Image formation system and image formation method

Abstract

To provide an image formation system and an image formation method that improve convenience when allocating an image formation job to multiple image formation devices.SOLUTION: An image formation system 100 includes: a setting processing unit configured to set a group consisting of some or all of multiple printing devices 10; a determination processing unit configured to determine a print job allocation ratio for each first printing device included in the group based on the printing speed of each first printing device; and an allocation control unit configured to allocate the print job to the multiple first printing devices based on the print job allocation ratio determined by the determination processing unit. The allocation control unit allocates the print job to all printing devices 10 if the print job cannot be completed within a preset target execution time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system and an image forming method. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming system that allows some of a plurality of image forming devices to be set as a group that shares the execution of image forming jobs is known as related technology (see Patent Document 1). In this image forming system, for example, among a plurality of image forming devices arranged in the same space, by setting a plurality of image forming devices that are densely arranged in a certain area within the space as the group, it is possible to reduce the travel distance of a user who collects printed materials. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-290626 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the image forming system according to the related art described above, there are cases where the image forming job cannot be completed within the time desired by the user using only the plurality of image forming apparatuses that make up the group.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and an image forming method that can improve convenience when an image forming job is shared among a plurality of image forming apparatuses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system includes a setting processor, a determination processor, a sharing controller, a reception processor, and a judgment processor. The setting processor sets a group consisting of some or all of a plurality of image forming devices. The determination processor determines a sharing ratio of an image formation job for each of the first image forming devices included in the group based on the printing speed of each of the first image forming devices. The sharing controller allocates the image formation job to the plurality of first image forming devices based on the sharing ratio of the image formation job determined by the determination processor. The reception processor accepts a setting operation for a target execution time for the image formation job. The judgment processor determines whether the image formation job can be completed within the target execution time using the group. Furthermore, when the judgment processor determines that the image formation job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and the plurality of image forming devices includes a second image forming device not included in the group, the determination processor determines a sharing ratio of the image formation job for each of the image forming devices based on the printing speed of each of the image forming devices. When the judgment processing unit determines that the image formation job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and the multiple image forming devices include the second image forming device, the allocation control unit allocates the image formation job to the multiple image forming devices based on the allocation ratio of the image formation job determined by the decision processing unit.

[0007] An image forming method according to another aspect of the present invention is executed by one or more processors included in an image forming system, and includes a setting step, a determination step, a sharing control step, a receiving step, and a judging step. In the setting step, a group consisting of some or all of a plurality of image forming devices is set. In the determination step, a sharing ratio of an image formation job for each of the first image forming devices included in the group is determined based on the printing speed of each of the first image forming devices. In the sharing control step, the image formation job is shared by the plurality of first image forming devices based on the sharing ratio of the image formation job determined in the determining step. In the receiving step, a setting operation for a target execution time for the image formation job is received. In the judging step, it is judged whether the image formation job can be completed within the target execution time using the group. In the determination step, if it is determined in the determination step that the image formation job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and the plurality of image forming devices includes a second image forming device that is not included in the group, the allocation ratio of the image formation job to each of the image forming devices is determined based on the printing speed of each of the image forming devices. In the allocation control unit, if it is determined in the determination step that the image formation job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and the plurality of image forming devices includes the second image forming device, the image formation job is allocated to the plurality of image forming devices based on the allocation ratio of the image formation job determined in the determination step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience when an image forming job is shared among a plurality of image forming apparatuses. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printing device included in an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a client terminal included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a print server included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a job allocation process executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the first sharing control process executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the second sharing control process executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0011] [Image forming system 100] The image forming system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention executes a print job for printing data to be printed.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes a plurality of printing devices 10, a client terminal 20, and a print server 30. In the image forming system 100, the client terminals 20 and the print server 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network. For example, the communication network is the Internet or a LAN (local area network). In the image forming system 100, the print server 30 and the printing devices 10 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the communication network. Note that the number of printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100 does not need to be limited to four (see FIG. 1).

[0013] [Printing device 10] The printing device 10 has a printing function for forming an image on a sheet. For example, the printing device 10 is a multifunction device having multiple functions including the printing function. The printing device 10 is an example of an image forming device of the present invention. Note that the image forming device of the present invention may also be a printer, a fax machine, a copier, or the like.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 10 includes a control unit 11, an ADF 12, an image reading unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a paper feeding unit 15, an operation display unit 16, a communication unit 17, and a storage unit 18.

[0015] The control unit 11 performs overall control of the printing device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 11 includes a CPU 11A, a ROM 11B, and a RAM 11C. The CPU 11A is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM 11B is a non-volatile storage device that stores information such as control programs for causing the CPU 11A to execute various types of processing. The RAM 11C is a volatile or non-volatile storage device that is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for the various types of processing executed by the CPU 11A. The CPU 11A executes the various control programs stored in the ROM 11B in advance. This allows the printing device 10 to be controlled overall.

[0016] The ADF 12 transports a document whose image is to be read by the image reading unit 13. The ADF 12 includes a document setting unit, a plurality of transport rollers, a document holder, and a paper discharge unit.

[0017] The image reading unit 13 has a scanning function for reading an image of a document, and includes a document table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, and a CCD.

[0018] Image forming unit 14 realizes the print function. For example, image forming unit 14 forms an image on a sheet supplied by paper feed unit 15 using an electrophotographic method. For example, image forming unit 14 includes a plurality of image forming units, an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing device, and a paper output tray. Note that image forming unit 14 may also form an image on a sheet supplied by paper feed unit 15 using another image forming method, such as an inkjet method.

[0019] The paper feed unit 15 supplies sheets to the image forming unit 14. The paper feed unit 15 includes a paper feed cassette, a manual feed tray, and a plurality of transport rollers.

[0020] The operation display unit 16 is a user interface of the printing device 10. The operation display unit 16 includes a first display unit and a first operation unit. The first display unit displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 11. For example, the first display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The first operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 11 in response to user operations. For example, the first operation unit includes operation keys and a touch panel.

[0021] The communication unit 17 is a communication interface that executes wired or wireless data communication with an external communication device such as the print server 30 via the communication network.

[0022] The storage unit 18 is a nonvolatile storage device, such as a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0023] [Client terminal 20] The client terminal 20 is a terminal device that functions as a user interface of the image forming system 100. For example, the client terminal 20 is a personal computer, a smartphone, a notebook computer, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the client terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, an operation display unit 22, a communication unit 23, and a storage unit 24.

[0025] The control unit 21 comprehensively controls the client terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 21 includes a CPU 21A, a ROM 21B, and a RAM 21C. The CPU 21A, the ROM 21B, and the RAM 21C have the same functions as the CPU 11A, the ROM 11B, and the RAM 11C of the printing device 10.

[0026] The operation display unit 22 is a user interface of the client terminal 20. The operation display unit 22 includes a second display unit and a second operation unit. The second display unit displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 21. For example, the second display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The second operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 21 in response to user operations. For example, the second operation unit includes a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0027] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface that executes wired or wireless data communication with an external communication device such as the print server 30 via the communication network.

[0028] The storage unit 24 is a non-volatile storage device similar to the storage unit 18 of the printing device 10 .

[0029] The storage unit 24 pre-stores client software that causes the client terminal 20 to function as a user interface for the image forming system 100. The CPU 21A of the control unit 21 executes the client software to function as a first setting processing unit 41 and a job input unit 42 shown in FIG.

[0030] The first setting processing unit 41 sets the printing conditions for the data to be printed.

[0031] For example, first setting processing unit 41 displays a printing condition setting screen used to set the printing conditions on operation display unit 22 in response to a predetermined user operation on operation display unit 22. The printing condition setting screen accepts user operations to set the printing conditions. For example, the printing conditions include the number of copies to be printed of the data to be printed, the printing color, and the print layout. First setting processing unit 41 sets the printing conditions in response to the user operations accepted on the printing condition setting screen.

[0032] Here, the image forming system 100 is capable of distributing the print job among multiple printing devices 10. Specifically, the printing condition setting screen accepts a user's operation to enable or disable an execution sharing function that distributes the print job among multiple printing devices 10. A user of the image forming system 100 can print the print target data using the execution sharing function by setting the execution sharing function to "enabled" on the printing condition setting screen. A user of the image forming system 100 can also print the print target data using any printing device 10 by setting the execution sharing function to "disabled" on the printing condition setting screen. Hereinafter, a print job for which the execution sharing function is set to "enabled" will be referred to as a "specific print job."

[0033] The job input unit 42 inputs the print job including the printing conditions set by the first setting processing unit 41 to the print server 30.

[0034] For example, the printing condition setting screen accepts a user operation to input an instruction to execute the print job. When the instruction to execute the print job is input on the printing condition setting screen, the job input unit 42 inputs the print job including the printing conditions set by the first setting processing unit 41 to the print server 30.

[0035] [Print Server 30] The print server 30 is an information processing device that causes one or more printing devices 10 to execute the print job input from the client terminal 20.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the print server 30 includes a control unit 31, an operation display unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a storage unit .

[0037] The control unit 31 performs overall control of the print server 30. As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 31 includes a CPU 31A, a ROM 31B, and a RAM 31C. The CPU 31A, the ROM 31B, and the RAM 31C have the same functions as the CPU 11A, the ROM 11B, and the RAM 11C of the printing device 10.

[0038] The operation display unit 32 is a user interface of the print server 30. The operation display unit 32 includes a third display unit and a third operation unit. The third display unit displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 31. For example, the third display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The third operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 31 in response to user operations. For example, the third operation unit includes a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0039] The communication unit 33 is a communication interface that can perform wired or wireless data communication between the printing device 10 and external communication devices such as the client terminal 20 via the communication network.

[0040] The storage unit 34 is a non-volatile storage device similar to the storage unit 18 of the printing device 10 .

[0041] The storage unit 34 stores device identification information and printing speed information corresponding to each printing device 10. The device identification information is information used to identify the printing device 10. The printing speed information is information indicating the printing speed of the printing device 10. For example, the printing speed information is information indicating the number of pages printed per minute. The device identification information and the printing speed information are registered in advance in the print server 30 for each printing device 10.

[0042] Incidentally, a related art image forming system is known in which some of a plurality of printing devices 10 (see FIG. 1) can be set as a group that shares the execution of the specific print job. In this image forming system, for example, by setting some of the printing devices 10 densely arranged in a certain area of ​​the same space as the group, it is possible to reduce the travel distance of the user who collects the printed materials.

[0043] Here, in the image forming system according to the related art described above, there are cases where the specific print job cannot be completed within the time desired by the user using only the plurality of printing apparatuses 10 that make up the group.

[0044] In contrast to this, in the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience when the specific print job is distributed to a plurality of printing devices 10, as will be described below.

[0045] Specifically, the storage unit 34 stores in advance a job allocation program for causing the control unit 31 to function as a second setting processing unit 51, a decision processing unit 52, an allocation control unit 53, a reception processing unit 54, a judgment processing unit 55, and a notification processing unit 56 shown in Fig. 4. The CPU 31A of the control unit 31 executes the job allocation program to function as each of the functional units shown in Fig. 4.

[0046] Note that some or all of the functional units included in the control unit 31 may be configured with electronic circuits. Also, the job allocation program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the functional units shown in FIG.

[0047] The second setting processing unit 51 sets the group made up of some or all of the printing apparatuses 10 included in the image forming system 100. The second setting processing unit 51 is an example of the setting processing unit of the present invention.

[0048] For example, second setting processing unit 51 displays a group setting screen used for setting the group on operation display unit 32 in response to a predetermined user operation on operation display unit 32. The group setting screen accepts a user operation to designate a first printing device that constitutes the group among printing devices 10 included in image forming system 100. Second setting processing unit 51 sets the group in response to the user operation accepted on the group setting screen.

[0049] The following explanation will be given assuming that, of the multiple printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100, printing device 10A (see Figure 1), printing device 10B (see Figure 1), and printing device 10C (see Figure 1) are designated as the first printing device.

[0050] When the specific print job is input from the client terminal 20, the determination processing unit 52 determines the allocation ratio of the specific print job to each of the first printing devices (an example of a first image forming device of the present invention) included in the group based on the printing speed of each of the first printing devices. The specific print job is an example of an image forming job of the present invention.

[0051] Specifically, the determination processing unit 52 determines the allocation ratio of the specific print job to each of the first printing devices so that the end timings of the allocation processing of the specific print job in each of the first printing devices coincide.

[0052] For example, the determination processing unit 52 calculates the execution time of the specific print job according to the following formula (1). Note that "t1" included in formula (1) indicates the execution time of the specific print job. Also, "N" included in formula (1) indicates the total number of printed sheets of the specific print job. Also, "V1" included in formula (1) indicates the printing speed of the printing device 10A designated as the first printing device. Also, "V2" included in formula (1) indicates the printing speed of the printing device 10B designated as the first printing device. Also, "V3" included in formula (1) indicates the printing speed of the printing device 10C designated as the first printing device.

[0053] t1=N / (V1+V2+V3) (1)

[0054] Then, the determination processing unit 52 determines the allocation ratio of the printing device 10A designated as the first printing device according to the following formula (2): Note that "P1" included in formula (2) indicates the number of prints (allocation ratio) allocated to the printing device 10A.

[0055] P1=V1×t1 (2)

[0056] The determination processing unit 52 also determines the allocation ratio of the printing device 10B designated as the first printing device according to the following formula (3): "P2" included in formula (3) indicates the number of prints (allocation ratio) allocated to the printing device 10B.

[0057] P2=V2×t1 (3)

[0058] The determination processing unit 52 also determines the allocation ratio of the printing device 10C designated as the first printing device according to the following formula (4): "P3" included in formula (4) indicates the number of prints (allocation ratio) allocated to the printing device 10C.

[0059] P3=V3×t1 (4)

[0060] The allocation control unit 53 allocates the specific print job to the plurality of first printing devices based on the allocation ratio of the specific print job determined by the determination processing unit 52.

[0061] Specifically, the allocation control unit 53 divides the specific print job based on the allocation ratio of the specific print job to each of the first printing devices determined by the determination processing unit 52. Then, the allocation control unit 53 causes each of the divided jobs obtained by dividing the specific print job to be executed by the first printing device corresponding to the divided job.

[0062] Furthermore, when execution of the divided job is interrupted in one of the first printing devices that share the specific print job, the sharing control unit 53 shares the unprocessed portion of the divided job with the other first printing devices. In this case, the unprocessed portion of the divided job may be divided according to the printing speed of each of the other first printing devices and assigned to each of the other first printing devices.

[0063] Note that the first printing device that cannot execute a part of the specific print job according to the printing conditions of the specific print job may be excluded from the allocation targets of the part of the specific print job. For example, if only printing device 10A among the multiple printing devices 10 does not have a color printing function and the printing conditions of the specific print job include color printing, the part of the specific print job may be allocated to the first printing devices (printing devices 10B and 10C) excluding printing device 10A.

[0064] The reception processing unit 54 receives an operation for setting the target execution time of the specific print job.

[0065] For example, when the specific print job is input from the client terminal 20, the reception processing unit 54 displays a setting operation screen used for setting the target execution time on the operation display unit 22 of the client terminal 20. The setting operation is received on the setting operation screen.

[0066] When the setting operation is accepted by the acceptance processing unit 54, the judgment processing unit 55 uses the group to judge whether the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time set by the setting operation.

[0067] For example, the determination processing unit 55 determines whether the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time using the group based on the calculation result of the execution time of the specific print job using the above-mentioned formula (1).

[0068] Here, when the judgment processing unit 55 determines that the specific print job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group, and the image forming system 100 includes a second printing device (an example of a second image forming device of the present invention) that is not included in the group, the decision processing unit 52 determines the share of the specific print job for each printing device 10 based on the printing speed of each printing device 10 included in the image forming system 100.

[0069] For example, if the judgment processing unit 55 determines that the specific print job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group, but the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time using all of the printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100, the decision processing unit 52 determines the share of the specific print job for each printing device 10 based on the printing speed of each printing device 10 included in the image forming system 100.

[0070] For example, the determination processing unit 52 calculates the execution time of the specific print job when all of the printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100 are assigned to the specific print job according to the following formula (5). Note that "t2" included in formula (5) indicates the execution time of the specific print job when all of the printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100 are assigned to the specific print job. Also, "V4" included in formula (5) indicates the printing speed of the printing device 10D, which is the second printing device.

[0071] t2=N / (V1+V2+V3+V4) (5)

[0072] Then, the determination processing unit 52 determines the allocation ratio of the printing device 10A according to the following formula (6).

[0073] P1=V1×t2 (6)

[0074] The determination processing unit 52 also determines the allocation ratio of the printing device 10B according to the following formula (7).

[0075] P2=V2×t2 (7)

[0076] The determination processing unit 52 also determines the allocation ratio of the printing device 10C according to the following equation (8).

[0077] P3=V3×t2 (8)

[0078] The determination processing unit 52 also determines the allocation ratio of the second printing device, ie, the printing device 10D, according to the following formula (9): "P4" included in formula (9) indicates the number of prints (allocation ratio) allocated to the printing device 10D.

[0079] P4=V4×t2 (9)

[0080] In addition, if the judgment processing unit 55 determines that the specific print job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and the image forming system 100 includes the second printing device, the allocation control unit 53 allocates the specific print job to all printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100 based on the allocation ratio of the specific print job determined by the decision processing unit 52.

[0081] For example, if the judgment processing unit 55 determines that the specific print job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group, but the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time using all of the printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100, the allocation control unit 53 allocates the specific print job to all of the printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100 based on the allocation ratio of the specific print job determined by the decision processing unit 52.

[0082] The notification processing unit 56 notifies the printing device 10 that is to share the specific print job and the execution time of the specific print job.

[0083] For example, the notification processing unit 56 displays a message on the operation display unit 22 of the client terminal 20, which includes the device identification information of each printing device 10 that is responsible for the specific print job, the allocation ratio of the specific print job, and the execution time of the specific print job.

[0084] Furthermore, if the execution of the divided job is interrupted in any of the printing devices 10 that share the specific print job, the notification processing unit 56 issues a notification to that effect.

[0085] For example, the notification processing unit 56 causes the operation display unit 22 of the client terminal 20 to display a message indicating that execution of the divided job has been interrupted in any of the printing devices 10 sharing the specific print job, including the device identification information of the printing device 10 where execution of the divided job has been interrupted, and the cause of the interruption. The notification processing unit 56 also causes the operation display unit 22 of the client terminal 20 to display a message including the allocation ratio of the unprocessed portion of the divided job of each of the other printing devices 10 sharing the specific print job, and the execution time for processing the unprocessed portion.

[0086] [Job sharing processing] 5, an example of the procedure of job allocation processing executed by the control unit 31 of the print server 30 in the image forming system 100, as well as the image forming method of the present invention will be described. Here, steps S11, S12, etc. represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 31. The job allocation processing is executed when the specific print job is input from the client terminal 20 to the print server 30.

[0087] In the image forming system 100, after the group is set by the second setting processing unit 51, a user operation to enable or disable the execution sharing function is accepted on the printing condition setting screen. In other words, the job sharing process is executed after the group is set. The process of setting the group by the second setting processing unit 51 is an example of a setting step of the present invention.

[0088] <Step S11> First, in step S11, the control unit 31 displays the setting operation screen on the operation display unit 22 of the client terminal 20. The processing of step S11 is an example of a receiving step of the present invention, and is executed by the reception processing unit 54 of the control unit 31.

[0089] <Step S12> In step S12, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the setting operation has been accepted on the setting operation screen.

[0090] Here, when the control unit 31 determines that the setting operation has been accepted on the setting operation screen (Yes in S12), the control unit 31 shifts the process to step S13. On the other hand, when the setting operation has not been accepted on the setting operation screen (No in S12), the control unit 31 waits for acceptance of the setting operation in step S12.

[0091] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 31 uses the group to determine whether the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time set by the setting operation. The process of step S13 is an example of a determination step of the present invention, and is executed by the determination processing unit 55 of the control unit 31.

[0092] For example, if the calculation result of the execution time of the specific print job using the above-mentioned formula (1) does not exceed the target execution time, the control unit 31 determines that the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time.

[0093] In addition, when one or more printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100 are currently executing the previously input print job, the control unit 31 determines whether the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time based on the time until the print job is completed and the calculation result of the execution time of the specific print job using the above-mentioned formula (1).

[0094] If the control unit 31 determines that the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time (Yes in S13), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S14. If the specific print job cannot be completed within the target execution time (No in S13), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S15.

[0095] <Step S14> In step S14, the control unit 31 executes a first sharing control process, which will be described later.

[0096] <Step S15> In step S15, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the execution time of the specific print job can be shortened.

[0097] Specifically, when the image forming system 100 includes the second printing apparatus, the control unit 31 determines that the execution time of the specific print job can be reduced.

[0098] Here, if the control unit 31 determines that the execution time of the specific print job can be reduced (Yes in S15), the control unit 31 shifts the process to step S16. On the other hand, if the execution time of the specific print job cannot be reduced (No in S15), the control unit 31 shifts the process to step S18.

[0099] <Step S16> In step S16, the control unit 31 determines whether the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time set by the setting operation using all printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100. The process of step S16 is executed by the determination processing unit 55 of the control unit 31.

[0100] For example, if the calculation result of the execution time of the specific print job using the above-mentioned formula (5) does not exceed the target execution time, the control unit 31 determines that the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time.

[0101] In addition, when one or more printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100 are currently executing the previously input print job, the control unit 31 determines whether the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time based on the time until the print job is completed and the calculation result of the execution time of the specific print job using the above-mentioned equation (5).

[0102] If the control unit 31 determines that the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time (Yes in S16), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S17. If the specific print job cannot be completed within the target execution time (No in S16), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S18.

[0103] <Step S17> In step S17, the control unit 31 executes a second sharing control process, which will be described later.

[0104] <Step S18> In step S18, the control unit 31 notifies the user that the specific print job cannot be completed within the target execution time.

[0105] Specifically, the control unit 31 causes the operation display unit 22 of the client terminal 20 to display a notification screen including a message to the effect that the specific print job cannot be completed within the target execution time.

[0106] The notification screen may include the time until the specific print job is completed when the specific print job is distributed to all printing devices 10 included in image forming system 100. Furthermore, control unit 31 may accept a user operation on the notification screen to select whether or not to execute the specific print job. When a user operation to select execution of the specific print job is accepted on the notification screen, control unit 31 may proceed to step S17.

[0107] [First sharing control process] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of the procedure of the first allocation control process executed in step S14 of the job allocation process will be described.

[0108] <Step S21> First, in step S21, the control unit 31 determines the allocation ratio of the specific print job to each of the first printing devices included in the group based on the printing speed of each of the first printing devices. The process of step S21 is an example of a determination step of the present invention, and is executed by the determination processing unit 52 of the control unit 31.

[0109] For example, the control unit 31 calculates the execution time of the specific print job according to the above-mentioned formula (1). Then, the control unit 31 determines the allocation ratio of the printing device 10A designated as the first printing device according to the above-mentioned formula (2). Furthermore, the control unit 31 determines the allocation ratio of the printing device 10B designated as the first printing device according to the above-mentioned formula (3). Furthermore, the control unit 31 determines the allocation ratio of the printing device 10C designated as the first printing device according to the above-mentioned formula (4).

[0110] <Step S22> In step S22, the control unit 31 allocates the specific print job to the first printing devices based on the allocation ratio of the specific print job determined in the process of step S21. The process of step S22 is an example of an allocation control step of the present invention, and is executed by the allocation control unit 53 of the control unit 31.

[0111] Specifically, the control unit 31 divides the specific print job based on the allocation ratio of the specific print job to each of the first printing devices determined in the process of step S21. Then, the control unit 31 causes each of the divided jobs obtained by dividing the specific print job to be executed by the first printing device corresponding to the divided job.

[0112] <Step S23> In step S23, the control unit 31 notifies the printing device 10 that is to share the specific print job and the execution time of the specific print job. The process of step S23 is executed by the notification processing unit 56 of the control unit 31.

[0113] Specifically, the control unit 31 causes the operation display unit 22 of the client terminal 20 to display a message including the device identification information of each printing device 10 that is responsible for the specific print job, the allocation ratio of the specific print job, and the execution time of the specific print job.

[0114] <Step S24> In step S24, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the first printing apparatuses have completed their share of the specific print job.

[0115] Here, when the control unit 31 determines that the allocation of the specific print job by each of the first printing devices has been completed (Yes in S24), it ends the first allocation control process. On the other hand, when the allocation of the specific print job by each of the first printing devices has not been completed (No in S24), the control unit 31 shifts the process to step S25.

[0116] <Step S25> In step S25, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the execution of the divided job has been interrupted in any of the first printing devices.

[0117] If the control unit 31 determines that the execution of the divided job has been interrupted at any of the first printing devices (Yes in S25), it proceeds to step S26. If the execution of the divided job has not been interrupted at any of the first printing devices (No in S25), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S24.

[0118] <Step S26> In step S26, the control unit 31 determines the allocation ratio of the unprocessed portion of the divided job whose execution was interrupted for each of the other first printing devices based on the printing speed of each of the other first printing devices excluding the first printing device whose execution of the divided job was interrupted. The processing of step S26 is executed by the determination processing unit 52 of the control unit 31.

[0119] The method for determining the share of the unprocessed portion of the divided job whose execution has been interrupted for each of the other first printing devices may be the same as the method for determining the share of the specific print job for each of the first printing devices.

[0120] <Step S27> In step S27, the control unit 31 allocates the unprocessed portion of the divided job to one or more first printing devices excluding the first printing device where execution of the divided job was interrupted, based on the allocation ratio of the unprocessed portion of the divided job determined in the processing of step S26. The processing of step S27 is executed by the allocation control unit 53 of the control unit 31.

[0121] [Second shared control process] Next, an example of the procedure of the second allocation control process executed in step S17 of the job allocation process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0122] <Step S31> First, in step S31, the control unit 31 determines the allocation ratio of the specific print job to each printing device 10 based on the printing speed of each printing device 10 included in the image forming system 100. The processing of step S31 is an example of a determination step of the present invention, and is executed by the determination processing unit 52 of the control unit 31.

[0123] For example, the control unit 31 calculates the execution time of the specific print job when all of the printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100 are to share the specific print job according to the above-mentioned formula (5).The control unit 31 then determines the share ratio of the printing device 10A according to the above-mentioned formula (6).The control unit 31 also determines the share ratio of the printing device 10B according to the above-mentioned formula (7).The control unit 31 also determines the share ratio of the printing device 10C according to the above-mentioned formula (8).The control unit 31 also determines the share ratio of the printing device 10D according to the above-mentioned formula (9).

[0124] <Step S32> In step S32, the control unit 31 allocates the specific print job to all of the printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100 based on the allocation ratio of the specific print job determined in the processing of step S31. The processing of step S32 is an example of an allocation control step of the present invention, and is executed by the allocation control unit 53 of the control unit 31.

[0125] <Step S33> In step S33, the control unit 31 notifies the printing device 10 that is to share the specific print job and the execution time of the specific print job. The process of step S33 is executed by the notification processing unit 56 of the control unit 31.

[0126] <Step S34> In step S34, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the printing apparatuses 10 have completed their share of the specific print job.

[0127] Here, when the control unit 31 determines that the printing devices 10 have completed their share of the specific print job (Yes in S34), it ends the second share control process. On the other hand, when the printing devices 10 have not completed their share of the specific print job (No in S34), the control unit 31 shifts the process to step S35.

[0128] <Step S35> In step S35, the control unit 31 determines whether the execution of the divided job has been interrupted in any of the printing devices 10.

[0129] If the control unit 31 determines that the execution of the divided job has been interrupted in any of the printing devices 10 (Yes in S35), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S36. If the execution of the divided job has not been interrupted in any of the printing devices 10 (No in S35), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S34.

[0130] <Step S36> In step S36, the control unit 31 determines the allocation ratio of the unprocessed portion of the divided job whose execution was interrupted for each of the other printing devices 10, based on the printing speed of each of the other printing devices 10 except for the printing device 10 whose execution of the divided job was interrupted. The processing of step S36 is executed by the determination processing unit 52 of the control unit 31.

[0131] <Step S37> In step S37, the control unit 31 allocates the unprocessed portion of the divided job to one or more printing devices 10, excluding the printing device 10 where execution of the divided job was interrupted, based on the allocation ratio of the unprocessed portion of the divided job determined in the processing of step S36. The processing of step S37 is executed by the allocation control unit 53 of the control unit 31.

[0132] In this way, in the image forming system 100, if it is determined that the specific print job can be completed within the target execution time using the group, the specific print job is shared among the multiple first printing devices included in the group. This makes it possible to reduce the travel distance of the user who collects the printed materials, for example, when the group is made up of multiple printing devices 10 that are densely arranged.

[0133] Furthermore, in the image forming system 100, if it is determined that the specific print job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group, and if the image forming system 100 includes the second printing device, the specific print job is shared among all printing devices 10 included in the image forming system 100. This makes it possible to minimize the execution time of the specific print job.

[0134] Therefore, in the image forming system 100, it is possible to improve convenience when the specific print job is distributed to a plurality of printing devices 10.

[0135] In the image forming system 100, any one of the printing devices 10 may have the functions of the print server 30. Specifically, any one of the printing devices 10 may have the second setting processing unit 51, the determination processing unit 52, the allocation control unit 53, the reception processing unit 54, the judgment processing unit 55, and the notification processing unit 56. In this case, the image forming system 100 does not need to have the print server 30.

[0136] Furthermore, in the image forming system 100, the print server 30 may have the functions of the client terminal 20. Specifically, the print server 30 may have the first setting processing unit 41 and the job input unit 42. In this case, the image forming system 100 does not need to have the client terminal 20.

[0137] Furthermore, in the image forming system 100, any one of the printing devices 10 may have the functions of the print server 30 and the client terminal 20. Specifically, any one of the printing devices 10 may have the first setting processing unit 41, the job input unit 42, the second setting processing unit 51, the decision processing unit 52, the allocation control unit 53, the reception processing unit 54, the judgment processing unit 55, and the notification processing unit 56. In this case, the image forming system 100 does not need to have the client terminal 20 and the print server 30.

[0138] [Notes on the Invention] The following is a summary of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0139] <Appendix 1> a setting processing unit that sets a group consisting of some or all of a plurality of image forming devices; a determination processing unit that determines an allocation ratio of an image forming job for each of the first image forming devices included in the group based on the printing speed of each of the first image forming devices; a allocation control unit that allocates the image forming job to the plurality of first image forming devices based on the allocation ratio of the image forming job determined by the determination processing unit; a reception processing unit that receives a setting operation for a target execution time of the image forming job; and a determination processing unit that determines whether the image forming job can be completed within the target execution time using the group, an allocation control unit that allocates the image formation job to the plurality of image forming devices based on the allocation ratio of the image formation job determined by the determination processing unit when it is determined by the determination processing unit that the image formation job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and the plurality of image forming devices includes the second image forming device; and an image forming system that allocates the image formation job to the plurality of image forming devices based on the allocation ratio of the image formation job determined by the determination processing unit when it is determined by the determination processing unit that the image formation job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and the plurality of image forming devices includes the second image forming device.

[0140] <Appendix 2> An image forming method executed by one or more processors included in an image forming system, the method comprising: a setting step of setting a group consisting of some or all of a plurality of image forming devices; a determination step of determining an allocation ratio of an image formation job for each of the first image forming devices included in the group based on the printing speed of each of the first image forming devices; a sharing control step of causing the plurality of first image forming devices to share the image formation job based on the allocation ratio of the image formation job determined in the determination step; a receiving step of receiving a setting operation for a target execution time of the image formation job; and a determination step of determining whether the image formation job can be completed within the target execution time using the group, an allocation control unit that allocates the image formation job to the plurality of image forming devices based on the allocation ratio of the image formation job determined in the determination step when it is determined in the determination step that the image formation job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and when the plurality of image forming devices includes a second image forming device that is not included in the group; and an allocation control unit that allocates the image formation job to the plurality of image forming devices based on the allocation ratio of the image formation job determined in the determination step when it is determined in the determination step that the image formation job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and when the plurality of image forming devices includes the second image forming device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 10 Printing device 20 Client Terminals 21 Control section 30 Print Server 31 Control Unit 41 First setting processing unit 42 Job Input Section 51 Second setting processing section 52 Decision Processing Unit 53 Sharing Control Unit 54 Reception department 55 Judgment processing unit 56 Notification processing section 100 Image forming system

Claims

1. a setting processing unit that sets a group consisting of some or all of the plurality of image forming devices; a determination processing unit that determines a share of the image forming job of each of the first image forming apparatuses included in the group based on the printing speed of each of the first image forming apparatuses; a sharing control unit that causes the first image forming apparatuses to share the image forming job based on the sharing ratio of the image forming job determined by the determination processing unit; a reception processing unit that receives a setting operation for a target execution time of the image formation job; a determination processing unit that determines whether the image forming job can be completed within the target execution time using the group; Equipped with when it is determined by the determination processing unit that the image formation job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and when the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes a second image forming apparatus that is not included in the group, the determination processing unit determines a share ratio of the image formation job for each of the image forming apparatuses based on a printing speed of each of the image forming apparatuses; when it is determined by the determination processing section that the image formation job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and when the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes the second image forming apparatus, the allocation control section allocates the image formation job to the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the allocation ratio of the image formation job determined by the determination processing section. Imaging system.

2. 1. An imaging method executed by one or more processors included in an imaging system, comprising: a setting step of setting a group consisting of some or all of the plurality of image forming devices; a determining step of determining a share of the image forming job of each of the first image forming apparatuses included in the group based on the printing speed of each of the first image forming apparatuses; a sharing control step of causing the first image forming apparatuses to share the image forming job based on the sharing ratio of the image forming job determined in the determination step; a receiving step of receiving a setting operation for a target execution time of the image forming job; a determining step of determining whether the image forming job can be completed within the target execution time using the group; Including, In the determination step, if it is determined in the determination step that the image formation job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and if the plurality of image forming devices includes a second image forming device that is not included in the group, a share of the image formation job of each of the image forming devices is determined based on the printing speed of each of the image forming devices; In the allocation control unit, when it is determined in the determining step that the image formation job cannot be completed within the target execution time using the group and when the plurality of image forming devices includes the second image forming device, the image formation job is allocated to the plurality of image forming devices based on the allocation ratio of the image formation job determined in the determining step. Image forming method.

Images