JPH05313841A - Print job control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable a printer to be replaced by another printer when the printer is kept in a stop state of the printing function to perform the print job which is originally to executed by the printer. CONSTITUTION:Both normal and abnormal output printers are defined by each entry of a printer definition table 22. Then, the entry numbers of the table 22 which defines the corresponding printers as the normal and abnormal output printers respectively are registered in the physical queues 21-1 to 21-n to which just a single print job is connected against the printers 4-1 to 4-n. A host CPU 1 performs the job retrieving processing to retrieve the print jobs out of a job queue 23 in the order of application to designate an idle printer for an output purpose based on the entry number designated by the subject job, the normal and abnormal output printer defining entry numbers shown by the corresponding physical queue, and a printer working state list 24. Thus, the CPU 1 connects the subject job to the relevant physical queue.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print job control system in a computer system to which a plurality of printers are connected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a computer system in which a plurality of printers are connected to a LAN line or the like, conventionally, the following method has been applied to control and control a print job for performing print output using each printer. It had been.

That is, conventionally, a physical queue is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each printer, a print job request to be printed out by the corresponding printer is connected to the queue, and the requests connected to the queue are arranged in order. , The requested print job was executed by the corresponding printer.

In this conventional print job control method, a printer job request is sent to the physical queue corresponding to the requested printer (or the printer automatically determined by the requester), and the status of that printer (print function Operation /
It is connected regardless of (stopped state). Therefore, when the print function is stopped, the print job linked to the corresponding physical queue is not executed. In such a case, the operator needs to confirm the print function stop state and then perform the print function recovery operation or the operation of switching the print job to the physical queue of another printer.

[0005]

As described above, conventionally, a printer job request is connected to a physical queue corresponding to a target printer, regardless of the status of the target printer (print function operating / stopping state). However, if the print function is stopped, there is a problem that the print job connected to the physical queue cannot be executed. In order to execute this print job, the operator must confirm the print function stop status of the corresponding printer, and then perform the recovery operation of the print function or the operation of connecting this print job to the physical queue of another printer. I had to do it.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to automatically substitute a print job, which should be originally executed by that printer, by another printer when there is a printer in a print function stop state. It is to provide a print job control method that can be performed.

[0007]

According to the present invention, in a computer system to which a plurality of printers are connected, a normal output printer to be used for normal print output of a print job input (output request), When this abnormal output printer is unavailable, the abnormal output printer to be used as a substitute is specified, and if there is an available empty printer among the above multiple printers, that printer is set as the normal output printer or Search for the unexecuted print jobs to be specified as the output printer in case of an error
Even if the target job specifies the printer as a normal output printer, or if it is specified as an abnormal output printer, if the normal output printer specified by the same job is unavailable, the same job is executed on that printer. It is characterized by having done.

[0008]

In the above configuration, the normal output printer used for normal print output and the abnormal output printer used as an alternative when this normal output printer is unavailable are defined in each entry of the printer definition table. In addition, when a plurality of printers are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each other and the corresponding printers are in a usable state, it is possible to connect only one print job for print output by the printers. In the available physical queue, the designation information of each entry in the printer definition table that defines the corresponding printer as a normal output printer and an abnormal output printer is registered. A printer definition table that defines the normal output printer to be used for normal print output of the input print job and the abnormal output printer to be used as a substitute when this normal output printer is unavailable. The inner entry is specified.

Here, when the print job connected to a certain physical queue is completed, the print in which the corresponding printer of the physical queue is designated for output from the job queue which is the queue of the print job. Job search processing is performed in which jobs are searched in the order of submission.

In this job search processing, it is checked whether or not any one of the normal output printer definition entries indicated by the physical queue capable of connecting print jobs and the designated entry of the target job match. If they match, the same job is connected to the physical queue and is used for print output by the corresponding printer. On the other hand, if they do not match, then it is checked whether or not any one of the abnormal-time output printer definition entries indicated by the physical queue and the designated entry of the target job match, and they match, and If the normal output printer defined in the specified entry (entry in the printer definition table) of the same job is not available, it is assumed that the corresponding printer of the physical queue can be used instead of this normal output printer. The same work is connected to and provided for print output by a compatible printer.

Further, when a new print job is input, the normal output printer is prioritized from the normal output printer and the abnormal output printer defined by the entry in the printer definition table designated by the job. Then, a free printer is searched for, and if there is a free printer, the same job is connected to the physical queue corresponding to the printer.

[0012]

1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a computer system to which the print job control system of the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a host CPU that manages and controls the entire system, and 2 is a main memory of the host CPU 1. 3-1 to 3-m are terminal devices (T) such as personal computers and workstations, and 4-1 to 4-n are printers (PRT) usable from the terminal devices 3-1 to 3-m. The host CPU 1, the terminal devices 3-1 to 3-m, the printers 4-1 to 4-n, etc. are interconnected by a LAN line 5, for example.

The host CPU 1 has a function as a printer server for controlling print jobs using the printers 4-1 to 4-n. Therefore, in the main storage device 2 of the host CPU 1, various management information blocks required for print job control are placed as described below.

First, in the main storage device 2, printers 4-1 to 4-4 are provided.
physical queues 21-1 to 21 corresponding to -n one to one
-n is placed. These physical queues 21-1 to 21-n are
Each has a unique name (physical queue name) represented by # 1 to #n. In this embodiment, only one print job (print job request) can be connected to each physical queue 21-1 to 21-n.

In the physical queues 21-1 to 21-n, the corresponding printers 4-1 to 4-n are defined as normal output printers.
Entry number (not limited to one) (printer definition table entry number) and an entry in the printer definition table 22 that defines the corresponding printers 4-1 to 4-n as abnormal-time output printers (not necessarily one) And the entry number of are set. Here, the normal output printer is a printer used in the normal state, and the abnormal output printer is a printer used in place of the normal output printer when the normal output printer is in the unusable state.

A printer definition table 22 is stored in the main storage device 2. Each entry of the printer definition table 22 corresponds to the system (printers 4-1 to 4-4 in FIG. 1).
-m) corresponding to each predetermined group of users (for example, a group such as a section or department of a company organization that uses the system of FIG. 1) G1, G2 ...
It is used to define a normal output printer and an abnormal output printer (both of which are not limited to one) that can be used for the print job requested by the user of 1, G2 ... In this embodiment, in each entry of the printer definition table 22, information (physical queue name) indicating a physical queue unique to a printer that can be used as a normal output printer in units of corresponding groups, and used as an abnormal output printer Information (physical queue name) indicating a physical queue unique to a possible printer is registered.

Further, the main memory 2 is input (output request).
A job queue 23 is placed in which the selected print jobs (print job requests) are linked in the input order (output request order). The print job (print job request) connected to the job queue 23 is in a waiting state.
The print job identification information for identifying the job, and the entry number of the entry in the printer definition table 22 that defines the normal output printer and the abnormal output printer (each physical queue) used for the corresponding job are set therein. Has been done.

Further, the main memory 2 includes printers 4-1 to 4-4.
-n operation status to the physical queue 2 of the printer 4-1 to 4-n
A printer operating status list 24 corresponding to 1-1 to 21-n is placed. Here, the operating statuses of the printers 4-1 to 4-n are "RUN" indicating that they are in operation, "EMPTY" indicating that they are available, and "STOP" indicating that they are in a stopped state. It is represented by using three pieces of information.

Next, the print job control in the configuration of FIG. 1 will be described. First, the system administrator registers the setting information of the physical queues 21-1 to 21-n and the printer definition table 22 in advance by using an input device (not shown) of the host CPU 1, for example. In the printer definition table 22, this setting information is the name (physical queue name) of the physical queue corresponding to the printer (or plural printers) that can be used in units of each group for normal output and abnormal output. is there. For the physical queues 21-1 to 21-n, the corresponding printers 4-1 to 4-n are defined for normal output and abnormal output, respectively. Number).

By the way, in the initial state where the print job is not input, the operating status of each of the printers 4-1 to 4-n set in the printer operating status list 24 (specifically, each of the printers 4-1 to 4-1. Physical queues 21-1 to 21-n unique to 4-n
The printer operating statuses set in correspondence with the physical queue names # 1 to #n of are “STOP” or “EMPT
Y ".

When a print job (print job request) is input through the terminal devices 3-1 to 3-m in such a state, the host CPU 1 causes the printer capable of executing the job, as described below. Find and connect the business to the corresponding physical queue.

That is, the host CPU 1 registers the physical queue name corresponding to the normal output printer, which is registered in the entry in the printer definition table 22 indicated by the entry number (printer definition table entry number) designated by the job, and when an error occurs. Based on the physical queue name corresponding to the output printer and the printer operation status list 24 information for the printer corresponding to the physical queue name, it can be used among the printers that are pre-assigned to execute the job. The printer in the state (EPMTY) is searched for, and the input job is connected to the physical queue corresponding to the printer. In this case, the target printer is searched for with priority given to the normal output printer, and if both the defined normal output printer and the abnormal output printer can be used, the jobs submitted above are placed in the physical queue corresponding to the normal output printer. Connected. This work is linked to the physical queue corresponding to the abnormal output printer when only the abnormal output printer can be used.

When the input work is connected to the physical queue as described above, the work is executed by using the printer corresponding to the physical queue. For example, if the input job is connected to the physical queue 21-1, the same job is executed using the printer 4-1. In this case, the operating status of the printer 4-1 (# 1) in the printer operating status list 24 is updated from "EMPTY" to "RUN".

On the other hand, when all the printers assigned in advance to execute the input work are in the "RUN" or "STOP" state, the host CPU 1
Connects the business to the business queue 23.

Next, the operation when the print job is finished will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 2 as an example, when the job is connected to the physical queue 21-1. When the print job connected to the physical queue 21-1 is completed, the host CPU 1 first checks whether or not there is an (unchecked) print job in the job queue 23 (step S1). Since the print jobs are connected to the work queue 23 in the order in which the print jobs are input, the check in step S1 is performed in order of priority from the oldest (first connected) work.

If there is no job or all the jobs in the job queue 23 have been checked,
The host CPU 1 assumes that there is no work to be executed by the printer 4-1 corresponding to the physical queue 21-1, and the printer 4-1 (#
The operating status for 1) is changed from "RUN" to "EMPT".
It is updated to Y "(step S2).

On the other hand, if there is an unchecked job in the job queue 23, the host CPU 1 sets the (each) normal output printer definition entry number set in the physical queue 21-1 and the job ( The entry number (printer definition table entry number) specified in (target job) is compared (step S3).

If a match of the entry numbers is detected, the host CPU 1 determines that the printer 4-1 corresponding to the physical queue 21-1 can be used for normal output of the target job, and the target job Is deleted from the work queue 23 and connected to the physical queue 21-1 (step S4).

On the other hand, if no match of the entry numbers is detected, the host CPU 1 determines that the physical queue 21
It is judged that the printer 4-1 corresponding to -1 cannot be used for normal output of the target job, and whether or not the abnormal output printer definition entry number is set in the physical queue 21-1, that is, the physical queue 21- It is checked whether the printer 4-1 corresponding to 1 is also defined as an abnormal output printer (step S5).

If the printer 4-1 corresponding to the physical queue 21-1 is not defined as an abnormal output printer, the host CPU 1 returns to step S1 and there is an unchecked job in the job queue 23. Check whether or not.

On the other hand, if the printer 4-1 corresponding to the physical queue 21-1 is also defined as an abnormal output printer, the host CPU 1 determines that physical queue 21-1.
The output printer definition entry number at the time of abnormality (each) set in (1) and the entry number (printer definition table entry number) designated in the target job are compared (step S6).

If no match of the entry numbers is detected, the host CPU 1 judges that the printer 4-1 corresponding to the physical queue 21-1 cannot be used for the abnormal output of the target job, and the step Returning to S1, it is checked whether or not there is an unchecked job in the job queue 23.

On the other hand, if a match of the entry numbers is detected, the host CPU 1 may be able to use the printer 4-1 corresponding to the physical queue 21-1 as the abnormal output of the target job. And the next step S7
Proceed to. In step S7, the host CPU 1 obtains the physical queue name corresponding to the normal output printer registered in the entry in the printer definition table 22 indicated by the entry number specified in the target job, and corresponds to the physical queue name. The operating status shown in the printer operating status list 24 for the printer is checked. That is, the host CPU 1 checks the normal output printer that should execute the target job, and checks the operating status of the printer.

If the normal output printer that should execute the target job is "STO" (due to failure or power OFF)
If it is in the P "state, the host CPU 1 uses the printer 4-1 (corresponding to the physical queue 21-1) that is determined to be usable for abnormal output in step S6 instead of the normal output printer to execute the target job. As the executable task, the target task is deleted from the task queue 23, and the physical queue 21 is deleted.
Connect to -1 (step S8).

In this way, the host CPU 1 completes the work queue 23-1 when the work connected to the physical queue 21-1 is completed.
Among the jobs that are connected to the physical queue 21-1, the jobs that can be newly connected to the physical queue 21-1, that is, the jobs that can be executed by the printer 4-1 corresponding to the physical queue 21-1 are searched with priority from the old one. To do.

The above-described print job search processing is performed by the physical queues other than the physical queue 21-1, that is, the physical queues 21-2 to 21-2.
Even when the work connected to 1-n is completed, the same process as above is performed except that the target physical queue and printer are different.

[0038]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
If a normal output printer and an abnormal output printer are specified according to the print job to be input, and there are available free printers among the multiple printers connected to the system, that printer is normally output. Whether or not the unexecuted print jobs to be designated as a printer or an abnormal output printer are searched first from the oldest, and the target job designates that printer as a normal output printer,
Even if it is designated as an abnormal output printer, if the normal output printer designated by the same job cannot be used, the same job is executed by that printer. Even in the stopped state, it is possible to search for an abnormal output printer (a printer designated as the abnormal output printer) and automatically execute the print job by that printer.

According to the present invention, the normal output printer and the abnormal output printer are defined by the printer definition table, and a plurality of normal output printers and abnormal output printers are defined by one entry in the table. Since it is possible to set a plurality of printer candidates that can be used to execute the print job and automatically search for an empty printer from the candidates to perform the print job, the job execution efficiency is improved.

Further, according to the present invention, the number of print jobs that can be connected to the physical queue corresponding to each printer is limited to one, and the print jobs that cannot be connected to the physical queue are connected to the job queue in the order in which they are submitted, and the print jobs are connected to the physical queue. When the connected jobs are completed, the jobs that can be connected to the physical queue next are retrieved from the job queue in the order of submission, so that the jobs can be processed in the order of submission.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a computer system to which a print job control system of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining print job search processing by the host CPU 1 in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Host CPU (search means, new input operation control means), 2 ... Main storage device, 3-1 to 3-m ... Terminal device (T),
4-1 to 4-n ... Printer (PRT), 5 ... LAN line, 2
1-1 to 21-n ... Physical queue, 22 ... Printer definition table, 23 ... Business queue, 24 ... Printer operating status list.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. In a computer system to which a plurality of printers are connected, a normal output printer used for normal print output of the job depending on the input print job, and a substitute when this normal output printer is unavailable If you specify an abnormal output printer to use, and if there are available free printers among the multiple printers, you can specify the printer as the normal output printer or abnormal output printer If the target job specifies the printer as a normal output printer, or if it is specified as an abnormal output printer, but the normal output printer specified by the same job is unavailable, the job is searched for in that printer. A print job control method characterized by being executed. 2. A normal output printer used for normal print output in a computer system to which a plurality of printers are connected,
And a printer definition table having a plurality of entries in which definition information for defining an abnormal output printer to be used as a substitute when the normal output printer is unavailable is registered, and one to one for each of the plurality of printers. Corresponding to each printer, and has corresponding specification information of the printer definition table entry defining the normal output printer as the normal output printer and the printer definition table entry defining the abnormal output printer. When a printer to be used is in a usable state, a physical queue that can connect only one print job to be used for print output by the printer and a print job that cannot be connected to the physical queue are connected in the order of submission. With the job queue and the print job, the normal process of the job Connected to the physical queue, a means for specifying an entry in the printer definition table that defines a normal output printer to be used for printer output, and an abnormal output printer to be used as an alternative when the normal output printer is unavailable. And a search unit that searches for a print job that specifies a printer corresponding to the physical queue for output from the job queue in the order of submission when the print job is completed. If one of the normal output printer definition entries indicated by the physical queue matches the designated entry of the target job, or even if they do not match, one of the abnormal output printer definition entries indicated by the physical queue is the designated entry of the same task. In the printer definition table entry specified by the same job If the normal output printer defined in is unavailable, connect the same job to the physical queue,
A printer business control method characterized by allowing output by a compatible printer. 3. When the print job is newly input, the normal output printer defined from the entry in the printer definition table designated by the job and the normal output printer are output from the normal output printer. It is further provided with a new input job control means for searching for an empty printer with priority and connecting the same job to the physical queue corresponding to the printer if there is an empty printer, and connecting the same job to the job queue if there is no empty printer. The print job control system according to claim 2, wherein