Information processing system and information processing program

Abstract

To reduce the sum of waiting times compared with a case where a new job is started only after the completion of a preceding job.SOLUTION: An information processing system 80 comprises at least one processor. When an image forming apparatus 30 receives a job and subsequently receives a new job, and when the sum of a first waiting time from the time when a preceding user instructing a preceding job that is received before the new job is predicted to arrive at the image forming apparatus 30 until the completion of the preceding job, and a second waiting time from the time when a new user instructing the new job is predicted to arrive at the image forming apparatus 30 until the completion of the new job, is shorter than that in a case where the new job is started after the completion of the preceding job, the processor sets the timing to execute the new job to the timing before the completion of the preceding job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that schedules the execution of a print job so that the execution of the print job requested by a user is completed by the time the user arrives at the apparatus main body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-200915 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to shorten the sum of waiting times compared to when a new job is started only after the preceding job is completed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing system of the first aspect includes at least one processor, and when an image forming device accepts a new job after accepting a job, the processor sets the execution timing of the new job to before the completion of the preceding job if the sum of a first waiting time from the predicted arrival at the image forming device of the preceding user who requested the preceding job that was accepted earlier to the completion of the preceding job and a second waiting time from the predicted arrival at the image forming device of a new user who requested a new job to the completion of the new job is shorter than starting the new job after the completion of the preceding job.

[0006] In a second aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the processor compares the time required from the time the new job is received to the time the preceding job is completed with the time required from the time the new job is received to the time the new job is completed, and if the time required to complete the preceding job is less than or equal to the time required to complete the new job, sets the execution timing to after the completion of the preceding job, and if the time required to complete the preceding job is longer than the time required to complete the new job, sets the execution timing to before the completion of the preceding job.

[0007] In a third aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the second aspect, the processor calculates a travel time required for the new user to travel to the image forming device from the time the new job is received, and if the new job is a job that requires direct operation of the image forming device to be executed, calculates the total of the travel time and the net time required to execute the new job as the time required for the new job to be completed, and if the new job is a job that does not require direct operation of the image forming device to be executed, the new user executes the new job while traveling, and calculates the longer of the travel time and the net time required to execute the new job as the time required for the new job to be completed.

[0008] In a fourth aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the third aspect, if the new job is a job that does not require direct operation of the image forming device for execution, the execution timing of the new job is set so that the new job is completed at the predicted time of the new user's arrival.

[0009] A fifth aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the third aspect, wherein the processor calculates the travel time required for the preceding user to travel to the image forming device from the time of receiving the new job, and if the preceding job is a job that requires direct operation of the image forming device to be executed, calculates the total of the travel time and the net time required to execute the preceding job as the time required for completion of the preceding job, and if the preceding job is a job that does not require direct operation of the image forming device to be executed, the preceding user executes the preceding job while traveling, and calculates the longer of the travel time and the net time required to execute the preceding job as the time required for completion of the preceding job.

[0010] In a sixth aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the fifth aspect, if the preceding job is a job that does not require direct operation of the image forming device for execution, the execution timing of the preceding job is set so that the preceding job is completed at the predicted time of arrival of the preceding user.

[0011] A seventh aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the fifth aspect, wherein the processor is capable of acquiring the positions of the preceding user and the new user, and calculates the travel time of the preceding user from the position at which the preceding user instructed the preceding job to be executed, the position of the image forming device, and the walking speed of the preceding user, and calculates the travel time of the new user from the position at which the new user instructed the new job to be executed, the position of the image forming device, and the walking speed of the new user.

[0012] An information processing system of an eighth aspect is the information processing system of the seventh aspect, wherein the processor calculates the walking speed from time transitions of positions of the preceding user and the new user.

[0013] An information processing system of a ninth aspect is the information processing system of the seventh aspect, wherein the processor uses a fixed value defined as the walking speed.

[0014] In a tenth aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the second aspect, the processor is capable of obtaining the positions of the preceding user and the new user, and when the execution timing of the new job is set to after the completion of the preceding job, and after a specified time has elapsed, the preceding user is not detected in an area within a specified distance from the image forming device and the new user is detected, the new job is executed before the completion of the preceding job.

[0015] An information processing system of an eleventh aspect is the information processing system of the first or second aspect, further comprising a plurality of jobs as the preceding job.

[0016] In an information processing system of a twelfth aspect, in the information processing system of the third aspect, the direct operation includes an authentication operation for the new user.

[0017] In a thirteenth aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first or second aspect, when the preceding job and the new job are jobs that involve paper output, and the execution timing of the new job is set before the completion of the preceding job, the processor executes a process to distinguish between the paper of the preceding job and the paper of the new job.

[0018] A fourteenth aspect of the information processing program causes the system to, when an image forming device accepts a new job after accepting a job, set the timing of execution of the new job to before the completion of the preceding job if the sum of a first waiting time from the predicted arrival at the image forming device of a user who requested the previously accepted preceding job to the completion of the preceding job and a second waiting time from the predicted arrival at the image forming device of a user who requested a new job to the completion of the new job is shorter than starting the new job after the completion of the preceding job. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the information processing system of the first aspect and the information processing program of the fourteenth aspect, the sum of waiting times can be shortened compared to a case in which a new job is started only after the preceding job is completed.

[0020] According to the information processing system of the second aspect, a job that takes a relatively short time to complete is executed first, so there is no need to wait for the completion of a job that takes a long time to complete. This reduces the total waiting time of the preceding user who has instructed to execute the preceding job and the waiting time of the new user who has instructed to execute the new job.

[0021] According to the third aspect of the information processing system, in the case of a job that does not require direct operation of the image forming device to be executed, the new user executes the new job while moving, thereby shortening the waiting time of the new user compared to when the new user executes the new job after moving to the image forming device.

[0022] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, it is possible to prevent a mistake in picking up the job by another person, compared to a case where the job is completed before the new user arrives at the image forming apparatus.

[0023] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, in the case of a job that does not require direct operation of the image forming device for execution, the preceding user executes the new job while moving, thereby shortening the waiting time of the preceding user compared to a case in which the preceding user executes the preceding job after moving to the image forming device.

[0024] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, it is possible to prevent the mistake of another person picking up the job, compared to a case where the job is completed before the preceding user arrives at the image forming apparatus.

[0025] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, the travel time of the preceding user is calculated by dividing the travel distance calculated from the position where the preceding user instructed to execute the preceding job and the position of the image forming device by the walking speed. Similarly, the travel time of the new user is calculated by dividing the travel distance calculated from the position where the new user instructed to execute the new job and the position of the image forming device by the walking speed.

[0026] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, since a different walking speed can be calculated for each user, the travel time can be calculated with higher accuracy than when a fixed value determined as the walking speed is used.

[0027] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, since the travel time is calculated regardless of whether the user has moved or not, it is possible to set the execution timing of the new job immediately after issuing an instruction to execute the new job.

[0028] According to the information processing system of the tenth aspect, in the case where the preceding user does not come near the image forming apparatus at the predicted time, the waiting time of the new user can be shortened.

[0029] According to the information processing system of the eleventh aspect, the waiting time of three or more users can be shortened.

[0030] According to the information processing system of the twelfth aspect, the total time of the waiting time of the preceding user and the waiting time of the new user can be shortened regardless of whether authentication of the new user is required or not.

[0031] According to the information processing system of the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to prevent a previous user or a new user from mixing up paper. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A]10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a time required for each of a preceding job and a walk-up job as a new job to be completed in the information processing system according to the embodiment; [Figure 3B] 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the waiting time of a preceding user and the waiting time of a new user when a new job is executed after the completion of a preceding job in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3C] 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the waiting time of a preceding user and the waiting time of a new user when a new job is executed before the completion of a preceding job in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4A] 11 is another conceptual diagram illustrating the time required for each of a preceding job and a walk-up job as a new job to be completed in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4B] 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the waiting time of a preceding user and the waiting time of a new user when a new job is executed before the completion of a preceding job in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4C] 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the waiting time of a preceding user and the waiting time of a new user when a new job is executed after the completion of a preceding job in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5A] 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a time required for each of a preceding job and a remote job as a new job to be completed in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5B] 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the waiting time of a preceding user and the waiting time of a new user when a new job is executed before the completion of a preceding job in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5C] 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the waiting time of a preceding user and the waiting time of a new user when a new job is executed after the completion of a preceding job in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6A]11 is another conceptual diagram illustrating the time required for each of a preceding job and a remote job as a new job to be completed in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6B] 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the waiting time of a preceding user and the waiting time of a new user when a new job is executed before the completion of a preceding job in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6C] 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the waiting time of a preceding user and the waiting time of a new user when a new job is executed after the completion of a preceding job in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7A] 11 is another conceptual diagram illustrating the time required for each of a preceding job and a remote job as a new job to be completed in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7B] 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the waiting time of a preceding user and the waiting time of a new user when a new job is executed before the completion of a preceding job in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a positional relationship between an input device, an image forming device, and a user's portable terminal in an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9A] A conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which a preceding user is not detected within a specified distance from the image forming device when a new job is set to be executed after a preceding job is completed in an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9B] 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which a setting for executing a new job after a preceding job is completed has been changed in the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a posture abnormality detection process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, an information processing system and an information processing program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are the same components. However, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and may be present in multiple numbers.

[0034] In addition, explanations of configurations and symbols that are duplicated in each drawing may be omitted. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and may be implemented by making appropriate modifications, such as omitting configurations, replacing them with different configurations, or combining one embodiment and various modified examples, within the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0035] <Information processing system> An information processing system 80 shown in FIG. 1 is a system constructed in a job setting device 10 in an image forming apparatus 30, and is used in combination with an input device 20 and a mobile terminal 22.

[0036] In this disclosure, a "system" includes anything configured from a single device, anything configured from multiple devices, and anything built within a higher-level device or system.

[0037] For example, the information processing system 80 of this embodiment can be constructed in a job setting device 10 within the image forming device 30, but it may also be constructed in a job setting device 10 provided separately from the image forming device 30, or it may be constructed across the input device 20 and the mobile terminal 22.

[0038] In addition, the various processes executed by the information processing system 80 can also be executed on the cloud, an on-premise server, an edge server, an end point, etc.

[0039] The information processing system 80 is used to improve the efficiency of execution of various jobs by the image forming apparatus 30 shared by multiple users. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 30 accepts multiple jobs simultaneously, the information processing system 80 is used to shorten the waiting time of multiple users who have instructed these jobs.

[0040] (Input Device) The input device 20 is, for example, a personal computer or a tablet terminal operated by a user. The input device 20 can instruct the image forming apparatus 30 to execute various jobs. Jobs instructed to be executed by the input device 20 can be broadly classified into walk-up jobs and remote jobs.

[0041] A walk-up job is a job that "requires" direct operation of the image forming apparatus 30 when executed, and this job includes copying, scanning, faxing with scanning, printing that requires user authentication, and the like.

[0042] An example of a "direct operation of the image forming apparatus 30" is an operation of placing a document on the document tray of the image forming apparatus 30, such as copying or faxing a printed matter. Also, a "print requiring user authentication" is a print job that requires an authentication operation (direct operation) by inputting a signal to the image forming apparatus 30 using an authentication card or the like that stores personal information when executing the print. Note that the present disclosure can be applied regardless of whether or not user authentication is required for printing.

[0043] When copying a printed material, instruction information such as the number of copies, color or black and white output, and scale can be input via an input unit such as a touch panel in the image forming apparatus 30. However, in this disclosure, it is assumed that these can be input via the input device 20. Also, it is assumed that the destination for FAX transmission can be input via the input device 20. The user inputs various instruction information for a walk-up job via the input device 20.

[0044] On the other hand, a remote job is a job that does not require direct operation of the image forming apparatus 30 when it is executed, and this job includes printing that does not require user authentication, receiving a fax with printing, etc. A remote job can be executed while the user is on the move.

[0045] (Mobile devices) The mobile terminal 22 is a terminal such as a smartphone or a smartwatch carried by a user, and has a communication function capable of identifying the positions of the image forming apparatus 30 and the input device 20 in the space in which they are installed. The communication function is not particularly limited, but an example is a communication function using Bluetooth (registered trademark). Instructions to execute various jobs to the image forming apparatus 30 may be executed via the mobile terminal 22.

[0046] (Image forming device) The image forming apparatus 30 accepts jobs input through the input device 20 and through direct operations, and executes the designated jobs. Jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 30 include the above-mentioned walk-up jobs and remote jobs.

[0047] (Electrical configuration of the job setting device) As shown in FIG. 1, the job setting device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 11, a memory 12 as a temporary storage area, a non-volatile storage unit 13, an input unit 14, a display unit 15 such as a liquid crystal display, a medium reading and writing device (R / W) 16, a communication interface (I / F) unit 18, and an external I / F unit 19. The CPU 11, the memory 12, the storage unit 13, the input unit 14, the display unit 15, the medium reading and writing device 16, the communication I / F unit 18, and the external I / F unit 19 are connected to each other via a bus B1. The medium reading and writing device 16 reads information written in a recording medium 17 and writes information to the recording medium 17. The communication I / F unit 18 is an interface for communicatively connecting the job setting device 10 to, for example, a server provided outside the job setting device 10 and various terminals used by users (such as personal computers, smartphones, and tablets including an input device 20 and a mobile terminal 22). The communication I / F unit 18 uses communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and LAN (Local Area Network).

[0048] (Storage part) The storage unit 13 is realized by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like. A job setting program 13A is stored in the storage unit 13 as a storage medium. The job setting program 13A is stored in the storage unit 13 by setting a recording medium 17 on which the job setting program 13A is written in the medium reading and writing device 16, and the medium reading and writing device 16 reading the job setting program 13A from the recording medium 17. The CPU 11 reads the job setting program 13A from the storage unit 13, expands it in the memory 12, and sequentially executes the processes of the job setting program 13A. An execution timing database 13B and an input device database 13C, which will be described later, are stored in the storage unit 13.

[0049] (Input section) In the input unit 14, a user performs operations for starting and ending the job setting program 13A. The user is, for example, an administrator of the information processing system 80. The touch panel of the image forming apparatus 30 may also function as the input unit 14.

[0050] (Display) Information for starting and ending the job setting program 13A is displayed on the display unit 15. The display unit 15 may also function as a touch panel of the image forming apparatus 30.

[0051] (Functional configuration of job setting device) Next, a functional configuration of the job setting device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the job setting device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11A, a job judgment unit 11B, a calculation unit 11C, a comparison unit 11D, a setting unit 11E, and a control unit 11F. The CPU 11 of the job setting device 10 executes a job setting program 13A to function as the acquisition unit 11A, the job judgment unit 11B, the calculation unit 11C, the comparison unit 11D, the setting unit 11E, and the control unit 11F.

[0052] In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 30 is illustrated separately from the job setting apparatus 10 in order to indicate that the image forming apparatus 30 is an object to be controlled by the control unit 11F.

[0053] (Acquisition Department) The acquisition unit 11A acquires a job accepted by the image forming apparatus 30 and various instruction information for the job (e.g., instruction information such as the number of prints and color printing). The acquisition unit 11A also acquires the location of each user from the mobile terminal 22 carried by each user.

[0054] (Job Judgment Section) The job determination unit 11B determines the type of the job acquired by the acquisition unit 11A, that is, whether the acquired job is a walk-up job or a remote job.

[0055] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 11A acquires a new job, the job determination unit 11B determines whether or not there is a preceding job that has been accepted in advance.

[0056] (Calculation section) FIG. 3A shows, on a timeline, the net time N1 required to execute the new job when the acquisition unit 11A acquires a new job when there is a preceding job that has already been acquired, the travel time N2 of the new user who requested the new job, the execution time O1 of the preceding job, and the travel time O2 of the preceding user who requested the preceding job.

[0057] Also, the acceptance time of the new job is indicated as TB1, the end time as TB2, and the end time of the preceding job as TA2. The function of the calculation unit 11C will be described below with reference to each figure.

[0058] In the following description, it is assumed that a new user starts moving toward the image forming apparatus 30 immediately after instructing a new job.

[0059] 1. Calculating time when acquiring a new job When the acquisition unit 11A acquires a new job, the calculation unit 11C calculates the time required from the acceptance of the new job to the completion of the new job (for example, the time from TB1 to TB2 shown in FIG. 3A).

[0060] At this time, when the acquisition unit 11A acquires a new job, the calculation unit 11C calculates a travel time N2 required for a new user (a user who has instructed the new job) to travel from the time of acceptance of the new job to the image forming apparatus 30. A method of calculating the travel time N2 will be described later.

[0061] When the new job is a walk-up job, the calculation unit 11C calculates the total time of the movement time N2 and the net time N1 required to execute the new job as the time required to complete the new job (the time from TB1 to TB2). Note that the net time N1 required to execute the new job is calculated based on the parameters of the job (data size, number of copies, single-sided or double-sided printing, etc.) and the machine specifications of the image forming apparatus 30 (communication speed, etc.).

[0062] On the other hand, if the new job is a remote job, the control unit 11F described later controls the image forming apparatus 30 to execute the new job while the new user is moving. At this time, the calculation unit 11C calculates the longer of the moving time and the net time required to execute the new job as the time required to complete the new job.

[0063] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5A, the movement time N2 is longer than the net time N1 required to execute the new job. In this case, the time required to complete the new job is set to the movement time N2. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 6A, the net time N1 required to execute the new job is longer than the movement time N2. In this case, the time required to complete the new job is set to the net time N1 required to execute the new job.

[0064] 2. Calculating time when acquiring a new job when the previous job has already been acquired As shown in FIG. 3A, when the acquisition unit 11A acquires a new job in the presence of an acquired “preceding job,” the calculation unit 11C calculates the time required from the time the new job is accepted to the time the preceding job is completed (the time from TB1 to TA2).

[0065] At this time, when the acquisition unit 11A acquires a new job, the calculation unit 11C calculates a travel time O2 required for the preceding user (the user who instructed the preceding job) to travel from the time of acceptance of the new job to the image forming apparatus 30. A method of calculating the travel time O2 will be described later.

[0066] When the preceding job is a walk-up job, the calculation unit 11C calculates the total time of the movement time and the net time required for executing the preceding job as the time required for completing the preceding job.

[0067] On the other hand, when the preceding job is a remote job, the calculation unit 11C calculates the longer of the movement time and the net time required for executing the new job as the time required for completing the preceding job.

[0068] In FIG. 3A and other figures, the preceding job is a remote job, and the execution timing of the preceding job is set by a setting unit 11E (described later) so that the preceding job is completed at the predicted arrival time of the preceding user.

[0069] 3. Calculating travel time As described above, when the acquisition unit 11A acquires a new job, the calculation unit 11C calculates the travel time N2 required for the new user to travel to the image forming apparatus 30 from the time the new job is accepted.

[0070] At this time, the calculation unit 11C calculates the travel time N2 of the new user from the position where the new user instructed to execute the new job, the position of the image forming apparatus 30, and the walking speed of the new user.

[0071] 8, the position P1 where the new user instructs to execute a new job is the position of the input device 20. The input device database 13C stores this position P1 for each input device 20. The input device database 13C also stores the position P2 of the image forming device 30 and the distance (path distance) L1 between the positions P1 and P2.

[0072] The calculation unit 11C calculates the walking speed V of the new user. The acquisition unit 11A acquires the time transition of the position of the new user from the mobile terminal 22 carried by the new user, and calculates the walking speed V of the new user from this time transition.

[0073] The calculation unit 11C divides the distance L1 between the position P1 and the position P2 by the walking speed V to calculate the travel time N2 required for the new user to travel from the time of acceptance of the new job to the image forming apparatus 30.

[0074] The calculation unit 11C may use a fixed value determined as the walking speed V of the new user. As the fixed value, a fixed value registered for each user may be used, or an average walking speed for adults (for example, 0.8 to 1.0 m / sec) may be used.

[0075] Furthermore, as described above, when the acquisition unit 11A acquires a new job in the case where there is an already acquired “preceding job”, the calculation unit 11C calculates the travel time O2 required for the preceding user to move to the image forming device 30 from the time of receiving the new job.

[0076] At this time, the calculation unit 11C calculates the travel time O2 of the preceding user from the position where the preceding user instructed to execute the preceding job, the position of the image forming apparatus 30, and the walking speed of the preceding user.

[0077] The method of calculating the walking speed of the preceding user is the same as that of the new user, and a detailed description will be omitted. Also, the calculation unit 11C can use a determined fixed value as the walking speed of the preceding user.

[0078] 4. Deployment example In the above description, the calculation unit 11C calculates the travel time O2 of the preceding user and the time O1 required for the preceding job to be completed, starting from the acceptance time TB1 of the new job shown in FIG. 3(A).

[0079] However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. When acquiring a preceding job, the calculation unit 11C calculates the movement time of the preceding user and the time required to complete the preceding job, starting from the time of acceptance of the preceding job. That is, the calculation unit 11C calculates the movement completion time TA2 of the preceding user and the time TA2 at which the preceding job is completed.

[0080] Therefore, the calculation unit 11C does not necessarily need to calculate the movement time O2 of the preceding user and the time O1 required for the preceding job to be completed at the acceptance time TB1 of the new job.

[0081] (Comparator and setting unit) 1. Job configuration based on time required to complete the job The comparison unit 11D compares the time O1 required from the reception time TB1 of the new job to the completion of the preceding job with the time required from the reception time TB1 of the new job to the completion of the new job (the sum of the times N1 and N2).

[0082] If the time O1 required to complete the preceding job is equal to or less than the time required to complete the new job (the sum of the times N1 and N2) (FIG. 3A), the setting unit 11E sets the execution timing of the new job to "after completion" of the preceding job (FIG. 3B). The execution timing of the new job set by the setting unit 11E is stored in the execution timing database 13B (the same applies to the processes described below).

[0083] On the other hand, if the time O1 required to complete the preceding job is longer than the time required to complete the new job (the sum of the times N1 and N2) (FIG. 4A), the setting unit 11E sets the execution timing of the new job to “before completion” of the preceding job (FIG. 4B).

[0084] 2. Job setting based on waiting time The comparison unit 11D compares the waiting time in both cases of starting a new job after the preceding job is "completed" (FIG. 3B) and starting a new job before the preceding job is "completed" (i.e., by interrupting the preceding job) (FIG. 3C). Specifically, the comparison unit 11D compares the sum of a first waiting time T1 [T1=0 in FIG. 3B] from the predicted arrival time of the preceding user at the image forming device 30 to the completion of the preceding job, and a second waiting time T2 from the predicted arrival time of the new user at the image forming device to the completion of the new job.

[0085] The setting unit 11E determines whether to start a new job "after completion" of the preceding job or "before completion" of the preceding job so that the sum of the first waiting time T1 and the second waiting time T2 is small.

[0086] Specifically, when the sum of the first waiting time T1 and the second waiting time T2 is shorter than the case in which the new job is started "before completion" of the preceding job (FIG. 3C), the setting unit 11E sets the execution timing of the new job to "after completion" of the preceding job (FIG. 3B).

[0087] On the other hand, when the sum of the first waiting time T1 and the second waiting time T2 is shorter than the case in which the new job is started "after completion" of the preceding job (FIG. 4C), the setting unit 11E sets the execution timing of the new job to "before completion" of the preceding job (FIG. 4B).

[0088] When the results of the above-mentioned "job setting based on the time required to complete a job" and "job setting based on waiting time" differ, the "job setting based on waiting time" is given priority.

[0089] 3. Remote job example In the examples shown in Figures 3A and 4A, the new job is a walk-up job, whereas in the example shown in Figure 5A, the new job is a remote job.

[0090] In this example as well, since the time O1 required to complete the preceding job is longer than the time required to complete the new job (the longer of times N1 and N2, i.e., time N2), the setting unit 11E sets the execution timing of the new job to “before completion” of the preceding job (FIG. 5B).

[0091] Also, in this case, since the sum of the first waiting time T1 and the second waiting time T2 is shorter than when the new job is started “after completion” of the preceding job (FIG. 5C), the setting unit 11E sets the execution timing of the new job to “before completion” of the preceding job (FIG. 5B).

[0092] Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 6A, the time O1 required to complete the preceding job is longer than the time required to complete the new job (the longer of times N1 and N2, i.e., time N1), so the setting unit 11E sets the execution timing of the new job to “before completion” of the preceding job (FIG. 6B).

[0093] Also, in this case, since the sum of the first waiting time T1 and the second waiting time T2 is shorter than when the new job is started “after completion” of the preceding job (FIG. 6C), the setting unit 11E sets the execution timing of the new job to “before completion” of the preceding job (FIG. 6B).

[0094] 4. Setting the timing of remote job completion If the new job is a remote job, the setting unit 11E sets the execution timing of the new job so that the new job is completed (time N1 ends) at the predicted time of arrival of the new user (the end of time N2), as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0095] If the movement time N2 of the new user is longer than the net time N1 required to execute the new job, the setting unit 11E sets the execution timing of the new job so that the new job is completed at the predicted arrival time of the new user.

[0096] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6A, if the travel time N2 of the new user is less than or equal to the net time N1 required to execute the new job, as shown in FIG. 6B, there is no need to set the new job to be completed when the new user is predicted to arrive.

[0097] Also, as shown in Fig. 7A, even if the travel time N2 of the new user is longer than the net time N1 required to execute the new job, it is not necessary to set the execution timing of the new job so that the new job is completed at the time of the predicted arrival of the new user. For example, as shown in Fig. 7B, the new job may be set to be executed immediately after an execution instruction for the new job is given.

[0098] The setting unit 11E also sets the timing of completion of a remote job when a remote job is acquired as a preceding job.

[0099] 5. Changing execution timing When the execution timing of a new job is set to after the completion of a preceding job, and when, after a specified time has elapsed, no preceding user is detected within a specified distance from the image forming device 30 and a new user is detected, the setting unit 11E executes the new job before the completion of the preceding job.

[0100] As an example, a case will be described in which the setting unit 11E sets the execution timing of the new job after the completion of the preceding job as shown in Fig. 3B. In this example, the setting unit 11E sets the execution timing of the preceding job so that the preceding job is completed when the preceding user is predicted to arrive at the image forming device 30.

[0101] In this case, it is assumed that the preceding user reaches the area AR shown in Fig. 8 at the time TA3 shown in Fig. 9A. The area AR is an area within a determined distance from the image forming device 30. The time TA3 is an assumed time derived from the walking speed of the preceding user.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 9A, if the preceding user has not arrived at area AR at time TA3 and a new user is detected in area AR, the setting unit 11E executes a new job before the preceding job is completed, as shown in FIG. 9B.

[0103] (Control Unit 11F) The control unit 11F executes various jobs of the image forming apparatus 30 in accordance with the job timing set by the setting unit 11E.

[0104] When the preceding job and the new job are jobs involving paper discharge and the execution timing of the new job is set before the completion of the preceding job, control unit 11F executes a process of distinguishing between the sheets of the preceding job and the sheets of the new job.

[0105] The process of distinguishing the paper is, for example, a process of changing the orientation of the paper. For example, if the long side direction of the paper coincides with the discharge direction in the preceding job, the control unit 11F controls the orientation of the paper in the new job so that the long side direction of the paper intersects with the discharge direction.

[0106] Another example of the process for distinguishing between sheets is a process for changing the front and back of the sheet. For example, if the sheet is discharged with the print side facing down (face down) in the preceding job, the control unit 11F discharges the sheet with the print name facing up (face up) in the new job.

[0107] When there are multiple discharge trays, the control of changing the discharge tray for the preceding job and the new job is also included in the process of distinguishing between sheets.

[0108] In addition, when the new job is a walk-up job, the control unit 11F can set the image forming device 30 so that the new user can start the new job at the predicted arrival time of the new user at the image forming device 30, and can stop other ongoing jobs.

[0109] That is, for example, when a new user executes a copy of paper as a walk-up job, the new user inputs instruction information such as the number of copies, color or black and white output, and scale via the input device 20. Then, at the predicted time when the new user is expected to arrive at the image forming device 30, the control unit 11F completes the setting of the image forming device 30 based on the instruction information, and stops the job being executed.

[0110] <Posture abnormality detection process> The CPU 11 of the job setting device 10 executes the job setting program 13A when it receives an execution instruction for the job setting program 13A from a user via, for example, the input unit 14. As a result, as an example, the job setting process shown in Fig. 10 is executed. To avoid confusion, the description of the above-mentioned "job setting based on waiting time" is omitted, and the description will be given assuming that "job setting based on time required for job completion" is executed.

[0111] When the job setting process is executed, the CPU 11 waits for acquisition of a new job in step S102. When a new job is acquired, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0112] In step S104, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a preceding job that has already been acquired. If the determination in step S104 is positive, that is, if there is a preceding job, the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the determination in step S104 is negative, that is, if there is no preceding job, the process proceeds to step S108, where the new job is executed. After step S108, the process returns to step S102.

[0113] In step S106, CPU 11 determines whether the acquired new job is a remote job or a walk-up job. CPU 11 also calculates and compares the time required from the acceptance of the new job to the completion of the preceding job (e.g., time O2 in FIG. 3A) with the time required from the acceptance of the new job to the completion of the new job (e.g., time N1+N2 in FIG. 3A). After step S106, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0114] In step S110, CPU 11 determines whether the time required from the acceptance of the new job to the completion of the preceding job is longer than the time required from the acceptance of the new job to the completion of the new job. If the determination in step S110 is positive (for example, as shown in FIG. 4A), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the determination in step S110 is negative, that is, if the time required from the acceptance of the new job to the completion of the preceding job is equal to or less than the time required from the acceptance of the new job to the completion of the new job, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0115] In step S112, the CPU 11 determines whether the new job is a remote job. If the determination in step S112 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S114. On the other hand, if the determination in step S112 is negative, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0116] In step S114, CPU 11 sets the execution timing of the new job, which is a remote job, to interrupt the end of the preceding job (for example, FIG. 5B). At this time, CPU 11 can set the execution timing of the new job so that the new job will be completed when the new user is predicted to arrive at image forming apparatus 30. Furthermore, when the execution timing of the new job arrives, CPU 11 causes image forming apparatus 30 to execute the job. After step S114, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0117] In step S116, CPU 11 sets the execution timing of the new job, which is a walk-up job, to interrupt the end of the preceding job (for example, FIG. 4B). At this time, CPU 11 can set image forming apparatus 30 so that the new user can start the new job at the predicted time of arrival of the new user at image forming apparatus 30. Furthermore, CPU 11 causes image forming apparatus 30 to execute the job when the execution timing of the new job arrives. After step S116, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0118] In addition, in steps S114 and S116, if a new job is acquired before the execution timing of the new job arrives, the process returns to step S104.

[0119] In step S120, the CPU 11 sets the execution timing of the new job to after the preceding job ends (non-interrupt setting, for example, FIG. 3B). After step S120, the process proceeds to step S122.

[0120] In step S122, the CPU 11 waits for a predetermined time (an estimated time when the preceding user is assumed to reach the area AR, which is derived from the walking speed of the preceding user) to elapse. If the determination in step S122 is positive, that is, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S124.

[0121] In step S124, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a preceding user has been detected in an area AR (see FIG. 8) within a predetermined distance from the image forming device 30 after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, time TA3 in FIG. 9A). If the determination in step S124 is positive, the process proceeds to step S130. On the other hand, if the determination in step S124 is negative, the process proceeds to step S126.

[0122] In step S126, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a new user has been detected in an area AR (see FIG. 8) within a predetermined distance from the image forming device 30 after a predetermined time has elapsed. If the determination in step S126 is positive, the process proceeds to step S128. On the other hand, if the determination in step S124 is negative, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0123] In step S128, the CPU 11 sets the execution timing of the new job to be an interrupt before the end of the preceding job (for example, FIG. 9B). The CPU 11 also executes the new job by interrupting. After step S128, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0124] In step S130, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the end timing of the job setting process has arrived. The job setting process ends when, for example, an instruction to end the job setting program 13A is received from the user via the input unit 14. If the determination in step S130 is affirmative, the job setting process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in step S130 is negative, the process returns to step S102.

[0125] <Action and Effects> In the information processing system 80 disclosed herein, when the image forming device 30 accepts a new job after accepting a preceding job, as shown in FIG. 4A, the setting unit 11E can set the execution timing of the new job to before the completion of the preceding job if the sum of a first waiting time T1 from the predicted arrival time at the image forming device 30 of the preceding user who instructed the preceding job to the completion of the preceding job and a second waiting time T2 from the predicted arrival time at the image forming device 30 of the new user who instructed the new job to the completion of the new job is shorter than the start of the new job after the completion of the preceding job.

[0126] This makes it possible to shorten the total waiting time compared to when a new job is started only after the preceding job is completed.

[0127] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, when the time O1 required to complete the preceding job is longer than the time (N1+N2) required to complete the new job, as shown in FIG. 4A, the setting unit 11E can set the execution timing of the new job to be before the completion of the preceding job, as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0128] This allows jobs that require a relatively short time to complete to be executed first, eliminating the need to wait for the completion of jobs that require a long time to complete, thereby minimizing the total wait time of the preceding user who has instructed the execution of the preceding job and the wait time of the new user who has instructed the execution of a new job.

[0129] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the new job is a remote job, the calculation unit 11C can calculate that the new job is executed while the new user is moving, and that the longer of the movement time and the net time required to execute the new job is the time required to complete the new job.

[0130] In this way, in the case of a job that does not require direct operation of the image forming device 30 for execution, the new user executes the new job while moving, so the waiting time of the new user can be shortened compared to when the new user executes the new job after moving to the image forming device 30.

[0131] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the new job is a remote job, the setting unit 11E can set the execution timing of the new job so that the new job is completed when the new user is predicted to arrive at the image forming device 30.

[0132] This makes it possible to prevent mistakes in picking up the job by other users compared to a case where the job is completed before the new user arrives at the image forming apparatus 30 as shown in FIG. 7B, for example.

[0133] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, the calculation unit 11C calculates the travel time required for the preceding user to travel to the image forming apparatus from the time of acceptance of the new job.

[0134] Then, when the preceding job is a walk-up job, the calculation unit 11C calculates the total time of the movement time and the net time required for executing the preceding job as the time required for completing the preceding job.

[0135] On the other hand, if the preceding job is a remote job, the image forming apparatus 30 executes the preceding job while the preceding user is moving, under the control of the control unit 11F. Also, the calculation unit 11C calculates the longer of the moving time and the net time required to execute the preceding job as the time required to complete the preceding job.

[0136] In this way, in the case of a job that does not require direct operation of the image forming device 30 for execution, the preceding user executes the new job while moving, so the waiting time of the preceding user can be shortened compared to the case where the preceding user executes the preceding job after moving to the image forming device 30.

[0137] In addition, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, when the preceding job is a remote job, the setting unit 11E can set the execution timing of the preceding job so that the preceding job is completed at the predicted time of arrival at the preceding user's image forming device 30.

[0138] This makes it possible to prevent mistakes in picking up the job by other users, compared to when the job is completed before the preceding user arrives at the image forming apparatus 30.

[0139] In the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, the acquisition unit 11A can acquire the positions of the preceding user and the new user. Then, the calculation unit 11C can calculate the travel time of the preceding user from the position where the preceding user instructed to execute the preceding job (the position of the input device 20), the position of the image forming device 30, and the walking speed V of the preceding user, as shown in FIG.

[0140] Furthermore, the calculation unit 11C can calculate the travel time of the new user from the position where the new user instructed to execute a new job (the position of the input device 20), the position of the image forming device 30, and the walking speed V of the new user.

[0141] In this manner, the travel time of the preceding user is calculated by dividing the travel distance calculated from the position where the preceding user instructed to execute the preceding job and the position of the image forming apparatus 30 by the walking speed.

[0142] Similarly, the travel time of the new user is calculated by dividing the travel distance calculated from the position where the new user instructed to execute a new job and the position of the image forming apparatus 30 by the walking speed.

[0143] In addition, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, the calculation unit 11C can calculate the walking speeds of the preceding user and the new user from the time transition of the positions of the preceding user and the new user. In this way, since a different walking speed can be calculated for each user, the calculation accuracy of the travel time is higher than when a fixed value determined as the walking speed is used.

[0144] As described above, the walking speeds of the preceding user and the new user may be set to fixed values. In this case, the movement time is calculated regardless of whether the user is moving or not, so that the execution timing of the new job can be set immediately after the execution instruction of the new job is given.

[0145] Furthermore, in the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, when the timing for executing a new job is set to after the completion of a preceding job as shown in FIG. 9A, and after a specified time has elapsed, if no preceding user is detected in the area AR within a specified distance from the image forming device 30 and a new user is detected, the new job is executed before the completion of the preceding job as shown in FIG. 9B.

[0146] In this way, in the case where the preceding user does not come near the image forming apparatus 30 at the predicted time, the waiting time of the new user can be shortened.

[0147] In the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, the direct operation of the image forming apparatus in a walk-up job includes the authentication operation of the new user. In other words, in the information processing system 80, even when authentication of the new user is required, the total time of the waiting time of the preceding user and the waiting time of the new user can be shortened.

[0148] In the information processing system 80 of the present disclosure, when the preceding job and the new job are jobs involving paper discharge and the execution timing of the new job is set before the completion of the preceding job, the control unit 11F causes the image forming device 30 to execute a process of distinguishing between the paper of the preceding job and the paper of the new job. This makes it possible to prevent the preceding user or the new user from mixing up the paper.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the process when only one job is acquired as the preceding job is described, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present disclosure can be applied even when multiple jobs are acquired as shown in FIG. 4B. This can shorten the waiting time of three or more users.

[0150] In the above embodiment, after a command to execute a new job, when a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, time TA3 in FIG. 9A), it is determined whether a preceding user is detected in an area AR (see FIG. 8) within a predetermined distance from the image forming device 30, and the execution timing of the new job is set to interrupt before the preceding job ends (steps S122 to S128), but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. Such a process of detecting a preceding user does not necessarily have to be executed.

[0151] In the above embodiment, for example, the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes each process of the acquisition unit 11A, the job judgment unit 11B, the calculation unit 11C, the comparison unit 11D, the setting unit 11E, and the control unit 11F may be various processors as shown below. As described above, the various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as a processing unit, as well as a programmable logic device (PLD), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing a specific process such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0152] The processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA).The processing unit may also be configured with a single processor.

[0153] As an example of configuring the processing unit with one processor, first, there is a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as represented by computers such as client and server, and this processor functions as the processing unit. Second, there is a form in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of the entire system including the processing unit with one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as represented by System On Chip (SoC), etc. In this way, the processing unit is configured using one or more of the above various processors as a hardware structure.

[0154] Furthermore, as the hardware structure of these various processors, more specifically, an electric circuit combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements can be used. In this manner, the present disclosure can be embodied in various forms.

[0155] <Additional Notes> (((1))) at least one processor; The processor, when an image forming device accepts a new job after accepting a job, if a sum of a first waiting time from a predicted arrival time at the image forming device of a preceding user who instructed the preceding job accepted in advance to a completion time of the preceding job and a second waiting time from a predicted arrival time at the image forming device of a new user who instructed a new job to a completion time of the new job becomes shorter than a time for starting the new job after the completion of the preceding job, the execution timing of the new job is set to before the completion of the preceding job. Information processing system.

[0156] (((2))) The processor, comparing a time required from the acceptance of the new job to the completion of the preceding job with a time required from the acceptance of the new job to the completion of the new job; When the time required for the preceding job to be completed is equal to or shorter than the time required for the new job to be completed, the execution timing is set to after the preceding job is completed; if the time required for the preceding job to be completed is longer than the time required for the new job to be completed, the execution timing is set to before the preceding job is completed. An information processing system according to (((1))).

[0157] (((3))) The processor, calculating a travel time required for the new user to travel to the image forming apparatus from the time the new job is accepted; if the new job requires direct operation of the image forming apparatus for execution, the total time of the movement time and the net time required for execution of the new job is calculated as the time required for completion of the new job; When the new job does not require a direct operation of the image forming apparatus for execution, the new job is executed while the new user is moving, and the longer of the moving time and the net time required for executing the new job is calculated as the time required for completing the new job. 2. An information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a system for processing information according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0158] (((4))) if the new job does not require a direct operation of the image forming apparatus when it is executed, setting an execution timing of the new job so that the new job will be completed at the predicted time of arrival of the new user; The information processing system according to (((3))).

[0159] (((5))) The processor, calculating a travel time required for the preceding user to travel to the image forming apparatus from the time the new job is accepted; if the preceding job is a job that requires direct operation of the image forming apparatus when it is executed, the total time of the movement time and the net time required for executing the preceding job is calculated as the time required for completing the preceding job; When the preceding job is a job that does not require a direct operation of the image forming apparatus for execution, the preceding job is executed while the preceding user is moving, and the longer of the moving time and the net time required for executing the preceding job is calculated as the time required for completing the preceding job. The information processing system according to ((3))) or ((4)).

[0160] (((6))) When the preceding job is a job that does not require a direct operation of the image forming apparatus for execution, an execution timing of the preceding job is set so that the preceding job will be completed at the predicted arrival time of the preceding user. 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((3))) to (((5))).

[0161] (((7))) The processor, The positions of the previous user and the new user can be obtained; calculating the travel time of the preceding user from a position where the preceding user instructed to execute the preceding job, a position of the image forming apparatus, and a walking speed of the preceding user; calculating the travel time of the new user from a position where the new user instructed to execute the new job, a position of the image forming apparatus, and a walking speed of the new user; 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((3))) to (((5))).

[0162] (((8))) The processor, Calculating the walking speed from time transitions of the positions of the preceding user and the new user; An information processing system according to (((7))).

[0163] (((9))) The processor, A fixed value is used as the walking speed. An information processing system according to (((7))).

[0164] (((10))) The processor, The positions of the previous user and the new user can be obtained; When the execution timing of the new job is set to after the completion of the preceding job, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, An information processing system described in any of (((2))) to (((9))), wherein when the previous user is not detected in an area within a specified distance from the image forming device and the new user is detected, the new job is executed before the previous job is completed.

[0165] (((11))) The preceding job includes a plurality of jobs. 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((10))).

[0166] (((12))) The direct operation includes an authentication operation of the new user. 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((3))) to (((9))).

[0167] (((13))) When the preceding job and the new job are jobs involving paper discharge, and the execution timing of the new job is set before the completion of the preceding job, The processor, execute a process for distinguishing between the sheets of the preceding job and the sheets of the new job; 1. An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((12))).

[0168] (((14))) In the system, When an image forming apparatus accepts a new job after accepting a job, if a sum of a first waiting time from a time when a user who has instructed the preceding job is predicted to arrive at the image forming apparatus until the preceding job is completed and a second waiting time from a time when a user who has instructed a new job is predicted to arrive at the image forming apparatus until the new job is completed is shorter than a time when the new job is started after the preceding job is completed, the execution timing of the new job is set to before the completion of the preceding job. Information processing program.

[0169] According to the information processing system (((1))) and the information processing program (((14))), the total waiting time can be shortened compared to the case where a new job is started only after the preceding job is completed.

[0170] According to the information processing system of (((2))), a job that takes a relatively short time to complete is executed first, so there is no need to wait for the completion of a job that takes a long time to complete. This shortens the total waiting time of the preceding user who has instructed the execution of the preceding job and the waiting time of the new user who has instructed the execution of a new job.

[0171] According to the information processing system (((3))), in the case of a job that does not require direct operation of the image forming device to be executed, the new user executes the new job while moving, so that the waiting time of the new user can be shortened compared to when the new user executes the new job after moving to the image forming device.

[0172] According to the information processing system of (((4))), it is possible to prevent a mistake in picking up a job by another person, compared to a case where the job is completed before the new user arrives at the image forming apparatus.

[0173] According to the information processing system of (((5))), in the case of a job that does not require direct operation of the image forming device for execution, the new job is executed while the preceding user is moving, so that the waiting time of the preceding user can be shortened compared to the case where the preceding user executes the preceding job after moving to the image forming device.

[0174] According to the information processing system of (((6))), it is possible to prevent the mistake of another user picking up the job, compared to a case in which the job is completed before the preceding user arrives at the image forming apparatus.

[0175] According to the information processing system of (((7))), the travel time of the preceding user is calculated by dividing the travel distance calculated from the position where the preceding user instructed to execute the preceding job and the position of the image forming device by the walking speed. Similarly, the travel time of the new user is calculated by dividing the travel distance calculated from the position where the new user instructed to execute the new job and the position of the image forming device by the walking speed.

[0176] According to the information processing system of (((8))), since a different walking speed can be calculated for each user, the travel time can be calculated with higher accuracy compared to a case where a fixed value determined as the walking speed is used.

[0177] According to the information processing system of (((9))), since the travel time is calculated regardless of whether the user has moved or not, it is possible to set the execution timing of the new job immediately after an instruction to execute the new job is given.

[0178] According to the information processing system of (((10))), when the preceding user does not arrive near the image forming apparatus at the predicted time, the waiting time of the new user can be shortened.

[0179] According to the information processing system (((11))), the waiting time for three or more users can be shortened.

[0180] According to the information processing system of (((12))), the total time of the preceding user's waiting time and the new user's waiting time can be shortened regardless of whether the new user needs to be authenticated or not.

[0181] According to the information processing system of (((13))), it is possible to prevent a previous user or a new user from mixing up paper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 11 CPU (Processor) 30 Image forming device 80 Information Processing Systems

Claims

1. At least one processor; The processor, When an image forming apparatus accepts a new job after accepting a job, if a sum of a first waiting time from a predicted arrival time at the image forming apparatus of a preceding user who has instructed the preceding job accepted in advance to a completion time of the preceding job and a second waiting time from a predicted arrival time at the image forming apparatus of a new user who has instructed a new job to a completion time of the new job becomes shorter than a time for starting the new job after the completion of the preceding job, the execution timing of the new job is set to before the completion of the preceding job. Information processing system.

2. The processor, comparing a time required from the acceptance of the new job to the completion of the preceding job with a time required from the acceptance of the new job to the completion of the new job; When the time required for the preceding job to be completed is equal to or shorter than the time required for the new job to be completed, the execution timing is set to after the preceding job is completed; if the time required for the preceding job to be completed is longer than the time required for the new job to be completed, the execution timing is set to before the preceding job is completed. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor, calculating a travel time required for the new user to travel to the image forming apparatus from the time the new job is accepted; if the new job requires direct operation of the image forming apparatus for execution, the total time of the movement time and the net time required for execution of the new job is calculated as the time required for completion of the new job; When the new job does not require a direct operation of the image forming apparatus for execution, the new job is executed while the new user is moving, and the longer of the moving time and the net time required for executing the new job is calculated as the time required for completing the new job. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. if the new job does not require a direct operation of the image forming apparatus when it is executed, setting an execution timing of the new job so that the new job will be completed at the predicted time of arrival of the new user; The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. The processor, calculating a travel time required for the preceding user to travel to the image forming apparatus from the time the new job is accepted; if the preceding job is a job that requires direct operation of the image forming apparatus when it is executed, the total time of the movement time and the net time required for executing the preceding job is calculated as the time required for completing the preceding job; When the preceding job is a job that does not require a direct operation of the image forming apparatus for execution, the preceding job is executed while the preceding user is moving, and the longer of the moving time and the net time required for executing the preceding job is calculated as the time required for completing the preceding job. The information processing system according to claim 3 .

6. When the preceding job is a job that does not require a direct operation of the image forming apparatus for execution, an execution timing of the preceding job is set so that the preceding job will be completed at the predicted arrival time of the preceding user.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5.

7. The processor, The positions of the previous user and the new user can be obtained; calculating the travel time of the preceding user from a position where the preceding user instructed to execute the preceding job, a position of the image forming apparatus, and a walking speed of the preceding user; calculating the travel time of the new user from a position where the new user instructed to execute the new job, a position of the image forming apparatus, and a walking speed of the new user; 6. The information processing system according to claim 5.

8. The processor, Calculating the walking speed from time transitions of the positions of the preceding user and the new user; The information processing system according to claim 7.

9. The processor, A fixed value is used as the walking speed. The information processing system according to claim 7.

10. The processor, The positions of the previous user and the new user can be obtained; When the execution timing of the new job is set to after the completion of the preceding job, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, 3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein when the preceding user is not detected within a region within a predetermined distance from the image forming device and the new user is detected, the new job is executed before the preceding job is completed.

11. The preceding job includes a plurality of jobs.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The direct operation includes an authentication operation of the new user. The information processing system according to claim 3 .

13. When the preceding job and the new job are jobs involving paper discharge, and the execution timing of the new job is set before the completion of the preceding job, The processor, execute a process for distinguishing between the sheets of the preceding job and the sheets of the new job; 3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

14. In the system, When an image forming apparatus accepts a new job after accepting a previous job, if a sum of a first waiting time from a time when a user who has instructed the preceding job is predicted to arrive at the image forming apparatus until the completion of the preceding job and a second waiting time from a time when a user who has instructed a new job is predicted to arrive at the image forming apparatus until the completion of the new job is shorter than a time when the new job is started after the completion of the preceding job, the image forming apparatus sets the execution timing of the new job to before the completion of the preceding job. Information processing program.

Images