JP4985307B2 - Job moving method, image processing apparatus, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for transferring a job from an image processing apparatus to another image processing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses called multifunction machines or MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) that integrate various functions such as a copy, a scanner, a fax machine, and a document server are often used.

  Such an image forming apparatus is installed in a corporate office. In an environment where many users use an image forming apparatus such as a large-scale office, a plurality of image forming apparatuses may be installed and used jointly by these users.

  In an environment that is used jointly by a plurality of users, an instruction to execute a job such as printing may be issued from the plurality of users at the same time to one image forming apparatus. In that case, these jobs are executed in the order registered in the image forming apparatus.

  By the way, a job that takes a long time to process, such as printing an enormous number of copies, may be registered. When such a job is registered, the user who subsequently registered the job with the image forming apparatus must wait for a long time to complete the previously registered job. As a method for avoiding such a situation, it is conceivable to transfer a once registered job to another image forming apparatus and execute it. Patent Document 1 discloses a method related to job transfer.

According to the method of Patent Document 1, when a user issues a print command that does not use the finishing function to the MFP having the finishing function, the user is prompted to print with another MFP that does not have the finishing function. Then, data for executing the print job is transferred to the MFP selected by the user from among the other MFPs.
JP 2005-169626 A

  When transferring a job, for example, the following operation is performed. First, a list of transfer destination candidate image forming apparatuses is displayed on the display unit of the previous image forming apparatus instructed to execute the job. From the list, an image forming apparatus as a transfer destination is selected and transfer is instructed.

  In an environment where many image forming apparatuses are installed in the office, a large number of image forming apparatuses are displayed as candidates. Therefore, it is difficult to grasp the correspondence between each displayed image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus installed in the office, and this operation is very inconvenient.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that a job registered in an image forming apparatus can be transferred to another image forming apparatus with a simple operation.

A job moving method according to an aspect of the present invention provides a remote control device that transmits a signal to an image processing device using electromagnetic waves having directivity, and an image in which a moving job that is a job to be moved is registered. A predetermined signal is sent to an image processing apparatus other than the movement source by causing the remote control apparatus to execute a first designation process for designating the image processing apparatus as a movement source by transmitting a predetermined signal toward the processing apparatus. The destination image processing apparatus, which is the image processing apparatus designated as the movement destination, causes the remote control apparatus to execute a second designation process for designating the image processing apparatus as the movement destination of the movement target job by transmitting When the movement target job is moved, the movement destination start scheduled time, which is a time when the movement destination image processing apparatus is scheduled to start the movement target job, The movement source image processing apparatus, which is the image processing apparatus designated as the movement source, compares the movement source scheduled start time, which is the scheduled time to start the movement target job, when the movement target job has not moved. When the scheduled destination start time is earlier than the scheduled source start time, it is determined that it is appropriate to move the target job, and the scheduled destination start time is earlier than the scheduled source start time. If it is determined that it is appropriate to cause the destination image processing apparatus to execute a determination process that determines that it is not appropriate to move the movement target job if it is late, A movement process for moving the movement target job from the movement source image processing apparatus to the movement destination image processing apparatus via a communication line is performed. Domoto is executed by the image processing apparatus, when the moving the moving target job is determined to be invalid and does not execute the movement process.

A job movement method according to another aspect of the present invention is a job movement method for moving a job registered in one image processing apparatus to the other image processing apparatus. is prepared a remote controller having a function of receiving a signal from the function and the image processing apparatus transmits a signal to said remote control device, the movement target job is the subject of the job of the mobile is in an image processing apparatus which is registered to execute the predetermined signal transmission processing for transmitting a predetermined signal to the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus, the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus, wherein the apparatus identifier for identifying the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus remote control device the device identifier transmission process of transmitting is performed upon receipt of a predetermined signal to, the remote control device, before transmitted from the transfer source image processing apparatus The device identifier to execute the device identifier transfer process of transferring to the mobile target job of the destination image processing apparatus in which the destination image processing apparatus, when the moving target job to the destination image processing apparatus has moved The destination image processing apparatus starts the movement target job, and when the movement target job does not move, the movement source image processing apparatus starts the movement target job. Compared with the scheduled start time of the migration source, and when the scheduled destination start time is earlier than the scheduled start time of the migration source, it is determined that it is appropriate to move the job to be migrated, If the movement destination scheduled start time is later than the movement source scheduled start time, a determination process for determining that it is not appropriate to move the movement target job is performed. Is executed by the image processing apparatus, the mobile Sakiga image processing apparatus, when said moving the moving target job is determined to be valid, on the basis of the device identifier that has been transferred from the remote control device wherein job data acquisition process for acquiring via the communication line job data for executing the moving target job from the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus is executed, when it moving said moving target job is determined to be invalid Does not execute the job data acquisition process.

Preferably, the movement source image processing apparatus is caused to execute a first scheduled start time transmission process for transmitting the movement source start scheduled time to the remote control apparatus, and is transmitted to the remote control apparatus from the movement source image processing apparatus. A second scheduled start time transmission process for transmitting the scheduled source start time to the destination image processing apparatus is executed, and the determination process is transmitted from the remote control apparatus to the destination image processing apparatus. And executing the validity determination result transmission process for transmitting the result of the determination process to the remote control apparatus, and causing the remote control apparatus to perform the movement. The validity determination result display process for displaying the result of the determination process transmitted from the previous image processing apparatus is executed.
Alternatively, for each of the movement target jobs registered in the movement source image processing apparatus, the movement source image processing apparatus, the movement source scheduled start time of the movement target job and a job identifier for identifying the movement target job, and allowed to store, in said mobile Motoe image processing apparatus, wherein the first scheduled start time transmission process, the moving source scheduled start time of each of the moving target job that is registered with the mobile Motoe picture processor and wherein to execute the processing that sends a job identifier, the remote control device, to execute the job list display processing for displaying a list that describes the job identifier transmitted from the transfer source image processing apparatus, said remote control apparatus, the movement has been transmitted from the original image processing apparatus, wherein the moving target job according to the job identifier selected by the user from the list The Domoto scheduled start time, the process of transmitting together with the job identifier as the second transfer source start scheduled time transmission process, is executed, the destination image processing apparatus, as the job data acquisition process, the remote control device the process of acquiring the previous SL job data of the moving target job according to the job identifier transmitted from executing.

  Alternatively, the job can be registered by storing the job data of the job, the job identifier of the job, and the user identifier of the user who has instructed execution of the job in the movement source image processing apparatus in association with each other. The remote control device executes a user identifier transmission process for transmitting a user identifier of a user who uses the remote control device to the source image processing apparatus, and is registered as the job list data transmission process. The job source image processing apparatus is caused to execute processing for transmitting the job list data of the job associated with the received user identifier among the existing jobs.

Alternatively, the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus, the moving target job, and a user identifier of the user who instructs execution of the job identifier and the mobile target job of the job data and the mobile target job of the mobile target job by association with each other, may be registered in the remote controller, to execute the user identifier transmission process to send the user identifier of the user who uses the remote control device to the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus, wherein the movement source image processing apparatus, wherein the first scheduled start time transmission process, the moving source start moving target job which is associated with the user identifier transmitted from the remote control device of said mobile target job to perform the process of transmitting the scheduled time and the job identifier.

Alternatively, the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus, the mobile to each of the moving target job registered in the original image processing apparatus, those the mobile target job execution condition data indicating a condition necessary for the execution of the mobile target job the advance in association with the job identifier is stored in, the mobile Sakiga image processing apparatus, the moving target job corresponding to the job identifier transmitted from the remote control device, to the mobile Motoe picture processor the execution condition data acquisition process of acquiring the execution condition data stored, to execute, to the mobile Sakiga image processing apparatus, the execution of the moving target job corresponding to the job identifier transmitted from the remote control device availability and determining execution determination processing based on the execution condition data acquired in the mobile target job, is executed, the destination image processing apparatus , Determined to be transmitted when it is determined that it can not execute the moving target job corresponding to the job identifier transmitted from the remote control device, the determination result of whether the execution of the mobile object job to the remote device A result transmission process is executed, and the remote control apparatus is caused to execute an execution permission / inhibition result display process for displaying a determination result of whether or not to execute the movement target job transmitted from the destination image processing apparatus .

  1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the image processing system 1, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 2, and FIG. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 1 includes image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c,..., A remote control device 3, a communication line NT, and the like. The image forming apparatuses 2 can communicate with each other via a communication line NT. Each image forming device 2 and remote control device 3 can communicate with each other by a wireless communication method. A LAN or the like is used as the communication line NT. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c,... May be collectively referred to as “image forming apparatus 2”. Similarly, other devices, members, data, and the like may be collectively described by omitting alphabets or serial numbers attached to the end of the reference numerals.

  The image forming apparatus 2 is an image processing apparatus that integrates various functions such as a copy, a scanner, a fax machine, and a document server. Sometimes called a multi-function peripheral or MFP (Multi Function Peripherals).

  The image forming apparatus 2 has a function of transferring (transferring) a job such as printing registered therein to another image forming apparatus 2. The transferred job is executed in the transferred image forming apparatus 2. This function will be described in detail later.

  Each image forming apparatus 2 is preset with a device name and an IP address for identifying itself from other image forming apparatuses 2. Further, a table for associating the device name of each image forming apparatus 2 with the IP address is stored. Data is transmitted and received between the image forming apparatuses 2 based on the IP address. It is assumed that “MFP-A” and “MFP-B” are set as the device names of the image forming apparatuses 2a and 2b, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, a hard disk 20d, a control circuit 20e, an operation panel 20f, a communication interface 20g, a printing device 20h, a scanner 20i, and the like.

  A program for controlling the image forming apparatus 2 and various data are installed in the hard disk 20d. These programs and data are read to the RAM 20b as necessary. The program is executed by the CPU 20a. Some or all of these programs or data may be stored in the ROM 20c.

  The scanner 20i is an apparatus that optically reads an image such as a photograph, a character, a picture, or a chart drawn on a document sheet to generate image data.

  The printing device 20h is a device that prints an image on paper based on image data obtained by the scanner 20i or image data transmitted from another device.

  The communication interface 20g is a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem for communicating with other devices.

  The wireless communication device 20j is an interface for performing wireless communication with the remote control device 3.

  The control circuit 20e is a circuit for controlling devices such as the hard disk 20d, the scanner 20i, the printing device 20h, the communication interface 20g, and the operation panel 20f.

  The operation panel 20f includes a touch panel and a plurality of operation buttons. The operation button is an input device for the user to input processing conditions and the like to the image forming apparatus 2. Similarly to the operation buttons, the touch panel is an input device that performs input to the image forming apparatus 2 by touching by the user. Furthermore, the touch panel also serves as a display device that displays a message to the user or displays various setting screens.

  The remote control device 3 is a remote control device for remotely giving an instruction for moving a job registered in a certain image forming device 2 to another image forming device 2 to both the image forming devices 2 wirelessly. is there. One remote control device 3 is distributed to each user of the image processing system 1. Each remote control device 3 stores in advance a user number that is a number for identifying the user who is the owner.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the remote control device 3 includes a display DP, a right button BTm, a left button BTh, an enter button BTk, and a wireless communication unit SJ.

  The display DP is a liquid crystal display unit that displays various screens GM described later. The right button BTm and the left button BTh are buttons for moving the cursor KS displayed on the display DP to the left and right. However, when the cursor moves vertically, the cursor KS moves upward when the left button BTh is pressed. When the right button BTm is pressed, the cursor KS moves downward. When the determination button BTk is pressed, an apparatus or processing condition corresponding to the position of the cursor KS is selected. Hereinafter, the right button BTm, the left button BTh, and the decision button BTk may be collectively referred to as “input button BT”.

  The wireless communication unit SJ is an interface for performing wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 2. The wireless communication unit SJ emits a signal to the image forming apparatus 2 using directional electromagnetic waves (infrared rays or radio waves having a predetermined wavelength). Therefore, when communicating with the image forming apparatus 2, the radio wave transmission direction of the wireless communication unit SJ is set to match the direction of the image forming apparatus 2 as much as possible, that is, the direction of the image forming apparatus 2. It is necessary to operate in a direction within a predetermined angle. The directivity of electromagnetic waves can be enhanced by the shape of the antenna or lens. The image forming apparatus 2 is provided with an antenna so that electromagnetic waves can be transmitted in all directions and received from all directions.

  4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 2, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job data table TLJ, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the remote control device 3.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a job data storage unit 201, a job execution control unit 202, a job data update processing unit 203, a reception processing unit 204, a transmission processing unit 205, a job data request processing unit 206, and a job execution. The determination unit 207 includes a validity determination unit 207, a validity determination unit 208, and a data provision processing unit 209. Programs and data for realizing the functions of these units are installed in the hard disk 20d. These programs and data are read to the RAM 20b as necessary. The program is executed by the CPU 20a. Some or all of these programs or data may be stored in the ROM 20c. The functions of these units may be realized only by hardware such as the control circuit 20e.

  The job data storage unit 201 stores a job data table TLJ that stores data relating to a job that the user has instructed the image forming apparatus 2 to execute.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the job data table TLJ includes “number”, “registered user”, “registration date / time”, “type”, “required function data”, “format data”, “scheduled start time”, “ Records including fields such as “job data” and “hold flag” are stored. Each time the image forming apparatus 2 is instructed to execute a job such as printing, scanning, and fax transmission, one record for the job is added. Thereby, the job is registered. Jobs are executed in the registered order.

  “Number” indicates a job identification number for identifying a job. The job identification number is assigned at the time of job registration.

  “Registered user” indicates the user number of the user who registered the job. “Registration date / time” indicates the date / time when the job was registered.

  “Type” indicates the type of job of the record (print job, fax transmission job, scan job, or the like).

  The “necessary function data” stores necessary function data DS indicating functions necessary for executing the job of the record. If the image forming apparatus 2 does not have the function indicated by the necessary function data DS, the image forming apparatus 2 cannot execute the job. That is, the necessary function data DS is data indicating restrictions on job execution.

  For example, the necessary function data DS for the job “double-sided color printing and staple binding” includes “double-sided printing function”, “color printing function”, and “staple binding function”.

  The “format data” stores format data DK indicating the identification name of the application used for executing the job of the record and the format of data (JPEG, bitmap, etc.) handled when executing the job.

  The “scheduled start time” indicates the time at which the job is scheduled to start. This time is determined by the estimated start time of another job scheduled to be executed immediately before and the time expected to be required to execute the other job. The prediction time is obtained by a predetermined calculation formula based on the type of job and the amount of processing (for example, the number of copies).

  The “job data” stores job data DJ including data used when executing the job of the record, processing conditions, and the like. When the job is a print job, the job data DJ includes, for example, conditions such as the number of copies to be printed and the paper size, and image data to be printed.

  The “hold flag” stores a value indicating whether or not to hold the job of the record. “0” indicates that the job is not held and is executed when the order comes as usual. “1” indicates that the job is to be suspended. This will be described in detail later.

  The job execution control unit 202 reads a record from the job data table TLJ, appropriately selects a device such as the printing device 20h or the communication interface 20g according to the job type of the record, and causes the job to be executed. When the processing of the job is completed, the next registered record is read and the job of the record is executed. Repeat this process until the last record. However, the execution of the job is suspended for the record whose “hold flag” is “1”. That is, such a record is skipped and the job of the next record is executed. If a record having a “hold flag” value of “1” remains at the end, execution of the job is held until the value of the “hold flag” is updated to “0”.

  The job data update processing unit 203 performs processing for updating the job data table TLJ. Specifically, for example, when a print command to the image forming apparatus 2 is received from a terminal device used by the user, a record related to the print job is generated and registered in the job data table TLJ. When a job is executed by the processing of the job execution control unit 202, the job record is deleted from the job data table TLJ. Update the value of “pending flag” as necessary.

  Further, when a job is moved from another image forming apparatus 2, a record of the job is generated and registered in the job data table TLJ. When a job is moved to another image forming apparatus 2, the job record is deleted from the job data table TLJ.

  The reception processing unit 204 receives data transmitted from the remote control device 3 and the other image forming device 2 by controlling the communication interface 20g and the wireless communication device 20k. The transmission processing unit 205 controls the communication interface 20g and the wireless communication device 20k so as to transmit data to the remote control device 3 and other image forming devices 2.

  The job data request processing unit 206 requests job data DJ of a job (move target job) instructed to move to the image forming apparatus 2 to another image forming apparatus 2 in which the job is currently registered. Process to get.

  The job execution possibility determination unit 207 determines whether or not the movement target job can be executed in the image forming apparatus 2 based on the necessary function data DS of the job. The necessary function data DS is acquired from another image forming apparatus 2 in which the job to be moved is currently registered.

  The validity determination unit 208 obtains the scheduled start time of the movement target job when the image forming apparatus 2 accepts the movement target job, and the scheduled start time and the job in the other image forming apparatus 2 that is the movement source. It is determined whether or not it is appropriate to move the job. If the image forming apparatus 2 itself can start processing earlier than the other image forming apparatus 2 (the image forming apparatus 2 to which the job is currently registered), it is appropriate to move the job. judge. If the other image forming apparatus 2 can start earlier, it is determined that it is not appropriate. The disclosure schedule time in the other image forming apparatus 2 may be inquired of the other image forming apparatus 2.

  The data provision processing unit 209 performs processing for providing target data to a device that has requested transmission of data.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the remote control device 3 includes a user number storage unit 301, a display control unit 302, a command reception unit 303, a job movement control unit 304, a reception processing unit 305, a transmission processing unit 306, and the like. Programs and data for realizing the functions of these units are installed in a storage device such as a ROM built in the remote control device 3. Alternatively, the functions of these units may be realized only by hardware.

  The user number storage unit 301 stores the user number of the owner of the remote control device 3. The display control unit 302 displays various screens on the display DP. The command receiving unit 303 receives a command input by the user pressing the input button BT.

  The job movement control unit 304 causes each unit to execute processing for moving a job from one image forming apparatus 2 to another image forming apparatus 2.

  The reception processing unit 305 controls the wireless communication unit SJ so as to receive data from the image forming apparatus 2. The transmission processing unit 306 controls the wireless communication unit SJ so as to transmit data to the image forming apparatus 2.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing of each device when a job is moved, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of a screen GM displayed on the display DP of the remote control device 3.

  Next, processing of each unit of the image forming apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 4 and each unit of the remote control device 3 shown in FIG. 6 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Here, a case where a user A whose user number is “001” operates the job registered in the image forming apparatus 2a and moves it to the image forming apparatus 2b will be described as an example.

  In order to instruct the movement of the job, the user A first approaches the image forming apparatus 2a (movement source) that registered the job and points his / her remote control device 3 at his / her own. A screen GM1 shown in FIG. 8A is displayed on the display DP of the remote control device 3 as an initial display. In the initial display state, the user presses the determination button BTk toward the image forming apparatus 2a, that is, toward the direction within a predetermined angle with respect to the direction of the image forming apparatus 2a. When the enter button BTk is pressed in the initial display state, the job movement control unit 304 of the remote control device 3 instructs the transmission processing unit 306 to transmit a signal for connection. The transmission processing unit 306 controls the wireless communication unit SJ to transmit a signal to the image forming apparatus 2a in the direction in which the remote controller 3 is facing (# 101).

  The reception processing unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 2a receives the signal. Then, the transmission processing unit 205 returns the device name (MFP-A) of the image forming apparatus 2a to the remote control device 3 (# 102). Then, the display control unit 302 of the remote control device 3 displays a screen GM2 shown in FIG. 8B on the display DP.

  The screen GM2 shows the name of the detected image forming apparatus 2a. When there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 in the same direction as viewed from the remote control device 3, the device names are returned from the respective image forming apparatuses 2. In this case, since the device names of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 are displayed as shown in FIG. 8C, the user puts the cursor KS on the apparatus name of the image forming apparatus 2a.

  When the user places the cursor KS on the image forming apparatus 2a and presses the enter button BTk, the image forming apparatus 2a is selected. The display control unit 302 displays the screen GM4 shown in FIG. 8D on the display DP.

  The screen GM4 shows various commands for the image forming apparatus 2 selected on the screen GM2 or GM3, that is, the image forming apparatus 2a. Here, the user moves the cursor KS to “job selection request”.

  When the user presses the enter button BTk, “job selection request” is selected. Then, the job movement control unit 304 causes the transmission processing unit 306 to execute a process of transmitting a signal requesting data of a job list registered in the image forming apparatus 2a to the image forming apparatus 2a (# 103). At that time, the user number stored in the remote control device 3 is also transmitted together.

  When the reception processing unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 2a receives the request and the user number, the data provision processing unit 209 searches for a record from the job data table TLJ using the transmitted user number as a key. The transmission processing unit 205 controls the wireless communication device 20k to thereby determine the job identification number, registration date / time, job type, necessary function data DS, format data DK, and start indicated by the record retrieved by the data provision processing unit 209. The scheduled time is transmitted to the remote control device 3 (# 104).

  The reception processing unit 305 of the remote control device 3 receives the transmitted data. The display control unit 302 causes the display DP to display a screen GM5 as shown in FIG. 8E that displays a list of received job information.

  When the user presses the enter button BTk, the job corresponding to the position of the cursor KS is selected as a job to be moved (# 105). The job movement control unit 304 instructs the transmission processing unit 306 to execute processing for transmitting the job identification number of the selected job to the image forming apparatus 2a (# 106). Thereafter, a screen GM6 showing a message prompting the user to select the destination image forming apparatus 2 as shown in FIG. 9A is displayed on the display DP.

  When the reception processing unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 2a receives the job identification number, the job data update processing unit 203 retrieves a record from the job data table TLJ based on the job identification number, and sets the “hold flag” of the record. Update the value to “1”. As a result, the job selected by the user as the movement target is put on hold (# 107). Therefore, even if the job order comes, the job execution control unit 202 skips without executing it and moves to execution of the next job.

  Next, the user points the remote controller 3 toward the image forming apparatus 2b to which the job is to be transferred (moved to) and presses the decision button BTk. Then, the reception processing unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 2b receives a signal from the remote control device 3 (# 108). The transmission processing unit 205 transmits the device name (MFP-B) of the image forming apparatus 2b to the remote control device 3 (# 109).

  When the reception processing unit 204 of the remote control device 3 receives the device name, the display control unit 302 displays a screen GM7 as shown in FIG. 9B on the display DP. Here, as in the case of detection of the movement source, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 may be detected. The user moves the cursor KS to the device name of the image forming apparatus 2b from the screen GM7.

  When the user presses the enter button BTk, the image forming apparatus 2b corresponding to the position of the cursor KS is selected as the job transfer destination. When the destination image forming apparatus 2 is selected, the job movement control unit 304 selects the job identification number, necessary function data DS, format data DK, scheduled start time, image of the job selected as the movement target in step # 105. The apparatus name (MFP-A) of the forming apparatus 2a and the user number (001) of the user A are instructed to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2b (# 110).

  The reception processing unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 2b receives these from the remote control device 3. Based on the received necessary function data DS and format data DK, the job execution permission determination unit 207 determines whether or not the job to be moved can be executed in the image forming apparatus 2b as follows (# 111). .

  It is checked whether or not the image forming apparatus 2b itself has the function indicated by the necessary function data DS. If not, it is determined that execution is not possible. If so, the image forming apparatus 2b checks whether it corresponds to the data format and application indicated in the format data DK. When it does not correspond, it is determined that execution is impossible. When it corresponds, it determines with execution being possible.

  When it is determined that the job can be executed, the validity determination unit 208 further determines whether or not the job movement is appropriate as follows.

  Based on the job data table TLJ stored in the job data storage unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 2b, the scheduled start time when the image forming apparatus 2b temporarily receives the job to be moved is temporarily determined. The scheduled start time is obtained based on the scheduled start time of the job scheduled to be executed last, that is, the last registered job and the estimated time required for execution of the job in the image forming apparatus 2b.

  The obtained scheduled start time is compared with the scheduled start time received in step # 110. If the obtained scheduled start time is earlier, it is determined that the job movement is appropriate. If it is late, it is determined to be invalid.

  Alternatively, in the image forming apparatus 2b, an error may occur and execution of job processing may be stopped. In such a case, it is determined that it is not appropriate.

  The transmission processing unit 205 transmits the determination result and the device name (MFP-B) to the remote control device 3 (# 112). When the determination result by the job execution permission determination unit 207 is “unexecutable” or the determination result by the validity determination unit 208 is “invalid”, a message indicating the reason for the determination is also transmitted. If the determination result is “unexecutable” or “invalid”, the data relating to the job to be moved received in step # 110 is discarded, and the process relating to job movement is terminated.

  The reception processing unit 204 of the remote control device 3 receives the determination result. When the determination result is “unexecutable” or “invalid” (No in # 113), the display control unit 302 notifies the screen GM8 that the job cannot be moved as shown in FIG. 9C. Is displayed on the display DP. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, a screen GM9 for notifying the user of the reason (in this example, “color not supported”) as shown in FIG. 9D is further displayed on the display DP. When the user wants to move the job to an image forming apparatus 2 other than the image forming apparatus 2b, the remote control device 3 is directed to the image forming apparatus 2 to execute the processes after step # 108.

  On the other hand, if the determination result is “executable” and “valid” (Yes in # 113), the display control unit 302 notifies that the job can be moved as shown in FIG. The screen GM10 to be displayed is displayed on the display DP. When the user presses the enter button BTk, the job movement control unit 304 instructs the transmission processing unit 306 to transmit a signal instructing to continue the job movement process to the image forming apparatus 2b (# 114). .

  When the reception processing unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 2b receives the command (Yes in # 115), the job data request processing unit 206 receives the job data DJ of the job (move target job) of the job identification number received in step # 108. The transmission processing unit 205 executes processing for transmitting the request signal to the image forming apparatus 2a. At this time, the transmission processing unit 205 transmits the signal to the image forming apparatus 2a based on the IP address corresponding to the apparatus name (MFP-A) received together with the job identification number (# 116). Also, the device name (MFP-B) of the image forming apparatus 2b itself is transmitted together with the signal.

  The reception processing unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 2a receives the job identification number and the apparatus name. The data provision processing unit 209 acquires job data DJ corresponding to the received job identification number from the job data table TLJ. Then, the transmission processing unit 205 is instructed to transmit the job data DJ to the image forming apparatus 2b having the received apparatus name (MFP-B). In accordance with the instruction, the transmission processing unit 205 transmits the job data DJ to the image forming apparatus 2b via the communication line NT (# 117). The job data update processing unit 203 deletes the job identification number job, that is, the record of the job moved to the image forming apparatus 2b from the job data table TLJ (# 118).

  The reception processing unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 2b receives job data DJ transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2a.

  The job data update processing unit 203 adds a new record to the job data table TLJ, and receives the received job data DJ as the job identification number, necessary function data DS, format data DK, and user A user received in step # 110. Store in the record along with the number. Find the scheduled start time and register it in that record. In addition, the “registration date” of the record is set to the current date and the “hold flag” is set to “0”. As a result, the movement target job is registered in the image forming apparatus 2b. The registered movement target job is executed when the turn comes around (# 119).

  In the present embodiment, a remote control device 3 that can remotely give an instruction to the image forming apparatus 2 when a job is moved is used. When the remote control device 3 is directed toward the image forming device 2 and given a predetermined command from the user, the remote control device 3 communicates with the image forming device 2 and acquires the job identification number of the job to be moved. Then, when a predetermined command is given from the user toward the other image forming apparatus 2, communication is performed with the other image forming apparatus 2 and a job identification number of the job to be moved is transmitted. The other image forming apparatus 2 that acquired the job identification number acquires job data DJ corresponding to the job identification number from the image forming apparatus 2 in which the movement target job is registered, and executes the movement target job. To do.

  Thus, the user can operate while intuitively grasping whether the job is moved from one image forming apparatus 2 to another image forming apparatus 2, and is easy to understand. In addition, the job can be moved by a simple operation.

  In the present embodiment, image data having a large amount of data is transmitted between the image forming apparatuses 2 via the communication line NT without passing through the remote control apparatus 3. In the wireless communication section between the image forming apparatus 2 and the remote control device 3, only data with a small amount of data such as a job identification number is transmitted. Therefore, the amount of communication in the wireless communication section with a low communication speed can be reduced, so that the user can use it comfortably.

  When the user selects a job to be moved on the remote control device 3, the execution of the job is put on hold. Therefore, the user slowly moves to the vicinity of the image forming device 2 to be moved and continues the operation. It can be carried out.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 2 is detected based on the direction in which the remote control device 3 is facing. However, the detection is also based on the distance between the remote control device 3 and the image forming apparatus 2. Also good. For example, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 are installed in the same direction, only the one closer to the remote control device 3 is detected. That is, the image forming apparatus 2 is detected based on the positional relationship between the remote control apparatus 3 and the image forming apparatus 2 and the direction of the remote control apparatus 3.

  In this embodiment, the job movement process is applied to the print job movement, but it can also be applied to the movement of other jobs such as a fax transmission job.

  In the present embodiment, when the validity determination unit 208 of the image forming apparatus 2 selected as the job transfer destination determines that the job transfer is “invalid”, the job is not moved to the image forming apparatus 2. However, you may make it make a user select whether to move. If the user chooses to move, the process after step # 114 is executed regardless of the result of the determination on validity, and the job moves.

  In this embodiment, in step # 104 of FIG. 7, by transmitting the record data corresponding to the user number of the user who is operating, the jobs that are candidates for movement are limited to those registered by the user. However, it is not necessary to limit to only those registered by the user. Alternatively, other items such as job type or registration date and time may be limited to those satisfying specific conditions.

  In the present embodiment, job data DJ out of data transmitted and received between the image forming apparatuses 2 is transmitted via the communication line NT. Other data such as the format data DK or the necessary function data DS may be transmitted via the communication line NT without using the remote controller 3.

  In this embodiment, when the user selects a job to be moved, the job identification number of the selected job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 in which the job is registered, but this is not performed. It may be. In that case, the execution of all jobs registered by the user is suspended in the process of step # 107 in FIG. That is, the “hold flag” is set to “1”. As a result, the amount of communication between the remote controller 3 and the image forming apparatus 2 can be reduced. In this case, when a job identification number is transmitted from the destination image forming apparatus 2 in step # 116, a job with a job identification number other than the job identification number among the held jobs. The “hold flag” is returned to “0” to cancel the hold. That is, the suspension of jobs other than the movement target job is canceled at the timing when the job identification number is received in step # 116.

  Alternatively, when the image forming apparatus 2 is provided with a speaker and the job execution availability determination unit 207 determines that the execution is not possible, or the validity determination unit 208 determines that it is not appropriate, a sound for notifying the user of the sound. A (warning sound) may be sounded. Alternatively, a speaker may be provided in the remote control device 3, and in such a case, a warning sound may be generated in the remote control device 3.

  Alternatively, an instruction may be given to the remote control device 3 by shaking vertically or horizontally. In that case, for example, an acceleration sensor is provided in the remote control device 3. Then, when the acceleration sensor detects that it has been shaken, the cursor KS moves.

  Alternatively, for example, the image forming apparatus 2 installed on the fourth floor and the image forming apparatus 2 installed on the fifth floor may be detected. In such a case, the image forming apparatus 2 can be selected by swinging the remote control device 3 sideways toward the height direction of the image forming apparatus 2 to be selected.

  Alternatively, when the job movement is completed, the image forming apparatus 2 that has received the job data DJ may emit a sound for notifying the user of that. Alternatively, a lamp may be provided in the image forming apparatus 2 so that the lamp is lit. Alternatively, when communication with the remote control device 3 is started (steps # 101 and # 108 in FIG. 7), a sound may be emitted or a lamp may be lit.

  In addition, the configuration or function of the whole or each part of the image processing system 1, the image forming apparatus 2, and the remote control device 3, the configuration and contents of the table, the configuration and contents of the screen, the contents indicated by each data, the contents or order of processing, etc. Can be appropriately changed in accordance with the gist of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of an image processing system. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of a remote control device. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a job data table. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of a remote control apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of a process of each apparatus at the time of the movement of a job. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed on the display of a remote control device. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed on the display of a remote control device.

Explanation of symbols

2 Image forming device (image processing device)
3 Remote control device 204 Reception processing unit (job data acquisition means)
205 Transmission processing unit (device identifier transmission unit, job data transmission unit)
206 Job data request processing unit (job data acquisition means)
209 Data provision processing unit (job data transmission means)
DJ job data DK format data (execution condition data)
DS Required function data (execution condition data)
NT communication line

Claims (10)

Prepare a remote control device that transmits a signal to the image processing device using electromagnetic waves having directivity,
A first designation process for designating the image processing apparatus as a movement source is performed on the remote control device by transmitting a predetermined signal to the image processing apparatus in which the movement target job that is the movement target job is registered. Let
Causing the remote control device to execute a second designation process for designating the image processing apparatus as a destination of the movement target job by transmitting a predetermined signal to an image processing apparatus other than the movement source;
When the movement target job is moved to the movement destination image processing apparatus that is the image processing apparatus designated as the movement destination, the movement destination start schedule is a time when the movement destination image processing apparatus is scheduled to start the movement target job. A movement source scheduled start time that is a scheduled time to start the movement target job when the movement target job is not moved by the movement source image processing apparatus that is the image processing apparatus designated as the movement source; If the target destination start scheduled time is earlier than the source start scheduled time, it is determined that it is appropriate to move the target job, and the target destination start time is determined to be the source start scheduled time. If it is later than the time, let the destination image processing apparatus execute determination processing that determines that it is not appropriate to move the job to be moved,
If it is determined that it is appropriate to move the movement target job, a movement process for moving the movement target job from the movement source image processing apparatus to the movement destination image processing apparatus via a communication line is performed. When it is determined that it is not appropriate to cause the destination image processing apparatus and the source image processing apparatus to execute and move the movement target job, the movement processing is not executed.
A job moving method characterized by the above. A job movement method for moving a job registered in one image processing apparatus to the other image processing apparatus,
A remote control device having a function of transmitting a signal to the image processing device by an electromagnetic wave having directivity and a function of receiving a signal from the image processing device is prepared.
Said remote control device, to execute the predetermined signal transmission processing for transmitting a predetermined signal to the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus target mobile target job is a job is an image processing apparatus which is registered in the moving,
Wherein the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus, to execute the device identifier transmission process for transmitting to said remote control device apparatus identifier for identifying the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus when receiving the particular signal,
Causing the remote control device to execute device identifier transfer processing for transferring the device identifier transmitted from the source image processing device to a destination image processing device which is a destination image processing device of the job to be moved. ,
When the movement target job is moved to the movement destination image processing apparatus, the movement destination job is not moved, and the movement destination job is scheduled to start when the movement destination image processing apparatus is scheduled to start the movement target job. The movement source image processing apparatus compares the movement source start scheduled time, which is the time when the movement target job is scheduled to start, and the movement destination scheduled start time is earlier than the movement source start scheduled time. Determination processing that determines that it is appropriate to move the movement target job and determines that it is not appropriate to move the movement target job if the movement destination scheduled start time is later than the movement source scheduled start time Is executed by the destination image processing apparatus,
To the mobile Sakiga image processing apparatus, when said moving the moving target job is determined to be valid, from the mobile Motoe image processing device based on the device identifier that has been transferred from the remote controller If it is determined that it is not appropriate to execute job data acquisition processing for acquiring job data for executing the movement target job via a communication line and move the movement target job, the job data acquisition processing Do not run,
A job moving method characterized by the above. Causing the source image processing apparatus to execute a first scheduled start time transmission process of transmitting the source start scheduled time to the remote control device;
Causing the remote control device to execute a second scheduled start time transmission process for transmitting the scheduled source start time transmitted from the source image processing device to the destination image processing device;
Causing the destination image processing apparatus to execute the determination process using the scheduled start time of the source of transmission transmitted from the remote control device;
Causing the destination image processing device to execute validity determination result transmission processing for transmitting the result of the determination processing to the remote control device;
Causing the remote control device to execute a validity determination result display process for displaying a result of the determination process transmitted from the destination image processing apparatus;
The job moving method according to claim 2. For each movement target job registered in the movement source image processing apparatus, the movement source image processing apparatus stores the movement source scheduled start time of the movement target job and a job identifier for identifying the movement target job. Let me know
Transmitting to the mobile Motoe image processing device, as the first scheduled start time transmission process, the moving source scheduled start time and the job identifier of each of the moving target job that is registered with the mobile Motoe picture processor to execute the processing you,
Causing the remote control device to execute a job list display process for displaying a list indicating the job identifiers transmitted from the source image processing device ;
Said remote control device, the movement has been transmitted from the original image processing apparatus, the transfer source scheduled start time of the moving target job according to the job identifier selected by the user from the list, and transmits together with the job identifier The process is executed as the second source start scheduled time transmission process,
Wherein the destination image processing apparatus, as the job data acquisition process, the process of obtaining a pre-Symbol job data of the moving target job according to the job identifier transmitted from the remote device to execute,
The job moving method according to claim 3 . To the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus, the moving target job, associating the user identifier of the user who instructs execution of the job identifier and the mobile target job of the job data and the mobile target job of the mobile target job By registering it,
Wherein the remote control device, to execute the user identifier transmission process to send the user identifier of the user who uses the remote control device to the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus,
Wherein the movement source image processing apparatus, as the first scheduled start time transmission process, the moving source mobile target job which is associated with the user identifier transmitted from the remote control device of said mobile target job scheduled start time and to perform the process of sending the job identifier,
The job moving method according to claim 4 . To the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus, for each of the moving target job that is registered with the migration source image processing apparatus, the execution condition data indicating a condition necessary for the execution of the mobile target job of this the mobile target job Store it in association with the job identifier,
To the mobile Sakiga image processing apparatus, the movement of the target job, execution conditions for acquiring the execution condition data stored in the mobile Motoe image processing apparatus corresponding to the job identifier transmitted from the remote control device Execute the data acquisition process,
To the mobile Sakiga image processing apparatus, executes determines the whether the execution of the moving target job corresponding to the job identifier transmitted from the remote control unit, on the basis of the execution condition data acquired in the mobile target job Execute the availability determination process,
When it is determined that the movement target job corresponding to the job identifier transmitted from the remote control device cannot be executed to the movement destination image processing device, the determination result of whether or not the movement target job can be executed is given to the remote control The determination result transmission process to be transmitted to the device is executed,
Causing the remote control device to execute execution determination result display processing for displaying a determination result of whether or not to execute the movement target job transmitted from the destination image processing device ;
Job moving method according to any one of claims 3 to claim 5. An image processing apparatus that can be connected to another image processing apparatus via a communication line,
When receiving a predetermined signal from a remote control device, a device identifier transmission means for transmitting a device identifier for identifying the image processing apparatus itself to the remote device,
A destination start scheduled time that is a scheduled time when the image processing apparatus starts the movement target job when the movement target job that is a movement target job is moved from the other image processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus; When the movement target job does not move, the other image processing apparatus compares the movement start scheduled time that is the time when the movement target job is scheduled to start. If it is earlier than the original scheduled start time, it is determined that it is appropriate to move the migration target job. If the planned destination start time is later than the scheduled migration start time, the migration target job is moved. A determination means for determining that it is not appropriate;
The determination unit determines that there is a request to move the movement target job from the other image processing apparatus that has received the apparatus identifier from the remote control apparatus, and that it is appropriate to move the movement target job. A job data receiving means for receiving job data for executing the movement target job from the other image processing apparatus;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The determination unit determines whether it is appropriate to move the job to be moved using the movement source start time transmitted from the other image processing apparatus via the remote control device,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 7. A computer program used to control an image processing apparatus that can be connected to another image processing apparatus via a communication line,
In the image processing apparatus,
A process of transmitting a device identifier for identifying the image processing device itself to the remote control device when a predetermined signal is received from the remote control device ;
A destination start scheduled time that is a scheduled time when the image processing apparatus starts the movement target job when the movement target job that is a movement target job is moved from the other image processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus; When the movement target job does not move, the other image processing apparatus compares the movement start scheduled time that is the time when the movement target job is scheduled to start. If it is earlier than the original scheduled start time, it is determined that it is appropriate to move the migration target job. If the planned destination start time is later than the scheduled migration start time, the migration target job is moved. To execute a determination process that determines that it is not appropriate,
When there is a request for movement of the movement target job from the other image processing apparatus that has received the apparatus identifier from the remote control apparatus, and the determination process determines that it is appropriate to move the movement target job To execute a reception process of receiving job data for executing the movement target job from the other image processing apparatus,
Computer program, wherein a call. The determination processing is executed using the movement source start time transmitted from the other image processing device via the remote control device.
The computer program according to claim 9.

Images