JP3923697B2 - Printing control method, image forming system, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention provides a plurality ofImage forming apparatusPredetermined from the groupImage forming apparatusSelect based on print dataImage formation processingPrint control method for executingImage formationThe present invention relates to a system and a storage medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a printing system in which a plurality of printers (Printers) are connected to a print data transmission device such as a workstation or a personal computer (PC), among the printers that can print, The print data transmitting apparatus issues a print request to the printer designated by the operator. However, such a printing system does not always make effective use of a printer. In addition, when many printers are connected, it may be difficult to determine which printer should be used. Therefore, unless a specific printer is designated by the operator, the print data transmitting apparatus automatically selects an appropriate printer and makes a print request to the selected printer.
[0003]
As a specific printer selection process in the case of automatically selecting a printer in this way, for example, a printer with a small number of print requests from the print data transmitting apparatus is selected, or an unprocessed data amount (print waiting data amount) is selected. For example, a printer with a small number of printers or a printer with a short time until data for which a print request is made is printed is selected. Such printer selection processing is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-3652, No. 7-253860, No. 7-200204, and the like.
[0004]
In addition, in recent years, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-81264, a scheduling function for each type of editing terminal such as a PC and a printing terminal is provided in the server machine to centrally manage print jobs. What to do has been proposed.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional printer selection methods disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-3652, JP-A-7-253860, and JP-A-7-200204 have the following problems. .
[0006]
The first problem is that a certain processing time is required to narrow down to one printer in the automatic printer selection process. Especially when a printer is selected on the condition of print image quality, the difference in print image quality is so subtle that the quality of print image quality is often not objectively clearly determined, and it is natural that there are multiple options. In spite of this, it takes extra processing time to select one printer, and wastes processing time. In addition, in order to increase the printer selection accuracy, such as selecting an optimal printer that matches the document, it is necessary to analyze the type of document, and further processing time is required, which is not practical. . On the other hand, even when the operator designates the printer himself, there are a wide variety of printer options, which places a burden on the operator.
[0007]
The second problem is that if another print job occurs in the selected printer due to the time difference between the automatic selection process of the printer and the print request, printing is performed only for the printer narrowed down to one. By making a request, even if it is possible to output to any of a plurality of printers, the printer waits. Even if the operator designates the printer himself / herself, the same problem occurs because one printer is finally selected.
[0008]
The third problem is that it is impossible to predict the change of the printer state during the automatic printer selection process. For example, even if an abnormality such as a paper jam occurs in the middle of waiting for printing, such an abnormality cannot be dealt with and printing will not be executed indefinitely.
[0009]
Further, in a conventional server machine as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-81264, etc., print jobs are centrally managed, so that a failure occurs in the server machine, and a power failure suddenly occurs. When this occurs, there is a possibility that all print jobs may be erased, and there is a problem that the risk is high. In addition, when all printers are managed by a single server machine, the printers are often not located near the server machine in distance, and the transfer time increases due to the long data transfer distance. Therefore, there is a problem that efficient print processing cannot be performed. Furthermore, management time such as print order (priority) management and printer selection scheduling is also required, which is not efficient.
[0010]
Thus, it is conceivable to distribute a plurality of server machines in a distributed manner, but in that case, load distribution among the server machines becomes an issue. In other words, if a large number of print requests are executed on a single server machine at a time, the printing efficiency of the printer connected to that server machine deteriorates, so this situation must be avoided. I must.
[0011]
An object of the present invention is to provide a printing control method, a printing system, and a storage medium that can shorten a printing waiting time.
[0012]
  The object of the present invention is by the operatorOf image forming deviceReduce the load of choice,Of image forming devicePrint control method that can reduce the time taken for selection,Image formationA system and storage medium are provided.
[0013]
  The object of the present invention is high satisfaction with respect to image quality etc.Image forming apparatusCan choose the printing control method,Image formationA system and storage medium are provided.
[0014]
  An object of the present invention is to provide a printing control method capable of avoiding the risk that printing will not be executed indefinitely,Image formationA system and storage medium are provided.
[0015]
  An object of the present invention is to provide a print control method capable of quickly assigning a printer to print data,Image formationA system and storage medium are provided.
[0016]
  The object of the present invention is toTubePrinting control method capable of efficiently using a physical device,Image formationA system and storage medium are provided.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The invention according to claim 1 is based on the print data transmitted from the print requesting device.Image formation processingMultiple unitsImage forming apparatusPredetermined from the groupImage forming apparatusIn the print control method for selecting and executing the print data, the print data transmitted from the print requesting device is included in the print data.Image forming apparatusPertaining toImage formationSend by associating conditionsImage formationA condition transmission process and the print data associated with the print dataImage formationAt least two or more of the candidates for printing the print data based on the conditionsImage forming apparatusIs selected and stored in the storage device in association with the print data.WeatherSupplementary memory process, andImage forming apparatusA printable state determination process for determining whether or not the printer is in a printable state;Image forming apparatusBefore it is determined that is ready to printWeatherThat in the memory processImage forming apparatusA print data transmission request process for requesting transmission of the print data associated with the print data, and the print data ready stateImage forming apparatusA print data transmission request reception process for receiving the print data transmission request associated with the print data transmission request, and the print data transmission requestImage forming apparatusAgainstWeatherThat in the memory processImage forming apparatusA first print data presence / absence search process for searching whether or not the print data associated with the print data is present, and the print data transmission requestImage forming apparatusThe print data requested to be transmitted when there is the print data associated with the print data.Image forming apparatusTo send toSolicitationData transmission process.
[0018]
  Therefore, at least two candidate candidates stored in association with the print data are stored.Image forming apparatusAs long as any one of them is in a waiting (empty) state, printing is started, so that the printing waiting time can be shortened.
[0019]
  The invention according to claim 2 is based on the print data transmitted from the print requesting device.Image formation processingMultiple unitsImage forming apparatusPredetermined from the groupImage forming apparatusIn the print control method for selecting and executing the print data, the print data transmitted from the print requesting device is included in the print data.Image forming apparatusPertaining toImage formationSend by associating conditionsImage formationA condition transmission process and the print data associated with the print dataImage formationAt least two or more of the candidates for printing the print data based on the conditionsImage forming apparatusIs selected and stored in the storage device in association with the print data.WeatherSupplementary memory process, andImage forming apparatusA print start operation detecting process for detecting that any one of the printers is ready for printing or that the print data is transmitted from the print requesting device;Image forming apparatusWhen it is detected that one of the print data is ready for printing, or the print data is transmitted from the print requesting device, a search is performed to determine whether there is print data that can be printed. Before the print data presence / absence search process and the print data that can be printed existWeatherOne of the above-mentioned stored in association with the print data in the auxiliary storage processImage forming apparatusTo specify that the print data is sent.FixedData transmission process.
[0020]
  Therefore, at least two candidate candidates stored in association with the print data are stored.Image forming apparatusAs long as any one of these is in a waiting (empty) state, printing is started, so that the printing waiting time can be shortened.
[0021]
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing control method according to the first or second aspect.WeatherThe auxiliary memory process isImage forming apparatusA condition table in which printable conditions are defined for each print data associated with the print dataImage formationSearch based on conditions, and from the condition tableImage formationThe above that meets the conditionsImage forming apparatusExtracting the print data and printing the print dataImage forming apparatusSelect as a candidate forSelectionA selection process.
[0022]
  Therefore, by the operatorOf image forming deviceReduce the load of choice,Of image forming deviceIt becomes possible to reduce the time taken for selection.
[0023]
  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the print control method according to the third aspect.SelectionThe selection process includes the step of associating with the print data.Image formationThe condition table is searched based on at least one of the print priority and the image quality level of the print data as a condition, and at least one information of the print priority and the image quality level is retrieved from the condition table. Some saidImage formationThe above that meets the conditionsImage forming apparatusExtracting the print data and printing the print dataImage forming apparatusA printing condition selection process to be selected as a candidate.
[0024]
  Therefore,Image forming apparatusIs determined based on the print priority and the image quality level set for each print data, so that the image quality is highly satisfactory.Image forming apparatusCan be selected.
[0025]
  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the print control method according to the third or fourth aspect.SelectionThe selection processImage forming apparatusA print enable / disable state detecting unit that detects the print enable / disable state of the print, and according to a detection result of the print enable / disable state detecting unit,Image forming apparatusA plurality of candidatesImage forming apparatusSelect from the groupRuComprising a state selection process.
[0026]
  Therefore, an abnormality such as a paper jam has occurred.Image forming apparatusAnd processing is crowdedImage forming apparatusBy not selecting, it is possible to avoid the risk that printing will not be executed indefinitely.
[0027]
  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.WeatherThe method further includes a search order changing process for changing the search order of the print data stored in the storage device by the auxiliary storage process.
[0028]
  Therefore, for example, by bringing urgent print data to the top, it is possible to quickly print dataImage forming apparatusCan be assigned.
[0029]
  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the print control method according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the plurality of unitsImage forming apparatusMultiple units connected via a networkTubeManaged by one of the physical devicesWeatherThe print data stored in the storage device by the auxiliary storage process isEach tubeIt further includes a print data transfer process for transferring between the physical devices.
[0030]
  Therefore, while waiting for printingImage forming apparatusIf a malfunction or other abnormality occurs,TubeWhen waiting for a long time on a physical device,tubePrint by transferring print data between physical devicesImage forming apparatusCan be changed, so that the waiting time can be shortened.
[0031]
  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing control method according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein a plurality of each of the plurality of units is provided.Image forming apparatusMultiple units connected via a networkTubeManaged by any one of the physical devices,Each tubeManagement device processing status acquisition process for acquiring the processing status of each of the physical devices, status pass / fail judgment process for determining the quality of the status based on the judgment criteria stored in advance for the acquired processing status, and before the processing status is goodRecordingManaged by the physical deviceImage forming apparatusAnd a management device selection process for selecting candidates for printing the print data.
[0032]
  Therefore, before the print request is sent,Each tubeThe processing is not crowded after checking the condition of the physical device (such as the condition is good))tubeAutomatically specify the deviceTubeManaged by the physical deviceImage forming apparatusPrint data can be output to multiple printers.TubeIt becomes possible to efficiently use the physical device, the waiting time is shortened, and the printing process can be performed at a higher speed.
[0033]
  Claim 9Image formationThe system invention is based on print data transmitted from a print requesting device.Image formation processingMultiple unitsImage forming apparatusPredetermined from the groupImage forming apparatusSelect and executeImage formationIn the system, the print data transmitted from the print requesting device includes the print data.Image forming apparatusPertaining toImage formationSend by associating conditionsImage formationCondition sending means and thisImage formationThe condition transmission means transmits the print data in association with the print data.Image formationAt least two or more of the candidates for printing the print data based on the conditionsImage forming apparatusSelect and store it in association with the print dataWeatherAuxiliary storage means, andImage forming apparatusPrintable state determining means for determining whether or not the printer is in a printable state, and the printable state determining meansImage forming apparatusBefore it is determined that is ready to printWeatherThe auxiliary storage meansImage forming apparatusPrint data transmission requesting means for requesting transmission of the print data associated with the print data transmission requesting means from the print data transmission requesting meansImage forming apparatusPrint data transmission request receiving means for receiving the print data transmission request associated with the print data transmission request, and the print data transmission requestImage forming apparatusAgainstWeatherThe auxiliary storage meansImage forming apparatusA first print data presence / absence search means for searching whether or not the print data associated with the print data is associated with the print data transmission request by the first print data presence / absence search means.Image forming apparatusThe print data requested to be transmitted when there is the print data associated with the print data.Image forming apparatusTo send toSolicitationData transmission means.
[0034]
  Therefore, at least two candidate candidates stored in association with the print data are stored.Image forming apparatusAs long as any one of these is in a waiting (empty) state, printing is started, so that the printing waiting time can be shortened.
[0035]
  Claim 10Image formationThe system invention is based on print data transmitted from a print requesting device.Image formation processingMultiple unitsImage forming apparatusPredetermined from the groupImage forming apparatusSelect and executeImage formationIn the system, the print data transmitted from the print requesting device includes the print data.Image forming apparatusPertaining toImage formationSend by associating conditionsImage formationCondition sending means and thisImage formationThe condition transmission means transmits the print data in association with the print data.Image formationAt least two or more of the candidates for printing the print data based on the conditionsImage forming apparatusSelect and store it in association with the print dataWeatherAuxiliary storage means, andImage forming apparatusA print start operation detecting means for detecting that any one of the printers is ready for printing or that the print data is transmitted from the print requesting device, and the print start operation detecting meansImage forming apparatusWhen it is detected that one of the print data is ready to be printed or that the print data is transmitted from the print requesting device, it is searched whether there is print data that can be printed. Two print data presence / absence search means and the second print data presence / absence search means before the print data that can be printed exists.WeatherOne of the above-mentioned stored in the auxiliary storage means in association with the print dataImage forming apparatusTo specify that the print data is sent.FixedData transmission means.
[0036]
  Therefore, at least two candidate candidates stored in association with the print data are stored.Image forming apparatusAs long as any one of these is in a waiting (empty) state, printing is started, so that the printing waiting time can be shortened.
[0037]
  The invention according to claim 11 is the printing system according to claim 9 or 10, whereinWeatherThe auxiliary storage means isImage forming apparatusA condition table in which printable conditions are defined for each print data associated with the print dataImage formationSearch based on conditions, and from the condition tableImage formationThe above that meets the conditionsImage forming apparatusExtracting the print data and printing the print dataImage forming apparatusSelect as a candidate forSelectionSelection means.
[0038]
  Therefore, by the operatorOf image forming deviceReduce the load of choice,Of image forming deviceIt becomes possible to reduce the time taken for selection.
[0039]
  The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 11.Image formationBefore in the systemSelectionSelecting means is associated with the print dataImage formationThe condition table is searched based on at least one of the print priority and the image quality level of the print data as a condition, and at least one information of the print priority and the image quality level is retrieved from the condition table. Some saidImage formationThe above that meets the conditionsImage forming apparatusExtracting the print data and printing the print dataImage forming apparatusPrinting condition selection means for selecting as a candidate for the above.
[0040]
  Therefore,Image forming apparatusIs determined based on the print priority and the image quality level set for each print data, so that the image quality is highly satisfactory.Image forming apparatusCan be selected.
[0041]
  The invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to claim 11 or 12.Image formationBefore in the systemSelectionThe selection means isImage forming apparatusA print enable / disable state detecting unit that detects the print enable / disable state of the print, and according to a detection result of the print enable / disable state detecting unit,Image forming apparatusA plurality of candidatesImage forming apparatusSelect from the groupRuState selection means is provided.
[0042]
  Therefore, an abnormality such as a paper jam has occurred.Image forming apparatusAnd processing is crowdedImage forming apparatusBy not selecting, it is possible to avoid the risk that printing will not be executed indefinitely.
[0043]
  A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects.Image formationBefore in the systemWeatherThe apparatus further comprises search order changing means for changing the search order of the print data stored by the auxiliary storage means.
[0044]
  Therefore, for example, by bringing urgent print data to the top, it is possible to quickly print dataImage forming apparatusCan be assigned.
[0045]
  A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is according to any one of the ninth to fourteenth aspects.Image formationIn the system, a plurality of each of the aboveImage forming apparatusMultiple units connected via a networkTubeManaged by one of the physical devicesWeatherThe print data stored by the auxiliary storage means isEach tubeA print data transfer means for transferring between the physical devices is further provided.
[0046]
  Therefore, an abnormality such as a failure occurs while waiting for printingTubeWhen waiting for a long time on a physical device,tubePrint by transferring print data between physical devicesImage forming apparatusCan be changed, so that the waiting time can be shortened.
[0047]
  A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is according to any one of the ninth to fifteenth aspects.Image formationIn the system, a plurality of each of the aboveImage forming apparatusMultiple units connected via a networkTubeManaged by any one of the physical devices,Each tubeA management device processing status acquisition means for acquiring the processing status of each of the physical devices, and a status pass / fail judgment means for determining whether the status is good or not based on a judgment criterion stored in advance for the processing status acquired by the management device processing status acquisition means; Before the processing status is good by this status pass / fail judgment meansRecordingManaged by the physical deviceImage forming apparatusManagement device selecting means for selecting a candidate for printing the print data from.
[0048]
  Therefore, before the print request is sent,Each tubeThe processing is not crowded after checking the condition of the physical device (such as the condition is good))tubeAutomatically specify the deviceTubeManaged by the physical deviceImage forming apparatusPrint data can be output to multiple printers.TubeIt becomes possible to efficiently use the physical device, the waiting time is shortened, and the printing process can be performed at a higher speed.
[0049]
  In the invention of the storage medium according to claim 17, printing based on print data transmitted from the print requesting device is performed on a plurality of units.Image forming apparatusPredetermined from the groupImage forming apparatusA storage medium storing a computer-readable program for causing a computer to select and execute the program, wherein the program is included in the print data transmitted from the print requesting device.Image forming apparatusPertaining toImage formationSend by associating conditionsImage formationA condition transmission process and the print data associated with the print dataImage formationAt least two or more of the candidates for printing the print data based on the conditionsImage forming apparatusIs selected and stored in the storage device in association with the print data.WeatherSupplementary memory process, andImage forming apparatusA printable state determination process for determining whether or not the printer is in a printable state;Image forming apparatusBefore it is determined that is ready to printWeatherThat in the memory processImage forming apparatusA print data transmission request process for requesting transmission of the print data associated with the print data, and the print data ready stateImage forming apparatusA print data transmission request reception process for receiving the print data transmission request associated with the print data transmission request, and the print data transmission requestImage forming apparatusAgainstWeatherThat in the memory processImage forming apparatusA first print data presence / absence search process for searching whether or not the print data associated with the print data is present, and the print data transmission requestImage forming apparatusThe print data requested to be transmitted when there is the print data associated with the print data.Image forming apparatusTo send toSolicitationData transmission process is executed by the computer.
[0050]
  Therefore, at least two candidate candidates stored in association with the print data are stored.Image forming apparatusAs long as any one of these is in a waiting (empty) state, printing is started, so that the printing waiting time can be shortened.
[0051]
  The invention of the storage medium according to claim 18 performs printing based on print data transmitted from the print requesting device.Image forming apparatusPredetermined from the groupImage forming apparatusA computer-readable storage medium storing a computer-readable program for selecting and executing the program, wherein the program is included in the print data transmitted from the print requesting device.Image forming apparatusPertaining toImage formationSend by associating conditionsImage formationA condition transmission process and the print data associated with the print dataImage formationAt least two or more of the candidates for printing the print data based on the conditionsImage forming apparatusIs selected and stored in the storage device in association with the print data.WeatherSupplementary memory process, andImage forming apparatusA print start operation detecting process for detecting that any one of the printers is ready for printing or that the print data is transmitted from the print requesting device;Image forming apparatusWhen it is detected that one of the print data is ready for printing, or the print data is transmitted from the print requesting device, a search is performed to determine whether there is print data that can be printed. Before the print data presence / absence search process and the print data that can be printed existWeatherOne of the above-mentioned stored in association with the print data in the auxiliary storage processImage forming apparatusTo specify that the print data is sent.FixedData transmission process is executed by the computer.
[0052]
  Therefore, at least two candidate candidates stored in association with the print data are stored.Image forming apparatusAs long as any one of these is in a waiting (empty) state, printing is started, so that the printing waiting time can be shortened.
[0053]
  The invention according to claim 19 is the storage medium according to claim 17 or 18, whereinImage forming apparatusA condition table in which printable conditions are defined for each print data associated with the print dataImage formationSearch based on conditions, and from the condition tableImage formationThe above that meets the conditionsImage forming apparatusExtracting the print data and printing the print dataImage forming apparatusSelect as a candidate forSelectionBefore comprising the selection processWeatherThe auxiliary storage process is executed by the computer.
[0054]
  Therefore, by the operatorOf image forming deviceReduce the load of choice,Of image forming deviceIt becomes possible to reduce the time taken for selection.
[0055]
  The invention according to claim 20 is the storage medium according to claim 19, wherein the print data is associated with the print data.Image formationThe condition table is searched based on at least one of the print priority and the image quality level of the print data as a condition, and at least one information of the print priority and the image quality level is retrieved from the condition table. Some saidImage formationThe above that meets the conditionsImage forming apparatusExtracting the print data and printing the print dataImage forming apparatusBefore including the printing condition selection process to select as a candidate forSelectionThe computer performs the selection process.
[0056]
  Therefore,Image forming apparatusIs determined based on the print priority and the image quality level set for each print data, so that the image quality is highly satisfactory.Image forming apparatusCan be selected.
[0057]
  The invention according to claim 21 is the storage medium according to claim 19 or 20, whereinImage forming apparatusA print enable / disable state detecting unit that detects the print enable / disable state of the print, and according to a detection result of the print enable / disable state detecting unit,Image forming apparatusA plurality of candidatesImage forming apparatusSelect from the groupRuBefore comprising the state selection processSelectionThe computer performs the selection process.
[0058]
  Therefore, an abnormality such as a paper jam has occurred.Image forming apparatusAnd processing is crowdedImage forming apparatusBy not selecting, it is possible to avoid the risk that printing will not be executed indefinitely.
[0059]
  A twenty-second aspect of the invention is the storage medium according to any one of the seventeenth to twenty-first aspects.WeatherThe computer is further caused to execute a search order changing process for changing the search order of the print data stored in the storage device by the auxiliary storage process.
[0060]
  Therefore, for example, by bringing urgent print data to the top, it is possible to quickly print dataImage forming apparatusCan be assigned.
[0061]
  The invention according to claim 23 is the storage medium according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein a plurality of eachImage forming apparatusMultiple units connected via a networkTubeManaged by one of the physical devicesWeatherThe print data stored in the storage device by the auxiliary storage process isEach tubeThe computer is further caused to execute a print data transfer process for transferring between the physical devices.
[0062]
  Therefore, an abnormality such as a failure occurs while waiting for printingTubeWhen waiting for a long time on a physical device,tubePrint by transferring print data between physical devicesImage forming apparatusCan be changed, so that the waiting time can be shortened.
[0063]
  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium according to any one of the seventeenth to twenty-third aspects, wherein a plurality of each of the plurality of units is provided.Image forming apparatusMultiple units connected via a networkTubeManaged by any one of the physical devices,Each tubeManagement device processing status acquisition process for acquiring the processing status of each of the physical devices, status pass / fail judgment process for determining the quality of the status based on the judgment criteria stored in advance for the acquired processing status, and before the processing status is goodRecordingManaged by the physical deviceImage forming apparatusAnd a management device selection process for selecting candidates for printing the print data from the computer.
[0064]
  Therefore, before the print request is sent,Each tubeThe processing is not crowded after checking the condition of the physical device (such as the condition is good))tubeAutomatically specify the deviceTubeManaged by the physical deviceImage forming apparatusPrint data can be output to multiple printers.TubeIt becomes possible to efficiently use the physical device, the waiting time is shortened, and the printing process can be performed at a higher speed.
[0065]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the printing system 1. This printing system(Image forming system)Reference numeral 1 denotes a personal computer (PC) 2 which is a print requesting apparatus that makes a print request, and a printer to be described later based on the print request(Image forming device)ControlPipeIt comprises a printer server 3 as a physical device and a plurality of printers 4, 4,. The personal computer 2 and the printers 4, 4,... Are connected by a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Note that, for convenience of the drawing, only four printers 4 are used here, but of course more than this may be used. Instead of the personal computer 2, a workstation may be provided.
[0066]
  An actual printing process in such a printing system 1 will be described. Here, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of printing processing in the printing system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the printing process is started when a print request is transmitted from the personal computer (or workstation) 2 to the printer server 3 by the operation of the operator. The print request is displayed on the display (not shown) of the personal computer 2 as shown in FIG. 3 and the operator operates the displayed print instruction screen 5 to send it to the printer server 3. Is done. Here, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the print instruction screen 5 displayed on the display of the personal computer 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the print instruction screen 5 includes a printer designation button 5 a that can designate a plurality of printers 4, a print execution button 5 b for declaring the start of printing on the printer 4, and a printer designation button. A cancel button 5c for canceling the designation of the printer 4 at 5a is displayed. That is, the operator operates the printer designation button 5a on the print instruction screen 5 to select a plurality of printer 4 candidates that request printing of print data. Printer designation data indicating the printer 4 selected and designated in this way (print conditions)(Image formation conditions)) Is transmitted to the printer server 3 as print request data together with the print data. here,Image formationCondition transmitting means is realized. Thus, one of the features of the present embodiment is that a plurality of printers 4 can be set.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 2, the printer server 3 includes a print request receiving unit 6 for receiving print request data from the personal computer 2, a scheduling table 7 for registering print data included in the print request data, and this scheduling. The table 7 is provided with a print request processing unit 8 for specifying the printer 4 in association with the print data based on the printer designation data included in the print request data. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of the scheduling table 7. As shown in FIG. 4, the scheduling table 7 lists a plurality of printer 4 candidates for each print data. Here, a plurality of printer 4 candidates waiting for printing are listed for each print data, but print data waiting for printing may be listed for each printer.
[0068]
Further, the printer server 3 includes a print data request receiving unit 9 that receives a print data reception request from the printer 4, a scheduling unit 10 that searches the scheduling table 7 for print data to be printed by the printer 4, and each printer 4. And a print request transmission unit 11 that transmits print data together with the print request to the printer.
[0069]
In addition, the printer server 3 includes a print request control unit 6, a scheduling table 7, a print request processing unit 8, a print data request reception unit 9, a scheduling unit 10, and a print request transmission unit 11 that controls the operation of each unit. A control unit (not shown) is provided. The print control unit has a microcomputer configuration such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (ROM, RAM, etc.) as a storage device. The print control unit may include a printer driver.
[0070]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the printer 4 forms an image based on the print request receiving unit 12 that receives the print request together with the print data transmitted from the print request transmitting unit 11 of the printer server 3, and the print data. An image formation processing unit 13 that performs printing and a print data request transmission unit 14 that transmits a print data reception request to the printer server 3 are provided. In addition, the printer 4 is provided with a printer control unit 15 that controls the operations of the print request receiving unit 12, the image forming processing unit 13, and the print data request transmitting unit 14. The printer control unit 15 has a microcomputer configuration including a CPU that centrally controls each unit, a memory that stores a control program, and the like. The printer control unit 15 includes a printer empty state detection unit 16 that detects that the printer 4 is not performing printing processing (that is, a waiting (empty) state).
[0071]
  With the above configuration, the printing system 1 operates as follows. First, the print request processing in the personal computer 2 and the printer server 3 is as follows.
  (1) A print request for print data for a plurality of printers 4 designated by an operator on the personal computer 2 is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the printer server 3.
  (2) Register print data and candidates for a plurality of selected printers 4 in the scheduling table 7 of the printer server 3
Are executed in this order. hereThe weatherThe function of the auxiliary storage means is executed.
[0072]
On the other hand, in the printer 4, processing is executed as follows. Here, FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of printing processing in the printer 4. As shown in FIG. 5, in the printing process in the printer 4, it is first determined in step S1 whether or not the printer 4 is in a waiting (empty) state. Here, the function of the printable state determination means is executed. If it is determined that the printer 4 is in the waiting (empty) state based on the detection of the printer empty state detection unit 16 (Y in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2, and a print data reception request is sent to the printer server 3. Send. Here, the function of the print data transmission request means is executed. In the printer server 3 to which the print data reception request is transmitted in this way, after receiving the print data reception request, whether or not there is print data with the printer 4 (for example, printer A) as a candidate in the scheduling table 7. Will be searched. When the printer server 3 determines that the scheduling table 7 has print data with the printer 4 (for example, the printer A) as a candidate, the printer server 3 transmits the print data to the printer 4. It will be. Here, a print data transmission request receiving unit, a first print data presence / absence determining unit, and a request printer data transmitting unit are realized.
[0073]
If the printer server 3 determines that there is print data with the printer 4 (for example, the printer A) as a candidate by transmitting the print data reception request in step S2, and the print data is transmitted (Y in step S3), Print data is received from the printer server 3 (step S4), an image is formed and printed based on the received print data (step S5), and the process ends.
[0074]
On the other hand, if there is no print data for which the printer 4 (for example, printer A) is a candidate as a result of the transmission of the print data reception request in step S2, the print server 3 determines that the print data is not transmitted (N in step S3). Return to step S1.
[0075]
Therefore, according to the printing system 1, the selection of the printer 4 is executed when the printer 4 in the waiting (empty) state searches for print data with the printer 4 as a candidate and sequentially inputs the print data. . Therefore, compared with the conventional printer selection process, the following advantages are exhibited.
(1) Printer setting (selection) time
In the conventional printing system, only one printer is set, but in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of printers 4 can be set. However, if a plurality of printers 4 are set on the print instruction screen 5 as shown in FIG. 3, there is no time difference in comparison with the prior art. On the other hand, in some conventional printing systems, one (optimum) printer is automatically selected. The time required for this selection process is determined by a plurality of print instructions on the print instruction screen 5 as shown in FIG. The time is longer than the time for setting the printer 4. That is, in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, the setting (selection) of the printer 4 can be performed in a short time.
(2) Print waiting time
In the conventional printing system, printing is started after waiting for one printer to enter a waiting (empty) state. In the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, any one of a plurality of candidate printers 4 is selected. Printing will start as long as one is in a waiting (empty) state. Therefore, in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, the printing waiting time can be shortened as compared with the conventional printing system.
(3) Print wait time when printer is abnormal
When an abnormality such as a paper jam occurs in the printer, it is possible to avoid the risk that printing will not be executed for any reason for the same reason as in (2) above.
[0076]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those described in the first embodiment of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is also omitted. In the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the operator operates a printer designation button 5a on the print instruction screen 5 displayed on the display of the personal computer 2 so that a plurality of printer 4 candidates for requesting printing of print data are displayed. However, in the printing system 20 (see FIG. 7) of the present embodiment, the difference is only in that the printer server 3 executes selection of a candidate for the printer 4 that requests printing of print data. .
[0077]
Here, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the print instruction screen 21 displayed on the display of the personal computer 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the print instruction screen 21 includes, in addition to the printer designation button 5a, the print execution button 5b, and the cancel button 5c, which are provided in the print instruction screen 5 described in the printing system 1 of the first embodiment. A check box 5d for declaring whether to specify the printer manually or automatically, and a printer condition specifying button 5e capable of specifying a print condition are displayed. Here, the printing conditions are classified based on the installation location of the printer 4. Note that the print conditions are not limited to this, and for example, the print conditions may be classified based on the basic settings such as the size of the recording paper and whether it is color print or monochrome print. It is assumed that there are at least two printers 4 that meet the printing conditions. That is, the operator declares that the printer 4 is automatically designated by operating the check box 5d of the print instruction screen 21, and then operates the printer condition specifying button 5e to print the print data. The print conditions are selected. The print condition data indicating the print condition selected and specified in this manner is transmitted to the printer server 3 as print request data together with the print data.
[0078]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the printer server 3 of the printing system 20 according to the present embodiment includes a print processing preparation unit 22 that interprets print conditions of print data and generates print conditions specific to each printer 4. A print condition interpretation table 23, which is a condition table for interpreting print conditions, is provided. Although not specifically shown, the print condition interpretation table 23 shows a correspondence relationship (here, installation location) for each printer 4.
[0079]
Further, the printer server 3 of this embodiment is provided with a scheduling table 24 in place of the scheduling table 7 of the first embodiment. Here, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of the scheduling table 24. As shown in FIG. 8, in the scheduling table 24, the print conditions for the print data are registered for each print data.
[0080]
Here, when the operator operates the printer designation button 5a of the print instruction screen 5 as described in the printing system 1 of the first embodiment, the candidate of the printer 4 that requests printing of print data is selected. The process in which the printer server 3 of the printing system 20 executes the selection of the printer 4 will be described. That is, the printing system 20 operates as follows in addition to the operation described in the printing system 1. First, the print request processing in the personal computer 2 and the printer server 3 is as follows.
(1) A print request for print data based on print conditions designated by an operator on the personal computer 2 is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the printer server 3.
(2) Register print data and print conditions in the scheduling table 24 of the printer server 3
Are executed in this order.
[0081]
  On the other hand, in the printer server 3, the following processing is executed. FIG. 9 is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of the printer search process in the printer server 3. As shown in FIG. 9, in the printer search process in the printer server 3, first, the print condition transmitted from the personal computer 2 and registered in the scheduling table 24 is read by the print process preparation unit 22 (step S11). A compatible printer 4 is extracted using the interpretation table 23 (step S12). here, SelectThe function of the selection means is executed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of extracted printers 4 are listed for each print data (step S13). hereThe weatherThe function of the auxiliary storage means is executed.
[0082]
Note that the processing in the printer 4 is not different from the processing in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0083]
Therefore, according to the printing system 20, in addition to the effects of the printing system 1 of the first embodiment, the printer 4 that satisfies the printing conditions is automatically selected, thereby reducing the load of the printer selection by the operator. This reduces the time required for printer selection.
[0084]
In the present embodiment, the printer 4 is automatically selected based on the print conditions. However, the printer 4 may be automatically selected according to the image quality of the print data.
[0085]
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is used about the same part as the part demonstrated in 1st embodiment of this invention, and 2nd embodiment of this invention, and description is also abbreviate | omitted.
[0086]
Here, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the printing process in the printing system 30. As shown in FIG. 10, the printing system 30 of this embodiment includes a print request processing unit 8, a print data request receiving unit 9, a scheduling unit 10, and a scheduling table 24 of the printing system 20 of the second embodiment. Instead, a scheduling table 31 used for assigning a print request to the printer 4, a printer selection condition table 32, which is a condition table used for assigning candidates for the printer 4 to print data, and a scheduling table 31. A print request processing unit 33 for writing data relating to a print request to the printer, a printer status receiving unit 34 for receiving the status of the printer 4 transmitted from the printer 4, a printer status table 35 for registering the status of the printer 4, The status of the printer 4 in the printer status table 35 A printer state setting unit 36 for setting a scheduling unit 37 that the process of assigning a print request to the printer 4 is provided.
[0087]
In addition, the printer server 3 includes a print request receiving unit 6, a print request transmitting unit 11, a print processing preparing unit 22, a scheduling table 31, a printer selection condition table 32, a print request processing unit 33, a printer status receiving unit 34, A print control unit (not shown) for controlling the operations of the printer status table 35, printer status setting unit 36, and scheduling unit 37 is provided. The print control unit has a microcomputer configuration such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (ROM, RAM, etc.) as a storage device. The print control unit may include a printer driver.
[0088]
Next, the printer selection condition table 32 of the printer server 3 will be described. Here, FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of the printer selection condition table 32. As shown in FIG. 11, the printer selection condition table 32 has a combination of print priority (emergency or normal) and print image quality level (high image quality or normal) for each printer 4 or for each mode of the printer 4. It is a table indicating whether or not the printer 4 is compatible. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the printer A is a printer that can print with high image quality but has a low print processing speed. For this reason, selection is not possible when the print priority is urgent. Therefore, even if the request has a high image quality, it cannot be selected if the urgency is high. Further, even if the image quality requirement is normal, printing with high image quality may be performed in one direction. Therefore, the case where the print priority is normal and the print image quality is normal can be selected. Further, it is assumed that the printer B is a printer that has high image quality and does not have a slow print processing speed. This type of printer can be selected even under such conditions. The printer C is assumed to be a printer having a high printing speed but a normal image quality. In the case of this printer, a printer having a normal print image quality can be selected. In addition, even if the image quality is urgent, it can be selected because the image quality is unsatisfactory even if it is unsatisfactory. The printer D is assumed to be a printer that has a high printing speed but does not have a very high image quality. In the case of this printer, a printer having a high image quality is not selectable.
[0089]
Next, the scheduling table 31 of the printer server 3 will be described. Here, FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of the scheduling table 31, and FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating another example. As shown in FIG. 12, the scheduling table 31 includes print priority and print image quality based on print condition data transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the printer server 3 together with print data, as will be described in detail later. A plurality of candidates for the printer 4 are listed for each print data. The scheduling table 31 is listed including the status of each printer 4. In the present embodiment, candidates for the printer 4 are determined by referring to the printer selection condition table 32 described above based on the print priority and print image quality set for each print data.
[0090]
Further, the printer status table 35 of the printer server 3 will be described. Here, FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of the printer status table 35. As shown in FIG. 13, in the printer status table 35, all the printers 4 of the printing system 30 are registered in advance, and the status of each printer 4 is set. When the printer 4 is in an abnormal state, the unusable state is set.
[0091]
On the other hand, the printer 4 of the printing system 30 of the present embodiment is the same as the printer 4 of the printing system 1 of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. A printer status transmission unit 39 is provided in place of the print data request transmission unit 14, and a printer status detection unit 40 that is a print availability detection unit that detects the status of the printer 4 is provided in the printer control unit 15. It differs only in respect. Here, the printer status transmission unit 39 transmits the status of the printer 4 detected by the printer status detection unit 40 to the printer status reception unit 34 of the printer server 3. Such transmission of the printer 4 state to the printer server 3 is executed when the image forming process based on the print data in the image forming processing unit 13 is completed and the printer 4 is in a waiting (empty) state. .
[0092]
As shown in FIG. 10, the printing process is started when a print request is transmitted from the personal computer (or workstation) 2 to the printer server 3 by the operation of the operator. This print request is sent to the printer server 3 when a print instruction screen 38 as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display of the personal computer 2 and the operator operates the displayed print instruction screen 38. Here, FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a print instruction screen 38 displayed on the display of the personal computer 2. As shown in FIG. 14, the print instruction screen 38 includes a printer designation button 5a, a print execution button 5b, a cancel button 5c, and a check box, as in the print instruction screen 21 described in the printing system 20 of the second embodiment. 5d, in place of the printer condition designation button 5e provided on the print instruction screen 21, a print priority designation button 5f for designating printing of print data preferentially, and a print image quality of the print data A print image quality designation button 5g for designating is displayed. That is, in the present embodiment, the combination of the print priority and the print image quality is the print condition. Accordingly, the operator declares that the printer 4 is automatically designated by operating the check box 5d on the print instruction screen 38, and then operates the print priority designation button 5f and the print image quality designation button 5g. The print conditions (print priority and print image quality) for printing the print data are selected. The print condition data indicating the print conditions (print priority and print image quality) selected and specified in this way is transmitted to the printer server 3 as print request data together with the print data.
[0093]
With the above configuration, the printer server 3 of the printing system 30 executes processing as follows. In the present embodiment, the following three processes are executed in parallel in the printer server 3.
[0094]
First, printer status registration processing in the printer status receiving unit 34 and the printer status setting unit 36 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the printer status registration process searches for a waiting (empty) printer 4 (step S21), and if there is a waiting (empty) printer 4 (Y in step S22). In step S23, the printer status table 35 is registered to be in a waiting (empty) state, and the process returns to step S21. On the other hand, if there is no printer 4 in the waiting (empty) state (N in step S22), the process directly returns to step S21.
[0095]
  Next, candidate printer setting processing in the print request receiving unit 6 and the print request processing unit 33 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, first, it waits for transmission of print request data from the personal computer 2 (step S31). When print request data is transmitted from the personal computer 2 (Y in step S31), the print data and print condition data indicating the print conditions (print priority and print image quality) are registered in the scheduling table 31. (Step S32). Subsequently, in step S33, the printer selection condition table 32 is referred to based on the print priority set for each print data and the print image quality, and the printer 4 candidates are extracted for each print data. The printer 4 candidates are selected by extracting only the printers 4 in the waiting (empty) state from among the printers 4 listed as candidates, and are listed in the scheduling table 31. hereThe weatherFunction of auxiliary storage means and function of printing condition selection meansAnd stateThe function of the state selection means is executed.
[0096]
Next, print data output processing in the scheduling unit 37, the print processing preparation unit 22, and the print request transmission unit 11 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, first, it waits until one of the printers 4 becomes a new waiting (empty) state or until a print request is transmitted from the personal computer 2 (step S41). Here, the function of the printing start operation detecting means is executed. In the subsequent step S42, various conditions registered in the scheduling table 31 and the printer status table 35 are read by the print processing preparation unit 22, and when any of the printers 4 is newly in a waiting (empty) state. The scheduling unit 37 searches the scheduling table 31 in the order in which the print request data is transmitted, and searches whether there is print data waiting in the printer 4 newly in a waiting (empty) state. When a print request is transmitted from the computer 2, the scheduling unit 37 searches the scheduling table 31 in the order in which the print request data is transmitted to search whether the matching printer 4 is in a waiting (empty) state. Thus, printable print data is extracted (step S42). Here, the function of the second print data presence / absence judging means is executed. The reason why the scheduling table 31 is searched in the order in which the print request data is transmitted is to preferentially print the print data having a long print waiting time. If there is printable print data (Y in step S42), the print data is transmitted to the predetermined printer 4 (step S43). Here, the function of the designated printer data transmission means is executed. Thereafter, the scheduling table 31 and the printer status table 35 are updated (step S44). Here, the update of the scheduling table 31 and the printer status table 35 is specifically performed by deleting various data related to the print request from the scheduling table 31 and changing the status of the printer 4 in the printer status table 35 to “ Change to “Processing”.
[0097]
Note that the processing after receiving the print data in the printer 4 is not different from the processing in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0098]
Further, in the printer server 3 of the printing system 30, the contents of the scheduling table 31 may be rewritten when no processing is performed. For example, the contents of the scheduling table 31 as shown in FIG. 12A may be changed as shown in FIG. According to the change from FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B, the urgent print data is brought toward the head so that the printer 4 can be assigned quickly. In addition to this, the image quality of the print data may be examined, a desirable printer 4 may be automatically extracted, and the printer 4 in a waiting (empty) state may be changed. Here, a search order changing means is realized.
[0099]
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is used about the part same as the part demonstrated in 1st Embodiment of this invention thru | or 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and description is also abbreviate | omitted.
[0100]
Here, FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the printing system 50. Unlike the above-described printing systems 1, 20, and 30, the printing system 50 includes a plurality of printer servers 3 that control the printer 4 based on a print request from a personal computer (PC) 2. Each printer server 3 has a different printer 4 to be managed. For example, one printer server 3 (here, printer server A) manages three printers 4 (printers A, B, and C) and others. Printer server 3 (in this case, printer server B) manages three printers 4 (printers D and E). For convenience of drawing, only two printer servers 3 are used here, but of course, more than this may be used. Accordingly, the printing system 50 according to the present embodiment has a function of assigning the printer server 3 to each print data and outputting the print data to the printer 4 managed by the printer server 3 as will be described in detail later. It is.
[0101]
An actual printing process in the printing system 50 will be described. Here, FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of print processing in the printing system 50. As shown in FIG. 19, the printing process is started when a print request is transmitted from the personal computer (or workstation) 2 to the printer server 3 by the operation of the operator. This print request is displayed on a display (not shown) of the personal computer 2 as shown in FIG. 20, and is sent to the printer server 3 by the operator operating the displayed print instruction screen 51. Is done. Here, FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a print instruction screen 51 displayed on the display of the personal computer 2. As shown in FIG. 20, the print instruction screen 51 includes a printer designation button 5a, a print execution button 5b, a cancel button 5c, and a check box similar to the print instruction screen 38 described in the printing system 30 of the third embodiment. 5d, in addition to the print priority designation button 5f and the print image quality designation button 5g, a check box 5h for declaring whether the printer server 3 is designated manually or automatically, and a printer server designation in which the printer server 3 is listed. Button 5i is provided. In the printer server designation button 5i, the printer server 3 to which “x” is attached is the printer server 3 in which processing is crowded, and the printer server 3 to which “black circle” is attached is the selected printer server. 3 is shown. The information transmission of the printer server 3 in which the processes marked with “x” are crowded will be described later. The printer designation button 5a lists and displays the printers 4 under the management of the selected printer server 3.
[0102]
That is, when the operator manually designates the printer server 3, the printer server 3 is designated by manually declaring the designation of the printer server 3 by operating the check box 5h of the print instruction screen 51, and then the printer server designation button 5i is pressed. By operating, the printer server 3 that manages the printer 4 that requests printing of print data is selected.
[0103]
As shown in FIG. 19, the printer server 3 of the printing system 50 of the present embodiment includes print request data from the personal computer 2 in addition to the configuration of the printer server 3 of the printing system 30 of the third embodiment. Print request data transmission / reception unit 52 that transmits and receives data between the printer servers 3, a printer server status extraction unit 53 that extracts the status of the printer server 3 such as each waiting state of the printer 4 managed by the printer server 3, and the printer server 3 A first printer server status transmission / reception unit 54 that transmits / receives the status information of the printer server 3 to / from the personal computer 2, and a second printer server status transmission / reception unit 55 that transmits / receives the status of each printer server 3 to / from the printer server 3. It has been.
[0104]
On the other hand, the printer 4 of the printing system 50 according to the present embodiment is not different from the configuration and operation of the printer 4 of the printing system 30 according to the third embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0105]
With the above configuration, the following processing is executed in the printer server 3 of the printing system 50. In the present embodiment, the following five processes are executed in parallel in the printer server 3.
[0106]
First, the printer status receiving unit 34 and the printer status setting unit 36 execute printer status registration processing. This printer status registration process is not different from the printer status registration process in the printer server 3 of the printing system 30 of the third embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0107]
Next, in the print request receiving unit 6 and the print request processing unit 33, candidate printer setting processing is executed. Since this candidate printer setting process is not different from the candidate printer setting process in the printer server 3 of the printing system 30 of the third embodiment described above, the description thereof is omitted.
[0108]
Subsequently, in the scheduling unit 37, the print processing preparation unit 22, and the print request transmission unit 11, a print data output process is executed. This print data output process is not different from the print data output process in the printer server 3 of the printing system 30 of the third embodiment described above, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0109]
Next, print data transfer processing in the print request data transmission / reception unit 52 and the second printer server status transmission / reception unit 55 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 21, the print data transfer process is executed when, for example, the printer 4 that has been in a waiting state fails in the middle. First, transmission of the server status from another printer server 3 is performed. It waits until there is either a request (step S51), transmission of print data from another printer server 3 (step S52), or a request to transfer print data to another printer server 3 (step S53). If there is a request for transmission of the server status from another printer server 3 (Y in step S51), the printer status table 35 and the scheduling table 31 are searched, and the free status and print data of the printer 4 are searched. Is sent to another printer server 3 (step S54). When print data is transmitted from another printer server 3 (Y in step S52), the print data is received (step S55). If there is a request to transfer print data to another printer server 3 (Y in step S53), the status of the other printer server 3 is searched and an appropriate printer server 3 (for example, a short queue) is obtained. The print data is transferred to () (step S56). As described above, the function of the print data transfer unit is executed.
[0110]
According to such a print data transfer process, printing is performed between the printer servers 3 when an abnormality such as a failure occurs in the printer 4 while waiting for printing and a long waiting time at the predetermined printer server 3 is required. By transferring the data, the printer 4 to be printed can be changed, so that the waiting time can be shortened. Further, not only the abnormality (failure) of the printer 4 but also the print data may be transferred between the printer servers 3 when the number of jobs waiting for printing exceeds a certain number.
[0111]
Next, server status transmission processing in the printer server status fetching unit 53 and the first printer server status transmitting / receiving unit 54 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 22, the server status transmission process first waits for transmission of a server status transmission request from the personal computer 2 (step S61). When a server status transmission request is transmitted from the personal computer 2 (Y in step S61), the printer server status retrieving unit 53 searches the scheduling table 31 and waits for each of the printers 4 under management. The status of the printer server 3 is taken out (step S62). Thereafter, the state of the taken-out printer server 3 is transmitted to the personal computer 2 via the first printer server state transmission / reception unit 54. Note that the status information of the printer server 3 transmitted to the personal computer 2 in this way is stored in the printer server designation button 5i on the print instruction screen 51 displayed on the display of the personal computer 2, and the printer is busy. As described above, the server 3 is displayed with “x” attached.
[0112]
Next, the case where the operator manually designates the printer server 3 has been described above, but the case where the personal computer 2 automatically designates the printer server 3 will be described. Here, FIG. 23 is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of the server designation process. As shown in FIG. 23, first, the personal computer 2 requests each printer server 3 to transmit information on the status of each printer server 3 (step S71). Thereafter, the personal computer 2 receives information on the status of each printer server 3, and checks the degree of congestion of each printer server 3 and each printer 4 (step S72). Here, the function of the management device processing status acquisition means is executed. Next, in the printer server designation button 5i on the print instruction screen 51 displayed on the display of the personal computer 2, the printer server 3 that is busy with processing is displayed with “X” as described above (step). S73). When the check box 5h on the print instruction screen 51 is operated and it is declared that the designation of the printer server 3 is automatically performed (Y in step S74), one printer server 3 that is not crowded is selected. Designation is made (step S75), and the process is terminated. Here, the function of the management device selection means is executed.
[0113]
According to such server designation processing, before the personal computer 2 transmits a print request, after checking the degree of congestion of each printer server 3, the printer server 3 that is not crowded is automatically designated. Since print data can be output to the printer 4 managed by the printer server 3, a plurality of print servers 3 can be used efficiently, waiting time can be shortened, and printing processing can be performed at higher speed.
[0114]
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the printing systems 1, 20, 30, and 50 of the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments described above, the case where the printer server 3 is independent of the personal computer 2 has been described for convenience. Of course, the function of the server 3 may be implemented in the personal computer 2. Conversely, the function of the personal computer 2 may naturally be installed in the printer server 3. For example, it may be realized as software that operates on the personal computer 2 in the previous stage of the printer driver. Therefore, the present embodiment relates to an information storage medium that causes a computer to execute the processes described in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments.
[0115]
Here, FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the personal computer 2. As shown in FIG. 24, the personal computer 2 has a built-in microcomputer 60 as a computer that controls the printing systems 1, 20, 30, and 50. The microcomputer 60 includes a CPU 61 that is a processor, and a CPU 61. The ROM 62 and the RAM 63 are mainly configured. The ROM 62 is a read-only memory, and stores predetermined data in addition to a program executed by the CPU 61. The microcomputer 60 also includes a DISK 64 (which means a fixed disk here) that is a large-capacity storage device and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 65 that communicates with devices on the network. The microcomputer 60 is connected with a display 66, a keyboard (including a pointing device such as a mouse) 67, a program reading device 68, and the like. The program reader 68 is a storage medium 69 storing various program codes (control programs), that is, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-R / W, DVD-ROM, DVD-). RAM), a magneto-optical disk, a memory card, and the like, a device for reading program codes, such as a floppy disk drive, an optical disk drive, and a magneto-optical disk drive.
[0116]
Specific examples of the program code stored in the storage medium include various processing operations performed by the CPU 61, in particular, processing corresponding to the steps as described in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments. Is set in advance as software, and such a control program is stored in advance in a CD-ROM, for example. Such software is preinstalled in the DISK 64 from the CD-ROM via the program reading device 68, copied to the RAM 63 when the CPU 61 is started, and read by the CPU 61 during operation. As described above, since the CPU 61 reads various programs and executes corresponding processes to implement various processing functions, the microcomputer 60 executes the various processes as described above. When the program code read by the microcomputer 60 is executed, an OS (operating system) or device driver running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. And the above-described functions are achieved by the processing.
[0117]
Further, the storage medium in the present invention is not limited to a medium independent of a computer, but also includes a storage medium in which a program transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, or the like is downloaded and stored or temporarily stored.
[0118]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the first, ninth, and 17th inventions, at least two or more candidates stored in association with the print data are stored.Image forming apparatusThe printing waiting time can be shortened by starting the printing as long as any one of them becomes a waiting (empty) state.
[0119]
  According to the second, tenth, and eighteenth inventions, at least two or more candidates stored in association with the print data are stored.Image forming apparatusThe printing waiting time can be shortened by starting the printing as long as any one of them becomes a waiting (empty) state.
[0120]
  According to invention of Claim 3,11,19, by an operatorOf image forming deviceReduce the load of choice,Of image forming deviceThe time required for selection can be reduced.
[0121]
  According to invention of Claim 4,12,20,Image forming apparatusIs determined based on the print priority and image quality level set for each print data, so that the image quality is highly satisfactory.Image forming apparatusCan be selected.
[0122]
  According to the inventions of claims 5, 13, and 21, an abnormality such as a paper jam has occurred.Image forming apparatusAnd processing is crowdedImage forming apparatusBy not selecting, it is possible to avoid the risk that printing will not be executed indefinitely.
[0123]
  According to the invention described in claims 6, 14, and 22, for example, the urgent print data is brought to the head, so that the print data can be quickly obtained.Image forming apparatusCan be assigned.
[0124]
  According to the seventh, fifteenth and twenty-third aspects of the present invention, an abnormality such as a failure occurs during the print waiting state andTubeWhen waiting for a long time on a physical device,tubePrint by transferring print data between physical devicesImage forming apparatusThe waiting time can be shortened.
[0125]
  According to invention of Claim 8,16,24, before a print request is transmitted,Each tubeThe processing is not crowded after checking the condition of the physical device (such as the condition is good))tubeAutomatically specify the deviceTubeManaged by the physical deviceImage forming apparatusPrint data can be output to multiple printers.TubeThe physical device can be used efficiently, waiting time can be shortened, and printing processing can be performed at higher speed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of print processing in a printing system.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a print instruction screen displayed on the display of the personal computer.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of a scheduling table.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of printing processing in the printer.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a print instruction screen displayed on the display of the personal computer according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a printing process in the printing system.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of a scheduling table.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of printer search processing in the printer server.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a printing process in the printing system according to the third embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of a printer selection condition table.
FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of a scheduling table, and FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating another example.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of a printer status table.
FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a print instruction screen displayed on the display of the personal computer.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of a printer status registration process.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of candidate printer setting processing;
FIG. 17 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a flow of print data output processing.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to a fourth embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a printing process in the printing system.
FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a print instruction screen displayed on the display of the personal computer.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of print data transfer processing.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of a server status transmission process.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of server designation processing.
FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a personal computer according to a fifth embodiment of this invention;
[Explanation of symbols]
  1, 20, 30, 50Image formationsystem
  2 Print request device
  3tubeScience device
  4Image forming apparatus
  23, 32 Condition table
  40 Printing availability detection means

Claims (24)

In a print control method for performing image formation processing based on print data transmitted from a print requesting device by selecting a predetermined image forming device from a group of a plurality of image forming devices ,
An image forming condition transmitting step of transmitting the print data transmitted from the print requesting apparatus in association with the image forming conditions related to the image forming apparatus ;
Based on the image forming conditions transmitted in association with the print data, at least two or more image forming apparatuses are selected as candidates for printing the print data and stored in the storage device in association with the print data. and the candidate memory processes that,
A printable state determination process for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus is in a printable state;
A print data transmission request step of requesting transmission of the print data associated with the image forming apparatus before climate auxiliary memory process when the image forming apparatus is determined to be in a printable state,
A print data transmission request reception process for receiving a request for transmission of the print data associated with the image forming apparatus in a printable state;
First print data existence search process of searching whether the print data corresponding to the image forming apparatus before climate auxiliary memory processes to the image forming apparatus according to the request of transmission of the print data is present When,
Main Motomede over data transmission process of transmitting to the image forming apparatus and the print data made the transmission request when the print data associated with the image forming apparatus according to the request of transmission of the print data is there When,
A printing control method comprising: In a print control method for performing image formation processing based on print data transmitted from a print requesting device by selecting a predetermined image forming device from a group of a plurality of image forming devices ,
An image forming condition transmitting step of transmitting the print data transmitted from the print requesting apparatus in association with the image forming conditions related to the image forming apparatus ;
Based on the image forming conditions transmitted in association with the print data, at least two or more image forming apparatuses are selected as candidates for printing the print data and stored in the storage device in association with the print data. and the candidate memory processes that,
A print start operation detecting process for detecting that any of the image forming apparatuses is ready for printing, or that the print data is transmitted from the print requesting apparatus;
Whether or not there is print data that can be printed when it is detected that any one of the image forming apparatuses is ready to print or the print data is transmitted from the print requesting apparatus. A second print data presence / absence search process for searching,
Specifying one of said image forming apparatus stored in association with the print data in the previous climate auxiliary memory process when a printable said print data there finger Teide over which transmits the print data Data transmission process,
A printing control method comprising: Before climate auxiliary storage process, the search based on a condition table printable condition is determined for each image forming apparatus to the image forming condition corresponding to the print data, the image formed from the condition table the print control method according to claim 1, wherein that it comprises the selection to that selection process as a candidate of the image forming apparatus by extracting the image forming apparatus to print the print data items that match . Before cyclohexene-option process searches the condition table based on at least one of the information and print priority and image quality level of the print data as the image forming condition corresponding to the print data, the conditions printing selected as a candidate of the image forming apparatus to print the print data by extracting the image forming apparatus that matches the image forming condition is at least one of information and the print priority and image quality level from the table 4. The print control method according to claim 3, further comprising a condition selection process. Before cyclohexene-option process has a printability condition detecting means for detecting the printing availability status of each of the image forming apparatus, a plurality of candidates of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the detection result of the printing availability state detecting means claim 3 or 4 print control method according to characterized in that it comprises a to that state selection process selected from in the image forming apparatus group. Print control according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises a search sequence changing step of changing the search order of the print data stored in the storage device by the front climate auxiliary memory processes Method. The plurality of the respective image forming apparatuses are managed in any one of a plurality of management apparatuses connected in a network,
Either before claims 1, characterized in that further comprising a print data transfer step of transferring the print data stored in the storage device among the respective management devices by climate auxiliary memory process 6 single The printing control method as described. The plurality of the respective image forming apparatuses are managed in any one of a plurality of management apparatuses connected in a network,
Wherein the management device processing status obtaining step of obtaining the respective processing status of each management device,
A situation pass / fail judgment process for judging the pass / fail of the situation according to a judgment criterion stored in advance for the acquired processing situation;
A management device selection process of processing status to select a candidate for printing the print data from the image forming apparatus managed before Symbol management device is good,
The print control method according to claim 1, further comprising: In the image forming system to execute the image forming process based on the print data transmitted from the in plural image forming apparatus group by selecting a predetermined image forming apparatus from the print request apparatus,
Image forming condition transmitting means for transmitting the print data transmitted from the print requesting apparatus in association with the image forming conditions related to the image forming apparatus ;
Select at least two or more of the image forming apparatuses as candidates for printing the print data based on the image formation conditions transmitted in association with the print data by the image formation condition transmission unit, and correspond to the print data and the candidate storage means you stored with,
Printable state determining means for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus is in a printable state;
Print data requesting transmission of the print data associated with the image forming apparatus before climate auxiliary storage means when the image forming apparatus is determined to be in a printable state by the printable condition determining means A transmission request means;
A print data transmission request receiving means for receiving a print data transmission request associated with the image forming apparatus in a printable state from the print data transmission request means;
First print data existence search means for searching whether the print data corresponding to the image forming apparatus before climate auxiliary storage means to the image forming apparatus according to the request of transmission of the print data is present When,
This first print the image forming apparatus and the print data made the transmission request when the print data associated is found in the image forming apparatus according to the request of transmission of the print data by the data existence search means and requirements Motomede over data transmission means for transmitting,
An image forming system comprising: In the image forming system to execute the image forming process based on the print data transmitted from the in plural image forming apparatus group by selecting a predetermined image forming apparatus from the print request apparatus,
Image forming condition transmitting means for transmitting the print data transmitted from the print requesting apparatus in association with the image forming conditions related to the image forming apparatus ;
Select at least two or more of the image forming apparatuses as candidates for printing the print data based on the image formation conditions transmitted in association with the print data by the image formation condition transmission unit, and correspond to the print data and the candidate storage means you stored with,
A print start operation detecting means for detecting that any of the image forming apparatuses is in a printable state or that the print data is transmitted from the print requesting apparatus;
When the print start operation detecting means detects that any of the image forming apparatuses is ready for printing, or that the print data is transmitted from the print requesting apparatus, the printable operation is performed. Second print data presence / absence retrieval means for retrieving whether or not there is print data;
As the second print data existence search means to specify one of the image forming apparatus is stored in the association with the print data in the previous climate auxiliary storage means if the print data is there printable by and finger Teide over data transmission means for transmitting the print data,
An image forming system comprising: Before climate auxiliary storage means, the search based on a condition table printable condition is determined for each image forming apparatus to the image forming condition corresponding to the print data, the image formed from the condition table the image forming system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein further comprising a candidate to that selection means selects as said image forming apparatus to print the print data by extracting the image forming apparatus that matches the conditions. Before cyclohexene-option means searches the condition table based on at least one of the information and print priority and image quality level of the print data as the image forming condition corresponding to the print data, the conditions printing selected as a candidate of the image forming apparatus to print the print data by extracting the image forming apparatus that matches the image forming condition is at least one of information and the print priority and image quality level from the table 12. The image forming system according to claim 11, further comprising condition selection means. Before cyclohexene-option means has a printability condition detecting means for detecting the printing availability status of each of the image forming apparatus, a plurality of candidates of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the detection result of the printing availability state detecting means the image forming system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein further comprising a to that state selecting means selects from among said image forming apparatus group. Claims 9 to 13 imaging system of any one described and further comprising a search order changing means for changing the search order of the print data stored by previous climate auxiliary storage means. The plurality of the respective image forming apparatuses are managed in any one of a plurality of management apparatuses connected in a network,
Claims 9 to 14 imaging system of any one description of the stored said print data, characterized by further comprising a print data transfer means for transferring between the respective management device by the front climate auxiliary storage means. The plurality of the respective image forming apparatuses are managed in any one of a plurality of management apparatuses connected in a network,
Wherein the management device processing status obtaining means for obtaining respective processing status of each management device,
A status pass / fail judgment means for judging the pass / fail of the situation based on a judgment criterion stored in advance for the process status acquired by the management apparatus processing status acquisition means;
A management-apparatus selecting means for selecting a candidate processing status This situation quality determination means for printing the print data from the image forming apparatus managed before Symbol management device is good,
The image forming system according to claim 9, further comprising: A computer-readable program is stored for causing a computer to execute printing based on print data transmitted from a print requesting device by selecting a predetermined image forming device from a group of a plurality of image forming devices. A storage medium,
The program is
An image forming condition transmitting step of transmitting the print data transmitted from the print requesting apparatus in association with the image forming conditions related to the image forming apparatus ;
Based on the image forming conditions transmitted in association with the print data, at least two or more image forming apparatuses are selected as candidates for printing the print data and stored in the storage device in association with the print data. and the candidate memory processes that,
A printable state determination process for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus is in a printable state;
A print data transmission request step of requesting transmission of the print data associated with the image forming apparatus before climate auxiliary memory process when the image forming apparatus is determined to be in a printable state,
A print data transmission request reception process for receiving a request for transmission of the print data associated with the image forming apparatus in a printable state;
First print data existence search process of searching whether the print data corresponding to the image forming apparatus before climate auxiliary memory processes to the image forming apparatus according to the request of transmission of the print data is present When,
Main Motomede over data transmission process of transmitting to the image forming apparatus and the print data made the transmission request when the print data associated with the image forming apparatus according to the request of transmission of the print data is there When,
That the computer executes. A storage medium storing a readable program in a computer to be executed from within a plurality image forming apparatus group by selecting a predetermined image forming apparatus to print based on the print data transmitted from the print request apparatus ,
The program is
An image forming condition transmitting step of transmitting the print data transmitted from the print requesting apparatus in association with the image forming conditions related to the image forming apparatus ;
Based on the image forming conditions transmitted in association with the print data, at least two or more image forming apparatuses are selected as candidates for printing the print data and stored in the storage device in association with the print data. and the candidate memory processes that,
A print start operation detecting process for detecting that any of the image forming apparatuses is ready for printing, or that the print data is transmitted from the print requesting apparatus;
Whether or not there is print data that can be printed when it is detected that any one of the image forming apparatuses is ready to print or the print data is transmitted from the print requesting apparatus. A second print data presence / absence search process for searching,
Specifying one of said image forming apparatus stored in association with the print data in the previous climate auxiliary memory process when a printable said print data there finger Teide over which transmits the print data Data transmission process,
That the computer executes. A condition table in which a printable condition is determined for each image forming apparatus is searched based on the image forming condition associated with the print data, and the image forming apparatus that matches the image forming condition from the condition table the extracts and characterized in that to execute the climate auxiliary memory process before comprising said candidate selection to that selection process as an image forming apparatus for printing the print data to the computer claim 17 or 18, wherein Storage media. The condition table is searched based on at least one of the print priority and the image quality level of the print data as the image forming condition associated with the print data, and the print priority is determined from the condition table. A printing condition selection step of extracting the image forming apparatus that matches the image forming condition that is at least one of the image quality level information and selecting the image forming apparatus as a candidate for the image forming apparatus that prints the print data ; storage medium of claim 19, wherein the executing pre hexene-option process in the computer. The image forming apparatus includes a print availability state detecting unit that detects a print availability state of each image forming apparatus , and candidates for the image forming apparatus are selected from a plurality of the image forming apparatus groups according to a detection result of the print availability state detecting unit. claim 19 or 20, wherein the storage medium, characterized in that to execute the hexene-option process before comprising you select state selection process in the computer. By pre climate auxiliary memory process according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that to execute further the computer search reordering process of changing the search order of the print data stored in the storage device Storage medium. The plurality of the respective image forming apparatuses are managed in any one of a plurality of management apparatuses connected in a network,
Any by pre climate auxiliary memory process of claim 17 to 22, characterized in that to perform the further the computer print data transfer step of transferring the print data stored in the storage device among the respective management device A storage medium according to any one of the above. The plurality of the respective image forming apparatuses are managed in any one of a plurality of management apparatuses connected in a network,
Wherein the management device processing status obtaining step of obtaining the respective processing status of each management device,
A situation pass / fail judgment process for judging the pass / fail of the situation according to a judgment criterion stored in advance for the acquired processing situation;
A management device selection process of processing status to select a candidate for printing the print data from the image forming apparatus managed before Symbol management device is good,
The storage medium according to claim 17, further causing the computer to execute.

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