JP2008149489A - Image forming apparatus, printing system and output controlling program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable reprinting within a predetermined time after printing processing, and to preferentially carry out printing processing of a printing job when the printing job not to be reprinted is received within the predetermined time. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a means which receives data including the printing job, a means which stores the received printing job, a means which executes printing processing of the received printing job, a means which executes reprinting processing of the stored printing job, an off-line controlling means which controls not to execute fixed processing related to a second printing job until the predetermined time passes when the second printing job is received before the lapse of the predetermined time after the execution of fixed processing related to a first printing job, and a flag detecting means which detects a predetermined flag from the received data. For the second printing job from which the predetermined flag is detected, printing processing is executed even before the lapse of the predetermined time, and reprinting processing is prohibited. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a printing system, and an output control program that can reliably execute reprinting during a predetermined time by protecting a print job, and more specifically, even before the predetermined time has elapsed. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a printing system, and an output control program that preferentially execute processing of another print job in a predetermined case.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having a reprint function that can store a print job that has already been printed and that can be printed again according to a predetermined operation by a user has been proposed, and its technology is provided (for example, , See Patent Document 1).
The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is characterized in that the number of reprint copies can be set by an existing key operation, and a reprint function can be realized by a low-end printer not equipped with an LCD or the like. It has become.

JP 2006-35649 A (page 1-3, FIG. 5)

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatuses as described above, the original print job that has been subjected to the printing process is temporarily stored in the storage unit. However, when a new print job is received, this is performed. In this case, the original print job stored up to that point is inevitably erased and reprinting becomes impossible.

  In addition, in order to solve such a problem, even if a predetermined time is set in advance and a new print job is received until the predetermined time elapses, processing such as printing and saving regarding the print job is performed. First, an image forming apparatus that preferentially processes reprinting of an original print job has been proposed. According to such an image forming apparatus, since the original print job currently stored within a predetermined time is protected, it seems that the above problem has been solved.

However, the print jobs to be protected as described above do not always require reprinting for all print jobs, and actually include those that the user does not want to reprint.
In such a case, if processing is performed by the image forming apparatus proposed above, it is necessary to wait for all other print jobs received during a predetermined time, and print processing is unnecessarily waited. It was.

  The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and in order to reliably perform reprinting within a predetermined time, processing related to a print job received during that time is limited. An image forming apparatus that performs print processing for a print job even if the predetermined flag is detected from received data including the print job even if the predetermined time is detected With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a job receiving unit that receives data including a print job, a job storage unit that stores the received print job, and a reception unit. Printing means for executing print processing of the print job, reprint control means for causing the printing means to execute reprint processing of the print job stored in accordance with the input operation, and time measuring means for measuring time, When a second print job is received before a predetermined time elapses after execution of a certain process related to the job, offline control means for controlling not to execute the predetermined process related to the second print job until the predetermined time elapses An image forming apparatus including flag detection means for detecting a predetermined flag from the data received by the job receiving means. If issued, the printing unit executes a printing process of the second print job even before the lapse of the predetermined time, the job storage means has a configuration which does not store the second print job.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention having such a configuration, a print job in which a predetermined flag is detected from received data is subjected to print processing even before a predetermined time has elapsed, but is stored. Is not performed. As described above, since the second print job is not stored by the job storage unit, the first print job is continuously stored in the job storage unit. For this reason, a period during which the first print job can be reprinted can be secured thereafter.
On the other hand, for the second print job, it can be determined that the user does not want to reprint the second print job by detecting a predetermined flag. For this reason, it is not necessary to store the second print job in the job storage unit.

  Whether or not reprinting is possible depends on whether or not the print job is stored. For this reason, just because the print process is executed for the second print job that is not to be saved, the first print job cannot be reprinted only by the print process. For this reason, the printing process of the second print job may be executed before the predetermined time elapses, and thereafter, the opportunity for reprinting the first print job can be secured.

Furthermore, since the second print job is not stored after the printing process, the printing process may be executed at any timing. Therefore, reprinting of the first print job is not hindered.
Conventionally, even if a print job that is protected for a predetermined time is a print job that does not need to be reprinted, the next received print job has the inconvenience that it cannot be printed unless it waits for a predetermined time. However, such a wasteful waiting time is eliminated and the printing process can be performed quickly.

In addition, the necessity of reprinting, that is, whether or not the user desires only print processing can be easily determined by the presence or absence of the flag.
Accordingly, it is possible to easily realize an image forming apparatus that has high processing efficiency and smooth processing as well as convenience.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the flag is identification data indicating that the print job print process is executed but the print job save process is not executed.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the flag is identification data indicating that the print job reprint process is not executed.

For this reason, according to the user's specification, for a print job that does not require reprinting, processing related to reprinting can be omitted, and the use of a particularly unnecessary storage area can be prevented.
Therefore, since the storage unit constituting the image forming apparatus of the present invention can be executed quickly while suppressing the capacity, an image forming apparatus excellent in cost performance can be realized.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a buffer that holds the received print job, and the flag detection unit detects a predetermined flag from the print job held in the buffer. It is as composition to do.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention having such a configuration, a received print job can be kept waiting in a buffer, and a predetermined flag can be detected from the waiting print job.
In addition, when the printing process is executed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the predetermined flag has not been detected, the print job can be kept waiting in the buffer until the predetermined time has elapsed.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the number of print jobs that the buffer can hold is plural.
According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention having such a configuration, since the number of print jobs that can be held in the buffer is plural, for example, the second print job is waiting while the first print job is waiting in the buffer. Even when a print job is received, appropriate processing can be performed for any of these print jobs, such as holding the second print job in a buffer and detecting a predetermined flag.

That is, within a predetermined time, while the print job relating to reprinting is protected, the print job received during that time can be processed in parallel.
Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus having both processing reliability and convenience and excellent processing efficiency.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, when the predetermined flag is not detected and the time measurement of the predetermined time is started, the printing unit includes: A print job held in the buffer is extracted and printed after the predetermined time has elapsed, and the job storage unit stores the print job.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention having such a configuration, for a print job in which a predetermined flag is not detected, the process returns to the principle, print processing is executed after a predetermined time, and the print job is saved. be able to. For this reason, a predetermined time can be secured as a period during which reprinting can be performed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the second print job and the third print job are received before a predetermined time elapses after the execution of certain processing relating to the first print job. And when the second print job does not have the predetermined flag and the third print job has the predetermined flag, the printing unit is configured to perform the second print job after the predetermined time has elapsed. This print processing is executed, and then the print processing of the third print job is executed.
According to another aspect of the present invention, when the second print job and the third print job are received before a predetermined time elapses after execution of certain processing relating to the first print job, the second print job Does not have the predetermined flag, and when the third print job has the predetermined flag, the printing unit executes the print processing of the third print job when the third print job is received. The second print job is executed after the predetermined time has elapsed.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention having such a configuration, when there are a plurality of waiting print jobs in the buffer, the processing order of these print jobs can be appropriately processed under a certain rule.
Therefore, it is possible to process multiple print jobs in parallel, and even if the number of users is large and many print jobs occur, it can be processed smoothly and reliably without congestion. It is.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus for transmitting data including a print job, a job receiving unit for receiving data including a print job, and a received print job are stored. A job storage unit that performs printing processing of the received print job, a reprint control unit that causes the printing unit to execute reprint processing of the print job stored in response to an input operation, and a time count that measures time And when the second print job is received before the predetermined time has elapsed after the execution of a certain process related to the first print job, the predetermined process related to the second print job is not executed until the predetermined time has elapsed. And an image forming apparatus having an off-line control means for controlling the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus sets a predetermined flag together with the print job. The image forming apparatus includes a flag transmission unit that detects the flag from the received data, and when the predetermined flag is detected, the printing unit detects that the predetermined time has elapsed. The print processing of the second print job is executed before, and the job storage means does not store the second print job.

Thus, the present invention can be realized not only as the device invention described above but also as a system invention.
Therefore, various systems including a plurality of information processing apparatuses and image forming apparatuses can be constructed, and convenience and expandability can be further improved.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output control program, comprising: a computer that configures the image forming apparatus; a job receiving unit that receives data including a print job; and a job storage unit that stores the received print job. A printing unit that executes a printing process of a received print job, a reprinting control unit that causes the printing unit to execute a reprinting process of a print job that is stored according to an input operation, a time measuring unit that measures time, and a first print job When the second print job is received before the predetermined time elapses after executing a certain process, it functions as an off-line control means for controlling not to execute the predetermined process regarding the second print job until the predetermined time elapses. And flag detection means for detecting a predetermined flag from the received data, and when the predetermined flag is detected, As a program for functioning as a printing unit that executes the printing process of the second print job even before a predetermined time elapses, and a job storage unit that does not save the second print job when the predetermined flag is detected is there.

Thus, the present invention can also be realized as a program.
Thus, the present invention can be realized by installing a program not only in a printer but also in other image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine and a facsimile machine, and provided as an output control program excellent in versatility and expandability. Can do.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is basically possible to perform reprinting reliably by protecting the print job for a predetermined time. For this reason, the second print job received after the first print job is subjected to print processing or the like when a predetermined time has elapsed since a certain process related to the first print job has been performed. However, the second print job in which the predetermined flag is detected is configured to execute a certain process such as a print process even before the predetermined time of the first print job has elapsed. As a result, it is possible to secure a time during which the first print job can be reprinted and to execute the print processing at an early stage for a job that does not execute the reprint. Therefore, appropriate processing can be executed depending on the presence or absence of a predetermined flag, and an image forming apparatus excellent in convenience, reliability, cost, and processing efficiency can be easily realized.

  In addition, since a host buffer is provided, parallel processing of print jobs can be performed, so that it is possible to realize a highly versatile image forming apparatus that can further improve convenience and be compatible with various systems.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Here, the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus of each embodiment described below are realized by processes, means, and functions executed by a computer in accordance with a program (software) instruction. The program sends a command to each component of the computer to perform certain processing / functions as shown below. That is, each process and means in the image forming apparatus and information processing apparatus of each embodiment is realized by specific means in which a program and a computer cooperate.
Note that all or part of the program is provided by, for example, a magnetic disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, or any other computer-readable recording medium, and the program read from the recording medium is installed in the computer and executed. The The program can also be loaded and executed directly on a computer through a communication line without using a recording medium.

[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

(Configuration of printing system, image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system and an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and an information processing apparatus 20.
Here, the image forming apparatus 10 can be configured by a printing apparatus such as a printer. As shown in the figure, a host driver 101, a host buffer 102, a PDL analysis unit 103, a PDL processing unit 104, A VIDEO unit 105, an engine controller 106, a RAM 107, an image compression unit 108, a storage unit 109, an offline control unit 110, and a timer 111 are provided.

The host driver 101 is an interface that receives data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 20 (job receiving means). The data received by the host driver 101 includes, for example, a print job (print data) and a predetermined flag.
The host buffer 102 spools (holds) the data (received data) received by the host driver 101. The stored data is then passed to the PDL analysis unit 103. The host buffer 102 is configured by a normal memory, but may be shared on the RAM 107, for example, or may be provided with another RAM to secure a buffer area.

  The PDL analysis unit 103 and the PDL processing unit 104 analyze the print job extracted from the host buffer 102 and convert it into bitmap data. The job data in the bitmap state in the PDL processing unit 104 is expanded in the RAM 107 and the end of the bitmap conversion is notified to the VIDEO unit 105.

The PDL analysis unit 103 determines whether or not a predetermined flag is included in the received data held in the host buffer 102 (detection of a predetermined flag) (flag detection unit). Here, the predetermined flag refers to data (reprint non-execution flag) used for determining the necessity of reprinting. Specifically, for example, a flag indicating that reprinting is not performed, a flag indicating that a print job is not stored in the storage unit 109, a flag indicating that printing processing is not performed, and the like are applicable.
When the predetermined flag is detected, the PDL analysis unit 103 determines that the received data does not need to be reprinted, and immediately receives the received data (print job) without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined time. To perform certain processing (such as print job analysis). On the other hand, if the predetermined flag is not detected, it is determined that there is a request for reprinting for the received data. If the predetermined time is currently being measured, the received data is stored until the predetermined time elapses. 102 is kept waiting, and a certain process is executed after that. If the predetermined time is not currently being measured, the received data is immediately extracted and a certain process is executed.
In addition, when a plurality of pieces of received data are held in the host buffer 102 when a predetermined time has elapsed, printing processing can be executed in the order in which they are held.

When the flag is “0” or “1”, the flag is not detected when the flag is “0”, while the flag is detected when the flag is “1”. It can be.
Further, since the print job in which the predetermined flag is detected is not stored in the storage unit 109, useless use of the storage area can be prevented.

The VIDEO unit 105 generates an image image for each page based on the bitmap data while referring to the image data expanded in the RAM 107.
The engine controller 106 executes print processing based on the image generated by the VIDEO unit 105 (printing unit).

The image compression unit 108 compresses the bitmap data expanded in the RAM 107.
The storage unit 109 stores the bitmap data compressed by the image compression unit 108 (job storage unit). This is because the print job is temporarily stored in the storage unit 109, read later, and reprinted.

Note that the number of print jobs that can be stored in the storage unit 109 may be one, or may be two or more.
In general, if the number of jobs that can be saved is small, the print job that was previously saved is overwritten by another received job at an early stage, so the reprintable period is shortened, but on the other hand, the storage capacity is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost and reduce the size.
Also, if the number of jobs that can be saved is large, the cost burden increases with the storage capacity, but since multiple print jobs can be processed in parallel, reprinting can be executed more reliably.

The offline control unit 110 executes offline migration processing and offline cancellation processing.
Here, offline is a word that is paired with online and means a state in which processing different from online processing is executed. Online processing refers to the basic operation of the image forming apparatus, and specifically corresponds to the procedure of executing print processing for a print job when the print job is received and storing the print job. In the case where the online processing is such a procedure, the offline processing enters a state in which the basic operation is not executed even when a print job is received. In the present embodiment, the predetermined processing is performed by receiving the first print job or the like. Even if the time is set and the second print job is received within the predetermined time, certain processing (print processing, storage processing, etc.) for the second print job is not executed within the predetermined time. .

  In order to realize such a function, the offline control unit 110 shifts to offline when a certain process for the first print job is executed, sets a predetermined time, and releases the offline when the predetermined time elapses. To do. The “certain processing” includes, for example, when the first print job is received, when the printing process is completed, when saving to the storage unit 109 is completed, and the like. However, the timing of the transition to offline may be any process. Specifically, for example, it may shift to offline when the first print job is received, or may shift to offline when the first print job is stored in the storage unit 109. The timing of the transition to offline is set in advance.

Further, the offline control unit 110 records the time when a certain process is executed, sets a predetermined time, counts a predetermined time, and sets a predetermined time at the time when the constant process is executed in order to realize the transition or release to offline. Judgment of time continuation / non-continuation, print job standby instruction, notification of elapse of a predetermined time (wait release instruction), and the like are executed.
Among these, regarding the recording of the time when a certain process is executed and the process related to a predetermined time, each process is executed by receiving the current time from the timer 111 (time measuring means).

It is also a feature of this embodiment that the offline control unit 110 controls the processing of a print job before and after the elapse of a predetermined time by executing the offline shift or cancellation.
Specifically, the job storage unit may control to not store the next print job until the storage time of the previous print job exceeds a predetermined time.
Further, the job receiving unit can perform off-line control such that the next print job is not received until the storage time of the previous print job exceeds a predetermined time.
As a result, reprinting of the previous print job can be reliably performed within a predetermined time.
Even when a predetermined time has elapsed during the reprinting operation and execution, the reprinting can be preferentially processed.

The information processing apparatus 20 can be configured by a personal computer (PC) or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage means 21, the display means 22, the transmission data generation means 23, the data transmission means 24, and the input Means 25 and control means 26 are provided.
The storage unit 21 stores data and programs related to the functions of the information processing apparatus 20.

The display unit 22 displays data, charts, and the like related to various functions of the information processing apparatus 20 (for example, various data stored in the storage unit 21, data about a print job, data about a predetermined flag, etc.) on the screen.
Further, the display means 22 displays a printer setting screen as shown in FIG. In this printer setting screen, for example, it can be set whether or not reprinting of a print job can be executed.

The transmission data generation unit 23 generates data (transmission data) to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10. This transmission data includes, for example, a print job and printer setting information (printable data).
The printer setting information is information indicating the contents set on the printer setting screen, for example. The printer setting information includes a flag indicating whether or not reprinting can be executed. This flag can represent, for example, “0” indicating that reprinting can be performed and “1” indicating that printing cannot be performed.

The data transmission unit 24 transmits the transmission data generated by the transmission data generation unit 23 to the image forming apparatus 10.
The input unit 25 is a user interface operated by the user, and includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. By operating the input unit 25, for example, various printer settings (including settings for execution / non-execution of reprinting) can be performed.
The control unit 26 activates a program stored in the storage unit 21 and sends a command to each component of the information processing device 20 or operates on its own in order to execute various functions of the information processing device 20. Predetermined functions and processes.

Next, reprint processing of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration related to reprinting in the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the entire image forming apparatus and the key operation unit according to the present embodiment. It is.
As shown in FIG. 4, the reprinting is started when the user operates the key operation unit 112 provided in the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, the GO key (112-1) shown in FIG. 5 (i) or other existing key is long pressed, or the reprint key (reprint key 112-3) shown in FIG. 5 (ii) is pressed. When pressed, the panel driver 113 recognizes a reprint instruction. Note that the GO key 112-1 indicates an operation key 112 that is normally used for online / offline switching of the image forming apparatus 10.

Here, the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment can set the number of copies in advance when performing reprinting. For example, the long press time of the GO key 112-1 and the number of times the reprint key 112-3 is pressed. It is possible to count up according to the number of times and re-output according to the set number of copies.
When reprinting multiple copies, the operation from the previous reprinting operation to the subsequent reprinting operation is performed within a certain period of time, and if there is no subsequent reprinting operation within that time, Reprinting can also be disabled. It is also possible to clear the number of reprint copies being set by using the cancel key 112-2 for instructing processing interruption.
For example, to reprint three copies, it is necessary to press the reprint key 112-3 three times. However, the second reprint key 112-3 must be pressed within three seconds after the first press of the reprint key 112-3. Alternatively, the third reprint key 112-3 must be pressed within 3 seconds after the second reprint key 112-3 is pressed. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 may perform reprinting three seconds after the reprint key 112-3 is last pressed.

When the panel driver 113 recognizes the reprint instruction, the panel driver 113 retrieves the print job stored in the storage unit 109 and causes the image expansion unit 114 to output the print job.
The panel driver 113 functions as a “pressing time measuring unit” when measuring the pressing time of the GO key 112-1 and executing reprinting of the number of copies corresponding to the measured pressing time.
The panel driver 113 counts (measures) the number of times the reprint key 112-3 is pressed, and functions as a “number of times pressing means” when executing reprinting of the number of copies corresponding to the counted number of times of pressing.

The image decompression unit 114 restores the compressed bitmap data to the original data (decompression processing), and outputs it to the VIDEO unit 105.
The VIDEO unit 105 generates an image for each page based on the bitmap data. This image is sent to the engine controller 106 to execute printing.

As described above, the key operation unit 112 performs a key operation to request reprinting, and the panel driver 113 detects this. The panel driver 113 reads out a print job stored in the storage unit 109 and causes the engine controller 106 to perform printing.
In the present embodiment, each component related to reprinting, in particular, the key operation unit 112 and the panel driver 113 are referred to as “reprint control means”.

(Output control method)
Next, an operation procedure (an output control method related to reprinting) in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are sequence diagrams showing an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.
Here, job 1 and job 2 do not have a predetermined flag, and job 3 and job 4 have a predetermined flag.
The number of print jobs stored in the job storage unit (storage unit 109) is one.

First, a print job (job 1) is generated in the transmission data generation unit 23 of the information processing apparatus 20. In the display unit 22, the input unit 25, and the control unit 26, it is set whether or not reprinting can be executed for the job 1 to be transmitted. For example, the printer setting screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 22, and whether or not reprinting can be executed depends on whether or not the “reprint” check box is checked by the operation of the input unit 25. Is set.
Then, a flag indicating the setting contents is added to the job 1 and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 by the data transmission unit 24 as transmission data.

The host driver 101 (job receiving unit) of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the transmission data from the information processing apparatus 20 (A1 in FIGS. 6 and 7). The received data is held in the host buffer 102 (A2), and detection of a predetermined flag is attempted by the PDL analysis unit 103 (flag detection means) (A3).
Here, when the flag is not detected, the offline control means 110 determines whether or not the predetermined time is continuing (A4). As a result of the determination, when the predetermined time is not continued (outside the predetermined time), the job 1 is taken out from the host buffer 102 (A5), and print processing and storage processing are executed (A6, A7). Then, when a certain process (for example, a storage process) related to the job 1 is executed, the time measurement for the predetermined time T1 is started (A8).
If another job is already saved in the saving of job 1 (A7), job 1 is saved after this job is deleted.

  An operation for starting reprinting (for example, operation of the GO key 112-1) is performed by the reprinting control unit between the start of timing of the predetermined time T1 and the storage of the next job in the storage unit 109. When detected (A9), a reprint start command is sent to the job storage means (A10), job 1 is extracted from the storage unit 109 (A11), data is expanded (A12), and reprint processing is performed by the printing means. Is executed (A13).

  Next, it is assumed that job 2 is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 20 and is received by the job receiving unit of the image forming apparatus 10 (B1). The information processing apparatus 20 that has transmitted the job 2 may be the same apparatus as the information processing apparatus 20 that has transmitted the job 1, or may be a different apparatus.

  Subsequently, job 2 is held in the host buffer 102 (B2), and an attempt is made as to whether or not a predetermined flag is detected from the received data by the flag detection means (B3). Here, when the flag is not detected, it is further determined by the offline control means 110 whether or not the predetermined time is continuing (whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed) (B4). As a result of the determination, when the predetermined time T1 is continuing (when the predetermined time has not elapsed), a job standby instruction is sent to the host buffer 102 (B5), and job 2 waits in the host buffer 102. (B6).

Thereafter, when the offline control unit 110 detects that the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (detection of completion of the predetermined time, B7), a standby release command is sent to the host buffer 102 and / or the PDL analysis unit 103 (B8). As a result, the waiting of the job is canceled in the host buffer 102 (B9), the job 2 is taken out by the PDL analysis unit 103 (B10), converted into a bitmap, and the printing process is executed (B11). Then, the job saving unit deletes the job 1 already stored in the storage unit 109 (B12) and stores the job 2 (B13). By saving the job 2, the offline control unit 110 starts measuring the predetermined time T2 (B14).
Note that the timing of the predetermined time T2 is continued after the job 3 is received as shown in FIG.

Thereafter, when job 3 is received by the job receiving unit of the image forming apparatus 10 (C1 in FIG. 8), the job 3 is held in the host buffer 102 (C2), and the flag detection unit detects a predetermined flag. Attempted (C3).
Here, when the predetermined flag is detected, even if the predetermined time T2 is continuing, the job 3 is taken out from the host buffer 102 without the offline control unit 110 performing confirmation of the predetermined time. (C4), and the printing process is executed (C5).
However, since the flag is detected for job 3, this job 3 is not stored in the storage unit 109 (C6). Also, the time measurement for the predetermined time T3 for the job 3 is not executed (C7).

  As described above, when the flag is detected from the received data, there is no need for reprinting, and therefore, the process for saving the print job is not necessary. For this reason, for example, when job 3 is received, even if job 2 is stored in storage unit 109 and is within a period (predetermined time) that is protected for reprinting, predetermined job The printing process can be executed quickly without waiting for the passage of time.

  Note that, after the print processing of job 3 is executed (C5) and before the next job (job 4) is received (D1), the reprint control unit detects an operation for starting reprinting (E1). ), A reprint start command is sent to the job storage means (E2), but since job 2 is stored in the storage unit 109 at this time, not job 3, this job 2 is extracted (E3) and data After being expanded (E4), reprinting processing is executed by the printing means (E5). Such a reprinting process for job 2 is the same before or after the completion of the predetermined time T2 before the job 4 is received.

Further, the processes of C1 to C7 related to the job 3 indicate a case where the predetermined flag is detected when the job 3 is received during the measurement of the predetermined time T2. For example, D1 to D7 In the case where the print job (job 4) is received after the elapse of the predetermined time T and the predetermined flag is detected as in the processing of (4), the job 4 is not executed without performing the continuous confirmation of the predetermined time. Is printed (D5). Also, this job 4 is not stored in the storage unit 109 (D6), and the predetermined time T4 is not counted (D7).
Furthermore, after the execution of the printing process for job 4 (D5) and before the reception of the next job, if the reprint control means detects an operation for starting reprinting (F1), a reprint start instruction is issued. Although it is sent to the job storage means (F2), since the job 2 is stored in the storage unit 109 instead of the job 4, the reprinting process is executed for the job 2 (F3 to F5).

As described above, according to the printing system, the image forming apparatus, and the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment, a print job that does not require reprinting and only desires a print process is processed with priority. ing.
Specifically, whether or not reprinting is specified in advance on the information processing apparatus side, and if there is no need for reprinting, a print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus together with a predetermined flag. When the image forming apparatus receives a print job and detects a flag, the process related to reprinting is omitted, and only the printing process is executed quickly.
For this reason, it is possible to flexibly respond to the user's request and to provide an image forming apparatus excellent in convenience.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the number of jobs received during a predetermined time. That is, in the first embodiment, the number of jobs received during the measurement of the predetermined time is one, whereas in the present embodiment, the number of jobs received during the measurement of the predetermined time is plural. Other components are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Therefore, in the configuration of the printing system, the image forming apparatus, and the information processing apparatus in the present embodiment, the same components as those in FIG. 1 and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Configuration of printing system, image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus)
The configurations of the printing system, the image forming apparatus, and the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment are substantially the same as the configurations of the printing system, the image forming apparatus, and the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
However, the host buffer 102 can hold a plurality of received data (print jobs).
The PDL analysis unit 103 (flag detection unit) is in the case where the jobs held in the host buffer 102 are the job X and the job Y, and when the job X is received (or held) before the job Y When a predetermined flag is detected from the received data including the job Y, the print processing of the job Y is executed at this time (the job Y is taken out from the host buffer 102 and analyzed and converted into bitmap data). When the predetermined flag is not detected, the job Y is made to wait in the host buffer 102 until a predetermined time elapses.

(Output control method)
Next, an operation procedure (an output control method related to reprinting) in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that job 5 and job 6 do not have a predetermined flag, and job 7 has a predetermined flag.
The number of print jobs stored in the job storage unit (storage unit 109) is one.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, data (including job 5) transmitted from the job transmission unit 23 of the information processing apparatus 20 is received by the job reception unit of the image forming apparatus 10 (FIGS. 9 and 10). G1). The received data is held in the host buffer 102 (G2), and detection of a predetermined flag is attempted by the flag detection means (G3).
Here, when the flag is not detected, it is subsequently determined by the offline control means 110 whether or not the predetermined time is continuing (G4). As a result of the determination, when the predetermined time is not continued (outside the predetermined time), the job 5 is taken out from the host buffer 102 (G5), and print processing and storage processing are executed (G6, G7). Then, when a certain process (for example, storage process) related to the job 5 is executed, the time measurement for the predetermined time T5 is started (shift to offline, G8).

  Next, the job 6 is received by the job receiving means (H1) and held in the host buffer 102 (H2). Here, it is tried whether or not a predetermined flag is detected from the received data by the flag detecting means (H3). As a result, when the flag is not detected, it is further determined by the offline control means 110 whether or not the predetermined time is continuing (H4). As a result of the determination, if the predetermined time is continuing (within the predetermined time), a job standby instruction is sent to the PDL analysis unit 103 and the host buffer 102 (H5). As a result, the job 6 waits in the host buffer 102 (H6).

Subsequently, the job 7 is received by the job receiving means (J1) and held in the host buffer 102 (J2). Here, it is tried whether or not a predetermined flag is detected from the received data by the flag detecting means (J3). As a result, when the flag is detected, even if the predetermined time T is being measured at this time, the offline control unit 110 does not execute the continuation determination for the predetermined time, and the job 7 is read from the host buffer 102. It is taken out (J4) and the printing process is executed (J5).
In this case, since the predetermined flag is detected, the job 7 is not stored in the storage unit 109. Therefore, the job 5 is stored in the storage unit 109 as it is. Also, the predetermined time T7 for the job 7 is not counted.

Thereafter, when it is detected by the offline control means 110 that the counting of the predetermined time T5 based on the saving of the job 5 is completed (K1), the offline is released and a standby release command is sent to the flag detection means and the host buffer 102. (K2). When receiving the standby release command, the host buffer 102 releases the standby state of the job 6, and the flag detecting means takes out the job 6 from the host buffer 102 (K3). Then, the printing process of the job 6 is executed by the printing means (K4), the job 5 already saved in the storage unit 109 is deleted by the job saving means (K5), and the job 6 is saved (K6). .
Based on the saving of the job 6, the offline control means 110 starts measuring a predetermined time T6 (K7).

If no flag is detected from the data including job 7 (J3), job 7 is subjected to print processing after a predetermined time T5 (however, after execution of print processing of job 6), as with job 6. Is executed.
In addition, after the job 5 is stored in the storage unit 109 and before the job 5 is deleted (G7 to K5), if an operation for executing reprinting is performed by the key operation unit 112, the job 5 is reprinted. That is, during the continuation of the predetermined time T5, execution of reprinting of the job 5 is ensured even if the job 6 or the job 7 is received.

  As described above, according to the printing system, the image forming apparatus, and the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment, the number of print jobs that can be stored in the storage unit 109 as well as exhibit the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment. And the number of print jobs that can be waiting in the host buffer 102 is also plural, so that even if a large number of print jobs are concentrated, smooth print processing can be performed without congestion. become.

[Third embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the number of jobs received during the measurement of a predetermined time and the configuration of the PDL analysis unit. That is, in the first embodiment, the number of jobs received during the measurement of the predetermined time is one, whereas in the present embodiment, the number of jobs received during the measurement of the predetermined time is plural. In the first embodiment, the PDL analysis unit detects a predetermined flag. In this embodiment, the PDL analysis unit further counts the number of jobs held in the host buffer. Other components are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Therefore, in the configuration of the printing system, the image forming apparatus, and the information processing apparatus in the present embodiment, the same components as those in FIG. 1 and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Configuration of printing system and image forming apparatus)
The printing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 10 and an information processing apparatus 20 as in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment.
Here, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a host driver 101, a host buffer 102, a PDL analysis unit 103, a PDL processing unit 104, a VIDEO unit 105, an engine controller 106, a RAM 107, an image compression unit 108, A storage unit 109, an offline control unit 110, and a timer 111 are provided.

The PDL analysis unit 103 analyzes the print job extracted from the host buffer 102 and converts it into bitmap data. Further, it is determined whether or not a predetermined flag is included in the received data held in the host buffer 102 (detection of the predetermined flag) (flag detection means).
Further, the PDL analysis unit 103 counts the number of jobs held in the host buffer 102. For example, when no job is held in the host buffer 102, the count value is set to “0”. Every time a job is held, “1” is added to the count value. On the other hand, every time a job is taken out from the host buffer 102, “1” is subtracted from the count value.

In addition, when the PDL analysis unit 103 detects a predetermined flag, the PDL analysis unit 103 determines whether the count value of the holding number is “2” or more. As a result of the determination, if it is “2” or more, a job is not taken out from the host buffer 102 and is kept waiting until a predetermined time elapses. On the other hand, if it is less than “2”, the job is taken out from the host buffer 102 and the printing process is executed.
As described above, by determining whether or not the number of jobs held in the host buffer 102 is plural, the printing order of these jobs can be matched with the order of reception.

(Output control method)
Next, an operation procedure (an output control method related to reprinting) in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that job 8 and job 9 do not have a predetermined flag, and job 10 has a predetermined flag.
The number of print jobs stored in the job storage unit (storage unit 109) is one.

  First, data (including job 8) transmitted from the data transmission unit 24 of the information processing apparatus 20 is received by the host driver 101 (job reception unit) of the image forming apparatus 10 (L1 in FIGS. 11 and 12). ). The received data is held in the host buffer 102 (L2). Along with this holding, the number of jobs held in the host buffer 102 is counted by the PDL analysis unit 103 (flag detection means) (L3). Here, since the job 8 is held, the count value is “1”.

  Next, the flag detection means tries to detect a predetermined flag from the received data including the job 8 (L4). Here, when the flag is not detected, it is subsequently determined by the offline control means 110 whether or not the predetermined time is continuing (L5). As a result of the determination, when the predetermined time is not continuing (outside the predetermined time), the job 8 is taken out from the host buffer 102 (L6), and 1 is subtracted from the retained count value “1” to be “0”. (L7) Print processing and storage processing are executed (L8, L9). Then, when a certain process (for example, a storage process) related to the job 8 is executed, the time measurement for the predetermined time T8 is started (shift to offline, L10).

  Subsequently, the job 9 transmitted from the information processing apparatus 20 is received by the job receiving unit of the image forming apparatus 10 (M1). The job 9 is held in the host buffer 102 (M2), and 1 is added to the count value “0” of the holding number by the flag detection means to be “1” (M3). Then, the flag detection means tries to detect a predetermined flag from the received data including the job 9 (M4). Here, when the flag is not detected, it is further determined by the offline control means 110 whether or not the predetermined time is continuing (M5). As a result of the determination, when the predetermined time T5 is continuing (within the predetermined time), a job standby instruction is sent to the host buffer 102 (M6). As a result, the job 9 waits in the host buffer 102 (M7).

Further, when the job 10 is received by the job receiving means (N1) and held in the host buffer 102 (N2), the flag detecting means adds 1 to the count value “1” of the holding number and becomes “2”. (N3). Next, it is attempted whether or not a predetermined flag is detected from the received data including the job 10 by the flag detecting means (N4). Here, it is assumed that a flag is detected.
Along with the detection of the predetermined flag, it is determined whether or not the count value of the retained number is “2” or more (N5). Here, since the count value of the number of holdings is “2”, it is “2” or more. Therefore, the continuation determination for a predetermined time is not performed, and the job 10 is not taken out from the host buffer 102. As a result, the job 10 waits in the host buffer 102 together with the job 9 (N6).

The reason why the job 10 is held in the host buffer 102 together with the job 9 is to execute print processing in the order in which the jobs are received. In other words, since the job 9 is received first and then the job 10 is received, the printing process is also executed for the job 9 first and then for the job 10 until the predetermined time elapses. Since the print processing of job 9 is not executed, job 10 is also held until then.
Further, the flag detection means tries whether or not a predetermined flag is detected from the data including the job 10 (N4), but the detection result is not related to the holding of the job 10. That is, even if the flag detection for the job 10 is not executed, if the job 9 is held in the host buffer 102, the job 10 is also held. However, it is necessary to decide whether or not to save the job 10 after the print processing of the job 10 is executed. Therefore, flag detection for job 10 is executed.

Thereafter, when it is detected by the offline control means 110 that the counting of the predetermined time T8 based on the job 8 is completed (P1), a standby release command is sent to the flag detection means and / or the host buffer 102 (P2). In response to the standby release command, the flag detection unit and / or the host buffer 102 cancels the job standby, and the job 9 is first extracted from the host buffer 102 (P3). 1 is subtracted to be “1” (P4), the printing process is executed by the printing means (P5), and the job 8 already saved in the storage unit 109 is deleted by the job saving means (P6). Job 9 is saved (P7).
Based on the saving of the job 9, the offline control means 110 starts measuring a predetermined time T9 (shift to offline, P8).

Further, when the flag detecting means detects that the printing process of job 9 is completed (Q1), the job 10 is taken out from the host buffer 102 (Q2), and the count value of the number of holdings is decremented by 1 by the flag detecting means. Then, it is set to “0” (Q3), and the printing process of the job 10 is executed (Q4).
Here, since the predetermined flag is detected from the data including the job 10, the job 10 is not stored in the storage unit 109, and the measurement of the predetermined time T based on the job 10 is not executed. For this reason, after the print processing of job 10 is executed, job 9 is stored in storage unit 109 as it is. Then, when a reprint start operation is performed thereafter, the job 9 is reprinted.

In FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the print process for job 10 is performed after the print process for job 9 is executed after a predetermined time T8 has elapsed. This is because although the predetermined flag is detected from the data including the job 10, the printing of the job 9 is executed after the elapse of the predetermined time T8.
If no flag is detected from the data including the job 10, the job 10 is printed after the predetermined time T8 has elapsed and after the predetermined time T9 has elapsed, as shown in FIGS. Let the process be executed. However, in this case, the time from when the job 10 is received until the printing process is executed is longer than the predetermined time T. For this reason, for example, with respect to the second and subsequent jobs when a plurality of jobs are received within the same predetermined time T, the reception time is set as the start time of the predetermined time, and printing is performed after the predetermined time T has elapsed since the reception. Processing may be executed.

  In addition, after the job 8 is stored in the storage unit 109 and before the job 8 is deleted (L9 to P6), if an operation for executing reprinting is performed by the key operation unit 112, the job 8 is reprinted. In other words, during the continuation of the predetermined time T8, execution of reprinting of the job 8 is ensured even if the job 9 or the job 10 is received.

  As described above, according to the printing system, the image forming apparatus, and the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment, the number of print jobs that can stand by in the host buffer 102 as well as exhibit the same effects as the first embodiment. Therefore, a plurality of print jobs can be processed in parallel. For this reason, even when print jobs are concentrated, the printing process can be performed smoothly and the reprinting process can be performed efficiently without interrupting the process.

  In addition, even when a predetermined flag is detected from data including a job held later in the host buffer as in job 10, the print processing for the job is executed after the print processing for the job held earlier. , And can be printed out according to the order of job reception. For this reason, when a plurality of users each transmit a job from the information processing apparatus at different times, the image forming apparatus can execute print processing according to the transmission order.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Unlike the other embodiments described above, this embodiment also determines various items such as whether the received job is a job that involves printing, a job that does not require reprinting, or whether the transmission source is the same. Therefore, appropriate processing according to these results is performed.

First, data (including job 11) transmitted from the information processing apparatus 20 is received by the image forming apparatus 10 (S1 in the figure).
In this image forming apparatus 10, it is determined whether the received data is data accompanying printing (printable data) or data not printing (for example, printer setting data) (S2).
As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the data is not printable data (S2 NO), a certain process related to the job 11 is executed (S3).
Note that the predetermined time T is not counted for the job 11 (S3). For this reason, when the job 12 is subsequently received (S4), certain processing relating to the job 12 is executed at the time of reception (S5). It does not matter whether the job 12 is printable data.

On the other hand, if the data including the job 11 is printable data (S2 YES), it is then determined whether or not a predetermined flag is detected from the data including the job 11 (S6).
If a predetermined flag is detected as a result of the determination (S6 YES), a certain process related to the job 11 is executed (S3). Since the predetermined time T is not counted for the job 11 (S3), when the job 12 is received thereafter (S4), a certain process regarding the job 12 is executed at the time of reception (S5).
On the other hand, when the predetermined flag is not detected (NO in S6), a certain process relating to the job 11 is executed, and counting of the predetermined time T11 for the job 11 is started (S7).

Thereafter, when the job 12 is received by the image forming apparatus 10 (S8), it is determined whether or not the transmission sources of the job 12 and the job 11 are the same (S9). For example, this is determined by extracting and collating the MAC address, IP address, etc. sent together with the print job in the image forming apparatus 10.
As a result of the determination, when the transmission sources of the job 12 and the job 11 are the same (YES in S9), a certain process is executed for the job 12 at this time (S10).
On the other hand, when the transmission sources of the job 12 and the job 11 are not the same (NO in S9), it is determined whether or not the predetermined time T11 for the job 11 has passed (S11).

If it is determined that the predetermined time T11 has not elapsed (NO in S11), the job 12 waits in the host buffer 102 until the predetermined time T11 has elapsed (S12).
On the other hand, when the predetermined time T11 has elapsed (S11 YES) or when the predetermined time T11 has elapsed due to standby, certain processing relating to the job 12 is executed at this point (S10).

The storage unit 109 of the image forming apparatus 10 can execute the following processing.
(I) When the number of jobs that can be stored in the storage unit 109 is one When a certain process related to the job 11 is executed, the job 11 is stored in the storage unit 109 (S3, S7). Next, when certain processing relating to the job 12 is executed, the job 11 is deleted and the job 12 is stored in the storage unit 109.

(Ii) When there are a plurality of jobs stored in the storage unit 109 When a certain process related to the job 11 is executed, the job 11 is stored in the storage unit 109 (S3, S7). Next, when certain processing relating to the job 12 is executed, the job 12 is stored together with the job 11 in the storage unit 109.
Note that when a certain process related to the job 12 is executed (for example, when the printing process is completed or when a predetermined time T11 for the job 11 has elapsed), the job 12 is stored in the storage unit 109. Then, the job 11 can be deleted at this point.

As described above, according to the printing system, the image forming apparatus, and the information processing apparatus of this embodiment, not only the same effect as the above-described embodiment is exhibited, but also whether the received data is a job accompanied by printing. Also, various matters such as whether the transmission source is the same or a job requesting only printing are determined, and appropriate processing is performed according to these results.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a printing system, an image forming apparatus, and an information processing apparatus that enable more appropriate and effective control and realize smooth processing.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that implementation is possible.
For example, the image forming apparatus of the present invention may be another image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine instead of a printing apparatus such as a printer.

  The present invention can be suitably used for an image forming apparatus having a reprint processing function.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting screen of the printer displayed in information processing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration related to reprinting in the image forming apparatus. 1 is an external perspective view illustrating an entire image forming apparatus and a key operation unit. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing another operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing another operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing another operation procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing system 10 Image forming apparatus 101 Host driver (job receiving means)
102 Host buffer 103 PDL analysis unit (flag detection means)
109 Storage unit (job storage means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Offline control means 112 Key operation part 113 Panel driver 20 Information processing apparatus 23 Transmission data generation means 24 Data transmission means

Claims (10)

Job receiving means for receiving data including a print job, job saving means for saving the received print job, printing means for executing print processing of the received print job, and reprinting of the print job saved according to the input operation Reprint control means for causing the printing means to execute processing, time measuring means for measuring time, and when the second print job is received before a predetermined time elapses after execution of certain processing relating to the first print job An image forming apparatus including an off-line control unit that performs control so as not to execute a certain process related to the second print job until time elapses,
Flag detection means for detecting a predetermined flag from the data received by the job reception means;
When the predetermined flag is detected, the printing unit executes the printing process of the second print job even before the predetermined time elapses, and the job storage unit does not store the second print job. An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flag is identification data indicating that a print job print process is executed but a print job save process is not executed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flag is identification data indicating that reprint processing of a print job is not executed. It has a buffer to hold the received print job,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flag detection unit detects a predetermined flag from the print job held in the buffer.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of print jobs that can be held by the buffer is plural.   When the predetermined flag is not detected and the predetermined time has started, the printing unit extracts the print job held in the buffer after the predetermined time has elapsed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the print job is stored, and the job storage unit stores the print job.   When the second print job and the third print job are received before a predetermined time has elapsed after executing a certain process related to the first print job, the second print job does not have the predetermined flag, When the third print job has the predetermined flag, the printing unit executes the print process of the second print job after the predetermined time has elapsed, and subsequently executes the print process of the third print job The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   When the second print job and the third print job are received before a predetermined time has elapsed after executing a certain process related to the first print job, the second print job does not have the predetermined flag, When the third print job has the predetermined flag, the printing unit executes the print process of the third print job when the third print job is received, and performs the print process of the second print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is executed after the predetermined time has elapsed. An information processing apparatus that transmits data including a print job;
Job receiving means for receiving data including a print job, job saving means for saving the received print job, printing means for executing print processing of the received print job, and reprinting of the print job saved according to the input operation Reprint control means for causing the printing means to execute processing, time measuring means for measuring time, and when the second print job is received before a predetermined time elapses after execution of certain processing relating to the first print job In a printing system comprising: an image forming apparatus having an off-line control unit that performs control so as not to execute a predetermined process related to the second print job until time elapses;
The information processing apparatus includes:
A job transmission means for transmitting a predetermined flag together with the print job;
The image forming apparatus includes:
Flag detection means for detecting the flag from received data,
When the predetermined flag is detected, the printing unit executes the printing process of the second print job even before the predetermined time elapses, and the job storage unit does not store the second print job. Characteristic printing system. A computer constituting the image forming apparatus;
Job receiving means for receiving data including a print job, job saving means for saving the received print job, printing means for executing print processing of the received print job, and reprint processing of the print job saved in accordance with the input operation Reprint control means to be executed by the printing means, time measuring means for measuring time, when a second print job is received before a predetermined time has elapsed after execution of a certain process relating to the first print job, until the predetermined time has elapsed Functions as an off-line control means for controlling so as not to execute the predetermined processing relating to the second print job, and a flag detecting means for detecting a predetermined flag from received data, and when the predetermined flag is detected, Printing means for executing the printing process of the second print job even before a predetermined time has elapsed, when the predetermined flag is detected Output control program for functioning as a job storage means, which does not store the second print job.

Images