruct printing.   The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein in the print job transmission step, the print job is transmitted to another apparatus that ends the earliest among apparatuses other than the apparatus.   The image forming method according to claim 8, wherein the print job transmission step includes a step of transmitting to a device in which the print job ends earliest among devices including the own device.   The print job transmission step transmits the print job to a device that has been repaired earliest when the printing unit of all the devices is out of order. The image forming method described in 1.   The image according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the print job transmission step transmits the print job to a device capable of color printing when the given print job is color printing. Forming method. A program connected to at least one other device via a network,
A reading process for reading image information of a document;
A printing process for printing the document;
A storage process for storing the image information of the document;
A print job transmission process for transmitting a print job;
A failure determination process for determining whether the own device and another device are in failure,
An image information transmission process for transmitting the image information stored by the own device to another device when the failure determination process determines that the own device is in failure;
When it is determined that all the devices are in failure by the failure determination processing, the image information stored by the storage processing is transmitted to the first device recovered from the failure by the image information transmission processing. And a program for causing a computer to execute a print instruction process for instructing printing. A program connected to at least one other device via a network,
A reading process for reading image information of a document;
A printing process for printing the document;
A storage process for storing image information of the original;
A print job transmission process for transmitting a print job;
Job completion time prediction processing for predicting the time until the print job of the own machine and the other machine is completed;
Failure determination processing for determining whether the own device and another device are in failure,
Image information transmission processing for transmitting the image information stored in the storage step to another device when it is determined by the failure determination processing that the device is in failure;
When it is determined by the failure determination process that the machine is not in failure, when the time until the end of the print job of the machine is longer than the time predicted by the job completion time prediction process, the image information transmission process, A program for causing a computer to execute a print instruction process for transmitting the image information stored in the storage process to another apparatus and instructing printing.   The program according to claim 13, wherein the print job transmission process causes a computer to execute a process of transmitting the print job to another apparatus that ends earliest among devices other than the own apparatus.   15. The program according to claim 14, wherein the print job transmission process causes a computer to execute a process of transmitting to a device that ends the print job earliest among devices including the own device.   The print job transmission process causes a computer to execute a process of transmitting the print job to a device that has been repaired earliest when a printing unit of all the devices is out of order. The program according to any one of 16 above.   The print job transmission process causes a computer to execute a process of transmitting the print job to a device capable of color printing when the given print job is color printing. The program according to item 1.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any one of claims 13 to 18 is recorded.

Images