JP2018149738A - Image formation apparatus and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the time to the execution start of a printing job.SOLUTION: An image formation system includes: a printing job control unit which generates the list of registered printing jobs; a printing job prediction unit which predicts an execution job to be executed in a prescribed period including the current time from the printing jobs included in the list on the basis of history information of the printing job in an image formation apparatus; and a job data storage unit which is provided in the image formation apparatus and stores job data of the execution job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image forming system that includes a print server and a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via a network, and can download and execute a print job registered in the print server by an arbitrary image forming apparatus. It has been.

  However, in the conventional image forming system, since the image forming apparatus downloads job data from the print server after selecting a print job to be executed by the logged-in user, it takes time to start execution of the print job. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to shorten the time until the start of execution of a print job.

  An image forming system according to an embodiment includes: a print job control unit that generates a list of registered print jobs; and a list of the print jobs included in the list based on the print job history information in the image forming apparatus. A print job prediction unit that predicts an execution job to be executed in a predetermined period including the current time, and a job data storage unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus and stores job data of the execution job. .

  According to each embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time until the start of execution of a print job.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system. The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a print server. The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of MPF. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming system. The figure which shows an example of a registration information table. The figure which shows an example of a log | history information table. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a result of counting the number of execution times of a print job. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing when a user uses an MFP. The sequence diagram which shows an example of the acquisition process of the job data of a target job. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when an execution job is predicted. The figure which shows an example of a prediction model. The flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of transfer to energy saving mode. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming system.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, regarding the description of the specification and the drawings according to each embodiment, constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals and overlapping description is omitted.

<First Embodiment>
The image forming system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming system. The image forming system in FIG. 1 includes a print server 1, MFPs (Multi-Function Peripherals) 2A and 2B, a user terminal 3, an authentication server 4, and a network 5.

  The print server 1 is an example of an information processing apparatus, and manages print jobs registered by the user. Specifically, the print server 1 performs print job registration, print job list transmission, job data transmission, and the like.

  The MFPs 2A and 2B are examples of image forming apparatuses, and include a print function, a copy function, a scanner function, a FAX function, and the like. The MFPs 2A and 2B download job data from the print server 1 and execute a print job. In the example of FIG. 1, the image forming system includes two MFPs 2A and 2B, but may include one or three or more MFPs. In addition, the MFPs constituting the image forming system may be the same model or different models. Hereinafter, when not distinguishing the MFPs constituting the image forming system, each MFP is simply referred to as MFP 2.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus is not limited to the MFP, and may be any apparatus having a printing function. For example, the image forming apparatus may be a printer, a copier, a FAX, or the like.

  The user terminal 3 is a computer for a user to register a print job and operate the MFP 2. Examples of the user terminal 3 include a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a mobile terminal. In the example of FIG. 1, the image forming system includes one user terminal 3, but may include a plurality of user terminals.

  The authentication server 4 acquires user authentication information from the MFP 2 and executes user authentication processing based on the acquired authentication information. The authentication information includes the user's account ID and password. If the authentication by the authentication server 4 is successful, the user can log in to the MFP 2 and use the MFP 2 (image forming system). Note that the authentication server 4 may be incorporated in the print server 1. That is, the print server 1 may be able to execute the authentication process.

  The network 5 is a communication network that connects the print server 1, the MFP 2, the user terminal 3, and the authentication server 4 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 5 may be the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a combination thereof. The network 5 may be a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof.

  Next, a hardware configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the print server 1. The print server 1 in FIG. 2 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a read only memory (ROM) 102, a random access memory (RAM) 103, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 104. The print server 1 also includes an input device 105, a display device 106, a communication interface 107, and a bus 108.

  The CPU 101 executes the program to control each hardware configuration of the print server 1 and realize the function of the print server 1.

  The ROM 102 stores programs (BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) etc.) executed by the CPU 101 and various data (setting data etc.).

  The RAM 103 provides a work area for the CPU 101.

  The HDD 104 stores a program (such as an OS (Operating System)) executed by the CPU 101 and various data (such as job data).

  The input device 105 receives user operations and inputs various types of information to the print server 1. The input device 105 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a hardware key, or the like.

  The display device 106 displays various information held by the print server 1. The display device 106 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, a cathode ray tube display, or the like.

  The communication interface 107 is an interface for connecting the print server 1 to the network 5. The print server 1 communicates with the MFP 2, the user terminal 3, the authentication server 4, and the like connected to the network 5 via the communication interface 107.

  The bus 108 connects the CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, HDD 104, input device 105, display device 106, and communication interface 107 to each other.

  Note that the hardware configurations of the user terminal 3 and the authentication server 4 are the same as those of the print server 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 2. 3 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an HDD 204, an input device 205, a display device 206, a communication interface 207, an engine unit 208, and a bus 209.

  The CPU 201 executes the program to control each hardware configuration of the MFP 2 and realize the function of the MFP 2.

  The ROM 202 stores a program executed by the CPU 201 (BIOS, an application for the user to use the MFP 2) and various data.

  The RAM 203 provides a work area for the CPU 201.

  The HDD 204 stores programs (such as OS and job data) executed by the CPU 201 and various data.

  The input device 205 receives user operations and inputs various types of information to the MFP 2. The input device 205 is a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a hardware key, or the like, for example.

  The display device 206 displays various information held by the MFP 2. The display device 206 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a cathode ray tube display, or the like.

  A communication interface 207 is an interface for connecting the MFP 2 to the network 5. The MFP 2 communicates with the print server 1, user terminal 3, authentication server 4, and the like connected to the network 5 via the communication interface 207.

  The engine unit 208 is hardware that executes various functions of the MFP 2 (print function, copy function, scan function, FAX function, and the like). The engine unit 208 includes a printing apparatus, a copying apparatus, a scanning apparatus, a FAX apparatus, and the like.

  A bus 209 connects the CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, HDD 204, input device 205, display device 206, communication interface 207, and engine unit 208 to each other.

  Next, a functional configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment.

  First, the functional configuration of the print server 1 will be described. The print server 1 in FIG. 4 includes a print job registration unit 11, a job data storage unit 12, and a print job control unit 13. These functional configurations are realized by the CPU 101 executing a program and cooperating with each hardware configuration of the print server 1.

  The print job registration unit 11 causes the user terminal 3 to display a UI (User Interface) for registering a print job. The user transmits image data to be printed and print settings to the print server 1 via the UI displayed on the user terminal 3. When receiving the image data and the print settings, the print job registration unit 11 registers a print job for printing the received image data according to the designated print settings. Specifically, the print job registration unit 11 generates job data and stores the generated job data in the job data storage unit 12.

  The job data storage unit 12 stores job data of a print job registered by the print job registration unit. The job data includes image data to be printed and registration information. The registration information is information relating to a registered print job. The print job ID, the user ID, the size of the image data, the registration date and time, the address of the HDD 104 where the image data is stored, and the print specified by the user. Including settings. The print job ID is print job identification information and is given by the print job registration unit 11. The user ID is identification information of the user who registered the print job. The job data storage unit 12 includes a registration information table for storing registration information.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the registration information table. Each record in FIG. 5 corresponds to registration information of each print job. In the example of FIG. 5, the print job ID of the first line print job is 0003502, the user ID is 019, the image data size is 17189 KB, the registration date is 2016/7/25 09:34:29, the address is xxx0, and the print The settings are “monochrome” and “single-sided”. The print job ID of the second line is 0003503, the user ID is 005, the image data size is 823 KB, the registration date is 2016/7/25 10:54:02, the address is xxx1, and the print setting is “monochrome” And “both sides”. As described above, print jobs of a plurality of users are registered in the print server 1.

  The print job control unit 13 controls exchange of information regarding a print job with the MFP 2. Specifically, the print job control unit 13 transmits a print job list to the MFP 2 in response to a request from the MFP 2. The print job list is information for listing registered print jobs. As the print job list, the print job ID, user ID, image data size, registration date and time, etc. of the registered print job are transmitted. The print job control unit 13 transmits job data to the MFP 2 in response to a request from the MFP 2.

  Next, the functional configuration of the MFP 2 will be described. 4 includes an authentication unit 21, a print job execution unit 22, a history information storage unit 23, a print job prediction unit 24, a job data acquisition unit 25, and a job data storage unit 26. These functional configurations are realized by the CPU 201 executing a program and cooperating with each hardware configuration of the MFP 2.

  The authentication unit 21 executes user authentication processing with the authentication server 4 based on authentication information input from the user. Specifically, the authentication unit 21 displays an authentication information input screen on the display device 206, transmits the authentication information input from the input screen to the authentication server 4, and the result of the authentication process (success or success) Failed). If the authentication fails, the authentication unit 21 displays that fact on the display device 206. On the other hand, when the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 21 displays a screen after login (such as a home screen) on the display device 206.

  The print job execution unit 22 executes a print job in accordance with a request from the user. Specifically, the print job execution unit 22 acquires job data of a print job designated by the user from the job data storage unit 26. The print job execution unit 22 generates print data having a predetermined format for printing from the image data included in the acquired job data, and passes the generated print data to the engine unit 208. Then, the print job execution unit 22 controls the engine unit 208 so that the image data is printed in accordance with the print settings included in the job data. After executing the print job, the print job execution unit 22 stores the execution result in the history information storage unit 23.

  The history information storage unit 23 stores history information of the execution result of the print job. The execution result includes registration information of the executed print job and the date and time when the print job was executed. The history information storage unit 23 includes a history information table for storing history information.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a history information table. The left side of FIG. 6 is the history information table of the MFP 2A, and the right side is the history information table of the MFP 2B. Each record in FIG. 6 corresponds to the execution result of each print job. In the example of FIG. 6, the execution result includes a user ID and a printing date and time. For example, the user ID of the execution result of the first line of the MFP 2A is 005, and the printing date and time is 2016/07/23 10:34:12. Further, the user ID of the execution result of the second line of the MFP 2A is 003, and the print date and time is 2016/07/23 14:21:08. As described above, the MFP 2 is used by a plurality of users and executes print jobs of the plurality of users. The execution result stored in the history information table may include a print job ID, image data size, registration date and time, print settings, and the like.

  The print job prediction unit 24 acquires a print job list from the print server 1 and, during a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as “current period”) including the current time, among the print jobs included in the acquired print job list. One or more print jobs to be executed (hereinafter referred to as “execution jobs”) are predicted. The print job prediction unit 24 may predict a print job that is most likely to be executed during the current period as an execution job, or may predict a plurality of print jobs that are likely to be executed as execution jobs. May be.

  For example, the print job prediction unit 24 aggregates (adds, averages, etc.) the number of executions of each user's print job every predetermined period, and predicts an execution job based on the aggregation result in the current period. As such a prediction method, a method of predicting a print job of a user whose execution frequency is a predetermined number or more, a user whose execution frequency is the maximum, or a user whose execution frequency is from the top to a predetermined number as an execution job can be considered.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a result of counting the number of execution times of a print job. In the example of FIG. 7, the number of executions of each user's print job is totaled every 30 minutes. Here, consider that the current time is 0:00. At this time, the current period is a period of 0: 0 to 0:30. Therefore, when the print job prediction unit 24 predicts a print job of a user whose execution count is three or more as an execution job, the print job of the user with the user ID 001 is predicted as an execution job. When the print job prediction unit 24 predicts the print job of the user whose execution count is the maximum as the execution job, the print job of the user with the user ID 001 is predicted as the execution job. Further, when the print job prediction unit 24 predicts a user's print job with the second highest execution count as an execution job, the user's print job with the user ID 001, 002 is predicted as an execution job.

  Note that the prediction method based on the result of counting the number of execution times of the print job is not limited to the above example. For example, the print job prediction unit 24 may count the number of print job executions for each print setting or for each day of the week. Further, the predetermined period is not limited to 30 minutes, and can be set arbitrarily such as several minutes, several hours, several days. Further, the print job prediction unit 24 may predict an execution job every predetermined time or may predict an execution job at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing includes when the MFP 2 is activated, when returning from the energy saving mode, when the execution of the print job is completed, and the like. Further, the print job prediction unit 24 may predict the execution job based on the total result obtained by counting the print job execution count for each print setting, or the total result obtained by counting the print job execution count for each registration date and time. The execution job may be predicted based on the above.

  The job data acquisition unit 25 acquires job data of a print job requested from the print job execution unit 22 or the print job prediction unit 24 from the print server 1. The job data acquisition unit 25 stores the acquired job data in the job data storage unit 26.

  The job data storage unit 26 stores the job data acquired by the job data acquisition unit 25. The job data storage unit 26 includes a registration information table for storing registration information included in job data. The configuration of the registration information table is the same as that shown in FIG. However, the registration information stored in the job data storage unit 26 includes the address of the HDD 204 in which the image data is stored instead of the address of the HDD 104 in which the image data is stored.

  Next, processing of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing when the user uses the MFP 2. In FIG. 8, it is assumed that the user has already logged in.

  When the logged-in user operates the input device 205 to request display of a print job list (step S101), the print job execution unit 22 acquires the print job list of the logged-in user from the print job control unit 13. Is requested (step S102). At this time, the print job execution unit 22 notifies the user ID of the logged-in user to the print job control unit 13.

  When the print job control unit 13 is requested to acquire the print job list, the print job control unit 13 searches the registration information table in the job data storage unit 12 using the notified user ID as a search key (step S103), and prints the logged-in user. Job registration information is acquired (step S104). Specifically, the print job control unit 13 acquires registration information including a logged-in user ID.

  The print job control unit 13 generates a print job list based on the acquired registration information (step S105) and transmits it to the print job execution unit 22 (step S106). The print job control unit 13 may transmit the acquired registration information as a print job list, or may transmit a part of the acquired registration information as a print job list.

  When acquiring the print job list, the print job execution unit 22 displays the acquired print job list on the display device 206 (step S107). As a result, the user can check the list of print jobs registered in the print server 1 by the user. Thereafter, the user selects a print job to be printed from the print jobs included in the print job list, and operates the input device 205 to request execution of the selected print job (step S108). Hereinafter, a print job requested to be executed by the user is referred to as a target job.

  When requested to execute the target job, the print job execution unit 22 searches the registration information table of the job data storage unit 26 using the print job ID of the target job as a search key (step S109), and the job data of the target job Is acquired (step S110). Specifically, the print job execution unit 22 acquires registration information including the print job ID of the target job and image data stored at an address included in the registration information.

  If the job data of the target job is not stored in the job data storage unit 26 and the job data of the target job cannot be acquired, the print job execution unit 22 executes job data acquisition processing of the target job (step S111). . The job data acquisition process for the target job will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the job data of the target job is stored in the job data storage unit 26 and the job data can be acquired, the print job execution unit 22 executes the target job based on the acquired job data (step S112). That is, the print job execution unit 22 generates print data from the image data, passes the generated print data to the engine unit 208, and controls the engine unit 208 so that printing is performed according to the print settings included in the registration information. Thereby, the image data is printed according to the print setting.

  After executing the target job, the print job execution unit 22 deletes the job data of the target job from the job data storage unit 26 (step S113). Further, the print job execution unit 22 stores the execution result of the target job in the history information storage unit 23 (step S114). Further, the print job execution unit 22 notifies the print job control unit 13 that the execution of the target job has been completed (step S115). When notified that the execution of the target job is completed, the print job control unit 13 deletes the job data of the target job from the job data storage unit 12 (step S116).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the job data of the target job is stored in the job data storage unit 26 in advance, the print job execution unit 22 uses the job data stored in the job data storage unit 26. And execute the target job. Therefore, when the job data of the target job is stored in the job data storage unit 26 in advance, the execution of the target job is requested after the user requests execution of the target job, compared to the case where the job data is acquired from the print server 1. Can be shortened.

  FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the job data acquisition process of the target job. The process in FIG. 9 corresponds to the internal process in step S111 in FIG.

  First, the print job execution unit 22 requests the print job control unit 13 to acquire job data of the target job via the job data acquisition unit 25 (steps S201 and S202). At this time, the print job execution unit 22 notifies the print job control unit 13 of the print job ID of the target job via the job data acquisition unit 25.

  When the print job control unit 13 is requested to acquire job data, the print job control unit 13 searches the registration information table in the job data storage unit 12 using the notified print job ID as a search key (step S203), and the job data of the target job. Is acquired (step S204). Specifically, the print job control unit 13 acquires registration information including the print job ID of the target job and image data stored at an address included in the registration information. The print job control unit 13 transmits the acquired job data of the target job to the job data acquisition unit 25 (step S205).

  When the job data acquisition unit 25 receives the job data of the target job, the job data acquisition unit 25 stores the received job data in the job data storage unit 26. Further, the job data acquisition unit 25 notifies the print job execution unit 22 that the job data of the target job has been acquired (step S207).

  When notified of the acquisition of the job data of the target job, the print job execution unit 22 searches the registration information table of the job data storage unit 26 using the print job ID of the target job as a search key (step S208). Job data is acquired (step S209). Specifically, the print job execution unit 22 acquires registration information including the print job ID of the target job and image data stored at an address included in the registration information. Thereafter, the print job execution unit 22 executes the target job based on the acquired job data (step S112).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the job data of the target job is not stored in the job data storage unit 26 in advance, the print job execution unit 22 stores the job data stored in the print server 1. The target job can be executed using.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when an execution job is predicted. As described above, the process of FIG. 10 is executed at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined timing.

  When the execution job prediction timing arrives, the print job prediction unit 24 acquires a print job list from the print server 1 (step S301). Specifically, the print job prediction unit 24 requests the print job control unit 13 to acquire a print job list. When the print job control unit 13 is requested to acquire the print job list, the print job control unit 13 acquires all registration information stored in the job data storage unit 12, generates a print job list based on the acquired registration information, and generates the print job list. The completed print job list is transmitted to the print job prediction unit 24. As a result, the print job prediction unit 24 can acquire a print job list including all print jobs registered in the print server 1.

  When acquiring the print job list, the print job prediction unit 24 deletes the job data of the print job not included in the print job list from the job data storage unit 26 (step S302). Thereby, for example, job data of a print job canceled by the user after being stored in the job data storage unit 26 or job data of a print job executed by another MFP is deleted.

  Next, the print job prediction unit 24 predicts one or a plurality of execution jobs from the print jobs included in the print job list based on the history information stored in the history information storage unit 23 (step S303). ). The execution job prediction method is as described above.

  When the print job predicting unit 24 predicts an execution job, the total job data size of the execution job in which job data is not stored in the job data storage unit 26 among the predicted execution jobs, and the job data storage unit 26 is free. The capacity is compared (step S304). This corresponds to determining whether or not an execution job whose job data is not stored in the job data storage unit 26 can be stored in the job data storage unit 26.

  If the available capacity is sufficient (NO in step S305), the print job prediction unit 24 acquires job data of an unsaved execution job from the print server 1 (step S306). The case where the free space is sufficient corresponds to the case where the free space is larger than the total data size of unsaved execution jobs and job data of unsaved execution jobs can be saved in the job data storage unit 26.

  Specifically, the print job prediction unit 24 requests the print job control unit 13 to acquire job data of an unsaved execution job via the job data acquisition unit 25. At this time, the print job prediction unit 24 notifies the print job control unit 13 of the print job ID of the unsaved execution job via the job data acquisition unit 25.

  When the print job control unit 13 is requested to acquire job data, the print job control unit 13 searches the registration information table in the job data storage unit 12 using the notified print job ID as a search key, and stores job data of an unsaved execution job. get. Then, the print job control unit 13 transmits the acquired job data of the target job to the job data acquisition unit 25. When the job data acquisition unit 25 receives the job data, the job data acquisition unit 25 stores the received job data in the job data storage unit 26. As a result, the job data of the execution job predicted by the print job prediction unit 24 is stored in the job data storage unit 26.

  On the other hand, the print job prediction unit 24 checks whether or not there is a print job in which job data is stored in the job data storage unit 26 when the free space is insufficient (YES in step S305) (step S307). The case where the free space is insufficient corresponds to a case where the free space is smaller than the total data size of unsaved execution jobs and job data of unsaved execution jobs cannot be saved in the job data storage unit 26.

  If there is no print job in which job data has been saved (NO in step S307), the print job prediction unit 24 ends the process.

  On the other hand, when there is a print job in which job data has been saved (YES in step S307), the print job prediction unit 24 selects a print job from among the saved print jobs based on the history information stored in the history information storage unit 23. A non-executed job is predicted (step S308). A non-execution job is a print job that is not executed during the current period. The print job prediction unit 24 may predict a print job that is least likely to be executed during the current period as a non-execution job, or a plurality of print jobs that are unlikely to be executed as non-execution jobs. It may be predicted. Further, the print job prediction unit 24 may predict all print jobs other than execution jobs as non-execution jobs.

  For example, the print job prediction unit 24 aggregates (adds, averages, etc.) the number of executions of each user's print job every predetermined period, and predicts a non-execution job based on the aggregation result in the current period. As such a prediction method, a method of predicting a print job as a non-execution job of a user whose execution frequency is a predetermined number or less, a user whose execution frequency is the minimum, or a user whose execution frequency is from the bottom to a predetermined number is considered. The method for predicting non-executed jobs is not limited to this.

  When predicting the non-executed job, the print job predicting unit 24 deletes the job data of the predicted non-executed job from the job data storage unit 26 (step S309). As a result, the free capacity of the job data storage unit 26 increases. Thereafter, the process returns to step S304.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the MFP 2 can acquire job data of the latest execution job at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined timing, and store the job data in the job data storage unit 26.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the MFP 2 acquires job data of the latest execution job at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined timing, and uses the acquired job data to execute a print job. Can be executed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, compared to the case where the MFP 2 acquires job data from the print server 1 in response to a request for execution of the target job from the user, the MFP 2 requests the target job after the user requests execution of the target job. It is possible to shorten the time until the execution of is started. Thereby, a user's convenience can be improved.

Second Embodiment
An image forming system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the print job prediction unit 24 including a machine learning engine will be described. Except for the print job prediction unit 24, each configuration of the image forming system is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the print job prediction unit 24 includes a machine learning engine and learns an execution job based on history information. Specifically, the print job prediction unit 24 builds a prediction model for predicting an execution job based on history information, and predicts an execution job based on the built prediction model and a print job list. To do. The print job prediction unit 24 may learn the execution job for each user, may learn for each print setting, or may learn for each registration date and time.

  The print job prediction unit 24 can use an arbitrary learning method such as support vector machine (SVM), clustering, neural network, or decision tree in order to construct a prediction model.

  According to the present embodiment, the print job prediction unit 24 is not limited to the result of counting the number of executions in the current period, but is also a factor such as a change in the number of executions, the number of executions in a period other than the current period, The execution job can be predicted in consideration of the above. Thereby, the prediction accuracy of the execution job can be improved.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a prediction model. The prediction model in FIG. 11 shows the execution tendency of a print job for each user. A “time zone” in FIG. 11 indicates a time zone in which the user frequently executes a print job. “Frequency (one month)” indicates the frequency with which the user executes a print job in the most recent month. “Frequency (one week)” indicates the frequency with which a user executes a print job in the most recent week. “Day of the week” indicates the day of the week when the user frequently executes the print job. In the example of FIG. 11, for example, the user with the user ID 006 has a high execution frequency from 8:30 to 9:00, a high execution frequency in the most recent month, and a high execution frequency in the most recent week. The execution frequency is high from Monday to Friday.

  In the prediction model of FIG. 11, the print job prediction unit 24 refers to the prediction model, and selects a user whose print job execution frequency is high in the current period from among users whose print jobs are included in the print job list. The user's print job is predicted as an execution job. The print job prediction unit 24 can select a user whose execution tendency satisfies a predetermined condition as a user with high execution frequency. For example, it may be possible to select a user whose current time and current day coincide with a time zone and day of the week with high execution frequency, or a user with high execution frequency in the most recent week. According to this condition, when the current period is 8:30 to 9:00 on Monday, the user with the user ID 006 is selected as the user with high execution frequency.

  Further, the print job prediction unit 24 may calculate an evaluation value of the execution frequency in the current period based on the execution tendency of FIG. 11, and may select a user with a high execution frequency based on the calculated evaluation value. For example, the print job prediction unit 24 may select a user with the highest execution value, a user with an evaluation value equal to or higher than a predetermined value, or a user with an evaluation value from the top to a predetermined number with high execution frequency.

  In the present embodiment, the print job prediction unit 24 predicts the next time when the print job is executed (hereinafter referred to as “execution time”) when the MFP 2 shifts to the energy saving mode. Specifically, the print job prediction unit 24 predicts, as the execution time, a time when the print job execution frequency (the usage frequency of the MFP 2) is high based on the history information.

  Here, FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing at the time of shifting to the energy saving mode. Assume that the MFP 2 is in the normal mode at the start of FIG.

  In the present embodiment, if no operation from the user is input to the MFP 2 for a predetermined time (YES in step S401), the print job prediction unit 24 sets the latest execution time based on the history information and the current date and time. Predict. The print job prediction unit 24 may predict the latest execution time based on the total result of the history information, or may learn the latest execution time based on the history information.

  When the print job prediction unit 24 predicts the latest execution time, the print job prediction unit 24 sets a time that is a predetermined time before the predicted execution time as the return time from the energy saving mode to the normal mode (step S403). The predetermined time can be arbitrarily set, and is preferably set longer than the time required to acquire the job data of the latest execution job. The predetermined time is 1 minute, 10 minutes, 1 hour, etc., but is not limited thereto.

  Thereafter, the MFP 2 transitions from the normal mode to the energy saving mode (step S404). Thereafter, the MFP 2 stands by in the energy saving mode until an operation from the user is input or the return time comes.

  If an operation from the user is input to the MFP 2 during standby (YES in step S405), the MFP returns from the energy saving mode to the normal mode (step S407). Thereafter, the MFP 2 acquires job data of the latest execution job at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined timing (step S408). The method for acquiring job data of the latest execution job is as described above.

  On the other hand, when the return time comes during standby (YES in step S406), the MFP 2 returns from the energy saving mode to the normal mode (step S407). Thereafter, the MFP 2 acquires the job data of the latest execution job, and updates the job data stored in the job data storage unit 26 to the job data of the latest execution job (step S408).

  When the return time is not set, as a method for updating the job data stored in the job data storage unit 26, a method of returning from the energy saving mode every predetermined time and updating, or from the energy saving mode according to an operation from the user. A method of updating when returning is conceivable.

  However, in the former method, even when the usage frequency of the MFP 2 is low, the MFP 2 returns from the energy saving mode and updates the job data, so that the power consumption of the MFP 2 increases. In the latter method, since the job data is not updated when the MFP 2 is restored, there is a possibility that the time from when the user requests execution of the target job until the execution of the target job is started may be increased.

  On the other hand, according to this embodiment, the MFP 2 returns from the energy saving mode a predetermined time before the execution time, and updates the job data stored in the job data storage unit 26 to the job data of the latest execution job. To do. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the MFP 2 does not return from the energy saving mode except for the return time except when an operation from the user is input. Therefore, the power consumption of the MFP 2 can be reduced compared to the former method. Can be reduced. Further, according to the present embodiment, since the execution time can be reached with the job data of the latest execution job stored in the job data storage unit 26, the execution of the target job can be performed as compared with the latter method. Can be shortened more reliably.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the prediction accuracy of an execution job by learning the execution job based on history information. In addition, by setting the time before the execution time as a return time and shifting to the energy saving mode, the target job is executed after the user requests execution of the target job while suppressing the power consumption of the MFP 2. The time until the start can be more reliably reduced.

<Third Embodiment>
An image forming system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. In the image forming system of FIG. 13, the print server 1 includes a history information storage unit 23 and a print job prediction unit 24 instead of the MFP 2. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  With this configuration, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to execute the same processing as in the first embodiment and obtain the same effect. In other words, compared to the case where the MFP 2 acquires job data from the print server 1 in response to a target job execution request from the user, the MFP 2 requests the target job to be executed until the target job starts to be executed. Can be shortened.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the history information of the plurality of MFPs 2 can be stored by one print server 1 and the execution jobs of the plurality of MFPs 2 can be predicted. Further, since the history information is saved and the execution job is predicted by the print server 1, the load and storage capacity of the MFP 2 can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment.

  The arrangement of the history information storage unit 23 and the print job prediction unit 24 is not limited to the example in FIG. For example, one of the history information storage unit 23 and the print job prediction unit 24 may be provided in the MFP 2. Further, even if MFP 2 having at least one of history information storage unit 23 and print job prediction unit 24 and MFP 2 not having both history information storage unit 23 and print job prediction unit 24 are mixed in the image forming system. Good.

  Each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or a plurality of processing circuits. Here, the “processing circuit” in this specification means a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or designed to execute each function described above. It also includes devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and conventional circuit modules.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown here, such as combinations with other elements in the configurations described in the above embodiments. These points can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

1: Print server 2: MFP
3: User terminal 4: Authentication server 11: Print job registration unit 12: Job data storage unit 13: Print job control unit 21: Authentication unit 22: Print job execution unit 23: History information storage unit 24: Print job prediction unit 25: Job data acquisition unit 26: job data storage unit

JP 2011-158946 A

Claims (9)

A print job control unit that generates a list of registered print jobs;
A print job prediction unit that predicts an execution job to be executed in a predetermined period including a current time from the print jobs included in the list, based on history information of the print job in the image forming apparatus;
A job data storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus for storing job data of the execution job;
An image forming system comprising: The image according to claim 1, wherein the print job prediction unit selects a user who executes the print job in the predetermined period based on the history information, and predicts the print job of the user as the execution job. Forming system. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the print job prediction unit predicts the execution job based on a result of aggregation of the history information. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the print job prediction unit learns the execution job based on the history information. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the print job prediction unit deletes the job data of the print job not included in the list from the job data storage unit. The print job prediction unit deletes at least a part of the job data stored in the job data storage unit when a free space in the job data storage unit is insufficient. The image forming system according to item. The print job prediction unit predicts an execution time when the print job is executed next, and sets a time before the execution time as a return time from the energy saving mode. The image forming system according to claim 1. Based on the print job history information, the job data of the execution job predicted as the print job to be executed in a predetermined period including the current time is acquired from the list of print jobs registered in the information processing apparatus. A job data acquisition unit,
A job data storage unit for storing job data of the execution job;
A print job execution unit that executes the print job based on the job data stored in the job data storage unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An information processing apparatus including a print job control unit that generates a list of registered print jobs;
Based on the print job history information, a print job prediction unit that predicts an execution job to be executed in a predetermined period including the current time from the list, and job data of the execution job from the information processing apparatus. A job data acquisition unit to acquire, a job data storage unit that stores the job data of the execution job, and a print job execution unit that executes the print job based on the job data stored in the job data storage unit An image forming apparatus comprising:
An image forming system comprising:

Images