JP4529788B2 - Distribution apparatus and distribution control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a distribution apparatus and a distribution control method for issuing a job including data relating to a processing request and a command for processing the data to an output device based on the processing request from the input device. A distribution rule that includes a condition for issuing a job, a condition for repeating a job retransmission process, and a monitoring condition for the processing status of a job executed on the output device after the job is issued can be set according to the time zone and output destination. The present invention relates to a distribution apparatus and a distribution control method.

  In recent years, on computers connected to computers (file servers, etc.), scanners, faxes and other input devices via a network, data from these input devices is received, and printers and faxes (these functions are also connected to the network). There has been proposed a distribution system for transmitting a job to an output device such as a multifunction peripheral including a printer and realizing services such as printing and faxing.

  Conventionally, as a technology related to this type of distribution system, an optimum output device (printer) is selected from a plurality of printers connected to a network, and a print request (job) is issued to the printer (job job). A method for managing printers in a network system such as generating and transmitting) is known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 refers to a technique for checking the type of data included in print data, selecting a printer capable of printing the data, and issuing a print request (job).

  Further, as a technique for selecting an output destination according to the state of an output device (printer) rather than data, as described in Patent Document 2, based on the number of jobs waiting for output on the printer and the output speed of the printer. As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-26853, or a technique that issues a print request, issues a print request, and registers the printer in advance for registration. If there is a time-designated print request, as described in a technique for selecting a usable printer from among the registered printers and issuing a print request, or as described in Patent Document 4, the number of jobs waiting for output and the designated time In consideration of the above, a technique for selecting an optimal printer and issuing a print request is known.

  By the way, a method is known in which a function for notifying the output device of the status of the processing status is provided so that the processing status at the output device can be confirmed on the user terminal and the processing status at the output device can be monitored.

  Based on this, by combining conventional technologies, a distribution system that receives data from input devices, selects the optimal output device, issues a job to the output device, and monitors its processing status. Can be realized.

In addition, even when there is only one output device such as a printer or fax machine, a distribution system that waits for job issuance until the output device satisfies certain conditions and becomes ready for processing can be realized from the conventional technology. Met.
JP-A-2-99377 JP-A-1-196624 JP-A-3-122715 JP-A-3-157716

  However, in a distribution system that distributes a processing request from an input device to a plurality of types of output devices, even if a certain output device cannot be processed, depending on the time period, if the user is notified, the next job May be issued.

  For example, even if the user is nearby, such as during the daytime, that is, when the storage to the file server and the output to the printer are performed at the same time during the time period in which the user can be notified of the processing status, the output to the printer may fail If it is notified to the user, the process can be executed later, so that there is no big problem.

  Therefore, it is better to stop the processing of the output device during the time when processing frequently occurs, such as during the daytime, causing problems to work. Therefore, it is better to issue the next job and execute the processing sequentially. .

  Further, when the output device is a multi-function machine having a scanner function, depending on the time zone, it may be desirable to prioritize the work of the scanner function and thus suppress the print request processing.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a distribution apparatus and a distribution control method that improve the processing efficiency of input devices and output devices.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a distribution apparatus for issuing a job including data relating to a processing request and a processing instruction for the data to an output device based on the processing request from the input device. Including a first condition that defines a limit value for the number of jobs scheduled to be executed by the output device that is permitted to issue jobs to the output device, the number of job retransmission processes for the output device, and a waiting interval for the job retransmission process A second condition that defines a job retransmission repetition condition, wherein the first condition is set such that a limit value for the number of jobs is set larger in the first time zone than in the second time zone, and the second condition is , a distribution rule setting means and the band first time to set the delivery rules that are set longer the second number and wait interval is retransmission times than the time zone set by the distribution rule setting means A distribution rule storage means for storing a distribution rule was, controls the issuance of the job for the output device based on the first condition and the second condition included in the distribution rules stored in the distribution rule storage means Output control means.

Further, the invention of claim 2, in the invention of claim 1, wherein the distribution rule setting means includes a third condition that defines a standby time for monitoring processing for the job in the output device, the third The condition is that the first time zone sets the delivery rule in which the monitoring time is set longer than the second time zone, and the output control means includes the third rule included in the delivery rule. The processing for the job in the output device is monitored based on a condition .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus further includes user notification means for notifying a user of a monitoring result of processing for the job in the output device.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the distribution rule setting means corresponds to a day of the week or a date in addition to the first and second time zones. It is characterized by setting.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a distribution apparatus for issuing a job including data relating to a processing request and a command for processing the data to the output device based on the processing request from the input device . A first condition that defines a limit value for the number of jobs scheduled to be executed by the output device that is permitted to issue, and a job retransmission repetition condition that includes the number of job retransmission processes for the output device and a wait interval for the job retransmission process And a third condition that defines a waiting time for monitoring the processing for the job in the output device, wherein the first condition is a second time period. The limit value of the number of jobs is set larger, and the second condition is that the first time zone is set to have a larger number of retransmission processes and a longer waiting interval than the second time zone, 3 conditions, a distribution rule setting means and the band first time to set the delivery rules time for the second time period from the monitoring is set longer, the distribution rules set by the distribution rule setting means a distribution rule storage means for storing an output control means for controlling the issuance of the job for the output device based on the first condition and the second condition included in the distribution rules stored in the distribution rule storage means When, characterized in that it comprises a monitoring means for monitoring the process for the job in the output device based on the third condition included in the distribution rules stored in the distribution rule storage means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the distribution control method for a distribution apparatus for issuing a job including data relating to the processing request and a processing instruction for the data to the output device based on the processing request from the input device, the output Job retransmission including a first condition that defines a limit value for the number of jobs scheduled to be executed by the output device that is allowed to issue jobs to the device, the number of job retransmission processes for the output device, and a waiting interval for the job retransmission processing A second condition that defines a repetition condition; and a third condition that defines a standby time for monitoring processing for the job in the output device, wherein the first condition is the first time zone. The limit value of the number of jobs is set larger than the second time zone, and the second condition is that the first time zone has a larger number of retransmission processes and a longer waiting interval than the second time zone. Is constant, the third condition, the first time zone set by the distribution rule setting means delivery rules that time for the second time period from the monitoring is set longer, in the distribution rule setting means the set delivery rules stored by the distribution rule storage means, the issuance of the job for the output device based on the first condition and the second condition included in the distribution rules stored in the distribution rule storage means controlled by the output control means, and performing monitoring processing on the job in the output device by the monitoring unit based on the third condition included in the distribution rule storage the distribution rules stored in the unit .

  According to the present invention, a distribution rule including a condition for issuing a job to an output device, a condition for repeating a job retransmission process, and a monitoring condition for a processing status of a job executed on the output device after the job is issued is set in a time zone. Since it can be set according to the output destination, it is possible to construct a distribution device according to the use environment of the user.

  Therefore, in a time zone when the output device can be occupied and used, a distribution rule is set so that many jobs can be issued from the distribution device, and the output device is used for other purposes (other than jobs from the distribution device). In the time zone, you can set the distribution rules to suppress jobs from the distribution device, and in the time zone where the user can not cope with the malfunction in the output device, you can make settings etc. to prevent job failure as much as possible, The processing efficiency of the input device and the output device can be improved.

  Embodiments of a distribution apparatus and a distribution control method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a distribution system to which a distribution apparatus 20 according to the present invention is applied.

  This distribution system includes an input device 10, a distribution device 20, and an output device 30. Each device is communicably connected via a network formed by a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. In addition, as long as the function of this invention is implement | achieved, you may connect by things other than LAN, and a connection form in particular is not ask | required.

  The input device 10 is a device that inputs (transmits) a data processing request to the distribution device 20. For example, the input device 10 corresponds to a computer such as a fax (for receiving), a scanner, a file server, or the like, and may be any device that inputs a data processing request to the distribution device 20. This data processing request includes data to be processed and a processing request for such data.

  The output device 30 is a device that executes a job output (transmitted) from the distribution device 20. For example, the output device 30 corresponds to a computer such as a fax (for transmission), a printer, a file server, or the like, and may be any device that executes a job output from the distribution device 20.

  The job transmitted from the distribution device 20 to the output device 30 includes processing target data received from the input device 10 and a command based on the received processing request.

  For example, if the output device 30 is a fax, the job includes data and an instruction specifying a destination (destination number, notification mode, caller code, etc.), transmission image quality, and document size for transmitting the data by fax. Is sent to the fax machine. When the fax is received, the fax is transmitted to the destination.

  If the output device 30 is a file server, a job including data and a command specifying a path for storing the data is transmitted to the file server. The file server that received this stores the data in the specified directory.

  If the output device 30 is a printer, a job including data and a print command (print setting value or the like) for printing the data is transmitted to the printer. The printer that has received this prints according to the instruction.

  The distribution device 20, which is a main part of the present invention, has a distribution rule inside, and issues a job based on the data processing request received from the input device 10 to the output device 30 based on the distribution rule (job generation) And send). Further, after the job is issued, the distribution device 20 monitors the processing status of the job executed by the output device 30 based on the distribution rule for a predetermined time.

  This distribution rule is provided corresponding to the time zone. In the distribution rule, an output device 30 as an output destination is defined in the time zone, and a job issuance condition for the output device 30, a repetition condition for job retransmission processing, a monitoring condition after the job is issued, and the like are defined. The Based on this distribution rule, the distribution device 20 changes the output destination, the job issuing method for the output destination, and the like according to the time zone.

  As a flow of the distribution control process in the distribution system to which the distribution device 20 is applied, for example, when image data is read by a scanner which is the input device 10, the image data read from the scanner to the distribution device 20 and the like. A data processing request including a processing request for data is transmitted. The distribution apparatus 20 that has received this data processing request selects the output device 30 that is the job issue destination based on the distribution rule corresponding to the current time.

  When the output device 30 is selected, the distribution apparatus 20 issues a job including the image data received from the input device 10 and a command for the data to the output device 30. For example, when the output device 30 is a printer, a job including data and a print command for printing the data is issued to the printer. Further, after the job is issued, the distribution device 20 monitors the status of the printing process executed by the printer based on the distribution rule for a predetermined time.

  Here, the detail of the delivery rule mentioned above is demonstrated. FIG. 2 shows an example of the distribution rule.

  As shown in the figure, the distribution rule includes “input device identification information” in which the IP address of the input device 10 is set, “distribution conditions” in which the time zone is set, and information on the output device 30. Setting items including “output device information” to be set and “notification method” for setting a method for notifying the user of an error or job completion are provided.

  How to read this distribution rule will be described. When a data processing request is sent from the input device 10 set to “input device identification information” to the distribution device 20 in the time zone set to “distribution condition”, the distribution device 20 reads “ A job is issued to the output device 30 set in “information (1)” and “output device information (2)”. The monitoring result is notified to the user by the method set in “notification method”.

  In this embodiment, the case where the time zone is set in the “delivery condition” will be described. However, in addition to the time, a day of the week or a date may be set, or a combination of time and day of the week, time and date “ “Distribution conditions” may be set.

  First, “output device information (1)” will be described. “Output device information (1)” includes “output device identification information” in which the IP address of the output device 30 is set, “output contents” in which the output method is set, and “conditions of the output device” Detailed items for setting are set.

  The “output device condition” further includes detailed items for setting “operation condition”, “repetition condition”, “monitoring time”, and “output device access information”.

  In the “operation condition”, a condition for issuing a job from the distribution apparatus 20 to the output device 30 is set. In other words, a job is issued from the distribution device 20 to the output device 30 when the condition set in the “operation condition” is satisfied.

  In this “operation condition”, a limit value of the number of jobs waiting to be transmitted is set, and the number of jobs waiting to be transmitted to the output device 30 in the distribution device 20 is set to the limit value set here. If it exceeds, the “operation condition” is not satisfied, and the transmission of the job is suspended.

  When the limit value of the number of jobs waiting to be transmitted is set to be smaller in this “operation condition”, the job retransmission processing is reduced, so the load on the output device 30 due to the job from the distribution device 20 is reduced. There is a possibility that a situation where a job cannot be sent frequently occurs. Therefore, normally, the limit value is set small during the daytime when processing frequently occurs, and the processing speed of the distribution device 20 is improved by reducing the number of retransmission processing. Even if the job cannot be sent to the output device 30 during the daytime, there is no particular problem because the user is nearby and can immediately respond to the malfunction of the output device 30 by notifying the user.

  On the other hand, when the limit value of the number of jobs waiting to be transmitted is set large in the “operation condition”, there is a high possibility that a job from the distribution device 20 is reliably transmitted to the output device 30. For this reason, normally, the limit value of the number of jobs waiting to be transmitted is set to a large value during night hours when the user cannot deal with the unspecifiedness of the output device 10.

  If the “operation condition” is not satisfied, the distribution apparatus 20 performs the job retransmission process based on the conditions set in the “waiting time” and “number of times” which are detailed items of the “repetition condition”. That is, after waiting for the waiting time set in “waiting time”, the job retransmission process is repeatedly performed on the output device 20 for the number of times set in “number of times”.

  When this “standby time” is set short, the job retransmission process is repeated at a short time interval, so that the output device 30 is loaded, but the processing speed is improved, so the processing usually occurs frequently. Set the “standby time” short during the daytime.

  In addition, when the “waiting time” is set long, the job retransmission process is repeated at a long time interval, so that the load on the output device 30 due to the job from the distribution apparatus 20 is reduced and the job retransmission process fails. Therefore, the “waiting time” is usually set longer in the night time zone.

  In the “monitoring time”, a standby time for monitoring the processing status of the job executed by the output device 30 after the job is issued is set.

  If the “monitoring time” is set short, the load on the distribution apparatus 20 is reduced. However, the monitoring may end before the job ends on the output device 30, and the user can be notified of an accurate monitoring result. Disappear. For this reason, normally, the “monitoring time” is set short during the daytime when processing frequently occurs. In addition, even if the monitoring is terminated in the middle of the daytime, since the user is nearby, the processing status can be confirmed immediately by notifying the user, so there is no particular problem.

  On the other hand, if the “monitoring time” is set to be long, there is a high possibility that the output device 30 can be monitored until the job executed by the output device 30 is completed, and an accurate monitoring result can be notified to the user. For this reason, the “monitoring time” is usually set longer during night hours.

  Next, “output device information (2)” will be described. The “output device information (2)” is a setting item substantially the same as the “output device information (1)” described above, but the “output device information (2)” includes “output device condition”. "Is not set. This means that the job executed by the output device 30 is not monitored after the job is issued. For example, when a job is issued to a file server, since the file server only stores data in a specified directory, the possibility of occurrence of a problem is extremely low. In such a case, the “output device condition” is not set and monitoring is not performed to reduce the load on the distribution apparatus 20.

  “Notification Method” has detailed items for setting “Error Notification” in which a notification method is set when an error occurs and “Job Completion Notification” in which a notification method at the time of normal job completion is set. It is done. That is, a method is set for notifying the user that an error or job has been normally completed during job retransmission processing or when the output device 30 is monitored.

  The “error notification” and “job completion notification” include “notification presence / absence” in which whether to notify the user of an error or job completion and a notification method (for example, e-mail) are set. Detailed items for setting “notification method” to be set and “notification destination” to which the e-mail address of the user or administrator of the notification destination is set are provided.

  Here, an outline of a distribution rule and a distribution control process based on the distribution rule will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

  In FIG. 3, some of the distribution rules are shown as a distribution rule (a) and a distribution rule (b).

  In the distribution rule (a) shown in the figure, a time zone of 9:00 to 20:00 is set in the “distribution condition” and input to the distribution device 20 in a time zone that matches the “distribution condition”. When a data processing request is sent from the device 10, the distribution device 20 issues a job to the output device (1) based on the “condition of the output device” defined in the distribution rule (a). Become.

  In the distribution rule (a), five (limit value of the number of jobs waiting for transmission) are set in the “operation condition”. In this case, when the number of jobs waiting to be transmitted to the output device 30 in the distribution device 20 does not exceed five, that is, when the “operation condition” is satisfied, the distribution device 20 sends a job to the output device 30. Issue.

  On the other hand, when the number of jobs waiting to be transmitted exceeds five, that is, when the “operation condition” is not satisfied, the distribution apparatus 20 determines a maximum of five at 10-minute intervals according to the condition set in the “repetition condition”. The job resend process is repeatedly executed up to once. Also, after the job is issued to the output device 30, the processing status of the job executed by the output device 30 is monitored for 10 minutes set in the “monitoring time”.

  Further, in the distribution rule (b), a time zone of 20:01 to 08:59 is set in the “distribution condition”, and the limit value of the “operation condition” is larger than that of the distribution rule (a). The “repetition condition” is set to a large number of times although the waiting time is short. Furthermore, the “monitoring time” is also set longer.

  This is because the user who can deal with the malfunction of the output device 30 is not nearby in the night time period of 20:01 to 08:59 set in the “distribution condition” of the distribution rule (b). This is to prevent failure and ensure monitoring.

  For example, when such a distribution rule (a) and distribution rule (b) are prescribed, as shown in FIG. If a data processing request is sent from the input device 10, a job is issued to the output device (1), while it is sent to the distribution device 20 during the time period 20:01 to 08:59. If a data processing request is sent from the input device 10, a job is issued to the output device (2). When the output device 30 finishes executing the job, the distribution device 20 notifies the user of an error or job completion.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the input device 10, the distribution device 20, and the output device 30 illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 5, the input device 10 is described as a reception fax 10a, and the output device 30 is described as a file server 30a and a transmission fax 30b.

  A receiving fax machine 10a as the input device 10 receives and transmits image data via a public line or a LAN. Specifically, fax communication is performed in which image data is received from a sending fax machine (not shown) or image data is sent to a receiving fax machine (not shown). However, in this embodiment, the receiving fax machine 10a serves as a receiving fax machine that receives image data by fax.

  The receiving fax machine 10a receives image data sent by fax from a sending fax machine (not shown) and temporarily stores the image data, and then sends a data processing request including the image data and a processing request for the data. It is transmitted to the distribution device 20. The receiving fax machine 10a includes, as various processing function units, a communication control unit 11 that performs communication control processing for fax transmission and reception, a received data storage unit 12 that temporarily stores image data received by fax, and received data storage. A data transmission unit 13 configured to transmit a data processing request including image data stored in the unit 12 to the distribution device 20.

  The reception data accumulation unit 12 is a memory or the like that temporarily accumulates image data received by fax, and shows a state where image data 1 and image data 2 are temporarily accumulated.

  Next, the distribution device 20 will be described.

  The distribution device 20 receives a data processing request from the reception fax 10a and issues a job to the file server 30a and / or the transmission fax 30b based on the distribution rule. Further, after the job is issued, the processing status of the job executed by these output devices 30 is monitored.

  The distribution device 20 includes a data reception unit 21, a data storage unit 22, a distribution rule management unit 23, a condition determination function unit 24, an output control unit 25, a user notification unit 26, and an output as various processing function units. And a monitoring function unit 27.

  The data receiving unit 21 plays a role of receiving a data processing request including image data temporarily stored in the receiving fax machine 10a. In this embodiment, the case where the image data stored in the receiving fax machine 10a is transmitted from the data transmitting unit 13 on the receiving fax machine 10a side to the distribution apparatus 20 will be described. The image data stored in the receiving fax machine 10a may be acquired by the data receiving unit 21.

  The data storage unit 22 temporarily accumulates the data processing requests received from the reception fax machine 10a by the data reception unit 21. Also, it plays a role of accumulating jobs issued to the output device 30 until the output device 30 can accept the job.

  The distribution rule management unit 23 performs overall management of distribution rules. Specifically, a distribution rule storage unit 23b that stores one or a plurality of distribution rules, and a distribution rule setting unit 23a for setting (defining) a user-desired setting value to the distribution rule are configured. . In addition, a communication function may be provided in the distribution rule management unit 23, the distribution rule may be transmitted to the input device 10 by this communication function, and the distribution rule may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the input device 10. In this case, by further providing a user authentication mechanism on the input device 10 side, it is possible to perform operations such as changing the distribution rule for each user.

  The condition determination function unit 24 acquires the current time, and is managed by the distribution rule management unit 23 based on the acquired current time and the identification information of the input device 10 that has input the data processing request to the distribution device 20. A delivery rule that matches the condition is specified from one or more delivery rules. Specifically, the IP address or the like of the input device that has input the data processing request to the distribution device 20 is included in the “input device identification information” of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2), and the current time when the data processing request is received. A distribution rule that matches the “distribution condition” of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2) is specified.

  The output control unit 25 is a processing unit that issues a job to the output device 30 (generation and transmission of a job). Specifically, “output device information” is acquired from the distribution rule specified by the condition determination function unit 24, and a job is issued to the output device 30 based on the acquired information. As described above, the job issued by the output control unit 25 includes a command based on a processing request received from the input device 10 and data to be processed. This command may be newly generated based on the “output contents” of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2). That is, it is also possible to generate a new command according to the distribution rule, ignoring the processing request from the input device 10.

  The user notification unit 26 is a processing unit that notifies the user of an error or job completion based on the distribution rule. Specifically, when a notification is received from the output control unit 25 and an output monitoring function unit 27 to be described later, the processing status is notified to the user by the method set in the “notification method” of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2).

  The output monitoring function unit 27 is a processing unit that monitors a processing status of a job executed by the output device 30 for a predetermined time after a job is issued by the output control unit 25. Specifically, when a job is issued by the output control unit 25, the processing status of the job executed on the output device 30 is monitored for the waiting time set in the “monitoring time” of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2). To do. The monitoring result is notified to the user notification unit 26, and the user notification unit 26 notifies the user of the processing status of the output device 30, that is, job error, completion, and the like.

  Next, the output device 30 will be described.

  The file server 30a as the output device 30 is a computer or the like having a storage device, stores a document file or the like, and allows a plurality of users to share the file.

  Similarly, the transmission fax machine 30b as the output device 30 receives and transmits image data via a public line, a LAN, or the like. It has substantially the same function as the above-described receiving fax machine 10a. However, in this embodiment, the transmitting fax machine 10b functions as a sending fax machine that receives a job from the distribution apparatus 20 and performs fax transmission based on the job.

  The transmission fax 30b, as various processing function units, temporarily stores a job from the distribution device 20, and transmits a fax transmission based on the job, and a job execution status to the distribution device 20 and the like. And a notification function unit 32 for notification.

  The notification function unit 32 includes an operation state notification unit 32a and a processing state notification unit 32b. The operation state notification unit 32a plays a role of notifying the distribution device 20 of the operation state of the transmission fax 30b. The operation state is information such as starting, waiting, job executing, etc. When the job is being executed, the number of jobs waiting to be executed is also notified at the same time. In the present embodiment, the operation state notified by the operation state notification unit 32a is not particularly used on the distribution device 20 side.

  The processing status notification unit 32 b is a processing unit that notifies the processing status of a job received from the distribution device 20. The processing status is information such as a job error and job completion. By notifying the distribution device 20 of the job processing status from the processing status notification unit 32b, the output monitoring function unit 27 of the distribution device 20 can monitor the processing status of the job executed by the output device 30. it can.

  The above is description of the block diagram which shows the internal structure of the input device 10, the delivery apparatus 20, and the output device 30 concerning this invention. Note that the input fax machine 10a as the input device 10, the file server 30a as the output device 30 and the sending fax machine 30b are configured by conventional well-known techniques.

  The operation of the distribution apparatus 20 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the distribution apparatus 20 when setting distribution rules.

  When the user gives an instruction to activate a user interface for setting the distribution rule, the distribution rule management unit 23 activates the user interface together with the instruction (step S101). Along with this activation, a user interface is displayed on a display unit (not shown) provided in the distribution apparatus 20.

  When an input device is input from the operation unit (not shown) by the user on the user interface, the distribution rule setting unit 23a sets the input device in the distribution rule according to the input (step S102). Subsequently, when an output device is input, the distribution rule setting unit 23a sets the output device in the distribution rule according to the input as described above (step S103).

  Further, the distribution rule setting unit 23a sets the corresponding distribution condition, notification method, and the like in the distribution rule according to the user input (step S104). When the input of the setting value corresponding to the setting item of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2) is completed in this way, the distribution rule is stored in the distribution rule storage unit 23b (step S105), and this process ends.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of job issuance processing in the distribution apparatus 20 according to the present invention.

  When a data processing request is input from the input device 10 to the distribution device 20 (step S201), this processing is started. The distribution apparatus 20 receives the data processing request from the input device 10 at the data receiving unit 21 and temporarily stores the data processing request in the data storage unit 22 (step S202).

  When the data processing request is stored, the condition determination function unit 24 acquires the current time, and based on the acquired current time and the identification information of the input device 10 that has input the data processing request to the distribution device 20. Thus, a delivery rule that matches the condition is identified from one or more delivery rules managed by the delivery rule management unit 23 (step S203). Specifically, the IP address or the like of the input device that has input the data processing request to the distribution device 20 is included in the “input device identification information” of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2), and the current time when the data processing request is received. A distribution rule that matches the “distribution condition” of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2) is specified.

  Hereinafter, the processing after step S204 is mainly performed under the control of the output control unit 25. When the distribution rule is specified in this way, “output device information”, that is, “output device identification information”, “output contents”, “output device information”, and “output device information” are identified from the specified distribution rule (see FIG. 2). "Condition" is acquired (step S205).

  Then, the number of jobs waiting to be transmitted to the output device 30 is acquired in the distribution device 20 (step S206), and the acquired number of jobs is set in the “operation condition” of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2). It is determined whether or not the limit value of the number of jobs waiting for transmission is exceeded (step S207).

  Here, when the acquired number of jobs waiting to be transmitted does not exceed the limit value set in the “operation condition” of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2) (NO in step S206), the processing received from the input device 10 A job including a command based on the request and the data to be processed is issued to the output device 30 (step S207), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the acquired number of jobs waiting to be transmitted exceeds the limit value set in the “operation condition” of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2) (YES in step S206), the job retransmission process has already been performed. It is determined whether or not the number of repetitions has been repeated (step S208). That is, it is a determination as to whether or not the job retransmission processing has been performed for the number of times set in the “number of times” of the “repetition condition” of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2).

  If the number of job retransmission processes does not exceed the predetermined number (NO in step S208), 1 is added to the counter variable cnt (step S211), and after waiting for a predetermined time (step S212), step S206. Return to, and resend the job. The waiting for the predetermined time indicates waiting for the waiting time set in the “waiting time” of the “repetition condition” of the distribution rule (see FIG. 2).

  If the number of job retransmission processes exceeds the predetermined number (YES in step S208), the user notification unit 26 notifies the user of an error and cancels the job retransmission process ( Step S210), this process is terminated.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the monitoring process in the distribution apparatus 20 according to the present invention. This process is started after a job is issued to the output device 30 (see FIG. 7).

  First, the output control unit 25 notifies the output monitoring function unit 27 that a job has been issued to the output device 30. Upon receiving this notification, the output monitoring function unit 27 acquires operation information necessary for monitoring from the distribution rule (step S301). Specifically, “monitoring time” and “output device access information” are acquired from the distribution rule (see FIG. 2) specified by the condition determination function unit 24 in step S203 of FIG.

  The output monitoring function unit 27 starts monitoring the output device 30 based on the operation information necessary for monitoring acquired in this way (step S302).

  When monitoring is started, the output monitoring function unit 27 waits until the job processing status is received from the output device 30 (NO in step S303) or until the monitoring time elapses (NO in step S304).

  When the job processing status is received from the output device 30 during this standby (YES in step S303), the output monitoring function unit 27 confirms the notification content. That is, it is confirmed whether it is an error notification or a job completion notification.

  If the received notification content is neither an error notification nor a job completion notification (NO in step S305, NO in step S306), the process returns to step S303 to continue waiting again, but the received notification content is an error. If it is a notification (YES in step S305), the notification content is transmitted from the output monitoring function unit 27 to the user notification unit 26, and the user notification unit 26 notifies the user of an error (step S307). Further, along with this error, the output monitoring function unit 27 ends the monitoring process (step S308). Then, this process ends.

  If the received notification content is a job completion notification (NO in step S305, YES in step S306), the notification content is transmitted from the output monitoring function unit 27 to the user notification unit 26, and the user notification unit 26 notifies the user that the job has been completed normally (step S307). As the job is normally completed, the output monitoring function unit 27 ends the monitoring process (step S308). Then, this process ends.

  Further, when the monitoring time has elapsed during the standby in step S303 and step S304 (NO in step S303, YES in step S304), the output monitoring function indicates that the monitoring has ended in the middle of the job. The information is transmitted from the unit 27 to the user notification unit 26, and the user notification unit 26 notifies the user (step S307). Further, since the monitoring time has ended, the output monitoring function unit 27 ends the monitoring process (step S308). Then, this process ends.

  As described above, in the present invention, the conditions for issuing a job to the output device 30, the job retransmission processing repetition condition, and the monitoring condition of the job processing status executed by the output device 30 after the job is issued are as follows. Since the distribution rule including it can be set according to the time zone and the output destination, it is possible to construct the distribution device 20 according to the use environment of the user.

  For this reason, in a time zone in which the output device 30 may be occupied and used, a distribution rule is set so that the distribution device 20 can issue many jobs, and the output device 30 has other uses (jobs from the distribution device 20). In the time zone used for the other, the delivery rule is set so as to suppress the job from the delivery device 20, and the setup is made to prevent the failure of the job as much as possible in the time zone in which the user cannot deal with the malfunction in the output device 30. Thus, the processing efficiency of the input device 10 and the output device 30 can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the above and the drawings, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not changing the gist thereof. Several other modified examples of the distribution apparatus 20 described in the above-described embodiments are listed below.

  a) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the limit value of the number of jobs waiting to be transmitted is set in the “operation condition” of the distribution rule has been described, but the number of jobs waiting to be executed in the output device 30 may be included in this. Good. In this case, in response to the inquiry from the distribution device 20, the number of jobs waiting to be executed is returned from the operation state notifying unit 32b of the output device 30 (transmission fax 30b), so that the distribution device 20 executes it in the output device 30. Know the number of jobs waiting.

  b) In the above embodiment, the input device 10 and the distribution device 20 are described as separate devices. However, the distribution device 20 may be incorporated in the input device 10 and the input device 10 may perform distribution control processing.

  c) In the above embodiment, the case where a file server is used as the computer corresponding to the output device 30 has been described. However, the output device 30 may be a mail server or the like. In the case of a mail server, for example, a disk capacity or the like is set in the “operation condition” of the distribution rule, and a distribution control process is performed such that a job is not issued if the disk capacity of the mail server is small. This can be similarly applied to the file server 30a described in the above embodiment. When the disk capacity of the file server is small, the present invention can be implemented under “operation conditions” in which no job is issued. Good.

  d) In the above embodiment, the case where a data processing request (data to be processed and a processing request for such data) is sent from the input device 10 to the distribution device 20 has been described. Alternatively, only a processing request may be sent. In this case, information indicating the data storage location, for example, address information indicating a predetermined directory in the file server is included in the processing request, and the distribution apparatus 20 acquires data from the predetermined server.

  e) In the above embodiment, the case where a data processing request (data to be processed and a processing request for such data) is sent from the input device 10 to the distribution device 20 has been described. Alternatively, only data may be sent. In this case, the distribution apparatus 20 generates a command for the received data based on the “output contents” in the distribution rule.

  The distribution apparatus and the distribution control method of the present invention can be applied to all distribution apparatuses that issue a job including data related to a processing request and a processing instruction for the data to an output device based on the processing request from the input device. In particular, it can be effectively used in an office (company, government office) or the like in which an input device and an output device are arranged.

It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the delivery system to which the delivery apparatus 20 concerning this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows an example of a delivery rule. It is a figure which shows an example which set the value to the one part setting item of the delivery rule. An outline of the distribution control process based on the distribution rule in the distribution apparatus 20 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an input device 10, a distribution device 20, and an output device 30 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement in the delivery apparatus 20 at the time of setting a delivery rule. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the job issuing process in the delivery apparatus 20 concerning this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the monitoring process in the delivery apparatus 20 concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Input device 10a Fax for receiving (input device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Communication control part 12 Reception data storage part 13 Data transmission part 20 Distribution apparatus 21 Data reception part 22 Data storage part 23 Distribution rule management part 23a Distribution rule setting part 23b Distribution rule storage part 24 Condition determination function part 25 Output control part 26 User Notification unit 27 Output monitoring function unit 30 Output device 30a File server (output device)
30b Fax for transmission (output equipment)
31 Job Execution Unit 32 Notification Function Unit 32a Operation Status Notification Unit 32b Processing Status Notification Unit

Claims (6)

In a distribution device that issues a job including data related to the processing request and a processing instruction for the data to the output device based on the processing request from the input device.
Including a first condition that defines a limit value for the number of jobs scheduled to be executed by the output device that is permitted to issue jobs to the output device, the number of job retransmission processes for the output device, and a waiting interval for the job retransmission process A second condition that defines a job retransmission repetition condition, wherein the first condition is set such that a limit value for the number of jobs is set larger in the first time zone than in the second time zone, and the second condition is A delivery rule setting means for setting a delivery rule in which the first time zone is set to have a larger number of retransmission processes and a longer waiting interval than the second time zone ;
Distribution rule storage means for storing the distribution rule set by the distribution rule setting means;
And characterized by including an output control unit for controlling the issuance of the job for the output device based on the first condition and the second condition included in the stored the delivery rules to the delivery rules storing means Distribution device to do. The delivery rule setting means includes
A third condition that defines a standby time for monitoring the process for the job in the output device, wherein the third condition is a time for monitoring the first time zone from the second time zone; Set the delivery rule to be set longer,
The output control means includes
The distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein processing for the job in the output device is monitored based on the third condition included in the distribution rule . User notification means for notifying a user of a monitoring result of processing for the job in the output device
The distribution apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising: The delivery rule setting means includes
The added delivery rules to the first and bands second time, the distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that set in correspondence with the day or date. In a distribution device that issues a job including data related to the processing request and a processing instruction for the data to the output device based on the processing request from the input device.
Including a first condition that defines a limit value for the number of jobs scheduled to be executed by the output device that is permitted to issue jobs to the output device, the number of job retransmission processes for the output device, and a waiting interval for the job retransmission process A second condition that defines a job retransmission repetition condition; and a third condition that defines a waiting time for monitoring processing for the job in the output device, wherein the first condition is a first time period. Is set to have a larger limit value for the number of jobs than the second time zone, and the second condition is that the first time zone has a larger number of retransmission processes and a longer waiting interval than the second time zone. The third condition is a distribution rule setting means for setting a distribution rule in which the first time zone is set to be monitored longer than the second time zone;
Distribution rule storage means for storing the distribution rule set by the distribution rule setting means;
Output control means for controlling issuance of the job to the output device based on the first condition and the second condition included in the delivery rule stored in the delivery rule storage means;
Monitoring means for monitoring processing for the job in the output device based on the third condition included in the delivery rule stored in the delivery rule storage means;
A distribution apparatus comprising: In a distribution control method for a distribution apparatus that issues a job including data relating to a processing request and a processing instruction for the data to an output device based on the processing request from the input device.
Including a first condition that defines a limit value for the number of jobs scheduled to be executed by the output device that is permitted to issue jobs to the output device, the number of job retransmission processes for the output device, and a waiting interval for the job retransmission process A second condition that defines a job retransmission repetition condition; and a third condition that defines a waiting time for monitoring processing for the job in the output device, wherein the first condition is a first time period. Is set to have a larger limit value for the number of jobs than the second time zone, and the second condition is that the first time zone has a larger number of retransmission processes and a longer waiting interval than the second time zone. The third condition is that a distribution rule in which the monitoring time is set longer in the first time zone than in the second time zone is set by a distribution rule setting means.
The distribution rule set by the distribution rule setting means is stored by the distribution rule storage means,
Wherein controlled by the output control means issuing the job for the output device based on the first condition and the second condition included in the stored the delivery rules to the distribution rule storage means,
Distribution control method of the delivery apparatus, which comprises carrying out the monitoring means to monitor the process for the job in the output device based on the third condition included in the distribution rule storage the distribution rules stored in the unit.

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