Printing system, printing control device, printing control method, and printing control program

Abstract

To manage the quantity in association with the unit for each step.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A printing system includes an image forming device and a printing control device. The printing control device comprises: a job reception unit that receives the input of a print job for the image forming device; and a quantity management unit that, for each of a plurality of steps specified on the basis of the print job, refers to a unit information storage unit which stores unit information indicating the unit of the quantity handled in each step, and manages the quantity handled in each of the steps specified on the basis of the print job received by the job reception unit in association with the unit of the quantity handled in each step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing control device, a printing control method, and a printing control program.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional commercial printing system, it is known to manage the progress and processing results of printing jobs using an MIS (Management Information System) or the like.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In a commercial printing system, a plurality of processes included in a digital workflow are executed by processing machines and applications. Also, the "quantity" in commercial printing is represented in various units such as "number of printed copies", "number of delivered copies", "number of printed sheets", and "number of pages" according to the content of the process. For this reason, in the conventional printing system described above, the unit of the quantity used in each process is unclear, and it is difficult to appropriately manage the progress and processing results of printing jobs.

[0004] The disclosed technology has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to manage by associating a quantity and a unit for each process.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The disclosed technology is a printing system including an image forming apparatus and a printing control device, wherein the printing control device includes a job reception unit that receives an input of a printing job for the image forming apparatus, and for each of a plurality of processes specified based on the printing job, refers to a unit information storage unit in which unit information indicating the unit of the quantity handled in each process is stored, and manages by associating the quantity handled in each process in the plurality of processes specified based on the printing job received by the job reception unit with the unit of the quantity handled in each process.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] Quantities can be managed by associating them with units for each process.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

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Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 14A

Figure 14B

Figure 15A

Figure 15B

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a printing system.

[0009] The printing system 100 of this embodiment includes a digital front end (DFE) 102, an image forming apparatus 103, and a printing control apparatus 104. Further, the printing control apparatus 104 of this embodiment is communicably connected to a client personal computer (client PC) 101, a cutting machine 105, and a bookbinding machine 106.

[0010] The printing system 100 of this embodiment may be used, for example, for commercial printing. Commercial printing refers to the business field in which a printing company, a printing shop, etc. receive an order and payment from an orderer and print and provide printed matter as a product. Printed matter as a product is, for example, an advertisement, a direct mail, a poster, a booklet, a book, etc.

[0011] Also, each of the DFE 102, the image forming apparatus 103, the printing control apparatus 104, the cutting machine 105, and the bookbinding machine 106 of this embodiment executes a part of a plurality of processes included in the digital workflow in commercial printing.

[0012] Note that the digital workflow in commercial printing indicates the processing order of the steps from when a printing job is input until a printed matter to be delivered as a product is created. In other words, the digital workflow in this embodiment is information indicating the pattern of the steps from when a printing job is input until a printed matter to be delivered as a product is created, and indicates a plurality of steps associated with the printing job.

[0013] In the following description, digital workflows may be represented as process pattern information. Also, in this embodiment, a process refers to a process automatically executed by a processing machine or an application.

[0014] In the following description, the digital workflow in commercial printing is assumed to include a coating process, a printing process, a cutting process, and a binding process. However, the processes included in the digital workflow in commercial printing are not limited to these. The processes included in the digital workflow in commercial printing may be some of these processes or may be processes other than these processes.

[0015] In this embodiment, the DFE 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 execute the printing process. Also, the print control apparatus 104 executes the coating process. Further, the cutting machine 105 executes the cutting process, and the binding machine 106 executes the binding process.

[0016] Note that the coating process performed in the print control apparatus 104 may be performed by a coating application installed in the print control apparatus 104.

[0017] Furthermore, the print control apparatus 104 may have a process management application installed that manages each process included in the digital workflow.

[0018] Furthermore, the print control apparatus 104 of this embodiment has a quantity management application installed for associating and managing the quantity handled in each process included in the digital workflow and the unit of the quantity.

[0019] The quantity management application of this embodiment manages by associating, for each process included in the digital workflow, the quantity scheduled for execution and the unit of the quantity scheduled for execution with the quantity actually executed and the unit of the quantity actually executed.

[0020] In this embodiment, by doing so, it is possible to manage the quantity and the unit of the quantity in association with each other for each process, and it is possible to appropriately manage the progress of the printing job, the processing results, and the like.

[0021] Also, in the printing control device 104 of this embodiment, for each process, the quantity scheduled to be executed and the quantity actually executed are acquired. Therefore, in this embodiment, by comparing the quantity scheduled to be executed with the quantity actually executed, it is possible to detect a change in the processing content in the process. For this reason, when the processing content in a process that has not yet been executed is changed while the digital workflow is being executed in the printing control device 104 of this embodiment, this change can be made known to the user of the client PC 101 or the like.

[0022] In the following description, the quantity scheduled to be executed for each process is referred to as the scheduled input quantity. The scheduled input quantity is a value determined by the quantity included in the printing job, and is a value input to the processing machine or application that executes each process.

[0023] Also, in the following description, the quantity indicating the scheduled execution result in each process is referred to as the scheduled actual quantity. The scheduled actual quantity is a value determined by the quantity included in the printing job, and is a value output from the processing machine or application that executes each process.

[0024] Also, in the following description, the quantity actually input to the processing machine or application that executes each process is referred to as the input quantity. The input quantity may be a value obtained as the processing result of the previous process of each process, or may be a value input by the user of the printing control device 104 or the like before each process is executed.

[0025] Also, in the following description, the quantity output from the processing machine or application as a result of executing each process is referred to as the actual quantity.

[0026] In the printing system 100, the client PC 101 creates a print job that the user wants to print and sends the print job to the DFE 102 or the print control device 104. The client PC 101 is also equipped with a display unit that is a liquid crystal display, and input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard.

[0027] Here, a print job is a set of a series of electronic files related to a print request that the client PC 101 sends to the DFE 102 or the print control device 104. For example, a print job includes content data (electronic data) to be printed and print setting information (hereinafter referred to as print conditions) indicating the print conditions of the content data.

[0028] The print job may also include print data obtained by converting the content data into a form printable by the image forming apparatus 103 in accordance with the print conditions by PDL (Page Description Language).

[0029] Note that the content data is input content data that is the source of the printed matter that becomes a product, and includes document data and image data. The print conditions include various types of information related to the printing of the content data, such as the type of product (printed matter), the number of printed copies, the paper size, color printing, double-sided printing, or stapling.

[0030] The DFE 102 receives a print job from the client PC 101 or the print control device 104, creates drawing data by a RIP (Raster Image Processor) engine based on the received print job, and sends it to the image forming apparatus 103.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 103 performs an image forming operation based on the drawing data received from the DFE 102. In other words, the image forming apparatus 103 executes the print job. Note that the image forming apparatus 103 is mainly an image forming apparatus for commercial printing. The image forming apparatus 103 may be an electrophotographic apparatus, an inkjet machine (liquid ejection apparatus), an offset machine, a multifunction machine, or the like.

[0032] Commercial printing refers to the business field in which printing companies, printing shops, etc. receive orders and payments from orderers and print and provide printed materials as products (commercial materials). Printed materials as products include, for example, advertisements, direct mail, posters, brochures, books, etc. In other words, the content data (submitted content data) included in the print job of the present embodiment may be electronic data such as advertisements, direct mail, posters, brochures, books, etc.

[0033] The cutting machine 105 is one of the post-processing machines and performs cutting based on the position information generated in the pasting process or the position information directly input by the operator.

[0034] The bookbinding machine 106 is one of the post-processing machines and binds documents into a single book or brochure by means of case binding, where the paper is folded in half and stapled, or perfect binding (wrap binding), where the cover wraps around the text and the spine is glued.

[0035] The print control device 104 manages the print job received from the client PC 101. In addition, the print control device 104 transmits the print job to the DFE 102 in response to a request from the DFE 102.

[0036] In the example of FIG. 1, the print control device 104 is a single information processing device, but it is not limited to this. The print control device 104 may be realized by a plurality of information processing devices. Also, in the present embodiment, the image forming device 103 may be a general multifunction device.

[0037] Also, in the example of FIG. 1, the client PC 101, the cutting machine 105, and the bookbinding machine 106 are not included in the printing system 100, but it is not limited to this. The client PC 101, the cutting machine 105, and the bookbinding machine 106 may be included in the printing system 100.

[0038] Also, when the client PC 101 is included in the printing system 100, the client PC 101 may also serve as the print control device 104.

[0039] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, the hardware configurations of the image forming apparatus 103 and the print control apparatus 104 included in the printing system 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0040] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 2A, the hardware configuration is shown when the image forming apparatus 103 is an inkjet machine (liquid ejection device) 103A.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2A, the liquid ejection device 103A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, an NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) 304, an external device connection I / F 308, a network I / F 309, and a bus line 310. Further, the liquid ejection device 103A includes a paper conveyance unit 311, a sub-scanning driver 312, a main-scanning driver 313, a carriage 320, and an operation panel 330. Furthermore, the carriage 320 includes a liquid ejection head 321 and a liquid ejection head driver 322.

[0042] Among these, the CPU 301 controls the operation of the entire liquid ejection device 103A. The ROM 302 stores programs and the like used for driving the CPU 301 such as IPL. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301. The NVRAM 304 stores various data such as programs and retains the various data even while the power of the liquid ejection device 103A is turned off. The external device connection I / F 308 is connected to a PC (Personal Computer) by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like and communicates control signals and data to be printed with the PC. The network I / F 309 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network such as the Internet. The bus line 310 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301.

[0043] The paper conveyance unit 311 is, for example, a roller and a motor for driving the roller, and conveys the printing paper in the sub-scanning direction along the conveyance path in the liquid ejection device 103A. The sub-scanning driver 312 controls the movement of the paper conveyance unit 311 in the sub-scanning direction. The main-scanning driver 313 controls the movement of the carriage 320 in the main-scanning direction.

[0044] The liquid ejection head 321 of the carriage 320 has a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a liquid such as ink, and its ejection surface (nozzle surface) is mounted on the carriage 320 so as to face the printing paper side. The liquid ejection head 321 ejects the liquid onto the printing paper intermittently conveyed in the sub-scanning direction while moving in the main-scanning direction, thereby ejecting the liquid at a predetermined position on the printing paper to form an image. The liquid ejection head driver 322 is a driver for controlling the driving of the liquid ejection head 321.

[0045] The operation panel 330 is composed of a touch panel, an alarm lamp, etc. that display the current setting values, selection screens, etc. and receive inputs from the operator.

[0046] Note that the liquid ejection head driver 322 may not be mounted on the carriage 320 and may be configured to be connected to the bus line outside the carriage 320. Further, the main scanning driver 313, the sub-scanning driver 312, and the liquid ejection head driver 322 may each be functions realized by commands of the CPU 301 according to a program.

[0047] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing another example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 2B, the hardware configuration when the image forming apparatus 103 is an electrophotographic apparatus 103B is shown.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2B, the electrophotographic apparatus 103B includes a controller 910, a short-range communication circuit 920, an engine control unit 930, an operation panel 940, and a network I / F 950.

[0049] Among these, the controller 910 has a CPU 901 which is the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 902, a north bridge (NB) 903, a south bridge (SB) 904, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 906, a local memory (MEM-C) 907 which is a storage unit, an HDD controller 908, and an HD 909 which is a storage unit, and is configured to connect between the NB 903 and the ASIC 906 by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 921.

[0050] Among these, the CPU 901 is a control unit that performs overall control of the electrophotographic apparatus 103B. The NB 903 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 901, the MEM-P 902, the SB 904, and the AGP bus 921, and has a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 902, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

[0051] MEM-P902 consists of a ROM902a which is a memory for storing programs and data for realizing each function of the controller 910, and a RAM902b which is used as a memory for developing programs and data, and a drawing memory during memory printing. Note that the program stored in the RAM902b may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD in an installable or executable file format.

[0052] SB904 is a bridge for connecting the NB903 with the PCI device and the peripheral devices. The ASIC906 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has the role of a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 921, the PCI bus 922, the HDD controller 908, and the MEM-C907 respectively. This ASIC906 consists of a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) forming the core of the ASIC906, a memory controller for controlling the MEM-C907, a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) for performing operations such as rotation of image data by means of hardware logic, etc., and a PCI unit for performing data transfer via the PCI bus 922 between the scanner unit 931 and the printer unit 932. Note that an interface for USB (Universal Serial Bus) or an interface for IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) may be connected to the ASIC906.

[0053] MEM-C907 is a local memory used as a print image buffer and a code buffer. HD909 is a storage for accumulating image data, font data used at the time of printing, and forms. HD909 controls the reading or writing of data to / from HD909 according to the control of CPU901. The AGP bus 921 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphic processing. By directly accessing MEM-P902 with high throughput, the graphics accelerator card can be made faster.

[0054] Also, the short-range communication circuit 920 is provided with an antenna 920a. The short-range communication circuit 920 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth.

[0055] Furthermore, the engine control unit 930 is composed of a printer unit 932. It may have a scanner unit 931. Also, the operation panel 940 includes a panel display unit 940a such as a touch panel that displays current setting values, selection screens, etc. and accepts inputs from the operator, and an operation panel 940b composed of a numeric keypad that accepts setting values of conditions related to image formation such as density setting conditions and a start key that accepts a copy start instruction. The controller 910 controls the entire electrophotographic apparatus 103B. For example, it controls drawing, communication, inputs from the operation panel 940, etc. The printer unit 932 or the scanner unit 931 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0056] Note that the electrophotographic apparatus 103B may switch various functions such as settings, color adjustment, printing, and maintenance schedule management in addition to the printer function by operating the application switching key on the operation panel 940. Note that the document box function, copy function, facsimile function, etc. may be sequentially switched and selected. The network I / F 950 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network. The short-range communication circuit 920 and the network I / F 950 are electrically connected to the ASIC 906 via the PCI bus 922.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the print control device. The print control device 104 of the present embodiment is constructed by a computer and includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, an HD 504, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a data bus 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

[0058] Among these, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire printing control device 104. The ROM 502 stores programs used for driving the CPU 501 such as IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to and from the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. External devices in this case are, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a printer, and the like. The network I / F 509 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network. The data bus 510 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 3.

[0059] Also, the keyboard 511 is a type of input means having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, and the like. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls the reading or writing of various data to and from the DVD-RW 513 as an example of a removable recording medium. Note that it is not limited to DVD-RW, and it may be DVD-R or the like. The media I / F 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to and from the recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

[0060] Note that the hardware configurations of the client PC 101 and the DFE 102 in this embodiment may be the same as that of the printing control device 104, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0061] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the functions of the printing control device 104 and the client PC 101 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the functional configurations of the printing control device and the client PC.

[0062] First, the functions of the client PC 101 will be described. The functions of the client PC 101 are realized by the CPU of the client PC 101 reading and executing programs stored in a storage device or the like of the client PC 101.

[0063] The client PC 101 of the present embodiment includes a communication control unit 110 and a MIS (Management Information System) 120. The communication control unit 110 controls communication between the client PC 101 and external devices such as the print control device 104.

[0064] The MIS 120 is an application that manages information useful for management decisions by extracting and aggregating accumulated information. More specifically, the MIS 120 mainly performs single-item profit and loss calculations. Single-item profit and loss calculation means calculating the profit by subtracting the costs related to manufacturing (such as the cost derived from the actual performance information of each process) from the expected sales amount derived from the process specified by the print job. In the example of FIG. 4, the MIS 120 is assumed to be provided in the client PC 101, but the MIS 120 may be provided in the print control device 104.

[0065] Next, the functions of the print control device 104 will be described. The print control device 104 of the present embodiment includes a print job storage unit 410, an association storage unit 415, a process pattern storage unit 420, a job performance information storage unit 425, an input quantity calculation formula storage unit 430, an actual quantity calculation formula storage unit 435, and a unit information storage unit 440. Each of these storage units may be realized by, for example, an HD 504 or the like.

[0066] In addition, the print control device 104 includes a job reception unit 450, a work instruction reception unit 460, a display control unit 465, a process management unit 470, a pasting unit 480, and a quantity management unit 490. Each of the job reception unit 450, the work instruction reception unit 460, the display control unit 465, the process management unit 470, the pasting unit 480, and the quantity management unit 490 may be realized by the CPU 501 reading and executing a program (application) stored in a storage device such as a ROM 502, a RAM 503, or an HD 504.

[0067] The print job storage unit 410 stores the print job input to the print control device 104. The association storage unit 415 stores association information associating the print job with the process pattern. The process pattern storage unit 420 stores process pattern information indicating the process pattern. Note that the process pattern information in this embodiment is synonymous with the digital workflow.

[0068] The job performance information storage unit 425 stores information for managing the progress of the print job. More specifically, the job performance information storage unit 425 stores information including the planned input quantity, the input quantity, the planned performance quantity, and the performance quantity for each process associated with the print job.

[0069] The input quantity calculation formula storage unit 430 stores input quantity calculation formula information including a calculation formula for calculating the planned input quantity for each process. The performance quantity calculation formula storage unit 435 stores performance quantity calculation formula information including a performance quantity calculation formula for calculating the planned performance quantity for each process. The unit information storage unit 440 stores unit information indicating the unit of the quantity for each process. Details of each storage unit will be described later.

[0070] The job reception unit 450 receives the input of the print job from the client PC 101. In addition, when the print job is input, the job reception unit 450 stores the input print job in the print job storage unit 410. Note that the client PC 101 is an example of the input source of the print job to the print control device 104.

[0071] The job instruction reception unit 460 receives an input of a job instruction that instructs the execution of a print job for the print control device 104. It instructs the process management unit 470 to execute the print job. Also, when receiving a job instruction, the job instruction reception unit 460 may receive a change in the processing content for each process from the user of the print control device 104 or the like. When the processing content is changed, the job instruction reception unit 460 instructs the process management unit 470 to execute the print job based on the changed processing content. Note that the change in the processing content includes a change in the print conditions.

[0072] The display control unit 465 controls the display on the display 506 of the print control device 104. Specifically, the display control unit 465 may display a list of print jobs stored in the print job storage unit 410 on the display 506. Also, the display control unit 465 may display an operation screen for changing the print conditions included in the print job on the display 506.

[0073] The process management unit 470 is realized by a process management application installed in the print control device 104. The process management unit 470 manages each process implemented in the print system 100. Specifically, upon receiving a job instruction that instructs the execution of a print job, the process management unit 470 causes each process included in the digital workflow to be executed. Also, when receiving a job instruction for a print job, the process management unit 470 passes job instruction information indicating the content of the work based on the print job to the quantity management unit 490.

[0074] Also, the process management unit 470 acquires the quantity indicating the result of implementing each process from the application or device that implemented each process, and outputs the acquired quantity to the MIS 120 of the client PC 101.

[0075] In this embodiment, by doing so, it is possible to notify the MIS 120 of the progress of the print job for each process.

[0076] Note that the functions of the process management unit 470 may vary for each printing company that performs commercial printing. Further, the process management unit 470 generates position information regarding post-processing and provides the position information to the pasting unit 480. The post-processes of the present embodiment include, for example, cutting by the cutting machine 105 and binding by the binding machine 106. In other words, the post-processing may be a cutting process or a binding process performed in a process subsequent to the printing process. Note that the position information regarding the post-process may be generated in the pasting unit 480. When the pasting unit 480 generates the position information, the pasting unit 480 provides the generated position information to the process management unit 470.

[0077] The pasting unit 480 is realized by a pasting application installed in the print control device 104. The pasting unit 480 performs pasting related to printing. Pasting is arranging pages on a single sheet of paper so that they are correctly arranged in page order when folded in a determined manner.

[0078] The quantity management unit 490 of the present embodiment includes a process specifying unit 491, a quantity calculating unit 492, a result storage unit 493, and a unit acquisition unit 494.

[0079] When the job reception unit 450 receives an input of a print job, the process specifying unit 491 refers to the process pattern storage unit 420 and specifies process pattern information according to the type (product) of the printed matter included in the print conditions indicated by the print job and the number of pasted sheets. In other words, the process specifying unit 491 specifies a process pattern corresponding to the print job according to the print conditions. Further, when the process specifying unit 491 specifies the process pattern information, the process specifying unit 491 stores the specified process pattern information and the print job in the association storage unit 415 as association information in association with each other.

[0080] In the present embodiment, since the process pattern information is specified according to the print conditions included in the print job in this way, for example, users of the print control device 104 do not need to set the process pattern manually, and labor can be reduced.

[0081] The quantity calculation unit 492 refers to the planned input quantity calculation formula storage unit 430 and calculates the planned input quantity for each process included in the specified process pattern. The planned input quantity calculated here is the planned quantity to be input to the processing machine or application that executes each process according to the work instruction of the print job, and is determined according to the quantity included in the printing conditions.

[0082] In addition, the quantity calculation unit 492 refers to the actual result quantity calculation formula storage unit 435 and calculates the planned actual result quantity for each process. The planned actual result quantity calculated here is the planned quantity to be output from the processing machine or application that executes each process when the print job is executed according to the work instruction of the print job, and is determined according to the quantity included in the printing conditions.

[0083] The quantity calculation unit 492 stores the calculated planned input quantity and planned actual result quantity in the job actual result information storage unit 425 for each process of the print job.

[0084] That is, the planned input quantity and the planned actual result quantity are associated with the print job and each process included in the process pattern corresponding to the print job and stored.

[0085] In other words, based on the quantity included in the printing conditions, the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned input quantity and the planned actual result quantity as the quantities associated with the print job for each process indicated by the specified process pattern information.

[0086] The actual result storage unit 493 acquires the actually input input quantity for the processing machine or application that executes each process. In addition, the actual result storage unit 493 acquires the actually output actual result quantity from the processing machine or application that executes each process.

[0087] When the actual result storage unit 493 of the present embodiment acquires the input quantity and the actual result quantity, it stores them in the job actual result information storage unit 425 for each process of the print job. That is, the input quantity and the actual result quantity are associated with the print job, each process included in the process pattern corresponding to the print job, the planned input quantity, and the planned actual result quantity and stored.

[0088] The unit acquisition unit 494 refers to the unit information storage unit 440 and acquires information indicating the unit of the quantity to be handled for each process included in the process pattern specified by the process specification unit 491. More specifically, the unit acquisition unit 494 acquires unit information indicating the unit of the actual quantity for each process.

[0089] Thus, the quantity management unit 490 of the present embodiment associates the planned input quantity and the planned actual quantity based on the print job, and the input quantity and the actual quantity when the print job is actually executed, with the unit of the actual quantity for each process included in the process pattern associated with the print job, and causes the print control device 104 to hold them.

[0090] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in each process, it is possible to cause the client PC 101 to grasp whether the processing as planned indicated by the print job has been executed or the processing content has been changed in the process pattern corresponding to the print job.

[0091] Further, according to the present embodiment, the quantity management unit 490 can manage by associating the quantity and the unit of the quantity for each process included in the process pattern associated with the print job, and can manage by associating the quantity and the unit for each process.

[0092] Note that all or part of each storage unit included in the print control device 104 may be provided in an external storage device or the like that can communicate with the print control device 104. Further, the print control device 104 may be realized by a plurality of information processing devices.

[0093] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12, each storage unit included in the print control device 104 will be described.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a print job storage unit. The print jobs stored in the print job storage unit 410 include, as information items, a job identification ID, the number of input pages, the product, the number of copies per sheet, double-sided / single-sided, and the number of delivery copies, and the item "job identification ID" is associated with the other items.

[0095] The value of the item "job identification ID" indicates the identification information for specifying the print job. The value of the item "number of input pages" indicates the number of pages of the printed matter in the content data included in the print job. Note that the content data in the present embodiment may be PDF format data, and the number of input pages may be the number of pages of the PDF format data.

[0096] The value of the item "product" indicates the type of the printed matter. The value of the item "number of copies per sheet" indicates the number of copies included in one sheet of paper. Specifically, for example, when the value of the item "number of copies per sheet" is "2", it indicates that printing for two copies is performed on one folded sheet. Note that a folded sheet is a printed sheet folded in the order of pages, but folding may not be included.

[0097] The value of the item "double-sided / single-sided" indicates the setting of performing double-sided printing or single-sided printing. The value of the item "number of delivery copies" indicates the number of printed matters that a printing company or the like using the image forming apparatus 103 delivers as a product.

[0098] In the present embodiment, for example, the items "number of copies per sheet", "double-sided / single-sided", and "number of delivery copies" included in the print job are included in the printing conditions.

[0099] In the example of FIG. 5, for example, the print job specified by the job identification ID "job001" indicates that the number of pages of the input content data is 64 pages, and 10 copies of a saddle-stitched booklet with the text printed double-sided on one sheet are created.

[0100] Note that FIG. 5 shows an example of a print job, and the information items included in the print job are not limited to the items shown in FIG. 5.

[0101] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the association storage unit. The association information stored in the association storage unit 415 includes, as information items, a job identification ID and a process pattern ID, and the two are associated with each other. The value of the item "process pattern ID" indicates identification information for specifying process pattern information (digital workflow).

[0102] In the present embodiment, the association information is stored each time a print job is executed. In the example of FIG. 6, it can be seen that the process pattern information specified by the process pattern ID "002" is associated with the print job specified by the job identification ID "job001".

[0103] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern storage unit. The process pattern information stored in the process pattern storage unit 420 includes, as information items, a process pattern ID, a product, conditions, processes 01 to 05, etc., and the item "process pattern ID" is associated with other items. The process pattern information of the present embodiment is stored in the print control device 104 in advance.

[0104] In the example of FIG. 7, the process pattern information of the process pattern ID "001" indicates that the type of the printed matter is a wireless-bound text, the number of signatures is 1, and the processes are process 01 "signing", process 02 "printing", process 03 "binding (wireless binding)", and process 04 "cutting (triple cutting)". Also, in the example of FIG. 7, the process pattern information of the process pattern ID "002" indicates that the type of the printed matter is a wireless-bound text, the number of signatures is 2, and the processes are process 01 "signing", process 02 "printing", process 03 "cutting (medium cutting)", process 04 "binding (wireless binding)", and process 05 "cutting (triple cutting)".

[0105] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the job performance information storage unit. The job performance information stored in the job performance information storage unit 425 includes, as information items, a job identification ID, a process, a planned input quantity, an actual input quantity, a planned performance quantity, and an actual performance quantity. The job performance information stored in the job performance information storage unit 425 is stored each time a print job is executed.

[0106] The value of the item "Process" indicates the process included in the process pattern information associated with the job identification ID. The value of the item "Scheduled Input Quantity" indicates the scheduled input quantity to be input to the processing machine or application that executes each process.

[0107] The value of the item "Actual Input Quantity" indicates the quantity actually input to the processing machine or application that executes each process. Note that the input quantity is the same as the scheduled input quantity when the processing content is not changed.

[0108] The value of the item "Scheduled Output Quantity" indicates the quantity output from the processing machine or application when the processing machine or application that executes each process executes the process according to the print job.

[0109] The value of the item "Actual Output Quantity" indicates the quantity actually input to the processing machine or application that executes each process. Note that the input quantity is the same as the scheduled input quantity when the processing content is not changed.

[0110] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the input quantity calculation formula storage unit. The input quantity calculation formula information stored in the input quantity calculation formula storage unit 430 includes, as information items, product, process, condition, and calculation formula, and a calculation formula is associated with each combination of the items "product", "process", and "condition". The input quantity calculation formula information shown in FIG. 9 is stored in the input quantity calculation formula storage unit 430 in advance.

[0111] In the input quantity calculation formula storage unit 430, the value of the item "condition" indicates the condition of the process corresponding to the process indicated by the value of the item "process". The value of the item "calculation formula" indicates a calculation formula for obtaining the scheduled input quantity of each process when the condition indicated by the value of the item "condition" is set.

[0112] In the example of FIG. 9, it can be seen that when the type of the printed matter is the text of the wireless binding, the scheduled input quantity in the process "coating" when double-sided coating is set is the "number of delivery copies" included in the print job.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the actual quantity calculation formula storage unit. The actual quantity calculation formula information stored in the actual quantity calculation formula storage unit 435 includes, as information items, a process, conditions, and a calculation formula, and the calculation formula is associated with each of the items "process" and "conditions". The actual quantity calculation formula information shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the actual quantity calculation formula storage unit 435 in advance.

[0114] In the actual quantity calculation formula storage unit 435, the value of the item "calculation formula" indicates a calculation formula for obtaining the planned actual quantity for each process when the conditions indicated by the value of the item "conditions" are set.

[0115] In the example of FIG. 10, it can be seen that in the process "printing", the planned actual quantity is the planned input quantity × the number of pages after pagination.

[0116] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the unit information storage unit. The unit information storage unit 440 of the present embodiment includes, as information items, a process, an input quantity unit, and an actual quantity unit, and each item is associated. The unit information shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the unit information storage unit 440 in advance.

[0117] The value of the item "input quantity unit" indicates the planned input quantity and the unit of the input quantity. The value of the item "actual quantity unit" indicates the planned actual quantity and the unit of the actual quantity.

[0118] In the example of FIG. 11, it can be seen that in the process "printing", the planned input quantity and the unit of the input quantity are "number of copies", and the planned actual quantity and the unit of the actual quantity are "number of pages".

[0119] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, an example of a process pattern will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a process pattern.

[0120] In the process pattern 50 shown in FIG. 12, the process pattern indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process pattern ID "002" is shown.

[0121] The process pattern 50 includes the processes of "facing", process 02 "printing", process 03 "cutting (medium cutting)", process 04 "bookbinding (perfect binding)", and process 05 "cutting (three-sided cutting)" (see Fig. 7). Therefore, when the process pattern ID "002" is associated with a print job including the input manuscript content data 51, the printing control device 104 executes each process included in the process pattern 50.

[0122] Next, with reference to FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B, the operation of the printing system 100 will be described. In the descriptions of FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B, the operation of the printing system 100 when a work instruction for a print job specified by the job identification ID "job001" is input to the printing control device 104 is shown.

[0123] FIG. 13A is a first sequence diagram showing the operation of the printing system. In the printing system 100, the work instruction receiving unit 460 of the printing control device 104 receives a work instruction for a print job from the client PC 101 (step S1301). This work instruction includes a job identification ID for identifying the print job. Here, the job identification ID "job001" is included in the work instruction.

[0124] When the printing control device 104 receives a work instruction for a print job, the display control unit 465 causes a screen on which the printing conditions of the print job for which the work instruction has been received can be changed to be displayed (step S1302). Subsequently, the printing control device 104 receives a change in the printing conditions (step S1303). A change in the printing conditions is, in other words, a change in the processing content in the process.

[0125] Here, the printing conditions included in the print job specified by the job identification ID "job001" are "perfect-bound text, single-copy binding, double-sided printing, and 10 copies for delivery" (see Fig. 5).

[0126] In the example of FIG. 13A, it is assumed that in step S1303, an operation is performed to change this printing condition to "perfect-bound text, double-copy binding, double-sided printing, and 10 copies for delivery".

[0127] Note that, in this embodiment, when receiving a work instruction for a print job, a screen allowing changes to print conditions is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a screen allowing changes to print conditions may not be displayed.

[0128] In the print control device 104, when the display control unit 465 receives a change, it passes the work instruction after the change to the process management unit 470 (step S1304).

[0129] The process management unit 470 registers work instruction information corresponding to the print job instructed to the quantity management unit 490 (step S1305).

[0130] Here, as the work instruction information, the job identification ID "job001", the print conditions "stapled text with wireless binding, two-sided printing, 10 copies for delivery" are registered in the quantity management unit 490.

[0131] The quantity management unit 490 refers to the process pattern storage unit 420 by the process identification unit 491, identifies the process pattern ID according to the type of printed matter and the number of pages per sheet indicated by the print job (step S1306), and passes the identified process pattern ID to the process management unit 470 (step S1307).

[0132] Here, the type of printed matter (product) is "stapled text with wireless binding", and the number of pages per sheet is "2". Therefore, the process identification unit 491 identifies the process pattern ID "002" in the process pattern storage unit 420 where the product is "stapled text with wireless binding" and the condition is "number of pages per sheet = 2". That is, in this embodiment, the process pattern ID is identified according to the combination of the item "product" and the item "condition" in the process pattern storage unit 420.

[0133] Subsequently, the process management department 470 notifies the quantity management department 490 of a request to obtain process pattern information (step S1308). The quantity management department 490 obtains, by the process identification unit 491, the process pattern information corresponding to the identified process pattern ID "002" from the process pattern storage unit 420 (step S1309) and passes it to the process management department 470 (step S1310).

[0134] Subsequently, the process management department 470 sequentially executes the processes indicated by the process pattern information. First, the process management department 470 executes the pasting process.

[0135] The process management department 470 requests the quantity management department 490 to obtain the quantity required for the pasting instruction for the pasting unit 480 (step S1311). In other words, the process management department 470 requests to obtain the planned input quantity to be input to the pasting unit 480. This request includes the job identification ID.

[0136] The quantity management department 490 accepts this request, and the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned input quantity and the planned actual quantity in the pasting process and stores them in the job actual information storage unit 425 in association with the job identification ID (step S1312).

[0137] Specifically, the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned input quantity based on the calculation formula "["Number of delivered items"] / 2" specified by the product "Text of the wireless binding", the condition "Number of pasted sheets = 2", and the process "Pasting" in the input quantity calculation formula storage unit 430. Here, since the number of delivered items is "10", the planned input quantity is "5".

[0138] Also, the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned actual quantity using the calculation formula specified by the item "Pasting" in the actual quantity calculation formula storage unit 435. Here, since the planned actual quantity = planned input quantity, the planned actual quantity is "5".

[0139] Subsequently, the quantity management department 490 passes the planned input quantity to the process management department 470 (step S1313).

[0140] The project management department 470 requests the pasting department 480 to execute the pasting process (step S1314). This request includes the pasting quantity "2", the input content data 51, and the planned input quantity "5".

[0141] The pasting department 480 executes the pasting process (step S1315) and passes the execution result to the project management department 470 (step S1316). Here, the execution result is the input content data 51 after pasting and the actual quantity in the pasting process. Also, the execution result may include the input quantity input to the pasting department 480.

[0142] In the example of Fig. 13A, since no change in the processing content in the pasting process is received, the input quantity and the actual quantity in the pasting process are the same "5" as the planned input quantity and the planned actual quantity.

[0143] The project management department 470 receives the execution result and requests the quantity management department 490 to register the actual quantity in the pasting process (step S1317). This request includes the job identification ID "job001", the input quantity obtained in step S1316, and the actual quantity "5".

[0144] The quantity management department 490 receives this request and stores the input quantity and the actual quantity in the job performance information storage unit 425 in association with the job identification ID by the actual storage unit 493 (step S1318).

[0145] That is, in the job performance information storage unit 425 of the present embodiment, the planned input quantity, the input quantity, the planned actual quantity, and the actual quantity in the printing process are stored in association with each other.

[0146] In the present embodiment, in this way, by storing the planned actual quantity and the input quantity in association with each other in the job performance information storage unit 425, for example, when the planned actual quantity is changed before the printing process, this change can be detected.

[0147] Also, in the present embodiment, by associating the planned and actual quantities and storing them in the job performance information storage unit 425, it is possible to detect whether the processing has been executed as indicated by the print job after the execution of the printing process. The results of these detections may be displayed on the display 506 of the print control device 104, for example, by the operation of the user of the print control device 104.

[0148] Subsequently, when the storage of the input quantity and the actual quantity is completed, the quantity management unit 490 notifies the process management unit 470 to that effect (step S1319).

[0149] In the printing system 100 of the present embodiment, the above processing is executed according to the specified process pattern.

[0150] In FIG. 13B, the operation of the printing system 100 in the printing process after the pasting process is described. FIG. 13B is a second sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the printing system.

[0151] In the printing system 100, the process management unit 470 of the print control device 104 requests the quantity management unit 490 to acquire the quantity required for the print instruction for the image forming device 103 (step S1320). In other words, the process management unit 470 requests the acquisition of the planned input quantity to be input to the DFE 102. This request includes the job identification ID.

[0152] The quantity management unit 490 receives this request, calculates the planned input quantity and the planned actual quantity in the printing process by the quantity calculation unit 492, and stores them in the job performance information storage unit 425 in association with the job identification ID (step S1321).

[0153] Specifically, the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned input quantity based on the calculation formula specified by the product "main text of the wireless binding" and the process "printing" in the input quantity calculation formula storage unit 430. Here, the planned input quantity is the number of copies after binding. Therefore, the quantity calculation unit 492 obtains the actual quantity "5" in the binding process, which is stored in the job performance information storage unit 425, as the planned input quantity.

[0154] In addition, the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned actual quantity using the calculation formula specified by the item "printing" in the actual quantity calculation formula storage unit 435. Here, the planned actual quantity is obtained using the calculation formula "planned input quantity × number of pages of the input content data after binding". Since the number of pages of the input content data after binding is "64 / 2", it is "32". Therefore, the planned actual quantity is "5 × 32", which is "160".

[0155] Subsequently, the quantity management unit 490 passes the planned input quantity to the process management unit 470 (step S1322).

[0156] The process management unit 470 requests the execution of the printing process from the DFE 102 (step S1323). This request includes the input content data 51 after binding and the planned input quantity "5".

[0157] The DFE 102 causes the image forming apparatus 103 to execute the printing process (step S1324) and passes the execution result to the process management unit 470 (step S1325). Here, the execution result is the actual quantity actually printed by the image forming apparatus 103. Also, the execution result may include the input quantity actually input to the DFE 102. Furthermore, the execution result may include identification information for identifying the DEF 102 or the image forming apparatus 103. In other words, the execution result of the printing process may include the device ID for identifying the device that executed the process.

[0158] In the example of FIG. 13B, since no change in the processing content in the printing process is accepted, the input quantity and the actual quantity in the printing process are the same as the planned input quantity and the planned actual quantity. That is, the actual quantity obtained in step S1325 is the same "160" as the planned actual quantity.

[0159] The process management unit 470 accepts the execution result and requests the quantity management unit 490 to register the actual quantity in the printing process (step S1326). This request includes the job identification ID "job001", the input quantity "5" and the actual quantity "160" obtained in step S1325.

[0160] The quantity management unit 490 accepts this request, and the actual storage unit 493 associates the input quantity and the actual quantity with the job identification ID and stores them in the job actual information storage unit 425 (step S1327). When the storage of the input quantity and the actual quantity is completed, the quantity management unit 490 notifies the process management unit 470 to that effect (step S1328).

[0161] Subsequently, the process management unit 470 notifies the MIS120 of the client PC101 of the actual quantity "160" in the printing process (step S1329).

[0162] The MIS120 sends a request to obtain unit information indicating the unit of the actual quantity "160" to the quantity management unit 490 of the printing control device 104 (step S1330). The quantity management unit 490 accepts this acquisition request, and the unit acquisition unit 494 refers to the unit information storage unit 440 to obtain unit information indicating the unit of the actual quantity in the printing process (step S1331). Here, the unit acquisition unit 494 obtains "number of pages" as the unit information of the actual quantity in the printing process.

[0163] Subsequently, the unit acquisition unit 494 sends the acquired unit information to the MIS120 (step S1332). That is, the unit acquisition unit 494 sends the unit information "number of pages" to the MIS120.

[0164] Next, the MIS 120 sends a request to the quantity management unit 490 of the printing control device 104 to obtain the planned and actual quantity in the printing process (step S1333).

[0165] Upon receiving this acquisition request, the quantity management unit 490 refers to the job performance information storage unit 425, obtains the planned and actual quantity in the printing process (step S1334), and sends it to the MIS 120 (step S1335). Here, since the planned and actual quantity in the printing process is "160", the quantity management unit 490 sends the planned and actual quantity "160" to the MIS 120.

[0166] In this embodiment, in this way, the planned and actual quantity in the printing process and the actual quantity are sent to the client PC 101. In other words, in this embodiment, information indicating "printing process / planned number of pages to be pre-printed / number of pages actually printed" is provided to the client PC 101.

[0167] Therefore, on the client PC 101, the MIS 120 can compare the planned and actual quantity in the printing process with the actual quantity.

[0168] In this embodiment, both the planned and actual quantity and the actual quantity when the printing process is completed are "160" pages. Therefore, it can be seen that the actual printing has been performed as many pages as the planned number of pages indicated by the printing job.

[0169] Also, the MIS 120 can obtain the quantity output from the process management unit 470 and the unit of the quantity. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to notify which process the quantity obtained by the MIS 120 is the actual quantity of and what unit the quantity is in.

[0170] Next, referring to FIG. 14A, the cutting process (medium cutting) and the binding process performed after the printing process will be described. FIG. 14A is a third sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the printing system.

[0171] In the printing system 100, the process management unit 470 of the print control device 104 requests the quantity management unit 490 to acquire the quantity required for the cutting instruction for the cutting machine 105A (step S1401). In other words, the process management unit 470 requests to acquire the planned input quantity to be input to the cutting machine 105A. This request includes the job identification ID. Note that the cutting machine 105A is an example of a processing machine that performs intermediate cutting.

[0172] Upon receiving this request, the quantity management unit 490 calculates the planned input quantity and the planned actual quantity in the cutting process (intermediate cutting) by the quantity calculation unit 492, and stores them in the job performance information storage unit 425 in association with the job identification ID (step S1402).

[0173] Specifically, the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned input quantity based on the calculation formula specified by the product "text of the wireless binding", the process "cutting (intermediate cutting)", and the condition "double-sided" in the input quantity calculation formula storage unit 430. The calculation formula specified here is "(number of copies after imposition × number of pages of the imposition input content data 51) / 2". Therefore, the quantity calculation unit 492 acquires "80", which is the calculation result of "(5 × 32) / 2", as the planned input quantity. Here, the planned input quantity is the number of sheets after intermediate cutting.

[0174] Also, the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned actual quantity by the calculation formula specified by the item "cutting (intermediate cutting)" in the actual quantity calculation formula storage unit 435. Here, since the planned actual quantity = planned input quantity, the quantity calculation unit 492 acquires "80", which is the planned input quantity, as the planned actual quantity.

[0175] Subsequently, the quantity management unit 490 passes the planned input quantity to the process management unit 470 (step S1403).

[0176] The process management unit 470 requests the cutting machine 105A to execute the cutting process (intermediate cutting) (step S1404). This request includes the planned input quantity "80".

[0177] The cutting machine 105A executes a cutting process (step S1405) and passes the execution result to the process management unit 470 (step S1406). Here, the execution result is the number of sheets of paper cut by the cutting machine 105A. Further, the execution result may include the input quantity actually input to the cutting machine 105A. Furthermore, the execution result may include identification information for identifying the cutting machine 105A. In other words, the execution result of the cutting process (intermediate cutting) may include a device ID for identifying the device that executed the cutting process (intermediate cutting).

[0178] In the example of FIG. 14A, since no change in the processing content in the cutting process (intermediate cutting) is accepted, the input quantity and the actual quantity in the cutting process (intermediate cutting) are the same as the planned input quantity and the planned actual quantity, which is "80".

[0179] The process management unit 470 accepts the execution result and requests the quantity management unit 490 to register the actual quantity in the cutting process (intermediate cutting) (step S1407). This request includes the job identification ID "job001", the input quantity obtained in step S1406, and the actual quantity "5".

[0180] The quantity management unit 490 accepts this request and stores the input quantity and the actual quantity in association with the job identification ID in the job actual information storage unit 425 by the actual storage unit 493 (step S1408). When the storage of the input quantity and the actual quantity is completed, the quantity management unit 490 notifies the process management unit 470 to that effect (step S1409).

[0181] Subsequently, the process management unit 470 notifies the MIS 120 of the client PC 101 of the actual quantity "80" in the cutting process (intermediate cutting) (step S1410).

[0182] MIS120 sends a request to the quantity management unit 490 of the printing control device 104 to acquire unit information indicating the unit of the actual quantity "80" (step S1411). The quantity management unit 490 receives this acquisition request, and the unit acquisition unit 494 refers to the unit information storage unit 440 to acquire unit information indicating the unit of the actual quantity in the cutting process (medium cutting) (step S1412). Here, the unit acquisition unit 494 acquires "number of sheets" as the unit information of the actual quantity in the cutting process (medium cutting).

[0183] Subsequently, the unit acquisition unit 494 sends the acquired unit information to MIS120 (step S1413). That is, the unit acquisition unit 494 sends the unit information "number of sheets" to MIS120.

[0184] Next, MIS120 sends a request to the quantity management unit 490 of the printing control device 104 to acquire the planned actual quantity in the cutting process (medium cutting) (step S1414).

[0185] The quantity management unit 490 receives this acquisition request, refers to the job performance information storage unit 425, acquires the planned actual quantity in the cutting process (medium cutting) (step S1415), and sends it to MIS120 (step S1416). Here, since the planned actual quantity in the cutting process (medium cutting) is "80", the quantity management unit 490 sends the planned actual quantity "80" to MIS120.

[0186] In this embodiment, in this way, the planned actual quantity and the actual quantity in the cutting process (medium cutting) are sent to the client PC101. In other words, in this embodiment, information indicating "cutting process (medium cutting) / planned number of sheets / actually cut number of sheets" is provided to the client PC101.

[0187] Therefore, on the client PC101, MIS120 can compare the planned actual quantity and the actual quantity in the cutting process (medium cutting).

[0188] In this embodiment, both the planned quantity and the actual quantity when the cutting process (intermediate cutting) has been executed are "80" sheets. Therefore, it can be understood that the actual cutting (intermediate cutting) has been performed as planned for the number of sheets indicated by the printing job.

[0189] Next, the process management unit 470 executes the binding process. The process management unit 470 of the printing control device 104 requests the quantity management unit 490 to acquire the quantity required for the binding instruction for the binding machine 106 (step S1417). In other words, the process management unit 470 requests to acquire the planned input quantity to be input to the binding machine 106. This request includes the job identification ID.

[0190] The quantity management unit 490 accepts this request, calculates the planned input quantity and the planned actual quantity in the binding process by the quantity calculation unit 492, and stores them in the job actual information storage unit 425 in association with the job identification ID (step S1418).

[0191] Specifically, the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned input quantity based on the calculation formula specified by the product "text of the wireless binding" and the process "binding (wireless binding)" in the input quantity calculation formula storage unit 430. Here, since the planned input quantity = the number of delivered units, the quantity calculation unit 492 acquires "10", which is the number of delivered units, as the planned input quantity.

[0192] Also, the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned actual quantity by the calculation formula specified by the item "binding (wireless binding)" in the actual quantity calculation formula storage unit 435. Here, since the planned actual quantity = the planned input quantity, the quantity calculation unit 492 acquires "10", which is the planned input quantity, as the planned actual quantity.

[0193] Subsequently, the quantity management unit 490 passes the planned input quantity to the process management unit 470 (step S1419).

[0194] The process management unit 470 requests the binding machine 106 to execute the binding process (step S1420). This request includes the planned input quantity "10".

[0195] The bookbinding machine 106 executes the bookbinding process (step S1421) and passes the execution result to the process management unit 470 (step S1422). Here, the execution result is the number of booklets bound by the bookbinding machine 106. Further, the execution result may include the input quantity actually input to the bookbinding machine 106. Furthermore, the execution result may include identification information for identifying the bookbinding machine 106. In other words, the execution result of the bookbinding process may include a device ID for identifying the device that executed the bookbinding process.

[0196] In the example of FIG. 14A, since no change in the processing content in the bookbinding process is accepted, the input quantity and the actual quantity in the bookbinding process are the same "10" as the planned input quantity and the planned actual quantity.

[0197] The process management unit 470 accepts the execution result and requests the quantity management unit 490 to register the actual quantity in the bookbinding process (step S1423). This request includes the job identification ID "job001", the input quantity obtained in step S1422, and the actual quantity "10".

[0198] The quantity management unit 490 accepts this request and stores the input quantity and the actual quantity in association with the job identification ID in the job actual information storage unit 425 by the actual storage unit 493 (step S1424). When the storage of the input quantity and the actual quantity is completed, the quantity management unit 490 notifies the process management unit 470 to that effect (step S1425).

[0199] Subsequently, the process management unit 470 notifies the MIS 120 of the client PC 101 of the actual quantity "10" in the bookbinding process (step S1426).

[0200] MIS120 sends a request to the quantity management unit 490 of the printing control device 104 to acquire unit information indicating the unit of the actual quantity "10" (step S1427). In response to this acquisition request, the quantity management unit 490 refers to the unit information storage unit 440 by the unit acquisition unit 494 to acquire unit information indicating the unit of the actual quantity in the binding process (step S1428). Here, the unit acquisition unit 494 acquires "number of copies" as the unit information of the actual quantity in the binding process.

[0201] Subsequently, the unit acquisition unit 494 sends the acquired unit information to MIS120 (step S1429). That is, the unit acquisition unit 494 sends the unit information "number of copies" to MIS120.

[0202] Next, MIS120 sends a request to the quantity management unit 490 of the printing control device 104 to acquire the planned actual quantity in the binding process (step S1430).

[0203] The quantity management unit 490 accepts this acquisition request, refers to the job performance information storage unit 425, acquires the planned actual quantity in the binding process (step S1431), and sends it to MIS120 (step S1432). Here, since the planned actual quantity in the binding process is "10", the quantity management unit 490 sends the planned actual quantity "10" to MIS120.

[0204] In this embodiment, in this way, the planned actual quantity and the actual quantity in the binding process are sent to the client PC101. In other words, in this embodiment, information indicating "binding process / planned number of copies / actually bound number of copies" is provided to the client PC101.

[0205] Therefore, on the client PC101, MIS120 can compare the planned actual quantity and the actual quantity in the binding process.

[0206] In this embodiment, both the planned quantity and the actual quantity when the binding process has been completed are "10" copies. Therefore, it can be seen that the actual binding has been performed according to the planned number of copies indicated by the printing job in MIS120.

[0207] Next, with reference to FIG. 14B, the cutting process (three-sided cutting) performed after the binding process and the processing of MIS120 will be described. FIG. 14B is a fourth sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the printing system.

[0208] In the printing system 100, the process management unit 470 of the print control device 104 requests the quantity management unit 490 to acquire the quantity required for the cutting instruction for the cutting machine 105B (step S1433). In other words, the process management unit 470 requests to acquire the planned input quantity to be input to the cutting machine 105B. This request includes the job identification ID. Note that the cutting machine 105B is an example of a processing machine that performs three-sided cutting.

[0209] The quantity management unit 490 accepts this request, and the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned input quantity and the planned actual quantity in the cutting process (three-sided cutting), and stores them in the job performance information storage unit 425 in association with the job identification ID (step S1434).

[0210] Specifically, the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned input quantity based on the calculation formula specified by the product "text of the wireless binding" and the process "cutting (three-sided cutting)" in the input quantity calculation formula storage unit 430. Here, since the planned input quantity = the number of delivered copies, the quantity calculation unit 492 acquires "10", which is the number of delivered copies, as the planned input quantity.

[0211] Also, the quantity calculation unit 492 calculates the planned actual quantity according to the calculation formula specified by the item "cutting (three-sided cutting)" in the actual quantity calculation formula storage unit 435. Here, since the planned actual quantity = the planned input quantity, the quantity calculation unit 492 acquires "10", which is the planned input quantity, as the planned actual quantity.

[0212] Subsequently, the Quantity Management Department 490 passes the planned input quantity to the Process Management Department 470 (step S1435).

[0213] The Process Management Department 470 requests the Guillotine 105B to execute the cutting process (three-sided cutting) (step S1436). This request includes the planned input quantity "10".

[0214] The Guillotine 105B executes the cutting process (step S1437) and passes the execution result to the Process Management Department 470 (step S1438). Here, the execution result is the number of booklets cut by the Guillotine 105B. Also, the execution result may include the input quantity actually input to the Guillotine 105B. Furthermore, the execution result may include identification information for identifying the Guillotine 105B. In other words, the execution result of the cutting process (three-sided cutting) may include the device ID for identifying the device that executed the cutting process (three-sided cutting).

[0215] In the example of Figure 14B, since no change in the processing content in the cutting process (three-sided cutting) is received, the input quantity and actual quantity in the cutting process (three-sided cutting) are the same as the planned input quantity and planned actual quantity, which is "10".

[0216] The Process Management Department 470 receives the execution result and requests the Quantity Management Department 490 to register the actual quantity in the cutting process (three-sided cutting) (step S1439). This request includes the job identification ID "job001" and the input quantity and actual quantity "10" obtained in step S1438.

[0217] The Quantity Management Department 490 receives this request and stores the input quantity and actual quantity in association with the job identification ID in the Job Performance Information Storage Unit 425 by the Actual Storage Unit 493 (step S1440). When the storage of the input quantity and actual quantity is completed, the Quantity Management Department 490 notifies the Process Management Department 470 to that effect (step S1441).

[0218] Subsequently, the process management department 470 notifies the MIS 120 of the client PC 101 of the actual quantity "10" in the cutting process (three-way cutting) (step S1442).

[0219] The MIS 120 sends a request to the quantity management department 490 of the printing control device 104 to obtain unit information indicating the unit of the actual quantity "10" (step S1443). The quantity management department 490 accepts this acquisition request, and the unit acquisition unit 494 refers to the unit information storage unit 440 to obtain unit information indicating the unit of the actual quantity in the cutting process (three-way cutting) (step S1444). Here, the unit acquisition unit 494 obtains "number of parts" as the unit information of the actual quantity in the cutting process (three-way cutting).

[0220] Subsequently, the unit acquisition unit 494 sends the acquired unit information to the MIS 120 (step S1445). That is, the unit acquisition unit 494 sends the unit information "number of parts" to the MIS 120.

[0221] Next, the MIS 120 sends a request to the quantity management department 490 of the printing control device 104 to obtain the planned actual quantity in the cutting process (three-way cutting) (step S1446).

[0222] The quantity management department 490 accepts this acquisition request, refers to the job actual information storage unit 425, obtains the planned actual quantity in the cutting process (three-way cutting) (step S1447), and sends it to the MIS 120 (step S1448). Here, since the planned actual quantity in the cutting process (three-way cutting) is "10", the quantity management department 490 sends the planned actual quantity "10" to the MIS 120.

[0223] In this embodiment, in this way, the planned actual quantity and the actual quantity in the cutting process (three-way cutting) are sent to the client PC 101. In other words, in this embodiment, information indicating "cutting process (three-way cutting) / planned number of parts / actually cut number of parts" is provided to the client PC 101.

[0224] Therefore, on the client PC 101, the MIS 120 can compare the planned and actual quantity when the cutting process (three-sided cutting) is executed with the actual quantity.

[0225] In this embodiment, both the planned and actual quantity when the cutting process (three-sided cutting) is executed are "10" sheets. Therefore, it can be understood that the cutting process (three-sided cutting) has been performed as many sheets as planned indicated by the printing job by the MIS 120.

[0226] Subsequently, the MIS 120 of the client PC 101 transmits a request for acquiring process pattern information associated with the printing job to the quantity management unit 490 of the printing control device 104 (step S1449). The quantity management unit 490 receives this acquisition request, acquires the process pattern information corresponding to the process pattern ID specified by the process specifying unit 491 (step S1450), and transmits the acquired process pattern information to the client PC 101 (step S1451).

[0227] When the MIS 120 of the client PC 101 acquires the process pattern information, it performs a single-item profit and loss calculation (step S1452).

[0228] In this embodiment, in this way, it is possible to perform a planned and actual comparison for each process included in the process pattern specified from the printing job. Also, in this embodiment, information indicating the magnitude relationship between the planned and actual quantity for each process may be displayed on a display or the like of the client PC 101. Further, in this embodiment, a flag may be assigned to each process as information indicating the magnitude relationship between the planned and actual quantity.

[0229] In this embodiment, by doing so, for example, users of the client PC 101 and the printing control device 104 can confirm the actual quantity with respect to the planned and actual quantity for each process.

[0230] Note that in the printing control device 104 of the present embodiment, before the execution of each process is started, the display control unit 465 may display a screen including the printing conditions of the printing job on the display 506, and on this screen, changes to the printing conditions may be accepted. Further, the display control unit 465 may also display the execution result of the previous process on this screen.

[0231] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the effects of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 15A is a first diagram for explaining the effects of the present embodiment. Further, in FIG. 15A, in a printing system that does not have the quantity management unit 490, as in FIGS. 13 and 14, the case where an instruction to execute the job identification ID "job001" is given is shown. Further, in FIG. 15A, as in FIGS. 13 and 14, before the pasting process, the number of pasted sheets in the printing conditions is changed from "1" to "2".

[0232] In this case, the process management unit 470 receives a work instruction from the MIS 120 to set the quantity included in the printing conditions to "10" (step S1501). Further, the process management unit 470 changes the number of pasted sheets in the printing conditions from "1" to "2", and instructs the pasting unit 480 to execute the pasting process (step S1502).

[0233] The pasting unit 480 performs pasting with two sheets attached, and returns the quantity "5", which is the number of input manuscript content data after pasting, to the process management unit 470 (step S1503).

[0234] Next, the process management unit 470 instructs the DFE 102 to print with the quantity "5" as the planned input quantity (step S1504). The DFE 102 acquires the quantity "160", which is the number of pages printed from the image forming apparatus 103, and returns it to the process management unit 470 (step S1505). The process management unit 470 transmits the quantity "160" to the MIS 120 together with the identification information for specifying the DFE 102 or the image forming apparatus 103 as the execution result of the printing process (step S1506).

[0235] Next, the process management department 470 instructs the cutting machine 105A to perform cutting (medium cutting) with the quantity "80" as the planned input quantity (step S1507). The cutting machine 105A returns the quantity "80", which is the number of cut sheets, to the process management department 470 (step S1508). The process management department 470 transmits the quantity "80" to the MIS 120 together with the identification information for identifying the cutting machine 105A as the execution result of the cutting process (medium cutting) (step S1509).

[0236] Next, the process management department 470 instructs the bookbinding machine 106 to perform bookbinding with the quantity of delivered copies "10" as the planned input quantity (step S1510). The bookbinding machine 106 returns the quantity "10", which is the number of bound copies, to the process management department 470 (step S1511). The process management department 470 transmits the quantity "10" to the MIS 120 together with the identification information for identifying the bookbinding machine 106 as the execution result of the bookbinding process (step S1512).

[0237] Next, the process management department 470 instructs the cutting machine 105B to perform cutting (three-sided cutting) with the quantity of delivered copies "10" as the planned input quantity (step S1513). The cutting machine 105B returns the quantity "10", which is the number of cut copies, to the process management department 470 (step S1514). The process management department 470 transmits the quantity "10" to the MIS 120 together with the identification information for identifying the cutting machine 105B as the execution result of the cutting process (three-sided cutting) (step S1515).

[0238] Thus, in the example of FIG. 15A, the MIS 120 is notified only of the actual quantity associated with the process from the process management department 470. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 15A, the MIS 120 cannot determine what unit the notified quantity is in.

[0239] Therefore, when the MIS 120 is made to perform single-item profit and loss calculation in the case shown in FIG. 15A, either the calculation is performed after manually associating the units of each quantity, or the calculation is performed while the relationship between the notified quantities remains unclear. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 15A, it is not possible to make the MIS 120 perform single-item profit and loss calculation automatically and with high accuracy.

[0240] In contrast, referring to FIG. 15B, a case where the quantity management unit 490 of the present embodiment is provided in the printing system 100 will be described.

[0241] FIG. 15B is a second diagram for explaining the effects of the present embodiment. Also in FIG. 15B, in the printing system 100, similar to FIGS. 13 and 14, an instruction to execute the job identification ID "job001" is given, and before the pasting process, when the number of pasted sheets in the printing conditions is changed from "1" to "2", it is shown.

[0242] In this case, the process management unit 470 receives a work instruction from the MIS 120 to set the quantity included in the printing conditions to "10" (step S1520). Further, the process management unit 470 changes the number of pasted sheets in the printing conditions from "1" to "2", and instructs the pasting unit 480 to execute the pasting process (step S1521).

[0243] The pasting unit 480 performs pasting in sets of two, and returns the quantity "5", which is the number of input content data after pasting, and the unit "copy" of the quantity "5" to the process management unit 470 (step S1522).

[0244] Next, the process management unit 470 instructs the DFE 102 to perform printing with the quantity "5" as the planned input quantity (step S1523). The DFE 102 acquires the quantity "160", which is the number of pages printed from the image forming apparatus 103, and returns it to the process management unit 470 (step S1524). The process management unit 470 transmits "160 pages" as the execution result of the printing process, together with the quantity "160" and the unit "page quantity", and identification information for specifying the DFE 102 or the image forming apparatus 103, to the MIS 120 (step S1525).

[0245] Next, the process management department 470 instructs the cutting machine 105A to perform cutting (medium cutting) with the quantity "80" as the planned input quantity (step S1526). The cutting machine 105A returns the quantity "80", which is the number of cut sheets, to the process management department 470 (step S1527). The process management department 470 transmits "80 sheets" to the MIS 120 together with the identification information for identifying the cutting machine 105A as the execution result of the cutting process (medium cutting) (step S1528).

[0246] Next, the process management department 470 instructs the bookbinding machine 106 to perform bookbinding with the quantity of delivered copies "10" as the planned input quantity (step S1529). The bookbinding machine 106 returns the quantity "10", which is the number of bound copies, to the process management department 470 (step S1530). The process management department 470 transmits "10 copies" to the MIS 120 together with the identification information for identifying the bookbinding machine 106 as the execution result of the bookbinding process (step S1531).

[0247] Next, the process management department 470 instructs the cutting machine 105B to perform cutting (three-sided cutting) with the quantity of delivered copies "10" as the planned input quantity (step S1532). The cutting machine 105B returns the quantity "10", which is the number of cut copies, to the process management department 470 (step S1533). The process management department 470 transmits "10 copies" to the MIS 120 together with the identification information for identifying the cutting machine 105B as the execution result of the cutting process (three-sided cutting) (step S1534).

[0248] Thus, in this embodiment, the process management department 470 can provide the MIS 120 with the actual quantity associated with the process and the unit of the actual quantity.

[0249] Also, in this embodiment, the planned and actual quantities in each process are also provided to the MIS 120. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the MIS 120 can be made to determine to what extent the processing has been executed in each process with respect to the planned and actual quantity at the time of work instruction.

[0250] Further, according to the present embodiment, the MIS 120 can perform single-item profit and loss calculation using the actual quantity obtained for each process, and can improve the accuracy of the calculation.

[0251] Note that each function of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in this specification means a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) designed to execute each function described above, a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), and devices such as conventional circuit modules.

[0252] Also, the device groups described in each embodiment merely show one of a plurality of computing environments for executing the embodiments disclosed in this specification.

[0253] In one embodiment, the print control device 104 includes a plurality of computing devices such as a server cluster. The plurality of computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via an arbitrary type of communication link including a network or a shared memory, and execute the processes disclosed in this specification. Similarly, the print control device 104 can include a plurality of computing devices configured to communicate with each other.

[0254] Furthermore, the print control device 104 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps in various combinations. For example, a process executed by a predetermined unit can be executed by the print control device 104. Similarly, the functions of a predetermined unit can be executed by the print control device 104. Also, in the print control device 104, each element it has may be grouped into one server device or divided into a plurality of devices.

[0255] Note that the printing control device 104 may be any device having a communication function. The printing control device 104 may be, for example, an output device such as a PJ (Projector), digital signage, etc., a HUD (Head Up Display) device, an industrial machine, an imaging device, a sound collection device, a medical device, a network home appliance, an automobile (Connected Car), a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a game machine, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, a wearable PC, or a desktop PC, etc.

[0256] Aspects of the present invention are as follows, for example. <1> A printing system including an image forming apparatus and a printing control device, wherein the printing control device has a job reception unit that receives an input of a print job for the image forming apparatus, and refers to a unit information storage unit in which unit information indicating a unit of the quantity handled in each process is stored for each of a plurality of processes specified based on the print job, and manages by associating the quantity handled in each of the plurality of processes specified based on the print job received by the job reception unit with the unit of the quantity handled in each process, the printing system, the printing system. <2> The quantity management unit associates, for each process included in the plurality of processes, an actual quantity indicating an execution result of the process when the print job received by the job reception unit is executed with information indicating a unit corresponding to the actual quantity, and outputs the result to the input source of the print job, the printing system according to <1>. <3> The quantity management unit Referring to a process pattern storage unit storing process pattern information associating print conditions indicated by a print job with process pattern information including a plurality of processes, a process specifying unit that specifies process pattern information including a plurality of processes corresponding to the print conditions indicated by the print job received by the job receiving unit; Based on the quantity included in the print conditions indicated by the print job received by the job receiving unit, for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specifying unit, a quantity calculation unit that calculates the quantity handled in each process, the printing system according to <2>. <4> The quantity handled in each process is For each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specifying unit, a planned input quantity determined according to the quantity included in the print conditions indicated by the print job received by the job receiving unit; For each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specifying unit, a planned actual quantity indicating the execution result when the print job received by the job receiving unit is executed, the printing system according to <3>. <5> The quantity management unit Has an actual storage unit that acquires the actual quantity for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specifying unit and stores it in a job actual information storage unit; The quantity calculation unit For each of the plurality of processes, referring to a calculation formula storage unit storing a calculation formula for calculating the planned actual quantity, calculates the planned actual quantity for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specifying unit; The actual storage unit Associates the planned actual quantity calculated by the quantity calculation unit with the actual quantity for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specifying unit, and stores it in the job actual information storage unit, the printing system according to <4>. <6> The quantity calculation unit For each of a plurality of processes, a calculation formula storage unit storing a calculation formula for calculating the planned input quantity is referred to, and the planned input quantity for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specifying unit is calculated. The actual result storage unit When the printing job received by the job receiving unit is executed, the input quantity input for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specifying unit is acquired, and the planned input quantity calculated by the quantity calculating unit is associated with the input quantity and stored in the job result information storage unit. The printing system according to <5>. <7> A job receiving unit that receives an input of a printing job for an image forming apparatus, For each of a plurality of processes specified based on a printing job, a unit information storage unit storing unit information indicating a unit of the quantity handled in each process is referred to, and the quantity handled in each process in the plurality of processes specified based on the printing job received by the job receiving unit and the unit of the quantity handled in each process are managed in association with each other. A printing control apparatus. <8> A printing control method by a printing system including an image forming apparatus and a printing control apparatus, The printing control apparatus Receives an input of a printing job for the image forming apparatus, For each of a plurality of processes specified based on a printing job, a unit information storage unit storing unit information indicating a unit of the quantity handled in each process is referred to, and the quantity handled in each process in the plurality of processes specified based on the received printing job and the unit of the quantity handled in each process are managed in association with each other. A printing control method. <9> Receives an input of a printing job for an image forming apparatus, For each of a plurality of processes specified based on a print job, a print control program that causes a print control device to execute a process of referring to a unit information storage unit in which unit information indicating a unit of the quantity handled in each process is stored, and associating and managing the quantity handled in each of the plurality of processes specified based on the received print job with the unit of the quantity handled in each process.

[0257] As described above, the present invention has been described based on each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. Regarding these points, it can be changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

Explanation of Signs

[0258] 100 Printing system 101 Client PC 102 DFE 103 Image forming apparatus 104 Print control device 120 MIS 410 Print job storage unit 415 Association storage unit 420 Process pattern storage unit 425 Job performance information storage unit 430 Input quantity calculation formula storage unit 435 Performance quantity calculation formula storage unit 440 Unit information storage unit 450 Job reception unit 460 Work instruction reception unit 470 Process management unit 480 Imposition unit 490 Quantity management unit 491 Process specification unit 492 Quantity calculation unit 493 Performance storage unit 494 Unit acquisition unit

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0259]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. A printing system including an image forming apparatus and a printing control apparatus, wherein the printing control apparatus has a job reception unit that receives an input of a print job for the image forming apparatus, and a quantity management unit that refers to a unit information storage unit storing unit information indicating a unit of quantity handled in each process for each of a plurality of processes specified based on the print job, and associates and manages the quantity handled in each of the plurality of processes specified based on the print job received by the job reception unit with the unit of the quantity handled in each process.

2. The quantity management unit associates, for each process included in the plurality of processes, an actual quantity indicating an execution result of the process when the print job received by the job reception unit is executed with information indicating a unit corresponding to the actual quantity, and outputs the result to the input source of the print job. The printing system according to claim 1.

3. The quantity management unit has a process specification unit that refers to a process pattern storage unit storing process pattern information associating the print conditions indicated by the print job with process pattern information including a plurality of processes, and specifies process pattern information including a plurality of processes corresponding to the print conditions indicated by the print job received by the job reception unit, and a quantity calculation unit that calculates the quantity handled in each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specification unit based on the quantity included in the print conditions indicated by the print job received by the job reception unit. The printing system according to claim 2.

4. The quantity handled in each process includes a planned input quantity determined according to the quantity included in the print conditions indicated by the print job received by the job reception unit for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specification unit, and a planned actual quantity indicating an execution result when the print job received by the job reception unit is executed for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specification unit. The printing system according to claim 3.

5. The quantity management unit has an actual storage unit that acquires the actual quantity for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specification unit and stores the quantity in a job actual information storage unit, and the quantity calculation unit For each of a plurality of processes, refer to a calculation formula storage unit storing a calculation formula for calculating the planned / actual quantity, and calculate the planned / actual quantity for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specifying unit. The actual result storage unit The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the actual result storage unit stores the planned / actual quantity calculated by the quantity calculation unit in association with the actual quantity for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specifying unit in the job actual result information storage unit.

6. The quantity calculation unit For each of a plurality of processes, refer to a calculation formula storage unit storing a calculation formula for calculating the planned input quantity, and calculate the planned input quantity for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specifying unit. The actual result storage unit When executing the print job received by the job reception unit, the actual result storage unit acquires the input quantity input for each of the plurality of processes indicated by the process pattern information specified by the process specifying unit, and stores the input quantity in association with the planned input quantity calculated by the quantity calculation unit in the job actual result information storage unit. The printing system according to claim 5.

7. A job reception unit that receives an input of a print job for an image forming apparatus, and A quantity management unit that refers to a unit information storage unit storing unit information indicating the unit of the quantity handled in each process for each of a plurality of processes specified based on the print job, and associates and manages the quantity handled in each process in the plurality of processes specified based on the print job received by the job reception unit with the unit of the quantity handled in each process. A printing control apparatus having the same.

8. A printing control method by a printing system including an image forming apparatus and a printing control apparatus, wherein The printing control apparatus Receives an input of a print job for the image forming apparatus, and For each of a plurality of processes specified based on the print job, refers to a unit information storage unit storing unit information indicating the unit of the quantity handled in each process, and associates and manages the quantity handled in each process in the plurality of processes specified based on the received print job with the unit of the quantity handled in each process. A printing control method.

9. Receives an input of a print job for an image forming apparatus A printing control program that causes a printing control device to execute a process of referring to a unit information storage unit in which unit information indicating a unit of the quantity handled in each of a plurality of processes specified based on a print job is stored, and associating and managing the quantity handled in each of the plurality of processes specified based on the received print job with the unit of the quantity handled in each of the processes.

Images