JP2008283515A - Apparatus, system and method for image processing - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus which allows a user to know the completion time for a new job if it is added to the image processing apparatus that has already had a plurality of jobs. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus executes specified jobs based on specified image data. The image processing apparatus has a function which receives an execution instruction for an additional job when it has at least one or more existing jobs that have already been received, and an additional job completion desired time and a job completion expected time, a function which calculates an additional job completion scheduled time and a job completion scheduled time, a function which determines whether or not the job completion scheduled time exceeds the job completion expected time, and a function which displays the determination result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing method that calculate a scheduled end time of a job based on input information and present it to an operator.

In recent years, in the field of image processing apparatuses such as copiers and printers, techniques such as diversification of functions and composite functions (combination of functions of facsimile machines, printers, copiers, etc.) have advanced. In addition, a technology of an image processing system capable of connecting a plurality of image processing apparatuses such as a digital copying machine on a network and simultaneously performing a connected image processing using a number of image processing apparatuses is also progressing. Such an image processing apparatus and an image processing system are disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.
JP 2000-78345 A

  However, conventionally, when a plurality of jobs already exist (during execution or waiting for execution) in an image processing apparatus, when a new job is added, it is impossible to predict the time at which the newly added job will end. Met. In particular, in an image processing system as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an image processing apparatus connected to a network can be operated by a plurality of users (operators / users). In many cases, a plurality of jobs are performed, and when a plurality of jobs already exist in one image processing apparatus, a situation occurs in which a new job is added. In such a situation, a user who newly adds a job cannot know the time when the job ends.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when a new job is added to an image processing apparatus in which a plurality of jobs already exist, the newly added job ends. An object is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing method capable of knowing time.

  To achieve this object, a first image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that executes a predetermined job based on predetermined image data, and has at least one existing job that has already been received. A function that accepts an additional job execution instruction and accepts the expected job end time as the time when the additional job is desired to finish, a function that calculates a scheduled job end time as a time when the additional job is scheduled to end, and a job It has a function of determining whether or not the scheduled end time exceeds the expected job end time, and a function of displaying the determination result.

  The second image processing apparatus of the present invention controls the apparatus in order to execute a predetermined job based on predetermined image data, an operation means for receiving an input operation, a display means for displaying predetermined information, and predetermined image data. Control means, and when there is at least one existing job that has already been received, the control means accepts an execution instruction for the additional job via the operation means, and the time when the additional job is desired to end When the input of the expected job end time is accepted, the job start time is acquired as the time when the additional job can be started, the job required time is calculated as the time required for processing the additional job, the job start time, the job required time, Based on the above, calculate the estimated job end time as the time when the additional job is scheduled to end, and whether the estimated job end time exceeds the expected job end time To determine, characterized in that on the display unit the result of the determination.

  According to a third image processing apparatus of the present invention, in the second image processing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit replaces at least one of the existing jobs and the additional job when the determination result is displayed on the display unit. Display the display means, and if the replacement instruction is accepted via the operation means, recalculate the estimated end time of the additional job, and display the recalculated estimated end time on the display means. Features.

  According to a fourth image processing apparatus of the present invention, in the third image processing apparatus of the present invention, when the control unit accepts a replacement instruction via the operation unit, the existing job to be replaced is scheduled to end. The time is recalculated, and the recalculated scheduled end time is displayed on the display means.

  According to a fifth image processing apparatus of the present invention, in any one of the second to fourth image processing apparatuses of the present invention, the image processing apparatus further includes communication means for connecting to a network, and is connected to another image processing apparatus. If the control unit determines that the scheduled job end time exceeds the expected job end time as a result of the determination, the control unit sends another job to the image processing apparatus via the communication unit. In addition, the image data and the information on the additional job are transmitted, and the job end scheduled time in the other image processing apparatus is calculated, and the job end in the other image processing apparatus is requested from the other image processing apparatus. When the scheduled time is received, the scheduled job end time in another image processing apparatus is displayed on the display means.

  According to a sixth image processing apparatus of the present invention, in the fifth image processing apparatus of the present invention, the control means includes a plurality of other image processing apparatuses, and a plurality of other image processing apparatuses When requesting to calculate the estimated job end time for each image processing apparatus and receiving the estimated job end time for each of a plurality of other image processing apparatuses, based on the estimated job end time for each of the plurality of other image processing apparatuses. The display means displays a combination of a plurality of other image processing apparatuses including the own apparatus, which can distribute the processing load of the additional job so that the additional job is completed within the expected job end time. And

  The image processing system of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of any one of the first to sixth image processing apparatuses of the present invention are connected.

  A first image processing method of the present invention is an image processing method for executing a predetermined job based on predetermined image data, and when there is at least one existing job that has already been received, an instruction to execute an additional job is issued. A step of accepting an expected job end time as a time when the additional job is desired to be received, a step of calculating a job end expected time as a time at which the additional job is scheduled to be completed, and a job end expected time It is characterized by having a step for determining whether or not the threshold is exceeded and a step for displaying the result of the determination.

  According to a second image processing method of the present invention, in the first image processing method of the present invention, in the step of calculating a scheduled job end time, a job start time is acquired as a time when the additional job can be started, and the additional job processing is performed. The required job time is calculated as the time required for the job, and the scheduled job end time is calculated based on the job start time and the required job time.

  In the first or second image processing method of the present invention, in the third image processing method of the present invention, in the step of displaying the determination result, whether to replace at least one of the existing jobs with an additional job is determined. Is further displayed, and when a replacement instruction is accepted, the method further includes a step of recalculating the estimated end time of the additional job and displaying the recalculated estimated end time.

  According to the fourth image processing method of the present invention, in the third image processing method of the present invention, when a replacement instruction is accepted, the estimated end time of the existing job to be replaced is recalculated and recalculated. The method further includes a step of displaying a scheduled end time.

  When the fifth image processing method of the present invention determines that the estimated job end time exceeds the expected job end time in any one of the first to fourth image processing methods of the present invention, A step of transmitting image data and information on the additional job to another image processing apparatus, and requesting to calculate the estimated job end time in the other image processing apparatus; And a step of displaying a scheduled job end time in another image processing apparatus when the scheduled job end time in the other image processing apparatus is received.

  According to a sixth image processing method of the present invention, in the fifth image processing method of the present invention, there are a plurality of other image processing devices, and each of the plurality of other image processing devices is different from the plurality of other image processing devices. Request to calculate the scheduled job end time, and if the scheduled job end time for each of a plurality of other image processing devices is received, the job end is determined based on the scheduled job end time for each of the other image processing devices. The method further includes a step of displaying a combination of a plurality of other image processing apparatuses including the own apparatus, which can distribute the processing load of the additional job so that the additional job is completed within the expected time.

  According to the present invention, when a new job is added to an image processing apparatus that already has a plurality of jobs, the user can know the time when the newly added job ends.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the basic configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention. An image processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 7 is provided on a device casing 2 formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, an automatic document feeder 3 provided on the top of the apparatus casing 2, and an upper side of the apparatus casing 2. The image reading device 4, the image creating device 5 provided on the lower side of the device housing 2, the operating device 7 provided on the upper portion of the device housing 2, and the paper feeding device provided on the lower side in the device housing 2 8 and. When the print key 33 (see FIG. 8) is pressed in a state where a connection instruction is specified with the other image processing apparatus 1 by the operation device 7, each of the connected documents is read while reading one set of documents. The original image data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 1 so that each of the image processing apparatuses 1 is responsible for the print processing, and the specified number of copies are printed out. Hereinafter, the automatic document feeder 3, the image reading device 4, the operating device 7, the image creating device 5, and the paper feeding device 8 constituting the image processing device 1 will be described in detail in order.

  The automatic document feeder 3 includes a feeder housing 9 that is freely openable and closable on the upper portion of the device housing 2, a document table 10 that is provided on the upper portion of the feeder device 9, and a document set on the document table 10. A document set detection sensor 11 that detects this, a feeding roller 12 that takes in the documents set on the document table 10 one by one, a plurality of rollers 13 and a feeding belt 14, and the like. A feeding mechanism 15 for feeding a document taken in by the feeding roller 12 onto the contact glass 18 on the apparatus housing 2 side, and a document conveyed by the feeding mechanism 15 after the image is read on the contact glass 18. A take-out roller 17 that takes in and discharges onto a paper discharge unit 16 formed on the upper portion of the feeder housing 9, and a process for controlling these document set detection sensors 11 to 17. A control unit (not shown) that performs processing for counting the number of fed originals, and a conveyance motor (not shown) that drives the feed roller 12 to the discharge roller 17 under the control of the control unit. ). When a document feed instruction is output from the image creating device 5, the documents placed on the document table 10 are taken one by one and guided onto a contact glass 18 provided in the image reading device 4. , The process of conveying the document again and discharging it onto the paper discharge unit 16 is repeated.

  The image reading device 4 is inserted into an opening formed in the upper portion of the apparatus housing 2 and is closed by the automatic document feeder 3 so as to be opened and closed, and a guide rail disposed in the apparatus housing 2. (Not shown) is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction and is driven to travel at a first speed corresponding to the variable magnification, and the contact glass 18 disposed on the first carriage 19. A light source 20 that illuminates a document placed thereon is provided, and a first mirror 21 that is disposed on the first carriage 19 and reflects light (optical image) from the document. Further, the image reading device 4 is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction by a guide rail (not shown) disposed in the device housing 2, and when reading the original even if the first carriage 19 moves. The second carriage 22 is driven to travel at a half speed (second speed) of the first speed so that the optical path length is constant, and the second carriage 22 is disposed on the second carriage 22 and reflected from the first mirror 21. The second and third mirrors 23 and 24 that reflect the optical image, and the optical beam that is movably disposed in the apparatus housing 2 and is adjusted to a position corresponding to the focus, magnification, etc., and emitted from the third mirror 24 A lens 25 for condensing the image and a lens 25 that is movably disposed in the apparatus housing 2, adjusted to a position corresponding to the focus, magnification, etc., receives the optical image collected by the lens 25, and receives electricity CC to convert to signal (image signal) And a image sensor 26.

  When an image reading command is output from the image creating apparatus 5 side, the positions of the lens 25 and the CCD image sensor 26 are moved in the left-right direction (sub-scanning direction) according to the reading magnification, the reading range, etc. After the adjustment, the first carriage 19 and the second carriage 22 are moved on the contact glass 18 at the first and second speeds in the sub-scanning direction with the light source 20 of the first carriage 19 turned on. The image of the placed original is taken in, and is condensed on the CCD image sensor 26 by the lens 25 to generate an image signal, which is supplied to the image creating device 5. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the operation device 7 includes an LCD display (Liquid Crystal Display) 27 disposed on the upper portion of the device housing 2 so as to be elongated in the left-right direction, and an upper surface of the LCD display 27. When the LCD display 27 is touched by the operator when it is touched by the operator, the touch panel 28 that detects this and generates touch position information, the numeric keypad 29, the mode clear key 31, and the clear / A keyboard 135 constituted by a stop key 32, a print key 33 that is a copy operation start instruction key, and the like, and a microprocessor, arranged on the upper side in the apparatus housing 2, and an image creation apparatus via an I / O port While communicating with the system controller 119 on the 5th side, A process for fetching a display instruction command and status information output from the roller 119 and displaying the command on the LCD display 27; a process for processing touch position information on the touch panel 28 to detect an operated key; An operation unit (not shown) is provided for performing processing for detecting operation contents, processing for transmitting the processing results to the system controller 119, and the like.

  When a copy display screen instruction is output from the system controller 119, it is captured by the operation unit, and a screen designated by the copy display screen instruction can be copied on the LCD display 27, for example, as shown in FIG. A status message 34 indicating a copy number, a copy number display message 35 indicating the current set number of sheets, an automatic density key 36 operated when an automatic density instruction is designated, and an operation when automatically selecting a transfer sheet 46. An automatic paper selection key 37, a normal key 38 that is operated when setting the magnification to the same magnification, a sort key 39 that is operated when specifying a process for aligning copies in order of pages, and a copy page. Specify the stack key 40 that is operated when specifying the process to be sorted for each process, and the process for binding the sorted parts one by one A staple key 41 that is operated when setting the enlargement / reduction magnification, a double-side / split key 43 that is operated when setting the double-side mode, and a plurality of originals. An aggregation key 44 that is operated when the images are aggregated into one copy and a connection that is operated when each image processing apparatus 1 prints out a large number of copies via a network using a SCSI cable or the like. The mode key 45 and the like are displayed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the paper feeding device 8 is housed in the device housing 2 so as to be able to appear and retract, and each of the first to third paper feeding trays 47 to 47 in which transfer paper 46 of a specified size is stored. 49 and the first to third paper feed trays 47 to 49 by the intermittent operation of first to third paper feed clutches (not shown) provided for the first to third paper feed trays 47 to 49, respectively. The first to third paper feeding units 50 to 52 for taking out the transfer paper 46 stored in the printer, an intermediate clutch (not shown) that intermittently operates, a plurality of conveying rollers 53, and the like, By the intermittent operation, the vertical conveyance unit 54 that conveys the transfer paper 46 taken out by the first to third paper feeding units 50 to 52 upward, and the transfer paper 46 conveyed by the vertical conveyance unit 54 are taken in, and the timing is adjusted. Create an image A transfer roller of a designated size among the transfer papers 46 of each size stored in the first to third paper feed trays 47 to 49 when a printing operation is performed. 46 is taken out and conveyed upward, and the transfer paper 46 is supplied to the image forming apparatus 5 in accordance with the timing at which the leading edge of the toner image formed on the photoreceptor 66 reaches the paper transfer position.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the image creating device 5 has a writing optical unit 56 for writing an optical image based on an image signal output from the image reading device 4, and the front and back of the transfer paper 46 once formed with the image. The optical image generated by the writing optical unit 56 and the reversing / double-sided unit 57 that reverses and re-feeds the vertical conveyance unit 54 or reverses the transfer paper 46 and discharges the paper onto the paper discharge tray 81. And a paper transfer unit 59 for transferring the toner image visualized by the visualization unit 58 to the transfer paper 46 taken out by the paper feeding device 8. The fixing unit 60 that melts and fixes the toner on the transfer paper 46 on which the image is transferred by the paper transfer unit 59, and the transfer paper 46 on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 60 are attached to the apparatus. 2, a post-processing device (not shown) attached to the left side, a conveyance path switching unit 61 that leads to one of the reversing / double-side unit 57, and a control board 62 that controls the operation of the entire image processing device 1. The image shown by the image signal output from the image reading device 4 is visualized as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper 46 having a specified size. After fixing, it is supplied to a post-processing apparatus (not shown) outside the apparatus.

  In this case, the writing optical unit 56 rotates a laser diode that generates laser light based on image data output from the control board 62, a polygon mirror that scans the laser light emitted from the laser diode, and the polygon mirror. A laser output unit 63 including a drive motor, a lens group 64 such as an f-θ lens that converts the laser light output from the laser output unit 63 to fθ, and the laser light from the lens group 64 are reflected. And a mirror 65 for supplying the image forming unit 58 to the image data output from the control board 62 into an optical signal to convert the image data onto the photoconductor 66 constituting the image forming unit 58. An optical image corresponding to is written to form an electrostatic latent image. The visualization unit 58 includes a photosensitive member 66 on which a latent image is formed by laser light emitted from the writing optical unit 56 while being rotated by a main motor (not shown), and in the vicinity of one end of the photosensitive member 66. A beam sensor (not shown) that generates a main scanning synchronization signal (LSYNC) and supplies it to the system controller 119 when detecting the laser beam emitted from the writing optical unit 56, and the photoconductor A photosensitive member cleaning unit (not shown) disposed around the photosensitive member 66 and a charging unit (not shown) disposed around the photosensitive member 66 and uniformly charging the photosensitive member 66. The developing unit 6 which is arranged around the photosensitive member 66 and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member 66. It is equipped with a door.

  When performing the printing process, the photosensitive member 66 is driven to rotate by the driving force of the main motor, and the surface of the photosensitive member 66 is emitted from the writing optical unit 56 while being cleaned by the cleaning unit and charged by the charging unit. After the optical image is written by the laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 66 is developed by the developing unit 67 to form a toner image. The paper transfer unit 59 is disposed so as to face the photoconductor 66, and a paper transfer bias roller 68 to which a bias voltage is applied when the toner image formed on the photoconductor 66 is transferred to the transfer paper 46. A driving roller 69 that is rotationally driven by the main motor, and a transfer paper 46 that is stretched between the driving roller 69 and the paper transfer bias roller 68 and onto which the toner image on the photoconductor 66 is transferred by the paper transfer bias roller 68. And a conveying belt 70 that conveys the sheet to the paper transfer bias roller 68 while pressing the conveying belt 70 against the photosensitive member 66 with the transfer sheet 46 supplied from the registration roller 55 interposed therebetween when performing a printing operation. A predetermined bias voltage is applied to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 66 onto the transfer paper 46, and then The conveyed to the fixing unit 60.

  The fixing unit 60 includes a fixing roller 71 controlled to have a predetermined temperature, and a pressure roller 72 that presses the transfer paper 46 conveyed by the paper transfer unit 59 against the fixing roller 71. The transfer paper 46 conveyed from the unit 59 is heated while being pressurized, the toner image formed on the transfer paper 46 is melted and fixed, and is carried out to the conveyance path switching unit 61. The transport path switching unit 61 includes a take-in roller 73 that takes in the transfer paper 46 supplied from the fixing unit 60, and a switching claw (not shown) that switches the transport path of the transfer paper 46 taken in by the take-in roller 73. When the transfer paper 46 is guided to the left side (left side in FIG. 7) by the switching claw, the plurality of paper discharge rollers 75 that convey the transfer paper 46 to the left side and guide it to the paper output tray 81 outside the machine, and the switching When the transfer paper 46 is guided to the lower side (lower side in FIG. 7) by the nail, the reverse / double-sided paper feed roller 76 that guides the transfer paper 46 to the reverse / double-sided unit 57 and the transfer reversed by the reverse / double-sided unit 57. A reverse discharge roller 78 for guiding the paper 46 to the paper discharge tray 81 is provided, and the transfer paper 46 conveyed from the fixing unit 60 is taken in and the system controller is used. By switching the conveying direction by the switching claw based on an instruction over La 119 directly or lead sheet discharge tray 81, or led to the inversion / duplex unit 57.

  The reversing / double-side unit 57 takes in the transfer paper 46 supplied from the transport path switching unit 61 and then transports it in the reverse direction to reverse the front and back of the transfer paper 46 and the reversed transfer paper 46. A re-feed roller 79 that supplies the vertical conveyance unit 54 of the paper supply device 8 is provided. When a reverse discharge instruction is output from the system controller 119, the transfer paper 46 supplied from the conveyance path switching unit 61 is provided. The reverse transfer roller 77 reverses (switches back) the conveyance direction of the transfer paper 46, and the reverse discharge roller 78 discharges the reverse transfer paper 46 to the discharge tray 81. When the paper instruction is output, the transfer paper 46 supplied from the transport path switching unit 61 is taken in and then transferred by the reverse roller 77. 46 supplies the already inverted transfer paper 46 in the vertical conveying unit 54 of the sheet feeding device 8 by the sheet re-feeding roller 79 by reversing the conveying direction of.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the control board 62 performs various data processing to control the overall operation of the image processing apparatus 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 140 and a system controller 119, various memories 150, and so on. And controls the operation of each part of the apparatus based on the control program to perform document image reading processing, printing processing, connection processing, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the system controller 2 of the present invention includes an operation prediction function 136 for predicting a job processing operation of the image processing apparatus 1. The operation prediction function 136 is based on a timer function that measures the date and time in real time, a function that calculates (acquires) a job start time described later, a function that calculates a job required time described later, and the job start time and job required time described above. A function for calculating a scheduled job end time to be described later, a function for determining whether or not the scheduled job end time exceeds an expected job end time to be described later.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the memory 150 is a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a control program that defines the operation of the CPU 140 and various constant data, a RAM (such as a work area of the CPU 140). Random Access Memory), a primary storage device composed of a semiconductor memory, a secondary storage device composed of a hard disk, and an image memory used as an image data storage area.

The operation of the image processing apparatus of the present invention configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIG.
In the following description, it is assumed that a plurality of jobs already exist in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, and a user adds a new job. The new job to be added is “printing an image on paper and outputting it”. A job that already exists in the image processing apparatus is called an “existing job”, and a new job to be added is called an “additional job”.

  The user operates the touch panel 28 and various keys 29, 31, 32, and 33 of the operation device 7 to input operation conditions of the image processing device and instruct execution of an additional job. The system controller 119 receives the input operating condition, temporarily stores it in the memory 150 (for example, a primary storage device or a secondary storage device), and reads (inputs) an image of a job processing target (print output target). The image reading device 4 is made to acquire the image data and temporarily store it in the memory 150 (for example, an image memory) (step S1). The “operation condition” is a condition desired by the user when executing a job, and is information (job information) including details regarding the job. Here, since the job is “printing and printing an image on paper”, for example, the number of prints, print density, magnification (enlargement / reduction), paper size, print mode (color / monochrome / photo), job The expected end time is an operating condition, and the user sets and inputs it as desired.

  The “expected job end time” is an end time of a job desired by the user, and is always input in the present invention. The expected job end time preferably specifies a date and time (time limit). For example, if the user wants to finish the additional job by 10:20 on May 9, the user inputs the expected job end time as “5/9 10:20”.

  In step S 1, when an operation for adding an additional job “print and output an image on paper” is performed, the system controller 119 can start the additional job by the operation prediction function 136. Time (hereinafter referred to as job start time) is acquired from the memory 150 (step S2). Since the memory 150 stores the estimated end time of each existing job (hereinafter referred to as the estimated job end time), the job start time of the additional job based on the estimated job end time of the existing job. Can be obtained. When there are a plurality of existing jobs, the job start time of the additional job is the same time as or the time after the scheduled end time of the existing job scheduled to be processed last. Note that the job start time and the scheduled job end time preferably indicate the date and time.

  Next, the system controller 119 uses the motion prediction function 136 to print out the image data that is temporarily stored in the memory 150 based on the print output target image data (the time required to process the additional job). (Hereinafter referred to as job required time) is calculated (step S3).

  Next, the system controller 119 uses the operation prediction function 136 to calculate a scheduled job end time, which is a time when the additional job is scheduled to end, based on the job start time and the required job time (step S4).

  Next, the system controller 119 uses the operation prediction function 136 to read the expected job end time previously input as an operation condition by the user and temporarily stored in the memory 150 from the memory 150, and to calculate the job end schedule calculated in step S4. It is determined whether or not the time exceeds the expected job end time read from the memory 150 (step S5).

  As a result of the determination in step S5, if the estimated job end time does not exceed the expected job end time (step S5 / NO), the system controller 119 indicates that output printing can be performed within the expected job end time via the LCD 27. In addition to presenting it to the user, the image creation apparatus 5 is instructed to execute an additional job (output printing) (actually, since the existing job is being executed or is waiting, the additional job is in an execution standby state). . Then, after the existing job ends, the system controller 119 reads the operation condition temporarily stored in the memory 150, and causes the image creating apparatus 5 to execute an additional job based on the operation condition (step S6). In this case, the additional job is performed within the expected job end time.

  As a result of the determination in step S5, if the estimated job end time exceeds the expected job end time (step S5 / YES), the system controller 119 notifies the user that output printing cannot be performed within the expected job end time via the LCD 27. It is made to present (step S7). The display on the LCD 27 is, for example, “Additional job (job name) does not end within the desired time. Scheduled end time is XX hours Δ △ minutes (scheduled job end time)”. It is the contents. The user can determine whether or not to execute an additional job in the image processing apparatus by looking at the display on the LCD 27.

  After the display in step S7, when the user receives an instruction to execute the job (step S8 / YES), the system controller 119 instructs the image creating apparatus 5 to execute the additional job (in practice, the existing job is Since the job is being executed, the additional job is in an execution standby state). Then, after the existing job ends, the system controller 119 reads the operation condition temporarily stored in the memory 150, and causes the image creating apparatus 5 to execute an additional job based on the operation condition (step S6). In this case, the additional job is performed after the expected job end time.

  After the display of step S7, when the user does not accept an instruction for executing the additional job within a certain time, or when an operation for canceling the execution of the additional job, such as pressing the clear key, is performed (step S8). / NO), the system controller 119 treats the additional job as cancelled, and displays a message such as “additional job (job name) has been canceled” on the LCD 27, for example. In addition, the system controller 119 erases the operating conditions and image data temporarily stored in the memory 150 after a predetermined time.

  As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the user can know when the job to be added ends when the scheduled job end time is calculated and displayed to the user. it can.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention described in the first embodiment can also calculate whether all jobs can be completed within the expected job end time by exchanging existing jobs and additional jobs. As described in the first embodiment, when jobs 1 and 2 that are existing jobs already exist, when job 3 that is an additional job is newly added (see FIG. 3A), job 1, After the end of step 2, job 3 is added (see FIG. 3B). If the additional job 3 is performed after the existing job 2 as described above, the job may not be completed within the expected job end time (step S5 / YES in FIG. 2). Therefore, in such a case, the image processing apparatus of the present invention replaces the existing job 2 and the additional job 3 to test whether the additional job can be completed within the expected job end time.

  When it is determined in step S5 of FIG. 2 that the planned job end time exceeds the expected job end time in the order of existing job 1 → existing job 2 → additional job 3 as shown in FIG. 3B. (Step S5 / YES) In step S7, the user is notified via the LCD 27 that output printing cannot be performed within the expected job end time. At this time, the existing job and the additional job are displayed via the LCD 27. It is shown to the user whether or not to try to replace If an instruction operation for replacement is not accepted, the process proceeds to step S8. When an instruction operation for replacement attempt is received, the system controller 119 adds the existing job 2 scheduled to be executed last among the existing jobs 1 and 2, as shown in FIG. Attempts to replace job 3 and recalculates the estimated job end time of additional job 3. If it is determined by this replacement attempt that the estimated job end time of the additional job 3 does not exceed the expected job end time (expected job end time of the additional job 3) (for example, “existing job 2 and additional job 3”). 3 ”is displayed on the LCD 27, and the job is actually executed. Present to the user. The user can select whether or not to actually replace the job by looking at the display. If an instruction operation for job replacement execution is accepted, the process proceeds to step S6 in FIG. 2, and after the existing job 1 is executed, the jobs are executed in the order shown in FIG. If an instruction operation for job replacement execution is not accepted, the process proceeds to step S8.

  As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when an additional job does not end within the expected job end time in the order of additional job execution after executing an existing job, an attempt is made to replace the existing job with the additional job. By determining whether the additional job is completed within the expected job end time and displaying the determination result to the user, the user can complete the additional job within the expected job end time by replacing the job. You can know whether or not.

  In the above description, when the additional job 3 is performed prior to the existing job 2, the additional job 3 ends within the expected job end time of the additional job 3. It may happen that the existing job 2 does not end in time. Therefore, when the job replacement is attempted, not only the scheduled job end time of the additional job 3 but also the scheduled job end time of the existing job 2 is recalculated. Then, it is determined whether the estimated job end time of the additional job 3 exceeds the expected job end time of the additional job 3, and whether the estimated job end time of the existing job 2 exceeds the expected job end time of the existing job 2 , And the determination result (for example, “Additional job 3 finishes within the desired time (expected job end time of additional job 3), but existing job 2 finishes within the desired time (job of existing job 2) “Not finished within expected end time)” or “Within both desired job time (expected job end time of additional job 3 and expected job end time of existing job 2) for both additional job 3 and existing job 2” May be displayed on the LCD 27. The user can select whether or not to actually replace the job by looking at the display.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of the image processing apparatuses of the present invention described in the first and second embodiments can be connected to a network to form an image processing system. In the image processing system shown in FIG. 4, when the “image data printout” job exemplified in the first embodiment is performed, for example, image data is input by the image processing apparatus A and the image data is input by the image processing apparatus D. Print out. In the description here, the image processing apparatus of the present invention described in the first and second embodiments includes a communication apparatus (such as a network interface for communicating with other apparatuses) in addition to the configuration of FIG. The configuration.

The operation of the image processing apparatuses A and D of the present invention in the image processing system shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the following description, it is assumed that the image processing apparatus A of the present invention already has a plurality of jobs, and the user adds “printing and outputting an image on paper” as a new job. . Also, let the other machine that the image processing apparatus A (master machine) performs the connection process be the image processing apparatus D (slave machine).

  First, in the image processing apparatus A, steps S11 to S15 are performed. This is the same as steps S1 to S5 in FIG. 2, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

  As a result of the determination in step S15, when the estimated job end time does not exceed the expected job end time (step S15 / NO), the system controller 119 indicates that output printing can be performed within the expected job end time via the LCD 27. In addition to presenting it to the user, the image creation apparatus 5 is instructed to execute an additional job (print output) (in fact, since the existing job is being executed, the additional job is in an execution standby state). Then, after the existing job ends, the system controller 119 reads the operation condition temporarily stored in the memory 150, and causes the image creation apparatus 5 to execute an additional job based on the operation condition (step S16).

  As a result of the determination in step S15, if the estimated job end time exceeds the expected job end time (step S15 / YES), the system controller 119 notifies the user that output printing cannot be performed within the expected job end time via the LCD 27. The operation condition (job information) of the additional job to the image processing apparatus D on the network via a communication device (such as a network interface for communicating with other devices) not shown in FIG. Image data is transmitted (step S17). Further, the LCD 27 displays that communication with the image processing apparatus D is to be performed.

  In the image processing apparatus D, when job information and image data are received from the image processing apparatus A via the communication apparatus of the image processing apparatus D, the system controller 119 of the image processing apparatus D performs step S12 performed by the image processing apparatus A. The same operation as S14 is performed, and the estimated job end time in the image processing apparatus D is calculated. Then, the scheduled job end time is transmitted to the image processing apparatus A, and the received job information and image data are stored as temporary information in the memory 150 (step S17 '). The reason for holding the temporary information is that the scheduled job end time calculated by the image processing apparatus D is shifted by another job entering the image processing apparatus D while the image processing apparatus A is processing. This is to prevent that.

  When the image processing apparatus A receives the scheduled job end time in the image processing apparatus D via the communication apparatus (not shown in FIG. 1), the system controller 119 displays the scheduled job end time in the image processing apparatus D on the LCD 27. Let At this time, the LCD 27 displays a display for allowing the user to select an image processing apparatus for executing the additional job (for example, “which image processing apparatus is to execute print output?”). The user views the display on the LCD 27 and selects a desired image processing device (A, D) or “None of the image processing devices is selected” (step S19).

  In step S19, when the user selects the image processing apparatus A (step S19 / A), the system controller 119 instructs the image creating apparatus 5 to execute an additional job (actually, an existing job is being executed). Therefore, the additional job is in an execution standby state). Then, after the existing job ends, the system controller 119 reads the operation condition temporarily stored in the memory 150, and causes the image creation apparatus 5 to execute an additional job based on the operation condition (step S16). The system controller 119 of the image processing apparatus A causes the communication apparatus to delete the job information (operating condition) and image data held in the image processing apparatus D as temporary information from the image processing apparatus D. Direct through. The system controller 119 of the image processing apparatus D that has received an erasure instruction from the image processing apparatus A erases the stored temporary information.

  In step S19, if the user does not select any of the image processing apparatuses A and D (step S19 / no selection), the system controller 119 treats the additional job as cancelled. For example, “additional job (job name) is“ A message such as “Cancelled” is displayed on the LCD 27. Further, the system controller 119 deletes the operating conditions and image data temporarily stored in the memory 150 in the image processing apparatus A after a predetermined time. In addition, the system controller 119 of the image processing apparatus A causes the communication apparatus to delete the job information (operating conditions) and image data held in the image processing apparatus D as temporary information from the image processing apparatus D. Direct through. The system controller 119 of the image processing apparatus D that has received an erasure instruction from the image processing apparatus A erases the stored temporary information.

  In step S19, when the user selects the image processing apparatus D (step S19 / D), the system controller 119 instructs the image processing apparatus D via the communication apparatus to execute an additional job. Upon receiving a job execution instruction from the image processing apparatus A, the system controller 119 of the image processing apparatus D executes an additional job based on the stored temporary information (step S19 '). Note that the system controller 119 of the image processing apparatus A erases the operating conditions and image data temporarily stored in the memory 150 in the image processing apparatus A after a predetermined time.

  As described above, according to the image processing apparatus and the image processing system of the present invention, when the additional job does not end within the expected job end time on the master machine, the additional job ends within the expected job end time on the slave machine. By displaying whether or not, the user can select an image processing apparatus for executing the additional job (any image processing apparatus can be selected).

  In the above description, as shown in FIG. 4, only the image processing apparatus D outputs image data. However, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, the image processing apparatus D and the image processing apparatus By using B and B to distribute the load of image data output (additional job), it is possible to keep the scheduled job end time within the expected job end time. For example, the system controller 119 of the image processing apparatus A requests a plurality of other image processing apparatuses B to D to calculate the estimated job end time for each of the image processing apparatuses B to D, and the image processing apparatus The scheduled job end time for each of B to D is received. Then, based on the scheduled job end time for each of the image processing apparatuses B to D, the additional job is completed within the expected job end time from the own apparatus (image processing apparatus A) and the other image processing apparatuses B to D. Thus, the optimum combination of image processing apparatuses capable of distributing the processing load of the additional job is calculated, and the combination is displayed on the LCD 27.

  As mentioned above, although Example 1-3 of this invention was demonstrated, it is not limited to description of said each Example, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

  The present invention can be applied to an apparatus, device, system, method, and program (a recording medium on which the program is recorded) that can accept a plurality of jobs (particularly, jobs related to image processing).

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the job information which the system controller of the image processing apparatus of this invention manages. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the image processing system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the image processing system of this invention. 1 is a side sectional view showing a basic configuration of an image processing apparatus of the present invention. It is a top view which shows the detailed structural example of the operating device shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the example of a display content of the LCD display shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus 2 Apparatus housing 3 Automatic document feeder 4 Image reading apparatus 5 Image preparation apparatus 7 Operation apparatus 8 Paper feeder 9 Feeder housing 10 Document base 11 Document set detection sensor 12 Feed roller 13 Roller 14 Feed Belt 15 Feed mechanism 16 Paper discharge unit 17 Discharge roller 18 Contact glass 19 First carriage 20 Light source 21 First mirror 22 Second carriage 23 Second mirror 24 Third mirror 25 Lens 26 CCD image sensor 27 LCD display (display means) )
28 Touch panel (operation means)
29 Numeric keys (operation means)
31 Mode clear key (operation means)
32 Clear / Stop key (operation means)
33 Print key (Enter key. Operating means)
34 Status message 35 Copy number display message 36 Automatic density key 37 Automatic paper selection key 38 Same size key 39 Sort key 40 Stack key 41 Staple key 42 Scaling key 43 Duplex / split key 44 Aggregation key 45 Link mode key 46 Transfer paper 47 1 paper feed tray 48 2nd paper feed tray 49 3rd paper feed tray 50 1st paper feed unit 51 2nd paper feed unit 52 3rd paper feed unit 53 transport roller 54 vertical transport unit 55 registration roller 56 writing optical unit 57 reverse / Double-sided unit 58 Visualization unit 59 Paper transfer unit 60 Fixing unit 61 Transport path switching unit 62 Control board 63 Laser output unit 64 Lens group 65 Mirror 66 Photoreceptor 67 Development unit 68 Paper transfer bias roller 69 Drive roller 7 Conveyor belt 71 fixing roller 72 a pressure roller 73 uptake rollers 75 discharge roller 76 inverted / duplex Nyukami roller 77 reverse roller 78 reverse discharge rollers 79 paper re-feed rollers 81 discharge tray 119 system controller (control means)
135 Keyboard 136 Motion Prediction Function 140 CPU (Control Unit)
150 memory

Claims (13)

An image processing apparatus that executes a predetermined job based on predetermined image data,
A function of receiving an instruction to execute an additional job when there are at least one existing job that has already been received, and receiving an expected job end time as a time at which the additional job is desired to be completed;
A function of calculating a job end scheduled time as a time at which the additional job is scheduled to end;
A function of determining whether or not the scheduled job end time exceeds the expected job end time;
A function for displaying the result of the determination;
An image processing apparatus comprising: An operation means for receiving an input operation;
Display means for displaying predetermined information;
Control means for controlling the apparatus to execute a predetermined job based on predetermined image data,
The control means includes
When there is at least one existing job that has already been received, an instruction to execute an additional job is received via the operation means, and an input of an expected job end time is received as a time when the additional job is desired to end ,
Obtain a job start time as a time when the additional job can be started,
Calculate the job time as the time required for processing the additional job,
Based on the job start time and the job required time, a job end scheduled time is calculated as a time when the additional job is scheduled to end,
Determining whether the scheduled job end time exceeds the expected job end time;
An image processing apparatus, wherein the determination result is displayed on the display means. The control means includes
When the result of the determination is displayed on the display means, the display means displays whether or not to replace at least one of the existing jobs with the additional job,
3. The re-calculated scheduled end time of the additional job is recalculated when the replacement instruction is received via the operation unit, and the re-calculated scheduled end time is displayed on the display unit. Image processing apparatus. The control means includes
When the replacement instruction is received via the operation unit, the scheduled end time of the existing job to be replaced is recalculated, and the recalculated scheduled end time is displayed on the display unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3. It further has a communication means for connecting to a network, and can be connected to another image processing apparatus to execute the additional job,
The control means includes
As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the scheduled job end time exceeds the expected job end time, the image data and the additional job are related to the other image processing apparatus via the communication unit. Sending information and requesting to calculate the estimated job end time in the other image processing apparatus,
The job completion scheduled time in the other image processing apparatus is displayed on the display unit when the scheduled job completion time in the other image processing apparatus is received from the other image processing apparatus. Item 5. The image processing apparatus according to any one of Items 2 to 4. The control means includes
There are a plurality of the other image processing devices, and the plurality of other image processing devices are requested to calculate a scheduled job end time for each of the plurality of other image processing devices. When the scheduled job end time for each processing device is received,
Based on the scheduled job end time for each of the plurality of other image processing devices, the processing load of the additional job can be distributed so that the additional job is completed within the expected job end time. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a combination of the plurality of other image processing apparatuses is displayed on the display means.   An image processing system comprising a plurality of the image processing apparatuses according to claim 1 connected together. An image processing method for executing a predetermined job based on predetermined image data,
A step of receiving an instruction to execute an additional job when there are at least one existing job that has already been received, and receiving an expected job end time as a time at which the additional job is to be ended;
Calculating a job end scheduled time as a time at which the additional job is scheduled to end;
Determining whether the scheduled job end time exceeds the expected job end time;
Displaying the result of the determination;
An image processing method comprising: In the step of calculating the scheduled job end time,
Get the job start time as the time when the additional job can start,
Calculate the job time as the time required for processing the additional job,
9. The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein the scheduled job end time is calculated based on the job start time and the job required time. In the step of displaying the result of the determination,
Further displaying whether to attempt to replace at least one of the existing jobs with the additional job;
When receiving the replacement instruction,
The image processing method according to claim 8, further comprising a step of recalculating the estimated end time of the additional job and displaying the recalculated estimated end time.   11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of recalculating the scheduled end time of the existing job that is the target of replacement when the replacement instruction is received, and displaying the recalculated scheduled end time. Image processing method. When it is determined that the scheduled job end time exceeds the expected job end time, the image data and information on the additional job are transmitted to another image processing apparatus on the network, and the other image Requesting to calculate the estimated job end time on the processing device; and
When the scheduled job end time in the other image processing apparatus is received from the other image processing apparatus, displaying the scheduled job end time in the other image processing apparatus;
The image processing method according to claim 8, further comprising: There are a plurality of the other image processing devices, and the plurality of other image processing devices are requested to calculate a scheduled job end time for each of the plurality of other image processing devices. When the scheduled job end time for each processing device is received,
Based on the scheduled job end time for each of the plurality of other image processing devices, the processing load of the additional job can be distributed so that the additional job is completed within the expected job end time. 13. The image processing method according to claim 12, further comprising a step of displaying a combination of the plurality of other image processing apparatuses.

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