JP2018037697A - Information processing unit, program and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save energy when an image forming apparatus heats a fixing unit in order to print an image on paper.SOLUTION: An information processing unit comprises: a job request acquiring section that acquires, from a terminal device, an execution request for a job corresponding to an image forming apparatus; a determining section that determines whether the job is a job including a step of heating a fixing section of the image forming apparatus; a temperature-relating information acquiring section that acquires temperature-relating information, which is information relating to the temperature of a respective fixing part, from each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network; an image forming apparatus selecting section that selects the image forming apparatus the temperature of the fixing unit of which is highest, on the basis of the temperature-relating information in a case of a job including the step of heating the fixing unit; and a job request supply section that supplies the selected image forming apparatus with an execution request for the job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a program, and an information processing system that acquire a job execution request from a terminal device to an image forming apparatus via a network and supply the job execution request to the image forming apparatus.

  When the image forming apparatus prints an image on a sheet, the fixing unit needs to be heated in order to fix the toner on the sheet (see Patent Documents 1 to 5).

JP 2009-037208 A JP 2004-260815 A JP 2011-075795 A JP 2008-197369 A JP 2005-134505 A

  It is desirable to save energy in heating the fixing unit when the image forming apparatus prints an image on a sheet.

  In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present disclosure is to save energy in heating the fixing unit when the image forming apparatus prints an image on a sheet.

An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure is provided.
A job request acquisition unit for acquiring a job execution request to the image forming apparatus from the terminal device;
A job determination unit that determines whether or not the job includes a step of heating the fixing unit of the image forming apparatus;
A temperature-related information acquisition unit that acquires temperature-related information that is information related to the temperature of each fixing unit from each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network;
In the case of a job including a step of heating the fixing unit, an image forming apparatus selection unit that selects an image forming apparatus having the highest temperature of the fixing unit based on the temperature-related information;
A job request supply unit for supplying the job execution request to the selected image forming apparatus;

  According to this embodiment, when the information processing apparatus acquires a job execution request including a process of heating the fixing unit from the terminal device, the information processing apparatus selects an image forming apparatus having the highest temperature of the fixing unit. Thereby, the energy and time for heating the fixing unit to the target temperature in the job to be executed can be minimized. Further, if the image forming apparatus is currently executing a job including a process of heating the fixing unit, it is not necessary to heat the fixing unit to a target temperature in a print job to be executed. And the time can be zero.

The temperature related information includes information related to a time when the image forming apparatus executes a job including a step of heating the fixing unit,
The image forming apparatus selecting unit sets an image forming apparatus having the smallest difference between the time when the job including the step of heating the fixing unit most recently and the current time as the image forming apparatus having the highest temperature of the fixing unit. select.

  In other words, the image forming apparatus selection unit selects the image forming apparatus that has heated the fixing unit most recently (or is currently heating the fixing unit) as the image forming apparatus having the highest fixing unit temperature. To do.

  When determining that the minimum time difference is greater than a specific threshold, the image forming apparatus selection unit selects the image forming apparatus specified in the job execution request.

  This is because even if the image forming apparatus that has executed the print job most recently (with the smallest time difference) has passed a considerable amount of time since the most recent printing (the time difference is large), This is because the temperature is no longer considered high.

  In the case of a job that does not include the step of heating the fixing unit, the image forming apparatus selection unit selects an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus having the highest temperature of the fixing unit based on the temperature related information.

  Accordingly, when the information processing apparatus subsequently acquires a job execution request including a process of heating the fixing unit from the terminal device, it is possible to select an image forming apparatus having a high temperature of the fixing unit.

  In the case of a job that does not include the step of heating the fixing unit, the image forming apparatus selection unit, based on the temperature-related information, includes the time when the job including the step of heating the fixing unit was most recently executed and the current time An image forming apparatus whose difference is larger than a specific threshold value is selected.

  In other words, the image forming apparatus selection unit selects an image forming apparatus that has passed a considerable time since the recent printing (the time difference is large). Accordingly, when the information processing apparatus subsequently acquires a job execution request including a process of heating the fixing unit from the terminal device, it is possible to select an image forming apparatus having a high temperature of the fixing unit.

A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information processing device,
A job request acquisition unit for acquiring a job execution request to the image forming apparatus from the terminal device;
A job determination unit that determines whether or not the job includes a step of heating the fixing unit of the image forming apparatus;
A temperature-related information acquisition unit that acquires temperature-related information that is information related to the temperature of each fixing unit from each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network;
In the case of a job including a step of heating the fixing unit, an image forming apparatus selection unit that selects an image forming apparatus having the highest temperature of the fixing unit based on the temperature-related information;
The selected image forming apparatus is caused to function as a job request supply unit that supplies an execution request for the job.

An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.
A terminal device;
An information processing device capable of communicating with the terminal device;
A plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus through a network;
The information processing apparatus includes:
A job request acquisition unit for acquiring a job execution request for the image forming apparatus from the terminal device;
A job determination unit that determines whether or not the job includes a step of heating the fixing unit of the image forming apparatus;
A temperature-related information acquisition unit that acquires temperature-related information that is information related to the temperature of each fixing unit from each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network;
In the case of a job including a step of heating the fixing unit, an image forming apparatus selection unit that selects an image forming apparatus having the highest temperature of the fixing unit based on the temperature-related information;
A job request supply unit configured to supply a job execution request to the selected image forming apparatus;

  According to the present disclosure, energy can be saved in heating the fixing unit when the image forming apparatus prints an image on a sheet.

  Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limited, and may be any of the effects described in the present disclosure.

1 shows an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The hardware constitutions of a server apparatus are shown. 1 shows a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. 1 shows a functional configuration of an information processing system. The operation | movement flow of a server apparatus is shown. 2 shows an operation flow of the image forming apparatus. The operation | movement flow of the server apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is shown.

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

I. First Embodiment Information Processing System FIG. 1 illustrates an information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

  The information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a server device 20 (information processing device), and a plurality of image forming devices (Multifunction Peripheral, hereinafter referred to as MFP) 30. The server device 20 and the plurality of MFPs 30 can communicate with each other via the network N. The network N is typically an in-house LAN (Local Area Network), and each device 10, 20, and 30 is installed in one office.

  The terminal device 10 is an information processing device such as a personal computer. The terminal device 10 can communicate with at least the server device 20 via the network N or not. In this example, the terminal device 10 and the server device 20 can communicate with each other via the network N. The terminal device 10 supplies a job execution request and printable data to one MFP 30 to the server device 20 through the network N. The “job” is, for example, a print job for printing printable data on transfer paper, a FAX job for transmitting printable data by facsimile, a saved job for storing printable data in the storage unit 38, or the like.

  The server device 20 acquires a job execution request and printable data for one MFP 30 from the terminal device 10 through the network N. The server device 20 selects the MFP 30 that executes the job based on the job type and information acquired from the plurality of MFPs 30. The server device 20 supplies a job execution request and printable data to the selected MFP 30 via the network N. The method by which the server device 20 selects the MFP 30 will be described in detail later.

  The MFP 30 acquires a job execution request and printable data from the server device 20, and executes the job in response to the acquired request.

2. Hardware Configuration of Server Device FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration of the server device.

  The server device 20 includes a control unit 21, a display unit 22, a communication control unit 23, an operation unit 25, and a storage unit 26 connected to the control unit 21 via a bus 27.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the control unit 21 loads a program recorded in a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is an example of a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, to a RAM (Random Access Memory) and executes it. To do.

  The storage unit 26 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM, and a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The ROM stores a program, data, and the like executed by the control unit 21 in a fixed manner. A program stored in the ROM is loaded into the RAM.

  The display unit 22 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, and the like. The display unit 22 performs arithmetic processing based on the information received from the control unit 21 and displays the generated image signal on the screen. Typically, the display unit 22 is an external display device.

  The operation unit 25 includes a keyboard, a mouse, various switches, and the like. The operation unit 25 detects an operation from the user and outputs it to the control unit 21.

  The communication control unit 23 is an interface for connecting to the network N.

3. Hardware Configuration of Terminal Device The terminal device 10 is a typical information processing device, and the hardware configuration is not shown. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the terminal device 10 loads a program recorded in a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is an example of a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, to a RAM (Random Access Memory) and executes it. To do.

4). Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  The MFP 30 includes a control unit 31. The control unit 31 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a dedicated hardware circuit, and the like, and controls the overall operation of the MFP 30. A computer program that causes the MFP 30 to function as each functional unit (described later) is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a ROM.

  The control unit 31 is connected to an image reading unit 32, an image processing unit 34, an image memory 35, an image forming unit 36, an operation unit 37, a storage unit 38, a network communication unit 33, a FAX (facsimile) communication unit 39, and the like. . The control unit 31 performs operation control of each of the above connected units and transmission / reception of signals or data to / from each unit.

  The control unit 31 operates for each function such as a scanner function, a print function, and a copy function function in accordance with a job execution instruction input from the user through the operation unit 37 or a network-connected personal computer (not shown). Controls the drive and processing of the mechanisms necessary to perform the control.

  The image reading unit 32 reads an image from a document.

  The image processing unit 34 performs image processing on the image data of the image read by the image reading unit 32 as necessary. For example, the image processing unit 34 performs image processing such as shading correction in order to improve the quality after the image read by the image reading unit 32 is formed.

  The image memory 35 has an area for temporarily storing data of an original image obtained by reading by the image reading unit 32 and temporarily storing data to be printed by the image forming unit 36.

  The image forming unit 36 forms an image of the image data read by the image reading unit 32. The image forming unit 36 includes an exposure unit, a developing unit, an intermediate transfer belt, a fixing unit, and the like. The image forming unit 36 forms an image with a laser beam on the charged photosensitive drum by the exposure unit (exposure), and attaches toner (development) to the portion where the image of the photosensitive drum is formed by the developing unit. The toner is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt, and the toner on the intermediate transfer belt is transferred to the paper (transfer). Next, the image forming unit 36 heats the fixing roller of the fixing unit to melt the toner and fix it on the paper (fixing). In this way, the image forming unit 36 forms (prints) an image on a sheet.

  The operation unit 37 includes a touch panel unit and operation key units that receive instructions from the user regarding various operations and processes that can be executed by the MFP 30. The touch panel unit includes a display unit 37a such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided with a touch panel.

  The network communication unit 33 is an interface for connecting to a network.

  The storage unit 38 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores a document image or the like read by the image reading unit 32.

  A FAX (facsimile) communication unit 39 transmits / receives facsimile data to / from an external facsimile apparatus.

5. Functional Configuration of Information Processing System FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration of the information processing system.

  The server device 20 loads an information processing program stored in a ROM, which is an example of a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, into the RAM and executes the information processing program, thereby executing a job request acquisition unit 201, a job determination unit 202, It functions as a temperature related information acquisition unit 203, an MFP selection unit 204, and a job request supply unit 205.

  Each MFP 30 loads an information processing program stored in a ROM, which is an example of a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, into the RAM and executes the information processing program, so that the temperature-related information supply unit 301 and the job request acquisition unit 302 are loaded. Function as.

  The job request acquisition unit 201 of the server device 20 acquires a job execution request and printable data for one specific MFP 30 from the terminal device 10 through the network N.

  The job determination unit 202 of the server device 20 determines whether the job that has received the execution request is a job that includes a process of heating the fixing unit of the MFP.

  The temperature related information supply unit 301 of each MFP 30 supplies the temperature related information to the server device 20 through the network N.

  The temperature related information acquisition unit 203 of the server device 20 acquires temperature related information from each MFP 30 via the network N.

  The MFP selection unit 204 of the server device 20 selects the MFP 30 that executes the job based on the temperature related information.

  The job request supply unit 205 of the server device 20 supplies the job execution request and printable data acquired from the terminal device 10 to the selected MFP 30 via the network N.

  The job request acquisition unit 302 of the MFP 30 acquires a job execution request and printable data from the server device 20 through the network N, and executes the job.

6). Operation of Information Processing System FIG. 5 shows an operation flow of the server apparatus. FIG. 6 shows an operation flow of the image forming apparatus.

  The terminal device 10 supplies a job execution request to the specific MFP 30 and printable data to the server device 20 through the network N. “Job” is, for example, a print job, a FAX job, a saved job, or the like.

  The job request acquisition unit 201 of the server device 20 acquires a job execution request and printable data for one specific MFP 30 from the terminal device 10 through the network N (step S101). The job request acquisition unit 201 supplies the acquired job execution request to the job determination unit 202.

  The job determination unit 202 of the server device 20 acquires a job execution request from the job request acquisition unit 201. The job determination unit 202 determines whether or not this job includes a process of heating the fixing unit of the MFP (step S102). Here, the print job includes a step of heating the fixing unit. Further, the stored job and the FAX job do not include a process of heating the fixing unit. Therefore, the job determination unit 202 can be rephrased as determining whether this job is a print job or a job other than a print job (FAX job, saved job, etc.). If the job determination unit 202 determines that the job (print job) includes a process of heating the fixing unit (step S102, YES), the job determination unit 202 notifies the temperature related information acquisition unit 203 of the job.

  Upon receiving the notification from the job determination unit 202, the temperature related information acquisition unit 203 of the server device 20 supplies a temperature related information supply request to the plurality of MFPs 30 connected to the network N by broadcast or multicast (step S103). . The “temperature related information” is information related to the temperature of the fixing unit. In the present embodiment, the “temperature related information” includes information related to the time when the MFP 30 executes a job (print job, copy job, etc.) including a process of heating the fixing unit.

  The temperature related information supply unit 301 of each MFP 30 acquires a temperature related information supply request from the server device 20 through the network N (step S201). When the temperature-related information supply unit 301 obtains the temperature-related information supply request, the temperature-related information supply unit 301 refers to the log stored in the storage unit 38 and the time when the job including the process of heating the fixing unit was executed most recently (if currently being executed) The time is conceptually included (the same applies hereinafter). The temperature related information supply unit 301 supplies, as temperature related information, the time when the job including the process of heating the fixing unit was most recently executed to the server apparatus 20 through the network N (step S202).

  The temperature related information acquisition unit 203 of the server device 20 acquires, as temperature related information, from each MFP 30 through the network N, the time when the job including the process of heating the fixing unit was executed most recently (step S104). The temperature related information acquisition unit 203 supplies the MFP selection unit 204 with the time when the job including the process of heating the fixing unit, which was acquired from each MFP 30 as the temperature related information, was most recently executed.

  The MFP selection unit 204 of the server device 20 acquires from the temperature related information acquisition unit 203 the time when each MFP 30 executed the job including the process of heating the fixing unit most recently as temperature related information. Based on the temperature-related information, the MFP selection unit 204 selects the MFP 30 having the highest fixing unit temperature as the MFP 30 that executes the job (YES in step S105). The MFP selection unit 204 notifies the job request supply unit 205 of the selected MFP 30.

  A specific method for the MFP selection unit 204 to select the MFP 30 having the highest fixing unit temperature based on the temperature-related information will be described. The MFP selection unit 204 increases the temperature of the fixing unit of the MFP 30 as the difference between the time when the MFP 30 executed the job including the process of heating the fixing unit most recently and the current time is smaller, and as the time difference is larger. It is determined that the temperature of the fixing unit is low. Therefore, the MFP selection unit 204 selects the MFP 30 having the smallest difference between the time when the job including the step of heating the fixing unit and the current time is the smallest as the MFP 30 having the highest fixing unit temperature. In other words, the MFP selection unit 204 selects the MFP 30 that has heated the fixing unit most recently (or is currently heating the fixing unit) as the MFP 30 having the highest fixing unit temperature.

  The job request supply unit 205 of the server device 20 receives notification from the MFP selection unit 204 of the MFP 30 selected as the MFP 30 having the highest fixing unit temperature. The job request supply unit 205 supplies the job execution request and the printable data acquired from the terminal device 10 to the selected MFP 30 via the network N (step S106).

  On the other hand, if the MFP selection unit 204 of the server device 20 determines that the minimum time difference is larger than the specific threshold value, the MFP selection unit 204 selects one MFP 30 specified in the job execution request acquired from the terminal device 10 (step S105, NO). Even with the MFP 30 that has executed the print job most recently (with the smallest time difference), if a considerable time has passed since the most recent printing (the time difference is large), the temperature of the fixing unit is no longer high. It is because it is considered. The job request supply unit 205 supplies the job execution request and the printable data acquired from the terminal device 10 to the MFP 30 designated in the job execution request via the network N (step S107).

  On the other hand, when the job determination unit 202 of the server device 20 determines that the job does not include a process of heating the fixing unit of the MFP (FAX job, saved job, etc.) (NO in step S102), it supplies the job request. Notification to the unit 205. The job request supply unit 205 supplies the job execution request and the printable data acquired from the terminal device 10 to the MFP 30 designated in the job execution request via the network N (step S107).

  The job request acquisition unit 302 of the MFP 30 acquires a job execution request and printable data from the server device 20 through the network N (step S203, YES). The MFP 30 executes a job (printing, faxing, saving, etc.) in accordance with the job execution request and printable data acquired by the job request acquisition unit 302 (step S204).

II. Second Embodiment In the following description, the same or similar components and operations as those already described will be omitted using the same or similar reference numerals and step numbers, and different points will be mainly described. .

1. Operation of Information Processing System FIG. 7 shows an operation flow of the server apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, in the case of a job that does not include the process of heating the fixing unit of the MFP (NO in step S102), the server device 20 sends a job execution request and printable to the MFP 30 specified in the job execution request. Data was supplied (step S107). On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the server device 20 supplies a temperature-related information supply request to the plurality of MFPs 30 even in the case of a job that does not include the process of heating the fixing unit of the MFP (NO in step S102). (Step S103), the time when the job including the process of heating the fixing unit was most recently executed is acquired from each MFP 30 as temperature related information (Step S104).

  The MFP selection unit 204 of the server device 20 selects the MFP 30 that executes the job based on the temperature related information. Specifically, the MFP selection unit 204 selects an MFP 30 other than the MFP 30 having the highest fixing unit temperature based on the temperature-related information. More specifically, the MFP selection unit 204 selects any MFP 30 (that is, the fixing unit) whose difference between the time when the job including the step of heating the fixing unit was most recently executed and the current time is larger than a specific threshold. The MFP 30) whose temperature is lower than a specific threshold value is selected (step S108, YES). For example, the MFP selection unit 204 may select the MFP 30 having the largest time difference (that is, the MFP 30 having the lowest fixing unit temperature). Further, for example, if the time difference of the MFP 30 specified in the job execution request acquired from the terminal device 10 is larger than this threshold, the MFP selection unit 204 may select that MFP 30. The MFP selection unit 204 notifies the job request supply unit 205 of the selected MFP 30.

  The job request supply unit 205 of the server device 20 receives a notification of the selected MFP 30 from the MFP selection unit 204. The job request supply unit 205 supplies the job execution request and the printable data acquired from the terminal device 10 to the selected MFP 30 via the network N (step S109).

  On the other hand, the MFP selection unit 204 of the server device 20 is designated in the job execution request acquired from the terminal device 10 when there is no MFP 30 whose time difference is greater than a specific threshold (that is, the MFP 30 whose fixing unit temperature is low). One MFP 30 is selected (step S108, NO). The job request supply unit 205 supplies the job execution request and the printable data acquired from the terminal device 10 to the MFP 30 designated in the job execution request via the network N (step S107).

III. Summary In a print job, the fixing roller of the fixing unit is heated to a high temperature to melt the toner and fix it on the paper, so that it takes energy and time to heat the fixing unit to a target temperature.

  Therefore, according to the first and second embodiments, when the server device 20 obtains an execution request for a job (print job) including a process of heating the fixing unit from the terminal device 10, the temperature of the fixing unit is the highest. The MFP 30 is selected. As a result, it is possible to minimize the energy and time required to heat the fixing unit to the target temperature in a print job to be executed. Furthermore, in the case of the MFP 30 that is currently executing a print job, it is not necessary to heat the fixing unit to a target temperature in the print job to be executed from now on, so that the energy and time for heating the fixing unit can be reduced to zero. .

  According to the second embodiment, when the server apparatus 20 obtains a job execution request that does not include the process of heating the fixing unit from the terminal device 10, the server apparatus 20 selects an MFP 30 other than the MFP 30 having the highest fixing unit temperature. More specifically, the server device 20 determines which MFP 30 (that is, the temperature of the fixing unit) whose difference between the time when the job including the step of heating the fixing unit was most recently executed and the current time is greater than a specific threshold. MFP 30) whose value is lower than a specific threshold value is selected. For this reason, for example, when the temperature of the fixing unit of the MFP 30 specified in the job execution request acquired from the terminal device 10 is high, another MFP 30 having a low fixing unit temperature is selected without selecting the specified MFP 30. Will be selected. As a result, when the server device 20 subsequently acquires a job execution request including a process of heating the fixing unit from the terminal device 10, it is possible to select the MFP 30 having a high fixing unit temperature.

  According to the first and second embodiments, the server device 20 acquires temperature-related information of a plurality of MFPs 30 connected to a specific network N, and one MFP 30 that can realize maximum energy saving in the entire network N. Let the job run. Specifically, the server device 20 causes the MFP 30 having the highest fixing unit temperature to execute a job including the step of heating the fixing unit, and executes a job not including the step of heating the fixing unit at a temperature of the fixing unit. The low MFP 30 is executed. As a result, the MFP 30 having a high fixing unit temperature executes a job including a step of heating the fixing unit. As a result, energy saving can be maximized in the whole of the plurality of MFPs 30 connected to the specific network N, instead of energy saving by each MFP. That is, the total energy saving amount of the entire network N can be made much larger than the total energy saving amount when energy saving is achieved by each MFP.

IV. Modified Example “Temperature related information” includes information related to the time at which the MFP 30 executes a job (print job, copy job, etc.) including a process of heating the fixing unit. Alternatively, a temperature sensor may be provided in the fixing unit, and the temperature of the fixing unit sensed by the temperature sensor may be “temperature related information”. In this case, the MFP selection unit 204 selects the MFP 30 based on the temperature of the fixing unit regardless of the time when the job including the step of heating the fixing unit was most recently executed.

  The terminal device 10 supplies a job execution request and printable data to one MFP 30 to the server device 20 through the network N. Alternatively, in the case of a FAX job or a stored job, the terminal device 10 may supply only a job execution request to one MFP 30 to the server device 20 through the network N. In this case, the printable data transmitted by facsimile in the FAX job and the printable data stored in the storage unit 38 of the MFP 30 in the saved job can be data read by the image reading unit 32 of the MFP 30.

  Although the embodiments and modifications of the present technology have been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present technology. Of course.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing system 10 ... Terminal device 20 ... Server apparatus (information processing apparatus)
30. Image forming apparatus (MFP)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 201 ... Job request acquisition part 202 ... Job judgment part 203 ... Temperature related information acquisition part 204 ... MFP selection part 205 ... Job request supply part 301 ... Temperature related information supply part 302 ... Job request acquisition part

Claims (7)

A job request acquisition unit for acquiring a job execution request to the image forming apparatus from the terminal device;
A job determination unit that determines whether or not the job includes a step of heating the fixing unit of the image forming apparatus;
A temperature-related information acquisition unit that acquires temperature-related information that is information related to the temperature of each fixing unit from each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network;
In the case of a job including a step of heating the fixing unit, an image forming apparatus selection unit that selects an image forming apparatus having the highest temperature of the fixing unit based on the temperature-related information;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a job request supply unit that supplies the selected image forming apparatus with an execution request for the job. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The temperature related information includes information related to a time when the image forming apparatus executes a job including a step of heating the fixing unit,
The image forming apparatus selecting unit sets an image forming apparatus having the smallest difference between the time when the job including the step of heating the fixing unit most recently and the current time as the image forming apparatus having the highest temperature of the fixing unit. Select an information processing device. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The image forming apparatus selecting unit selects the image forming apparatus specified in the job execution request when determining that the minimum time difference is larger than a specific threshold value. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the case of a job that does not include the step of heating the fixing unit, the image forming apparatus selection unit selects an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus having the highest temperature of the fixing unit based on the temperature-related information. apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,
In the case of a job that does not include the step of heating the fixing unit, the image forming apparatus selection unit, based on the temperature-related information, includes the time when the job including the step of heating the fixing unit was most recently executed and the current time An information processing apparatus that selects an image forming apparatus whose difference is greater than a specific threshold. Information processing device
A job request acquisition unit for acquiring a job execution request to the image forming apparatus from the terminal device;
A job determination unit that determines whether or not the job includes a step of heating the fixing unit of the image forming apparatus;
A temperature-related information acquisition unit that acquires temperature-related information that is information related to the temperature of each fixing unit from each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network;
In the case of a job including a step of heating the fixing unit, an image forming apparatus selection unit that selects an image forming apparatus having the highest temperature of the fixing unit based on the temperature-related information;
A program that causes the selected image forming apparatus to function as a job request supply unit that supplies an execution request for the job. A terminal device;
An information processing device capable of communicating with the terminal device;
A plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus through a network;
The information processing apparatus includes:
A job request acquisition unit for acquiring a job execution request for the image forming apparatus from the terminal device;
A job determination unit that determines whether or not the job includes a step of heating the fixing unit of the image forming apparatus;
A temperature-related information acquisition unit that acquires temperature-related information that is information related to the temperature of each fixing unit from each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network;
In the case of a job including a step of heating the fixing unit, an image forming apparatus selection unit that selects an image forming apparatus having the highest temperature of the fixing unit based on the temperature-related information;
An information processing system comprising: a job request supply unit that supplies the job execution request to the selected image forming apparatus.

Images