JP2009087127A - Image processing system, job processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system which does not need a server and is capable of processing a job even if a copying machine does not hold all of pieces of information needed for job processing. <P>SOLUTION: When a sub-job requesting non-possession information that is not possessed by an MFP (multifunction peripheral) although it is necessary for determining whether or not a job can be processed by a self machine is stored by the MFP to a storage device (4-1), respective PCs check the presence of the sub-job (4-2) to determine whether or not a self terminal can process its job (4-3), the PC which has determined that the processing is possible stores information on its own computer to the storage device (4-4), checks the information stored by the other MFP (4-5), deletes information on the other machine (4-7) when it is determined that the self computer is optimal to the PC for sub-job processing, and provides non-possession information (4-8). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system including a plurality of image processing apparatuses, a job processing method, and a program.

A plurality of client terminals, a plurality of copying machines, and one job management server are connected via a network such as a LAN, and each image processing apparatus executes a job from each client terminal via the job management server. Image processing systems that can do this are widespread.
In such an image processing system, for example, when a job management server accepts a job from a client terminal, information indicating image processing functions that can be executed from all copying machines by sequentially accessing each copying machine, and copying machines After acquiring information that indicates the current status of the printer, specifically waiting, executing a job, remaining paper, etc., refer to that information to select the optimal copier to execute the job and select it. Some copiers process jobs (Patent Document 1).

However, in order to construct such an image processing system, a server having a function of selecting which copier to process a job is necessary. Since such a server is generally expensive, it is difficult for a user. Cost burden increases. Therefore, the inventor of the present application is an image processing system including a storage device and a plurality of copiers. When each copier stores unprocessed job data in the storage device, The information indicating the conditions that can be taken in the case of processing in the storage device is stored in the storage device, the information indicating the conditions that can be taken by the other device is acquired from the storage device, By comparing based on common standards for copiers, it is determined whether or not the device is optimal for processing the job, and if it is determined to be optimal, an image processing system for processing the job was created, and an earlier application was filed . Since this image processing system does not require a server, a cost reduction effect can be expected.
JP 2001-34428 A

  However, in the image processing system, the job processing is not completed unless the copying machine has all the information necessary for determining whether or not it can be processed by the own apparatus. For example, when a job process is requested from an information terminal brought into a conference room with the condition that it is desired to output to the nearest copier, each copier is related to the distance between the conference room and each copier. If the information is not held, the job processing is not completed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can process a job even when a server is unnecessary and the copier does not have all the information necessary for job processing. An object is to provide an image processing system, a job processing method, and a program.

  To achieve the above object, an image processing system according to the present invention includes a storage device and a plurality of image processing devices, and each image processing device stores unprocessed job data in the storage device. Determining whether or not the job can be processed by the own device; if it is determined that the job can be processed, information indicating conditions that can be taken when the job is processed by the own device is stored in the storage device and Information indicating conditions to be obtained is acquired from the storage device, and the own device processes the job by comparing the information indicating the conditions that can be taken by the own device and other devices based on a common criterion for each image processing device. An image processing system that processes the job when it is determined to be optimal, even though it is necessary to determine whether the job can be processed by the own device Serial and non-carrier information not held in the image processing apparatus, characterized by comprising one or a plurality of information terminals to provide said each image processing apparatus.

  According to the job processing method of the present invention, in each of the image processing systems including a storage unit and a plurality of image processing devices, each of the image processing devices stores the unprocessed job data in the storage device. It is determined whether or not the job can be processed by the own device, and when it is determined that the job can be processed, information indicating a condition that can be taken when the job is processed by the own device is stored in the storage device, and the possible condition of another device Information from the storage device, and by comparing the information indicating the conditions that can be taken by the own device and other devices based on a common criterion for each image processing device, the own device processes the job. A job processing method for determining whether or not an image is optimal and processing the job when it is determined to be optimal, wherein the image processing system includes an information terminal and is not possessed by each of the image processing devices. When any image processing apparatus cannot determine that the job is to be processed by its own apparatus due to non-held information, the information terminal provides the non-held information; and the non-held information is provided. Then, each of the image processing devices executes a step of referring to the non-held information to determine whether or not to process the job by the own device.

  When a computer included in an image processing system including a storage unit and a plurality of image processing devices stores an unprocessed job data in the storage device, the program according to the present invention is stored in the storage device. Determining whether or not the job can be processed by the own device; if it is determined that the job can be processed, information indicating conditions that can be taken when the job is processed by the own device is stored in the storage device and Information indicating conditions to be obtained is acquired from the storage device, and the own device processes the job by comparing the information indicating the conditions that can be taken by the own device and other devices based on a common criterion for each image processing device. A program for processing the job when it is determined to be optimal, wherein the image processing system includes an information terminal, and each of the image processing apparatuses stores the program. If any image processing apparatus cannot determine that the job is to be processed by its own apparatus because there is non-held information that has not been held, the step of causing the information terminal to provide the non-held information; Is provided, the image processing apparatus is caused to execute a step of determining whether or not to process the job by the own apparatus with reference to the non-held information.

  The image processing system according to the present invention provides the image processing apparatus with non-held information that is not held in each image processing apparatus although it is necessary to determine whether or not the job can be processed by the own apparatus. A terminal is provided. Therefore, even if the server is unnecessary, the job can be processed even when each image processing apparatus does not have all the information necessary for job processing.

Embodiments of an image processing system, a job processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[Configuration of image processing system]
<System configuration>
The configuration of the image processing system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the image processing apparatus system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of MFPs 1 to 6 (Multiple Function Peripheral), a plurality of PCs 101 to 105 (personal computer), and, for example, a NAS (Network Attached Storage) or HDD. A storage device 201 including (Hard Disk Drive) is provided. The MFPs 1 to 6 correspond to the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and the PCs 101 to 105 correspond to the information terminal according to the present invention.

  The MFPs 1 to 3 and the PC 101 installed in the office A, the MFPs 4 to 6 and the PC 102 installed in the office B far from the office A, and the PC 103 and the storage device 201 installed outside the office are respectively connected to the network 301 by a wired LAN. It is connected. Further, the PC 104 installed in the conference room A close to the office A and the PC 105 installed in the conference room B close to the office B are connected to the network 301 via a wireless LAN. Note that in addition to the MFPs 1 to 6, the PCs 101 to 105, and the storage device 201, for example, an image processing device such as a FAX device or a printer may be connected to the network 301.

<Configuration of MFP>
The configuration of the MFPs 1 to 6 will be described by taking the MFP 1 as an example. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the MFP. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1 includes units such as an MFP controller 10, a network unit 20, a serial communication unit 30, a local connection unit 40, a FAX unit 50, a scanner unit 60, a printer unit 70, and an operation panel 80. .

The MFP controller 10 controls the functions and operations of the entire MFP 1 by controlling the above units. As a result, the MFP 1 can perform job processing such as copying, printing, and scanning.
The MFP controller 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, an encryption board 13, a flash memory 14, an NVRAM (Nonvolatile Random Access Memory) 15, an HDD 16, and the like.

  The CPU 11 executes the object code of the MFP overall control software 90 stored in the flash memory 14. In addition, the network unit 20, serial communication unit 30, local connection unit 40, FAX unit 50, scanner unit 60, HDD 16, etc., the data received from the arithmetic unit or the processing is processed, the network unit 20, serial communication unit 30, local connection unit. 40, the FAX unit 50, the printer unit 70, the HDD 16, and the like.

The RAM 12 is a main memory that serves as a work memory used when the CPU 11 performs calculation or processing of data, and is configured by a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), an SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM), or the like.
The encryption board 13 is mounted as one of the security functions of the MFP 1 and is an integrated circuit for encrypting data read / written by the HDD 16.

The flash memory 14 stores MFP overall control software 90 executed by the CPU 11, country language message data displayed on the operation panel 80, and an embedded device OS such as VxWORKS.
The NVRAM 15 is a non-volatile memory and stores various setting values necessary for the operation of the MFP 1. Examples of the setting value include a network setting value such as an IP address, a setting value for image quality adjustment, and the like.

The HDD 16 stores data in a file format. When there is data exceeding the processing capacity of the RAM 12, it is used as a swap area. The HDD 16 may be provided with a password protection function (HDD lock function) that cannot be read / written unless the passwords match as one of the security functions of the MFP 1.
The network unit 20 includes an Ethernet (registered trademark) port and a USB port. The Ethernet (registered trademark) port is a port for connecting the MFP 1 to the network 301 with Ethernet (registered trademark), and supports standards such as 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T. The USB port is a port for locally connecting the MFP 1 to a PC (not shown). When the MFP 1 is connected, a print function or the like can be used from the PC.

The serial communication unit 30 includes a serial port for connecting the MFP 1 to a PC or the like (not shown) by a serial communication method (RS-232C standard).
The local connection unit 40 includes a Centronics interface (parallel port) for connecting the MFP 1 to a PC or the like (not shown) in a parallel port. When connected, a print function or the like can be used from a PC or the like.

The FAX unit 50 functions as a modem for transmitting and receiving FAX data via a public line.
When the MFP controller 10 receives a scan process, the scanner unit 60 reads an image such as a character, graphic, or photograph from a paper document and generates image data including electronic data. The scanner unit 60 may be provided with an ADF that automatically reads a plurality of paper documents and a device having a Duplex function for performing double-sided scanning.

When the printer unit 70 receives a print process from the MFP controller 10, the printer unit 70 prints the data converted for printing on paper and outputs it as a paper document. The printer unit 70 may be provided with a finisher having a finishing function such as sorting, punching holes, or stapling.
The operation panel 80 includes a touch panel liquid crystal display and various keys such as a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, and a screen switching key, and serves as a dedicated control device for the user to operate the MFP 1.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall MFP control software. The MFP overall control software 90 includes a main control unit 91, a FAX processing unit 92, a network processing unit 93, a PCScan application 94, a PCPrint application 95, a job determination processing unit 96, an access timer management unit 97, a scanner control unit 98, and printer control. Various modules such as the unit 99 and the panel control unit 100 are provided.

The main control unit 91 is a module that forms the core of overall control, and comprehensively controls control signals from the other modules 92 to 100. For example, the scan operation sequence, the print operation sequence, and the like are generally controlled in accordance with the start, stop, restart, discard, interrupt, etc. of the copy.
The main control unit 91 generates and activates the system, accepts a request for job processing such as printing, copying, scanning, and fax transmission, and assigns a job ID uniquely to each job to sequentially sort each type. Allocate Further, when there is a job processing deletion request from the user, the job data is cleared. Furthermore, access to the HDD 16 and the RAM 12 is controlled, and when the HDD 16 is handled as a file system using the OS function, access to the file system is controlled.

  The FAX processing unit 92 controls transmission / reception of FAX data. When the FAX processing unit 92 receives an incoming call notification from the FAX unit 50 that has received the FAX data, the FAX processing unit 92 requests the main control unit 91 to perform job processing for FAX data reception and instructs the start of job processing. Note that transmission / reception of FAX data is performed using a public line via the FAX unit 50 or as Internet FAX via the network processing unit 93.

The network processing unit 93 executes the request received via the network unit 20. The accepted request is taken into the network processing unit 93 via a message queue provided by the OS. Then, processing is performed according to the contents of the fetched message, and the processing result is transferred to the network unit 20.
Further, the network processing unit 93 receives a job processing request transmitted from the PCs 101 to 105 via the network 301 via the Internet (corresponding to TCP / IP, IPX / SPX, SNMP, etc.), and sends it to the PCPrint application 95. Perform the interface processing to send. As a result, the print job is processed.

The network processing unit 93 performs such interface processing with the network unit 20 between the network unit 20 and the main control unit 91, between the network unit 20 and the FAX processing unit 92, between the network unit 20 and the PCScan application 94, the network. The same operation is performed between the unit 20 and the job determination processing unit 96.
The PCScan application 94 receives and processes a scan job. When the user requests a scan from the operation panel 80, the panel control unit 100 notifies the start of the scan job via the main control unit 91. The PCScan application 94 processes the scan job in response to the notification to create an image file, and transmits the image file to the PC-X via the network processing unit 93 and the network unit 20. A scan request can also be made from the PC-X. In this case, the start of the scan job is notified via the network processing unit 93.

  The PCPrint application 95 receives and processes a print job transmitted from the PC-X via the network 301. When a user requests a print job from the PC-X, the PCPrint application 95 receives print job data composed of a page description language such as PDL via the network processing unit 93, and the PCPrint application 95 converts it into bitmap data. Are sent to the main control unit 91 together with the printing conditions. The bitmap data is transmitted from the main control unit 91 to the printer unit 70 via the printer control unit 99, and the image is printed on paper.

  The job determination processing unit 96 accesses the storage device 201 connected to the network 301 via the network processing unit 93 and the network unit 20 and confirms whether there is a registration job. When a job is registered in the storage device 201, it is determined whether the job can be processed by the own device, and further, it is determined whether the own device should process the job. If the job determination processing unit 96 determines that the processing should be performed, the job data is downloaded from the storage device 201, the job processing is notified to the main control unit 91, and the job data is transferred to the main control unit 91. . The main control unit 91 temporarily stores the received job in the HDD 16 or the RAM 12 and performs job processing.

The access timer management unit 97 determines the timing (cycle) at which the job determination processing unit 96 accesses the storage device 201, and transmits an access permission signal to the job determination processing unit 96. When the job determination processing unit 96 receives the access timing signal from the access timer management unit 97, the job determination processing unit 96 accesses the storage device 201 and checks whether there is a registered job.
The access timer management unit 97 also has a clock management function of the MFP 1. Furthermore, a time calculation function such as measuring the end time of the received job is also provided. Details of the operation of the access timer management unit 97 will be described later.

The scanner control unit 98 controls the scanner unit 60. Specifically, a sequence control corresponding to a document continuous mode having a type such as a character mode or a photo mode and a document reading form having a type such as use of ADF or manual placement is performed. The scanner control unit 98 controls the scanner unit 60 when reading a document during FAX transmission.
The printer control unit 99 is a module that controls the printer unit 70 and executes a print sequence corresponding to the printing conditions requested by the user. Examples of printing conditions include single-sided printing, double-sided printing, and stamp printing. Further, the printer unit 70 is controlled when printing at the time of FAX reception or printing from the PC-X.

  The panel control unit 100 is a module for realizing a request input from the operation panel 80, and executes a signal transmitted from the operation panel 80 as an event process. Also, all screen processing programs displayed on the operation panel 80 are executed. Event processing includes preprocessing when a screen is selected, screen display processing on the operation panel 80, processing input from a soft key, and the like. By the event process, a notification for executing the process designated by the user through the panel operation is sent to the main control unit 91, and the user is notified of the MFP response by transitioning to the next screen.

<Configuration of PC>
The configuration of the PCs 101 to 105 will be described using the PC 101 as an example. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the PC. As shown in FIG. 4, the PC 101 includes a control unit 110, a network I / F unit 120, an input unit 130, a display unit 140, a storage unit 150, a CPU (not shown), a flash memory, and the like. It is used to create a job, request job processing such as copying, printing, and scanning, and confirm the result of job processing.

Further, the PC 101 provides the MFP-X via the storage device 201 with information (non-held information) that is not held by the own device although it is necessary to determine whether the job can be processed by the own device. To do. The provision of non-held information is performed based on the sub job data stored in the storage device 201 by the MFP-X. Details will be described later.
The control unit 110 includes a main control unit 111, a network processing unit 112, a sub job determination processing unit 113, an access timer management unit 114, and the like. In actuality, each of the units 111 to 114 is read and executed by the CPU on the RAM by a program installed in a certain area secured in the storage medium of the computer system, and by cooperating with the OS, each unit 111 to 114 is executed. The function is played.

The main control unit 111 controls the units 112 to 114 so that the PC 101 operates smoothly as a whole of the PC 101.
The network processing unit 112 receives a request for sub job processing transmitted from the MPF-X via the network I / F unit 120 via the Internet (corresponding to TCP / IP, IPX / SPX, SNMP, etc.), and determines a sub job. Interface processing to be transmitted to the processing unit 113 is performed. Also, the result (return value) for the job command of the sub job is transferred to the network I / F unit 120.

Similarly, the network processing unit 112 also performs interface processing between the network I / F unit 120 and the main control unit 111.
The sub job determination processing unit 113 accesses the storage device 201 connected to the network 301 via the network processing unit 112 and the network I / F unit 120 and confirms whether there is a sub job registered in the storage device 201. When the sub job is registered, it is determined whether or not the sub job can be processed by the own terminal, and it is further determined whether or not the own terminal is optimal for processing the sub job. If the sub job determination processing unit 113 determines that the sub job is optimal, the sub job is processed to provide non-holding information to the MFP-X that requested the sub job.

  The access timer management unit 114 determines the timing (cycle) at which the sub job determination processing unit 113 accesses the storage device 201 and transmits an access permission signal to the sub job determination processing unit 113. When the sub job determination processing unit 113 receives the access timing signal from the access timer management unit 114, the sub job determination processing unit 113 accesses the storage device 201 and confirms whether there is a registered sub job.

The network I / F unit 120 includes a control program such as a network communication program, and establishes connection with each MFP-X, another PC-X, the storage device 201, and the like on the network 301 by using a communication protocol. Sub-job data and non-held information are transmitted / received.
The input unit 130 is, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device, and is operated when a user requests a job or confirms a processing result of the requested job.

The display unit 140 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays a job reception screen (see FIG. 9) and job processing results.
The storage unit 150 includes, for example, an HDD and a RAM, and stores a distance information database and the like described later in a file format.
[Operation of image processing system]
<Overview of operation>
First, an outline of the operation of the image processing system according to the present embodiment will be described in comparison with the operation of a conventional image processing system. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the conventional image processing system. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the image processing system.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the conventional image processing system, (1) when a user requests a job from a PC (or MFP), (2) job data consisting of document data and printing conditions is transmitted from the PC to the server. . Then, (3) the server requests each MFP for function / status information.
Here, the function information indicates executable functions and capabilities of each MFP, such as color / monochrome for printing, number of gradations for color, print speed, duplex / single-sided, magnification, paper size, and the like. In the case of information and FAX transmission, this is information indicating the G3 / G4 standard, transmission speed, resolution, and the like. The status information is information indicating, for example, the current status of the MFP, for example, job waiting, executing, remaining paper, remaining toner, and the like.

  (4) After the function / status information is notified from all MFPs to the server, (5) the server collates the printing conditions with the function / status information of all MFPs, and (6) selects one optimum MFP. (7) Request job processing from the MFP. (8) The requested MFP processes the job. (9) When the job is completed, the MFP notifies the server of the completion. Then, (10) to (11) the end of job is notified from the server via the PC to the user.

  As described above, the conventional image processing system requires a server for selecting one MFP for processing a job. For this selection, the function / status information must be acquired from all the MFPs in the system. Further, since the information amount of the function / status information is increased due to the multifunction of the MFP, As the number of MFPs increases, the network load increases uniformly. Also, if the time required to acquire information from all MFPs becomes long, the processing of the job is delayed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, in the image processing system, (1) when a user requests job processing from any PC (or MFP), (2) job data is transmitted from the PC to the storage device. Stored. (3) Each MFP checks whether or not an unprocessed job is stored in the storage device at a predetermined cycle, and determines that an unprocessed job is stored. To determine whether or not processing is possible.

  If the information necessary for the determination is not held by the MFP, sub-job processing is executed to provide non-holding information to the MFP. Specifically, the MFP registers the sub job, and any PC processes the sub job data to store the non-holding information in the storage device 201, and the MFP acquires the non-holding information from the storage device 201. The MFP that has acquired the non-holding information refers to the non-holding information and determines whether the job can be processed by the own apparatus.

The non-held information according to the present embodiment is information regarding the distance between the job request source and the MFP, and such information is necessary when an output position condition is added to the job.
The output position condition is, for example, processing by an MFP installed at a position close to the job request source, processing by an MFP installed within a radius of several meters from the job request source, or within the same office This is a condition related to the output position of the job processing result, such as processing by an installed MFP, processing by an MFP installed on the same floor, and the like.

  Information about the distance between the job request source and the MFP is necessary to determine whether or not the own device satisfies the output position condition. Each MFP always has such information in the latest state. It is difficult. Therefore, in the image processing system according to the present invention, when an output position condition is added to a job, the PC provides the MFP with information related to the distance between the job request source and the MFP.

  (5) An operation indicating that the MFP (MFP-1, MFP-2, MFP-3 in the example of FIG. 6) that has been determined to be processed by the own device desires to process the job by the own device, Information indicating the conditions that can be taken when the job is processed (own device information) is stored in a predetermined folder in the storage device (entry information entry). Then, it is checked whether an entry of information (other device information) indicating a condition that can be taken when the job of another MFP for the job is processed is performed. If an entry is made by another MFP, the own device information and the other device information are compared to determine whether or not the own device is the optimum MFP for processing the job.

On the other hand, the MFP (MFP-X in the example of FIG. 6) determined to be unprocessable by its own device does not enter its own device information and does not check the other device information entry.
(6) The MFP (MFP-3 in the example of FIG. 6) determined to be optimal by the own device acquires the job data, (7) processes the job, and (8) to (9) the job is When finished, the user is notified via the PC.

  As described above, the image processing system according to the present embodiment is configured to determine whether each MFP processes an unprocessed job on its own device, and thus has a function of selecting a conventional MFP. A server is unnecessary. Since only the MFP that is determined to be able to process the job by its own device transmits its own device information (corresponding to function / status information) to the storage device, even in a system with a large number of MFPs. , It is hard to put a load on the network, and the processing of jobs is difficult to delay.

<Operation when sub-job processing is not executed>
An image processing system operation when the sub job processing is not executed will be described. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation when the sub job processing is not executed in the image processing system. In FIG. 7, the MFPs 4 to 6 are omitted. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing details of the operation when the sub job processing is not executed in the image processing system. In FIG. 8, the job determination processing unit 96 is abbreviated as “determination unit”, the access timer management unit 97 is abbreviated as “management unit”, and the MFPs 4 to 6 are omitted. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a job reception screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of job data. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a job list created in the storage device.

When a job without an output position condition is requested, sub job processing is not executed. In the following, in the image processing system as shown in FIG. 1, a series of operations (1) to (16) when a job without an output position condition is requested from the PC 104 installed in the conference room A will be described. To do.
(1) Job processing request For example, when a user requests a job processing from the PC 104, processing conditions such as printing conditions are input from a job reception screen as shown in FIG.

The job reception screen is a screen for receiving selection, input, and the like of a function in a job such as printing from a user, a tab for selecting various functions such as printing, FAX transmission, and scanning, and printing conditions for the function. A box for inputting processing conditions such as FAX transmission conditions and scanning conditions is displayed.
The user can touch-input functions and conditions to be executed from the job reception screen. For example, when printing a document image, first, a printing tab is touched to display an input screen for printing conditions as shown in FIG. When a box such as the number of copies and color is touched, another screen for inputting and selecting the number of copies and the like is displayed, and the number of copies and the like can be input from the screen. When the OK button is pressed after the printing condition input is completed, the input information is set as a job processing condition.

The input screen for printing conditions also displays a distance for inputting the output position condition and a job request source box (a box surrounded by “output position” in the figure). If no output position condition is input, this field is blank.
In response to the job processing request as described above, as shown in FIG. 10A, job data composed of a job ID, document data, and processing conditions (processing conditions are only printing conditions and no output position conditions) are obtained. Generated. The job ID is uniquely assigned in the order registered in the storage device 201, for example, “Job-0001”.

In the case of printing conditions, the processing conditions include, for example, conditions such as color, document size, output size, number of copies, page allocation, printing surface, and staples. In the case of FAX transmission conditions, for example, a document size, transmission standard, resolution, and F code are configured.
(2) Transmission and Registration of Job Data As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the PC 104 that has received a job processing request transmits job data to the storage device 201. The transmitted job data is stored in the storage device 201, thereby registering the job. Then, a job list as shown in FIG. 11 is created in the storage device 201.

(3) Job Check As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each of the MFPs 1 to 3 (MFPs 4 to 6 are omitted for explanation) accesses the storage device 201 at a predetermined cycle, and unprocessed jobs in the storage device 201. A job check is performed to confirm whether or not is registered. The access timer management units 97 of the MFPs 1 to 3 all generate access timing signals at substantially the same cycle, and the job determination processing unit 96 uses the storage device 201 as a trigger when the access timing signals are enabled. To access.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the access timer management unit 97 starts generating an access timing signal when the main body power of the MFPs 1 to 3 is turned on. Therefore, the access timing signals of the MFPs 1 to 3 do not always have the same phase, and usually have different phases as in the example shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a case where the phase is shifted is described. However, even if the phase is shifted, since the shift is usually several milliseconds, it can be considered that the phases are almost the same. For example, if the clock function of the access timer management unit 97 is used, the phases of all MFPs can be matched.

When each of the MFPs 1 to 3 performs the first job check, an unprocessed job is not registered in the storage device 201. Accordingly, the MFPs 1 to 3 remain in a standby state. When the second job check is performed, an unprocessed job is registered in the storage device 201, and each of the MFPs 1 to 3 detects and recognizes the registration.
When the job determination processing unit 96 detects registration of an unprocessed job, the job determination processing unit 96 notifies the access timer management unit 97 to that effect.

(4) First Determination As the first determination, the job determination processing unit 96 of each of the MFPs 1 to 3 determines whether the detected and recognized job can be processed by the own apparatus. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the first determination. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the contents of the function information of each MFP shown in FIG.
As illustrated in FIG. 12, the job determination processing unit 96 of each of the MFPs 1 to 3 acquires job data processing conditions from the storage device 201, and determines whether or not the job can be processed by the own device. This determination is made by comparing the function information indicating the functions that can be processed by the own apparatus with the acquired processing conditions.

  If the acquired processing conditions (processing conditions for the color print function job with job ID 0001) are as shown in FIG. 10A and the function information of each MFP 1 to 3 is as shown in FIG. The MFPs 1 and 3 that are the machines satisfy the printing conditions. On the other hand, since the MFP 2 is a monochrome machine, it does not satisfy the printing conditions. Accordingly, it is determined that only the MFP 1 and the MFP 3 can perform job processing on their own devices. The function information is stored in advance in the flash memory 14 or the like of each apparatus for each MFP.

  In each of the MFPs 1 to 3, the access timer management unit 97 that has received the notification from the job determination processing unit 96 changes the cycle of the access timing signal as shown in FIG. Specifically, the period is changed to about twice the current period + α. As described above, the periods of the access timing signals of the MFPs 1 to 3 are all set to substantially the same value. Therefore, if the period is changed to at least twice, theoretically, the period until the next access. This is because all the MFPs 1 to 3 in the system can access the storage device at least once in the cycle before the change and enter the own device information.

It is not always necessary to change the access timing cycle. This is because the longer the access timing interval, the longer the waiting time for an unprocessed job. For example, when a certain MFP receives a FAX transmission job during print job processing, the job check can be performed earlier than when the access timing is lengthened.
On the other hand, in the first determination, the job determination processing unit 96 of the MFP 2 that has determined that processing is not possible notifies the access timer management unit 97 that the job ID “Job-0001” is not entered. Receiving the notification, the access timer management unit 97 returns the cycle of the access timing signal to the original cycle so that the MFP 2 can perform the next job check earlier.

(5) Entry of own device information MFP 1 and MFP 3 that are determined to be processable by the own device each enter own device information. Specifically, an entry file for a job is created and stored in the storage device 201 (registered). In the job list of the storage device 201, as shown in FIG. 11, information indicating that MFP1 and MFP3 have entered job-0001 is written. On the other hand, no entry has been made for MFP 2 that is determined to be unprocessable by the own apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an entry file for a job. The file name of the job entry file (hereinafter, simply “entry file”) is based on a certain rule such as “job ID.MFP name” so that the job data and the MFP have a one-to-one correspondence. Determined.

In the entry file, capability information and status information are written as information indicating possible conditions when a job is processed.

  For example, in the case of printing, the capability information includes information on productivity such as system speed, first copy time, maximum number of copies, paper feed capacity, and paper tray capacity, resolution (600 dpi, 1800 dpi, etc.), and number of gradations. (256 etc.), information on image quality mode such as text / photo mode, etc., service maintenance cost, paper (recycled paper, genuine paper, etc.), power consumption, equipment life (usage frequency, remaining toner amount, etc.) It consists of information related to costs.

The status information includes information such as job processing, warm-up, and waiting.
The capability information and status information, except for fixed information such as system speed, are rewritten each time an entry file is created for information such as the current status and tray paper whose state and value vary.
The capability information and the status information are described in the entry file for each item from the higher level to the lower level in order of priority. The priority can be arbitrarily set by, for example, a user or an administrator. Here, the same priority is set for all MFPs in the image processing system. This is to enable each MFP in the system to determine whether or not to perform job processing on its own device based on the same determination criteria (second determination described later).

FIG. 14A is an example of a productivity-priority entry file, in which the system speed is described at the top as information related to productivity, and the power consumption of the information related to cost is described at the bottom. On the other hand, FIG. 14B is an example of a cost-priority entry file. Power consumption is listed at the top, and it can be seen that the ranking is reversed from the case where productivity is prioritized.
(6) Check of other machine information MFP 1 and MFP 3 check whether or not the own machine information of another MFP is entered in the storage device 201 at the time of the next job check. get. On the other hand, the MFP 2 starts checking another job instead of checking whether there is an entry.
(7) Second Determination In the second determination, each of the entered MFPs 1 and 3 determines an optimum MFP for job processing. This determination is made by comparing the contents of the entry files stored in the storage device 201.

  FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the second determination in the sub job processing. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the job determination processing unit 96 of the MFP 1 or 3 that has entered acquires an entry file of another MFP 1 or 3 in the storage device 201 with a trigger when the access timing signal is enabled. . As an entry file acquisition method, a method of downloading to the MFP 1 or 3 may be used, or a method of opening an entry file in the storage device 201 without downloading may be used.

  The job determination processing unit 96 of the MFP 1 and MFP 3 refers to the file name of the entry file and acquires an entry file for Job-0001. Specifically, an entry file whose first half of the file name (the part before the period) is “Job-0001” is searched, and only the entry files of other MFPs excluding the entry file of the own apparatus are acquired. If there is only an entry file for the local device, the entry file is not acquired. Note that the configuration may be such that the entry file of the own device is also acquired.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the MFP 1 obtains the entry file “Job-0001.mfp3” of the MFP 3 for Job-0001, and the MFP 3 acquires the entry file “Job-0001” of the MFP 1 for Job-0001. .Mfp1 ”.
The contents of the entry files are compared by first referring to the printing conditions acquired by the job determination processing unit 96 of each MFP and checking the capability information and status information of the entry files in order from the highest priority.

  Taking the entry file shown in FIG. 14A as an example, first the system speeds are compared. Since both the MFP 1 and the MFP 3 have the system speed of 45 ppm, it is determined that there is no difference between superiority and inferiority. Next, compare the current status. Since MFP 1 is warming up and cannot process a job immediately, MFP 3 is in standby and can process a job immediately. Therefore, at this point, it is determined that MFP 3 is more suitable for job processing than MFP 1.

This determination is performed by the job determination processing unit 96 of each of the MFP 1 and the MFP 3, but each job determination processing unit 96 makes a determination based on a common criterion for job processing determination that is determined in advance. To do. That is, both of the job determination processing units 96 of the MFP 1 and the MFP 3 determine that the MFP 3 is the optimum MFP for job processing.
In the MFP 1 determined not to be the optimum MFP, the job determination processing unit 96 notifies the access timer management unit 97 that Job-0001 will not be processed. Receiving the notification, the access timer management unit 97 returns the cycle of the access timing signal to the original cycle so that the MFP 1 can quickly perform the next job check.

(8) Deletion of Other Machine Entry File As shown in FIG. 15, the MFP 3 determined to process the job process deletes the entry file of the other MFP. Specifically, the entry file “job-0001.mfp1” of MFP1 for job-0001 is deleted. As a result, the entry file for Job-0001 in the storage device 201 is only the entry file “job-0001.mfp3” of the MFP 3, so that it is clearly indicated that the MFP 3 processes Job-0001.

  It should be noted that simply deleting the entry file of another MFP may create an entry file with reference to “job-0001” at the timing when the other MFP is present. Therefore, the MFP 3 may delete the entry file of another MFP and change the job file name “job-0001” to “Dmfp3-job-0001”, for example. This prevents the creation of an entry file from another MFP after the processing is determined, and clearly indicates that the MFP 3 processes the job (“job-0001”).

(9) Notification of Device Name to PC The job determination processing unit 96 of the MFP 3 notifies the PC 104 that requested the job processing that the MFP 3 will process the job processing.
(10) Notification of device name to user The PC 104 notifies the user who has requested job processing from which MFP the print result is output.

(11) Acquisition of Job Data The MFP 3 downloads job data “Job-0001” from the storage device 201.
(12) Job Processing The MFP 3 processes a job according to the printing conditions specified by the user.

(13) Notification of Job End to Storage Device When the job ends, the MFP 3 deletes information related to the job from the job list of the storage device 201 as a job end notification to the storage device 201.
(14) Notification of Job End to PC When the job ends, the MFP 3 notifies the job request source PC 104 of the job end.

(15) Job End Notification to User The PC 104 that has received the job end notification notifies the user of the end of job processing. Thereby, the user knows that the paper on which the document data is printed is output from the MFP 3.
(16) Deletion of Job Data The MFP 3 deletes the job data “Job-0001” that has been processed from the storage device 201.

As described above, the MFP 3 processes the job requested from the PC 104. If there are a plurality of job processes in the image processing system, the same process as described above is performed for each job.
<Operation when sub job processing is executed>
The operation of the image processing system when executing sub job processing will be described. In the image processing system as shown in FIG. 1, a series of operations (1) to (16) will be described by taking as an example a case where a job with an output position condition is requested from the PC 104 installed in the conference room A. To do. In this case, since (4) the first determination is characteristic, it will be described in detail in (4-1) to (4-9).

(1) Request for job processing The user can touch-input the output position condition from the job reception screen. As shown in FIG. 9B, an output position input field including a distance box and a job request source box is displayed on the printing condition input screen. When the distance box is touched, another screen for selecting a distance-related condition such as “near” or “within 50 m” is displayed. When the job request source box is touched, another screen for selecting an item for specifying the position of the job request source such as “conference room A” or “conference room B” is displayed. When the OK button is pressed after inputting the output position condition, the input information is set as a job processing condition.

  For example, when it is desired to execute processing from the conference room A as an output position condition to an MFP close to the conference room A, touch the distance box to select “close” and touch the job request source box to select “conference room A”. When selected, as shown in FIG. 10B, an output position condition composed of items of distance, job request source, and processing completion flag is added to the job data as a part of the processing condition.

  For example, “close” is written in the distance. When “near” is selected, it means that an MFP having a positional relationship defined as “near” in a distance database (see FIG. 19) described later is designated. Note that the definition of “close” is determined in advance in the image processing system based on the positional relationship between the job request source and the MFP. If “within 50 m” is written in the distance, this means that an MFP with a radius of 50 m from the position of the job request source is designated. The designated distance is not limited to 50 m, and 100 m, 150 m, etc. can be selected. Furthermore, it is possible to select the same office and the same floor. In this way, information specifying the distance from the job request source is written in the distance.

  The name of the conference room is written in the job request source, for example, “Conference Room A”. Note that what is written in the job request source is not limited to a room name such as a conference room name, but may be anything that can identify the location of the job request source such as a room extension number or IP address. Further, when a job is input from a PC installed in an office or the like, the user may not have to specify a job request source, but a room name or the like may be automatically written by a PC printer driver or the like. .

The processing completion flag is rewritten from “0” to “1” when the sub-job processing is executed and the non-held information is stored in the storage device 201. As a result, the MFP as the sub job request source can know that the non-held information is stored in the storage device 201 without receiving a notification from the PC that has processed the sub job.
The operations of (2) job data transmission and registration and (3) job check are substantially the same as those in the case where sub job processing is not executed, and thus description thereof is omitted.

(4) First Determination If it is determined whether or not the job can be processed by the own apparatus, if the non-held information is insufficient, the sub job processing is executed prior to the determination. The sub job processing is executed by a series of operations (4-1) to (4-9) as described below.
FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of sub-job processing. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing details of the operation of sub-job processing. In FIG. 17, the sub job determination processing unit 113 is abbreviated as “determination unit”, and the access timer management unit 114 is abbreviated as “management unit”. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of sub job data.

(4-1) Request for Sub-Job Processing Each MPF determines that it is not possible to determine whether or not a job can be processed by the own device when the output position condition is included in the job data. Then, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, each MFP creates sub-job data and stores it in the storage device 201. The sub job data is not limited to a configuration for creating sub job data for each MFP, and may be a configuration for creating one common sub job data.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the sub job data includes job instructions, device names, job request sources, and the like, and a sub job ID such as “Job-0001-QmfpX” is uniquely assigned in association with each job. . The job command is a command statement for acquiring the positional relationship between the job request source and the sub job request source, the device name is the name of the MFP as the sub job request source, and the job request source is the meeting room name.

(4-2) Checking Sub-Jobs Returning to FIGS. 16 and 17, each of the PCs 101 to 103 accesses the storage device 201 at a predetermined period and checks whether or not a sub-job is registered in the storage device 201. Check. The access timer management units 114 of the PCs 101 to 103 all generate access timing signals at substantially the same cycle, and the sub job determination processing unit 113 uses the storage device 201 as a trigger when the access timing signals are enabled. To access.

In this embodiment, only the PCs 101 to 103 connected by the wired LAN are configured to check the sub job, but the PCs 104 to 105 connected to the wireless LAN may be configured to check the sub job.
The access timer management unit 114 starts generating an access timing signal when the main power of the PCs 101 to 103 is turned on. Therefore, the access timing signals of the PCs 101 to 103 do not always have the same phase, and usually have different phases as in the example shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a case where the phase is shifted is described. However, even if the phase is shifted, since the shift is usually several milliseconds, it can be considered that the phases are almost the same. For example, if the clock function of the access timer management unit 114 is used, the phases of all the PCs can be matched.

When each of the PCs 101 to 103 performs the first sub job check, an unprocessed sub job is not registered in the storage device 201. Accordingly, each of the PCs 101 to 103 remains in a standby state. When the second sub job check is performed, an unprocessed sub job is registered in the storage device 201, and each of the PCs 101 to 103 detects and recognizes the registration.
When the sub job determination processing unit 113 detects registration of an unprocessed sub job, the sub job determination processing unit 113 notifies the access timer management unit 114 accordingly.

(4-3) First Determination in Sub-Job Processing The sub-job determination processing unit 113 of each of the PCs 101 to 103 determines whether the detected and recognized sub-job can be processed by its own terminal as the first determination in the sub-job processing.
The sub job determination processing unit 113 of each of the PCs 101 to 103 acquires the processing condition of the sub job data from the storage device 201, and determines whether or not the sub job can be processed based on the distance information database of the own device. In the sub job data, the output position is designated as “close” as the output position condition. Therefore, in order to process a sub job, distance information regarding the distance between the job request source and each MFP is required.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a distance information database. In the present embodiment, the PC 101 has a distance information database as shown in FIG. 19A, the PC 2 does not have a distance information database, and the PC 103 has a distance information database as shown in FIG. 19B. Shall. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, each distance information database includes two device names, installation locations, IP addresses, and distances from each conference room (distance such as “near” and “far”). Group defined by value, or metric unit).

  The PCs 101 and 103 having the distance information database determine that the sub job can be processed if the device name that requested the sub job is included in the distance information database. For example, when the MFP-X stores a sub job “Job-0001-QmfpX” for the job “Job-0001” in the storage device 201, each PC 101, 103 having a distance information database requested a sub job from the sub job ID. Confirms that MFP-X is included by referring to the distance information database of its own terminal, and determines that the sub job can be processed.

On the other hand, the PC 102 that does not have the distance information database does not have distance information about the MFP 1, and thus determines that the sub job cannot be processed.
In the PCs 101 and 103 determined to be processable in the first determination in the sub job processing, the sub job determination processing unit 113 notifies the access timer management unit 114 to change the cycle of the access timing signal as shown in FIG. Specifically, the period is changed to about twice the current period + α. As described above, since the periods of the access timing signals of the PCs 101 to 103 are all set to substantially the same value, if the period is changed to at least twice, theoretically, the period until the next access is reached. This is because all the PCs 101 to 103 in the system can access the storage device 201 at least once in the cycle before the change and can enter their own device information.

It is not always necessary to change the access timing cycle. This is because the longer the access timing interval, the longer the waiting time for an unprocessed job.
On the other hand, in the first determination in the sub job processing, the sub job determination processing unit 113 of the PC 102 that has determined that processing is not possible notifies the access timer management unit 114 that the sub job ID “Job-0001-QmfpX” is not entered in the sub job. To do. Receiving the notification, the access timer management unit 114 returns the period of the access timing signal to the original period so that the PC 102 can perform the next job check earlier.

(4-4) Entry of own device information The PC 101 and the PC 103 that have determined that the processing can be performed by the own terminal enter their own device information. Specifically, an entry file for a sub job (hereinafter simply referred to as “entry file”) in which what distance information is held as information relating to non-held information is created and stored in the storage device 201. Let (register). On the other hand, no entry is made for the PC 102 that is determined to be unprocessable by the terminal itself.

FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the second determination in the sub job processing. The file name of the entry file is determined based on a certain rule such as “sub job ID.PC name” so that the supplementary job data and the PC correspond one-to-one.
(4-5) Check of other device information The PC 101 and the PC 103 check whether an entry file of another PC is entered in the storage device 201 at the time of the next sub job check. To get. On the other hand, the PC 102 starts checking another sub-job instead of checking whether there is an entry.

(4-6) Second Determination in Sub-Job Processing In the second determination in sub-job processing, each of the entered PCs 101 and 103 determines the optimum PC for job processing. This determination is made by comparing each entry file stored in the storage device 201.
The sub job determination processing unit 113 of the entered PCs 101 and 103 acquires the entry files of the other PCs 101 and 103 in the storage device 201 using the time when the access timing signal is enabled as a trigger. As an entry file acquisition method, a method of downloading to the PCs 101 and 103 may be used, or a method of opening an entry file in the storage device 201 without downloading may be used.

  The sub-job determination processing unit 113 of the PCs 101 and 103 refers to the file name of the entry file and acquires the entry file for “Job-0001-QmfpX”. Specifically, only the entry files of other MFPs excluding the entry file of the own terminal are acquired. If there is only the entry file of the own terminal, the entry file is not acquired. Note that the configuration may be such that the entry file of the own terminal is also acquired.

  In the comparison of entry files, priority is given to the one having more MFP distance information. As shown in FIG. 20, the number of MFPs and the number of conference rooms stored in the distance database are written in each entry file. In the distance database of the PC 101 shown in FIG. 19A, distances related to the MFPs 1 to 3 and the conference room A are stored. The number of MFPs is 3, and the number of conference rooms is 1. The distance database for the MFPs 1 to 6 and the conference rooms A to C is stored in the distance database of the PC 103 shown in FIG. 19B. The number of MFPs is 6 and the number of conference rooms is 3. Accordingly, since the PC 103 has more information than the PC 101, the PC 103 is determined to be optimal.

This determination is performed by the sub-job determination processing unit 113 of each of the PC 101 and the PC 103, but the determination results are the same because each sub-job determination processing unit 113 performs the determination based on a predetermined common criterion. That is, both the PC 101 and the sub job determination processing unit 113 of the PC 103 determine that the PC 103 is the optimal PC for the sub job processing.
In the PC 101 determined not to be the optimum PC, the sub job determination processing unit 113 notifies the access timer management unit 114 that it does not process Job-0001-QmfpX. Receiving the notification, the access timer management unit 114 returns the period of the access timing signal to the original period so that the PC 101 can quickly perform the next job check.

(4-7) Deletion of Other Machine Entry File The PC 103 that has decided to process the job process deletes the entry file of the other PC. As a result, since the only entry file for Job-0001-QmfpX in the storage device 201 is the entry file of PC 101, it is clearly indicated that PC 101 processes Job-0001-QmfpX.

  It should be noted that simply deleting the entry file of another PC may create an entry file with reference to “job-0001-Qmfp1” at the timing when the other PC is present. For this reason, the PC 101 may delete the entry file of another PC and change the job file name “job-0001-Qmfp1” to “Dmfp3-job-0001-Qmfp1”, for example. . This prevents the creation of an entry file from another PC after the process is determined, and clearly indicates that the PC 101 processes the job (“job-0001-Qmfp1”).

(4-8) Storage of Non-Owned Information The sub-job determination processing unit 113 of the PC 101 executes sub-job processing and stores non-owned information in the storage device 201. For example, when processing a sub job requested by the MPF 1, it is confirmed that the distance between the MFP 1 indicated by the device name and the conference room A indicated by the job request source is “close” by referring to the distance database. The result of “close” is written to the sub job as a return value. As described above, the output position information is stored in the storage device 201. When the distance is specified as “within 50 m”, for example, the result is written in units of meters such as “15 m” and “20 m”.

When there are a plurality of sub job processes in the image processing system, the same process as described above is performed for each sub job.
(4-9) Notification of Job End to MFP When the sub job ends, the PC 101 notifies the MFP 1 that requested the sub job that the return value has been written. Receiving the notification, the MFP 1 refers to the sub job data to determine whether or not the job can be processed by the own apparatus.

Since the operation from (5) own device information entry to (16) job data deletion is substantially the same as the case of not executing sub-job processing, the description thereof is omitted.

<Operation of each MFP>
Next, a job processing operation in each MFP will be described.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing executed in each MFP. Such processing is executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP executing a program stored in the flash memory 14 or the HDD 16. The same applies to the following flowcharts.
As shown in FIG. 21, the MFP performs a job check on the storage device 201 at a predetermined cycle, and confirms whether or not an unprocessed job is registered (step S1).

If it is determined that an unprocessed job is registered (“YES” in step S2), a first determination is made as to whether or not the registered job can be processed by the own device (own device) (step S3). ). On the other hand, if the job is not registered (“NO” in step S2), the job check is continued (step S1). Note that sub-job processing is executed as necessary.
If it is determined that the device can be processed (“YES” in step S4), the device information is entered (step S5), and it is confirmed whether there is an entry for another MFP (other device) (step S5). S6).

  If it is determined that there is an entry for another MFP (“YES” in step S7), an entry file for the other MFP is acquired from the storage device 201, and the other machine information and the own machine information are compared (step S8). Then, a second determination is made as to whether the own apparatus is the optimum MFP (step S9). When it is determined that the own apparatus is the optimum MFP (“YES” in step S10), the document data is acquired, and is downloaded here (step S11). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that there is no entry for another MFP (“NO” in step S7), the document data is downloaded (step S11).

Then, the job is processed (step S12), and when the job ends, the storage device 201 and the PC 104 are notified of the job end (step S13). Thereafter, the job data is deleted from the storage device 201 (step S14), and the process returns to the job check (step S1).
If it is determined in step S4 that processing cannot be performed by the own apparatus, or if it is determined in step S10 that the own apparatus is not the optimum MFP, the process directly returns to step S1.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing details of the process between A and B in FIG. As shown in FIG. 22, the access timer signal is checked (step S21), and if it is enabled (“YES” in step S22), then whether or not an unprocessed job is registered in the storage device 201 is checked ( Step S23).
If registration of an unprocessed job is determined (“YES” in step S24), the access timer management unit 97 is notified that an unprocessed job is registered (step S25).

If it is determined in step S22 that the job is not enabled, or if it is determined in step S24 that no job is registered, the process returns to step S21.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing details of the process between B and C in FIG. 21 when the sub-job process is not executed. If the sub-job processing is not executed, as shown in FIG. 23, job processing conditions such as a print job are acquired from the storage device 201 (step S31). Are compared (step S32).

  As the print condition items, it is determined whether or not the requested conditions are satisfied in the own apparatus for each of color, document size, output size, number of copies, page allocation, print surface, and staple presence / absence. For example, a specific example will be described in which the printing conditions are color for color, document size of A4, output size is the same as the document, number of copies is 1, page allocation is 2 in 1, printing surface is duplex, and stapling is performed. First, if the own apparatus has a color print function, it is determined that the condition is satisfied, that is, that it is OK (“YES” in step S33), and the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if the color print function is not provided, it is determined that the condition is not satisfied ("NO" in step S33), and the process proceeds to step S41.

In step S34, it is determined whether or not the A4 size can be handled as the document size. When it is determined that it can be handled (“YES” in step S34), the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, if it is determined that it cannot be handled (“NO” in step S34), the process proceeds to step S41.
In the same manner, each of the output size (step S35), the number of copies (step S36), the page allocation (step S37), the printing surface (step S38), and the staple (step S39) is sequentially judged as to whether or not the condition is satisfied. To do.

If it is determined that all the conditions are satisfied (steps S33 to S39 are all “YES”), it is determined that the processing can be performed by the own apparatus (step S40).
On the other hand, if it is determined that any one of the conditions is not satisfied, it is determined that the device cannot be processed (step S41), and the access timer management unit 97 is notified that no entry is made (step S42).

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing details of processing executed only when sub job processing is executed. When sub job processing is executed, the following processing is executed before step S31.
As shown in FIG. 24, it is confirmed whether or not the output position condition is included in the job of the storage device 201 (step S301). If it is confirmed that the output position condition is included (“YES” in step S302), the sub job The data is stored in the storage device 201 and the provision of non-retention information is requested (step S303).

When the sub job data is stored in the storage device 201, sub job processing is executed between the PCs 101 to 105, and non-held information is stored in the storage device 201. The operation of the PC that provides non-held information will be described later.
When a predetermined time has elapsed after storing the sub job data (“YES” in step S304), it is confirmed whether or not the non-held information of the own device is stored in the storage device 201 (step S305). In this case (“YES” in step S306), the non-held information is downloaded (step S307), and the sub job data of the own device is deleted from the storage device 201 (step S308).

Then, referring to the output position condition and the non-held information (step S309), if the output position is close (“YES” in step S310), the process proceeds to step S31.
On the other hand, if the output position is far (“NO” in step S310), it is determined that the device cannot be processed (step S311), and the access timer management unit 97 is notified (step S312).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing details of the process between CD in FIG. As shown in FIG. 25, a new entry file is created in the storage device 201 (step S51), and productivity information, current status information, image quality mode information, and cost information are written in the entry file, respectively. (Steps S52 to 55), a file name is added (Step S56), and the entry file is saved and registered (Step S57). The entry file may be completed in the MFP and stored in the storage device 201.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing details of the process between D and E in FIG. As shown in FIG. 26, the access timer signal is checked (step S61). If it is enabled (“YES” in step S62), an entry file of another MFP for the job is searched (step S63). If it is not enabled (“NO” in step S62), the process returns to checking the access timer signal (step S61).

If it is determined that there is an entry file for another MFP (“YES” in step S64), all the searched entry files are opened (step S65), and the contents of the entry file are read (step S66).
Next, the contents of each entry file are compared in order of information with the highest priority. For example, if there are two entry files of MFP1 and MFP3, and each has the contents as shown in FIG. 14A, first, the system speed, which is the highest priority information, is compared (step S67).

  In the comparison, it is determined whether the own device is more advantageous, disadvantageous, or equivalent than the other devices. When it is determined that the own device is advantageous (“advantage” in step S68), it is determined that the job is processed by the own device (step S83). If it is determined that the own device is disadvantageous (“disadvantage” in step S68), it is determined that the job is not processed by the own device (step S84). If it is determined that they are equivalent (“equivalent” in step S68), the current status, which is the next highest priority information, is compared (step S69).

  Note that the above comparison was made when two MFPs entered, but when more than two MFPs entered, only the most advantageous MFP determines that its own device is advantageous (" It is determined that the other MFPs are disadvantageous (“Adverse” in step S68). If there are a plurality of most advantageous MFPs, it is determined that the MFPs are equivalent (“equivalent” in step S68), and the remaining MFPs are determined to be disadvantageous (“disadvantage” in step S68).

  In the comparison of the current status, if the own device is determined to be advantageous (“advantage” in step S70), it is determined that the job is processed by the own device (step S83), and if the own device is determined to be disadvantageous (“disadvantage” in step S70). ), It is determined that the device does not process the job (step S84). If it is determined that they are equal (“equivalent” in step S70), the tray paper types are compared (step S71).

  In comparing the types of tray paper, if the own device is determined to be advantageous (“advantage” in step S72), it is determined to process the job (step S83), and if the own device is determined to be disadvantageous (“disadvantage” in step S72). It is determined that the job is not processed (step S84). If it is determined that they are equivalent (“equivalent” in step S72), the remaining amount of tray paper is compared (step S73).

  In the comparison of the remaining amount of tray paper, if the own device is determined to be advantageous (“advantage” in step S74), it is determined to process the job (step S83), and if the own device is determined to be disadvantageous (“disadvantage” in step S74). ), It is determined not to process the job (step S84). If they are determined to be equivalent (“equivalent” in step S74), the remaining amount of toner is compared (step S75).

In the comparison of the remaining amount of toner, when it is determined that the own device is advantageous (“advantage” in step S76), it is determined that the job is processed (step S83), and when the own device is determined to be disadvantageous (“disadvantage” in step S76). It is determined that the job is not processed (step S84). If it is determined that they are equivalent (“equivalent” in step S76), the usage frequencies are compared (step S77).
In the comparison of the frequency of use, if it is determined that the own device is advantageous (“advantage” in step S78), it is determined that the job is to be processed (step S83), and if the own device is determined to be disadvantageous (“disadvantage” in step S78), the job Is determined not to be processed (step S84). If it is determined that they are equivalent (“equivalent” in step S78), the power consumption is compared (step S79).

  In the comparison of power consumption, if the own device is determined to be advantageous (“advantage” in step S80), it is determined to process the job (step S83), and if the own device is determined to be disadvantageous (“disadvantage” in step S80), the job Is determined not to be processed (step S84). If it is determined that they are equivalent (“equivalent” in step S80), the entry file creation times are compared (step S81).

  If it is determined that the creation time of its own device is first ("YES" in step S82), it is determined that the job is to be processed (step S83), and if the creation time of its own device is later ("NO" in step S82), the job Is determined not to be processed (step S84). If it is determined in step S84 that the job is not processed, the access timer management unit 97 is notified of this (step S85).

Note that the above is a case where productivity is prioritized. For example, in the case where cost is prioritized, the advantages and disadvantages of the items in the entry file shown in FIG.
For example, when the distance is designated as “within 50 m” as the output position condition, and the results such as 10 m, 20 m, etc. are written in the sub job data of each MFP, the distance is also compared, for example, A configuration in which a short MFP is determined to process a job is also conceivable.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing details of the process between E and A in FIG. As shown in FIG. 27, the entry file of another MFP is deleted (step S91), the device name of the own device is notified to the user (step S92), and the document data is acquired from the storage device 201 (step S92). S93), the job is processed (step S94).
When the job is finished (“YES” in step S95), the user is notified of the end of the job processing (step S96), and the job data in the storage device 201 is deleted (step S97).

4). Operation of each PC Next, a job processing operation in each PC will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing executed on each PC. Such processing is executed by the CPU of the PC executing a program stored in the flash memory or the storage unit 150.
As shown in FIG. 28, the PCs 101 to 103 perform sub job checks on the storage device 201 at a predetermined cycle, and confirm whether or not unprocessed sub jobs are registered (step S101).

If it is determined that an unprocessed sub job is registered (“YES” in step S102), a first determination is made as to whether or not the registered sub job can be processed by the own terminal (own device) (step S103). . On the other hand, when the sub job is not registered (“NO” in step S102), the sub job check is continued (step S101).
If it is determined that it can be processed by the own terminal (“YES” in step S104), the own device information is entered (step S105), and it is confirmed whether there is an entry for another PC (other device) (step S105). S106).

  If it is determined that there is an entry for another PC (“YES” in step S107), an entry file for the other PC is acquired from the storage device 201, and the other machine information and the own machine information are compared (step S108). Then, a second determination is made in the sub job processing to determine whether or not the own terminal is the optimum PC (step S109). When it is determined that the terminal is the optimal PC (“YES” in step S110), the sub-job is processed and non-held information is stored in the storage device 201 (step S111). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 that there is no entry for another PC (“NO” in step S107), the sub-job is processed and non-held information is stored in the storage device 201 (step S111).

Then, when the sub job ends, the sub job end is notified to the requesting MFP of the sub job (step S112).
If it is determined in step S104 that processing cannot be performed by the terminal itself, or if it is determined in step S110 that the terminal is not an optimal PC, the process directly returns to step S101.

The operations of the process between A ′ and B ′, the process between B ′ and C ′, the process between C ′ and D ′, and the process between D ′ and E ′ in FIG. Since it is substantially the same as the operation between -B, B-C, C-D, and D-E, description thereof is omitted.
<Summary>
As described above, in the present embodiment, even when a condition that cannot be determined only by the MFP is attached to the job, the PC that can determine the condition provides necessary information to the MFP. A wider variety of conditions can be attached to a job. In addition, since a conventional server is not required, the cost can be reduced, and a situation in which no job processing can be performed due to a failure of the server does not occur.

  Further, in selecting which PC provides non-held information to the MFP, the number of PCs that enter the own machine information varies depending on the processing condition of the sub job. For example, a function provided only for a specific PC may When the number of PCs entering the own device information is reduced, the network load is reduced. Furthermore, since information (entry file) related to non-held information is acquired only from a PC that is determined to be able to process a job on its own device, information can be acquired in a relatively short time, and the status of each MFP changes during that time. It is unlikely that a situation will occur in which it is impossible to make an accurate decision to select an optimal PC.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the PC 102 that has determined that the job processing cannot be performed by the own device (first determination) determines whether the other PCs 101 and 103 enter the own device information and perform job processing. While the determination (second determination) is being performed, the storage device 201 is accessed to determine whether another job process is possible (first determination). In this case, for example, when the PC 102 and the PC 104 enter the own device information for the other job, the second determination performed between the PC 101 and the PC 103 is performed between the PC 102 and the PC 104. Will process the job.

  Therefore, when there are a plurality of jobs, a series of processes from (3) job check to (16) job data deletion can be simultaneously performed for each job. Rather than waiting for a series of processing for a job to end and then starting processing for another job, the system can reduce the time required for the entire job processing.

In the above description, an example in which a job is transmitted from the PC 104 connected to the network 301 via the wireless LAN to the storage device 201 has been described, but the PCs 101 to 103 and MFP1 to MFP1 connected to the network 301 via the wired LAN are described. The present invention can also be applied when a job is transmitted from 6.
[Job processing method and program]
The present invention is not limited to the image processing system described above, and may be a method for processing a job by the operations shown in the flowcharts and the like. Furthermore, the method may be a program executed by a computer. The program according to the present invention includes, for example, a magnetic disk such as a magnetic tape and a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R, MO, and PD, and a flash memory recording medium. It can be recorded on various computer-readable recording media, and may be produced, transferred, etc. in the form of the recording medium, wired and wireless various networks including the Internet in the form of programs, In some cases, the data is transmitted and supplied via broadcasting, telecommunication lines, satellite communications, or the like.

  Further, the program according to the present invention does not have to include all modules for causing the computer to execute the processing described above. For example, a separate information process such as a communication program or a program included in an operating system (OS) is performed. You may make it make a computer perform each process of this invention using the various general purpose programs which can be installed in an apparatus. Therefore, it is not always necessary to record all the modules on the recording medium of the present invention, and it is not always necessary to transmit all the modules. Further, there are cases where predetermined processing can be executed using dedicated hardware.

[Modification]
The image processing system, job processing method, and program according to the present invention have been described above, but the content of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the following modifications can be considered.
(Image forming device)
The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to an MFP, and can be applied to, for example, a scanner, a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and the like. Further, the number of image processing apparatuses may be two or more.

(Storage device)
The storage device according to the present invention is not limited to an external storage device provided separately from a PC or MFP, and may be a storage device provided in the image processing system. For example, it may be an internal storage device built in any PC or MFP.
The job data and sub job data are not limited to be stored in the same storage device, but may be stored in separate devices and used as storage devices. In addition, the job data and the entry file, or the sub job data and the entry file are not limited to the configuration in which the same storage device is stored in different storage devices, but each is stored in a separate device and the devices are used as the storage device. Also good.

(Information terminal)
The information terminal according to the present invention is not limited to a PC, and may be a Web service as described below. FIG. 29 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of the image processing system according to the first modification. FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the operation of the image processing system according to the first modification. FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of sub job data according to the first modification.

As shown in FIG. 29, the image processing system according to the first modification includes, for example, MFPs 1001 to 1003 installed in a convenience store and a printing service, Web services 1101 to 1102 that provide various services via a network, An MFP 1001 having a configuration in which a storage device 1201 accessible via various communication lines from various devices such as an electronic bulletin board on the Internet or a storage area provided by a provider is connected via a network such as the Internet. 1003 corresponds to the MFPs 1 to 6 according to the above embodiment, and the Web services 1101 to 1102 correspond to the PC 105 according to the above embodiments. The operations of the MFPs 1001 to 1003 and the Web services 1101 to 1102 are as follows. ,Respectively The operation is basically the same as that of the MFPs 1 to 6 and the PCs 101 to 105. Therefore, description will be given with emphasis on the characteristic part of the image processing system according to the first modification.

As shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, the user requests a job request for printing document data, for example, from the outdoors to the storage device 1201 using an information terminal such as a mobile terminal 1301, a mobile phone 1302, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) 1303. Is performed (step S1001).
A job is registered by storing job data transmitted from the user in the storage device 1201 (step S1002). As the job output position condition, for example, the distance is designated as “near”, and user position information such as a postal code or an address input by the user is added to the job request source. In addition, when the information terminal of the job request source has a GPS (Global Positioning System) function or the like, a configuration in which user position information is automatically added may be considered.

  Each of the MFPs 1001 to 1003 checks the presence or absence of job data by periodically accessing the storage device 1201. Upon confirming that the job has been registered, each of the MFPs 1001 to 1003 determines whether the job can be processed by the own apparatus. Since an output position condition is added to the job, it is determined whether output that satisfies the output position condition is possible (step S1003).

  Each MFP cannot determine whether or not the condition that the distance to the job request source is “near” is satisfied (“NO” in step S1004), and therefore creates sub job data for the distance calculation request in the Web services 1101 to 1102. As shown in FIG. 31, the sub job data includes job commands, user position information, MFP position information, and the like. For example, a sub job ID such as “Job-0001-QmfpX” is uniquely assigned in association with each job. It is done. The job command is a command statement for acquiring the positional relationship between the user and the MFP, the user position information indicates the position of the user, and the MFP position information indicates the position of the MFP. The MFP position information is obtained by inputting the postal code or address of the place where the MFP that requests the sub job is installed.

Each MFP transmits the created sub job data, and registers a sub job for requesting distance calculation in the storage device 1201 (step S1005).
Each of the Web services 1101 to 1102 checks whether or not there is a sub job by periodically accessing the storage device 1201. Upon confirming that the sub job has been registered, each of the Web services 1101 to 1102 determines whether the distance between the two points can be calculated (step S1006).

  In this example, since the web service 1101 which is a convenience map service having map information of a convenience store can calculate the distance, the distance between the user and each MFP is calculated with reference to the user position information and the MFP position information. The processing result is written in the sub job data as a return value (step S1007). When there are a plurality of Web services that can calculate the distance, the optimal one Web service writes the return value.

When the processing result is returned, each MFP determines whether or not the “close” condition is met based on the processing result, that is, whether or not processing can be performed by itself. Further, it is determined whether or not the MFP is optimal by referring to the print conditions of the job and the mutual device information (step S1008).
The optimum MFP downloads the job from the storage device 1201 and processes the job (step S1009).

The user receives the notification (step S1010), and receives the document printed out at the designated convenience store.
(Non-retention information)
The non-holding information according to the present invention is not limited to the information about the distance between the job request source and the MFP, but is held in the image processing apparatus even though it is necessary to determine whether the job can be processed by the own apparatus. Any information that is not necessary. For example, the following non-held information can be considered.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the operation of the image processing system according to the second modification. In the image processing system according to the modified example 2, image processing apparatuses installed in a plurality of pharmacies are connected via a network, and a patient who is a user requests job processing from an information terminal such as a hospital and is optimal. A prescription is printed out by an image processing apparatus of a pharmacy, and a medicine dispensed based on the prescription is received at the pharmacy.

  The non-holding information according to the modification 2 includes distance information regarding the distance between the job request source and the MFP, medical information regarding the type and stock of the medicine handled by each pharmacy, and congestion information indicating the congestion status of the pharmacy. The distance information is used to determine an output position condition such as receiving medicine near the hospital or receiving medicine near the house. The medical information is used for determining a medical condition such that when a special medicine is included in the prescription, it is desired to output the medicine at a pharmacy capable of dispensing. The congestion information is used for determining congestion conditions such as receiving a medicine at a pharmacy that is not crowded (low waiting time).

As shown in FIG. 32, the user requests a prescription print job from the hospital information terminal (step S2001). Processing conditions such as an output position condition, a medical condition, and a congestion condition are added to the job by the patient. The transmitted job data is stored in the storage device, and the job is registered (step S2002).
Each pharmacy MFP periodically accesses the storage device to check whether there is job data, and if a job is registered, it determines whether the job can be processed by the own device. (Step S2003). Since each MFP does not have non-held information such as distance information, medical information, and congestion information, it cannot determine whether the output position condition, the medical condition, and the congestion condition are satisfied (“NO” in step S2004). . Therefore, a sub job for receiving provision of non-held information is registered in the storage device (step S2005).

Each information terminal periodically accesses the storage device to check whether or not there is a sub job. When the sub job is registered, it is determined whether or not non-held information can be provided (step S2006). One information terminal that can provide the information provides the non-held information (step S2007).
Each MFP refers to the non-held information to determine whether or not it can be processed by itself (step S2008), and the most suitable MFP prints out a prescription (step S2009) so that the patient can receive the medicine. Notification is made (step S2010).

(Other)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the sub job check cycle of all PCs is set to substantially the same value has been described. However, in Modification 3, the sub job check cycle of the PC is not necessarily set to substantially the same value. This is different from the above embodiment. Hereinafter, in order to avoid duplication of description, the description of the same contents as those of the above embodiment is omitted, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 33 is a sequence diagram illustrating details of the operation of the image processing system according to the third modification. In FIG. 33, the sub job determination processing unit is abbreviated as “determination unit”, and the access timer management unit is abbreviated as “management unit”.
The access timer management unit 114 of each of the PCs 101 to 103 generates an access timing signal at a predetermined cycle preset for each of the PCs 101 to 103. The job determination processing unit 113 of each of the PCs 101 to 103 checks whether or not there is an unprocessed sub-job registered in the storage device 201 at each predetermined period. In the example shown in FIG. 33, the sub job check cycles of the PC 101 and the PC 102 are set to substantially the same value, but the job check cycle of the PC 103 is set to a larger value than the PC 101 and the PC 102.

For example, the PC 101 may have a cycle T1, the PC 103 may have a cycle T2 (T2 = T1 × 8), and the like. An increase in the cycle means that the number of sub job checks per unit time is reduced, the number of entries is reduced, and the number of sub job acceptances is also reduced.
For example, when a PC's system speed is slower than the system speed of another PC, or when the PC is used preferentially as a special job dedicated machine For example, there is a case where the PC does not want to process a sub job as much as possible. If the number of sub job checks of a certain PC is reduced by setting a large period value, the probability that the sub job will be processed by the certain PC decreases, and as a result, the sub job processing is performed by the PC having a low system speed. It is difficult for a situation in which processing is stagnant or a special job is stagnant. On the other hand, if the cycle is shorter than that of other PCs, the number of sub job checks is increased, the sub job waiting time is reduced, and the processing speed of other jobs can be improved. For example, the administrator may arbitrarily set the cycle from a PC, an operation panel, or the like.

  As described above, in the image forming system according to the modified example 3, since the sub job check is performed in a predetermined cycle set individually for each PC, for example, the value of the cycle of the PC for which the sub job processing is frequently performed is set to be small. If the cycle value of the PC for which job processing is not to be performed is set to a large value, it is possible to preferentially perform the sub job processing for the PC that wants to perform sub job processing frequently.

In the image processing system according to the third modification, each PC may automatically change the sub job check cycle according to the state of the own apparatus. Further, for some PCs, the period t2 may be switched to an extremely large value so that the sub job check is not actually performed, or the sub job check itself may be canceled.
Furthermore, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the cycle is automatically changed according to the system speed of the own apparatus, the remaining work memory (RAM), the job processing status, and the like.

  For example, if the PC 102 is processing a sub job and processing of another sub job cannot be started immediately, it is not efficient to allocate a new sub job to the PC 102. Therefore, when the access timer management unit 114 of the PC 102 receives a notification that the sub job processing has started from the main control unit 111 of the control unit 110, as shown in FIG. 33, the access timer management unit 114 increases the PC sub job check cycle value. Change to a value. When the sub job end notification is received from the job determination processing unit 113 after the sub job ends, the access timer management unit 114 returns the sub job check cycle value to the original value.

In this way, since the set sub job check cycle is changed according to the state of the PC, for example, when the sub job processing is not desired, the value of the cycle is changed to be larger and the sub job processing is desired. If the value of the period is changed to a smaller value, it is possible to cause the PC that wants to perform sub job processing to perform sub job processing preferentially.
The image processing system according to the modified example 3 has a configuration in which the sub job check cycle is individually set in each PC and the set sub job check cycle is changed according to the state of the PC. However, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the sub job check cycle is individually set in each PC and the cycle is not changed, or the sub job check cycle is set to substantially the same value in each PC. The period may be changed according to the state of the PC.

  In addition, for example, a sub job check is performed, but it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a decline is determined when a predetermined decline condition is satisfied immediately before the entry. Here, the decline condition may be, for example, a case where a sub job is currently being processed and it is expected that it will take a long time to finish, or a case where the execution cannot be executed due to an error or the like after the sub job check. If the entry is not performed, the own device information is not transmitted, so that it is not necessary to determine whether or not the own device can process the sub job, and the network load can be reduced.

  The present invention can be widely applied when constructing an image processing system that does not require a server having a function of selecting a device for processing a job.

1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an image processing apparatus system according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of MFP1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing MFP overall control software. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a PC 101. FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of the conventional image processing system. It is a sequence diagram which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of an image processing system. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating operation | movement when a sub job is not performed in an image processing system. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating details of an operation when a sub job is not performed in the image processing system. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a job reception screen. It is a figure which shows an example of job data. It is a figure which shows the job list produced in a memory | storage device. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating 1st judgment. It is a figure which shows the content of the function information of each MFP shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the entry file for jobs. It is a key map for explaining the 2nd judgment in job processing. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of a sub job process. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating details of an operation of sub job processing. It is a figure which shows an example of sub job data. It is a figure which shows an example of a distance information database. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the 2nd judgment in a sub job process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process performed by each image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process between AB in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process between B-C in FIG. 21 when not performing a sub job process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process performed only when performing a sub job process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process between CD in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process between DE in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process between EA in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process performed by each PC. It is a figure which shows typically the whole structure of the image processing system which concerns on the modification 1. As shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of an operation of an image processing system according to a first modification. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of sub job data according to a first modification. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of an operation of an image processing system according to a second modification. 12 is a sequence diagram showing details of an operation of an image processing system according to Modification 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 to 6, 1001 to 1003 MFP (image processing apparatus)
101 to 105, 1101 to 1102 PC (information terminal)
201, 1201 Storage device 301 Network

Claims (6)

A storage device and a plurality of image processing devices, wherein each image processing device determines whether or not the job can be processed by the own device when data of an unprocessed job is stored in the storage device; When it is determined that the job can be processed, information indicating a condition that can be taken when the job is processed by the own device is stored in the storage device, and information indicating the condition that can be taken by another device is acquired from the storage device. When it is determined that the apparatus is optimal for processing the job by comparing information indicating the conditions that can be taken by another apparatus based on a standard common to the image processing apparatuses. An image processing system for processing the job,
One or a plurality of information terminals that provide each image processing device with non-held information that is not held by each image processing device even though it is necessary to determine whether the device can process the job An image processing system comprising: Each of the image processing devices stores, in the storage device, data of a sub job that requests each information terminal to provide the non-held information,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein each of the information terminals provides the non-holding information based on the data of the sub job stored in the storage device. The information terminal is plural,
Each of the information terminals determines whether or not the sub job can be processed by the own device when the unprocessed data of the sub job is stored in the storage device. Information relating to possession information is stored in the storage device, information relating to the non-retention information of other terminals is acquired from the storage device, and information relating to the non-retention information of the own terminal and other terminals is a common reference for each information terminal The non-retained information is provided when the terminal determines whether it is optimal for providing the non-retained information by comparing the non-retained information based on Image processing system.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the non-holding information is information relating to a distance between the request source of the job and each of the image processing apparatuses. In an image processing system including a storage unit and a plurality of image processing devices, each of the image processing devices can process the job by itself when the data of an unprocessed job is stored in the storage device. When it is determined that the job can be processed, information indicating a condition that can be taken when the job is processed by the own device is stored in the storage device, and information indicating the condition that can be taken by another device is acquired from the storage device. Then, by comparing information indicating the possible conditions of the own device and other devices based on a common standard for each image processing device, it is determined whether or not the own device is optimal for processing the job. A job processing method for processing the job when it is determined,
The image processing system includes an information terminal,
The information terminal provides the non-holding information when there is non-holding information that each of the image processing apparatuses does not hold, and any image processing apparatus cannot determine that the job is to be processed by the own apparatus. Steps,
When the non-holding information is provided, each of the image processing devices executes a step of determining whether or not to process the job on its own device with reference to the non-holding information. Method. When a computer included in an image processing system including a storage unit and a plurality of image processing devices stores unprocessed job data in each of the image processing devices, It is determined whether or not processing is possible, and when it is determined that processing is possible, information indicating a condition that can be taken when the job is processed by the own device is stored in the storage device, and information indicating the possible condition of another device is stored in the storage device. Whether the own apparatus is optimal for processing the job by comparing the information obtained from the storage device and indicating the conditions that can be taken by the own apparatus and the other apparatus based on a common criterion for each image processing apparatus. A program for processing the job when it is determined to be optimal,
The image processing system includes an information terminal,
If there is non-held information that each image processing apparatus does not hold, and any image processing apparatus cannot determine that the job is to be processed by the own apparatus, the information terminal is provided with the non-held information. Steps,
When the non-holding information is provided, the program causes the image processing devices to determine whether or not to process the job by referring to the non-holding information.

Images