JP2015066767A - Printer, printing system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer, a printing system, a control method, and a program capable of more efficiently performing printing processing by avoiding the waiting in front of the printer as much as possible when a user performs the printing.SOLUTION: A printer calculates a distance between a mobile device 105 possessed by a user of an interruption printing job additionally inputted and a compound machine 101 (distance A) and a distance between the mobile device 105 possessed by a user of a printing job in practice which is already practiced on the compound machine 101 and the compound machine 101 (distance B). Therein, the interruption job is practiced when the distance A is smaller than the distance B.

Description

  The present invention relates to a print execution order in a printing apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for printing interrupt control.

  The printing apparatus has an interrupt printing function for interrupting a job being executed and printing when the user wants to print quickly.

  When a user performs this interrupt printing, the urgency level of the job being executed is ignored and interrupted, so even if the urgency level of the job being executed by another user is high Printing is executed.

  Therefore, there is a concern that the completion of the job being executed is delayed, and the user who has input the job being executed waits in front of the printing apparatus.

  The urgency level of a job here means that there is a strong correlation between the distance between the user who submitted the job and the printing device, and the fact that the user waiting for execution and the printing device are separated is imagined by the user waiting for execution. It is assumed that the urgency level of the job is lower than that of the job, and conversely that the distance is close, it is assumed that the urgency level is high.

  Therefore, by increasing the priority of the job execution order as the distance between the user and the multifunction peripheral is closer, the job of the user whose distance between the user and the printing apparatus is closest is replaced with the head of the job list. A job of a user close to is preferentially output (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-227795 A

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, when a user submits a job and it is determined that the distance between the user and the printing apparatus is the shortest, a time-consuming job is already being executed in the printing apparatus However, there is a problem that the user who is closest to the printing apparatus waits in front of the printing apparatus.

  Therefore, in the present invention, when a user performs printing, a printing apparatus, a printing system, a control method, and a program that can perform printing processing more efficiently by avoiding waiting as much as possible in front of the printing apparatus as much as possible. The purpose is to provide.

  A first invention for achieving the above object is a printing apparatus that controls interrupt printing, a receiving unit that receives a user's print job, an execution unit that executes a print job received by the receiving unit, and a user A calculation unit that calculates a distance from the mobile device, and a calculation unit that receives a print job of a user different from the user by the reception unit during execution of the print job of the user by the execution unit. An interrupt determination means for determining whether to interrupt a print job of a user different from the user, using the distance of the user's mobile device and the distance of the user's mobile device different from the user; and the interrupt When it is determined by the determination means that an interruption is to be performed, a print job of a user different from the user is executed. A write execution unit, characterized by comprising a.

  A second invention for achieving the above object is a printing system in which a mobile device and a printing apparatus are connected via a network, the printing apparatus receiving a print job of a user, and the receiving Execution means for executing a print job received by the means, calculation means for calculating a distance of the user from the mobile device, and a print job of a user different from the user during execution of the print job of the user by the execution means Is received by the reception unit, the print job interruption of a user different from the user is calculated using the distance of the mobile device of the user calculated by the calculation unit and the distance of the mobile device of a user different from the user. It is determined by the interrupt determination means that determines whether or not to perform an interrupt and the interrupt determination means. If, characterized by comprising a an interrupt execution unit for executing a print job of the said user and different users.

  According to a third aspect of the invention for achieving the above object, there is provided a printing apparatus control method for controlling interrupt printing, wherein the printing apparatus accepts a user's print job, and the print job accepted in the acceptance step. An execution step for calculating the distance to the user's mobile device, and a reception step for accepting a print job for a user different from the user during execution of the print job for the user by the execution step. Determining whether or not to interrupt a print job of a user different from the user using the distance of the mobile device of the user calculated by the calculation step and the distance of the mobile device of a user different from the user And determining whether to perform an interrupt by the interrupt determination step. If, and executes a interrupt execution step of executing a print job of the user different from said user.

  A fourth invention for achieving the above object is a program that can be read and executed by a printing apparatus that controls interrupt printing, and the printing apparatus is received by a receiving unit that receives a user's print job and the receiving unit. An execution unit that executes a print job, a calculation unit that calculates a distance from the user's mobile device, and a print job of a user different from the user is received by the reception unit during execution of the print job of the user by the execution unit. Whether or not to interrupt the print job of the user different from the user by using the distance of the mobile device of the user calculated by the calculation unit and the distance of the mobile device of the user different from the user. If the interrupt determination unit and the interrupt determination unit determine that an interrupt is to be performed, the user Wherein the interrupt execution unit for executing a print job of the different users, to that to function.

  A fifth invention for achieving the above object is a method for controlling a printing system in which a mobile device and a printing apparatus are connected via a network, wherein the printing apparatus accepts a user's print job; An execution step of executing the print job received in the reception step; a calculation step of calculating a distance of the user from the mobile device; and a user different from the user during execution of the print job of the user by the execution step When the print job is accepted by the accepting step, the printing of the user different from the user is performed using the distance of the mobile device of the user calculated by the calculating step and the distance of the mobile device of the user different from the user. An interrupt determination step for determining whether or not to interrupt a job, and the interrupt The constant step, when it is determined that an interrupt, and executes a interrupt execution step of executing a print job of the different user and said user.

  A sixth invention for achieving the above object is a program which can be read and executed by a printing system in which a mobile device and a printing apparatus are connected via a network, and the printing apparatus accepts a user's print job. Means for executing the print job accepted by the accepting means, calculation means for calculating the distance of the user from the mobile device, and during execution of the user's print job by the execution means, When a print job of a different user is received by the reception unit, a user different from the user is calculated using the distance of the mobile device of the user calculated by the calculation unit and the distance of the mobile device of a user different from the user. An interrupt determination means for determining whether or not to interrupt the print job, and the interrupt determination means, If it is determined to perform the interrupt, characterized in that to the interrupt execution unit for executing a print job of the user and different users, to function.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to more efficiently avoid waiting in front of the printing apparatus by interrupting the input job with respect to the job being executed according to the distance between the user and the printing apparatus, thereby avoiding waiting in front of the printing apparatus as much as possible. Print processing can be performed.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the multifunctional device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the operation part concerning embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing for determining whether or not a user who has input a job is near the multifunction peripheral in the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing for determining whether or not a user who has input a job is near the multifunction peripheral in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the print job table used by the process performed in the printing system concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile apparatus list | wrist used by the process performed in the printing system concerning embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a job status confirmation screen in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a job status confirmation screen in the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating authentication processing of a mobile device when an interrupt print job is input in the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing when an application of a mobile device is activated in the embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, it is a lineblock diagram showing composition of a user ID registration screen. In an embodiment of the present invention, it is a lineblock diagram showing composition of a user ID registration screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing when an authentication application of a mobile device is terminated in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the print job table used by the process performed in the printing system concerning embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a job status confirmation screen in the embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system that controls the execution order of interrupt printing according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a multifunction machine 101 having a printing function is connected to one or more PC terminals 103 via a local area network (LAN) 102.

  The multifunction machine 101 has a system configuration in which the built-in wireless LAN unit 104 is connected to one or a plurality of mobile devices 105 via a wireless local area network (wireless LAN) 106.

  Since the multifunction peripheral 101 has a PDL (Page Description Language) function, it can receive and print a PDL image instructed from the PC terminal 103 connected on the LAN 102.

  The multifunction machine 101 has a built-in wireless LAN unit 104 and transmits / receives data to / from the mobile device 105 via the wireless LAN 106.

  The wireless communication between the multifunction device 101 and the mobile device 105 is used to calculate the distance of two points from the radio wave intensity between the mobile device 105 and the multifunction device 101 and determine the mobile device 105 closer to the multifunction device 101. .

  Next, the hardware configuration of the controller unit that controls the multifunction machine 101 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the controller unit of the multifunction machine 101 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 216 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner unit 214 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 212 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the wireless LAN 106 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line. By connecting to (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN), input / output of image data and device information is performed.

  In the controller unit 216, 201 is a CPU, which is a processor for controlling the entire system.

  A RAM 202 is a system work memory for the CPU 201 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 203 stores a system boot program and various control programs.

  A hard disk drive (HDD) 204 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 207 is an interface unit with the operation unit (keyboard) 208. Further, the operation unit I / F 207 serves to transmit the key information (for example, pressing of the start button) input from the operation unit 208 to the CPU 201.

205 is a network interface (Network)
(I / F) to connect to the wireless LAN 106 and input / output data. Reference numeral 206 denotes a modem (MODEM) which is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception. Note that the wireless LAN unit 104 has a configuration including a network interface 205.

  An external interface (external I / F) 218 is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, RS-232C, etc. In this embodiment, an IC card for a portable terminal required for authentication A card reader 219 for reading (storage medium) is connected to the external I / F 218.

  The CPU 201 can control reading of information from the IC card of the mobile terminal by the card reader 219 via the external I / F 218, and can acquire information read from the IC card of the mobile terminal. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 209.

220 is an image bus interface (IMAGE).
BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 209 and an image bus 215 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts a data structure.

  The image bus 215 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 215.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 210 expands vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 211 connects the printer unit 212 and the controller unit 216, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 213 connects the scanner unit 214 and the controller unit 216 to perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 217 corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 217 performs rotation of image data and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for binary image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

The scanner unit 214 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 208, the CPU 201 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 214, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. Perform the action.

  The printer unit 212 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used.

  Activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 201. Note that the printer unit 212 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and there is a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 208 includes an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 208 displays an operation screen of the system, and when a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 207. To the CPU 201. The operation unit 208 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  The display unit has different display performance depending on the printer, and a printer that can be operated via a touch panel, or a printer that simply has a liquid crystal screen and displays a character string (displays the print status and the name of the document being printed). The present invention is structured.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 208 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used.

  Further, the stop key of the operation unit 208 serves to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 208 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 219 reads information stored in an IC card provided in the portable terminal under the control of the CPU 201 and notifies the CPU 201 of the read information via the external I / F 218.

  With the configuration described above, the multi-function peripheral 101 can transmit the image data read from the scanner unit 214 to the wireless LAN 106 and print out the print data received from the wireless LAN 106 by the printer unit 212.

  Further, the image data read from the scanner unit 214 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 206, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer unit 212.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit 208 shown in FIG.

  The LCD display unit 301 has a structure in which a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD, and displays an operation screen of the multifunction machine 101. When a key displayed on the screen is pressed, the position information is displayed on the controller unit 216. To the CPU 201.

  A start key 302 is used when starting a document image reading operation. A green and red two-color LED 306 is provided at the center of the start key 302, and indicates whether or not the start key 302 can be used depending on the color.

  The stop key 303 is operated when stopping the operation in operation, the ID key 304 is used when inputting the user ID of the user, and the reset key 305 is used when initializing the setting from the operation unit 208. It is done.

  Hereinafter, a mechanism for prioritizing a print job of a user near the multifunction device 101 when an interrupt job is input to the multifunction device 101 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, a process for determining whether or not the user who has input a job is near the multifunction device 101 in the multifunction device 101 and the mobile device 105 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The process is executed under the control of the CPU 201 of the multifunction machine 101.

  In step S100, a print job including a user ID for identifying the user transmitted from the PC terminal 103 (hereinafter referred to as an interrupt print job) is received and registered in the print job table shown in FIG.

  The print job table can store the received print job in correspondence with the user ID that issued the print job print instruction. When the execution of the print job is completed, the print job table is deleted from the print job table. The

  In step S101, it is determined whether or not the print job is already being executed (hereinafter, “print job being executed”). If it is determined that the print job is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S115. Then, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102 and subsequent steps, printing is performed by determining which user is closer to the MFP 101 for the user who has issued the print instruction for the interrupt print job accepted in step S100 and the user who has already submitted the print job being executed. The following processing is performed to control the execution order.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a user ID is attached to the print job input to the multi-function peripheral 101 as information for identifying the user who input the print job. In step S102, the print job being executed and the interrupt printing are included. The user ID associated with each job is acquired.

  In step S103, a list of mobile devices 105 that are currently connectable to the multifunction machine 101 (hereinafter referred to as a mobile device list) is acquired.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the mobile device list includes a user ID for identifying a user who owns the mobile device 105, a mobile device ID indicating a unique ID uniquely provided for the mobile device 105, and a multifunction device 101. Mobile device distance indicating the distance of the mobile device 105 with respect to the mobile device 105, and a last detection time indicating the time when the distance of the mobile device 105 was last detected.

  In this mobile device list, the user ID and the mobile device ID are registered in advance, and the MFP 101 transmits the data to the mobile device ID transmitted from the mobile device 105 at the timing when the connection request from the mobile device 105 is received. Correspondingly, the distance and the last detection time of the mobile device 105 are registered.

  In a normal operation, since one user owns one mobile device 105, the user ID and the mobile device ID have a one-to-one relationship.

  The processing from step S104 to step S114 is processing for specifying the mobile device of the user who has submitted the interrupt print job and the print job being executed.

  This identification process is repeated for the number of mobile devices registered in the mobile device list connected to the MFP 101 and the wireless LAN 106, and the user who has issued the print instruction for the interrupt print job and the print job being executed If both of the user who entered the mobile device 105 and the mobile device 105 can be identified, the process repeats (step S104).

  First, in step S <b> 105, authentication information is transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 101 to the mobile device 105.

  This authentication information includes information for communicating with the authentication application from among applications installed in the mobile device 105, and a user ID associated with the interrupt print job or the print job being executed.

  In step S106, it is determined whether or not there is a response to the authentication information from the mobile device 105, and if there is no response from the mobile device 105 to the user ID and the mobile device ID included in the mobile device 105, the authentication information transmitted in step S105. The process proceeds to step S107, and if there is a reply from the mobile device 105 to the user ID and the mobile device ID provided to itself, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S107, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the authentication information was transmitted. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S104, and if it is not determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, The process proceeds to S106.

  In this step, when the authentication application is not installed in the mobile device 105, the mobile device 105 cannot receive the user ID, and thus cannot determine whether there is a response from the mobile device 105.

  Therefore, a time for sufficiently judging that there is no response is set, and if there is no response until the time limit is reached, the standby is continued, and if it is outside the time limit, the processing is returned to step S104.

  In step S108, the user ID and the mobile device ID provided to the user are acquired from the mobile device 105 that has responded, and it is determined whether or not the user has issued a print instruction for the interrupt print job. If the user IDs match, the process proceeds to step S109, and if not, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S109, the mobile device ID of the matched mobile device 105 is acquired and held, and in step S110, the distance information and the current time of the matched mobile device 105 are registered in the mobile device list.

  In step S112, it is determined whether or not the user has submitted the print job being executed. If the user IDs of the print jobs being executed match, the process proceeds to step S113. The process proceeds to S104.

  In step S113, the mobile device ID of the matched mobile device 105 is acquired and held, and in step S114, the distance information and the current time of the matched mobile device 105 are registered in the mobile device list.

  In step S115, the interrupt print job accepted in step S100 is executed, and this process ends.

  Next, processing is performed when the mobile device 105 cannot be identified.

  In step S116, it is determined whether or not the mobile device 105 connected via the wireless LAN 106 can communicate with the mobile device 105 of the user who has submitted the interrupt print job. If the process proceeds to step S118 and it is not determined that communication is possible, the process proceeds to step S117.

  In step S117, the interrupt print job is stored in the interrupt print queue. If the mobile device 105 of the user who submitted the print job cannot be specified, it cannot be specified where the user near the multifunction peripheral 101 is, and therefore interrupt printing according to this system cannot be performed. Therefore, the interrupt print job is stored in the interrupt print queue, and the process is terminated.

  In step S118, as in step S116, it is determined whether or not communication is possible with the mobile device 105 of the user who has submitted the print job being executed. If it is determined that communication is possible, the process proceeds to step S119 to perform communication. If it is determined to be impossible, the process proceeds to step S117.

  In step S119, the distance between the mobile device 105 of the user who has issued the print instruction for the interrupt print job and the MFP 101 is calculated using the strength of the radio wave (referred to as distance A), and the distance information and the current information are displayed in the mobile device list. Register the time.

  In step S120, as in step S119, the distance between the mobile device 105 of the user who has issued the print instruction for the print job being executed and the multifunction device 101 is calculated using the strength of the radio wave (referred to as distance B), and the mobile Register distance information and current time in the device list.

  In step S121, the distance A calculated in step S119 is compared with the distance B calculated in step S120. If the distance B is shorter than the distance A, that is, the user who has issued the print instruction for the interrupt print job. If the user is closer to the MFP 101 than the user who issued the print instruction for the print job being executed, the process proceeds to step S122. If the distance B is longer than the distance A, that is, the print job being executed If the user who issued the print instruction is closer to the multifunction machine 101 than the user who issued the print instruction for the interrupt print job, the process proceeds to step S123.

  In step S122, an interrupt print job is executed.

  A job status confirmation screen for confirming the job status of the multifunction machine 101 is shown in FIG. The job status confirmation screen is ordered so as to be executed next to the print job in progress, as shown in the figure, before allowing interruption of the interrupt print job.

  However, in this step, even if there is a live print job in step S122, the user who issued the print instruction for the interrupt print job is more than the user who issued the print instruction for the print job in progress. When the value is close to 101, in order to preferentially execute the interrupt print job, the print job execution order is changed as shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the execution of the print job in progress is temporarily stopped, and the interrupt print job is interrupted and executed.

  This system is configured to interrupt when the user who has maintained the print of the interrupt print job is closer than the user of the print job being executed even once.

  This is because repeating the execution / interruption of these two print jobs delays the completion of the print job as a whole, or two print jobs are printed out alternately when there is one discharge tray. This is because it is considered that the printed matter cannot be discriminated at that time.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the authentication process of the mobile device when an interrupt print job is submitted.

  In step S201, the mobile device 105 first performs authentication to identify the user of the print job. Therefore, the mobile device 105 determines whether the authentication application is activated. The process proceeds to S202, and if it is not determined that it is activated, the process ends.

  In step S202, it is determined whether authentication information has been received from the multi-function peripheral 101. If it is determined that the authentication information has been received, the process proceeds to step S203. If it is not determined that the authentication information has been received, the process proceeds to step S201.

  In step S <b> 203, the MFP 101 transmits the user ID of the mobile device 105 to the MFP 101 in order to identify the mobile device 105 of the user who has submitted the print job.

  After transmitting the user ID, the process returns to step S201 in order to wait until the next interrupt print job is submitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, an authentication application is installed in the mobile device 105 in order to identify the user of the print job input to the multifunction machine 101. FIG. 11 shows a flowchart showing processing at the time of starting an application of the mobile device.

  First, in step S301, it is determined whether the power source of the mobile device 105 has been pressed. If it is determined that the mobile device 105 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, the authentication application is first activated, and after activation, it is determined whether or not the user ID is registered in the authentication application. If it is determined that the user ID is registered, the process proceeds to step S303, where the user ID is registered. If not, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S303, if the user ID is not registered, the authentication application is activated in the foreground in order to register the user ID, assuming that the activation is performed for the first time.

  On the other hand, in step S304, if the user ID is registered, the authentication application is activated in the background. The activation is performed in the background because there is no need for an operation on the mobile device 105 at the time of authentication.

  In step S305, a user ID registration screen (see FIG. 12) is displayed to register the user ID.

  The user ID registration screen is a user ID input field 401 for inputting a character string as a user ID, and an OK button for pressing when registering the user ID after inputting the user ID into the user ID input field 401 402 is provided.

  In step S306, it is determined whether or not the OK button 402 has been pressed. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, the user ID input in the user ID input field 401 is acquired and registered.

  In step S308, a user ID registration completion screen (see FIG. 13) is displayed, and the user ID registration completion screen displays that the user ID registration has been completed.

  In step S309, it is determined whether or not the OK button 501 on the user ID registration completion screen has been pressed. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S310.

  In step S310, the authentication application is shifted to background activation so that communication with the multifunction peripheral 101 can be performed.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing when the authentication application of the mobile device is terminated.

  In step S401, it is determined whether or not the power button has been pressed while the mobile device 105 is turned on. If it is determined that the mobile device 105 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S402. In step S402, an authentication application or the like is performed. And turn off the power.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, when the determination in step S121 is performed, if the distance B is shorter than the distance A, that is, the user who has issued the print instruction for the interrupt print job prints the print job being executed. In the second embodiment, the interrupt print job is executed when the user is closer to the MFP 101 than the user who issued the instruction. However, in the second embodiment, the difference between the distance A and the distance B is a predetermined distance. When the user leaves, an interrupt print job is executed.

  In this case, after accepting the print job in step S100, this process is repeated at predetermined time intervals. Note that this repetitive processing is performed until there is no information registered in the print job table, that is, until the execution of the print job is completed (when the main processing is completed once, the print job table is checked). Do.

  As a result, while the user of the print job in progress is waiting for the print output to be completed at a position slightly away from the multi-function peripheral 101 during execution of the print job, the user of the interrupt print job It is assumed that the status of the print output is confirmed on the job status confirmation screen displayed on the operation unit 208. In such a case, the user of the interrupt print job is more complex than the user of the print job being executed. Since it is close to 101, an interrupt occurs.

  Therefore, when the difference between the distance A and the distance B is a predetermined distance, an interrupt job can be executed. The predetermined distance is stored in advance in a table provided in the ROM 203, the HDD 204, or the like.

  Further, when this repetitive process is terminated, the process may be terminated on condition that two or more print jobs are not registered in the print job table (when this one process is terminated, Check the print job table).

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, print control is performed using only information on the distance between the user who has issued a print instruction for an interrupt print job and the user who has issued a print instruction for an ongoing print job with respect to the multifunction peripheral. However, in the third embodiment, the execution of the interrupt job is controlled in consideration of the fact that the user of the print job being executed leaves the multifunction peripheral and then returns.

  Basically, since the configuration and processing similar to the configuration and processing of the second embodiment are provided, description thereof will be omitted, and only different portions will be described.

  First, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, when a print job execution start time and an estimated time until the execution of the print job is completed are added to the print job table, and the print job is received in step S100 In addition, the print job, the user ID information, and the estimated time until the execution of the print job is completed are calculated using existing technology and registered in this table.

  When the execution of the print job is started, the execution start time of the print job is registered in the print job table.

  In step S121, the distance A calculated in step S119 is compared with the distance B calculated in step S120, and if it is determined that the distance B is shorter than the distance A, the following processing is performed and it is determined that the distance B is short. If not, the process proceeds to step S123.

  As the next step, the distance B is used to calculate the time for the user of the print job being executed to return to the multifunction machine 101. For example, the return time is calculated using a walking average speed such as distance B and 50 meters per minute.

  Then, using the execution start time and estimated execution time of the print job being executed, the remaining time for completing execution of the print job being executed is calculated.

  Then, the return time is compared with the remaining time. If the remaining time is larger, the user of the print job being executed waits for output completion in front of the multifunction peripheral 101 even if the remaining time is returned. In order to execute the process, the process proceeds to step S122. If the remaining time is smaller, there is a possibility of waiting in front of the multifunction machine 101 because an interrupt print job of another user is being executed when returning. Since this may occur, the process proceeds to step S123 in order to continuously execute the print job being executed without executing the interrupt print job.

  As another example, the time obtained by subtracting the time that can be returned from the remaining time is compared with the estimated execution time of the interrupt print job, and the time obtained by subtraction is greater for the interrupt print job. If it is longer than the estimated execution time, even if an interrupt print job is executed, the possibility that the user of the print job being executed returns and waits for the completion of the print job in front of the multifunction peripheral 101 can be suppressed. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S122 to execute the interrupt print job.

  On the other hand, the time obtained by subtracting the time that can be returned from the remaining time is compared with the estimated execution time of the interrupt print job, and the time obtained by subtraction is greater than the estimated execution time of the interrupt print job. If it is small, there is a high possibility of waiting for its own print job to be completed in front of the multifunction peripheral 101. Therefore, since the interrupted print job is not executed, the ongoing print job is executed. The process proceeds to step S123.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first to third embodiments, the interrupt determination is automatically performed in the printing system. However, in the fourth embodiment, the user of the print job being executed selects whether to perform the interrupt. This is a possible mode.

  For example, when the user of the print job being executed and the user of the interrupt print job are in the vicinity of the multifunction peripheral 101, confirmation is made so that the user of the print job being executed can select whether or not to interrupt. I do.

  In order to realize such an aspect, when the distance A and the distance B are within the predetermined range from the multifunction peripheral 101 in step S121, it is possible to interrupt the job status confirmation screen. Notice.

  For example, in the upper right part of the job status confirmation screen shown in FIG. 16, a notification such as “There is a print job to be interrupted, do you want to interrupt?” Is issued.

  Furthermore, when the distance is within the predetermined range described above, the interrupt permission button 601 on the job status confirmation screen is displayed, and after selecting by touching the print job to be interrupted,

An interrupt permission button 601 is pressed to interrupt.

  Further, an interruptable print job may be displayed surrounded by an identification display “(Waiting for printing (interrupt is possible)) or a frame line as shown in the job status confirmation screen.

  As described above, according to the present invention, depending on the distance between the user and the printing apparatus, it is possible to more efficiently avoid waiting in front of the printing apparatus by interrupting and printing the input job for the job being executed. The printing process can be performed well.

  Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention can take embodiments as a method, a program, a recording medium, or the like.

  In addition, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or the multifunction machine, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the multifunction machine is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the new function of the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of multifunction peripherals or an apparatus composed of a single multifunction peripheral. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus.

  In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 Printing System 101 Multifunction Machine 102 LAN
103 PC terminal 104 Wireless LAN unit 105 Mobile device 106 Wireless LAN
201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 HDD
205 Network interface 206 MDEM
207 Operation unit I / F
208 Operation unit 209 System bus 210 RIP
211 Printer I / F
212 Printer unit 213 Scanner I / F
214 Scanner unit 215 Image bus 216 Controller unit 217 Image processing unit 218 External I / F
219 Card reader 220 Image bus interface

Claims (12)

A printing device that controls interrupt printing,
Accepting means for accepting a user's print job;
Execution means for executing a print job received by the reception means;
A calculation means for calculating a distance from the user's mobile device;
When a print job of a user different from the user is received by the reception unit during execution of the print job of the user by the execution unit, the distance of the user's mobile device calculated by the calculation unit is different from the user An interrupt determination unit that determines whether to interrupt a print job of a user different from the user using a distance of the user's mobile device;
An interrupt execution unit that executes a print job of a user different from the user when the interrupt determination unit determines to interrupt;
A printing apparatus comprising:   2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interrupt determination unit determines to interrupt when a distance between a mobile device of a user different from the user is smaller than a distance of the mobile device of the user.   The interrupt determination unit determines that an interrupt is to be performed when a distance of a mobile device of a user different from the user is smaller than a distance of the mobile device of the user by a predetermined distance. The printing apparatus as described in.   The interrupt determination means calculates a return time using a distance of a mobile device of a user different from the user, and a distance of the mobile device of a user different from the user is smaller than a distance of the mobile device of the user. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the return time is longer than the execution completion time of the print job being executed by the user, it is determined that the interruption is performed. 5.   The interrupt determination means calculates a return time using a distance of a mobile device of a user different from the user, and a distance of the mobile device of a user different from the user is smaller than a distance of the mobile device of the user. 2. If the return time is larger than the execution completion time of a print job being executed by the user and the execution completion time of a print job of a user different from the user, it is determined to interrupt. 5. The printing apparatus according to any one of items 4 to 4. Display means for displaying the execution status of the print job accepted by the accepting means;
When determining that the distance between the mobile device of the user different from the user and the distance between the mobile device of the user is a predetermined distance, the interrupt determination unit determines to select whether to interrupt or not.
The display unit receives an instruction to execute a print job of a user different from the user by the interrupt execution unit when the interrupt determination unit determines to select whether to interrupt or not. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is a printer.   The display means instructs the interrupt execution means to execute a print job of a user different from the user only when it is determined by the interrupt determination means to select whether or not to interrupt. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the printing apparatus receives the printing apparatus. A printing system in which a mobile device and a printing device are connected via a network,
The printing apparatus includes:
Accepting means for accepting a user's print job;
Execution means for executing a print job received by the reception means;
Calculating means for calculating the distance of the user to the mobile device;
When a print job of a user different from the user is received by the reception unit during execution of the print job of the user by the execution unit, the distance of the user's mobile device calculated by the calculation unit is different from the user An interrupt determination unit that determines whether to interrupt a print job of a user different from the user using a distance of the user's mobile device;
An interrupt execution unit that executes a print job of a user different from the user when the interrupt determination unit determines to interrupt;
A printing system comprising: A control method of a printing apparatus for controlling interrupt printing,
The printing apparatus includes:
A reception step for accepting a user's print job;
An execution step of executing the print job received in the reception step;
A calculation step for calculating a distance from the user's mobile device;
When a print job of a user different from the user is received by the accepting step during execution of the print job of the user by the executing step, the distance of the user's mobile device calculated by the calculating step is different from the user An interrupt determination step for determining whether to interrupt a print job of a user different from the user using the distance of the user's mobile device;
An interrupt execution step for executing a print job of a user different from the user when the interrupt determination step determines to interrupt;
A control method for a printing apparatus, comprising: There is a program that can be read and executed by a printing device that controls interrupt printing.
The printing device;
Accepting means for accepting a user's print job;
Execution means for executing a print job received by the reception means;
A calculation means for calculating a distance from the user's mobile device;
When a print job of a user different from the user is received by the reception unit during execution of the print job of the user by the execution unit, the distance of the user's mobile device calculated by the calculation unit is different from the user An interrupt determination unit that determines whether to interrupt a print job of a user different from the user using a distance of the user's mobile device;
An interrupt execution unit that executes a print job of a user different from the user when the interrupt determination unit determines to interrupt;
A program characterized by making it function. A control method of a printing system in which a mobile device and a printing apparatus are connected via a network,
The printing apparatus includes:
A reception step for accepting a user's print job;
An execution step of executing the print job received in the reception step;
A calculation step of calculating a distance between the user and the mobile device;
When a print job of a user different from the user is received by the accepting step during execution of the print job of the user by the executing step, the distance of the user's mobile device calculated by the calculating step is different from the user An interrupt determination step for determining whether to interrupt a print job of a user different from the user using the distance of the user's mobile device;
An interrupt execution step for executing a print job of a user different from the user when the interrupt determination step determines to interrupt;
A control method for a printing system, comprising: A program that can be read and executed by a printing system in which a mobile device and a printing apparatus are connected via a network,
The printing device;
Accepting means for accepting a user's print job;
Execution means for executing a print job received by the reception means;
Calculating means for calculating the distance of the user to the mobile device;
When a print job of a user different from the user is received by the reception unit during execution of the print job of the user by the execution unit, the distance of the user's mobile device calculated by the calculation unit is different from the user An interrupt determination unit that determines whether to interrupt a print job of a user different from the user using a distance of the user's mobile device;
An interrupt execution unit that executes a print job of a user different from the user when the interrupt determination unit determines to interrupt;
A program characterized by making it function.

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