JP2009188500A - Multifunction printer selection device, multifunction printer and job processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To leave a multifunction printer which includes multiple functions while efficiently processing jobs when multifunction printers connected to a network is made to perform distributed processing of jobs. <P>SOLUTION: When an affirmative decision is made in a step S160 of an occupation request sending-out routine (namely, when distributed processing of a job is necessary), second and succeeding MFPs are selected out of MFPs to perform the distributed processing of the job based upon the occupation state of devices of the MFPs which are obtained through the network. Specifically, an MFP wherein one of devices other than devices needed for processing in steps S220 to S250 is occupied is preferentially selected out of MFPs wherein the devices needed to perform the distributed processing of the job are not occupied. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a multifunction device selection device, a multifunction device, and a job processing method.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus that selects a suitable image forming apparatus for executing job processing from a plurality of image forming apparatuses including itself. For example, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus having a lower error rate is selected for a job to be executed, and job processing is executed by the image forming apparatus.
JP 2006-121198 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since an image forming apparatus that processes a job is selected on the basis of an error occurrence rate, job processing is concentrated on the same image forming apparatus, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses are installed. In some cases, jobs could not be processed efficiently. In addition, since the occupancy status of the device included in the image forming apparatus is not considered when selecting the image forming apparatus, the following inconvenience is likely to occur. That is, for example, when trying to copy, both the printing device and the reading device of the image forming apparatus are used, but the printing device is not occupied but the reading device is occupied. If the device is not occupied but only the occupied image forming apparatus remains in the printing device, copying cannot be performed. That is, a single function such as only a print function or only a scan function can be realized, but a multi-function (for example, a print function, a scan function, and a copy function) cannot be realized.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and realizes a multi-function while efficiently processing a job when causing a multifunction device connected to a network to execute job processing (including distributed processing). The main purpose is to be able to leave a possible multifunction device.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the main object described above.

The first multifunction device selection apparatus of the present invention is:
A multi-function device selection apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data via a network with a plurality of multi-function devices having various devices and using different devices according to functions,
Occupancy status acquisition means for acquiring the occupancy status of the device from each of the plurality of multifunction devices;
When there is a need for distributed processing of a job, when selecting a multifunction device that executes the distributed processing of the job based on the occupation status acquired by the occupation status acquisition means, Selecting means for preferentially selecting a multifunction peripheral in which a device necessary for executing the distributed processing of the job is not occupied and at least one of devices other than the necessary device is occupied; ,
It is equipped with.

  In this multifunction device selection device, when job distribution processing is required, at least the second and subsequent units are selected in selecting a multifunction device that executes job distribution processing based on the occupation status acquired by the occupation status acquisition means. As for the multi-function peripheral, a multi-function peripheral that does not occupy a device necessary to execute job distribution processing and occupies at least one of the devices other than the necessary device is preferentially selected. . For example, if the MFP has a printing device and a reading device, the printing function uses the printing device, the scanning function uses the reading device, and the copying function uses both the reading device and the printing device, job distribution If the device required to execute the process is a printing device, the multifunction device that executes job distribution processing does not occupy the printing device and occupies a device other than the printing device (reading device). Select a multifunction device with priority. Here, as a selection candidate, if there is a multifunction device in which both devices are not occupied and a multifunction device in which the printing device is not occupied and the reading device is occupied, the latter multifunction device has priority. The former multifunction device (that is, a multifunction device capable of realizing multiple functions) remains unselected. Therefore, when the multifunction peripheral connected to the network executes job distribution processing, it is possible to leave a multifunction peripheral capable of realizing multiple functions while efficiently processing a job. Here, examples of the “job” include printing, copying, scanning, and fax transmission. In addition, “the device to be used depends on the function” means that the print function uses a print device, the scan function uses a reading device such as a reading device, the print function uses a print device, The copy function includes a case where a partly common device such as a printing device and a reading device is used depending on the function.

  In the first multifunction device selection apparatus of the present invention, the selection unit may determine that the job needs to be distributed when the amount of the job exceeds a predetermined single processing range. In this way, the job can be processed efficiently according to the amount of the job. Here, the “predetermined single processing range” is obtained, for example, by experimentally determining the relationship between the job amount and the job processing time, and setting the job amount when the job processing time exceeds a predetermined time. May be.

  The first multifunction device selection apparatus of the present invention comprises priority order storage means for storing the priority order of functions to be preserved when selecting a multifunction device that executes distributed processing of the job. A compound that is not selected when a device that does not occupy a device necessary to execute job distributed processing and that occupies at least one of devices other than the necessary device is preferentially selected It may be prioritized to leave the high priority function in the machine. By doing so, there are many cases where a function with a high priority can be used in a single multifunction device.

  The first multifunction device selection apparatus of the present invention includes a limit number storage unit that stores, as a limit number, a maximum number that can be occupied by one user for each device, and the selection unit does not exceed the limit number. It is also possible to select a multifunction device that executes the distributed processing of the job. In this way, an efficient job processing environment using a plurality of multifunction peripherals can be provided to more users.

  The first multifunction device selection apparatus of the present invention may further comprise an occupancy request transmission unit that transmits an occupancy request for a device necessary for executing the distributed processing of the job to the multifunction device selected by the selection unit. Good. In this way, when the job distributed processing is executed, the job can be processed while occupying the device of the multi-function peripheral that executes the distributed processing simply and reliably. At this time, the occupancy request transmission means may transmit an occupancy request including user identification information that is information that can identify a user when transmitting the occupancy request.

The first multifunction machine of the present invention is
A multi-function peripheral capable of communicating via a network with a multi-function peripheral selection device having an occupancy request transmitting means for transmitting a device occupancy request required to execute the job distribution process to the multi-function peripheral selected by the selection means Because
Request receiving means for receiving the occupancy request via the network;
When the request receiving unit receives the occupancy request, a device necessary for executing the job distribution process is determined between the reception of the occupancy request and the execution of the job distribution process. Control means to occupy the source of the occupancy request;
It is equipped with.

  When this multifunction device receives an occupancy request, it sends the occupancy request to the devices required to execute the job distribution processing after the occupancy request is received until the job distribution processing ends. Occupy the original. For this reason, after receiving the occupancy request, the request source is occupied even before starting the execution of the distributed processing of the job, so it is necessary to execute the distributed processing of the job. Other devices cannot be used by other users. Therefore, job distribution processing can be performed easily and reliably.

The second MFP of the present invention is
A multi-function peripheral capable of communicating via a network with a multi-function peripheral selection device provided with the occupancy request transmission means for transmitting an occupancy request including user identification information,
Request receiving means for receiving the occupancy request via the network;
An identification information input means by which a user can input identification information;
When the request receiving unit receives the occupancy request, it is necessary to execute the job distribution process from when the occupancy request is received until the user inputs the identification information by the identification information input unit. After the device is reserved in the transmission source of the occupancy request, after the user inputs the identification information by the identification information input means, the input identification information matches the identification information included in the occupancy request Control means for causing the device to execute distributed processing of the job when they match, and to continue the reserved state when they do not match,
It is equipped with.

  In this multifunction device, when an occupancy request is received, a device required to execute job distribution processing from when the occupancy request is received until the user inputs identification information And after the user inputs identification information, it is determined whether or not the input identification information and the identification information included in the occupancy request match. The distributed processing is executed by the device, and if they do not match, the reservation state of the device is continued. For this reason, since the transmission source of the occupancy request reserves until the user inputs correct identification information after receiving the occupancy request, other devices required to execute the distributed processing of the job are assigned to other devices. The user can be surely prevented from using it. Therefore, job distribution processing can be performed more simply and reliably.

The first job processing method of the present invention includes:
A job processing method by a multi-function peripheral selection device capable of transmitting and receiving data via a network with a plurality of multi-function peripherals having various devices and using different devices according to functions,
(A) obtaining a device occupation status from each of the plurality of multifunction peripherals;
(B) When there is a need for distributed processing of a job, at least the second and subsequent composites are selected in selecting a multifunction device that executes the distributed processing of the job based on the occupation status acquired in step (a). As for a machine, a device that does not occupy a device necessary to execute the distributed processing of the job and that occupies at least one of devices other than the necessary device is preferentially selected. Steps,
Is included.

  In this job processing method, when it is necessary to perform job distribution processing, at least the second and subsequent units are selected in selecting a multifunction machine that executes job distribution processing based on the occupation status acquired by the occupation status acquisition means. As for the machine, a multifunction machine that does not occupy a device necessary for executing job distribution processing and occupies at least one of devices other than the necessary device is preferentially selected. Therefore, when the multifunction peripheral connected to the network executes job distribution processing, it is possible to leave a multifunction peripheral capable of realizing multiple functions while efficiently processing a job. In such a job processing method, steps for realizing the functions and functions provided by the various configurations included in the above-described multifunction device selection apparatus of the present invention may be added.

The second multifunction device selection apparatus of the present invention is
A multi-function device selection apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data via a network with a plurality of multi-function devices having various devices and using different devices according to functions,
Occupancy status acquisition means for acquiring the occupancy status of the device from each of the plurality of multifunction devices;
In selecting a multifunction machine that executes job processing based on the occupation status acquired by the occupation status acquisition unit, a device necessary for executing the job processing is not occupied, and the A selection means for preferentially selecting a multifunction machine in which at least one of devices other than the necessary device is occupied;
It is equipped with.

  In this multi-function device selection device, when selecting a multi-function device for executing job processing based on the occupation status acquired by the occupation status acquisition means, a device necessary for executing the job processing is not occupied. In addition, a multifunction peripheral in which at least one of devices other than the necessary device is occupied is preferentially selected. Therefore, when a multi-function device connected to the network executes a job process, it is possible to leave a multi-function device capable of realizing multiple functions while efficiently processing the job.

  The second multifunction device selection apparatus of the present invention comprises priority order storage means for storing the priority order of functions to be preserved when selecting a multifunction device for executing the job processing, and the selection means comprises the job In order to preferentially select a multifunction device that does not occupy a device that is necessary to execute the above process and occupies at least one of devices other than the necessary device, Priority may be given to leaving the high priority functions. By doing so, there are many cases where a function with a high priority can be used in a single multifunction device.

  The second multifunction device selection apparatus of the present invention may further comprise an occupancy request transmission means for transmitting a device occupancy request necessary for executing the job processing to the multifunction device selected by the selection means. . In this way, it is possible to process a job while occupying a device of a multi-function peripheral that executes the processing simply and reliably when executing the processing of the job. At this time, the occupancy request transmission means may transmit an occupancy request including user identification information that is information that can identify a user when transmitting the occupancy request.

The third multifunction machine of the present invention is
A multi-function peripheral capable of communicating with a multi-function peripheral selecting apparatus having an occupancy request transmitting means for transmitting a device occupancy request required to execute the job processing to the multi-function peripheral selected by the selecting means. There,
Request receiving means for receiving the occupancy request via the network;
When the request receiving means receives the occupancy request, a device necessary for executing the job processing is received from the occupancy request until the execution of the job processing ends after the occupancy request is received. Control means to occupy the sender of
It is equipped with.

  When this multifunction device receives an occupancy request, the device required to execute the job processing from when the occupancy request is received until the job processing execution is completed is set as the occupancy request transmission source. Occupy. For this reason, after receiving the occupancy request, the device that is required to execute the job processing is in the state where the request source is occupied even before starting the execution of the job processing. Cannot be used by other users. Therefore, job processing can be performed easily and reliably.

The fourth multifunction machine of the present invention is
A multi-function peripheral capable of communicating via a network with a multi-function peripheral selection device provided with the occupancy request transmission means for transmitting an occupancy request including user identification information,
Request receiving means for receiving the occupancy request via the network;
An identification information input means by which a user can input identification information;
When the request receiving unit receives the occupancy request, a device necessary for executing the job processing from when the occupancy request is received until the user inputs identification information by the identification information input unit Is reserved at the transmission source of the occupancy request, and after the user inputs the identification information by the identification information input means, the input identification information and the identification information included in the occupancy request match. Control means for determining whether or not the device matches, and causing the device to execute the job processing when they match, and continuing the reserved state when they do not match,
It is equipped with.

  In this multifunction device, when an occupancy request is received, the device required to execute the job processing from when the occupancy request is received until the user inputs identification information is set as the transmission source of the occupancy request. In a reserved state, after the user inputs identification information, it is determined whether or not the input identification information and the identification information included in the occupancy request match. Is executed by the device, and the reservation state of the device is continued when they do not match. For this reason, since the transmission source of the exclusive request reserves until the user inputs correct identification information after receiving the exclusive request, the device required to execute the job processing is assigned to another user. Can be reliably prevented from using. Therefore, job processing can be performed more simply and reliably.

The second job processing method of the present invention is:
A job processing method by a multi-function peripheral selection device capable of transmitting and receiving data via a network with a plurality of multi-function peripherals having various devices and using different devices according to functions,
(A) obtaining a device occupation status from each of the plurality of multifunction peripherals;
(B) In selecting a multi-function device that executes job processing based on the occupation status acquired in step (a), a device necessary to execute the job processing is not occupied, And preferentially selecting a multifunction machine in which at least one of the devices other than the necessary device is occupied;
Is included.

  In this job processing method, a device required to execute job processing is not occupied when selecting a multifunction device to execute job processing based on the occupation status acquired by the occupation status acquisition unit. In addition, a multifunction device in which at least one of devices other than the necessary device is occupied is preferentially selected. Therefore, when a multi-function device connected to the network executes a job process, it is possible to leave a multi-function device capable of realizing multiple functions while efficiently processing the job. In such a job processing method, steps for realizing the functions and functions exhibited by the various configurations included in the above-described multifunction device selection apparatus of the present invention may be added.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a job processing system 90 including a multifunction printer (hereinafter referred to as MFP) 10, FIG. 2 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the MFP 10, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing connection, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of information stored in the flash memory 68.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the job processing system 90 according to the present embodiment can execute printing, copying, scanning, fax transmission / reception, and the like, and includes MFPs 10 to 13 connected to a network 91. Each of the MFPs 10 to 13 is connected to a telephone line 92 for fax transmission / reception. In this example, four MFPs are included. However, five or more MFPs may be included, or two or three MFPs may be included.

  The four MFPs 10 to 13 have the same configuration. Here, the MFP 10 will be described as an example. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes a printing device 20 that executes printing, a reading device 22 that reads documents, a communication device 24 that transmits and receives FAX information, and a network interface that transmits and receives data between external devices. A memory card controller 44 (see FIG. 3) for reading and writing files between the (network I / F) 26 and the memory card 42; and an operation panel 50 for displaying various information and inputting user instructions. And a main controller 60 for controlling the entire apparatus. In the MFP 10, as shown in FIG. 3, a printing device 20, a reading device 22, a communication device 24, a network I / F 26, a memory card controller 44, and a main controller 60 exchange various control signals and data via a bus 94. Configured to be able to.

  When the printing device 20 receives a print command from the main controller 60, the printing device 20 performs printing by ejecting ink from the print head to the recording paper S based on the print job that is the target of the print command. It is configured as a color printer mechanism.

  When the reading device 22 receives a reading command from the main controller 60, the reading device 22 is configured as a known flatbed type full-color scanner mechanism that reads a document placed on the glass table 36 as image data. The reading device 22 includes a well-known color image sensor that separates reflected light after emitting light toward a document into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors to obtain read data. .

  When the communication device 24 receives a fax transmission command from the main controller 60, the communication device 24 converts the original data to be transmitted into transmission data in a format suitable for the communication method of the transmission destination, and is connected via the telephone line 92. The transmission data is transmitted to a transmission destination device, and reception data received from a device connected via a telephone line 92 is converted into image data.

  The network I / F 26 is connected to the network 91 and is configured to be able to transmit and receive data to and from external devices (for example, the MFPs 11 to 13) connected to the network 91.

  The memory card controller 44 is configured to be able to input / output data to / from the memory card 42 inserted in the memory card slot 40 provided on the side of the operation panel 50. In the memory card 42, for example, image data for executing printing on a plurality of recording sheets S is stored.

  The operation panel 50 includes a display unit 52 which is a liquid crystal display, and a button group 54 including a copy button, a print button, a fax transmission button, a scan button, a power button, a numeric keypad, and the like. The operation panel 50 displays various types of information on the display unit 52 and inputs user instructions through the operation of the button group 54.

  The main controller 60 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 62, and is electrically rewritten with a ROM 64 that stores various processing programs, various data, various tables, and a RAM 66 that temporarily stores print data and the like. A flash memory 68 that can hold data even when the power is turned off and an internal communication interface 69 that enables communication with the operation panel 50 are provided. The main controller 60 inputs various operation signals, various detection signals, and various data from the printing device 20, the reading device 22, the communication device 24, and the network I / F 26, or according to the operation of the button group 54 of the operation panel 50. Input the operation signal generated. Further, it outputs a command to the printing device 20 to execute printing, outputs various control signals to the reading device 22, outputs data to be stored in the memory card 42 to the memory card controller 44, A control signal is output to the display unit 52.

  Here, the flash memory 68 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the flash memory 68, user authentication information 68a, correspondence information 68b between functions (printing, scanning, copying, fax transmission) and devices (printing device 20, reading device 22, communication device 24), set for each function. Stored threshold information 68c, limit number information 68d set for each device, and priority function information 68e set for the job processing system 90 are stored. The user authentication information 68a is information that is referred to when executing user authentication of the job processing system 90, and stores a password associated with a user ID for identifying the user as shown in the figure. . As shown in the figure, the correspondence information 68b is associated with each function and stored in association with a device necessary for realizing the function. For example, in the fax transmission function, the reading device 22 and the communication device 24 are stored in association with each other. The threshold information 68c is stored with each function associated with a threshold as a maximum value for processing that function with one multifunction device. For example, for the fax transmission function, a value 2 is stored in association with the number of fax transmission destinations. In the limit number information 68d, the maximum number that one user can occupy is stored as the limit number for each device. For example, the value 3 is stored in association with the communication device. The priority function information 68e is stored with each function associated with the priority of the function. For example, the value 2 is stored as the priority order for the fax transmission function. Here, the priority is set such that the higher the number of devices necessary to realize the function, the higher the priority. When the number of necessary devices is the same, it is arbitrarily set by the user. For example, both the copy function and the fax transmission function are functions realized by two devices, and are set higher in priority than the print function and the scan function that are functions realized by one device. Here, the copy function is set higher by the user than the fax transmission function. The print function is set to have a higher priority than the scan function.

  The MFP 10 thus configured has a print function, a scan function, a copy function, a fax function, and the like for executing processing of a print job, a scan job, a copy job, and a fax transmission / reception job. The printing function is a function for performing printing on the recording sheet S by the printing device 20 based on a print job input from the network 91 via the network I / F 26 or an image file stored in the memory card 42. The scan function is a function of reading an image of a document placed on the glass table 36 by the reading device 22. The copy function is a function for printing by the printing device 20 based on the image data read by the reading device 22. The fax function transmits image data read by the reading device 22 to an external device via the communication device 24 and the telephone line 92, or receives image data received from an external device via the communication device 24 and the telephone line 92. This is a function for printing with the printing device 20.

  Next, the operation of the MFP 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, particularly the operation until the MFP for executing a job (print job, scan job, copy job, fax transmission job) is set and the device is occupied will be described. . FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an exclusive request transmission routine executed by the CPU 62. This routine is repeatedly executed every predetermined time in the standby state.

  When this routine is started, the CPU 62 first determines whether or not a user ID and a password have been input by the user (step S100). The user inputs the user ID and password by operating the button group 54 of the operation panel 50. Then, when the user ID and password are not input, this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the user ID and password are input, it is determined whether or not authentication has been performed based on the user ID and password (step S110). Here, whether or not the authentication has been successful is determined based on whether or not the input user ID and password match the information stored in the user authentication information 68a. If the authentication fails, an error is displayed on the display unit 52 of the operation panel 50 (step S290), and this routine ends. On the other hand, when the authentication is successful, that is, when the normal login is successful, all the devices are occupied by the normally logged-in user (step S120). In other words, all devices are in an occupied state that is not used by other users. Specifically, when an inquiry about the occupancy status of each device comes from another MFP via the network 91, the fact that all devices are occupied is returned, and when a job of another user is input, The job is not accepted. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the normal login cannot be performed when all the devices cannot be occupied when the user normally logs in, that is, when another user reserves or uses any device.

  Next, the CPU 62 determines whether or not a job is designated by the user (step S130). Here, it is determined whether or not the button group 54 of the operation panel 50 is operated and the type and amount of the job to be executed are designated by the user. After the user specifies the job, the type and amount of the specified job are determined (step S140). Here, it is assumed that the type of job and the amount thereof are determined based on the type of button pressed by the user and the value input by the user operating a numeric keypad (not shown). Then, the occupation of devices other than the devices necessary for executing the processing of the determined job is released (step S150). For example, if the designated job type is a fax transmission job, the occupation of the printing device 20 is released and the printing device 20 can be used by another user. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the job amount specified in step S130 exceeds the maximum job amount (step S160). Here, for the maximum job amount, out of the threshold values stored in the flash memory 68 as threshold information 68c (see FIG. 3), a value associated with the job type is read and used. When the job amount exceeds the maximum job amount, it is determined that job distribution processing is necessary, and the occupation status of these devices is acquired from the other MFPs 11 to 13 connected to the network 91 (step S170). Here, when receiving the device inquiry signal from the MFP 10, the MFPs 11 to 13 determine whether or not each device that the MFP 11 to 13 has is occupied, and inform the MFP 10 that is the source of the inquiry signal of the occupation status. Shall be sent. In step S170, an occupation status inquiry signal is transmitted to the other MFPs 11 to 13 via the network I / F 26, and the occupation status transmitted from the other MFPs 11 to 13 is received.

  Subsequently, based on the occupation status acquired in step S170, the CPU 62 determines whether there is an MFP in the MFPs 11 to 13 that does not occupy a device necessary for executing the job distribution process specified this time. Is determined (step S180). In this embodiment, when the job type is a copy job, the MFP 10 that executes job distribution processing reads the document, stores the scan data, and performs printing based on the scan data. It is assumed that the other MFPs 11 to 13 that perform the printing only perform printing based on the scan data transmitted from the MFP 10. If the job type is a fax transmission job, the MFP 10 that executes job distribution processing reads the document, stores the scan data, and transmits the scan data to the transmission destination. However, the job distribution processing is executed. It is assumed that the other MFPs 11 to 13 only transmit the scan data transmitted from the MFP 10 to the transmission destination. Therefore, in this step S180, if the type of job specified this time is a copy job, it is determined whether there is an MFP that does not occupy the printing device among the other MFPs 11 to 13, and is specified this time. If the job type is a fax transmission job, it is determined whether there is an MFP that does not occupy the communication device among the other MFPs 11 to 13. If the type of job specified this time is a print job or a scan job, it is determined whether there is an MFP that does not occupy the printing device and the reading device among the other MFPs 11 to 13. become. In these cases, the MFP 10 that executes the distributed processing also occupies the same device as other MFPs that execute the distributed processing. Then, if there is an MFP that can execute the distribution processing of the job designated this time among the MFPs 11 to 13, that MFP is set as a selection candidate for the time being (step S190). Subsequently, the limit number nlim (see FIG. 3) determined in correspondence with the device necessary for executing the distributed processing of the job designated this time is read, and the number obtained by adding the value 1 to the number of selection candidates (see FIG. 3). It is determined whether the number of MFPs that can execute job distribution processing exceeds the limit number nlim (step S200). The reason why the value 1 is added to the number of selection candidates is that, in this embodiment, the MFP 10 is determined as the first MFP that executes job distribution processing. In the process of step S200, for example, when the type of job designated this time is a fax transmission job, the device necessary for executing the job distribution process is a communication device, so the limit number nlim has a value of 3.

  If the number of MFPs that can execute job distribution processing does not exceed the limit number nlim in step S200, the CPU 62 selects all selection candidates as MFPs that execute job distribution processing (step S210). On the other hand, when the number of MFPs that can execute job distribution processing exceeds the limit number nlim, among the selection candidates, devices other than those necessary for executing job distribution processing specified this time are included. It is determined whether there is an MFP in which at least one is occupied (step S220). If such an MFP exists, one MFP that executes job distribution processing is selected so that the MFP capable of realizing the function with the highest priority level remains without being selected (step S230). . Here, as the priority order, the priority order stored in the flash memory 68 as the priority function information 68e (see FIG. 3) is used. Specifically, first, one MFP is temporarily selected from the selection candidates, while the functions that can be realized by the MFP that has not been temporarily selected are grasped. Then, this process is sequentially performed for all selection candidates. After that, a case where the priority order of the functions that can be realized by the MFP that has not been temporarily selected becomes the highest is searched, and the temporarily selected MFP is selected as the MFP that executes the job distribution processing specified this time. When there are a plurality of such MFPs, for example, one that is used less frequently may be selected, or one that is close to the MFP 10 that is operating the operation panel 50 by the user may be selected. Then, it is determined whether or not the number obtained by adding 1 to the number of selected MFPs has reached the limit number nlim (step S240). The reason why the value 1 is added to the number of selected MFPs is that in this embodiment, the MFP 10 is determined as the first MFP that executes job distribution processing. When the number has not reached the limit number nlim, the process returns to step S220 again. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S220, an MFP that executes the distribution process for the job designated this time is selected from the selection candidates until the limit number nlim is reached (step S250). Subsequently, when an affirmative determination is made in step S240 or after the processing in step S210 or S250, an occupancy request is sent together with the user ID to the MFP selected as the MFP that executes job distribution processing (step S260). Here, the occupation request is a signal for requesting occupation of a device for executing job distribution processing. The MFP that has received the occupancy request among the MFPs 11 to 13 assumes that the corresponding device is reserved by the current user (reservation state) from when the occupancy request is received until the job distribution process is started. It is assumed that the device is being used by the current user (in use) from the start to the end of the distributed processing. When the corresponding device is in the reserved state and in use, the corresponding device is referred to as being occupied or in the occupied state. Here, when the job type is a print job, when the occupation request is transmitted, the data to be distributed for the print job is transmitted together with the distribution job start command for the print job. On the other hand, when the job type is a copy job or a fax transmission job, the distributed processing start command is not transmitted when the occupation request is transmitted, and after the occupation request is transmitted, the document reading is completed and the scan data is It is assumed that a distributed processing start command is output when the generated scan data is printed or faxed. In the case of a scan job, since a distributed processing start command is input by a button operation of an MFP that executes distributed processing, the distributed processing start command is not output from the MFP 10.

  If the CPU 62 determines in step S160 that the job amount does not exceed the maximum job amount, or if it is determined in step S180 that there is no MFP capable of executing the job distribution process currently specified, That is, only the MFP 10 is set as an MFP that executes job processing (step S270). Subsequently, after the processing of step S260 or step S270, the MFP that executes the distribution processing of the job designated by the user is displayed on the display unit 52 to notify the user (step S280), and this routine ends.

  Next, operations of the MFPs 11 to 13 will be described. Since the operations of the MFPs 11 to 13 are the same, only the MFP 11 will be described here. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a device reservation routine executed by the CPU 62 of the MFP 11. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process execution routine. These routines are repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals in the standby state. When this device reservation routine is started, the CPU 62 of the MFP 11 first determines whether an occupancy request has been received as shown in FIG. 6 (step S300). When the occupancy request is not received, the device reservation routine is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the occupancy request is received, the device necessary for executing the job distribution process is reserved by the transmission source user (reserved state) (step S310), and the device reservation routine is terminated.

  When the process execution routine is started, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 62 of the MFP 11 first determines whether there is a reserved device (step S400). If there is no reserved device, there is no job to be distributed, so the process execution routine is terminated. On the other hand, if there is a reserved device, it is determined whether or not a job distribution processing start command has been input (step S410). The timing at which the distributed processing start command is input is input via the network 91 together with the occupation request when the job type is a print job, for example. In the case of a copy job or a fax transmission job, an input is made via the network 91 when the user presses the copy button or the fax button at the transmission source of the occupation request (in this case, the MFP 10). In the case of a scan job, an input is made via an internal communication I / F when a user presses a scan button on an MFP (in this case, the MFP 11) that executes distributed processing. When the job distributed processing start command is not inputted, it is not the timing for executing the distributed processing, and the processing execution routine is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when a job distributed processing start command is input, it is determined whether the job to be distributed is a job that requires authentication (step S420). Here, it is assumed that authentication is required only for a scan job. In the case of a job that requires authentication, a screen that prompts input of a user ID is displayed on the display unit 52 (step S430). Then, after waiting for the user ID to be input (step S440), it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful (step S450). Here, it is determined whether or not the input user ID matches the user ID of the user who reserved the device in the reservation state (included in the occupancy request). If the authentication has failed, a message indicating that the job process cannot be executed is displayed on the display unit 52 (step S460), and the process execution routine is terminated. On the other hand, if authentication is possible in step S450 or if it is determined in step S420 that the job to be distributed is a job that does not require authentication, execution of the distributed processing of the job is started (step S470). Then, after waiting for completion of the job distribution processing (step S480), the occupied state of the device is released (step S490), and the processing execution routine is ended.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The MFP 10 of the present embodiment corresponds to the multifunction device selection apparatus of the present invention, the network I / F 26 of the MFP 10 and the main controller 60 correspond to the occupation status acquisition unit and the occupation request transmission unit, and the main controller 60 of the MFP 10 serves as the selection unit. Equivalent to. The flash memory 68 of the MFP 10 corresponds to priority order storage means and limit number storage means, the MFPs 11 to 13 correspond to multifunction devices, and the network I / F 26 and the main controller 60 of the MFPs 11 to 13 correspond to request reception means. The button group 54 of the MFPs 11 to 13 corresponds to identification information input means, and the main controller 60 of the MFPs 11 to 13 corresponds to control means. The present embodiment also clarifies an example of the job processing method of the present invention by describing the operation of the MFP 10. Further, since the MFPs 10 to 13 have the same configuration, the MFPs 11 to 13 may function as the multifunction device selection apparatus of the present invention, and the MFP 10 may function as the multifunction device of the present invention.

  According to the MFP 10 of the present embodiment described in detail above, when an affirmative determination is made in step S160 of the occupancy request transmission routine (that is, when job distribution processing is required), in addition to the MFP 10, job distribution processing is executed. In selecting the MFP to be based on the device occupation status of the MFPs 11 to 13 acquired via the network 91, the device necessary for executing the job distribution process is not occupied, so that it is set as a selection candidate. Among the MFPs, an MFP in which at least one of the devices other than the necessary devices is occupied is preferentially selected in the processes of steps S220 to S250. Accordingly, when causing the MFPs 11 to 13 connected to the network 91 to execute job distribution processing, it is possible to leave an MFP capable of performing multiple functions and realizing multiple functions.

  Further, when the job amount exceeds the maximum job amount, it is determined that the job needs to be distributed, so that the job can be processed efficiently according to the job amount. In addition, for the MFP that stores the priority function information 68e and executes the job distribution process among the MFPs 11 to 13, priority is given to the function with the higher priority of the priority function information 68e remaining in the unselected MFP. Since the selection is made, there are many cases where a function having a high priority is usable by a single MFP. Furthermore, since the limit number information 68d is stored and MFPs (including the MFP 10) that execute job distribution processing are selected within a range that does not exceed the limit number nlim, an efficient job processing environment by a plurality of MFPs is further improved. It can be provided to many users. Also, since the device occupation request necessary for executing the distributed processing of the job is transmitted, when executing the distributed processing of the job, the job that occupies the MFP device that easily and reliably executes the distributed processing of the job Can be processed.

  When the MFP 11 to 13 receives the occupancy request, the MFP 11 to 13 occupy the device necessary to execute the job distribution processing after the occupancy request is received until the job distribution processing is completed. Since the user of the MFP 10 that is the transmission source of the MFP 10 is occupied, the user of the MFP 10 is occupied even after starting the execution of the job distribution process after receiving the occupation request. Other users cannot use a device necessary for executing the distributed processing. Therefore, job distribution processing can be performed easily and reliably. Further, when the MFPs 11 to 13 receive the occupancy requests, the MFPs 11 to 13 specify the devices necessary for executing the job distribution process from when the occupancy request is received until the user inputs the user ID. The state is reserved for the user of the MFP 10 as the transmission source, and after the user inputs the user ID, it is determined whether the input user ID matches the user ID included in the occupancy request, If they match, the device performs job distribution processing, and if they do not match, the device reservation state is continued. For this reason, since the user of the MFP 10 reserves, ie, occupies, until the user inputs a correct user ID after receiving the occupancy request, it is necessary to execute the distributed processing of the job. The device can be reliably prevented from being used by other users. Therefore, job distribution processing can be performed more simply and reliably.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when a normal login is performed, all devices are occupied by a user who has once performed a normal login. However, not all devices may be occupied. For example, the user may select a job at the time of normal login, and may occupy a device necessary for executing processing of the selected job. In this way, a device that is not related to the job processing of a user who has succeeded in user authentication is not occupied during normal login, and the device can be used more efficiently.

  In the above-described embodiment, the priority function information 68e shown in FIG. 3 is adopted as the priority function information. However, other priority function information may be adopted. For example, copying and faxing may be interchanged, and scanning and printing may be interchanged. Alternatively, only the copy may have a high priority, and other functions may have the same priority. Alternatively, in step S230, an MFP that executes job distribution processing is selected so that an MFP capable of realizing a function with high priority remains. However, any one of selection candidates occupied by other devices is selected. A single MFP may be selected. In this case, it is selected as an MFP that executes job distribution processing preferentially from an MFP in which at least one of devices that are not required to execute job distribution processing is occupied.

  In the above-described embodiment, the occupation request is sent to the MFP that executes the job distributed processing. However, for example, in the case of a print job, only the print data and the distributed processing start command are transmitted together. The job distribution process may be started immediately without sending the request and pre-occupying the device.

  In the above-described embodiment, the reserved state and the in-use state are combined to be in the occupied state. However, in such a state, an error (for example, failure) occurs in the device, and no user can use the device. An occupied state may be combined with a certain error state.

  In the above-described embodiment, a predetermined fixed value is used as the limit number nlim. However, the limit number nlim is automatically set depending on the number of MFPs connected to the job processing system 90 and the number of MFPs that can perform distributed processing. A predetermined value may be used. For example, the total number of MFPs connected to the job processing system 90 may be the limit number nlim, or a predetermined ratio p (0 <p <1, for example, 0.5) to the number of MFPs that can execute job distribution processing. A number obtained by multiplying by (rounded up, rounded down, or rounded off to be an integer) may be used as the limit number nlim.

In the above-described embodiment, when the job type is a copy job or a fax job,
Among the MFPs 11 to 13, the MFP that executes the distributed processing of these jobs is assumed not to scan the document using the reading device. For example, when the amount of the document is larger than the maximum job amount of the scan function. The MFPs 11 to 13 that execute the distributed processing may scan the document. In this case, in the processing of step S180 of the occupation request transmission routine of FIG. 5, for the MFPs 11 to 13 that execute the distributed processing, in the case of a copy job, a printing device and a reading device, and in the case of a fax job, a communication device and a reading device. It is determined whether there is an MFP that is not occupied.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 11 cancels the occupation of the device after the job distribution process is completed in step S490 of the processing execution routine of FIG. 7. However, the MFP 10 does not cancel the occupation of the device, and the MFP 10 The occupation of the device of the MFP 11 may be released when the distributed processing is completed.

  In the embodiment described above, the MFP 10 transmits the occupancy request including the user ID in step S260 of the occupancy request transmission routine of FIG. 5, but may transmit the occupancy request including the user ID and the password. In this case, the MFP 11 also determines whether or not the input password matches the password of the user who reserved the reserved device in step S450 of the processing execution routine of FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, in step S160 of the occupation request transmission routine, it is determined whether or not the job amount exceeds the maximum job amount. When the job amount exceeds the maximum job amount, it is necessary to perform job distribution processing. The distributed processing button that can be set to the distributed processing mode for executing the distributed processing regardless of the amount of jobs is provided in one of the button groups 54, and the distributed processing mode is set in step S160. It may be determined whether the job needs to be distributed when the distributed processing mode is set.

  In the embodiment described above, the MFP selection apparatus of the present invention is applied to the MFP 10, but may be applied to a personal computer (PC) connected to the network 91. In this case, the user may designate an MFP that plays the role of the MFP 10 of the above-described embodiment, and another MFP that executes job distribution processing may be selected by the processing from step S180 onward. Alternatively, the MFP that plays the role of the MFP 10 of the above-described embodiment may also be selected by the processing from step S180 onward in the same manner as other MFPs that execute job distribution processing.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFPs 10 to 13 are described as including the printing device, the reading device, and the communication device. However, the MFPs 10 to 13 may include the printing device, the reading device, and the communication device. In this case, the printing function, the scanning function, and the copying function are provided, but the fax transmission function is not provided. Alternatively, in addition to the printing device, the reading device, and the communication device, for example, the memory card controller 44 may be regarded as a device. In this case, for example, it has a function of a so-called scan To memory card that writes data read by a reading device to a memory card, and a job type called a scan To memory card job is added. It may be handled in the same manner as the functions and job types.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where job distribution processing is executed by a plurality of MFPs has been exemplified. However, the same technical idea may be applied when one job is executed by one MFP. In this case, the occupation request transmission routine of FIG. 8 is executed instead of the occupation request transmission routine of FIG. When this routine is started, the CPU 62 occupies the own device (MFP 10) and the other devices (MFPs 11 to 13) when it is authenticated in step S510 after steps S500 and S510 similar to steps S100 and S110 described above. The status is acquired (step S520), and based on the acquired occupancy status, it is determined whether or not there is an MFP that does not occupy a device necessary for executing the job processing designated this time among the MFPs 10-13. Determination is made (step S530). Then, when there is an MFP that can execute processing of the job designated this time among the MFPs 10 to 13, that MFP is set as a selection candidate for the time being (step S540). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is an MFP in which at least one of devices other than the device necessary for executing the processing of the job designated this time is occupied among the selection candidates (step S550). If such an MFP exists, one MFP that executes job processing is selected so that the MFP that can realize the function with the highest priority level remains unselected (step S560). This selection can be performed in the same manner as step S230 described above. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S550, one MFP is arbitrarily selected from the selection candidates (step S570). For example, when there is an MFP 10 operated by the user among the selection candidates, the MFP 10 may be selected. After step S560 or step S570, an occupation request is sent together with the user ID to the MFP selected as the MFP that executes the job processing (step S580), and the MFP that executes the job processing designated by the user this time is displayed. The information is displayed on the unit 52 to notify the user (step S590), and this routine is terminated. When a negative determination is made in step S500, this routine is terminated as it is. If a negative determination is made in step S510 or a negative determination is made in step S530, an error display is output to the display unit 52 (step S600), and this routine is terminated. In this way, when the MFPs 10 to 13 connected to the network 91 execute job processing, it is possible to leave an MFP capable of performing multiple functions while efficiently processing the job. The MFP that has received the occupancy request executes the device reservation routine of FIG. 6 and executes the processing execution routine of FIG. 7 (however, job distribution processing is replaced with job processing). In this way, job processing can be performed easily and reliably.

2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a job processing system 90 including an MFP 10. FIG. FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating a schematic configuration of the MFP 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing electrical connection of the MFP 10. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of information stored in a flash memory 68. The flowchart which shows an example of an occupation request transmission routine. The flowchart which shows an example of a device reservation routine. The flowchart which shows an example of a process execution routine. The flowchart which shows an example of another occupation request transmission routine.

Explanation of symbols

  10 to 13 MFP, 20 printing device, 22 reading device, 24 communication device, 26 network I / F, 32 user authentication unit, 36 glass stand, 40 memory card slot, 42 memory card, 44 memory card controller, 50 operation panel, 52 display unit, 54 button group, 60 main controller, 62 CPU, 64 ROM, 66 RAM, 68 flash memory, 68a user authentication information, 68b correspondence information, 68c threshold information, 68d limit number information, 68e priority function information, 69 Internal communication interface, 90 job processing system, 91 network, 92 telephone line, 94 bus.

Claims (9)

A multi-function device selection apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data via a network with a plurality of multi-function devices having various devices and using different devices according to functions,
Occupancy status acquisition means for acquiring the occupancy status of the device from each of the plurality of multifunction devices;
When there is a need for distributed processing of a job, when selecting a multifunction device that executes the distributed processing of the job based on the occupation status acquired by the occupation status acquisition means, Selecting means for preferentially selecting a multifunction peripheral in which a device necessary for executing the distributed processing of the job is not occupied and at least one of devices other than the necessary device is occupied; ,
A multi-function machine selection device. The selection unit determines that the job needs to be distributed when the amount of the job exceeds a predetermined single processing range.
The multifunction device selection apparatus according to claim 1. The multi-function device selection device according to claim 1 or 2,
Priority order storage means for storing the priority order of functions to be preserved when selecting a multi-function peripheral that executes distributed processing of the job;
The selection means preferentially selects a multifunction device that does not occupy a device necessary to execute the distributed processing of the job and occupies at least one device other than the necessary device. In doing so, priority is given to leaving the high-priority functions in a non-selected MFP.
Multifunction machine selection device. The multifunction device selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A limit number storage means for storing, as a limit number, the maximum number that one user can occupy for each device;
The selecting means selects a multifunction device that executes the distributed processing of the job within a range not exceeding the limit number;
Multifunction machine selection device. The multi-function device selecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A multifunction device selection apparatus comprising: an occupancy request transmission unit configured to transmit a device occupancy request necessary for executing the job distribution process to the multifunction device selected by the selection unit. The occupancy request transmission means transmits an occupancy request including user identification information that is information that can identify a user when transmitting the occupancy request.
The multifunction device selection apparatus according to claim 5. A multifunction device capable of communicating with the multifunction device selection device according to claim 5 via the network,
Request receiving means for receiving the occupancy request via the network;
When the request receiving unit receives the occupancy request, a device necessary for executing the job distribution process is determined between the reception of the occupancy request and the execution of the job distribution process. Control means to occupy the source of the occupancy request;
Multi-function machine equipped with. A multifunction device capable of communicating with the multifunction device selection device according to claim 6 via the network,
Request receiving means for receiving the occupancy request via the network;
An identification information input means by which a user can input identification information;
When the request receiving unit receives the occupancy request, it is necessary to execute the job distribution process from when the occupancy request is received until the user inputs the identification information by the identification information input unit. After the device is reserved in the transmission source of the occupancy request, after the user inputs the identification information by the identification information input means, the input identification information matches the identification information included in the occupancy request Control means for causing the device to execute distributed processing of the job when they match, and to continue the reserved state when they do not match,
Multi-function machine equipped with. A job processing method by a multi-function peripheral selection device capable of transmitting and receiving data via a network with a plurality of multi-function peripherals having various devices and using different devices according to functions,
(A) obtaining a device occupation status from each of the plurality of multifunction peripherals;
(B) When there is a need for distributed processing of a job, at least the second and subsequent composites are selected in selecting a multifunction device that executes the distributed processing of the job based on the occupation status acquired in step (a). As for a machine, a device that does not occupy a device necessary to execute the distributed processing of the job and that occupies at least one of devices other than the necessary device is preferentially selected. Steps,
A job processing method including:

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