JP2008269327A - Image forming apparatus and information processor printing completion prediction icon - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a time difference even when a distance between a system and a processing object is separated, and to acquire a printed matter when confirming the output of the printed matter. <P>SOLUTION: In an image forming system configured of at least one image forming apparatus and an information processor, the information processor is provided with a processing circumstance icon display means for displaying image formation processing circumstances in the image forming apparatus with an icon; a completion time judgement means for judging the completion time of the image formation processing in the image forming apparatus; a position information managing means of the image forming apparatus; and an icon display control means for determining icon display configurations in the processing circumstance icon display means from a time until the completion of the image formation processing determined by the completion time determination means and the position information managed by the position information managing means, and for displaying the icon according to the determined display configurations. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can execute an image forming process connected to a network, or a control / display related to a process in an image forming system.

  In the field of image formation processing, because you want to immediately obtain the printed output for job post-processing and scheduling, and you do not want to leave the printed output for security, It is desired to obtain a printed output upon completion.

As shown in Patent Document 1 below, a plurality of times indicating the progress of the process and an end time of the process are predicted by calculation, and an icon display pattern indicating the progress is displayed at the time when the predicted time is reached. In addition to updating, it is disclosed that an icon indicating the end of the process is displayed as an animation when a predetermined time before the end time of the process.
JP-A-2005-237666

  The above-mentioned patent document can indicate the time until the end of the processing step by step, but if the distance between the system displaying the icon and the processing target is far away, the location of the processing target is reached. Since it takes time to complete the process, the actual process end timing is not the same as the timing for actually confirming the process end after being notified by the icon.

  If it says in the field of image formation processing, if it goes to acquisition of a printed output after seeing the display of printing completion, it will not have a printed output at the same time as completion.

  It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the time difference even when the distance between the system and the processing target is long, and to obtain a printed material when confirming the output of the printed material.

In an image forming system comprising at least one image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Processing status icon display means for displaying an image forming processing status in the image forming apparatus as an icon;
A completion time determining means for determining a completion time of image forming processing in the image forming apparatus;
A position information management unit of the image forming apparatus;
The icon display form in the processing status icon display means is determined from the time until completion of the image forming process determined by the completion time determination means and the position information managed by the position information management means, and the determined Icon display control means for displaying according to the display form is provided.

  The time until the completion of processing can be visually and immediately understood. Also, by taking into account the distance to the printer device, if you go to the location of the printer device after seeing the icon change near the completion of processing, check the output on-time, and the output that has just been printed Can be obtained.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration example of print processing system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print processing system according to the embodiment.

  In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a network computer connected to the network 106 and capable of communication, typically a personal computer (PC), connected to the network 106 via a network cable such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Various programs such as programs can be executed, and a printer driver having a function of converting print data into a printer language corresponding to the printer is installed. Here, it is assumed that each computer supports a plurality of printer drivers. In addition, it has a function of transferring print data converted into a printer language corresponding to the printer to each of the network printers 102, 103, and 104.

  Reference numerals 102, 103, and 104 denote network printers as print control apparatuses, which are connected to the network 106 via the network interface card 105, analyze print jobs including print data transmitted from a client computer, Convert to a dot image page by page and print. Although only one network printer 105 is shown in the figure, it is assumed that a plurality of other network printers are connected. The functions of each network printer may be different.

  Reference numeral 106 denotes a network, which is connected to the computer 101, network printers 102 to 104, and the like.

<Example of hardware configuration of network computer>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the computer 101. In FIG. 2, a CPU 200 controls the entire apparatus, executes an application program, a printer driver program, an OS stored in a hard disk (HD) 205, the network printer control program of the present embodiment, and the like, and a RAM 202 Control to temporarily store information, files, etc. necessary for program execution.

  Reference numeral 201 denotes a ROM as storage means, which stores various data such as programs such as basic I / O programs, font data used in document processing, and template data. Reference numeral 202 denotes a RAM as temporary storage means, which functions as a main memory, work area, and the like of the CPU 200.

  Reference numeral 203 denotes a flexible disk drive as a storage medium reading unit, and a program or the like stored in the FD 204 as a storage medium can be loaded into the computer through the FD drive 203 as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 204 denotes a flexible disk (FD) as a storage medium, which is a storage medium in which a program is stored so as to be readable by a computer. Note that the storage medium is not limited to the FD and may be any CD-ROM, CDR, CDRW, PC card, DVD, IC memory card, MO, and the like.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes one of external storage means, which is a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory, and stores an application program, a printer driver program, an OS, a network printer control program, related programs, and the like. Furthermore, a spooler as spool means is secured here. The spool means is a client spooler in the client, and a server spooler in the print server. In the print server, job information received from the client is stored, and a table for controlling the order is also generated and stored in the external storage means.

  Reference numeral 206 denotes a keyboard which is an instruction input unit. The user instructs the client computer and the operator or administrator inputs an instruction of a device control command to the print server. A display 207 is a display unit that displays commands input from the keyboard 206, the status of the printer, and the like.

  A system bus 208 controls the flow of data in a computer that is a client or a print server. Reference numeral 209 denotes an interface which is an input / output unit, and the information processing apparatus exchanges data with an external apparatus via the interface 209.

  Note that the configuration of the computer is an example thereof, and is not limited to the configuration example of FIG. For example, the storage location of data and programs can be changed by ROM, RAM, HD, etc. according to the characteristics.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the memory map of the RAM 202 shown in FIG. 2, and is a memory map in a state where the network printer control program loaded from the FD 204 is loaded into the RAM 202 and can be executed.

  In this embodiment, the network printer control program and related data are directly loaded from the FD 204 to the RAM 202 and executed. However, every time the network printer control program is operated, the network printer control program is already executed. May be loaded into the RAM 202 from the HD 205 installed from the FD 204. The medium for storing the network printer control program may be a CD-ROM, CDR, PC card, DVD, or IC memory card in addition to the FD. Furthermore, it is possible to store the network printer control program in the ROM 201, configure it as a part of the memory map, and execute it directly by the CPU 200. In addition, software that realizes the same function as each of the above devices can be used as an alternative to a hardware device.

  Hereinafter, the network printer control program may be simply referred to as a print control program or a printer driver. The print control program includes a program for performing control for instructing the change of the print destination of the print job or the instruction for changing the print order in the client. On the other hand, the print server includes a program for controlling the order of print jobs and notifying the end of printing of a print job, a request for changing a print destination, and the like. In addition, the print control program of this embodiment that performs such control may separately divide the module installed in the client and the module installed in the print server, or one print control program is executed. It may function as a client or a print server depending on the environment. Alternatively, it is possible to install a module having a function for a client and a module functioning for a print server in one computer, and perform a pseudo parallel operation at the same time or in a time division manner.

  A basic I / O program 301 is a program having an IPL (Initial Program Loading) function for starting the operation of the OS by reading the OS from the HD 205 into the RAM 202 when the computer is turned on. This is the area that contains Reference numeral 302 denotes an operating system (OS), and 303 denotes a network printer control program, which is stored in an area secured on the RAM 202. Reference numeral 304 denotes related data, which is stored in an area secured on the RAM 202. Reference numeral 305 denotes a work area in which an area for the CPU 200 to execute the printer control program is secured.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory map of the FD 204 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, 401 is volume information indicating data information, 402 is directory information, 403 is a network printer control program which is a print control program described in the present embodiment, and 404 is related data thereof. The network printer control program 403 is programmed based on the flowchart described in this embodiment, and in this embodiment, both the client and the server have the same configuration.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship with the FD 204 inserted into the FD drive 203 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 5, the FD 204 stores a network printer control program and related data described in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a logical configuration diagram for realizing the present proposal. A job transmission unit 601 indicates a configuration unit for transmitting a job, and receives a print completion time from an image forming apparatus that has received a job at a print completion prediction time reception unit 602. The received print completion time information is transferred to the 604 icon display determination unit by the 603 main processing unit, and icon display is performed on the 605 icon display unit according to the determination of the icon display determination unit.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of position information of the image forming apparatus used by the system in the present proposal. Information on all image forming apparatuses set in the printing system is shown. 701 indicates the number of image forming apparatuses set in the system, and 702 indicates information on the number of devices. 703 indicates the name of the image forming apparatus, 704 indicates network information of the image forming apparatus, 705 indicates information on the physical distance to the image forming apparatus, and 706 indicates the time taken to move to the image forming apparatus. Calculate from physical distance information.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for setting the position information of the image forming apparatus held as shown in FIG. By entering the printer name, IP address, and distance to the device, location information is organized and maintained.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing icon display form information according to the fan and the estimated print completion time. Reference numeral 901 denotes an icon display pattern, and RemainderSecS (902) and ReaminderSecE (903) represent the upper limit value and lower limit value of the predicted print completion time corresponding to the icon pattern (804) to be displayed.

  FIG. 10 shows the status display information for each device after referring to the position information of FIG. 7 to the icon display form information of FIG. Reference numeral 1001 denotes an icon display pattern as in 901. RemainderSecS (1002) and ReaminderSecE (1003) refer to the position information, and then the upper limit value and lower limit value of the predicted print completion time corresponding to the icon pattern (1004) to be displayed. Indicates.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of the entire system.

  In step S1101, the system program is started, and the process advances to step S1102.

  In step S1102, a print job is transmitted from the activated program to the device. When the transmission is completed, the process proceeds to step S1103.

  In step S1103, in step S1102, the print job processing completion prediction time data is received from the print job transmission destination by broadcast. (Data reception may be received not only by broadcast but also by event or polling. Alternatively, the host side may determine the time required for print processing for the job when sending the print job in step S1102). When the process completion prediction time is received, the process proceeds to step S1104.

  In step S1104, the display icon determination processing unit determines the icon pattern to be displayed by referring to the status display information for each device from the icon display form information and the device position information, and passes the determination result to the icon display unit. Then, the process proceeds to step S1105.

  In step S1105, the icon pattern to be displayed determined by the display icon determination processing unit is acquired, and the icon is displayed with reference to the pattern. Then, the process proceeds to step S1006.

  In step S1106, the display time of the icon display pattern displayed in step S1105 is measured. When the display time of the display pattern has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1107.

  In step S1107, assuming that the display time of the previous icon display pattern has ended, the icon pattern to be displayed next is set. If the displayed icon display pattern is an icon nearing completion of printing, the process proceeds to step S1108; otherwise, the process returns to step S1104 to determine the icon display pattern again.

  In step S1108, since the print job processing is almost finished, the display icon is set to a display pattern indicating the print completion icon, icon display is performed, and the overall flowchart is ended.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for updating the estimated print completion time after updating the job list from the device.

  In step S1201, a print job is transmitted, and a predicted print completion time is counted. When the estimated print completion time for the print job can be measured, the process advances to step S1202.

  In step S1202, a notification that there is a change in the status of the printer device is received from the printer device. The status change is a notification of a change such as a job list update due to another print job being added by priority printing or a pause due to paper feeding of a printer device. If the notification is received, the process proceeds to step S1203 to make a determination.

  In step S1203, it is determined what the status change of the printer device is. If this change causes a change in the estimated print completion time of the print job transmitted in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1204. If no change occurs in the transmitted print job, the print is completed. Terminate without making any changes to the prediction time.

  In step S1204, assuming that there is a change in the estimated print completion time, the estimated print completion time is updated. If the icon is being displayed, the icon display is also changed in accordance with the update of the estimated print completion time, and the process ends.

  FIG. 13 shows a flowchart for determining an icon.

  In step S1301, the time required to process the print job transmitted to the device is received. Data is received not only by broadcasting to the device but also by event or polling. Then, the process proceeds to step S1302.

  In step S1302, the elapsed time from the start of the job is counted, and the remaining time until the job processing is completed is measured. Then, the process proceeds to step S1304.

  In step S1303, the icon state display information for each device as shown in FIG. 9 is referred to in order to determine what icon pattern display is optimal for the time until completion of job processing counted in step S1303.

  In step S1304, in order to determine an icon display pattern, first, the lower limit value set for each pattern and the remaining time until printing is completed are determined.

  In step S1305, if the determination in step S1304 is true for all patterns, the process proceeds to step S1306. If not applicable to all patterns, the process proceeds to step S1307.

  In step S1306, the time until completion of job processing is applied to all icon display patterns, so the icon pattern is set to the pattern with the largest remaining time.

  In step S1307, since the time until job processing is completed is not applied to all patterns, the upper limit value of the display time set for each pattern and the remaining time until printing is completed are determined.

  In step S1308, the patterns determined in steps S1304 and S1307 are selected, and the icon display pattern that is determined to be positive in both determinations is selected.

  In step S1309, the icon display pattern determined in step S1308 is transmitted to the icon display unit as an icon display pattern corresponding to the job treatment completion time.

  And this icon display determination flow is complete | finished.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flow of iconcon display processing.

  In step S1401, the icon determination result to be displayed determined from the flow of FIG. 12 is acquired.

  In step S1402, icon display processing is performed based on the determination result of the icon to be displayed acquired in step S1401.

  In step S1403, the time for displaying the pattern displayed in step S1402 is measured from the time until the print job completion process and the icon pattern to be displayed.

  In step S1404, it is determined whether the icon display time measured in step S1403 has elapsed. If the display time set for each pattern is reached, the process proceeds to step S1405, and if not, the process returns to the determination of the passage of time.

  In step S1405, it is determined whether the icon display pattern displayed to determine the icon pattern to be displayed next is a pattern that is nearing completion of printing. If the displayed icon is a pattern nearing completion of printing, the process proceeds to step S1407; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1406.

  In step S1406, the pattern displayed so far and the time from the time displayed in the pattern to the completion of processing of the print job are reset. Then, referring to the information, the process returns to step S1401.

  In step S1407, assuming that the immediately preceding display pattern is a pattern that is nearing completion of printing, the display pattern is changed to the next display pattern, that is, the printing completion icon, and the process ends.

The system block diagram which shows the structure of this proposal. The block diagram of a computer. The figure which shows an example of the memory map at the time of RAM202 shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the memory map of FD204 shown in FIG. The figure which shows the relationship with FD204 inserted in the FD drive 203 shown in FIG. The logical block diagram which shows the structure of this proposal. The figure which shows an example of the positional information used in this proposal. An example of the user interface for inputting the positional information shown in FIG. The figure which showed an example of the display form information of an icon. Status display form information for each device with reference to device position information and icon display form information. The figure which showed the flowchart of this proposal whole. The figure which showed the flowchart of the update process of printing completion estimated time information. The figure which showed the flowchart of the icon determination in this proposal. The figure which showed the flowchart of the icon display in this proposal.

Claims (3)

In an image forming system comprising at least one image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Processing status icon display means for displaying an image forming processing status in the image forming apparatus as an icon;
A completion time determining means for determining a completion time of image forming processing in the image forming apparatus;
A position information management unit of the image forming apparatus;
The icon display form in the processing status icon display means is determined from the time until completion of the image forming process determined by the completion time determination means and the position information managed by the position information management means, and the determined An image forming system comprising icon display control means for displaying according to a display form.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the completion time determination unit and the icon display control unit are on the same information processing apparatus.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the completion time determination unit and the icon display control unit are provided on different information processing apparatuses.

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