JP2013125290A - Print control device, print control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance power-saving effects by reducing the number of recovery operations in an image forming device.SOLUTION: At the timing when a storage device 17 stores a print job JB1 from a user terminal 3a, if an image forming device 7a which is to execute the print job JB1 is in a power-saving mode, for example, a print server 2 gives a print job request notification N1 for demanding to transmit a new print job to the image forming device 7a to users B and C. Then, when the print server 2 receives the new print job after giving the print job request notification N1, the print server 2 transmits the new print job and the print job JB1 stored in the storage device 17 to the image forming device 7a together to cause the image forming device 7a to print out these jobs.

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus, a print control method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it is common practice for a print output apparatus to perform print output by a user operating a user terminal such as a personal computer to give a print instruction. In recent years, a technique has been proposed in which various information is notified from the print output apparatus to the user in order to improve the convenience of the user when performing print output.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer control device that notifies a user of a load state of a printer. This printer control device is configured to create a job graph indicating the load for each print job and display the job graph on a predetermined display to notify the user of the load state of the printer. As a result, the load state of each printer can be grasped, so that the user can execute a print job for a printer with a relatively low load among a plurality of printers.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a print server system that notifies the user of the printer device status. This print server system is configured to notify a client of information relating to a failure when a printing failure such as running out of paper or toner occurs in the printer apparatus. As a result, the user can grasp that a printing failure has occurred in the printer before the print output, for example, so that it is possible to take precautions such as preventing the printer from performing the print output.

JP 2010-49720 A JP-A-9-81494

  By the way, generally, in order to save power consumption of the print output apparatus, when the print output apparatus does not accept any print job for a predetermined period, the energization state of the print output apparatus is shifted from the normal energization mode to the power saving mode. It is widely done. When the print output apparatus receives a print job in a state where the print output apparatus is in the power saving mode, the print output apparatus returns the energized state from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode and starts print output. This return operation includes the operation of heating the temperature of the fixing unit that fixes the toner image to the paper at the time of printing output to a certain temperature, etc., so that the power consumed compared with the normal energization mode that keeps the fixing unit at a constant temperature. Becomes larger. Therefore, if the print output device frequently performs a return operation from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode, the power consumption increases on the contrary, and the intended power saving effect is obtained by shifting to the power saving mode. There is a problem that cannot be obtained.

  In order to cope with such a problem, it is desirable to reduce the number of times of return from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode in the print output apparatus as much as possible by printing a plurality of print jobs together. For example, if the print output device can receive a plurality of print jobs when the print output device is in the normal energization mode, the plurality of print jobs can be printed and output together. The number of times of return to the energization mode can be reduced.

  However, in the above prior art, the configuration is such that the user is informed of the load status, device status, etc. of the print output device, and is not a configuration that actively instructs the user to send a print job. When the printer is in the normal energization mode, a plurality of print jobs cannot be printed out collectively. For this reason, when the print output apparatus shifts to the power saving mode, there may occur a situation where the user gives instructions for transmitting a plurality of print jobs at different timings. As a result, there is a problem that the print output apparatus frequently repeats the transition to the power saving mode and the return to the normal energization mode, thereby increasing the power consumption.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can reduce the number of return operations in an image forming apparatus that performs print output, thereby obtaining a greater power saving effect than in the past. An object of the present invention is to provide a print control apparatus, a print control method, and a program.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a print job transmitted from a user terminal connected to a network is received, and the print job is output to a single image forming apparatus to perform print output. A storage unit that stores a received print job; a monitoring unit that monitors whether the energization state of the image forming apparatus is a normal energization mode or a power saving mode; and the storage unit A user connected to the network when the image forming apparatus is in a power saving mode at the timing when the print job is stored or when the print job stored in the storage unit is output to the image forming apparatus. The terminal user is notified to request a new print job for performing print output in the image forming apparatus. After the notification by the notification unit and the notification unit, a new print job is stored in the storage unit, and the print job stored in the storage unit is read and output to the image forming apparatus And a print job output means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the first aspect, the notifying unit notifies a user who is different from the transmission user of the print job stored in the storage unit. The configuration is as follows.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the print job output unit is configured to display the image until a predetermined time elapses after the notification by the notification unit. In this configuration, the output of a print job to the forming apparatus is waited.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the third aspect, when the print job output unit does not store a new print job in the storage unit before the predetermined time elapses, The print job stored in the storage unit is output to the image forming apparatus.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the third aspect, in the case where a new print job is not stored in the storage unit before the predetermined time elapses, the notification unit further includes: A notification for confirming whether or not to immediately perform print output is sent to the transmission user of the print job stored in the storage means, and the print job output means confirms the print job as a result of confirmation by the notification means. When the sending user is designated not to immediately perform print output, the image forming apparatus is further put on standby without outputting a print job.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the notifying unit further outputs one print job stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus. In the timing, when another print job to be output to the image forming apparatus is stored in the storage unit when the user who sent the print job performs an operation on the image forming apparatus, the other print job The user is notified to urge the transmission user to perform an operation on the image forming apparatus.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the print job and the transmission user of the print job are associated and recorded in the history information when the print job is received. A history management unit that performs a notification for requesting a new print job for performing print output in the image forming apparatus, and refers to the history information to send a print job transmission frequency. In this configuration, a user is selected in descending order and a notification is given to the user.

  The invention according to claim 8 is a print control method for accepting a print job transmitted from a user terminal connected to a network and performing print output by outputting the print job to one image forming apparatus, Storing the received print job in a predetermined storage unit, monitoring whether the energization state of the image forming apparatus is a normal energization mode or a power saving mode, and storing the print job in the storage unit The user terminal connected to the network when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode at the timing when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode at the timing when the print job stored in the storage unit is output to the image forming apparatus In response to the request, the image forming apparatus sends a notification for requesting a new print job for printing. After the notification is made, a new print job is received and stored in the storage unit, so that the print job stored in the storage unit is read and output to the image forming apparatus. And the step of performing.

  The invention according to claim 9 is a program executed in a computer connected to a network, wherein the computer receives a print job transmitted from a user terminal via the network and stores the print job in a predetermined storage unit. A print job receiving means for monitoring, a monitoring means for monitoring whether the image forming apparatus as an output destination of the print job stored in the storage means is in a normal energization mode or a power saving mode, and the storage means A user connected to the network when the image forming apparatus is in a power saving mode at the timing when the print job is stored or when the print job stored in the storage unit is output to the image forming apparatus. A new print job for printing output in the image forming apparatus to the terminal user A notification means for performing a notification for requesting, and a print job stored in the storage means when a new print job is stored in the storage means after the notification by the notification means is performed. It is configured to function as a print job output unit that reads out and outputs to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when the print job is stored or when the stored print job is output to one image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, the print job is connected to the network. To the user of the user terminal that is in charge of requesting a new print job for performing print output in the image forming apparatus, and then a plurality of print jobs as the new print job is stored. Is output to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can execute a plurality of print jobs at a time, and can reduce the return operation. As a result, it is possible to obtain a power saving effect that is greater than in the prior art.

It is a figure which shows the example of whole structure of a printing control system. It is a figure which shows typically the outline | summary of the process performed in a print server. It is a figure which shows typically the outline | summary of the process performed in a print server. It is a figure which shows typically the outline | summary of the process performed in a print server. It is a figure which shows typically the outline | summary of the process performed in a print server. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st notification screen which a print server displays on a user terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the 2nd notification screen which a print server displays on a user terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a print server. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the control part in a print server. It is a figure which shows an example of the log | history information recorded in a print server. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of overall processing executed in a control unit of the print server. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of an output standby process executed in a control unit of the print server. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed when pull printing is performed, which is executed by a control unit of the print server. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of power consumption that can be saved in an image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print control system 1 according to the present embodiment. The print control system 1 includes a plurality of user terminals 3a to 3c that generate a print job based on a user's instruction operation, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 7a to 7c that perform print output by executing a received print job, User authentication is performed with the print server 2 (print control apparatus of the present invention) that receives a print job from the user terminal 3 and distributes the print job to any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 7a to 7c. The authentication server 9 can communicate with each other via the network 10. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the user terminals 3a to 3c, they are simply referred to as “user terminals 3”, and similarly, the image forming apparatuses 7a to 7c are referred to as “image forming apparatuses 7”.

  The network 10 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) constructed in a general office. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the network 10 may be a complex network including a wide area communication network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network). Further, the number of image forming apparatuses 7 and user terminals 3 is not limited to the exemplified number.

  The user terminals 3a to 3c are, for example, general personal computers. The user terminals 3a to 3c are individually assigned for use by the users A, B, and C, respectively. That is, the user terminal 3a corresponds to the user A, and similarly, the user terminals 3b and 4c are assigned to the users B and C, respectively. The user terminal 3a includes a display unit 4a that displays various types of information, and an operation input unit 5a that inputs an operation by the user. Similarly to the user terminal 3a described above, the user terminals 3b and 3c also include display units 4b and 4c and operation input units 5b and 5c, respectively. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the operation input units 5 a to 5 c included in the user terminal 3, they are simply referred to as “operation input unit 5”, and similarly, the display units 4 a to 4 c are referred to as “display unit 4”.

  The user terminal 3 is configured to generate a print job based on a print instruction from the user to the operation input unit 5 and transmit the print job to the print server 2. For example, the user terminal 3 is preinstalled with printer drivers corresponding to the image forming apparatuses 7a to 7c. For example, when the user terminal 3 receives a print instruction from the user while creating document data or the like, the user terminal 3 activates a printer driver based on the print instruction and causes the user to perform various print settings. The user terminal 3 generates a print job based on the user's instruction operation, and transmits the print job to the print server 2.

  The image forming apparatus 7 a is configured to perform print output based on a print job received via the network 10. Further, the image forming apparatus 7a includes an operation panel 8a for inputting a user operation and a print processing unit (not shown) for executing print processing. The image forming apparatuses 7b and 7c have the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 7a. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the image forming apparatuses 7a to 7c, they are simply referred to as “image forming apparatus 7”, and similarly, the operation panels 8a to 8c are also referred to as “operation panel 8”.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 7 includes a power supply unit that controls the energization state of the image forming apparatus 7. The power supply unit performs control to shift the energization state of the image forming apparatus 7 between the normal energization mode and the power saving mode. For example, when the image forming apparatus 7 does not accept a print job until a predetermined time has elapsed in the normal energization mode, the power supply unit shifts the energization state of the image forming apparatus 7 from the normal energization mode to the power saving mode. When the image forming apparatus 7 shifts to the power saving mode, for example, power supply to an image forming unit that forms an image at the time of print output is temporarily interrupted. The image forming unit includes a fixing unit that fixes the toner image on the sheet. In the normal energization mode, since power is supplied to the image forming unit, the temperature of the fixing unit is maintained at a constant temperature. On the other hand, in the power saving mode, since the power to the image forming unit is cut off, the temperature of the fixing unit decreases. Therefore, when the power supply unit returns the energization state from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode, the image forming apparatus 7 performs a process of raising the temperature of the fixing unit to a constant temperature and is stable in the image forming unit. An image stabilization process for performing the formed image is performed.

  The image forming apparatus 7 can perform data communication even when the energized state is the power saving mode. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 7 can accept a print job input from the print server 2 even when the energized state is the power saving mode. When the image forming apparatus 7 executes the print job input from the print server 2, the image forming apparatus 7 returns the energization state from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode and performs print output.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 7 allows the user to operate the operation panel 8 while maintaining the power saving mode. That is, in the present embodiment, the power supply to the above-described image forming unit is not started only by the operation input to the operation panel 8 when the image forming apparatus 7 is in the power saving mode. As a result, it is possible to prevent the energized state from returning to the normal energized mode when the operation instruction to the operation panel 8 is not intended for print output such as simple setting registration.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 7 may be an apparatus configured with an MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals) having a scan function, a FAX function, a copy function, and the like, in addition to the printing function as described above.

  The print server 2 is configured to accept a print job transmitted from the user terminal 3 connected to the network 10 and output the print job to one image forming apparatus 7 to perform print output. Device. When the print server 2 receives a print job from the user terminal 3, the print server 2 analyzes the print job to identify one image forming apparatus 7 that is the output destination of the print job, and based on the identification result. Output a print job.

  The print server 2 manages each user terminal 3a to 3c in association with each user A to C. Accordingly, the print server 2 can specify which of the users A to C is the transmission source of various information from the user terminals 3a to 3c. Further, the print server 2 can also make various notifications individually to the user terminals 3a to 3c. Such notification is performed, for example, by transmitting information to a printer driver resident in the user terminals 3a to 3c and causing the display unit 4 to display a pop-up screen or the like.

  The authentication server 9 is a device that performs user authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus 7. For example, when used by a user, the image forming apparatus 7 receives an operation of inputting authentication information such as user identification information and a password, and transmits authentication information input by the user to the authentication server 9. Upon receiving the authentication information, the authentication server 9 performs user authentication as to whether or not the user who uses the image forming apparatus 7 is a regular user, and transmits an authentication result to the image forming apparatus 7. When the authentication server 9 has succeeded in authentication, the image forming apparatus 7 shifts the operation state to the login state. As a result, the user who has performed the authentication operation is logged in to the image forming apparatus 7 and can use the image forming apparatus 7 normally. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration in which the authentication server 9 is independently connected to the network 10, the function of the authentication server 9 may be included in the print server 2, the image forming apparatus 7, or the like. .

  The print server 2 having the above configuration is configured to monitor the energization state of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 7a, 7b, and 7c. When one image forming apparatus 7 as an output destination of the print job is specified, it is determined whether the energization state of the one image forming apparatus 7 is the normal energization mode or the power saving mode. As a result, in the power saving mode, the print server 2 performs a plurality of printing operations while the normal energization mode continues as one image forming apparatus 7 returns from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode. Control the job so that it can be executed.

  2 to 5 are diagrams schematically showing an outline of processing in the print server 2 of the present embodiment. The print server 2 in the present embodiment will be outlined with reference to FIGS. First, a case where the print job received by the print server 2 is a normal print job will be exemplified. A normal print job is different from a pull print print job, which will be described later, and immediately after the print server 2 receives the print job, the output destination of the print job is immediately specified and output to one image forming apparatus 7. It is a job.

  For example, when the user A operates the user terminal 3a to designate color printing and send a normal print job transmission instruction, the user terminal 3a performs color printing from the user terminal 3a to the print server 2 as shown in FIG. The designated normal print job JB1 is transmitted.

  When the print server 2 receives the print job JB1 transmitted from the user terminal 3a, the print server 2 temporarily stores the print job JB1 in the storage device 17. Then, the print server 2 analyzes the print job JB1 to identify one image forming apparatus 7 that is the output destination TG of the print job JB1. For example, when the device capable of color printing is the image forming device 7a among the plurality of image forming devices 7a, 7b, and 7c, the print server 2 specifies the image forming device 7a as the output destination TG of the print job JB1. .

  When the print server 2 specifies the image forming apparatus 7a as the output destination TG of the print job JB1, the print server 2 determines whether the image forming apparatus 7a is in the power saving mode or the normal energization mode. When the image forming apparatus 7a is in the power saving mode, the print server 2 outputs the print job JB1 so that the image forming apparatus 7a can execute a plurality of print jobs in a single return operation. , For example, a print job request notification N1 for requesting a new print job to the user terminals 3b and 3c of the users B and C is performed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first notification screen 27a displayed on the user terminal 3 and based on the print job request notification N1. As shown in the figure, the first notification screen 27a is a content that prompts the user to send a further print job to be executed in the image forming apparatus 7a. As a result, it is possible to notify the users B and C that the image forming apparatus 7a capable of performing color printing returns to the normal energization mode, and to prompt the user B and C to transmit a new print job to be executed in the image forming apparatus 7a. be able to. The notification content of the first notification screen 27a shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and information such as the device name and installation location of the image forming apparatus 7a may be included in the notification content in addition to the type of print job. Thus, the users B and C who have received the print job request notification N1 can conveniently grasp where the print job requested in the print job request notification N1 is printed out.

  After the print job request notification N1 as described above is transmitted from the print server 2, for example, when the user B designates color printing and issues a normal print job transmission instruction, as shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal 3b A normal print job JB1 designating color printing is transmitted to the print server 2. When the print server 2 receives the print job JB2, the print server JB2 stores the print job JB2 in the storage device 17 in the same manner as the print job JB1 described above. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the storage device 17 stores the print job JB1 and the print job JB2. When the print server 2 receives the print job JB2, the print server JB2 analyzes the print job JB2 in the same manner as described above, and specifies that the output destination TG of the print job JB2 is the image forming apparatus 7a.

  When the print server 2 stores in the storage device 17 a new normal print job JB2 having the same output destination TG as the normal print job JB1 waiting for output after the print job request notification N1, Each of the plurality of normal print jobs JB1, JB2 is sequentially read and output to the image forming apparatus 7a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of print jobs JB1, JB2 are sequentially transmitted from the print server 2 to the image forming apparatus 7a. The image forming apparatus 7a receives the print jobs JB1 and JB2, and after returning the energized state from the power saving mode to the normal energized mode, executes the print jobs JB1 and JB2 in accordance with the reception order, for example. To print out.

  As described above, before the print server 2 outputs the normal print job JB1 to one image forming apparatus 7a, the print job request notification for requesting a new print job for performing print output in the image forming apparatus 7a. Since N1 is performed, a plurality of print jobs JB1 and JB2 can be collected when the image forming apparatus 7a is in the power saving mode. Since the print server 2 collectively transmits a plurality of print jobs JB1 and JB2 collected until the image forming apparatus 7a performs the return operation to the image forming apparatus 7a, the return operation of the image forming apparatus 7a is 1 Times. As a result, the print server 2 can reduce the number of times the image forming apparatus 7a returns from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode, thereby saving the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 7a.

  Next, a case where the print job received by the print server 2 is a pull print print job will be exemplified. Unlike the above-described normal print job, the pull print print job is a job designated by the user when confidential information or the like is included in the contents to be printed out. When receiving the pull print print job, the print server 2 stores the print job in the storage device 17. When the user who has sent the pull print print job is logged in to the image forming apparatus 7 and receives a print job request from the image forming apparatus 7, the print server 2 stores the request in the storage device 17. Reads and outputs the print job of the pull print. In other words, a pull print print job is a job that is acquired by the one image forming apparatus 7 from the print server 2 and executed when the transmission user of the print job is operating the one image forming apparatus 7. It is.

  For example, when the user A operates the user terminal 3a to designate color printing and instruct the transmission of a pull print print job, the user terminal 3a performs color printing to the print server 2 as shown in FIG. A pull print print job JB1 is sent.

  The print server 2 temporarily stores the print job JB1 in the storage device 17 like a normal print job. When the print server 2 receives the pull print print job JB 1, the print server 2 holds the print job JB 1 in the storage device 17 until an output request is received from any of the image forming apparatuses 7. The print server 2 analyzes the received print job JB1 to specify one image forming apparatus that is the output destination TG of the print job JB1, as in the case of a normal print job. That is, the print server 2 analyzes the print job JB1 and specifies the image forming apparatus 7a in advance as an output destination TG capable of color printing.

  When the print server 2 receives the pull print print job JB1, the print server 2 issues a print job request notification requesting a new print job to the user terminals 3b and 3c of the users B and C, for example, as in the case of a normal print job. N1 is performed. However, the new print job requested at this time may be a pull print print job in which the same color printing as that of the user A is designated.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4, the user A moves to the image forming apparatus 7a capable of color printing, performs a login operation on the image forming apparatus 7a, and issues a pull print instruction to the print job JB1. The image forming apparatus 7a requests the print server 2 to output the print job JB1 based on the instruction operation by the user A. Based on the print job output request from the image forming apparatus 7a, the print server 2 reads the print job JB1 from the storage device 17, and transmits the print job JB1 to the image forming apparatus 7a. As the image forming apparatus 7a receives the print job JB1 for pull printing, the image forming apparatus 7a returns the energization state from the previous power saving mode to the normal energization mode. Then, when the energization state returns to the normal energization mode, the image forming apparatus 7a performs print output based on the received print job JB1.

  When the print server 2 transmits the pull print print job JB1 to the one image forming apparatus 7a, the image forming apparatus 7a is in the power saving mode or the normal energization mode, as in the case of the normal print job. Determine if there is. When the image forming apparatus 7a is in the power saving mode, for example, the user terminals 3b and 3c of the users B and C can execute the plurality of print jobs at once by the return operation of the image forming apparatus 7a. In response to this, the print job request notification N1 is performed again in the same manner as described above. The new print job requested at this time is a job in which color printing that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 7a is designated, but may be a normal print job. As a result, it is possible to prompt the users B and C to send a further print job. When the print server 2 receives a new normal print job from the user terminals 3b and 3c, the print server 2 outputs the normal print job to the image forming apparatus 7a. As a result, a plurality of print jobs can be collectively executed while the image forming apparatus 7a is in the normal energization mode.

  On the other hand, in response to the print job request notification N1 transmitted to the user terminals 3b and 3c when the print server 2 receives the pull print print job JB1 transmitted by the user A, the pull print from the user terminal 3b is performed. When the print job JB2 is received, the storage device 17 stores two pull print print jobs JB1 and JB2 as shown in FIG.

  In such a state, when the user A gives a pull print instruction by operating the image forming apparatus 7a, the print server 2 reads the pull print print job JB1 corresponding to the user A from the storage device 17, Output to the forming apparatus 7a. Also at this time, the print server 2 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 7a returns from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode. When the image forming apparatus 7a returns from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode, the print server 2 identifies the transmission user who transmitted the print job JB2 stored in the storage device 17, and A job execution notification N2 for performing print output by performing a pull print operation is performed. In the case of FIG. 5, since the transmission user of the print job JB2 stored in the storage device 17 is the user B, the print server 2 sends a job execution notification N2 to the user terminal 3b of the user B. Note that such a job execution notification N2 may be notified simultaneously with the above-described print job request notification N1.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second notification screen 27b based on the job execution notification N2 displayed on the user terminal 3b. As shown in the figure, the second notification screen 27b has a content that prompts the image forming apparatus 7a that is executing a pull print job to issue a pull print instruction. As a result, it is possible to notify the user B that the image forming apparatus 7a is executing a print job and to prompt a pull print instruction to the image forming apparatus 7a. The second notification screen 27b is preferably configured to display a scheduled power saving mode transition time at which the image forming apparatus 7a shifts to the power saving mode, as shown in the figure. As a result, it is possible to cause the user B to know when the pull print instruction should be given. For example, the print server 2 stores the time required for each of the image forming apparatuses 7a to 7c to shift from the normal energization mode to the power saving mode in a predetermined storage area, and the above-described power saving mode shift is performed based on the time. Calculate the scheduled time. Further, not only the scheduled time for shifting to the power saving mode but also, for example, the scheduled time for completing the print output being executed may be further displayed on the second notification screen 27b. As a result, the user B can grasp the scheduled time when the print output being executed is completed, which is convenient because the user B can move to the image forming apparatus 7a in time for the completion of the print output.

  By performing the job execution notification N2 to the user B, the print server 2 can cause the user B to issue a pull print instruction to the image forming apparatus 7a before the image forming apparatus 7a shifts to the power saving mode. . As a result, a plurality of print jobs can be executed in the normal energization mode while suppressing the return operation from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode in the image forming apparatus 7a, thereby saving power consumption of the image forming apparatus 7a. can do.

  Hereinafter, a specific configuration and operation of the print server 2 will be described in detail. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish the print jobs JB1 and JB2, they are simply referred to as “print job JB”.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the print server 2. The print server 2 stores a control unit 15 that controls the operation of the print server 2, a network interface 16 for communicating with each of the user terminal 3 and the image forming apparatus 7 via the network 10, and various types of information. And a storage device 17 are connected to each other via the bus 23 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The control unit 15 includes a CPU 15a and a memory 15b, and controls the operation of each unit. The CPU 15a reads and executes the program 18 and the like stored in the storage device 17. The program 18 is a program for causing the control unit 15 to function as various processing units described later. The memory 15b stores temporary data associated with the execution of the program by the CPU 15a.

  The network interface 16 is for connecting the control unit 15 to the network 10. Accordingly, the control unit 15 is connected to the user terminal 3 and the image forming apparatus 7 via the network interface 16 so as to be communicable. The network interface 16 may be wired with respect to the network 10 or may be wirelessly connected.

  The storage device 17 is composed of, for example, a hard disk device. The storage device 17 stores history information 19 in addition to the program 18 described above. The history information 19 is information in which the history of the print job JB processed in the print server 2 is recorded. The history information 19 is referred to, for example, in order to narrow down the users to be notified when the above-described print job request notification N1 is performed. The storage device 17 is provided with a print job storage unit 20 that stores the print job JB from the user terminal 3. That is, in this embodiment, when the print server 2 receives a print job JB from the user terminal 3, the print server 2 temporarily stores the print job JB in the print job storage unit 20.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control unit 15 in the present embodiment. The control unit 15 functions as a monitoring unit 31, a print job reception unit 33, a print job analysis unit 34, a print job output unit 35, a notification unit 37, and a history management unit 38 when the CPU 15a described above executes the program 18. . Hereinafter, specific processing contents of each processing unit will be described.

  The monitoring unit 31 is a processing unit that monitors whether the energization state of each image forming apparatus 7 is the normal energization mode or the power saving mode, and records and manages the energization state in the state management information 32. The state management information 32 is stored in, for example, the memory 15b, and is information such as a table that records whether the current energization state of each of the image forming apparatuses 7a to 7c is the normal energization mode or the power saving mode. . Further, when the energization state of each image forming apparatus 7 shifts to the mode, the monitoring unit 31 detects this in real time and updates the state management information 32. For example, when the image forming apparatuses 7a to 7c periodically transmit status information regarding the energized state to the print server 2 at regular time intervals, the monitoring unit 31 updates the state management information 32 based on the status information. Further, status information may be transmitted to the print server 2 when the image forming apparatuses 7a to 7c perform mode transition to the energized state. Even in such a case, the monitoring unit 31 updates the state management information 32 based on the status information. Further, the monitoring unit 31 may periodically inquire the image forming apparatuses 7a to 7c about the energization state and update the state management information 32 based on responses from the image forming apparatuses 7a to 7c. Due to the function of the monitoring unit 31, in the state management information 32, the energization state of each image forming apparatus 7 is always accurately recorded.

  The print job reception unit 33 is a processing unit that receives the print job JB from the user terminal 3 and stores the print job JB in the print job storage unit 20. That is, when the print job receiving unit 33 receives the print job JB, the print job receiving unit 33 identifies the transmission user of the print job JB, and stores the transmission user in the print job storage unit 20 in association with the print job JB. As a result, it is possible to specify the transmission user of the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20.

  The print job analysis unit 34 is a processing unit that analyzes the print job JB received by the print job reception unit 33. The print job analysis unit 34 determines whether the print job JB to be analyzed is a normal print job or a pull print print job. For example, if the print job JB includes a pull print designation, the print job analysis unit 34 determines that the print job JB is a pull print print job, and if such a designation is not included, The print job JB is determined as a normal print job. Further, the print job analysis unit 34 specifies the image forming apparatus 7 that can execute the print job JB as the output destination TG. For example, if color print designation is included in the print job JB, the image forming apparatus 7a capable of color printing is specified as the output destination TG.

  However, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 7 that can execute the print job JB may be extracted. In such a case, if the print job JB is a normal print job, the print job analysis unit 34 specifies one image forming apparatus 7 from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses 7 as the output destination TG. For example, among the plurality of image forming apparatuses 7 capable of executing the print job JB, one image forming apparatus 7 installed at a position closest to the transmission user of the print job JB is specified as the output destination TG. Further, one image forming apparatus 7 may be specified as the output destination TG based on other conditions. When the print job JB is a pull print print job, the print job analysis unit 34 identifies all of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 7 that can execute the print job JB as candidates for the output destination TG.

  The print job output unit 35 is a processing unit that reads the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 and transmits the print job JB to the image forming apparatus 7. For example, when the print job JB is a normal print job JB, when the print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20, the print job output unit 35 reads the print job JB from the print job storage unit 20, The process of outputting to the one image forming apparatus 7 specified as the output destination TG by the print job analyzing unit 34 is started. When the print job JB is a pull print print job JB, when the print job output unit 35 receives a print job output request from one image forming apparatus 7 that is a candidate for the output destination TG, the print job storage unit 35 stores the print job. The print job JB to be output is read from the unit 20, and the print job JB is output to one image forming apparatus 7. When the print job output unit 35 reads out the print job JB and completes the output process to one image forming apparatus 7, the print job output unit 35 deletes the print job JB from the print job storage unit 20.

  The notification unit 37 is a processing unit that performs various notifications such as the above-described print job request notification N1 and job execution notification N2. The notification unit 37 functions at a timing when the print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20 and a timing at which the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 is output to one image forming apparatus 7. However, in the case of a normal print job JB, the timing at which the print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20 and the timing at which the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 is output to one image forming apparatus 7. Are substantially the same timing, so it is not necessary to strictly distinguish these two timings. On the other hand, in the case of a print job JB for pull printing, the timing at which the print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20 and the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 are stored in one image forming apparatus 7. Since there is a time difference between the output timings, the notification unit 37 functions at these two different timings. When the notification unit 37 functions at the above timing, the notification unit 37 performs a process of notifying the print job request notification N1 or the job execution notification N2 as necessary.

  The history management unit 38 is a processing unit that sequentially updates the history information 19 stored in the storage device 17. When a new print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20, the history management unit 38 registers information related to the new print job JB in the history information 19. When the print job output unit 35 performs output processing of the print job JB, the history management unit 38 updates information related to the print job JB in the history information 19.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the history information 19 recorded by the history management unit 38. As shown in FIG. 10, the history information 19 includes a job ID given when a print job is received, user information indicating a print job transmission user, a print job reception date, a print job output date, The job type indicating whether the print job is a print job or a print job for pull printing, and the output destination of the print job are information recorded for each job. When the print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20, the job information corresponding to the print job JB, user information, reception date and time, and job type are newly recorded in the history information 19. When the output processing of the print job JB is completed, the output date and output destination corresponding to the print job JB and the output destination are additionally recorded. Therefore, by referring to the history information 19 as shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to specify a user who frequently transmits print jobs in a certain time period.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the operation in which the notification unit 37 notifies the print job request notification N1 or the job execution notification N2 in the control unit 15 functioning as described above will be described in detail. The notification unit 37 performs processing for transmitting the print job request notification N1 at the timing when the print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20. This process differs depending on whether the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 is a normal print job or a pull print print job.

  First, a case where a normal print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20 will be described. When a normal print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20, the print job JB is immediately read out by the print job output unit 35 and output to the one image forming apparatus 7 specified as the output destination TG. Is started. Therefore, when the normal print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20, the notification unit 37 reads the state management information 32 before the output process by the print job output unit 35 is started, and sets it as the output destination TG. It is determined whether or not the specified one image forming apparatus 7 is in the power saving mode. As a result, when it is determined that the power saving mode is set, the notification unit 37 sends a new executable image to each user terminal 3 via the network 10 with the one image forming apparatus 7 specified as the output destination TG. A print job request notification N1 for requesting a print job is transmitted. That is, when a normal print job JB is output to one image forming apparatus 7 by the print job output unit 35, the image forming apparatus 7 returns from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode. The unit 37 transmits a print job request notification N1 so that more print jobs can be executed in the restored state. The print job request notification N1 transmitted at this time is, for example, a notification requesting a normal print job as a new print job.

  At this time, the notification unit 37 may transmit the print job request notification N1 to the user terminals 3 of all users connected to the network 10. For example, the user A performs a normal print job JB transmission operation. When the print job request notification N1 is transmitted by performing the above, the print job request notification N1 may be transmitted to other users except the user A. In this case, the notification unit 37 performs a print job request notification N1 to a user different from the transmission user of the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20. As a result, the sending user who has already sent the print job JB is not sent the print job request notification N1 for requesting a new print job, and there is an advantage that there is no need to perform troublesome operations for the sending user.

  In addition, the notification unit 37 may send a print job request notification N1 to all users other than the transmission user, but in that case, for the user who does not use the image forming apparatus 7 so much, a new one is issued from the print server 2. The print job request notification N1 for requesting a simple print job is frequently notified, which is troublesome. Therefore, when notifying the print job request notification N1 to a user other than the transmission user, the notification unit 37 refers to the history information 19 and selects one or a plurality of users in the descending order of the transmission frequency of the print job JB. To notify. For example, the notification unit 37 refers to the history information 19 illustrated in FIG. 10, identifies a predetermined number of users who frequently transmit normal print jobs in the current time zone, and determines the predetermined number of users. Only, a print job request notification N1 is transmitted. Further, the notification unit 37 refers to the history information 19 illustrated in FIG. 10, identifies a predetermined number of users who frequently use one image forming apparatus 7 specified as the output destination TG, and determines the predetermined number of users. The print job request notification N1 may be transmitted only to the user. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the frequency of receiving troublesome notifications from the print server 2 for users who do not use the image forming apparatus 7 much.

  On the other hand, when the print job output unit 35 outputs the normal print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 to one image forming apparatus 7, the notification unit 37 transmits the print job request notification N1 as described above. If a new print job is requested, the printer waits for a predetermined time without outputting the print job JB. This standby time is determined by, for example, an output standby time 36 set in the print job output unit 35. This output waiting time 36 is a time that can be set for each user. When a normal print job JB is output to one image forming apparatus 7, if the print job request notification N1 is transmitted by the notification unit 37, the print waiting time 36 is printed. The job output unit 35 reads the output standby time 36 corresponding to the transmission user of the print job JB, and waits without outputting the print job JB until the output standby time 36 elapses. The output standby time 36 may be a time set for each print job. In this case, the output standby time 36 is set for the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20.

  When the notification unit 37 performs the print job request notification N1 at the timing when the normal print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20 in this way, the print job output unit 35 outputs the normal print job JB for a predetermined time. It comes to wait. Therefore, a new print job from another user can be stored in the print server 2 while the print job output unit 35 is waiting for output.

  The print job output unit 35 reads the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 when the output standby time 36 elapses after waiting for the output of the normal print job JB to be the output destination TG. Output to the image forming apparatus 7. At this time, if a plurality of normal print jobs JB that can be executed by one image forming apparatus 7 that is the output destination TG are stored in the print job storage unit 20, the plurality of print jobs JB are sequentially read out to be one. The image is output to the image forming apparatus 7. As a result, a plurality of print jobs JB can be executed in one image forming apparatus 7 by a single return operation.

  Further, when the output waiting time 36 has elapsed, the print job storage unit 20 may still store only one normal print job JB. In such a case, the print job output unit 35 may confirm whether or not to immediately perform print output to the transmission user of the print job JB. When the transmission user of the print job JB gives an instruction to immediately perform print output, only one normal print job JB is output to one image forming apparatus 7. On the other hand, when the transmission user of the print job JB instructs to wait further, the output of the print job JB may be waited for a predetermined time.

  When the print job output unit 35 outputs the normal print job JB 1 to the one image forming apparatus 7, another pull print print job JB 2 that can be executed by the same image forming apparatus 7 is stored in the print job storage unit 20. If stored, the notification unit 37 may function again to transmit the job execution notification N2 to the transmission user of the print job JB2.

  Next, a case where a pull print print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20 will be described. When the print job JB for pull printing is stored in the print job storage unit 20, the print job JB is not immediately started to be output by the print job output unit 35. Therefore, when the pull print print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20, the notification unit 37 does not check the state management information 32 and is specified as an output destination TG candidate. 7 sends a print job request notification N1 for requesting a new print job that can be executed. The print job request notification N1 transmitted at this time is, for example, a notification requesting a pull print print job as a new print job. Therefore, the same type of print jobs can be stored in the print server 2 until the pull print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 is output.

  When the print job request notification N1 is transmitted when the print job JB of pull print is stored in the print job storage unit 20, the print job of pull print is referred to the history information 19 as described above. One or a plurality of users may be selected in descending order of JB transmission frequency, and only the selected users may be notified.

  When the print job output unit 35 receives a pull print output request from one image forming apparatus 7 that is a candidate for the output destination TG, the print job output unit 35 reads the designated pull print job JB from the print job storage unit 20. And output to the image forming apparatus 7. Also at this time, the notification unit 37 functions.

  When the notification unit 37 functions at the timing when the print job JB for pull printing is output, the notification unit 37 reads the state management information 32 and determines whether the image forming apparatus 7 to which the print job JB is output is in the power saving mode. As a result, in the power saving mode, as the print job output unit 35 outputs the print job JB, the image forming apparatus 7 returns from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode. Therefore, the notification unit 37 transmits the print job request notification N1 and the job execution notification N2 so that the image forming apparatus 7 can execute more print jobs in a state where the image forming apparatus 7 returns from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode. To do.

  That is, the notification unit 37 transmits a print job request notification N1 for requesting a new print job that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 7 to which the pull print print job JB is output, to another user. The print job request notification N1 transmitted at this time is, for example, a notification requesting a normal print job as a new print job. As a result, a larger number of print jobs can be executed in a state where the image forming apparatus 7 to which the print job JB for pull printing is output has returned to the normal energization mode.

  The notification unit 37 stores another pull print job JB2 that can be executed by the same image forming apparatus 7 in the print job storage unit 20 at the timing when the print job JB1 of pull print is output to the image forming apparatus 7. If it is, the job execution notification N2 is transmitted to the transmission user of the print job JB2. That is, the job execution notification N2 is a notification that prompts the user who has transmitted the print job JB2 to perform a pull print operation in the image forming apparatus 7 to which the pull print print job JB1 is output. Accordingly, another pull print print job JB2 can be executed in a state where the image forming apparatus 7 that executes the pull print print job JB1 returns from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode.

  Next, a specific operation in the print server 2 will be described. The operations performed in the print server 2 can be broadly classified into operations performed by receiving the print job JB and operations performed by receiving a pull print output request. Therefore, these two operations will be individually described below.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed when the print server 2 receives the print job JB. This process is performed by the control unit 15 of the print server 2 executing the program 18 described above, and is performed for each job whenever the print server 2 receives the print job JB. Accordingly, a plurality of processes in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 may be executed in parallel in the print server 2.

  When receiving the print job JB, the control unit 15 stores the print job JB in the print job storage unit 20 (step S10). Next, the control unit 15 analyzes the print job JB (step S11), and determines whether the print job JB is a normal print job or a pull print print job (step S12). When the print job JB is a normal print job, the control unit 15 specifies one image forming apparatus 7 that is the output destination TG of the print job JB (step S16).

  Next, the control unit 15 refers to the state management information 32 (step S17), and determines the energized state of the identified image forming apparatus 7 (step S18). When the energized state of the image forming apparatus 7 is the power saving mode (YES in step S18), the control unit 15 further determines whether there is another print job waiting for output at that timing (step S18). S19). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the print job request notification N1 has already been performed, another print job (JB1) that triggered the print job request notification N1 is stored in the storage device 17 (print job storage unit). Since it is waiting for output in the state stored in 20), the control unit 15 determines YES in step S19. However, another print job waiting for output is a job that can be executed by the same image forming apparatus 7 as the output destination TG specified in step S16. On the other hand, when there is no other print job waiting for output, for example, when only one print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 is stored in step S10, the control unit 15 determines NO in step S19.

  If there is no print job JB waiting for output (NO in step S19), the control unit 15 executes output standby processing (step S20). In this output standby process, a print job request notification N1 is performed as described later, and the output of the normal print job JB stored in step S10 is awaited. On the other hand, when there is a print job JB waiting for output in the print job storage unit 20 (YES in step S19), the control unit 15 sets the output standby time 36 as the time measured by the standby print job. The process waits until the time elapses (NO in step S21). As the output standby time 36 elapses (YES in step S21), the print job JB stored in step S10 is read from the print job storage unit 20 (step S22). ), And outputs the print job JB to one image forming apparatus 7 (step S23).

  Next, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the pull print job JB is stored in the storage device 17 (step S24). When the print job JB is output to one image forming apparatus 7 in step S23, the image forming apparatus 7 is in the normal energization mode. Therefore, if the same image forming apparatus 7 can perform the pull print operation while the normal energization mode continues, the pull print operation is performed after the image forming apparatus 7 shifts to the power saving mode. This can be prevented.

  Therefore, when the pull print print job JB is stored in the print job storage unit 20 (YES in step S24), the control unit 15 specifies the transmission user of the print job JB (step S25). And the control part 15 performs the job execution notification N2 mentioned above with respect to the transmission user (step S26). On the other hand, if the print job JB for pull printing is not stored in the print job storage unit 20 (NO in step S24), the control unit 15 ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the one image forming apparatus 7 specified as the output destination TG of the normal print job JB is not in the power saving mode (NO in step S18), the control unit 15 immediately receives the print job JB stored in step S10. Read out and output to the image forming apparatus 7 (steps S22 and S23). Then, the process of notifying the job execution notification N2 in steps S24 to S26 described above is performed and the process ends.

  If the received print job JB is not a normal print job (NO in step S12), that is, if it is a pull print print job, the control unit 15 reads the history information 19 from the storage device 17 (step S13). Based on the history information 19, a notification user who performs the print job request notification N1 is specified (step S14). At this time, the control unit 15 refers to the history information 19 to identify, for example, a user with a high transmission frequency of the pull print print job JB as a notification user.

  When the control unit 15 specifies the notification user as described above (step S14), the control unit 15 sends a print job request notification N1 to the notification user (step S15). As described above, the print job request notification N1 performed at this time is set to the notification content requesting the print job JB for pull printing, for example. When the print job request notification N1 is transmitted, the processing at the time of receiving the print job is finished.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure of the output standby process (step S20). When this process is started in response to the reception of the normal print job JB, the control unit 15 reads out the history information 19 from the storage device 17 (step S31), and determines the notification user based on the history information 19. Specify (step S32). At this time, the control unit 15 refers to the history information 19 to identify, for example, a user who frequently transmits a normal print job as a notification user. Next, the control unit 15 sends a print job request notification N1 to the notification user (step S33). Subsequently, the control unit 15 starts time measurement (step S34) and waits until the output standby time elapses (NO in step S35). When the output standby time 36 elapses, the control unit 15 determines whether another print job has been received during the output standby (step S36). When the control unit 15 receives another print job while waiting for output (YES in step S36), the other print job is a normal print job that can be executed by the same image forming apparatus 7, or otherwise. It is determined whether the job is a current job (step S37). As a result, when another print job received during output standby is a normal print job that can be executed by the same image forming apparatus 7 as the print job JB, the control unit 15 ends this output standby processing. In this case, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S22 in FIG. 11, and an output process for the print job JB is performed.

  Further, the control unit 15 does not receive another print job during output standby (NO in step S36), or another print job received during output standby is the same image forming apparatus as the print job JB. If the print job is not a normal print job that can be executed in step 7 (NO in step S37), it is determined whether or not to confirm the transmission user when the print job JB is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 7 (step S38). . When it is preset that the transmission user can confirm whether or not the print job JB can be transmitted (YES in step S38), the control unit 15 transmits a confirmation notification for the confirmation to the transmission user. (Step S39).

  Then, when it is designated as a response to the confirmation notification that the printing user immediately prints out (YES in Step S40), the control unit 15 ends the output standby process. In this case, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S22 in FIG. 11, and an output process for the print job JB is performed. If confirmation with the transmission user is not required (NO in step S38), the output standby process is terminated as described above.

  On the other hand, when a further standby is instructed by the transmission user as a response to the confirmation notification (NO in step S40), the control unit 15 returns to step S34 and starts time measurement again. In this case, the output of the print job JB is waited until the output waiting time 36 elapses again.

  The print server 2 can perform necessary notification to each user by performing the above-described processing in response to reception of the print job JB. In particular, when a normal print job JB is received, a print job request notification N1 can be transmitted to another user and the output of the print job JB can be kept waiting for a predetermined time. If a plurality of print jobs JB are accumulated after a predetermined time has elapsed, they can be collectively output to one image forming apparatus 7.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed in response to receiving a pull print output request. When the image forming apparatus 7 receives a pull print instruction from the user, the image forming apparatus 7 issues a print job output request to the print server 2 based on the instruction. In the print server 2, the control unit 15 starts this process upon receiving a print job output request from the image forming apparatus 7.

  First, the control unit 15 specifies the print job JB specified in the print job output request (step S50). Next, the control unit 15 refers to the state management information 32 (step S51), and determines the energization state of the image forming apparatus 7 that is the transmission source of the print job output request (step S52). When the energization state of the image forming apparatus 7 is the power saving mode (YES in step S52), the control unit 15 performs a pull print job other than the print job JB specified in the print job output request. It is determined whether or not it is stored in the storage unit 20 (step S53). When the other print job is stored (YES in step S53), the control unit 15 determines that the other print job is the same as the print job JB specified in the print job output request. Whether or not printing output is possible in step 7 is further determined based on, for example, print settings and bookbinding settings (step S54).

  When the other print job can be output by the same image forming apparatus 7 as the print job JB specified by the print job output request (YES in step S54), the control unit 15 determines the other print job. A transmission user is specified (step S55). Subsequently, the control unit 15 sends a job execution notification N2 to the transmission user (step S56). On the other hand, if another print job for pull printing does not exist in the print job storage unit 20 in step S53 (NO in step S53), the control unit 15 skips steps S54 to S56. Also, the control unit 15 cannot perform print output by the same image forming apparatus 7 as the print job JB specified by the print job output request, although another print job of pull print exists in the print job storage unit 20. In this case (NO in step S54), steps S55 and S56 are skipped.

  Next, the control unit 15 reads the history information 19 (step S57), and specifies the notification user of the print job request notification N1 (step S58). In this case, since the print job output request is received from the image forming apparatus 7 for which the user has given a pull print instruction, the image forming apparatus 7 becomes the output destination TG. Therefore, the control unit 15 refers to the history information 19 to identify a user who frequently uses the image forming apparatus 7 as a notification user, and sends a print job request notification N1 to the notification user (step S59). . The print job request notification N1 transmitted at this time is, for example, a notification requesting a normal print job that can be executed by the one image forming apparatus 7 that has received the print job output request as a new print job.

  Next, the control unit 15 reads the print job JB specified by the print job output request from the print job storage unit 20 (step S60). Then, the control unit 15 outputs the print job JB to the one image forming apparatus 7 that is the transmission source of the print job output request (step S61). If the image forming apparatus 7 that is the transmission source of the print job output request is not in the power saving mode (NO in step S52), the control unit 15 skips steps S53 to S59. Thus, all the processes are completed.

  The print server 2 can perform necessary notification to each user by performing the above-described processing in response to the reception of the print job output request. In particular, when the image forming apparatus 7 that transmitted the print job output request is in the power saving mode, the print server 2 returns to the normal energization mode by outputting the print job JB. By performing the processing, the image forming apparatus 7 can execute more print jobs in a state where the image forming apparatus 7 has returned to the normal energization mode.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the print server 2 is configured such that, for example, one image forming apparatus 7 serving as the output destination TG at the timing when the normal print job JB1 is stored in the print job storage unit 20 is in the power saving mode. The print job JB1 is temporarily stored in the print job storage unit 20, and the print job request notification N1 is performed in this state. Then, for example, the normal print job JB2 received after the print job request notification N1 and the print job JB1 stored in the print job storage unit 20 are collectively transmitted to the image forming apparatus 7. As a result, the image forming apparatus 7 can execute the print jobs JB1 and JB2 together, so that the return from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode can be completed only once. As a result, the print server 2 can save power consumption of the image forming apparatus 7.

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing power consumption in the image forming apparatus 7. FIG. 14A is a diagram schematically showing power consumption when a plurality of print jobs JB 1 and JB 2 are transmitted from the print server 2 to the image forming apparatus 7 together. FIG. 14B is a diagram schematically illustrating the power consumption when the energization state is returned from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode in the image forming apparatus 7 every time print jobs JB1 and JB2 are transmitted. As shown in FIG. 14A, when the image forming apparatus 7 is returned from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode, the image forming apparatus 7 is in a startup operation state in which a large amount of power is temporarily consumed. The power consumption amount W1 in this startup operation state is power consumed by performing, for example, a temperature raising process or an image stabilization process of the fixing unit. Each of the power consumption amounts W2 and W3 indicates the power consumption amount when the print jobs JB1 and JB2 are executed. The power consumption amount W4 indicates the power consumption amount when the image forming apparatus 7 is in a standby state in the normal energization mode.

  In the present embodiment, the print server 2 can send a plurality of print jobs JB1, JB2 to one image forming apparatus 7 by performing a print job request notification N1. As a result, the image forming apparatus 7 can execute a plurality of print jobs JB1, JB2 together. That is, since the plurality of print jobs JB1 and JB2 are continuously input to the image forming apparatus 7 until the image forming apparatus 7 shifts from the normal energization mode to the power saving mode, the print jobs JB1 and JB2 are continuous. Will be executed. As a result, the print server 2 can set the total power consumed for causing the image forming apparatus 7 to execute the plurality of print jobs JB1 and JB2 as the sum of the power consumptions W1 to W4.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14B, when there is a time difference of a certain time or more in the timing of transmitting the plurality of print jobs JB1, JB2, the image forming apparatus 7 changes from the power saving mode to the normal energization mode each time. The operation to return to is performed. That is, each time the print job JB1, JB2 is received, the image forming apparatus 7 once enters the startup operation state and shifts to the normal energization mode. In this case, the power consumption W1 required for the first return operation, the power consumption W2 required to execute the print job JB1 received first, and the consumption required for the standby time until the energized state shifts to the power saving mode. The amount of power W4 is consumed. Similarly, when the next print job JB2 is received, the power consumption amounts W5, W3, and W6 corresponding to the power consumption amounts W1, W2, and W4 when the previous print job JB1 is received are consumed again. . That is, comparing FIGS. 14A and 14B, the job execution mode shown in FIG. 14A can save power consumptions W5 and W6 compared to FIG. 14B.

  The print server 2 of the present embodiment performs the above-described processing and sequentially outputs a plurality of print jobs JB1 and JB2 to the image forming apparatus 7 as much as possible in the image forming apparatus 7 as shown in FIG. It is intended to realize such a job execution form. Accordingly, the print server 2 of the present embodiment can reduce the power consumption consumed in the image forming apparatus 7.

  In the present embodiment, when the print server 2 is in the power saving mode at the timing when the print server 2 outputs the print job JB1 for pull printing to the image forming apparatus 7, the print job request notification N1 is performed. In this case, when the print server 2 receives, for example, a normal print job JB2 after the print job request notification N1, the print server 2 outputs the print job JB2 to the image forming apparatus 7. In this case, by outputting the previous print job JB1 to the image forming apparatus 7, the print job request notification N1 can be sent to other users in parallel with returning the image forming apparatus 7 to the normal energization mode. . For this reason, the print server 2 can collect as many print jobs as possible while the print job JB1 output previously in the image forming apparatus 7 is being executed, and can additionally output them to the image forming apparatus 7. Also in this case, the print server 2 sequentially outputs a plurality of print jobs JB1 and JB2 to the image forming apparatus 7 so that the job as shown in FIG. The execution form can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, the print server 2 is configured to send a print job request notification N1 to a user other than the transmission user of the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 among a plurality of users. According to such a configuration, the print server 2 can notify the user other than the transmission user of the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 of the presence of the print job JB waiting for output. In addition, it is possible to prompt the transmission of a new print job to the one image forming apparatus 7 that executes the print job JB. As a result, a plurality of print jobs JB can be sequentially output to the image forming apparatus 7, and these can be collectively executed in the image forming apparatus 7. In addition, there is an advantage that the user who transmits the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 does not need to receive the print job request notification N1.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the print server 2 is configured to wait for the output of the normal print job JB to the image forming apparatus 7 until the output standby time 36 elapses after the print job request notification N1 is performed. . According to such a configuration, since the standby is performed until the output standby time 36 elapses, as many print jobs JB as possible can be collected during the output standby. Further, if the output waiting time 36 can be arbitrarily set by the transmission user of the print job JB, it is convenient because the transmission user only has to wait within his / her allowable range.

  Further, in the present embodiment, if no new print job is stored in the print job storage unit 20 until the output standby time 36 elapses, the print server 2 stores the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20. Can be automatically output to one image forming apparatus 7. According to such a configuration, the print server 2 outputs the print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 to the image forming apparatus 7 as the output standby time 36 elapses. You don't have to wait for a long time for the sending user.

  In this embodiment, the print server 2 further stores a print job stored in the print job storage unit 20 when a new print job is not stored in the print job storage unit 20 until the output standby time 36 elapses. It is possible to send a confirmation notification for confirming whether or not to perform print output immediately to the JB transmission user. When the print server 2 is instructed not to immediately print out the print job JB as a result of the confirmation by the confirmation notification, the print server 2 does not output the print job JB to the image forming apparatus 7. Further, output standby is performed. According to such a configuration, since the print job JB can be kept on standby for a long time, it is not necessary to return the energization state of the image forming apparatus 7 to the normal energization mode.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the print server 2 stores another pull print print job in the print job storage unit 20 at the timing of outputting one print job JB stored in the print job storage unit 20 to the image forming apparatus 7. If so, a job execution notification N2 is issued to urge the user who sent the other print job to perform a pull print instruction to the image forming apparatus 7 that has previously output the print job JB. In other words, since the image forming apparatus 7 that has returned to the normal energization mode is urged to give a pull print instruction, the number of times that the image forming apparatus 7 has returned to the normal energization mode can be reduced, and other image forming apparatuses 7 can be reduced. Can be prevented from returning to the normal energization mode.

  In the present embodiment, the print server 2 refers to the history information 19 and selects one or a plurality of users in order of the frequency of transmission of the print job JB, and sends a print job request notification N1 to the users. Yes. That is, since notification is made only to a user who is effective to transmit the print job request notification N1, useful information for the user can be given. On the other hand, since the print job request notification N1 is not performed for a user who does not need the notification, such a user does not need to feel bothered.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment regarding this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to the content mentioned above, A various modification is applicable.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the print control apparatus according to the present invention is mounted on the print server 2 is exemplified. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the print control apparatus may be mounted on the image forming apparatus 7. In this case, the image forming apparatus 7 functions as a print control apparatus that performs the same processing as the print server 2 described above. For example, when a print job JB is received from the user terminal 3, it functions as a print control device, and performs various notifications such as the above-described print job request notification N1. When the print control apparatus receives a new print job JB after performing the print job request notification N1, the print control apparatus receives an image of the new print job JB and the print job JB previously stored in the print job storage unit 20. The jobs are executed by sequentially outputting them to the forming unit. The present invention can also be realized by such a configuration.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the print server 2 stores the history information 19 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the print control system 1, a log server that manages the usage history of the image forming apparatus 7 is connected to the network 10 so that data communication is possible, the log server stores the history information 19, and the history information 19 may be periodically updated. Then, when the print server 2 specifies the notification user of the print job request notification N1, the print server 2 inquires the log server of the frequency of transmission of the print job JB by the user and specifies the notification user based on the response from the log server. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the output is waited until the output standby time 36 elapses when the normal print job JB is received is illustrated. However, the output standby time 36 elapses even when pull printing is performed. You may wait until. That is, when the print server 2 receives a print job output request from the image forming apparatus 7, the print server 2 outputs an output waiting time 36 before outputting the print job JB to the image forming apparatus 7 that is the transmission source of the print job output request. Wait until has passed. The print server 2 notifies the notification user of a print job request notification N1 in which the image forming apparatus 7 that is the transmission source of the print job output request is the output destination TG. According to such a configuration, even when pull printing is performed, the process waits until the output waiting time 36 elapses, and as many print jobs JB as possible can be collected during that time. As a result, the number of return times of the output destination TG can be reduced.

2 Print server (printing control device)
3 User terminal 7 Image forming apparatus 19 History information 20 Print job storage unit (storage means)
31 Monitoring unit (monitoring means)
35 Print Job Output Unit (Print Job Output Unit)
37 Notification section (notification means)
38 History management section (history management means)

Claims (9)

A print control apparatus that accepts a print job transmitted from a user terminal connected to a network and outputs the print job by outputting the print job to one image forming apparatus,
Storage means for storing received print jobs;
Monitoring means for monitoring whether the energization state of the image forming apparatus is a normal energization mode or a power saving mode;
When the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode at the timing when the print job is stored in the storage unit or when the print job stored in the storage unit is output to the image forming apparatus, it is connected to the network. A notification means for notifying a user of the user terminal being requested to request a new print job for performing print output in the image forming apparatus;
After the notification by the notification means, a print job output that reads the print job stored in the storage means and outputs it to the image forming apparatus as a new print job is stored in the storage means Means,
A printing control apparatus comprising:   The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies a user different from a transmission user of the print job stored in the storage unit.   3. The print job output unit waits for output of a print job to the image forming apparatus until a predetermined time elapses after the notification by the notification unit is performed. The printing control apparatus described.   The print job output unit outputs the print job stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus when a new print job is not stored in the storage unit before the predetermined time elapses. The printing control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the printing control apparatus is a printing control apparatus. The notification means, if a new print job is not stored in the storage means before the predetermined time elapses, further provides a print output immediately to the transmission user of the print job stored in the storage means. To confirm whether or not to do so,
When the print job output means designates that the print job transmission user does not immediately perform the print output as a result of the confirmation by the notification means, the print job output means further outputs the print job to the image forming apparatus. The print control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the print control apparatus is on standby.   The notifying unit may further cause the storage user to perform an operation on the image forming apparatus to the storage unit at a timing of outputting one print job stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus. Along with this, when another print job to be output to the image forming apparatus is stored, a notification for urging the user of the other print job to perform an operation on the image forming apparatus is provided. The print control apparatus according to claim 1. In response to accepting the print job, further comprising history management means for associating the print job with the transmission user of the print job and recording it in history information,
The notification unit selects a user in descending order of the frequency of transmission of print jobs with reference to the history information when performing notification for requesting a new print job for performing print output in the image forming apparatus, The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein notification is given to the user. A print control method for receiving a print job transmitted from a user terminal connected to a network and outputting the print job to a single image forming apparatus,
Storing the received print job in a predetermined storage means;
Monitoring whether the energization state of the image forming apparatus is a normal energization mode or a power saving mode;
When the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode at the timing when the print job is stored in the storage unit or when the print job stored in the storage unit is output to the image forming apparatus, Notifying a user of a connected user terminal to request a new print job for performing print output in the image forming apparatus;
A step of reading a print job stored in the storage unit and outputting it to the image forming apparatus as a new print job is received and stored in the storage unit after the notification is made;
A printing control method characterized by comprising: A program executed on a computer connected to a network, the computer being
A print job receiving unit that receives a print job transmitted from the user terminal via the network and stores the print job in a predetermined storage unit;
Monitoring means for monitoring whether the image forming apparatus that is the output destination of the print job stored in the storage means is in a normal energization mode or a power saving mode;
When the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode at the timing when the print job is stored in the storage unit or when the print job stored in the storage unit is output to the image forming apparatus, it is connected to the network. A notification means for notifying a user of a user terminal that has been requested to request a new print job for performing print output in the image forming apparatus; and
After the notification by the notification means, a print job output that reads the print job stored in the storage means and outputs it to the image forming apparatus as a new print job is stored in the storage means means,
A program characterized by functioning as

Images