JP6984343B2 - Information processing equipment and information processing programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing program.

Patent Document 1 has an object to enable the grouping function of print jobs to be realized with a simple configuration even in an environment without a print server or a print system environment in which a job grouping function is not implemented in a printer driver or a printer device. , The transfer control method of the print job of the information processing device in the printing system composed of the information processing device and the image forming device receives a plurality of print jobs based on the application data, and receives a plurality of received print jobs (print jobs). Grouped, managed as a group job, and after the spooling of multiple print jobs is completed, the plurality of print jobs (print job data) are transferred to the image forming apparatus in one session using a predetermined print protocol. It is disclosed to control to do so.

Patent Document 2 has an object of grouping a plurality of print jobs with a simple configuration. In a computer, a plurality of print job data are grouped and managed as a group job, and the group job is 1 in a predetermined printing protocol. Controlled to transfer to a printer device in one session is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-004077 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-174122

For example, in order to reduce the replacement work of roll paper and the like and reduce the loss time of the image forming apparatus, printing may be performed according to a group print job composed of a plurality of print jobs.
On the other hand, when a plurality of image forming devices can be used, an image forming device suitable for a print job is selected.
When a group print job is accepted, selecting an image forming device suitable for one print job in the group printing job does not necessarily mean that an image forming device suitable for the entire group printing job is selected. .. For example, replacement work of roll paper or the like may occur, and the merit of the group print job may not be obtained.
An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing program capable of selecting an image forming apparatus suitable for a group print job when a group print job is accepted.

The gist of the present invention for achieving such an object lies in the inventions of the following paragraphs.
The invention of claim 1 applies a receiving means for receiving a group print job composed of a plurality of print jobs and a predetermined rule to the group print job, and prints according to the group print job. possess a selection means for selecting an image forming apparatus, relative to the selected image forming apparatus, an instruction unit for instructing to print the group print job, and said selection means, said during the selection If an image forming apparatus capable of printing all of a plurality of print jobs cannot be selected and some print jobs in the group print job satisfy the conditions, the image printable by some print jobs. The forming apparatus is selected, and the instruction means gives an instruction to print a part of the print jobs included in the group print job and other non-printable print jobs in the group print job. It is an information processing device that transmits to the forming device.

The invention of claim 2 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, which is further configured by the conditions using the attributes of the print jobs constituting the group print job as the predetermined rule. be.

The invention of claim 3 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the selection means selects an image forming apparatus that satisfies the attributes of the print jobs constituting the group print job.

The invention according to claim 1 is described in claim 1, provided that, as a predetermined rule, printing by a print job constituting the group print job can be completed. Information processing device.

The invention according to claim 4 is the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the selection means detects the state of the image forming apparatus and selects an image forming apparatus that completes printing by a print job constituting the group print job. Information processing device.

The invention according to claim 6 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein each attribute in the above conditions is weighted.

The invention of claim 7 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the attributes within the conditions are weighted differently with the printing time.

The invention according to claim 8 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, which is subject to a date and time for completing printing by a print job constituting the group print job , as a predetermined rule. ..

The invention of claim 9 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the selection means detects the state of the image forming apparatus and estimates the date and time when printing by the image forming apparatus is completed.

The invention of claim 10 applies the computer to a reception means for accepting a group print job composed of a plurality of print jobs, and a predetermined rule for the group print job, to the group print job. Therefore, the selection means for selecting the image forming apparatus to be printed and the instruction means for instructing the selected image forming apparatus to print the group print job are made to function, and the selection means is used at the time of the selection. If an image forming apparatus capable of printing all of the plurality of print jobs cannot be selected and some of the print jobs in the group print job satisfy the conditions, the part of the print jobs can be printed. The image forming apparatus is selected, and the instruction means has selected the instruction to print a part of the print jobs included in the group print job and other non-printable print jobs in the group print job. It is an information processing program that is transmitted to an image forming apparatus.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 1, when a group print job is accepted, an image forming apparatus suitable for the group print job can be selected.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 2, as a predetermined rule, a condition using the attributes of the print jobs constituting the group print job can be used.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 3, it is possible to select an image forming apparatus that satisfies the attributes of the print jobs constituting the group print job.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 4, as a predetermined rule, it can be used on condition that printing by the print jobs constituting the group print job can be completed.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 5, it is possible to select an image forming apparatus that completes printing by the print jobs constituting the group printing job, depending on the state of the image forming apparatus.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 6, each attribute in the condition can be weighted.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 7 , the attributes in the condition can be weighted differently with the printing time.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 8, as a predetermined rule, a date and time for completing printing by the print jobs constituting the group print job can be used as a condition.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 9, it is possible to estimate the date and time when printing by the image forming apparatus is completed according to the state of the image forming apparatus.

According to the information processing program of claim 10, when a group print job is accepted, an image forming apparatus suitable for the group print job can be selected.

It is a conceptual module configuration diagram about the configuration example of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example using this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the use example of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display example of the screen by this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure example of a group print job table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure example of a group print job table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure example of a print job table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure example of the printing apparatus table. It is a flowchart which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure example of the printing apparatus status table. It is a flowchart which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration example of the computer which realizes this embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a conceptual module configuration diagram for a configuration example of the present embodiment.
The module generally refers to parts such as software (computer program) and hardware that can be logically separated. Therefore, the module in this embodiment refers not only to the module in the computer program but also to the module in the hardware configuration. Therefore, in this embodiment, a computer program for functioning as those modules (a program for causing the computer to execute each procedure, a program for causing the computer to function as each means, and each function for the computer). It also serves as an explanation of the program), system and method for realizing the above. However, for convenience of explanation, "remember", "remember", and equivalent words are used, but these words are stored in a storage device or stored when the embodiment is a computer program. It means that it is controlled to be stored in the device. Further, the modules may have a one-to-one correspondence with each other, but in mounting, one module may be configured by one program, a plurality of modules may be configured by one program, and conversely, one module may be configured. May be composed of a plurality of programs. Further, the plurality of modules may be executed by one computer, or one module may be executed by a plurality of computers by a computer in a distributed or parallel environment. It should be noted that one module may include another module. In addition, hereinafter, "connection" is used not only for physical connection but also for logical connection (data transfer, instruction, reference relationship between data, login, etc.). "Predetermined" means that it is determined before the target process, not only before the process according to the present embodiment starts, but also after the process according to the present embodiment starts. However, if it is before the target process, it is used with the intention that it is determined according to the situation / state at that time or according to the situation / state up to that point. When there are a plurality of "predetermined values", they may be different values, or two or more values (including, of course, all values) may be the same. Further, the description "if A, do B" is used to mean "determine whether or not it is A, and if it is determined to be A, do B". However, this excludes cases where it is not necessary to determine whether or not it is A. Further, when a thing is listed such as "A, B, C", it is an example list unless otherwise specified, and includes a case where only one of them is selected (for example, only A).
In addition, a system or device is configured by connecting a plurality of computers, hardware, devices, etc. by communication means such as a network (including a one-to-one correspondence communication connection), and one computer, hardware, device, etc. It also includes cases where it is realized by such as. "Device" and "system" are used as synonymous terms. Of course, the "system" does not include anything that is nothing more than a social "mechanism" (social system) that is an artificial arrangement.
In addition, for each process by each module or when multiple processes are performed in the module, the target information is read from the storage device, and after the processes are performed, the process results are written to the storage device. be. Therefore, the description of reading from the storage device before processing and writing to the storage device after processing may be omitted. The storage device here may include a hard disk, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage medium, a storage device via a communication line, a register in a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like.

The information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment receives a print job, selects an image forming apparatus 150 suitable for the printing job, and transmits the printing job to the image forming apparatus 150. As shown in the example of 1, the reception module 105, the print job distribution module 110, the image forming apparatus selection module 115 for a single print job, the attribute integration module 120, the image forming apparatus status detection module 125, and the image forming apparatus for a group print job. It has a selection module 130 and an image forming apparatus communication module 135.
As the image forming apparatus 150, for example, there is a production printer. Production printers perform light printing for in-house printing departments and print shops of companies. Generally, it is responsible for a large amount of printing. The printer is not limited to the production printer, and may be applied to a general printer (business printer, home printer, etc.).
Further, it does not matter whether or not the image forming apparatus 150 can handle a group print job composed of a plurality of print jobs. If the group print job can be supported, of course, even if the group print job cannot be supported (only a single print job can be supported), the information processing apparatus 100 can handle the group print job in the printing order. Therefore, if the print job in the group print job is controlled to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 150, the group printing job can be supported by the combination of the information processing apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 150.

Create a group print job, which is a group of print jobs, according to the method of managing print jobs by the user. This group print job enables, for example, the following operations.
(1) Print jobs related to orders ordered by customers can be handled as a group.
(2) The print jobs stored in the information processing apparatus 100 having a function as a spooler can be collectively handled in units that can efficiently carry out the work as described below according to the convenience of the printing process worker.
(A) Collect by output paper.
(B) Collect the same post-processing required.
(C) Summarize for each worker in charge.
(D) Summarize according to the work day and work time.
As a mechanism for efficiently printing a print job using a plurality of printers, a mechanism for simplifying user work by presenting a priority printer to the print job is provided. In this embodiment, the same function is provided not only for a single print job but also for a group print job as a group to simplify and standardize user operations, and further, a printing process. Provides the value of reducing the load in.

The reception module 105 is connected to the print job distribution module 110. The reception module 105 accepts a print job or a group print job composed of a plurality of print jobs.
The print job distribution module 110 is connected to a reception module 105, an image forming device selection module 115 for a single print job, and an attribute integration module 120. The print job distribution module 110 determines whether the print job received by the reception module 105 is a single print job or a group print job, and if it is a single print job, the print job is independent. The print job is passed to the image forming apparatus selection module 115, and if it is a group print job, the group print job is passed to the attribute integration module 120. For example, it may be determined by an identifier indicating whether or not the print job is a group print job in the print job accepted by the reception module 105, or the print job accepted by the reception module 105 includes a plurality of print jobs. It may be judged by whether or not it is present.
The image forming apparatus selection module 115 for a single print job is connected to the print job distribution module 110 and the image forming apparatus communication module 135. The image forming apparatus selection module 115 for a single print job selects the image forming apparatus 150 according to the attributes (including print settings) of the print job passed from the print job distribution module 110. For example, the image forming apparatus 150 provided with the paper specified in the print job may be selected.

The attribute integration module 120 is connected to the print job distribution module 110 and the group print job image forming apparatus selection module 130. The attribute integration module 120 integrates the attributes of each print job included in the group print job. For example, the logical sum and sum of each attribute are performed. Specifically, it is possible to extract the attributes of each print job, extract the required post-processing functions (for example, stapler, bookbinding, drilling, etc., also called finisher), and total the number of sheets for each paper type. be.
The image forming apparatus status detection module 125 is connected to the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for group print jobs and the image forming apparatus communication module 135. The image forming apparatus status detection module 125 detects the state of the image forming apparatus 150 connected to the information processing apparatus 100. The state includes, for example, a failure, printing, a standby state, a state of consumables such as paper and toner (remaining number of sheets, usage ratio, expected replenishment or replacement time, etc.). .. If printing is in progress, the scheduled end date and time may be included.

The image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job is connected to the attribute integration module 120, the image forming apparatus status detection module 125, and the image forming apparatus communication module 135. The image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job applies a predetermined rule to a group print job and selects an image forming apparatus 150 to print according to the group print job.
Here, the "predetermined rule" may be configured by a condition using the attributes of the print jobs constituting the group print job. According to this rule, the image forming apparatus 150 is mainly selected under static conditions.
Further, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job may select an image forming apparatus 150 that satisfies the attributes of the print jobs constituting the group print job. For example, the image forming apparatus 150 that satisfies all the attributes of all the print jobs may be selected.

Further, the "predetermined rule" may be conditioned on the fact that printing by the print jobs constituting the group print job can be completed. According to this rule, the image forming apparatus 150 is selected mainly under dynamic conditions (current situation of the image forming apparatus 150).
Further, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job may detect the state of the image forming apparatus 150 and select the image forming apparatus 150 that completes printing by the print jobs constituting the group print job. good. For example, it may be a condition that printing by all print jobs can be completed.

Further, the "predetermined rule" may be conditional on enabling printing by a predetermined print job included in the group print job.
Further, the "predetermined print job" may be the first print job in the group print job or the print job selected by the user.
Then, as this "print job selected by the user", there is a priority designation and the like. The priority may be specified only for the first priority, or the priority may be specified for all print jobs, or a predetermined priority (for example, a predetermined priority) may be specified. 2nd place, etc.) may be specified. For example, the print job designated as the highest priority (first priority) may be selected, or the print job with the third highest priority may be selected.

Further, the "predetermined rule" may be conditioned on the date and time when printing by the print jobs constituting the group print job is completed.
Further, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job may detect the state of the image forming apparatus 150 and estimate the date and time when printing by the image forming apparatus 150 is completed.

The image forming apparatus communication module 135 includes an image forming apparatus selection module 115 for a single print job, an image forming apparatus status detection module 125, an image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job, an image forming apparatus 150A, an image forming apparatus 150B, and an image forming apparatus. It is connected to the device 150C and the like. The image forming apparatus communication module 135 passes a print job or a group printing job to the image forming apparatus 150 selected by the image forming apparatus selection module 115 for a single print job or the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job. Then, each image forming apparatus 150 receives the detection result of the state of the image forming apparatus 150 and passes it to the image forming apparatus status detection module 125.
The image forming apparatus 150 (image forming apparatus 150A, image forming apparatus 150B, image forming apparatus 150C, etc.) is connected to the image forming apparatus communication module 135 of the information processing apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 150 receives a print job or a group print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100, and performs printing processing according to the print job.
In the example of FIG. 1, three image forming devices 150 are connected, but it is sufficient that two or more image forming devices 150 are connected.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system configuration using the present embodiment.
The information processing apparatus 100 may be provided in the external controller of the image forming apparatus 150.
In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the information processing apparatus 100A includes a user terminal 210 (user terminal 210A, user terminal 210B, user terminal 210C, user terminal 210D), an image forming apparatus 150 (image forming apparatus 150A, image forming apparatus). 150B, connected to the image forming apparatus 150C).
The information processing apparatus 100A receives a print job or a group print job from the user terminal 210, and passes the print job or the group print job to the image forming apparatus 150 suitable for the print job or the group print job. The image forming apparatus 150 performs a printing process according to the received print job or group print job.

In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the information processing device 100A, the information processing device 100B, the user terminal 210A, the user terminal 210B, the user terminal 210C, and the user terminal 210D are connected via the communication line 290, respectively. The communication line 290 may be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof, and may be, for example, the Internet as a communication infrastructure, an intranet, or the like. Further, the function of the information processing apparatus 100 may be realized as a cloud service.
The information processing apparatus 100A is connected to the image forming apparatus 150A, the image forming apparatus 150B, and the image forming apparatus 150C.
The information processing apparatus 100B is connected to an image forming apparatus 150D, an image forming apparatus 150E, an image forming apparatus 150F, and an image forming apparatus 150G.
The information processing apparatus 100 receives a print job or a group print job from the user terminal 210 via the communication line 290, and transfers the print job or the group print job to the image forming apparatus 150 suitable for the print job or the group print job. hand over. The image forming apparatus 150 performs a printing process according to the received print job or group print job.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage example of the present embodiment. The group print job will be described in more detail.
A group print job is composed of a plurality of print jobs. In other words, it is a unit that collects several print jobs, and is like a box that holds multiple print jobs. Therefore, the group print job itself does not have print data or print settings, and the print job, which is a component, has print data or print settings individually.
For example, several print jobs are grouped together in some way that is beneficial to the user, such as the same paper used for printing, and the batch operation of the print jobs is realized for the group print job that is grouped into one. .. That is, the group print job is treated as if it were one print job.
Further, the aggregated information of the print jobs included in the group print job (for example, the number of prints, etc.) is used as one of the judgment materials when the print jobs are distributed to the plurality of image forming devices 150.

The print job group 300 includes a print job 302, a print job 304, a print job 306, a print job 308, a print job 310, a print job 312, a print job 314, a print job 316, a print job 318, a print job 320, and the like. From these, print jobs can be grouped together as described above. For example, a group print job A330 including a print job 304, a print job 310, and a print job 314 can be created. Further, the group print job B340 including the print job 306, the print job 312, and the print job 318 can be created.
The information processing apparatus 100 can cause each image forming apparatus 150 to perform processes such as transmission, pause, test printing, print resumption, and cancellation of a print job by the operation of the user 390.
In the group print job A330, when a certain paper A is set as the printing paper, the group print job is performed by selecting the image forming apparatus 150A in which the paper A is already set (also referred to as “stock X is set”). A330 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 150A.
Further, in the group print job B340, when the total number of printed sheets is 3000, the output of the 3000 sheets is printed without any work in the middle (without removing the printed paper from the output receiving unit in the middle of printing). The image forming apparatus 150B that can be used is selected, and the group print job B340 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 150B. In this case, the output receiving unit of the image forming apparatus 150B can receive 3000 or more sheets.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the screen 400 according to the present embodiment. The display example of the group print job and the print job in the information processing apparatus 100 is shown.
In FIG. 4A, the print job 410 is displayed on the screen 400. The print job 410 has a check column 412, an ID column 414, a print job name column 416, a status column 418, a number of copies column 420, a destination column 422, and a detail column 424. The check column 412 has a check column that can be processed. The ID column 414 displays the identification information (ID: IDentidication) of the print job or the group print job. The print job name field 416 displays the print job name of the print job or the group print job. The status column 418 displays the current status (status) of the print job or the group print job. The number of copies column 420 displays the number of copies in the print job or the group print job. The destination column 422 displays the destination (image forming apparatus 150) of the print job or the group print job. The detail column 424 has a button for displaying the details of the print job or the group print job.

The following operation method of the group print job is the same as that for the single print job (conventional print job).
-Print job operations excluding [Edit] (send, copy, delete, hold / cancel, etc.)
-Print job operation (print / resume, proof print, pause, cancel, etc.)
In addition, the operational availability and behavior of each operation change according to the status of the print job included in the group print job.

In the print job 410 shown in the example of FIG. 4A, it is shown that ID: 10, print job name: job 10, status: waiting for transmission, number of copies: 1, destination: undecided on the first line. ID: 9 on the second line, print job name: group job A (4 jobs), status: waiting for transmission, number of copies: undecided, destination: undecided, ID: 8 on the third line, printing Job name: Group job B (3 jobs), Status: Waiting for transmission, Number of copies: Undecided, Destination: Undecided, ID: 1 on the 4th line, Print job name: Job 1, Status: Send Wait, number of copies: 5, destination: undecided.
The group print job mark 432 and the group print job mark 434 are added to the print job name column 416 on the second and third lines, indicating that the print job is a group print job. That is, an icon (black triangle mark in FIG. 4) indicating the open / closed state of the group print job is displayed at the head of the print job name field 416. The user's selection operation (click operation) for the group print job mark 432 and the group print job mark 434 switches the open / close display of the target group print job. At the time of initial display, all are displayed in a closed state. Note that "open" means to display the print jobs constituting the group print job (see FIG. 4B), and "closed" means to display only the group print job (as if it were). Display (as if it were a single print job).

The state in which the group print job is opened is shown in the example of FIG. 4 (b).
In the print job 410 shown in the example of FIG. 4B, it is shown that ID: 10, print job name: job 10, status: waiting for transmission, number of copies: 1, destination: undecided on the first line. ID: 9 on the second line, print job name: group job A (4 jobs), status: waiting for transmission, number of copies: undecided, destination: undecided, ID: 6 on the third line, printing Job name: Job 6, Status: Waiting for transmission, Number of copies: 5, Destination: Undecided, ID: 5 on the 4th line, Print job name: Job 5, Status: Waiting for transmission, Number of copies: 5 , Destination: Undecided, ID: 4, Print job name: Job 4, Status: Waiting for transmission, Number of copies: 5, Destination: Undecided, 6 ID: 3, print job name: job 3, status: waiting for transmission, number of copies: 5, destination: undecided on the 7th line, ID: 8 on the 7th line, print job name: group job B (3 jobs), Status: Waiting for transmission, Number of copies: Undecided, Destination: Undecided, ID: 7, Print job name: Job 7, Status: Waiting for transmission, Number of copies: 5, Indicates that the destination is undecided, ID: 11 on the 9th line, print job name: group job C (2 jobs), status: waiting for transmission, number of copies: undecided, destination: undecided. On the 10th line, ID: 1, print job name: job 1, status: waiting for transmission, number of copies: 5, destination: undecided. The 3rd to 6th lines show the print job group constituting the group print job A, and the 8th and 9th lines show the print job group constituting the group print job B. ing. The group print job may be further included in the group print job. The group print job B includes the group print job C. It should be noted that group print jobs up to a predetermined number of layers (for example, up to 3 layers) may be formed.

When the ID field 414 is sorted in the state of FIG. 4B, the sorting target is the root print job (print job not located under the group print job, that is, a single print job and a group print job). That). This is because it is not preferable that the print jobs constituting the group print job are not included in the group print job and are to be sorted.

Further, when the detail column 424 is selected by the user's selection operation, the attribute of the print job of the selected line is presented on the property screen (pop-up screen or the like). In the case of a group print job, the processing result of the attribute integration module 120 is presented. That is, the result of integrating the attributes of the print job included in the group print job is presented.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present embodiment.
In step S502, the print job distribution module 110 determines whether or not the job is a group print job, and proceeds to step S504 in the case of a group print job, and proceeds to step S514 in other cases.
For example, the reception module 105 receives the group print job table 600. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the group print job table 600. The group print job table 600 has a print job ID column 605, a group flag column 610, a group print job name column 615, a print job number column 620, a print job ID column 625, and a highest priority print job ID column 630. The print job ID column 605 stores information (print job ID: IDentification) for uniquely identifying a print job or a group print job in the present embodiment. The group flag column 610 stores information (group flag) as to whether or not the job is a group print job. The group print job name field 615 stores the name of the group print job. The print job number column 620 stores the number of print jobs included in the group print job. The print job ID column 625 stores the print job ID included in the group print job. A plurality of print job IDs are stored in the print job ID column 625. The highest priority print job ID column 630 stores the print job ID to be printed with the highest priority in the group print job.
By checking the group flag column 610, the process of step S502 is performed.
For example, in FIG. 6, the print job ID: 9 has a group flag: 1 (a flag indicating that it is a group print job), a group print job name: group job A, and the number of print jobs: 5. Yes, it is composed of print job IDs: 1, 10, 15, 16, and 20, indicating that the highest priority print job ID is 15.

Further, the reception module 105 may receive, for example, the group print job table 700 instead of the group print job table 600. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the group print job table 700. In the group print job table 700, the priority of each print job is set. Specifically, the group print job table 700 includes a print job ID column 705, a group flag column 710, a group print job name column 715, a print job number column 720, a print job ID column 725A, a ranking column 730A, and a print job ID column. It has a 725B, a ranking column 730B, a print job ID column 725C, a ranking column 730C, a print job ID column 725D, a ranking column 730D, a print job ID column 725E, and a ranking column 730E. The print job ID column 705 stores the print job ID. The group flag column 710 stores information (group flag) as to whether or not the job is a group print job. The group print job name field 715 stores the name of the group print job. The print job number column 720 stores the number of print jobs included in the group print job. As many as the number in the print job number column 720, the set of the print job ID column 725 and the rank column 730 follows. The print job ID column 725 stores the print job ID included in the group print job. The rank column 730 stores the priority (print order) in the group print job of the print job of the print job ID.
By checking the group flag column 710, the process of step S502 is performed.
For example, in FIG. 7, the print job ID: 9 has a group flag of 1, the group print job name: group job A, the number of print jobs: 5, and the print job ID: 1 has a rank of 3. Yes, print job ID: 10 is rank: 2, print job ID: 15 is rank: 1, print job ID: 16 is rank: 5, and print job ID: 20 is rank: 1. It shows that it is 4.

In step S504, the attribute integration module 120 integrates the attributes of the print job in the group print job.
For example, the reception module 105 receives the print job table 800. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the print job table 800. The print job table 800 includes a print job ID column 805, a group flag column 810, a print job name column 815, an owner column 820, a page number column 825, a copy number column 830, a paper size column 835, a paper type column 840, and a print document column. It has 845, a color / black and white column 850, a designated date and time column 855, and a post-processing column 860. The print job ID field 805 stores the print job ID. The group flag column 810 stores information (group flag) as to whether or not the job is a group print job. The print job name field 815 stores the print job name. The owner column 820 stores the owner of the print job (the owner of the printed matter which is the final processing result, the end user). The page number column 825 stores the number of pages of the printed document in the print job. The number of copies column 830 stores the number of copies to be printed in the print job. The paper size column 835 stores the paper size in the print job. The paper type column 840 stores the paper type. The print document column 845 stores the print document in the print job. The printed document itself may be stored, or the printed document may be stored in a place (for example, document ID, document name, URL: Uniform Resource Locator, etc.). The color / black-and-white column 850 stores information on whether the print job is color printing or black-and-white printing. In the color / black and white column 850, not only color and black and white but also special colors (gold, silver, fluorescent color, etc.) may be specified. The designated date and time column 855 stores the designated date and time. The post-processing column 860 stores post-processing (for example, stapler processing, drilling processing, bookbinding processing, etc.) in the print job.
In step S504, for example, the values of the page number column 825 and the copy number column 830 of each print job included in the group print job are summed, and the logic of the paper size column 835, the ejection destination number column 940, and the color / black and white column 850. Generate a sum.

In step S506, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job selects a printing apparatus by using the printing apparatus table 900. Specifically, a printing device (image forming device 150) that satisfies the attributes integrated in step S504 is selected. For information about the printing apparatus, for example, the printing apparatus table 900 is used. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the printing apparatus table 900. The printing device table 900 includes a printing device ID column 905, a printing device name column 910, a printing speed column 915, an equipable toner type column 920, an equipable paper column 925, a double-sided printing column 930, and a maximum paper feed capacity column 935. It has a discharge destination number column 940, a post-processing function column 945, and a printing cost column 950. The printing device ID column 905 stores information (printing device ID) for uniquely identifying the printing device in the present embodiment. The printing device name column 910 stores the name of the printing device. The printing speed column 915 stores the printing speed of the printing apparatus. In the printing speed column 915, the printing speed may be set for each type of paper (A4 size, A3 size, etc.). The toner type column 920 that can be equipped stores the type of toner that can be equipped in the printing apparatus. For example, the type of color toner (black toner, cyan toner, magenta toner, yellow toner, special color toner, etc.). The mountable paper field 925 stores the paper that can be loaded in the printing device. The double-sided printing column 930 stores information on whether or not the printing apparatus can perform double-sided printing. The maximum paper feed capacity column 935 stores the maximum paper feed capacity of the printing device. The discharge destination number column 940 stores the number of discharge destinations possessed by the printing apparatus. Further, the capacity at the discharge destination (the number of sheets that the paper discharge receiving unit can receive the paper discharge) may be stored. The post-processing function column 945 stores the post-processing function possessed by the printing apparatus. The printing cost column 950 stores the printing cost in the printing apparatus.
When there are a plurality of printing devices capable of printing a group print job, those having a short printing time (fast printing speed) and those having a low printing cost may be selected.

In step S508, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job determines whether or not the printing apparatus can be selected, and if it can be selected, the process proceeds to step S510, and if not, the process proceeds to step S512.
In step S510, the image forming apparatus communication module 135 passes the group printing job to the selected printing apparatus.
In step S512, the group print job image forming apparatus selection module 130 performs warning processing. The detailed processing of step S512 will be described later using the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.
In step S514, the image forming apparatus selection module 115 for a single print job selects a printing apparatus using the selection method for a single print job, and the image forming apparatus communication module 135 passes the print job to the printing apparatus. ..

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present embodiment.
In step S1002, the print job distribution module 110 determines whether or not the job is a group print job, proceeds to step S1004 in the case of a group print job, and proceeds to step S1018 in other cases.
In step S1004, the attribute integration module 120 integrates the attributes of the print job in the group print job.
In step S1006, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job selects a printing apparatus by using the printing apparatus table 900.

In step S1008, the image forming apparatus status detection module 125 detects the status of each printing device selected in step S1006. For example, the printing device status table 1100 is acquired. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the printing apparatus status table 1100. The printing device status table 1100 has a printing device ID column 1105, a printing device name column 1110, a status column 1115, a printable predicted date and time column 1120, a toner remaining capacity column 1130, and a paper remaining capacity column 1140. The column 1130 has an A toner column 1132, a B toner column 1134, and a C toner column 1136, and the paper remaining amount column 1140 has an A4 column 1142 and an A3 column 1144. The printing device ID column 1105 stores the printing device ID. The printing device name column 1110 stores the name of the printing device. The status column 1115 stores the status of the printing device (during failure, printing, standby, etc.). The printable predicted date and time column 1120 stores the predicted date and time when the printing device can print. For example, if printing is in progress, the print end date and time, or if the next print job is scheduled, the final print end date and time of those print jobs. The print end date and time may be predicted from the number of prints and the print speed. The toner remaining capacity column 1130 stores the current toner remaining capacity in the printing apparatus. The A toner column 1132 stores the remaining capacity of the A toner. The B toner column 1134 stores the remaining capacity of the B toner. The C toner column 1136 stores the remaining capacity of the C toner. In the toner remaining capacity column 1130, not only black toner, cyan toner, magenta toner, and yellow toner, but also the remaining capacity of special color toner that the printing apparatus can handle may be provided. The paper remaining amount column 1140 stores the current paper remaining amount in the printing apparatus. The A4 column 1142 stores the remaining amount of A4 paper. The A3 column 1144 stores the remaining amount of A3 paper.
In addition to this, the expiration date of the color adjustment (also referred to as CMS adjustment) may be included in the printing apparatus status table 1100. When printing a large number of sheets, printing unevenness or the like may occur during printing, and it is necessary to adjust the printing apparatus (color adjustment) before such occurrence occurs. The expiration date of the color adjustment is a parameter (remaining period, remaining number of sheets, etc.) until the color adjustment is performed. For example, you may select a printing device that finishes before the next color adjustment occurs. That is, during printing of the group print job, a printing device that does not generate color adjustment is selected.

In step S1010, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job selects a printing apparatus by using the printing apparatus status table 1100. Specifically, a printing device (image forming device 150) that satisfies the attributes integrated in step S1004 is selected.
In step S1012, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job determines whether or not the printing apparatus can be selected, and if it can be selected, the process proceeds to step S1014, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1016.

In step S1014, the image forming apparatus communication module 135 passes the group printing job to the selected printing apparatus.
In step S1016, the group print job image forming apparatus selection module 130 performs warning processing. The detailed processing of step S1016 will be described later using the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.
In step S1018, the image forming apparatus selection module 115 for a single print job selects a printing apparatus using the selection method for a single print job, and the image forming apparatus communication module 135 passes the print job to the printing apparatus. ..
Steps S1002 to step S1006 are equivalent to steps S502 to S506 of the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 5, and steps S1012-step S1018 are equivalent to steps S508 to S514 of the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. be.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present embodiment.
In step S1202, the print job distribution module 110 determines whether or not the job is a group print job, and proceeds to step S1204 in the case of a group print job, and proceeds to step S1222 in other cases.
In step S1204, the attribute integration module 120 integrates the attributes of the print job in the group print job.
In step S1206, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job selects a printing apparatus by using the printing apparatus table 900.

In step S1208, the image forming apparatus status detection module 125 detects the status of each printing device.
In step S1210, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job selects a printing apparatus by using the printing apparatus status table 1100.
In step S1212, the group print job image forming apparatus selection module 130 estimates the date and time when the printing of the target group print job is completed in the selected printing apparatus. As described above, the print end date and time may be estimated from the number of prints and the print speed. If there are print jobs that are being printed or are already scheduled, it may be calculated from the print end date and time of those jobs.

In step S1214, the group print job image forming apparatus selection module 130 selects a printing apparatus that finishes at the print completion designated time of the target group print job. Further, in step S1214, the printing apparatus that finishes at the time closest to the designated printing completion time may be selected. As the print completion designated time, the designated date and time column 855 of the print job table 800 constituting the target group print job may be used.
In step S1216, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job determines whether or not the printing apparatus can be selected, and if it can be selected, the process proceeds to step S1218, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1220.
In step S1218, the group print job is passed to the selected printing device.

In step S1220, the group print job image forming apparatus selection module 130 performs warning processing. The detailed processing of step S1220 will be described later using the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.
In step S1222, the image forming apparatus selection module 115 for a single print job selects a printing apparatus using the selection method for a single print job, and the image forming apparatus communication module 135 passes the print job to the printing apparatus. ..
Steps S1202 to S1210 are equivalent to steps S1002 to step S1010 in the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 10, and steps S1216 to S1222 are equivalent to steps S1012-step S1018 in the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. be.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present embodiment. For example, if there is a print job that is particularly urgent in the group print job, only that print job is printed first.
In step S1302, the print job distribution module 110 determines whether or not the job is a group print job, and proceeds to step S1304 in the case of a group print job, and proceeds to step S1316 in other cases.
In step S1304, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for group print jobs determines whether or not there are a plurality of priority print jobs, and if there are a plurality of print jobs, the process proceeds to step S1306, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1316. The other case is a case where there is one priority print job, and in this case, the process is the same as for a single print job, so the process proceeds to step S1316. Of course, in the process of step S1316, the printing device selection process is performed so that the print job is preferentially printed.
In step S1306, the attribute integration module 120 integrates the attributes of the print job in the group print job. Here, the target of integration is a plurality of priority print jobs. That is, the same process as forming a group print job with the priority print job is performed.

In step S1308, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job selects a printing apparatus by using the printing apparatus table 900.
In step S1310, the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job determines whether or not the printing apparatus can be selected, and if it can be selected, the process proceeds to step S1312, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1314.
In step S1312, the image forming apparatus communication module 135 passes the group printing job to the selected printing apparatus.

In step S1314, the group print job image forming apparatus selection module 130 performs warning processing. The detailed processing of step S1314 will be described later using the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.
In step S1316, the image forming apparatus selection module 115 for a single print job selects a printing apparatus using the selection method for a single print job, and the image forming apparatus communication module 135 passes the print job to the printing apparatus. ..
Step S1302 is equivalent to step S502 of the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 5, and steps S1306 to S1316 are equivalent to steps S504 to S514 of the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.

In this flowchart, the process of step S1304 is applied to the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 5, but the process of step S1304 may be applied to the flowchart shown in the examples of FIGS. 10 and 12. That is, in the case of the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 10, step S1304 is inserted between steps S1002 and S1004, and in the case of the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 12, step S1304 is inserted between steps S1202 and S1204. do.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present embodiment (mainly, a warning processing example by the image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job).
In step S1402, the printing apparatus having the fewest missing attributes is selected. That is, although there was no printing device that satisfied all of the integrated attributes of the group printing job, the next printing device was selected. Then, the printing device and the missing attributes are presented to the user.
In step S1404, it is determined whether or not to print with the printing device according to the operation of the user, and if printing is performed, the process proceeds to step S1406, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1410.
In step S1406, a warning is presented. The printing device presents just in case there are missing attributes.
In step S1408, the group print job is passed to the selected printing device.

In step S1410, it is determined whether or not to exclude the print job in the group print job, and if it is excluded, the process proceeds to step S1412, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1416. That is, the print job having the missing attribute is excluded from the group print job.
In step S1412, a group print job excluding the print job is created.

In step S1414, processing is performed according to the flowchart shown in the examples of FIGS. 5, 10, 12, and 13.
In step S1416, the printing apparatus having the next few missing attributes is selected, and the process returns to step S1404. Furthermore, the next printing device is selected. Then, the printing device and the missing attributes are presented to the user.

A hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration shown in FIG. 15 is configured by, for example, a personal computer (PC) or the like, and shows an example of a hardware configuration including a data reading unit 1517 such as a scanner and a data output unit 1518 such as a printer.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1501 includes various modules described in the above-described embodiment, that is, a reception module 105, a print job distribution module 110, an image forming device selection module 115 for a single print job, and an attribute integration module 120. It is a control unit that executes processing according to a computer program that describes an execution sequence of each module such as an image forming apparatus status detection module 125, an image forming apparatus selection module 130 for a group print job, and an image forming apparatus communication module 135.

The ROM (Read Only Memory) 1502 stores programs, calculation parameters, and the like used by the CPU 1501. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 1503 stores a program used in the execution of the CPU 1501, parameters that are appropriately changed in the execution, and the like. These are connected to each other by a host bus 1504 composed of a CPU bus or the like.

The host bus 1504 is connected to an external bus 1506 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus via a bridge 1505.

A pointing device 1509 such as a keyboard 1508 and a mouse is a device operated by an operator. The display 1510 has a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like, and displays various information as text or image information. Further, a touch screen or the like having the functions of both the pointing device 1509 and the display 1510 may be used. In that case, regarding the realization of the keyboard function, a keyboard (also called a so-called software keyboard, screen keyboard, etc.) is drawn on the screen (touch screen) by software without physically connecting like the keyboard 1508. , You may try to realize the function of the keyboard.

The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1511 has a built-in hard disk (which may be a flash memory or the like), drives the hard disk, and records or reproduces programs and information executed by the CPU 1501. The hard disk stores a group print job table 600, a group print job table 700, a print job table 800, a printing device table 900, a printing device status table 1100, and the like. In addition, various other data, various computer programs, etc. are stored.

The drive 1512 reads out the data or program recorded on the removable recording medium 1513 such as a mounted magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, and transfers the data or program to the interface 1507 and the external bus 1506. , Bridge 1505, and RAM 1503 connected via the host bus 1504. The removable recording medium 1513 can also be used as a data recording area.

The connection port 1514 is a port for connecting the external connection device 1515, and has a connection unit such as USB or IEEE 1394. The connection port 1514 is connected to the CPU 1501 and the like via the interface 1507, the external bus 1506, the bridge 1505, the host bus 1504, and the like. The communication unit 1516 is connected to a communication line and executes data communication processing with the outside. The data reading unit 1517 is, for example, a scanner, and executes a document reading process. The data output unit 1518 is, for example, a printer, and executes a document data output process.

In the above-described embodiment, each attribute is treated in the same way, but each attribute may be weighted. For example, heavy weighting may be applied to the attributes that the printing apparatus should have and the attributes that should be prioritized. This weighting may be user-configurable. Further, the variable condition may be included as the weighting. For example, the weight may be different with the printing time. As a specific example, the weight may be calculated by "1 / ((estimated print processing time of group print job-calibration interval) / calibration interval)". The weight of the matching condition of the print job that fits in the calibration interval becomes large, and it becomes the priority condition.

The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 15 shows one configuration example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 15, and the modules described in the present embodiment are used. Any configuration may be feasible. For example, some modules may be configured with dedicated hardware (for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), and some modules are in an external system and are connected by a communication line. Further, a plurality of systems shown in FIG. 15 may be connected to each other by a communication line so as to cooperate with each other. In particular, in addition to personal computers, mobile information and communication devices (including mobile phones, smartphones, mobile devices, wearable computers, etc.), home information appliances, robots, copiers, fax machines, scanners, printers, multifunction devices (scanners, printers, etc.) It may be incorporated in an image processing device) having any two or more functions such as a copying machine and a fax machine.

The described program may be stored in a recording medium and provided, or the program may be provided by a communication means. In that case, for example, the program described above may be regarded as an invention of "a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded".
The "computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded" means a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, which is used for program installation, execution, program distribution, and the like.
The recording medium is, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD), which is a standard established by the DVD Forum, "DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, etc.", or DVD + RW. Standards such as "DVD + R, DVD + RW, etc.", compact discs (CDs), read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD recordable (CD-R), CD rewritable (CD-RW), etc., Blu-ray discs (CD-RW) Blu-ray® Disc), optomagnetic disc (MO), flexible disc (FD), magnetic tape, hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM®). )), Flash memory, random access memory (RAM), SD (Secure Digital) memory card and the like.
Then, the whole or a part of the program may be recorded on the recording medium and stored, distributed, or the like. Further, by communication, for example, a wired network used for a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, or wireless communication. It may be transmitted using a transmission medium such as a network or a combination thereof, or may be carried on a carrier.
Further, the program may be a part or all of another program, or may be recorded on a recording medium together with a separate program. Further, the recording may be divided into a plurality of recording media. Further, it may be recorded in any mode as long as it can be restored, such as compression and encryption.

100 ... Information processing device 105 ... Reception module 110 ... Print job distribution module 115 ... Image forming device selection module for single print job 120 ... Attribute integration module 125 ... Image forming device Status detection module 130 ... Image forming device selection for group print job Module 135 ... Image forming device Communication module 150 ... Image forming device 210 ... User terminal 290 ... Communication line

Claims (10)

A reception means that accepts group print jobs that are composed of multiple print jobs,
A selection means for selecting an image forming apparatus to print according to the group print job by applying a predetermined rule to the group print job.
An instruction means for instructing the selected image forming apparatus to print the group print job, and
Have a,
The selection means is a case where an image forming apparatus capable of printing all of the plurality of print jobs cannot be selected at the time of the selection, and a case where some print jobs in the group print job satisfy the condition. , Select an image forming apparatus capable of printing some of the print jobs,
The instruction means sends an instruction to print a part of the print jobs included in the group print job and other non-printable print jobs in the group print job to the selected image forming apparatus.
Information processing device. As the predetermined rule , the group print job is further configured by a condition using the attributes of the print jobs constituting the group print job.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The selection means selects an image forming apparatus that satisfies the attributes of the print jobs constituting the group print job.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. As the predetermined rule , it is further conditioned that printing by the print jobs constituting the group print job can be completed.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The selection means detects the state of the image forming apparatus and selects an image forming apparatus that completes printing by the print jobs constituting the group print job.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. Each attribute in the above condition is weighted.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. The attributes within the above conditions are weighted differently with the print time.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. As the predetermined rule , the date and time for completing printing by the print jobs constituting the group print job are further conditioned.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The selection means detects the state of the image forming apparatus and estimates the date and time when printing by the image forming apparatus is completed.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 8. Computer,
A reception means that accepts group print jobs that are composed of multiple print jobs,
A selection means for selecting an image forming apparatus to print according to the group print job by applying a predetermined rule to the group print job.
An instruction means for instructing the selected image forming apparatus to print the group print job.
To function as,
The selection means is a case where an image forming apparatus capable of printing all of the plurality of print jobs cannot be selected at the time of the selection, and a case where some print jobs in the group print job satisfy the condition. , Select an image forming apparatus capable of printing some of the print jobs,
The instruction means sends an instruction to print a part of the print jobs included in the group print job and other non-printable print jobs in the group print job to the selected image forming apparatus.
Information processing program.

Images