Image processing device and method for notifying operation status of image processing device

Abstract

The image processing apparatus includes: a job acquisition unit that acquires a job; a function execution unit that executes a requested function on the acquired job; and a completion notification selection unit that selects a timing for sending a processing completion notification to the information processing apparatus, the processing completion notification indicating that after executing a function, the execution of the function has been normally completed, and the timing for sending the processing completion notification includes when the execution of the job is completed, which is a time point when the execution of the function has been normally completed, and when the acquisition of the job is completed, which is a time point before the execution of the function is started. In the case where there is a function currently being executed and it is in a state where a new job cannot be acquired, the completion notification selection unit selects when the job acquisition is completed as the timing for sending the processing completion notification to the information processing apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus capable of receiving a plurality of jobs from an information processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus via a network and executing a function such as printing requested for each job. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a printing system has been used that can connect an information processing device such as a portable terminal held by a user and an image processing device via a network, store image data sent from the information processing device in the image processing device, and then print the image data on specified printing paper.

[0003] For example, using a standard such as the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), jobs containing image data are sent and received between an information processing device and an image processing device connected to the Internet. When a processing request for the job is sent from the information processing device to the image processing device, functions such as printing or FAX (fax) sending are performed on the job received in the image processing device.

[0004] In addition, when a print request for a job is sent from the information processing device to the image processing device, after the printing of the job is actually executed in the image processing device, a print completion notification indicating that the printing is completed is sent from the image processing device to the information processing device, and the user holding the information processing device is notified of the printing completion.

[0005] In addition, Japanese Patent Gazette No. 10-143450 describes a job processing device, in which, as a method of processing a job, there are the following two methods: acceptance completion type sequential processing, in which document processing is not performed until all documents constituting the job are aligned; and non-acceptance completion type sequential processing, in which processing is performed in the order in which the documents are accepted. After a job request containing a job processing mode indicating either acceptance completion type sequential processing or non-acceptance completion type sequential processing is accepted from a customer, it is determined which job processing mode the accepted job belongs to. In the case of the acceptance completion type sequential processing mode, when the last document included in the job is accepted, the job is aggregated and processed. In the case of non-acceptance completion type sequential processing, each document is processed sequentially, so that batch processing and sequential processing of the job are switched, thereby improving processing efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0006] In the existing image processing device as described above, when only one job is accepted at a time, after printing or other processing is performed on the received job, a completion notification indicating that the processing has been normally completed is sent from the image processing device to the information processing device, and in the information processing device, after receiving the completion notification, a processing request for the next job is sent to the image processing device.

[0007] In this case, if the image processing apparatus takes a long time to process the job and the timing of sending the completion notification becomes late, the information processing apparatus cannot send a processing request for the next job, and the user of the information processing apparatus has to wait.

[0008] In particular, when the processing of the job requested to the image processing apparatus is fax transmission, it takes time until the fax transmission of the image data is completed, so the waiting time for the next job is often long. Furthermore, in the case of fax transmission, there is a case where the other party cannot be connected and a redial wait occurs, so it sometimes takes a long time until the fax transmission job is completed, and the waiting time and number of times for the next job increase.

[0009] In addition, in the image processing device, there is also a device that has multiple ports for accepting jobs and can accept multiple jobs at the same time and execute the processing of each job at the same time, but it cannot receive jobs that exceed the number of ports, and until the processing of one job is completed normally and the completion notification of the job is sent to the information processing device, the processing request for the next job is not accepted.

[0010] Furthermore, even if there are multiple ports for accepting jobs, due to insufficient system resources of the image processing device, multiple jobs may not be processed simultaneously. As a result, there may be a situation where the processing request for the next job cannot be accepted until the completion notification of the job is sent to the information processing device.

[0011] Or, for example, even if multiple jobs can be accepted simultaneously and the image data of multiple jobs can be saved in the internal memory, if the image formation processing performed for printing itself cannot be processed in parallel, a waiting state occurs in the processing of other jobs. As a result, sometimes a processing request for the next job cannot be accepted until the processing of the job in progress is completed normally and a completion notification of the job is sent to the information processing device.

[0012] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus or the like that can efficiently execute a function of a plurality of job requests for a processing target.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention provides an image processing device, characterized in that it includes: a job acquisition unit, which acquires a job sent from an information processing device; a function execution unit, which executes the requested function on the acquired job; and a completion notification selection unit, which selects the timing of sending a processing completion notification to the information processing device, the processing completion notification indicating that after executing the function, the execution of the function has been normally terminated, and the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device includes when the job execution is completed, which is a time point when the execution of the function has been normally terminated, and when the job acquisition is completed, which is a time point before the execution of the function is started. In the case that there is a function currently being executed and is in a state where a new job cannot be acquired, the completion notification selection unit selects when the job acquisition is completed as the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device.

[0014] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention provides an action status notification method for an image processing device, characterized in that it includes: a job acquisition step, acquiring a job sent from an information processing device; a function execution step, executing the requested function on the acquired job; a completion notification selection step, selecting a time to send a processing completion notification to the information processing device, the processing completion notification indicating that after executing the function, the execution of the function has been normally terminated; and an action status notification step, sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device, wherein the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device includes a time point when the execution of the function has been normally terminated. When the execution of the job is completed, and when the job acquisition is completed as a time point before the execution of the function is started, in the image processing device, when there is a function currently being executed and it is in a state where a new job cannot be acquired, in the completion notification selection step, the time when the job acquisition is completed is selected as the timing for sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device; in the job acquisition step, after the job is acquired, at the end of the job acquisition before the function requested for the acquired job is started, the action status notification step is executed; after the processing completion notification for the acquired job is sent to the information processing device, the function execution step is executed.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus or the like that can efficiently execute a function of a plurality of job requests for processing targets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the image processing device of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a block diagram of the structure of an embodiment of an information processing device of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of information (operation state setting information) stored in a storage unit of an image processing device according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of information (completion notification switching condition) stored in a storage unit of an image processing device according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of information (current completion notification information) stored in a storage unit of an image processing device according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of information (job management information) stored in a storage unit of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the process of acquiring a job sent from an information processing apparatus in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing progress status of a job acquired when the current completion notification information is of type B in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing progress status of a job acquired when the current completion notification information is of type A in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0025] Fig.10 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing progress status of a plurality of jobs when the current completion notification information is type B in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0026] Fig.11 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing progress status of a plurality of jobs when the current completion notification information is type B in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0027] Fig.12 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing progress status of a plurality of jobs when the current completion notification information is type B in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.13 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing progress status of a plurality of jobs when the current completion notification information is of type A in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.14 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing progress status of a plurality of jobs when the current completion notification information is of type A in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0030] Fig.15 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing progress status of a plurality of jobs when the current completion notification information is of type A in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.16 This is a communication sequence diagram of an embodiment of the job acceptance and execution process performed between the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus when the current completion notification information is type B.

[0032] Fig.17 This is a communication sequence diagram of an embodiment of the job acceptance and execution process performed between the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus when the current completion notification information is type A.

[0033] Fig.18 This is a flowchart of one embodiment of the completion notification period switching process in the image processing device of the present invention.

[0034] Fig.19 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of a determination process for switching the completion notification period to type B in the completion notification period switching process in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 20 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of a determination process for switching the completion notification period to type A in the completion notification period switching process in the image processing device of the present invention.

[0036] Fig.21 This is a flowchart of one embodiment of the job acceptance and execution process in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 22 This is a flowchart of one embodiment of the job acceptance and execution process in the image processing apparatus of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In addition, it is characterized in that when the job acquisition is completed, the function requested for the job of the processing object can be executed. When the job acquisition completion is selected as the timing for sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device, after the processing completion notification for the job acquired by the job acquisition unit is sent to the information processing device, the function execution unit starts to execute the function requested for the acquired job.

[0039] In addition, the method includes one or more ports for accepting jobs sent from the information processing apparatus, and the state in which a new job cannot be acquired refers to a state in which there is no port capable of accepting a job.

[0040] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, when there is no function currently being executed and a new job can be acquired, the completion notification selection unit selects when the job is completed as the timing for transmitting the processing completion notification to the information processing device.

[0041] In addition, it is characterized in that, when the completion of the job execution is selected as the timing for sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device, the processing completion notification is sent to the information processing device after the function requested by the job acquired by the job acquisition unit is executed and the function has ended normally.

[0042] In addition, the feature is that it includes one or more ports for accepting jobs sent from an information processing device, and one or more storage resources, wherein the storage resources are storage areas for executing functions requested for the acquired jobs, and the state of being able to acquire new jobs refers to the existence of one or more ports that can accept jobs and the existence of one or more storage resources that can be used.

[0043] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that after the processing completion notification for the acquired job is transmitted to the information processing device, a state is established in which at least one new job can be acquired by the job acquisition unit.

[0044] In addition, it is characterized in that, in the case where the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device is changed from when the job execution is completed to when the job acquisition is completed, and in the case where the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device is changed from when the job acquisition is completed to when the job execution is completed, the situation where the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device has been changed is sent to the connectable information processing device.

[0045] In addition, it is characterized in that it also includes a storage unit, which stores current completion notification information indicating the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device. When the completion notification selection unit selects the completion of the job execution as the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device, the current completion notification information is stored as type A. When the completion notification selection unit selects the completion of the job acquisition as the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device, the current completion notification information is stored as type B. When the current completion notification information is changed from type A to type B and from type B to type A, the situation that the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device is changed is sent to the connectable information processing device.

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the description of the following embodiments.

[0047] In one aspect of the present invention, an image processing system is constituted by an image processing device connected via a network and an information processing device storing image data processed by the image processing device.

[0048] The information processing apparatus corresponds to a personal computer or a portable terminal owned by a user who wants to perform processing such as printing by the image processing apparatus, and one or more information processing apparatuses can be connected to the image processing apparatus via a network.

[0049] Hereinafter, the information processing device is also referred to as a user terminal (TE).

[0050] An image processing device (hereinafter also referred to as MFP: Multifunction Peripheral, compound machine) is a device that processes image data, for example, an electronic device having a copy function, a printing function, a document reading (scanning) function, a document editing function, a document saving function, a document sending (fax, FAX) function, a communication function, etc.

[0051] The image processing apparatus has a function of temporarily storing image data transmitted from a user terminal (also referred to as a received job or simply a job), and in principle processes received jobs in the order in which they are received.

[0052] The image processing apparatus MFP has one or more ports for accepting jobs, and can simultaneously accept processing requests for jobs as many as the number of ports.

[0053] For example, when there are three ports, processing requests for three jobs can be accepted simultaneously, and image data included in each job can be temporarily stored.

[0054] In addition, in one method of the present invention, in principle, when there are multiple usable ports (free ports), as in the past, after the processing of a job is completed, a processing completion notification (also called a normal job end notification) indicating the completion of the processing of the job is sent to the information processing device that requested the processing of the job.

[0055] On the other hand, when there is no usable port (free port) and there is a job currently being processed, even if the processing of the job being processed is not completed, a processing completion notification (job normal end notification) indicating that the processing of the job being processed is completed is sent to the information processing device that requested the processing of the job.

[0056] In particular, in one mode of the present invention, as described later, it is characterized in that, in a case where the current completion notification information is set to type B, when a job processing request is received from an information processing device, after processing related to the acceptance of the job is performed, even if the actual processing of the job is not completed, a processing completion notification (job normal end notification) indicating the completion of the processing of the executing job is sent to the information processing device that requested the processing of the job.

[0057] <Configuration of Image Processing Device>

[0058] Figure 1 A block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] As described above, the image processing apparatus (MFP) 1 is a multifunctional machine, and in the following embodiment, it has at least a printing function, a facsimile transmission function, and a communication function.

[0060] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, it is assumed that an image processing apparatus (MFP) 1 is connected to a plurality of information processing apparatuses (TE) 2 via a network 3 such as a LAN (wired or wireless) so that data communication is possible.

[0061] The information processing device (TE) 2 corresponds to a user terminal that inputs image data and the like to be processed by the image processing device, and a plurality of information processing devices 2 are connected to the network 3 .

[0062] In the information processing apparatus, document data and image data are generated or input, a job for processing by the image processing apparatus including the image data is generated, and a job processing request for requesting processing of the job is sent to the image processing apparatus.

[0063] The job processing request includes, for example, the type of job such as printing and faxing, and is information requesting printing processing, fax transmission processing, etc. of image data included in the job.

[0064] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the image processing apparatus (MFP) 1 mainly includes a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, a FAX communication unit 16, a job acquisition unit 21, a job category judgment unit 22, an action status judgment unit 23, a completion notification selection unit 24, an action status notification unit 25, a function execution unit 26, and a storage unit 40.

[0065] The control unit 11 is a part that controls the operation of each component such as the operation unit and the image processing unit, and is implemented by a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O controller, and a clock.

[0066] The CPU organically operates various hardware based on a control program stored in advance in the ROM or the like, thereby executing the image processing function of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] The operation unit 12 is a part of the image processing device where the user inputs information and is an input device for performing a predetermined input operation to operate the image processing device. For example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. are used as a part for inputting information such as characters and selecting functions.

[0068] Keys operated by the user include an operation start key, a function selection key, a setting key, and the like.

[0069] For example, the user operates the input touch panel or a start key of the reading operation to execute a print item setting function, a document reading function, a printing function, a facsimile transmission function, and the like.

[0070] The display unit 13 is a part that displays information, and displays information required for executing each function, the execution result of the function, etc. to inform the user. For example, when an LCD, an organic EL display, etc. is used as the operation unit 12 and a touch panel is used, the display unit 13 and the touch panel are arranged to overlap.

[0071] The display unit 13 displays, for example, text, symbols, graphics, images, icons, animations, dynamic images, etc., settings of setting items for printing, etc. of the image processing device, information required to execute the printing function, etc., an operation screen of the selected function, a printing item setting operation screen, etc.

[0072] The image processing unit 14 is a part that performs an image forming function which is a main function of the image processing apparatus, and is mainly composed of an image input unit, an image forming unit, and an image output unit.

[0073] In general, the image input unit inputs predetermined image data, the image forming unit converts the input image data into information that can be printed, and the image output unit outputs the formed print information to printing paper.

[0074] The image input unit is a part that inputs image data of a document on which an image, a character pattern, or the like is written, and is, for example, a part that reads a document placed on a document table or the like.

[0075] As the image input unit, a scanner (reading device) that reads a document on which information is written is used.

[0076] The image processing apparatus includes a document placement table (document table) on which the document is placed and a document cover for pressing the document in order to read the document.

[0077] Furthermore, the image processing apparatus may include an automatic document feeder (ADF) that places a plurality of originals and automatically feeds and reads the plurality of originals one by one.

[0078] In this case, a document on which an image or the like is written is read by a scanner, and image data of the document is stored in the storage unit 40 .

[0079] In addition, there are various methods for inputting image information.

[0080] For example, image information transmitted from an information processing device TE such as a personal computer, a portable terminal, or a server owned by a user may be input via the network 3 .

[0081] In addition, an interface for connecting an external storage medium such as a USB memory corresponds to the image input unit.

[0082] By saving an electronic data file such as the image information to be input in an external storage medium such as a USB memory, connecting the USB memory to an input interface such as a USB terminal, and performing a prescribed input operation through the operating unit 12, the desired electronic data file saved in the USB memory is read out and stored in the storage unit 40 as input image data.

[0083] When printing input image data on a recording medium, the image forming unit generally performs charging, exposure, development, transfer, cleaning, neutralization, and fixing processes in succession to form the input image data on the recording medium.

[0084] In the developing process, toner is supplied from the toner cartridge to the developing device to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the charged photosensitive drum, thereby forming a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum is transferred to the recording medium by the transfer device, and then heated by the fixing device to be fixed on the recording medium.

[0085] In addition, the image forming unit converts the input image data into information in a format that can be transmitted by facsimile or displayed.

[0086] The image output unit is a part that outputs the formed input image data, and corresponds to, for example, a printer that prints information such as input image data, and prints the input image data of the read document on a predetermined printing paper (paper medium).

[0087] However, output of the input image data is not limited to printing, and also includes storage of the input image data of a scanned document, facsimile transmission of the input image data included in a job transmitted from an information processing apparatus, and the like.

[0088] For example, storing the input image data of the read document in an external storage medium such as a USB memory, faxing the input image data to a fax receiver via a network such as the Internet, or sending the input image data to other information processing devices or servers also corresponds to image output.

[0089] The communication unit 15 is a part that performs information communication via the network 3 and is a part that performs data communication with a portable terminal (user terminal) held by a user or other information processing devices.

[0090] For example, an electronic data file transmitted from an information processing device TE such as a user terminal or a server is received.

[0091] Furthermore, the input image data input to the image processing apparatus MFP is transferred to an external storage device (USB memory or the like) connected to the image processing apparatus MFP, or is sent to an information processing apparatus TE such as a user terminal or a server via the network 3 .

[0092] As the network 3, any communication network such as the Internet, an IP network, a LAN, or an NGN can be used, and the communication method can be either wired communication or wireless communication.

[0093] The FAX communication unit 16 is a part that performs information communication by facsimile via the network 3 such as an IP network using a public telephone network PSTN, ISDN, an optical line, or the like.

[0094] The job acquisition unit 21 is a part that acquires a job transmitted from the information processing device TE.

[0095] For example, when image data to be printed is input to the information processing apparatus TE and a print request operation is performed, a job processing request requesting printing of the image data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus MFP, thereby acquiring the job processing request.

[0096] The job processing request mainly includes the user name of the user who inputs the image data, identification information of the information processing device TE (IP address), information indicating the type of job processing (job category), the name of the job (job ID or job name), etc.

[0097] When a job processing request is acquired, it is determined whether the job indicated by the job processing request can be accepted at present.

[0098] Furthermore, if the job indicated by the job processing request can be accepted, after the acceptance permission notification is sent to the information processing device TE, job information sent from the information processing device TE is acquired. The job information includes the image data itself to be processed.

[0099] When the job information is acquired, the requested function for the image data to be processed is executed.

[0100] The image processing apparatus MFP includes one or more ports for receiving jobs transmitted from the information processing apparatus TE, and can simultaneously acquire jobs corresponding to the number of ports.

[0101] A port is a gate used for input and output of data communication over a network.

[0102] For example, in the case of three ports, two jobs have been acquired and two ports are currently occupied while these jobs are being processed, but since there is one free port, another job can be acquired.

[0103] However, three jobs have already been acquired, and in the current state of processing these jobs, there is no idle port, so no new jobs can be acquired further.

[0104] The job type determination unit 22 is a unit that determines the type of the acquired job. Specifically, it determines the type of processing to be performed on the acquired job using the job type included in the job processing request.

[0105] For example, when the job type is "print", the print process is executed for the job included in the job process request. Alternatively, when the job type is "fax transmission", the facsimile transmission process is executed for the job included in the job process request.

[0106] The operation state determination unit 23 is a part that determines the current operation state of the acquired work.

[0107] For example, based on the processing status of the acquired job, it is determined whether the current state is a state of accepting the processing request, a state of executing the requested processing, a state of normally completing the processing, a state of not being able to normally complete the processing, or a state of being on standby for resending due to failure to send normally.

[0108] The current operation state is determined by, for example, Figure 3 The operation state setting information shown is used to determine to which state the current operation state of the job belongs.

[0109] The completion notification selection unit 24 is a part that selects the timing (period) of sending the completion notification of the job, and mainly selects the timing (period) of sending a processing completion notification to the information processing device TE indicating that the execution of the function requested for the acquired job has been normally completed after the execution of the function.

[0110] The timing (period) of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device TE includes the job execution completion time which is the time point when the execution of the function has ended normally and the job acquisition completion time which is the time point before the execution of the function starts.

[0111] For example, when there is a function currently being executed and a new job cannot be acquired, the completion notification selection unit 24 selects when job acquisition is completed as the timing for transmitting a processing completion notification to the information processing device TE.

[0112] On the other hand, when there is no function currently being executed and a new job can be acquired, the completion notification selection unit 24 selects the completion of the job execution as the timing for transmitting the processing completion notification to the information processing device TE.

[0113] In the selection of the timing (period) of transmitting the processing completion notification, as described later, based on the completion notification switching condition, current completion notification information 44 indicating the timing of transmitting the completion notification of the job is set and stored.

[0114] For example, when the completion notification selection unit 24 selects when the job execution is completed as the timing to transmit the processing completion notification to the information processing apparatus, type A is stored in the current completion notification information 44 .

[0115] Furthermore, when the completion notification selection unit 24 selects when the job acquisition is completed as the timing to transmit the processing completion notification to the information processing apparatus, type B is stored in the current completion notification information 44 .

[0116] As described later Figure 4As shown, the types of completion notification indicating the timing of the completion notification of the job are assumed to include type A and type B, and the conditions for switching the type of completion notification are preset in the completion notification switching conditions.

[0117] based on Figure 4 Based on the currently satisfied state of the condition items shown in the completion notification switching condition, select either type A or type B as the timing for sending the processing completion notification.

[0118] A specific example of switching the completion notification type will be described later.

[0119] The notification unit 25 is a part that transmits the current operation state (status) in the image processing apparatus MFP to the information processing apparatus TE for each acquired job.

[0120] For example, when the acquired job JOB01 is in the state of being processed, as described later, the current operation state (state: ST1) indicating that the job is being processed is transmitted to the information processing device TE.

[0121] Alternatively, when the acquired job JOB01 is in a state where the processing to be executed for the job has been normally completed, as described later, the current operation state (state: ST3) indicating normal completion is transmitted to the information processing device TE.

[0122] However, when the setting content of the current completion notification type (current completion notification information) is "Type B", even if the processing to be performed for the job is not completed normally, if the acquisition of the job is completed normally, the current action status (status: ST3) indicating the normal completion will be sent to the information processing device TE.

[0123] In addition, based on the completion notification switching condition, the current completion notification information 44 indicating the timing of sending the processing completion notification is changed to type A or type B. However, in the case where the current completion notification information 44 is changed from type A to type B and from type B to type A, the situation where the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device is changed can also be sent to the connectable information processing device TE.

[0124] For example, as described later, when the current completion notification information 44 is changed from type A to type B, the image processing apparatus MFP may send to the information processing apparatus TE a message indicating that the processing completion notification is currently sent to the information processing apparatus TE when job acquisition is completed.

[0125] When the current completion notification information 44 is changed from type B to type A, the image processing apparatus MFP may send to the information processing apparatus TE a message indicating that the current setting is to send a processing completion notification to the information processing apparatus TE when the job execution is completed.

[0126] The function execution unit 26 is a part that executes a predetermined function of the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0127] For example, the requested function is executed on the obtained job.

[0128] When a job for printing is transmitted from the information processing apparatus, a printing function is executed on the acquired job.

[0129] Furthermore, when a user performs a predetermined operation to execute a printing function using the image processing apparatus, the printing function is executed.

[0130] In one embodiment of the present invention, a job completion notification function is provided, and based on the setting content of the current completion notification type (current completion notification information), a job processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) is sent to the information processing device TE at a specified timing.

[0131] For example, as described later, when the current setting content of the completion notification type (current completion notification information) is "Type A", that is, as the timing for sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device, when the state when the job execution is completed is selected, after the requested function is executed for the job acquired by the function execution unit 26 and the function is completed normally, a processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) for the job whose function is normally completed is sent to the information processing device TE.

[0132] On the other hand, when the setting content of the current completion notification type (current completion notification information) is "Type B", that is, as the opportunity to send the processing completion notification to the information processing device, when the state of job acquisition completion is selected, the acquisition of the job is completed normally, and after the processing completion notification (job normal end notification) for the job acquired by the job acquisition unit 21 is sent to the information processing device TE, the function execution unit 26 starts to execute the function requested for the acquired job.

[0133] In addition, after the processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) for the acquired job is sent to the information processing device, it means that the execution of the function requested for the acquired job is completed, so the port that accepted the acquired job is released, and the state is achieved where at least one new job can be acquired by the job acquisition unit 21.

[0134] The storage unit 40 stores information and programs required to execute various functions of the image processing device MFP of one embodiment of the present invention, and uses semiconductor storage elements such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, H current completion notification information, storage devices such as SSD, and other storage media.

[0135] The storage unit 40 stores, for example, received image data 41 , operation state setting information 42 , completion notification switching conditions 43 , current completion notification information 44 , job management information 45 , the number of free ports 46 , the number of free resources 47 , and the like.

[0136] The received image data 41 is image data included in job information transmitted from the information processing apparatus TE, and is data to be processed such as printing or facsimile transmission.

[0137] The operating state setting information 42 is information in which the types of operating states of the image processing apparatus MFP are set and stored in advance.

[0138] The operating state setting information 42 mainly sets the type of operating state related to the progress state of the job processing.

[0139] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram of an example of information (operation state setting information) stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0140] exist Figure 3 , five operation states (also referred to as situations) related to the processing progress status of the job are shown.

[0141] exist Figure 3 In the state ST1, "processing is being accepted", which means that the processing of a job requested from the information processing apparatus TE is accepted, and the image processing apparatus MFP is performing processing related to the acceptance.

[0142] For example, after receiving a job processing request from the information processing device TE, it is determined whether the job can be accepted. If the job can be accepted, the operating state of the image processing device MFP is set to state ST1 (processing accepted).

[0143] In addition, after the state ST1 (processing is being accepted), an acceptance permission notification is returned to the information processing device TE.

[0144] Furthermore, when job information containing image data is received from the information processing device TE, image formation processing is performed on the image data in order to execute a specified function on the image data contained in the job information, but until the execution of the image formation processing is completed, the action state is set to situation ST1 (processing being accepted).

[0145] When the execution of the image forming process is completed, the function requested for the job to be processed is in an executable state.

[0146] In the following embodiments, the operation state from when the job is accepted through the job acceptability determination process to when the acceptance permission notification is sent, the job information is received, and the execution of the image forming process is completed is referred to as situation ST1 (processing accepted).

[0147] In addition, the time point when the execution of the image forming process is completed is referred to as the job acquisition completion time.

[0148] The job acquisition completion is a state in which the function requested by the job to be processed can be executed, and is a state before the execution of the function starts.

[0149] The situation ST2 is "FAX sending in progress", which means that the type of job requested from the information processing device TE is "FAX sending", and for this job, the current state is the state of executing the FAX sending function, and the FAX sending is not yet completed. In addition, "FAX sending in progress" also includes a standby state for resending because the sending is not normal.

[0150] The situation ST3 is "normal completion", which means that after the function of the work requested by the information processing device TE is executed, the function is in an operating state that has been normally completed.

[0151] For example, when the facsimile transmission function has been completed normally, the operation state is set to case ST3.

[0152] In addition, the time point when the execution of the image forming process ends normally is referred to as the time when the execution of the job is completed.

[0153] When the job execution is completed, it is a state in which the function requested by the job to be processed has actually been executed and the execution of the function has been normally completed.

[0154] The situation ST4 is "error termination", which means a state in which, after the function of the job requested from the information processing device TE is executed, the function cannot be terminated normally.

[0155] For example, when the FAX transmission function is executed but the FAX transmission function is not normally terminated even after repeated retransmission a predetermined number of times, the operation state is set to case ST4.

[0156] The situation ST5 is "printing in progress", which means that the type of the job requested from the information processing apparatus TE is "printing", and the print function is currently being executed for the job, and the print function is not yet completed.

[0157] However, the action state (situation) is not limited to Figure 3 You can also add other action states or delete action states.

[0158] In addition, the operation state setting information 42 may be fixedly set and stored, but may also be changed by the user.

[0159] The completion notification switching condition 43 is information in which a condition for switching the current completion notification information 44 for determining a timing for transmitting a processing completion notification of a job to the information processing apparatus TE is stored in advance.

[0160] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information (completion notification switching condition) stored in the storage unit of the image processing device.

[0161] Assume that in the current completion notification information 44 there is Figure 4 There are two types of completion notifications shown: Type A and Type B.

[0162] Type A is set to transmit a processing completion notification to the information processing device TE when the execution of the requested function has been completed (normally ended).

[0163] Type B is set so that, although the execution of the requested function has not actually been completed, a processing completion notification is transmitted to the information processing device TE when the job acquisition is completed.

[0164] exist Figure 4 The completion notification switching condition 43 shows three condition items as conditions. The three condition items are the presence or absence of a port (available or not available), the presence or absence of a storage resource (available or not available), and the presence or absence of an executing function (available or not available).

[0165] As described above, a port is an input / output gate for data communication via a network, and corresponds to, for example, a virtual terminal for receiving jobs. The number of ports included in the image processing apparatus MFP may be one or more.

[0166] When there are a plurality of ports, if, for example, there are one or more idle ports that can accept a job among the plurality of ports, it is determined that “there is idle port”.

[0167] However, the port acceptance margin may be taken into consideration, and when there are two or more free ports, it may be determined that "there is free port".

[0168] On the other hand, when there is no free port that can accept a job, it is determined as “no free port”.

[0169] The status of a port that cannot accept jobs means that the status of new jobs cannot be obtained.

[0170] Among the storage resources (hereinafter also referred to as image processing / storage resources, or simply referred to as resources), a storage area used to execute a function requested for an acquired job, or a portion that performs image generation processing, image conversion processing, etc. The image generation processing performs a rendering process for a generated image, and the image conversion processing converts the resolution of an image generated when sending a FAX, etc. The image generation processing and image conversion processing are performed by the image processing unit 14.

[0171] Furthermore, the image processing apparatus MFP is provided with one or more storage resources.

[0172] In the case of having a plurality of resources, when, for example, one or more resources are available among the plurality of resources, it is determined that “there is free space”.

[0173] Here, the state in which there are one or more ports that can accept jobs and one or more available storage resources means a state in which a new job can be acquired.

[0174] However, the margin of resource utilization may be taken into consideration, and when there are two or more idle resources, it may be determined that "there are idle resources".

[0175] On the other hand, when there are no available idle resources at all, it is determined as “no idle”.

[0176] Regarding the presence or absence of a function being executed, in the image processing device MFP, even if only one function is currently being executed, it is determined that the function is "present", and if no function is currently being executed, it is determined that the function is "absent".

[0177] exist Figure 4 The completion notification switching condition 43 shows the conditions for switching the current completion notification information from type A to type B and the conditions for switching from type B to type A.

[0178] When the port is "available", the storage resource is "available", and the function being executed is "no function", it means that the current completion notification information is switched from type B to type A.

[0179] In this case, it corresponds to a state in which there is no function currently being executed and a new job can be acquired, and the state is switched to type A corresponding to when the job execution is completed.

[0180] In this case, jobs can be accepted, there are no functions being executed, and storage resources are available. Therefore, when a new job is accepted, the processing of the job can be executed immediately.

[0181] Therefore, when the current completion notification information indicating the timing of sending the job processing completion notification to the information processing device TE is changed to type A and the execution of the requested function has been normally completed, the processing completion notification information is sent to the processing device TE.

[0182] When there are enough ports and storage resources, the next job can be accepted, and even if it is type A, there is little possibility of waiting for the acceptance of the next job.

[0183] On the other hand, when the port is "not available" and the function being executed is "available", it means that the current completion notification information is switched from type A to type B regardless of the availability of resources.

[0184] In this case, it corresponds to a state where the function is currently being executed and a new job cannot be acquired, and the state is switched to type B corresponding to when job acquisition is completed.

[0185] In this case, since there is no port to accept the job, it is not actually in a state where the next job can be received.

[0186] However, the processing of the currently executed function is in progress, and there is a possibility that the port is vacant.

[0187] Therefore, even when the current completion notification information is changed to type B and the execution of the actually requested function has not yet been completed, the processing completion notification is transmitted to the information processing apparatus TE when the job acquisition is completed.

[0188] By transmitting the processing completion notification to the information processing apparatus TE, the information processing apparatus TE determines that the processing of the current job executed in the image processing apparatus MFP has ended and that the image processing apparatus MFP is ready to transmit a processing request for the next job.

[0189] In the image processing device MFP, if the port becomes idle after a processing completion notification is sent to the information processing device TE when job acquisition is completed, the processing request for the next job from the information processing device TE is sometimes accepted, and the processing related to the acceptance of the next job can be started earlier.

[0190] That is, by sending a processing completion notification to the information processing device TE when job acquisition is completed, the waiting time for accepting the next job can be reduced, or the situation of waiting for accepting the next job can be eliminated, and the processing efficiency of multiple jobs requested from the information processing device TE can be improved.

[0191] As described above, the current completion notification information 44 is information indicating the timing of transmitting the processing completion notification of the function requested by the job to the information processing apparatus TE, and is used to determine the transmission timing of the processing completion notification.

[0192] Depending on the current state of the condition item of the completion notification switching condition 43 described above, it is set to either type A or type B.

[0193] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information (current completion notification information) stored in the storage unit of the image processing device.

[0194] When the current completion notification information 44 is set to "Type A", the timing of transmitting the job processing completion notification to the information processing apparatus TE is "when the job execution ends".

[0195] Furthermore, when the current completion notification information 44 is set to "Type B", the timing of transmitting the job processing completion notification to the information processing apparatus TE is "when the job acquisition is completed".

[0196] The job management information 45 is information related to a job accepted by the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0197] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information (job management information) stored in a storage unit of an image processing apparatus.

[0198] exist Figure 6 The job management information 45 shows information including a job ID, a job type, a job file name, a current operation state (status), and an acceptance time for each job.

[0199] The job ID, job type, and job file name are acquired from the job processing request sent from the information processing device.

[0200] The acceptance time may be set to the time when the job information is received after the job can be accepted.

[0201] The current operation state (situation) is set in accordance with the progress state of the job processing.

[0202] However, the job management information 45 is not limited to such information, and may store, as additional information of the job, for example, the destination FAX number, the number of retransmissions or the retransmission interval in the case of FAX transmission, and whether result printing is required in the case of FAX transmission.

[0203] Figure 6 The job management information 45 shows information when three jobs are accepted.

[0204] For example, for a job with job ID JOBO1, the following is stored: the job type is "FAX", the requested function is fax transmission, the job file name is "FL01", the file of the image data to be processed is "FL01", and the acceptance time is "10:00".

[0205] In addition, the current operation state (status) of the job with job ID JOBO1 indicates that it is currently "ST3", which means that it is normally ended, and the processing of this job is in the operation state of normal end.

[0206] When the current completion notification information 44 is "Type A", it actually means that the processing of the job has been executed and is in a normally ended action state, but when the current completion notification information 44 is "Type B", it means that the processing of the job has not yet been executed and is in a state of action when the job is acquired and completed.

[0207] Also, for a job with job ID JOB02, the following is stored: the job type is "FAX", the requested function is fax transmission, the job file name is "FL02", the file of the image data to be processed is "FL02", and the acceptance time is "10:05".

[0208] The current operation state (status) of the job with job ID JOB02 indicates that it is currently "ST2", which means that FAX transmission is being executed and the processing of this job is currently in progress.

[0209] Also, for a job with job ID JOB03, the following is stored: the job type is "print", the requested function is print processing, the job file name is "FL03", the file of the image data to be processed is "FL03", and the acceptance time is "10:10".

[0210] The current operation state (status) of the job with job ID JOB03 indicates that it is currently "ST5", which means that the print process is being executed and the process of this job is currently in progress.

[0211] Stored in Figure 1The number of free ports 46 in the storage unit 40 refers to the number of ports that can be currently used.

[0212] For example, when the total number of ports included in the image processing apparatus MFP is three and the currently used port is one, the number of available ports 46 is set to two.

[0213] The number of free resources 47 refers to the number of resources that can be currently used.

[0214] For example, when the total number of resources included in the image processing apparatus MFP is three and the number of resources currently in use is two, the number of available resources 47 is set to one.

[0215] Figure 7 An explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a process for acquiring a job sent from an information processing apparatus in an image processing apparatus.

[0216] Here, the above Figure 6 The situation of the three jobs is shown.

[0217] Furthermore, it is assumed that the number of ports included in the image processing apparatus MFP is 3, and the image processing apparatus MFP includes ports (PT1, PT2, and PT3).

[0218] Since there are three ports for accepting jobs, three jobs are received at each port.

[0219] First, when the image processing apparatus MFP receives job JOBO1 from the information processing apparatus TE while three ports are idle, job JOBO1 is acquired through port PT1 , and the job information (job ID JOB01 , job type “FAX”) is stored in the storage unit 40 .

[0220] If the resources of the image processing apparatus MFP are also available and the FAX transmission is possible, the function executing portion 26 executes FAX transmission for the job with the job ID JOBO1 .

[0221] In this state, the port PT1 is in use, and the ports PT2 and PT3 are in idle state.

[0222] Next, in the image processing device MFP, when job JOBO2 is received from the information processing device TE while both ports (PT2, PT3) are idle, job JOBO2 is acquired through port PT2, and the job information (job ID JOB02, job type “FAX”) is stored in the storage unit 40.

[0223] If the resources of the image processing apparatus MFP are also available and the FAX transmission is possible, the function executing portion 26 executes FAX transmission for the job with the job ID JOBO2 .

[0224] However, if the FAX transmission of the job with job ID JOBO1 is being executed and the FAX transmission of the job with job ID JOB02 cannot be performed, the processing of job JOB02 enters a waiting state.

[0225] In this state, ports PT1 and PT2 are in use, and port PT3 is in idle state.

[0226] Next, in the image processing device MFP, when job JOBO3 is received from the information processing device TE while one port (PT3) is idle, job JOBO3 is acquired through port PT3 and the job information (job ID JOB03, job type “print”) is stored in the storage unit 40.

[0227] If the resources of the image processing apparatus MFP are also available and in a state where printing is possible, the function execution unit 26 executes the printing process for the job with the job ID JOBO3 .

[0228] In this state, all three ports are in use and there is no idle port.

[0229] If there is no free port, even if a processing request for a new job JOB04 is transmitted from the information processing device TE, the new job JOB04 is not accepted.

[0230] Regarding the new job JOB04, the acceptance itself is pending.

[0231] <Configuration of Information Processing Device>

[0232] Figure 2 A block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0233] The information processing apparatus is mainly an apparatus that generates a job including image data to be processed by the image processing apparatus, and corresponds to, for example, a personal computer or a portable terminal held by a user as described above.

[0234] exist Figure 2 In the figure, the information processing device (TE) 2 mainly includes a control unit 51, an operation unit 52, a display unit 53, a communication unit 54, a job generation unit 55, a job sending unit 56, an MFP status acquisition unit 57, an MFP status determination unit 58, a function execution request unit 59, and a storage unit 70.

[0235] The control unit 51 is a part that controls the operation of each component such as the operation unit and the job generation unit, and is implemented by a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O controller, and a clock.

[0236] The CPU organically operates various hardware based on a control program stored in advance in the ROM or the like, thereby executing the job generation function of one embodiment of the present invention and the like.

[0237] The operation unit 52 is a part where the user of the information processing device inputs information and is an input device for performing a predetermined input operation to operate the information processing device. For example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. are used as a part for inputting information such as characters and selecting functions.

[0238] Keys operated by the user include an operation start key, a function selection key, a setting key, and the like.

[0239] The user executes a job generating function, a job sending function, and the like by operating the input touch panel, an operation start key, and the like, for example.

[0240] The display unit 53 is a part that displays information, and displays information required for executing each function, the execution result of the function, etc. to inform the user. For example, when an LCD, an organic EL display, etc. is used as the operation unit 52 and a touch panel is used, the display unit 53 and the touch panel are arranged to overlap.

[0241] The display unit 53 displays settings of setting items for job generation, information required for requesting the image processing device to execute a printing function, an operation screen of the selected function, the progress status of the job processing, information indicating that the job has been completed normally, etc., using, for example, text, symbols, graphics, images, icons, animations, dynamic images, etc.

[0242] The communication unit 54 is a portion that performs information communication via a network, and is a portion that performs data communication with the image processing apparatus and other information processing apparatuses.

[0243] For example, a job including input image data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus MFP via the network 3 .

[0244] As will be described later, an acceptance permission notification indicating that acceptance of the job is permitted, a job normal completion notification indicating that the job has been processed normally, and the like are received from the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0245] The job generating portion 55 is a portion that generates a job to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0246] For example, image data to be processed by the image processing apparatus MFP or input image data is created and stored in the storage unit 70 as input image data 71 .

[0247] In addition, the user name of the user who inputs the image data, the identification information of the information processing device TE (IP address), information indicating the type of processing of the job (job category), the name of the job (job ID), etc. are added to the input image data to generate job information.

[0248] The job transmission unit 56 is a part that transmits the generated job information to the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0249] In the embodiment described below, a job processing request for requesting job processing is sent to the image processing apparatus MFP, and when acceptance of the job requested by the job processing request is permitted, job information including input image data to be processed is sent to the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0250] The MFP state acquisition unit 57 is a part that acquires the current operation state (status) of the MFP transmitted from the image processing apparatus MFP. The acquired current operation state (status) is stored as the MFP operation state information 72 .

[0251] For example, when receiving an acceptance permission notification from the image processing apparatus MFP, the operating state (situation) included in the acceptance permission notification is acquired and stored as the MFP operating state information 72 .

[0252] As the action state (situation), get Figure 3 Any of the situations shown in the action state setting information 42 shown.

[0253] The acquired situation is displayed on, for example, the display unit 53 and is used to determine subsequent processing in the information processing device TE.

[0254] The MFP state determination unit 58 is a portion that determines the current operating state of the image processing apparatus MFP based on the acquired situation.

[0255] Based on the determined current operating state of the image processing apparatus MFP, the next process to be performed is determined in the information processing apparatus TE.

[0256] For example, if the acquired status is “ ST2 ”, the image processing apparatus MFP may determine that the requested facsimile transmission is currently being executed, and display the fact that the facsimile transmission is currently being executed on the display unit 53 .

[0257] Alternatively, if the acquired status is “ ST3 ”, the image processing apparatus MFP may determine that the requested function has been executed and has been normally completed, and display the fact that the requested function has been normally completed on the display unit 53 .

[0258] Function execution request portion 59 is a portion that transmits a job processing request for requesting execution of a predetermined function to image processing apparatus MFP.

[0259] The job processing request includes, for example, the user name of the user requesting the processing, identification information (IP address) of the information processing apparatus TE, information indicating the type of processing of the job (job type), the name of the job (job ID), and the like.

[0260] When a job processing request is sent to the image processing apparatus MFP, it is unclear whether the job processing request is permitted, and the job processing request may not be permitted depending on the operating state of the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0261] Therefore, it is preferred that the job processing request does not include the image data itself that is requested to be processed.

[0262] The job processing request sends information of the previously requested job to the MFP to confirm whether the MFP can accept it. If the MFP can accept it, the MFP sends a permission notification and the image is sent from the information processing device (regardless of the size of the data).

[0263] The storage unit 70 is a part that stores information and programs required to execute various functions of the information processing device TE of one mode of the present invention, and uses semiconductor storage elements such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, H current completion notification information, storage devices such as SSD, and other storage media.

[0264] The storage unit 70 stores, for example, input image data 71 , MFP operation state information 72 , and the like.

[0265] As described above, the input image data 71 is image data input by the information processing device TE and is image data that is processed by the image processing device MFP such as printing.

[0266] The input image data 71 is included in the job information and is sent to the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0267] As described above, the MFP operation state information 72 is the current operation state (status) of the MFP transmitted from the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0268] <Description of the acquired job processing status>

[0269] Hereinafter, a description will be given of a progress status of a job process executed by the image processing apparatus MFP according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0270] As described above, depending on whether the current completion notification information is type A or type B, the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device TE is different.

[0271] When the current completion notification information is of type B, after a processing completion notification indicating a normal end is sent to the information processing apparatus TE, the processing of the requested job is started.

[0272] On the other hand, when the current completion notification information is type A, after the execution of the processing of the requested job has been normally completed, a processing completion notification indicating the normal completion is transmitted to the information processing apparatus TE.

[0273] In addition, regardless of whether the current completion notification information is type A or type B, when a processing completion notification indicating normal completion is sent to the information processing device TE, the port that has accepted the job is released. The released port becomes available (free port) and can accept subsequent jobs.

[0274] <Description of the processing status of the job obtained when the current completion notification information is type B>

[0275] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the acquired processing progress status of a job when the current completion notification information is of type B in the image processing apparatus.

[0276] exist Figure 8 , the processing progress status of the job is shown when the current completion notification information is type B and one job (job ID: J01) is accepted.

[0277] The image processing apparatus MFP has three ports (PT1, PT2, and PT3) for accepting jobs, and in an initial state, all of the three ports are in a usable state (free ports).

[0278] As the processing progress status of the job, there are five states (M1 to M5), namely, "job acceptance", "job reception", "image formation", "completion notification", and "function execution".

[0279] “Job acceptance” indicates a state in which a job processing request is being received from the information processing apparatus TE.

[0280] “Job reception” indicates a state in which job information is being received from the information processing apparatus TE.

[0281] “Image forming” indicates a state in which image forming processing is being performed on image data included in a received job.

[0282] The "completion notification" indicates a state in which a processing completion notification indicating a normal end is being sent to the information processing device TE.

[0283] “Function execution” indicates a state in which a function requested by a job processing request is being executed on image data subjected to image forming processing.

[0284] exist Figure 8 In the process, first, when a job processing request is received from the information processing device TE, the state changes to the "job acceptance" state.

[0285] At this time, since all three ports are idle ports, for example, port PT1 is used to accept the job processing request.

[0286] exist Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , it is shown that when the job status is “accepted”, the used port is PT1 and the processing progress status is “job accepted” M1.

[0287] The port PT1 becomes occupied (in use) and is no longer an idle port.

[0288] When receiving a job processing request, it is determined whether the requested job can be accepted, and when it can be accepted, job information including image data to be processed, which is transmitted from the information processing device TE, is received.

[0289] When the job information is received via port PT1, the job status changes to "received", and the processing status changes to "job received" M2.

[0290] The port PT1 remains in the occupied state (in use state).

[0291] When the job information is received, in order to execute the requested process, a required image forming process is executed on the image data included in the job information.

[0292] For example, when the requested process is printing, the image data is converted into printable data using a predetermined storage resource.

[0293] In this case, the job status changes to “forming”, and the process progress status changes to “image forming” M3.

[0294] The port PT1 remains in the occupied state (in use state).

[0295] After the image forming process is executed, the requested process is executable, so the process related to the acceptance of the job is considered to be completed, and the job acquisition is completed.

[0296] That is, when the processing progress status changes from M1 to M3, if it is determined that the job acquisition is completed, the job status changes to "acquired".

[0297] As described above, if the current completion notification information is type B, when the job acquisition is completed, a processing completion notification (job normal end notification) is sent to the information processing apparatus TE.

[0298] In this case, the job status changes to "acquired", and the processing progress status changes to "completion notification" M4.

[0299] After the processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) is sent to the information processing device TE, the used port PT1 is released.

[0300] That is, the port PT1 is returned to a usable state (free port), and the port PT1 is used to accept the next job processing request.

[0301] In this state, although the actually requested process has not yet been executed, since the process related to the acceptance of the job has been completed, the next job processing request can be accepted.

[0302] Thereafter, a predetermined function is executed on the image data that has been subjected to the image forming process and has become in a state where the requested process can be executed, and the process progress state becomes “function execution” M5.

[0303] When performing the series of processing as described above, in the information processing device TE, when the processing completion notification (job normal end notification) is received, it is recognized that the processing of the requested job has been completed, so the processing request for the next job can be sent to the image processing device MFP.

[0304] Therefore, in Figure 8 In this case, the port PT1 is released, so even when the function is actually being executed by the image processing apparatus MFP, a processing request for the next job can be accepted.

[0305] In addition, Figure 8 In the case of "job acceptance", the process is performed in the order of M1 to M4, but it is not limited to this. After "job acceptance" M2, the processing completion notification can also be sent to TE, which becomes "completion notification" M4. That is, the processing status can also be performed in the order of "job acceptance" M1, "job acceptance" M2, "completion notification" M4, "image formation" M3, and "function execution" M5.

[0306] <Description of the processing status of the job acquired when the current completion notification information is type A>

[0307] Fig. 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the acquired processing progress status of a job when the current completion notification information is of type A in the image processing apparatus.

[0308] exist Fig. 9 , the processing progress status of the job is shown when the current completion notification information is type A and one job (job ID: J01) is accepted.

[0309] The image processing apparatus MFP has three ports (PT1, PT2, and PT3) for accepting jobs, and in an initial state, all of the three ports are in a usable state (free ports).

[0310] exist Fig. 9 When a job processing request is received from the information processing device TE, it becomes the "job acceptance" state. Figure 8 Similarly, port PT1 is also used to accept job processing requests.

[0311] Afterwards, with Figure 8 Similarly, it is determined whether the requested job can be accepted. If it can be accepted, job information including image data to be processed sent from the information processing device TE is received, the job status changes to "receiving", and the processing status changes to "job receiving" M2.

[0312] Further, after receiving the job information, when the required image forming process is executed on the image data included in the job information, the job status changes to "forming" and the process progress status changes to "image forming" M3. The port PT1 remains in the occupied state (in use state).

[0313] So far, with Figure 8 The processing status is the same.

[0314] However, in Fig. 9 In the above, if the current completion notification information is type A, when the job execution is completed, the processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) is sent to the information processing device TE. As described above, the state of the processing progress status "image formation" M3 is when the job acquisition is completed, not when the job execution is completed, so the processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) is not sent to the information processing device TE.

[0315] Then, in Fig. 9 In the process, after the image forming process is executed, the requested process can be executed, so the prescribed function is executed on the image data subjected to the image forming process, the job status becomes "acquired", and the process progress status becomes "function execution" M4.

[0316] During the execution of this function, a processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) is not sent to the information processing device TE, and therefore the port PT1 remains in an occupied state (in use state).

[0317] Therefore, the port PT1 is not in a state where the next job processing request can be accepted.

[0318] Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus TE, since the processing completion notification (job normal end notification) is not received, it is in a state where it cannot recognize that the processing of the requested job is completed and cannot send a processing request for the next job to the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0319] When the function executed on the image data has been completed, the job execution is completed.

[0320] exist Fig. 9 In the example, since the current completion notification information is of type A, the processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) is sent to the information processing device TE at the time when the function has ended.

[0321] When the processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) is transmitted to the information processing device TE, the job status changes to "acquired" and the processing progress status changes to "completion notification" M5.

[0322] After the processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) is sent to the information processing device TE, the used port PT1 is released.

[0323] That is, the port PT1 is returned to a usable state (free port), and the port PT1 is used to accept the next job processing request.

[0324] exist Fig. 9 When the processing is performed, the port PT1 used is released. The port PT1 becomes capable of accepting the next job processing request after the function execution for the image data is actually completed. Therefore, the port PT1 released before the function execution for the image data is started is different from the port PT1 released before the function execution for the image data is started. Figure 8 Compared with the case where the processing is performed, the timing of becoming a state capable of accepting the next job processing request becomes later.

[0325] Therefore, in other words, in the information processing apparatus TE, since the timing of receiving the processing completion notification (job normal end notification) becomes late, the state in which the processing request of the next job cannot be sent to the image processing apparatus MFP may become longer.

[0326] In this way, when the current completion notification information is type A, there is a situation where the processing request for the next job cannot be sent, but when the current completion notification information is type B, by sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device TE when the job acquisition is completed, the waiting time for accepting the next job can be reduced, or the situation of waiting for accepting the next job can be eliminated, and the processing efficiency of multiple jobs requested from the information processing device TE can be improved.

[0327] <Description of the processing status of multiple jobs acquired when the current completion notification information is type B>

[0328] Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 An explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing progress status of a plurality of jobs in a case where the current completion notification information is of type B in the image processing apparatus.

[0329] exist Fig.10 , the processing progress status of the job is shown when the current completion notification information is type B and three jobs (job IDs: J01, J02, and J03) are successively accepted.

[0330] In addition, the image processing device MFP is configured to have three ports (PT1, PT2, PT3) for accepting jobs. When the three ports are occupied, three jobs (job ID: J01, J02, J03) are being processed and the fourth job (job ID: J04) cannot be accepted.

[0331] exist Fig.10 In the example, job J01 is accepted through port PT1, and the processing statuses M1 (job acceptance) and M2 (job reception) are completed, and the processing status M3 (image formation) is currently performing image formation processing. In this case, port PT1 is occupied by job J01.

[0332] In addition, the job J02 is accepted through the port PT2, and the processing state M1 (job acceptance) is completed, and the processing state M2 (job reception) is currently receiving job information. In this case, the port PT2 is occupied by the job J02.

[0333] Furthermore, the job J03 is accepted through the port PT3, and is currently in the processing progress state M1 (job acceptance), and the state of accepting the job is permitted.

[0334] In this case, the port PT3 is in a state of being occupied by the job J03.

[0335] In the above-described situation, since all ports are occupied, there is no available port and no new job processing request is accepted.

[0336] Therefore, even if a job processing request of job J04 is received, since there is no free port, the job processing request is rejected in the admissibility determination process, and, for example, a notification of job J04 being unacceptable is sent to the information processing apparatus TE.

[0337] Fig.11 Shows from Fig.10 The processing progress status advances one stage.

[0338] exist Fig.11 In the process, the job J01 is set to the process progress state M1 (job acceptance), M2 (job reception), and M3 (image formation) to be completed, and is in the process progress state M4 (completion notification).

[0339] Here, since the current completion notification information is of type B, as described above, when the acquisition of the job ending with M3 (image formation) is completed, the processing completion notification of the job J01 is sent to the information processing apparatus TE.

[0340] In this case, since the processing completion notification is transmitted to the information processing device TE, the port PT1 is released and becomes an idle port, and is in a state where it can be used by the next new job.

[0341] In addition, the job J02 accepted by the port PT2 is set to the processing status M1 (job acceptance) and M2 (job reception) to end, and is currently in the processing status M3 (image formation) of the image formation process. In this case, the port PT2 is still occupied by the job J02.

[0342] In addition, the job J03 accepted by the port PT3 is set to the processing state M1 (job acceptance) to end, and is now in the processing state M2 (job reception) of receiving job information. In this case, the port PT3 is still occupied by the job J03.

[0343] Furthermore, when a new processing request of job J04 is transmitted from the information processing device TE, since the port PT1 becomes a free port, the job processing request of job J04 is received through the available port PT1.

[0344] When the job processing request of the job J04 is received and the job processing request is permitted through the acceptability determination process, an acceptance permission notification is sent to the information processing device TE, and the processing progress state changes to M1 (job acceptance).

[0345] In this case, the port PT1 is occupied by the job J04.

[0346] After port PT1 is occupied by job J04, since all ports are occupied, even if a new processing request for job J05 is sent from information processing device TE, since there are no free ports, the job processing request is rejected in the acceptability judgment process, and an unacceptable notification of job J05 is sent to information processing device TE.

[0347] Fig.12 Shows from Fig.11 The processing progress status advances one stage.

[0348] exist Fig.12 In the process, the job J01 is set to be in the process progress state of M1 (job acceptance), M2 (job reception), M3 (image formation), and M4 (completion notification) and is in the process progress state of M5 (completion notification).

[0349] In this case, the port PT1 has ended being occupied by the job J01 and is now occupied by another job J04.

[0350] The job J02 is set in the process-in-progress state of M1 (job acceptance), M2 (job reception), and M3 (image formation) after completion, and is in the process-in-progress state of M4 (completion notification).

[0351] Here, since the current completion notification information is of type B, as described above, when the acquisition of the job ending with M3 (image formation) is completed, the processing completion notification of the job J02 is sent to the information processing apparatus TE.

[0352] In this case, since the processing completion notification is transmitted to the information processing device TE, the port PT2 is released and becomes an idle port, and is in a state where it can be used by the next new job.

[0353] In addition, the job J03 accepted by the port PT3 is set to the processing status M1 (job acceptance) and M2 (job reception) to end, and the image forming processing is currently in the processing status M3 (image formation). In this case, the port PT3 is still occupied by the job J03.

[0354] Furthermore, if the job J04 accepted through the port PT1 is in the processing progress state of M1 (job acceptance), the port PT1 is still occupied by the job J04.

[0355] Furthermore, when a new processing request for job J05 is transmitted from the information processing device TE, since the port PT2 becomes a free port, the job processing request for job J05 is received through the available port PT2.

[0356] When the job processing request of the job J05 is received and the job processing request is permitted through the acceptability determination process, an acceptance permission notification is sent to the information processing device TE, and the processing progress state changes to M1 (job acceptance).

[0357] In this case, the port PT2 is occupied by the job J05.

[0358] After the port PT2 is occupied by the job J05, all ports are occupied. Therefore, even if a new job processing request is sent from the information processing device TE, the job processing request is rejected because there is no free port.

[0359] <Description of the processing status of multiple jobs acquired when the current completion notification information is type A>

[0360] Fig.13 , Fig.14 , Fig.15 An explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing progress status of a plurality of jobs when the current completion notification information is of type A in the image processing apparatus.

[0361] exist Fig.13 , the processing progress status of the job is shown when the current completion notification information is type A and three jobs (job IDs: J01, J02, and J03) are successively accepted.

[0362] In addition, the image processing device MFP is configured to have three ports (PT1, PT2, PT3) for accepting jobs. When the three ports are occupied, three jobs (job ID: J01, J02, J03) are being processed and the fourth job (job ID: J04) cannot be accepted.

[0363] exist Fig.13 In the processing status of the job shown, the current completion notification information is type A, and the current completion notification information is type B. Fig.10 The job processing status itself is different from the current completion notification information. Fig.10 are the same.

[0364] However, since the current completion notification information is type A, after the processing progress state of M3 (image formation), the processing progress state changes to M4 (function execution) for executing a function, and then changes to M5 (completion notification) for sending a processing completion notification.

[0365] When the current completion notification information is type A, as described above, since the processing completion notification of job J01 is sent when the job execution is completed, when the acquisition of the completed job M3 (image formation) is completed, the processing completion notification of job J01 is not sent to the information processing device TE, and the function requested for job J01 is executed.

[0366] Fig.14 Shows from Fig.13 The processing progress status advances one stage.

[0367] exist Fig.14 In the process, the job J01 is set to the process progress state M1 (job acceptance), M2 (job reception), and M3 (image formation) to be completed, and is in the process progress state M4 (function execution).

[0368] Here, since the current completion notification information is of type A, the function requested by the job J01 is executed, and the port PT1 is still occupied by the job J01.

[0369] In addition, the job J02 accepted by the port PT2 is set to the processing status M1 (job acceptance) and M2 (job reception) to end, and is currently in the processing status M3 (image formation) of the image formation process. In this case, the port PT2 is still occupied by the job J02.

[0370] In addition, the job J03 accepted by the port PT3 is set to the processing state M1 (job acceptance) to end, and is now in the processing state M2 (job reception) of receiving job information. In this case, the port PT3 is still occupied by the job J03.

[0371] Therefore, in Fig.14 During the processing, since all ports are occupied, even if a new processing request for job J04 is sent from the information processing device TE, since there are no free ports, the job processing request is rejected in the acceptability judgment process, and an unacceptable notification of job J04 is sent to the information processing device TE.

[0372] Fig.15 Shows from Fig.14 The processing progress status advances one stage.

[0373] exist Fig.15 In the process, the job J01 is set to the processing progress state M1 (job acceptance), M2 (job reception), M3 (image formation), and M4 (function execution) to be completed, and is in the processing progress state M5 (completion notification).

[0374] Here, the state in which M4 (function execution) has been completed is set to be a state in which the function requested for job J01 has been executed and the function has been completed normally. Fig.15 In the example, regarding job J01, it is assumed that the job execution is completed.

[0375] When the current completion notification information is type A, as described above, since the processing completion notification of job J01 is transmitted when the job execution is completed, the processing completion notification of job J01 is transmitted to the information processing apparatus TE.

[0376] Furthermore, since the processing completion notification is transmitted to the information processing device TE, the port PT1 is released and becomes an idle port, and is in a state where it can be used by the next new job.

[0377] The job J02 is set to the processing progress state M1 (job acceptance), M2 (job reception), and M3 (image formation) to be completed, and is in the processing progress state M4 (function execution).

[0378] Here, since the current completion notification information is of type A, the function requested by the job J02 is executed, and the port PT2 is still occupied by the job J02.

[0379] In addition, the job J03 accepted by the port PT3 is set to the processing status M1 (job acceptance) and M2 (job reception) to end, and the image forming processing is currently in the processing status M3 (image formation). In this case, the port PT3 is still occupied by the job J03.

[0380] Furthermore, when a new processing request of job J04 is transmitted from the information processing device TE, since the port PT1 becomes a free port, the job processing request of job J04 is received through the available port PT1.

[0381] When the job processing request of the job J04 is received and the job processing request is permitted through the acceptability determination process, an acceptance permission notification is sent to the information processing device TE, and the processing progress state changes to M1 (job acceptance).

[0382] In this case, the port PT1 is occupied by the job J04.

[0383] After the port PT1 is occupied by the job J04, since all ports are occupied, there are no free ports, and thus a processing request for a new job is rejected.

[0384] like Fig.15As shown, when the current completion notification information is type A, port PT1 is released and becomes an idle port not when the job acquisition is completed, but when the function requested for job J01 is executed and ends normally, that is, when the job execution is completed. Therefore, compared with the case where the current completion notification information is type B, port PT1 is released later.

[0385] <Communication Sequence of Job Acceptance and Execution Processing When the Current Completion Notification Information is Type B>

[0386] Fig.16 A communication sequence diagram showing an example of a job acceptance and execution process performed between an image processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus when the current completion notification information is of type B.

[0387] Here, since the current completion notification information is type B, when job acquisition is completed, that is, before the function for the job starts to be executed, the job processing completion notification (job normal end notification) is sent to the information processing apparatus TE.

[0388] exist Fig.16 In step T01 of FIG. 1 , it is assumed that the user US001 performs a predetermined input operation through the information processing device TE, inputs a job of job ID J01, and stores image data included in the job. At this time, the user US001 also inputs a function to be executed on the job of job ID J01.

[0389] For example, the printer function, fax transmission function, etc. are input, and the information required to execute each function is input. If it is the printing function, the number of copies and printing paper are specified, and if it is the fax transmission function, the transmission destination is input.

[0390] In step T02 , the user designates the image processing apparatus MFP to execute a function, and when an input operation to execute the function is performed, a job processing request is transmitted to the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0391] The job processing request includes, for example, the user name, job category, job ID J01, image resolution (main scan / sub-scan), number of retransmissions and retransmission interval when sending FAX, whether the results of FAX sending need to be printed, login name and login password for user authentication, FAX number of the destination, etc.

[0392] In step M01 , the image processing apparatus MFP receives a job processing request.

[0393] In step M02, a job acceptability determination process is performed.

[0394] Here, it is checked whether the port of the image processing apparatus MFP is free and whether the storage resource is free.

[0395] For example, when one or more ports of the image processing apparatus MFP are idle and storage resources for executing processing related to acceptance of a job that receives image data included in a requested job are available, it is determined that the job can be accepted.

[0396] In principle, one job is accepted at one port, but a plurality of jobs may be accepted at one port. Therefore, the number of jobs that can be accepted may be preset for each port, and whether or not a job can be accepted may be determined using the number of jobs that can be accepted.

[0397] In step M03, when the job can be accepted, ST1 (processing accepted) is set and stored in the current operation state (situation).

[0398] Here, since the job with job ID J01 can be accepted, the information of the job with job ID J01 (job ID, job category, acceptance time, etc.) is added to the job management information 45, and the current action state (situation) of the job with job ID J01 is set to ST1 (processing acceptance).

[0399] In addition, the port that accepts the job of job IDJ01 is occupied by the job of job IDJ01 and becomes in use.

[0400] In step M04 , the image processing apparatus MFP transmits an acceptance permission notification to the information processing apparatus TE that has transmitted the job processing request.

[0401] At this time, the acceptance permission notification includes information such as job ID J01 and the current operation state (status) of the job of job ID J01 being ST1.

[0402] In step T03, the information processing device TE receives the acceptance permission notification.

[0403] In step T04, the job information of the job ID J01 is sent to the image processing device MFP. The job information includes, for example, the user name, the job ID J01, the image data to be processed, the image resolution (main scan / sub scan), the number of retransmissions and the retransmission interval when sending by FAX, whether the result of FAX sending needs to be printed, the login name and login password when authenticating the user, the FAX number of the destination, etc.

[0404] In step M05 , the image processing apparatus MFP receives the job information.

[0405] In step M06 , the image processing apparatus MFP executes image forming processing on the image data to be processed in order to execute the requested function.

[0406] As a result, the state in which the function requested for the image data to be processed can be executed is reached, and this point in time corresponds to when the job acquisition is completed.

[0407] In step M07, the current completion notification information is checked, and it is confirmed that the current completion notification information is type B.

[0408] Since the current completion notification information is type B, when the job acquisition is completed, the job processing completion notification (job normal end notification) is sent.

[0409] In step M08, ST3 (normal end) is set and stored in the current operation state (situation).

[0410] In step M09, a job processing completion notification (job normal end notification) is sent to the information processing apparatus TE that has sent the job processing request.

[0411] The job normal completion notification includes, for example, the user name, job ID J01, situation ST3 (normal completion), the number of retransmissions and the retransmission interval when sending a FAX, whether the result of the FAX transmission needs to be printed, the FAX number of the destination, and the like.

[0412] In step M10, the port that has accepted the job of job ID J01 is released.

[0413] In step M11, processing of the job of job IDJ01 is started.

[0414] In step T05, the information processing device TE receives a notification of normal completion of the job.

[0415] In step T06 , a notification indicating that the work has been normally completed is displayed on the display unit 53 of the information processing device TE.

[0416] Here, it is displayed that the processing of the job with job ID J01 was executed in the image processing apparatus MFP and has been normally completed (for example, job J01: printing completed).

[0417] The user US001 confirms this display and determines that the processing of the job of job IDJ01 requested by the user US001 has been completed.

[0418] In this case, in the image processing apparatus MFP, even if the processing of the job of job ID J01 is not actually completed, the user US001 determines that the processing of the job is completed.

[0419] Through the above processing, the processing of the job with the requested job ID J01 is completed.

[0420] Since the processing of the job of job IDJ01 requested by the user US001 has been completed, the user US001 inputs the next job.

[0421] In step T07 , similarly to step T01 , the user US001 performs a predetermined input operation in the information processing device TE to input a job of job ID J02 and stores image data included in the job.

[0422] In step T08 , similarly to step T02 , the user designates the image processing apparatus MFP to execute a function, and when an input operation to execute the function is performed, a job processing request is transmitted to the image processing apparatus MFP.

[0423] The job processing request includes, for example, a user name, a job type, a job ID J02, and the like.

[0424] In step M12, the image processing apparatus MFP receives a job processing request.

[0425] Thereafter, the same processing as the above-mentioned processing is repeated.

[0426] <Communication Sequence of Job Acceptance and Execution Processing When the Current Completion Notification Information is Type A>

[0427] Fig.17 This is a communication sequence diagram of an embodiment of the job acceptance and execution process performed between the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus when the current completion notification information is type A.

[0428] To conduct and Fig.16 In the communication sequence, the same processing steps are given the same numbers.

[0429] Here, since the current completion notification information is type A, when the job execution is completed, that is, after the function for the job ends normally, the processing completion notification of the job (job normal end notification) is sent to the information processing apparatus TE.

[0430] exist Fig.17 In the communication sequence, the execution Fig.16 The same processing as steps T01 to T04 of the information processing device TE and steps M01 to M06 of the image processing device MFP in the communication sequence.

[0431] That is, the processing of the job processing request, acceptance permission notification, transmission of job information, and image formation processing is the same as Fig.16 The same, therefore the description is omitted.

[0432] exist Fig.17In the image processing apparatus MFP, after step M06, in step M21, the current completion notification information is checked.

[0433] In step M21, it is assumed that the current completion notification information is confirmed to be type A.

[0434] When the current completion notification information is type A, since a job processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) is transmitted when the job execution is completed, the function requested for the job J01 is executed.

[0435] When the function requested for the job J01 is fax transmission, first, in step M22, ST2 (FAX transmission in progress) is set and stored in the current operation state (situation).

[0436] At this time, as shown in the figure, a job execution notification indicating that the job is being executed may be sent to the information processing apparatus TE. The job execution notification includes a situation ST2 (FAX transmission is being executed).

[0437] Alternatively, when the function requested for job J01 is printing, ST5 (printing in progress) may be set and stored in the current action state (situation) in step M22, and a job execution notification including the situation ST5 (printing in progress) may be sent to the information processing apparatus TE.

[0438] Thereafter, in step M23, processing of the job of job ID J01 is started in the same manner as in step M11.

[0439] In step T11, the information processing apparatus TE receives a job execution notification.

[0440] In step T12, the information processing apparatus TE which has received the job execution notification may also display that the job with the job ID JO1 is currently being executed.

[0441] In the image processing apparatus MFP, when the processing of the job of job ID J01 is normally completed, a processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) indicating that the processing is normally completed is transmitted to the information processing apparatus TE.

[0442] First, in step M24, similarly to step M08, ST3 (normal end) is set and stored in the current operation state (situation).

[0443] In step M25, similarly to step M09, a job processing completion notification (job normal completion notification) is transmitted to the information processing apparatus TE that has transmitted the job processing request.

[0444] In step M26, similarly to step M10, the port that has accepted the job of job ID J01 is released.

[0445] Then, in step T05, upon receiving the notification of normal completion of the operation, the information processing device TE communicates with Fig.16 Likewise, in step T06 , a notification indicating that the work has been normally completed is displayed on the display unit 53 of the information processing device TE.

[0446] Thus, it is displayed that the processing of the job with job ID J01 has been executed in the image processing apparatus MFP and has been normally completed (for example, job J01: printing completed).

[0447] By checking this display, the user US001 determines that the processing of the job requested by the user has been completed at the point in time when the processing of the job of job IDJ01 has actually been completed.

[0448] Through the above processing, the processing of the job with the requested job ID J01 is completed.

[0449] After that, since the processing of the job of job ID J01 requested by user US001 has been completed, when user US001 inputs the next job, Fig.16 Likewise, step T07 and step T08 of the information processing apparatus TE are executed, and step M12 of the image processing apparatus MFP is executed, and a job processing request for the next job is received.

[0450] After that, the same processing as above is repeated.

[0451] <Completion of the notification period switching process>

[0452] Fig.18 A flowchart showing an embodiment of the completion notification period switching process in the image processing apparatus.

[0453] Here, a process of determining whether the above-mentioned current completion notification information 44 is switched to type A or type B will be described.

[0454] As described above, the current completion notification information 44 is switched to type A or type B according to the completion notification switching condition 43 .

[0455] exist Fig.18 In step S1, it is checked whether there is an available port.

[0456] For example, when the image processing apparatus MFP has three ports, it is checked whether one or more of the three ports is a free port or none of the three ports is a free port.

[0457] In step S2, if there are one or more available ports, the process proceeds to step S4; if there are no available ports, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0458] In step S3, a switch determination process to type B is performed.

[0459] In the switching determination process to type B, when the completion notification switching condition 43 for switching to type B is satisfied, a process of changing the current completion notification information 44 from type A to type B is performed.

[0460] The detailed flow of the switching judgment process for switching to type B is as described below. Fig.19 shown.

[0461] In step S4, a switch determination process to type A is performed.

[0462] In the switching determination process to type A, when the completion notification switching condition 43 for switching to type A is satisfied, a process of changing the current completion notification information 44 from type B to type A is performed.

[0463] The detailed flow of the switching judgment process for switching to type A is as described below. Fig. 20 shown.

[0464] After step S3 or step S4, the process returns to step S1 and repeats the process.

[0465] (Determination process of switching the completion notification period to type B)

[0466] Fig.19 A flowchart showing an embodiment of a determination process for switching the completion notification period to type B in the completion notification period switching process in the image processing apparatus.

[0467] Fig.19 The flowchart shows an embodiment of the processing content of the above-mentioned step S3.

[0468] exist Fig.19 In step S11, it is checked whether there is a job to execute the requested function.

[0469] For example, it is checked whether there is a job currently being processed for printing or fax transmission.

[0470] In step S12, if there is a job in the current execution state, the process proceeds to step S13; otherwise, the process ends.

[0471] In step S13 , the current setting state of the current completion notification information 44 is checked.

[0472] In step S14, when the current completion notification information 44 is set to be similar to A, the process proceeds to step S15. Otherwise, that is, when it is set to be similar to B, the process ends.

[0473] In step S15, the current completion notification information 44 is set to be changed to type B.

[0474] Here, the current completion notification information 44 may be changed to type B, that is, the image processing apparatus MFP may send to the information processing apparatus TE a setting that the processing completion notification is sent to the information processing apparatus TE when job acquisition is completed.

[0475] In step S16, the current status (state) of the job in the execution state is set and changed to normal completion in the job management information (ST3).

[0476] In step S17, the current state (situation) of the job in execution is transmitted to the information processing apparatus TE which has transmitted the job.

[0477] Here, a normal end (ST3) is sent to the information processing device TE.

[0478] In step S18, the port used by the job in the execution state is released.

[0479] That is, the port used by the job in the execution state is set to an unused state.

[0480] As a result, the port used by the job in the execution state becomes available for use by the next received job.

[0481] As described above, when the current completion notification information 44 is changed to type B, the timing for transmitting the processing completion notification is changed to when the job acquisition is completed.

[0482] (Determination process of switching the completion notification period to type A)

[0483] Fig. 20 A flowchart showing an embodiment of a determination process for switching the completion notification period to type A in the completion notification period switching process in the image processing apparatus.

[0484] Fig. 20 The flowchart of FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the processing content of the above-mentioned step S4.

[0485] Here, it is assumed that when there are two or more available ports (free ports), that is, when there are 0 or one free port, switching to type A is not performed.

[0486] In addition, it is assumed that when there are two or more available resources (free resources), that is, when there are 0 or one free resource, switching to type A is not performed.

[0487] However, the conditions for not switching to type A are not limited to these. For example, it is also possible to set the condition not to switch to type A when there is no free resource.

[0488] exist Fig. 20 In step S31, the number of available ports (free ports) is checked.

[0489] In step S32, if two or more ports are idle ports, the process proceeds to step S33; otherwise, the process ends.

[0490] In step S33, the availability of storage resources is checked.

[0491] In step S34, if two or more resources are idle resources, the process proceeds to step S35; otherwise, the process ends.

[0492] In step S35, if the job in the current execution state does not exist, the process proceeds to step S36; otherwise, the process ends.

[0493] In step S36, the current completion notification information 44 is set to be changed to type A, and the process ends.

[0494] In step S36 , the current completion notification information 44 may be changed to type A, that is, the image processing apparatus MFP may send to the information processing apparatus TE a setting that currently sets the processing completion notification to be sent to the information processing apparatus TE when the job execution is completed.

[0495] As described above, when the current completion notification information 44 is changed to type B, the timing for transmitting the processing completion notification is changed to when the job execution is completed.

[0496] <Process flow of job acceptance and execution>

[0497] Fig.21 and Fig. 22 A flowchart showing an embodiment of the job acceptance and execution process in the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0498] Here, a case where the function of the requested job is a facsimile transmission function will be described.

[0499] However, substantially the same processing is performed in cases other than the facsimile transmission function.

[0500] exist Fig.21 In step S51, it is checked whether there are available ports and available resources.

[0501] In step S52, if there are available ports and available resources, proceed to step S53; otherwise, return to step S51.

[0502] In step S53, it is checked whether a job processing request is received from the information processing device TE.

[0503] In step S54, if a job processing request is received, the process proceeds to step S55, and otherwise, the process returns to step S51.

[0504] In step S55, the job acceptance process starts using the free port.

[0505] Here, for example, an acceptance permission notification is sent to the information processing apparatus TE that has sent the job processing request, and reception of job information including image data to be processed is started.

[0506] In step S56, "processing acceptance (ST1)" is set and stored in the current state (status) of the accepted job in the job management information.

[0507] In step S57, the current state of the accepted job "status: processing accepted (ST1)" is transmitted to the information processing device TE that has transmitted the job processing request.

[0508] In step S58, it is checked whether the reception of the image data to be processed has been completed. If the reception of the image data has been completed, the process proceeds to step S59; otherwise, step S58 is repeated.

[0509] In step S59, image forming processing is performed on the received image data.

[0510] Here, for example, when the function of the requested job is a facsimile transmission function, the received image data is converted into data in a format that can be transmitted by facsimile.

[0511] In step S60, the current completion notification information 44 is checked.

[0512] In step S61, if the current completion notification information 44 is type B, the process proceeds to step S62; if it is type A, the process proceeds to step S63. Fig. 22 Step S81.

[0513] In step S62, "normal end (ST3)" is set and stored in the current state (situation) of the accepted job.

[0514] Since the current completion notification information 44 is of type B, a processing completion notification is sent when job acquisition is completed.

[0515] In step S63, a job normal end notification is sent to the information processing apparatus TE that has sent the job processing request.

[0516] The job normal completion notification includes the current status of the accepted job "Status: Normal completion (ST3)".

[0517] In step S64, the used port is released.

[0518] Since the job normal completion notification has been sent, the used port is set to an unused state and is ready to accept the next job.

[0519] In step S65, the function of the requested job is executed.

[0520] Here, facsimile transmission is performed on the image data to be processed.

[0521] In the fax transmission function, a process of calling the other party's device is performed, and if the other party's device responds, the image data is transmitted. If the other party's device does not respond, retransmission (redialing) is performed after a predetermined time has passed.

[0522] In step S66 , if the fax transmission has not been normally completed, the process proceeds to step S67 , and if the fax transmission has been normally completed, the process ends.

[0523] In step S67, when the number of retransmissions for redialing has not reached the preset upper limit number of times (when the number of retransmissions remains), the process returns to step S65 and the fax transmission is executed again.

[0524] When the number of retransmissions reaches the preset upper limit (when there is no retransmission number left), the process proceeds to step S68.

[0525] In step S68, "error end (ST4)" is set and stored in the current state (situation) of the accepted job.

[0526] In step S69, since the current status of the job cannot be sent to the information processing device TE that has sent the job processing request, information indicating an error end (error end information) is stored and the error end information is output (printed) as a print report on specified printing paper.

[0527] The output print report may include, for example, information on the job that ended with an error, information on the execution result including the date and time, an image (part) of the job, and the like.

[0528] When the current completion notification information 44 is type B, when the job has been completed normally, or when it has been completed incorrectly, since the used port has been released in step S64, the used port is set to an unused state and becomes a state to accept the next job.

[0529] In particular, when the current completion notification information 44 is type B, when the job acquisition is completed, the information processing device TE is notified that the job has ended normally, and before the requested job is started, the port used is set to an unused state, thereby preventing the acceptance of the next job from becoming a long-term waiting state, and the next job can be processed quickly.

[0530] On the other hand, in the case of type A, Fig. 22 In step S81, "FAX sending in progress (ST2)" is set and stored in the current state (situation) of the accepted job.

[0531] In step S82, the current status of the accepted job "status: FAX sending (ST2)" is transmitted to the information processing apparatus TE that has transmitted the job processing request.

[0532] In step S83, the function of the requested job (FAX transmission) is executed.

[0533] In step S84 , if the fax transmission has not been normally completed, the process proceeds to step S86 , and if the fax transmission has been normally completed, the process proceeds to step S85 .

[0534] In step S85, "normal end (ST3)" is set and stored in the current state (situation) of the accepted job, and the process proceeds to step S88.

[0535] In step S86, when the number of retransmissions for redialing has not reached the preset upper limit number of times (when the number of retransmissions remains), the process returns to step S83 and fax transmission is performed again.

[0536] When the number of retransmissions reaches the preset upper limit (when there is no retransmission number left), the process proceeds to step S87.

[0537] In step S87, "error end (ST4)" is set and stored in the current state (situation) of the accepted job, and the process proceeds to step S88.

[0538] In step S88, the current state (status) of the accepted job is transmitted to the information processing apparatus TE which has transmitted the job processing request.

[0539] When the current state (situation) is set to "normal end (ST3)", a normal end notification including the current state "state: normal end (ST3)" is transmitted.

[0540] On the other hand, when the current state (situation) is set to "error end (ST4)", the current state "state: error end (ST4)" is transmitted.

[0541] In step S89, similarly to step S64, the used port is released.

[0542] That is, regardless of whether the job is terminated normally or with error, the port being used at that point in time is set to an unused state and is in a state of accepting the next job.

[0543] <Other embodiments>

[0544] (Example 1: Switching conditions for current completion notification information)

[0545] In the above-described embodiment, the current completion notification information is automatically set to either type A or type B based on the pre-stored completion notification switching condition.

[0546] However, the completion notification switching condition is not limited to Figure 4 The situation illustrated in .

[0547] For example, instead of determining whether each resource is available, it may be determined whether the number of available resources is less than a predetermined number.

[0548] Alternatively, instead of determining the resource usage status to perform switching, the type A may be switched to the type B based on the type of job, for example, only jobs for FAX transmission.

[0549] Furthermore, it is also possible to switch from type A to type B only according to a predetermined destination of FAX transmission.

[0550] (Example 2: Manual setting of current completion notification information)

[0551] In the above-described embodiment, regarding the setting of the current completion notification information, the current completion notification information 44 is automatically switched in the image processing apparatus MFP, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0552] In the information processing device TE, it can also be set that: through the user performing a specified input operation, a request for switching the current completion notification information can be sent from the information processing device TE to the image processing device MFP, and the current completion notification information of the image processing device MFP can be switched to either type A or type B.

[0553] That is, it may be possible to set and store the current completion notification information of the image processing apparatus MFP for each information processing apparatus TE.

[0554] For example, after receiving a switch request to switch the current completion notification information to type B from the information processing device TE1, a processing completion notification may be always sent to the information processing device TE1 when job acquisition is completed.

[0555] In addition, after receiving a switch request to switch the current completion notification information to type A from another information processing device TE2, a processing completion notification may be always sent to the information processing device TE2 when the execution of the job is completed.

[0556] (Example 3: Changing the settings of the current completion notification information)

[0557] In the above-described embodiment, regardless of the type of work requested from the information processing apparatus TE, the current completion notification information is switched to either type A or type B based on the completion notification switching condition, but this is not limited thereto.

[0558] For each function executed for a job, the current completion notification information may also be switched to type A or type B.

[0559] For example, when the function performed on the job is "fax sending", if the possibility of resending is taken into account, sometimes it takes a long time to actually complete the fax sending process. Therefore, when the job category included in the received job processing request is "fax sending", the current completion notification information can also be switched to type B, and when the job acquisition is completed, a processing completion notification is sent to the information processing device TE.

[0560] In addition, when the function executed for the job is "printing function", since printing sometimes ends in a short time, when the job category included in the received job processing request is "printing", the current completion notification information can also be switched to type A, and when the job execution is completed, a processing completion notification is sent to the information processing device TE.

[0561] Alternatively, when the function executed for the job is a "print function", the current completion notification information may be switched to either type A or type B in consideration of the number of copies to be printed.

[0562] For example, when the requested print job has one print copy, the current completion notification information may be set to type A, and when the requested print job has 100 print copies, the current completion notification information may be set to type B.

Claims

1. An image processing device, characterized in that: include: a job acquisition unit that acquires a job sent from the information processing device; a function execution unit, which executes the requested function on the acquired job; as well as a completion notification selection unit that selects a timing for sending a processing completion notification to the information processing device, the processing completion notification indicating that the execution of the function has been normally completed after the execution of the function, As a timing for sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device, the completion notification selection unit selects and sets either a time point when the job execution is completed as a time point when the execution of the function has been normally completed or a time point when the job acquisition is completed as a time point before the execution of the function is started, In a state where the timing is set to when the job is completed, in a first case where there is a function currently being executed and a new job cannot be acquired, the completion notification selection unit switches the timing to when the job acquisition is completed. In a state where the timing is set to when the job acquisition is completed, in a second case where there is no function currently being executed and a new job can be acquired, the completion notification selection unit switches the timing to when the job execution is completed, In cases other than the first case and the second case, the completion notification selection unit maintains the currently selected timing.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that In a state where the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device is set to when the job acquisition is completed, After transmitting the processing completion notification for the job acquired by the job acquisition section to the information processing apparatus, the function execution section starts executing the function requested for the acquired job.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Also includes one or more ports for receiving jobs sent from the information processing device, The state in which a new job cannot be acquired refers to a state in which there is no port capable of accepting the job.

4. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In a state where the timing of transmitting the processing completion notification to the information processing device is set to when the execution of the job is completed, After a function requested for the job acquired by the job acquisition unit is executed and the function is normally completed, the processing completion notification for the job whose function has been normally completed is transmitted to the information processing apparatus.

5. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The image processing device further includes one or more ports for receiving jobs sent from the information processing device. The image processing apparatus further includes one or more storage resources, wherein the storage resources are storage areas for executing functions requested for the acquired job. The state in which a new job can be acquired refers to a state in which there are one or more ports capable of accepting the job and there are one or more available storage resources.

6. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: After the processing completion notification for the acquired job is transmitted to the information processing device, a state is achieved in which at least one new job can be acquired by the job acquisition unit.

7. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the completion notification selection unit switches the timing from when the job is executed to when the job is acquired, and when the completion notification selection unit switches the timing from when the job is acquired to when the job is executed, the switching of the timing is transmitted to a connectable information processing device.

8. A method for notifying an operation status of an image processing device, characterized in that: include: A job acquisition step of acquiring a job sent from an information processing device; A function execution step, executing the requested function on the acquired job; a completion notification selection step of selecting a timing for sending a processing completion notification to the information processing device, the processing completion notification indicating that execution of the function has been normally completed after executing the function; as well as an action status notification step, sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device, In the completion notification selection step, as the timing for sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device, either the time when the job execution is completed as the time point when the execution of the function has been normally ended or the time when the job acquisition is completed as the time point before the execution of the function is started is selected and set. In the image processing apparatus, in a state where the timing is set to when the job is completed, in a first case where there is a function currently being executed and a state where a new job cannot be acquired, in the completion notification selection step, the timing is switched to when the job acquisition is completed, In a state where the timing is set to when the job acquisition is completed, in a second case where there is no function currently being executed and a new job can be acquired, in the completion notification selection step, the timing is switched to when the job execution is completed, In cases other than the first case and the second case, in the completion notification selection step, the currently selected timing is maintained, In the job acquisition step, after acquiring the job, When the job acquisition is completed before the function of the acquired job request is started to be executed, the operation status notification step is performed, The function execution step is performed after the processing completion notification for the acquired job is sent to the information processing device.

9. The method for notifying the operation status of an image processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the completion notification selection step, in the case where the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device is switched from when the job execution is completed to when the job acquisition is completed and in the case where the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device is switched from when the job acquisition is completed to when the job execution is completed, the situation where the timing of sending the processing completion notification to the information processing device has been switched is sent to the connectable information processing device.

Images