Information processing system and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing system and a computer-readable storage medium. When a plurality of print jobs are assigned to a roll of roll paper, the estimation accuracy of the time required to execute each print job is improved compared with a structure in which the combination with other print jobs is not reflected in the estimation of the time required to execute the print job. The present invention provides an information processing system and a computer-readable storage medium. The information processing system comprises: a processor that dynamically changes the estimation of the time required to execute each print job according to the change of the combination of print jobs assigned to the roll of roll paper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an information processing system and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In an image forming device (hereinafter also referred to as a "receipt printer") that forms images on roll paper, the speed of conveying the roll paper (hereinafter referred to as "conveying speed") is kept at a certain value to prevent degradation of image quality. The upper limit of the conveying speed is determined by the conveying capacity limit of the receipt printer and the speed of rasterizing the print job.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-177363 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In a continuous receipt printer, multiple print jobs are assigned to one roll of paper. When printing multiple print jobs, the conveying speed also needs to be kept constant until all printing is completed. However, the conveying speed when multiple print jobs are assigned varies depending on the combination of multiple print jobs assigned to one roll of paper. In other words, the time required to execute each of the multiple print jobs assigned to one roll of paper is affected by the other print jobs in the combination.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of estimating the time required to execute each print job when a plurality of print jobs are assigned to one roll of roll paper, compared with a configuration in which the combination with other print jobs is not reflected in the estimation of the time required to execute the print job.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] The invention described in technical solution 1 is an information processing system, including: a processor that dynamically changes an estimate of the time required to execute each print job based on changes in the combination of print jobs assigned to a roll of roll paper.

[0011] The invention described in Technical Solution 2 is the information processing system recorded in Technical Solution 1, wherein the processor adds the print jobs assigned to the roll paper one by one within the range not exceeding the remaining amount of the roll paper, and dynamically changes the estimate of the time required to execute each print job for the added print jobs.

[0012] The invention described in Technical Solution 3 is an information processing system described in Technical Solution 2, wherein, when there are multiple print job candidates with a faster conveying speed than that determined by the combination of assigned print jobs, the processor determines the print job with the slowest conveying speed among the candidates as the additional object.

[0013] The invention described in Technical Solution 4 is an information processing system described in Technical Solution 2, wherein, when there are multiple print job candidates whose conveying speed is slower than that determined by the combination of assigned print jobs, the processor determines the print job with the fastest conveying speed among the candidates as the additional object.

[0014] The invention described in Technical Solution 5 is the information processing system described in Technical Solution 3 or 4, wherein the processor selects the print job with the longest length of paper used in the unassigned print jobs as the first print job assigned to the roll paper.

[0015] The invention described in Technical Solution 6 is the information processing system described in Technical Solution 1, wherein the processor adds the print jobs allocated to the roll paper one by one in the order of the speed required for processing the print jobs from fast to slow within the range not exceeding the remaining amount of the roll paper, and dynamically changes the estimate of the time required to execute each print job for the added print jobs.

[0016] The invention described in claim 7 is the information processing system described in claim 1, wherein the processor dynamically changes an estimate of the time required to execute each print job at a stage where the print job assigned to the roll paper has been determined.

[0017] The invention described in technical solution 8 is a computer-readable storage medium storing a program, wherein the program enables the computer to perform the following functions: dynamically changing the estimate of the time required to execute each print job according to the change in the combination of print jobs assigned to a roll of roll paper.

[0018] [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the invention described in claim 1, when multiple print jobs are assigned to one roll of roll paper, the estimation accuracy of the time required to execute each print job can be improved compared to a structure in which the combination with other print jobs is not reflected in the estimation of the time required to execute the print job.

[0020] According to the invention described in claim 2, even when the combination of print jobs is changed, the accuracy of estimating the time required to execute each print job can be improved.

[0021] According to the invention described in claim 3, it is possible to reduce the processing time sacrificed by the print jobs added to the combination of print jobs.

[0022] According to the invention described in claim 4, it is possible to reduce the processing time of other print jobs that are sacrificed due to the additional print job.

[0023] According to the invention described in claim 5, the length of the roll paper can be effectively utilized.

[0024] According to the invention described in claim 6, even when the combination of print jobs is changed, the accuracy of estimating the time required to execute each print job can be improved.

[0025] According to the invention described in claim 7, even when the combination of print jobs is changed, the accuracy of estimating the time required to execute each print job can be improved.

[0026] According to the invention described in technical solution 8, when multiple print jobs are assigned to a roll of roll paper, the estimation accuracy of the time required to execute each print job can be improved compared to a structure in which the combination with other print jobs is not reflected in the estimation of the time required to execute the print job. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system used in Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the management server used in the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of schedule management according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a flowchart for explaining the details of the processing operation executed in step 7.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining a specific example of four print jobs processed by a processor.

[0032] Figure 6 Indicates that the status of the first print job #1 has been read out.

[0033] Figure 7 Indicates that the status of the second print job #2 has been read out.

[0034] Figure 8 Indicates that the status of the third print job #3 has been read out.

[0035] Fig. 9 Indicates that the status of the fourth print job #4 has been read out.

[0036] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining a case where the remaining amount of roll paper #1 is smaller than the paper advance distance of the fourth print job #4.

[0037] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining a case where two changes are included in the property of a paper.

[0038] Fig.12 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of schedule management according to the second embodiment.

[0039] Fig.13 This is a flowchart for explaining the details of the processing operation executed in step 12.

[0040] Fig.14 This is a diagram for explaining a specific example of six print jobs processed by the processor.

[0041] Fig.15 A diagram for explaining the results of scheduling performed using the management method adopted in the second embodiment.

[0042] Fig.16 This is a diagram for explaining the results of management using print jobs printed on the same roll paper as a unit.

[0043] Fig.17 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of a management server used in the third embodiment.

[0044] Fig.18 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a method for determining a schedule according to the third embodiment.

[0045] Fig.19 This is a diagram for explaining a specific example of six print jobs processed by the processor.

[0046] Fig. 20 This is a diagram for explaining the results of scheduling performed using the management method adopted in the second embodiment described above.

[0047] Fig.21 This is a diagram for explaining the result of applying the schedule determination method adopted in the third embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 22 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a method for determining a schedule according to the fourth embodiment.

[0049] Fig.23 This is a diagram for explaining the result of applying the schedule determination method adopted in the fourth embodiment.

[0050] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1: Image forming system

[0052] 10: Image forming device

[0053] 30: Management Server

[0054] 31: Processor

[0055] 32: Storage device

[0056] 33: Operation acceptance device

[0057] 34: Display device

[0058] 311: Operation Information Management Department

[0059] 312: Rasterization speed calculation unit

[0060] 313: Paper Remaining Amount Management Department

[0061] 314: Schedule Management Department

[0062] 314A: Schedule Decision Department

[0063] 315: Schedule display control unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0065] <Implementation method 1>

[0066] <System Structure>

[0067] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming system 1 used in the first embodiment.

[0068] Figure 1 The image forming system 1 shown has an image forming device 10 for forming an image on roll paper, and a management server 30 for controlling the image formation performed by the image forming device 10. The roll paper refers to a state in which a long strip of paper P (hereinafter also referred to as "receipt continuous paper P") is wound around a reel. The management server 30 is an example of an information processing system.

[0069] <Structure of image forming apparatus>

[0070] Figure 1The image forming device 10 shown comprises: an image forming unit 11, which forms an image on the continuous bill paper P; a pre-processing unit 12, which receives the continuous bill paper P supplied to the image forming unit 11; a buffer unit 13, which is arranged between the image forming unit 11 and the pre-processing unit 12, and adjusts the conveyance amount of the continuous bill paper P supplied from the pre-processing unit 12 to the image forming unit 11; a post-processing unit 14, which receives the continuous bill paper P discharged from the image forming unit 11; and a buffer unit 15, which is arranged between the image forming unit 11 and the post-processing unit 14, and adjusts the conveyance amount of the continuous bill paper P discharged from the image forming unit 11 to the post-processing unit 14.

[0071] The image forming unit 11 includes a roller member for guiding the continuously printed bill paper P along the conveying path 16 and a liquid droplet ejecting device 17 for ejecting liquid droplets to form an image on the continuously printed bill paper P conveyed along the conveying path 16. In the above embodiment, the so-called inkjet method is adopted as the printing method.

[0072] The droplet ejection device 17 has a droplet ejection head 17K that ejects ink droplets onto the bill continuous printing paper P to form a black image, a droplet ejection head 17Y that forms a yellow image, a droplet ejection head 17M that forms a magenta image, and a droplet ejection head 17C that forms a cyan image. The droplet ejection head 17K, the droplet ejection head 17Y, the droplet ejection head 17M, and the droplet ejection head 17C are sequentially arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction in the above order. Of course, the droplet ejection head 17K, the droplet ejection head 17Y, the droplet ejection head 17M, and the droplet ejection head 17C are arranged at a position facing the bill continuous printing paper P being conveyed.

[0073] In the following description, when K, Y, M, and C are not distinguished, K, Y, M, and C indicated by the reference numerals will be omitted.

[0074] A drying drum 18 is disposed downstream of the droplet ejection head 17C in the paper conveying direction. The back of the bill continuous printing paper P is wound around the outer peripheral surface 18A of the drying drum 18, and the image formed on the bill continuous printing paper P is dried while being contacted with the conveyed bill continuous printing paper P and driven to rotate.

[0075] Furthermore, a halogen heater 19 for drying the image formed on the continuous-printed bill paper P is arranged around the drying drum 18. The image on the continuous-printed bill paper P wound around the drying drum 18 is dried by the halogen heater 19.

[0076] Furthermore, a control mechanism 20 for controlling each component is provided in the image forming unit 11. The control mechanism 20 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and other storage devices such as a hard disk device (not shown).

[0077] The pre-processing unit 12 includes a supply roller 12A around which the continuously printed bill paper P supplied to the image forming unit 11 is wound, and the supply roller 12A is rotatably supported by a frame member (not shown).

[0078] On the other hand, the post-processing unit 14 includes a take-up roller 14A as an example of a conveying unit for taking up the continuous bill paper P on which the image is formed. The take-up roller 14A is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). By the rotation of the take-up roller 14A, the continuous bill paper P is drawn out from the supply roller 12A and conveyed along the conveying path 16. Here, the conveying speed of the continuous bill paper P is controlled by the control mechanism 20. Specifically, the rotation speed of the motor (not shown) that rotationally drives the take-up roller 14A is controlled by the control mechanism 20.

[0079] In this embodiment, the control of the conveying speed of the continuous-printed receipt paper P by the control mechanism 20 is performed based on the instruction from the management server 30. The conveying speed of the image forming device 10 is set by taking the print job scheduled in the form of a single job or a continuous job as a unit. In this embodiment, a single job includes a separate print job separated from other print jobs on the schedule. In other words, it is a case where only one print job is assigned to one roll of paper. On the other hand, a continuous job includes a plurality of print jobs that are continuously printed at a single conveying speed on the schedule.

[0080] The conveying speed of the continuous-printed receipt paper P during the execution of a single job or a continuous job is maintained at a constant value. The conveying speed during the execution of a continuous job is determined by the smaller value of the minimum printing speed determined by the rasterization speed of the print job and the maximum conveying speed (i.e., the maximum conveying speed) which is the performance limit of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0081] <Management server structure>

[0082] The management server 30 includes: a processor 31, which controls the operation of the entire server and the image forming device 10 by executing a program; a storage device 32, which stores the program executed by the processor 31 or various data; an operation receiving device 33, which receives the user's operation; a display device 34, which displays an operation screen for the user to confirm; and a network interface (InterFace, IF) 35, which realizes communication with the image forming device 10. These components are connected via signal lines 36 such as a data bus, an address bus, and a peripheral component interconnect (Peripheral Component Interconnect, PCI) bus.

[0083] The processor 31 includes, for example, a CPU. The storage device 32 includes, for example, a ROM storing a basic input output system (BIOS), a RAM used as a work area, and a hard disk device storing basic programs or application programs. Moreover, the ROM or RAM may also be included in a part of the processor 31. The processor 31 and the storage device 32 constitute a computer.

[0084] The operation accepting device 33 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a mechanical button, and a switch. The operation accepting device 33 also includes a touch sensor that constitutes a touch screen integrally with the display device 34 .

[0085] The display device 34 includes a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display for displaying information. On the operation screen displayed on the display device 34, a job to be printed can be selected and the status of the job being printed or held can be confirmed.

[0086] <Functional structure of management server>

[0087] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the management server 30 used in the first embodiment.

[0088] Figure 2 , represents a part of the functions realized by the processor 31 by executing the application program.

[0089] The processor 31 in this embodiment functions as a job information management unit 311 , a rasterization speed calculation unit 312 , a remaining paper amount management unit 313 , a schedule management unit 314 , and a schedule display control unit 315 by executing application programs.

[0090] The job information management unit 311 manages the name of the print job, the content of the print job, and the receipt multi-print paper P used for printing.

[0091] The rasterization speed calculation unit 312 calculates the rasterization speed for each print job based on the content of the print job, the size of the original data, the file format of the original data, etc. If the rasterization speed is calculated, the print speed of the corresponding print job is determined. As described above, in the case of a continuous job, the minimum value of the print speeds corresponding to the print jobs constituting the continuous job is used for printing the continuous job. In addition, the print speed of the continuous job is not more than the image forming apparatus 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) is determined by a method of determining a maximum transport speed, the maximum transport speed defining the performance limit of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0092] The remaining paper amount management unit 313 manages the remaining amount of the continuous-printed receipt paper P. The remaining paper amount management unit 313 in this embodiment manages the remaining amount of the roll paper to be allocated to the print job based on the paper travel distance determined for each print job.

[0093] The schedule management unit 314 generates a schedule based on the rasterization speed of each print job, the image forming apparatus 10 (see Figure 1 )'s maximum transport speed and the remaining amount of roll paper determine the transport speed or printing speed of the bill continuous paper P used in a single operation or continuous operation.

[0094] Moreover, the schedule management unit 314 in this embodiment calculates the time from the start time to the end time of each printing job, that is, the job execution time, based on the transport speed or printing speed of the bill continuous printing paper P determined for each single job or whenever the combination of printing jobs constituting the bill continuous printing job is changed.

[0095] The schedule display control unit 315 displays a schedule related to printing of each print job on the display device 34 (see Figure 1 ).

[0096] <Schedule Management>

[0097] Figure 3 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of schedule management in Embodiment 1. S in the figure represents a step. Figure 3 The management shown is performed by the processor 31 (refer to Figure 1 )implement.

[0098] First, the processor 31 determines whether there is a job information management unit 311 (see Figure 2 ) manages the remaining print jobs (step 1).

[0099] When there is no remaining print job, the processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 1. At this time, the processor 31 ends the processing.

[0100] When there are remaining print jobs, processor 31 obtains a positive result in step 1. At this time, processor 31 determines whether the selected print job uses paper with different properties from the previous print job (step 2). The properties of paper include coated paper and uncoated paper.

[0101] When paper of different attributes is used, the processor 31 obtains an affirmative result in step 2. The processor 31 obtains an affirmative result in step 2 when there is no previous print job.

[0102] When paper of the same attribute is used, processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 2. When a negative result is obtained in step 2, processor 31 determines whether the remaining amount of roll paper is shorter than the paper travel distance of the selected print job (step 3).

[0103] When the remaining amount of the roll paper is shorter than the paper travel distance of the selected print job, the processor 31 obtains an affirmative result in step 3 .

[0104] When a positive result is obtained in step 2 or a positive result is obtained in step 3, the processor 31 resets the remaining amount of the roll paper (step 4). In either case, the operator in charge of the maintenance of the image forming device 10 removes the currently installed roll paper from the image forming device 10 and then installs a new roll paper in the image forming device 10. In addition, the processor 31 assigns the selected print job to another roll paper, thereby generating a new print list. In this embodiment, the print list is managed in roll paper units.

[0105] When a negative result is obtained in step 3 or after executing step 4, processor 31 adds the selected print job to the print list (step 5). The print list here is associated with the roll paper installed in image forming apparatus 10.

[0106] Then, the processor 31 updates the remaining amount of the roll paper (step 6).

[0107] Next, the processor 31 determines the print speed of the print job included in the print list, updates the display device 34 (see Figure 1 ) is displayed (step 7). Then, the processor 31 returns to step 1.

[0108] Figure 4 This is a flowchart for explaining in detail the processing operation executed in step 7. S in the figure represents a step. Figure 4 The management shown is performed by processor 31 .

[0109] First, the processor 31 sets the rasterization speed of the print job at the head of the print list to the temporary minimum rasterization speed (step 71 ).

[0110] Next, the processor 31 determines whether there are any remaining print jobs in the print list (step 72).

[0111] When there are remaining print jobs in the print list, the processor 31 obtains an affirmative result in step 72 .

[0112] When a positive result is obtained in step 72 , the processor 31 determines whether the rasterization speed of the next print job is slower than the minimum rasterization speed (step 73 ).

[0113] When the rasterization speed of the next print job is equal to or higher than the minimum rasterization speed, the processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 73 . At this time, the processor 31 returns to step 72 .

[0114] On the other hand, when the rasterization speed of the next print job is slower than the minimum rasterization speed, the processor 31 obtains a positive result in step 73. At this time, the processor 31 updates the minimum rasterization speed with the rasterization speed of the next print job (step 74).

[0115] After updating in step 74 , the processor 31 returns to step 72 .

[0116] On the other hand, when a negative result is obtained in step 72 (that is, when there is no next print job), the processor 31 determines whether the image forming apparatus 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) is slower than the minimum rasterization speed (step 75).

[0117] When the maximum transport speed of the image forming apparatus 10 is greater than the minimum rasterization speed, the processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 75. At this time, the processor 31 sets the print speed of all print jobs to the minimum rasterization speed and updates the display of the display device 34 (step 76). All print jobs refer to all print jobs included in the print list.

[0118] On the other hand, when the maximum conveying speed of the image forming device 10 is slower than the minimum rasterization speed, the processor 31 obtains a positive result in step 75. At this time, the processor 31 sets the printing speed of all print jobs to the maximum conveying speed of the image forming device 10 and updates the display of the display device 34 (step 77). This is because the continuous receipt paper P cannot be conveyed at a speed exceeding the performance limit of the image forming device 10.

[0119] The updating of the display of the display device 34 in steps 76 and 77 is an updating of the schedule related to the printing of one or more print jobs assigned to one roll of paper, and includes at least an estimate of the time required to execute each print job.

[0120] If step 76 or step 77 is completed, the processor 31 returns to step 1 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0121] <Concrete example 1>

[0122] The following is the accompanying Figure 3 and Figure 4 The execution of the processing actions shown and the changes in the display are explained.

[0123] Figure 5 For the processor 31 (refer to Figure 1 ) are shown in FIG. 4. The four print jobs are labeled with print job #1 to print job #4 as job names.

[0124] Print job #1 can be rasterized at a speed of 100 m per minute. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #1 (hereinafter also referred to as "paper travel distance") is 600 m.

[0125] Print job #2 can be rasterized at a speed of 60 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #2 is 240 m.

[0126] Print job #3 can be rasterized at a speed of 150 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #3 is 900 m.

[0127] Print job #4 can be rasterized at a speed of 40 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #4 is 200 m.

[0128] Figure 6 This indicates that the first print job #1 has been read from the list managed by the job information management unit 311. Figure 1 )'s maximum conveying speed is set to 80m / min. Figure 6 In the example, the printing start time is represented as 0 hours, 0 minutes, and 0 seconds (= 00:00:00).

[0129] Figure 6 In the case of , the rasterization speed of print job #1 is 100 m / min, which is faster than the maximum conveying speed of the image forming device 10. Therefore, the printing speed at the time of reading print job #1 is set to 80 m / min. Figure 1 ) shows that it takes 7 minutes and 30 seconds to print 600 m of print job #1 at a speed of 80 m / min. In addition, print job #1 is assigned to roll paper #1.

[0130] Figure 7Indicates that the status of the second print job #2 has been read from the list managed by the job information management unit 311. The rasterization speed of the second print job #2 is 60 m / min, which is slower than the print speed of 80 m / min used to print the first print job. Therefore, the minimum rasterization speed is updated to 60 m / min. Therefore, including the print speed of print job #1, the print speed in the stage where print job #2 is read is updated to 60 m / min. Along with this, the job execution time of print job #1 with a paper travel distance of 600 m is updated from 7 minutes and 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

[0131] In addition, the paper travel distance of print job #2 is 240 m, so the job execution time is 4 minutes.

[0132] Figure 8 Indicates that the status of the third print job #3 has been read. The rasterization speed of the third print job #3 is 150 m / min, which is faster than the current rasterization speed. Therefore, the minimum rasterization speed remains at 60 m / min. Therefore, the display of the job execution time corresponding to print job #1 and print job #2 has not changed.

[0133] In addition, the paper travel distance of print job #3 is 900 m, so the job execution time is 15 minutes.

[0134] Fig. 9 This indicates that the fourth print job #4 has been read. The rasterization speed of the fourth print job #4 is 40 m / min, which is slower than the current rasterization speed of 60 m / min. Therefore, the minimum rasterization speed is updated to 40 m / min.

[0135] Since the minimum rasterization speed is updated, the print speeds of the print jobs #1 to #3 that have been read out are also updated to 40 m / min. When the print speed is updated, the job execution time corresponding to each print job is also updated.

[0136] For example, the job execution time of print job #1 is updated from 10 minutes to 15 minutes. Also, the job execution time of print job #2 is updated from 4 minutes to 6 minutes. Also, the job execution time of print job #3 is updated from 15 minutes to 22 minutes and 30 seconds.

[0137] In addition, the paper travel distance of print job #4 is 200 m, so the job execution time is 5 minutes.

[0138] <Concrete example 2>

[0139] In the case of Specific Example 1, the remaining amount of roll paper # 1 mounted on the image forming apparatus 10 is greater than the total paper travel distances of four print jobs # 1 to # 4 .

[0140] However, it is also possible that the remaining amount of roll paper #1 is less than the paper travel distance of the newly added print job. In this case, the same as step 3 (refer to Figure 3 ) when a positive result is obtained.

[0141] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining a case where the remaining amount of roll paper #1 is smaller than the paper advance distance of the fourth print job #4.

[0142] If the remaining amount of roll paper #1 is less than 200 m at the time when print jobs #1 to #3 are added to the print list, print job #4 cannot be executed using the mounted roll paper.

[0143] Therefore, print job #4 is assigned to another roll paper #2 that is different from print jobs #1 to #3.

[0144] In addition, the print speed of print jobs #1 to #3 and the estimated job execution time are maintained. Figure 8 As shown in the display example.

[0145] <Concrete example 3>

[0146] In the specific examples 1 and 2, the paper attributes are assumed to be the same, but there is also a case where the attributes of the paper used in the read print job are different from the attributes of the previous print job. Figure 3 ) when a positive result is obtained.

[0147] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining a case where two changes are included in the property of a paper. Fig.11 In this case, print job #1 and print job #2 printed on coated paper are taken as the objects to estimate the printing speed and job execution time, print job #3 printed on uncoated paper is taken as the object to estimate the printing speed and job execution time, and print job #4 printed on coated paper is taken as the object to estimate the printing speed and job execution time.

[0148] At this time, the print speeds of print job #1 and print job #2 assigned to roll paper #1 are determined to be the print speed of print job #2. Figure 7 same.

[0149] The print speed of print job #3 assigned to roll paper #2 is set to the image forming apparatus 10 (see Figure 1 ) is 80m / min. Figure 8 The job execution time is different from the example shown in Figure 1, which is 10 minutes and 13 seconds.

[0150] The printing speed of print job #4 assigned to roll paper #3 is determined by the rasterization speed and is set to 40 m / min. In addition, the paper travel distance of print job #4 is 200 m. Therefore, the job execution time is 5 minutes.

[0151] <Implementation method 2>

[0152] Next, the second embodiment will be described. The image forming system 1 used in this embodiment (see Figure 1 ) is the same as that of Embodiment 1. However, in Embodiment 2, when the roll paper to which the print job is assigned is switched, the display of information of all print jobs included in the print list associated with the roll paper is updated at once. In this embodiment, the print list managed for each roll paper is referred to as a speed undetermined list.

[0153] Fig.12 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of schedule management in Implementation 2. S in the figure represents a step. Fig.12 In, with Figure 3 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols.

[0154] In this embodiment, the processing actions of steps 1 to 4 are the same as Figure 3 The same is true for the embodiment 1 shown.

[0155] However, the processor 31 (see Figure 1 ) When a negative result is obtained in step 3, the selected print job is added to the speed undetermined list (step 11). In addition, if a new print job is added to the speed undetermined list, the processor 31 updates the remaining amount of the roll paper (step 6), and then returns to step 1.

[0156] Then, after executing step 4 which is executed when a positive result is obtained in step 2 or step 3, the processor 31 determines the print speed of the print job in the speed undetermined list, updates the display device 34 (refer to Figure 1 ) is displayed (step 12). The reason is that the execution of step 4 is based on the replacement of the roll paper, and the speed is not determined by the combination of print jobs included in the determination list.

[0157] In addition, the processor 31 assigns the current print job to another roll paper, thereby generating a new speed undetermined list. In step 11 executed after step 12, the current print job is added to the newly generated speed undetermined list.

[0158] In this embodiment, if a negative result is obtained in step 1, the processor 31 determines whether there is a print job in the speed undetermined list (step 13).

[0159] When there is no print job left in the speed undetermined list, the processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 13 and ends a series of processing.

[0160] On the other hand, when a print job remains in the speed undetermined list, the processor 31 determines the print speed of the print job in the speed undetermined list, updates the display of the display device 34 (step 12), and then ends a series of processing.

[0161] Fig.13 This is a flowchart for explaining the details of the processing operation executed in step 12. Fig.13 In, with Figure 4 Corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols. In addition, S in the figure represents a step. Fig.13 and Figure 4 The only difference is that a speed-indeterminate list is used instead of a printed list.

[0162] Therefore, the processor 31 sets the rasterization speed of the print job at the head of the speed undetermined list to the temporary minimum rasterization speed (step 71A).

[0163] Next, the processor 31 determines whether there is any remaining print job in the speed undetermined list (step 72A).

[0164] Other processing and Figure 4 Likewise, when a negative result is obtained in step 72A, processor 31 executes step 75. Also, when a positive result is obtained in step 73, processor 31 executes step 74.

[0165] <Specific examples>

[0166] The following is the accompanying Fig.12 and Fig.13 The execution of the processing actions shown and the changes in the display are explained.

[0167] Fig.14 For the processor 31 (refer to Figure 1 ) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of six print jobs processed by the system. The six print jobs are labeled with print jobs #11 to #16 as job names.

[0168] Print job #11 can be rasterized at a speed of 100 m per minute. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #11 (hereinafter also referred to as "paper travel distance") is 6000 m. In addition, print job #11 specifies uncoated paper as the attribute of the paper (paper attribute).

[0169] Print job #12 can be rasterized at a speed of 50 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #12 is 2000 m. Print job #12 also specifies uncoated paper as the paper attribute.

[0170] Print job #13 can be rasterized at a speed of 80 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #13 is 1500 m. Print job #13 also specifies uncoated paper as the paper attribute.

[0171] Print job #14 can be rasterized at a speed of 150 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #14 is 4000 m. Print job #14 also specifies uncoated paper as the paper attribute.

[0172] Print job #15 can be rasterized at a speed of 40 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #15 is 3000 m. Print job #15 specifies coated paper as the paper attribute.

[0173] Print job #16 can be rasterized at a speed of 60 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #16 is 2000 m. Print job #16 also specifies coated paper as the paper attribute.

[0174] In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 (see Figure 1 )'s maximum conveying speed is set to 80m / min.

[0175] The length of one roll of paper installed in the image forming apparatus 10 is 10000 m, and the time required to replace the roll of paper (ie, the required replacement time) is 30 minutes. In the following description, the printing start time is 9 hours and 0 minutes (= 09:00).

[0176] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining the results of scheduling performed using the management method adopted in the second embodiment.

[0177] First, all of print jobs #11 to #14 specify uncoated paper as the paper attribute. Among them, at the time when print jobs #11 to #13 are added to the speed undetermined list, the paper travel distance is 9500m. Therefore, the remaining amount of roll paper is 500m. On the other hand, the paper travel distance of print job #14 is 4000m, which exceeds the remaining amount of roll paper in use. Therefore, print job #14 is assigned to a roll paper different from print jobs #11 to #13 and managed.

[0178] therefore, Fig.15 In this case, a 30-minute interval is arranged between print jobs #11 to #13 and print job #14.

[0179] Among print jobs #11 to #13, the print job #12 has the lowest rasterization speed of 50 m / min. Moreover, the speed of 50 m / min is slower than the maximum transport speed of 80 m / min of the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the print speed of print jobs #11 to #13 is determined to be 50 m / min.

[0180] Fig.16 This is a diagram for explaining the results of management using print jobs printed on the same roll paper as a unit. Fig.16 In the example, the print speed of print jobs #11 to #13 is determined to be 50 m / min, and the total job execution time is 3 hours and 10 minutes (= 03:10:00). Fig.15 In this case, the printing end time of print jobs #11 to #13 is 12:10. It takes 30 minutes to replace roll paper #11, so Fig.15 The printing start time of print job #14 becomes 12:40.

[0181] Furthermore, print job #14 specifies uncoated paper as the paper to be printed, but the next print job #15 specifies coated paper as the paper to be printed. Therefore, only print job #14 is assigned to the new roll paper #12.

[0182] Here, the rasterization speed of print job #14 is 150 m / min. However, 150 m / min is faster than 80 m / min, which is the maximum conveying speed of the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the printing speed of print job #14 is determined to be 80 m / min. As a result, the job execution time of print job #14 becomes 18 minutes and 45 seconds.

[0183] Fig.15 In the example of FIG. 1 , the print job # 15 has 13:30, which is obtained by adding 30 minutes, the time required for replacing the roll paper, as the start time.

[0184] Here, both print job #15 and print job #16 use coated paper as the paper for printing. Furthermore, the paper travel distance of print job #15 is 3000m, and the paper travel distance of print job #16 is 2000m. Therefore, print job #15 and print job #16 can be printed on roll paper #13. In addition, the slowest rasterization speed among print job #15 and print job #16 is the 40m / min speed of print job #15. The 40m / min speed is slower than the 80m / min speed of the maximum transport speed of the image forming device 10. Therefore, the printing speed of print job #15 and print job #16 is determined to be 40m / min speed. As a result, the total job execution time of print job #15 and print job #16 becomes 2 hours and 15 minutes.

[0185] therefore, Fig.15In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the end time of print job #16 is 15:35.

[0186] <Implementation method 3>

[0187] Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. The image forming system 1 used in this embodiment (see Figure 1 )'s structure is also the same as that of implementation mode 1.

[0188] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the roll paper to which the print jobs are assigned is managed in the order in which the user specifies the print jobs, the print speed suitable for the print jobs assigned in roll paper units is determined, and the time required to execute each print job is estimated.

[0189] However, in the third embodiment, the print jobs assigned to the roll paper are reorganized based on the paper travel distance, thereby improving the efficiency of the execution of the print jobs and shortening the time required to execute all the print jobs.

[0190] Fig.17 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the management server 30 used in the third embodiment. Fig.17 In, with Figure 2 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols.

[0191] In this embodiment, a schedule determination unit 314A is used instead of the schedule management unit 314 (see Figure 2 ).

[0192] The schedule determination unit 314A determines the schedule based on the rasterization speed of each print job and the specified image forming apparatus 10 (see Figure 1 )'s performance limit, and an estimated value of the remaining amount of roll paper, to determine a schedule that improves the execution efficiency of the print job.

[0193] Fig.18 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a method for determining a schedule according to the third embodiment. Fig.18 The processing shown is performed by the processor 31 (refer to Figure 1 )implement.

[0194] First, the processor 31 resets the remaining amount of the roll paper (step 81).

[0195] Next, the processor 31 determines whether there is a job information management unit 311 (see Fig.17 ) manages the remaining print jobs (step 82).

[0196] If there are remaining print jobs, processor 31 obtains a positive result in step 82. At this time, processor 31 adds the print job with the longest paper travel distance to the print list (step 83). As described above, the print jobs are managed in roll paper units.

[0197] Next, the processor 31 determines whether the additional print job is the first print job (step 84 ).

[0198] In the case of the first print job, the processor 31 obtains a positive result in step 84. At this time, the processor 31 determines the print speed applicable to the print job of the print list (step 85). Hereinafter, the print speed determined in step 85 is referred to as speed A.

[0199] On the other hand, when the print job added to the print list is not the first one, the processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 84 . In this case, the processor 31 skips step 85 .

[0200] When a negative result is obtained in step 84 or after executing step 85, processor 31 updates the remaining amount of roll paper (step 86). Specifically, the paper travel distance of the print job added in step 83 is subtracted from the remaining amount of the latest roll paper.

[0201] Next, the processor 31 determines whether there is a print job whose paper attributes are the same as those of the print job in the print list and which satisfies "remaining amount of roll paper>paper travel distance of print job" among the remaining print jobs managed by the job information management unit 311 (step 87 ).

[0202] When the remaining print jobs managed by the job information management unit 311 do not satisfy the above two conditions, the processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 87 . In this case, it means that there are no remaining print jobs that can be printed on the same roll paper. Therefore, the processor 31 returns to step 81 .

[0203] On the other hand, when the remaining print jobs managed by the job information management unit 311 satisfy the above two conditions, the processor 31 obtains a positive result in step 87. In this case, it means that there are remaining print jobs that can be printed on the same roll paper.

[0204] When a positive result is obtained in step 87 , processor 31 determines whether there is a print job that can be run at a speed equal to or higher than speed A (step 88 ).

[0205] When there is a print job that can be printed at a speed higher than speed A, the processor 31 obtains a positive result in step 88. At this time, the processor 31 adds the slowest print job among the print jobs that meet the conditions to the print list (step 89). The print job added in step 89 is a print job printed at speed A slower than the original print speed, so the print job with the smallest speed difference from speed A is selected. In addition, after executing step 89, the processor 31 returns to step 86.

[0206] On the other hand, when there is no print job that can be run at a speed higher than speed A, the processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 88. At this time, the processor 31 adds the fastest print job among the print jobs that meet the conditions to the print list (step 90). The print job added to the print list needs to be consistent with the print speed of the print job newly added in step 90. Therefore, the print job with the smallest speed difference from the current speed A is selected.

[0207] Subsequently, the processor 31 updates the speed A with the print speed of the additional print job (step 91). As described above, the updated speed A is slower than the speed A before the update. In addition, after executing step 91, the processor 31 returns to step 86.

[0208] When both a print job with a positive result and a print job with a negative result exist in step 88, the processor 31 in this embodiment gives priority to the print job with a positive result. This is because the print speed used to print the multiple print jobs added to the print list is kept as high as possible.

[0209] If there is no remaining print job in step 82, processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 82. In this case, processor 31 updates the job execution time of the print job added to the print list corresponding to the roll paper, displays it on the display device (step 92), and then ends the process.

[0210] <Specific examples>

[0211] The following is the accompanying Fig.18 The execution of the processing actions shown and the changes in the display are explained.

[0212] Fig.19 For the processor 31 (refer to Figure 1 ) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of six print jobs processed by the system. The six print jobs are labeled with print jobs #21 to #26 as job names.

[0213] Print job #21 can be rasterized at a speed of 70 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #21 (hereinafter also referred to as "paper travel distance") is 6000 m.

[0214] Print job #22 can be rasterized at a speed of 50 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #22 is 2000 m.

[0215] Print job #23 can be rasterized at a speed of 120 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #23 is 1500 m.

[0216] Print job #24 can be rasterized at a speed of 80 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #24 is 2000 m.

[0217] Print job #25 can be rasterized at a speed of 100 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #25 is 5000 m.

[0218] Print job #26 can be rasterized at a speed of 40 m / min. In addition, the length of paper consumed in executing print job #26 is 2000 m.

[0219] In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 (see Figure 1 )'s maximum conveying speed is set to 80m / min.

[0220] Furthermore, the length of one roll of roll paper installed in the image forming apparatus 10 is 10000 m, and the time required to replace the roll paper (ie, the replacement required time) is set to 30 minutes. Hereinafter, the printing start time will be described as 9 hours and 0 minutes (= 09:00).

[0221] Fig. 20 This is a diagram for explaining the results of scheduling performed using the management method adopted in the second embodiment described above. Fig. 20 For comparison with the present embodiment.

[0222] In the second embodiment, according to the operation information management unit 311 (refer to Figure 2 ) determines the order of the print jobs assigned to the roll paper. Therefore, print jobs #21 to #23, whose total paper travel distance is 9500 m, are assigned to roll paper #21, and print jobs #24 to #26, whose total paper travel distance is 9000 m, are assigned to roll paper #22.

[0223] Fig. 20In this case, the lowest printing speed determined by the rasterization speed in print jobs #21 to #23 is 50 m / min for print job #22. Furthermore, the lowest printing speed determined by the rasterization speed in print jobs #24 to #26 is 40 m / min for print job #26. Therefore, the printing speed corresponding to roll paper #21 is determined to be 50 m / min, and the printing speed corresponding to roll paper #22 is determined to be 40 m / min.

[0224] As a result, it takes 3 hours and 10 minutes to print print jobs #21 to #23 assigned to paper roll #21, and 3 hours and 45 minutes to print print jobs #24 to #26 assigned to paper roll #22.

[0225] Therefore, excluding the time for replacing paper, it takes 6 hours and 55 minutes to print print jobs #21 to #26.

[0226] Fig.21 This is a diagram for explaining the result of applying the schedule determination method adopted in the third embodiment.

[0227] like Fig.18 As described in the foregoing, in this embodiment, a print job with the longest paper travel distance is selected within a range that does not exceed the remaining amount of the roll paper, and is added to the print list corresponding to the roll paper.

[0228] Therefore, print job #21, print job #24, and print job #23 are assigned to roll paper #21, and print job #25, print job #22, and print job #26 are assigned to roll paper #22.

[0229] For example, in the case of roll paper #21, the print job #21 with the longest paper travel distance has the slowest print speed. Therefore, the print speed of roll paper #21 is determined to be 70 m / min. At this time, it takes 2 hours, 15 minutes and 43 seconds to print print job #21, print job #24, and print job #23 assigned to roll paper #21.

[0230] On the other hand, in the case of roll paper #22, the print speeds corresponding to the other two print jobs are slower than the print speed of print job #25, which has the longest paper travel distance. In addition, the lowest print speed is 40 m / min for print job #26. Therefore, the print speed of roll paper #22 is determined to be 40 m / min. At this time, it takes 3 hours and 45 minutes to print print job #25, print job #22, and print job #26 assigned to roll paper #22.

[0231] Therefore, excluding the time for replacing paper, it takes 6 hours, 0 minutes and 43 seconds to print print jobs #21 to #26.

[0232] As a result, by applying the schedule determination method described in this embodiment, the time required to execute the print job can be shortened by about 55 minutes compared to the second embodiment.

[0233] <Implementation method 4>

[0234] Next, Embodiment 4 will be described. The configuration of the image forming system used in this embodiment is also the same as that of Embodiment 1.

[0235] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the print jobs to be allocated to the roll paper are determined in descending order of paper travel distance has been described.

[0236] In the fourth embodiment, a method of determining the print jobs to be allocated to the roll paper in descending order of print speed will be described.

[0237] In addition, in the fourth embodiment, a Fig.17 The functional structure of the management server 30 is described.

[0238] Fig. 22 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a method for determining a schedule according to the fourth embodiment.

[0239] First, the processor 31 rewrites and arranges the print jobs in the order of the print speed from fast to slow (step 101). The print jobs to be re-arranged are generated by the job information management unit 311 (see Fig.17 )manage.

[0240] Then, the processor 31 resets the remaining amount of the roll paper (step 102).

[0241] Next, the processor 31 determines whether there is any remaining print job (step 103).

[0242] If there are remaining print jobs, processor 31 obtains a positive result in step 103. At this time, processor 31 determines whether the remaining amount of roll paper is longer than the paper travel distance of the next print job (step 104). As described above, print jobs are managed in roll paper units.

[0243] When the paper travel distance of the next print job is shorter than the remaining amount of the roll paper, the processor 31 obtains a positive result in step 105. At this time, the processor 31 adds the next print job to the print list (step 105).

[0244] Then, the processor 31 updates the remaining amount of the roll paper (step 106 ), and returns to step 103 .

[0245] On the other hand, in the determination of step 104, if the paper travel distance of the next print job is longer than the remaining amount of the roll paper, the processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 104. At this time, the processor 31 adds the next print job to another print list (step 107), and then returns to step 102. At this time, since the roll paper is replaced, the remaining amount of the roll paper is reset.

[0246] If there is no remaining print job in step 103, processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 103. In this case, processor 31 updates the job execution time of the print job in the print list corresponding to the roll paper and displays it on the display device (step 108), and ends a series of processing.

[0247] <Specific examples>

[0248] The following is the accompanying Fig. 22 The execution of the processing actions shown and the changes in the display are explained.

[0249] Fig.23 This is a diagram for explaining the result of applying the schedule determination method adopted in the fourth embodiment.

[0250] in addition, Fig.23 The six print jobs #21 to #26 processed in the embodiment are the same as those in the third embodiment. Fig.19 In addition, regarding the length of a roll of roll paper or the image forming device 10 (refer to Figure 1 )'s maximum transport speed is also the same as that in implementation mode 3.

[0251] like Fig. 22 As described in the foregoing, in this embodiment, a print job is selected in order of print speed from fast to slow and added to the print list corresponding to the roll paper.

[0252] Therefore, print job #23, print job #25, and print job #24 are assigned to roll paper #21, and print job #21, print job #22, and print job #26 are assigned to roll paper #22.

[0253] For example, in the case of roll paper #21, the print speed of print job #24 is the slowest among the assigned print jobs. Therefore, the print speed of roll paper #21 is determined to be 80 m / min. In addition, 80 m / min is consistent with the image forming apparatus 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) have the same maximum transport speed.

[0254] At this time, it takes 1 hour, 46 minutes and 15 seconds to print print job #23, print job #25, and print job #24 assigned to roll paper #21.

[0255] On the other hand, in the case of roll paper #22, the print speed of print job #26 is the slowest among the assigned print jobs. Therefore, the print speed of roll paper #22 is determined to be 40 m / min. At this time, it takes 4 hours and 10 minutes to print print job #21, print job #22, and print job #26 assigned to roll paper #22.

[0256] Therefore, excluding the time for replacing paper, it takes 5 hours, 56 minutes, and 15 seconds to print print jobs #21 to #26.

[0257] As a result, by applying the schedule determination method described in this embodiment, the time required to execute a print job can be shortened by about 59 minutes compared to the second embodiment, and shortened by about 4 minutes compared to the third embodiment.

[0258] <Other embodiments>

[0259] The embodiments of the present invention are described above, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments described above. As shown in the claims, embodiments obtained by adding various changes or improvements to the embodiments described above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0260] In the above-described embodiment, the management server 30 (see Figure 1 ) performs a decision on the allocation of print jobs for roll paper and an update of an estimate of the time required to execute printing corresponding to a combination of print jobs, but the image forming device 10 may perform the above function alone, or the management server 30 may cooperate with the image forming device 10 to perform a decision on the allocation of print jobs for roll paper and an update of an estimate of the time required to execute printing corresponding to a combination of allocated print jobs.

[0261] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the management server 30 is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a network. However, the network here is not limited to a local area network (LAN), but may be the Internet, or may be a dedicated line or a signal line.

[0262] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the print speed or job execution time of each print job is updated according to the change in the combination of print jobs assigned to the roll paper, and the updated information is reflected on the display device 34 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ) but the updated information does not have to be displayed.

[0263] In addition, the processor 31 in each embodiment described above refers to a processor in a broad sense, which includes, in addition to general-purpose processors (such as a central processing unit (CPU), etc.), special-purpose processors (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device, etc.).

[0264] Furthermore, the actions of the processor 31 in each of the above-described embodiments may be performed by a single processor alone, or may be performed in collaboration by multiple processors located at physically distant locations. Furthermore, the execution order of the actions of the processors is not limited to the order described in each of the above-described embodiments, and may also be changed.

Claims

1. An information processing system, comprising: The processor obtains the rasterization speed of each of the multiple print jobs assigned to a roll of roll paper, sets the rasterization speed of the slowest job among the obtained rasterization speeds as the conveying speed suitable for the multiple print jobs, and determines an estimate of the time required to execute each of the multiple print jobs.

2. The information processing system according to technical solution 1, wherein: The processor adds print jobs assigned to the roll paper one by one within a range that does not exceed the remaining amount of the roll paper, and dynamically changes an estimate of the time required to execute each print job for the added print jobs.

3. The information processing system according to technical solution 2, wherein: When there are a plurality of print job candidates having a faster conveyance speed than the combination of the assigned print jobs, the processor determines a print job having the slowest conveyance speed among the candidates as a target to be added.

4. The information processing system according to technical solution 2, wherein: When there are a plurality of print job candidates having a lower transport speed than the combination of the assigned print jobs, the processor determines a print job having the fastest transport speed among the candidates as a target to be added.

5. The information processing system according to technical solution 3 or 4, wherein: The processor selects a print job having the longest length of paper used in the unassigned print jobs as a first print job to be assigned to the roll paper.

6. The information processing system according to technical solution 1, wherein: The processor adds print jobs assigned to the roll paper one by one in the order of rasterization speed from fast to slow within a range not exceeding the remaining amount of the roll paper, and dynamically changes an estimate of the time required to execute each print job for the added print jobs.

7. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform the following functions: Obtaining rasterization speeds of each of a plurality of print jobs allocated to a roll of paper; and The rasterization speed of the slowest job among the acquired rasterization speeds is set as a conveyance speed suitable for the plurality of print jobs, and an estimate of the time required to execute each of the plurality of print jobs is determined.

Images