JP2014043007A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of performing output processing at appropriate timing for a print job sender, without mixing an output object of the sender with output objects of print jobs of other print job senders.SOLUTION: An image forming device (1) for performing output processing, in response to a print job transmitted from a terminal device PC has, as a control part (10) for controlling output processing depending on the print job: a preferential job determination function (11) for, when print jobs are transmitted from multiple terminal devices PC, determining priority of the print jobs, on the basis of the distance between installation positions of the image forming device (1) and the multiple terminal devices PC; a movement time setting function (12) for setting movement time of a user from the terminal device PC; and a preferential job execution function (13) for, when output processing of the multiple print jobs overlaps with each other, preferentially executing output processing of a print job transmitted from a terminal device PC from which the movement time is long.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that performs output processing in response to a print job transmitted from a print job transmitting apparatus.

  Conventionally, print jobs transmitted to an image forming apparatus are normally executed in the order in which they are sent regardless of the distance (positional relationship) between a plurality of senders (terminal devices) and the image forming apparatus.

  For example, as a conventional technique, in a host apparatus (for example, an image forming apparatus) that sends data to a data processing apparatus and performs predetermined data processing, the processing order of data processing on the data in the data processing apparatus is changed to that of other data. It has been proposed to set an overtaking permission condition when the processing order is later than the processing order, and to send the set overtaking permission condition information together with data to the data processing device (see Patent Document 1).

  According to such a conventional technique, when the output processing is performed in the image forming apparatus, the data processing order is controlled based on the overtaking permission condition. Therefore, the overtaking that is set according to the nature and importance of the data itself is performed. Data processing can be performed in the processing order according to the permission conditions, so that the processing efficiency of data processing can be improved and the usability can be improved.

JP 2007-328737 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when a job from a sender at a far position is executed, there is a high possibility that another job will be transmitted later, and the output (document) of the sender is another sender. There was a problem that it was mixed on the output tray.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and performs output processing at an appropriate timing for a print job sender without being mixed with print job output by another print job sender. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems is as follows.

  The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that performs an output process corresponding to a print job transmitted from a print job transmission apparatus (for example, a terminal apparatus), as a control unit that controls the output process corresponding to the print job. A function of determining a priority of a print job for executing output processing based on a distance between installation positions of the image forming apparatus and the plurality of print job transmission apparatuses when a print job is transmitted from a job transmission apparatus; It is characterized by comprising.

  According to the present invention, when the control unit is configured to overlap a function for setting a user's travel time from the print job transmission apparatus to the image forming apparatus and output processing of a plurality of print jobs, the travel time is A function that preferentially executes an output process of a print job transmitted from a long print job transmission apparatus, and after the output process of the print job is executed, the print job whose execution is determined to be transmitted is transmitted Even when a print job is transmitted from a print job transmitting apparatus whose user travel time is shorter than that of the print job transmitting apparatus, the output processing is preferably performed with priority given to the print job having the long travel time.

  The present invention further includes an output process selection unit that selects whether or not to execute an output process immediately after a print job is transmitted, as the configuration of the print job transmission apparatus, and the control unit includes the output process selection unit. It is preferable to determine the priority of the print job for executing the output process based on the selection result.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that performs an output process corresponding to a print job transmitted from a print job transmitting apparatus, a plurality of prints are used as a control unit that controls the output process corresponding to the print job. A function of determining a priority of a print job for executing output processing based on a distance between installation positions of the image forming apparatus and the plurality of print job transmission apparatuses when a print job is transmitted from a job transmission apparatus; By providing, it is possible to output the printed material at the timing when the user arrives in consideration of the travel time for the user (print job sender) to go to the image forming apparatus to pick up the printed material. As a result, the output product desired by the user has been output most recently, that is, for example, it has been output to the top of the discharge tray or is in the process of being output. The output process can be performed at an appropriate timing without being mixed with the output product of the print job by the sender.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the function for setting a user's movement time from the print job transmission apparatus to the image forming apparatus and the output processing of a plurality of print jobs overlap as the control unit, the movement A print job having a function of executing output processing with priority given to a print job transmitted from a print job transmission apparatus having a long time, and after the output processing of the print job is executed, the print job whose execution is determined to be executed Even if a print job is transmitted from a print job transmission apparatus whose user travel time is shorter than that of the print job transmission apparatus to which the print job is transmitted, priority is given to the print job having the long travel time to perform output processing, so that The output process can be performed at an appropriate timing without being mixed with the output product of the print job by the job sender.

Further, according to the present invention, the configuration of the print job transmission apparatus is an output process selection means for selecting whether or not to execute an output process immediately after transmitting a print job, for example, “execute immediately” or “execute later”. ”Can be executed at the timing when the user goes to pick up the printed matter, so that it can be output without being mixed with the output matter of other users.
For example, when the “execute later” button is used, a plurality of jobs are stored so that they can be transmitted simultaneously.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a network system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting screen of the display part which comprises the said image forming apparatus, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the specific display state of the said setting screen. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a basic procedure for determining the priority of a print job by the image forming apparatus and performing output processing. A flowchart showing a part of a procedure (sub-flowchart (1)) for determining the priority of a print job and performing output processing when a print job is transmitted from a plurality of users and there is a preceding print job in the image forming apparatus. It is. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of a procedure for performing a print job output process following the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing a print job output process following the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure (sub-flowchart (2)) for determining the priority of a print job and performing output processing when a print job is transmitted from a plurality of users and there is a subsequent print job in the image forming apparatus. 4 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a state of output processing when a print job is transmitted from a plurality of users in the image forming apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment for carrying out the invention, and is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a network system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus. is there.

  It should be noted that the components described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus 1 that performs output processing corresponding to a print job transmitted from a plurality of terminal apparatuses (print job transmitting apparatuses) PC. The control part 10 which has a typical function is provided.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 and a plurality of terminal devices (three terminal devices PC1 to PC3 in the embodiment) are connected via a network 2 such as a wireless line.

The image forming apparatus 1 is selected by the user as an apparatus that outputs print data.
The terminal devices PC1 to PC3 function as a print job transmission device that transmits a print job desired by the user.

Next, a characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 mainly includes a control unit 10 that controls the operation of the apparatus, an image forming unit 20 that forms an output image based on input image data, and an output that outputs an image. The processing unit 30 includes a communication unit 40 that communicates and connects with an external device, and a display unit 50 that displays an operation screen and the like.

  In the present exemplary embodiment, apparatuses that execute other functions such as a recording medium conveying apparatus, a developing apparatus, and a fixing apparatus that configure the image forming apparatus 1 (not shown) have functions similar to those of a conventional image forming apparatus. The description will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 10 controls output processing corresponding to a print job transmitted from the terminal device PC. As a characteristic configuration, when a print job is transmitted from a plurality of print job transmission apparatuses, a print job that executes output processing based on the distance between the installation positions of the image forming apparatus and the plurality of print job transmission apparatuses. A priority job determination function 11 for determining priority is provided.

  Further, when the movement time setting function 12 for setting the movement time of the user from the terminal device PC to the image forming apparatus 1 and the output processing of a plurality of print jobs overlap, the control unit 10 has a long movement time. A priority job execution function 13 for executing output processing with priority given to a print job transmitted from the apparatus PC is provided.

  After the priority print job output function is executed, the priority job execution function 13 starts from the terminal device PC whose user travel time is shorter than the terminal device PC to which the print job for which execution of the output processing is determined is transmitted. Even when a print job is transmitted, output processing is executed with priority given to a print job having a long travel time.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the terminal device PC has a configuration of an operation unit that gives an input instruction to the device. After transmitting a print job, the terminal device PC “executes output processing immediately” or “later output processing”. An output process selection switch (output process selection means) 60 for selecting “execute” is provided.

  Further, the terminal device PC has an output process execution switch (not shown) “transmit print job” corresponding to the case where “execute output process later” is selected by the output process selection switch 60. I have.

  In the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 1, the distance between the image forming apparatus 1 and a plurality of terminal apparatuses PC handled by the user is set in advance. For example, the position of the terminal apparatus PC to which the user A has transmitted the print job and the user A In addition, it is configured to detect the relationship with the position of the terminal device PC that has transmitted the print job later and to give priority to the execution of output processing. The user A's print job is set so that the user A completes the output when the user A arrives at the image forming apparatus 1 or outputs the print job to the uppermost position of the paper discharge tray after the arrival.

Next, setting of the positional relationship between the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal device PC will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen of a display unit included in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific display state of the setting screen.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the display unit 50 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a cell-like display screen 51 having a predetermined size. On the display screen 51, an MFP indicating the image forming apparatus 1 and terminal devices PC1 to PC3 are displayed.

  The display screen 51 is a space (installation space or installation floor) in which the image forming apparatus 1 (MFP) and the terminal apparatuses PC1 to PC3 are arranged, and the distance from the image forming apparatus 1 to the terminal apparatuses PC1 to PC3 by the number of cells. And set the time.

Symbols W1 and W2 in FIG. 3A indicate the width (width) of the installation space or the installation floor.
As shown in FIG. 3B, the installation space or the installation floor has W1 of 15 (m) and W2 of 10 (m).

Here, setting and recognition of the distance between the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatuses PC1 to PC3 used by the user will be described.
First, (1) the positional relationship between the size of the installation floor and the terminal devices PC1 to PC3 (IP addresses) is set in advance. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the positions and routes of the terminal devices PC <b> 1 to PC <b> 3 are set from the MFP on the cell-like display screen 51. As an example of setting, assuming that the size of the cell 511 on the display screen 51 is the size of the tile, 1 cell is 1 (m) × 1 (m), the stride is 0.7 (m), and 1 step is 0. .5 (sec).

  (2) A distance and a walking time are set according to the positional relationship between the MFP and the terminal devices PC1 to PC3. For example, if the distance from the MFP to the terminal device PC is 15 in terms of the number of cells on the display screen 51, 15 (15) in terms of tiles is 15 (m). If 15 (m) is walked in about 22 steps, the arrival time to the MFP is about 11 (sec). In this way, the travel time to the MFP (image forming apparatus 1) of the user who uses the terminal apparatus PC can be set.

  Then, based on the setting requirements described above, (3) time measurement is performed by recognizing the terminal device PC (IP address) to which the print job has been transmitted.

  Note that some users may not be able to retrieve the output immediately after sending a print job. Therefore, when the output process selection switch 60 of the terminal device PC is used, the timing for executing the output process on the image forming apparatus 1 is determined. Select “Execute output process immediately” or “Execute output process later”.

  When “execute output processing immediately” is selected by the output processing selection switch 60, time measurement is performed immediately (measurement of the optimal time considering movement time and output processing execution time), and a priority job determination function 11 determines the priority of the print job that executes the output process. On the other hand, when “execute printing process later” is selected by the output process selection switch 60, time measurement is performed by operating the output process execution switch (time measurement when several print jobs are executed simultaneously). Is executed, and the priority of the print job for which the output process is executed is determined by the priority job determination function 11.

  (4) When the set time has elapsed, the print jobs are executed in descending order of priority. In other words, the output process is executed preferentially at the optimum time (the time when the user can complete the output upon arrival at the image forming apparatus 1).

  Note that (5) when a subsequent print job is executed, priority is given to executing the print job in comparison with the job time of the user who sent the subsequent print job (time considering the movement time and output processing execution time). Determine the degree.

Next, when outputting the print job transmitted from the user by the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the print job is transmitted from a plurality of other users, the priority of the print job is determined and output processing is performed. The operation procedure when performing is described with reference to the flowchart.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a basic procedure for determining the priority of a print job and performing output processing by the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

  First, when a print job is executed by the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 4, setting of a printed matter (setting of a print job) is performed in the terminal apparatus PC operated by the user (step S <b> 1), and the terminal apparatus PC It is selected (determined) whether or not to immediately execute the output process (step S2). The selection (determination) of whether or not to execute the output process is determined by the user using the output process selection switch 60 of the terminal device PC.

  In step S2, if it is selected not to execute the output process immediately, it is selected (determined) whether or not to send another print job at the same time (step S3).

  If it is selected in step S3 to transmit another print job at the same time, the print job is temporarily stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the terminal device PC (step S4). Then, similarly to step S2, it is determined whether or not to execute the output process immediately (step S5).

  In step S5, when it is selected not to execute the output process immediately, the print setting for the next printed material is performed (step S6), and the process returns to step S3 again. If it is determined in step S5 that the output process is to be executed immediately, an output process execution switch (not shown) is operated (step S7), and the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (step S8).

  On the other hand, if it is selected not to transmit another print job at the same time in step S3, an output processing execution switch (not shown) is operated (step S7), and the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (step S7). Step S8).

Returning to the description of step S2, if it is selected in step S2 to immediately execute the output process, the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (step S8).
When the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 in step S8, the process proceeds to step S9, and when the sub-flowchart (1) is executed and there is a print job transmitted in advance, the transmitted print job is transmitted. (Hereinafter referred to as “sender print job”) and a print job transmitted in advance (hereinafter referred to as “preceding print job”) are compared to determine the priority for performing output processing.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S10, and when the sub-flowchart (2) is executed and there is a subsequent print job (hereinafter referred to as “subsequent print job”), the sender print job is compared with the subsequent print job. The priority for performing the output process is determined. Then, the print job is executed based on the priority for performing the output process (step S11).

Here, the sub-flowchart (1) for determining the priority of the print job for performing the output process by comparing the sender print job and the preceding print job will be described.
FIG. 5 shows a procedure for determining the priority of a print job and performing output processing when a print job is transmitted from a plurality of users and there is a preceding print job in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment (sub-flowchart (1)). 6 is a flowchart showing a part of a procedure for performing a print job output process following the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a procedure for performing a print job output process following the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows.

  In the sub-flowchart (1), as shown in FIG. 5, when a print job is transmitted from the terminal device PC in the image forming apparatus 1 (step 101), whether there is a print job preceding the sender print job or not. Is determined (step S102).

  If it is determined in step S102 that there is no preceding print job, the set walking time W from the terminal device PC to which the sender print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 and output processing of the sender print job are executed. It is determined whether or not the relationship with the job time J is “W ≦ J” (step S103).

  If it is determined in step S103 that “W ≦ J”, the print job is executed (step S104). If it is determined in step S103 that “W ≦ J” is not satisfied, the process proceeds to sub-flowchart (2) (step S105).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that there is a preceding print job, it is determined whether or not output processing for the previous preceding print job has been determined (fixed) (step S106).

If it is determined in step S106 that the output processing of the previous preceding print job has been determined (fixed), the time We1 until the previous preceding print job is completed and the remaining time up to the highest priority time It is determined whether or not the relationship between time (walking time−elapsed time−job time) Ws is “We1 ≧ Ws” (step S107).
Here, the highest priority time is a time when the output of the printed matter can be completed at the same time when the user arrives at the image forming apparatus 1.

  If it is determined in step S107 that “We1 ≧ Ws”, the priority of the sender print job is fixed (step S108). If it is determined in step S107 that “We1 ≧ Ws” is not satisfied. Sub-flowchart (2) is executed (step S109).

  Returning to the description of step S106, if it is determined in step S106 that the priority of the previous preceding print job has not been determined (fixed), the process proceeds to step S110 as shown in FIG.

  In step 110, it is determined whether or not the relationship between the set walking time W and the job time is “W ≦ J”. If it is determined in step 110 that “W ≦ J”, it is determined whether there is a print job preceding by two (step S111).

  If it is determined in step S111 that there is no previous preceding print job, the remaining time (walking time-elapsed time-job time) Ws1 up to the highest priority time of the previous preceding print job and the sender print It is determined whether the relationship with the job time J during which the job output process is executed is “Ws1> J” (step S112).

  If it is determined in step S112 that “Ws1> J”, the priority of the sender print job is increased by one (step S113), and the sender print job is executed (step S114). If it is determined in step S112 that “Ws1> J” is not satisfied, the priority of the sender print job is fixed and the priority of the preceding preceding print job is fixed (step S115).

  Returning to the description of step S111, if it is determined in step S111 that there is a print job preceding by two, it is determined whether or not the priority of the two preceding print jobs is fixed ( Step S116).

  If it is determined in step S116 that the priority of the previous preceding print job is fixed, the remaining time until the highest priority time of the previous preceding print job (walking time−elapsed time−job time) ) It is determined whether or not the relationship between Ws1 and the time We2 until the previous preceding print job is completed and the job time J when the output process of the sender print job is executed is “Ws1-We2> J”. (Step S117).

  If it is determined in step S117 that “Ws1-We2> J” is not satisfied, the priority of the sender print job is fixed and the priority of the preceding preceding print job is fixed (step S118). If it is determined in step S117 that “Ws1-We2> J”, the priority of the sender print job is increased by one and set next to the preceding preceding print job (step S119). The priority of the sender print job is fixed (step S120).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S116 that the priority of the previous preceding print job is not fixed, it is determined whether or not “Ws1-We2> J” (step S121).

  If it is determined in step S121 that “Ws1-We2> J” is not satisfied, the priority of the sender print job is fixed and the priority of all the preceding print jobs is fixed (step S122). If it is determined in step S121 that “Ws1-We2> J”, the priority of the sender print job is increased by one and set next to the preceding preceding print job (step S123). The process returns to step S111.

  Returning to the description of step S110, if it is determined in step 110 that “W ≦ J” is not satisfied, it is determined whether there is a print job preceding by two as shown in FIG. Step S124).

  If it is determined in step S124 that there is no print job preceding by two, the set walking time W and the remaining time until the highest priority time of the preceding print job (walking time-elapsed time-job It is determined whether or not the relationship with (time) Ws1 is “W <Ws1” (step S125).

  If it is determined in step S125 that “W <Ws1”, the priority of the sender print job is increased by one and set to have priority over the previous preceding print job (step S126). Proceed to sub-flowchart (2) (step S127). If it is determined in step S125 that “W <Ws1” is not satisfied, the process directly proceeds to the sub-flowchart (2) (step S127).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S124 that there is a print job preceding by two, it is determined whether the priority of the print job preceding by two is fixed (step S128).

  If it is determined in step S128 that the priority of the previous preceding print job is fixed, the remaining time until the highest priority time of the previous preceding print job (walking time−elapsed time−job time) ) It is determined whether or not the relationship between Ws1 and the time We2 until the previous preceding print job is completed and the set walking time W of the sender is "Ws1-We2> W" (step S129).

  If it is determined in step S129 that “Ws1-We2> W”, the priority of the sender print job is increased by one to give priority over the preceding print job (step S130). ), Go to sub-flowchart (2) (step S131). If it is determined in step S129 that “Ws1-We2> W” is not satisfied, the process proceeds to the sub-flowchart (2) as it is (step S131).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S129 that the priority of the previous preceding print job is not fixed, it is determined whether or not “Ws1-We2> W” (step S132).

  If it is determined in step S132 that “Ws1-We2> W” is not satisfied, the process proceeds to sub-flowchart (2) (step S133). If it is determined in step S132 that “Ws1-We2> W”, the priority of the sender print job is increased by one and set next to the preceding preceding print job (step S134). The process returns to step S124.

  In this way, the priority for performing the output processing of the sender print job and the preceding print job is determined according to the sub-flowchart (1).

Next, the sub-flowchart (2) for determining the priority of the print job for performing the output process by comparing the sender print job and the subsequent print job will be described.
FIG. 8 shows a procedure for determining the priority of a print job and performing output processing when a print job is transmitted from a plurality of users and there is a subsequent print job in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment (sub-flowchart (2)). It is a flowchart which shows.

  In the sub-flowchart (2), as shown in FIG. 8, in the image forming apparatus 1, the sender data (including the set walking time, job time, and elapsed time) of the print job from the terminal device PC is recognized (step 201) It is determined whether a subsequent print job has been transmitted (step S202).

  If it is determined in step S202 that the subsequent print job has not been transmitted, it is determined whether or not the priority print job has reached the highest priority time (step 203).

  If it is determined in step S203 that the priority print job has not reached the highest priority time, the process returns to step S201. If it is determined in step S203 that the priority print job has reached the highest priority time, it is determined whether there is a preceding print job (step S204).

  If it is determined in step S204 that there is a preceding print job, the priority of the sender print job is fixed (step S205). If it is determined in step S204 that there is no preceding print job, the sender print job is executed (step S206). Then, the output is completed as soon as the user arrives at the image forming apparatus 1, and the output in the shortest time is completed (step S207).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the subsequent print job has been transmitted, the subsequent print job is executed according to the sub-flowchart (1) (step S208). Then, it is determined whether the subsequent print job has a higher priority than the sender print job (step S209).

  If it is determined in step S209 that the subsequent print job has a higher priority than the sender print job, the priority of the sender print job is lowered by one (than the new print job) (step S210), and the step Return to S202.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S209 that the subsequent print job has a lower priority than the sender print job, it is determined whether the priority of the subsequent print job is fixed (step S211).

  If it is determined in step S211 that the priority of the subsequent print job is not fixed, the process returns to step S203. If it is determined in step S211 that the subsequent print job is fixed, the priority of the sender print job is fixed.

  In this way, the priority for performing the output processing of the sender print job and the subsequent print job is determined according to the sub-flowchart (2).

Next, a case where the priority of a print job when a print job is transmitted from a plurality of users by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment and output processing is performed will be described with reference to a timing chart.
FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an example of a state of output processing when a print job is transmitted from a plurality of users in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

  As one embodiment, a case where a print job is transmitted from three users, user A, user B, and user C, will be described.

  The sender data of the print job (A) of the user A is the walking time Wa: 20 (sec), the job time Ja: 10 (sec), and the sender data of the print job (B) of the user B is the walking time Wb. 27.5 (sec), job time Jb: 5 (sec), sender data of user C's print job (C) has a walking time Wc of 2.5 (sec), job time Jc: 2.5 (sec) ).

  First, user A's print job (A) is executed. Since the walking time Wa of the user A is 20 (sec) and the job time Ja is 10 (sec), the output start Ta1 is 10 (sec) after the start Ta0, and the job end Ta2 is 20 (sec) after the start. It becomes.

  The subsequent print job (B) of user B is started 5 Tsec from the start Ta0 of the print job (A) (Tb0), and the output start Tb1 is 22.5 (sec) after the start Tb0.

  The subsequent print job (C) of user C is started after 2.5 (sec) from the start Tb0 of the print job (B) (Tc0), and the output start Tc1 is until the output of the print job (A) is completed. Wait and then start.

  The end of the print job (B) of user B takes 27.5 (sec) at the shortest, and is 12.5 (sec) after the print job (A) of user A (Tb2). On the other hand, the end of the user C print job (C) is 2.5 (sec) at the shortest, and is 2.5 (sec) after the print job (A) of user A (Tc2).

  Therefore, the print job (A) is output with the highest priority for the print job. The start of the print job (B) is prioritized over the print job (C), but the user C is closer to the image forming apparatus 1 than the user B, and the end of the output is the print job (C). Since the process ends earlier, the priority of the print job (C) is set higher than that of the print job (B).

  As a result, the output of the three print jobs (A), (B), and (C) is completed in the order of the print job (A), the print job (C), and the print job (B) as shown in FIG. .

  With the configuration as described above, according to the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 1 that performs output processing corresponding to the print job transmitted from the terminal device PC, the control unit that controls output processing corresponding to the print job. 10, when a print job is transmitted from a plurality of terminal apparatuses PC, the priority of the print job for executing the output process is determined based on the distance between the installation positions of the image forming apparatus 1 and the plurality of terminal apparatuses PC. By providing the priority job determination function 11, the printed material can be output at the timing when the user arrives in consideration of the travel time for the user to go to the image forming apparatus 1 to pick up the printed material. As a result, the output product desired by the user can be brought into the most recently output state or being output, so that it can be output at an appropriate timing without being mixed with the output product of the print job by another user. Processing can be performed.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, as the configuration of the control unit 10, the movement time setting function 12 for setting the movement time of the user from the terminal device PC to the image forming apparatus 1 and the output processing of a plurality of print jobs are overlapped. The priority job execution function 13 that preferentially executes the output process of the print job transmitted from the terminal device PC having a long movement time, and after the output process of the print job is executed, the output process Even if a print job is transmitted from the terminal device PC whose user travel time is shorter than that of the terminal device PC to which the print job determined to be executed is transmitted, priority is given to the print job having a long travel time for output processing. Thus, output processing can be performed at an appropriate timing without being mixed with an output product of a print job by another user.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various change is possible in the range shown to the claim. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Network 10 Control part 11 Priority job determination function 12 Movement time setting function 13 Priority job execution function 20 Image formation part 30 Output processing part 40 Communication part 50 Display part 51 Display screen 60 Output process selection switch (Output process selection switch) means)
511 cell PC, PC1, PC2, PC2 Terminal device (print job transmission device)

Claims (3)

In an image forming apparatus that performs output processing in response to a print job transmitted from a print job transmission apparatus,
As a control unit that controls output processing corresponding to a print job, when a print job is transmitted from a plurality of print job transmission apparatuses, the distance between the installation positions of the image forming apparatus and the plurality of print job transmission apparatuses is set. An image forming apparatus comprising a function for determining a priority of a print job that executes an output process based on the image forming apparatus.   The control unit, when a function for setting a movement time of a user from the print job transmission apparatus to the image forming apparatus and an output process of a plurality of print jobs overlap, from the print job transmission apparatus having a long movement time A print job transmission apparatus having a function of executing an output process with priority on a transmitted print job, and after the output process of the print job is performed, the print job for which the execution of the output process has been determined is transmitted 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, even when a print job is transmitted from a print job transmission apparatus having a shorter movement time of the user, the output processing is performed with priority on the print job having the longer movement time. . The print job transmission device includes an output process selection unit that selects whether to execute an output process immediately after transmitting a print job,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a priority of a print job for executing an output process based on a selection result by the output process selection unit.

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