WO2014042072A1

WO2014042072A1 - Job management device and job management program

Info

Publication number: WO2014042072A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/073963
Authority: WO
Inventors: 達朗飯田; 矢野　義博
Original assignee: 大日本印刷株式会社
Priority date: 2012-09-12
Filing date: 2013-09-05
Publication date: 2014-03-20

Abstract

According to the present invention, a job management device is connected to OA apparatuses by a network or the like. The job management device stores transmitted or inputted jobs, and when there is a job execution instruction from an OA apparatus, transmits the corresponding job to the OA apparatus and executes the job. The job management device records first history information pertaining to the job executed by the OA apparatus, and when the OA apparatus that has transmitted the job execution instruction is executing another job, records second history information indicating that the OA apparatus is executing another job.

Description

Job management apparatus and job management program

The present invention relates to a technique for managing jobs such as printing by a plurality of OA devices.

In recent years, when using a printer in an office or school, it has become common to use an employee ID card or student ID card as an authentication medium for the purpose of preventing neglected printouts, improving security, and charging. Specifically, the user sends a print job from his / her PC or the like to the server, and then goes to the nearest printer location and gives an instruction to print by holding an employee ID card or the like. The printer instructed to print acquires the user's print job data from the server based on the user's ID read from the employee ID card, and performs printout.

By analyzing the usage rate and processing capacity of each printer in an environment where multiple printers are communicably connected to the server, the appropriate printer processing capacity and printer optimization are required to use the printer more efficiently. The arrangement can be calculated. In Patent Document 1, a usage history log of a multifunction device is collected for each function, and the frequency of use of each function of the multifunction device is analyzed to quantify whether the location of the multifunction device is appropriate. An analysis device is disclosed.

JP 2004-289642 A

In an environment where a plurality of printers are connected to the server, when a user goes to the nearest printer location, a job such as printing by another user may be being executed. In such a situation, the user may wait for the end of printing by the printer as it is, or may move to another printer and print. Therefore, it is not possible to grasp the occurrence of a waiting time until the job is executed or the fact that printing is performed by a printer different from the printer that was originally intended to be output only by the output history information of each printer. Therefore, in this case, the administrator cannot accurately grasp the degree of congestion of each printer, and cannot accurately estimate the processing capacity originally required for each printer. It is not possible to appropriately perform reduction, reduction, and layout conversion of printers and users.

The present invention provides a job management apparatus capable of accurately grasping the processing capability required for each OA device when causing the OA device to execute a job in a system in which OA devices such as a plurality of printers are connected. The main purpose is to do.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a job management apparatus that is communicably connected to a plurality of OA devices, the job storage unit storing a job, and job execution from one OA device among the plurality of OA devices. A job control unit that acquires a job corresponding to the job execution instruction from the job storage unit when the instruction is received, transmits the job to the OA device that is the transmission source of the job execution instruction, and executes the job; and the OA device And history information recording means for recording first history information that is history information of a job executed by the OA device, wherein the OA device that is the transmission source of the job execution instruction is executing another job. In some cases, second history information that is history information indicating that the OA device is executing another job is recorded.

The above job management apparatus is connected to the OA equipment by, for example, a network. The job management apparatus stores a job transmitted or input, and when a job execution instruction is issued from any OA device, transmits the corresponding job to the OA device to execute the job. The job management apparatus records the first history information related to the job executed by the OA device, and when the OA device that is the transmission source of the job execution instruction is executing another job, the OA device The second history information indicating that the process is being executed is recorded. In this way, the job management apparatus records the second history information in addition to the first history information, so that the fact that the OA device that has transmitted the job execution instruction is executing another job is stored in the history information. Can be used during analysis. Therefore, the job management apparatus can grasp the presence / absence of congestion in each OA device, and more accurately analyze the increase / decrease in the number of OA devices, the necessity of rearrangement, and the like.

In one aspect of the job management apparatus, the history information recording means includes at least identification information of a target OA device and job identification information in the first and second history information. According to this aspect, when the OA device that is the transmission source of the job execution instruction is executing another job, the job management apparatus uses the same OA device or uses another OA device. Can be suitably grasped when analyzing the history information. Further, by adding time information and user identification information to the first and second history information, analysis according to the user and the time zone can be performed.

In another aspect of the job management apparatus, the job management apparatus further includes analysis means for estimating a processing capability required for each of the plurality of OA devices based on the first and second history information. According to this aspect, the job management apparatus can preferably estimate the processing capacity required for each OA device.

In another aspect of the job management apparatus, when the OA device that is the transmission source of the job execution instruction is executing another job, the analysis unit moves to the other OA device and moves to the other OA. When it is determined that a device has been used, the processing capability required for the transmission source OA device is considered to be higher than the actual processing capability calculated based on the first history information. When the user first moves to another OA device and uses the other OA device as a result of the execution of another job by the OA device that the user first tried to use, the first history information includes Only the output information of the finally used OA device is recorded. Therefore, according to this aspect, the job management apparatus can appropriately evaluate the processing capability required for the OA device that the user first tried to use.

In another aspect of the job management apparatus, when the OA device that is the transmission source of the job execution instruction is executing another job, the analysis unit moves to the other OA device and moves to the other OA. When it is determined that a device has been used, the processing capability required for the other OA device is considered to be lower than the actual processing capability calculated based on the first history information. According to this aspect, the job management apparatus can appropriately evaluate the processing capability required for the OA device that the user has used due to the processing of other OA devices being congested. .

In another aspect of the job management apparatus, the analysis unit may include the transmission source without moving to another OA device when the OA device that is the transmission source of the job execution instruction is executing another job. When it is determined that the OA device is used, the processing capability required for the transmission source OA device is considered to be higher than the actual processing capability calculated based on the first history information. As described above, when the user uses the OA device after waiting for another job of the OA device to be used, the job management apparatus considers that the processing of the OA device is congested, and the OA. It is considered that the processing capacity required for the equipment is higher than the actual processing capacity. Thereby, the job management apparatus can appropriately evaluate the processing capability required for the OA device.

In another aspect of the job management apparatus, the OA device includes a printer dedicated machine that executes a print job, a multifunction machine that executes a plurality of types of jobs including a print job, an IC card issue machine that executes an issue job, an issue A recording medium issuing machine that executes a job, or a document scanner that executes a scan job. Even in this aspect, the job management apparatus can grasp the presence / absence of congestion in each OA device, and more accurately analyze the increase / decrease in the number of OA devices, the necessity of rearrangement, and the like.

In another aspect of the job management apparatus, the job management apparatus further includes job execution status management means for managing the job execution status of each of the plurality of OA devices, wherein the job control means includes job execution statuses of the plurality of OA devices and Based on the time required to move between the plurality of OA devices, the waiting time of the plurality of OA devices is calculated, and the OA device with the shortest waiting time is notified to the OA device that is the transmission source of the job execution instruction. As a result, a user who has attempted a job such as printing with an OA device that is already executing a job can know which OA device is the earliest to use.

In another aspect of the present invention, a job management program that is communicably connected to a plurality of OA devices and is executed by a job management apparatus that is a computer includes a job storage unit that stores a job, and a plurality of the OA devices. When a job execution instruction is received from one of the OA devices, a job corresponding to the job execution instruction is acquired from the job storage unit, and transmitted to the OA device that is the transmission source of the job execution instruction to execute the job. The computer functions as job control means and history information recording means for recording first history information that is history information of a job executed by the OA device, and the history information recording means is a source of the job execution instruction. If the OA device is executing another job, the OA device is history information indicating that the OA device was executing another job. Historical information is recorded. By executing this program on the computer of the job management apparatus, it is possible to grasp the presence / absence of congestion in each OA device and more accurately analyze the increase / decrease in the number of OA devices, the necessity of rearrangement, and the like.

According to the present invention, in a system in which a plurality of OA devices are connected, the job management apparatus refers to the history information for the fact that the OA device that has transmitted the job execution instruction is executing another job. Can be used. Therefore, the job management apparatus can grasp the presence / absence of congestion in each OA device, and more accurately analyze the increase / decrease in the number of OA devices, the necessity of rearrangement, and the like.

It is a top view which shows typically the environment where the printer was installed. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a job management system. The example of each information which a job management server has is shown. An example of a display screen in the printer is shown. The example of the historical information which a job management server has is shown. It is a flowchart of a job management process. It is a flowchart of an analysis process. An example of history information before and after execution of step S33 in FIG. 7 is shown. An example of history information before and after execution of step S34 in FIG. 7 is shown.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Constitution]
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an environment in which a printer is installed in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a plurality of terminal devices 2 and a plurality of printers A to C are distributed in a plurality of rooms in an office. Specifically, three printers A to C are installed in the rooms A to C, respectively, and the terminal device 2 is installed in the other rooms. A user (for example, an employee) works with his / her terminal device 2 and uses one of the three printers A to C when printing of a document is necessary. Each user can use any of the three printers A to C. That is, it is assumed that there is no restriction on the printer used by each user. In the following description, when referring to a specific one of the three printers A to C, they are expressed as “printer A”, “printer B”, etc., and when not limited to a specific one, Indicated as “printer”.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the print management system according to the present embodiment. In the print management system, a plurality of terminal devices 2, a plurality of printers A to C, and a job management server 5 are connected to a LAN 6 to constitute a network.

The terminal device 2 is a PC used by the user. The user performs necessary work by operating the terminal device 2. Each user has a storage medium storing his / her user ID. In this embodiment, this storage medium is an IC card such as an employee ID card.

Printers A to C are installed in rooms A to C, respectively. Various printers can be used as the printers A to C. For example, a printer dedicated machine or a so-called multifunction machine having a copy function, a fax function, a scanner function, or the like may be used. The printers A to C are provided with an IC card reader for reading the user ID from the user's IC card. The printers A to C are examples of the “OA device” in the present invention. Here, examples of the OA device include a printer dedicated machine, a multifunction machine, an IC card issuing machine, a recording medium issuing machine (CD, DVD, BD, etc. issuing machine), a document scanner, and the like. In addition, any device that accepts a job from the job management server and executes the job and takes a certain amount of time until the job execution is completed is effective in applying to the present embodiment.

The job management server 5 is a device that centrally manages and controls jobs such as printing from a plurality of terminal devices 2 to the printers A to C. The job management server 5 functions as a job storage unit, a printing status management unit, a job control unit, and a history information recording unit of the present invention.

Next, we will explain the basic method for users to print documents. A user can print a document by giving a print instruction from the terminal device 2 and then holding the IC card over the printer.

Specifically, first, the user operates the terminal device 2 to create a document. When it is necessary to print a document, the user issues a print instruction on the terminal device 2. As a result, the terminal device 2 to which the print instruction has been input transmits the instructed print job to the job management server 5. The print job includes a user ID indicating the creator of the document or a user ID of the user who has instructed printing. The job management server 5 receives the print job from each terminal device 2 and stores it.

Next, the user goes to one of the printer locations and holds his IC card over the printer. The printer reads the user ID from the IC card and transmits it to the job management server 5. The job management server 5 acquires a print job corresponding to the user ID from a plurality of stored print jobs and transmits it to the printer. The printer executes the received print job and prints out the document. Thus, the user can print the document. Further, the user can issue an instruction to execute a job such as FAX transmission, scanning, or copying of a document to the printer, as in the case of a print job. If the OA device is an IC card issuer, CD issuer, DVD issuer, or BD issuer, the user can issue each job such as issuing an IC card, issuing a CD, issuing a DVD, or issuing a BD. Can be issued to each issuing machine.

[Wait time comparison process]
In this embodiment, when the user goes to a certain printer and holds the IC card, the job management server 5 is executing another job such as printing (when “job waiting” occurs). The method of using the printer after waiting for the end of the job (first method) is faster, or the method of using another printer by going to the location of another printer (second method). Notify the user if it is early. More specifically, the job management server 5 calculates the waiting time of the first method and the waiting time of the second method, respectively, and notifies the user of the method with the shorter waiting time. Hereinafter, this processing is referred to as “waiting time comparison processing”.

The job management server 5 holds saved job information, running job information, and travel time information in order to execute the waiting time comparison process. FIG. 3A shows an example of stored job information. “Saved job information” is a list of print jobs received from a plurality of terminal devices 2. As shown in FIG. 3A, the stored job information includes job identification information, a user ID, a job owner, a document, and a job type.

“User ID” is the user ID of the user who sent each print job. “Job owner” indicates the name of the user who instructed the transmitted print job. “Document” indicates the file name of a document to be printed. “Job type” indicates the type of job to be executed. Note that jobs such as printing transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the job management server 5 are simply pooled in the job management server 5, and the execution order or the like is not set according to the transmission time or the like. The job stored in the job management server 5 is transmitted to the printer and executed when the user gives an execution instruction by holding the IC card over a specific printer.

FIG. 3B shows an example of job information being executed. “In-execution job information” is information indicating a job currently being executed in each printer. As shown in FIG. 3B, the job information being executed includes job identification information, job owner, document, job type, total processing time, and remaining processing time for each printer A to C. “Job owner”, “document”, and “job type” are the same as the stored job information. In-execution job information may include a user ID instead of the job owner. In the example of FIG. 3B, only information on the print job being executed is included for each printer, but a job reserved next to the job being executed (referred to as a “reservation job”). ) Is stored, including information on the reserved job.

“Total processing time” is the time required to complete the job from the beginning, and “Remaining processing time” is the remaining time until the job is completed. Here, the total processing time and the remaining processing time are calculated by the job management server 5. The job management server 5 holds in advance information such as specifications and specifications of each printer A to C, and grasps the processing capability of the printer, the speed at which a job such as printing is executed, and the like. Therefore, the job management server 5 calculates the total processing time of one job based on the data amount of the document to be processed and the processing speed of the printer that executes the job. The job management server 5 calculates the remaining processing time by subtracting the elapsed time from the start of job processing to the present time from the total processing time. Therefore, the remaining processing time changes every moment.

FIG. 3C shows an example of travel time information. “Movement time information” is a standard time required for the user to move between the printers A to C. For example, when the user actually moves between the printers A to C at a standard speed. The time required for is set.

Next, a specific process of the waiting time comparison process will be described. Assume that the job information being executed and the travel time information are in the states shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, respectively, and that user S holds the IC card over printer A and gives a job execution instruction. To do. In this case, the job management server 5 calculates the waiting time of each printer based on the remaining processing time of each printer in the job information being executed and the movement time in the movement time information. The “waiting time” is the remaining processing time when the printer at the current position is used, and is the sum of the remaining processing time and the movement time to the printer when moving to another printer. Note that as described above, information on reserved jobs may be included in the job information being executed. In this case, the waiting time is calculated by adding the total processing time of the reserved jobs. become.

Specifically, in the example of FIG. 3B, the remaining processing time of the printer A is 2 minutes and 50 seconds, and when the printer A is used, the user S does not need to move (the movement time is 0). Therefore, the waiting time of the printer A is “2 minutes 50 seconds”.

Since the remaining processing time of the printer B is 1 minute and 40 seconds and the moving time from the printer A to the printer B is 1 minute, the waiting time of the printer B (that is, the user S moves to the printer B and performs printing) (Waiting time) is “2 minutes 40 seconds”.

Since printer C is free, the remaining processing time is 0, and the travel time from printer A to printer C is 2 minutes and 30 seconds, so the waiting time of printer C is “2 minutes and 30 seconds”.

Therefore, in this example, the waiting time of the printer C is the shortest, and the user S moves to the printer C and prints the fastest. As described above, when the next job execution instruction is given during the execution of the print job, each of the printers A to C transmits the user ID of the IC card to the job management server 5 to make an inquiry. The job management server 5 calculates the waiting time of each of the printers A to C based on the job information being executed and the moving time information as described above, determines the printer with the shortest waiting time, and determines the printer as the inquiry source. To notify. The inquiry source printer notifies the user by displaying the notification content on the display unit. Thus, the user can know which printer has the shortest waiting time at that time by going to one of the printers and holding the IC card. Therefore, the user can shorten the time until the start of printing.

4A and 4B show display examples when a printer having the shortest waiting time is notified to the user. FIG. 4A shows a display screen example of the printer A. In the display unit 20 of the printer A, a window 21 indicating information on the job currently being executed and a window 22 indicating information on the latest instruction job newly instructed by holding the IC card are displayed. Here, the window 22 displays information indicating which printer is the earliest to use. In the example of FIG. 4A, the printer at the current position has the shortest waiting time, and a message is displayed that proposes to wait there without moving.

FIG. 4B shows a display screen example of the printer B. In this example, the printer C at another location has a shorter waiting time, and a message suggesting that the printer C move there is displayed. A printer that is recommended to be used because its waiting time is short is hereinafter referred to as a “recommended printer”. Further, in the display screen example of the printer B shown in FIG. 4B, a button 23 for allowing the user to input whether or not to agree with the proposal is displayed. When the user X agrees to move to the printer C and presses the button 23, the printer B transmits the user ID of Mr. X and information indicating that the user moves to the printer C to the job management server 5. The job management server 5 receives this, transmits Mr. X's print job to the printer C, and causes the printer C to execute the print job. If there is a job being executed in the printer C at that time, a reservation is made to execute the Mr. X print job next. As a result, the user can execute printing in the shortest time.

[History information recording process]
In the present embodiment, the job management server 5 records history information on job waiting occurrence (also referred to as “job waiting occurrence history information”) in addition to the history information of the executed job (also referred to as “job history information”). To do. The job management server 5 refers to these pieces of history information, and accurately estimates the processing capability required for each printer by the analysis processing described later in the section [Analysis Processing]. Hereinafter, processing for recording job history information and job waiting occurrence history information is referred to as “history information recording processing”. The job history information is an example of “first history information” in the present invention, and the job waiting occurrence history information is an example of “second history information” in the present invention.

Here, the history information recorded by the job management server 5 by the history information recording process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows an example of history information recorded by the job management server 5 by the history information recording process. “Processing ID” is identification information assigned to each history information by a serial number in the order of generation. “Job identification information” is identification information assigned to each print job. “User ID” is the user ID of the user who sent each print job. In the case of job history information, “printer” indicates a printer that has executed a job, and in the case of job wait occurrence history information, it indicates a printer in which a user holds an IC card when a job wait occurs. “Date and time” indicates the date and time when job execution is started in the case of job history information, and indicates the date and time when a job wait occurred in the case of job wait occurrence history information. “Content” indicates the output content such as the number of output and the job type in the case of job history information, and indicates that it is job waiting occurrence history information in the case of job waiting occurrence history information. In addition to the example in FIG. 5, the job history information may include information on the date and time when the job execution is completed, and information such as the total processing time recorded in the job information being executed in FIG.

As described above, the job management server 5 records the job wait occurrence history information in addition to the job history information, so that it can recognize whether a job wait has occurred in each printer during the history information analysis process described later. In addition, it is possible to recognize which of the first and second methods is selected by the user when a job wait occurs. This will be explained in the [Analysis Processing] section.

[Job management processing]
Next, a job management process including the waiting time comparison process and the history information recording process will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the job management process. This processing is executed mainly by the job management server 5 transmitting and receiving necessary information and instructions with the printers A to C. Specifically, the job management server 5 is realized by executing a program prepared in advance. This job management process is repeatedly executed every predetermined time.

First, the job management server 5 receives a job such as printing from the terminal device 2 and stores it (step S11). The job management server 5 stores the received job and manages the job by generating and updating the stored job information illustrated in FIG. Further, when receiving an execution instruction from the terminal device 2 or the printer for a job other than a print job, the job management server 5 generates and updates stored job information and manages the job.

Next, the job management server 5 communicates with each of the printers A to C and collects the current job execution status of each printer (step S12). As a result, the job management server 5 generates and updates the running job information illustrated in FIG.

Next, the job management server 5 determines whether or not there is a job execution instruction from any printer (step S13). This job execution instruction is performed when a user who has uploaded a job from the terminal device 2 to the job management server 5 goes to one of the printer locations and holds his IC card over the printer. The printer instructed to execute the job transmits the user ID read from the IC card and its own printer ID to the job management server 5.

If there is no job execution instruction from any printer (step S13; No), the process ends. On the other hand, if there is a job execution instruction from any printer (step S13; Yes), the job management server 5 determines whether or not the printer that is the target of the job execution instruction is in use (step S14). In addition to this determination, more detailed history can be acquired by considering determination conditions such as out of paper and out of toner. If the target printer is not in use at step S14 (step S14; No), the job management server 5 sends the job to the target printer and executes the job (step S21). Then, the job management server 5 records job history information related to the executed job (step S24).

On the other hand, when the printer that is the target of the job execution instruction is in use (step S14; Yes), the job management server 5 records the job waiting occurrence history information for the printer that is the target of the job execution instruction (step S15). . Then, the job management server 5 calculates the waiting time of each printer as described above (step S16). Specifically, the job management server 5 calculates the waiting time for each printer by adding the remaining processing time in the job information being executed and the movement time in the movement time information.

Next, the job management server 5 determines whether or not the waiting time of the printer to which the user has instructed the job execution, that is, the printer at the location where the user is present is the shortest (step S17). If the waiting time of the printer is the shortest (step S17; Yes), the job management server 5 notifies the printer to that effect and proposes to wait at the printer as illustrated in FIG. Are displayed (step S19). Thereafter, the job management server 5 causes the target printer to execute the job after the waiting time has elapsed (step S23), and records the job history information of the executed job (step S24).

On the other hand, when the waiting time of the printer where the user is currently located is not the shortest (step S17; No), the job management server 5 notifies the printer of which printer has the shortest waiting time. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, a message that suggests moving to the recommended printer that is the printer with the shortest waiting time, a button 23 that instructs to agree to the proposal, and the like are displayed (step S18).

Next, the job management server 5 inquires of the printer whether or not the user has agreed to the proposal, specifically, whether or not the button 23 has been pressed (step S20). If the user does not agree with the proposal (step S20; No), the job management server 5 causes the target printer to execute the job after the waiting time has elapsed (step S23), and records the job history information of the executed job (step S23). Step S24). On the other hand, when the user agrees with the proposal and presses the button 23 (step S20; Yes), the job management server 5 transmits the print job to the recommended printer and executes it (step S22). Then, the job management server 5 records job history information (step S24).

[Analysis processing]
Next, analysis processing based on history information generated by history information recording processing will be described. Schematically, the job management server 5 is based on job history information by recognizing that the user selects the first method and the second method when a job wait occurs based on the history information described above. From the output of each printer, the processing capability originally required for the printer is calculated.

(1) Process Overview FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the analysis process. This process is realized by the job management server 5 executing a program prepared in advance.

First, the job management server 5 determines whether there is job waiting occurrence history information including the same job identification information a predetermined time before the date and time indicated by each job history information (step S31). The above-mentioned predetermined time is set to an appropriate value in advance based on experiments or the like in consideration of, for example, a waiting time at each printer that can be assumed. In general, the job identification information of the job wait occurrence history information generated when the job wait is generated matches the job identification information of the job history information generated when the job having the wait occurred. Accordingly, the job management server 5 suitably determines whether or not there is a job waiting occurrence by determining whether or not there is job waiting occurrence history information including the same job identification information for a predetermined time before each job history information. be able to. If there is no job waiting occurrence history information including the same job identification information a predetermined time before the date and time indicated by each job history information (step S31; No), the job management server 5 advances the process to step S35.

On the other hand, when there is job wait occurrence history information including the same job identification information a predetermined time before the date and time indicated by each job history information (step S31; Yes), the job management server 5 generates the job history information and the job wait occurrence. It is determined whether the printer recorded in the history information is different (step S32). If the printers recorded in the target job history information and the job wait occurrence history information are different (step S32; Yes), the job management server 5 selects the second method when the user waits for a job to occur. Judge that the job was executed. In this case, the job management server 5 rewrites the printer name recorded in the target job history information with the printer name recorded in the job waiting occurrence history information (step S33). That is, in this case, the job management server 5 regards the job recorded in the job history information as being executed by the printer recorded in the job waiting occurrence history information. This process will be described later with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, if the printers recorded in the target job history information and the job waiting occurrence history information are the same in step S32 (step S32; No), the job management server 5 allows the user to select the first method. In step S34, it is determined that the job has been executed. In step S34, the job management server 5 increases the output content such as the number of prints recorded in the target job history information by the waiting time (step S34). This process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the job management server 5 determines whether or not the processing starting from step S31 has been executed for all job history information (step S35). If the processing starting from step S31 has been executed for all job history information (step S35; Yes), the job management server 5 advances the processing to step S36. On the other hand, when there is job history information that does not execute the process starting from step S31 (step S35; No), the job management server 5 returns the process to step S31.

In step S36, the job management server 5 calculates the total output such as the number of printed sheets of each printer based on the history information after rewriting (step S36). Preferably, the job management server 5 calculates the total output of each printer for each time zone, and uses the printer in each time zone based on output capabilities such as the printing speed of each printer and the processing speed of other jobs. Calculate the rate. As a result, the job management server 5 can appropriately estimate the usage rate that appropriately reflects the degree of congestion of each printer and the processing capability required for each printer. Therefore, the administrator of the job management server 5 refers to the calculated utilization rate, and appropriately determines the increase or decrease in the number of installed printers and / or the determination of the user or printer relocation. can do.

(2) Specific Example Next, a specific example of the processing in step S33 and step S34 in FIG. 7 will be described. First, a specific example of the process in step S33 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8A shows an example of history information before execution of step S33, and FIG. 8B shows history information after execution of step S33.

As shown in FIG. 8A, immediately before the generation date and time of the job history information with the process ID “0003”, the job waiting occurrence history information with the process ID “0002” in which the same job identification information (1010) is recorded. Exists (see step S31 in FIG. 7). Also, the printers recorded in the job history information with the process ID “0003” and the job waiting occurrence history information with the process ID “0002” are different (see step S32).

Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 8B, the job management server 5 uses the printer (that is, printer B) recorded in the job history information with the process ID “0003” as the job with the process ID “0002”. The printer is rewritten to the printer (that is, printer A) indicated by the waiting occurrence history information (see step S33). That is, in this case, the job management server 5 deletes job history information that the printer B has printed 100 sheets, and newly creates job history information that the printer A has printed 100 sheets. In FIG. 8B, the job management server 5 deletes the job waiting occurrence history information after the analysis processing. As described above, the job management server 5 originally requests each printer by regarding a job executed by another printer when a job wait occurs as a job executed by the printer that the user first tried to use. The processing capacity can be accurately calculated.

Next, a specific example of the process in step S34 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9A shows an example of history information before execution of step S34, and FIG. 9B shows history information after execution of step S34.

As shown in FIG. 9A, immediately before the generation date and time of the job history information with the process ID “0003”, the job waiting occurrence history information with the process ID “0002” in which the same job identification information (1102) is recorded. Exists (see step S31 in FIG. 7). The printers recorded in the job history information with the process ID “0003” and the job wait occurrence history information with the process ID “0002” are the same (that is, the printer A) (see step S32).

Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 9B, the job management server 5 increases the number of prints recorded in the “content” item of the job history information of the process ID “0003” from 100 to 120. (See step S34). The magnitude of the output to be increased in step S34 may be a predetermined fixed value, or may be a fluctuation value that increases in proportion to the waiting time from the job execution instruction to the execution start. Here, the job management server 5 increases the target output contents by 20 prints. As described above, the job management server 5 considers the waiting time for the job in which the waiting time from the job execution instruction to the start of execution occurs as a result of not changing the printer used by the user when the job wait occurs. By increasing the output, the processing capability originally required for each printer can be accurately calculated.

[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, when the user agrees to move to the recommended printer in step S20 of FIG. 6, the job management server 5 transmits the job such as printing to the recommended printer in step S22 and executes the job such as printing. Has started. Instead, in Modification 1, the job management server 5 transmits a job such as printing to the recommended printer in step S22. However, the job management server 5 does not immediately start the job, reserves the job to the recommended printer, and sets the recommended printer. Reservation status. Except for this point, the first modification is the same as the above-described embodiment.

Here, the “reserved state” means a state in which the job execution instruction is not accepted even when another user goes to the printer and holds the IC card. The recommended printer cancels the reserved state and executes the reserved job when the user who has issued the job execution instruction in step S13 goes to the recommended printer and holds the IC card. By doing so, the job does not start unless the user who has actually instructed the job execution goes to the recommended printer and holds the IC card, so that the printed matter is left on the recommended printer when printing or the like is executed. This eliminates the need to protect print information and the like.

However, if the recommended printer is in a reserved state and the user does not execute a job using the recommended printer for a long time, it is not preferable because other users cannot use the printer for a long time. Therefore, a time limit may be set for the recommended printer to make a reservation state, and the reservation state may be automatically canceled after a predetermined time has elapsed. Specifically, the job management server 5 may set the time for maintaining the reservation state based on movement time information between printers. For example, when it is proposed to use the printer C as a recommended printer for a user who has issued a job execution instruction with the printer A, the job management server 5 determines the time for maintaining the recommended printer in the reserved state as the printer A. It is preferable to set it to about twice or three times the moving time from the printer to the printer C (2 minutes 30 seconds in the example of FIG. 3C). That is, if the user does not execute the job by the recommended printer even after the standard movement time has passed twice or more than three times, the reserved state is cancelled.

[Modification 2]
In the above embodiment, when the user agrees to move to the recommended printer in step S20, the job management server 5 transmits the job to the recommended printer in step S22 to start execution of the job. However, in the case of a print job, if the time required to execute the print job is short and the time for the user to move to the recommended printer is long, the time that the printed matter is left in the recommended printer becomes long, which is not preferable in terms of security. There is a case. Therefore, in the case of a print job, the job management server 5 considers the time until the user moves to the recommended printer, and the print start time by the recommended printer is as short as possible so that the time for the printed matter to be left unattended is as short as possible. May be adjusted. For example, if the print job is completed in 2 minutes from the current time and it takes 3 minutes for the user to move to the recommended printer, the recommended printer is controlled to start printing after 1 minute from the current time. For example, printing can be completed just when the user reaches the recommended printer, and the time for which the printed material is left can be shortened as much as possible.

[Modification 3]
In the above embodiment, the job management server 5 records the printing speed of each printer and the processing speed of other jobs in advance, and calculates the total processing time based on the printing speed and the data amount of each job. . Instead, the total processing time may be calculated by each printer. As described above, the job management server 5 periodically collects job information being executed from each printer. Therefore, at that time, each printer may calculate the total processing time of the job being executed by itself and transmit this to the job management server 5. If there is a reserved job, each printer also calculates the total processing time of the reserved job and transmits it to the job management server 5. The job management server 5 may store the total processing time received from each printer in the in-execution job information illustrated in FIG.

[Modification 4]
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the job management server 5 is configured as a server independent of the terminal device 2 and the printer. Instead, the function of the job management server 5 may be provided in any printer. Alternatively, the function of the job management server 5 may be provided inside any one of the terminal devices 2. That is, in the present invention, if a plurality of terminal devices 2, a plurality of printers, and a part having the function of the job management server 5 are configured on the network, the part having the function of the job management server 5 is arranged where. However, the same processing as in the above embodiment is possible.

2 Terminal device 5 Job management server 6 LAN
AC printer

Claims

A job management apparatus communicably connected to a plurality of OA devices,
Job storage means for storing jobs;
When a job execution instruction is received from one OA device among the plurality of OA devices, a job corresponding to the job execution instruction is acquired from the job storage unit, and is transmitted to the OA device that has transmitted the job execution instruction. Job control means for sending and executing the job;
History information recording means for recording first history information which is history information of a job executed by the OA device,
The history information recording means is history information indicating that when the OA device that is the transmission source of the job execution instruction is executing another job, the history information recording means indicates that the OA device is executing another job. A job management apparatus for recording history information.
2. The job management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the history information recording means includes at least identification information of a target OA device and job identification information in the first and second history information.
3. The job management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the history information recording means further includes time information and user identification information in the first and second history information.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an analysis unit configured to estimate a processing capability required for each of the plurality of OA devices based on the first and second history information. 5. Job management device.
When the analysis unit determines that the OA device that has transmitted the job execution instruction is running another job and moves to another OA device and uses the other OA device, 5. The job management apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processing capability required of the transmission source OA device is considered to be higher than the actual processing capability calculated based on the first history information.
When the analysis unit determines that the OA device that has transmitted the job execution instruction is running another job and moves to another OA device and uses the other OA device, 6. The job management apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a processing capability required for another OA device is considered to be lower than an actual processing capability calculated based on the first history information.
When the analysis unit determines that the OA device of the transmission source is used without moving to another OA device when the OA device of the transmission source of the job execution instruction is executing another job 7. The processing capability required for the transmission source OA device is considered to be higher than the actual processing capability calculated based on the first history information. The job management apparatus described.
The OA device is a printer dedicated machine that executes a print job, a multi-function machine that executes a plurality of types of jobs including a print job, an IC card issuer that executes an issue job, a recording medium issuer that executes an issue job, or a scan The job management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job management apparatus is a document scanner that executes a job.
Job execution status management means for managing the job execution status of each of the plurality of OA devices;
The job control means calculates the waiting time of the plurality of OA devices based on the job execution status of the plurality of OA devices and the time required for movement between the plurality of OA devices, and the OA device having the shortest waiting time. The job management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job execution instruction is transmitted to an OA device that is a transmission source of the job execution instruction.
A job management program that is communicably connected to a plurality of OA devices and is executed by a job management device that is a computer,
Job storage means for storing jobs;
When a job execution instruction is received from one OA device among the plurality of OA devices, a job corresponding to the job execution instruction is acquired from the job storage unit, and is transmitted to the OA device that has transmitted the job execution instruction. Job control means for sending and executing the job;
Causing the computer to function as history information recording means for recording first history information that is history information of a job executed by the OA device;
The history information recording means is history information indicating that when the OA device that is the transmission source of the job execution instruction is executing another job, the history information recording means indicates that the OA device is executing another job. A job management program for recording history information.