JP2021043844A - Image forming apparatus, server device, and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

To receive a reserved job having a designated execution scheduled time in an image forming apparatus that transmits data to a server device, while avoiding returning to a normal mode at respective timings.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a time table 111b that stores a transmission scheduled time to transmit data and an execution scheduled time to execute a reserved job; a calculation unit 111d that calculates the difference between the transmission scheduled time and the execution scheduled time; a determination unit 111e that determines whether the calculated difference is larger than a threshold; and an instruction receiving unit 122d that, when the difference is determined to be larger than the threshold, upon acquisition of permission from a server device, changes the transmission scheduled time stored in the time table 111b so as to bring the difference equal to the threshold or smaller than the threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present disclosure relates to a technique for communicating between a server device and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for controlling the timing of transmitting data from the image forming apparatus to the server device.

An image forming apparatus having a function such as a scanner or a copier may be operated so as to upload data to a server apparatus on a regular basis.

For example, the image forming apparatus periodically acquires status information indicating its own operating status, usage status, failure status, etc., and uploads the acquired status information to the server device. If necessary, a serviceman will be arranged according to the status information uploaded to the server device. As a result, downtime for repairing the image forming apparatus can be minimized. Further, for example, the image forming apparatus periodically acquires the numerical value of its own print counter and uploads the acquired numerical value of the counter to the server device. The server device charges the user of the image forming device according to the acquired numerical value. As a result, the user can eliminate the troublesome work of contacting the numerical value of the counter by postcard, telephone, or the like.

According to Patent Document 1, the image forming apparatus capable of communicating with the first server apparatus and the second server apparatus includes the first time interval in which the first application periodically communicates with the first server apparatus and the second application being the second server. The first time interval is managed by managing the device and the second time interval for periodic communication, and when the first time interval and the second time interval are different, one or both of the first time interval and the second time interval are changed. Performs a process of synchronizing the timing of periodic communication between the application and the second application.

As a result, even when the first time interval and the second time interval are separated, the image forming apparatus is put into the sleep mode by synchronizing the timings at which the first application and the second application perform periodic communication. After the transition, the problem of frequently returning to the normal mode in order to perform regular communication with each server is solved, and a power saving effect can be obtained in the image forming apparatus.

JP-A-2017-105070 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-125290 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-107369 JP-A-2017-73067

By the way, the image forming apparatus may accept a reserved job accompanied by a designation of a scheduled execution time. When the scheduled execution time of the reserved job and the scheduled transmission time of data to the server device are different, according to Patent Document 1, after shifting to the sleep mode, the image forming device is between the first and second server devices. It returns to the normal mode at each timing when communicating with the server and when executing the reserved job. Therefore, there is a problem that the power saving effect cannot be obtained in the image forming apparatus.

The present disclosure solves the above-mentioned problems, and when the image forming apparatus scheduled to transmit data to the server device has a reserved job accompanied by the designation of the scheduled execution time, the data transmission and the execution of the reserved job are performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, a server apparatus, a communication system, and a control method capable of avoiding returning to the normal mode at each timing of the above.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus that transmits data to a server apparatus via a network while accepting execution of a reservation job, and the transmission to which the data should be transmitted. The storage means for storing the scheduled time and the scheduled execution time for executing the reserved job, the calculation means for calculating the difference between the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time, and the calculated difference are A determination means for determining whether or not the difference is greater than the threshold value, and if the difference is determined to be greater than the threshold value, the difference is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, subject to obtaining permission from the server device. As such, it is characterized by including a changing means for changing the scheduled transmission time stored in the storage means.

Here, when it is determined that the difference is larger than the threshold value, the changing means may request the server device for permission to change the scheduled transmission time.

Further, one aspect of the present disclosure is an image forming device that receives execution of a plurality of reserved jobs while transmitting data to the server device via a network, and is a scheduled transmission time at which the data should be transmitted. A storage means that stores the first scheduled execution time for executing the first reserved job and the second scheduled execution time for executing the second reserved job, and the first scheduled execution time and the second scheduled execution time. Among them, a calculation means for calculating the difference between the time closer to the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled transmission time, a determining means for determining whether or not the calculated difference is larger than the threshold, and the difference from the threshold. If it is determined to be large, the first scheduled execution time and the second scheduled execution time are set so that the difference is equal to or smaller than the threshold, provided that permission is obtained from the server device. Among them, it is characterized by including a changing means for changing the scheduled transmission time stored in the storage means at a time closer to the scheduled transmission time.

Here, the changing means may change the scheduled transmission time stored in the storage means to a time before the scheduled execution time or a time after the scheduled execution time.

Here, the data is transmitted within the scheduled transmission time zone including the scheduled transmission time, the reserved job is executed within the scheduled execution time zone including the scheduled execution time, and the calculation means is described. The time interval between the scheduled transmission time zone and the scheduled execution time zone may be calculated as the difference.

Here, one day is divided into a plurality of allotted time zones, one allotted time zone is randomly assigned to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus transmits the data in the allotted time zone. You may.

Here, in the time zone including the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time, the image forming apparatus transmits data except for the time zone in which the data is transmitted and the time zone in which the reserved job is executed. Alternatively, it may be in a sleep state that consumes less power than the time zone during which the reserved job is being executed.

Further, one aspect of the present disclosure is a server device that receives data from each of a plurality of image forming devices via a network at each scheduled transmission time, and is scheduled to transmit data from one image forming device. When the request is received, the request is made according to the existence status of the reserved job in each of the remaining image forming devices except the image forming device of the request source and the scheduled transmission time. It is provided with a determination means for determining whether or not to permit, and a control means for controlling the image forming apparatus of the requesting source to permit or prohibit the change of the scheduled transmission time according to the determination result. It is characterized by that.

Here, the determination means is (a) a reserved job from the remaining image forming devices other than the requesting image forming device to a time zone closer than the threshold time to the scheduled execution time in the requesting image forming device. (B) Search for an image forming apparatus satisfying the condition having the scheduled transmission time, and when the image forming apparatus satisfying the above condition is found, the control means informs the requesting image forming apparatus. On the other hand, it may be controlled so as to allow the change of the scheduled transmission time.

Here, the control means may be controlled so as to replace the scheduled transmission time of the image forming apparatus satisfying the above conditions with the scheduled transmission time of the image forming apparatus of the request source.

Here, when the determination means does not find an image forming device satisfying the above conditions from the remaining image forming devices other than the requesting image forming device, the control means refers to the requesting image forming device. Therefore, it may be controlled so as to prohibit the change of the scheduled transmission time.

Here, by the determination means, all the remaining image forming devices other than the requesting image forming device have a reservation job, and the transmission that is closer than the threshold value to the scheduled execution time in the requesting image forming device. When the condition of having the scheduled time is satisfied, the control means may control the image forming apparatus of the requesting source so as to prohibit the change of the scheduled transmission time.

Further, one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication system including a plurality of image forming devices and a server device to which each image forming device is connected via a network, and the server device is a communication system. Data is received from each of the plurality of image forming devices at their respective scheduled transmission times, and each image forming device transmits data to the server device via the network while accepting execution of a reserved job. The server device is a receiving means for receiving a request for changing the scheduled data transmission time from one image forming device, and when the request is received, the remaining image forming devices other than the requesting image forming device. Depending on the existence status of the reserved job and the scheduled transmission time, the determination means for determining whether or not to approve the request, and the determination result, the image forming apparatus of the request source is notified of the scheduled transmission time. The image forming apparatus includes a control means for controlling the change so as to allow or prohibit the change, and the image forming apparatus stores the scheduled transmission time for transmitting the data and the scheduled execution time for executing the reserved job. When the storage means, the calculation means for calculating the difference between the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time, the determining means for determining whether or not the calculated difference is larger than the threshold value, and the difference being larger than the threshold value When it is determined, the changing means for changing the scheduled transmission time stored in the storage means so that the difference is equal to or smaller than the threshold when permission is obtained from the server device. It is characterized by having and.

Further, one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method used in an image forming apparatus that receives execution of a reserved job while transmitting data to a server apparatus via a network, and the image forming apparatus is said to be described above. The control method includes a storage means for storing a scheduled transmission time for transmitting data and a scheduled execution time for executing the reserved job, and the control method sets a difference between the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time. The calculation step to be calculated, the determination step to determine whether or not the calculated difference is larger than the threshold value, and when it is determined that the difference is larger than the threshold value, the difference is obtained when permission is obtained from the server device. It is characterized by including a change step of changing the scheduled transmission time stored in the storage means so that is equal to or smaller than the threshold value.

Further, one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method used in a server device that receives data from each of a plurality of image forming devices via a network at each scheduled transmission time, and is one image forming device. According to the reception step of receiving the request for changing the scheduled transmission time of data from, and when the request is received, the existence status of the reserved job and the scheduled transmission time in each of the remaining image forming devices other than the image forming device of the request source. Then, depending on the determination step of determining whether or not to allow the request and the determination result, the image forming apparatus of the request source is controlled to allow or prohibit the change of the scheduled transmission time. It is characterized by including a control step.

According to the above configuration, when the image forming apparatus that transmits data to the server apparatus has a reserved job that specifies the scheduled execution time, the normal mode is used at each timing of data transmission and execution of the reserved job. A power saving effect can be obtained in the image forming apparatus by avoiding returning to.

The configuration of the communication system 1 is shown. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus 10A. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit 100. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server apparatus 20. It is a process outline figure which shows the process outline in communication system 1. It is a sequence diagram (the 1) which shows the operation of the communication system 1. Continue to FIG. It is a sequence diagram (No. 2) which shows the operation of the communication system 1. Continue to FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram (No. 3) showing the operation of the communication system 1. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation of the determination of time change. As an embodiment (1), a reservation job with a designation of a scheduled execution time is transmitted from the user to the image forming apparatus 10A, the scheduled transmission time in the image forming apparatus 10A, and the image forming apparatus 10B, 10C, and 10D. An example is shown in the case where the scheduled transmission time is not exchanged. As an embodiment (1), a reservation job with a designation of a scheduled execution time is transmitted from the user to the image forming apparatus 10A, the scheduled transmission time in the image forming apparatus 10A, and the scheduled transmission time in the image forming apparatus 10B. However, an example of the case where they can be replaced is shown. In Example (2), transmission time zones 301, 302, 303, ..., In which one day is divided into twelve, are shown. It is a flowchart which shows the operation in the image forming apparatus 10A as Example (2). (A) The time difference 403 between the scheduled transmission time 402 and the scheduled execution time 401 in the embodiment is shown. (B) As a modification (1), a time difference 413 between the estimated operation time 414 and the scheduled transmission time 412 is shown. (C) The time difference 423 between the operation estimated time 425 and the scheduled transmission time 422 is shown. (D) The time difference 433 between the scheduled execution time 431 and the estimated transmission time 435 is shown. (E) The time difference 443 between the scheduled execution time 441 and the estimated transmission time 445 is shown. (F) The time difference 453 between the operation estimation time 454 and the transmission estimation time 455 is shown. (G) The case where the operation estimation time 464 and the transmission estimation time 465 partially overlap is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the operation in the communication system as a modification (2). In the modification (3), an example in which a plurality of reserved jobs are set for the image forming apparatus 10A will be shown. In this case, the scheduled execution time of one reserved job and the scheduled transmission time are close to each other. In the modification (3), an example in which a plurality of reserved jobs are set for the image forming apparatus 10A will be shown. In this case, the scheduled execution time of the plurality of reserved jobs and the scheduled transmission time are separated. It is a flowchart which shows the operation in the modification (3). It is a flowchart which shows the operation in the modification (4).

1 Embodiment The communication system 1 as one embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

1.1 Communication system 1
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 is configured by connecting image forming devices 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, a server device 20, and an information terminal 40 to each other via a network 30.

The image forming apparatus 10A periodically acquires state information indicating an operating state, a usage state, a failure state, and the like of the image forming apparatus itself. Further, the image forming apparatus 10A periodically acquires the numerical value of its own print counter. The image forming apparatus 10A periodically uploads the acquired state information and the numerical value of the print counter to the server apparatus 20 via the network 30. The server device 20 receives and stores the status information and the numerical value of the print counter. If necessary, a serviceman is arranged according to the status information stored in the server device 20. Further, the server device 20 charges the user of the image forming device 10A according to the acquired numerical value of the print counter.

The image forming apparatus 10B, 10C, and 10D are also configured in the same manner as the image forming apparatus 10A.

The transmission time zones for uploading information from the image forming devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D to the server device 20 are set so as not to be the same time zone. When a plurality of image forming devices upload information to the server device 20 in the same transmission time zone, the data reception operation in the server device 20 is congested, and the smooth reception operation in the server device 20 is hindered. Is.

For example, for the image forming devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, the transmission time zone from 21:00 to 22:00, the transmission time zone from 22:00 to 23:00, and the transmission time zone from 23:00 to 24:00, respectively. , The transmission time zone from 0:00 to 1:00 is assigned.

Further, the image forming apparatus 10A is assigned a sleep time zone in order to reduce power consumption. In the sleep time zone, the image forming apparatus 10A is in the sleep mode. As the sleep time zone, a time zone that is rarely used by the user is selected. For example, in the image forming apparatus 10A, a time zone from 20:00 to 6:00 on the next day is selected as a sleep time zone.

In addition, sleep time zones are also assigned to the image forming devices 10B, 10C, and 10D, respectively.

The information terminal 40 transmits, by the operation of the user, a reserved job accompanied by designation of the scheduled execution time to the image forming apparatus 10A via the network 30. Here, the reservation job is, for example, a print job instructing printing of image data on a sheet. The image forming apparatus 10A receives the reserved job via the network 30 and stores the received reserved job. The image forming apparatus 10A executes the reserved job at the designated execution scheduled time.

Similar to the transmission of the reserved job to the image forming apparatus 10A, the information terminal 40 may transmit the reserved job to any of the image forming apparatus 10B, 10C, and 10D. Upon receiving the reserved job, the image forming devices 10B, 10C, and 10D, respectively, store the reserved job and execute the reserved job at the scheduled execution time, similarly to the image forming device 10A.

When the image forming apparatus 10A is in the sleep mode and the transmission time zone is reached, the image forming apparatus 10A returns from the sleep mode to the normal mode and transmits data to the server apparatus 20. When the data transmission is completed, the image forming apparatus 10A goes into the sleep mode again.

Similarly, when the scheduled execution time of the reserved job arrives when the image forming apparatus 10A is in the sleep mode in the sleep time zone, the image forming apparatus 10A returns from the sleep mode to the normal mode and executes the reserved job. When the execution of the reserved job is completed, the image forming apparatus 10A goes into the sleep mode again.

The same applies to the image forming apparatus 10B, 10C, and 10D as well as the image forming apparatus 10A.

For example, when the sleep time zone of the image forming apparatus 10A is from 20:00 to 6:00 on the next day and the transmission time zone is from 21:00 to 22:00, the reservation job is accepted by designating 23:00. At 20:00, the image forming apparatus 10A enters the sleep mode, returns from the sleep mode to the normal mode at 21:00, transmits data to the server apparatus 20, and then enters the sleep mode again. .. Further, the image forming apparatus 10A returns from the sleep mode to the normal mode at 23:00 and executes the reserved job. In this way, the normal mode is restored at each timing of data transmission and execution of the reserved job. Therefore, the power saving effect cannot be obtained in the image forming apparatus 10A.

Therefore, in such a case, the image forming apparatus 10A obtains the permission of the server apparatus 20 and changes the transmission time for transmitting the data to a time close to the scheduled execution time of the reserved job. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10A returns from the sleep mode to the normal mode at 23:00, executes the reserved job, subsequently transmits data to the server apparatus 20, and when the data transmission is completed, the image forming apparatus 10A returns. It goes into sleep mode. As a result, a power saving effect can be obtained in the image forming apparatus 10A.

In this way, the image forming apparatus 10A transmits data to the server apparatus via the network, and at the same time accepts execution of the reservation job. The image forming apparatus 10A stores the scheduled transmission time for transmitting data and the scheduled execution time for executing the reserved job, and calculates the difference between the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time. It is determined whether or not the difference is greater than the threshold value, and if it is determined that the difference is greater than the threshold value, the difference is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, subject to permission from the server device. Change the memorized scheduled transmission time. When it is determined that the difference is larger than the threshold value, the image forming apparatus 10A requests the server apparatus for permission to change the scheduled transmission time.

1.2 Information terminal 40
The information terminal 40 is, for example, a PC (personal computer).

The information terminal 40 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input device, a display device, a hard disk, a communication circuit, and the like.

The information terminal 40 transmits a job to, for example, the image forming apparatus 10A via the network 30 by an operation by the user. The job is, for example, a print job that instructs printing of image data. Further, the job may be accompanied by the specification of the scheduled execution time. A job that involves specifying a scheduled execution time is called a reserved job. For example, the reserved job may be accompanied by a designation to start execution at 3:00 am the next day. Of course, as soon as the image forming apparatus 10A receives the job, it may be specified to execute the job.

The information terminal 40 may transmit a job to the image forming devices 10B, 10C, and 10D via the network 30 by the operation of the user in the same manner as described above.

1.3 Image forming apparatus 10A
Here, the image forming apparatus 10A will be described. Since the image forming apparatus 10B, 10C, and 10D also have the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 10A, the description of the image forming apparatus 10B, 10C, and 10D will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10A is a tandem type color multifunction device (MFP: MultiFunction Peripheral) having the functions of a scanner, a printer, and a copier.

As shown in this figure, the image forming apparatus 10A is provided with a paper feeding unit 13 for accommodating and feeding a recording sheet at the bottom of the housing. A printer 12 that forms an image by an electrophotographic method is provided above the paper feed unit 13. Above the printer 12, an image reader 11 that reads a document and generates image data, and an operation panel 19 that displays an operation screen and accepts an input operation from a user are provided.

The image reader 11 has an automatic document transfer device. The automatic document transfer device transfers the documents set in the document tray to the document glass plate one by one via the transfer path. The image reader 11 reads the document transported to a predetermined position on the document glass plate by the automatic document transport device or the image placed on the document glass plate by the user by moving the scanner, and red (R). Image data consisting of multi-valued digital signals of green (G) and blue (B) is obtained.

The image data of each color component obtained by the image reader 11 undergoes various data processing in the control circuit 100, and further, the reproduced colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are reproduced. Converted to image data.

The printer 12 faces the intermediate transfer belt 21, the secondary transfer roller 22, and the intermediate transfer belt 21 stretched by the drive roller, the driven roller, and the backup roller, and is at a predetermined interval along the traveling direction X of the intermediate transfer belt 21. It is composed of an image forming unit 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K, a fixing unit 50, a control circuit 100, etc. arranged in.

The image-creating units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K image toner images of Y, M, C, and K colors, respectively. Specifically, each image forming unit includes a photoconductor drum as an image carrier, an LED array for exposure-scanning the surface of the photoconductor drum, a charging charger, a developing device, a cleaner, a primary transfer roller, and the like.

The paper feed unit 13 is composed of paper cassettes 60, 61, 62 for accommodating recording sheets of different sizes, and pickup rollers 63, 64, 65 for feeding the recording sheets from each paper cassette to the transport path. ing.

In each of the image forming portions 20Y to 20K, each photoconductor drum is uniformly charged by a charging charger and exposed by an LED array to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drum. Each electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device of a corresponding color, a toner image of colors Y to K is formed on the surface of each photoconductor drum, and the toner image is arranged on the back surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 21. By the electrostatic action of each primary transfer roller, the intermediate transfer belt 21 is sequentially transferred onto the surface.

The image formation timing of each color is shifted so that the toner images of colors Y to K are multiple-transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 21.

On the other hand, a recording sheet is fed from any of the paper feed cassettes 13 in accordance with the image drawing operation by the image drawing units 20Y to 20K.

The recording sheet is conveyed on the transport path to the secondary transfer position where the secondary transfer roller 22 and the backup roller face each other with the intermediate transfer belt 21 sandwiched between them, and at the secondary transfer position, the secondary transfer roller 22 is electrostatically charged. By the action, the Y to K color toner images multiple-transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 21 are secondarily transferred to the recording sheet. The recording sheet on which the Y to K color toner images are secondarily transferred is further conveyed to the fixing portion 50.

When the toner image on the surface of the recording sheet passes through the fixing nip formed between the heating roller 51 of the fixing portion 50 and the pressure roller 52 pressed against the heating roller 51, the toner image of the recording sheet is heated and pressed. The recording sheet is fused and fixed to the surface, and after passing through the fixing portion 50, the recording sheet is sent to the discharge tray 15.

The operation panel 19 is provided with a display unit composed of a liquid crystal display board or the like, and displays contents set by the user and various messages. The operation panel 19 receives an instruction to start copying, a setting of the number of copies, a setting of copying conditions, a setting of a data output destination, and the like from the user, and notifies the control circuit 100 of the received contents.

1.4 Control circuit 100
As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an image memory 104, an image processing circuit 105, a network communication circuit 106, a scanner control circuit 107, an input / output circuit 108, a printer control circuit 109, and a storage circuit 110. , Power control circuit 111 and the like.

The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 constitute the main control unit 101a.

The RAM 103 temporarily stores various control variables, the number of copies set by the operation panel 19, and provides a work area when the program is executed by the CPU 101.

The ROM 102 stores a control program for executing various jobs such as a copy operation.

The CPU 101 operates according to the control program stored in the ROM 102.

When the CPU 101 operates according to the control program, the main control unit 101a has an image memory 104, an image processing circuit 105, a network communication circuit 106, a scanner control circuit 107, an input / output circuit 108, a printer control circuit 109, a storage circuit 110, and the like. Is controlled in a unified manner.

Further, the main control unit 101a receives the user's operation from the operation panel 19. When the user's operation is a print instruction, the main control unit 101a causes the printer control circuit 109 to execute the image forming process. When the user's operation is another instruction, the main control unit 101a causes the other processing to be executed.

Further, the main control unit 101a functions as a job control unit 121, a transmission control unit 122, and a mode control unit 123 when the CPU 101 operates according to the control program. The job control unit 121, the transmission control unit 122, and the mode control unit 123 will be described later.

The image memory 104 temporarily stores image data such as a print job.

The image processing circuit 105, for example, performs various data processing on the image data of each color component of R, G, and B obtained by the image reader 11, and performs various data processing on the reproduced colors of Y, M, C, and K. Convert to image data.

The network communication circuit 106 receives a print job from an external terminal device such as an information terminal 40 via a network such as a LAN.

The scanner control circuit 107 controls the image reader 11 to execute an operation of reading an image of a document.

1.5 Job control unit 121, transmission control unit 122 and mode control unit 123
As shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 101a constitutes a job control unit 121, a transmission control unit 122, and a mode control unit 123.

(1) Job control unit 121
As shown in FIG. 3, the job control unit 121 includes a job reception unit 121a and a job execution unit 121b.

(Job receiver 121a)
The job receiving unit 121a receives a job including a reserved job from the information terminal 40 via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 106. The job receiving unit 121a writes the received job in the storage circuit 110, and when the reserved job is received, writes the scheduled execution time in the time table 111b.

(Job Execution Unit 121b)
The job execution unit 121b executes a job including a reserved job. If it is not a reserved job, the job execution unit 121b immediately executes the job. On the other hand, in the case of a reserved job, the job execution unit 121b executes the reserved job when the scheduled execution time arrives.

(2) Transmission control unit 122
As shown in FIG. 3, the transmission control unit 122 includes a periodic transmission unit 122a, a change determination unit 122b, an inquiry unit 122c, and a command reception unit 122d.

(Regular transmitter 122a)
The periodic transmission unit 122a reads data from the storage circuit 110 periodically, for example, once a day. Here, the data stored in the storage circuit 110 is, for example, as described above, state information indicating an operating state, a usage state, a failure state, or the like of the image forming apparatus itself, or a numerical value of a print counter. The periodic transmission unit 122a transmits the read data to the server device 20 via the network communication circuit 106 and the network 30.

(Change determination unit 122b)
As will be described later, when the command receiving unit 122d receives a change confirmation command for confirming a change in the scheduled data transmission time from the server device 20, the change determining unit 122b is instructed by the command receiving unit 122d. , Check if the scheduled transmission time can be changed. Specifically, the change determination unit 122b makes a determination as follows.

First, the change determination unit 122b gives an instruction to confirm the change at the scheduled execution time of the reserved job in the image forming device of the requesting source for changing the scheduled data transmission time (hereinafter referred to as the image forming device of the requesting source). It is determined whether or not the scheduled transmission time is set in the image forming apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as the image forming apparatus that has received the change confirmation command) which is the received change determination unit 122b itself.

Second, the change determination unit 122b determines whether or not a reservation job is set in the image forming apparatus that has received the change confirmation command.

The scheduled transmission time is set in the image forming apparatus that has received the change confirmation command at the scheduled execution time of the reserved job in the requesting image forming apparatus, and the reserved job is set in the image forming apparatus that has received the change confirmation command. If is not set, the change determination unit 122b generates a response indicating that the change is possible.

The scheduled transmission time is set in the image forming apparatus that has received the change confirmation command at the scheduled execution time of the reserved job in the requesting image forming apparatus, and the reserved job is set in the image forming apparatus that has received the change confirmation command. When is set, the change determination unit 122b generates a response indicating that the change cannot be made.

As a result of the change confirmation, the change determination unit 122b transmits a response indicating that the change is possible or a response indicating that the change is not possible to the server device 20 via the network communication circuit 106 and the network 30.

(Inquiry section 122c)
As will be described later, as a result of comparing the time difference between the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time (| scheduled transmission time-scheduled execution time |) and the threshold value by the determination unit 111e, if the time difference is larger than the threshold value, the inquiry unit 122c Generates a query to change the scheduled transmission time. The query unit 122c transmits the generated query to the server device 20 via the network communication circuit 106 and the network 30.

(Command receiver 122d)
The command receiving unit 122d receives a change permission command or a change disapproval command of the scheduled transmission time from the server device 20 via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 106.

When receiving a command for permission to change the scheduled transmission time, the command receiving unit 122d (changing means) changes the scheduled transmission time stored in the time table 111b, which will be described later, to the same time as the scheduled execution time. The scheduled transmission time may be changed so that the time difference between the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time is equal to or smaller than the threshold value.

When the change permission command is received, the scheduled transmission time stored in the time table 111b is not changed.

Further, the instruction receiving unit 122d of the image forming apparatus 10B receives a change confirmation instruction from the server apparatus 20 via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 106. When the change confirmation command is received, the change determination unit 122b is instructed to confirm whether or not the scheduled transmission time can be changed.

Further, an image forming apparatus that has received a change confirmation command and has generated and transmitted a response indicating changeability (hereinafter, referred to as an image forming apparatus that has transmitted a response indicating changeability) has received a command. The unit 122d receives the instruction for changing the scheduled transmission time from the server device 20 via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 106. Next, the command receiving unit 122d of the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the response indicating the changeability changes the scheduled transmission time stored in the time table 111b of the image forming apparatus to another time.

An image forming apparatus that has received a change confirmation command and that has generated and transmitted a response indicating that the change can be made may be referred to as an image forming apparatus that satisfies the conditions.

(3) Mode control unit 123
The mode control unit 123 shifts the image forming apparatus 10A to the sleep mode when the predetermined sleep condition is satisfied, and returns the sleep mode image forming apparatus 10A to the normal mode when the predetermined return condition is satisfied.

1.6 Power control circuit 111
As shown in FIG. 3, the power control circuit 111 includes a time monitoring unit 111a, a time table 111b, a timer 111c, a calculation unit 111d, a determination unit 111e, and a power supply unit 111f.

(Time table 111b)
The time table 111b has an area for storing the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time. The start time is, for example, 5 minutes before the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time. Here, for example, it takes 5 minutes to return from the sleep mode to the normal mode.

When the scheduled transmission time or the scheduled execution time is set, the set scheduled transmission time or the scheduled execution time is written in the time table 111b, respectively.

(Time monitoring unit 111a)
The time monitoring unit 111a monitors the time. That is, the time monitoring unit 111a acquires the current time from the timer 111c, and compares the acquired current time with the start time 5 minutes before the time stored in the time table 111b.

If the current time and the start time 5 minutes before the time stored in the time table 111b do not match, that is, if it is not the start time, wait until that time is reached. Specifically, the time monitoring unit 111a waits until the current time becomes the scheduled transmission time or the start time 5 minutes before the scheduled execution time.

(Timer 111c)
The timer 111c counts the current time and outputs the current time.

(Calculation unit 111d)
The calculation unit 111d (calculation unit) calculates the time difference between the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time.

Time difference = | Scheduled transmission time-Scheduled execution time |
The calculation unit 111d outputs the calculated time difference to the determination unit 111e.

(Judgment unit 111e)
The determination unit 111e (determination unit) receives the calculated time difference from the calculation unit 111d, and compares the calculated time difference with the threshold value. Here, the threshold is, for example, 30 minutes.

When the determination unit 111e determines that the time difference is equal to the threshold value or the time difference is smaller than the threshold value, the data is transmitted, and when the data transmission is completed, the reservation job is subsequently executed.

When the determination unit 111e determines that the time difference is larger than the threshold value, the server device 20 is requested to allow or reject the change of the scheduled transmission time.

(Power supply unit 111f)
In the normal mode, the power supply unit 111f supplies power to all the components of the image forming apparatus 10A.

On the other hand, in the sleep mode, the power supply unit 111f is the other CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, image memory 104, image processing circuit 105, network communication circuit 106, scanner control circuit 107, input / output circuit 108 except for the power control circuit 111. , The printer control circuit 109, the storage circuit 110, the printer 12, the image reader 11, the paper feed unit 13, the operation panel 19, and the like are stopped from being supplied with power.

1.7 Server device 20
As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 20 includes a main control unit 201, a storage circuit 202, and a network communication circuit 203.

Specifically, the server device 20 is a computer system composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and other devices.

The server device 20 receives data from each of the plurality of image forming devices via the network at each scheduled transmission time. The server device 20 receives a request for changing the scheduled data transmission time from one image forming device, and when the request is received, the existence status of the reserved job in each of the remaining image forming devices except the image forming device of the request source. And, according to the scheduled transmission time, it is determined whether or not to allow the request, and according to the judgment result, the image forming apparatus of the request source is controlled to allow or prohibit the change of the scheduled transmission time. ..

(1) Storage circuit 202 and network communication circuit 203
The storage circuit 202 is composed of, for example, a hard disk or the like, and is used for storing data.

The network communication circuit 203 is connected to an external device via the network 30.

(2) Main control unit 201
The main control unit 201 is functionally composed of the reception unit 211 and the scheduling processing unit 212 as shown in FIG. 4 by operating the CPU according to the control computer program stored in the ROM. ..

(Receiver 211)
The receiving unit 211 receives data from the image forming devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 203. The receiving unit 211 writes the received data to the storage circuit 202.

Further, the receiving unit 211 (receiving means) receives an inquiry (request for change) for changing the scheduled transmission time from the image forming apparatus of the requesting source via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 203. Upon receiving the inquiry, the receiving unit 211 outputs the inquiry to the scheduling processing unit 212.

Further, the receiving unit 211 receives a response indicating that the change is possible or not possible from the image forming apparatus that has received the change confirmation command via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 203. The receiving unit 211 outputs a response indicating that the change is possible or not possible to the scheduling processing unit 212.

(Scheduling processing unit 212)
The scheduling processing unit 212 receives an inquiry from the receiving unit 211 and a response indicating that it can be changed or cannot be changed.

Upon receiving the inquiry, the scheduling processing unit 212 generates an instruction (instruction for confirming the change) for confirming the change in the scheduled transmission time. The scheduling processing unit 212 transmits the generated change confirmation command to all other image forming devices except the requesting image forming device via the network communication circuit 203 and the network 30.

Upon receiving the response indicating that the change is possible or not possible, the scheduling processing unit 212 (determining means) determines the change of the scheduled transmission time as shown below.

When there are a plurality of responses indicating changeability among the plurality of received responses, the scheduling processing unit 212 (control means) randomly selects one change from among the plurality of responses indicating changeability. Select a response that indicates yes. If there is only one changeable response among the received multiple responses, the one changeable response is selected. Next, a command for permission to change the scheduled transmission time is transmitted to the requesting image forming apparatus via the network communication circuit 203 and the network 30. Further, the scheduling processing unit 212 sets a scheduled transmission time in the image forming apparatus satisfying the condition to the image forming apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as an image forming apparatus satisfying the condition) that has transmitted a response indicating one selected changeability. A change command to be changed is generated, and the generated change command is transmitted to an image forming apparatus satisfying the conditions via the network communication circuit 203 and the network 30. As a result, the scheduled transmission time is changed in the image forming apparatus that satisfies the conditions.

When the plurality of received responses are all responses indicating that the changes cannot be made, the scheduling processing unit 212 issues an instruction for disallowing the change of the scheduled transmission time via the network communication circuit 203 and the network 30 to the image forming apparatus of the requesting source. Send to.

(Summary)
As described above, the scheduling processing unit 212 reserves (a) from the remaining image forming devices other than the requesting image forming device in a time zone closer than the threshold time to the scheduled execution time in the requesting image forming device. Search for an image forming apparatus that does not accept jobs and satisfies the condition (b) having a scheduled transmission time. When an image forming apparatus satisfying this condition is found, the scheduling processing unit 212 controls the requesting image forming apparatus to allow the change of the scheduled transmission time.

Further, the scheduling processing unit 212 controls so as to replace the scheduled transmission time of the image forming apparatus satisfying the above conditions with the scheduled transmission time of the requesting image forming apparatus.

If no image forming device satisfying the above conditions is found from the remaining image forming devices other than the requesting image forming device, the scheduling processing unit 212 changes the scheduled transmission time to the requesting image forming device. Control to prohibit.

Further, when all the remaining image forming devices other than the requesting image forming device have a reservation job and satisfy the condition that the transmission scheduled time closer to the execution scheduled time in the requesting image forming device is closer than the threshold value. The scheduling processing unit 212 controls the requesting image forming apparatus so as to prohibit the change of the scheduled transmission time.

1.8 Outline of processing in communication system 1 The outline of processing in communication system 1 will be described with reference to the outline of processing shown in FIG.

By the operation of the user, the information terminal 40 transmits a reserved job with the designation of the scheduled execution time to the image forming apparatus 10A (step S11). Here, as an example, the scheduled execution time of the reserved job is 8:00 pm. The scheduled transmission time (original scheduled transmission time) of the data in the image forming apparatus 10A is 2:00 am on the next day.

Next, the image forming apparatus 10A (the requesting image forming apparatus) transmits an inquiry for changing the scheduled transmission time of the data in the image forming apparatus 10A to the server apparatus 20 (step S12).

Next, when permitting the change of the scheduled transmission time, the server device 20 transmits a command for changing the scheduled transmission time to the image forming apparatus 10B that satisfies the condition (step S13).

The server device 20 transmits a permission command to the image forming device 10A (step S14).

The image forming apparatus 10B changes the original scheduled transmission time (for example, 8:00 pm) and sets the changed scheduled transmission time (for example, 2:00 am) (step S15).

The image forming apparatus 10A changes the original scheduled transmission time (for example, 2:00 am) and sets the changed scheduled transmission time (for example, 8:00 pm) (step S16).

As a result, in the image forming apparatus 10A, the scheduled execution time of the reserved job and the scheduled data transmission time coincide with each other. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10A executes the reserved job at 8:00 pm. It also sends data. After both the reservation job and the data transmission are completed, the image forming apparatus 10A shifts to the sleep mode.

Not only when the scheduled execution time of the reserved job and the scheduled data transmission time match, but also when the time difference between the scheduled execution time of the reserved job and the scheduled data transmission time is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the reservation is reserved. The image forming apparatus 10A may not enter the sleep mode between the execution of the job and the transmission of the data.

As described above, in the requesting image forming apparatus 10A, the scheduled transmission time is a time close to the scheduled execution time (the time difference is equal to or less than the threshold value), while in the image forming apparatus 10B satisfying the condition, the scheduled transmission time is set. , The original scheduled transmission time in the requesting image forming apparatus 10A.

As a result, in the requesting image forming apparatus 10A, the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time are close to each other, and the image forming apparatus 10A enters the sleep mode between the data transmission time and the execution time of the reserved job. Is prevented. Further, in the image forming apparatus 10B satisfying the condition, the scheduled transmission time is the original scheduled transmission time in the requesting image forming apparatus 10A. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the server device 20, the scheduled transmission time is set to any time. Congestion of data reception processing in the server device 20 can be avoided without bias.

1.9 Operation in communication system 1 The operation in communication system 1 will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams shown in FIGS. 6 to 8.

The input device of the information terminal 40 receives a job (reserved job) accompanied by designation of the scheduled execution time from the user (step S101). Next, under the control of the CPU of the information terminal 40, the reservation job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10A via the network 30 by the communication circuit of the information terminal 40 (step S102). The job receiving unit 121a receives a reserved job from the information terminal 40 via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 106 (step S102).

The job receiving unit 121a writes the received reserved job in the storage circuit 110 and writes the scheduled execution time in the timetable 111b (step S103).

The mode control unit 123 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10A to the sleep mode. As a result, the power supply unit 111f stops supplying power to the circuits and the like other than the power control circuit 111 (step S104).

The time monitoring unit 111a monitors the time. That is, the time monitoring unit 111a acquires the current time from the timer 111c and compares the acquired current time with the start time 5 minutes before the time stored in the time table 111b (step S105).

If the current time and the start time 5 minutes before the time stored in the time table 111b do not match, that is, if it is not the start time (“NO” in step S106), the time monitoring unit 111a Control is transferred to step S105 to continue the process.

If the current time and the start time 5 minutes before the time stored in the time table 111b match, that is, if it is the start time (“YES” in step S106), the calculation unit 111d transmits. The time difference between the scheduled time and the scheduled execution time (= | scheduled transmission time-scheduled execution time |) is calculated (step S107). Next, the determination unit 111e compares the calculated time difference with the threshold value, and when the time difference is equal to the threshold value or smaller than the threshold value (“YES” in step S108), the mode control unit 123 forms an image. The device 10A is returned to the normal mode. As a result, the power supply unit 111f supplies power to the circuit or the like whose power supply has been stopped (step S109). If the current time is not the scheduled transmission time (“NO” in step S110), the time monitoring unit 111a waits until the current time reaches the scheduled transmission time. When the current time becomes the scheduled transmission time (“YES” in step S110), the periodic transmission unit 122a reads data from the storage circuit 110 (step S111), and reads the read data via the network communication circuit 106 and the network 30. Then, the data is transmitted to the server device 20 (step S112). The receiving unit 211 receives data from the image forming apparatus 10A via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 203 (step S112). The receiving unit 211 writes the received data to the storage circuit 202 (step S113).

On the other hand, if the current time is not the scheduled execution time (“NO” in step S114), the time monitoring unit 111a waits until the current time reaches the scheduled execution time. When the current time becomes the scheduled execution time (“YES” in step S114), the job execution unit 121b executes the reserved job (step S115).

On the other hand, when the determination unit 111e compares the calculated time difference with the threshold value in step S108 and the time difference is larger than the threshold value (“NO” in step S108), the inquiry unit 122c changes the scheduled transmission time. A query is generated (step S120), and the generated query is transmitted to the server device 20 via the network communication circuit 106 and the network 30 (step S121). The receiving unit 211 receives an inquiry from the image forming apparatus 10A via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 203 (step S121).

Next, the scheduling processing unit 212 determines the time change (step S122). Next, the scheduling processing unit 212 transmits an instruction for permitting the change of the scheduled transmission time or an instruction for disallowing the change to the image forming apparatus 10A via the network communication circuit 203 and the network 30 (step S123). The instruction receiving unit 122d receives the instruction for permitting the change of the scheduled transmission time or the instruction for disallowing the change from the server device 20 via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 106 (step S123).

When receiving the instruction for permission to change the scheduled transmission time (“permission” in step S124), the command receiving unit 122d changes the scheduled transmission time stored in the timetable 111b to the same time as the scheduled execution time (“permission”). Step S125). After that, the process returns to step S105 and the process is repeated.

On the other hand, when receiving the instruction of disallowing the change of the scheduled transmission time (“disapproved” in step S124), the mode control unit 123 returns the image forming apparatus 10A to the normal mode. As a result, the power supply unit 111f supplies power to the circuit or the like whose power supply has been stopped (step S126). If the current time is not the scheduled transmission time (“NO” in step S127), the time monitoring unit 111a waits until the current time reaches the scheduled transmission time. If the current time becomes the scheduled transmission time (“YES” in step S127), (hereinafter, the case where the scheduled transmission time arrives earlier than the scheduled execution time will be described. The same applies to the opposite case.) Periodic The transmission unit 122a reads data from the storage circuit 110 (step S128), and transmits the read data to the server device 20 via the network communication circuit 106 and the network 30 (step S129). The receiving unit 211 receives data from the image forming apparatus 10A via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 203 (step S129). The receiving unit 211 writes the received data to the storage circuit 202 (step S130).

The mode control unit 123 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10A to the sleep mode. As a result, the power supply unit 111f has the other CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, image memory 104, image processing circuit 105, network communication circuit 106, scanner control circuit 107, input / output circuit 108, and printer control other than the power control circuit 111. The supply of electric power to the circuit 109, the storage circuit 110, and the like is stopped (step S131). Next, the time monitoring unit 111a monitors the time. That is, the time monitoring unit 111a acquires the current time from the timer 111c and compares the acquired current time with the start time 5 minutes before the time stored in the time table 111b (step S141).

If the current time and the start time 5 minutes before the time stored in the time table 111b do not match, that is, if it is not the start time (“NO” in step S142), the time monitoring unit 111a Control is transferred to step S141 to continue the process.

If the current time and the time stored in the time table 111b match, that is, if it is the start time (“YES” in step S142), then the time monitoring unit 111a executes the current time. It is determined whether or not it is the scheduled time (step S143). If it is not the scheduled execution time (“NO” in step S143), the time monitoring unit 111a shifts control to step S143 and continues the process. If it is the scheduled execution time (“YES” in step S143), the job execution unit 121b executes the reserved job (step S144). As a result, the processing in the image forming apparatus 10A is completed.

(Judgment of time change)
Next, the details of the determination of the time change in step S122 of the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

The scheduling processing unit 212 generates an instruction for confirming the change of the scheduled transmission time (step S161). The scheduling processing unit 212 transmits the generated change confirmation command to the image forming devices 10B, 10C, and 10D via the network communication circuit 203 and the network 30 (step S162). In the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 9, the description of the image forming apparatus 10C and 10D is omitted for simplification. The instruction receiving unit 122d of the image forming apparatus 10B receives a change confirmation instruction from the server apparatus 20 via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 106 (step S162).

Next, the change determination unit 122b confirms whether or not the scheduled transmission time can be changed (step S163). As a result of the change confirmation, the change determination unit 122b transmits a response indicating that the change is possible or a response indicating that the change is not possible to the server device 20 via the network communication circuit 106 and the network 30 (step S164). ). The scheduling processing unit 212 receives a response indicating that the change is possible or a response indicating that the change is not possible from the image forming devices 10B, 10C, and 10D via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 203 (step S164).

Next, when a response indicating that the change is possible is received (“OK” in step S165), the scheduling processing unit 212 issues a change instruction of the scheduled transmission time via the network communication circuit 203 and the network 30 to the image forming apparatus 10B. Is transmitted (step S166). The instruction receiving unit 122d of the image forming apparatus 10B receives the instruction for changing the scheduled transmission time via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 106 (step S166). Next, the command receiving unit 122d of the image forming apparatus 10B changes the scheduled transmission time stored in the time table 111b of the image forming apparatus 10B to another time (step S167). As a result, the processing in the image forming apparatus 10B is completed.

Further, when a response indicating that the change is possible is received (“OK” in step S165), the scheduling processing unit 212 issues an instruction for permission to change the scheduled transmission time to the network communication circuit 203 and the network 30 as shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10A via the above (step S123).

On the other hand, when a response indicating that the change is not possible is received (“impossible” in step S165), the scheduling processing unit 212 issues an instruction for disallowing the change of the scheduled transmission time to the network communication circuit 203 and the network, as shown in FIG. It is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10A via 30 (step S123).

1.10 Example (1)
An embodiment (1) of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

As shown in FIG. 10, a reservation job with a designation of a scheduled execution time is transmitted from the user to the image forming apparatus 10A. The scheduled implementation time is, for example, 8:00 pm. On the other hand, as an example, the scheduled time (time zone) for transmitting data to the server device 20 for the image forming devices 10B, 10C, and 10D is 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm and 11:00 pm, respectively. Minutes to 1:00 am and 1:00 am to 3:00 am are set.

In this case, since the scheduled execution time in the image forming apparatus 10A does not exist within the range of the scheduled transmission time (time zone) in the image forming apparatus 10B, 10C and 10D, the scheduled transmission time in the image forming apparatus 10A and the image forming The scheduled transmission times in the devices 10B, 10C, and 10D are not interchanged.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, a reservation job with a designation of a scheduled execution time is transmitted from the user to the image forming apparatus 10A. The scheduled implementation time is, for example, 8:00 pm. On the other hand, as an example, the scheduled time (time zone) for transmitting data to the server device 20 for the image forming devices 10B, 10C, and 10D is 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and 11:00 pm, respectively. Minutes to 1:00 am and 1:00 am to 3:00 am are set.

In this case, the scheduled execution time in the image forming apparatus 10A does not exist within the range of the scheduled transmission time (time zone) in the image forming apparatus 10C and 10D, but the range of the scheduled transmission time (time zone) in the image forming apparatus 10B. Since it exists in, the scheduled transmission time in the image forming apparatus 10A and the scheduled transmission time in the image forming apparatus 10B can be exchanged. However, for the image forming apparatus 10B, the scheduled execution time from the user (for example, 7:30 pm. This scheduled execution time exists within the scheduled transmission time (time zone) in the image forming apparatus 10B). When the reserved job accompanied by the designation is transmitted, the scheduled transmission time in the image forming apparatus 10A and the scheduled transmission time in the image forming apparatus 10B are not exchanged.

1.11 Example (2)
In the communication system as a modification (1) of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, as an example, one day is divided into 12 transmission time zones 301, 302, 303, ... Will be done. Each transmission time zone is indicated by the index i. The index i takes an integer value from 0 to 11.

The image forming apparatus 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D each randomly select one transmission time zone from the twelve transmission time zones, and transmit data to the server device 20 in the selected transmission time zone. ,Send.

Here, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10A as the modification (1) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The image forming apparatus 10A includes a random number generation unit for generating random numbers and a time zone selection unit for selecting a transmission time zone.

As an example, the random number generation unit generates a random number consisting of an integer of 5 digits or less (step S181).

The time zone selection unit calculates the index i by the following formula (step S182).
Index i = random number mod 12
As a result, the index i obtained is any one of 0, 1, 2, ..., 11.

Next, the transmission time zone i is set using the calculated index i (step S183).

The mode control unit 123 shifts to the sleep mode (step S184).

The time monitoring unit 111a monitors the time. That is, the time monitoring unit 111a acquires the current time from the timer 111c, and determines whether or not the acquired current time is immediately before the transmission time zone i (step S185). If it is not immediately before the transmission time zone i (“NO” in step S186), the time monitoring unit 111a shifts control to step S185 and continues the process.

If it is immediately before the transmission time zone i (“YES” in step S186), the mode control unit 123 returns the image forming apparatus 10A to the normal mode. As a result, the power supply unit 111f supplies power to the circuit or the like that has stopped supplying power (step S187). The periodic transmission unit 122a reads data from the storage circuit 110 (step S188), and transmits the read data to the server device 20 via the network communication circuit 106 and the network 30 (step S189). The receiving unit 211 receives data from the image forming apparatus 10A via the network 30 and the network communication circuit 203 (step S189). The receiving unit 211 writes the received data to the storage circuit 202 (step S190).

Next, the mode control unit 123 shifts the image forming apparatus 10A to the sleep mode. As a result, the power supply unit 111f stops supplying power to the circuits and the like other than the power control circuit 111 (step S191).

As described above, according to the modification (1), the image forming apparatus randomly selects one transmission time zone from the twelve transmission time zones, and sends data to the server in the selected transmission time zone. It transmits to the device 20. By doing so, the possibility of transmitting data from the image forming apparatus 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D to the server apparatus 20 in the same transmission time zone is reduced.

In this way, one day may be divided into a plurality of allocated time zones, and one allocated time zone may be randomly assigned to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus may transmit data during the assigned time zone.

1.12 Summary As explained above, the image forming device calculates the difference between the scheduled data transmission time and the scheduled execution time of the reserved job, and when it is determined that the calculated difference is larger than the threshold value, the server When permission is obtained from the device, the scheduled transmission time is changed so that the difference is equal to or smaller than the threshold value. With this configuration, the scheduled data transmission time and the scheduled execution time of the reserved job are close to each other, and power saving can be realized between the data transmission and the execution of the reserved job without shifting to the sleep mode. It has an excellent effect of being able to do.

Further, in the scheduled transmission time and the time zone including the scheduled execution time, the image forming apparatus executes the data transmission or the reserved job except for the time zone in which the data is transmitted and the time zone in which the reserved job is executed. It may be in a sleep state that consumes less power than the time zone during which it is running.

2 Modifications Although the present disclosure has been described based on the above-described embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment. It may be as shown below.

2.1 Modification example (1)
A modified example (1) of the embodiment will be described.

In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14A, the calculation unit 111d calculates the time difference 403 between the scheduled transmission time 402 and the scheduled execution time 401. In this figure, the horizontal axis shows the passage of time. However, this disclosure is not limited to such cases. It may be as shown below.

(1) Execution of the reserved job requires, for example, a required time according to the number of prints. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14B, the operation estimation time 414 may be set for the reserved job from the scheduled execution time 411 to the scheduled end time 411a, which is estimated to end the execution of the reserved job. The calculation unit 111d calculates the time interval between the scheduled end time 411a and the scheduled transmission time 412 with the time difference 413. In this figure, the scheduled transmission time 412 is set after the operation estimation time 414. Further, in this figure, the horizontal axis shows the passage of time. In addition, also in FIGS. 14C to 14G shown below, the passage of time is shown on the horizontal axis.

Further, also in FIG. 14 (c), similarly to FIG. 14 (b), the operation estimated time 425 from the scheduled execution time 421 to the scheduled end time 421 a at which the execution of the reserved job is estimated to be completed is set. There is. In this figure, the scheduled transmission time 422 is set before the operation estimation time 425. The calculation unit 111d may calculate the time interval between the scheduled transmission time 422 and the scheduled execution time 421 with the time difference 423.

(2) Data transmission requires a required time according to the amount of data to be transmitted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14D, for data transmission, an estimated transmission time 435 may be set from the scheduled transmission time 432 to the scheduled end time 432a, which is estimated to end the data transmission. The calculation unit 111d calculates the time interval between the scheduled execution time 431 and the scheduled transmission time 432 with the time difference 433. In this figure, the estimated transmission time 435 is set after the scheduled execution time 431.

Further, also in FIG. 14 (e), as in FIG. 14 (d), the estimated transmission time 445 from the scheduled transmission time 442 to the scheduled end time 442a at which the data transmission is estimated to end is set. In this figure, the estimated transmission time 445 is set before the scheduled execution time 441. The calculation unit 111d may calculate the time interval between the scheduled end time 442a and the scheduled execution time 441 with the time difference 443.

(3) As shown in FIG. 14 (f), the operation estimated time 454 from the scheduled execution time 451 to the scheduled end time 451a, which is estimated to end the execution of the reserved job, may be set for the reserved job. .. Further, for data transmission, an estimated transmission time 455 from the scheduled transmission time 452 to the scheduled end time 452a at which the data transmission is estimated to end may be set. The calculation unit 111d calculates the time interval between the scheduled end time 451a and the scheduled transmission time 452 as the time difference 453. In this figure, the transmission estimated time 455 is set after the operation estimated time 454. However, this order is not limited. It may be assumed that the transmission estimated time is set before the operation estimated time.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14 (g), a part of the operation estimation time 464 and a part of the transmission estimation time 465 may overlap. The operation estimated time 464 is a time interval from the scheduled execution time 461 to the scheduled end time 461a, and the estimated transmission time 465 is a time interval from the scheduled transmission time 462 to the scheduled end time 462a. Here, the scheduled execution time 461 is set before the scheduled transmission time 462, and the scheduled end time 461a is set after the scheduled transmission time 462. In the time zone from the scheduled transmission time 462 to the scheduled end time 461a, the estimated operation time 464 and the estimated transmission time 465 overlap. In this case, the calculation unit 111d may calculate the time difference = 0.

(4) As described above, the time difference can be calculated by assuming the operation estimated time of the reserved job and the transmission estimated time of data transmission.

(5) The time difference between the scheduled execution time of the reserved job (or the estimated operation time of the reserved job) and the transmission time zone described in the embodiment (2) may be calculated.

Further, the data may be transmitted within the scheduled transmission time zone including the scheduled transmission time (transmission time zone of the embodiment (2)). Further, the reserved job may be executed within the scheduled execution time zone including the scheduled execution time (the operation estimated time of the above reserved job). The calculation unit 111d may calculate the time interval between the scheduled transmission time zone and the scheduled execution time zone as a time difference.

2.2 Modification example (2)
The operation in the communication system as the modification (2) of the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The main control unit 201 waits for an inquiry from the image forming apparatus to change the scheduled transmission time (step S211).

Next, when the main control unit 201 does not receive an inquiry for changing the scheduled transmission time (“NO” in step S212), control is transferred to step S211 and the process is repeated.

On the other hand, when the main control unit 201 receives an inquiry for changing the scheduled transmission time (“YES” in step S212), the scheduled transmission time of all other image forming devices managed by the server device 20 and the image forming device thereof. Acquires the presence or absence of the reserved job in (step S213).

The main control unit 201 determines whether or not there is an image forming apparatus that has a transmission schedule and has not accepted the reserved job at the scheduled execution time for executing the reserved job in the requesting image forming apparatus (step). S214).

When there is no image forming apparatus satisfying the condition (“NO” in step S214), the main control unit 201 does not allow the change of the scheduled transmission time in the requesting image forming apparatus (step S217). Next, the main control unit 201 shifts control to step S211.

On the other hand, when there is an image forming apparatus satisfying the condition (“YES” in step S214), the main control unit 201 sets the scheduled transmission time in the image forming apparatus satisfying the condition to the scheduled transmission time in the requesting image forming apparatus. Change (step S215). Next, the main control unit 201 permits the change of the scheduled transmission time in the requesting image forming apparatus (step S216). Next, the main control unit 201 shifts control to step S211.

As described above, since the scheduled transmission time in the image forming apparatus satisfying the conditions and the scheduled transmission time in the requesting image forming apparatus are exchanged, data transmission to the server device is concentrated at one scheduled transmission time. Therefore, it is possible to avoid processing congestion in the server device.

2.3 Modification example (3)
A modified example (3) of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

In the modification (3), a plurality of reserved jobs are set for the image forming apparatus 10A.

In FIG. 16, the horizontal axis shows the passage of time. In this figure, a sleep mode is set in advance for the image forming apparatus 10A in the time zone 351. Further, in the time zones 352, 353, and 354, the scheduled execution time (time range) of each reserved job is set. Further, a scheduled transmission time (time range) is set in the time zone 355.

Here, it is assumed that the time zone 354 and the time zone 355 are adjacent to each other.

In this case, since the time zone 354 and the time zone 355 are adjacent to each other, the image forming apparatus 10A shifts to the sleep mode and further returns to the normal mode between the time zone 354 and the time zone 355. Does not change the time zone 355, which is the scheduled transmission time (time range).

Next, in FIG. 17, the passage of time is shown on the horizontal axis. In this figure, a sleep mode is set in advance for the image forming apparatus 10A in the time zone 361. Further, in the time zones 362, 363, and 364, the scheduled execution time (time range) of each reserved job is set. Further, a scheduled transmission time (time range) is set in the time zone 365.

Here, it is assumed that the time zone 362, the time zone 363, the time zone 364, and the time zone 365 are separated by a threshold value or more, respectively. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10A shifts to the sleep mode between the time zone 362 and the time zone 363, between the time zone 363 and the time zone 364, and between the time zone 364 and the time zone 365, and further, it is normal. May return to mode.

In this case, the time zone 365 is changed to the time zone adjacent to the time zone 364 closest to the time zone 365. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10A does not shift to the sleep mode between the time zone 364 and the changed time zone 365.

Next, the operation in the modified example (3) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The change determination unit 122b confirms the scheduled transmission time to the server device 20 (step S260). Next, the change determination unit 122b confirms the received plurality of reserved jobs (step S261). Next, the change determination unit 122b determines whether or not data transmission is executed within the range of the operation estimation time of each reserved job (step S262). That is, it is determined whether or not the time difference between the scheduled execution time of the reserved job and the scheduled data transmission time is equal to or less than the threshold value. Here, the operation estimated time of each reserved job means a time range from the scheduled execution time to the end time estimated to end the execution of the reserved job. When the time difference between the scheduled execution time of the reserved job and the scheduled data transmission time is equal to or less than the threshold value (“YES” in step S262), the scheduled transmission time is not changed.

On the other hand, when the time difference between the scheduled execution time of the reserved job and the scheduled data transmission time is larger than the threshold value (“NO” in step S262), the change determination unit 122b sets the scheduled transmission time to the reserved job closest to the scheduled transmission time. Request a change at the scheduled execution time of (step S263). The change determination unit 122b determines whether or not permission has been issued from the server device 20 (step S264). If permission is not given (“NO” in step S264), the scheduled transmission time is not changed. On the other hand, when permission is given (“YES” in step S264), the change determination unit 122b changes the scheduled transmission time to a time closest to the scheduled execution time closest to the scheduled transmission time (step S265).

As described above, when a plurality of reserved jobs are set in one image forming apparatus, the scheduled transmission time is changed to a time close to the scheduled execution time that exists closest to the scheduled transmission time. By doing so, it is possible to realize power saving without shifting to the sleep mode between the scheduled execution time and the changed transmission scheduled time.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 10A is an image forming apparatus that transmits data to the server apparatus via the network and accepts execution of a plurality of reserved jobs. The image forming apparatus 10A stores the scheduled transmission time for transmitting data, the first scheduled execution time for executing the first reserved job, and the second scheduled execution time for executing the second reserved job. Of the scheduled execution time and the second scheduled execution time, the difference between the time closer to the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled transmission time is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the calculated difference is larger than the threshold, and the difference is the threshold. If it is determined to be larger, the transmission is scheduled to be performed from the first scheduled execution time and the second scheduled execution time so that the difference is equal to or smaller than the threshold, provided that permission is obtained from the server device. Change the stored scheduled transmission time to a time close to the time.

2.4 Modification example (4)
A modified example (4) of the embodiment will be described.

When the server device approves the request to change the scheduled transmission time from the image forming device, the scheduled transmission time is set to either the time zone immediately before the scheduled execution time or the time zone immediately after the scheduled execution time. You may.

When the data transmission time zone (upload time zone) is set before the scheduled execution time, even when a problem with the reserved job (jam error, etc.) occurs, or when the execution time of the reserved job is long. Even so, since the data transmission has already been completed, the data transmission will not be delayed.

Further, when the reserved job has a content such as "10,000 prints", if the scheduled transmission time is set before the execution of the reserved job starts, the reserved job is added to the count data of the number of prints. There is a problem that the number of prints of is not included. In this case, the data transmission time zone may be set after the scheduled execution time.

In addition, when the scheduled transmission time is set after the reserved job is completed, a defect in the reserved job (jam error, etc.) occurs, and when the defect is detected, the data is transmitted without counting the data related to the reserved job. You may.

Here, the operation of the image forming apparatus when the execution time of the reserved job is long will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The change determination unit 122b confirms the scheduled transmission time to the server device 20 (step S281). Next, the change determination unit 122b confirms the accepted reserved job (step S282). Next, the change determination unit 122b determines whether or not the data transmission is executed within the range of the operation estimation time of the reserved job (step S283). That is, it is determined whether or not the time difference between the scheduled execution time of the reserved job and the scheduled data transmission time is equal to or less than the threshold value.

When the time difference between the scheduled execution time of the reserved job and the scheduled data transmission time is equal to or less than the threshold value (“YES” in step S283), the scheduled transmission time is not changed.

On the other hand, when the time difference between the scheduled execution time of the reserved job and the scheduled data transmission time is larger than the threshold value (“NO” in step S283), the change determination unit 122b determines whether the operation estimated time of the reserved job is longer than the transmission time. (Step S284).

When it is determined that the operation estimated time of the reserved job is longer than the transmission time (“YES” in step S285), the change determination unit 122b requests to change the scheduled transmission time to the time before the operation of the reserved job closest to the scheduled transmission time. (Step S285).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation estimated time of the reserved job is not longer than the transmission time (“NO” in step S285), the change determination unit 122b sets the scheduled transmission time to the time after the operation of the reserved job closest to the scheduled transmission time. (Step S286).

When the change determination unit 122b issues with permission from the server device 20 (“YES” in step S289), the change determination unit 122b sets the scheduled transmission time to the time before or after the operation of the reserved job closest to the scheduled transmission time. (Step S288).

In this way, when the estimated operation time of the reserved job is longer than the transmission time, the data transmission is not delayed by changing the scheduled transmission time to the time before the operation of the reserved job closest to the scheduled transmission time.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 10A may change the stored scheduled transmission time to a time before the scheduled execution time or a time after the scheduled execution time.

3 Other Modifications Although the present disclosure has been described based on the above-described embodiments and modifications, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications. It may be as shown below.

(1) In the image forming apparatus 10A, some of the data to be collected needs to be collected until the end of the designated time zone, or is specified to be collected.

For example, the data for counting how many sheets are printed in a day is the data that needs to be collected until the last time of the day, 23:59:59.

(2) As described above, the image forming apparatus is a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory. The memory stores the computer program, and the microprocessor may operate according to the computer program.

The microprocessor is composed of a fetch unit, a decoding unit, an execution unit, a register file, an instruction counter, and the like. The fetch unit reads one instruction code included in the computer program from the computer program stored in the memory. The decoding unit decodes the read instruction code. The execution unit operates according to the decoding result. In this way, the microprocessor operates according to the computer program stored in the memory.

Here, a computer program is configured by combining a plurality of instruction codes indicating instructions to a computer in order to achieve a predetermined function.

Further, the computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

Further, the computer program may be transmitted via a wired or wireless telecommunication line, a network typified by the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like.

(3) The above-described embodiment and the above-described modification may be combined.

When transmitting data to the server device, the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure has a reserved job accompanied by designation of a scheduled execution time, and is in a normal mode at each timing of data transmission and execution of the reserved job. It is useful as a technique for controlling the timing of transmitting data from the image forming apparatus to the server apparatus, which has an excellent effect of obtaining a power saving effect in the image forming apparatus by avoiding the return to the above. Is.

1 Communication system 10A-10D Image forming device 11 Image reader 12 Printer 13 Paper feeding unit 15 Discharge tray 19 Operation panel 20 Server device 20Y to 20K Image forming unit 21 Intermediate transfer belt 22 Secondary transfer roller 30 Network 40 Information terminal 50 Fixing unit 51 Heating roller 52 Pressurizing roller 60 Paper feed cassette 63 Pickup roller 100 Control circuit 101 CPU
101a Main control unit 102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Image memory 105 Image processing circuit 106 Network communication circuit 107 Scanner control circuit 108 Input / output circuit 109 Printer control circuit 110 Storage circuit 111 Power control circuit 111a Time monitoring unit 111b Time table 111c Timer 111d Calculation unit 111e Judgment unit 111f Power supply unit 121 Job control unit 121a Job reception unit 121b Job execution unit 122 Transmission control unit 122a Periodic transmission unit 122b Change judgment unit 122c Inquiry unit 122d Command reception unit 123 Mode control unit 201 Main control unit 202 Storage circuit 203 Network communication circuit 211 Reception unit 212 Scheduling processing unit

Claims (15)

An image forming device that accepts the execution of reserved jobs while transmitting data to the server device via the network.
A storage means for storing the scheduled transmission time for transmitting the data and the scheduled execution time for executing the reserved job, and
A calculation means for calculating the difference between the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time, and
A means for determining whether or not the calculated difference is larger than the threshold value, and
When it is determined that the difference is larger than the threshold value, the storage means stores the difference so that the difference is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, subject to obtaining permission from the server device. An image forming apparatus including a changing means for changing a scheduled transmission time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing means requests the server device for permission to change the scheduled transmission time when it is determined that the difference is larger than the threshold value. An image forming device that accepts execution of multiple reserved jobs while transmitting data to a server device via a network.
A storage means for storing the scheduled transmission time for transmitting the data, the first scheduled execution time for executing the first reserved job, and the second scheduled execution time for executing the second reserved job.
A calculation means for calculating the difference between the first scheduled execution time and the second scheduled execution time, which are closer to the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled transmission time.
A means for determining whether or not the calculated difference is larger than the threshold value, and
When it is determined that the difference is larger than the threshold value, the first scheduled execution time and the first scheduled execution time are set so that the difference is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, subject to obtaining permission from the server device. 2. An image forming apparatus comprising: a changing means for changing the scheduled transmission time stored in the storage means at a time closer to the scheduled transmission time among the scheduled execution times. According to claim 1, the changing means changes the scheduled transmission time stored in the storage means to a time before the scheduled execution time or a time after the scheduled execution time. The image forming apparatus described. The data is transmitted within the scheduled transmission time zone including the scheduled transmission time.
The reserved job is executed within the scheduled execution time zone including the scheduled execution time,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation means calculates the time interval between the scheduled transmission time zone and the scheduled execution time zone as the difference. A day is divided into a plurality of assigned time zones, and one assigned time zone is randomly assigned to the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus transmits the data in the assigned time zone. In the time zone including the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time, the image forming apparatus uses the data transmission or reservation job except for the time zone in which the data is transmitted and the time zone in which the reserved job is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is in a sleep state, which consumes less power than the time zone during which the data is executed. A server device that receives data from each of a plurality of image forming devices via a network at each scheduled transmission time.
A receiving means for receiving a request for changing the scheduled data transmission time from one image forming apparatus, and
When the request is received, a determination means for determining whether or not to allow the request according to the existence status of the reserved job in each of the remaining image forming devices other than the image forming device of the request source and the scheduled transmission time, and
A server device including a control means for controlling the image forming device of the requesting source so as to allow or prohibit the change of the scheduled transmission time according to the determination result. The determination means receives (a) a reserved job from the remaining image forming devices other than the requesting image forming device in a time zone closer to the scheduled execution time of the requesting image forming device than the threshold time. No, (b) Search for an image forming device that satisfies the condition having the scheduled transmission time,
The claim is characterized in that, when an image forming apparatus satisfying the above conditions is found, the control means controls the requesting image forming apparatus to allow the change of the scheduled transmission time. 8. The server device according to 8. The server device according to claim 9, wherein the control means controls so as to replace the scheduled transmission time of the image forming apparatus satisfying the above conditions with the scheduled transmission time of the image forming apparatus of the requesting source. .. When the determination means does not find an image forming device satisfying the above conditions from the remaining image forming devices other than the requesting image forming device, the control means refers to the requesting image forming device with respect to the image forming device. The server device according to claim 8, wherein the server device is controlled so as to prohibit the change of the scheduled transmission time. By the determination means, all the remaining image forming devices except the image forming device of the requesting source have a reservation job, and the scheduled transmission time closer than the threshold time to the scheduled execution time of the image forming device of the requesting source is set. The server device according to claim 8, wherein when the condition is satisfied, the control means controls the requesting image forming device so as to prohibit the change of the scheduled transmission time. A communication system composed of a plurality of image forming devices and a server device in which each image forming device is connected via a network.
The server device receives data from each of the plurality of image forming devices at each scheduled transmission time, and receives data from each of the plurality of image forming devices.
Each image forming device sends data to the server device via the network, while accepting the execution of the reserved job.
The server device
A receiving means for receiving a request for changing the scheduled data transmission time from one image forming apparatus, and
When the request is received, a determination means for determining whether or not to allow the request according to the existence status of the reserved job in each of the remaining image forming devices other than the image forming device of the request source and the scheduled transmission time, and
A control means for controlling the requesting image forming apparatus to allow or prohibit the change of the scheduled transmission time according to the determination result is provided.
The image forming apparatus
A storage means for storing the scheduled transmission time for transmitting the data and the scheduled execution time for executing the reserved job, and
A calculation means for calculating the difference between the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time, and
A means for determining whether or not the calculated difference is larger than the threshold value, and
When it is determined that the difference is larger than the threshold value, the transmission stored in the storage means so that the difference is equal to or smaller than the threshold value when permission is obtained from the server device. A communication system characterized by providing a changing means for changing a scheduled time. It is a control method used in an image forming device that accepts execution of a reserved job while transmitting data to a server device via a network.
The image forming apparatus includes a storage means for storing a scheduled transmission time for transmitting the data and a scheduled execution time for executing the reserved job.
The control method is
A calculation step for calculating the difference between the scheduled transmission time and the scheduled execution time, and
A determination step for determining whether or not the calculated difference is larger than the threshold value, and
When it is determined that the difference is larger than the threshold value, the transmission stored in the storage means so that the difference is equal to or smaller than the threshold value when permission is obtained from the server device. A control method that includes a change step that changes the scheduled time. It is a control method used in a server device that receives data from each of a plurality of image forming devices via a network at each scheduled transmission time.
A reception step that receives a request to change the scheduled data transmission time from one image forming apparatus, and
When the request is received, a determination step for determining whether or not to allow the request according to the existence status of the reserved job and the scheduled transmission time in each of the remaining image forming devices other than the requesting image forming device, and a determination step.
A control method comprising a control step of controlling the image forming apparatus of a requesting source so as to allow or prohibit the change of the scheduled transmission time according to a determination result.

Images