Printer driver and image formation system

Abstract

To allow optimization of distributed execution of a print job.SOLUTION: A printer driver causes a computer which is provided in an information processing device 2 comprising a communication unit and an operation unit to function as a processing unit. When the operation unit accepts a user instruction of distributed execution of a print job J2, the processing unit sets execution ranges SE_A, SE_C, SE_D of the print job j2 in respective image formation apparatuses 1A, 1C, 1D so that printing times T2 required for the distributed execution in the respective image formation apparatuses 1A, 1C, 1D are equal on the basis of print speed PS_A, PS_C, PS_D of each of two or more image formation apparatuses 1A, 1C, 1D selected by a user among a plurality of image formation apparatuses and requests execution of the print job J2 within the set execution ranges to the two or more image formation apparatuses 1A, 1C, 1D as execution devices which perform the execution by distributing the print job J2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer driver and an image forming system, and more particularly to a technique for distributing and executing a print job among a plurality of image forming devices. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe a technique for distributing a print job among multiple image forming devices. The techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 aim to shorten the time it takes to complete a print job by distributing the print job among multiple image forming devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 2006-0005629 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5799689 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above, if a print job is distributed among multiple image forming devices, the time until the print job is completed can be shortened, but in this case, optimal distributed execution cannot be realized unless the performance of each image forming device is taken into consideration. For example, the time until the print job is completed can be shortened by allocating a larger execution range of the print job to an image forming device with a high printing speed (ppm: paper per minute) than to an image forming device with a slow printing speed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to enable optimization of distributed execution of print jobs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A printer driver according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer provided in an information processing device having a communication unit for communicating with a plurality of image forming devices and an operation unit for accepting input of instructions from a user to function as a processing unit that sends a print job to the image forming devices via the communication unit and requests the execution of the print job, and when the operation unit accepts an instruction to execute distributed processing of the print job, the processing unit further causes the computer to function as follows: based on the respective printing speeds of two or more image forming devices selected from the plurality of image forming devices by instructions input to the operation unit, the processing unit equalizes the printing time required to execute the distributed processing in each of the image forming devices, sets an execution range of the print job in each of the image forming devices, and requests the two or more image forming devices, as execution devices that distribute and execute the print job, to execute the print job within the set execution range, when the operation unit accepts an instruction to execute distributed processing of the print job.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system including a plurality of image forming devices and an information processing device that transmits a print job to the image forming devices to request execution of the print job, the plurality of image forming devices and the information processing device being capable of communicating with each other, the image forming devices each including an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, and a control unit that controls an operation of the image forming unit to execute the print job transmitted from the information processing device, the information processing device each including a communication unit that communicates with the plurality of image forming devices, an operation unit that accepts input of instructions from a user, and a control unit that controls a control unit to control an operation of the image forming unit to execute the print job transmitted from the information processing device through the communication unit. and a processing unit that sends the print job to the image forming device and requests that the image forming device execute the print job, and further, when the operation unit accepts an instruction to execute distributed processing of the print job, the processing unit equalizes the printing time required to execute the distributed processing in each of the image forming devices based on the printing speeds of two or more of the image forming devices selected from the multiple image forming devices by instructions input to the operation unit, sets an execution range of the print job in each of the image forming devices, and requests the two or more image forming devices as execution devices that distribute the print job to execute the print job within the set execution range. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the execution range of a print job in each image forming apparatus is set based on the printing speed, which is one of the performance characteristics of the image forming apparatus, so that distributed execution of print jobs can be optimized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an entire image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic internal configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4]FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a case where a print job is distributed and executed. [Diagram 5] 13A is a table showing print times and the like when print jobs are executed in a distributed manner, and FIG. 13B is a table showing print times and the like when print jobs are executed independently. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a case where a print job is distributed and executed. [Figure 7] 11 is a table showing printing times and the like when print jobs are executed in a distributed manner. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a case where a print error occurs when a print job is being distributed and executed. [Figure 9] 11 illustrates an example of allocation of an uncompleted portion of a print job in an execution device where a print error has occurred to another execution device. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a process for distributing a print job in an information processing apparatus and allocating it to each image forming apparatus. [Figure 11] 11 illustrates an example of allocation of an uncompleted portion of a print job in an execution device where a print error has occurred to another execution device. [Figure 12] 11 illustrates an example of allocation of an uncompleted portion of a print job in an execution device where a print error has occurred to another execution device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A printer driver and an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] The image forming system 11 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1A to 1E (hereinafter collectively referred to as "image forming apparatuses 1") and a plurality of information processing apparatuses 2A to 2G (hereinafter collectively referred to as "information processing apparatuses 2") that exist on a network such as the Internet. The image forming apparatuses 1A to 1E and the information processing apparatuses 2A to 2G are configured to be able to communicate with each other through the network.

[0012] The image forming device 1 is a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The information processing device 2 is a personal computer, for example, and has a function of creating a print job and transmitting the created print job to the image forming device 1 to request execution of the print job.

[0013] 2 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic diagram of the main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, an original feeding section 6, an original reading section 5, an image forming section 12, a fixing section 13, a paper feeding section 14, a recording paper transport sensor 15, a remaining recording paper sensor 16, a remaining toner sensor 17, an operation section 47, a network interface section 91, and a storage section 8.

[0014] The document feeder 6 is configured to be openable and closable by a hinge or the like (not shown) on the top surface of the document reading unit 5, and functions as a document pressing cover when reading a document placed on a platen glass (not shown). The document feeder 6 is an automatic document feeder called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and includes a document placement tray (not shown), which supplies documents placed on the document placement tray to the document reading unit 5 one by one.

[0015] A description will be given of a case where a document reading operation is performed by the image forming apparatus 1. The document reading unit 5 optically reads an image of a document supplied to the document reading unit 5 by the document feeding unit 6 or a document placed on the platen glass, and generates image data. The image data generated by the document reading unit 5 is stored in an image memory or the like (not shown).

[0016] A description will be given of an image forming operation performed by the image forming apparatus 1. Based on image data generated by a document reading operation or a print job received from a computer serving as an external device (e.g., information processing apparatus 2) connected via a network, the image forming unit 12 forms a toner image on a recording paper serving as a recording medium fed from a paper feed unit 14.

[0017] The recording paper on which the toner image has been formed by the image forming unit 12 is subjected to a fixing process in the fixing unit 13, and the recording paper after the fixing process is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown). The paper supply unit 14 includes a paper supply cassette (not shown).

[0018] The recording paper transport sensor 15 is provided in a transport path that transports the recording paper from the paper feed unit 14 to the image forming unit 12, and is an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of the recording paper in the transport path.

[0019] The recording paper remaining amount sensor 16 is a sensor that detects the remaining amount of recording paper contained in the paper feed cassette. The recording paper remaining amount sensor 16 that detects the remaining amount of recording paper contained in the paper feed cassette is, for example, a distance sensor that measures the distance to the top surface of the recording paper contained in the paper feed cassette and detects the remaining amount of recording paper from the measurement value.

[0020] The remaining toner amount sensor 17 is, for example, a magnetic permeability sensor, and detects the magnetic permeability of the toner in a toner container that contains the toner, thereby detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner container.

[0021] The operation unit 47 receives instructions, such as an instruction to execute an image forming operation, from an operator regarding various operations and processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 47 includes a display unit 473 that displays operation guides and the like for the operator. The operation unit 47 also receives input of instructions from the user via a touch panel provided in the display unit 473, based on the user's operation (touch operation) on an operation screen displayed on the display unit 473 or the user's operation on physical keys.

[0022] The display unit 473 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like. The display unit 473 is equipped with a touch panel. When the operator touches a button or key displayed on the screen, the touch panel receives an instruction associated with the touched position.

[0023] The network interface unit 91 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various data to and from an external device (eg, the information processing device 2) within a local area or on the Internet.

[0024] The storage unit 8 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various control programs and the like.

[0025] The control unit 10 includes a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a dedicated hardware circuit. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100 and an error detection unit 101.

[0026] The control unit 10 functions as a control unit 100 and an error detection unit 101 by the operation of the processor in accordance with a control program stored in the storage unit 8. However, the control unit 100 and the like can also be configured by hardware circuits, without relying on the operation of the control unit 10 in accordance with a control program. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise stated.

[0027] The control unit 100 is responsible for controlling the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 100 is connected to the document feeding unit 6, the document reading unit 5, the image forming unit 12, the fixing unit 13, the paper feeding unit 14, the recording paper transport sensor 15, the recording paper remaining amount sensor 16, the toner remaining amount sensor 17, the operation unit 47, the network interface unit 91, and the storage unit 8, and performs drive control of each of these units.

[0028] For example, the control unit 100 executes various processes necessary for image formation by the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 100 controls the operation of the image forming unit 12 and the like, and executes a print job received from the information processing device 2 via the network interface unit 91.

[0029] The error detection unit 101 detects the occurrence of a print error that makes it impossible to execute a print job. The error detection unit 101 detects, for example, a paper jam of recording paper used in image formation by the image forming unit 12, a paper shortage, or a toner shortage (shortage of recording agent) as a print error.

[0030] Error detection unit 101 determines that a paper jam has occurred if a signal indicating the presence of recording paper output from recording paper transport sensor 15 continues for a certain period of time or more. Error detection unit 101 also determines that there is a paper shortage or toner shortage if a detection signal output from remaining recording paper sensor 16 or remaining toner sensor 17 indicates a paper shortage or toner shortage. Error detection unit 101 also detects not only hardware printing errors such as paper jams, but also printing process errors, i.e. software printing errors, using existing error detection algorithms.

[0031] When the error detection unit 101 detects the occurrence of a print error, the control unit 100 transmits an error notification to the information processing device 2, which is the sender of the print job, to notify the occurrence of the print error via the network interface unit 91. The control unit 100 also transmits progress information of the print job to the information processing device 2, which is the sender of the print job, as appropriate, via the network interface unit 91. The progress information includes the number of sheets that have been printed.

[0032] As a result, the information processing device 2, which is the sender of the print job, recognizes the number of printed sheets that have been printed by the image forming device 1. Therefore, the information processing device 2 also recognizes the incomplete portion of the print job. For example, if the total number of printed sheets in the print job is 100 sheets, and the number of printed sheets that have been printed by the image forming device 1 is 70 sheets, the information processing device 2 recognizes that the incomplete portion is 30 sheets (=100-70).

[0033] 3 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic diagram of the main internal configuration of the information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24, and a storage unit 25. These components transmit and receive data or signals to and from each other via a communication bus.

[0034] The operation unit 22 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 22 accepts input of instructions based on operations by a user. The operation unit 22 sends commands and characters to the control unit 21 according to the input instructions.

[0035] The display unit 23 is made up of an LCD or the like, and displays responses and data results from the control unit 21.

[0036] The communication unit 24 is a communication interface that transmits and receives various data to and from an external device, such as the image forming apparatus 1, within a local area or on the Internet.

[0037] The storage unit 25 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD or SSD, and stores various control programs. The storage unit 25 also stores a printer driver 250.

[0038] The control unit 21 includes a processor, a RAM, a ROM, and a dedicated hardware circuit. The processor is, for example, a CPU, an ASIC, or an MPU. The control unit 21 includes a control unit 210 and a processing unit 211.

[0039] The control unit 21 functions as a control unit 210 by operation of the processor in accordance with a control program stored in the storage unit 25. The control unit 21 also functions as a processing unit 211 by operation of the processor in accordance with a printer driver 250 stored in the storage unit 25. However, the control unit 210 and the processing unit 211 can also be configured by hardware circuits, regardless of operation in accordance with the control program by the control unit 21 and the printer driver 250. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise stated.

[0040] The control unit 210 is responsible for controlling the overall operation of the information processing device 2. The control unit 210 is connected to the operation unit 22, the display unit 23, the communication unit 24, and the storage unit 25, and performs drive control and the like for each of these units.

[0041] The processing unit 211 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 24, and requests the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the print job. The processing unit 211 has information indicating the printing speed (sheets / min) of each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1A to 1E.

[0042] When the operation unit 22 receives a user instruction to distribute the execution of a print job, the processing unit 211 sets the execution range of the print job at each image forming device 1 based on the printing speed of each of two or more image forming devices 1 selected by the user from among the multiple image forming devices 1A to 1E, so that the printing time required for distributed execution at each image forming device 1 is equal, and requests the two or more image forming devices 1, as execution devices that distribute and execute the print job, to execute the print job within the set execution range.

[0043] <Distributed Execution Example 1> Distributed execution of a print job will be described with reference to Fig. 4, taking as an example a case where two image forming devices 1A and 1B are selected as execution devices by the user. As described above, the execution ranges SE_A and SE_B of print job J1 in image forming devices 1A and 1B are set based on the printing speeds PS_A and PS_B of image forming devices 1A and 1B, respectively, so that the printing times T1 required to execute print job J1 in each image forming device 1A and 1B are equal.

[0044] The processing unit 211 sets the execution range by using, for example, the following formulas 1 and 2.

[0045] Formula 1 Print time T1 = Number of printed sheets by print job J1 N1 / (print speed PS_A + print speed PS_B)

[0046] Formula 2: Execution range SE of each image forming device 1 = Print speed PS of each image forming device 1 × Print time T1

[0047] If the number of prints N1 by print job J1 is 50, the print speed PS_A of image forming apparatus 1A is 55 sheets per minute, and the print speed PS_B of image forming apparatus 1B is 26 sheets per minute, then the print time T1 is 0.62 minutes (≈50 / (55+26)). Therefore, the execution range SE_A of print job J1 in image forming apparatus 1A is 34 sheets (≈55×0.62), and the execution range SE_B of print job J1 in image forming apparatus 1B is 16 sheets (≈26×0.62).

[0048] Figure 5 (A) is a table showing the printing speed PS of each image forming device 1A, 1B as an execution device of distributed execution, the number of sheets N1 printed by print job J1, the printing time T1, and the execution range SE of print job J1 at each image forming device 1.

[0049] The processing unit 211 also has information indicating the order of the image forming devices 1A to 1E. The processing unit 211 ranks the executing devices that distribute and execute the print job, sets the execution range while maintaining the print order of each page indicated by the print job, and assigns pages with lower numbers to executing devices with higher ranks. The order of executing devices is determined by giving the higher print speed to the higher order, or the order of each image forming device set by an instruction input to the operation unit 22 is applied.

[0050] For example, when image forming device 1A is set to first place in the ranking and image forming device 1B is set to second place in the ranking, processing unit 211 assigns the first 34 pages of the print job, from page 1 to page 34, to image forming device 1A, and assigns the remaining 16 pages, from page 35 to the final page 50, to image forming device 1B.

[0051] For reference, the print time T11 when print job J1 is executed using image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B individually is 0.91 minutes (≒50 / 55) and 1.92 minutes (≒50 / 26), as shown in Fig. 5B. Naturally, the print time is longer than when the jobs are distributed.

[0052] Distributed Execution Example 2 Distributed execution of a print job will be described with reference to FIG. 6, taking as an example a case in which three image forming apparatuses 1A, 1C, and 1D are selected by a user as execution apparatuses.

[0053] The execution ranges SE_A, SE_C, SE_D of the print job J2 in the image forming devices 1A, 1C, 1D are set by the processing unit 211 based on the printing speeds PS_A, PS_C, PS_D of the image forming devices 1A, 1C, 1D, as described above, so that the printing times T2 required to execute the print job J2 in each image forming device 1A, 1C, 1D are equal.

[0054] The processing unit 211 sets the execution range SE by using, for example, the following formulas 3 and 4.

[0055] Equation 3: Printing time T2 = Number of printed sheets by print job J2 N2 / (printing speed PS_A + printing speed PS_C + printing speed PS_D)

[0056] Equation 4: Execution range SE of each image forming device 1 = Print speed PS of each image forming device 1 × Print time T2

[0057] When the number of prints N2 by print job J2 is 450 sheets, the print speed PS_A of image forming apparatus 1A is 55 sheets per minute, the print speed PS_C of image forming apparatus 1C is 40 sheets per minute, and the print speed PS_D of image forming apparatus 1D is 70 sheets per minute, the print time T2 is 2.73 minutes (≒450 / (55+40+70)). Therefore, the execution range SE_A of print job J2 in image forming apparatus 1A is 150 sheets (≒55×2.73), the execution range SE_C of print job J2 in image forming apparatus 1C is 109 sheets (≒40×2.73), and the execution range SE_D of print job J2 in image forming apparatus 1D is 191 sheets (≒70×2.73).

[0058] Figure 7 is a table showing the printing speed PS of each of the image forming devices 1A, 1C, and 1D acting as executing devices for distributed execution, the number of sheets N2 printed by print job J2, the printing time T2, and the execution range SE of print job J2 at each image forming device 1.

[0059] In addition, when image forming device 1A is set to first place in the ranking, image forming device 1C is set to second place in the ranking, and image forming device 1D is set to third place in the ranking, processing unit 211 assigns the first 150 sheets of print job J2, from page 1 to page 150, to image forming device 1A, the next 109 sheets, from page 151 to page 259, to image forming device 1C, and the remaining 191 sheets, from page 260 to the final page 450, to image forming device 1D.

[0060] Next, a case will be described in which a print error (eg, paper jam, paper shortage, toner shortage) occurs in an execution device (image forming device 1) that distributes and executes a print job, preventing the print job from being executed.

[0061] When a printing error occurs in an executing device that makes it impossible to execute the print job after distributing and allocating the print job to each executing device and transmitting the print job, the processing unit 211 assigns the uncompleted portion of the print job in the executing device where the printing error occurred to another executing device among the executing devices where the printing error did not occur, and requests the executing device where the printing error occurred to stop executing the print job.

[0062] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a case where a print error occurs when print jobs are being distributed and executed. Fig. 8 shows a case where print job J2 is distributed and executed by image forming apparatuses 1A, 1C, and 1D as shown in Fig. 6, and a print error occurs in image forming apparatus 1C one minute after the execution starts.

[0063] Since it is one minute after the start of execution, the number of printed sheets (printed portion) executed by image forming apparatus 1C, which has a printing speed of 40 sheets per minute, is 40 sheets. Since the execution range SE_C of print job J2 on image forming apparatus 1C is 109 sheets, the uncompleted portion is 69 sheets (=109-40).

[0064] When image forming apparatus 1C is executing print job J2 in normal order printing, the completed portion is 40 sheets, from page 151 to page 190, and the incomplete portion is 69 sheets, from page 191 to page 259. Conversely, when image forming apparatus 1C is executing print job J2 in reverse order printing, the completed portion is 40 sheets, from page 259 to page 220, and the incomplete portion is 69 sheets, from page 219 to page 151.

[0065] Therefore, for example, when image forming device 1C is executing print job J2 in forward printing order, processing unit 211 assigns 69 pages from page 191 to page 259 of print job J2 to image forming devices 1A and 1D, and requests image forming device 1C, where a printing error has occurred, to stop executing print job J2.

[0066] 9, the processor 211 allocates 69 sheets (from page 191 to page 259) of the incomplete portion of the print job to the other execution devices (image forming devices 1A and 1D) that are not experiencing a print error, excluding the image forming device 1C that is an execution device in which a print error has occurred, based on the print speeds PS_A and PS_D of the other execution devices so that the print times required for execution of the incomplete portion in each of the other execution devices are equal. Specifically, the processor 211 allocates 30 sheets of the incomplete portion, from page 191 to page 220, to the image forming device 1A, and allocates 39 sheets of the incomplete portion, from page 221 to page 259, to the image forming device 1D. In this way, when the incomplete portion of 69 sheets is allocated to the image forming devices 1A and 1D, the printing time added to the image forming devices 1A and 1D is 0.55 minutes (≈69 / (55+70)).

[0067] Next, a first embodiment of a process for distributing a print job in the information processing device 2 and allocating it to each image forming device will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a process for distributing a print job in the information processing device 2 and allocating it to each image forming device. Note that this process is performed when the operation unit 22 receives a user operation that instructs to distribute and execute a print job.

[0068] The processing unit 211 sets the execution range of the print job in each image forming device 1 so that the printing time required for distributed execution in each of the selected image forming devices 1 is equal based on the printing speed of each of the two or more image forming devices 1 selected by the user from among the multiple image forming devices 1A to 1E via the operation unit 22 (S1). Then, the processing unit 211 requests the execution of the print job in the set execution range to the two or more image forming devices 1 as execution devices that distribute and execute the print job (S2).

[0069] As shown in the example of Figure 6, when print job J2 is distributed among image forming devices 1A, 1C, and 1D, processing unit 211 sends the same print job J2 to image forming devices 1A, 1C, and 1D, and also sends information indicating the range of page numbers to be executed (i.e., information indicating the above-mentioned execution range) to each image forming device 1A, 1C, and 1D.

[0070] When the processing unit 211 receives progress information of the print job (including a print job completion notification and a print error notification) sent appropriately from the image forming device 1 that requested the execution of the print job, it stores the received progress information in the memory unit 25 or the like (S3), and determines whether the execution of the print job has been completed in all image forming devices 1 that requested the execution of the print job based on the progress information from the image forming device 1 (S4).

[0071] When the processing unit 211 determines that all image forming devices 1 that requested the execution of the print job have completed the execution of the print job (YES in S4), the processing ends. On the other hand, when the processing unit 211 determines that there is an image forming device 1 that has not completed the execution of the print job (NO in S4), it determines whether there is an image forming device 1 in which a print error has occurred (S5).

[0072] If the processor 211 determines that an image forming device 1 in which a print error has occurred exists (i.e., a print error has occurred in the executing device) (YES in S5), it identifies the uncompleted portion of the print job in the image forming device 1 in which the print error has occurred (S6). For example, as shown in Fig. 8, if a print error has occurred in image forming device 1C, it identifies "pages 191 to 259" as the uncompleted portion of print job J2. On the other hand, if the processor 211 determines that an image forming device 1 in which a print error has occurred does not exist (i.e., a print error has not occurred in the executing device) (NO in S5), the process returns to S3.

[0073] The processor 211 assigns the uncompleted portion of the print job to other execution devices where no print error has occurred (S7), and requests the execution device where the print error has occurred to stop execution of the print job (S8). After this, the process returns to S3. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the processor 211 assigns the uncompleted portion of 69 sheets to the other execution devices (image forming devices 1A and 1D).

[0074] According to the first embodiment, the execution range of the print job in each image forming device 1 is set based on the printing speed, which is one of the performance characteristics of the image forming device 1, so that it is possible to optimize the distributed execution of the print job. Furthermore, if a printing error occurs in an execution device that distributes and executes the print job, the uncompleted portion is assigned to another execution device where no printing error has occurred, so that the print job can be expected to be completed quickly and a decrease in convenience can be prevented.

[0075] However, when a printing error occurs in an execution device that distributes print jobs, if the uncompleted portion of the print job is assigned to other execution devices so that the printing time required to execute the uncompleted portion on each of the other execution devices is equal, it may take time for the user to collect the printed materials or organize the pages.

[0076] 9, when a user collects prints formed by image forming apparatuses 1A, 1C, and 1D, the user must manually insert the stack of prints collected by image forming apparatus 1B (pages 151 to 190) into an appropriate position between the stacks of prints collected by image forming apparatus 1A (pages 1 to 150 and 191 to 220), which is a cumbersome and time-consuming task for the user.

[0077] Therefore, as a second embodiment of the process of distributing print jobs in the information processing device 2 to each image forming device, the processing unit 211 assigns the print job of the incomplete portion to an execution device that is one step lower in rank than the execution device in which the print error occurred, as shown in FIG. 11, during normal order printing, while assigning the print job of the incomplete portion to an execution device that is one step higher in rank than the execution device in which the print error occurred, as shown in FIG. 12, during reverse order printing. As a result, the printed matter printed based on the print job of the incomplete portion is discharged following the last page or following the first page of the printed matter discharged by the execution device to which the print job of the incomplete portion is assigned, so that the user can easily find the printed matter printed based on the print job of the incomplete portion, and the printed matter printed based on the print job of the incomplete portion is not distributed and discharged from a plurality of execution devices. Therefore, although the printing time is longer, the user can easily organize the pages and can complete the process in a short time.

[0078] As a third embodiment of the process of distributing print jobs to each image forming device in the information processing device 2, the processing unit 211 transmits a request to an executing device to which the print job of the uncompleted portion is assigned, to change the ejection method of the printed matter of the uncompleted portion and the other printed matter, via the communication unit 24. When the control unit 100 of the image forming device 1 receives the request via the network interface unit 91, it executes a predetermined process as shown below to realize the request.

[0079] The image forming apparatus 1 has a sorting function and includes a plurality of output trays (output destinations) for outputting printed matter. The control unit 100 executes a process for changing the output destination for printed matter of an incomplete portion and other printed matter.

[0080] Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 has an offset mechanism that shifts the printed matter discharged onto the discharge tray in the width direction. In this case, the control unit 100 causes the offset mechanism to perform an operation to shift the unfinished portion of the printed matter in the width direction. This makes it easier for the user to organize the pages, and can be completed in a short time, without increasing the printing time.

[0081] In addition, as a fourth embodiment of the process of distributing print jobs in the information processing device 2 and allocating them to each image forming device, if the printing error is a shortage of paper or recording agent (lack of toner), the processing unit 211 will not assign the incomplete portion of the print job to another executing device and will not request the executing device where the printing error occurred to stop executing the print job.

[0082] However, since a printing error due to a paper shortage or toner shortage can be relatively easily resolved by replenishing paper or toner, the processing unit 211 does not request the interruption or execution suspension in the case of a printing error due to a paper shortage or toner shortage. In other words, although the printing error will have to be resolved, it is highly likely that the error will be resolved quickly, so waiting for the printing error to be resolved actually leads to improved convenience.

[0083] Furthermore, as described above, when performing distributed execution of print jobs, if the number of sheets printed by a print job is small, the burden on the user for collecting and sorting the printed materials may be greater than in the case of a single execution. Therefore, if the number of sheets printed by a print job is small, it may be more efficient to perform the print job using a single image forming device 1 rather than using distributed execution using two or more image forming devices 1.

[0084] Therefore, as a fifth embodiment of the process for distributing a print job in the information processing device 2 and allocating it to each image forming device, the processing unit 211 compares the printing time on the execution device when the print job is distributed and executed, plus a predetermined collection and organization time required for the user to collect and organize the printed materials on each execution device, with the printing time when the print job is executed only by the execution device with the fastest printing speed among the execution devices, and if it determines that the printing time is shorter than the above-mentioned required time, it does not request the execution device to execute the print job in a distributed manner, but instead requests the execution device with the fastest printing speed among the execution devices to execute the entire print job.

[0085] The collection and sorting time varies depending on the number of execution devices that distribute the print jobs. For example, if the collection and sorting time is set to (10 seconds + number of devices x 5 seconds), it is 0.33 minutes (≒(10+2x5) / 60) when there are two execution devices, and 0.42 minutes (≒(10+3x5) / 60) when there are three execution devices.

[0086] 5A and 5B, the printing time T1 (0.62 minutes) when the print job J1 is distributed and executed by the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B is naturally shorter than the printing time T11 (0.91 minutes) when the print job J1 is executed solely by the image forming apparatus 1A, which has the faster printing speed of the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B, but the required time obtained by adding the above-mentioned collection and sorting time (0.33 minutes) to the printing time T1 is 0.95 minutes (≈0.62+0.33), so the printing time T11 is shorter. Therefore, in such a case, the processing unit 211 performs processing for sole execution by the image forming apparatus 1A, rather than distributed execution.

[0087] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. In addition, in the above embodiment, the configuration and processing shown in the above embodiment using Figures 1 to 12 are merely one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration and processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1. Image forming device 2. Information processing equipment 11 Image forming system 12 Image forming section 22 Control section 24 Communications Department 100 Control section 211 Processing section 250 Printer Driver

Claims

1. A communication unit that communicates with a plurality of image forming apparatuses; An operation unit that receives input of instructions from a user, and a computer that is provided in an information processing device that includes the operation unit, a processing unit that transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit and requests the image forming apparatus to execute the print job; The processing unit includes: when the operation unit receives an instruction to execute distributed processing of the print job, based on the printing speeds of two or more of the image forming devices selected from the plurality of image forming devices by the instruction input to the operation unit, equalizing the printing times required for executing the distributed processing in each of the image forming devices, and setting an execution range of the print job in each of the image forming devices; The printer driver further causes the computer to function to request execution of the print job within the set execution scope from the two or more image forming apparatuses as execution apparatuses that distribute and execute the print job.

2. The printer driver according to claim 1, further causing the computer to function such that, when a printing error occurs in the execution device that makes it impossible to execute the print job, the processing unit assigns the uncompleted portion of the print job on the execution device where the printing error occurred to another execution device among the execution devices where the printing error has not occurred, and requests the execution device where the printing error has occurred to stop executing the print job.

3. The printer driver according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit further causes the computer to function to assign the print job of the incomplete portion to the other execution devices so that the printing time required to execute the incomplete portion on each of the other execution devices is equal, based on the printing speed of each of the other execution devices.

4. the processing unit has information indicating a ranking of the execution devices, sets the execution range while maintaining a print order of each page indicated by the print job, and assigns pages with lower numbers to the execution devices with higher rankings; 3. The printer driver according to claim 2, further causing the computer to function such that, when the printing error occurs in the execution device, in normal order printing, the incomplete portion of the print job is assigned to the execution device that is one step lower in the order than the execution device in which the printing error occurred, and, when printing in reverse order, the incomplete portion of the print job is assigned to the execution device that is one step higher in the order than the execution device in which the printing error occurred.

5. The printer driver according to claim 2 , wherein the processing unit further causes the computer to function to request the execution device to which the print job of the incomplete portion is assigned to change the ejection method of the printed material of the incomplete portion and other printed materials.

6. The printer driver according to claim 2 , wherein the processing unit further causes the computer to function so as not to make the allocation and the request to stop execution when the printing error is a paper shortage or a recording material shortage.

7. the processing unit compares a required time obtained by adding a predetermined collection and organization time required for a user to collect and organize printed materials at each of the execution devices to the printing time at the execution devices when the print job is executed in a distributed manner, with a printing time when the print job is executed only by the execution device having the fastest printing speed among the execution devices; The printer driver according to claim 1 , further causing the computer to function such that, when it is determined that the printing time is shorter than the required time, a request for distributed processing is not made to the execution device, and instead, a request is made to the execution device among the execution devices that has the fastest printing speed to execute the entire print job.

8. An image forming system including a plurality of image forming devices and an information processing device that transmits a print job to the image forming devices and requests the image forming devices to execute the print job, the plurality of image forming devices and the information processing device being capable of communicating with each other, The image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; a control unit that controls an operation of the image forming unit to execute the print job transmitted from the information processing device, The information processing device includes: a communication unit that communicates with the plurality of image forming apparatuses; an operation unit for receiving input of instructions from a user; a processing unit that transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit to request the image forming apparatus to execute the print job; Furthermore, the processing unit when the operation unit receives an instruction to execute distributed processing of the print job, based on the printing speeds of two or more of the image forming devices selected from the plurality of image forming devices by the instruction input to the operation unit, equalizing the printing times required for executing the distributed processing in each of the image forming devices, and setting an execution range of the print job in each of the image forming devices; The image forming system requests the two or more image forming apparatuses as execution apparatuses that distribute and execute the print job to execute the print job within the set execution range.

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