JP2016092455A - Image forming device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique capable of more efficiently performing communication via a buffer memory in an image forming device.SOLUTION: An MFP (image forming device) 10 comprises: an NIC 43 (buffer processing unit) that relays data communication between the inside and the outside of the MFP 10; and a controller 9 that controls operation to transmit data to external devices 70, 90 from a software module 32 in the MFP 10 via the NIC 43. The controller 9 obtains memory information indicating the utilization situation of a buffer memory 45 and information (job situation information) indicating the reservation situation of a job (second type job) other than a job (first type job) by the software module 32. On the bases of the memory information and the job situation information, the controller 9 determines the data amount of transmission unit data (unit amount) in data transmission from the software module 32 to the NIC 43 on the execution of the first type job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a Multi-Functional Peripheral (MFP) and related technology.

  An image forming apparatus such as an MFP includes a network communication control unit such as a network interface card (NIC), and can perform network communication with an external apparatus.

  The NIC has a buffer memory that temporarily stores data in network communication with an external device. By storing data in the buffer memory, the difference between the processing speed of the external device and the processing speed of the image forming apparatus is adjusted.

  Further, in the network communication between the MFP and the external device, there is a technology for performing communication with the external device using a software module such as OpenAPI. A program (including the software module) that runs on the controller of the MFP communicates with an external device via the NIC.

  Although not a communication technology related to the MFP, there is a technology according to Patent Document 1 as a technology for performing communication between two devices connected via a network. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes a technique for adjusting a transfer speed according to the speed of a transmission destination storage device.

Special table 2012-520010 gazette

  By the way, when data is transmitted using the software module as described above, conventionally, the controller of the image forming apparatus converts the data to be transmitted into unit data (divided data) of a fixed length (for example, 2 KB (kilobytes)). To divide. Each divided data obtained by dividing the transmission target data is transmitted to the NIC as needed and accumulated in the buffer memory. When a certain amount of data is accumulated in the buffer memory, the certain amount of data is reduced. Data is transmitted from the NIC to the external device.

  In such a technique, the size (unit amount) of unit data is fixed, and the size (fixed length) of the unit data is set to a relatively small value (for example, 2 KB (kilobytes)).

  Here, the larger the size (length) of the unit data, the higher the communication efficiency in data communication and the higher the communication speed. However, if the data length of the unit data is too large, the data stored in the buffer memory may overflow from the buffer memory. Based on such circumstances, the fixed length is set to a relatively small value.

  However, when the unit data size (fixed length) is fixed to a relatively small value (for example, 2 KB (kilobytes)), a sufficient communication speed is not necessarily obtained.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of performing communication more efficiently through a buffer memory in an image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus capable of performing network communication with an external apparatus, and data communication between the inside and the outside of the image forming apparatus. And a control unit that controls an operation of transmitting data from a software module in the image forming apparatus to the external device via the buffer processing unit, and the control unit includes: Memory information indicating the usage status of the buffer processing unit regarding the buffer memory and job status information that is information indicating the reservation status of the second type job that is a job other than the first type job that is a job by the software module And the software for executing the first type job based on the memory information and the job status information. And determining the unit quantity is the data quantity of the transmission unit data in the data transmission from the module to the buffering unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the control unit determines the unit amount to be a larger value as the number of the second type jobs is smaller. And

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, the control means determines the unit amount to be a larger value as the unused memory capacity in the buffer memory is larger. To do.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the control unit classifies the second type of job into a first priority job and a second priority job. A job index obtained by weighting and adding the number of jobs of the first priority and the number of jobs of the second priority with a weighting coefficient corresponding to the priority of each job is calculated, and the job index and the memory information The unit amount is determined based on the following.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first weighting factor that is a weighting factor for the first priority job is a weighting factor for the second priority job. The control means determines the unit amount to be a larger value as the job index is smaller than a second weighting factor.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the control unit is configured such that, when the job index is smaller than the first value, the job index is smaller than the first value. The unit amount is determined to be a relatively large value as compared with the case where it is large.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the invention, when the job index is larger than a second value that is larger than the first value, the control unit The unit amount is determined to be a relatively small value as compared with the case where the index is smaller than the second value.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the control means determines the unit amount based on an unused memory capacity in the buffer memory and the job index. To do.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the control means is based on a data table that defines a relationship among unused memory capacity, the job index, and the unit amount in the buffer memory. The unit amount is determined.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the control unit is based on a calculation formula that defines a relationship among an unused memory capacity, the job index, and the unit amount in the buffer memory. The unit amount is determined.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the memory information includes information indicating a change tendency of unused memory capacity in the buffer memory, and the job status information includes the second job status information. Information indicating a change tendency of the job index related to the type of job, and the control means determines the unit amount based on the change tendency of the unused memory capacity and the change tendency of the job index. Features.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the control unit allocates a memory capacity allocated to the second type job based on a reservation status of the second type job. And determining a memory capacity to be allocated to the first type job, and determining the unit quantity based on a ratio of an unused memory capacity to a memory capacity allocated to the first type job. It is characterized by that.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the control unit excludes at least one job that cannot be executed simultaneously from the second type of job, and And determining a memory capacity to be allocated to the first type of job and a memory capacity to be allocated to the first type of job.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the control unit excludes a job of a predetermined size or more from the second type of job, and performs the second type of job. And determining the memory capacity to be allocated to the first type of job.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the control unit receives the memory information when a plurality of jobs are accepted as the first type of job. And determining the basic value of the unit amount based on the job status information, and determining the unit amount of each of the plurality of first type jobs based on the basic value.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the control unit assigns the first type of job to a plurality of ranks including a first rank rank and a second rank rank. When only the jobs having the same rank as the plurality of jobs are accepted, the unit amounts of the plurality of first type jobs are all determined to be the same value.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, when the control unit accepts jobs having different ranks as the plurality of jobs, the first rank of the first rank is set. The type of job is preferentially processed as compared with the first type of job of the second rank.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the control unit is more than a predetermined threshold value according to the number of the first type jobs of the first rank rank. When the value is large, the first type job of the first rank rank and the first type job of the second rank rank are processed in parallel, and the predetermined threshold is: A value obtained by multiplying an individual threshold value for each job of the first type of the first rank by the number of jobs of the first type of the rank of the first rank, The individual unit amount related to the first type job is set to a value equal to or greater than the individual threshold value, and the individual unit amount related to the first type job of the second rank rank is the first unit amount. Individuals related to the job of the first type of rank Characterized in that is also set to a value smaller than the amount of the unit.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the control unit is more than the predetermined threshold value according to the number of the first type jobs of the first rank rank. When the value is small, the first type job having the first rank and the first type job having the second rank are sequentially processed in this order. To do.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, the control unit processes the plurality of first type jobs having the same rank in parallel, and has the ranks of the same rank. The individual unit quantities related to the plurality of first type jobs are set to the same value.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to twentieth aspects, the software module exchanges data with an external device application installed in the external device. It is characterized by being an application.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in a computer built in an image forming apparatus capable of performing network communication with an external apparatus, a) relaying data communication between the inside and the outside of the image forming apparatus A step of acquiring memory information indicating a use state of the buffer processing unit of the buffer processing unit to perform, and b) a second type that is a job other than the first type of job that is a job by a software module in the image forming apparatus. Acquiring job status information that is information indicating the reservation status of the job; and c) controlling the operation of transmitting data from the software module to the external device via the buffer processing unit. The step c) is based on the memory information and the job status information. It characterized by having a step, of determining the unit quantity is the data quantity of the transmission unit data in the data transmission from the software module to the buffer processor regarding the execution of the job type.

  According to the first to twenty-second aspects of the present invention, communication via the buffer memory in the image forming apparatus can be performed more efficiently.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system 1 according to a first embodiment. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline of the flow of the data through a buffer memory. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in the MFP. It is a figure which shows the memory in use and free memory in a buffer memory. It is a figure which shows a pattern table. It is a figure which shows a pattern table. It is a figure which shows the function (zeta). It is a figure which shows the function (zeta). It is a figure which shows a pattern table. It is a figure which shows the pattern table which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the memory allocation amount etc. with respect to each job in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the memory allocation amount etc. with respect to each job in 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating unused memory related to a first type of job JA. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating unused memory related to a first type of job JA. It is a figure which shows the pattern table which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the memory allocation amount etc. with respect to each job in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the memory allocation amount etc. with respect to each job in 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement (part) based on 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of an individual unit amount. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of an individual unit amount. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of an individual unit amount. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of an individual unit amount. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of an individual unit amount.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. First Embodiment>
<1-1. Outline of configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and computers (external apparatuses) 70 and 90. Examples of the computer 90 (90a to 90d, etc.) include so-called personal computers. The computer 70 is a server computer (also simply referred to as a server) (such as an application server computer).

  The elements 10, 70, 90 in the system 1 are connected to each other via a network 108 so as to communicate with each other. The network 108 is configured by a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, and the like. The connection mode with respect to the network 108 may be wired connection or wireless connection.

<1-2. Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 10>
In this embodiment, an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) is exemplified as the image forming apparatus 10.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the MFP 10.

  The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as a multi-function device) having a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a box storage function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an operation unit 6, a controller 9, and the like. Various functions are realized by operating each part of the above in a complex manner.

  The image reading unit 2 optically reads (that is, scans) a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 10 and generates image data of the document (also referred to as a scanned image). It is. The image reading unit 2 is also referred to as a scanning unit.

  The print output unit 3 is an output unit (print engine (hardware)) that prints an image on various media such as paper based on data related to a print target.

  The communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication with a facsimile apparatus via a public line or the like. Furthermore, the communication unit 4 can also perform network communication via the network 108 with various external devices (network communication devices). In this network communication, for example, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) are used. By using the network communication, the MFP 10 can exchange various data with a desired destination.

  The communication unit 4 is a processing unit that includes a network interface card (NIC) 43 and the like. The communication unit 4 is also referred to as a network control unit. The NIC 43 includes a buffer memory 45 that temporarily stores data in network communication with an external device. By storing data in the buffer memory 45, the difference between the processing speed of the MFP 10 and the processing speed of the external device is absorbed. The NIC 43 is also referred to as a buffer processing unit because it is a processing unit that executes buffer processing in network communication using the buffer memory 45.

  The storage unit 5 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 5 stores (stores) various electronic documents (document data) and the like.

  The operation unit (input / output unit) 6 includes an operation input unit 6 a that receives input to the MFP 10 and a display unit 6 b that displays and outputs various types of information. The MFP 10 includes an operation panel unit 6c having a touch panel (also referred to as a touch screen) 25 (see FIG. 1) configured by embedding a piezoelectric sensor or the like in a liquid crystal display panel. The operation panel unit 6c functions as a part of the operation input unit 6a and also functions as a part of the display unit 6b.

  The controller 9 is a control device (control unit) that is built in the MFP 10 and controls the MFP 10 in an integrated manner. The controller 9 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 9 implements various processing units by executing a predetermined software program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a program) (30 or the like) stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM) in the CPU. Note that the program may be recorded in a portable recording medium such as a USB memory and installed in the MFP 10 via the recording medium. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via the network 108 or the like and installed in the MFP 10.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the controller 9 executes a program (30, etc.), thereby performing communication control unit 11, input control unit 12, display control unit 13, print control unit 14, acquisition unit 15, and determination unit 16. Various processing units including the above are realized.

  The communication control unit 11 is a processing unit that controls communication operations with other devices (computers 70, 90, etc.) in cooperation with the communication unit 4 and the like. For example, the communication control unit 11 controls an operation of transmitting data from the software module 32 (described later) to an external device via the NIC 43 (described later) (see FIG. 3).

  The input control unit 12 is a control unit that controls an operation input operation to the operation input unit 6a (the touch panel 25 or the like). For example, the input control unit 12 controls an operation for receiving an operation input on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 25.

  The display control unit 13 is a processing unit that controls a display operation in the display unit 6b (the touch panel 25 or the like). The display control unit 13 displays an operation screen for operating the MFP 10 on the touch panel 25, for example.

  The print control unit 14 is a processing unit that controls a print output operation using the print output unit 3.

  The acquisition unit 15 is a processing unit that acquires memory information 310 that indicates the usage status of the buffer memory 45 of the NIC 43. In addition, the acquisition unit 15 reserves a job JB (also referred to as a second type of job) other than a job JA (also referred to as a first type of job) by a predetermined software module (OpenAPI or the like) (described later) ( The job status information 320 which is information indicating the (acceptance status) is also acquired.

  The determination unit 16 is a processing unit that determines the unit amount DZ based on the memory information 310 and the job status information 320. As will be described later, the unit amount (also referred to as unit size) DZ is the data amount of transmission unit data in data transmission from the software module 32 to the NIC 43 (buffer processing unit). The unit amount DZ is also referred to as a buffer size.

<1-3. Communication processing passing through NIC 43>
In this image forming system, various data are input / output via the MFP 10.

  In particular, the MFP 10 can perform so-called network communication, and can transmit and receive various data to and from external devices (computers 70, 90, etc.). These various data are exchanged between the inside and outside of the MFP 10 through the buffer memory 45 as shown in FIG. In other words, the buffer memory 45 relays data exchange between the MFP 10 and the external device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the flow of data through the buffer memory 45.

  For example, the MFP 10 can receive an Internet facsimile (facsimile using an Internet communication network) from the computer 90d. In the computer 90d, an Internet facsimile communication software program or the like is installed as an application software program (hereinafter also referred to as an application program or simply an application). Data (Internet facsimile data) transmitted from the computer 90 d using the application is taken into the MFP 10 through the buffer memory 45. Specifically, after data (Internet facsimile data) from the computer 90d is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 45, it is read from the buffer memory 45 by the MFP 10 (controller 9 or the like) and stored in the storage unit 5 (hard disk drive or the like). ). Thereafter, Internet facsimile data is read from the storage unit 5, and printing output is performed based on the data. In this way, the MFP 10 can execute an “Internet facsimile reception job”.

  Similarly, the MFP 10 can receive print output data from the computer 90c. A printer driver for the MFP 10 is installed as an application in the computer 90c. Data (print output data) transmitted from the computer 90 c using the application is taken into the MFP 10 via the buffer memory 45. Thereafter, print output data is read from the storage unit 5, and print output is performed based on the data. In this way, the MFP 10 can execute the “print output data reception job”.

  Further, the MFP 10 can transmit the document data stored in the box (folder) in the storage unit 5 to the computer 90b (perform so-called box data transmission operation). That is, the MFP 10 can execute a “box data transmission job”.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a program 30 (an application program 31 and an interface software module program 32 (OpenAPI or the like)) is installed in the MFP 10. A server application is installed in the application server 70.

  Here, OpenAPI is an application programming interface provided by the applicant or the like. By using the Open API, the external device can control the MFP 10 and access resources in the MFP 10 through the network. Further, the MFP 10 can transmit various data (including control commands and the like) to an external device (server 70) and the like. The software module 32 (OpenAPI) functions as an interface for exchanging data with the server application.

  The MFP 10 can communicate with the application server 70 using the software module 32 (OpenAPI or the like) and transmit various data (for example, job history data) to the application server 70.

  The application 30 in the MFP 10 transmits various data (for example, job history data) to the server application in the application server 70. When the application server 70 receives the job history data from the MFP 10, the application server 70 transfers the job history data to the job history storage destination computer 90a. Thereby, it is possible to transmit the job history data to the computer 90a via the application server 70. As described above, the MFP 10 can execute the “Open API use job” (JA).

  Here, the application 30 in the MFP 10 (an application including the software module 32 such as OpenAPI) transmits data to the server application in the application server 70 via the buffer memory 45. More specifically, the data (job history data or the like) is divided into a plurality of unit data for transmission (having a relatively small size), and each divided unit data is represented by the software module 32 (OpenAPI). ) To the buffer memory 45 and temporarily stored in the buffer memory 45. In this application, under the management of the software module 32, the data stored in the MFP 10 (such as the storage unit 5) is transmitted to the buffer memory 45. It is also expressed as “sent to 45”.

  Thereafter, the NIC 43 transmits data or the like accumulated in the buffer memory 45 into a relatively large unit (for example, about 1500 KB (kilobytes)) to the application server 70 as needed.

  Conventionally, as described above, the data amount (unit amount) DZ of unit data when transmitted from the software module 32 to the buffer memory 45 is a fixed value (for example, 2 KB (kilobytes)).

  However, when the unit amount DZ is fixed to a relatively small value (for example, 2 KB (kilobytes)), there is a problem that a sufficient communication speed cannot always be obtained.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the unit amount DZ is determined in consideration of the reservation status of a job (second type job) JB other than a job (also referred to as a first type job) JA by the software module 32. decide. In other words, the unit amount DZ related to transmission of the first type job JA is changed in consideration of the reservation status of the second type job JB and the like. Specifically, the unit amount DZ is changed in the range of several kilobytes to several tens of kilobytes (2 KB to 64 KB).

  Hereinafter, such an operation will be described in more detail.

<1-4. Operation>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation in the MFP 10. The operation of the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 11, the controller 9 (acquisition unit 15) acquires information (memory information) 310 that indicates the usage status regarding the buffer memory 45. In the first embodiment, the ratio (%) of the currently used memory capacity of the total capacity (for example, 100 MB (megabytes)) of the buffer memory 45 is acquired as the memory information 310. In other words, the percentage (%) of the free capacity in the total capacity (for example, 100 MB (megabytes)) of the buffer memory 45 is acquired as the memory information 310. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when 60% of the total capacity is currently in use, the fact that the free memory capacity is “40%” is acquired.

  In step S12, the controller 9 (acquiring unit 15) determines a job other than a job (first type job) JA by a predetermined software module (also referred to as a second type job or “other job”) JB. Information (job status information) 320 indicating the reservation status is acquired.

  In the first embodiment, the controller 9 (acquiring unit 15) calculates a job index E that is an index value reflecting the number of second type jobs JB (jobs other than the first type job JA). And get.

  The job index E is calculated according to the following equation (1), for example.

  This job index E includes the number N of first priority jobs JB21 (to be described later) (the number N of jobs JB21 for which reception (reservation) has been completed and has not been processed) and the number M of jobs JB22 of second priority (reception completion) And the number M) of unfinished jobs JB21 is an index value obtained by weighting and adding the weighting coefficients α and β according to the priority order of each job. The weighting coefficient α (also referred to as the first weighting coefficient) of the first priority job is set to a larger value than the weighting coefficient β (also referred to as the second weighting coefficient) of the second priority job (α > Β). For example, the value α is set to “15” and the value β is set to “6”.

  As shown in Expression (1), here, the second type of job is roughly classified into two based on the priority. Specifically, among the second type of jobs, jobs with a relatively low controllability by the controller 9 and / or the NIC 43 (lower than a predetermined level) are classified as the first priority job JB1, and from the controller 9 A job having a relatively high controllability (higher than a predetermined level) is classified as a second priority job JB2.

  For example, among the above four jobs, the Internet facsimile reception job J4 cannot be interrupted (by the controller 9 and / or NIC 43) (not permitted) and the transfer speed cannot be changed. It is a possible (not permitted) job (also referred to as an uncontrollable job), and is classified as a first priority job.

  Of the four jobs described above, the print output data reception job J3 and the box data transmission job J2 cannot be interrupted (by the controller 9 and / or the NIC 43), while the transfer speed is changed. Etc. are possible jobs (also referred to as partially controllable jobs capable of controlling partial processing), and are classified as second priority jobs. The partially controllable job is a job capable of performing some control such as shifting the processing timing and / or changing the data transfer speed. More specifically, in job J2 that transmits box data from the MFP 10 to an external device (external storage) and stores the box data in the external storage, data transmission cannot be interrupted, but the data transfer rate is It is possible to change. In the job J3 that receives print data from the external device (computer 90), the data transmission cannot be interrupted, but the data transfer speed when the data stored in the buffer memory 45 is transferred to the hard disk (internal storage). It is possible to change slightly.

  Of the four jobs described above, the first type of job JA (“OpenAPI use job” J1) is a job that is more controllable by the controller 9 and / or the NIC 43 than the second type of job JB. (Jobs whose processing can be interrupted) and are also expressed as “controllable jobs”.

  In the first embodiment, the above-described job index E is calculated and acquired as information (job status information) 320 indicating the reservation status of the second type of job JB.

  This job index E is basically an index value that increases as the number of jobs (total number of jobs) of the second type of job JB increases (if the ratio of jobs of each priority order is the same). is there. Further, the value α is larger than the value β (α> β), and when the number of jobs JB21 having the first priority among the second type jobs JB increases, the value of the second type job JB is increased. Of these, the job index E is relatively larger than when the number of second priority job JB22 increases.

For example, if (α, β) = (15,6),
When (N, M) = (1, 1), E = 15 * 1 + 6 * 1 = 15 + 6 = 21,
When (N, M) = (1, 2), E = 15 * 1 + 6 * 2 = 15 + 12 = 27,
When (N, M) = (2, 1), E = 15 * 2 + 6 * 1 = 30 + 6 = 36,
When (N, M) = (2, 2), E = 15 * 2 + 6 * 2 = 30 + 12 = 42,
It is.

  In step S13, the controller 9 (determination unit 16) determines a data amount (unit amount) DZ of transmission unit data in data transmission from the software module 32 to the NIC 43 based on the memory information 310 and the job status information 320. To do. For example, the unit amount DZ is determined based on the pattern table (data table) 330 of FIG.

  Specifically, first, based on the memory information 310, whether the current free capacity (unused memory capacity) of the buffer memory 45 corresponds to one of three levels (“large”, “medium”, “small”) Is determined. For example, when the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is larger than 50% of the total capacity of the buffer memory 45, it is determined that the free capacity is “large”. Further, when the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is a value within the range of 20% to 50% of the total capacity of the buffer memory 45, it is determined that the free capacity is “medium”. When the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is 20% or less of the total capacity of the buffer memory 45, it is determined that the free capacity is “small”.

  Further, it is determined whether the job index E corresponds to one of three levels (“low range”, “middle range”, and “high range”). More specifically, when the job index E is smaller than a threshold value TH1 (for example, “20”), it is determined that the job index E is a value within the “low range”. When the job index E is a value within the range of the threshold TH1 or more and the threshold TH2 (for example, “50”), it is determined that the job index E is a value within the “middle range”. When the job index E is larger than the threshold value TH2, it is determined that the job index E is a value within the “high range”.

  Then, the unit amount DZ is determined based on the data table 330 that defines the relationship among the unused memory capacity in the buffer memory 45, the job index E, and the unit amount DZ.

  When the free space of the buffer memory 45 is “large” and the job index E is a value within the “low range” (corresponding to the pattern “pattern No. 1”), the unit amount DZ is the largest. The value is set to 64 KB (kilobytes). Further, when the free space of the buffer memory 45 is “large” and the job index E is a value in the “middle range” (when the pattern corresponds to the pattern of “pattern No. 2”), the unit amount DZ is It is set to a slightly small value (52 KB (kilobytes)). Furthermore, when the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is “large” and the job index E is a value within the “high range” (when the pattern corresponds to the pattern of “pattern No. 3”), the unit amount DZ is It is set to a smaller value (40 KB (kilobytes)).

  Further, when the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is “medium” and the job index E is a value within the “low range” (corresponding to the pattern of “pattern No. 4”), the unit amount DZ is , 32 KB (kilobytes). When the free space in the buffer memory 45 is “medium” and the job index E is a value within the “middle range” (when the pattern corresponds to the pattern of “pattern No. 5”), the unit amount DZ is 20 KB. (Kilobytes)). When the free space of the buffer memory 45 is “medium” and the job index E is a value in the “high range” (when it corresponds to the pattern of “pattern No. 6”), the unit amount DZ is 8 KB. Set to (kilobytes).

  Further, when the free space in the buffer memory 45 is “small” (when it corresponds to the pattern of “pattern No. 7”), the unit amount DZ is the smallest value (2 KB) regardless of the size of the job index E. (Kilobytes)).

  As described above, when it is determined that the free space of the buffer memory 45 is “large”, a relatively large value is larger than the case where it is determined that the free space of the buffer memory 45 is “medium”. As determined. Further, when it is determined that the free space of the buffer memory 45 is “medium”, a relatively large value is determined as the unit amount DZ than when the free space of the buffer memory 45 is determined to be “small”. Is done. In other words, the unit amount DZ is determined to be larger as the unused memory capacity in the buffer memory 45 is larger.

  When it is determined that the job index E is a value within the “low range” (when the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is approximately the same), the job index E is a value within the “middle range”. A relatively large value is determined as the unit amount DZ than when it is determined. Further, when the job index E is determined to be a value within the “middle range”, a relatively large value is larger than the unit amount DZ than when the job index E is determined to be a value within the “low range”. As determined. In other words, the smaller the number of second type jobs JB, the larger the unit amount DZ is determined.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 14, the controller 9 (communication control unit 11) transmits data from the software module 32 in the MFP 10 to an external device (such as the server 70) via the NIC 43. At this time, the controller 9 (communication control unit 11) divides the transmission target data for each unit amount DZ described above, and transmits the transmission unit data for each unit amount DZ to the buffer memory 45, respectively. Then, when a certain amount of data (for example, 1500 KB (kilobytes)) is accumulated in the buffer memory 45, the NIC 43 transmits the certain amount of data to the external device. Alternatively, the NIC 43 may collectively transmit the data stored in the buffer memory 45 to the external device every time a predetermined period elapses.

  Here, it is assumed that there is a single job JA as the first type of job JA, and the unit amount DZ determined in step S13 is determined as it is as the unit amount DZ for the single job JA. It is said. A case where there are a plurality of jobs as the first type of job JA will be described in the sixth embodiment.

  According to the above aspect, the unit amount DZ is appropriately changed according to the free capacity of the buffer memory 45. More specifically, since the unit amount DZ is set to a relatively small value as the free space in the buffer memory 45 is small, it is possible to prevent overflow in the buffer memory 45. Conversely, the larger the free capacity of the buffer memory 45, the higher the unit amount DZ is set to a relatively large value, so that the communication speed is improved. Therefore, more efficient communication can be performed.

  Further, the unit amount DZ is appropriately changed according to the job index E (according to the reservation status of the second type of job JB). More specifically, since the unit amount DZ is set to a relatively small value as the job index E is larger, it is possible to prevent overflow in the buffer memory 45. Conversely, as the job index E is smaller, the unit amount DZ is set to a relatively large value, so that the communication speed is improved. Therefore, more efficient communication can be performed.

  The pattern table of FIG. 6 is also expressed as shown in FIG. 7 using a value ζ (= func (E)) (see FIG. 8) that is a function of the job index E. When the job index E is a value within the “low range” (E <TH1), the value ζ is the maximum value V1 (eg, V1 = 1), and the job index E is a value within the “high range”. At some time (E> TH2), the value ζ is the minimum value V3 (eg, V3 = 0.25). When the job index E is a value in the “middle range” (TH1 ≦ E ≦ TH2), the value ζ is a value V2 between the value V1 and the value V3 (for example, V2 = 0.625). Yes (V3 <V2 <V1).

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 (and FIG. 7), the aspect by which each unit amount DZ is each set to the fixed value (any one of seven levels) according to each pattern is shown. ing. In other words, the value ζ in FIG. 7 is one of three levels (discrete values) according to the job index E. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the value ζ may be a value that continuously changes in accordance with the job index E, as shown by a curve C1 (or C2) in FIG. Then, the unit amount DZ may be determined according to the table of FIG.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment and the like, the unit amount DZ is determined in consideration of the size relationship of the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 with priority over the size relationship of the job index E, but is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the unit amount DZ may be determined in consideration of the size relationship of the free space in the buffer memory 45 and the size relationship of the job index E.

  10 (specifically, patterns No. 1 to No. 6), the free space of the buffer memory 45 is divided into two stages of “large” and “medium”. The value “64” is determined as the reference value when the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is “large”, and the value “32” is determined as the reference value when the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is “medium”. Then, the unit amount DZ is calculated by multiplying each reference value corresponding to the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 by the value ζ (FIG. 9) (DZ = “reference value” × ζ). In FIG. 10, a value ζ represented by a curve C1 (or C2) as shown in FIG. 9 may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment etc., the aspect in which the free capacity (change) of the buffer memory 45 is discretely reflected with respect to the unit amount DZ is illustrated, However, It is not limited to this. For example, as shown in the following equation (2), the free capacity (change) of the buffer memory 45 may be continuously reflected on the unit amount DZ.

  Here, the value B is a value indicating the ratio of the free capacity to the total capacity of the buffer memory 45 (free ratio). For example, when the total capacity is 100 MB (megabytes) and the free capacity is 40 MB, the free ratio B is calculated as 40%. The value G is a predetermined value, for example, 100 KB (kilobytes).

  However, when the value calculated by the expression (2) exceeds the upper limit value (for example, 64 KB (kilobytes)), the value DZ is changed to the upper limit value. In addition, when the value calculated by the equation (2) is lower than the lower limit value (for example, 2 KB (kilobytes)), the value DZ is changed to the lower limit value.

  Thus, based on the calculation formula (Formula 2) (the calculation formula that defines the relationship between the unused memory capacity in the buffer memory 45, the value ζ (and thus the job index E), and the unit quantity DZ), the unit amount DZ may be determined.

  In the above-described embodiment and the like, the unit amount DZ is determined before the start of the first type job JA, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the processes in steps S11 to S14 may be repeatedly executed at regular time intervals (or irregularly). For example, the processing of step S11 to step S13 may be repeatedly executed every second to determine the unit amount DZ, and the transmission processing of step S14 based on the unit amount DZ may be performed.

  In addition, step S11 and step S12 in the above-described embodiment and the like may be executed in the reverse order (order of steps S12 and S11), or step S11 and step S12 are performed simultaneously in parallel. May be executed automatically.

  In the above-described embodiment, the combination of the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 and the job index is the pattern No. If it is determined that it corresponds to 7, the unit amount DZ is determined to be “2” KB (kilobytes), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the unit amount DZ may be calculated as “16 × ζ”. Alternatively, the execution of the first type of job JA may be prohibited (in other words, the unit amount DZ = 0).

<2. Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the first embodiment, the unit amount DZ is determined based on the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 at a certain time and the reservation status of the second type job JB at that time.

  On the other hand, in this second embodiment, the unit amount is based on the change tendency (change rate) of the free capacity (unused memory capacity) of the buffer memory 45 and the change tendency of the reservation status of the second type job JB. DZ is determined. Specifically, information indicating the change tendency of the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is acquired as the memory information 310, and information indicating the change tendency of the job index E regarding the second type of job JB is acquired as the job status information 320. To be acquired.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the process similar to the process of step S11-step S14 of FIG. 4 is repeatedly performed by predetermined time interval (DELTA) t (for example, 1 second interval). However, as will be described later, a slightly different determination process is executed in step S13.

  The information indicating the change tendency of the free space in the buffer memory 45 includes the previous (i-1) th acquired value (measured value) and the current time (i-th) after the elapse of time Δt. It is acquired as information that compares both with the acquired value (measured value). Specifically, by calculating the ratio P (or difference value) between the two, a change tendency regarding the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is acquired. For example, when the previous free space is 40% and the current free space is 60%, the ratio P between the two is calculated as P = 60/40 = 1.5 (“150%”). . That is, it is determined that the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 has increased by 50% (compared to the previous time). Conversely, when the previous free space is 40% and the current free space is 20%, the ratio P between the two is calculated as P = 20/40 = 0.5, (“50%”). The That is, it is determined that the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 has decreased by 50% (compared to the previous time).

  Information indicating the change tendency of the reservation status of the second type of job JB includes the previous (i-th) acquired value (measured value) for the job index E and the current (i. Times) and the obtained value (measured value). Specifically, by calculating the ratio Q (or difference value) between the two, a change tendency regarding the reservation status of the second type of job JB is acquired. For example, when the previous job index E is 21 and the current job index E is 26, the ratio Q between the two is calculated as 26/21 = 1.24, (“124%”). That is, it is determined that the job index E has increased by 24% (compared to the previous time). Conversely, when the previous job index E is 21 and the current job index E is 15, the ratio between the two is calculated as 15/21 = 0.71 (“71%”). That is, it is determined that the job index E has decreased by 29% (compared to the previous time).

  The unit amount DZ is determined based on the change tendency (change rate) of the free capacity (unused memory capacity) of the buffer memory 45 and the change tendency of the reservation status of the second type job JB.

  FIG. 11 is a pattern table showing the determining operation of the unit amount DZ (specifically, the current (i-th) unit amount DZ (i)) in step S13.

  As shown in FIG. 11, first, it is determined which of the three stages (“decrease”, “increase”, and “maintain”) the change tendency of the free capacity of the buffer memory 45. Specifically, when the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is decreased by a predetermined level or more (for example, 20% or more (compared to the previous time)), the change tendency of the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is determined to be “decrease”. The When the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is increased by a predetermined level or more (for example, 20% or more (compared to the previous time)), it is determined that the change tendency of the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is “increase”. When the change in the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is less than a predetermined level (for example, less than 20% (compared to the previous time)), it is determined that the change tendency of the free capacity in the buffer memory 45 is “maintained”.

  Similarly, it is also determined whether the change tendency of the job index E is one of three stages (“increase”, “decrease”, or “maintain”).

  In accordance with these determination results, the current situation is the pattern No. 11-No. It is classified into 9 up to 19.

  When it is determined that the change tendency of the free space in the buffer memory 45 is “decrease” (pattern No. 11 to No. 13), the unit amount DZ (i−) of the previous ((i−1) th) time is determined. The value ΔD1 is subtracted from 1). On the contrary, when it is determined that the change tendency of the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is “increase” (pattern No. 14 to No. 16), the unit amount DZ (i) of the previous (i−1) th time is determined. The value ΔD1 is added to −1). When it is determined that the change tendency of the free space in the buffer memory 45 is “maintained” (pattern No. 17 to No. 19), the value ΔD1 is not added or subtracted. Note that the value ΔD1 may be a fixed value (for example, 8 KB), or a value that varies according to the ratio P (for example, a value that increases stepwise (stepwise) or continuously as the ratio P increases). ).

  Further, when it is determined that the change tendency of the job index E is “increase” (pattern No. 11, 14, 17), the value ΔD2 is subtracted, and the current (i-th) unit amount DZ (i). Is calculated. Conversely, when it is determined that the change tendency of the job index E is “increased” (pattern Nos. 12, 15, 18), the value ΔD2 is added and the current (i-th) unit amount DZ (i ) Is calculated. When it is determined that the change tendency of the job index E is “maintained” (pattern Nos. 13, 16, and 19), the value ΔD2 is not added or subtracted. Note that the value ΔD2 may be a fixed value (for example, 8 KB) or a value that varies according to the ratio Q (for example, a value that increases stepwise or continuously as the ratio Q increases). .

  In this way, the current (i-th) unit amount DZ (i) changes in the free space of the buffer memory 45 with respect to the previous (i-th) unit amount DZ (i-1). Based on the tendency and the change tendency of the job index E, the value ΔD1 and / or the value ΔD2 is calculated by addition or subtraction.

  If the new value calculated in this way (current (i-th) unit quantity DZ (i)) exceeds the upper limit (for example, 64 KB (kilobytes)), the value DZ (i) It shall be changed (set) to the upper limit value. In addition, when the new value calculated as described above falls below a lower limit value (for example, 2 KB (kilobytes)), the value DZ is changed (set) to the lower limit value. The initial value DZ (0) of the unit amount DZ (i) may be set to an appropriate value (for example, 4 KB (kilobytes)).

  In this way, the determination process of step S13 according to the second embodiment is executed.

  Also according to the above-described aspect, the unit amount DZ is appropriately changed according to the usage status of the buffer memory 45 and the reservation status of the second type job JB, so that more efficient communication can be performed. It is.

  In the second embodiment, the value ΔD1 and / or the value ΔD2 is added or subtracted based on the change tendency of the free space in the buffer memory 45 and the change tendency of the job index E, so that this time ( The i-th) unit amount DZ (i) is calculated, but is not limited thereto. For example, based on the change tendency of the free space in the buffer memory 45 and the change tendency of the job index E, the value p and the value q (the following description) are added or divided, etc. The quantity DZ (i) may be calculated. More specifically, the current (i-th) unit quantity DZ (i) is calculated (uniformly) based on the following equation (3) (regardless of the pattern distinction in FIG. 11). May be.

  Here, the value p may be the ratio P itself (p = P) or a value that varies according to the ratio P (for example, a value that increases stepwise or continuously as the ratio P increases). There may be. The value q may be the ratio Q itself (q = Q), or a value that varies according to the ratio Q (for example, a value that increases stepwise or continuously as the ratio Q increases). May be.

  In the second embodiment, etc., when the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is reduced to less than 20% of the total capacity, the execution of the first type job JA is prohibited (in other words, the unit amount DZ = 0).

  Further, in the second embodiment and the like, when the job index E is larger than a predetermined value TH3 (for example, a value larger than the above-mentioned value TH2), the execution of the other job JB is prioritized, so the first The execution of the type of job JA may be prohibited.

<3. Third Embodiment>
The third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment and the like. Hereinafter, the difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the first embodiment and the like, the unit amount DZ is determined based on the ratio of the unused memory capacity to the total capacity of the buffer memory 45 and the like.

  In the third embodiment, the memory capacity U1 to be allocated to the first type job JA out of the total capacity (total buffer capacity) of the buffer memory 45 is determined based on the reservation status of the second type job JB. The Then, the unit amount DZ is determined based on “the ratio R of the unused memory capacity in the memory capacity U1 allocated to the first type job JA”. The “ratio R of the unused memory capacity of the memory capacity U1 allocated to the first type job JA” is expressed by the following equation (4).

  Here, the value U2 is the memory capacity currently used for the first type of job JA, and the value U2 is smaller than the value U1 (U2 <U1).

  As shown in the equation (4), the value R represents the memory capacity U2 currently used for the first type job JA from the memory capacity U1 allocated to the first type job JA out of the total buffer capacity. This is a ratio (R = (U1-U2) / U1) of the remaining memory capacity (unused memory capacity) (U1-U2) to the memory capacity U1 allocated to the first type job JA. The value (U1-U2) is also expressed as an unused memory capacity for the first type of job JA.

  In the third embodiment, the same operation as that of the first embodiment is performed. However, processing different from that of the first embodiment is executed in step S13.

  In step S13, three stages of processing are performed.

  First, as the first stage process, the memory capacity U1 to be allocated to the first type job JA out of the total capacity (total buffer capacity) of the buffer memory 45 is determined based on the reservation status of the second type job JB. The In short, a process for allocating memory capacity to the first type job JA is executed.

  Specifically, of the total capacity of the buffer memory 45 (total buffer capacity), the memory amount allocated to each of a plurality of types of jobs JA, JB1, JB2 is an index related to the job of each job JA, JB1, JB2. It is determined according to the ratio of the values (index values calculated by the product of the number of jobs and the weighting coefficient).

  For example, the number (N) of the first priority jobs JB1 among the second type jobs JB is five (N = 5), and the second priority job JB among the second type jobs JB. A situation is assumed in which the number (M) of jobs JB2 is 3 (M = 3) and the number (L) of first type job JA is 1 (L = 2). The weighting coefficients α, β, and γ are set to “15”, “6”, and “2”, respectively (α = 15, β = 6, γ = 2). The coefficient γ is a weighting coefficient for the first type of job JA. Further, as described above, the coefficient α is a weighting coefficient related to the job JB1 of the first priority among the second type jobs JB, and the coefficient β is the second priority of the job JB of the second type. This is a weighting coefficient for the job JB2.

  At this time, the index values α * N, β * M, and γ * L for the jobs JB1, JB2, and JA are “75” (= 15 * 5), “18” (= 6 * 3), and “ 2 ”(= 2 * 1). Here, 5% of the total capacity is allocated to the margin memory, and each job JB1, JB2, JA is allocated to the other memory (95% memory) at the ratio of the index values. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the memory capacity for each job JB1, JB2, and JA is (virtually) allocated at the ratio (75: 18: 2).

  In addition, after the state as shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that all (five) jobs JB1 having the first priority are finished and two jobs JB2 having the second priority are finished, and the number of each job (N , M, L) is changed from (5, 3, 1) to (0, 1, 1), the index values (α * N, β * M, γ * L) for each job JB1, JB2, JA. Is changed from (75, 18, 2) to (0, 6, 2). Then, the jobs JB1, JB2, and JA are allocated to the entire allocation target memory (95% memory) at the ratio of the index values. FIG. 13 shows a state in which the memory capacity for each job JB1, JB2, and JA is (virtually) allocated at the ratio (0: 6: 2). The job JB2 is assigned 71 (= 95 * 6 / (6 + 2))% memory capacity, and the job JA is assigned 24 (= 95 * 2 / (6 + 2))% memory capacity (U1). .

  Thus, when there are relatively many jobs other than the first type job JA (second type job JB), a relatively small memory capacity (2%) is allocated to the first type job JA ( FIG. 12). Conversely, when the number of jobs other than the first type job JA (second type job JB) is relatively small, a relatively large memory capacity (24%) is allocated to the first type job JA (FIG. 13).

  Next, a second stage process is executed. The second-stage process is a process of calculating a ratio R (see Expression (4)) of the unused memory capacity in the memory capacity U1 allocated to the first type job JA.

  Specifically, a value obtained by subtracting the memory capacity (in-use memory capacity) U2 actually used for the first type job JA from the memory capacity U1 allocated to the first type job JA ( U1-U2) is obtained as the free capacity (unused memory capacity) for the first type of job JA. Then, the ratio R is acquired as a value obtained by dividing the unused memory capacity (U1-U2) by the value U1 (R = (U1-U2) / U1). The ratio R is also referred to as an empty ratio related to the memory for the first type job JA.

  For example, in the state of FIG. 12, when the memory capacity in use corresponds to a memory capacity of 1.5% of the total buffer capacity, the ratio R is calculated as 25% (= (2-1.5) / 2). (See also FIG. 14).

  On the other hand, when the memory capacity in use corresponds to 1.5% of the total buffer capacity in the state of FIG. 13, the ratio R is calculated as 94% (= (24−1.5) / 24). (See also FIG. 15).

  As described above, when the number of jobs other than the first type job JA (second type job JB) is relatively large (see FIGS. 12 and 14), the value U1 is relatively small and the ratio R is relatively small. small. Conversely, when the number of jobs other than the first type job JA (second type job JB) is relatively small (see FIGS. 13 and 15), the value U1 is relatively large and the ratio R is relatively large. . In other words (assuming that the value U2 is the same), the value U1 decreases (as the job index E increases) as the second type job JB increases (for the first type job JA). And the ratio (empty ratio) R is also reduced. Conversely, as the second type job JB decreases (as the job index E decreases), the value U1 increases (the allocated memory for the first type job JA increases) and the ratio (empty ratio). ) R also increases.

  Then, a third stage process is executed. The third stage process is a process for determining the unit amount DZ based on the ratio R. Specifically, it is determined whether the ratio R corresponds to “large”, “medium”, or “small”, and the unit amount DZ corresponding to the determination result is determined.

  Specifically, when the ratio R is greater than a threshold value TH11 (for example, 50%), it is determined that the ratio R is “large”. Further, when the ratio R is less than a threshold value TH12 (for example, 20%), it is determined that the ratio R is “small”. Further, when the ratio R is a value within the range of the threshold TH11 or more and the threshold TH12 or less, it is determined that the ratio R is “medium”.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the ratio R is determined to be “large” (pattern No. 21), the unit amount DZ is determined to be “64 KB (kilobytes)”. When it is determined that the ratio R is “medium” (pattern No. 22), the unit amount DZ is determined to be “32 KB (kilobytes)”, and the ratio R is “small” (pattern No. 23). Is determined, the unit amount DZ is determined to be “2 KB (kilobytes)”.

  For example, in the state of FIG. 12, since R = 25%, the ratio R is determined to be “medium”, and the unit amount DZ is determined to be “32 KB”. On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 13, since R = 94%, the ratio R is determined to be “large”, and the unit amount DZ is determined to be “64 KB”. In the case of transition from the state of FIG. 12 to the state of FIG. 13, the second type job JB decreases, the value U1 and the ratio (empty ratio) R increase, and the unit amount DZ also increases.

  The above three-stage processing is performed in step S13.

  In the third embodiment, the unit amount DZ is changed as appropriate according to the ratio R described above. The ratio R is calculated based on the unused memory capacity (U1-U2) for the first type job JA that reflects the reservation status of the second type job JB. In other words, the ratio R is a value that reflects the used memory capacity U2 for the first type of job JA, and also a value that reflects the reservation status of the second type of job JB. Therefore, for example, even if the in-use memory capacity U2 is the same, the memory capacity U1 for the first type job JA and the unused for the first type job JA depend on the reservation status of the other job JB. The memory capacity (U1-U2) changes and the ratio R also changes. Then, by determining the unit amount DZ according to the ratio R, an appropriate unit amount corresponding to the situation is reflected by reflecting the margin (empty ratio R) regarding the memory for the first type of job JA. DZ is determined. Therefore, more efficient communication can be performed. As described above, the unit amount DZ is appropriately set based on the reservation status of the second type job JB and the unused memory capacity, and more efficient communication can be performed.

  In the above embodiment, the unit amount DZ is calculated as a discrete value based on FIG. 16, but is not limited to this.

  For example, the unit amount DZ may be a value that continuously changes according to the value R. More specifically, the value DZ may be calculated based on Expression (5).

  However, when the value calculated by the equation (5) exceeds the upper limit value (for example, 64 KB (kilobytes)), the value DZ is changed to the upper limit value, and the value calculated by the equation (5) is changed to the lower limit value ( For example, when the value is less than 2 KB (kilobytes), the value DZ may be changed to the lower limit value.

  In the third embodiment and the like, the absolute amount of free space in the buffer memory 45 is not considered, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the free capacity of the buffer memory 45 is reduced to less than 20% of the total capacity, execution of the other job JB is prioritized, so execution of the first type job JA is prohibited (in other words, unit (Amount DZ = 0).

  Further, in the third embodiment and the like, when the job index E is larger than a predetermined value TH3 (for example, a value larger than the above-mentioned value TH2), the execution of the other job JB is prioritized, so the first The execution of the type of job JA may be prohibited.

<4. Fourth Embodiment>
The fourth embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference from the third embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the first stage process of step S13 in the third embodiment, a mode in which the memory space of the buffer memory 45 is (virtually) distributed among all accepted jobs JA, JB1, JB2 is exemplified.

  On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment (specifically, the processing in the first stage of step S13), jobs that cannot be executed simultaneously are excluded from the accepted jobs JA, JB1, and JB2, and the buffer memory 45 memory spaces are distributed.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing such a memory space distribution. The graph on the left side of FIG. 17 shows a situation in which the memory capacity is distributed to all jobs JA, JB1, and JB2 by the method of the third embodiment. In this example, “Internet facsimile reception job (simply referred to as facsimile reception job)” J4 is accepted as the first priority job JB1, and “print output data reception job ( It is also assumed that J3 is also accepted. The facsimile reception job J4 is a job for executing processing for receiving facsimile data and processing for performing print output using the received facsimile data. The PC print job J3 is a job for executing processing for receiving print output data and processing for performing print output using the received print output data.

  However, the print output unit 3 (print engine) of the MFP 10 can execute only one job at a certain time. Due to such hardware restrictions, the MFP 10 cannot execute the facsimile reception job JB1 and the print output data reception job (PC print job) JB2 at the same time. For this reason, the print output data reception job, which is the second priority job JB2, cannot be executed until the facsimile reception job, which is the first priority job JB1, is completed. In particular, when print output processing (processing for performing print output using received facsimile data) in a facsimile reception job is currently performed, a PC print job (particularly, print output using received print output data) is performed. Cannot be executed.

  In the fourth embodiment, such hardware restrictions are considered. Specifically, the MFP 10 excludes the PC print job (second priority job JB2) from the memory allocation target job, and then executes the first stage process. More specifically, the memory capacities for the remaining jobs, that is, the facsimile reception job (first priority job JB1) and the first type job JA are allocated as shown in the graph on the right side of FIG. .

  As can be seen by comparing the graph on the left side and the graph on the right side in FIG. 17, the PC print job (second priority job JB2) is excluded from the memory allocation target job, and is allocated to the first type job JA. The memory capacity U1 to be increased.

  Next, a second stage process (a ratio R calculation process) in step S13 is performed.

  When the increase in the memory capacity U1 as described above occurs, the ratio R increases (in the case where the in-use memory capacity U2 (10% of the total) relating to the first type job JA is the same). For example, when the allocated memory capacity U1 for the first type job JA increases from 15% to 21% of the whole, the ratio (empty ratio) R is reduced from 33% (= (15-10) / 15) to 52%. It increases to (= (21-10) / 21).

  Then, the unit amount DZ is determined on the basis of the changed ratio R (step S13 in the third stage). For example, as the allocated memory capacity for the first type job JA increases from 15% to 21% of the total, the ratio R increases from 33% to 52%, and the unit amount DZ is (at 32 KB) Not) and set to “64 KB”.

  Furthermore, the process of step S14 etc. are performed. In step S14, the data transfer process is executed according to the unit amount DZ.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the memory capacity allocated to the second type job JB and the first type are excluded by excluding at least one job that cannot be simultaneously executed from the second type job JB. The memory capacity U1 to be allocated to the job JA is determined. By excluding at least one job (here, all jobs JB2) of the jobs JB2 of the second priority from the memory allocation target job, the memory capacity U1 allocated to the first type job JA is expanded, As a result, the unit amount DZ increases.

  According to the above processing, the same effect as that of the third embodiment can be obtained. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the memory capacity U1 assigned to the first type job JA in the buffer memory 45 excluding at least one job that cannot be simultaneously executed from the second type job JB. It is determined. According to this, compared with the case where at least one job of the second type job JB is not excluded, the memory capacity U1 allocated to the first type job JA is expanded and the unit amount DZ is increased. It is possible to improve the communication speed.

  In the fourth embodiment, the memory space is distributed by excluding the job JB2 that cannot be “simultaneously executed at the present time” from the accepted jobs JA, JB1, and JB2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the memory space may be distributed by excluding jobs that cannot be “simultaneously executed at a certain time after the current time” from the accepted jobs JA, JB1, and JB2. More specifically, the second process (currently executed) that is executed next to the first process that is currently being executed among the plurality of processes (first and second processes) included in the job JB1 that is currently being executed. The memory space may be distributed by excluding another (next) job JB2 including a process that cannot be executed at the same time as a part of the processes constituting the middle job).

  More specifically, at the present time, facsimile data reception processing (first processing) in the facsimile reception job JB1 is being performed, and printing output processing (processing that performs print output using the received facsimile data) (first) 2) is not performed. When the facsimile data reception process is completed at a certain time after the current time (for example, several seconds to several minutes later), a print output process for the facsimile data is executed. However, due to hardware limitations, the print output process (second process, which is a part of the job JB1) related to the facsimile data, and the print output process (computer) of the next PC print job JB2 The process of performing print output using the print output data received from 90c) cannot be executed simultaneously. In other words, the PC print job JB2 cannot be executed at the same time as the job JB1 at a certain time after the current time (specifically, the second processing time (print output time) regarding the job JB1). In such a situation, the memory space is distributed by excluding the PC print job JB2 that cannot be “simultaneously executed at a certain time after the current time” from among the jobs JA, JB1, and JB2 that have already been received. May be.

  In this way, the memory space is distributed by excluding one of the accepted jobs JA, JB1, and JB2 that cannot be executed simultaneously (more specifically, the low-priority job JB2). Also good.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment and the like, when there are two jobs JB that cannot be executed at the same time, one memory JB (more specifically, a low-priority job JB2) is excluded, and the memory allocated to the job JB Although the capacity and the memory capacity allocated to the job JA are determined, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when there are three or more jobs JB that cannot be executed simultaneously, the memory capacity allocated to the job JB and the memory capacity allocated to the job JA are determined by excluding one or more jobs JB. You may do it.

<5. Fifth Embodiment>
The fifth embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 3rd Embodiment.

  In the fifth embodiment, not only the number of jobs but also the size of the job is taken into consideration, and memory capacity distribution processing is performed for each of the jobs JA, JB1, and JB2.

  The graph on the left side of FIG. 18 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the job reception status (reservation status) according to the fifth embodiment. Here, in addition to the first type of job JA, a plurality of second type of jobs JB are also accepted.

  Specifically, two jobs JB11 and JB12 are accepted as the first priority job JB1 of the second type of job JB, and the second priority job of the second type of job JB. As JB2, four jobs JB21 to JB24 are accepted. These jobs JB11, JB12, JB21 to JB24 are all assumed to have a predetermined size (for example, 5 MB (megabytes)) or less.

  In addition to these jobs, when the second type of job JB25 is accepted (see the graph on the left side of FIG. 18), the MFP 10 determines that the size of the job JB25 is a predetermined value (for example, 5 MB (megabytes)). When it is above, it is determined that the job JB25 and the other jobs JB21 to JB24 are not executed simultaneously (no parallel processing). Specifically, the MFP 10 determines to execute the job JB25 after the other jobs JB21 to JB24 are completed. The MFP 10 excludes the job JB25, determines the memory capacity to be allocated to the second type job JB (similar to the third embodiment), and sets the memory capacity to be allocated to the first type job JA. decide. The graph on the right side of FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing the distribution of memory capacity for each job, determined after excluding job JB25.

  After such a process is executed as the first-stage process in step S13, the second-stage process and third-stage process in step S13, the process in step S14, and the like are further performed.

  According to the above processing, the memory capacity is allocated to the second type job JB and the first type job JA, excluding the job JB2 (JB25) having a predetermined size or larger. Therefore, a relatively large memory capacity is allocated to the first type job JA (as a result) compared to the case where the memory capacity for the first type job JA is allocated without excluding jobs of a predetermined size or larger. It is done. As a result, the ratio R becomes a relatively large value and the unit amount DZ also becomes a relatively large value, so that more efficient communication can be performed.

<6. Sixth Embodiment>
In each of the above embodiments, the case where a single first type job JA is executed is mainly exemplified.

  In the sixth embodiment, a mode in which a plurality of first-type jobs JA are executed is mainly exemplified.

  When a plurality of first type jobs JA are executed, the communication capability corresponding to the unit amount DZ obtained in each of the above embodiments is distributed by the plurality of first type jobs JA.

  In the sixth embodiment, a plurality of first type jobs JA are classified into jobs of a plurality of ranks (different priority orders), and the unit amount of each job is determined based on the priority order of each job JA. DZ is determined. Specifically, each first-type job JA has a plurality of ranks (here, two ranks RA and RB) including a first rank RA and a second rank RB based on the priority. )are categorized. A first type job JA (such as a job with hardware control) having a priority higher than a predetermined level is classified into the first rank RA, and the first type has a priority lower than a predetermined level. The job JA (such as a job for transmitting attached data) is classified into the second rank rank RB. Then, the individual unit amount DZ (ZR) for each individual job JA is determined according to which rank of the job JA is accepted as the first type of job JA.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the process of step S14 according to the sixth embodiment.

  Here, it is assumed that the unit amount DZ (also expressed as ZS) (for example, “64 KB (kilobytes)) regarding the first type of job JA is determined in the processing up to step S13 in each embodiment. The unit amount ZS is more accurately a value that reflects the memory capacity allocated to all the first type jobs JA, and is expressed as a unit amount DZ (also referred to as ZR) related to the final individual job. Is essentially a different value. The unit amount ZS is also expressed as a basic value for calculating an individual unit amount ZR for an individual job. In the sixth embodiment, the unit amount ZR is determined (the value ZS is distributed) based on the unit amount (its basic value) ZS. In the first to fifth embodiments, there is only one first-type job JA, and the value ZR is calculated as the same value as the value ZS.

  Thereafter, in step S33 of FIG. 19, it is determined whether or not two types of jobs JA of rank RA and RB are mixed as the first type of job JA. If only the job RA of rank RA is accepted as the first type of job JA, it is determined that the two types of jobs JA of rank RA and RB are not mixed, and the process proceeds to step S34. Similarly, when only the job JA of rank RB is accepted as the first type of job JA, it is determined that the two types of jobs JA of rank RA and RB are not mixed, and the process proceeds to step S34.

  In step S34, the unit amount DZ (ZS) allocated to the entire first type job JA is equally distributed among the jobs of the same rank JA, and the unit amount DZ of each job JA is determined. One job JA is executed.

  For example, when only a single job JA11 of rank RA is accepted as the first type of job JA, as shown in FIG. 20, the unit amount DZ (ZR) relating to the single job JA11 is “ 64KB ".

  When only a plurality of (for example, two) rank RA jobs JA11 and JA12 are accepted as the first type of job JA, as shown in FIG. 21, the unit amount relating to the first type of job JA DZ (ZS) is equally distributed between the two jobs JA11 and JA12. For example, when it is determined in step S13 that the unit amount DZ (ZS) relating to the first type job JA is “64 KB”, the two jobs JA11 and JA12 are equally distributed, and each job JA11, The same value (“32 KB”) is finally determined as each unit amount DZ (ZR) relating to JA12.

  Similarly, when only a plurality of (for example, two) rank RB jobs JA21 and JA22 are accepted as the first type of job JA, as shown in FIG. 22, the unit relating to the first type of job JA is shown. The amount DZ (ZS) is equally distributed between the two jobs JA21 and JA22. For example, when it is determined in step S13 that the unit amount DZ (ZS) relating to the first type job JA is “64 KB”, the two jobs JA21 and JA22 are equally distributed, and each job JA21, The same value (“32 KB”) is finally determined as each unit amount DZ (ZR) relating to JA22.

  If only a single job JA21 of rank RB is accepted as the first type of job JA, the unit amount DZ (ZR) relating to the single job JA21 is determined as it is as “64 KB”. Good.

  Based on each unit amount DZ determined in this way, the controller 9 (communication control unit 11) transmits data from a predetermined software module in the image forming apparatus to the NIC 43 (buffer memory 45). At this time, the controller 9 (communication control unit 11) divides the data to be transmitted for each unit amount DZ (ZR) newly determined in step S34 described above, and for each new unit amount DZ (ZR). Each transmission unit data is transmitted to the buffer memory 45. Thereafter, the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed. For example, when a certain amount of data (for example, 1500 KB (kilobytes)) is accumulated in the buffer memory 45, the NIC 43 transmits the certain amount of data to the external device.

  In this way, at least one first-type job JA having the same rank is executed. In particular, when a plurality of first-type jobs JA having the same rank are received, the plurality of first-type jobs JA having the same rank are processed in parallel.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 in FIG. 19 that two types of jobs JA of rank RA and RB are mixed, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, it is determined whether or not the unit amount DZ determined in step S13 is larger than a predetermined value TB (DZ> TB). The predetermined value TB is a value (for example, “40 KB (per job)) predetermined as a desirable value as the unit amount DZ (ZS) when executing at least one job of the rank RA of the first rank. Kilobytes) ”). The predetermined value TB is also expressed as a desirable unit amount DZ for realizing a communication speed suitable for communication of the first type of job JA. The predetermined value TB is a value that increases in accordance with the number of first-type jobs JA of the rank RA of the first rank. The predetermined value TB is set to an individual threshold value TC (for example, “40 KB”) for each first-type job JA of the first rank RA, for example, the number of the first-type jobs JA of the first rank RA (for example, , “2 pieces”) (for example, “80 KB”). For example, when there is a single job JA of the first rank RA, the predetermined value TB is “40 KB”, and when two jobs JA of the first rank RA are present, the predetermined value TB is predetermined. The value TB is “80 KB” (= 40 KB × 2).

  If it is determined in step S35 that the unit amount DZ (ZS) is larger than the predetermined value TB, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S36, it is determined that a sufficient unit amount DZ (ZS) is allocated to the first type of job JA, and two types of jobs JA of ranks RA and RB are processed in parallel. At this time, the resource of the buffer memory 45 is preferentially allocated to the job JA of the rank RA over the job JA of the rank RB, and each unit amount DZ is determined.

  For example, when a single job JA11 of rank RA and two jobs JA21 and JA22 of rank RB are received, the unit amount DZ (“64 KB”) determined in step S13 is a predetermined value TB (“ If it is determined that it is larger than (40 KB ") (step S35), each unit amount DZ as shown in FIG. 23 is determined.

  Specifically, the individual unit amount DZ (ZR) regarding the first type job JA of the rank RA of the first rank is set to a value equal to or greater than the individual threshold TC (“40 KB”). The individual unit amount DZ (ZR) related to the first type job JA of the rank RB of the second rank is the individual unit amount DZ (ZR) related to the first type job JA of the rank RB of the first rank. Is set to a smaller value.

  Specifically, first, in order to preferentially process the single job JA11 of the rank RA of the first rank, the individual threshold value TC (“40 KB” is set as a new unit amount DZ (ZR) for the single job JA11. ") Is determined. Then, a residual value (“24 KB”) obtained by subtracting the allocated amount (here, “40 KB”) for the job RA1 of rank RA from the unit amount DZ (ZS) (“64 KB”) determined in step S13, The unit amount DZ (total value) for the job JA2 of rank RB is determined, and the unit amount DZ (total value) is distributed among the two jobs JA21 and JA22 of rank RB. The new unit amount DZ (ZR) of JA 22 is determined to be “12 KB.” Here, the new unit amount DZ (ZR) for the single job JA11 is set to the individual threshold value TC ( However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be set to a value larger than the individual threshold value TC.

  Based on each unit amount DZ (ZR) determined in this way, the controller 9 (communication control unit 11) transmits data from a predetermined software module in the image forming apparatus to the NIC 43 (buffer memory 45). To do. At this time, the controller 9 (communication control unit 11) divides the transmission target data for each unit amount DZ (ZR) newly determined in step S36, and transmits the transmission unit data for each new unit amount DZ. Are respectively transmitted to the buffer memory 45. Thereafter, the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed.

  In this way, a plurality of first-type jobs JA having different ranks are executed. In particular, when the unit amount DZ (ZS) related to the rank RA is larger than the predetermined value TB, the plurality of first rank jobs JA of different ranks are processed in parallel.

  If it is determined in step S35 that the unit amount DZ (ZS) is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value TB, the process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S37, it is determined that the job JA of the rank RA and the job JA of the rank RB are processed sequentially (sequentially) in this order. By sequentially processing a plurality of jobs according to the priority level, the number of jobs that are simultaneously executed in parallel at a certain point in time is reduced. Therefore, more efficient communication according to the priority level Can be done. When a reduced number of jobs (specifically, a plurality of jobs JA having the same rank) are executed in parallel at a certain time, the unit amount DZ (ZS) determined in step S13 is used. Are equally distributed to the plurality of jobs JA, and an individual unit amount DZ (ZR) for each job JA is determined.

  For example, it is assumed that a total of four jobs JA, that is, two jobs JA11 and JA12 of rank RA and two jobs JA21 and JA22 of rank RB are received (see FIG. 24). In this case, the predetermined value TB is a value for two jobs JA of rank RA, and is, for example, “80 KB” (= 40 KB * 2)). In step S35, it is determined that the unit amount DZ (ZS) (“64KB”) determined in step S13 is smaller than a predetermined value TB (here, “80KB”), and the process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S37, it is determined that two types of ranks RA and RB jobs JA are to be sequentially processed. Specifically, in step S37, among the four jobs JA11, JA12, JA21, and JA22, it is first determined that two jobs JA11 and JA12 of rank RA are to be executed (in parallel). Further, it is determined that the number of jobs reduced from four to two (specifically, two jobs JA11 and JA12 of the same rank RA) are processed in parallel, and these two jobs JA11, A unit amount DZ (ZR) equivalent to JA12 is determined. Specifically, the unit amount DZ (ZS) (“64 KB”) determined in step S13 is equally distributed between the two jobs JA11 and JA12, and the unit amounts DZ (ZR) of the jobs JA11 and JA12 are respectively , The same value (“32 KB”) is determined.

  Based on each unit amount DZ (ZR) determined in this way, the controller 9 (communication control unit 11) transmits data from the software module 32 in the image forming apparatus to the NIC 43 (buffer memory 45). . At this time, the controller 9 (communication control unit 11) divides the transmission target data for each unit amount DZ (ZR) newly determined in step S37 described above, and for each new unit amount DZ (ZR). Each transmission unit data is transmitted to the buffer memory 45. Thereafter, the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed.

  Next, when the two jobs RA11 and JA12 of rank RA are completed, it is determined that the two jobs JA21 and JA22 of rank RB are to be executed (in parallel). In addition, it is determined that the remaining two jobs (two jobs JA21 and JA22 of the same rank RB) are processed in parallel, and an equivalent unit amount DZ (ZR) for these two jobs JA21 and JA22. ) Is determined. Specifically, the unit amount DZ (ZS) (“64 KB”) determined in step S13 is equally distributed between the two jobs JA21 and JA22, and the unit amounts DZ (ZR) of the jobs JA21 and JA22 are respectively , The same value (“32 KB”) is determined.

  Based on each unit amount DZ (ZR) determined in this way, the controller 9 (communication control unit 11) transmits data from the software module 32 in the image forming apparatus to the NIC 43 (buffer memory 45). . At this time, the controller 9 (communication control unit 11) divides the transmission target data for each unit amount DZ (ZR) newly determined in step S37 described above, and for each new unit amount DZ (ZR). Each transmission unit data is transmitted to the buffer memory 45. Thereafter, the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed.

  As described above, a plurality of first-type jobs JA having different ranks are executed. In particular, when the unit amount DZ related to the rank RA is smaller than the predetermined value TB, the plurality of different ranks RA and RB of the first type job JA are processed according to rank, and the plurality of different ranks RA and RB are processed. The first type of job JA is sequentially processed.

  According to the above aspect, each unit amount DZ (ZR) relating to the first type of job JA is appropriately determined.

  In the sixth embodiment, when the unit amount DZ (ZS) relating to the first type job JA is equally distributed among the plurality of jobs JA, the unit amount DZ (ZR) of each individual job is simply divided. ) Is calculated, but is not limited to this. When the n jobs JA are equally distributed, a value (30 KB (or 40 KB) or the like) other than a value (32 KB) obtained by simply dividing the unit amount DZ (ZS) into n is a unit amount DZ ( ZR) may be determined respectively. For example, in FIG. 21 and the like, values (30 KB (or 40 KB, etc.) other than the value obtained by dividing “64 KB” into two (32 KB) are determined as the unit amounts DZ (ZR) of each job JA (JA11, JA12, etc.). You may be made to do. Similarly, in FIG. 23, a value (10 KB (or 15 KB) or the like) other than a value obtained by dividing “24 KB” into two (12 KB) is determined as each unit amount DZ (ZR) of each job JA21, JA22. May be.

<7. Modified example>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  For example, in each of the embodiments described above, with respect to the second type of job JB, an example in which an uncontrollable job or the like is a first priority job JB1 and a partially controllable job or the like is a second priority job JB2 is exemplified. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a job with a user operation on the operation unit 6 (touch panel 25, etc.) of the MFP 10 is set as the first priority job JB1, and a job (PC print job) without a user operation on the operation unit 6 (touch panel 25, etc.) of the MFP 10 is set. The job may be the second priority job JB2.

  Further, when an equal sign is established in various branch processes according to conditions, the other process after the branch may be executed. For example, in FIG. 6, when the job index E is E = TH1, it may be determined that DZ = 64 (not DZ = 52). The same applies to the free memory capacity. Alternatively, in step S35 of the flowchart of FIG. 19, when DZ = TB, the process of step S36 (not the process of step S37) may be executed.

1 image forming system 10 MFP (image forming apparatus)
32 software modules 43 NIC
45 Buffer memory 70, 90 Computer 310 Memory information 320 Job status information DZ, ZR, ZS Unit amount E Job index JA First type job JB Second type job

Claims (22)

An image forming apparatus capable of network communication with an external device,
A buffer processing unit that relays data communication between the inside and the outside of the image forming apparatus;
Control means for controlling an operation of transmitting data from the software module in the image forming apparatus to the external apparatus via the buffer processing unit;
With
The control means indicates memory information indicating a usage status of the buffer processing unit regarding the buffer memory and a reservation status of a second type job that is a job other than the first type job that is a job by the software module. And acquiring job status information as information, and transmitting data transmission from the software module to the buffer processing unit with respect to execution of the first type job based on the memory information and the job status information. An image forming apparatus that determines a unit amount that is a data amount of unit data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The control means includes
The smaller the number of the second type jobs, the larger the unit amount is determined.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
The control means includes
The larger the unused memory capacity in the buffer memory, the larger the unit amount.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The control means includes
Classifying the second type of job into a first priority job and a second priority job;
Calculating a job index obtained by weighting and adding the number of jobs of the first priority and the number of jobs of the second priority with a weighting coefficient corresponding to the priority of each job;
Determining the unit quantity based on the job index and the memory information;
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
A first weighting factor that is a weighting factor for the first priority job is greater than a second weighting factor that is a weighting factor for the second priority job;
The control means includes
The smaller the job index, the larger the unit amount.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.
The control means includes
When the job index is smaller than the first value, the unit amount is determined to be a relatively large value compared to the case where the job index is larger than the first value.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
The control means includes
When the job index is larger than the second value larger than the first value, the unit amount is set to a relatively small value as compared with the case where the job index is smaller than the second value. decide,
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit determines the unit amount based on an unused memory capacity in the buffer memory and the job index. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the unit quantity based on a data table that defines a relationship among an unused memory capacity in the buffer memory, the job index, and the unit quantity. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the unit amount based on a calculation formula that defines a relationship among an unused memory capacity in the buffer memory, the job index, and the unit amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
The memory information includes information indicating a change tendency of unused memory capacity in the buffer memory,
The job status information includes information indicating a change tendency of the job index related to the second type of job,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit determines the unit amount based on a change tendency of the unused memory capacity and a change tendency of the job index. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The control means determines a memory capacity to be allocated to the second type job based on a reservation status of the second type job, and determines a memory capacity to be allocated to the first type job;
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the unit amount is determined based on a ratio of an unused memory capacity to a memory capacity allocated to the first type job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12.
The control means excludes at least one job that cannot be simultaneously executed from the second type jobs, and allocates a memory capacity to be assigned to the second type job and a memory to be assigned to the first type job. An image forming apparatus that determines a capacity. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12.
The control means determines a memory capacity allocated to the second type job and a memory capacity allocated to the first type job by excluding jobs of a predetermined size or more from the second type job. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The control means includes
When a plurality of jobs are accepted as the first type of job, a basic value of the unit amount is determined based on the memory information and the job status information, and the plurality of first types is determined based on the basic value. An image forming apparatus that determines the unit amount of each of the jobs. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15.
The control means includes
Classifying the first type of job into a plurality of ranks including a first rank rank and a second rank rank;
An image forming apparatus, wherein when only jobs having the same rank are accepted as the plurality of jobs, the unit amounts of the plurality of first type jobs are all set to the same value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16.
When the control unit accepts jobs having different ranks as the plurality of jobs, the control unit changes the first type job having the first rank to the first type job having the second rank. An image forming apparatus characterized in that processing is performed preferentially compared to the above. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17.
When the basic value is larger than a predetermined threshold value according to the number of jobs of the first type of the first rank, the control unit is configured to set the first type of the rank of the first rank. And the first type of job of the second rank are processed in parallel,
The predetermined threshold value is a value obtained by multiplying an individual threshold value for each of the first type jobs of the first rank rank by the number of the first type jobs of the first rank rank,
The individual unit amount related to the first type of job of the first rank is set to a value equal to or greater than the individual threshold value,
The individual unit amount relating to the first type job of the second rank rank is set to a value smaller than the individual unit amount relating to the first type job of the first rank rank. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17.
When the basic value is smaller than a predetermined threshold corresponding to the number of jobs of the first type of the first rank, the control means, when the basic value is smaller than the first type of the rank of the first rank An image forming apparatus that sequentially processes the first job and the first type of job of the second rank in this order. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19.
The control means processes a plurality of the first type jobs having the same rank in parallel,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the individual unit amounts relating to the plurality of first type jobs having the same rank are set to the same value. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the software module is an application that exchanges data with an external device application installed in the external device. In a computer built in the image forming apparatus capable of network communication with an external device,
a) obtaining memory information indicating a usage status of a buffer memory of a buffer processing unit that relays data communication between the inside and the outside of the image forming apparatus;
b) obtaining job status information that is information indicating a reservation status of a second type job that is a job other than the first type job that is a job by a software module in the image forming apparatus;
c) controlling the operation of transmitting data from the software module to the external device via the buffer processing unit;
A program for executing
Said step c)
Based on the memory information and the job status information, a unit amount that is a data amount of transmission unit data in data transmission from the software module to the buffer processing unit with respect to execution of the first type job is determined. Step,
The program characterized by having.