JP2019204378A - Print controller and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a print controller and a program capable of realizing high efficiency of an entire image formation system by constructing a virtualization system between a print controller and another device.SOLUTION: A print controller 20 transfers image data to an image forming apparatus 300 and includes a CPU 211 functioning as: an image data communication part 215 performing data communication between the print controller and another device; a test communication part 216, a print controller communication part 217, a judgment part judging a communication band in the communication part; and a control part controlling operation of the print controller, in which upon judgment by the judgment part that the communication band has become equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control part constructs a virtualization system between the print controller and hardware resources of the other device and operates the system while considering it as one device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a print controller and a program.

  In production printing for providing printed products as commodities, an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a print controller are connected is used. In such an image forming system, a print controller receives drawing data described in a printer language from a terminal such as a personal computer, interprets this, forms image data, and provides the image data to the image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, there has been a demand for improved image quality and higher printing speed due to high resolution and multi-color support. As one means for realizing these, the processing capability of each device constituting the image forming system is improved. Is effective. However, there is often a problem that resources cannot be effectively used, such as one device has a high hardware resource workload while the other device has a low operating rate. There is a need for a system that can be used efficiently.

In relation to the above-mentioned problems, in recent years, blade servers that consolidate multiple servers are considered to be a single system by connecting each server with a high-speed interface, and a virtual system that operates an operating system and application software on it. Technology is known. By virtualization, a plurality of hardware resources can be used without being constrained by a physical configuration, and resources can be used efficiently without waste.
Also in the image forming apparatus, a technique for constructing one system by a plurality of computers connected to a network is used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a plurality of client computers that transmit print jobs and a printer server computer that collectively receives print jobs are arranged on a common communication network to perform distributed processing. The technology that utilizes the hardware resources of is described.

JP 11-259258 A

By applying the above-described conventional technology to build a virtual system between the print controller and other devices, such as image forming devices, inspection devices, or other print controllers, hardware resources of each device can be saved. Expected to be utilized.
Here, in order to construct a virtualization system, the print controller and other devices such as an image forming apparatus need to be connected with a high-speed interface in order to ensure sufficient bandwidth available for the virtualization system. There is. At the time of delivery, it is common for each device to be connected with a relatively low-speed interface, but the user can arbitrarily set up after delivery to speed up communication between the print controller and the image forming device. It is possible to add a high speed interface. Therefore, when such a high-speed interface is realized, it is desirable to construct a virtualization system by appropriately determining conditions for constructing a virtualization system.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a print that can realize the efficiency of the entire image forming system by constructing a virtualized system between the print controller and another device at a suitable timing. The purpose is to provide a controller and program.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the print controller according to claim 1,
A print controller for transferring image data to an image forming apparatus,
A communication unit that performs data communication between the print controller and another device;
A determination unit for determining a communication band in the communication unit;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the print controller,
The control unit constructs a virtualization system between the print controller and the hardware resources of the other device when the determination unit determines that the communication band has exceeded a predetermined value, It is characterized by operating as a device.

The invention according to claim 2 is the print controller according to claim 1,
The communication unit includes an image data communication unit that transfers image data between the print controller and the image forming apparatus.
A management unit for managing the output speed of the image forming apparatus;
A calculation unit that calculates an image transfer band necessary for transferring image data based on the output speed and the data amount of the image data;
A calculation unit that calculates an occupation rate in the communication band of the virtualized band excluding the image transfer band from the communication band, and
The control unit constructs a virtualization system between the print controller and the image forming apparatus when the occupation ratio is equal to or higher than the first occupation ratio.

The invention according to claim 3 is the print controller according to claim 2,
An occupancy rate monitoring unit that continuously monitors the occupancy rate,
When the control unit constructs a virtualization system when the occupation rate monitoring unit determines that the occupation rate is equal to or higher than the first occupation rate, the occupation rate monitoring unit determines that the occupation rate is first. It is characterized in that the virtual system is released when it is determined that the occupancy rate is below.

The invention according to claim 4 is the print controller according to claim 3,
When the occupation rate monitoring unit determines that the occupation rate is less than the second occupation rate and equal to or greater than the first occupation rate, the control unit is configured to print the print controller and the image forming apparatus. Of these hardware resources, only the CPU is virtualized.

The invention according to claim 5 is the print controller according to claim 4,
When the occupation rate monitoring unit determines that the occupation rate is less than the third occupation rate and equal to or greater than the second occupation rate, the control unit is configured to print the print controller and the image forming apparatus. Of these hardware resources, the CPU and memory, or only the CPU is virtualized.

The invention according to claim 6 is the print controller according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
A determination unit that determines whether it is more efficient to construct a virtualization system and perform multitasking based on image data input to the print controller;
The control unit, when the occupancy monitoring unit determines that the occupancy rate is less than the first occupancy rate, the determination unit determines that it is more efficient to perform multitasking In addition, it is characterized by continuing the virtualization system.

The invention according to claim 7 is the print controller according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
A storage unit for storing the image data;
A speed monitoring unit that monitors a transfer speed of the image data to the storage unit,
When the transfer rate is determined to be less than a predetermined rate by the speed monitoring unit, the control unit determines a CPU and a memory, or only a CPU among hardware resources of the print controller and the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by virtualization.

The invention according to claim 8 is the print controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The control unit constructs a virtualization system between the print controller and the hardware resources of the image forming apparatus even when the image forming apparatus is not operating.

The invention according to claim 9 is the print controller according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The communication unit includes an inspection communication unit that performs data communication between the print controller and the inspection device,
The control unit constructs a virtualization system between the print controller and the hardware resources of the inspection apparatus when the determination unit determines that the communication band in the inspection communication unit has exceeded a predetermined value. It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 10 is the print controller according to claim 9,
The control unit constructs a virtualization system between the print controller and hardware resources of the inspection apparatus even when the inspection apparatus is not operating.

The invention according to claim 11 is the print controller according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The communication unit includes a print controller communication unit that performs data communication between the print controller and another print controller.
When the control unit determines that the communication band in the print controller communication unit has reached a predetermined value or more by the determination unit, a virtualization system between the print controller and the hardware resources of the other print controller It is characterized by constructing.

The program according to claim 12 is:
A print controller computer that transfers image data to the image forming device
A communication unit that performs data communication between the print controller and another device,
A determination unit for determining a communication band in the communication unit;
Function as a control unit that controls the operation of the print controller,
When the control unit determines that the communication band has exceeded a predetermined value, the control unit is configured to construct a virtualization system between hardware resources of the print controller and the other device, and It is characterized by operating as a device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a print controller and a program capable of realizing the efficiency of the entire image forming system by constructing a virtualization system between the print controller and another device at a suitable timing. .

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of each apparatus constituting an image forming system. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a communication connection mode of each device constituting the image forming system. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of a DFE server. 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of an inspection apparatus. 3 is a diagram illustrating a communication state between a print controller and an image forming apparatus. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a virtualization system according to a first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a print controller according to the first embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of the virtualization system which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a print controller according to a modification of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a print controller according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a print controller according to a third embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 are diagrams showing an overall configuration of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming system 1 includes an external apparatus 100, a DFE server 200, an image forming apparatus 300, and an inspection apparatus 400.
The external controller 100 and the print controller 20 constituting the DFE server 200 are connected via a LAN cable C1, the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 are connected via a LAN cable C2, and the print controller 20 and the inspection apparatus 400 are connected via a LAN cable. Each is connected via C3.

The external device 100 generates drawing data of a print job to be printed by a user operation or the like and transmits it to the print controller 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the external device 100 includes a network communication unit 101 including a network card that controls TCP / IP connection via a LAN, and is connected to the DFE server 200 via a LAN cable C1. Alternatively, the external device 100 may be connected to the DFE server 200 via a wireless LAN without using the LAN cable C1.
As the external device 100, for example, a PC, a server device, a portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or the like can be applied.

When the image forming apparatus 300 is used as a network printer, the DFE server 200 receives drawing data from the external apparatus 100 connected to the network, performs predetermined processing, generates print image data, and sends the image forming apparatus 300 to the image forming apparatus 300. Output.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the DFE server 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the DFE server 200 includes a plurality of print controllers 20, and each print controller 20 is connected in parallel by a switch S and a cable C4.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the print controller 20 includes a controller control unit 21 and an image processing unit 22.

  The controller control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a memory 212, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 213, a network communication unit 214, an image data communication unit 215, an inspection communication unit 216, and print controller communication. Part 217.

The CPU 211 controls the entire print controller 20 by reading and executing processing programs stored in the HDD 213.
The CPU 211 implements functions as a determination unit, a control unit, a management unit, a calculation unit, a calculation unit, an occupation rate monitoring unit, a determination unit, and a speed monitoring unit.

  The memory 212 is an area for temporarily storing various data read from the HDD 213, the network communication unit 214, or the image data communication unit 215. The data stored in the memory 212 is processed by the CPU 211 and transferred to the HDD 213, the network communication unit 214, or the image data communication unit 215 as necessary.

  The HDD 213 stores print data, a program for processing the print data, a program for the CPU 211 to control each unit, information on the processing function of the own device, and the like. Information stored in the HDD 213 is read as necessary by the CPU 211 and executed on the memory 212.

  The network communication unit 214 includes a network card that controls TCP / IP connection by LAN, and is connected to the external device 100 via the LAN cable C1 to establish data communication with the external device 100 as shown in FIG. For example, drawing data is received from the external device 100.

  The image data communication unit 215 includes a network card for controlling TCP / IP connection by LAN, and is connected to the image forming apparatus 300 via the LAN cable C2 as shown in FIG. For example, transmission of the generated print image data to the image forming apparatus 300 and transmission / reception of data such as various statuses are executed.

  The inspection communication unit 216 includes a network card for controlling TCP / IP connection by LAN, and is connected to the inspection apparatus 400 via the LAN cable C3 as shown in FIG. 2 to establish data communication with the inspection apparatus 400. For example, transmission of the generated print image data to the inspection apparatus 400 and transmission / reception of data such as various statuses are executed.

The print controller communication unit 217 includes a network card for controlling TCP / IP connection by LAN, and is connected to the LAN cable C4 as shown in FIG.
Here, the network card provided in the print controller communication unit 217 is an interface capable of high-speed data communication such as Infiniband, 10 GbE, and 100 GbE Ethernet, and is connected to another network connected via the switch S as described later. High-speed data communication with the print controller 20 is enabled.

  The image processing unit 22 includes a language analysis unit 221, a rasterizing unit 222, and a screen processing unit 223.

  The language analysis unit 221 interprets drawing data described in a page description language (PDL) received from the external device 100 via the network communication unit 214 and converts it into intermediate data.

  The rasterization unit 222 reads the intermediate data generated by the language analysis unit 221, performs rasterization (RIP) processing to generate bitmap format image data, and draws it in the frame space.

  The screen processing unit 223 performs screen processing on the frame generated by the rasterization processing unit. Note that the print image data generated by the screen processing is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 300 via the image data communication unit 215.

The switch S is a switch type concentrator for switching between the print controllers 20.
Each print controller 20 constituting the DFE server 200 is connected in parallel to the switch S via a LAN cable C4 connected to the print controller communication unit 217. As described above, since each print controller 20 includes a network card capable of high-speed data communication, switching between the print controllers 20 by the switch S enables parallel data communication, thereby enabling high-speed data communication. Can be realized.

The image forming apparatus 300 forms a color image by electrophotography based on image data obtained by reading an image from a document or image data received from the external apparatus 100.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 300. As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 300 includes a main body control unit 31 and an engine 32.

  The main body control unit 31 includes a CPU 311, a memory 312, an HDD 313, and an image data communication unit 314.

  The CPU 311 controls the entire image forming apparatus 300 by reading and executing a processing program or the like stored in the HDD 313.

  The memory 312 is an area for temporarily storing print image data received from the DFE server 200 via the document reading unit 322 or the image data communication unit 314. The image data stored in the memory 312 is processed by the CPU 311 and transferred to the image forming unit 324. Note that the image data held in the memory 312 is rasterized (RIP) bitmap data of each color of CMYK.

  The HDD 313 stores print data, a program for processing the print data, a program for the CPU 311 to control each unit, information on the processing function of the own device, and the like. Information stored in the HDD 313 is read by the CPU 311 as necessary, and is executed on the memory 312.

  The image data communication unit 314 includes a network card for controlling TCP / IP connection by LAN, and is connected to the DFE server 200 via the LAN cable C2 to establish data communication with the DFE server 200 as shown in FIG. For example, print image data generated by the DFE server 200 is received, and data such as various statuses is transmitted and received.

  The engine 32 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 321, a document reading unit 322, an operation unit 323, an image forming unit 324, and a paper feeding unit 325.

  The ADF 321 includes a placement tray on which a document is placed, a mechanism for transporting the document, a transport roller, and the like, and transports the document to a predetermined transport path.

  The document reading unit 322 is configured to include an optical system such as a light source and a reflecting mirror, and irradiates a document on a document transported on a predetermined transport path or a document placed on a platen glass and receives reflected light. Further, the document reading unit 322 converts the received reflected light into an electric signal and outputs it to the main body control unit 31.

  The operation unit 323 is an operation unit that performs various settings related to the image forming apparatus 300. The operation unit 323 is a touch panel and can process display and operation in parallel. The operation means is not limited to the touch panel, and may be disposed at any position as long as an operation function can be provided.

The image forming unit 324 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data read from the document reading unit 322 or the print job received via the image data communication unit 314, and sends the image to the inspection apparatus 400.
The image forming unit 324 includes a photosensitive drum 324a, a transfer roller 324b, a fixing device, a double-sided mechanism, a reversing mechanism 324c, various conveyance belts, and the like.

Specifically, the image forming unit 324 feeds paper from any of the paper feed trays 325a to 325h of the paper feed unit 325, and transports the paper along the transport path. Next, the image forming unit 324 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 324a with a charger, and irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 324a with a laser beam using an LD (Laser Diode) to form an electrostatic latent image. Next, the image forming unit 15 causes the developer to attach toner to an area including the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 324a.
Next, the image forming unit 324 causes the transfer roller 324b to transfer toner onto the paper conveyed from any of the paper feed trays 325a to 325h of the paper feed unit 325 to form an image, and the image is fixed by the fixing device. After that, the sheet is discharged to the inspection apparatus 400.

  In addition, the image forming unit 324 includes a reversing mechanism 324c that reverses the front and back of the paper on which the fixing process has been performed by the fixing device and conveys the paper to the transfer roller 324b. In the present embodiment, when images are formed on both sides of a sheet, the reversing mechanism 324c reverses the front and back of the sheet to form images on both sides, and then the sheet is discharged to the inspection apparatus 400. When an image is formed only on one side of the paper, the paper on which the image is formed on one side is discharged to the inspection apparatus 400 without reversing the front and back of the paper by the reversing mechanism 324c.

  The paper feed unit 325 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 325a to 325h, and stores a plurality of different types of paper in each of the paper feed trays 325a to 325h. The paper feed unit 325 feeds paper stored in a predetermined transport path to the image forming unit 324.

The inspection apparatus 400 inspects the image formed on the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 and determines whether or not the image formation has been normally performed.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the inspection apparatus 400. As shown in FIG. 5, the inspection apparatus 400 includes an inspection control unit 41 and an inspection processing unit 42.

  The inspection control unit 41 includes a CPU 411, a memory 412, an HDD 413, and an inspection communication unit 414.

The CPU 411 controls the entire inspection apparatus 400 by reading and executing a processing program or the like stored in the HDD 413.
Further, the CPU 411 compares the print image data received from the DFE server 200 via the inspection communication unit 414 with the read image data generated by the reading unit 421, and executes an abnormal image detection process. Specifically, the color difference between the two image data, the image position, etc. are compared to analyze the difference between the two, and if a difference is detected, it is determined that an abnormal image has been formed, and the difference is not detected Is determined that a normal image is formed. The CPU 411 instructs the output unit 422 to process the paper as a paper on which an abnormal image is formed or a paper on which a normal image is formed.

  The memory 412 is an area for temporarily storing print image data received from the DFE server 200 via the inspection communication unit 414 and read image data obtained by reading a sheet by the reading unit 421. The image data stored in the memory 412 is processed by the CPU 411.

  The HDD 413 stores a program for executing an abnormal image detection process, a program for the CPU 411 to control each unit, information on the processing function of the own apparatus, and the like. Information stored in the HDD 413 is read by the CPU 411 as necessary, and is executed on the memory 412.

  The inspection communication unit 414 includes a network card for controlling TCP / IP connection by LAN, and is connected to the DFE server 200 via the LAN cable C3 as shown in FIG. 2 to establish data communication with the DFE server 200. For example, print image data generated by the DFE server 200 is received, and data such as various statuses is transmitted and received.

  The inspection processing unit 42 includes a reading unit 421 and an output unit 422.

  The reading unit 421 includes a scanner such as a line sensor or an area sensor, and reads an image that is discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 and formed on a sheet that is transported on the transport path of the inspection apparatus 400. The reading unit 421 generates read image data (bitmap format image data) for each color of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) based on data read by the scanner, and an inspection control unit 41 is output.

  The output unit 422 includes a plurality of paper discharge trays 422a to 422c. In accordance with an instruction from the CPU 411, the output unit 422 categorizes and discharges the paper on which the normal image is determined to be formed and the paper on which the abnormal image is determined to be formed into different paper discharge trays 422a to 422c. Change the transport route so that

  The image data communication unit 215, the inspection communication unit 216, and the print controller communication unit 217 function as a communication unit.

[Building a virtualization system]
Hereinafter, the construction of the virtualization system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment is based on the communication band in the communication unit in the communication unit (image data communication units 215 and 314) between the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 connected to the print controller 20. The print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 construct a virtualization system that is regarded as one piece of hardware.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a communication connection mode between the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300.
FIG. 6A shows a state of communication connection between the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 in the conventional image forming system 1. When the conventional print controller 20 and image forming apparatus 300 are delivered, a video interface for realizing a relatively low speed interface such as 1 Gb Ethernet or USB (Universal Serial Bus) as the image data communication unit 215 and the image data communication unit 314 Boards such as (Video Interface: VIF) 215a, 314a are mounted.

  In order to increase the communication speed, the user newly installs boards such as enhanced interfaces (EIF) 215b and 314b in the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 as the image data communication unit 215 and the image data communication unit 314. By mounting, a high-speed interface such as 100 Gb Ethernet or Infiniband can be realized.

  The image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment can construct a virtualization system when a high-speed interface is realized in the image data communication units 215 and 314 between the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300. It is determined that the condition is satisfied, and a virtualization system is constructed in which the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 are regarded as one piece of hardware.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above, the image forming system according to the present embodiment determines whether to build a virtualization system based on the communication band between the image data communication unit 215 and the image data communication unit 314. .

The construction of the virtualization system based on the communication band will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7A shows communication bands in the image data communication units 215 and 314. As shown in FIG. 7A, in the image forming system 1 in which a high-speed interface is realized in the image data communication units 215 and 314, the communication band between the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 is 1 GB / s. Suppose that Further, it is assumed that a bandwidth (hereinafter referred to as an image transfer bandwidth) necessary for transferring print image data from the print controller 20 to the image forming apparatus 300 is 600 MB / s. At this time, a virtualization system can be constructed using the remaining 400 MB / s band (hereinafter referred to as a virtualization band) excluding the image transfer band from the communication band.

Here, whether or not to build a virtual system using the virtualized band is determined based on the occupation ratio of the virtualized band to the communication band.
The image transfer band is a value determined based on the drawing data received from the external device 100 and the output speed of the engine 32. That is, if the data size of the drawing data is clear, the size of the print image data obtained by processing each part of the image processing unit 22 on the drawing data can be calculated. Further, the speed required to transfer the print image data to the image forming apparatus 300 is calculated based on the output speed of the engine 32, and the image transfer band can be determined based on the calculated speed.

Based on the image transfer band calculated as described above, the occupation ratio in the communication band of the virtual band is calculated. When the occupancy rate of the virtualized band exceeds a predetermined occupancy rate, a virtualization system is constructed. For example, if the predetermined occupancy rate is set as 20%, in the case of FIG. 7A, the virtualized band occupies 40% of the communication band, so that a virtualized system can be constructed. Judgment is made, a virtualization system is constructed, and the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 are regarded as one apparatus.
In this way, by constructing a virtualization system only when the predetermined occupation ratio is exceeded, a communication band necessary for data transfer with images is ensured, and the hardware resources of the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 are ensured. It is possible to secure a sufficient communication band necessary for the exchange between them.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the concept of the virtualization system constructed as described above. As shown in FIG. 7B, a virtualized system V regarded as one device is constructed by virtualizing two independent devices, the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300. That is, in the virtualization system V, hardware resources such as a CPU, a memory, and an HDD are integrated without being restricted by a physical configuration.

This eliminates the waste of hardware resources and makes effective use of hardware resources, such as one device has a high hardware resource workload while the other device has a low hardware resource operation rate. It becomes possible.
Furthermore, the operating system applied to the virtualization system V looks like a continuous CPU with CPU 211 and CPU 311 that are physically separated from the application software installed in either the print controller 20 or the image forming apparatus 300. To provide. As a result, the application side can operate the CPU 211 and the CPU 311 that are physically separated without distinction, so that multitasking can be easily realized.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print controller 20 according to the present embodiment.
When the CPU 211 of the print controller 20 starts operation by receiving a print job from the external apparatus 100 or the like, it determines whether or not the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 are connected (step S801).
If the CPU 211 determines that it is connected to the image forming apparatus 300 (step S801: Yes), it proceeds to step S803, but if it is determined that it is not connected (step S801: No), it executes a normal operation ( Step S802), that is, the operation is executed using the hardware resources of the print controller 20 without constructing the virtualization system, and the control is terminated.

In step S803, the CPU 211 determines whether the communication band is equal to or greater than a predetermined value as a determination unit. The predetermined value is a value set in advance as a communication band sufficient for constructing a virtualization system, and is usually a predetermined value when a high-speed interface is realized between the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300. It is determined that the value is satisfied.
If the CPU 211 determines that the communication band is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S803: No), the process proceeds to step S802. If it is determined that the communication band is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S803: Yes), the process proceeds to step S804. Transition.

In step S804, the CPU 211 determines whether the image forming apparatus 300 is operating. There is a situation where only the print controller 20 operates even when the image forming apparatus 300 is not operating, such as when the print controller 20 is processing a huge amount of image data. Under such circumstances, it is desirable to construct a virtualization system and utilize non-operating hardware resources of the image forming apparatus 300.
Therefore, when the CPU 211 determines that the image forming apparatus 300 is operating (step S804: Yes), the CPU 211 proceeds to step S805, but when it determines that the image forming apparatus 300 is not operating (step S804: No), the process proceeds to step S806. Transition.

In step S805, the CPU 211, as an occupation rate monitoring unit, determines whether or not the virtualized bandwidth is equal to or greater than a predetermined occupation rate (first occupation rate). Specifically, the CPU 211 monitors the output speed of the image forming apparatus 300 as a management unit, and sets the image transfer band based on the data amount and output speed of drawing data sent from the external device 100 as a calculation unit. The virtual band is calculated based on the communication band and the image transfer band as a calculation unit, and the process of step S805 is performed based on the calculated virtual band.
If the CPU 211 determines that it is not equal to or greater than the predetermined occupancy rate (step S805: No), it proceeds to step S802, but if it is determined that it is equal to or greater than the predetermined occupancy rate (step S805: Yes), it proceeds to step S806. To do.

  The CPU 211 constructs a virtualization system as a control unit (step S806), executes an operation on the virtualization system (step S807), and ends the control.

  As described above, in the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, the print controller 20 performs data communication between the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 and the image data communication unit 215. When the determination unit for determining the communication band in 215 determines that the communication band has exceeded a predetermined value, a virtualization system is constructed between the hardware resources of the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300. , And a CPU 211 that functions as a control unit that operates as a single device. Therefore, according to the print controller 20 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the conditions are such that a virtualization system can be constructed, such as when a high-speed interface is realized with the image forming apparatus 300, the virtualization system By constructing, the efficiency of the entire image forming system can be realized.

  In the print controller 20 according to the present embodiment, the CPU 211 has a management unit that manages the output speed of the image forming apparatus 300, an image necessary for transferring the image data based on the output speed and the data amount of the image data. It functions as a calculation unit that calculates a transfer band, and a calculation unit that calculates an occupancy rate in the communication band of the virtual band obtained by removing the image transfer band from the communication band, and the occupancy rate of the virtual band is the first occupancy rate In the case described above, a virtualization system is constructed between the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300. Therefore, according to the print controller 20 according to the present embodiment, in order to determine whether or not it is possible to construct a virtualization system after securing an image transfer band required for image data transfer, A virtualization system can be constructed with this.

  In the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, the print controller 20 is virtualized between the hardware resources of the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 even when the image forming apparatus 300 is not operating. Build the system. Accordingly, the non-operating hardware resources of the image forming apparatus 300 can be effectively utilized.

In addition to the control in the above embodiment, the print controller 20 functions as an occupancy rate monitoring unit that continuously monitors the occupancy rate, and constructs a virtualization system when the conditions for construction are met. The occupancy rate may be continuously monitored, and the virtual system may be released when it is determined that the condition is not suitable for the virtualization system, such as a decrease in the occupancy rate. In this case, it is also possible to reconstruct the virtualization system when it is determined that the condition for reconstructing has been reached.
By such control, a virtualization system can be constructed under suitable conditions in response to a change in the situation in the communication band in the middle of a job.

[Modification]
Subsequently, a modification of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
The modification is characterized in that the area in which the virtualization system is constructed varies depending on the occupation ratio of the virtualization band.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a construction method of a virtualization system in a modification.
As shown in FIG. 9A, there are a first occupancy ratio, a second occupancy ratio, and a third occupancy ratio as thresholds of the occupancy ratio for constructing the virtualization system. If the occupancy rate of the virtualized bandwidth is equal to or higher than the first occupancy rate (for example, 20%) and less than the second occupancy rate (for example, 30%), only the CPU of the hardware resources is virtualized. . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9B, a virtualized system V in which only the CPUs 211 and 311 are virtualized is constructed and handled as a single CPU. Use.
That is, if the occupancy rate of the virtualized bandwidth is relatively low and it is not sufficient to virtualize the HDD and memory, it is effective to virtualize only the CPU.

  Further, when the occupation ratio of the virtualized bandwidth is equal to or higher than the second occupation ratio and less than the third occupation ratio (for example, 40%), only the CPU and the memory are virtualized among the hardware resources. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9C, a virtualized system V in which only the CPUs 211 and 311 and the memories 212 and 312 are virtualized is constructed and handled as a single CPU and memory. Use resources.

  Further, when the occupation ratio of the virtualized band is equal to or higher than the third occupation ratio, all the hardware resources are virtualized. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9D, a virtualization system V is constructed in which all of the CPUs 211 and 311, the memories 212 and 312 and the HDDs 213 and 313 are virtualized. That is, when the occupancy rate of the virtual band is sufficiently secured, it is most effective to construct the virtual system V as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print controller 20 according to the modification.
Since the processes in steps S1001 and S1002 are the same as the processes in steps S801 and S802 in FIG.

  In step S1003, when the CPU 211 determines that the communication band is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S1003: No), the process proceeds to step S1002, but when determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S1003: Yes). The process proceeds to step S1004.

  In step S1004, the CPU 211 determines whether the image forming apparatus 300 is operating. If the CPU 211 determines that the image forming apparatus 300 is in operation (step S1004: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1005. If the CPU 211 determines that the image forming apparatus 300 is not in operation (step S1004: No), the process proceeds to step S1006. .

  In step S1005, the CPU 211 determines whether the virtualized bandwidth is equal to or higher than the third occupation rate as an occupation rate monitoring unit. When determining that the CPU 211 is equal to or greater than the third occupation ratio (step S1005: Yes), the CPU 211 constructs a virtualization system that virtualizes the CPU, memory, and HDD as a control unit (step S1006).

  If it is determined in step S1005 that the virtualized bandwidth is not equal to or greater than the third occupation rate (step S1005: No), the occupation rate monitoring unit determines whether the virtualized bandwidth is equal to or greater than the second occupation rate. (Step S1007). When determining that the CPU 211 is equal to or higher than the second occupation ratio (step S1007: Yes), the CPU 211 constructs a virtualization system that virtualizes the CPU and the memory as a control unit (step S1008).

  If it is determined in step S1007 that the virtualized bandwidth is not equal to or greater than the second occupation rate (step S1007: No), the occupation rate monitoring unit determines whether the virtualized bandwidth is equal to or greater than the first occupation rate. (Step S1009). When determining that the CPU 211 is equal to or higher than the first occupancy (step S1009: Yes), the CPU 211 constructs a virtualization system that virtualizes the CPU as a control unit (step S1010).

  When the virtualization system is constructed in step S1006, step S1008, and step S1010, the CPU 211 performs an operation on the virtualization system as a control unit (step S1011), and ends the control.

  If it is determined in step S1009 that the virtualized bandwidth is not equal to or greater than the first occupation ratio (step S1009: No), the normal operation is executed and the control is terminated.

As described above, in the image forming system 1 according to the modification, the print controller 20 has the occupation ratio less than the second occupation ratio by the CPU 211 serving as the occupation ratio monitoring unit and is equal to or higher than the first occupation ratio. If it is determined, only the CPU of the hardware resources of the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 is virtualized.
Further, in the image forming system 1 according to the modification, the print controller 20 determines that the occupation ratio is less than the third occupation ratio and equal to or more than the second occupation ratio by the CPU 211 as the occupation ratio monitoring unit. In this case, of the hardware resources of the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300, only the CPU and memory, or only the CPU are virtualized.
Therefore, efficiency can be improved by virtualizing at least the CPU even under conditions that are not sufficient for the virtualization of all hardware resources.

In the first embodiment and the modification, it is assumed that the virtualization system is not constructed when the virtualization band becomes less than a predetermined occupation ratio (first occupation ratio). However, if it is more efficient to construct a virtualization system and perform multitasking, the virtualization system may be constructed.
Specifically, the CPU 211 functions as a determination unit, and it is more efficient to perform distributed processing using a plurality of CPUs for each of the images sent from the external apparatus 100 including text and graphics. If it is determined that it is the target, it is desirable to construct a virtualization system even under conditions that would otherwise not be constructed.

Further, in the modification, the area to be virtualized is specified in the hardware resource based on the occupation ratio of the virtual band, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, when the data communication speed between the CPU 211 and the HDDs 213 and 313 is monitored and the data communication speed is less than a predetermined speed, only the CPU and memory are virtualized, and the HDDs 213 and 313 are excluded from the virtualization system. Is possible. That is, even if the data communication between the CPU 211 and the HDD 213 is relatively fast, the data communication with the HDD 313 included in the image forming apparatus 300 may take a longer time. Therefore, when the predetermined speed is not reached, it is desirable to use the resources of each device for the HDDs 213 and 313.
In this case, the CPU 211 functions as a speed monitoring unit.

Second Embodiment
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the second embodiment, the print controller 20 is characterized by constructing a virtualization system with the inspection apparatus 400 when a high-speed interface is realized with the inspection apparatus 400.
As shown in FIG. 5, the inspection apparatus 400 includes a CPU 411, a memory 412, and an HDD 413. Therefore, when the conditions for constructing the virtualization system with the print controller 20 are met, it is desirable to utilize the hardware resources of the inspection apparatus 400 by the virtualization system.

  As in the first embodiment, in the communication bands of the inspection communication units 216 and 414, a band excluding a band necessary for data communication between the print controller 20 and the inspection apparatus 400 is set as a virtual band, and the virtual band It is desirable to construct a virtualization system only when the occupation ratio of the virtualized band to the communication band exceeds the preset occupation ratio.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print controller 20 according to the present embodiment.
When the CPU 211 of the print controller 20 starts operation by receiving a print job from the external apparatus 100 or the like, it determines whether or not the print controller 20 and the inspection apparatus 400 are connected (step S1101).
If the CPU 211 determines that it is connected to the inspection apparatus 400 (step S1101: Yes), it proceeds to step S1103, but if it is determined that it is not connected (step S1101: No), it performs normal operation (step S1103). S1102), that is, the operation is executed using the hardware resources of the print controller 20 without constructing the virtualization system, and the control is terminated.

In step S1103, the CPU 211 determines whether the communication band is equal to or greater than a predetermined value as a determination unit. The predetermined value here is a value set in advance as a communication band sufficient for constructing a virtualization system with the inspection apparatus 400, and is usually between the print controller 20 and the inspection apparatus 400. It is determined that the predetermined value is satisfied when the high-speed interface is realized.
If the CPU 211 determines that the communication band is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S1103: No), the process proceeds to step S1102, but if it is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S1103: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1104. Transition.

In step S1104, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the inspection apparatus 400 is operating. There are situations where the print controller 20 operates even when the inspection apparatus 400 is not operating, such as when only the print controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 300 are operating. Under such circumstances, it is desirable to construct a virtualization system and utilize non-operating hardware resources of the inspection apparatus 400.
Therefore, when the CPU 211 determines that the inspection apparatus 400 is in operation (step S1104: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1105, but when it is determined that it is not in operation (step S1104: No), the process proceeds to step S1106. To do.

In step S1105, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the virtualized bandwidth is equal to or greater than a predetermined occupation rate. Here, the occupation ratio indicates the ratio of the virtualized band in the communication bands of the inspection communication units 216 and 414, and when it is determined that it is not equal to or greater than the predetermined occupation ratio (step S1105: No), the process proceeds to step S1102. If it is determined that it is equal to or higher than the predetermined occupation ratio (step S1105: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1106.
The CPU 211 constructs a virtualization system as a control unit (step S1106), executes an operation on the virtualization system (step S1107), and ends the control.

  As described above, in the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, the print controller 20 includes the inspection communication unit 216 that performs data communication between the print controller 20 and the inspection apparatus 400, and the CPU 211 as a control unit. When the determination unit determines that the communication band in the inspection communication unit 216 has exceeded a predetermined value, a virtualization system is constructed between the hardware resources of the print controller 20 and the inspection apparatus 400. Therefore, the hardware resources of the inspection device 400 can be effectively utilized by constructing the virtualization system when a sufficient communication band capable of constructing the virtualization system can be secured with the inspection device 400.

  In addition, the print controller 20 according to the present embodiment constructs a virtualization system between the hardware resources of the print controller 20 and the inspection apparatus 400 even when the inspection apparatus 400 is not operating. Therefore, the non-operating hardware resource of the inspection apparatus 400 can be effectively used.

In the present embodiment, as in the modification in the first embodiment, it may be determined which of the hardware resources is virtualized based on the occupation rate.
Also, when it is more efficient to perform multitasking, control is performed so that a virtualized system is constructed and multitasked even if the virtualized system is not constructed. It is good.
Similarly to the first embodiment, the transfer rate of each device to the HDD may be monitored, and if it is less than a predetermined transfer rate, only the hardware resources other than the HDD may be virtualized.

<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the third embodiment, when a high-speed interface is realized with another print controller 20, the print controller 20 establishes a virtualization system with the other print controller 20. Features.
In the DFE server 200, a plurality of print controllers 20 are connected via a switch S. When a high-speed interface is realized between these print controllers 20, a virtualization system is constructed.

  Note that data communication may be performed between the print controllers 20, such as performing distributed processing by a plurality of print controllers 20. Therefore, as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, in the communication band of the print controller communication unit 217, the band excluding the band necessary for data communication between the print controllers 20 is set as the virtual band, and the virtual band It is desirable to construct a virtualization system only when the occupation ratio of the communication bandwidth exceeds the preset occupation ratio.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print controller 20 according to the present embodiment.
When the CPU 211 of the print controller 20 starts operation by receiving a print job from the external apparatus 100 or the like, it determines whether or not the print controllers 20 are connected to each other (step S1201).
If the CPU 211 determines that the print controllers 20 are connected (step S1201: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1203. If the CPU 211 determines that they are not connected (step S1201: No), the CPU 211 executes normal operation ( Step S1202), that is, the operation is executed using the hardware resources of the print controller 20 without constructing the virtualization system, and the control is terminated.

In step S1203, the CPU 211 determines, as a determination unit, whether the communication band is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value here is a value set in advance as a communication band sufficient for constructing a virtualization system with another print controller 20, and the print controllers 20 usually communicate with each other via a high-speed interface. It is determined that a predetermined value is satisfied when connected.
If the CPU 211 determines that the communication band is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S1203: No), the process proceeds to step S1202, but if determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S1203: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1204. Transition.

In step S1204, the CPU 211 determines whether another print controller 20 to which the print controller is connected is operating. In a situation where other print controllers 20 are not operating, it is desirable to construct a virtualization system and utilize non-operating hardware resources of other print controllers 20.
Therefore, if the CPU 211 determines that the other print controller 20 is operating (step S1204: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1205, but if it is determined that it is not operating (step S1204: No), the process proceeds to step S1206. And migrate.

In step S1205, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the virtualized bandwidth is equal to or greater than a predetermined occupation ratio. Here, the occupation ratio indicates the ratio of the virtual band in the communication band between the print controller communication units 217, and if it is determined that it is not equal to or greater than the predetermined occupation ratio (step S1205: No), the process proceeds to step S1202. If it is determined that it is equal to or higher than the predetermined occupation ratio (step S1205: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1206.
The CPU 211 constructs a virtualization system as a control unit (step S1206), executes an operation on the virtualization system (step S1207), and ends the control.

  As described above, in the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, the print controller 20 includes the print controller communication unit 217 that performs data communication between the print controller 20 and the other print controller 20. When the determination unit determines that the communication band in the print controller communication unit 217 has exceeded a predetermined value, the CPU 211 as a unit is a virtualized system between the print controller 20 and hardware resources of other print controllers. Build up. Therefore, it is possible to effectively utilize the hardware resources of other print controllers by constructing a virtualization system when a sufficient communication bandwidth that can construct a virtual system with other print controllers can be secured. it can.

In the present embodiment, as in the modification in the first embodiment, it may be determined which of the hardware resources is virtualized based on the occupation rate.
Also, when it is more efficient to perform multitasking, control is performed so that a virtualized system is constructed and multitasked even if the virtualized system is not constructed. It is good.
Similarly to the first embodiment, the transfer rate of each device to the HDD may be monitored, and if it is less than a predetermined transfer rate, only the hardware resources other than the HDD may be virtualized.

[Other Embodiments]
As mentioned above, although concretely demonstrated based on embodiment which concerns on this invention, said embodiment is a suitable example of this invention, and is not limited to this.

  In the above embodiment, a monochrome image forming apparatus that directly transfers an image from a photosensitive drum to a sheet by a transfer roller has been described as an example. However, in the present invention, an image formed on a photosensitive drum is used as an intermediate transfer roller. The present invention can also be applied to a color image forming apparatus that performs primary transfer and transfers an image from an intermediate transfer roller to a sheet by a secondary transfer roller.

  In the above embodiment, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus has been described as an example. However, the paper feeding apparatus according to the present invention can also be applied to an ink jet image forming apparatus.

  In the above description, an example in which a nonvolatile memory, a hard disk, or the like is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As another computer-readable medium, a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. Further, a carrier wave (carrier wave) is also applied as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

  In addition, the detailed configuration of each apparatus constituting the image forming system and the detailed operation of each apparatus can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

100 External device 200 DFE server 20 Print controller 211 CPU (determination unit, control unit, management unit, calculation unit, calculation unit, occupation rate monitoring unit, determination unit, speed monitoring unit)
212 Memory 213 HDD (storage unit)
215 Image data communication unit (communication unit)
216 Inspection Communication Department (Communication Department)
217 Print controller communication unit (communication unit)
300 Image forming apparatus 311 CPU
312 Memory 313 HDD (storage unit)
314 Image Data Communication Unit 400 Inspection Device 411 CPU
412 Memory 413 HDD
414 Inspection Communication Unit S Switch V Virtualization System

Claims (12)

A print controller for transferring image data to an image forming apparatus,
A communication unit that performs data communication between the print controller and another device;
A determination unit for determining a communication band in the communication unit;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the print controller,
The control unit constructs a virtualization system between the print controller and the hardware resources of the other device when the determination unit determines that the communication band has exceeded a predetermined value, A print controller characterized by operating as a device. The communication unit includes an image data communication unit that transfers image data between the print controller and the image forming apparatus.
A management unit for managing the output speed of the image forming apparatus;
A calculation unit that calculates an image transfer band necessary for transferring image data based on the output speed and the data amount of the image data;
A calculation unit that calculates an occupation rate in the communication band of the virtualized band excluding the image transfer band from the communication band, and
2. The print according to claim 1, wherein the control unit constructs a virtualization system between the print controller and the image forming apparatus when the occupation ratio is equal to or higher than the first occupation ratio. controller. An occupancy rate monitoring unit that continuously monitors the occupancy rate,
When the control unit constructs a virtualization system when the occupation rate monitoring unit determines that the occupation rate is equal to or higher than the first occupation rate, the occupation rate monitoring unit determines that the occupation rate is first. The print controller according to claim 2, wherein the virtual system is released when it is determined that the occupation ratio is less than the occupation ratio. When the occupation rate monitoring unit determines that the occupation rate is less than the second occupation rate and equal to or greater than the first occupation rate, the control unit is configured to print the print controller and the image forming apparatus. The print controller according to claim 3, wherein only the CPU is virtualized among the hardware resources. When the occupation rate monitoring unit determines that the occupation rate is less than the third occupation rate and equal to or greater than the second occupation rate, the control unit is configured to print the print controller and the image forming apparatus. The print controller according to claim 4, wherein the CPU and the memory or only the CPU among the hardware resources is virtualized. A determination unit that determines whether it is more efficient to construct a virtualization system and perform multitasking based on image data input to the print controller;
The control unit, when the occupancy monitoring unit determines that the occupancy rate is less than the first occupancy rate, the determination unit determines that it is more efficient to perform multitasking The print controller according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the virtualization system is continued. A storage unit for storing the image data;
A speed monitoring unit that monitors a transfer speed of the image data to the storage unit,
When the transfer rate is determined to be less than a predetermined rate by the speed monitoring unit, the control unit determines a CPU and a memory, or only a CPU among hardware resources of the print controller and the image forming apparatus. The print controller according to claim 2, wherein the print controller is virtualized. The control unit constructs a virtualization system between the print controller and hardware resources of the image forming apparatus even when the image forming apparatus is not operating. The print controller according to any one of the above. The communication unit includes an inspection communication unit that performs data communication between the print controller and the inspection device,
The control unit constructs a virtualization system between the print controller and the hardware resources of the inspection apparatus when the determination unit determines that the communication band in the inspection communication unit has exceeded a predetermined value. The print controller according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The print controller according to claim 9, wherein the control unit constructs a virtualization system between the print controller and hardware resources of the inspection apparatus even when the inspection apparatus is not operating. . The communication unit includes a print controller communication unit that performs data communication between the print controller and another print controller.
When the control unit determines that the communication band in the print controller communication unit has reached a predetermined value or more by the determination unit, a virtualization system between the print controller and the hardware resources of the other print controller The print controller according to claim 1, wherein the print controller is constructed. A print controller computer that transfers image data to the image forming device
A communication unit that performs data communication between the print controller and another device,
A determination unit for determining a communication band in the communication unit;
Function as a control unit that controls the operation of the print controller,
When the control unit determines that the communication band has exceeded a predetermined value, the control unit is configured to construct a virtualization system between hardware resources of the print controller and the other device, and A program for operating as a device.

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