JP2020123180A - Information processing system, terminal device, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To appropriately save and execute, in future, a job received from a terminal device when an image forming apparatus cannot execute the job.SOLUTION: An information processing system has: an image forming apparatus; and a terminal device communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus has: a first storage device; and a first control circuit which determines whether or not the image forming apparatus has at least specific specifications upon determination that the image forming apparatus cannot execute a job, transmits, to the image forming apparatus, a job data saving request for saving job data for executing the job upon determination that the image forming apparatus has at least the specific specifications, and saves the job data into the first storage device upon determination that the image forming apparatus does not have at least the specific specifications.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus that executes a job received from a terminal device, the terminal device, and an information processing system including the terminal device and the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus uses toner, which is a consumable item. When the toner becomes empty, the image forming apparatus cannot execute the print job received from the terminal device.

JP-A-2002-79688 JP, 2003-15477, A

When the image forming apparatus cannot execute the job received from the terminal device, it is desirable to appropriately save this job and execute it in the future.

An information processing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure,
An image forming apparatus,
A terminal device communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus,
The terminal device,
A first storage device;
When the image forming apparatus determines that the job cannot be executed,
The image forming apparatus, it is determined whether or not the specific specifications,
When the image forming apparatus determines that the image quality is equal to or higher than the specific spec, the image forming apparatus transmits a job data save request for saving job data for executing the job,
A first control circuit that stores the job data in the first storage device when the image forming device determines that the image data is below the specific specifications.

(1) In view of the above circumstances, according to the present embodiment, in the case where the image forming apparatus cannot execute the job and the specification is less than the specific spec, the first storage device of the terminal apparatus. Save the job data to. As a result, when the image forming apparatus has a low specification and thus may not have sufficient storage capacity, the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus is not pressed. On the other hand, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the terminal device causes the image forming apparatus to store the job data when the image forming apparatus cannot execute the job and the specification is equal to or more than a specific specification. As a result, the job data is stored in the image forming apparatus only when the image forming apparatus has high specifications and is likely to have sufficient storage capacity. Therefore, the possibility that the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus is compressed is reduced. ..

The image forming apparatus cannot execute the job because the consumable item in use is empty.
The image forming apparatus,
A second storage device which is a volatile storage device;
A third storage device which is a non-volatile storage device;
From the terminal device, receives the job data storage request,
It is determined whether or not the date and time difference, which is the difference between the estimated arrival date and time and the current date and time, which are the dates and times when the unused consumables are expected to arrive, is less than the first threshold value,
When it is determined that the time difference is less than the first threshold,
Determining whether the size of the job data is less than a second threshold,
When it is determined that the size of the job data is less than the second threshold value, the job data is stored in the second storage device,
When it is determined that the size of the job data is equal to or larger than the second threshold value, the job data is stored in the third storage device,
A second control circuit for transmitting to the terminal device a job identifier for identifying the stored job data,
The first control circuit of the terminal device,
The job identifier is received from the image forming apparatus.

(2) According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus stores the job data locally in the image forming apparatus when the time difference is less than the first threshold. When the estimated arrival date and time is relatively close, the image forming apparatus is likely to execute the job at a relatively early time. Therefore, it is possible to delete the executed job data at a relatively early time. As a result, the possibility that the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus will be pressed is reduced. In addition, the image forming apparatus can execute the job in a short time by locally storing the job data. Further, according to this embodiment, the image forming apparatus stores the job data in the volatile second storage device when the size of the job data is less than the second threshold value. By setting the “second threshold value” to a value that allows job data to be sufficiently stored in the second storage device, the possibility of pressing the storage capacity of the second storage device is reduced. Further, the image forming apparatus can execute the job in an even shorter time by storing the job data in the second storage device. Further, according to this embodiment, the image forming apparatus stores the job data in the nonvolatile third storage device when the size of the job data is equal to or larger than the second threshold. As a result, there is no possibility of overwhelming the storage capacity of the second storage device.

Further comprising an external storage device communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus,
The second control circuit of the image forming apparatus is
When it is determined that the time difference is equal to or more than the first threshold,
Save the job data in the external storage device,
The job identifier is transmitted to the terminal device.

(3) According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus stores the job data in the external storage device when the time difference is equal to or larger than the first threshold. When the estimated arrival date and time is relatively far, the image forming apparatus is likely to execute the job at a relatively late time. For this reason, if the job data is stored locally in the image forming apparatus, the job data will be stored locally in the image forming apparatus for a long period of time, which may reduce the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, by storing the job data in the external storage device, there is no possibility of pressing the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus.

The second control circuit of the image forming apparatus is
After saving the job data, when the estimated arrival date and time has passed,
When the job data is stored in the second storage device, the job data is retrieved from the second storage device and stored in the third storage device,
When the job data is stored in the third storage device, the job data is retrieved from the third storage device and stored in the external storage device.

(4) According to this embodiment, the image forming apparatus retrieves the job data from the second storage device and stores the job data in the third storage device when the estimated arrival date and time has passed. As a result, for example, when the image forming apparatus continues to be unable to execute a job because the arrival of consumables is delayed, the possibility that the job data will occupy the storage capacity of the second storage device is reduced.
Further, according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus retrieves the job data from the third storage device and stores the job data in the external storage device when the scheduled arrival date and time has passed. As a result, for example, when the image forming apparatus continues to be in a state where the job cannot be executed due to the arrival of consumable items being delayed, the possibility that the job data will occupy the storage capacity of the third storage device is reduced.

The second control circuit of the image forming apparatus is
When it is determined that the time difference is equal to or more than the first threshold,
Determine whether the job data has confidentiality,
When the job data is determined not to have the confidentiality, the job data is stored in the external storage device,
The job identifier is transmitted to the terminal device,
When it is determined that the job data has the confidentiality, it is determined whether the size of the job data is less than the second threshold value.

(5) According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus stores the job data locally in the image forming apparatus rather than in the external storage device when the job data has confidentiality. As a result, the confidential job data is always stored locally in the image forming apparatus, which improves security.

The second control circuit of the image forming apparatus is
After saving the job data, when the estimated arrival date and time has passed,
When the job data is stored in the second storage device, the job data is retrieved from the second storage device and stored in the third storage device,
When the job data is stored in the third storage device, it is determined whether the job data has confidentiality,
When it is determined that the job data does not have the confidentiality, the job data is retrieved from the third storage device and stored in the external storage device.

(6) According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus does not change the storage destination of the job data as the third storage device when the job data has confidentiality. As a result, the confidential job data is always stored locally in the image forming apparatus, which improves security.

The second control circuit of the image forming apparatus is
The operation of extracting and saving the job data is repeated each time a certain period of time has passed after the scheduled arrival date and time has passed.

(7) According to this embodiment, the image forming apparatus retrieves the job data from the second storage device and stores the job data in the third storage device every time a fixed period of time elapses after the scheduled arrival date and time. The job data is retrieved from the third storage device and saved in the external storage device. As a result, for example, when the image forming apparatus continues to be in a state where it cannot execute a job because the arrival of consumables is delayed, the job data may overwhelm the storage capacity of the second storage device or the third storage device. It will decrease more and more.

The first control circuit of the terminal device,
When it is determined that the image forming apparatus can execute the job,
When the job data is stored in the first storage device, a job execution request, which is a request for transmitting the job data and executing the job, is transmitted to the image forming apparatus,
When the job data storage request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the job identifier and the job execution request are transmitted to the image forming apparatus,
The second control circuit of the image forming apparatus is
When the job data is received from the terminal device, the job is executed according to the received job data,
When the job identifier is received from the terminal device, the job data identified by the received job identifier is retrieved, and the job is executed according to the retrieved job data.

(8) According to the present embodiment, the terminal device requests the image forming apparatus to execute the job when the image forming apparatus can execute the job. This eliminates the need for the user to use the terminal device to cause the image forming apparatus to execute a job, or the user to operate the image forming apparatus to execute a job.

According to the present disclosure, when the image forming apparatus cannot execute the job received from the terminal device, the job can be appropriately saved and executed in the future.

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

1 schematically shows an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 shows a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. The hardware configuration of the ordering server device is shown. 2 shows a hardware configuration of an inventory management server device. The hardware structure of a terminal device is shown. 2 shows a hardware configuration of an external storage device. 1 shows a functional configuration of an information processing system. 7 shows a first operation flow of the image forming apparatus (at the time of ordering toner). The operation|movement flow of an ordering server apparatus is shown. The operation|movement flow of an inventory management server apparatus is shown. The 1st operation flow (at the time of toner empty) of a terminal device is shown. A second operation flow of the image forming apparatus (at the time of toner empty) is shown. 9 shows a third operation flow of the image forming apparatus (at the time of saving job data). A fourth operation flow of the image forming apparatus (when the scheduled arrival date and time is exceeded) is shown. The 2nd operation|movement flow (at the time of toner attachment) of a terminal device is shown. 5 shows a fifth operation flow of the image forming apparatus (when toner is attached). A sixth operation flow (during job execution) of the image forming apparatus is shown.

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

1. Information processing system

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The information processing system 1 includes an image forming device 10, an ordering server device 20, an inventory management server device 30, a terminal device 40, and an external storage device 50. The image forming device 10, the ordering server device 20, the inventory management server device 30, the terminal device 40, and the external storage device 50 are connected to a network N including the Internet.

The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a high-spec MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) or a low-spec printer. The image forming apparatus 10 uses a consumable item. In this embodiment, the “consumable item” is toner.

The ordering server device 20 transmits to the inventory management server device 30 an ordering request for ordering a consumable item to be used by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the remaining amount of the consumable item being used by the image forming apparatus 10. ..

The inventory management server device 30 is used by a distributor (seller) of consumables. The inventory management server device 30 receives an order request from the order server device 20, sends a shipping request to a terminal device (not shown), and manages the inventory of consumables.

The terminal device 40 is used by the user of the image forming apparatus 10. The terminal device 40 generates a print job and transmits the generated print job to the image forming apparatus 10. The terminal device 40 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, or the like.

The external storage device 50 is a so-called storage server device, and has a large-capacity non-volatile storage device.

2. Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus

FIG. 2 shows the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus 10 (image forming apparatus) includes a control circuit 100. The control circuit 100 includes a CPU 11 a (Central Processing Unit) that is a processor, a RAM 11 b (Random Access Memory), a ROM 11 c (Read Only Memory) that is a memory, a dedicated hardware circuit, and the like, and the entire image forming apparatus 10 includes Manages motion control. The CPU 11a loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b and executes it. The ROM 11c fixedly stores programs and data executed by the CPU 11a. The ROM 11c is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

The control circuit 100 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving device 11, an image reading unit 12 (image scanner), an image processing unit 14 (including a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)), an image memory 15, and an image forming unit 16 (printer). Connected to an operation unit 17 (touch panel) including a display unit 17a, a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device 18 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), a facsimile communication unit 19, a network communication interface 13 and the like. Has been done. The control circuit 100 controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned connected parts and transmits/receives signals or data to/from each part.

By the way, the image forming apparatus 10 in FIG. 2 shows a case where the image forming apparatus 10 is a high-spec MFP. When the image forming apparatus 10 is a low-spec printer, the image forming apparatus 10 typically does not include at least the image reading unit 12 (image scanner). Further, the storage capacity of at least the storage device 18 and the RAM 11b of the image forming apparatus 10 is small. The image forming apparatus 10 may not further include the GPS receiving device 11, the display unit 17a, and/or the facsimile communication unit 19, for example.

3. Ordering server device hardware configuration

FIG. 3 shows the hardware configuration of the ordering server device.

The ordering server device 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a large-capacity non-volatile storage device 24 such as an HDD and an SSD, a network communication interface 25, an operating device 26, and a display device 27, and a bus 28 interconnecting them. Have.

The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 form a control circuit 200. The CPU 21 loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 22 into the RAM 23 and executes it. The ROM 22 fixedly stores programs and data executed by the CPU 21. The ROM 22 is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

4. Inventory management server hardware configuration

FIG. 4 shows the hardware configuration of the inventory management server device.

The stock management server device 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device 34 such as an SSD, a network communication interface 35, an operating device 36, a display device 37 (touch panel), a GPS receiving device 39, and the like. And a bus 38 connected to each other.

The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 form a control circuit 300. The CPU 31 loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 32 into the RAM 33 and executes it. The ROM 32 fixedly stores programs and data executed by the CPU 31. The ROM 32 is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

5. Hardware configuration of terminal device

FIG. 5 shows the hardware configuration of the terminal device.

The terminal device 40 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device 44 such as an HDD and an SSD, a network communication interface 45, an operating device 46, a display device 47, and a reading device 49 (an image pickup device such as a camera). , And a bus 48 that connects them to each other.

The CPU 41, the ROM 42, and the RAM 43 form a control circuit 400. The CPU 41 loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 42 into the RAM 43 and executes it. The ROM 42 fixedly stores programs and data executed by the CPU 41. The ROM 42 is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

6. Hardware configuration of external storage device

FIG. 6 shows the hardware configuration of the external storage device.

The external storage device 50 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a large-capacity non-volatile storage device 54 such as an HDD or an SSD, a network communication interface 55, an operating device 56, and a display device 57, and a bus 58 interconnecting these. Have.

The CPU 51, the ROM 52, and the RAM 53 form a control circuit 500. The CPU 51 loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 52 into the RAM 53 and executes it. The ROM 52 fixedly stores programs and data executed by the CPU 51. The ROM 52 is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

7. Functional configuration of information processing system

FIG. 7 shows a functional configuration of the information processing system.

In the control circuit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10, the CPU 11a loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b and executes the information processing program to execute the toner low notification unit 101, the estimated arrival date and time acquisition unit 102, the job execution unit 103, and the spec response. It operates as the unit 104, the storage destination determination unit 105, the job data storage unit 106, the job identifier generation unit 107, and the status notification unit 108.

In the control circuit 400 of the terminal device 40, the CPU 41 loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 42 into the RAM 43 and executes the information processing program to execute the job requesting unit 401, the specification determining unit 402, the job data storing unit 403, and the job identifier acquiring unit. It operates as 404 and status determination unit 405.

8. Operation flow of information processing system

(1) Operation flow when ordering toner

FIG. 8 shows a first operation flow of the image forming apparatus (when ordering toner).

When the toner remaining amount of the image forming apparatus 10 reaches a specific value (for example, 5 to 30%) (step S101), the toner low notification unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 10 sends a toner low notification to the ordering server apparatus 20 via the network N. (Step S102). The “toner low notification” includes image forming apparatus position information. The “image forming device position information” is information indicating the position of the image forming device 10, and is, for example, GPS information received by the GPS receiving device 11 of the image forming device 10 (however, in this example, the image forming device 10 is shown). Has a GPS receiver 11).

FIG. 9 shows an operation flow of the ordering server device.

The ordering server device 20 receives the toner low notification from the image forming device 10 via the network N (step S201). Then, the ordering server device 20 transmits an ordering request for ordering the toner to the inventory management server device 30 via the network N (step S202). The “order request” includes image forming apparatus position information of the image forming apparatus 10 that should use the ordered toner.

FIG. 10 shows an operation flow of the inventory management server device.

The inventory management server device 30 receives the order request from the order server device 20 via the network N (step S301). The inventory management server device 30 orders toner in accordance with the order request. The inventory management server device 30 determines the estimated arrival date and time, which is the estimated arrival date and time of toner, based on the image forming device position information included in the order request (step S302). In short, the inventory management server device 30 may determine the estimated arrival date and time based on the distance between the image forming device 10 and the inventory management server device 30. The inventory management server device 30 transmits the expected arrival date and time to the ordering server device 20 via the network N (step S303).

The ordering server device 20 receives the expected arrival date and time from the inventory management server device 30 via the network N (step S203, YES). The ordering server device 20 transmits the received estimated arrival date and time to the image forming device 10 via the network N (step S204).

The estimated arrival date and time acquisition unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the estimated arrival date and time from the ordering server device 20 via the network N (step S103, YES). The estimated arrival date and time acquisition unit 102 stores the received estimated arrival date and time T1 in the storage device 18 (step S104).

(2) Operation flow when toner is empty

FIG. 11 shows a first operation flow of the terminal device (at the time of toner empty).

The terminal device 40 uses a printer driver to generate job data for executing a print job. The job request unit 401 of the terminal device 40 transmits job data for executing a print job to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N (step S401).

FIG. 12 shows a second operation flow (at the time of toner empty) of the image forming apparatus.

The job execution unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives job data for executing a print job from the terminal device 40 via the network N (step S501). If there is no trouble such as toner empty (NO in step S502), the job execution unit 103 controls the image forming unit 16 to execute the print job based on the received job data (step S503). On the other hand, if the toner is empty (YES in step S502), the job execution unit 103 fails to execute the print job. In this case, the job execution unit 103 transmits a toner empty notification indicating that the toner is empty and the execution of the print job has failed, to the terminal device 40 via the network N (step S504).

The job request unit 401 of the terminal device 40 receives the toner empty notification from the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N (step S402, YES). Upon receiving the toner empty notification, the job request unit 401 determines that the image forming apparatus 10 cannot currently execute the print job (step S403). Then, the specification determination unit 402 of the terminal device 40 transmits a specification inquiry request to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N (step S404).

The spec response unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the spec inquiry request from the terminal device 40 via the network N (step S505, YES). The specification response unit 104 transmits specification information, which is information indicating the specification of the image forming apparatus 10, to the terminal device 40 via the network N (step S506). The “spec information” is information for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus 10 has a specific spec or more (in short, high spec or low spec).

The specification determination unit 402 of the terminal device 40 receives the specification information from the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N (step S405, YES). Based on the received specification information, the specification determination unit 402 determines whether the image forming apparatus 10 has a specific specification or more (step S406). For example, if the specification determining unit 402 determines that the image forming apparatus 10 has an image scanner based on the received specification information, it determines that the image forming apparatus 10 has a specific specification or higher (that is, high specification). Good (step S406, YES). On the other hand, when the specification determining unit 402 determines that the image forming apparatus 10 does not have an image scanner based on the received specification information, it determines that the image forming apparatus 10 is below a specific specification (that is, low specification). It is sufficient (step S406, NO).

The job data storage unit 403 of the terminal device 40 stores the storage device 44 (first storage device 44 of the terminal device 40 serving as a spooler when the image forming apparatus 10 has less than a specific specification (that is, low specification) (step S406, NO). The job data J1 is stored in the storage device (step S407). This is because the image forming apparatus 10 may not have a sufficient storage capacity when the image forming apparatus 10 is below a specific specification. Although the job data will be described with reference numerals J1, J2, J3, and J4 (FIG. 7) for convenience, the job data J1, J2, J3, and J4 are all the same entity.

On the other hand, the job data storage unit 403 of the terminal device 40 makes a job data storage request for storing the job data when the image forming apparatus 10 has a specific spec or more (that is, high spec) (step S406, YES). The job data itself is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N (step S408).

FIG. 13 shows a third operation flow of the image forming apparatus (when storing job data).

The storage destination determination unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the job data storage request and the job data from the terminal device 40 via the network N (step S601). Then, the storage destination determination unit 105 reads the expected arrival date and time T1 from the storage device 18 (step S602). The storage destination determination unit 105 determines whether the difference between the estimated arrival date and time T1 and the current date and time (hereinafter referred to as the date and time difference) is less than the first threshold value (step S603). The “first threshold” may be, for example, several days. When the time difference is less than the first threshold value (step S603, YES), it means that the estimated arrival time T1 is relatively close. On the other hand, when the time difference is equal to or larger than the first threshold (step S603, NO), it means that the estimated arrival time T1 is relatively far.

When the time difference is less than the first threshold value (YES in step S603), the storage destination determining unit 105 determines whether the size of the job data is less than the second threshold value (step S604). The “second threshold value” is a value that allows the job data to be sufficiently stored in the RAM 11b of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the "second threshold value" may be variable according to the free space of the RAM 11b, may be variable according to the size of the job data, or may not be variable. Therefore, the size of the job data being less than the second threshold value (YES in step S604) means that the job data can be sufficiently stored in the RAM 11b. On the other hand, if the size of the job data is equal to or larger than the second threshold (step S604, NO), it means that the job data may not be sufficiently stored in the RAM 11b.

When the size of the job data is less than the second threshold value (YES in step S604), the save destination determination unit 105 determines the volatile RAM 11b (second storage device) of the image forming apparatus 10 as the save destination. .. Then, the job data storage unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 10 stores the job data J2 in the RAM 11b (step S605).

On the other hand, when the size of the job data is equal to or larger than the second threshold (step S604, NO), the storage destination determination unit 105 stores the non-volatile storage device 18 (third storage device) of the image forming apparatus 10. Judge as the destination. Then, the job data storage unit 106 stores the job data J3 in the storage device 18 (step S606).

On the other hand, when the time difference is equal to or larger than the first threshold (step S603, NO), the storage location determining unit 105 determines whether the job data has confidentiality (step S607). “Job data has confidentiality” means, for example, whether or not image data (for example, bitmap data) obtained by drawing job data includes a confidential term (for example, Credential). It may be determined by character recognition (when the term is text) or edge recognition (when the term is a watermark).

When the job data does not have confidentiality (NO in step S607), the storage destination determination unit 105 determines the external storage device 50 as the storage destination. Then, the job data storage unit 106 transmits the job data to the external storage device 50 via the network N and stores the job data J4 in the external storage device 50 (step S608).

On the other hand, when the job data has confidentiality (YES in step S607), the storage destination determination unit 105 determines not the external storage device 50 but the RAM 11b or the storage device 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 as the storage destination. That is, the storage destination determination unit 105 executes the following process of determining whether the size of the job data is less than the second threshold value (step S604).

The job identifier generation unit 107 generates a job identifier that identifies the job stored by the job data storage unit 106. The job identifier generation unit 107 transmits the generated job identifier to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N (step S609).

The job identifier acquisition unit 404 of the terminal device 40 receives the job identifier from the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N (step S409, YES). The job identifier acquisition unit 404 stores the received job identifier I1 in the storage device 44 (step S410).

(3) Operation flow when the scheduled arrival time is exceeded

FIG. 14 shows a fourth operation flow of the image forming apparatus (when the scheduled arrival date and time is exceeded).

After that, the storage destination determination unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the estimated arrival date and time T1 has passed (the current date and time exceeds the estimated arrival date and time T1) (step S701, YES). Then, the storage destination determination unit 105 determines whether the job data is stored in the RAM 11b (step S605), the storage device 18 (step S606), or the external storage device 50 (step S605). S608) is determined (steps S702 and S703).

When the job data J2 is stored in the RAM 11b (step S702, YES), the storage destination determination unit 105 determines the storage device 18 as the storage destination. Then, the job data storage unit 106 retrieves the job data J2 from the RAM 11b and stores it in the storage device 18 (step S704).

On the other hand, when the job data J3 is stored in the storage device 18 (step 703, YES), the storage destination determination unit 105 determines whether the job data J3 has confidentiality (step S705).

When the job data J3 does not have confidentiality (step S705, NO), the save destination determination unit 105 determines the external storage device 50 as the save destination. Then, the job data storage unit 106 retrieves the job data J3 from the storage device 18. The job data storage unit 106 transmits the retrieved job data to the external storage device 50 via the network N, and stores the job data J4 in the external storage device 50 (step S706).

On the other hand, when the job data J3 has confidentiality (step S705, YES), the storage destination determination unit 105 determines that the storage destination remains the storage device 18. When the job data J4 is originally stored in the external storage device 50 (step S703, NO), the storage destination determination unit 105 determines that the external storage device 50 remains the storage destination.

(4) Operation flow when toner is attached

FIG. 15 shows a second operation flow (when toner is attached) of the terminal device.

When the image forming apparatus 10 fails to execute the print job (step S403), the status determination unit 405 of the terminal device 40 periodically sends a status transmission request (polling) to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N. It is transmitted (step S801, YES). The “status transmission request” is a request for transmitting at least the remaining amount of toner of the image forming apparatus 10 as a status.

FIG. 16 shows a fifth operation flow of the image forming apparatus (when toner is attached).

The status notification unit 108 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the status transmission request from the terminal device 40 via the network N (step S901). The status notification unit 108 determines the status of the image forming apparatus 10 (at least the remaining amount of toner) (step S902), and sends it to the terminal device 40 via the network N (step S903).

The status determination unit 405 of the terminal device 40 receives the status (at least the remaining amount of toner) from the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N (step S802, YES). The status determination unit 405 determines, based on the received status, whether or not the image forming apparatus 10 can execute the job as a result of the sufficient amount of toner being attached to the image forming apparatus 10 (step). S803). If the image forming apparatus 10 cannot execute the job yet (step S803, NO), the status determination unit 405 sends a status transmission request to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N at the next regular timing (polling). And transmits (step S801, YES).

On the other hand, the status determination unit 405 determines that the image forming apparatus 10 is ready to execute the job (YES in step S803). In this case, the job request unit 401 of the terminal device 40 determines whether the job data J1 is stored in the storage device 44 (step S804). The job data J1 is stored in the storage device 44 (step S804, YES) when the job data storage unit 403 stores the job data J1 in the storage device 44 (step S407). On the other hand, if the job data J1 is not stored in the storage device 44 (step S804, NO), the job data storage unit 403 sends the job data to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S408), and the storage device 44 stores the job data J1. This is the case where the job identifier I1 is stored (step S410).

When the job data J1 is stored in the storage device 44 (step S804, YES), the job request unit 401 takes out the job data J1 from the storage device 44 (step S805). The job request unit 401 transmits the retrieved job data J1, and transmits a job execution request, which is a request for executing this job, to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network (step S806).

On the other hand, when the job data J1 is not stored in the storage device 44 (step S804, NO), the job request unit 401 retrieves the job identifier I1 from the storage device 44 (step S807). The job request unit 401 transmits the retrieved job identifier I1, and transmits a job execution request, which is a request for executing the job identified by the job identifier I1, to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network (step S808). ).

(5) Operation flow when executing a job

FIG. 17 shows a sixth operation flow (during job execution) of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 17 shows the operation flow of the low-spec image forming apparatus 10 (step S1001, NO) and the operation flow of the high-spec image forming apparatus 10 (step S1001, YES) in order to clearly show the difference between the two. , Shown as a single operational flow.

The job execution unit 103 of the low-spec image forming apparatus 10 receives the job data J1 and the job execution request (step S806) from the terminal device 40 via the network (step S1002, YES). The job executing unit 103 controls the image forming unit 16 to execute the job based on the received job data J1 (step S1005).

On the other hand, the job execution unit 103 of the high-spec image forming apparatus 10 receives the job identifier I1 and the job execution request (step S808) from the terminal device 40 via the network (step S1003, YES). The job execution unit 103 extracts the job data J2, J3, or J4 identified by the job identifier I1 from the RAM 11b, the storage device 18, or the external storage device 50 (step S1004). The job execution unit 103 controls the image forming unit 16 to execute the job based on the retrieved job data J2, J3, or J4 (step S1005).

9. Modification

In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 stores the job data in the external storage device 50 only when the job data does not have confidentiality (steps S607 and S705). Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 10 may store the job data in the external storage device 50 without determining whether or not the job data has confidentiality. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 may always store the job data J4 in the external storage device 50 when the time difference is equal to or larger than the first threshold value (step S603, NO) (step S608). Further, the image forming apparatus 10 always stores in the external storage device 50 when the job data J3 is stored in the storage device 18 (YES in step 703) after the scheduled arrival time T1 has passed (step S701, YES). The job data J4 may be saved (step S706).

As another modification, the image forming apparatus 10 does not only have to arrive at the estimated arrival date and time T1 (YES in step S701), but also at a predetermined period (several days, etc.) after the estimated arrival date and time has elapsed. The operation of fetching and storing the job data (step S701 and thereafter) may be repeated.

10. Conclusion

Typically, a consumable item is ordered before the consumable item (toner or the like) used by the image forming apparatus becomes empty. However, because the image forming apparatus uses a large amount of consumables before the consumables arrive, or the arrival of the consumables is delayed, the consumables of the image forming apparatus become empty before the consumables arrive. Could be. When the consumable item becomes empty, the image forming apparatus fails to execute the print job. In this case, typically, after mounting a new consumable item on the image forming apparatus, the user needs to use the terminal device to cause the image forming apparatus to execute the failed print job again. In addition, the user does not always know that a new consumable item has been attached to the image forming apparatus immediately after the attachment. Without knowing that a new consumable item has been attached to the image forming apparatus, the user cannot use the terminal device to cause the image forming apparatus to execute the failed print job again.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus stores the job data of the failed print job in the storage device of the image forming apparatus, and the user operates the operation unit of the image forming apparatus to store the failed print job in the image forming apparatus. It is possible to re-execute. However, even with this method, the user needs to know that a new consumable item has been attached to the image forming apparatus. In addition, it is troublesome for the user that the user needs to operate the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. Further, if the image forming apparatus stores a large number of job data, the capacity of the storage device of the image forming apparatus may be compressed, and as a result, other functions that the image forming apparatus should perform may be adversely affected.

(1) In view of the above circumstances, according to the present embodiment, in the terminal device 40, the image forming apparatus 10 cannot execute the job (step S403) and the terminal device 40 is below the specific specifications (step S406). , NO), the job data J1 is stored in the storage device 44 (first storage device) of the terminal device 40 (step S407). As a result, when the image forming apparatus 10 has a low specification and thus may not have sufficient storage capacity, the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus 10 is not pressed.

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 cannot execute the job (step S403) and the image quality is equal to or more than the specific specification (step S406, YES), the terminal device 40 determines that the image forming apparatus 10 has the job. The job data is saved (step S408). As a result, the job data is stored in the image forming apparatus 10 only when it is highly likely that the image forming apparatus 10 has a sufficient storage capacity due to the high specifications, so the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus 10 can be pressed. Sex decreases.

(2) According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 stores the job data J2 or J3 locally in the image forming apparatus 10 when the time difference is less than the first threshold value (YES in step S603) (step S603). Steps S605 and S606). When the estimated arrival time T1 is relatively close, the image forming apparatus 10 is likely to execute the job at a relatively early time. Therefore, it is possible to delete the executed job data J2 or J3 at a relatively early time. As a result, the possibility that the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus 10 will be reduced is reduced. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 can execute the job in a short time by locally storing the job data J2 or J3.

Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, when the size of the job data is less than the second threshold value (YES in step S604), the image forming apparatus 10 stores the job data in the volatile RAM 11b (second storage device). J2 is saved (step S605). By setting the “second threshold value” to a value that allows job data to be sufficiently stored in the RAM 11b (second storage device), the possibility of pressing the storage capacity of the RAM 11b (second storage device) is reduced. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 can execute the job in an even shorter time by storing the job data J2 in the RAM 11b (second storage device).

Further, according to the present exemplary embodiment, when the size of the job data is equal to or larger than the second threshold (step S604, NO), the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the nonvolatile storage device 18 (third storage device) is used. The job data J3 is saved (step S606). As a result, there is no possibility of pressing the storage capacity of the RAM 11b (second storage device).

(3) According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 stores the job data J4 in the external storage device 50 when the time difference is equal to or larger than the first threshold value (step S603, NO) (step S608). When the estimated arrival time T1 is relatively far, the image forming apparatus 10 is likely to execute the job at a relatively late time. Therefore, if the job data is stored locally in the image forming apparatus 10, the job data will be stored locally in the image forming apparatus 10 for a long period of time, which may put a strain on the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus 10. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, by storing the job data J4 in the external storage device 50, there is no possibility of pressing the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus 10.

(4) According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 takes out the job data J2 from the RAM 11b (second storage device) and stores it in the storage device 18 (second storage device) when the estimated arrival time T1 has passed (step S701, YES). 3 storage device) (step S704). This reduces the possibility that the job data J2 will squeeze the storage capacity of the RAM 11b (second storage device) when the image forming apparatus 10 continues to be in a state in which it cannot execute a job because the arrival of consumables is delayed. ..

According to this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 takes out the job data J3 from the storage device 18 (third storage device) when the estimated arrival date and time T1 has passed (step S701, YES), and then the external storage device 50. (Step S706). As a result, for example, when the image forming apparatus 10 continues to be in a state where it cannot execute a job because the arrival of consumables is delayed, the job data J3 may squeeze the storage capacity of the storage device 18 (third storage device). Is reduced.

(5) According to the present embodiment, when the job data has confidentiality (step S607, YES), the image forming apparatus 10 does not use the external storage device 50 but the job data J2 or J3 locally in the image forming apparatus 10. Is stored (steps S605 and S606). As a result, the confidential job data is always stored locally in the image forming apparatus 10, which improves security.

(6) According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 does not change the storage destination of the job data J3 to the storage device 18 when the job data J3 has confidentiality (step S705, YES). As a result, the confidential job data is always stored locally in the image forming apparatus 10, which improves security.

(7) According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 retrieves the job data J2 from the RAM 11b (second storage device) and stores the job data J2 every time a predetermined period elapses after the estimated arrival date and time T1. The job data J3 is saved in the (third storage device) (step S704), taken out from the storage device 18 (third storage device), and saved in the external storage device 50 (step S706). As a result, for example, when the image forming apparatus 10 continues to be in a state where the job cannot be executed because the arrival of consumables is delayed, the job data J2 or J3 is stored in the RAM 11b (second storage device) or the storage device 18 (third storage device). The possibility of overwhelming the memory capacity of the memory device) is further reduced.

(8) According to the present embodiment, the terminal device 40 requests the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a job when the image forming apparatus 10 becomes able to execute the job (YES in step S803) (step S803). Steps S806 and S808). Accordingly, the user does not have to take the trouble of causing the image forming apparatus 10 to execute the job by using the terminal device 40 or the user operating the image forming apparatus 10 to execute the job.

Although each embodiment and each modified example of the present technology have been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present technology. Of course.

Information processing system 1
Image forming apparatus 10
RAM (second storage device) 11b
Storage device (third storage device) 18
Ordering server device 20
Inventory management server device 30
Terminal device 40
Storage device (first storage device) 44
External storage device 50
Toner low notification unit 101
Expected arrival date acquisition unit 102
Job execution unit 103
Spec response unit 104
Storage destination determination unit 105
Job data storage unit 106
Job identifier generation unit 107
Status notification unit 108
Job request unit 401
Spec determination unit 402
Job data storage unit 403
Job identifier acquisition unit 404
Status determination unit 405

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus,
A terminal device communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus,
The terminal device,
A first storage device;
When the image forming apparatus determines that the job cannot be executed,
The image forming apparatus, it is determined whether or not the specific specifications,
When the image forming apparatus determines that the image quality is equal to or higher than the specific spec, the image forming apparatus transmits a job data save request for saving job data for executing the job,
An information processing system, comprising: a first control circuit that stores the job data in the first storage device when the image forming device determines that the image data is below the specific specifications. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus cannot execute the job because the consumable item in use is empty.
The image forming apparatus,
A second storage device which is a volatile storage device;
A third storage device which is a non-volatile storage device;
From the terminal device, receives the job data storage request,
It is determined whether or not the date and time difference, which is the difference between the estimated arrival date and time and the current date and time, which are the dates and times when unused consumables are scheduled to arrive,
When it is determined that the time difference is less than the first threshold,
Determining whether the size of the job data is less than a second threshold,
When it is determined that the size of the job data is less than the second threshold value, the job data is stored in the second storage device,
When it is determined that the size of the job data is equal to or larger than the second threshold value, the job data is stored in the third storage device,
A second control circuit for transmitting to the terminal device a job identifier for identifying the stored job data,
The first control circuit of the terminal device,
An information processing system that receives the job identifier from the image forming apparatus. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein
Further comprising an external storage device communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus,
The second control circuit of the image forming apparatus is
When it is determined that the time difference is equal to or more than the first threshold,
Save the job data in the external storage device,
An information processing system for transmitting the job identifier to the terminal device. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
The second control circuit of the image forming apparatus is
After saving the job data, when the estimated arrival date and time has passed,
When the job data is stored in the second storage device, the job data is retrieved from the second storage device and stored in the third storage device,
An information processing system, wherein when the job data is stored in the third storage device, the job data is retrieved from the third storage device and stored in the external storage device. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein
The second control circuit of the image forming apparatus is
When it is determined that the time difference is equal to or more than the first threshold,
Determine whether the job data has confidentiality,
When it is determined that the job data does not have the confidentiality, the job data is saved in the external storage device,
The job identifier is transmitted to the terminal device,
An information processing system, which determines whether the size of the job data is less than the second threshold when determining that the job data has the confidentiality. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 5, wherein
The second control circuit of the image forming apparatus is
After saving the job data, when the estimated arrival date and time has passed,
When the job data is stored in the second storage device, the job data is retrieved from the second storage device and stored in the third storage device,
When the job data is stored in the third storage device, it is determined whether the job data has confidentiality,
An information processing system which, when determining that the job data does not have the confidentiality, retrieves the job data from the third storage device and saves the job data in the external storage device. The information processing system according to claim 4 or 6, wherein
The second control circuit of the image forming apparatus is
An information processing system in which an operation of extracting and storing the job data is repeated each time a certain period of time has passed after the scheduled arrival date and time. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The first control circuit of the terminal device,
When it is determined that the image forming apparatus can execute the job,
When the job data is stored in the first storage device, a job execution request, which is a request for transmitting the job data and executing the job, is transmitted to the image forming apparatus,
When the job data storage request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the job identifier and the job execution request are transmitted to the image forming apparatus,
The second control circuit of the image forming apparatus is
When the job data is received from the terminal device, the job is executed according to the received job data,
An information processing system, which receives the job identifier from the terminal device, extracts the job data identified by the received job identifier, and executes the job according to the extracted job data. A terminal device communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus,
A first storage device;
When the image forming apparatus determines that the job cannot be executed,
The image forming apparatus, it is determined whether or not the specific specifications,
When the image forming apparatus determines that the image quality is equal to or higher than the specific spec, the image forming apparatus transmits a job data save request for saving job data for executing the job,
And a first control circuit that stores the job data in the first storage device when the image forming device determines that the image data is below the specific specifications. An image forming apparatus communicatively connected to a terminal device,
The terminal device,
A first storage device;
When the image forming apparatus determines that the job cannot be executed,
The image forming apparatus, it is determined whether or not the specific specifications,
When the image forming apparatus determines that the image quality is equal to or higher than the specific spec, the image forming apparatus transmits a job data save request for saving job data for executing the job,
A first control circuit that stores the job data in the first storage device when the image forming device determines that the image data is less than the specific specifications.
The image forming apparatus cannot execute the job because the consumable item in use is empty.
The image forming apparatus,
A second storage device which is a volatile storage device;
A third storage device which is a non-volatile storage device;
From the terminal device, receives the job data storage request,
It is determined whether or not the date and time difference, which is the difference between the estimated arrival date and time and the current date and time, which are the dates and times when the unused consumables are expected to arrive, is less than the first threshold value,
When it is determined that the time difference is less than the first threshold,
Determining whether the size of the job data is less than a second threshold,
When it is determined that the size of the job data is less than the second threshold value, the job data is stored in the second storage device,
When it is determined that the size of the job data is equal to or larger than the second threshold value, the job data is stored in the third storage device,
A second control circuit for transmitting a job identifier for identifying the stored job data to the terminal device.

Images