JP2021060641A - Information processing device, control program, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase a user's convenience in an information processing device which causes any of a plurality of image forming devices to execute a print job.SOLUTION: An information processing device (14) is connected via a network (16) to a plurality of image forming devices (12). When a print job is executed, the information processing device (14) is configured to: acquire a print condition of the print job; acquire a desired condition of a user concerning a utilization condition of the plurality of image forming devices (12); select image forming devices of a first type satisfying the print condition and in line with the desired condition from among the plurality of image forming devices (12) with reference to device information including the print condition executable by each of the image forming devices (12) and the utilization condition of each of the image forming devices (12); cause the user to select an image forming device which executes the print job from among the image forming devices of the first type; and transmit print data of the print job to the selected image forming device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to information processing devices, control programs and control methods, in particular, for example.
The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control program, and a control method, which are connected to a plurality of image forming devices via a network and cause one of the image forming devices to execute a print job.

An example of this kind of background technique is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The print system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a print data transmission device that generates print data, and a plurality of image forming devices that can communicate with the print data transmission device. The print data transmission device transmits print data to an image forming device that is automatically selected based on a specific state of each of the plurality of image forming devices and a specific condition related to the specific state.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-1369662

However, in the printing system of the background technology, the image forming apparatus to which the print data is transmitted, that is, the image forming apparatus in which the printing job is executed, specifies the specific state of each of the plurality of image forming apparatus and the specific state. Since the image is automatically selected based on the above conditions, the print job may be executed by the image forming apparatus that does not meet the user's wishes. Therefore, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of user convenience.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel information processing device, control program and control method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, a control program, and a control method capable of improving user convenience in an information processing device that causes any of a plurality of image forming devices to execute a print job. It is to be.

The first invention is an information processing device including a display, which is connected to a plurality of image forming devices whose device information including executable printing conditions and usage conditions is known via a network, and is the first acquisition means. A second acquisition means, selection means, selection means, and transmission means are provided. The first acquisition means acquires the print conditions of the print job. The second acquisition means acquires the user's desired conditions regarding the usage conditions of the plurality of image forming devices. The selection means refers to the device information and selects the first type of image forming device that satisfies the printing conditions of the print job and meets the desired conditions from the plurality of image forming devices. The selection means displays a selection screen for selecting an output image forming apparatus for executing a print job from the first type of image forming apparatus on the display, and selects the output image forming apparatus for the user. Let me. The transmission means transmits the data of the print job to the image forming apparatus for output selected by the selection means.

The second invention is an information processing apparatus subordinate to the first invention, further comprising a third acquisition means set by an administrator and acquiring administrator conditions relating to a plurality of image forming apparatus, and the selection means is: From a plurality of image forming devices, an image forming device satisfying the administrator condition is selected as the first type of image forming device.

The third invention is an information processing apparatus subordinate to the first or second invention, and each of the first type image forming apparatus is according to the relationship between the usage condition and the desired condition of the plurality of image forming apparatus. A setting means for setting the recommendation level and a presentation means for presenting the recommendation level of each of the first type image forming apparatus to the user are further provided.

A fourth invention is a control program of an information processing device provided with a display, which is connected to a plurality of image forming devices whose device information including feasible printing conditions and usage conditions is known via a network. With reference to the device information, a plurality of first acquisition steps for acquiring the print conditions of the print job and the second acquisition step for acquiring the user's desired conditions regarding the usage conditions of the plurality of image forming devices on the processor of the device. A selection step of selecting a first type of image forming device that satisfies the printing conditions of a print job from the image forming devices and meets the desired conditions, and an output for executing the printing job from the first type of image forming device. A selection step for displaying a selection screen for selecting an image forming apparatus for output on the display and allowing the user to select the image forming apparatus for output, and a printing job on the image forming apparatus for output selected in the selection step. Execute the transmission step to transmit the data of.

A fifth invention is a method for controlling an information processing device including a display, which is connected to a plurality of image forming devices whose device information including feasible printing conditions and usage conditions is known via a network (a). ) The step of acquiring the print conditions of the print job, (b) the step of acquiring the user's desired conditions regarding the usage conditions of the plurality of image forming devices, and (c) referring to the device information, from among the plurality of image forming devices. , A step of selecting a first-type image forming apparatus that satisfies the printing conditions of a print job and meets the desired conditions. (D) An image forming apparatus for output that executes a print job from among the first-type image forming apparatus. A step of displaying a selection screen for selecting the above on the display and allowing the user to select the image forming apparatus for the output, and (e) a print job on the image forming apparatus for the output selected in the step (d). A control method that includes a step of transmitting data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of a user in an information processing device in which any of a plurality of image forming devices executes a print job.

The above-mentioned objectives, other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the following examples made with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of a print condition setting screen. FIG. 4 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of a desired condition setting screen. FIG. 5 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of an output device selection screen. FIG. 6 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of the device information table. FIG. 7 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of a memory map of the RAM of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of device selection processing of the CPU of the information processing device shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of an administrator condition setting screen. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a part of an example of the device selection process in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of the output device selection screen in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a part of an example of the device selection process in the third embodiment.

[First Example]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system 10 of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of image forming devices 12, and the image forming device 12 is via a network 16 such as a local area network (LAN). Therefore, it is communicably connected to the information processing device 14. However, the image forming apparatus 12 and the information processing apparatus 14 can also communicate directly with each other. Although the example of the image forming system 10 shown in FIG. 1 shows a case where one information processing device 14 is connected on the network 16, two or more information processing devices 14 may be connected.

The image forming apparatus 12 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having a copying function, a printing function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like. However, the image forming apparatus 12 may be, for example, a printing apparatus (printer) as long as it has at least a printing function.

The image forming apparatus 12 includes an image forming unit and an image reading unit. The image reading unit includes a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. This image reading unit exposes the surface of the document with a light source and guides the reflected light reflected from the surface of the document to the imaging lens by a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaging lens. The line sensor detects the brightness and chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generates scanned image data based on the image on the surface of the document.

The image forming unit is a general-purpose laser printer, and includes a photoconductor drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium (paper) conveyed from a paper feeding device or the like by an electrophotographic method. However, the recording medium is not limited to paper made of paper, and sheets other than paper such as OHP film are also used. Further, the image forming unit may be configured by an inkjet printer instead of the laser printer.

However, a part of the plurality of image forming devices 12 has a printing function (monochrome printing function) of a single color image (monochrome image), and another part of the plurality of image forming devices 12 has a multicolor image (color). It has a print function (color print function) for images. That is, a part of the plurality of image forming devices 12 is capable of monochrome printing only, and the other part of the plurality of image forming devices 12 is capable of color printing. The image forming unit of the image forming apparatus 12 capable of color printing includes a photoconductor drum, a charging apparatus, a developing apparatus, and the like for each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). An image formation station including is configured.

Briefly, in a laser printer, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a charged photoconductor drum, and toner is developed on the electrostatic latent image. That is, a toner image is formed. Then, the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum is transferred to the paper by the transfer roller, and the transferred toner image is melted and pressure-welded to be fixed on the paper. Therefore, the image corresponding to the printed image data is printed on the paper surface. However, when printing in color, an electrostatic latent image for each color is formed on a photoconductor drum provided for each color of black, magenta, cyan, and yellow, a toner image for each color is formed, and toner for each color is formed. The image is first transferred to an intermediate transfer roller and then transferred to paper (secondary transfer).

Further, a part of the plurality of image forming devices 12 has a double-sided printing function, and the other part of the plurality of image forming devices 12 does not have a double-sided printing function (provided only a single-sided printing function). Further, a part of the plurality of image forming devices 12 has a printing speed (continuous copying speed) different from that of the other image forming devices 12. Furthermore, a part of the plurality of image forming apparatus 12 includes post-processing functions such as paper folding processing, bookbinding processing, staple processing, and punching processing.

As described above, in the image forming system 10, the image forming apparatus 12 having different abilities as an image forming apparatus such as the presence / absence of the color printing function, the presence / absence of the double-sided printing function, the presence / absence of the post-processing function, and the printing speed are mixed. ..

Further, the information processing device 14 shown in FIG. 1 is a general-purpose computer (user terminal) used by a user, and specifically, a smartphone, a desktop PC, a notebook (laptop) PC, a tablet PC, or the like is applicable. ..

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the information processing device 14 shown in FIG. However, the electrical configuration of the information processing device 14 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and is not limited to this.

With reference to FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 14 of the first embodiment includes a CPU 32. The RAM 34, the HDD 36, the input control circuit 38, the display control circuit 40, and the communication circuit 46 are connected to the CPU 32 via the bus 30. Further, an input device 42 is connected to the input control circuit 38, and a display 44 is connected to the display control circuit 40. As the display 44, an LCD, an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like can be used.

The CPU 32 controls the overall control of the information processing device 14. The RAM 34 is used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 32. The HDD 36 is the main storage device of the information processing device 14, and is data about a control program for the CPU 32 to control the operation of each part of the information processing device 14, data of images (display images) about various screens, and data of images (display images) of various screens. Stores data required to execute the control program. Further, other non-volatile memory such as EEPROM or flash memory can be used instead of or together with HDD 36.

The input device 42 is a device for receiving a user's input operation (user operation), and includes, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a computer mouse, and the like. When the input device 42 is a keyboard, the input device 42 includes hardware operation buttons or operation keys (hardware keys). The touch panel is a general-purpose touch panel, and any type such as a capacitance method, an electromagnetic induction method, a resistance film method, and an infrared method can be used. Further, the touch panel may be provided on the display surface of the display 44, or may be provided separately from the display 44. However, a touch display in which the touch panel is integrally formed with the display 44 may be provided. When a touch panel is provided, software keys such as various buttons and icons are displayed on the display 44.

The software key means, for example, a key or an icon reproduced by software on the display surface of the display 44. On the other hand, a hardware key is a key or push button provided as a physical device.

The input control circuit 38 outputs an operation signal or operation data corresponding to the operation of the input device 42 to the CPU 32. For example, the input control circuit 38 applies a voltage or the like required for the touch panel included in the input device 42, and when a touch operation (touch input) within the touch effective range of the touch panel is detected, the position of the touch input is detected. The touch coordinate data indicating the above is output to the CPU 32. Further, the input control circuit 38 outputs an operation signal or operation data corresponding to the operation of the operation button or the hardware key included in the input device 42 to the CPU 32.

The display control circuit 40 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like, and under the instruction of the CPU 32, the GPU uses the image generation data 74a (see FIG. 7) stored in the RAM 34 to display various screens. Screen data is generated in VRAM, and the generated screen data is output to the display 44. For example, various operation screens and the like are displayed on the display 44.

The communication circuit 46 is a communication circuit for connecting to a network such as LAN and the Internet. The communication circuit 46 is a wired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit, and according to an instruction from the CPU 32, another information processing device 14 or an image forming device 12 or the like is used via a network using a protocol such as TCP / IP. Communicate with an external computer. However, the communication circuit 46 can directly communicate with another information processing device 14 or an image forming device 12 by short-range radio or the like without going through the network 16.

In a conventional image forming system, print data may be transmitted to an image forming apparatus automatically selected based on a specific state of each of a plurality of image forming apparatus and a specific condition regarding the specific state. However, since the image forming apparatus on which the print job is executed is automatically selected, the job may be executed on the image forming apparatus that does not meet the user's wishes. Therefore, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of user convenience.

Hereinafter, an operation example of the image forming system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 and the like. In the image forming system 10 of this embodiment, print job data (print job data) is transmitted from the information processing device 14 to the image forming device 12, and the printing process is executed in the image forming device 12 according to the print job data, so-called. Print jobs may run. When a print job is executed, the display 44 of the information processing apparatus 14 has a GUI (graphical) of a printer driver for making various settings for printing conditions (hereinafter, may be referred to as "print settings"). User interface) is displayed.

The GUI of the printer driver of this embodiment includes a print condition setting screen 100, a desired condition setting screen 120, and an output device selection screen 140 (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

When the original file used in the print job is selected, the print condition setting screen 100 as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display 44. The print condition setting screen 100 is a screen for setting print conditions for a print job, and includes a setting unit 102 and an instruction unit 106.

The setting unit 102 is provided for setting print conditions, and a plurality of icons (item images) 104 for setting print conditions are displayed on the setting unit 102. The printing conditions include, for example, the number of copies to be printed, the original paper size, the output paper size, the orientation of the original, the color mode, single-sided / double-sided printing, the presence / absence of staple processing, page aggregation, and the like. Corresponds to each printing condition. Each print condition can be selected from the pull-down menu of the icon 104, or can be directly input to the input box in the icon 104 by using the software key.

The instruction unit 106 is arranged at the lower right of the print condition setting screen 100, and the OK button 106a and the cancel button 106b are displayed on the instruction unit 106. The OK button 106a is a button to which a function of applying (confirming) the set contents and instructing the end of the print setting is assigned. The cancel button 106b is a button to which a function of instructing the end of the print setting is assigned without confirming the change of the setting. When the cancel button 106b is selected, the operation screen (print condition setting screen 100) that has been displayed up to that point is closed, and the initial screen (home screen) and the like are displayed. These are the same for the OK buttons 126a, 146a, 166a and the cancel buttons 126b, 146b, and 166b, which will be described later.

When the OK button 106a is operated on the print condition setting screen 100, the print conditions set on the print condition setting screen 100 are confirmed. When the printing conditions are determined, the image forming system 10 is set up based on the printing conditions and information on a plurality of image forming devices 12 included in the image forming system 10 (hereinafter, may be referred to as "device information"). The image forming apparatus 12 satisfying the printing condition is selected from the plurality of included image forming apparatus 12. The device information includes printing conditions that can be executed by each image forming device 12 and usage conditions of each image forming device 12.

However, satisfying the printing conditions means that all the determined printing conditions can be executed. For example, when the color mode is set to "color" (when performing color printing), the image forming apparatus 12 having the color printing function is treated as the image forming apparatus 12 satisfying the printing condition, and only the monochrome printing function is provided. The image forming apparatus 12 including the above is treated as an image forming apparatus 12 that does not satisfy the printing conditions. When "double-sided printing" is set, the image forming apparatus 12 having the double-sided printing function is treated as the image forming apparatus 12 that satisfies the printing condition, and the image forming apparatus 12 having only the single-sided printing function has the printing condition. Is treated as an image forming apparatus 12 that does not satisfy the above conditions. This also applies to other functions (abilities).

Further, when the printing conditions are determined, the desired condition setting screen 120 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display 44. The desired condition setting screen 120 is a screen for setting the desired condition of the user, and includes a notification sentence 122, a setting unit 124, and an instruction unit 126.

However, the user's desired condition is a condition different from the printing condition, and is a condition corresponding to the usage condition of the plurality of image forming devices 12. For example, the usage conditions of the image forming apparatus include the distance from the user's seat (the place where the information processing apparatus 14 is installed), the printing speed (continuous copying speed) of the image forming apparatus 12, the usage fee of the image forming apparatus 12, and the image forming. Device 12 This is a condition regarding print quality and the like.

The notification text 122 is a message for prompting the setting (selection) of the desired condition, for example, "Please select the desired condition." The indicator 126 includes an OK button 126a and a cancel button 126b.

The setting unit 124 is provided to set the user's desired conditions, and the setting unit 124 displays a plurality of icons 1240 to 1246 corresponding to each of the user's desired conditions.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, each of the icons 1240 to 1246 corresponds to the fact that they are close to the user's seat, the printing speed is fast, the usage fee is low, and the print quality is high. Displays a character string indicating the content of each desired condition.

Further, each of the icons 1240 to 1246 is in the selected state once touched (operated) by the user, and the selected state is canceled (in the non-selected state) when the icon is touched again in the selected state. This also applies to the icons 1440 to 1446 and the icons 1640 to 1646 described later.

Then, the desired conditions corresponding to the icons 1240 to 1246 selected according to the user operation are treated as the user's desired conditions. However, on the desired condition setting screen 120, two or more of the icons 1240 to 1246 can be selected. That is, a plurality of user's desired conditions can be set.

When at least one of the icons 1240 to 1246 is selected and the OK button 126a is operated, the desired condition corresponding to the selected icon 1240 to 1246 is determined as the user's desired condition.

When the user's desired conditions are determined, the plurality of image forming devices 12 included in the image forming system 10 are set according to the user's desired conditions and the device information (each usage condition of the plurality of image forming devices 12). A priority (first priority) based on desired conditions is set for each. Here, the higher the degree of conformity (conformity) between the user's desired conditions and the usage conditions is, the higher the first priority is set for the image forming apparatus 12, and the degree of conformity between the user's desired conditions and the usage conditions is set. The lower the image forming apparatus 12, the lower the first priority is set. That is, the first priority of the image forming apparatus 12 that meets the user's desired conditions is set higher, and the first priority of the image forming apparatus 12 that does not meet the user's desired conditions is set to lower.

For example, when the user's desired condition is "close to the user's seat", each of the plurality of image forming devices 12 may be subjected to the order according to the distance from each user's seat of the plurality of image forming devices 12. 1 Priority is set. Specifically, among the plurality of image forming devices 12, the first priority of the image forming device 12 closer to the user's seat is set higher, and the first priority of the image forming device 12 far from the user's seat is lower. Is set to.

When the user's desired condition is "high printing speed", a first priority is set for each of the plurality of image forming devices 12 according to the printing speed of each of the plurality of image forming devices 12. Will be done. Specifically, among the plurality of image forming devices 12, the first priority of the image forming device 12 having a high printing speed is set higher, and the first priority of the image forming device 12 having a slow printing speed is set lower. Will be done.

Further, when the user's desired condition is "the usage fee is low", each of the plurality of image forming devices 12 is subjected to the first method according to the usage fee per print of each of the plurality of image forming devices 12. 1 Priority is set. Specifically, among the plurality of image forming apparatus 12, the first priority of the image forming apparatus 12 having a low usage fee is set higher, and the first priority of the image forming apparatus 12 having a high usage fee is set lower. Will be done. The usage fee is a fee (billed amount) charged to the user when the print job is executed.

Furthermore, when the user's desired condition is "high print quality", a plurality of images are determined according to the print quality of each of the plurality of image forming devices 12 (for example, whether or not a high-definition image can be formed). A first priority is set for each of the forming devices 12. Specifically, among the plurality of image forming apparatus 12, the first priority of the image forming apparatus 12 having high print quality is set to be higher, and the first priority of the image forming apparatus 12 having low print quality is set to be lower. Will be done.

When the first priority is set for each of the plurality of image forming devices 12, the image forming device 12 having the higher first priority among the image forming devices 12 satisfying the printing condition is used as the first type of image forming device. Be selected. In other words, among the image forming devices 12 that satisfy the printing conditions, the image forming device 12 having a lower first priority is not selected as the first type of image forming device (the image forming device 12 having a lower first priority is a foot). Will be cut). That is, among the plurality of image forming devices 12 included in the image forming system 10, the image forming device 12 that satisfies the printing conditions and meets the user's desired conditions is treated as the first type of image forming device.

However, at least two or more image forming devices 12 are selected as the first type of image forming device. For example, among the image forming devices 12 satisfying the printing conditions, the image forming devices 12 from the first priority to the predetermined order (for example, the top 40% to 60%) are selected as the first type of image forming devices. To.

When the first type of image forming apparatus is selected, the output apparatus selection screen 140 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 44. The output device selection screen 140 is a screen for allowing the user to select an image forming device (output device) for output to execute a print job from the image forming devices of the first type, and is a notification message 142, a setting unit. Includes 144 and indicator 146.

Notification 142 is a message prompting the selection of an image forming apparatus for output, for example, "Please select an output device." The indicator 146 includes an OK button 146a and a cancel button 146b.

The setting unit 144 is provided for setting (selecting) an image forming apparatus for output, and a plurality of icons 1440 to 1446 corresponding to each of the first type image forming apparatus are displayed on the setting unit 144. .. A character string for identifying the corresponding image forming apparatus (for example, the name of the apparatus) is displayed in each of the plurality of icons 1440 to 1446. Therefore, the user can determine which of the plurality of image forming devices 12 included in the image forming system 10 is the first type of image forming device that satisfies the printing conditions and meets the user's desired conditions. That is, it is possible to recognize which image forming apparatus has a higher priority.

Then, the image forming apparatus corresponding to the icons 1440 to 1446 selected according to the user operation is treated as the image forming apparatus for output. However, on the output device selection screen 140, two or more of the icons 1440 to 1446 cannot be selected. That is, only one image forming apparatus for output can be selected.

When any one of the icons 1440 to 1446 is selected and the OK button 146a is operated, the image forming apparatus corresponding to the selected term icons 1440 to 1446 is determined as the image forming apparatus for output. That is, the image forming apparatus for output is determined.

When the output image forming apparatus is determined (selected), print job data including original image data, printing condition data, and the like is transmitted to the output image forming apparatus.

When each of the plurality of image forming devices 12 included in the image forming system 10 receives the print job data, each of the plurality of image forming devices 12 executes the print job according to the print job data.

The device information for selecting the first type of image forming apparatus may be individually managed for each image forming apparatus 12 included in the image forming system 10, and for example, the apparatus information as shown in FIG. It may be managed by a table. The device information table is created in advance and is stored in a predetermined storage destination such as the HDD 36 of the information processing device 14 or an external server accessible to the information processing device 14.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the device information table, the print conditions that can be executed correspond to the unique identification information (device ID) assigned to each of the plurality of image forming devices 12 included in the image forming system 10. The contents and the contents of the terms of use are described.

In each column of the device information table shown in FIG. 6, identification information (device ID), character strings, symbols, figures, etc. corresponding to printing conditions and usage conditions are described, and these contents are information. It is only created and used in the internal processing in the processing apparatus 14. Therefore, the contents described in each column of the device information table may be described by symbols or the like that cannot be deciphered by humans.

Further, in the device information table shown in FIG. 6, as an example of printing conditions, whether each of the image forming devices 12 is capable of color printing (whether it is provided with a color printing function) and is capable of double-sided printing (whether it is capable of double-sided printing). Whether or not it has a double-sided printing function) is described. For example, in the column in which the content regarding whether or not color printing is possible is described, "○" is described in the case of a device having a color printing function, and in the case of a device not having a color printing function. Is described as "x". Further, in the column in which the content as to whether or not the device has the double-sided printing function is described, "○" is described in the case of the device having the double-sided printing function, and "○" is described in the case of the device not having the double-sided printing function. “×” is described.

Further, in the device information table shown in FIG. 6, as an example of the usage conditions, the contents of the installation location, the printing speed, the usage fee, and the printing quality of each of the image forming devices 12 are described. For example, in the column in which the contents of the installation location are described, a character string indicating the location where each of the image forming apparatus 12 is installed is described. The device information table shown in FIG. 6 shows a case where the image forming system 10 is applied to a building on the third floor or higher, and each of the image forming devices 12 is installed in a column in which the contents of the installation location are described. A character string indicating the hierarchy is described. Further, in the column in which the content of the printing speed is described, a character string indicating the number of sheets (printing speed) that can be printed per minute by each of the image forming apparatus 12 is described, and in the column in which the content of the usage fee is described. Is a character string indicating the usage fee per sheet in each of the image forming apparatus 12, and the print quality level (high or medium) in each of the image forming apparatus 12 is described in the column in which the content of the print quality is described. ) Is described.

Then, in the image forming system 10 of the present embodiment, when the printing conditions are determined, the contents of the determined printing conditions and the printing conditions that can be executed by each image forming apparatus 12 described in the device information table are displayed. The image forming apparatus 12 that satisfies the printing conditions is selected by collation. Further, in the information processing device 14, when the user's desired conditions are determined, the determined user's desired conditions are collated with the usage conditions of each image forming apparatus 12 described in the device information table, and the user The image forming apparatus 12 that meets the desired conditions of is selected. That is, in the image forming system 10, the first type of image forming apparatus is selected based on the printing conditions and desired conditions input by the user and the printing conditions and usage conditions of each image forming apparatus 12.

The above-mentioned operation of the image forming system 10 is realized by the CPU 32 of the information processing apparatus 14 executing the information processing program stored in the RAM 34. The specific processing will be described later with reference to a flow chart.

FIG. 7 is an illustrated diagram showing an example of a memory map 70 of the RAM 34 of the information processing apparatus 14 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the RAM 34 includes a program storage area 72 and a data storage area 74. As described above, the information processing program is stored in the program storage area 72. This information processing program includes a communication program 72a, a display program 72b, an operation detection program 72c, a print condition setting program 72d, a desired condition setting program 72e, a selection program 72f, a selection program 72g, and a transmission program 72h.

The communication program 72a is a program for communicating with the image forming apparatus 12 or an external computer indirectly via the network 16 or directly without the network 16.

The display program 72b uses the image generation data 74a described later to generate display image data corresponding to various screens such as the print condition setting screen 100, the desired condition setting screen 120, and the output device selection screen 140, and displays the display image data on the display 44. It is a program for output.

The operation detection program 72c is a program for acquiring an operation signal (operation data) output from the input control circuit 38 in response to the operation of the input device 42. Further, when the touch panel is provided as the input device 42, it is also a program for acquiring the touch coordinate data output from the input control circuit 38. The CPU 32 determines whether or not various buttons, icons, and the like included in the various screens displayed on the display 44 have been operated according to the operation data or the touch coordinate data acquired by the operation detection program 72c.

The print condition setting program 72d is a program for setting print conditions when printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 12 according to a user operation (user's instruction). When the print condition is set, the print condition setting screen 100 is displayed on the display 44 according to the display program 72b.

The desired condition setting program 72e is a program for setting the user's desired conditions regarding the usage conditions of the plurality of image forming devices 12 according to the user's operation. When the user's desired condition is set, the desired condition setting screen 120 is displayed on the display 44 according to the display program 72b.

The selection program 72f collates the contents of the determined print conditions with the print conditions that can be executed by each image forming device 12, selects the image forming device 12 that satisfies the printing conditions, and determines the desired conditions of the user. This is a program for selecting an image forming device 12 that meets the user's desired conditions by collating with the usage conditions of each image forming device 12. That is, the selection program 72f is a program for selecting the first type of image forming apparatus according to the printing conditions and the user's desired conditions, and the printing conditions and the usage conditions of each image forming apparatus 12.

The selection program 72g is a program for allowing the user to select an image forming apparatus for output from the first type of image forming apparatus. When the user is allowed to select an image forming apparatus for output, the output device selection screen 140 is displayed on the display 44 according to the display program 72b.

The transmission program 72h is a program for transmitting print job data to the output image forming apparatus when the output image forming apparatus is selected. However, when the print job data is transmitted, the communication program 72a is executed.

Although not shown, the program storage area 72 also stores programs for selecting and executing various functions included in the information processing device 14.

Further, in the data storage area 74 of the RAM 34, image generation data 74a, device information data 74b, print condition data 74c, desired condition data 75d, print job data 74e, and the like are stored.

The image generation data 74a is data such as polygon data or texture data for generating display image data corresponding to various screens displayed on the display 44. Further, the image generation data 74a includes print condition setting screen data corresponding to the print condition setting screen 100, desired condition setting screen data corresponding to the desired condition setting screen 120, and output device selection screen data corresponding to the output device selection screen 140. Etc. are included.

The device information data 74b is information about a plurality of image forming devices 12 included in the image forming system 10, and is information data about printing conditions that can be executed by each image forming device 12 and usage conditions of each image forming device 12. Is. When the device information is managed by the device information table, the table data about the device information table may be stored in the data storage area 74 instead of the device information data 74b.

The print condition data 74c is the print condition data of the print job set according to the print condition setting program 72d. The desired condition data 74d is data of the user's desired condition in the print job set according to the desired condition setting program 72e. The print job data 74e is print job data including original image data, print condition data, and the like.

Although not shown, the data storage area 74 stores other data necessary for executing the information processing program, such as operation data from the input device 42, and a timer (timer required for executing the information processing program). Counters) and registers are provided.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of device selection processing of the CPU 32 of the information processing device 14 shown in FIG. This device selection process is started when the user instructs the execution of the print job.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the device selection process is started, the CPU 32 displays the print condition setting screen 100 in step S1. Here, under the instruction of the CPU 32, the GPU provided in the display control circuit uses the image generation data 74a to generate image data corresponding to the print condition setting screen 100 and outputs the image data to the display 44. The same applies to the case of displaying the screen below.

In the next step S3, it is determined whether or not the printing conditions have been determined. If it is "NO" in step S3, that is, if it is determined that the printing conditions are not determined, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S3, that is, if it is determined that the print conditions have been determined, the print conditions are acquired in step S5, and the desired condition setting screen 120 is displayed in step S7. In step S9, it is determined whether or not the user's desired condition is determined.

If it is "NO" in step S9, that is, if it is determined that the user's desired condition is not determined, the process returns to step S7. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S9, that is, when it is determined that the user's desired condition has been determined, the determined desired condition is acquired in step S11, and the device information is acquired in step S13. Then, in step S15, from among the plurality of image forming devices 12 included in the image forming system 10, an image forming device that satisfies the printing conditions and meets the user's desired conditions is selected as the first type of image forming device.

In the next step S17, the output device selection screen 140 is displayed, and in step S19, it is determined whether or not the output image forming device is selected from the first type image forming devices. If it is "NO" in step S19, that is, if it is determined that the image forming apparatus for output is not selected, the process returns to step S17. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S19, that is, when it is determined that the image forming apparatus for output is selected, the print job data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus for output in step S21, and the apparatus. The selection process ends.

According to the first embodiment, from among the plurality of image forming devices 12 included in the image forming system 10, an image forming device that satisfies the printing conditions and meets the user's desired conditions is selected as the first type of image forming device. Then, the image forming apparatus for output is selected from the first type of image forming apparatus. Therefore, in the information processing device that causes one of the plurality of image forming devices to execute the print job, the image forming device for output is selected from the image forming devices that meet the user's desired conditions, which is convenient for the user. It is possible to improve the sex.
[Second Example]
The image forming system 10 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the image forming apparatus satisfying the administrator conditions set by the administrator is selected as the first type of image forming apparatus. Therefore, the contents different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system 10 of the second embodiment. With reference to FIG. 9, the image forming system 10 of the second embodiment includes an administrator terminal 18. The administrator terminal 18 is communicably connected to the information processing device 14 and the plurality of image forming devices 12 via the network 16. However, the information processing device 14 and the administrator terminal 18 can also communicate directly with each other. In this case, the information processing device 14 may be connected to the network 16 via the administrator terminal 18.

Further, the administrator terminal 18 is a general-purpose computer used by an administrator who is a specific user among the users of the image forming system 10, and specifically, a smartphone, a desktop PC, a notebook (laptop) PC, and the like. This applies to tablet PCs and the like. Since the configuration of the administrator terminal 18 is the same as that of the information processing device 14, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the image forming system 10 of the second embodiment, when the administrator terminal 18 receives an instruction for setting the administrator condition, the display of the administrator terminal 18 sets the administrator condition as shown in FIG. The administrator condition setting screen 160 for the operation is displayed. The administrator condition setting screen 160 includes a notification sentence 162, a setting unit 164, and an instruction unit 166. However, the administrator condition is a condition corresponding to the usage condition of the plurality of image forming devices 12. For example, the administrator condition is a condition regarding the operating rate of the image forming apparatus 12, the elapsed time after the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 12, the printing cost of the image forming apparatus 12, and the like.

The notification text 162 is a message for prompting the setting of the administrator condition, for example, "Please set the administrator condition." The indicator 166 includes an OK button 166a and a cancel button 166b.

The setting unit 164 is provided to set the administrator condition, and the setting unit 164 displays a plurality of icons 1640 to 1646 corresponding to each of the administrator conditions. For each of the icons 1640 to 1646, priority is given to an image forming apparatus having a low operating rate, an image forming apparatus having a short elapsed time after maintenance (a long time until the next maintenance) is given priority, and an image having a low printing cost is given priority. Corresponding to giving priority to the forming device and not having any particular condition, each of the icons 1640 to 1646 displays a character string indicating the content of each administrator condition.

Then, the desired conditions corresponding to the icons 1640 to 1646 selected according to the operation of the administrator are treated as the administrator conditions. However, on the administrator condition setting screen 160, two or more of the icons 1640 to 1646 can be selected. That is, a plurality of administrator conditions can be set.

When at least one of the icons 1640 to 1646 is selected and the OK button 166a is operated, the condition corresponding to the selected icons 1640 to 1646 is determined as the administrator condition.

When the administrator condition is confirmed, the data of the administrator condition is stored. The data of the administrator condition may be stored in the storage unit of the administrator terminal 18, or may be stored in a predetermined storage destination such as an external server accessible to the administrator terminal 18 and the information processing device 14. ..

Further, in the second embodiment, when the printing conditions are determined, the image forming apparatus 12 that satisfies the printing conditions and satisfies the administrator condition is selected from among the plurality of image forming apparatus 12 included in the image forming system 10. Be selected. Then, among the image forming devices 12 that satisfy the printing conditions and satisfy the administrator conditions, the image forming device 12 having a higher first priority is selected as the first type of image forming device. That is, from among the plurality of image forming devices 12 included in the image forming system 10, a first type of image forming device that satisfies the printing conditions and the administrator conditions and meets the user's desired conditions is selected.

However, since the administrator condition is a condition corresponding to the usage condition of the plurality of image forming devices 12, the image forming system 10 includes the administrator condition and the device information according to the user's desired condition. A priority (second priority) based on the administrator condition is set for each of the plurality of image forming devices 12. Here, the image forming apparatus 12 that meets the administrator condition is set to have a higher second priority, and the image forming apparatus 12 that does not meet the administrator condition is set to have a lower priority.

For example, when the administrator condition is "priority is given to an image forming apparatus having a low operating rate", each of the plurality of image forming apparatus 12 is subjected to the order according to the operating rate of each of the plurality of image forming apparatus 12. 2 Priority is set. Specifically, among the plurality of image forming devices 12, the second priority of the image forming device 12 having a low operating rate is set higher, and the second priority of the image forming device 12 having a high operating rate is set lower. Will be done.

Further, when the administrator condition is "priority is given to the image forming apparatus having a short elapsed time after maintenance", a plurality of images are formed according to the elapsed time after maintenance of each of the plurality of image forming apparatus 12. A second priority is set for each of the devices 12. Specifically, among the plurality of image forming devices 12, the second priority of the image forming apparatus 12 having a short elapsed time after maintenance is set higher, and the second image forming apparatus 12 having a long elapsed time after maintenance is set to a higher priority. The priority is set lower.

Further, when the administrator condition is "priority is given to the image forming apparatus having a low printing cost", each of the plurality of image forming apparatus 12 is subjected to the order according to the printing cost of each of the plurality of image forming apparatus 12. 2 Priority is set. Specifically, among the plurality of image forming apparatus 12, the second priority of the image forming apparatus 12 having a low printing cost is set higher, and the second priority of the image forming apparatus 12 having a high printing cost is set lower. Will be done. The printing cost is the actual cost (including the electricity cost of the image forming apparatus, the paper cost, the toner cost, etc.) when the printing job is executed, and is the use charged to the user described above. It does not always match the price.

Furthermore, if there is no administrator condition, the same order is set for each of the plurality of image forming devices 12 as the second priority.

Then, satisfying the administrator condition means that the image forming apparatus 12 has a higher second priority. In other words, the image forming apparatus 12 having a lower second priority does not satisfy the administrator condition. For example, the image forming apparatus 12 from the first place of the second priority to a predetermined order (for example, the top 40% to 60%) satisfies the administrator condition. When there is no administrator condition (when the administrator condition is "not particularly"), all the image forming devices 12 satisfy the administrator condition.

Further, in the second embodiment, in order to realize the above-described operation, the information processing program of the information processing apparatus 14 includes an acquisition program for acquiring data of administrator conditions from a predetermined storage destination. Further, the selection program 72f is also a program for collating the contents of the administrator condition with the usage condition of each image forming apparatus 12 and selecting the image forming apparatus 12 satisfying the administrator condition. Further, the data storage area 74 of the RAM 34 stores the administrator condition data (administrator condition data) acquired from a predetermined storage destination.

Hereinafter, the device selection process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart. However, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as the device selection process described in the first embodiment, and the duplicated contents will be described. Will be omitted or briefly explained.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a part of an example of the device selection process in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, when the CPU 32 starts the device selection process, the device information is acquired in step S13, the administrator condition is acquired in step S31, and the image forming system 10 is included in step S33. An image forming apparatus that satisfies the printing conditions and the administrator's conditions and meets the user's desired conditions is selected as the first type of image forming apparatus from the plurality of image forming apparatus 12, and the process proceeds to step S17.

The contents of the processes up to step S13 and the processes after step S17 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the second embodiment, since the image forming apparatus satisfying the administrator condition set by the administrator is selected as the first type of image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus 12 included in the image forming system 10 is used. Can be managed appropriately.
[Third Example]
In the image forming system 10 of the third embodiment, a recommendation level is set for each of the first type of image forming devices according to the relationship between the usage conditions of the plurality of image forming devices 12 and the desired conditions of the user, and the first Since it is the same as the first embodiment except that the recommendation level of each type of image forming apparatus is presented to the user, the contents different from the first embodiment will be described, and the duplicated description will be omitted. To do.

In the image forming system 10 of the third embodiment, when the first type of image forming apparatus is selected, the first type is determined according to the relationship between the usage conditions of each first type of image forming apparatus and the desired conditions of the user. A recommendation level (priority) is set for each of the image forming devices.

As described above, before the first type of image forming apparatus is selected, the plurality of image forming apparatus 12 depends on the degree of conformity between the user's desired conditions and the usage conditions of each of the plurality of image forming apparatus 12. The first priority is set for each of the above conditions based on the desired conditions.

Each recommendation level of the first type image forming apparatus is set so as to correspond to each priority of the first type image forming apparatus. That is, among the first type of image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus having a higher first priority is set to have a high recommendation level, and the image forming apparatus having a lower first priority is set to have a lower recommendation degree. For example, when four first-type image forming devices are selected, the image forming device having the highest priority (first place) among the first-type image forming devices has the highest recommendation level. The image forming apparatus that is set and has the lowest (fourth) first priority is set to have the lowest recommendation level.

In the third embodiment, when the first type of image forming apparatus is selected and the recommendation level is set for each of the first type of image forming apparatus, the output device selection screen 140 as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display 44. Is displayed. The output device selection screen 140 includes a notification text 142, a setting unit 144, an instruction unit 146, and a recommendation level presentation unit 148.

The recommendation level presentation unit 148 is provided to present the recommendation level of each of the first type image forming devices to the user, and a plurality of icons 1480 to 1484 corresponding to each of the first type image forming devices are displayed. To. In the example shown in FIG. 12, three icons 1440 to 1444 corresponding to each of the three first-type image forming devices are displayed on the setting unit 144, and icons 1440 to 1440 are displayed on the recommendation level presentation unit 148. Three icons 1480 to 1484 corresponding to each of 1444 are displayed. Each of the icons 1480 to 1484 is displayed in the vicinity of each of the icons 1440 to 1444 so that the correspondence with each of the icons 1440 to 1444 can be recognized. That is, one of the icons 1440 to 1444 and one of the icons 1480 to 1484 are displayed side by side so as to form a set.

Each of the icons 1480 to 1484 displays a character string for identifying the recommendation level of the corresponding image forming apparatus. In the example shown in FIG. 12, a character string indicating a recommended order set according to the recommendation level is displayed.

Further, the icons 1440 to 1444 and the corresponding icons 1480 to 1484 are displayed in an array according to the recommendation level of the corresponding image forming apparatus. For example, they are arranged so as to be arranged from the top to the bottom in order from the one with the highest recommendation level. Further, although not shown, one of the icons 1440 to 1444 and one of the icons 1480 to 1484 are set as one set, displayed on the front in order from the one with the highest recommendation, and scrolled by touch operation or the like. The icons 1440 to 1444 may be selected.

Further, in the third embodiment, in order to realize the above-described operation, the information processing program of the information processing device 14 is subjected to the relationship between the usage conditions of the plurality of image forming devices 12 and the desired conditions of the user. A recommendation level setting program for setting a recommendation level for each of the first type image forming apparatus is included. Further, in the data storage area 74 of the RAM 34, data (recommendation degree data) of each recommendation degree of the first type image forming apparatus is stored.

Hereinafter, the device selection process in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart. However, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as the device selection process described in the first embodiment, and the duplicated contents will be described. Will be omitted or briefly explained.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a part of an example of the device selection process in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, when the CPU 32 starts the device selection process, in step S15, an image satisfying the printing conditions from among the plurality of image forming devices 12 included in the image forming system 10 and satisfying the user's desired conditions. The forming apparatus is selected as the first type of image forming apparatus, and in step S51, the degree of recommendation for each of the first type of image forming apparatus is determined according to the usage conditions of the first type of image forming apparatus and the desired conditions of the user. Is set, and the process proceeds to step S17.

The contents of the processes up to step S15 and the processes after step S17 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. However, the output device selection screen 140 displayed in step S17 includes the recommendation level presentation unit 148.

According to the third embodiment, the recommendation level is set for each of the first type of image forming apparatus according to the relationship between the usage condition of the plurality of image forming apparatus 12 and the desired condition of the user, and the first type of image forming apparatus 12 is set. The recommendation level of each image forming apparatus is presented to the user. Therefore, the user can select the image forming apparatus 12 while referring to the recommendation level according to his / her desired condition, so that the convenience of the user can be improved.

The embodiment shown in the third embodiment can be adopted in combination with the second embodiment. In this case, in principle, the recommendation level is set according to the first priority, and there is an image forming apparatus having the same first priority, and among the image forming devices having the same first priority, the first 2 The image forming apparatus having a higher priority is set to have a high degree of recommendation, and the image forming apparatus having a lower priority has a low degree of recommendation.

The specific configuration and the like given in the above-described embodiment are examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the actual product. Further, each step of the flow chart shown in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately changed in the order of processing as long as the same result can be obtained.

10 ... Image forming system 12 ... Image forming device 14 ... Information processing device 16 ... Network 32 ... CPU

Claims (5)

An information processing device provided with a display connected to a plurality of image forming devices whose device information including executable printing conditions and usage conditions is known via a network.
The first acquisition means for acquiring the print conditions of a print job,
A second acquisition means for acquiring a user's desired conditions regarding the usage conditions of the plurality of image forming devices,
A selection means for selecting a first type of image forming apparatus that satisfies the printing conditions of the printing job and meets the desired conditions from the plurality of image forming apparatus with reference to the apparatus information.
From the first type of image forming apparatus, a selection screen for selecting an image forming apparatus for output to execute the print job is displayed on the display, and the user is made to select the image forming apparatus for the output. An information processing device including a selection means and a transmission means for transmitting data of the print job to the image forming device for output selected by the selection means. Further provided with a third acquisition means set by the administrator to acquire the administrator conditions relating to the plurality of image forming devices.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection means selects an image forming apparatus satisfying the administrator condition from the plurality of image forming apparatus as the first type of image forming apparatus. A setting means for setting a recommendation level for each of the first type of image forming apparatus according to the relationship between the usage conditions of the plurality of image forming apparatus and the desired condition, and each of the first type of image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a presentation means for presenting the recommendation level of the above to the user. A control program for an information processing device that is connected to a plurality of image forming devices for which device information including executable printing conditions and usage conditions is known via a network and has a display.
To the processor of the information processing device
The first acquisition step to acquire the print conditions of the print job, and
The second acquisition step of acquiring the user's desired conditions regarding the usage conditions of the plurality of image forming devices, and
With reference to the device information, a selection step of selecting a first type of image forming device that satisfies the printing conditions of the printing job and meets the desired conditions from the plurality of image forming devices.
From the first type of image forming apparatus, a selection screen for selecting an image forming apparatus for output to execute the print job is displayed on the display, and the user is made to select the image forming apparatus for the output. Selection steps and
A control program that causes an image forming apparatus for output selected in the selection step to execute a transmission step of transmitting data of the print job. A control method for an information processing device provided with a display, which is connected to a plurality of image forming devices whose device information including executable printing conditions and usage conditions is known via a network.
(A) Steps to acquire print conditions for print jobs,
(B) A step of acquiring a user's desired conditions regarding the usage conditions of the plurality of image forming devices,
(C) A step of selecting a first type of image forming apparatus that satisfies the printing conditions of the printing job and meets the desired conditions from the plurality of image forming apparatus with reference to the apparatus information.
(D) A selection screen for selecting an output image forming apparatus for executing the print job from the first type of image forming apparatus is displayed on the display, and the user uses the output image forming apparatus. A control method comprising: (e) transmitting the data of the print job to the image forming apparatus for output selected in the step (d).

Images