JP2015170225A - Information processing system, apparatus management device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system, an apparatus management device, an information processing method, and a program that are capable of shortening a printing waiting time by distributing printing to a plurality of image forming devices and thereby reducing a load on each of the image forming devices.SOLUTION: An information processing system according to the present invention includes: an apparatus management device, a client terminal connected with the apparatus management device via a communication network; and a plurality of devices that are connected with the apparatus management device and the client terminal via the communication network and perform printing. The information processing system visually notifies a user of devices installed near a device by which the user gives an instruction to print, displays a UI prompting the user to allocate the numbers of printed copies to the respective devices, has the user select devices such that printing will be distributed to a plurality of devices, and thereby reduces a load on a device and is capable of shortening a printing waiting time.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, a device management apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

  The device management system creates a floor map and manages the position information of the image forming apparatus. The position information of the client that instructed printing is collated with the position information of the image forming apparatus linked to the floor map, and A method for selecting and printing out the closest image forming apparatus is known.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a network printing system that enables a floor map to know an image forming apparatus that has performed printing when printing is performed without selecting an image forming apparatus from a client computer. The network printing system described in Patent Document 1 automatically selects an image forming apparatus closest to the client when printing is performed from the client computer, and represents a positional relationship between the selected image forming apparatus and the client computer. It provides a map.

  In the case where there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses nearby, it is anxious to reduce the load on the image forming apparatus by distributing printing to the plurality of image forming apparatuses to reduce the printing waiting time.

  However, in the network printing system described in Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus having the closest distance from the client is selected and printed out, and printing is distributed to a plurality of image forming apparatuses to reduce the load on the image forming apparatus. There is a problem that it is not possible to reduce the waiting time for printing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is an information processing system and device management that can reduce printing load by distributing printing to a plurality of image forming apparatuses to reduce the load on the image forming apparatus. An object is to provide an apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an information processing system according to the present invention includes a device management device, a client terminal connected to the device management device via a communication network, and a communication network. An information processing system including a plurality of devices that execute printing connected to the device management apparatus and the client terminal, wherein the device management apparatus identifies the device that instructs printing from the client terminal Device information acquisition for acquiring print information indicating print conditions including information and the number of print copies, and acquiring the identification information and function information indicating device functions including print speed from each of the plurality of devices Section, a map information holding unit for holding map information indicating information on arrangement of office furniture and a plurality of devices, and using the map information A device extraction unit for extracting one or more devices capable of printing corresponding to a printing condition included in the print information within a preset range from the device instructing the printing, and the print speed is referred to Then, assigning the number of print copies so that the print time when printing is performed by allocating the number of print copies to each of the device instructing the printing and the one or more extracted devices, A print time calculation unit that calculates each print time when printing is distributed to each device, and device combination information that associates the number of print copies to be printed with the calculated print time for each device. Device combination information transmission unit for generating device combination information generation unit, map information, and device combination information transmitted to client terminal The client terminal includes: a print information transmission unit that transmits the device identification information and the print information that instructs printing; the map information from the device management device; A device combination information receiving unit that receives device combination information; and a display unit that displays the map information received from the device management apparatus and the device combination information.

  According to the present invention, there is an advantageous effect that the printing waiting time can be shortened by distributing printing to a plurality of image forming apparatuses to reduce the load on the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall system configuration of an information processing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the device management apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functional configurations of the device management apparatus, the device, and the client terminal according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of device information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of map information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of map information. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the combination list. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the combination list. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the combination list. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of device combination information. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the user interface. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface screen displayed on the display unit. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface screen displayed on the display unit. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation for displaying a user interface that prompts the user to allocate the number of copies to a plurality of devices and distributing printing.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing system, a device management apparatus, an information processing method and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment. Moreover, each embodiment can be combined suitably as long as the contents do not contradict each other.

  In the information processing system of this embodiment, the device management apparatus receives print information indicating print conditions including identification information for identifying a device that instructs printing from the client terminal and the number of copies. The device management apparatus holds map information indicating information on an office fixture and a plurality of devices arranged at predetermined positions on a floor diagram indicated by a coordinate system. Then, using the map information, one or more devices capable of printing corresponding to the printing conditions included in the printing information are extracted within a preset range from the device instructing printing. Next, referring to the printing speed, assign the number of copies so that the printing time is the shortest when printing is performed by assigning the number of copies to each of the device instructing printing and one or more extracted devices. Thus, the respective printing times are calculated when the printing is distributed to each device. Next, device combination information in which the number of copies to be printed and the calculated printing time are associated with each other is generated for each device. Then, map information and device combination information are transmitted to the client terminal. The client terminal receives map information and device combination information from the device management apparatus and displays them. As a result, a user interface (UI) that visually informs the user of devices installed in the vicinity of the device that instructs printing to the user and prompts each device to allocate the number of copies to be printed is displayed. By selecting a device so that printing is distributed to the device, it is possible to reduce the load on the device and shorten the printing waiting time.

  Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the device management apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized as a part of an information processing system that manages a device by communicating with a device (image processing apparatus) and a client terminal (PC). A system to which the device management apparatus of this embodiment can be applied is not limited to such an information processing system. In the following, a case where the device according to the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP) will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Note that a multifunction peripheral is a device having at least two functions among a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. In the following description, the device is also referred to as “MFP” and the client terminal is also referred to as “PC: Personal Computer”.

  First, an example of the overall system configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the entire system configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a device management apparatus 10 that manages a plurality of devices 20a to 20c, a device 20a that performs printing managed by the device management apparatus 10, a device 20b, and a device 20c. And a client terminal 30 for instructing printing. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the plurality of devices 20a to 20c, they are referred to as devices 20.

  For example, the device management apparatus 10 holds and manages map information indicating information on an office fixture and a plurality of devices arranged at predetermined positions on a floor diagram 50 indicated by a coordinate system. For example, when the device management apparatus 10 receives print information indicating print conditions including the device 20 that instructs printing and the number of copies from the client terminal 30, the device management apparatus 10 indicates the map information and the function of the device 20 including the print speed. The device information is used to combine the devices 20 so as to minimize the printing time when printing is performed by allocating the number of prints to a plurality of devices 20, and for each device 20, the assigned number of prints, the print time, To generate device combination information. The map information and device combination information are transmitted to the client terminal 30 and displayed on the client terminal 30. The device 20 is, for example, an MFP. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the device 20 will be described using an MFP as an example.

  The plurality of devices 20 a to 20 c are connected to the device management apparatus 10 connected to the communication network 40 for each device 20. The device 20 executes printing instructed from the client terminal 30.

  The client terminal 30 is connected to the communication network 40 and transmits print information indicating a print condition including a device that instructs printing to the device management apparatus 10 and the number of copies. In addition, the client terminal 30 receives map information and device combination information from the device management apparatus 10 and displays them. Then, the client terminal 30 selects the device 20 that executes printing from the displayed device combination information, and transmits a print job to the device 20 to execute printing.

  The communication network 40 is, for example, a network such as a dedicated line with high security, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or the Internet. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the case where the number of devices 20 connected to the device management apparatus 10 is three, this is not limiting, and the number of devices 20 is arbitrary. Further, FIG. 1 illustrates the case where the number of client terminals 30 connected to the device management apparatus 10 is one, but the number is not limited to this, and the number of client terminals 30 is arbitrary.

  In addition, the information processing system 1 has a function of transmitting and receiving processing requests and responses to methods of applications to be mounted on each device 20 by RPC (Remote Procedure Call) in order to manage the devices 20. In order to realize RPC, PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol), TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), HTTP (Hypertext Protocol), etc. are used. can do.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the device management apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the device management apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the device management apparatus 10 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 12, a memory device 13, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14, an interface device 15, and a display connected to the system bus 18. A device 16 and an input device 17 are provided.

  The HDD 12 stores various programs executed by the device management apparatus 10. The HDD 12 stores files and data necessary for realizing various functions of the device management apparatus 10. Further, the HDD 12 stores various management information parameters (device management information) and a management program used for managing the device 20 to be managed. Various management information is registered in advance based on contract information with a customer.

  The memory device 13 reads the program from the HDD 12 and stores it when there is an instruction to start the program from the CPU 14. Further, the memory device 13 can be configured to be detachable from the device management device 10. In this case, the memory device 13 may be, for example, a USB memory, a flash memory, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM), or the like as long as it is a non-volatile memory that reads or writes data under the control of the CPU 14. .

  The CPU 14 comprehensively controls the operation of the device management apparatus 10. The CPU 14 controls the overall operation of the device management apparatus 10 by executing a program stored in the memory device 13. Further, the CPU 14 implements various functions. The CPU 14 has a function of receiving device information (management information parameter) including at least state information indicating the state of the device 20 and identification information for identifying the device 20 from the device 20, and based on the device information, Control management.

  The interface device 15 is an interface for communicating with an external device (device 20). The interface device 15 is an interface for connecting to the communication network 40.

  The display device 16 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like by a program. The display device 16 is a display that displays an image or the like, for example. The display is, for example, an FPD (Flat Panel Display) such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL.

  The input device 17 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and the like, and is a user interface that accepts various user operation instructions. The input device 17 is an input interface for inputting various data. As the input device 17, for example, a touch panel or a voice input device can be used as the input device 17.

  The program for the device management apparatus 10 is a file in an installable or executable format, and may be recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a recording medium.

  Note that the hardware configuration of the client terminal 30 to be described later is the same as that of the device management apparatus 10 described above, so detailed description thereof will be omitted below.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a device according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the device 20 includes a controller board 230, an operation panel 231, an FCU (facsimile control unit) 232, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 233, an IEEE 1394 I / F 234, a plotter / scanner engine 235, and the like. Peripheral device 236.

  The controller board 230 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Access Memory) 212, a flash memory 213, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive Management) 214, and an ASIC (Application 15 Application License). A system memory 216, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 217, and a modem 218 are provided.

  The CPU 211 comprehensively controls the operation of the device 20. The CPU 211 controls the overall operation of the device 20 by executing programs stored in the SDRAM 212, the flash memory 213, and the HDD 214. Further, the CPU 211 implements various functions. The CPU 211 performs data calculation based on programs in the SDRAM 212, the flash memory 213, and the HDD 214, controls each unit of the device 20, and executes processing as the device 20.

  The SDRAM 212 is a memory that stores various programs. The SDRAM 212 is a memory used by the CPU 211 during data processing.

  The flash memory 213 is a memory that stores various programs and an OS (Operating System) image. The flash memory 213 is a memory for storing data (model number, IP address, etc.) requiring various non-volatility. The flash memory 213 is also a storage memory for realizing each function in the information processing system 1.

  The HDD 214 is a nonvolatile storage medium, and stores various management information, update firmware, and execution firmware of the target device 20. The HDD 214 stores image data and the like when the device 20 is an MFP or the like.

  The ASIC 215 supports sharing of devices to be controlled by the CPU 211, and supports high efficiency in development of applications and the like from the viewpoint of architecture. The ASIC 215 performs various image processing when the device 20 is an MFP or the like.

  The management system memory 216 is a memory that stores various data necessary for realizing each function of device management processing in the information processing system 1.

  The NIC 217 is an interface connected to the proxy server of the device management apparatus 10 via the local network or further via the network.

  The modem 218 is connected to the interface device 15 of the device management apparatus 10 via a public line network.

  The operation panel 231 is an interface for an operator who operates the MFP as the device 20, and accepts data input, job execution, and the like. The operation panel 231 includes various operation keys, function keys, and the like, and a display (for example, a liquid crystal display). Various commands necessary for causing the device 20 to perform various operations are input from the operation keys. On the display, the contents of commands input from the operation keys and various information notified from the device 20 to the operator are displayed.

  The FCU 232 controls communication with an external apparatus such as a FAX apparatus or a copying apparatus having a modem function through a public line. Further, the FCU 232 exchanges facsimile control signals with an external FAX apparatus, and executes G3 and G4 facsimile communication procedures.

  A USB (Universal Serial Bus) 233 is a serial bus for connecting to a peripheral device. For example, a USB device is connected to the USB 233, and data is exchanged with the connected USB device under the control of the CPU 211.

  The IEEE 1394 I / F 234 is used for connection with an external scanner, a plotter, or the like.

  The plotter / scanner engine 235 prints out an image on a sheet based on the image data received from the ASIC 215, reads the original image data by performing main scanning / sub scanning, and outputs the original image data to the ASIC 215. The plotter / scanner engine 235 is connected to a peripheral device 236 such as a post-processing machine or an ADF (automatic document feeder).

  Next, functions of the device management apparatus 10, the device 20, and the client terminal 30 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functional configurations of the device management apparatus, the device, and the client terminal.

  First, the functional configuration of the device management apparatus 10 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the device management apparatus 10 includes a communication unit 101, a device information acquisition unit 102, a device information holding unit 103, a device information update unit 104, a map information holding unit 105, and a map information update unit. 106, a device extraction unit 107, a combination list generation unit 108, a print number allocation unit 109, a print time calculation unit 110, a device combination information generation unit 111, and a device combination information transmission unit 112. As for each of the above portions, some or all of them may be software (programs) or hardware circuits. Further, a form in which a part of each of the above units is mounted on the device management apparatus 10 may be employed.

  The communication unit 101 communicates with one or more devices 20 and client terminals 30 via the communication network 40. The communication unit 101 transmits and receives various data via the communication network 40 with one or more devices 20 and client terminals 30. Specifically, for example, the communication unit 101 receives print information indicating print conditions including identification information for identifying a device instructing printing from the client terminal 30 and the number of copies, and generates a device extraction unit 107 and a combination list. The data is transferred to the printing unit 108, the printing number allocation unit 109, the printing time calculation unit 110, and the device combination information generation unit 111. In addition, the communication unit 101 receives identification information for identifying the device 20 from each of the plurality of devices 20 and function information indicating the function of the device including the printing speed, and passes them to the device information holding unit 103. In addition, the communication unit 101 transmits map information and device combination information to the client terminal 30.

  The device information acquisition unit 102 acquires identification information for identifying the device 20 from each of the plurality of devices 20 and function information indicating the function of the device including the printing speed. Specifically, the device information acquisition unit 102 acquires, from the device 20 via the communication unit 101, function information indicating the device name that identifies the device 20 and the function of the device 20 including at least the printing speed. Here, the function information includes, for example, printing speed, paper feed configuration, double-sided printing, multi-page printing, enlargement / reduction printing, sorting printing (collation, sorting function), finishing function (staple / punch), and the like. The identification information for identifying the device 20 includes, for example, a device name, a device ID, a model, and a machine number. The function information including the printing speed and the identification information are not limited to this, and can be arbitrarily set.

  The device information acquisition unit 102 acquires the current print job processing status from each of the device 20 that instructs printing and the extracted one or more devices 20. Specifically, for example, the device information acquisition unit 102 indicates that the print job processing status of the device 20a (MFP-A) is 50%, for example, and the print job processing status of the device 20b (MFP-B) is For example, information such as 50% is acquired. The device information acquisition unit 102 passes the acquired print job processing status of each device 20 to the print number allocation unit 109 and the print time calculation unit 110.

  The device information holding unit 103 holds device information in which device function information is associated with each piece of identification information of the device 20 acquired by the device information acquisition unit 102. Specifically, the device information acquisition unit 102 is identification information for identifying the device 20 acquired by the device information acquisition unit 102. For example, for each device name, the printing speed, the paper feed configuration, the presence / absence of double-sided printing, Presence / absence of multi-page printing, presence / absence of enlargement / reduction printing, presence / absence of sort printing (collation, sorting function), presence / absence of finishing function (staple / punch), and the like are held in association with each other.

  Here, an example of the device information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of device information. In the example of FIG. 5, the device names MFP-A, MFP-B, MFP-C, and the like are shown as examples of the identification information of the device 20. Further, as device function information, for example, printing speed, paper feed configuration, presence / absence of double-sided printing, and the like are shown as examples. In the example of FIG. 5, the identification information “MFP-A” is associated with the printing speed “6 ppm”, the paper feed configuration “B5, A4, B4, A3”, and the duplex printing “present”. Yes. In addition, the identification information “MFP-B” indicates that the printing speed “12 ppm”, the paper feed configuration “A4, B4, A3”, and double-sided printing “present” are associated with each other. Further, the identification information “MFP-C” indicates that the printing speed “18 ppm”, the paper feed configuration “B5, A4, B4, A3”, and double-sided printing “none” are associated with each other. For example, the printing speed “6 ppm (Page Par Minutes)” indicates “6 sheets / minute”. Further, the device information shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and the device information can be arbitrarily set.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The device information update unit 104 updates the device information held by the device information holding unit 103. Specifically, for example, when the device 20 becomes old and is updated to a new device 20, or when a new function is added to the device 20, the device information acquisition unit 102 is instructed to acquire device information. The device information held by the holding unit 103 is updated to the latest acquired device information. Note that the device information update unit 104 may update the device information at a predetermined interval. In addition, the update timing of the device information can be arbitrarily set.

  The map information holding unit 105 holds map information indicating information in which office fixtures and a plurality of devices are arranged at predetermined positions on the floor diagram 50 shown in the coordinate system. Here, a description will be given with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of map information. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, a desk 501, a cabinet 502, a three-stage drawer 503, and the like are arranged at predetermined positions on the floor view 50 shown in the coordinate system. Further, for example, MFP-A (device 20a), MFP-B (device 20b), and MFP-C (device 20c) are arranged at a predetermined position below the floor diagram 50.

  It should be noted that the numerical values shown on the left upper and lower sides, the right upper and lower sides, and the lower side of the floor map 50 are the coordinates “(x, y) = (horizontal, vertical)” when the floor map 50 is divided into grids. Represents. For example, (1, 1) in the lower left indicates the position of (horizontal first cell, vertical first cell). The lower right (20, 1) represents the position of (horizontal 20 squares, vertical 1 square). Also, the upper left (1, 18) represents the position of (horizontal 1 cell, vertical 18 cell). In addition, (20, 18) in the upper right represents the position of (20 horizontal cells, 18 vertical cells).

  In the example of FIG. 6, in the floor view 50 shown in the coordinate system, for example, the position of the MFP-A is the coordinate (5, 1) = (horizontal) as the position information indicating the position where the plurality of devices 20 are arranged. (5 cells, 1 cell vertically). Further, for example, the position of MFP-B is indicated by coordinates (9, 1) = (9th horizontal cell, 1st vertical cell). Further, for example, the position of MFP-C is indicated by coordinates (15, 1) = (horizontal 15 squares, vertical 1 square). As described above, in the present embodiment, the map information holding unit 105 holds map information indicating information representing the positions where the plurality of devices 20 are arranged in coordinates in the floor diagram 50 shown in the coordinate system. Yes. The above map information is registered and held in advance.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The map information update unit 106 updates the above-described map information held by the map information holding unit 105. Specifically, for example, the floor map 50 shown in the coordinate system is a map held by the map information holding unit 105 when, for example, the layout is changed, the arrangement of the device 20 is changed, and the position information is changed. Update the information to the latest map information. The map information update unit 106 may update the map information at a predetermined interval. Further, the update timing of the map information can be arbitrarily set.

  The device extraction unit 107 registers and holds device extraction conditions for extracting the device 20 in advance. As an example of the device extraction condition, for example, a device that satisfies both of being located within a preset range from the device 20 that instructs printing and capable of printing corresponding to the printing condition included in the print information 20 is extracted. Further, for example, in addition to being positioned within a preset range from the device 20 instructing printing, printing corresponding to the printing conditions included in the printing information is possible, and in addition, print job processing of the device 20 For example, it is possible to extract devices 20 satisfying any of the situations that are 50% or more. The device extraction condition is not limited to this, and can be set arbitrarily. Also, setting of the threshold value of the processing status of the print job is arbitrary.

  The device extraction unit 107 can perform one or more prints corresponding to the print conditions included in the print information within a preset range from the device 20 that instructs printing using the map information based on the device extraction conditions. The device 20 is extracted. Specifically, for example, the identification information for identifying the device 20 included in the print information received from the client terminal 30 is “MFP-A (device 20a)”, and the print condition including the number of copies is “A4, 90 copies”. ”. Further, it is assumed that the preset range is “within 4 squares in the vertical and horizontal directions” in the grid coordinates.

  Here, an example of a specific device extraction method of the device extraction unit 107 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of map information. Using the example of the map information of FIG. 7, the position information of the identification information “MFP-A” assumed above is the coordinates (5, 1) = (5th horizontal, 1st vertical) indicated by ☆. It can be specified that there is. The identification information “MFP-B” corresponds to the device 20 located within a predetermined range “within 4 vertical and horizontal squares (for example, squares filled with diagonal lines)” from the coordinates (5, 1). Therefore, referring to the device information in FIG. 5, since “MFP-B” can print the printing condition “A4, 90 copies”, the device extraction unit 107 extracts “MFP-B (device 20b)”. To do. From the map information, “MFP-C (device 20c)” can print the printing condition “A4, 90 copies”, but does not fall within the preset range “within 4 squares”, so it is not an extraction target. . The range set in advance from the device 20 that instructs printing can be arbitrarily set.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The combination list generation unit 108 generates a combination list in which the device 20a that instructs printing and the one or more extracted devices 20b are combined. Specifically, the combination list generation unit 108 generates a candidate for the device 20 for actually executing printing as a combination list. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the combination list. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the combination list generation unit 108 includes, for example, a device 20 a (MFP-A) that instructs printing and a device 20 b (MFP-B) extracted by the device extraction unit 107, which are indicated by a row 602. Generate a combination of Next, the combination list generation unit 108 includes a combination of the device 20a (MFP-A) instructing printing and the device 20b (MFP-B) extracted by the device extraction unit 107, and each device 20a (MFP-A). ), 20b (MFP-B) single list (combination list) is generated. In the example of FIG. 8, line 601 is a case where printing is executed by “MFP-A” alone, and line 602 is a case where printing is executed by a combination of “MFP-A” and “MFP-B”. Reference numeral 603 denotes a case where “MFP-B” alone performs printing. The function of the combination list generation unit 108 may be included in the print time calculation unit 110 described later. In that case, it is desirable to include the function of the print number allocation unit 109 described later.

  The print number allocation unit 109 refers to the printing speed associated with each piece of identification information of the device information shown in FIG. 5 and prints included in the print information in each device 20 in the combination list shown in FIG. The number of copies is assigned to each device 20 in the combination list so that the printing time when the number of copies is allocated and printing is minimized. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 5, the printing speed of “MFP-A” is “6 ppm (Page Par Minutes)”, and the printing speed of “MFP-B” is “12 ppm”. . That is, the printing speed of “MFP-A” is 6 sheets / minute, and the printing speed of “MFP-B” is 12 sheets / minute.

  Also, the print number allocation unit 109 refers to the print speed associated with each piece of identification information of the device information and the current print job processing status from each device 20 in the combination list acquired by the device information acquisition unit 102. Then, the number of print copies is assigned to each device 20 in the combination list so that the print time when the number of print copies included in the print information is assigned to each device 20 in the combination list and printing is minimized. Specifically, the print job processing status of the device 20a (MFP-A) is 50%, for example, and the print job processing status of the device 20b (MFP-B) is, for example, Refer to information such as 50%. Note that a printing time calculation method referring to the processing status of a print job will be described in detail in a printing time calculation unit 110 described later.

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 5, 9, and 10, a method in which the print number allocation unit 109 allocates the print number to each device 20 will be described. 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating an example of the combination list. First, as described above, for example, the identification information for identifying the device 20 included in the print information received from the client terminal 30 is “MFP-A (device 20a)”, and the print condition including the number of copies is “A4, Suppose that it is "90 parts". Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the printing speed “6 ppm” of “MFP-A” is half the printing speed “12 ppm” of “MFP-B”. Therefore, as shown in the column 605 in FIG. 9, the print number allocation unit 109 sets “MFP-A” to 1/3 (30 copies) and “MFP-B” out of 90 total print copies. By assigning 2/3 copies (60 copies), the printing time is 5 minutes, which is the shortest as shown in column 606 of FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the print number allocation unit 109 sets “30 copies” for “MFP-A” and “60 copies for“ MFP-B ”so that the print time is the shortest. ". As described above, when the number-of-prints allocation unit 109 refers to the printing speed of the device information shown in FIG. 5 and allocates the number of copies to each device 20 in the combination list generated by the combination list generation unit 108, printing is performed. The number of copies is assigned to each device 20 in the combination list so that the printing time of the combination is minimized. The function of the print number allocation unit 109 may be included in the print time calculation unit 110 described later. In that case, it is desirable to include the function of the combination list generation unit 108 described above.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. Hereinafter, the case where the print time calculation unit 110 includes the functions of the combination list generation unit 108 and the print number allocation unit 109 described above will be described, but the above two functions may be excluded. The printing time calculation unit 110 refers to the printing speed of the device 20 illustrated in FIG. 5 and assigns the number of printing copies to each of the device 20 instructing printing and the extracted one or more devices 20 to perform printing. In this case, the number of copies is allocated so that the printing time in the case becomes the shortest, and the respective printing times when printing is distributed to each device 20 are calculated. Specifically, the printing time calculation unit 110 performs the device 20a (MFP-A) that instructs printing and the device 20b extracted by the device extraction unit 107 in the same manner as the function described in the combination list generation unit 108 described above. A combination with (MFP-B) is generated. Next, in a manner similar to the function described in the above-described print number allocation unit 109, the print time when the print number included in the print information is allocated to each device 20 in the combination list and printed is minimized. The number of copies is assigned to each device 20 in the combination list. Then, using the printing speed of the device 20 shown in FIG. 5, the respective printing times when printing is performed on each device 20 in a distributed manner are calculated.

  In addition, the printing time calculation unit 110 uses the printing speed of the device 20 shown in FIG. 5 to alone print the device 20a (MFP-A) and extract one or more devices 20b (MFP-B). The respective printing times when printing the number of copies independently are calculated, and the respective printing times when printing is distributed among the devices to which the number of copies shown in FIG. 9 is assigned. Specifically, in the same manner as the function described in the combination list generation unit 108 described above, the device 20a (MFP-A) instructing printing and the device 20b (MFP-B) extracted by the device extraction unit 107 are connected. A combination and a list (combination list) of the devices 20a (MFP-A) and 20b (MFP-B) alone are generated. Next, in a manner similar to the function described in the above-described print number allocation unit 109, the print time when the print number included in the print information is allocated to each device 20 in the combination list and printed is minimized. The number of copies is assigned to each device 20 in the combination list. Then, using the printing speed of the device 20 shown in FIG. 5, the respective printing times when printing is performed on each device 20 in a distributed manner are calculated. That is, the printing time and the number of copies are assigned when the number of copies is printed by the device 20a (MFP-A) that instructs printing alone and the one or more extracted devices 20b (MFP-B) alone. The respective printing times when printing is performed distributed to each device are calculated. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 10, when “MFP-A” alone is used for printing, the number of copies is “90” as shown in column 605 of FIG. 10, and “MFP-” shown in FIG. From the printing speed “6 ppm” of “A”, the printing time is calculated as “15 minutes” as shown in the column 606 of FIG. Further, when printing is performed by “MFP-B” alone, the number of copies is “90” as shown in column 605 of FIG. 10, and the printing speed “12 ppm” of “MFP-B” shown in FIG. As shown in the column 606 of FIG. 10, the printing time is calculated as “7 minutes 30 seconds”. Further, as described above, since the number-of-prints assignment unit 109 assigns “30 copies” to “MFP-A” and “60 copies” to “MFP-B”, “MFP-A” shown in FIG. As shown in the column 606 of FIG. 10, the printing time “MFP-A” is calculated as “5 minutes” from the printing speed “6 ppm” of “MFP-B” and the printing speed “12 ppm” of “MFP-B”. “B” is calculated as “5 minutes”.

  Further, the printing time calculation unit 110 uses the printing speed of the device 20 and the current print job processing status of each device 20 to extract the device 20a (MFP-A) that instructs printing alone and 1 Each printing time when printing the number of prints by the device 20b (MFP-B) alone and each printing time when printing is distributed to each of the devices to which the number of printings shown in FIG. 9 is assigned. And may be calculated. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 10, when “MFP-A” alone is used for printing, the number of copies is “90” as shown in column 605 of FIG. 10, and “MFP-” shown in FIG. For example, when the processing speed of the print speed “6 ppm” of “A” and the print job status of “MFP-A” is “50%”, it takes more than 0.5 times the time when there is no print job. From the calculated example, the printing time is calculated as “22 minutes 30 seconds”. Further, when printing is performed by “MFP-B” alone, the number of copies is “90” as shown in column 605 of FIG. 10, and the printing speed “12 ppm” of “MFP-B” shown in FIG. When the processing status of the print job “MFP-B” is “50%”, for example, it takes 0.5 times longer than when there is no print job. 11 minutes and 15 seconds ". Further, as described above, since the number-of-prints assignment unit 109 assigns “30 copies” to “MFP-A” and “60 copies” to “MFP-B”, “MFP-A” shown in FIG. ”Print speed“ 6 ppm ”and“ MFP-A ”print job processing status is“ 50% ”,“ MFP-B ”print speed“ 12 ppm ”, and“ MFP-B ”print status, for example. For example, when the job processing status is “50%”, it takes 0.5 times more than when there is no print job. Therefore, according to the calculation example described above, “MFP-A” is “7 minutes”. “30 seconds”, and “MFP-B” is calculated as “7 minutes 30 seconds”.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The device combination information generation unit 111 generates device combination information for each device 20 in which the number of print copies to be printed is associated with the print time calculated by the print time calculation unit 110. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of device combination information. The device combination information generation unit 111 includes a combination list of device names generated by the combination list generation unit 108, the number of prints allocated to each device 20 by the print number allocation unit 109, and each device 20 calculated by the print time calculation unit 110. 11 is used to generate device combination information in which the number of copies to be printed and the calculated printing time are associated with each other for each selection button and device name shown in column 607, as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 11, the device name “MFP-A” is associated with the number of copies “90” and the printing time “15 minutes”. Also, the combination of the device names “MFP-A, MFP-B”, “MFP-A”, is associated with the number of copies “30” and the printing time “5 minutes”, and “MFP-B” is printed. It shows that the number of copies “60” corresponds to the printing time “5 minutes”. The device name “MFP-B” is associated with the number of copies “90” and the printing time “7 minutes 30 seconds”.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The device combination information transmission unit 112 transmits the map information shown in FIG. 6 described above and the device combination information shown in FIG. 11 described above to the client terminal 30. Specifically, the device combination information transmission unit 112 stores the position information indicating the positions of the plurality of devices 20 with respect to the floor diagram 50 indicating the positions of the office fixtures held by the map information holding unit 105 shown in FIG. Map information indicating information associated with each other, the number of print copies to be printed for each selection button and device name generated by the device combination information generation unit 111 illustrated in FIG. 11, and the print time calculated by the print time calculation unit 110 Are also transmitted to the client terminal 30 together.

  Next, the functional configuration of the device 20 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the device 20 includes a communication unit 201, a print job reception unit 202, and a print job printing unit 203. As for each of the above portions, some or all of them may be software (programs) or hardware circuits. Further, a part of each of the above parts may be mounted on the device 20.

  The communication unit 201 communicates with the device management apparatus 10 and the client terminal 30 via the communication network 40. The communication unit 201 transmits and receives various data via the communication network 40 with the device management apparatus 10 and the client terminal 30. Specifically, for example, when there is a device information acquisition request from the device management apparatus 10, the communication unit 201 sends identification information for identifying the device 20 to the device management apparatus 10 and the device information including the printing speed. The function information indicating the function is transmitted. For example, the communication unit 201 transmits device information in which state information indicating the state of the device 20 and identification information (device name or device ID) for identifying the device 20 are associated with each other to the device management apparatus 10. To do.

  The print job reception unit 202 receives a print job from the client terminal 30. Specifically, the print job receiving unit 202 receives image data to be printed and printing conditions including the number of copies to be printed and the paper size. The print job reception unit 202 transfers the received print job to the print job printing unit 203.

  The print job printing unit 203 executes printing based on the print job transferred from the print job receiving unit 202.

  Next, the functional configuration of the client terminal 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the client terminal 30 includes a user interface (UI) 301, a communication unit 302, a print information transmission unit 303, a device combination information reception unit 304, a print job generation unit 305, and a print job transmission. Part 306. As for each of the above portions, some or all of them may be software (programs) or hardware circuits. Further, a part of each of the above-described units may be mounted on the client terminal 30.

  The user interface 301 includes a reception unit 311, a display unit 312, and a device selection unit 313. In the present embodiment, the reception unit 311, the display unit 312, and the device selection unit 313 provide the function of the user interface 301. Hereinafter, the user interface 301 is also referred to as “UI”.

  The accepting unit 311 accepts print information indicating print conditions including identification information for identifying the device 20 that instructs printing from the user and the number of copies. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the user interface. The receiving unit 311 causes the display unit 312 to display the UI screen 70 for receiving the identification information of the device 20 instructing printing from the user and the printing information. In the example of FIG. 12, the identification information for identifying the device 20 that instructs printing is indicated by the device name “MFP-A701”. In the example of FIG. 12, the number of copies is indicated by “90 copies 702” as the print condition including the number of copies. In the example of FIG. 12, as other printing conditions, the printing range includes “all” and the printing target includes “selected sheet”. Thus, the reception unit 311 receives various types of information input from the UI screen 70. In addition, the reception unit 311 transfers the received print information indicating the print condition including the identification information for identifying the device 20 that instructs printing and the number of copies to the print information transmission unit 303.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The display unit 312 displays the UI screen 70 for accepting various types of information by the accepting unit 311. The display unit 312 also displays the map information received from the device management apparatus 10 and the device combination information. Specifically, the display unit 312 displays the map information shown in FIG. 6 received from the device management apparatus 10 and the device combination information shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) screen displayed by the display unit. As shown in FIG. 13, the display unit 312 displays the map information shown in FIG. 6 on the upper side of the UI screen 80 and also displays the device combination information shown in FIG. 11 on the lower side. As shown in FIG. 13, the display unit 312 has, for example, a button for returning to the previous screen from the UI screen 80 for selecting printing, a button for executing printing, a button for canceling printing, and the like on the lowermost side. Display.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The device selection unit 313 selects one or more devices for executing printing from the device combination information displayed on the display unit 312. Specifically, the device selection unit 313 displays the above-described device combination information on the UI screen 80. Then, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 13, for example, by causing the user to select a selection button 801 on the UI screen 80, one or more devices that execute printing can be selected. In addition, the device selection unit 313 reflects the device 20 selected by the device combination information in the map information, and displays the device 20a (MFP-A) for executing the printing by color as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 13, the device name “MFP-A” is selected by the device selection unit 313, and the map information device 20a “MFP-A” is displayed in different colors.

  Next, a case where the user changes the device 20 that executes printing with reference to the UI screen 80 will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) screen displayed by the display unit. As shown in FIG. 14, the user refers to the device combination information on the UI screen 81 and selects a selection button 802 from among the device combinations having the shortest printing time, whereby the device name “MFP-A”, the device A combination of the name “MFP-B” is selected. Then, the device selection unit 313 reflects the devices 20a (MFP-A) and 20b (MFP-B) selected by the device combination information in the map information, and, as shown in FIG. MFP-A) and 20b (MFP-B) are displayed in different colors. In the example of FIG. 14, the device selection unit 313 selects a combination of the device name “MFP-A” and the device name “MFP-B”, and the device 20a “MFP-A” and device 20b “MFP-B” in the map information. "Is displayed in a color-coded manner. Then, the user selects the button 803 for finalizing the combination of the device name “MFP-A” and the device name “MFP-B” that is selected on the UI screen 81 and that is to execute printing, and that is to execute printing. Generate a job.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the MFP-A (device 20a) instructed to print to the user by the function of the user interface 301 provided by the reception unit 311, the display unit 312 and the device selection unit 313. Can visually display the MFP-B (device 20b) installed in the vicinity of each other and display a UI for urging each device 20 to allocate the number of print copies, so that printing can be distributed to a plurality of MFPs. There is an advantageous effect that the load on the MFP can be reduced to shorten the printing waiting time.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The communication unit 302 communicates with the device management apparatus 10 and the device 20 via the communication network 40. The communication unit 302 transmits and receives various data via the communication network 40 with the device management apparatus 10 and the device 20. Specifically, the communication unit 302 transmits, for example, the identification information and print information of the device 20 received by the receiving unit 311 to the device management apparatus 10. Further, the communication unit 302 receives map information and device combination information from the device management apparatus 10 and passes them to the device combination information receiving unit 304. The communication unit 302 transmits the print job generated by the print job generation unit 305 to each of the one or more devices selected by the device selection unit 313.

  The print information transmission unit 303 transmits the device identification information and print information received by the reception unit 311 to the device management apparatus 10 via the communication unit 302. Specifically, the print information transmission unit 303 transmits print information indicating print conditions including identification information for identifying the device 20 that instructs printing and the number of copies to the device management apparatus 10 via the communication unit 302.

  The device combination information receiving unit 304 receives map information and device combination information from the device management apparatus 10 via the communication unit 302. Specifically, the device combination information receiving unit 304 stores the position information indicating the positions of the plurality of devices 20 with respect to the floor diagram 50 indicating the positions of the office fixtures held by the map information holding unit 105 shown in FIG. Map information indicating information associated with each other, the number of print copies to be printed for each selection button and device name generated by the device combination information generation unit 111 illustrated in FIG. 11, and the print time calculated by the print time calculation unit 110 Is received via the communication unit 302. The device combination information receiving unit 304 passes the received map information and device combination information to the user interface 301.

  The print job generation unit 305 generates a print job based on the number of print copies associated with each of one or more devices 20 selected from the device combination information. Specifically, for example, in the example of FIG. 14, the device name “MFP-A” is associated with the number of copies “30”, and the device name “MFP-B” is associated with the number of copies “60”. It shows that it is attached. Therefore, for example, the print job generation unit 305 generates a print job including print data and the number of copies “30” for “MFP-A”, and print data and the number of copies “ A print job including “60 copies” is generated.

  The print job transmission unit 306 transmits the generated print job to each of the one or more devices 20 selected by the device selection unit 313. In the example of FIG. 14, the print job transmission unit 306 transmits the respective print jobs generated by the print job generation unit 305 to “MFP-A” and “MFP-B”, respectively.

  Next, referring to FIG. 15, the information processing system 1 displays a UI that prompts the user to allocate the number of copies to a plurality of devices 20, and distributes printing to reduce the load on the devices 20. An example of a processing operation for shortening the printing waiting time will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for displaying a user interface (UI) that prompts the user to allocate the number of print copies to a plurality of devices and distributing printing.

  The device management apparatus 10 acquires identification information for identifying the device 20 from each of the plurality of devices 20 and function information indicating the function of the device including the printing speed (step S11). For example, the device management apparatus 10 acquires a device name, a device ID, a model, a machine number, and the like as identification information. The device management apparatus 10 also includes, for example, function speed information such as printing speed, paper feed configuration, duplex printing, multiple page printing, enlargement / reduction printing, sorting printing (collation, sorting function), and finishing function (staple / punch). Get etc.

  Next, the device management apparatus 10 holds device information in which device function information is associated for each piece of identification information of the device 20 (step S12). For example, the device management apparatus 10 stores, as device information, the printing speed, the paper feed configuration, and the presence / absence of the duplex printing function in association with each device identification information shown in FIG. Next, the device management apparatus 10 holds map information indicating information indicating that the office furniture and the plurality of devices are arranged at predetermined positions on the floor diagram 50 shown in the coordinate system shown in FIG. 6 (step S13). .

  Next, the device management apparatus 10 registers and holds a device extraction condition for extracting the device 20 in advance (step S14). Next, the client terminal 30 transmits print information indicating print conditions including identification information for identifying the device 20 instructing printing and the number of copies to the device management apparatus 10 (step S15). As an example of the device extraction condition, for example, both of being located within a preset range from the device 20 that instructs printing and being capable of printing corresponding to the printing condition included in the printing information are satisfied. This is the condition. Next, the device management apparatus 10 can perform printing corresponding to the printing conditions included in the printing information within the range set in advance from the device 20 that instructs printing using the map information based on the extraction conditions. One or more devices 20 are extracted (step S16).

  Next, the device management apparatus 10 determines whether there is the extracted device 20 (step S17). If there is no extracted device 20 (step S17: No), the device management apparatus 10 proceeds to step S25 and continues the process. When there is the extracted device 20 (step S17: Yes), the device management apparatus 10 generates a combination list in which the device 20 that instructs printing and the extracted one or more devices 20 are combined (step S18). Next, the device management apparatus 10 refers to the printing speed associated with each piece of identification information of the device information shown in FIG. 5, and is included in the printing information in each device 20 in the combination list shown in FIG. The number of copies is assigned to each device 20 in the combination list so that the print time when the number of print copies to be assigned is printed is the shortest (step S19).

  Next, the device management apparatus 10 uses the printing speed of the device 20 shown in FIG. 5 to alone print the device 20 (MFP-A) and extract one or more devices 20 (MFP-B). The respective printing times when printing the number of copies independently are calculated and the respective printing times when printing is distributed among the devices to which the number of copies shown in FIG. 9 is assigned (step S20). Next, the device management apparatus 10 generates device combination information in which the number of copies to be printed and the calculated printing time are associated with each device 20 (step S21). Next, the device management apparatus 10 transmits the map information shown in FIG. 6 and the device combination information shown in FIG. 11 to the client terminal 30 (step S22).

  Next, the client terminal 30 displays the map information received from the device management apparatus 10 and the device combination information together (step S23). Next, the client terminal 30 selects a device for executing printing from the displayed device combination information (step S24). Next, the client terminal 30 generates a print job based on the number of prints associated with each device 20 selected from the device combination information (step S25). Next, the client terminal 30 transmits the generated print job to each of the selected devices 20 (step S26). The device 20 performs printing based on the received print job (step S27).

  By causing the information processing system 1 to execute the above processing, the device 20 installed in the vicinity of the device 20 that instructs the user to print is visually notified, and the number of copies is allocated to each device 20. A prompting UI can be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to achieve an advantageous effect that printing can be distributed to a plurality of devices (MFPs) 20 to reduce the load on the devices (MFPs) 20 and shorten the printing waiting time.

  Although the embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  For example, the above-described device information acquisition unit 102, device information holding unit 103, map information holding unit 105, device extraction unit 107, combination list generation unit 108, print number allocation unit 109, print time calculation unit 110, device combination information generation unit 111 and the device combination information transmission unit 112 may be distributed and installed in each of the device management apparatus 10, the device 20, and the client terminal 30. Further, for example, the above-described device information acquisition unit 102, device information holding unit 103, map information holding unit 105, device extraction unit 107, combination list generation unit 108, print number allocation unit 109, print time calculation unit 110, device combination information The generation unit 111 and the device combination information transmission unit 112 may be distributed and installed in each of the device management apparatus 10, the device 20, and one or more external apparatuses (for example, server apparatuses).

  The programs executed in the information processing system 1 of each embodiment described above are files in an installable format or executable format, and are CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, and DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). ), A computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), or the like, or may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Various programs may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  Note that the system configuration in which the device management apparatus 10, the device 20, and the client terminal 30 of the present embodiment are connected is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

1 Information Processing System 10 Device Management Device 12 HDD
13 Memory device 14 CPU
15 interface device 16 display device 17 input device 18 system bus 20, 20a, 20b, 20c device 30 client terminal 40 communication network 70, 80, 81 UI screen 101 communication unit 102 device information acquisition unit 103 device information holding unit 104 device information update Unit 105 Map information holding unit 106 Map information updating unit 107 Device extraction unit 108 Combination list generation unit 109 Print number allocation unit 110 Print time calculation unit 111 Device combination information generation unit 112 Device combination information transmission unit 201 Communication unit 202 Print job reception unit 203 Print Job Printing Unit 211 CPU
212 SDRAM
213 Flash memory 214 HDD
215 ASIC
216 Management system memory 217 NIC
218 Modem 230 Controller board 231 Operation panel 232 FCU
233 USB
234 IEEE 1394 I / F
235 Plotter / scanner engine 236 Peripheral device 301 User interface 302 Communication unit 303 Print information transmission unit 304 Device combination information reception unit 305 Print job generation unit 306 Print job transmission unit 501 Desk 502 Cabinet 503 Three-stage drawers 601 602 603 Line 604 , 605, 606 Column 607, 801, 802, 803 Selection button 701 Device name 702 Number of copies

JP 2013-156702 A

Claims (14)

A device management device; a client terminal connected to the device management device via a communication network; and a plurality of devices that execute printing connected to the device management device and the client terminal via the communication network An information processing system,
The device management apparatus
A communication unit that receives print information indicating print conditions including identification information for identifying the device that instructs printing from the client terminal and the number of copies;
A device information acquisition unit that acquires the identification information from each of the plurality of devices and function information indicating the function of the device including a printing speed;
A map information holding unit for holding map information indicating information where office furniture and the plurality of devices are arranged;
A device extraction unit that extracts, using the map information, one or more devices capable of printing corresponding to a printing condition included in the printing information within a range set in advance from the device that instructs the printing; ,
With reference to the printing speed, the printing is performed so that the printing time is the shortest when printing is performed by allocating the number of printing copies to each of the device that instructs the printing and the one or more extracted devices. A printing time calculation unit that calculates the respective printing times when the number of copies is allocated and distributed and printed on each of the devices;
A device combination information generating unit that generates device combination information in which the number of copies to be printed and the calculated printing time are associated with each device;
A device combination information transmitting unit that transmits the map information and the device combination information to the client terminal;
The client terminal is
A print information transmitting unit that transmits the identification information of the device that instructs printing and the print information to the device management apparatus;
A device combination information receiving unit for receiving the map information and the device combination information from the device management apparatus;
A display unit for displaying the map information received from the device management apparatus and the device combination information;
An information processing system characterized by this. The client terminal is
A receiving unit that receives print information indicating print conditions including identification information for identifying the device that instructs printing and the number of copies;
A device selection unit for selecting one or more devices to be printed from the displayed device combination information;
A print job generation unit that generates a print job based on the number of print copies associated with each of the one or more devices selected from the device combination information;
A print job transmission unit that transmits the generated print job to each of the one or more selected devices;
Each of the plurality of devices is
A print job receiving unit that receives the print job from the client terminal;
A print job printing unit that executes and prints the received print job,
The information processing system according to claim 1. The printing time calculation unit uses the printing speed to print the number of copies of the device that instructs the printing alone and the one or more extracted devices alone, and Calculating the respective print times when printing is distributed to each of the devices to which the number of copies has been assigned,
The information processing system according to claim 1. The device information acquisition unit acquires a current print job processing status from each of the device that instructs the printing and the one or more extracted devices,
The printing time calculation unit uses the printing speed and the processing status of the print job to perform printing by assigning the number of printing copies to each of the device instructing the printing and the one or more extracted devices. Assigning the number of print copies so that the printing time in the case of making it the shortest, and calculating the respective printing time when printing is distributed to each of the devices,
The information processing system according to claim 1. A communication unit that receives print information indicating print conditions including identification information for identifying a device that instructs printing from a client terminal and the number of copies; and
A device information acquisition unit that acquires the identification information from each of a plurality of devices and function information indicating the function of the device including the printing speed;
A map information holding unit for holding map information indicating information where office furniture and the plurality of devices are arranged;
A device extraction unit that extracts, using the map information, one or more devices capable of printing corresponding to a printing condition included in the printing information within a range set in advance from the device that instructs the printing; ,
With reference to the printing speed, the printing is performed so that the printing time is the shortest when printing is performed by allocating the number of printing copies to each of the device that instructs the printing and the one or more extracted devices. A printing time calculation unit that calculates the respective printing times when the number of copies is allocated and distributed and printed on each of the devices;
A device combination information generating unit that generates device combination information in which the number of copies to be printed and the calculated printing time are associated with each device;
A device combination information transmitting unit that transmits the map information and the device combination information to the client terminal;
A device management apparatus characterized by that. The printing time calculation unit uses the printing speed to print the number of copies of the device that instructs the printing alone and the one or more extracted devices alone, and Calculating the respective print times when printing is distributed to each of the devices to which the number of copies has been assigned,
The device management apparatus according to claim 5. The device information acquisition unit acquires a current print job processing status from each of the device that instructs the printing and the one or more extracted devices,
The printing time calculation unit uses the printing speed and the processing status of the print job to perform printing by assigning the number of printing copies to each of the device instructing the printing and the one or more extracted devices. Assigning the number of print copies so that the printing time in the case of making it the shortest, and calculating the respective printing time when printing is distributed to each of the devices,
The device management apparatus according to claim 5. A device management device; a client terminal connected to the device management device via a communication network; and a plurality of devices that execute printing connected to the device management device and the client terminal via the communication network An information processing method for an information processing system,
A device information acquisition step of acquiring identification information for identifying a device from each of the plurality of devices, and function information indicating a function of the device including a printing speed;
A map information holding step for holding map information indicating information in which office furniture and the plurality of devices are arranged;
Accepting print information indicating print conditions including identification information for identifying the device that instructs printing and the number of copies; and
A print information transmission step of transmitting the received identification information of the device and the print information to the device management apparatus;
Receiving the identification information of the device and the print information from the client terminal;
A device extraction step of using the map information to extract one or more devices capable of printing corresponding to a printing condition included in the printing information within a preset range from the device instructing the printing; ,
With reference to the printing speed, the printing is performed so that the printing time is the shortest when printing is performed by allocating the number of printing copies to each of the device that instructs the printing and the one or more extracted devices. A printing time calculating step of assigning the number of copies and calculating the respective printing times when printing is distributed to each of the devices;
A device combination information generating step for generating device combination information in which the number of copies to be printed and the calculated printing time are associated with each device;
A device combination information transmission step of transmitting the map information and the device combination information to the client terminal;
A device combination information receiving step for receiving the map information and the device combination information from the device management apparatus;
Displaying the map information received from the device management apparatus and the device combination information,
An information processing method characterized by the above. A device selection step of selecting one or more of the devices for executing printing from the displayed device combination information;
A print job generation step for generating a print job based on the number of prints associated with each of the one or more devices selected from the device combination information;
A print job transmission step of transmitting the generated print job to each of the one or more selected devices;
A print job receiving step for receiving the print job from the client terminal;
A print job printing step for executing and printing the received print job,
The information processing method according to claim 8. The printing time calculation step uses the printing speed to print the number of copies by the device that instructs the printing alone and the one or more extracted devices alone, and Calculating the respective print times when printing is distributed to each of the devices to which the number of copies has been assigned,
The information processing method according to claim 8. The device information acquisition step acquires a current print job processing status from each of the device instructing the printing and the extracted one or more devices.
The printing time calculation step uses the printing speed and the processing status of the print job to perform printing by allocating the number of copies to each of the device that instructs the printing and the one or more extracted devices. Assigning the number of print copies so that the printing time in the case of making it the shortest, and calculating the respective printing time when printing is distributed to each of the devices,
The information processing method according to claim 8. In the device management device,
A communication step of receiving print information indicating print conditions including identification information for identifying a device instructing printing from a client terminal and the number of copies;
Device information for acquiring identification information for identifying a device from each of a plurality of devices that execute printing connected to a client terminal that instructs printing via a communication network, and function information indicating the function of the device including the printing speed An acquisition step;
A map information holding step for holding map information indicating information in which office furniture and the plurality of devices are arranged;
A device extraction step of using the map information to extract one or more devices capable of printing corresponding to a printing condition included in the printing information within a preset range from the device instructing the printing; ,
With reference to the printing speed, the printing is performed so that the printing time is the shortest when printing is performed by allocating the number of printing copies to each of the device that instructs the printing and the one or more extracted devices. A printing time calculating step of assigning the number of copies and calculating the respective printing times when printing is distributed to each of the devices;
A device combination information generating step for generating device combination information in which the number of copies to be printed and the calculated printing time are associated with each device;
A device combination information transmission step of transmitting the map information and the device combination information to the client terminal;
A program for running The printing time calculation step uses the printing speed to print the number of copies by the device that instructs the printing alone and the one or more extracted devices alone, and Calculating the respective print times when printing is distributed to each of the devices to which the number of copies has been assigned,
The program according to claim 12, wherein: The device information acquisition step acquires a current print job processing status from each of the device instructing the printing and the extracted one or more devices.
The printing time calculation step uses the printing speed and the processing status of the print job to perform printing by allocating the number of copies to each of the device that instructs the printing and the one or more extracted devices. Assigning the number of print copies so that the printing time in the case of making it the shortest, and calculating the respective printing time when printing is distributed to each of the devices,
The program according to claim 12, wherein:

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