JP2010069642A - Information processing apparatus and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing system, capable of improving the confidentiality of printing data while electric power consumption is suppressed when printing is performed. <P>SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus includes: a managing part 109 for storing a continuously executable group table 210a expressing a user ID201 being an element for a continuously executable group; a storing part 110 for storing the printing data related to the continuously executable group; and a job managing means for keeping the execution of a printing job for the printing data waiting until a job execution command is received. The job managing means, when the job execution command is received, searches the continuously executable group having the user ID201 included in the job execution command as the element, extracts the printing data related to the searched continuously executable group, and constitutes the information processing apparatus so that the printing job for the extracted printing data can be continuously executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing system capable of increasing the confidentiality of print data while suppressing power consumption when performing printing.

  When a conventional image forming apparatus receives print data, it immediately executes a print job for the print data or executes a print job at a set time. Therefore, when only one user can execute a print job in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent others from viewing the printed matter on which the print data is printed by selecting the execution time. It is possible to increase the confidentiality of print data.

  In an image forming apparatus connected to a network, there are a plurality of users who can execute a print job on the image forming apparatus. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a printed matter will be viewed by others, and the confidentiality of print data is low. However, since it is possible to select the execution time of the print job by itself, the confidentiality of the print data can be kept to some extent.

  However, if each user tries to print the print data at the time selected by the user, the image forming apparatus needs to be in a printable state each time depending on the time. The amount will increase. A general image forming apparatus includes a heat-fixing type fixing unit, and heats the fixing unit until the image forming apparatus can perform printing, so that power consumption further increases.

  As an apparatus capable of solving the problem of such an increase in power consumption, Patent Document 1 discloses a print server that performs printing after combining print jobs having the same printer for printing into a single print job. It is shown.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-295838

  According to the invention described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of print jobs are not executed at different times, but can be executed collectively as a single print job. Since the print job can be executed by the image forming apparatus in the absence of the image forming apparatus, the power required for heating the fixing unit can be reduced.

  However, according to the invention described in Patent Document 1, print data that requires a high level of confidentiality is also printed in a lump, so that there is a high possibility that the printed material will be viewed by others, and the confidentiality of the print data is low. The problem of becoming.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing system capable of increasing the confidentiality of print data while suppressing power consumption when performing printing.

The present invention comprises a continuously executable group storage means for storing a continuously executable group having specific first identification information as an element;
Print data storage means for storing print data associated with the continuously executable group;
An information processing apparatus comprising job management means for waiting for execution of a print job of the print data until a job execution command is received,
When receiving the job execution instruction, the job management means searches for a continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution instruction as an element,
Extract the print data associated with the searched continuous executable group,
An information processing apparatus configured to be capable of continuously executing a print job of extracted print data.

The present invention also includes an identification information pair storage means for storing an identification information pair consisting of specific first identification information and specific second identification information,
When the job management means receives a job execution command including the first identification information and the second identification information, the job management means only when the first identification information and the second identification information are included in the same identification information pair. It is characterized by being comprised so that it can be performed.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the job management means is configured so that a separator sheet can be discharged between the execution of each print job when a plurality of print jobs are continuously executed. To do.

  In the present invention, the job management means can notify the transmission source information of the job execution instruction to the transmission source of the print data after continuously executing the print job of the extracted print data. It is comprised so that it may be comprised.

  In the present invention, the job management unit can notify the transmission source information of the job execution instruction to the generation source of the print data after continuously executing the print job of the extracted print data. It is comprised so that it may be comprised.

  According to the present invention, the job management means is configured to print a print job of print data associated with a continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element within a set print limit. It is characterized by being configured so that it can be continuously executed.

  According to the present invention, the job management means continuously prints a print job of print data associated with a continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element within a set print limit. It is configured to be able to be executed.

  Further, the present invention provides the job management means, wherein the print data associated with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element exceeds a set print limit. It is characterized by being configured to be able to notify the transmission source of the execution command.

  According to the present invention, when the print data associated with the continuously executable group including the first identification information included in the job execution instruction exceeds the set print limit, the job management unit performs setting printing. The print job of the print data is continuously executed within the limit, and after the continuous execution, the transmission source of the job execution command can be notified to select whether to continue printing. It is characterized by that.

In addition, the present invention includes a plurality of the information processing devices including image forming means and power consumption related information storage means for storing power consumption related information,
An information processing system capable of sharing power consumption related information of an information processing apparatus including an image forming unit between information processing apparatuses,
An information processing apparatus including any one of the image forming units included in the information processing system is configured to be able to execute a print job based on the power consumption related information. Information processing system.

  According to the present invention, the power consumption related information includes temperature information of a fixing unit of an information processing apparatus including an image forming unit included in the information processing system.

  According to the present invention, a continuously executable group storage unit that stores a continuously executable group having specific first identification information as an element, and a print data storage unit that stores print data associated with the continuously executable group. An information processing apparatus comprising job management means for waiting for execution of a print job for the print data until a job execution instruction is received, wherein the job management means receives the job execution instruction, It is possible to search a continuously executable group including the first identification information included, extract print data associated with the searched continuously executable group, and continuously execute a print job of the extracted print data There is provided an information processing apparatus configured as follows.

  According to this apparatus, the sender of the job execution command can be a third party previously associated with first identification information such as the sender's ID (IDentification) in addition to the print authority of the sender's print data. It also has the right to print the print data. Therefore, it is possible to continuously print only the print data for which the sender has a print authority and collect the printed matter by the sender, and a person other than the sender does not see or take out the printed matter. Therefore, the confidentiality of the print data can be increased while suppressing the power consumption of the apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the information management apparatus further includes an identification information pair storage unit that stores an identification information pair including specific first identification information and specific second identification information, and the job management unit includes the first identification information and the second identification information. When a job execution command including information is received, the print job can be executed only when the first identification information and the second identification information are included in the same identification information pair.

  According to the apparatus, when the sender of the job execution command transmits, for example, first identification information such as the sender's ID and second identification information such as a password, a combination in which an ID and a password are registered in advance. It becomes possible to confirm whether or not. Therefore, print data can be printed only when the identity of the sender of the job execution command is authenticated, so that the confidentiality of the print data can be improved.

  According to the present invention, the job management means is configured to be able to discharge a separator sheet between the executions of each print job when a plurality of print jobs are continuously executed. According to the apparatus, even when printed materials based on each print data are discharged to a common tray, it is possible to easily distinguish each printed material without checking the contents of the printed material. Can increase the sex.

  According to the present invention, the job management unit can notify the transmission source information of the job execution instruction to the transmission source of the print data after continuously executing the print job of the extracted print data. Configured to be. According to the apparatus, since the sender of the print data that has been printed can confirm the sender of the job execution command by the notification, the confidentiality of the print data can be improved.

  According to the present invention, the job management means can notify the transmission source information of the job execution instruction to the creation source of the print data after continuously executing the print job of the extracted print data. Configured to be. According to the apparatus, since the creator of the print data that has been printed can confirm the sender of the job execution command by the notification, the confidentiality of the print data can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the job management means can print a print job of print data associated with a continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element within a set print limit. It is configured so that it can be continuously executed with a number. According to the apparatus, since continuous printing is performed with the number of print jobs within the set print limit, even when there are a large number of print jobs of other people, it is possible to reduce the printing waiting time of the sender. Also, by classifying the number of jobs within the set printing limit, it is possible to easily classify each printed matter, so that the confidentiality of the print data can be improved.

  According to the invention, the job management means is configured to print a print job of print data associated with a continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element within a set print limit. It is configured so that it can be executed continuously. According to the apparatus, since continuous printing is performed with the number of prints within the set print limit, even when the number of prints of another person's print job is large, the printing waiting time of the sender can be reduced. Further, by classifying the number of printed sheets within the set printing limit, it is possible to easily classify each printed matter, so that the confidentiality of the print data can be improved.

  According to the present invention, the job management means, when the print data associated with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution instruction as an element exceeds a set print limit, It is configured to be able to notify the transmission source of the job execution command. According to the apparatus, the sender of the job execution command can confirm by the notification that there are more print jobs than the set print limit.

  Further, according to the present invention, the job management means, when the print data associated with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution instruction as an element exceeds a set print limit, It is possible to continuously execute a print job of the print data within the set print limit, and to notify the transmission source of the job execution instruction to select whether or not to continue printing after the continuous execution. Composed. According to the apparatus, the sender of the job execution command can select whether or not to print the print data that has not been printed due to the set print restriction, based on the notification.

  According to the invention, the power consumption of the information processing apparatus includes a plurality of the information processing apparatuses including an image forming unit and a power consumption related information storage unit that stores power consumption related information. An information processing system capable of sharing amount-related information between information processing apparatuses, and comprising any one of image forming means included in the information processing system based on the power consumption-related information Thus, an information processing system configured to be able to execute a print job is provided. According to the system, a print job can be executed by an information processing apparatus with a smaller power consumption based on the power consumption related information.

  According to the invention, the power consumption related information includes temperature information of a fixing unit of an information processing apparatus including an image forming unit included in the information processing system. According to the system, based on the temperature information of the fixing unit of each information processing apparatus included in the power consumption related information, the print job is executed by the information processing apparatus with the highest fixing unit temperature included in the system. Therefore, it is possible to cause the information processing apparatus that consumes less power to execute the print job.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view schematically showing a cross section of the information processing apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this information processing apparatus 1A, a copy mode in which an image of a document is read and printed on a recording sheet, a facsimile mode in which an image of the document is read and transmitted, a document image is received and printed on a record sheet, and information Various modes such as a printer mode for printing an image received from a terminal device via a network on a recording sheet can be selectively performed. The information processing apparatus 1 </ b> A is roughly composed of a document conveyance reading unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper feeding unit 4, and a paper discharge processing unit 5.

First, taking the copy mode as an example, the operation of the information processing apparatus 1A will be described.
First, when a document is set on the document set tray 11 of the document conveyance reading unit 2, the document detection sensor 12 detects that the document is set. Then, the user operates the operation unit 106 (shown in FIG. 2) to input and set the print paper size, magnification, and the like. Thereafter, the start of copying is instructed by operation of the operation unit 106.

  In response to these operations, in the document conveyance reading unit 2, each document on the document setting tray 11 is pulled out one by one by the pickup roller 13, and the document is transferred to the platen glass 16 through the gap plate 14 and the conveyance roller 15. Then, the document is conveyed on the platen glass 16 in the sub-scanning direction and discharged to the document discharge tray 17.

  At this time, the first reading unit 21 reads the surface (lower side) of the document. The first scanning unit 23 of the first reading unit 21 is moved and positioned at a predetermined position, the second scanning unit 24 is positioned at a predetermined position, and the surface of the original is placed on the platen by the exposure lamp of the first scanning unit 23. Irradiated through the glass 16, the reflected light of the document is guided to the imaging lens 26 by the respective reflection mirrors of the first and second traveling units 23, 24, and the reflected light of the document is charged by the imaging lens 26 by the CCD (Charge Coupled). Device) 27 is focused and an image of the surface of the document is formed on CCD 27, thereby reading the image of the surface of the document.

  Further, the back side (upper side surface) of the document is read by the second reading unit 22. The second reading unit 22 is disposed above the platen glass 16 and collects reflected light of the document for each pixel, which is an exposure lamp (LED (Light Emitting Diode) array, fluorescent lamp, etc.) that irradiates the back side of the document. A light-sensitive SELFOC (registered trademark) lens array and a contact image sensor (CIS) that photoelectrically converts the reflected light of the original received through the SELFOC (registered trademark) lens array and outputs an analog image signal. I have.

  Further, it is possible to open the upper housing of the document conveyance reading unit 2 and place the document on the platen glass 16, and in this state, the first reading unit 21 can read the surface of the document. In this case, the first and second scanning units 23 and 24 are moved in the sub-scanning direction while maintaining a predetermined speed relationship with each other, and the original on the platen glass 16 is exposed by the first scanning unit 23, so that the first The reflected light from the original is guided to the imaging lens 26 by the second scanning units 23 and 24, and the image of the original is formed on the CCD 27 by the imaging lens 26.

  When one or both sides of the document are read in this way, image data indicating an image on one or both sides of the document is input to a control unit 101 (shown in FIG. 2) such as a microcomputer, where various image processing is performed on the image data. The processed and processed image data is output to the image forming unit 3.

  The image forming unit 3 prints an image of a document indicated by image data on a recording sheet. The image forming unit 3 includes a photosensitive drum 31, a charging unit 32, a laser scan unit (hereinafter referred to as LSU) 33, a developing unit 34, A transfer unit 35, a cleaning unit 36, a charge eliminating unit (not shown), a fixing unit 37, and the like are provided.

  The image forming unit 3 is provided with a main conveyance path 38 and a reverse conveyance path 39, and the recording sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit 4 is conveyed along the main conveyance path 38. The paper feeding unit 4 pulls out the recording paper stored in the paper cassette 41 or the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray 42 one by one, and sends the recording paper to the main conveyance path 38 of the image forming unit 3. .

  While the recording paper is being conveyed along the main conveyance path 38 of the image forming unit 3, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum 31 and the transfer unit 35, and further passes through the fixing unit 37 to be recorded. Printing on paper is performed. The photosensitive drum 31 rotates in one direction, and after the surface is cleaned by the cleaning unit 36 and the charge eliminating unit, the surface is uniformly charged by the charging unit 32. The laser scanning unit 33 modulates the laser beam based on the image data from the document conveying / reading unit 2, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 in the main scanning direction with this laser beam, thereby converting the electrostatic latent image into the photosensitive member. It is formed on the surface of the drum 31. The developing unit 34 supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 to develop the electrostatic latent image, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31. The transfer unit 35 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photoconductive drum 31 to a recording sheet that passes between the transfer unit 35 and the photoconductive drum 31. The fixing unit 37 heats and pressurizes the recording paper to fix the toner image on the recording paper.

  A branching claw 43 is disposed at a connection position between the main conveyance path 38 and the reverse conveyance path 39. When printing is performed only on one side of the recording paper, the branching claw 43 is positioned, and the recording paper from the fixing unit 37 is guided to the paper discharge tray 44 or the paper discharge processing unit 5 by the branching claw 43.

  Further, when printing is performed on both sides of the recording paper, the branching claw 43 is rotated and the recording paper is guided toward the reverse conveyance path 39. Then, the recording sheet passes through the reverse conveyance path 39, is turned upside down and is conveyed again to the main conveyance path 38, and printing on the back surface is performed during the re-conveyance of the main conveyance path 38. Then, the paper is guided toward the paper discharge tray 44 or the paper discharge processing unit 5.

  The recording sheet printed in this manner is guided toward the paper discharge tray 44 or the paper discharge processing unit 5 and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 44 or each of the paper discharge trays 5 a of the paper discharge processing unit 5. Discharged to either.

  The paper discharge processing unit 5 sorts and discharges a plurality of recording papers to the respective paper discharge trays 5a, performs punching processing on each recording paper, and performs stapling processing on each recording paper. For example, when creating a plurality of printed materials, each recording sheet is sorted and discharged to each discharge tray 5a so that a part of the printed material is allocated to each discharge tray 5a. Then, a punching process or a stapling process is performed on each recording sheet on the discharge tray 5a to create a printed matter.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus 1A including the fixing unit 37 and other image forming apparatuses, which are fixing units that perform fixing by heat fixing at the time of printing, greatly increase the temperature of the fixing unit 37 to a necessary temperature. Consumes a lot of power. Therefore, in order to reduce power consumption when performing a plurality of printings, it is necessary to continuously perform as many printings as possible before the temperature of the fixing unit 37 decreases.

  Next, each mode of the information processing apparatus 1A will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 1A of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the information processing apparatus 1A and the external apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus 1A via a network.

  The information processing apparatus 1A includes a control unit 101 that includes a CPU (central processing unit) that performs arithmetic operations, a RAM (random access memory) that stores temporary information associated with the arithmetic operations, and the like. The control unit 101 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 105 that stores a control program for controlling the information processing apparatus 1A, and a memory that stores management information for managing processing performed by the information processing apparatus 1A. A certain management unit 109 is connected. The control unit 101 is connected to an image reading unit 102 that reads an image recorded on a recording sheet and generates image data. The control unit 101 is connected to an operation unit (instruction receiving unit) 106 that receives an operation from a user. The operation unit 106 includes a display unit 106a including a liquid crystal panel or the like for displaying information necessary for operation, and a touch panel to which information such as a control command is input by a user operation, and other input means such as a numeric keypad. It is made up of. The control unit 101 is connected to a storage unit 110 made of a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 110 stores the image data generated by the image reading unit 102.

  The control unit 101 is connected to an image memory 104 that temporarily stores image data and an image forming unit 103 that forms an image from the image data stored in the image memory 104 and records the image on a recording sheet. . The information processing apparatus 1A can temporarily store the image data generated by the image reading unit 102 in the image memory 104 and then form an image with the image forming unit 103 serving as an image forming unit. Thus, the mode in which the information processing apparatus 1 functions as a copying machine is the copying mode.

  The control unit 101 is connected to a modem unit 107 that performs facsimile communication, and the modem unit 107 is connected to the public line network N1. The information processing apparatus 1 </ b> A can transmit the image data generated by the image reading unit 102 to the other facsimile apparatus 111 via facsimile communication via the public line network N <b> 1 connected to the modem unit 107. The information processing apparatus 1A receives print data transmitted from another facsimile apparatus 111 via the public network N1 by the modem unit 107, and forms an image by the image forming unit 103 from the image data in the received print data. (Hereinafter, it is expressed that print data is printed or a print data print job is executed). The received print data can also be stored in the storage unit 110. Thus, the mode in which the information processing apparatus 1A functions as a facsimile apparatus is the facsimile mode.

The control unit 101 is connected to a communication unit (transmission / reception means) 108 for the information processing apparatus 1A to transmit / receive information to / from the outside. The communication unit 108 is an in-house LAN (Local Area Network).
The personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as PC) 112, the backbone system 113, another information processing apparatus 1B, and the print server 1C are connected to the communication network N2. The information processing apparatus 1B has the same configuration as the information processing apparatus 1A, and the print server 1C is another embodiment of the present invention that does not include the image reading unit 102, the image forming unit 103, and the image memory 104. The communication unit 108 performs data communication with the PC 112, the backbone system 113, the other information processing apparatus 1B, and the print server 1C via the communication network N2.

  The information processing apparatus 1 </ b> A can transmit the image data generated by the image reading unit 102 from the communication unit 108 to the PC 112. As described above, the mode in which the information processing apparatus 1A functions as the scanner apparatus is the scanner mode. Further, the information processing apparatus 1A receives print data transmitted from the PC 112, the core system 113, another information processing apparatus 1B, the print server 1C, and the like by the communication unit 108, and the received print data is received by the image forming unit 103. Can be printed. The received print data can also be stored in the storage unit 110. Thus, the mode in which the information processing apparatus 1A functions as a printer apparatus is the printer mode.

  The communication network N2 can be further connected to a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The communication unit 108 connects the communication network N2 and the wide area communication between the information processing apparatus (not shown) connected to the wide area communication network and another facsimile apparatus (not shown) connected to the wide area communication network by a method such as sending print data attached to an e-mail. Print data can be received via a communication network. Thus, the mode in which the information processing apparatus 1A functions as an Internet facsimile machine is the Internet facsimile mode.

  The information processing apparatus 1A can increase the confidentiality of print data while suppressing power consumption when executing a print job for received print data in the printer mode, facsimile mode, and Internet facsimile mode. Continuous printing mode can be selected. Hereinafter, the continuous printing mode will be described.

  In order to use the continuous printing mode of the information processing apparatus 1A, it is necessary to store first identification information such as a user ID of a user who can use the continuous printing mode in advance. The first identification information is allocated for each user by an administrator or the like. For example, as the identification information pair table 200 shown in FIG. 4, the first identification information allocated to each user is stored together.

  The identification information pair table 200 includes a password 203 as second identification information corresponding to the first identification information in addition to the user ID 201 as the first identification information. For example, the password 203 corresponding to the user ID 201 “Sato” in FIG. 4 is “AAA”. Further, as the first identification information, it is also possible to store an identification information pair table 200 using a position ID 202 or another classification such as “engineer, general affairs, managerial position”.

  In order to use the continuous printing mode, it is necessary to store a continuously executable group having the first identification information necessary for determining print data to be continuously printed as an element. For example, a plurality of continuously executable groups are stored together as the continuously executable group table 210 shown in FIG.

  The continuously executable group and the continuously executable group table 210 differ depending on the first identification information used to determine the print data for continuous printing. FIG. 5A is a continuously executable group table 210a when the user ID 201 is used as the first identification information. For example, “Group 1” which is one of the continuously executable groups in FIG. 5A has user IDs 201 “Sato”, “Suzuki”, “Takahashi”, “Watanabe”, “Ito” as elements. It represents that it is a group. FIG. 5B is a continuously executable group table 210b when the post ID 202 is used as the first identification information. As the continuously executable group table 210 stored in the information processing apparatus 1A, an optimum table can be selected according to the identification information pair table 200 stored in advance.

  The identification information pair table 200 and the continuously executable group table 210 are stored in the management unit 109. That is, the management unit 109 is an identification information pair storage unit that stores the first identification information and the second identification information. Further, it is a continuously executable group storage unit that stores continuously executable groups.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the first identification information and continuously executable group storage processing of the information processing apparatus 1A. By this processing, the information processing apparatus 1A changes from the unusable state to the usable state in the continuous printing mode.

  First, first identification information assigned to a user who can use the continuous printing mode is stored (step S100). The first identification information can be stored in the information processing apparatus 1A by an administrator or the like, and can be stored together as in the identification information pair table 200 shown in FIG. As in the identification information pair table 200, the first identification information having different classifications such as the user ID 201 and the post ID 202 may be stored together. Moreover, you may memorize | store 2nd identification information like the password 203 with 1st identification information. Next, based on the stored first identification information, a continuously executable group necessary for discriminating print data to be continuously executed is stored (step S101). For example, when the user ID 201 is used as the first identification information, a continuously executable group having the user ID 201 as an element is stored. The information processing apparatus 1A that stores the first identification information and the continuously executable group can use the continuous printing mode. In the following, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1A stores the identification information pair table 200 in FIG. 4 and the continuously executable group table 210a in FIG.

  The information processing apparatus 1A that can use the continuous print mode can store print data associated with the continuously executable group. For example, the received print data is stored, and information related to the received print data is stored together as in the print data management table 300 shown in FIG. The print data management table 300 includes a print data name 301 which is the name of the received print data, a print data reception time 302 indicated by the time management function of the information processing apparatus 1A, and a first assigned to the sender of the received print data. Transmission source information 303 as one identification information, creation source information 304 as first identification information assigned to a creator of received print data, and related group information 305 indicating a continuously executable group associated with the received print data. Specific request setting information 306 that is information on the presence / absence of specific request setting, exclusion setting information 307 that is information on presence / absence of exclusion setting, and exception processing setting information 308 that is information on presence / absence of exception processing setting. .

  One row in the print data management table 300 shown in FIG. 7 indicates information related to one print data. For example, the print data related to the first line is created by the user whose name is “Untitled.doc”, the first identification information is “Sato”, and transmitted from the user whose first identification information is “Sato”. Received at “15:15 on August 1,” and associated with the continuously executable group “Group 3”, the specific request setting and the exclusion setting are not performed, and the exception processing setting is “Save” It represents something. The specific request setting, exclusion setting, and exception processing setting will be described later.

  In the continuous print mode, the received print data waits for execution of a print job for the print data by the job management unit and is stored in the storage unit 110. That is, the storage unit 110 is a print data storage unit. The function of the job management means is exhibited by the continuous printing program that is a program for performing the continuous printing mode stored in the ROM 105 and the control unit 101. The print data management table 300 is also stored in the storage unit 110.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing print data reception processing of the information processing apparatus 1A in the continuous print mode. The information processing apparatus 1A uses a continuous print mode by a user who intends to transmit print data (hereinafter referred to as a print data sender even before transmission of print data) before receiving print data. It is determined whether the user is a possible user, that is, whether the print data sender is authorized (step S200). This determination requests the print data sender to transmit the first identification information allocated to the print data sender, and whether or not the transmitted first identification information is stored in the identification information pair table 200. It can be done by confirming. Also, it requests transmission of the second identification information together with the first identification information, and confirms whether or not the transmitted first identification information and second identification information are a combination stored in the identification information pair table 200. It can also be done. For example, when the user ID 201 “Sato” and the password 203 “AAA” are transmitted, the information processing apparatus 1A refers to the identification information pair table 200 in FIG. 4 and the print data sender is an authorized user. to decide. It is also possible to determine whether or not the user has authority by personal authentication using an IC (Integrated Circuit) card. If the print data sender has authority, the process proceeds to step S201. If not, the process proceeds to step S202.

  If the print data sender is an authorized user, the print data and related group information 305 are received (step S201). The print data and related group information 305 are transmitted from the PC 112 or the like connected by the communication network N2. The print data and related group information 305 may receive print data (a part of the print data management table 300 included in the print data) associated with the continuously executable group in advance, and may be related to the print data. The group information 305 may be received independently. When the print data and the related group information 305 are received independently, the information processing apparatus 1A performs the association. The association is performed by extracting the print data name 301 from the print data stored in the storage unit 110 and storing it together with the related group information 305 as the print data management table 300. The related group information 305 is information indicating a group to be associated, selected by the print data sender from the continuous executable group table 200, and can also indicate a plurality of groups.

  The print data and the related group information 305 are received, the print data and the print data management table 300 are stored, and the reception process ends. If the print data sender is not an authorized user, only the print data is received and the reception process is terminated (step S202). If the user is not an authorized user, the print data can be prevented from being received. In that case, the reception process is terminated without receiving the print data. In the following, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1A stores the print data management table 300 of FIG.

  The information processing apparatus 1A storing the print data and the print data management table 300 determines whether to execute or wait for a print job of the print data stored by the job management unit. When the information processing apparatus 1A receives a job execution instruction that is an instruction for executing a job, the information processing apparatus 1A determines whether or not a sender of the job execution instruction (hereinafter referred to as a job executor) has print authority. If the user has authority, the job management unit starts execution of the print job. The print job executed at this time is a print job of print data whose transmission source information 303 is the first identification information included in the job execution instruction, that is, a print job of print data transmitted by the job executor himself, and job execution This is a print data print job stored in association with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the command as an element, that is, a print data print job for which the job execution authority is given.

  For example, when the first identification information included in the job execution instruction is “Watanabe” shown in the identification information pair table 200 of FIG. 4, that is, when the first identification information assigned to the job executor is “Watanabe”. Referring to the transmission source information 306 in the print data management table 300 in FIG. 7, print data with the name “B material.doc” is printed. Further, a continuously executable group having “Watanabe” as an element is searched from the continuously executable group table 210a of FIG. 5A, and “Group 1” and “Group 3” having “Watanabe” as an element are searched. Print data associated with at least one is extracted, and print jobs of the extracted print data named “Untitled.doc”, “012xxxxxxxx”, and “Detail.doc” are continuously executed.

  In this way, since the job executor continuously prints only the print data for which the print authority is authorized, it is unlikely that a user who does not have the print authority can see or take out the print data or forget to take out the print data. Thus, the confidentiality of the print data is enhanced. Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus 1A, the power consumption of the information processing apparatus 1A can be suppressed by continuous printing while increasing the confidentiality of the print data.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing job execution processing of the information processing apparatus 1A after receiving a job execution command. When the information processing apparatus 1A receives the job execution command, the information processing apparatus 1A determines whether the job executor is a user who can use the continuous print mode, that is, whether the job executor has authority (step S300). . This determination can be made by confirming whether or not the first identification information and the second identification information included in the job execution instruction are a combination stored in the identification information pair table 200. It can also be performed by personal authentication using an IC card. If the job executor has authority, the process proceeds to step S301. If not, the process ends.

  When the job executor has authority, the print data management table 300 is referred to, and print data whose first identification information included in the job execution command is the transmission source information 306, that is, print data of the job executor exists. Whether or not (step S301). If the print data of the job executor exists, the process proceeds to step S302. If not, the process proceeds to step S304.

  The print data of the job executor is printed (step S302). When there are a plurality of print data of the job executor, the print data can be printed in order from the print data with the earliest reception time 302. For example, if the first identification information included in the job execution instruction is “Sato” in the identification information pair table 200 in FIG. 4, “untitled.doc” and “ A print job of print data named “Budget.xls” is continuously printed. When printing of the print data of the job executor is completed, the print data is deleted from the storage unit 110, and information related to the print data is deleted from the print data management table 300 (step S303).

  Next, whether there is print data stored in association with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element, that is, print data for which the job executor has print authority is displayed. It is determined whether or not it exists (step S304). This determination is made by referring to the print data management table 300. If there is print data for which the job executor has print authority, the process advances to step S305. If not, the process ends.

  Print data for which the job executor has printing authority is printed (step S305). When there are a plurality of print data for which the job executor has print authority, printing can be performed in order from the print data with the earliest reception time 302.

  For example, if the first identification information included in the job execution instruction is “Sato” in the identification information pair table 200 of FIG. 4, “Sato” is taken as an element from the continuously executable group table 210a of FIG. Search for “Group 1”, “Group 2”, and “Group 4”. Referring to the print data management table 300 in FIG. 7, “A material.doc”, which is print data associated with at least one of the searched “group 1”, “group 2”, and “group 4”. , “B material.doc”, and print data named “detail.doc” are continuously printed. When the job executor finishes printing the print data that the print authority has, the print data is deleted from the storage unit 110, and the information related to the print data is deleted from the print data management table 300 (step S306). After the print data is deleted, the job execution process is terminated.

  Such a continuous printing mode can also be performed by the print server 1C that does not include the image forming unit 103. While the information processing apparatus 1A causes the image forming unit 103 in the information processing apparatus 1A to perform continuous printing, in the case of the continuous printing mode by the print server 1C, the image forming apparatus connected to the print server 1C continuously Let them print. The following functions that can be performed by the information processing apparatus 1A can also be performed by the print server 1C.

  The information processing apparatus 1A can perform the specific request setting in the continuous printing mode. The specific request setting is to store the specific first identification information and the print data in association with each other instead of selecting the continuous executable group or together with the continuous executable group. When the first identification information allocated to the job executor is the target of the specific request setting, the job management unit prints the print data for which the specific request setting has been performed.

  For example, the print data having the name “budget.xls” in the print data management table 300 of FIG. 7 has a specific request set for “Suzuki”. “Suzuki” is one of the user IDs 201 as the first identification information in the identification information pair table 200 of FIG. At this time, only when the first identification information assigned to the job executor is “Sato” or “Suzuki”, the print data with the name “budget.xls” is printed. When the first identification information assigned to the job executor is “Sato”, the print data with the name “budget.xls” is the print data of the job executor and can be printed. If the first identification information assigned to the job executor is “Suzuki”, the job executor has print authority by the specific request setting, and prints the print data named “budget.xls”. can do.

  The specific request setting can be set for a plurality of pieces of first identification information. Further, the specific request setting information 306 can be transmitted to the information processing apparatus 1A instead of the related group information 305 or together with the related group information 305. By receiving the specific request setting information 306, the specific request setting is performed, and it is possible to associate with the first identification information of an arbitrary combination other than the continuously executable group determined by the administrator or the like.

  The information processing apparatus 1A can perform the exclusion setting in the continuous printing mode. Exclusion setting means that when print data and a continuously executable group are stored in association with each other, a job management means is provided to a job executor assigned specific first identification information included in the continuously executable group. Is a setting that does not give printing authority.

  For example, the print data named “B material.doc” in the print data management table 300 in FIG. 7 is associated with “group 1” in the continuously executable group table 210a in FIG. Exclusion settings are made for Ito. “Ito” is one of the user IDs 201 as the first identification information in the identification information pair table 200 of FIG. At this time, if the first identification information assigned to the job executor is “Ito” and “Ito” is an element of “Group 1” unless the exclusion setting is made, the job executor The print executor who has the print authority and can print the print data named “B document.doc” is set to be excluded, but the job executor assigned the first identification information “Ito” performs printing. I can't do it. A job executor assigned any one of “Sato”, “Suzuki”, “Takahashi”, and “Watanabe”, which is an element of “Group 1” other than “Ito”, has printing authority.

  Said exclusion setting can also be set with respect to several 1st identification information. Further, the exclusion setting information 307 can be transmitted to the information processing apparatus 1A together with the related group information 305. A print authority for print data is given to a job executor who is assigned an exclusion setting by receiving the exclusion setting information 307 and is assigned with any combination of the first identification information other than the continuously executable group determined by the administrator or the like. Can be given.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 1A receives the job execution command and prints the print data associated with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element for each print data. It can be set to discharge a separator sheet such as a header page. Also, each job executor can select whether or not to discharge the separator sheet. The separator sheet prints information related to the print data such as the print data name 301 and the print data transmission source information 303, such as a header page, or discharges paper of a color different from the print data of the print data. It is possible to select the most suitable sheet for the separator sheet. By discharging the separator sheets, even if continuous printing is performed, the separator sheets are sandwiched between the printed materials of the respective print data, so that the printed materials can be easily separated. Therefore, since the printed matter of each user can be classified without confirming the content of the printed matter of the print data, the confidentiality of the print data can be improved.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 1A can perform various notifications by the job management unit by storing the notification table 400 illustrated in FIG. 10 in the management unit 109 in advance. The notification table 400 in FIG. 10 uses a user ID 401 as first identification information for identifying each user. In addition to the user ID 201 stored in the identification information pair table 200, the user ID 401 can be a print data creation source such as “general affairs” and “personnel” that are not stored in the identification information pair table 200. Including. Corresponding to each user ID 401, the PC number 402 assigned to each user's PC and the mail address 403 of each user are stored. For example, the PC number 402 of the PC dedicated to the user assigned “Sato” as the first identification information is “001”, and the mail address 403 represents “aaa @ mail”. In the following, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1A stores the notification table 400 of FIG.

  When the print data of another person other than the job executor for whom the job executor has print authority is printed by the job execution instruction, the information processing apparatus 1A confirms that the print data has been printed for the other person. Notice.

  For example, when the first identification information assigned to the job executor is “Watanabe” in the identification information pair table 200 in FIG. 4, the continuous executable group table 210a in FIG. 5A and the print data management in FIG. With reference to the table 300, print data whose print data name 301 is “Untitled.doc” and whose transmission source information 303 is “Sato” is printed. At this time, the information processing apparatus 1 </ b> A prints its own print data to the user assigned the first identification information “Sato” by the job execution command from the user assigned the first identification information “Watanabe”. Notify This notification may include information such as the print data name 301 and the reception time 302 in addition to the first identification information included in the job execution command.

  By performing the above notification, the user who is assigned the first identification information “Sato” can go to the user who is assigned the first identification information “Watanabe” to receive the printed matter. Therefore, since it is possible to immediately receive a printed matter of the own print data, it is possible to improve the confidentiality of the print data. In addition, the user assigned the first identification information “Sato” can confirm that the user assigned the first identification information “Watanabe” has been authorized to print his / her print data. Even if the user does not intend to give the print authority, the user can immediately go to receive the printed matter, so that the confidentiality of the print data can be improved.

  Also, the information processing apparatus 1 </ b> A notifies the user who has been given print authority to the print data creation source when the print data transmission source information 303 and the creation source information 304 are different. Can do. Also, when the print data transmission source information 303 and the creation source information 304 are different and the print data is printed by a job execution command other than the print data transmission source, from which user the print is performed by the job execution command. You can also tell if you went.

  For example, when the information processing apparatus 1A receives the print data named “A material.doc” in the print data management table 300 of FIG. 7, the first information received during the personal authentication before receiving the print data. The transmission source information 303 “Takahashi”, which is identification information, and the creation source information 304 “Sato” included in the print data are stored. At this time, for the user assigned the first identification information “Sato”, the user assigned the first identification information “Takahashi” and the print data named “A material.doc” and the continuation of FIG. The fact that the group “2” in the executable group table 210a is associated is notified. This notification may notify the first identification information that is an element of “group 2”, or may include information such as the print data name 301 and the reception time 302. Further, when the print data is printed by a job execution command from a user other than the user who is assigned the first identification information “Takahashi”, the user who is assigned the first identification information “Sato” The source of the job execution command is notified. This notification may include information such as the print data name 301 and the reception time 302 in addition to the transmission source of the job execution command. Further, even when the creation source information 304 is not stored in the identification information pair table 200 in FIG. 4 as in the print data named “budget.xls”, the notification table 400 in FIG. 10 is referred to. Can be notified.

  By making the above notification, the creator of the print data can confirm to which user the print authority for the created print data has been given, and even if it was not intended to give the print authority However, since the print data transmission source can be alerted before or after printing, the confidentiality of the print data can be increased.

  The various notifications described above can be performed by sending an e-mail to the mail address 403 of the notification table 400 or using an SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) trap using the PC number 402.

  The information processing apparatus 1A includes not only the print data transmitted from the user assigned the first identification information stored in the identification information pair table 200, but also the job table 500 shown in FIG. 11 and the job association table shown in FIG. By storing 510 in the management unit 109 in advance, print data can be transmitted to the information processing apparatus 1A such as the backbone system 113 and the facsimile apparatus 111 such as head office accounting, but a job execution command can be transmitted. The continuous print mode can also be applied to print data transmitted from a transmission source that cannot be performed.

  The job table 500 includes a job number 501 allocated for each transmission source, and transmission source information 502 specified as a transmission source of print data to which the continuous print mode can be applied. For example, in the case of a transmission source using the facsimile apparatus 111, a specific telephone number such as “012xxxxxxxx” can be designated and stored in the transmission source information 502, or a specific telephone number such as “FAX” can be stored. All the facsimile apparatuses 111 other than the number can be designated and stored. When the backbone system 113 is a transmission source, all terminal devices included in the backbone management system 113 can be specified and stored in the transmission source information 502 as “accounting”. The job table 500 includes a notification mail address 503 described later.

  The job association table 510 is used when associating the print data transmitted from the transmission source corresponding to the transmission source information 502 in the job table 500 with the continuous executable group in the continuous executable group table 210a. Unlike the PC 112, the facsimile apparatus 111 and the core system 113 cannot transmit the related group information 305, so the job association table 510 is necessary.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the storage processing of the job table 500 and the job association table 510 of the information processing apparatus 1A. By this processing, the information processing apparatus 1A changes from the state where the continuous print mode cannot be applied to the print data from the facsimile apparatus 111 and the backbone system 113 from the state where the continuous print mode cannot be applied.

  First, the transmission source information 502 corresponding to the transmission source to which the continuous printing mode can be applied is stored (step S400). The transmission source information 502 can be stored in the information processing apparatus 1A by an administrator or the like, and can be stored together as in the job table 500 shown in FIG. Next, based on the stored job table 500, the job association table 510 necessary for association with the continuously executable group is stored (step S401). For example, the association table 510 in FIG. 12 indicates that the print data corresponding to job 2 in FIG. 11 is associated with “group 3” in the continuously executable group table 210 in FIG. The information processing apparatus 1A that stores the job table 500 and the job association table 510 can apply the continuous print mode to print data from the facsimile apparatus 111 and the backbone system 113. In the following, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1A stores the job table 500 of FIG. 11 and the job association table 510 of FIG.

  When the print data is transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 111 or the like to the information processing apparatus 1A in which the continuous print mode can be applied to the print data from the facsimile apparatus 111 and the backbone system 113, the job management unit displays the job table 500. , It is determined whether or not the continuous print mode is applied to the print data, and the continuous print mode is applied if applicable.

  For example, when print data is transmitted from a transmission source corresponding to the transmission source information 502 “012xxxxxxxx”, the print data is not immediately printed but stored in the storage unit 110. Further, information related to the print data is stored in the print data management table 300. The print data name in the print data management table 300 is “012xxxxxxxx”, the transmission source information 303 is “job 1”, and the related group information 305 is “4” with reference to the job association table 510. The creation source information 304, the specific request setting information 306, the exclusion setting information 307, and the exception processing setting information 308 are not stored.

  When the continuous print mode is applied to print data from the facsimile apparatus 111 or the like, the job management unit notifies the user who is assigned the user ID 201 in the identification information pair table 200 of FIG. be able to. The user to be notified is determined with reference to the identification information pair table 200 in FIG. 4, the continuous executable group table 210 in FIG. 5A, and the job association table 510 in FIG.

  For example, in the print data whose transmission source information 502 is “012xxxxxxxx”, the related group information 305 is associated with “4”, that is, the continuously executable group “group 4”, and the element of “group 4” is “Sato” Therefore, the notification is made to the user assigned the first identification information “Sato”. This notification informs that the print data from the facsimile apparatus 111 or the like has been stored, and the user who has received the notification can immediately print if necessary. Further, this notification can be performed by referring to the notification table 400 using an e-mail, an SNMP trap, or the like.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing print data print processing from the PC 112, the facsimile apparatus 111, and the backbone system 113. The information processing apparatus 1 </ b> A can apply the continuous print mode to print data from the facsimile apparatus 111 and the backbone system 113.

  If the received print data is print data to which the continuous print mode is applied, the process proceeds to step S501. If the received print data is not applied, the process proceeds to step S502 (step S500). The print data to which the continuous print mode is applied is transmitted from the transmission data corresponding to the transmission data transmitted from the user to whom the first identification information in the identification information pair table 200 is assigned and the transmission information 502 in the job table 500. Print data.

  If the received print data is print data to which the continuous print mode is applied, a print job for the print data is waited (step S501). When print data to which the continuous print mode is applied is received, the print data and the print data management table 300 are stored, and the job management unit waits for a print job of the print data. Step S501 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S503. If the received print data is not print data to which the continuous print mode is applied, a print job for the print data is executed (step S502). The received print data is printed immediately, and the process ends.

  If the received print data is print data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 111 or the like, the process proceeds to step S504. If the received print data is not print data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 111 or the like, the process ends. If the print data is transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 111 or the like, a notification is made (step S505). This notification notifies the user that the print data from the facsimile apparatus 111 or the like has been stored. When notification is given, the process is terminated.

  When the continuous print mode is applied and the print data on standby is received a job execution command, printing is started by the job management unit. Even when the print data is transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 111 or the like, the print associated with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element, similarly to the print data transmitted from the user. Data is printed. As described above, even if the print data is transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 111 and the core system 113 whose transmission time is unknown, it is possible to prevent the printed matter from being left as it is by performing continuous printing. Thus, the confidentiality of the print data can be increased.

  Further, as in the job table 500 of FIG. 11, when an e-mail address 503 or the like for notification by an administrator or the like is stored, the job management unit transmits the transmission corresponding to the transmission source information 502 of the backbone system 113 or the like. It is possible to notify that the print data transmitted from the source has been printed. This notification can be made by e-mail to the e-mail address 502, SNMP trap, or the like. The source of the job execution instruction that printed the print data, the print data name, the print time, etc. Can be included.

  By this notification, it becomes possible to transmit information such as who printed the print job transmitted by the core system 113 or the like to the core system 113 or the like, and the confidentiality of the print data can be improved.

  The information processing apparatus 1A stores the set print job number table 600a shown in FIG. 15A and the set print number table 600b shown in FIG. Continuous printing can be performed by setting at least one of the set print job number 602a and the set print number 602b as a set print restriction. The set print job number table 600a includes a group name 601a indicating a continuously executable group and a set print job number 602a corresponding to the group name 601a. The print limit sheet number table 600b includes a group name 601b indicating a group that can be continuously executed, and a set print sheet number 602b corresponding to the group name 601b. In the following, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1A stores the set print job number table 600a in FIG. 15A and the set print number table 600b in FIG. 15B.

  When the information processing apparatus 1A receives the job execution instruction, the information processing apparatus 1A continuously prints the print data associated with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution instruction as an element. At this time, the information processing apparatus 1A does not print all the print data associated with the continuously executable group, but refers to the print limit job number table 600a within the set number of print jobs for each continuously executable group. Perform continuous printing. For example, when the continuously executable groups having the first identification information included in the job execution command as elements are “group 1” and “group 3”, the number of print jobs of the print data associated with “group 1” Is printed within 4 jobs and the number of print jobs of the print data associated with “Group 3” is within 6 jobs. Therefore, the maximum number of print jobs of the print data that is continuously printed by the job execution command is 10 jobs.

  When the set print number table 600b is referred to instead of the set print job number table 600a, the print number of print data associated with “Group 1” is within 30 sheets and is associated with “Group 3”. The print data is printed within 100 sheets. Therefore, the maximum number of print data that can be continuously printed by the job execution command is 130. In addition, when performing continuous printing with the set number of prints 602b as the set print restriction, only print data that can be printed entirely within the set number of prints 602b is printed so that only part of the print data is not printed. It can also be made.

  This set printing restriction can prevent an excessive burden on a user who wants to perform a small amount of printing. In addition, since at least one of the number of continuously printed jobs and the number of printed sheets can be reduced, it becomes easy to classify the printed materials of each print data, and the possibility of mixing the printed materials is reduced. Confidentiality can be increased.

  Also, the job management means sends the job execution instruction source when the print data associated with the continuously executable group including the first identification information included in the job execution instruction exceeds the set print limit. Can make various notifications.

  Before performing continuous printing, the information processing apparatus 1A notifies that the print data associated with the continuously executable group including the first identification information included in the job execution command exceeds the set print limit. The transmission source of the job execution command can select whether to perform continuous printing within the set printing limit or to continuously print all associated print data.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 1A confirms that after continuous printing within the set print limit, the associated print data is printed within the set print limit, and that the associated print data still remains. It is possible to notify the transmission source of the job execution command and select whether or not to continuously print the remaining print data that has not been printed.

  The various notifications can be performed by referring to the first identification information included in the job execution command and the notification table 400, using e-mail, SNMP traps, or the like. If the user who has transmitted the job execution instruction desires to execute a print job for all the print data by this notification, more print jobs can be executed. Therefore, the power consumption of the information processing apparatus 1A Can be reduced.

  In addition, the job management means uses a job execution command including specific first identification information that is an element of the continuously executable group by the exclusion setting, although the print data is associated with the continuously executable group. First identification information that is an element of the continuously executable group due to the set print restriction, although the print data is not printed and the print data is associated with the continuously executable group. It is possible to notify the transmission source of the print data that has not been printed by the job execution command including that the print data that has been transmitted has not been printed.

  This notification can be performed by referring to the transmission source information 303 and the notification table 400 of the print data management table 300 using an e-mail, an SNMP trap, or the like. By this notification, the print data sender who has performed the exclusion setting can confirm that the exclusion setting has been performed. In addition, the sender of the print data that has not been printed due to the set print restriction has been sent by the user who has been assigned the first identification information that is an element of the continuously executable group associated with the print data, and has transmitted a job execution command. It is possible to know that the print data has not been printed by the set print restriction.

  Therefore, the user who has received the notification can transmit a job execution command immediately after receiving the notification, and can perform printing before the temperature decrease of the fixing unit 37 proceeds. The power consumption of 1A can be reduced.

  The information processing apparatus 1A stores the priority table 700 illustrated in FIG. 16 in the management unit 109 in advance, so that the job management unit can perform continuous printing according to the priority. The priority table 700 includes a group order 701 indicating priorities between associated consecutively executable groups, and an intra-group order 702 indicating priorities between print data associated with one continuously executable group. It is made up of. In the following, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1A stores the priority table 700 of FIG.

  When the information processing apparatus 1A receives the job execution instruction, the information processing apparatus 1A continuously prints the print data associated with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution instruction as an element. At this time, normally, the print data management table 300 is referred to the reception time 302, and the information processing apparatus 1A prints in order from the print data received earlier, but the information processing apparatus 1A performs continuous printing according to the priority table 700. If the priority level is set, continuous printing is performed according to the priority level.

  For example, when the continuously executable groups having the first identification information included in the job execution command as elements are “group 1” and “group 3”, the print data to be continuously printed are “group 1” and “group 3”. "Is print data associated with at least one of". " At this time, referring to the group order 701 in the priority table 700 of FIG. 16, the print data associated with “Group 3” has a higher priority than the print data associated with only “Group 1”. , Printed first. Like the print data associated with “Group 1” and “Group 3”, the print data associated with a plurality of continuously executable groups is the print data associated with “Group 3” having a high priority. The priority is determined as follows.

  Further, for example, when the continuously executable groups having the first identification information included in the job execution command as elements are “group 1” and “group 3”, the print data associated with “group 3” Assuming that print data of “Sato” and print data of “Suzuki” exist in the transmission source information 303, the group ranking 701 in the priority table 700 of FIG. 16 is referred to and associated with “group 3”. , The print data with the transmission source information 303 of “Suzuki” is the print data with the transmission source information 303 of “Sato”. The priority is higher and printing is performed first.

  With this priority setting, print data that needs to be printed quickly can be preferentially printed. Further, even when not all print data is printed due to the set print restriction, print data with high priority can be printed.

  17A and 17B are flowcharts showing job execution processing of the information processing apparatus 1A after receiving a job execution command. The information processing apparatus 1A can perform separator sheet discharge settings, various notification settings, specific request settings, exclusion settings, print restriction settings, and priority settings.

  When the information processing apparatus 1A receives the job execution command, the information processing apparatus 1A determines whether the job executor is a user who can use the continuous print mode, that is, whether the job executor has authority (step S600). . This determination can be made by confirming whether or not the first identification information and the second identification information included in the job execution instruction are a combination stored in the identification information pair table 200. It can also be performed by personal authentication using an IC card. If the job executor has authority, the process advances to step S601; otherwise, the process ends.

  When the job executor has authority, the print data management table 300 is referred to, and print data whose first identification information included in the job execution command is the transmission source information 306, that is, print data of the job executor exists. Whether or not (step S601). If the print data of the job executor exists, the process proceeds to step S602, and if not, the process proceeds to step S604.

  The print data of the job executor is printed (step S602). When there are a plurality of print data of the job executor, the print data can be printed in order from the print data with the earliest reception time 302. When printing of the print data of the job executor is completed, the print data is deleted from the storage unit 110, and information related to the print data is deleted from the print data management table 300 (step S603).

  Next, the job executor is selected to discharge the separator sheet (step S604). This selection is performed by a notification for selecting whether or not to discharge the separator sheet for each job executor. If the notification that the separation sheet is selected to be discharged is received, the process proceeds to step S605, and if the notification that the separation sheet is not selected is received, the process proceeds to step S606. Setting is made so that the separator sheet is discharged (step S605). In step S604 and step S605 described above, it is determined whether or not the separator sheet is discharged for each job executor, but the administrator or the like sets whether or not the separator sheet is discharged in advance before receiving the job execution command. Alternatively, the setting may be made without depending on the job executor.

It is determined whether there is print data for which a specific request is set (step S606).
This determination is made by referring to the print data management table 300. If there is print data for which the specific request is set, the process proceeds to step S607; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S610.

  Print data for which the specific request is set is printed (step S607). For example, if the first identification information included in the job execution instruction is “Suzuki” in the identification information pair table 200 in FIG. 4, the print data management table 300 in FIG. Print data with the name “budget.xls”, which is print data for which the request is set. In addition, when there are a plurality of print data for which the specific request is set, it is possible to print in order from the print data with the earliest reception time 302.

  When the printing of the print data for which the specific request is set is finished, a notification is sent to the sender and creator of the print data that has been printed (step S608). This notification includes the first identification information of the job executor, the printing time, and the like. With reference to the transmission source information 303 and the creation source information 304 of the print data management table 300 and the notification table 400, email and SNMP This can be done using a trap or the like. By this notification, the sender of the print data can confirm that the print authority has been given to the job executor. In addition, when the print data sender and the creator are different, the print data creator can know that the print data sender has given the print authority to the job executor.

  After the notification, the information processing apparatus 1A deletes the print data from the storage unit 110, and deletes information related to the print data from the print data management table 300 (step S609).

  Next, it is determined whether there is print data stored in association with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element (step S610). This determination is made by referring to the print data management table 300. If there is print data stored in association with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element, the process proceeds to step S611. If not, the process ends.

  In the print data stored in association with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution instruction as an element, the first identification information assigned to the job executor is excluded. It is confirmed whether there is any print data (step S611). Only the print data for which the exclusion setting is not made becomes print data for which the job executor has print authority.

  It is determined whether or not at least one of the number of print jobs and the number of prints of print data for which the job executor has print authority exceeds a set print limit (step S612). This determination is made with reference to the print data management table 300, the set print job number table 600a, and the set print number table 600b. If so, the process proceeds to step S613, and if not, the process proceeds to step S617.

  According to the priority and the set print restriction, print data for which the job executor has print authority is printed (step S613). The priority refers to the priority table 700, and the set print restriction refers to the set print job number table 600a and the set print number table 600b to perform continuous printing. When the job executor finishes printing the print data that the print authority has, the print data is deleted from the storage unit 110 (step S614).

  After deleting the print data, the job executor is notified that the set print limit has been exceeded (step S615). This notification is a notification that allows the job executor to select whether or not to print the remaining print data having print authority. Based on this notification, it is determined whether or not an instruction not to print the remaining print data has been received (step S616). If an instruction not to print the remaining print data is received, the process proceeds to step S619, and if an instruction to print is received, the process proceeds to step S617.

  The remaining print data is printed according to the priority (step S617). For priority, continuous printing is performed with reference to the priority table 700. When printing of the remaining print data is completed, the print data is deleted from the storage unit 110 (step S618).

  When printing is completed, a notification is sent to the sender and creator of the print data that has been printed (step S619). This notification includes the first identification information of the job executor, the printing time, and the like. The transmission source information 303 and the creation source information 304 of the print data management table 300, and the notification table 400 are referred to, and e-mail and SNMP This can be done using a trap or the like. By this notification, the sender of the print data can confirm that the print authority has been given to the job executor. In addition, when the print data sender and the creator are different, the print data creator can know that the print data sender has given the print authority to the job executor.

  After the above notification, the print data stored in association with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element and notified to the sender of the print data that has not been printed Is performed (step S620). This notification includes the first identification information of the job executor, the reception time of the job execution command, and the like. Refer to the transmission source information 303 and the notification table 400 of the print data management table 300, and the traps for e-mail and SNMP Etc. can be used. By this notification, the sender of the print data for which the exclusion setting has been made can confirm that the print authority has not been given to the job executor. A sender of print data that has not been printed due to the set print restriction can know that printing has not been performed due to the print restriction.

  After the notification, the information processing apparatus 1A deletes information related to the print data printed from the print data management table 300, and ends the process (step S621).

  The information processing apparatus 1A stores the forced job management table 800 shown in FIG. 18 in the management unit 109 in advance, so that the job management unit and the time management function allow the PC 112, the facsimile apparatus 111, In addition, it is possible to automatically perform processing such as printing and deletion of print data transmitted from the core system 113 or the like and stored in the storage unit 110 without being printed.

  The forced job management table 800 includes a forced job management setting 801 that is a setting for whether to perform forced job management, a forced job management time 802 that is a time when forced job management is performed, and a forced job management process according to a print data transmission source. Processing contents 803 indicating the contents of In the following, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1A stores the forced job management table 800 of FIG.

  The job management means performs forced job management processing according to the forced job management table 800. For example, the print data named “B material.doc” in the print data management table 300 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the individual print data in the forced job management table 800. Therefore, when the print data remains without being printed, it is deleted at “23:30” which is the forced job management time 802. Also, since the print data with the name “012xxxxxxxx” is the print data whose transmission source information 303 is “job 1”, if the print data remains unprinted, the forced job management time 802 “23:30” "Minute" is automatically printed. Further, since the print data with the name “plan” is the print data of the transmission source information 303 “job 4”, even if the print data remains unprinted, even if the forced job management time 802 is reached. It is memorized as it is.

  Through the forced job management process as described above, the print data stored in the information processing apparatus 1A can be automatically managed at regular time intervals, and the print data is stored up to the storage capacity limit of the storage unit 110. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem that new print data cannot be transmitted.

  Further, the job management unit performs exception processing on the print data for which exception processing has been set, according to the exception processing setting information 308 in the print data management table 300 without following the forced job management time. The exception processing is automatic job management processing in which job management processing is performed at the forced job management time 802 as in the forced job management processing. The print data in which the exception process setting is set is the print data in which the exception process setting information 308 is stored. Similar to the specific request setting information 306 and the exclusion setting information 307, the exception processing setting information 308 can be transmitted at the transmission time of the related group information 305, and the information processing apparatus 1A receives the exception processing setting information 308. Exception processing is set for the print data. The exception process setting information 308 is selected from “print”, “delete”, and “save” in the same manner as the process content 803.

  For example, the print data named “Untitled.doc” in the print data management table 300 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the individual print data in the forced job management table 800 in FIG. 18, but the exception processing setting information 308 is “save”. At the forced job management time “23:30”, the print data is stored without being deleted. The print data named “A material.doc” corresponds to the individual print data in the forced job management table 800 of FIG. 18, but since the exception processing setting information 308 is “print”, the forced job management time “23:00”. At “30 minutes”, the print data is printed without being deleted.

  Even if the print data is set to be deleted by the forced job management process by the exception processing as described above, it can be prevented from being deleted at the forced job management time 802. Therefore, the print data can be printed at the time desired by the user. It can be carried out. Even if the print data is set to be printed by the forced job management process, the print data can be set to be deleted at the forced job management time 802, so that the printed matter of the print data can be seen or taken out by others. It is possible to improve the confidentiality of print data.

  In addition to forced job management processing and exception processing, the job management unit can manage print data by a manual job management command transmitted from an administrator or the like. The job management means can display the print data management table 300 stored in the information processing apparatus 1A on the display unit 106a of the information processing apparatus 1A or the PC 112 such as the administrator by the operation of the administrator or the like. The administrator confirms the displayed print data management table 300 and transmits a manual job management command. The manual job management command transmitted from the administrator or the like includes the print data name 301 and any one information of “print”, “delete”, and “related group information change”. In accordance with the manual job management command, the information processing apparatus 1 </ b> A performs manual job management processing of printing or deleting print data corresponding to the print data name 301 and changing related group information 305.

  When the related group information 305 is erroneously transmitted by the manual job management process as described above, or when the continuous executable group table 210 is changed, a user who has been erroneously given the print authority can execute a job execution command. Since the print data can be printed before transmitting, the confidentiality of the print data can be improved.

  In addition, the job management unit performs the forced job management processing result, the exception processing result, and the manual job management processing result when any of the above-described forced job management processing, exception processing, and manual job management processing is performed. Each notification can be made. This notification includes the contents of the management process, the time at which the management process was performed, and the like, refers to the transmission source information 303 and the notification table 400 of the print data management table 300, and uses e-mail and SNMP traps to manage the notification. This is performed by the transmission source and the administrator of the print data that has been processed.

  As a result of the notification, it is possible to prevent the printed matter printed by the management process from being left unattended, or the print data sender from knowing that the print data has been deleted.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the automatic job management process of the information processing apparatus 1A. The information processing apparatus 1A determines whether or not the current time is the forced job management time 802 (step S700). If it is the forced job management time 802, the process proceeds to step S701, and if it is not the forced job management time 802, the process ends without performing the forced job management process. It is determined whether there is print data stored in the storage unit 110 (step S701). If the print data exists, the process proceeds to step S702. If the print data does not exist, the process ends because there is no target for the forced job management process.

  It is determined whether there is print data for which exception processing is set (step S702). If there is print data for which exception processing is set, the process proceeds to step S703. If there is no print data, the process proceeds to step S704. Exception processing is performed on the print data for which exception processing is set (step S703), and the process proceeds to step S704. Forcible job management processing is performed for print data for which exception processing has not been set (step S704). The manager and the print data sender are notified of the forced job management processing result and the exception processing result (step S705). If the exception processing in step S703 is not performed, only the forced job management processing result is notified. The result is notified and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing manual job management processing of the information processing apparatus 1A. The information processing apparatus 1A displays the print data management table 300 on the display unit 106a or the PC 112 such as an administrator by the operation of the administrator or the like (step S800). If the displayed print data management table 300 is confirmed by an administrator or the like and a manual job management command transmitted from the administrator or the like is received, the process proceeds to step S802, and if not received, the process ends (step S801). In accordance with the manual job management command, manual job management processing is performed for printing or deleting print data and changing related group information (step S802). After the manual job management process, the manager and the print data sender are notified of the manual job management process result (step S803). The result is notified and the process is terminated.

  Next, the information processing system 1000 which is the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 3, an information processing system 1000 includes information processing apparatuses 1A and 1B that are the first embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatuses 1A and 1B include an image forming unit 103 and are adjacent to each other. As described above, the information processing system 1000 includes a plurality of adjacent information processing apparatuses including image forming means. In addition, the information processing system 1000 shares the power consumption related information table 900 illustrated in FIG. 21 between the information processing apparatuses 1A and 1B.

  The power consumption related information table 900 includes a printer ID 901 indicating an information processing apparatus including an image forming unit included in the information processing system 1000, and a fixing unit temperature 902 that is temperature information of the fixing unit 37 of each information processing apparatus. , And a state 903 indicating whether each information processing apparatus is executing or waiting. In addition, the power consumption related information table 900 may include information other than temperature information, such as the number of print jobs waiting in the information processing apparatus that is printing, the number of printed sheets, and the like. The information processing system 1000 refers to the fixing unit temperature 902 and causes the information processing apparatus with the highest fixing unit temperature 902 to perform continuous printing. Further, referring to state 903, the information processing apparatus having the highest fixing unit temperature 902 is being executed, and the fixing unit temperature 902 of the information processing apparatus and the fixing unit temperature 902 of the standby information processing apparatus are almost the same. If there is no difference, the information processing apparatus that has performed the most recent printing on standby is caused to perform printing.

  In this way, by causing the information processing apparatus with a high fixing unit temperature 902 to perform printing, it is possible to reduce the power consumption for heating the fixing unit 37. In addition, by causing the standby information processing apparatus to perform printing with reference to the state 903, the temperature decrease of the fixing unit 37 does not proceed, and the power consumption is reduced when printing other print data. Can do.

  Further, the information processing system 1000 notifies the job executor when printing is performed by an information processing apparatus other than the information processing apparatus that has received the job execution instruction. This notification includes the printer ID 901 of the information processing apparatus that performed printing, the time of printing, and the like, refers to the transmission source information 303 and the notification table 400 of the print data management table 300, and includes e-mail and SNMP traps. It is done using. By this notification, the job executor can know that the print data has been printed by another information processing apparatus, so that it is possible to prevent the print data from being left unattended and losing the confidentiality of the print data. it can.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing job execution processing of the information processing system 1000 after receiving a job execution command. When the information processing apparatus 1A included in the information processing system 1000 receives the job execution command, it is determined whether the job executor is a user who can use the continuous print mode, that is, whether the job executor has authority. Is determined (step S900). This determination can be made by confirming whether or not the first identification information and the second identification information included in the job execution instruction are a combination stored in the identification information pair table 200 of the information processing apparatus 1A. it can. It can also be performed by personal authentication using an IC card. If the job executor has authority, the process advances to step S901. If not, the process ends.

  When the job executor has authority, the information processing apparatus 1A refers to the power consumption related information table 900 to determine whether there is an adjacent information processing apparatus having a higher fixing unit temperature than the information processing apparatus 1A. Judgment is made (step S901). For example, it is determined whether or not the fixing unit temperature 903 of the information processing apparatus 1B is higher than the fixing unit temperature 902 of the information processing apparatus 1A. If the fixing unit temperature 903 of the information processing apparatus 1B is higher, the process proceeds to step S902. If the fixing unit temperature 903 of the information processing apparatus 1B is lower, the process proceeds to step S910.

  The information processing apparatus 1A refers to the print data management table 300, and the print data whose first identification information included in the job execution command is the transmission source information 306, that is, the print data of the job executor is the information processing apparatus 1A. It is determined whether or not it exists in the storage unit 110 (step S902). If the print data of the job executor exists, the process proceeds to step S903, and if not, the process proceeds to step S906.

  The information processing apparatus 1A transmits the print data of the job executor to the adjacent information processing apparatus whose fixing unit temperature is higher than that of the information processing apparatus 1A (step S903). For example, the print data of the job executor is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 1B. The information processing apparatus 1B that is the adjacent information processing apparatus prints the print data of the job executor, and the information processing system 1000 notifies the job executor (step S904). When there are a plurality of print data of the job executor, the print data can be received and printed in order from the print data with the earliest reception time 302 of the information processing apparatus 1A. After printing the print data, the job executor is notified that printing has been performed by the information processing apparatus 1B.

  When the notification ends, the information processing apparatus 1A deletes the print data from the storage unit 110, and deletes information related to the print data from the print data management table 300 (step S905).

  Next, whether or not the print data stored in association with the continuously executable group including the first identification information included in the job execution command exists in the storage unit 110 of the information processing apparatus 1A, that is, the job It is determined whether there is print data for which the executor has print authority (step S906). This determination is made by referring to the print data management table 300 stored in the information processing apparatus 1A. If there is print data for which the job executor has print authority, the process advances to step S907; otherwise, the process ends.

  The information processing apparatus 1A transmits print data for which the job executor has print authority to the adjacent information processing apparatus whose temperature of the fixing unit is higher than that of the information processing apparatus 1A (step S907). For example, print data for which the job executor has print authority is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 1B. The information processing apparatus 1B, which is an adjacent information processing apparatus, prints print data for which the job executor has print authority, and the information processing system 1000 notifies the job executor (step S908). When there are a plurality of print data for which the job executor has print authority, the print data can be received and printed in order from the print data with the earlier reception time 302 of the information processing apparatus 1A. After printing the print data, the job executor is notified that printing has been performed by the information processing apparatus 1B.

  When the notification ends, the information processing apparatus 1A deletes the print data from the storage unit 110, and deletes information related to the print data from the print data management table 300 (step S909). After the print data is deleted, the job execution process is terminated.

  If the fixing unit temperature 903 of the information processing apparatus 1B is lower in step S901, the print data management table 300 is referred to, and print data whose first identification information included in the job execution command is the transmission source information 306, that is, Then, it is determined whether or not the print data of the job executor exists in the storage unit 110 of the information processing apparatus 1A (step S910). If the print data of the job executor exists, the process proceeds to step S911. If not, the process proceeds to step S913.

  The information processing apparatus 1A prints the print data of the job executor (step S911). When there are a plurality of print data of the job executor, the print data can be printed in order from the print data with the earliest reception time 302 of the information processing apparatus 1A. Further, after printing the print data, the information processing system 1000 may notify the job executor that printing has been performed by the information processing apparatus 1A.

  When printing is completed, the information processing apparatus 1A deletes the print data from the storage unit 110, and deletes information related to the print data from the print data management table 300 (step S912).

  Next, whether or not the print data stored in association with the continuously executable group including the first identification information included in the job execution command exists in the storage unit 110 of the information processing apparatus 1A, that is, the job It is determined whether there is print data for which the executor has print authority (step S913). This determination is made by referring to the print data management table 300 stored in the information processing apparatus 1A. If there is print data for which the job executor has print authority, the process advances to step S914. If not, the process ends.

  The information processing apparatus 1A prints print data for which the job executor has print authority (step S914). When there are a plurality of print data for which the job executor has print authority, the print data can be printed in order from the print data with the earliest reception time 302 of the information processing apparatus 1A. Further, after printing the print data, the information processing system 1000 may notify the job executor that printing has been performed by the information processing apparatus 1A.

  When the notification is completed, the information processing apparatus 1A deletes the print data from the storage unit 110 and deletes information related to the print data from the print data management table 300 (step S915). After the print data is deleted, the job execution process is terminated.

It is the schematic which showed typically the cross section of 1 A of information processing apparatuses which are the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of 1 A of information processing apparatuses of this invention. It is a figure showing the external apparatus connected with 1 A of information processing apparatuses and 1 A of information processing apparatuses via a network. It is a figure which shows the identification information pair table. It is a figure which shows the continuously executable group table 210. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st identification information and continuous executable group memory | storage process of 1 A of information processing apparatuses. 5 is a diagram illustrating a print data management table 300. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the printing data reception process of 1 A of information processing apparatuses in continuous printing mode. It is a flowchart which shows the job execution process of 1 A of information processing apparatuses after receiving a job execution command. It is a figure which shows the table 400 for notification. 6 is a diagram illustrating a job table 500. FIG. It is a figure which shows the job correlation table. 4 is a flowchart showing storage processing of a job table 500 and a job association table 510 of the information processing apparatus 1A. 4 is a flowchart illustrating print data print processing from the PC 112, the facsimile apparatus 111, and the backbone system 113. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a set print job number table 600a and a set print number table 600b. It is a figure which shows the priority table 700. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the job execution process of 1 A of information processing apparatuses after receiving a job execution command. It is a flowchart which shows the job execution process of 1 A of information processing apparatuses after receiving a job execution command. 6 is a diagram illustrating a forced job management table 800. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the automatic job management process of information processing apparatus 1A. It is a flowchart which shows the manual job management process of information processing apparatus 1A. It is a figure which shows the power consumption related information table. 10 is a flowchart illustrating job execution processing of the information processing system 1000 after receiving a job execution command.

Explanation of symbols

1A, 1B Information processing apparatus 1C Print server 101 Control unit 102 Image reading unit 103 Image forming unit 104 Image memory 105 ROM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 106 Operation part 106a Display part 107 Modem part 108 Communication part 109 Management part 110 Storage part 111 Facsimile apparatus 112 Personal computer 113 Core system 1000 Information processing system N1 Public line network N2 Communication network

Claims (11)

Continuous executable group storage means for storing a continuous executable group having specific first identification information as an element;
Print data storage means for storing print data associated with the continuously executable group;
An information processing apparatus comprising job management means for waiting for execution of a print job of the print data until a job execution command is received,
When receiving the job execution instruction, the job management means searches for a continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution instruction as an element,
Extract the print data associated with the searched continuous executable group,
An information processing apparatus configured to be able to continuously execute a print job of extracted print data. An identification information pair storage means for storing an identification information pair consisting of specific first identification information and specific second identification information;
When the job management means receives a job execution command including the first identification information and the second identification information, the job management means only when the first identification information and the second identification information are included in the same identification information pair. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to be capable of executing.   The job management means is configured so that when a plurality of print jobs are continuously executed, a separator sheet can be discharged during the execution of each print job. 2. The information processing apparatus according to 2.   The job management unit is configured to be able to notify the transmission source information of the job execution instruction to the transmission source of the print data after continuously executing the print job of the extracted print data. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The job management unit is configured to notify the transmission source information of the job execution instruction to the generation source of the print data after continuously executing the print job of the extracted print data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus.   The job management unit may continuously execute a print job of print data associated with a continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element within a set print limit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to be possible.   The job management means can continuously execute a print job of print data associated with a continuously executable group including the first identification information included in the job execution command as many as the number of prints within a set print limit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured as follows.   When the print data associated with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element exceeds a set print limit, the job management unit transmits the job execution command The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to be capable of notifying the user.   When the print data associated with the continuously executable group having the first identification information included in the job execution command as an element exceeds the set print limit, the job management unit prints the print within the set print limit. The print job of data is continuously executed, and after the continuous execution, the transmission source of the job execution command can be notified to select whether to continue printing or not. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A plurality of the information processing apparatuses according to claim 1, comprising image forming means and power consumption related information storage means for storing power consumption related information.
An information processing system capable of sharing power consumption related information of an information processing apparatus including an image forming unit between information processing apparatuses,
An information processing apparatus including any one of the image forming units included in the information processing system is configured to be able to execute a print job based on the power consumption related information. Information processing system.   The information processing system according to claim 10, wherein the power consumption related information includes temperature information of a fixing unit of an information processing apparatus including an image forming unit included in the information processing system.

Images