JP2018041400A - Job processing system, job processing device, job processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable performing distributed processing of a plurality of pieces of workflow processing efficiently in a total job processing system, in the job processing system in which workflow processing is performed based on a workflow.SOLUTION: In a job processing system comprising a plurality of job processing devices, the job processing device comprises a job information management unit that stores job information of a first job received by the job processing device and job information of a second job received by other job processing device in a job information storage unit to manage them, a notification unit that notifies the other job processing device of the job information of the first job, and a job execution unit that, when the job information of the first job, in which processing has not been started, is stored in the job information storage unit, executes the first job, and that, when the job information of the first job, in which processing has not been started, is not stored in the job information storage unit, executes the second job based on the job information of the second job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a job processing system, a job processing apparatus, a job processing method, and a program.

  For example, a job processing system capable of executing workflow processing (hereinafter referred to as a job) based on a predefined workflow regarding image data scanned from a document by an image forming apparatus, data input by other means, and the like It has been known.

  There is also known a job processing system that has a load distribution device that distributes jobs to a plurality of job processing devices and distributes and processes a plurality of jobs requested to be executed to a plurality of job processing devices in units of jobs (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

  In the job processing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the time required for processing of workflow processing combining a plurality of processing differs depending on the definition of the workflow. Therefore, the load distribution device distributes the workflow processing to the job processing device in units of jobs. Therefore, it is difficult to efficiently distribute the load of the entire job processing system.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been made in view of the above problems, and in a job processing system that executes workflow processing based on a workflow, a plurality of workflow processes are efficiently distributed in the entire job processing system. To be able to.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a job processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of job processing apparatuses that execute a job, which is a process execution unit based on a workflow in which one or more processes are defined, via a network. The job processing apparatus includes: a job receiving unit that receives the job; job information relating to execution of a first job that is the job received by the job processing apparatus; and the job Job information transmitted from another job processing apparatus different from the processing apparatus and stored in the job information storage unit for management of job information related to the execution of the second job that is the job received by the other job processing apparatus In response to reception of the first job by the management unit, the job information of the first job is changed to the other job. If the job information of the first job that has not been processed is stored in the notification unit that notifies the job processing device and the job information storage unit, the first job is executed, and the job information If the job information of the first job that has not been processed is not stored in the storage unit, the job information of the second job that has not been started and is stored in the job information storage unit And a job execution unit that executes the second job.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a job processing system that executes a workflow process based on a workflow, a plurality of workflow processes can be efficiently distributed in the entire job processing system.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a job processing system according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the computer which concerns on one Embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a functional configuration diagram of a job processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. It is a figure (1) which shows the example of the information which the job processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment manages. It is a figure (2) which shows the example of the information which the job processing apparatus concerning one embodiment manages. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of job execution processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of job data providing processing according to the first embodiment. It is a sequence diagram (1) which shows the example of a process of the job processing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram (2) which shows the example of a process of the job processing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the image of the job queue of each job processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of job execution processing according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the calculation process of the processing cost which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a function block diagram of the job processing system which concerns on other embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a job processing system according to an embodiment. The job processing system 100 includes, for example, a job processing device A 101-1, job processing device B 101-2, and job processing device C 101-3, which are a plurality of job processing devices connected to a network 107 such as the Internet. In the following description, “job processing apparatus 101” is used to indicate an arbitrary job processing apparatus among a plurality of job processing apparatuses. The number of job processing apparatuses 101 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. The number of job processing apparatuses 101 may be two or more other numbers.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the job processing apparatus A 101-1 is provided in an area A 104, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses A 102-1 and image forming apparatuses via a LAN (Local Area Network) 103 A in the area A 104. B102-2 is connected. The area A is an example of a group including the job processing apparatus A 101-1. The group including the job processing apparatus A 101-1 may be, for example, a base, a building, a floor, a department, or the like.

  The job processing apparatus B 101-2 is provided in the area B 105, and is connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses C 102-3 and an image forming apparatus D 102-4 via the LAN 103B in the area B 105. Area B is an example of a group that includes job processing apparatus B 101-2.

  Further, the job processing apparatus C101-3 is provided in the area C106, and is connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses E102-5 and F102-6 via the LAN 103C in the area C106. The area C is an example of a group including the job processing apparatus C101-3.

  In the example of FIG. 1, an information terminal 108 such as a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone is connected to the LAN 103 in the region C. As described above, the information terminal 108 may be connected to the LAN in each area in addition to (or instead of) the image forming apparatus 102.

  In the above configuration, for example, the job processing system 100 processes the image data input by the image forming apparatus 102 based on a workflow created (or selected) by the user.

  For example, a workflow defines a predetermined process by combining each process (plug-in) such as an input process, an image conversion process, and an output process for image data. In the following description, an execution unit of a predetermined process designated in the workflow is called a job.

  For example, each image forming apparatus 102 transmits image data (job data) input to the image forming apparatus 102 and information on a workflow to be executed (job information) to the job processing apparatus 101 in the same region. .

  The job processing system 100 executes processing by distributing a plurality of jobs transmitted from the plurality of image forming apparatuses 102 to the job processing apparatus 101 in each region by the plurality of job processing apparatuses 101. For example, when the job processing apparatus A 101-1 receives another job B from the image forming apparatus A 102-1 while executing the job A, the information of the received job B is stored in the job queue (queue) of the own apparatus. The data of job B is stored in the storage unit.

  Further, the job processing apparatus A 101-1 notifies the other job processing apparatus B 101-2 and the job processing apparatus C 101-3 of the information on the job B accepted by the job processing apparatus A 101-1.

  The other job processing apparatus B 101-2 and job processing apparatus C 101-3 that have received the notification store the information of the job B accepted by the job processing apparatus A 101-1, respectively, in the job queue of the own apparatus.

  As described above, each job processing apparatus 101 stores and manages information on a job waiting for processing accepted by the own apparatus in the job queue of the own apparatus, and changes in the status of the job waiting for processing accepted by the own apparatus. The changed job information is notified to the other job processing apparatus 101.

  Accordingly, each job processing apparatus 101 of the job processing system 100 can store and manage information on jobs waiting for processing in the entire job processing system 100 in the job queue.

  Each job processing apparatus 101 receives a job stored in the job queue by its own apparatus and preferentially executes a job storing job data in its own apparatus. Further, each job processing apparatus 101 acquires and executes a job received by another job processing apparatus stored in the job queue when there is no job received by the own apparatus in the job queue.

  As a result, according to the present embodiment, in the job processing system 100 in which a plurality of job processing apparatuses 101 are connected via a network, a plurality of jobs can be efficiently distributed and processed in the entire job processing system. .

  The job executed by the job processing system 100 is not limited to the process for the image data received from the image forming apparatus 102, and may be a process for the document data received from the information terminal 108, for example.

<Hardware configuration>
(Hardware configuration of job processing device and information terminal)
Since the job processing apparatus 101 and the information terminal 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 have a general computer configuration, a general computer hardware configuration will be described here.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a computer according to an embodiment. The computer 200 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 201, a random access memory (RAM) 202, a read only memory (ROM) 203, a storage device 204, a network I / F 205, an input device 206, a display device 207, an external I / O. F208, bus 209, and the like.

  The CPU 201 is an arithmetic device that implements each function of the computer 200 by reading a program or data stored in the ROM 203 or the storage device 204 onto the RAM 202 and executing the processing. The RAM 202 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 201. The ROM 203 is a non-volatile memory that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off.

  The storage device 204 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores an OS, application programs, various data, and the like. A network I / F 205 is a communication interface for connecting the computer 200 to the network 107 or the like.

  The input device 206 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse or an input device such as a keyboard, and is used to input each operation signal to the computer 200. The display device 207 is a display device such as a display, and displays a processing result by the computer 200 and the like.

  The external I / F 208 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 210 and the like.

  A bus 209 is connected to each of the above-described components, and transmits an address signal, a data signal, various control signals, and the like.

(Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 102 according to the embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 102 includes a controller 310, an operation panel 320, a communication I / F 330, a plotter 340, a scanner 350, a fax control unit (hereinafter referred to as FCU) 360, and the like.

  The controller 310 includes a CPU 311, a RAM 312, a ROM 313, an NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) 314, an HDD 315, and the like.

  The ROM 313 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs and data. The RAM 312 is a volatile storage device that temporarily stores programs and data. The NVRAM 314 is a writable nonvolatile storage device that stores setting information and the like, for example. The HDD 315 is a large-capacity storage device that stores various programs and data.

  The CPU 311 is an arithmetic unit that realizes overall control and functions of the image forming apparatus 102 by reading programs, data, setting information, and the like from the ROM 313, the NVRAM 314, the HDD 315, and the like onto the RAM 312 and executing processing.

  The operation panel 320 includes an input unit that receives input from a user and a display unit that performs display. The communication I / F 330 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 102 to a network such as the LAN 130. As a result, the image forming apparatus 102 can communicate with the job processing apparatus 101 and the like.

  The plotter 340 is a printing device that prints print data. The scanner 350 is a reading device that reads a document or the like. The FCU 360 transmits and receives fax data.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the job processing system according to the embodiment. The job processing system 100 includes a job processing apparatus A 101-1, a job processing apparatus B 101-2, and a job processing apparatus C 101-3 that are communicably connected to each other via a network 107.

  In FIG. 4, it is assumed that the job processing apparatus B 101-2 and the job processing apparatus C 101-3 have the same functional configuration as the job processing apparatus A 101-1. Further, the number of job processing apparatuses 101 illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example, and the number of the plurality of job processing apparatuses 101 included in the job processing system 100 may be another number of two or more.

  The job processing apparatus 101 includes a communication unit 401, a job reception unit 402, a job data management unit 403, a job information management unit 404, an update information notification unit 405, a job execution unit 406, an execution job determination unit 407, and a processing cost calculation unit 408. Etc. The job processing apparatus 101 also includes a job data storage unit 411, a job information storage unit 412, a workflow information storage unit 413, a cost information storage unit 414, and a communication speed information storage unit 415.

  The communication unit 401 is means for communicating with another job processing apparatus 101 via the network 107, and is realized by, for example, a program executed by the network I / F 205 in FIG. 2 and the CPU 201 in FIG.

  The job reception unit 402 is a unit that receives a job for executing one or more designated processes on data to be processed from a terminal device such as the image forming apparatus 102 or the information terminal 108. This is realized by a program executed by the second CPU 201. The job received by the job receiving unit 402 includes, for example, image data (job data) input to the image forming apparatus 102, information on a workflow to be executed (job information), and the like.

  The job data management unit 403 is a means for storing and managing job data (for example, image data, document data, etc.) received by the job reception unit 402 in the job data storage unit 411. For example, FIG. This is realized by a program executed by the CPU 201. The job data management unit 403 also performs processing for providing job data stored in the job data storage unit 411 in response to a job data acquisition request from another job processing apparatus 101.

  The job information management unit 404 transmits job information related to the execution of the first job, which is a job accepted by the job processing apparatus 101, and the job that is transmitted from the other job processing apparatus 101 and accepted by the other job processing apparatus 101. The job information related to the execution of the second job is stored in the job information storage unit 412 and managed. The job information management unit 404 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG.

  In the following description, a job that the job processing apparatus 101 receives and manages job data on itself is referred to as a “first job”, and other job processing apparatuses 101 receive job data. The job managed in this way is called a “second job”.

  An example of a job queue stored and managed by the job information management unit 404 in the job information storage unit 412 is shown in FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 5A, the job queue 501 includes “job ID”, “job request source”, “job data size”, “executed workflow”, “job processing apparatus that processes a job”, Information such as “job status” and “job start date and time” is included.

  The “job ID” information is identification information for identifying a job. For example, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus 101 that has received the job assigns a unique value. In the example of FIG. 5A, the first character of the job ID corresponds to the job processing apparatus 101 that received the job. For example, “A” is a job accepted by the job processing apparatus A 101-1, and “C” is a job accepted by the job processing apparatus C 101-3.

  The job ID is used as a key for associating job data managed by the job data management unit 403 with job information managed by the job information management unit 404, for example. In this case, the job information management unit 404 can specify and acquire job data corresponding to the job information from the job data managed by the job data management unit 403 using the job ID.

  Alternatively, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus 101 that receives and manages the first job manages the job ID of the first job and the storage destination of the job data of the first job in association with each other. You may keep it.

  The “job request source” information is information for identifying the device that requested the job, such as the name of the job request source device (for example, the image forming apparatus 102, the information terminal 108, etc.), identification information, and the like. .

  The information “job processing apparatus that manages a job” is information (name, identification) for receiving a job, storing job data in the job data storage unit 411, and specifying the job processing apparatus 101 that is managing the job. Information). Based on this information, the job processing apparatus 101 is a first job in which each job manages job data by itself, or another job processing apparatus 101 is a second job in which job data is managed. Can be determined.

  The “job data size” information is information indicating the size of job data (for example, image data).

  The “executed workflow” information is information (for example, workflow name, identification information, etc.) for specifying the workflow to be executed.

  The information of “job processing apparatus that processes a job” is information for specifying the determined job processing apparatus 101 when the job processing apparatus 101 that processes a job stored in the job queue 501 is determined ( Name, identification information, etc.) are stored.

  “Job status” is information indicating the status of the job. For example, a “processing waiting” status in which a job processing device that processes a job has not yet been determined, or a job processing device 101 that has already processed a job has been determined. Information such as “processing in progress” is stored.

  The “job start date / time” information is, for example, information such as the date / time when the “job status” is updated from “waiting for processing” to “processing”.

  For example, in the job queue 501 shown in FIG. 5A, when the job processing apparatus 101 that processes the job with the job ID “A3” is determined to be the job processing apparatus C101-3, the job queue 501 Updated as shown in 5 (b).

  In the example of FIG. 5B, the information of the job processing device C101-3 that processes the job is stored in the “job processing device that processes the job”, the “job state” is being processed, and “job start” "Date and time" is recorded.

  The job information management unit 404 displays the first job information managed by the job processing apparatus 101 and the second job information notified from the other job processing apparatus 101, for example, as shown in FIG. ) And stored in a job queue 501 as shown in FIG.

  The job queue 501 is a queue, and newly received jobs are sequentially added to the lower side of the job queue 501, for example. Further, in the job queue 501, basically, the job stored in the job queue 501 first, that is, the job stored in the upper side of the job queue 501 is executed in order. Jobs that have been executed are deleted from the job queue 501.

  When the job data management unit 403 receives change information indicating that the information of the second job stored in the job queue 501 has been changed from another job processing apparatus 101, the job data management unit 403 stores the second data stored in the job queue 501. Update the job information.

  Furthermore, when the job processing apparatus 101 receives an execution request for requesting execution of the first job for managing job data, the job data management unit 403 displays the “job status” of the received first job. When waiting for processing, permission information permitting execution is returned to the request source.

  Furthermore, when the job processing apparatus 101 receives an execution request for requesting execution of the first job for managing job data, the job data management unit 403 receives the “job status” of the received first job. Is being processed, a rejection information for rejecting the execution is returned to the request source.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description of the functional configuration of the job processing apparatus 101 will be continued.

  When the information on the first job managed by the job information management unit 404 is changed, the update information notification unit 405 notifies the other job processing apparatus 101 of the changed information on the first job. The update information notification unit 405 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG.

  For example, when the information on the first job is added to the job queue 501 managed by the job information management unit 404, the update information notification unit 405 updates the first job including the information on the added first job. Information is notified to each of the other job processing apparatuses 101. In addition, when the information on the first job stored in the job queue 501 is changed, the update information notification unit 405 transmits the update information on the first job including the changed information on the first job to the other information. Notify each job processing apparatus 101. Further, the update information notification unit 405, when the information of the first job stored in the job queue 501 is deleted, the update information of the first job indicating that the information of the first job is deleted. Is notified to each of the other job processing apparatuses 101.

  The job execution unit 406 is means for executing a job including one or more processes designated by the workflow in the data to be processed, and is realized, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG.

  If the job queue 501 stored in the job information storage unit 412 stores the job information of the first job waiting to be processed, the job execution unit 406 stores the first job waiting state. The jobs are executed sequentially.

  If the job queue 501 does not store job information of the first job waiting for processing in the job queue 501, the job execution unit 406 stores the job of the second job waiting for processing stored in the job queue 501. Based on the information, the data of the second job is acquired and executed.

  For example, based on the information on the second job stored in the job queue 501, the job execution unit 406 transmits the second job to another job processing apparatus 101 that manages the data of the second job. Send an execution request to request execution.

  In addition, when the job execution unit 406 receives permission information permitting execution of the second job from another job processing apparatus that has transmitted the execution request, the job execution unit 406 receives data of the second job from the other job processing apparatus. Get and execute. Further, when the execution of the second job is completed, the job execution unit 406 sends a completion notification indicating that the execution of the second job is completed to the other job processing apparatus 101 that has acquired the data of the second job. Notice.

  Note that the job execution unit 406, for example, based on the “execution workflow” information in the job queue 501 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B and the workflow information stored in the workflow information storage unit 413. The processing contents of each job can be specified. An example of workflow information stored in the workflow information storage unit 413 is shown in FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 5C, the workflow information 502 includes “workflow” information and “workflow content” information. The “workflow” information is information (name, identification information, etc.) for specifying the workflow. The “workflow content” information stores the execution order of one or more processes executed in each workflow.

  For example, when executing the job with the job ID “A3” in the job queue 501 illustrated in FIG. 5A, the job execution unit 406 acquires the content of the workflow “3” to be executed from the workflow information 502. Further, the job execution unit 406 adds, to the job data, an image conversion plug-in, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) plug-in, and a mail transmission plug-in (another example of processing) based on the acquired workflow “3”. ). In the following description, each process constituting the workflow may be referred to as a plug-in.

  The execution job determination unit 407 determines a job to be executed by the job execution unit 406 from the plurality of second jobs when the job queue 501 stores information on the plurality of second jobs. The execution job determination unit 407 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 in FIG.

  As an example, the job execution unit 407 causes the job execution unit 406 to select one job stored in the job queue 501 before other jobs among the plurality of second jobs stored in the job queue 501. Determine the job to be executed.

  As another example, the execution job determination unit 407 may determine a job to be executed by the job execution unit 406 based on the processing costs of a plurality of second jobs calculated by the processing cost calculation unit 408. good. Note that a specific determination method in this case will be described later in the second embodiment.

  The processing cost calculation unit 408 is based on plug-in cost information stored in the cost information storage unit 414, communication speed information with another job processing apparatus 101 stored in the communication speed information storage unit 415, and the like. The processing cost of the second job is calculated. A specific method for calculating the processing cost will be described later in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 6A shows an image of plug-in cost information stored in advance in the cost information storage unit 414. As shown in FIG. 6A, the plug-in cost information 601 is information in which each plug-in (processing) requires a processing cost and its weight is registered and stored in advance.

  For example, the image conversion plug-in requires more processing time than the other processes for the image conversion process, so “100”, which has a higher processing cost than the other plug-ins, is set. On the other hand, since the mail transmission plug-in completes the mail transmission process in a shorter time than the other processes, “10” is set, which has a lower processing cost than the other plug-ins.

  FIG. 6B shows an image of the communication speed information 602 between the job processing apparatuses 101 stored in advance in the communication speed information storage unit 415. As shown in FIG. 6B, the communication speed information 602 between the job processing apparatuses 101 is information in which the communication speed between the job processing apparatuses 101 is registered and stored in advance.

  Note that the communication speed information 602 between the job processing apparatuses 101 may use an actual communication speed measured by the communication unit 401, for example.

  Note that a method for using the plug-in cost information 601 and the communication speed information 602 between the job processing apparatuses 101 will be described later in the second embodiment.

  Note that the job data storage unit 411, the job information storage unit 412, the workflow information storage unit 413, the cost information storage unit 414, and the communication speed information storage unit 415 are realized by, for example, the storage device 204 and the RAM 202 in FIG. It is a storage means.

[First Embodiment]
<Process flow>
Subsequently, a processing flow of the job processing method according to the first embodiment will be described.

(Job execution processing)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of job execution processing according to the first embodiment. This processing shows an example of job execution processing in each job processing apparatus 101.

  In step S701, the job execution unit 406 of the job processing apparatus 101 determines whether or not the job queue 501 stored in the job information storage unit 412 includes a first job waiting to be processed (first job information). to decide.

  If there is no first job waiting to be processed in the job queue 501, the job execution unit 406 shifts the processing to step S708. On the other hand, when there is a first job waiting for processing in the job queue 501, the job execution unit 406 shifts the processing to step S702.

  Here, the following description will be given assuming that there is one first job stored in the job queue 501. When a plurality of first jobs are stored in the job queue 501, the following processing is executed for one first job stored in the job queue 501 prior to the other first jobs. It ’s fine.

  In step S702, the job information management unit 404 changes (updates) the “job state” of the first job waiting for processing from “waiting for processing” to “processing” in the job queue 501. To do.

  In step S703, the update information notification unit 405 of the job processing apparatus 101 transmits the first job update information indicating that the information of the first job stored in the job queue 501 has been updated to another job processing apparatus. 101 is notified.

  At this time, the job information management unit 404 of the other job processing apparatus 101 updates the information of the job queue 501 of the own apparatus using the notified update information of the job.

  In step S704, the job execution unit 406 executes the first job. For example, the job execution unit 406 stores the first job data stored in the job data storage unit 411 according to the “execution workflow” information in the job queue 501 and the “workflow content” in the workflow information 502 as illustrated in FIG. Process job data.

  In step S705, the job information management unit 404 deletes the information of the first job executed by the job execution unit 406 from the job queue 501, and the job data management unit 403 stores the data of the first job in the job data storage. It is deleted from the part 411.

  In step S <b> 706, the update information notification unit 405 notifies the update information of the first job indicating that the first job has been deleted from the job queue 501 to each of the other job processing apparatuses 101.

  In step S707, the job reception unit 402 (or job execution unit 406) notifies the request source of the first job (for example, the image forming apparatus 102) that the first job has been completed.

  On the other hand, in step S708, the job execution unit 406 determines whether the job queue 501 includes a second job waiting for processing (second job information).

  If there is no second job waiting for processing in the job queue 501, the job execution unit 406 ends the processing. On the other hand, when there is a second job waiting for processing in the job queue 501, the job execution unit 406 shifts the processing to step S709.

  In step S709, the job execution unit 406 requests another job processing apparatus that manages the data of the second job stored in the job queue 501 to execute the second job. Information).

  Here, the following description will be given on the assumption that there is one second job stored in the job queue 501. In the first embodiment, when a plurality of second jobs are stored in the job queue 501, for example, for one second job stored in the job queue 501 prior to other second jobs. The following processing is executed.

  In step S710, the job execution unit 406 determines, for example, whether permission information permitting execution of the second job has been received within a predetermined time from another job processing apparatus 101 that manages the data of the second job. to decide.

  When permission information for permitting execution of the second job is not received within a predetermined time, for example, when reject information for rejecting execution of the second job is received, or when neither permission information nor reject information is received The job execution unit 406 ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the permission information permitting the execution of the second job is received within a predetermined time, the job execution unit 406 shifts the processing to step S711.

  In step S <b> 711, the job execution unit 406 waits for reception of update information of the second job notified from another job processing apparatus 101 that manages the data of the second job. Further, after receiving the update information of the second job, the job information management unit 404 updates the information of the second job stored in the job queue 501 according to the received update information of the second job.

  In step S <b> 712, the job execution unit 406 acquires the second job data from the other job processing apparatus 101 that manages the second job data.

  In step S713, the job execution unit 406 executes the second job. For example, the job execution unit 406 receives the data of the second job acquired in step S712 according to the “execution workflow” information in the job queue 501 and the “workflow content” in the workflow information 502 as shown in FIG. To process.

  In step S714, the job execution unit 406 notifies completion information indicating that the second job is completed to the other job processing apparatus 101 that manages the second job.

  In step S715, the job execution unit 406 waits for reception of update information of the second job notified from the other job processing apparatus 101 that manages the data of the second job. In addition, the job information management unit 404 receives the second job update information and then stores the second job information stored in the job queue 501 according to the received second job update information, and step S712. Delete the data of the second job acquired in step (1).

  As shown in the above processing, when the job execution unit 406 of the job processing apparatus 101 stores information on the first job for managing job data in the job processing apparatus 101 in the job queue 501, the first is executed. Execute the job. In addition, when the data of the first job is not stored in the job queue 501, the job execution unit 406 executes the second job based on the information of the second job stored in the job queue 501. .

  Further, the update information notification unit 405 of the job processing apparatus 101 indicates that the first job has been updated when the information of the first job stored in the job queue 501 is updated (added, changed, deleted, etc.). Is sent to other job processing apparatuses.

(Job data provision processing)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of job data providing processing according to the first embodiment. This processing is an example of processing in which the job processing apparatus 101 provides the first job data managing the job data in response to an execution request from another job processing apparatus 101.

  In step S <b> 801, when the job processing apparatus 101 receives an execution request from another job processing apparatus 101 that requests execution of the first job for which the job processing apparatus 101 manages job data, the processing from step S <b> 802 is performed. Run.

  In step S <b> 802, when the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus 101 receives an execution request for requesting execution of the first job, the “job status” information of the first job stored in the job queue 501. Determines whether it is waiting for processing.

  If the “job state” information of the first job is not waiting for processing (for example, when processing is in progress), the job information management unit 404 shifts the processing to step S810. In step S810, the job information management unit 404 notifies rejection information for rejecting the execution of the first job to the other job processing apparatus 101 that has transmitted the execution request.

  On the other hand, when the “job status” information of the first job is waiting for processing, the job information management unit 404 shifts the processing to step S803.

  In step S803, the job information management unit 404 notifies permission information for permitting execution of the first job to the other job processing apparatus 101 that requested the execution request.

  In step S804, the job information management unit 404 changes the “job state” information of the first job stored in the job queue 501 during processing, for example.

  Further, the job information management unit 404 stores the information of the other job processing apparatus 101 of the request source in the information of “job processing apparatus that processes the job” of the first job stored in the job queue 501. Information of “job start date and time” is stored.

  In step S805, the update information notification unit 405 notifies each of the other job processing apparatuses 101 of the update information of the first job indicating that the information of the first job has been updated. This update information includes the updated first job information.

  In step S806, the job data management unit 403 acquires the data of the first job based on the above-described job ID or the storage destination of the job data corresponding to the job ID, and the other job processing apparatus 101 of the request source. Send to.

  In step S <b> 807, the job information management unit 404 waits for reception of a first job completion notification transmitted from the other job processing apparatus 101 of the request source. Also, after receiving the completion notification of the first job, the job information management unit 404 deletes the first job information from the job queue 501, and the job data management unit 403 is stored in the job data storage unit 411. Delete the first job data.

  In step S808, the update information notification unit 405 notifies each of the other job processing apparatuses 101 of update information indicating that the information of the first job has been deleted from the job queue 501.

  In step S809, the job reception unit 402 notifies the request source (for example, the image forming apparatus 102) of the first job that the first information has been completed.

  As shown in the above processing, when the job processing apparatus 101 receives an execution request for requesting execution of the first job from another job processing apparatus 101, the status of the requested first job is processed. If the job is in the waiting state, the job execution is permitted and the job data is provided.

(Job processing system processing)
Next, an example of processing of the job processing system 100 will be described using a sequence diagram.

  9 and 10 are sequence diagrams illustrating an example of the job processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an image of a job queue of each job processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 11A shows an image of the job queue of each job processing apparatus 101 at the start of the processing shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the job queue 1101 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1, the job queue 1102 of the job processing apparatus B 101-2, and the job queue 1103 of the job processing apparatus C 101-3 are necessary for explanation from the job queue 501 of FIG. An excerpt of information.

  In FIG. 11, “-” in the table indicates that no information is stored. 11 corresponds to the “job processing apparatus for managing jobs” in the job queue 501 in FIG. 5. The “processing apparatus” in FIG. 11 corresponds to the job queue 501 in FIG. It is assumed that the “job processing apparatus that processes a job” in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, it is assumed that job information is not stored in the job queues 1101, 1102, and 1103 of each job processing apparatus 101 at the start of the processing shown in FIG.

  In step S901 of FIG. 9, for example, a job execution request is transmitted from the image forming apparatus A 102-1 to the job processing apparatus A 101-1.

  In step S902, the job processing apparatus A 101-1 manages the job received from the image forming apparatus A 102-1 as, for example, the job ID “A1”. At this time, since the job processing apparatus A 101-1 does not execute another job, the received job with the job ID “A 1” is immediately executed without being stored in the job queue 1101.

  Similarly, in step S903, for example, a job execution request is transmitted from the image forming apparatus C102-3 to the job processing apparatus B101-2.

  In step S904, the job processing apparatus B 101-2 manages the job received from the image forming apparatus A 102-3, for example, as the job ID “C1”. At this time, since the job processing apparatus B 101-2 does not execute another job, the job processing apparatus B 101-2 executes the received job ID “C 1” immediately without storing it in the job queue 1102.

  In step S905, for example, a job execution request is transmitted from the image forming apparatus B 102-2 to the job processing apparatus A 101-1.

  In step S906, the job processing apparatus A 101-1 manages the job received from the image forming apparatus B 102-2, for example, as the job ID “B1”. At this time, since the job processing apparatus A 101-1 is executing another job (job ID “A1”), the received job ID “B1” cannot be immediately executed.

  In this case, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 stores the job information of the job ID “B1” in the job queue 1101, and the job data management unit 403 stores the job ID “B1” job information. The data is stored in the job data storage unit 411.

  At this time, the update information notification unit 405 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 adds the first job update information to the job queue 1101 by the job information management unit 404. Notify each of the devices 101.

  In step S907, the update information notification unit 405 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 receives job update information indicating that the job with the job ID “B1” has been added to the job queue 1101 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1. The job processing apparatus B 101-2 is notified.

  In step S <b> 908, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus B 101-2 displays the job information of the job ID “B1” on the job queue 1102 based on the job update information transmitted from the job processing apparatus A 101-1. To remember.

  In step S909, the update information notification unit 405 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 receives job update information indicating that the job with the job ID “B1” has been added to the job queue 1101 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1. Notify the job processing apparatus C101-3.

  In step S <b> 910, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus C <b> 101-3 stores the job information of the job ID “B1” on the job queue 1103 based on the job update information transmitted from the job processing apparatus A 101-1. To remember.

  FIG. 11B shows an image of the job queue of each job processing apparatus 101 in step S910. As shown in FIG. 11B, the job queues 1101, 1102, and 1103 of the job processing apparatuses 101 store information on the job with the job ID “B1” in common. In FIG. 11B, “A” stored in “Managed Device” indicates the job processing device A 101-1.

  In step S911, the job processing apparatus C101-3 that is not executing another job executes, for example, the job execution process illustrated in FIG. In this case, the job queue 1103 of the job processing apparatus C101-3 does not store information on the first job waiting for processing, and does not store information on the second job waiting for processing (the job ID “B1”). Information) is stored. Accordingly, the job execution unit 406 of the job processing apparatus C101-3 sends an execution request for requesting execution of the job with the job ID “B1” to the job processing apparatus A101-1 that manages the data of the job with the job ID “B1”. Send.

  In step S912, when the job processing apparatus A 101-1 receives an execution request for the job (first job) with the job ID “B1” that manages the job data in the own apparatus, for example, the job processing apparatus A 101-1 receives the job data shown in FIG. Execute the provision process.

  In step S <b> 912, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 confirms the status of the job with the job ID “B1” that has received the execution request. Here, as shown in FIG. 11B, the job status of the job ID “B1” is “waiting for processing”.

  In step S913, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 notifies the execution request job processing apparatus C 101-3 of permission information for permitting execution of the job with the job ID “B1”.

  In step S <b> 914, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 updates the job information of the job ID “B1” stored in the job queue 1101. For example, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 sets “C” (job processing apparatus C 101-) as the “processing apparatus” information among the information of the job ID “B 1” stored in the job queue 1101. 3) is stored, and the “job status” information is changed to “processing”.

  At this time, the update information notification unit 405 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 has changed the first job information stored in the job queue 1101 by the job information management unit 404. Notify each of the other job processing apparatuses 101.

  In step S <b> 915, the update information notification unit 405 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 displays job update information indicating that the information of the job with the job ID “B1” stored in the job queue 1101 has been changed. B101-2 is notified.

  In step S916, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus B 101-2 determines the job with the job ID “B1” stored in the job queue 1102 based on the job update information transmitted from the job processing apparatus A 101-1. Update the information.

  In step S <b> 917, the update information notification unit 405 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 displays job update information indicating that the job information of the job ID “B1” stored in the job queue 1101 has been changed. C101-3 is notified.

  In step S918, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus C101-3 executes the job with the job ID “B1” stored in the job queue 1103 based on the job update information transmitted from the job processing apparatus A 101-1. Update the information.

  FIG. 11C shows an image of the job queue of each job processing apparatus 101 in step S918. As shown in FIG. 11C, the job queues 1101, 1102, and 1103 of the job processing apparatuses 101 store information on the job with the job ID “B1” in common. In FIG. 11C, “C” stored in “Processing device” indicates the job processing device C101-3.

  In step S919, the job data management unit 403 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1, for example, responds to the job ID “B1” job data corresponding to, for example, the job ID in response to a request from the job processing apparatus C 101-1. Acquired from the job data storage location. In addition, the job data management unit 403 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 transmits the acquired job data of the job ID “B1” to the job processing apparatus C 101-1.

  In step S920, the job execution unit 406 of the job processing apparatus C101-3 executes the job with the job ID “B1” acquired from the job processing apparatus A 101-1.

  When the execution of the job in step S920 is completed, in step S921 in FIG. 10, the job execution unit 406 of the job processing apparatus C101-3 sends a completion notification indicating that the execution of the job has been completed to the job processing apparatus A 101-1. Notice.

  In step S922, when the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 receives the completion notification of the job with the job ID “B1” from the job processing apparatus C 101-3, the job ID “B1” stored in the job queue 1101 is received. The job information for "" is deleted. Further, the job data management unit 403 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 deletes the job data of the job ID “B1” stored in the job data storage unit 411.

  At this time, the update information notification unit 405 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 has changed (deleted) the information of the first job stored in the job queue 1101 by the job information management unit 404. Update information is notified to each of the other job processing apparatuses 101.

  In step S923, the update information notification unit 405 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 receives job update information indicating that the job ID “B1” stored in the job queue 1101 has been deleted. Notify device B101-2.

  In step S924, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus B 101-2 determines the job with the job ID “B1” stored in the job queue 1102 based on the job update information transmitted from the job processing apparatus A 101-1. Delete the information.

  In step S925, the update information notification unit 405 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 receives job update information indicating that the job ID “B1” stored in the job queue 1101 has been deleted. Notify device C101-3.

  In step S926, the job information management unit 404 of the job processing apparatus C101-3 executes the job with the job ID “B1” stored in the job queue 1103 based on the job update information transmitted from the job processing apparatus A 101-1. Delete the information. In addition, the job data management unit 403 of the job processing apparatus C101-3 deletes the job data with the job ID “B1”.

  FIG. 11D shows an image of the job queue of each job processing apparatus 101 in step S926. As shown in FIG. 11D, the job information of the job ID “B1” is deleted in common from the job queues 1101, 1102, and 1103 of the job processing apparatuses 101.

  In step S927, the job reception unit 402 of the job processing apparatus A 101-1 transmits a completion notification indicating that the job has been completed to the image forming apparatus B 102-2 that has requested the job with the job ID “B1”.

  As described above, in the job processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, each job processing apparatus 101 commonly stores and manages information on jobs waiting to be processed in the job processing system 100 in the job queue.

  Further, each job processing apparatus 101 executes the first job when there is information on the first job managing the job data in the job queue in the job queue.

  Further, each job processing apparatus 101 acquires and executes the second job stored in the job queue when there is no information on the first job in the job queue.

  With the above processing, according to the present embodiment, in the job processing system 100 in which a plurality of job processing apparatuses 101 are connected via a network, a plurality of jobs can be efficiently distributed and processed throughout the job processing system 100. It becomes like this.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, when there is no first job waiting for processing in the job queue and there are a plurality of second jobs waiting for processing in the job queue, the job processing apparatus 101 performs processing costs for the second job. An example of processing for determining one job to be executed will be described based on FIG.

<Functional configuration>
Since the functional configuration of the job processing system according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the job processing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, here, the description will focus on differences from the first embodiment. Do.

  The processing cost calculation unit 408 calculates processing costs for a plurality of second jobs when there is no first job waiting for processing in the job queue and there are a plurality of second jobs waiting for processing in the job queue. For example, the processing cost calculation unit 408 uses the plug-in cost information 601 as illustrated in FIG. 6A and the communication speed information 602 as illustrated in FIG. Each processing cost is calculated.

  For example, the processing cost calculation unit 408 calculates the processing cost of the second job using the following equation.

(Job processing cost) = (Total cost of plug-ins to be executed) x (Communication cost)
= Σ plug-in cost × (job data size [MB] × 8 / communication speed [Mbps])
In the above formula, byte is converted into bit by multiplying the job data size by 8.

  For example, when two second jobs are stored in the job queue of the job processing apparatus C101-3 as shown in FIG. 5A, the processing cost calculation unit 408 of the job processing apparatus C101-3 has 2 The processing cost of one second job is calculated as follows.

(Processing cost of job ID “A3”)
= (100 + 80 + 10) * ((4 * 10 ^ 6 * 8) / (50 * 10 ^ 6)) = 121.6
(Processing cost of job ID “C5”)
= (100 + 10) * ((5 * 10 ^ 6 * 8) / (20 * 10 ^ 6)) = 220
The execution job determination unit 407 performs processing for each second job calculated by the processing cost calculation unit 408 when there is no first job waiting for processing in the job queue and there are a plurality of second jobs waiting for processing in the job queue. Is used to determine one second job to be executed.

  For example, the execution job determination unit 407 determines one second job to be executed in order from the lowest processing cost value for each second job calculated by the processing cost calculation unit 408.

  In the above example, since the cost of the job ID “A3” is lower than the processing cost of the job ID “C5”, the execution job determination unit 407 determines the job with the job ID “A3” as the second job to be executed. To do.

<Process flow>
Subsequently, a processing flow of the job processing method according to the second embodiment will be described.

(Job execution processing)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of job execution processing according to the second embodiment. Since the basic process is the same as the job execution process according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7, here, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

  In step S <b> 701, the job execution unit 406 of the job processing apparatus 101 determines whether there is a first job waiting for processing in the job queue 501 stored in the job information storage unit 412.

  If there is no first job waiting to be processed in the job queue 501, the job execution unit 406 shifts the processing to step S708.

  On the other hand, if there is a first job waiting for processing in the job queue 501, the job execution unit 406 executes the first job execution processing shown in steps S702 to S707 of FIG. 7 in step S1201.

  In step S708, the job execution unit 406 determines whether there is a second job waiting to be processed in the job queue 501.

  If there is no second job waiting for processing in the job queue 501, the job execution unit 406 ends the processing. On the other hand, when there is a second job waiting for processing in the job queue 501, the job execution unit 406 shifts the processing to step S1202.

  In step S1202, the processing cost calculation unit 408 calculates a processing cost for each second job stored in the job queue.

  In step S1203, the execution job determination unit 407 identifies one second job having the lowest job processing cost from the candidate second jobs.

  In step S1204, the execution job determination unit 407 transmits an execution request for requesting execution of the specified second job to another job processing apparatus 101 that manages the data of the specified second job.

  In step S1205, the execution job determination unit 407 determines, for example, whether permission information permitting execution of the requested second job has been received within a predetermined time.

  When the permission information permitting the execution of the second job is received within a predetermined time, the job execution unit 406 performs the second job execution process shown in steps S711 to S715 of FIG. 7 in step S1208, for example. Run.

  On the other hand, when the permission information for permitting the execution of the second job is not received within the predetermined time, the execution job determining unit 407 shifts the processing to step S1206.

  In step S1206, the execution job determination unit 407 determines whether there is another candidate second job.

  If there is no other candidate second job, the execution job determination unit 407 ends the process. On the other hand, if there is another candidate second job, the execution job determination unit 407 shifts the processing to step S1207.

  When the process proceeds to step S1207, the execution job determination unit 407 excludes the second job that is not permitted to be executed from the candidates, and executes the processes after step S1203 again.

(Processing cost calculation process)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing cost calculation processing according to the second embodiment.

  In step S1301, the processing cost calculation unit 408 uses, for example, plug-in cost information 601 as illustrated in FIG. 6A and workflow information 502 as illustrated in FIG. Calculate the total cost of plug-ins included in.

  In step S1302, the processing cost calculation unit 408 calculates the job communication speed using the job data size and, for example, the communication speed information 602 as shown in FIG.

  In step S1303, the processing cost calculation unit 408 sets the product of the total plug-in cost calculated in step S1301 and the communication cost calculated in step S1302 as the job processing cost.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, each job processing apparatus 101 communicates with another job processing apparatus 101 when the other job processing apparatus 101 executes the second job managing the job data. The job to be executed is determined in consideration of the communication speed and the data size of the job.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, in the job processing system 100 in which a plurality of job processing apparatuses 101 are connected via a network, a plurality of jobs can be distributed and processed more efficiently in the entire job processing system. become.

<Other embodiments>
The system configuration of the job processing system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the functional configuration of the job processing system 100 illustrated in FIG. 4 are examples, and the job processing system 100 according to the present embodiment can have various system configurations.

  For example, the job processing apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment can be suitably applied to a job processing system using a load distribution apparatus as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  FIG. 14 is a functional configuration diagram of a job processing system according to another embodiment. A job processing system 1400 illustrated in FIG. 14 includes a plurality of job processing apparatuses 101 and a load distribution apparatus (information processing apparatus) 1401 connected via a network 107.

  For example, the load distribution apparatus 1401 distributes jobs to a plurality of job processing apparatuses 101 as in Patent Document 1.

  Each job processing apparatus 101 stores and manages job information received from the load distribution apparatus 1401 in the job queue in the same manner as the job received from the image forming apparatus 102 in FIG.

  In addition, each job processing apparatus 101 shares the information of the job queue by notifying the other job processing apparatus 101 of the information of the first job that manages the job data in its own apparatus.

  Further, each job processing apparatus 101 executes the first job when there is a first job waiting for processing in the job queue, and stores the job in the job queue when there is no first job waiting for processing in the job queue. The second job is acquired and executed based on the second job information.

  Even in such a system configuration, each job processing apparatus 101 autonomously obtains and executes the second job received by another job processing apparatus 101 when the first job received by the own apparatus disappears. can do. Therefore, also in the job processing system 1400, a plurality of jobs can be distributed and processed efficiently throughout the job processing system 1400.

  Further, at least a part of the functional configuration included in the job processing apparatus 101 illustrated in FIG. 4 may be included in the image forming apparatus 102. Furthermore, each storage unit included in the job processing apparatus 101 illustrated in FIG. 4 may be included in a storage server or the like connected via the network 107.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Job processing system 101 Job processing apparatus 102 Image forming apparatus 107 Network 402 Job reception part 404 Job information management part 405 Update information notification part 406 Job execution part 407 Execution job determination part 408 Processing cost calculation part 411 Job data storage part 412 Job information Storage unit 1401 Load distribution device (information processing device)

JP 2013-105237 A

Claims (13)

A job processing system in which a plurality of job processing apparatuses that execute a job, which is a process execution unit based on a workflow in which one or more processes are defined, are connected via a network,
The job processing device includes:
A job reception unit for receiving the job;
The job information related to the execution of the first job, which is the job received by the job processing apparatus, and the job received from the other job processing apparatus different from the job processing apparatus and received by the other job processing apparatus A job information management unit that stores and manages job information related to execution of a second job in a job information storage unit;
A notification unit for notifying the other job processing apparatus of job information of the first job in response to reception of the first job;
If the job information of the first job that has not been processed is stored in the job information storage unit, the first job is executed,
If the job information of the first job that has not been processed is not stored in the job information storage unit, the second job that is stored in the job information storage unit and has not started processing A job execution unit that executes the second job based on the job information;
Having a job processing system. The job execution unit
In response to starting execution of the first job, the job information of the first job is changed,
The notification unit
The job processing system according to claim 1, wherein when the job information of the first job is changed, the job information is notified to the other job processing apparatus. The job execution unit
If the job information of the first job that has not been processed is not stored in the job information storage unit, the second job that is stored in the job information storage unit and has not started processing Based on the job information, the request information requesting that the second job processing apparatus accepts the second job is executed by the job processing apparatus. The processing target data in the second job is acquired from the other job processing device when the permission information permitting the execution of the second job is received from the other job processing device. Job processing system. The job execution unit
When the execution of the second job is completed in the job processing apparatus, a completion notification indicating that the execution of the second job has been completed is sent to the other that has acquired the processing target data of the second job. The job processing system according to claim 3, wherein the job processing device is notified to the job processing apparatus. The job information management unit
When the request information requesting that the other job processing device execute the first job stored in the job information storage unit is received from the other job processing device, the first job Is waiting to be processed,
The permission information for permitting the execution of the first job is transmitted to the other job processing apparatus that has transmitted the request information, and the job information of the first job stored in the job information storage unit includes: The job processing system according to claim 1, wherein information indicating that processing of the first job is started is stored. The job processing device includes:
When a notification of completion information indicating that the execution of the first job has been completed is received from the other job processing apparatus that has transmitted the permission information,
Deleting the job information of the first job stored in the job information storage unit;
The job processing system according to claim 5, wherein a request source of the first job is notified that the first job is completed. The job processing device includes:
A processing cost calculation unit for calculating a processing cost of the second job stored in the job information storage unit;
When a plurality of second jobs that have not been processed are stored in the job information storage unit, the job execution unit uses the processing cost calculated by the processing cost calculation unit. An execution job determination unit for determining the second job;
The job processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: The processing cost calculation unit of the job processing device includes:
The job processing system according to claim 7, wherein the processing cost of the second job is calculated using information on a communication speed between the job processing apparatus and another job processing apparatus. The processing cost calculation unit of the job processing device includes:
Calculating a total cost of the one or more processing costs defined in the workflow according to the second job;
A communication cost is calculated using information on a communication speed between the job processing apparatus and another job processing apparatus and a data size of the second job;
The job processing system according to claim 7, wherein a processing cost of the second job is calculated using a product of the calculated total cost and the communication cost. The execution job determination unit
The job execution is performed in ascending order of the processing cost of the second job calculated by the processing cost calculation unit from among the plurality of the second jobs that have not started processing stored in the job information storage unit. The job processing system according to claim 7, wherein the one job to be executed by a unit is determined. A job processing apparatus of a job processing system in which a plurality of job processing apparatuses that execute a job as a process execution unit based on a workflow in which one or more processes are defined is connected via a network,
A job reception unit for receiving the job;
The job information related to the execution of the first job, which is the job received by the job processing apparatus, and the job received from the other job processing apparatus different from the job processing apparatus and received by the other job processing apparatus A job information management unit that stores and manages job information related to execution of a second job in a job information storage unit;
A notification unit for notifying the other job processing apparatus of job information of the first job in response to reception of the first job;
If the job information of the first job that has not been processed is stored in the job information storage unit, the first job is executed,
If the job information of the first job that has not been processed is not stored in the job information storage unit, the second job that is stored in the job information storage unit and has not started processing A job execution unit that executes the second job based on the job information;
A job processing apparatus. A plurality of job processing apparatuses that execute jobs as processing execution units based on a workflow in which one or more processes are defined are connected to the job processing apparatus of a job processing system connected via a network.
Receiving the job;
The job information related to the execution of the first job, which is the job received by the job processing apparatus, and the job received from the other job processing apparatus different from the job processing apparatus and received by the other job processing apparatus Storing and managing job information related to execution of a second job in a job information storage unit;
Notifying the other job processing device of job information of the first job in response to the reception of the first job;
When job information of the first job that has not been processed is stored in the job information storage unit, the step of executing the first job;
If the job information of the first job that has not been processed is not stored in the job information storage unit, the second job that is stored in the job information storage unit and has not started processing A step of executing the second job based on the job information of
A program for running A job processing method in a job processing system in which a plurality of job processing apparatuses that execute a job, which is a process execution unit based on a workflow in which one or more processes are defined, are connected via a network,
The job processing device is
Receiving the job;
The job information related to the execution of the first job, which is the job received by the job processing apparatus, and the job received from the other job processing apparatus different from the job processing apparatus and received by the other job processing apparatus Storing and managing job information related to execution of a second job in a job information storage unit;
Notifying the other job processing device of job information of the first job in response to the reception of the first job;
When job information of the first job that has not been processed is stored in the job information storage unit, the step of executing the first job;
If the job information of the first job that has not been processed is not stored in the job information storage unit, the second job that is stored in the job information storage unit and has not started processing A step of executing the second job based on the job information of
A job processing method including:

Images