Information processing system, information processing method, and program product

Abstract

An information processing system, an information processing method, and a program product are disclosed. The information processing system includes a processor that acquires a plurality of print jobs including a combination of jobs that produce an interruption time at which a print is interrupted in conjunction with a change in a print condition, groups the acquired plurality of print jobs by a print condition that causes the interruption time to be produced or by a unit that is formed by combining a plurality of print conditions that cause the interruption time to be produced, and outputs a combination of jobs of each group for execution by a printer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing system, information processing method, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-039445 discloses a technology that appropriately reduces the number of times a confirmation process to determine whether printing has met quality requirements is performed, thereby reducing the processing load on the confirmation process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] When multiple printers perform printing, the printing schedule is determined based on the performance of each printer. Therefore, each print job is allocated according to the processing capacity of each printer, and a printing schedule is planned and created.

[0004] However, during actual printing, changes in printing conditions sometimes result in printing interruptions. Previous scheduling methods did not account for these interruption times, leading to discrepancies between the print schedule and actual printing time, resulting in printer operating rates being lower than anticipated.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to suppress the deviation between the print schedule and the actual print time, compared to grouping multiple print jobs without considering the occurrence of interruption time.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided, wherein a processor is provided, the processor acquires a plurality of print jobs including a combination of jobs that cause interruption time due to changes in printing conditions, the acquired plurality of print jobs are grouped according to the printing conditions that cause the interruption time, or according to a unit formed by combining the plurality of printing conditions that cause the interruption time, and outputs a combination of each group of jobs in order to enable the printer to execute.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system involved in the first aspect, the processor obtains a priority based on the printing performance of each printer, with the longer the interruption time and the higher the priority set based on the printing conditions, and groups the obtained multiple print jobs based on the priority of each printer.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system involved in the second aspect, when printing is performed by multiple printers with the same printing performance, the processor distributes print jobs including printing conditions that cause the interruption time to the multiple printers based on a common priority among the multiple printers.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system involved in the second or third aspect, when printing is performed by multiple printers with different printing performance, the processor distributes the print job, including the printing conditions that cause the interruption time of the printer with low printing performance, to the printer with low printing performance and other printers based on the priority of the printer with low printing performance.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system involved in the fourth aspect, after the processor distributes the print jobs including the low-performance printer to the low-performance printer and the other printers, the processor distributes the remaining print jobs to the low-performance printer and the other printers based on the priority of the other printers.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system involved in any of the first to fifth aspects, the processor groups the acquired plurality of print jobs according to the pre-set job attributes.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system involved in the sixth aspect, the processor rearranges the execution order of the grouped print jobs in order of the interruption time from shortest to longest.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a program product is provided, comprising a program that causes a computer to perform processing, wherein the processing acquires a plurality of print jobs including a combination of jobs that cause interruption times due to changes in printing conditions, the plurality of print jobs are grouped according to the printing conditions that cause the interruption times, or according to a unit consisting of a combination of the plurality of printing conditions that cause the interruption times, and outputs a combination of the groups of jobs in order to enable a printer to execute.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided, wherein a plurality of print jobs including a combination of jobs that cause interruption time due to changes in printing conditions are acquired, the plurality of print jobs are grouped according to the printing conditions that cause the interruption time, or according to a unit formed by combining the plurality of printing conditions that cause the interruption time, and a combination of each group of jobs is output in order to enable the printer to execute.

[0015] (Effect)

[0016] According to the first, eighth, and ninth schemes, compared with the case of grouping multiple print jobs without considering the occurrence of interruption time, the deviation between the print schedule and the actual print time can be suppressed.

[0017] According to the second scheme, it is possible to perform grouping based on the characteristics of the printer.

[0018] According to the third scheme, the processing load of each printer is equalized.

[0019] According to the fourth scheme, compared with grouping multiple print jobs without considering the occurrence of interruption time, the load on printers with low printing performance can be suppressed.

[0020] According to the fifth scheme, compared with grouping multiple print jobs without considering the occurrence of interruption time, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the overall print schedule and distribute the load of each printer.

[0021] According to the sixth scheme, grouping can be performed under uniform printing conditions.

[0022] According to the seventh scheme, compared with grouping multiple print jobs without considering the occurrence of interruption time, the interruption time caused by switching between jobs can be shortened, and the deviation between the print schedule and the actual print time can be further suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the general structure of a system;

[0024] Figure 2 It is a block diagram representing the hardware structure of a user terminal;

[0025] Figure 3 It is a flowchart representing a specific process;

[0026] Figure 4 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a user terminal;

[0027] Figure 5 This is the first flowchart representing the process of regrouping;

[0028] Figure 6 Here is an example of a priority table;

[0029] Figure 7 This represents an example of grouping print jobs when multiple printers are all composed of type A printers with the same printing performance.

[0030] Figure 8 This represents an example of grouping print jobs when multiple printers consist of type A and type B with different printing capabilities;

[0031] Figure 9 This is the second flowchart representing the process of regrouping;

[0032] Figure 10 This shows an example of a combination of tasks displayed in the display section. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The system 10 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0034] (First Implementation)

[0035] First, the first embodiment of system 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the general structure of system 10.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, system 10 includes a user terminal 20 and multiple printers 40. The user terminal 20 and the multiple printers 40 are connected to each other in a manner that allows them to communicate with each other via network N. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the diagram, three printers 40A, 40B, and 40C are shown as printer 40, but there is no particular limitation on the number of printers 40 included in system 10. Furthermore, unless a specific printer is indicated, they will be collectively referred to as printer 40 below.

[0038] User terminal 20 is a terminal operated by an administrator who manages the overall workflow of print jobs. User terminal 20, for example, has the function of issuing print instructions to printer 40.

[0039] Printer 40 is a device installed in a printing factory and performs printing based on printing instructions from user terminal 20. Since printer 40 has the same basic structure as a general printer, detailed structural descriptions are omitted.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a block diagram representing the hardware structure of user terminal 20.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the user terminal 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a storage device 24, an input unit 25, a display unit 26, and a communication unit 27. All these components are interconnected via a bus 28.

[0042] CPU 21 is a central processing unit that executes various programs or controls various components. Specifically, CPU 21 reads programs from ROM 22 or storage device 24, uses RAM 23 as the working area, and executes the programs. CPU 21 performs control and various arithmetic operations on the aforementioned structures according to the programs stored in ROM 22 or storage device 24. CPU 21 is an example of the "processor" of this invention.

[0043] ROM22 stores various programs and data. RAM23 serves as the operating area to temporarily store programs or data.

[0044] Storage device 24 is composed of storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory, and stores various programs and data. Storage device 24 stores an information processing program 24A for causing CPU 21 to perform various processes described later. Information processing program 24A is an example of the "information processing program" of this invention.

[0045] Input unit 25, for example, includes a keyboard, mouse, various buttons, microphone, and camera, etc., for various inputs.

[0046] Display unit 26, for example, is a liquid crystal display (LCD) that displays various information. Display unit 26 can also be a touch panel, functioning as an input unit 25.

[0047] The communication unit 27 is an interface for communicating with other devices. In this communication, for example, wired communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI are used, or wireless communication standards such as 4G, 5G or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are used.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of a specific procedure executed by the user terminal 20. The CPU 21 performs the specific procedure by reading the information processing program 24A from the storage device 24 and expanding it into the RAM 23. As an example, the specific procedure is executed automatically and repeatedly after a certain period of time.

[0049] In step S10, CPU 21 acquires multiple print jobs, including a combination of jobs that experience interruption times (hereinafter referred to as "cycle down") due to changes in printing conditions. These multiple print jobs are input jobs that become objects of a print schedule, acquired, for example, based on data stored in storage device 24. Then, CPU 21 proceeds to step S11.

[0050] In step S11, CPU21 determines whether to consider the printing conditions that cause the cyclic descent, i.e., the cyclic descent condition.

[0051] The cyclic descent conditions include, for example, paper type, single-sided / double-sided setting, and color mode. Regarding paper type, since the fusing temperature differs between plain and thick paper, switching to different paper types requires adjusting the temperature of the fusing unit, resulting in a cyclic descent. When switching from single-sided to double-sided printing, or vice versa, the paper transport path changes, necessitating a switch in the transport path within the printer 40, thus causing a cyclic descent. Furthermore, when switching from black and white to color printing, or vice versa, a switch in the developing unit is required, also resulting in a cyclic descent.

[0052] Here, if the CPU21 determines that the cyclic descent condition is considered (step S11: Yes), it proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the CPU21 determines that the cyclic descent condition is not considered (step S11: No), it proceeds to step S12.

[0053] Figure 4 This represents an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 26 of the user terminal 20. Figure 4 In the screen shown, when grouping the multiple print jobs obtained in step S10, the user can choose whether to consider the cyclic descent condition.

[0054] exist Figure 4 The screen displays option 50, checkbox 52, OK button 54, and cancel button 56.

[0055] Option 50 specifies the cyclic descent conditions, such as whether to standardize printing conditions like paper type, single-sided / double-sided settings, and color mode across the production line. Each option 50 has a corresponding checkbox 52, allowing the user to select any cyclic descent condition. Figure 4 In the middle, all checkboxes 52 are marked with a selected mark, which means that the setting takes into account all cyclic descent conditions.

[0056] Additionally, users can confirm the selected cyclic descent conditions by pressing the OK button 54, and this setting will be reflected in the grouping of print jobs. On the other hand, if the Cancel button 56 is pressed, the screen will transition to a preset screen, without reflecting the selected content.

[0057] Back Figure 3 In step S12, CPU 21 groups the multiple print jobs acquired in step S10 without considering the cyclic descent condition. This grouping can be performed using a known method. For example, methods based on job acceptance order or page number can be applied. Then, CPU 21 proceeds to step S16.

[0058] In step S13, CPU 21 considers the user-defined cyclic descent conditions to group the multiple print jobs acquired in step S10. Here, CPU 21 groups the multiple print jobs according to the cyclic descent conditions or by a combination of multiple cyclic descent conditions. For example, if only the cyclic descent conditions based on paper type are considered, jobs for plain paper are grouped into one group, and jobs for thick paper are grouped into another. Furthermore, if both paper type and color mode are considered, jobs of the same paper type and color mode are merged into the same group, and jobs with different combinations are grouped into different groups. Then, CPU 21 proceeds to step S14.

[0059] In step S14, CPU 21 determines whether a print instruction without a cyclic decline can be executed. If CPU 21 determines that the print instruction can be executed (step S14: Yes), it proceeds to step S16. Conversely, if CPU 21 determines that the print instruction cannot be executed (step S14: No), it proceeds to step S15. This determination is based on the grouping results in step S13, and is made according to whether the combination of print jobs assigned to a printer 40 includes a cause of cyclic decline.

[0060] Specifically, when the number of assigned jobs matches the number of printers 40, and each printer 40 only handles jobs with the same printing conditions, print instructions can be executed without a cyclic descent. Furthermore, when there are enough printers 40 to distribute jobs with different cyclic descent conditions to different printers 40, print instructions can also be executed without a cyclic descent.

[0061] On the other hand, if a job including a cyclic descent condition must be assigned to a printer 40, a print instruction without a cyclic descent condition cannot be executed. Furthermore, if there are insufficient printers 40 and jobs including a cyclic descent condition must be merged, a print instruction without a cyclic descent condition cannot be executed.

[0062] In step S15, CPU 21 performs a regrouping process based on the grouping results in step S13, in a manner that minimizes the generation of cyclic descent. Details of the regrouping process will be described later. Then, CPU 21 proceeds to step S16.

[0063] In step S16, CPU 21 sends a print instruction to printer 40. This print instruction includes information about the print job that printer 40 should perform. Then, CPU 21 terminates the specific processing.

[0064] Figure 5This is a first flowchart representing the repackaging process executed by user terminal 20. CPU 21 performs repackaging by reading information processing program 24A from storage device 24, expanding it into RAM 23, and executing it.

[0065] In step S20, the CPU 21 determines whether the printing performance of the multiple printers 40 that sent the print instruction is different. To make this determination, the CPU 21 obtains the setting information and performance information from each printer 40 in advance and stores them in the storage device 24.

[0066] The configuration information is for a print factory specifically configured with each printer 40. Performance information includes information representing the printing performance of each printer 40 and a priority table reflecting the characteristics of each printer 40. Printing performance includes the cycle descent time required for each cycle descent condition and the processing capacity (e.g., ppm: pages per minute). Additionally, the priority table, based on the printing performance of each printer 40, indicates that the longer the cycle descent time for a printing condition, the higher the priority is set when grouping print jobs.

[0067] Here, if the CPU 21 determines, based on the acquired setting and performance information, that the printing performance of the multiple printers 40 is different (step S20: Yes), it proceeds to step S22. Conversely, if the CPU 21 determines that the printing performance of the multiple printers 40 is the same (step S20: No), it proceeds to step S21. For example, if the CPU 21 determines that the printing performance is different when the difference in processing power among the printers 40 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, or when the difference in cycle descent time is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it determines that the printing performance is different. Conversely, if these indicators are lower than the preset threshold, the CPU 21 determines that the printing performance is the same.

[0068] In step S21, CPU 21 regroups the grouping results from step S13 based on a common priority among the multiple printers 40 with similar printing performance. Specific examples of this grouping will be described later. Then, CPU 21 returns to... Figure 3 The process proceeds to step S16.

[0069] In step S22, CPU 21 regroups the grouping results from step S13 based on the priority of the printer 40 with the lowest performance among the multiple printers 40 with different printing performance. A specific example of this grouping will be described later. Then, CPU 21 returns to... Figure 3 The process proceeds to step S16.

[0070] Figure 6 This represents an example of a priority table.

[0071] The priority table assigns a higher priority based on the printing performance of each printer (40), according to the longer the cycle descent time for printing conditions. For example, in... Figure 6 In the priority table shown, priority 1 has the highest priority, and the priority decreases in the order of priority 2 and priority 3. Specifically, when printer 40 is type A, changing the paper type has the highest priority, followed by changing the color mode, and finally changing between single-sided and double-sided printing.

[0072] Figure 7 This represents an example of grouping print jobs when multiple printers 40 are all composed of type A printers with the same printing performance.

[0073] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, two printers, printer 40A and printer 40B, of the same type A with identical printing performance, are used to perform multiple print jobs. The priority table for printer 40A and printer 40B is as follows: Figure 6 The priority table shown applies to printers of type A, which share the same priority.

[0074] Here, multiple print jobs are composed of combinations of four jobs, such as "plain paper black and white printing", "plain paper color printing", "thick paper black and white printing", and "thick paper color printing", with multiple cyclical descent conditions mixed together.

[0075] With all 40 printers of type A, print jobs are grouped based on a priority table for type A. Specifically, in Figure 7 In the diagram, the print jobs of printer 40A (shown in the upper section) and printer 40B (shown in the lower section) are assigned priority 1, the highest priority in the priority table, which means they do not require a change of paper type. This suppresses the occurrence of cycle descent and reduces the total cycle descent time.

[0076] Figure 8 This represents an example of grouping print jobs when multiple printers 40 consist of type A and type B with different printing performance.

[0077] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, two printers, printer 40A (Type A) with a processing capacity of 120 ppm and printer 40C (Type B) with a processing capacity of 80 ppm, are used to perform multiple print jobs. The priority table for printer 40A is as follows: Figure 6 The priority table shown is for printer type A. The priority table for printer 40C is... Figure 6 The priority table for printer type B is shown. Therefore, each type has its own different priority.

[0078] Here, multiple print jobs are composed of combinations of four jobs, such as "plain paper black and white printing", "plain paper color printing", "thick paper black and white printing", and "thick paper color printing", with multiple cyclical descent conditions mixed together.

[0079] In this way, when printers 40 with different printing performance are mixed together, the priority of type B with low printing performance is taken into account, and print jobs that do not require color mode changes are assigned to printers 40C according to priority 1, which has the highest priority in type B in the priority table.

[0080] In this case, the paper type change condition competes with the paper type change condition of the highest priority 1 in the priority table of type A, but because type B has priority, the printer 40A is assigned a print job that requires a paper type change.

[0081] Therefore, the printing time of printer 40C, which has lower printing performance (type B), is unlikely to become a bottleneck. On the other hand, since printer 40A is assigned printing jobs that require changes in paper type, the cycle time may increase. However, by eliminating the bottleneck of printer 40C, the overall throughput of printer 40 is improved, and as a result, the increase in the overall printing time of printer 40 can be suppressed.

[0082] Furthermore, the priority of printer 40A is taken into account when distributing the remaining print jobs after the print job is distributed based on the priority of printer 40C. This may suppress the occurrence of cyclic drops in printer 40A, and as a result, can suppress the increase in the overall printing time of printer 40.

[0083] As described above, in user terminal 20, CPU 21 acquires multiple print jobs, including combinations of jobs that generate a cyclic decline pattern. CPU 21 groups the acquired print jobs according to cyclic decline conditions or combinations of multiple cyclic decline conditions. Furthermore, CPU 21 outputs a combination of each group of jobs to enable printer 40 to execute the print job. Specifically, CPU 21 sends a print instruction to printer 40 including information about the print jobs that printer 40 should execute. Therefore, according to this user terminal 20, compared to the case where multiple print jobs are grouped without considering the generation of a cyclic decline pattern, the deviation between the print schedule and the actual print time can be suppressed.

[0084] Furthermore, in user terminal 20, CPU 21 retrieves the priority corresponding to the printing performance of each printer 40 from the priority table. Then, CPU 21 groups the retrieved multiple print jobs based on the priority of each printer 40. Thus, according to user terminal 20, grouping can be performed according to the characteristics of the printer 40.

[0085] Furthermore, in user terminal 20, when printing is performed by multiple printers 40 with the same printing performance, CPU 21 distributes print jobs, including those with cyclical descent conditions, among the multiple printers 40 based on a common priority among them. Thus, according to user terminal 20, the processing load of each printer 40 is equalized.

[0086] Furthermore, in the user terminal 20, when printing is performed by multiple printers 40 with different printing capabilities, the CPU 21 distributes print jobs, including those with low printing capabilities and cyclic decline conditions, to the printers 40 with low printing capabilities based on their priority. Thus, according to this user terminal 20, compared to grouping multiple print jobs without considering cyclic decline, the load on the printers 40 with low printing capabilities can be reduced.

[0087] Furthermore, in user terminal 20, after distributing print jobs that include the cyclic decline condition of printer 40 with low printing performance to printer 40 with low printing performance and other printers 40, CPU 21 further distributes the remaining print jobs to printer 40 with low printing performance and other printers 40 based on the priority of the other printers 40. Thus, according to this user terminal 20, compared to grouping multiple print jobs without considering the occurrence of cyclic decline, it is possible to achieve improved accuracy in the overall print schedule and distribute the load of each printer 40.

[0088] (Second Implementation)

[0089] Next, the second embodiment of system 10 of this embodiment will be described with omissions or simplifications of the parts that are repeated in the above embodiments.

[0090] Figure 9 This is the second flowchart representing the process of repackaging performed by user terminal 20.

[0091] In step S30, CPU21 regroups the grouping results from step S13 according to pre-set job attributes. For example, job attributes may include paper type, color mode, single-sided / double-sided setting, number of pages, fixing temperature, and printing priority. Then, CPU21 proceeds to step S31.

[0092] In step S31, CPU 21 rearranges the execution order of the grouped print jobs from step S30 in ascending order of cycle descent time. Here, the execution order of print jobs refers to the priority order in which print jobs are processed in each printer 40, and is an order used to minimize the cycle descent time generated during job switching. For example, by rearranging the jobs in ascending order of the change in fixing temperature, which is a cause of cycle descent time, CPU 21 can minimize the time required for temperature adjustment in the printer 40. Then, CPU 21 returns to... Figure 3 The process proceeds to step S16.

[0093] As described above, in user terminal 20, CPU 21 groups the acquired multiple print jobs according to pre-set job attributes. Therefore, user terminal 20 can group these jobs under uniform printing conditions.

[0094] Furthermore, in user terminal 20, CPU 21 rearranges the execution order of the grouped print jobs according to the shortest to longest cycle descent time. Thus, according to user terminal 20, compared to grouping multiple print jobs without considering cycle descent, the cycle descent time generated during job switching can be shortened, and the deviation between the print schedule and the actual print time can be further suppressed.

[0095] (other)

[0096] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 may also output the combined operations of the grouped groups to the display unit 26.

[0097] Figure 10 This shows an example of a combination of operations displayed on display unit 26. Figure 10 The screen displays job information 70, job information 72, an OK button 74, and a correction button 76.

[0098] Job information 70 indicates a combination of jobs that cause printer 40 on production line 1 to perform. For example, job information 70 indicates that the job that causes printer 40 to perform is single-sided printing, or requires switching from plain paper to thick paper, etc.

[0099] Job information 72 indicates a combination of jobs that cause printer 40 on production line 2 to perform. For example, job information 72 indicates that the job that causes printer 40 to perform is double-sided printing, or requires switching from plain paper to thick paper, etc.

[0100] Users can confirm the content shown in job information 70 and job information 72 by pressing the OK button 74, and send a print instruction to the printer 40. Additionally, the content shown in job information 70 and job information 72 can be corrected by pressing the correction button 76.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 can also be configured to evaluate the real-time operating status of the printer 40 and dynamically adjust the execution order of jobs. Specifically, the CPU 21 analyzes the operation log of the printer 40 and evaluates the cycle descent time of each job. Based on this evaluation, a job sequence with a shortened cycle descent time is determined. For example, if the next job requires high-temperature fixing, switching the previous job to one that can continue at the high-temperature setting can avoid cycle descent caused by temperature changes.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 can also be configured to effectively utilize the self-diagnostic function of the printer 40 to optimize the scheduling of print jobs. Specifically, the printer 40 diagnoses the wear condition of parts based on sensor data and sends the diagnostic results to the CPU 21. Based on the acquired diagnostic results, the CPU 21 appropriately adjusts the allocation of print jobs. For example, in the case of wear development on the fuser roller, by assigning jobs with large temperature variations to other printers 40, the load can be distributed, reducing the risk of failure.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 can also be configured to optimize the power consumption of the printer 40 and allocate jobs in a power load balancing manner. Specifically, the CPU 21 acquires the power consumption data of the printer 40 and adjusts the job schedule to suppress peak power load. For example, in the case of multiple jobs requiring high-temperature fixing, by distributing them across different time periods, a temporary high-load state can be prevented. In addition, by considering the power consumption characteristics of each printer 40, high-power jobs can be prioritized for printers 40 with lower power loads, thereby optimizing the overall power consumption balance.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 can also be configured to insert virtual jobs to shorten the cycle descent time of the printer 40. Specifically, the CPU 21 evaluates the printing conditions of the next job and inserts a virtual job if the probability of cycle descent is high. For example, if a color mode change is required, a toner supply job or an ink cleaning job can be performed in advance to shorten the changeover time. In addition, if a sharp change in fixing temperature is predicted, by virtually inserting a short, low-energy job for temperature adjustment, the fixing process of the next job can be stabilized, and the impact of cycle descent can be minimized.

[0105] The term "system" in this embodiment includes both a system composed of multiple devices and a system composed of a single device. For example, a single user terminal 20 can be used as an example of the "information processing system" of the present invention, or multiple user terminals 20 can be used as an example of the "information processing system" of the present invention.

[0106] In this embodiment, each process is executed by any computer. Alternatively, any computer may execute these processes via a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In this case, the processor is configured to cooperate with the program to execute the various processes of this embodiment, and may also function as a unit or method of this embodiment. Furthermore, the execution order of the processes performed by the processor is not limited to the order described and may be appropriately modified. Any computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a workstation, or other system capable of executing the processes.

[0107] A processor can be composed of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor can be composed of programmable logic devices such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), dedicated circuits for performing specific processes such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), or NPUs (Neural Processing Units). Furthermore, the hardware can also be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a processor, these multiple hardware components can exist in physically separate devices or in the same device. Moreover, regardless of the implementation, the order in which the processor performs each process is not limited to the above order and can be appropriately varied. In addition, the hardware is composed of circuits, such as those combining semiconductor elements.

[0108] Furthermore, the program can also be firmware, microcode, or other software. Additionally, the program can be, for example, a group of program code, whose functions can be implemented by a processor configured to perform those functions. The program can also be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage devices). The program can also be segmented and stored on multiple non-transitory computer-readable media existing in physically separate devices. Program code or code segments can represent steps, functions, subroutines, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or commands, data structures, or any combination of program statements. Program code or code segments can also be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or the contents of memory. Furthermore, the program of this application can also be provided as a program product.

[0109] (Postscript) (((1)))

[0111] An information processing system, wherein,

[0112] Equipped with a processor, the processor,

[0113] Acquire multiple print jobs, including combinations of job interruptions caused by changes in printing conditions.

[0114] The acquired multiple print jobs are grouped according to the printing conditions that caused the interruption time, or according to a unit composed of multiple printing conditions that caused the interruption time.

[0115] To enable the printer to execute, a combination of jobs from each group is output. (((2)))

[0117] According to the information processing system described in ((1)), wherein,

[0118] The processor

[0119] Based on the printing performance of each printer, a higher priority is assigned for longer interruption times according to printing conditions.

[0120] The acquired multiple print jobs are grouped based on the priority of each printer. (((3)))

[0122] According to the information processing system described in ((2)), wherein,

[0123] The processor

[0124] In the case of printing performed by multiple printers with the same printing performance, print jobs including printing conditions that cause the interruption time are distributed among the multiple printers based on a common priority among the multiple printers. (((4)))

[0126] According to the information processing system described in ((2)) or ((3)), wherein,

[0127] The processor

[0128] In the event that printing is performed by multiple printers with different printing performance, print jobs including those caused by the interruption time of the printer with low printing performance are distributed to the printer with low printing performance and other printers based on the priority of the printer with low printing performance. (((5)))

[0130] According to the information processing system described in (4), wherein,

[0131] The processor

[0132] After distributing print jobs with the printing conditions, including those of the printer with low printing performance, to the printer with low printing performance and the other printers, the remaining print jobs are then distributed to the printer with low printing performance and the other printers based on the priority of the other printers. (((6)))

[0134] The information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to ((5))) wherein,

[0135] The processor

[0136] The acquired multiple print jobs are grouped according to pre-defined job attributes. (((7)))

[0138] According to the information processing system described in (6), wherein,

[0139] The processor

[0140] The execution order of the grouped print jobs will be rearranged according to the interruption time from shortest to longest. (((8)))

[0142] A program that causes a computer to perform processing, wherein the processing

[0143] Acquire multiple print jobs, including combinations of job interruptions caused by changes in printing conditions.

[0144] The acquired multiple print jobs are grouped according to the printing conditions that caused the interruption time, or according to a unit composed of multiple printing conditions that caused the interruption time.

[0145] To enable the printer to execute, a combination of jobs from each group is output.

[0146] According to (((1))) and (((8))), compared with the case of grouping multiple print jobs without considering the occurrence of interruption time, it is possible to suppress the deviation between the print schedule and the actual print time.

[0147] According to (((2)), it is possible to perform grouping corresponding to the characteristics of the printer.

[0148] According to ((3)), the processing load of each printer is equalized.

[0149] According to ((4)), compared to grouping multiple print jobs without considering the occurrence of interruption time, it is possible to suppress the load of printers with low printing performance.

[0150] According to (5), compared with grouping multiple print jobs without considering the occurrence of interruption time, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the overall print schedule and distribute the load of each printer.

[0151] According to ((6)), grouping can be performed under uniform printing conditions.

[0152] According to ((7)), compared with grouping multiple print jobs without considering the occurrence of interruption time, it can shorten the interruption time when switching between jobs and further suppress the deviation between the print schedule and the actual print time.

Claims

1. An information processing system, characterized in that, It has a processor, the processor Acquire multiple print jobs, including combinations of job interruptions caused by changes in printing conditions. The acquired multiple print jobs are grouped according to the printing conditions that caused the interruption time, or according to a unit composed of multiple printing conditions that caused the interruption time. To enable the printer to execute, a combination of jobs from each group is output.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor Based on the printing performance of each printer, a higher priority is assigned for longer interruption times according to printing conditions. The acquired multiple print jobs are grouped based on the priority of each printer.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein, The processor In the case of printing performed by multiple printers with the same printing performance, print jobs including printing conditions that cause the interruption time are distributed among the multiple printers based on a common priority among the multiple printers.

4. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The processor In the event that printing is performed by multiple printers with different printing performance, print jobs including those caused by the interruption time of the printer with low printing performance are distributed to the printer with low printing performance and other printers based on the priority of the printer with low printing performance.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein, The processor After distributing print jobs with the printing conditions, including those of the printer with low printing performance, to the printer with low printing performance and the other printers, the remaining print jobs are then distributed to the printer with low printing performance and the other printers based on the priority of the other printers.

6. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The processor The acquired multiple print jobs are grouped according to pre-defined job attributes.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein, The processor The execution order of the grouped print jobs will be rearranged according to the interruption time from shortest to longest.

8. A program product comprising a program that causes a computer to perform processing, characterized in that, The processing Acquire multiple print jobs, including combinations of job interruptions caused by changes in printing conditions. The acquired multiple print jobs are grouped according to the printing conditions that caused the interruption time, or according to a unit composed of multiple printing conditions that caused the interruption time. To enable the printer to execute, a combination of jobs from each group is output.

9. An information processing method, characterized in that, Acquire multiple print jobs, including combinations of job interruptions caused by changes in printing conditions. The acquired multiple print jobs are grouped according to the printing conditions that caused the interruption time, or according to a unit composed of multiple printing conditions that caused the interruption time. To enable the printer to execute, a combination of jobs from each group is output.

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