Server, image forming apparatus, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a server, an image forming apparatus, a program, and an information processing method that can help preventing performance of the image forming apparatus from degrading.SOLUTION: A server comprises a controller for determining a transmission destination of data on a job to be processed by an image forming apparatus based on summary information indicating a summary of the job and operation state information indicating an operation state of the image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, an image forming apparatus, a program, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for saving a job to be executed by an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral to another apparatus. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for saving a job to a server apparatus according to the free space in the storage area of ​​the main body of the multifunction peripheral. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-010191 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the MFP itself must determine whether to evacuate a job, and if it does, it must transmit and receive the job to and from a server device. Therefore, for example, if multiple jobs occur in a short period of time, the MFP may not be able to process them quickly, which may result in delays in processing on the MFP side or waiting times on the device side, such as a computer, that sent the jobs to the MFP.

[0005] In addition, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, multiple communications may occur in the multifunction device, such as receiving a job from a device such as a computer, sending the job to a server to save it, and then receiving the job saved in the server again. This increases the usage of the network line. This problem becomes more pronounced as the data size of the job becomes larger.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a server, an image forming apparatus, a program, and an information processing method that can easily prevent a decrease in performance of an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A server of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that determines a destination to which data of the job is to be sent based on summary information indicating an overview of the job to be processed by an image forming device and operating status information indicating the operating status of the image forming device.

[0008] An image forming apparatus of one embodiment of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus included in an information processing system having an information processing apparatus, a server and an image forming apparatus connected to each other so that information can be communicated with each other, and transmits operating status information indicating the operating status of the image forming apparatus to the server, receives the job data transmitted from the information processing apparatus based on destination information indicating the destination of the job data determined by the server based on the operating status information and summary information indicating an overview of the job to be processed by the image forming apparatus transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the server, and performs processing based on the received job data.

[0009] A program of one embodiment of the present disclosure causes an information processing device to perform a process in which, when it receives an operation input to execute a job, it generates summary information indicating an overview of the job based on the operation input, and transmits the generated summary information to a server.

[0010] One embodiment of the information processing method disclosed herein is an information processing method executed by a server, which determines a destination for sending data of the job based on summary information indicating an overview of a job to be processed by an image forming device and operating status information indicating the operating status of the image forming device. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a server, an image forming apparatus, a program, and an information processing method that can easily prevent a decrease in performance of an image forming apparatus. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the information processing device shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a cloud server illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing system of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an input screen for accepting input of a print job. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image indicating that a process for registering a print job is being executed. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image indicating that a print job has been registered. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by a cloud server. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a process executed by the cloud server. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by a cloud server when a transmission destination of a new job is a cloud server. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by an information processing device. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the information processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of the same or equivalent components will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a cloud server 20, and a multifunction device 30. The information processing device 10, the cloud server 20, and the multifunction device 30 are connected to each other via a network such as the Internet so as to be able to communicate information with each other. The information processing device 10 and the multifunction device 30 may be connected to each other so as to be able to communicate information with each other by other methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0015] The arrows in Fig. 1 indicate the state of information communication between the information processing device 10, the cloud server 20, and the multifunction device 30. The reference numerals attached to the arrows correspond to the reference numerals attached to the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 5, which will be described later. Details of the information communication indicated by the arrows will be described in the description of Fig. 5.

[0016] The information processing device 10 is a device capable of generating a job indicating the processing content to be executed by the multifunction device 30. The information processing device 10 is a terminal device used by a user, and may be configured, for example, by a smartphone or a computer.

[0017] The cloud server 20 is a virtual server device provided in a cloud. However, the information processing system 1 does not necessarily have to include the cloud server 20, and may include a so-called physical server instead of the cloud server 20. That is, the information processing system 1 only needs to include at least a server. In this embodiment, the server included in the information processing system 1 is described as the cloud server 20. The cloud server 20 determines a destination from the information processing device 10 of a job generated by the information processing device 10. Details of a method for determining a destination of a job by the cloud server 20 will be described later.

[0018] The multifunction machine 30 is an example of an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is a device that forms and outputs an image, such as a copier or multifunction machine having a copying function, such as a printer that uses an electrophotographic method to form an image with toner, or an MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral) that also includes functions other than copying. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus will be described as the multifunction machine 30.

[0019] The multifunction device 30 is capable of executing processes based on jobs generated by the information processing device 10. The multifunction device 30 is capable of executing processes such as copying, facsimile (FAX), scanning, and printing.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the information processing device 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 10 includes, as functional units, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, and an input unit 15.

[0021] The control unit 11 controls and manages the entire information processing device 10, including each functional unit of the information processing device 10. The control unit 11 performs various controls, for example, by running a control program stored in the storage unit 12. For example, the control unit 11 can be configured with a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

[0022] For example, when a predetermined operation input for executing a job is received from a user via the input unit 15, the control unit 11 generates a job based on the operation input. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the control unit 11 generates a print job based on the operation input from the user.

[0023] Moreover, the control unit 11 generates information indicating an outline of the generated job (hereinafter, also referred to as "outline information" in this specification). The outline information includes information necessary for the cloud server 20 to determine the destination of the job. The outline information includes, for example, the number of copies, the deadline, and the data size. The number of copies is the number of copies printed when the print job is executed. The number of copies is determined based on an operation input by the user. The deadline is the deadline for completing the job desired by the user. The deadline can be determined by an appropriate method based on an operation input by the user. For example, in this embodiment, the user selects the deadline from three categories, "no deadline", "interrupt", and "deadline setting". When the user selects the category "deadline setting", the user can further specify a specific date and time as the deadline. The data size is the data size of the generated job. Note that the example shown here is merely an example, and the outline information may include other information.

[0024] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The storage unit 12 can be configured, for example, with a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the storage unit 12 can be configured, for example, with an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 12 may store, for example, a program for operating the control unit 11.

[0025] The communication unit 13 executes information communication with an external device. In this embodiment, the communication unit 13 executes information communication with the cloud server 20 and the multifunction device 30. The communication unit 13 executes information communication, for example, by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 13 transmits and receives various information through information communication. For example, the communication unit 13 transmits summary information to the cloud server 20, and transmits print job data to the cloud server 20 or the multifunction device 30, as will be described in detail later.

[0026] The display unit 14 is a device that displays images. The display unit 14 is configured with a known display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence display (OELD), or an inorganic electro-luminescence display (IELD). The display unit 14 displays various information under the control of the control unit 11. For example, the display unit 14 displays an input screen that accepts job input.

[0027] The input unit 15 is a mechanism capable of receiving operation input from a user to the information processing device 10. The input unit 15 is configured with, for example, a group of operation buttons and a keyboard provided on the main body of the information processing device 10. In addition, when a touch sensor is provided on the display unit 14, the touch sensor provided on the display unit 14 may function as the input unit 15.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of cloud server 20 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, cloud server 20 includes, as functional units, a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0029] Control unit 21 controls and manages the entire cloud server 20, including each functional unit of cloud server 20. Control unit 21 performs various controls, for example, by running a control program stored in storage unit 22. For example, control unit 21 can be configured with a control device such as a CPU or MPU.

[0030] The control unit 21 determines the destination of the job from the information processing device 10 based on, for example, summary information acquired by the cloud server 20 from the information processing device 10. At this time, the control unit 21 determines the destination of the job from the information processing device 10 based on, for example, operation status information indicating the operation status of the multifunction device 30. Details of the operation status information will be described later.

[0031] The storage unit 22 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The storage unit 22 can be configured, for example, of a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the storage unit 22 can be configured, for example, of an EEPROM. The storage unit 22 may store, for example, a program for operating the control unit 21.

[0032] Furthermore, when the control unit 21 determines that the destination of a job is the cloud server 20, the storage unit 22 stores the data of the job received from the information processing device 10. When storing data of a plurality of jobs, the storage unit 22 arranges and stores the data of the plurality of jobs in the order in which they are to be processed. For example, the storage unit 22 arranges and stores the data of the plurality of jobs in the order in which they are to be executed by the multifunction device 30. The jobs stored in the storage unit 22 are transmitted from the cloud server 20 to the multifunction device 30 in the arranged order, that is, in order from the job with the earliest deadline, and are processed by the multifunction device 30. Details of the method of arranging jobs will be described later.

[0033] The communication unit 23 executes information communication with an external device. In this embodiment, the communication unit 23 executes information communication with the information processing device 10 and the multifunction device 30. The communication unit 23 executes information communication, for example, wirelessly. The communication unit 23 transmits and receives various information through information communication. For example, the communication unit 23 receives summary information and job data from the information processing device 10. Also, for example, the communication unit 23 receives operation status information of the multifunction device from the multifunction device 30. Also, for example, the communication unit 23 transmits job data stored in the memory unit 22 to the multifunction device 30.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the multifunction device 30 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the multifunction device 30 includes, as functional units, a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, a display unit 34, an input unit 35, an image reading unit 36, an image processing unit 37, an image forming unit 38, and a paper feeding unit 39.

[0035] The control unit 31 controls and manages the entire multifunction device 30, including each functional unit of the multifunction device 30. The control unit 31 performs various controls, for example, by running a control program stored in the storage unit 32. For example, the control unit 31 can be configured with a control device such as a CPU or MPU. The control unit 31 executes a job by controlling each functional unit based on, for example, received job data.

[0036] The storage unit 32 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The storage unit 32 can be configured, for example, of a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the storage unit 32 can be configured, for example, of an EEPROM. The storage unit 32 may store, for example, a program for operating the control unit 31.

[0037] The communication unit 33 executes information communication with an external device. In this embodiment, the communication unit 33 executes information communication with the information processing device 10 and the cloud server 20. The communication unit 33 executes information communication, for example, by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 33 transmits and receives various information through information communication. For example, the communication unit 33 receives job data from the information processing device 10 or the cloud server 20. Also, for example, the communication unit 33 transmits operation status information to the cloud server 20.

[0038] The operating status information is information indicating the operating status of the multifunction device 30. The operating status information includes information necessary for the cloud server 20 to determine the destination of a job. The operating status information includes, for example, free memory capacity, CPU usage rate, and information on jobs being processed. The operating status information can be generated based on information acquired by the control unit 31 from each functional unit of the multifunction device 30. The information on jobs being processed is information on jobs for which the multifunction device 30 has received job data and which are in the process of being executed or in the preparation stage. The information on jobs being processed can be represented, for example, by the number of jobs being processed or the data size of the jobs being processed.

[0039] The control unit 31 transmits the generated operation status information to the cloud server 20 from the communication unit 33. The operation status information is transmitted to the cloud server 20 periodically or irregularly. It is preferable that the operation status information is transmitted to the cloud server 20 at short intervals, and it is more preferable that the operation status information is constantly generated (updated) and transmitted to the cloud server 20.

[0040] The display unit 34 is a device that displays images. The display unit 34 is configured with a known display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence display (OLED), or an inorganic electroluminescence display (IELD). The display unit 34 displays various information under the control of the control unit 31.

[0041] The input unit 35 is a mechanism capable of accepting operation input from a user to the multifunction device 30. The input unit 35 is configured, for example, by a group of operation buttons provided on the main body of the multifunction device 30. In addition, in the case where a touch sensor is provided on the display unit 34, the touch sensor provided on the display unit 34 may function as the input unit 35. The input unit 35 accepts, for example, an operation input for executing a predetermined job. The input unit 35 may be configured, together with the display unit 34, by a single panel unit.

[0042] The image reading unit 36 ​​is provided, for example, on the top of the multifunction device 30. The image reading unit 36 ​​is a mechanism that reads the front surface (one side) of a document. For example, the image reading unit 36 ​​includes a document table and a front surface reading unit, which are not shown. The document table is provided on the upper surface of the image reading unit 36, and the front surface reading unit reads the front surface of a document placed on the document table.

[0043] The image processing unit 37 performs image processing on the image data read by the image reading unit 36. The image data processed by the image processing unit 37 is provided to the image forming unit 38 and used for printing. Alternatively, the image data after the image processing by the image processing unit 37 may be stored in the storage unit 32. Moreover, the image data processed by the image processing unit 37 may be transmitted to the outside via the communication unit 33.

[0044] The image forming unit 38 is provided, for example, below the image reading unit 36. The image forming unit 38 prints an image based on the image data read by the image reading unit 36 ​​on a sheet-shaped image recording medium. The image recording medium is, for example, paper. The image forming unit 38 can perform image formation processing, for example, of an electrophotographic method (Carlson process method). In this case, the image forming unit 38 includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, a cleaning device, and a static elimination device. The image forming unit 38 may print using ink. The printed matter by the image forming unit 38 is discharged to a paper discharge tray (not shown).

[0045] The paper feed unit 39 is provided, for example, below the image forming unit 38. The paper feed unit 39 includes one or more paper feed cassettes. Each paper feed cassette stores an image recording medium. Each paper feed cassette can store paper of different sizes. When printing, paper is fed from one of the paper feed cassettes and supplied to the image forming unit 38.

[0046] It should be noted that the configuration of the multifunction device 30 described here is merely an example, and the multifunction device 30 may have other known configurations.

[0047] [Example of processing in an information processing system] Next, a description will be given of an example of processing executed by the information processing system 1. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing system 1 of Fig. 1.

[0048] In the information processing system 1, the multifunction device 30 transmits operation status information to the cloud server 20 (step S1). For example, the multifunction device 30 transmits operation status information at all times. Therefore, the multifunction device 30 may constantly execute step S1 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

[0049] On the other hand, when a user prints, for example, a document or an image, the user performs an operation input for executing a print job from the input unit 15 of the information processing device 10. For example, the user inputs the file or range to be printed, the number of copies, and the deadline.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen that accepts input of a print job. Based on an operation input by a user, the screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 14 of the information processing device 10. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, a preview image 42 of a file to be printed is displayed on the input screen. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, an input box 43 for inputting a deadline is displayed on the input screen. The user sets a deadline by selecting one of three categories, "no deadline", "interrupt", and "deadline setting" in the input box 43. The user can select one from, for example, a pull-down menu. Also, when the user selects the category "deadline setting", the user inputs a specific date and time as the deadline in the date and time input box 44. In the example shown in FIG. 6, only the time (12:00) is input, but only the time may be input, or a date and time including the date may be input. When "no deadline" or "interrupt" is selected in the input box 43, the date and time input box 44 may be grayed out or hidden. Also, although not shown in FIG. 6, the user can input the number of copies on the input screen.

[0051] The user may be configured to be able to specify other printing-related settings, such as color or black and white, enlargement or reduction (magnification), single-sided or double-sided printing, and density.

[0052] When the user has completed the desired print settings, he / she selects, for example, the print button 41 shown in Fig. 6. The print button 41 is a button for instructing the execution of printing, and when the print button 41 is selected, a print job is generated with the settings entered by the user.

[0053] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the information processing device 10 accepts an operation input for executing a print job (step S2).

[0054] When the print button 41 is selected, the information processing device 10 generates a print job based on the operation input accepted in step S2 (step S3). At this time, the information processing device 10 can display on the display unit 14, for example, as shown in Fig. 7, an image indicating that the input of the print job has been accepted, or an image indicating that the process of registering the print job is being executed.

[0055] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 generates summary information of the print job based on the operation input received in step S2 (step S4). For example, the information processing device 10 acquires information on the number of copies and deadline of the print job based on the operation input received in step S2, and calculates the data size of the data included in the print job by referring to the file and range to be printed. This allows the information processing device 10 to generate summary information of the print job.

[0056] The information processing device 10 transmits the summary information generated in step S4 to the cloud server 20 (step S5).

[0057] When the cloud server 20 receives the summary information from the information processing device 10, it determines the destination of the print job data generated in step S3 based on the operation status information received from the multifunction device 30 and the summary information received from the information processing device 10 (step S6). Specifically, the cloud server 20 determines the destination of the print job data to be either the cloud server 20 or the multifunction device 30. At this time, since the multifunction device 30 constantly transmits operation status information as described above, the information processing device 10 determines the destination of the print job data based on the latest operation status information at the time of receiving the summary information from the information processing device 10. Details of the method of determining the destination of the print job data will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0058] When cloud server 20 determines the destination of the print job data, cloud server 20 transmits information indicating the determined destination (hereinafter, also referred to as "destination information" in this specification) to information processing device 10 (step S7).

[0059] The information processing device 10 transmits the job data generated in step S3 to either the cloud server 20 or the multifunction device 30, based on the destination information received from the cloud server 20. That is, depending on the destination, either steps S8-1 to S8-2 or steps S9-1 to S9-4 are executed.

[0060] Specifically, when the destination information indicates that the destination is the multifunction device 30, the information processing device 10 transmits the job data to the multifunction device 30 (step S8-1). This causes the job to be registered in the multifunction device 30 (step S8-2). The registered job is executed in the multifunction device 30. That is, in this example, a print process is performed.

[0061] On the other hand, when the destination information indicates that the destination is the cloud server 20, the information processing device 10 transmits the job data to the cloud server 20 (step S9-1). The cloud server 20 stores the received job data in the storage unit 22. As a result, the job is registered in the cloud server 20 (step S9-2).

[0062] The cloud server 20 transmits the job data stored in the storage unit 22 to the multifunction device 30 based on, for example, the operation status information received from the multifunction device 30 (step S9-3). That is, the cloud server 20 determines the timing to transmit the job data stored in the storage unit 22 based on, for example, the operation status information received from the multifunction device 30, and transmits the job data stored in the storage unit 22 to the multifunction device 30 at the determined timing (step S9-3). For example, the cloud server 20 constantly monitors the free memory capacity, CPU usage rate, and jobs being processed of the multifunction device 30. When the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or when the CPU usage rate and jobs being processed of the multifunction device 30 become less than a predetermined threshold, the cloud server 20 transmits the job data stored in the storage unit 22 to the multifunction device 30. As a result, the job is registered in the multifunction device 30 (step S9-4). The registered job is executed in the multifunction device 30.

[0063] When a job is registered in the cloud server 20 or the multifunction device 30, the information processing device 10 can display an image indicating that the job has been registered on the display unit 14, for example, as shown in Fig. 8. Specifically, the information processing device 10 displays an image indicating that the job has been registered, for example, when it transmits job data based on destination information, or when it receives information indicating that the job has been registered from the destination of the job data (the cloud server 20 or the multifunction device 30). Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8, the information processing device 10 may display information on the estimated time when the processing of the print job is to be completed on the display unit 14. The estimated time when the processing of the print job is to be completed is calculated, for example, by the cloud server 20 using a method to be described later.

[0064] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the information processing device 10 generates a print job (step S3) when it receives an operation input, and also generates summary information of the print job (step S4). However, the information processing device 10 may generate only the summary information of the print job at this stage (step S4). It is sufficient that the information processing device 10 generates a print job at least before transmitting the job data in step S8-1 or step S9-1. Therefore, the information processing device 10 may generate a print job after receiving the destination information in step S7, for example.

[0065] [How to determine destination] Next, a method for determining a destination of a job executed by cloud server 20 will be described in detail. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by cloud server 20, specifically, a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining a destination of a job. Therefore, the flow shown in Fig. 9 shows a specific example of the process executed in step S6 in Fig. 5.

[0066] In this embodiment, the cloud server 20 determines the destination of the job based on the deadline of the job, the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30, the CPU usage rate of the multifunction device 30, and the number of jobs being processed by the multifunction device 30.

[0067] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 determines whether the deadline of a new job is shorter than the deadline of a waiting job (step S11). Here, the new job is a job for which the cloud server 20 determines the transmission destination. Specifically, the new job is a job generated by the information processing device 10 in step S3 of FIG. 5. The control unit 21 can acquire the deadline of the new job by referring to the deadline information included in the summary information received from the information processing device 10. Also, the waiting job is a job that is waiting without being executed. Specifically, the waiting job is a job that is transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the cloud server 20, and is stored in the storage unit 22 without being transmitted from the cloud server 20 to the multifunction device 30. The control unit 21 can acquire the deadline of the waiting job by referring to the deadline information included in the data of the job stored in the storage unit 22.

[0068] In step S11, the control unit 21 compares the deadline of the new job with the deadline of the waiting job. If the deadline of the new job is earlier than the deadline of the waiting job, that is, if the deadline of the new job is before the deadline of the waiting job, the control unit 21 determines that the deadline of the new job is shorter than the deadline of the waiting job (Yes in step S11). On the other hand, if the deadline of the new job is later than the deadline of the waiting job, or if the deadline of the new job and the deadline of the waiting job are the same, the control unit 21 determines that the deadline of the new job is not shorter than the deadline of the waiting job (No in step S11).

[0069] When there are multiple waiting jobs, for example when data of multiple jobs is stored in the memory unit 22, the control unit 21 determines in step S11 whether or not the deadline of the new job is shorter than the deadlines of all the waiting jobs. If the deadline of the new job is shorter than the deadlines of all the waiting jobs, the control unit 21 determines that the deadline of the new job is shorter than the deadlines of the waiting jobs (Yes in step S11), and if not, determines that the deadline of the new job is not shorter than the deadlines of the waiting jobs (No in step S11).

[0070] Also, for example, if the deadline for the new job is "interrupt", the control unit 21 may determine that the deadline for the new job is shorter than the deadline for the waiting job, regardless of the deadline for the waiting job (Yes in step S11). For example, if the deadline for the new job is "no deadline", the control unit 21 may determine that the deadline for the new job is not shorter than the deadline for the waiting job, regardless of the deadline for the waiting job (No in step S11). If the deadline for the new job is "deadline setting", the control unit 21 executes the determination in step S11 based on the specific date and time input by the user.

[0071] When the control unit 21 determines that the deadline for the new job is not shorter than the deadline for the waiting job (No in step S11), it determines the destination to be the cloud server 20 (step S16). This is because, when the deadline for the new job is not shorter than the deadline for the waiting job, it is considered that there is little need to prioritize the new job over the waiting job and have it executed by the multifunction device 30. In this case, the control unit 21 generates destination information indicating that the destination is the cloud server 20, and transmits it to the information processing device 10 (step S7 in FIG. 5).

[0072] On the other hand, when the control unit 21 determines that the deadline for the new job is shorter than the deadline for the waiting job (Yes in step S11), it then determines whether the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or greater than a first threshold (step S12). Here, the first threshold is a threshold related to a capacity that allows the performance of the multifunction device 30 to be equal to or greater than a certain standard. The first threshold is determined in advance based on, for example, the specifications of the multifunction device 30 or the entire information processing system 1, and is stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 can determine whether the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, using information on the free memory capacity included in the operation status information acquired from the multifunction device 30 and the first threshold stored in the storage unit 22.

[0073] When the control unit 21 determines that the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is less than the first threshold (No in step S12), it determines the destination to be the cloud server 20 (step S16). If the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is less than the first threshold, then if a new job is sent to the multifunction device 30, the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 will further decrease, and the load on the multifunction device 30 will increase, which may result in a decrease in performance of the multifunction device 30. In this case, the control unit 21 generates destination information indicating that the destination is the cloud server 20, and transmits it to the information processing device 10 (step S7 in FIG. 5).

[0074] On the other hand, when the control unit 21 determines that the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or greater than the first threshold (Yes in step S12), it then determines whether or not the CPU usage rate of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S13). Here, the predetermined threshold is a threshold related to the CPU usage rate that can make the performance of the multifunction device 30 equal to or greater than a certain standard. The predetermined threshold is determined in advance based on, for example, the specifications of the multifunction device 30 or the entire information processing system 1, and is stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 can determine whether or not the CPU usage rate of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold by using the information on the CPU usage rate included in the operation status information acquired from the multifunction device 30 and the predetermined threshold value stored in the storage unit 22.

[0075] When the control unit 21 determines that the CPU usage rate of the multifunction device 30 is higher than the predetermined threshold (No in step S13), it determines the destination to be the cloud server 20 (step S16). If the CPU usage rate of the multifunction device 30 is higher than the predetermined threshold, if a new job is sent to the multifunction device 30, the CPU usage rate of the multifunction device 30 will further increase, and the load on the multifunction device 30 will increase, which may result in a decrease in performance of the multifunction device 30. In this case, the control unit 21 generates destination information indicating that the destination is the cloud server 20, and sends it to the information processing device 10 (step S7 in FIG. 5).

[0076] On the other hand, when the control unit 21 determines that the usage rate of the CPU of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S13), it next determines whether or not the number of jobs being processed by the multifunction device 30 is equal to or lower than a predetermined number (step S14). Here, the predetermined number is a threshold value related to the number of jobs that can make the performance of the multifunction device 30 equal to or higher than a certain standard. The predetermined number is determined in advance based on, for example, the specifications of the multifunction device 30 or the entire information processing system 1, and is stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 can determine whether or not the number of jobs being processed by the multifunction device 30 is equal to or lower than a predetermined number by using the information on the jobs being processed included in the operation status information acquired from the multifunction device 30 and the predetermined number stored in the storage unit 22. Note that in step S14, the determination may be made based on other indicators related to the jobs being processed, such as the data size of the jobs being processed, instead of the number of jobs being processed.

[0077] When the control unit 21 determines that the number of jobs being processed by the multifunction device 30 is greater than the predetermined number (No in step S14), it determines the destination to be the cloud server 20 (step S16). This is because if the number of jobs being processed by the multifunction device 30 is greater than the predetermined number and a new job is sent to the multifunction device 30, the load on the multifunction device 30 will increase further, and the performance of the multifunction device 30 may decrease. In this case, the control unit 21 generates destination information indicating that the destination is the cloud server 20, and sends it to the information processing device 10 (step S7 in FIG. 5).

[0078] When the control unit 21 determines that the number of jobs being processed by the multifunction device 30 is equal to or less than a predetermined number (Yes in step S14), it determines the destination to be the multifunction device 30 (step S15). That is, when the control unit 21 determines Yes in all of steps S11 to S14, it determines the destination to be the multifunction device 30. This is because when the control unit 21 determines Yes in all of steps S11 to S14, it is considered that the priority of the new job is higher than the waiting job, and the multifunction device 30 has sufficient resources, such as memory and CPU, to process the new job. In this case, the control unit 21 generates destination information indicating that the destination is the multifunction device 30, and transmits it to the information processing device 10 (step S7 in FIG. 5).

[0079] Cloud server 20 can also determine the destination of a job using a method different from the method described above with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of processing executed by cloud server 20. Here, with reference to Fig. 10, another example of the method of determining the destination of a job will be described.

[0080] 10, the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 determines whether the deadline of the new job is "interrupt" (step S21). That is, the control unit 21 determines whether the deadline of the new job is "interrupt", or whether the deadline of the new job is either "no deadline" or "deadline set".

[0081] When the control unit 21 determines that the deadline of the new job is not "interrupt", that is, when the control unit 21 determines that the deadline of the new job is "no deadline" or "time limit set" (No in step S21), the control unit 21 determines whether the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or greater than a second threshold (step S22). Here, the second threshold is a threshold related to a capacity that allows the performance of the multifunction device 30 to be equal to or greater than a certain standard. The second threshold is, for example, a value smaller than the first threshold described above and a value larger than a third threshold described below. The second threshold can be, for example, a threshold that allows the multifunction device 30 to further process some jobs. However, the second threshold is not limited to this, and may be, for example, the same value as the first threshold. The second threshold is predetermined based on, for example, the specifications of the multifunction device 30 or the entire information processing system 1, and is stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 can determine whether the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, using information on the free memory capacity included in the operating status information acquired from the multifunction device 30 and a second threshold value stored in the memory unit 22.

[0082] When the control unit 21 determines that the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is less than the second threshold (No in step S22), it determines the destination to be the cloud server 20 (step S24). If the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is less than the second threshold, then if a new job is sent to the multifunction device 30, the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 will further decrease, and the load on the multifunction device 30 will increase, which may result in a decrease in performance of the multifunction device 30. In this case, the control unit 21 generates destination information indicating that the destination is the cloud server 20, and transmits it to the information processing device 10 (step S7 in FIG. 5).

[0083] On the other hand, when the control unit 21 determines that the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or greater than the second threshold (Yes in step S22), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S11 in Fig. 9. That is, in this case, the control unit 21 determines the destination of the job by executing the processes in and after step S11 in Fig. 9. However, since the determination of the threshold regarding the free memory capacity has already been executed in step S22, the control unit 21 does not need to execute step S12 in Fig. 9.

[0084] When the control unit 21 determines in step S21 that the deadline for the new job is "interrupt" (Yes in step S21), it determines whether the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or greater than a third threshold (step S23). Here, the third threshold is a threshold (limit value) indicating the minimum capacity required for the multifunction device 30 to normally process a job. In other words, when the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is less than the third threshold, the possibility that the multifunction device 30 will not be able to normally process a job increases. The third threshold is a value smaller than the second threshold. The third threshold is determined in advance based on, for example, the specifications of the multifunction device 30 or the entire information processing system 1, and is stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 can determine whether the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or greater than the third threshold by using the information on the free memory capacity included in the operation status information acquired from the multifunction device 30 and the third threshold stored in the storage unit 22.

[0085] When the control unit 21 determines that the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is less than the third threshold (No in step S23), it determines the destination to be the cloud server 20 (step S24). When the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is less than the third threshold, the possibility that the multifunction device 30 will not be able to process a new job properly increases, so the destination is determined to be the cloud server 20 even if it is an "interrupt" job that needs to be processed quickly. In this case, the control unit 21 generates destination information indicating that the destination is the cloud server 20, and transmits it to the information processing device 10 (step S7 in FIG. 5).

[0086] On the other hand, when the control unit 21 determines that the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or greater than the third threshold (Yes in step S23), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S11 in FIG. 9. That is, in this case, the control unit 21 executes the process from step S11 in FIG. 9 onward to determine the destination of the job. However, since the determination of the threshold regarding the free memory capacity has already been executed in step S23, the control unit 21 does not need to execute step S12 in FIG. 9. When the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30 is equal to or greater than the third threshold, the multifunction device 30 can process a new job. Therefore, by determining the destination of the job to be the multifunction device 30, on the condition that other conditions (for example, steps S13 and S14 in FIG. 9) are satisfied, the "interrupt" job can be processed as soon as possible. In this way, the job whose deadline is "interrupt" can be processed with priority.

[0087] [Job Arrangement Method] Next, a method of arranging jobs to be stored in the storage unit 22 will be described. When the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 has determined the cloud server 20 as the transmission destination by the method described in Fig. 9 or 10, the control unit 21 determines the arrangement of new jobs to be stored in the storage unit 22 of the cloud server 20. Specifically, for example, before a new job is transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the cloud server 20, one or more jobs (waiting jobs) transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the cloud server 20 may be arranged and stored in the storage unit 22 of the cloud server 20. The control unit 21 determines the arrangement of the new job for the waiting jobs that have already been arranged.

[0088] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the cloud server 20 when the destination of a new job is the cloud server 20. Specifically, Fig. 11 is a flow showing an example of a method of arranging a new job to be stored in the storage unit 22. The flow shown in Fig. 11 can be executed at an appropriate timing after it is determined that the destination of the new job is the cloud server 20. Therefore, the flow shown in Fig. 11 may be executed, for example, immediately after it is determined that the destination of the new job is the cloud server 20, or may be executed when the cloud server 20 receives data of the new job from the information processing device 10 (for example, step S9-1 in Fig. 5).

[0089] The control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 determines the arrangement of new jobs based on at least one of the presence or absence of waiting jobs, the deadline of the job, and the number of copies.

[0090] 11, in the job arrangement, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a waiting job in the storage unit 22 (step S31). Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a job stored in the storage unit 22 that has not yet been transmitted from the cloud server 20 to the multifunction device 30.

[0091] When it is determined that there is no waiting job in the storage unit 22 (No in step S31), the control unit 21 registers a new job in the storage unit 22 (step S42). Note that step S42 in FIG. 11 corresponds to step S9-2 in FIG.

[0092] When the control unit 21 determines that there is a waiting job in the storage unit 22, the control unit 21 determines the arrangement of the new jobs based on the deadlines and / or processing amounts of the new jobs and the waiting jobs. For example, the control unit 21 determines the arrangement of the new jobs according to the order of the deadlines of the jobs.

[0093] In the example shown in FIG. 11, when the control unit 21 determines that there is a waiting job in the memory unit 22 (Yes in step S31), it compares the deadline between the new job and the job to be compared (step S32). Here, the job to be compared is one of the waiting jobs. In this embodiment, the job to be compared is the waiting job with the shortest (earliest) deadline among the waiting jobs that have not been compared with the new job. In other words, the job to be compared is the waiting job that has not yet been compared with the new job and is the job that has been arranged the earliest. Therefore, when step S32 is executed for the first time, the job to be compared is the waiting job with the shortest deadline (i.e., the job that has been arranged the earliest) among the waiting jobs that have been arranged.

[0094] The job to be compared does not necessarily have to be the job described above. The job to be compared may be one of the waiting jobs, may be one job determined by a method other than the method described above, or may be one job selected randomly.

[0095] Here, the control unit 21 compares the deadline of the new job with the deadline of a comparison target job having the shortest deadline among the waiting jobs stored in the storage unit 22 (step S32).

[0096] The control unit 21 determines whether the deadline of the new job is longer than the deadline of the compared job (step S33). For example, if the deadline of the new job is "interrupt", the control unit 21 determines that the deadline of the new job is not longer than the deadline of the waiting job, regardless of the deadline of the waiting job (No in step S33). For example, if the deadline of the new job is "no deadline", the control unit 21 determines that the deadline of the new job is longer than the deadline of the waiting job, regardless of the deadline of the waiting job (Yes in step S33). If the deadline of the new job is "deadline set", the control unit 21 determines whether the deadline of the new job is longer than the deadline of the compared job by comparing the specific date and time of the deadline input for the new job with the deadline of the compared job.

[0097] If the control unit 21 determines that the deadline of the new job is longer than the deadline of the job being compared (Yes in step S33), it determines whether or not comparison of the deadlines of all waiting jobs stored in the memory unit 22 with the deadlines of the new job has been completed (step S34).

[0098] When the control unit 21 determines that the comparison of deadlines with the new job has been completed for all waiting jobs stored in the storage unit 22 (Yes in step S34), the control unit 21 arranges the new job at the end of the arranged waiting jobs (step S36). Then, the control unit 21 registers the new job in the determined arrangement in the storage unit 22 (step S42). That is, in this case, since the new job has a longer deadline than all the waiting jobs, it is arranged at the very end of the waiting jobs.

[0099] On the other hand, when the control unit 21 determines that the comparison of the deadlines of all the waiting jobs stored in the storage unit 22 with the new job is not completed, that is, when it determines that there is a waiting job whose deadline has not been compared with the new job (No in step S34), it changes the job to be compared (step S35). Changing the job to be compared means that a job other than the job compared with the new job is set as the new job to be compared. In this example, the job to be compared is the waiting job with the shortest deadline among the waiting jobs that have not been compared with the new job, so that the waiting job with the shortest deadline among the waiting jobs that have not yet been compared becomes the changed job to be compared. For example, when the comparison of the waiting job with the shortest deadline (i.e., the job arranged furthest from the front) among the arranged waiting jobs is completed, the control unit 21 determines the waiting job arranged second from the front as the job to be compared.

[0100] When control unit 21 changes the comparison job in step S35, control unit 21 proceeds to step S32 and compares the deadline between the new job and the changed comparison job. Control unit 21 repeats the processes of steps S32 to S35 until it determines that the deadline of the new job is not longer than the deadline of the comparison job (No in step S33) or until it determines that comparison of the deadlines of all waiting jobs stored in storage unit 22 with the new job has been completed (Yes in step S34).

[0101] On the other hand, when the control unit 21 determines in step S33 that the deadline of the new job is not longer than the deadline of the compared job (No in step S33), it determines whether the deadline of the new job is shorter than the deadline of the compared job (step S37). For example, when the deadline of the new job is "interrupt", the control unit 21 determines that the deadline of the new job is shorter than the deadline of the waiting job, regardless of the deadline of the waiting job (Yes in step S37). When the deadline of the new job is "deadline setting", the control unit 21 compares the specific date and time of the deadline input for the new job with the deadline of the compared job to determine whether the deadline of the new job is shorter than the deadline of the compared job.

[0102] When the control unit 21 determines that the deadline of the new job is shorter than the deadline of the comparison job (Yes in step S37), it arranges the new job before the comparison job at the time of this determination (step S38). Then, the control unit 21 registers the new job in the determined arrangement in the storage unit 22 (step S42). As a result, the new job is arranged in the order of the deadlines among the waiting jobs.

[0103] On the other hand, when the control unit 21 determines that the deadline of the new job is not shorter than that of the comparison job (No in step S37), this means that the deadlines of the new job and the comparison job are the same. In this case, the control unit 21 decides the arrangement of the new job based on the processing amount of the new job and the waiting job. Here, the arrangement of the new job is decided based on the number of copies printed of the job as the processing amount. Specifically, the control unit 21 compares the number of copies of the new job and the comparison job (step S39). For example, the control unit 21 compares the number of copies of the new job included in the summary information with the number of copies of the comparison job stored in the storage unit 22. Note that the control unit 21 may execute steps S39 to S41 based on other information indicating the processing amount of the job, such as data size, instead of the number of copies.

[0104] The control unit 21 determines whether the number of copies of the new job is smaller than the number of copies of the comparison job (step S40).

[0105] When the control unit 21 determines that the number of copies of the new job is smaller than the number of copies of the compared job (Yes in step S40), it arranges the new job before the compared job at the time of this determination (step S38). Then, the control unit 21 registers the new job in the determined arrangement in the storage unit 22 (step S42). That is, in this embodiment, when the number of copies of the new job is smaller than the number of copies of the compared job, the new job is arranged first. As a result, the new job is processed first. In this way, the new job that is expected to be completed sooner is processed first.

[0106] On the other hand, when the control unit 21 determines that the number of copies of the new job is not less than that of the comparison target job (No in step S40), it arranges the new job next to the comparison target job at the time of this determination (step S41). Then, the control unit 21 registers the new job in the storage unit 22 in the determined arrangement (step S42). When the number of copies of the new job is not less than that of the comparison target job, it is the case that the number of copies of the new job is greater than that of the comparison target job, or the number of copies of the new job is the same as that of the comparison target job. If the number of copies of the new job is greater than that of the comparison target job, the comparison target job, which is expected to be processed more quickly, can be arranged before the new job for the same reason as in the case of Yes in step S40. Also, if the number of copies of the new job is the same as that of the comparison target job, it is expected that the processing time of the new job and the comparison target job will be equivalent. In this case, by arranging the comparison target job before the new job, the comparison target job that was registered earlier than the new job can be processed first. In other words, the comparison target job that was registered earlier can be processed preferentially. Therefore, in either case, if it is determined that the number of copies of the new job is not less than the number of copies of the comparison target job (No in step S40), the new job is arranged next to the comparison target job (step S41).

[0107] In this way, the new job is arranged among the waiting jobs and stored (registered) in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 transmits the job data stored in the storage unit 22 to the multifunction device 30 at an appropriate timing determined based on, for example, the operation status information received from the multifunction device 30. At this time, the control unit 21 transmits the waiting jobs to the multifunction device 30 in the order in which they were arranged. As a result, the jobs are processed by the multifunction device 30 in the order in which they were arranged.

[0108] The timing of transmitting the waiting jobs from the cloud server 20 to the multifunction device 30 may be determined based on the free memory capacity, CPU usage rate, and jobs being processed of the multifunction device 30, as described above. At this time, the cloud server 20 performs the same determination process as steps S11 to S14 described with reference to Fig. 9, for example, and when it determines that the transmission destination is the multifunction device 30 (step S15), it can transmit the waiting jobs stored in the storage unit 22 to the multifunction device 30 one by one in the order in which they are arranged.

[0109] In addition, when the control unit 21 registers a new job in step S42, the control unit 21 may calculate the scheduled time at which the processing of the registered new job will be completed. For example, the control unit 21 can calculate the scheduled time at which the processing of the new job will be completed based on the arrangement of the new job in the queued jobs. Specifically, the control unit 21 calculates the time required for the new job to be executed based on the contents of the queued job arranged before the new job and the operation status information of the multifunction device 30. In this way, the control unit 21 can calculate the scheduled time at which the processing of the new job will be completed. The control unit 21 transmits information on the calculated scheduled time to the information processing device 10. For example, the control unit 21 transmits information indicating that the job has been stored (registered) in the storage unit 22, including the information on the scheduled time, to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 can display the information on the scheduled time received from the cloud server 20 on the display unit 14.

[0110] [Example of processing by information processing device] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the information processing device 10. FIG 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the information processing device 10.

[0111] The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 receives an operation input for executing a print job (step S51). The control unit 11 generates a print job based on the operation input received in step S51 (step S52). The control unit 11 also generates summary information of the generated print job (step S53). The control unit 11 transmits the summary information generated in step S53 to the cloud server 20 (step S54). Note that steps S51 to S54 correspond to steps S2 to S5 in FIG. 5, respectively, and therefore a detailed description of the processes will be omitted here.

[0112] The cloud server 20 determines the destination by the above-mentioned method based on the summary information transmitted by the information processing device 10, and transmits the destination information to the information processing device 10.

[0113] The information processing device 10 receives the destination information transmitted by the cloud server 20 (step S55). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the destination is the multifunction peripheral 30 or not based on the destination information (step S56).

[0114] When the control unit 11 determines that the destination is the multifunction device 30 (Yes in step S56), it transmits the print job data to the multifunction device 30 (step S57). In this case, the print job is processed by the multifunction device 30. After transmitting the print job data to the multifunction device 30, the control unit 11 notifies the user that the job registration has been completed, for example, by displaying this on the display unit 14 (step S60). At this time, the control unit 11 can display text such as "Please wait until printing is completed" on the display unit 14. The notification lets the user know that the print job has been successfully registered.

[0115] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the destination is the cloud server 20, that is, if the destination is not the multifunction device 30 (No in step S56), it transmits the print job data to the cloud server 20 (step S58).

[0116] Cloud server 20 arranges the print job (new job) and registers it in cloud server 20, for example, by the method described with reference to Fig. 11. At this time, cloud server 20 calculates the scheduled time when the processing of the print job will be completed, and transmits information of the calculated scheduled time to information processing device 10. Cloud server 20 transmits, for example, information indicating that the print job has been stored (registered) in storage unit 22, together with information on the scheduled time, to information processing device 10.

[0117] The information processing device 10 receives the scheduled time information transmitted by the cloud server 20 (step S59). The control unit 11 notifies the user that the job registration has been completed, for example by displaying on the display unit 14, based on the information indicating that the print job has been stored (registered) in the storage unit 22 (step S60). At this time, the control unit 11 can display the scheduled time information on the display unit 14. This allows the user to know that the print job has been successfully registered, and also to know the scheduled time at which the processing of the print job will be completed.

[0118] [Determining if an abnormality has occurred] In the information processing system 1, some mechanisms, such as the cloud server 20 or the multifunction device 30, may become unavailable. For example, the cloud server 20 or the multifunction device 30 may stop working due to various factors including a breakdown or software malfunction. The information processing system 1 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in this manner and execute information processing based on the determination result. Next, an example of processing for determining whether an abnormality has occurred and executing processing based on the determination result will be described.

[0119] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the information processing system 1, specifically, a process of determining whether an abnormality has occurred and executing the process based on the determination result. The flow shown in FIG. 13 is executed, for example, when step S5 in the sequence shown in FIG. 5 is executed, that is, when the information processing device 10 transmits summary information to the cloud server 20.

[0120] 13 is not necessarily executed by a specific mechanism included in the information processing system 1, but each step is executed by, for example, either the information processing device 10 or the cloud server 20. The entity that performs each step will be described below.

[0121] In the example shown in FIG. 13, first, the information processing device 10 determines whether the cloud server 20 is available (step S61). Here, the cloud server 20 being available means that no abnormality occurs in the cloud server 20 and information processing can be executed. The information processing device 10 determines whether the cloud server 20 is available. For example, when the information processing device 10 transmits summary information in step S5 of FIG. 5, the cloud server 20 transmits a response signal to the information processing device 10 in response to receiving the summary information. However, when an abnormality occurs in the cloud server 20, the cloud server 20 cannot transmit a response signal. Therefore, after transmitting the summary information, the information processing device 10 can determine whether the cloud server 20 is available based on whether a response signal is received from the cloud server 20. For example, when the information processing device 10 receives a response signal from the cloud server 20, the information processing device 10 determines that the cloud server 20 is available (Yes in step S61). On the other hand, when the information processing device 10 does not receive a response signal from the cloud server 20, the information processing device 10 determines that the cloud server 20 is not available (No in step S61).

[0122] When the information processing device 10 determines that the cloud server 20 is unavailable (No in step S61), the information processing device 10 notifies the user that an error has occurred in the cloud server 20 (step S62). For example, the information processing device 10 can notify the user by displaying on the display unit 14 that an error has occurred in the cloud server 20. This allows the user to recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the cloud server 20.

[0123] In this case, the information processing device 10 also transmits the job data to the multifunction device 30 (step S63). This is because if an error occurs in the cloud server 20, the cloud server 20 cannot determine the transmission destination of the job data, nor can it store the job data. In this case, if no error occurs in the multifunction device 30, the job is processed in the multifunction device 30. Note that if the multifunction device 30 cannot receive the job data, the information processing device 10 may notify the user that the multifunction device 30 cannot receive the job data.

[0124] On the other hand, when the information processing device 10 determines in step S61 that the cloud server 20 is available (Yes in step S61), the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 determines whether or not the job data can be stored in the storage unit 22 of the cloud server 20 (step S64). Even if a response signal is transmitted from the cloud server 20 in response to the summary information, some abnormality may have occurred in the storage unit 22 of the cloud server 20. In this case, even if the cloud server 20 receives the job data, it cannot be stored in the storage unit 22. Therefore, the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 determines whether or not the job data can be stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 can determine whether or not the data can be stored in the storage unit 22 by, for example, accessing the storage unit 22.

[0125] When the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 determines that the data of the job cannot be saved in the storage unit 22 (No in step S64), the control unit 21 determines whether the multifunction device 30 is available (step S65). Here, the fact that the multifunction device 30 is available means that no abnormality has occurred in the multifunction device 30 and that the job can be processed. The control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 can determine whether the multifunction device 30 is available, for example, based on the operation status information received from the multifunction device 30. For example, when the control unit 21 is unable to receive operation status information from the multifunction device 30, the control unit 21 can determine that the multifunction device 30 is unavailable since the multifunction device 30 is in a state in which it cannot transmit operation status information (No in step S65). Alternatively, when the control unit 21 is able to receive operation status information from the multifunction device 30, the control unit 21 can determine whether the multifunction device 30 is available depending on the content of the received operation status information. For example, if the operating status information includes information indicating an abnormality, the control unit 21 can determine that the multifunction device 30 is unavailable (No in step S65), and if the operating status information does not include information indicating an abnormality, the control unit 21 can determine that the multifunction device 30 is available (Yes in step S65).

[0126] When the control unit 21 determines that the multifunction device 30 is available (Yes in step S65), it transmits information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the cloud server 20 to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 notifies the user that an error has occurred in the cloud server 20 based on the information received from the cloud server 20 (step S62). For example, the information processing device 10 can notify the user by displaying on the display unit 14 that an error has occurred in the cloud server 20. Note that in this case, the information processing device 10 may notify the user that an abnormality has occurred in the storage unit 22 of the cloud server 20 based on the information received from the cloud server 20.

[0127] Furthermore, when the control unit 21 determines that the multifunction device 30 is available (Yes in step S65), it determines the destination of the job data to be the multifunction device 30. This is because the job data cannot be saved in the storage unit 22 of the cloud server 20, but the multifunction device 30 is available. In this case, the control unit 21 transmits destination information indicating that the destination of the job data is the multifunction device 30 to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 transmits the job data to the multifunction device 30 based on the destination information (step S63). This causes the job to be registered in the multifunction device 30. Note that, when the multifunction device 30 cannot receive the job data, the information processing device 10 may notify the user that the multifunction device 30 cannot receive the job data.

[0128] On the other hand, in step S65, when the control unit 21 determines that the multifunction device 30 is unavailable (No in step S65), it transmits information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the cloud server 20 and the multifunction device 30 to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 notifies the user that an error has occurred in the cloud server 20 based on the information received from the cloud server 20 (step S66). Furthermore, the information processing device 10 notifies the user that an error has occurred in the multifunction device 30 based on the information received from the cloud server 20 (step S67). For example, the information processing device 10 can notify the user by displaying on the display unit 14. In this case, the job data is not transmitted to either the cloud server 20 or the multifunction device 30. Therefore, the information processing device 10 may further notify that the job cannot be registered.

[0129] When the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 determines in step S64 that the job data can be saved in the storage unit 22 (Yes in step S64), the control unit 21 determines whether the multifunction device 30 is available (step S68). The determination method in step S68 is the same as that in step S65, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0130] When the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 determines that the multifunction device 30 is available (Yes in step S68), the process proceeds to step S11 in Fig. 9. That is, in this case, since it is considered that both the cloud server 20 and the multifunction device 30 are operating normally, the control unit 21 executes the processes from step S11 in Fig. 9 onwards to determine the destination of the job.

[0131] On the other hand, when the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 determines that the multifunction device 30 is not available (No in step S68), it determines the destination to be the cloud server 20 (step S69). In this case, the cloud server 20 is operating normally but the multifunction device 30 is not operating, so the job data is temporarily registered in the cloud server 20. In this case, the control unit 21 transmits destination information indicating that the destination of the job data is the cloud server 20 to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 transmits the job data to the cloud server 20 based on the destination information (step S70). The control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 stores the received job data in the storage unit 22. As a result, the job is registered in the cloud server 20.

[0132] In this case, the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 transmits information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the multifunction device 30 to the information processing device 10. Based on the information received from the cloud server 20, the information processing device 10 notifies the user that an error has occurred in the multifunction device 30 (step S71).

[0133] In this way, the information processing system 1 can execute processing appropriate to the situation, such as causing an appropriate mechanism to transmit job data depending on whether or not an abnormality has occurred.

[0134] [summary] In this manner, in this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 determines the destination of the job data based on the summary information indicating the summary of the job to be processed by the multifunction device 30, which is an image forming device, and the operation status information indicating the operation status of the multifunction device 30. In other words, the cloud server 20, not the multifunction device 30, determines the destination of the job data. Therefore, the destination of the job data can be determined while efficiently securing the storage area of ​​the multifunction device 30 without depending on the specifications or performance of the multifunction device 30. As a result, even if jobs are generated intensively, for example, the cloud server 20 can determine the destination of the job data, so that the multifunction device 30 does not perform the process of determining the destination of the job data. This makes it easier to prevent the performance of the multifunction device 30, which is an image forming device, from deteriorating. Also, the information processing device 10 can transmit the job data to the cloud server 20 or the multifunction device 30 more quickly based on the destination information from the cloud server 20 without waiting for the multifunction device 30 to determine the destination of the job data.

[0135] In addition, in this embodiment, the destination is determined in advance before the job data is transmitted, so that communication can be performed efficiently. Specifically, the cloud server 20 determines the destination based on the operation status information of the multifunction device 30, and handles the job by transmitting the waiting job registered in the cloud server 20 to the multifunction device 30 at an appropriate timing. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a state where communication is waiting to occur, or communication for sending back the job.

[0136] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since jobs are handled by the cloud server 20, for example, when a non-urgent mass printing job occurs, the mass printing job can be processed when the MFP 30 has time, such as when the MFP 30 is not processing other jobs, etc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a specific user from monopolizing the MFP 30.

[0137] [Variations] In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the cloud server 20 determines the destination of a job based on the deadline for the job, the free memory capacity of the multifunction device 30, the CPU usage rate of the multifunction device 30, and the number of jobs being processed by the multifunction device 30. However, the cloud server 20 does not necessarily need to use all of these to determine the destination of a job, and may, for example, use only some of these to determine the destination of a job. The cloud server 20 may also determine the destination of a job using criteria other than these.

[0138] In the above embodiment, the case where the job is a print job has been described, but the job does not necessarily have to be a print job, and may be any job that can be processed by the multifunction device 30 based on a signal from the information processing device 10. Also, the summary information may include information required to determine the destination of the job depending on the type of job. Regardless of the type of job, the summary information may include at least deadline information, for example.

[0139] The information processing system 1 described in the above embodiment may further include other functions. For example, the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 may determine whether the number of copies of a print job is an unnatural value, such as an abnormally large value, based on the summary information received from the information processing device 10. For example, the control unit 21 may determine that the number of copies of a print job is an unnatural value when the number of copies exceeds a predetermined threshold value for the number of copies. When the control unit 21 determines that the number of copies of a print job is an unnatural value, the control unit 21 may cause the information processing device 10 to output a warning.

[0140] Also, for example, the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 may calculate the number of sheets to be printed in the print job based on the summary information received from the information processing device 10. When the calculated number of sheets exceeds a predetermined limit, the control unit 21 may cause the information processing device 10 to output a warning indicating that the number of sheets exceeds the limit, and may cause the information processing device 10 to stop sending the print job.

[0141] Also, for example, the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 may stop the transmission of the print job based on the user's attendance information. For example, the control unit 21 acquires information recording the user's attendance from an external device. When the control unit 21 determines based on the acquired attendance information that the job was input outside the user's working hours, it may cause the information processing device 10 to stop the transmission of the print job, assuming that the job was used outside the working hours.

[0142] Also, for example, when one MFP 30 is shared by a plurality of organizations, the control unit 21 of the cloud server 20 may execute processing based on information of the organization to which the user who inputted the print job belongs. For example, the storage unit 22 of the cloud server 20 previously stores a user and an organization to which the user belongs in association with each other. When the control unit 21 receives the summary information, the control unit 21 identifies the organization to which the user belongs by referring to the storage unit 22 from the user information included in the summary information. When the control unit 21 determines that a specific organization is concentrating on inputting jobs to the MFP 30 based on a criterion previously stored in the storage unit 22, the control unit 21 may preferentially process jobs of users of organizations other than the specific organization on the MFP 30. This makes it easier to avoid the MFP 30 being monopolized by a specific organization.

[0143] Furthermore, for example, when a job is processed using a so-called job hold function, in which the job is executed after being temporarily stored in a hold queue, a large amount of storage space in the multifunction device 30 may be used when the job data is sent to the multifunction device 30. In such a case, for example, by registering a portion of the job data in the cloud server 20, it is possible to prevent the performance of the multifunction device 30 from deteriorating.

[0144] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, functions included in each functional unit or each step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple functional units or steps can be combined or divided into one.

[0145] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU and the like to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments (programs that make a computer function). Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM (Random Access Memory)) during processing, and is then stored in various storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as necessary.

[0146] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media, magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc. Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present disclosure may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0147] In addition, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present disclosure.

[0148] Also, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented and executed by an electric circuit, for example, an integrated circuit or a plurality of integrated circuits. The electric circuit designed to realize the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or trongistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The electric circuit described above may be composed of a digital circuit or an analog circuit. Also, when an integrated circuit technology that replaces the current integrated circuit appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology, one or more aspects of the present disclosure can use a new integrated circuit according to the technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 1. Information Processing Systems 10. Information processing device 20 Cloud Server (Server) 30 Multifunction device (image forming device) 11, 21, 31 Control section 12,22,32 Storage section 13,23,33 Communications Department 14,34 Display section 15,35 Input section 36 Image reading unit 37 Image Processing Section 38 Image forming section 39 Paper feed section 41 Print button 42 Preview Images 43 Input Box 44 Date and time input box

Claims

1. a control unit that determines a destination of data of a job based on summary information indicating an overview of a job to be processed by an image forming apparatus and operational status information indicating an operational status of the image forming apparatus; A server comprising:

2. The server of claim 1 , wherein the summary information includes at least information regarding a deadline for the job.

3. 2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the operation status information includes at least information on free memory capacity, a usage rate of a central processing unit (CPU), and a job being processed of the image forming apparatus.

4. A storage unit that stores data of the job is further provided, When the control unit determines that the transmission destination is the server, the control unit determines an arrangement of the waiting jobs based on at least one of the presence or absence of waiting jobs stored in the storage unit, the deadline of the jobs, and the number of copies. The server of claim 1 .

5. The server according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit is configured to determine an order of the jobs in the waiting jobs in accordance with the order of the deadlines, based on the waiting jobs and deadlines of the jobs.

6. The server according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit transmits data of the waiting job stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus based on the operation status information.

7. The server according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit calculates a scheduled time for completing processing of the job based on an arrangement of the jobs in the waiting jobs.

8. The image forming apparatus is included in an information processing system including an information processing apparatus, a server, and an image forming apparatus, which are connected to each other so as to be capable of communicating information with each other, transmitting operational status information indicating an operational status of the image forming apparatus to the server; receiving data of the job transmitted from the information processing device based on destination information indicating a destination of the data of the job determined by the server based on the operation status information and summary information indicating an outline of a job to be processed by the image forming device and transmitted from the information processing device to the server; Executing a process based on the received job data; Image forming device.

9. In the information processing device, When an operation input for executing a job is received, summary information indicating a summary of the job is generated based on the operation input; Transmitting the generated summary information to a server; A program that executes a process.

10. The information processing device includes: when receiving destination information indicating a destination of the data of the job from the server, transmitting the data of the job based on the destination information; The program according to claim 9, which causes a process to be executed.

11. An information processing method executed by a server, comprising: determining a destination of data of the job based on summary information indicating an outline of the job to be processed by the image forming apparatus and operation status information indicating an operation status of the image forming apparatus; Information processing methods.

Images