Information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

To shorten the time required to complete image forming processing.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises a processor. The processor is configured to: determine an image forming apparatus to perform image forming processing among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that perform the image forming processing for forming an image based on second image data for which conversion processing for converting first image data into the second image data has been performed; and determine an apparatus to perform the conversion processing among a transmitting apparatus for transmitting at least one of the first image data and the second image data to the image forming apparatus and the plurality of image forming apparatuses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a distributed printing system comprising a print instruction device that issues a distributed printing request based on print data, a distributed printing management server that divides the print data into multiple print jobs in response to the distributed printing request and stores them in a print job storage unit, and multiple printers that acquire the print jobs from the distributed printing management server and execute printing, wherein the distributed printing management server identifies the print job to be printed, notifies the printers of the start of distributed printing, selects a printer suitable for the identified print job from among the printers that have requested acquisition for the identified print job based on the printer's printing capabilities and status information, and assigns the identified print job to the selected printer.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a print control device comprising: a remaining amount acquisition means for acquiring the remaining amount of paper currently set in each of a plurality of printer devices; a printer selection means for selecting one or more printer devices to use for outputting the print data based on the total number of prints of the print data designated as the print target and the remaining amount of paper acquired for each printer device by the remaining amount acquisition means; and a print control means for instructing the printer devices to use selected by the printer selection means to execute printing, and if a plurality of printer devices to use are selected, distributing and allocating the total number of prints of the print data to each of the selected printer devices based on the remaining amount of paper corresponding to each selected printer device, and instructing each printer device to execute printing for the allocated number of sheets, and when distributing and allocating the total number of prints of the print data to the selected plurality of printer devices to use, the device is configured to allocate each of the optimal number of sheets corresponding to the remaining amount of paper corresponding to each printer device without refilling paper in each printer device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-220565 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-134400 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An example of an information processing system is one that includes a processor, and among multiple image forming devices that perform an image formation process to form an image based on second image data that has undergone a conversion process to convert first image data into second image data, the processor determines only the device that will perform the image formation process.

[0006] In this case, the device that executes the conversion process of the second image data used in the image forming process is not optimized, and it may take a long time to complete the image forming process.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to shorten the time it takes to complete an image formation process in a plurality of image forming devices in which a processor performs an image formation process to form an image based on second image data that has undergone a conversion process to convert first image data into second image data, compared to when only the device to be used to perform the image formation process is determined. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect includes a processor, which determines an apparatus to execute an image formation process among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that execute an image formation process to form an image based on second image data that has undergone a conversion process to convert first image data into second image data, and determines an apparatus to execute the conversion process among a transmitting apparatus that transmits at least one of the first image data and the second image data to the image forming apparatuses and the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0009] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the processor determines an apparatus to execute the conversion process based on the processing capabilities of the transmission apparatus and the plurality of image forming apparatuses for the conversion process.

[0010] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, when the processor causes an image forming device having lower processing capabilities than the sending device to perform the image forming process, the processor determines the sending device to be the device that will perform the conversion process of the second image data used by the image forming device.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, in the first aspect, the processor determines a device to execute the conversion process based on the complexity of the first image data.

[0012] In a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, when the complexity of the first image data is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the processor determines the image forming device and the transmitting device as the devices to perform the conversion process.

[0013] In a sixth aspect, in the first aspect, the processor determines the device to be caused to execute the conversion process based on a data transmission speed from the transmission device to the image forming device.

[0014] In the seventh aspect, in the first aspect, a device to perform the conversion process is determined among a second transmitting device that transmits the first image data to a first transmitting device as the transmitting device, the first transmitting device, and the plurality of image forming devices.

[0015] In an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the processor determines the device to execute the conversion process based on the processing capabilities of the second transmission device, the first transmission device, and the plurality of image forming devices for the conversion process.

[0016] A ninth aspect is an information processing program for causing a computer to execute a process of determining an apparatus to execute an image formation process among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that execute an image formation process to form an image based on second image data that has undergone a conversion process to convert first image data into second image data, and determining an apparatus to execute the conversion process among a transmitting device that transmits at least one of the first image data and the second image data to the image forming apparatuses, and the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0017] A tenth aspect is an information processing method for determining an apparatus to execute an image formation process among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that execute an image formation process to form an image based on second image data that has undergone a conversion process to convert first image data into second image data, and determining an apparatus to execute the conversion process among a transmitting apparatus that transmits at least one of the first image data and the second image data to the image forming apparatuses. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the configuration of the first aspect, the time until the image formation process is completed can be shortened in a case where a processor determines only the device to perform the image formation process in a plurality of image forming devices that perform an image formation process to form an image based on second image data that has undergone a conversion process to convert first image data into second image data.

[0019] According to the configuration of the second aspect, the time required to complete the image forming process can be shortened compared to when the processor determines the device to execute the conversion process regardless of the processing capabilities of the sending device and multiple image forming devices.

[0020] According to the configuration of the third aspect, when a processor causes an image forming device with lower processing capabilities than a sending device to perform an image forming process, the time until the image forming process is completed can be shortened compared to when the processor determines that the image forming device is the device that will perform the conversion process of the second image data used by that image forming device.

[0021] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the time required to complete the image forming process can be shortened compared to when the processor determines the device that will execute the conversion process regardless of the complexity of the first image data.

[0022] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, when the processor determines that the complexity of the first image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the time required to complete the image formation process can be shortened compared to when the processor determines that only the image forming device will perform the conversion process.

[0023] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the time required to complete the image forming process can be shortened compared to when the processor determines the device to execute the conversion process regardless of the data transmission speed from the transmitting device to the image forming device.

[0024] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the time required to complete the image forming process can be shortened compared to when the processor determines the device that will execute the conversion process from only the first transmission device and the plurality of image forming devices.

[0025] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, the time until the image forming process is completed can be shortened compared to when the processor determines the device to execute the conversion process regardless of the processing capabilities of the first transmitting device, the second transmitting device, and multiple image forming devices.

[0026] According to the configuration of the ninth aspect, in a plurality of image forming devices that perform an image formation process to form an image based on second image data that has undergone a conversion process to convert first image data into second image data, the time until the image formation process is completed can be shortened compared to when only the device that will perform the image formation process is determined.

[0027] According to the configuration of the 10th aspect, in a plurality of image forming devices that perform an image formation process to form an image based on second image data that has undergone a conversion process to convert first image data into second image data, the time until the image formation process is completed can be shortened compared to when only the device that will perform the image formation process is determined. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print processing flow executed in the printing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a table showing complexity data generated by the providing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a determination process executed in the server device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a flowchart showing a part of the flow of the decision process shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is a flowchart showing a part of the flow of the decision process shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 7 is a flowchart showing a part of the flow of the decision process shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0030] <Printing System 10> A printing system 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a printing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0031] The printing system 10 is an example of an information processing system, and is a system that prints on a recording medium such as paper. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes a plurality of printing devices 12, a providing device 14, and a server device 20.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 1, each part of the printing system 10 is connected by a communication line 13. The communication line 13 is, for example, a wired or wireless communication line. Specifically, various networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet can be used as the communication line 13. Each part of the printing system 10 will be described below.

[0033] <Providing device 14> The providing device 14 is an example of a second transmission device, and is a device that provides information related to printed matter (hereinafter referred to as printed matter information) to the server device 20. Specifically, the providing device 14 generates PDL data by executing PDL processing in accordance with, for example, a user operation, and transmits the PDL data to the server device 20 via the communication line 13. Note that the generation of the PDL data is executed, for example, by a driver unit of the providing device 14.

[0034] The PDL data is data including information about a printed matter, and is data written in a page description language (PDL) that can be interpreted by the printing device 12 and the server device 20. The printed matter information includes, for example, information about the image (picture), text (document), number of copies, number of pages, cover, etc. The PDL data is an example of first image data.

[0035] PDL processing is a process of converting a print target including print information into PDL data. A page description language is a computer programming language for executing image processing and the like in the server device 20 or the printer 12. There are various formats for page description languages, such as the PS (PostScript (registered trademark)) format.

[0036] As an example of the providing device 14, a general-purpose computer device such as a personal computer (PC) is used.

[0037] <Printing device 12> The printing device 12 is an example of an image forming device, and is a device that executes a printing process on a recording medium such as paper. The printing process is executed by printing based on image data (hereinafter referred to as processed data) that has been subjected to a rendering process on PDL data.

[0038] The rendering process is an example of a conversion process, and is a process of converting PDL data into processed data. Specifically, the rendering process is a process of performing a bitmapping process (e.g., a rasterization process) on the PDL data to convert it into image data that can be printed by the printing device 12. The processed data is an example of second image data.

[0039] 1 shows two printing devices 12, but the plurality of printing devices 12 may be three or more printing devices 12. Note that printing is an example of image formation.

[0040] <Server device 20> The server device 20 is an example of a transmission device and a first transmission device, and is a device that processes information such as image data. Specifically, the server device 20 has a function as a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a storage 24, a communication unit 33, an input unit 34, and a display unit 35, as shown in FIG.

[0041] The CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, storage 24, communication unit 33, input unit 34, and display unit 35 are connected to each other via a bus 29. Note that the server device 20 is not limited to being configured as a single server device, and may be configured as a plurality of server devices.

[0042] The communication unit 33 is a communication interface and is a component for communicating with other devices such as the printing device 12 and the providing device 14. Specifically, the communication unit 33 communicates with other devices through the communication line 13 using at least one of a wired and wireless connection.

[0043] The input unit 34 is a component into which instructions are input by the user. Specifically, the input unit 34 is composed of, for example, input keys (for example, a keyboard and operation buttons) and a touch panel, etc., through which the user performs input operations.

[0044] The display unit 35 is an example of a notification unit, and notifies the user of the presentation information by displaying the presentation information to be presented to the user. The display unit 35 is, for example, configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0045] The display unit 35 may function as the input unit 34. In this case, the input unit may be configured with, for example, a touch panel of a resistive film type or a capacitive type, and instructions from the user are input by a touch operation by the user.

[0046] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that executes various programs, including an information processing program, and controls each component. The ROM 22 stores various programs, including the information processing program, and various data. The RAM 23 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 24 is configured with a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, and stores various programs, including an operating system, and various data. The information processing program may be stored in the storage 24.

[0047] In the server device 20, the CPU 21 reads various programs including an information processing program from the ROM 22 or the storage 24, and executes the programs using the RAM 23 as a work area. The CPU 21 executes the information processing program to realize various functions. Below, a functional configuration realized by cooperation between the CPU 21 as a hardware resource and the information processing program as a software resource will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 20 according to this embodiment.

[0048] In the server device 20, the CPU 21 executes an information processing program to function as a receiving unit 41 and a decision processing unit 42, as shown in FIG.

[0049] The receiving unit 41 receives the printing information transmitted from the providing device 14. The receiving unit 41 also receives the device information transmitted from the printing device 12.

[0050] The determination processing unit 42 determines which of the multiple printing devices 12 will execute the printing process based on the processed data that has undergone rendering processing, and determines which of the server device 20 and the multiple printing devices 12 will execute the rendering process. Specifically, the determination processing unit 42 executes the determination processing described below.

[0051] <Printing process flow according to this embodiment> Next, a description will be given of an example of the flow of print processing executed in the printing system 10. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of print processing executed in the printing system 10.

[0052] Execution of this flow starts, for example, when the providing device 14 receives a print instruction from a user. As shown in Fig. 4, the providing device 14 generates PDL data and complexity data indicating the complexity of the PDL data (step S201). The generation of the complexity data will be described later.

[0053] Next, the providing device 14 transmits print information including the generated PDL data and complexity data to the server device 20 (step S202). When the server device 20 acquires the print information from the providing device 14 (step S210), it executes a determination process (step S100) to be described later. The print information includes a print instruction from the user and other information related to printing, in addition to the PDL data and complexity data.

[0054] <Generating Complexity Data> PDL data (image data) can be roughly classified into three categories: "text," "figures," and "images." Figures range from simple straight lines to more complex shapes such as rectangles, polygons, ellipses, and Bezier curves, and the more complex the figure, the longer it takes to render. Also, figures include not only lines but also filled closed areas, and the longer the line and the larger the area to be filled, the longer it takes to render.

[0055] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, elements of PDL data (image data) are classified into three categories: "characters," "figures," and "images," and the "figures" are further classified according to shape.

[0056] Then, for example, the number of elements, line length, and area are calculated for each element on each page of the PDL data. This information is included in the print information as complexity data.

[0057] In this embodiment, the server device 20 can calculate the complexity based on the complexity data. For example, a reference value can be set in advance for each element, and a value can be calculated for each element by adding or increasing the "reference value x number of elements" based on the line length and area of ​​each element, and then the values ​​can be added together to calculate the complexity. In this case, the larger the value, the more complex the image in the PDL data.

[0058] Since the complexity corresponds to the processing time of the rendering process, the server device 20 may calculate the complexity as an expected time for the rendering process.

[0059] Furthermore, the providing device 14 may be configured to calculate the complexity (estimated time) and transmit the calculated complexity to the server device 20.

[0060] The complexity is not limited to the above. For example, "graphics" may be treated as a single category without being further classified. Also, the number of elements in "characters," "graphics," and "images" may be counted, and the complexity (estimated time) may be calculated from the number of elements.

[0061] <Decision process according to this embodiment> An example of the decision processing executed in the server device 20 will be described. Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of the decision processing executed in the server device 20. This flow is an example of an information processing method.

[0062] This process is performed by the CPU 21 reading and executing an information processing program from the ROM 22 or storage 24. As shown in Fig. 6, when this process starts, the CPU 21 collects device information for each of the multiple printing devices 12 (step S101). The CPU 21 executes the collection of device information by, for example, issuing a transmission instruction to each of the multiple printing devices 12 to cause them to transmit their device information, and receiving the device information transmitted from each of the multiple printing devices 12.

[0063] The device information of the printing device 12 includes capability information indicating the processing capabilities of the rendering process and the printing process, and status information indicating the status. The capability information includes information such as CPU performance, printing speed, whether color or monochrome printing is possible, and whether double-sided printing is possible. CPU performance is an example of the processing capabilities of the conversion process and is an index indicating the processing capabilities of the rendering process. The status information includes information such as the remaining amounts of consumables (e.g., toner and ink) and recording media (paper, etc.), whether the printing device 12 is operating, and whether or not an error has occurred in the printing device 12.

[0064] Note that the configuration may be such that unchanging information such as capability information is stored in the storage 24 in advance and the CPU 21 acquires the information from the storage 24 .

[0065] Next, CPU 21 identifies printing devices 12 that are capable of printing (hereinafter referred to as printable devices) based on the device information of printing devices 12 (step S102). CPU 21 creates a list of printable devices in step S102. If there are no printable devices, CPU 21 ends this determination process and notifies the user of this fact.

[0066] Next, CPU 21 determines whether the number of printable devices is two or more (step S103). If CPU 21 determines in step S103 that the number of printable devices is two or more (step S103: YES), it proceeds to step S104, and if CPU 21 determines that the number of printable devices is less than two, that is, the number is one (step S103: NO), it proceeds to step S109.

[0067] In step S109, CPU 21 determines that one printing device 12 will be the device that will execute the printing process (hereinafter referred to as the printing execution device), and proceeds to step S130 (see FIG. 7). Note that the printing device 12 that has been determined as the printing execution device in a specific step in this flow will be referred to as the determined printing device in the subsequent steps.

[0068] 7, in step S130, the CPU 21 determines whether the CPU performance of the server device 20 is 1.5 times or more the CPU performance of the determined printing device. Prior to step S130, the CPU 21 acquires performance information indicating the CPU performance (an example of the processing capacity of the conversion process) of the server device 20. The performance information is, for example, stored in advance in the storage 24, and the CPU 21 acquires it from the storage 24. In step S130, if there are multiple determined printing devices, the CPU 21 makes a determination for each of the multiple determined printing devices.

[0069] If the CPU 21 determines in step S130 that the CPU performance of the server device 20 is 1.5 times or more the CPU performance of the determined printing device (step S130: YES), it determines the device that will execute the rendering process (hereinafter referred to as the rendering execution device) to be the server device 20 (step S131), and terminates this process.

[0070] If the CPU 21 determines in step S130 that the CPU performance of the server device 20 is less than 1.5 times the CPU performance of the determined printing device (step S130: NO), it determines the rendering execution device as the determined printing device (step S132) and ends this process.

[0071] 6, in step S104, CPU 21 determines whether the number of copies to be printed is two or more. If CPU 21 determines in step S104 that the number of copies to be printed is two or more (step S104: YES), CPU 21 proceeds to step S140 (see FIG. 8), and if CPU 21 determines that the number of copies to be printed is less than two, that is, the number of copies to be printed is one (step S104: NO), CPU 21 proceeds to step S105.

[0072] 8, in step S140, CPU 21 determines whether the number of print-enabled devices is equal to or greater than the number of copies to be printed. If CPU 21 determines in step S140 that the number of print-enabled devices is equal to or greater than the number of copies to be printed (step S140: YES), CPU 21 determines, in the list of print-enabled devices, printers 12 in the order of highest printing speed, the same number as the number of copies to be printed, as determined printers (step S141), and proceeds to step S130.

[0073] If the CPU 21 determines in step S140 that the number of print-enabled devices is less than the number of copies to be printed (step S140: NO), it determines all print devices 12 in the list of print-enabled devices as determined print devices (step S142) and proceeds to step S130.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6, at step S105, the CPU 21 determines whether the complexity of the PDL data is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. If the CPU 21 determines at step S105 that the complexity of the PDL data is equal to or greater than the predetermined reference value (step S105: YES), it proceeds to step S150 (see FIG. 9). If it determines that the complexity of the PDL data is less than the predetermined reference value (step S105: NO), it proceeds to step S110. Note that prior to step S105, the CPU 21 calculates the complexity of the PDL data as described above.

[0075] At step S110, the CPU 21 determines whether the number of pages to be printed exceeds a predetermined number of N pages (reference pages). If the CPU 21 determines at step S110 that the number of pages to be printed exceeds the predetermined number of N pages (step S110: YES), it calculates P by "number of pages ÷ N = P (rounded up)". Among the list of printable devices, it determines P printers 12 with the highest printing speeds as the determined printing devices (step S111) and proceeds to step S130.

[0076] If the CPU 21 determines at step S110 that the number of pages to be printed is equal to or less than the predetermined number of N pages (step S110: NO), it determines one printer 12 with the highest printing speed in the list of printable devices as the determined printing device (step S112) and proceeds to step S130.

[0077] At step S150, the CPU 21 determines whether the number of pages to be printed exceeds a predetermined number of M pages (M < N). If the CPU 21 determines at step S150 that the number of pages to be printed exceeds the predetermined number of M pages (step S150: YES), it calculates P by "number of pages ÷ M = P (rounded up)". Among the list of printable devices, it determines P printers 12 with the highest printing speeds as the determined printing devices (step S151) and proceeds to step S130.

[0078] If the CPU 21 determines in step S150 that the number of pages to be printed is equal to or less than the predetermined M pages (step S150: NO), it determines the printing device 12 with the fastest printing speed in the list of printable devices as the determined printing device (step S152), and proceeds to step S130.

[0079] <Rendering Process and Printing Process According to This Embodiment> When the determination process is completed, the CPU 21 determines whether the rendering execution device has been determined to be the server device 20 (step S212).

[0080] When the CPU 21 determines that the rendering execution device is determined to be the server device 20 (step S212: YES), the CPU 21 executes the rendering process in the server device 20 (step S214), and proceeds to step S216.

[0081] If the CPU 21 determines that the rendering execution device has not been determined to be the server device 20 (step S212: NO), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S216.

[0082] In step S216, CPU 21 transmits the image data to printing device 12 that has been determined as the determined printing device. The image data includes processed data if rendering processing has been performed in step S214, and includes only PDL data if rendering processing has not been performed.

[0083] If there are multiple determined printing devices, the CPU 21 determines the image data for which each determined printing device is responsible for printing, and divides the image data according to its responsibility. The CPU 21 then transmits the divided image data to each determined printing device. If the determined printing devices include a printing device 12 that performs rendering processing and a printing device 12 that does not perform rendering processing, the printing device 12 that does not perform rendering processing performs rendering processing on the image data for which printing processing is to be performed.

[0084] When the printing device 12 receives image data from the server device 20 (step S220), it determines whether rendering processing has been performed on the image data (step S221). If it determines that rendering processing has been performed on the image data (step S221: YES), the printing device 12 proceeds to step S223.

[0085] If the printing device 12 determines that rendering processing has not been performed on the image data (step S221: NO), the printing device 12 performs rendering processing (step S222) and proceeds to step S223. In step S223, the printing device 12 performs printing processing based on the processed data on which rendering processing has been performed, and ends this processing.

[0086] <Operation of this embodiment> In this embodiment, as described above, the CPU 21 determines a device to execute the printing process from among the multiple printing devices 12 (steps S109, S111, S112, S141, S142, S151, S152), and determines a rendering execution device from among the server device 20 and the multiple printing devices 12 (steps S131, S132).

[0087] Therefore, compared to when the CPU 21 determines only which of the multiple printing devices 12 will execute the printing process, it is possible to optimize the rendering execution device, thereby shortening the time required to complete the printing process.

[0088] In this embodiment, the CPU 21 determines the rendering execution device based on the CPU performance of the server device 20 and the multiple printing devices 12 (steps S130 to S132).

[0089] Therefore, compared to when the CPU 21 determines the rendering execution device regardless of the CPU performance of the server device 20 and the multiple printing devices 12, it is possible to optimize the rendering execution device and shorten the time it takes to complete the printing process.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the CPU 21 causes the printing device 12, which has lower CPU performance than the server device 20, to execute the printing process (see step S130), the CPU 21 determines that the server device 20 will be the device that will execute the rendering process of the processed data used by the printing device 12 (step S131).

[0091] Therefore, when the CPU 21 causes a printing device 12 having lower CPU performance than the server device 20 to execute the printing process, it is possible to shorten the time until the printing process is completed compared to when the printing device 12 is determined to be the rendering execution device.

[0092] <First modified example of the decision process> In this embodiment, the CPU 21 determines the rendering execution device based on the CPU performance of the server device 20 and the multiple printing devices 12 (steps S130 to S132), but this is not limiting.

[0093] The CPU 21 may determine the rendering execution device based on, for example, the complexity of the PDL data. In this modification, when the complexity of the PDL data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the CPU 21 may determine, for example, both the printing device 12 and the server device 20 as the rendering execution device. In this way, when the complexity of the PDL data is high, it is possible to configure both the printing device 12 and the server device 20 to execute the rendering process.

[0094] If the complexity of the PDL data is less than a predetermined value, the CPU 21 can determine one of the printing device 12 and the server device 20 as the rendering execution device.

[0095] According to the configuration of this modified example, it is possible to optimize the rendering execution device compared to when the rendering execution device is determined regardless of the complexity of the PDL data, and it is possible to shorten the time it takes to complete the printing process.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this modified example, when the complexity of the PDL data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is possible to shorten the time until the printing process is completed compared to when the rendering execution device is determined to be only the printing device 12.

[0097] <Second modified example of the decision process> The CPU 21 may determine the rendering execution device based on, for example, the data transmission speed from the server device 20 to the printing device 12.

[0098] Here, the processed data that has undergone rendering processing has a larger data volume than PDL data and requires a longer transmission time. Therefore, if the transmission speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed, the CPU 21 may determine the rendering execution device to be the server device 20. If the transmission speed is less than the predetermined speed, the CPU 21 may determine the rendering execution device to be the printing device 12.

[0099] In this modified example, it is possible to shorten the time until the printing process is completed compared to when the rendering execution device is determined regardless of the data transmission speed from the server device 20 to the printing device 12.

[0100] <Third modified example of the decision process> In the present embodiment, the CPU 21 determines the rendering execution device in the server device 20 and the multiple printing devices 12 (steps S131 and S132), but this is not limiting. For example, the CPU 21 may determine the rendering execution device in the providing device 14, the server device 20, and the multiple printing devices 12.

[0101] In this case, the CPU 21 can determine the rendering execution device based on the CPU performance of the providing device 14, the server device 20, and the multiple printing devices 12.

[0102] According to this modified example, it is possible to optimize the rendering execution device compared to when the rendering execution device is determined only by the server device 20 and the multiple printing devices 12, and it is possible to shorten the time until the printing process is completed.

[0103] Furthermore, according to this modified example, it is possible to optimize the rendering execution device compared to when the rendering execution device is determined regardless of the CPU performance of the providing device 14, the server device 20, and the multiple printing devices 12, and it is possible to shorten the time until the printing process is completed.

[0104] <Other Modifications of the Determination Process> In step S130, if the CPU 21 determines that the CPU performance of the server device 20 is 1.5 times or more the CPU performance of the selected printing device (step S130: YES), it determines the server device 20 as the rendering execution device, and if it determines that the CPU performance is less than 1.5 times (step S130: NO), it determines the rendering execution device as the selected printing device (step S132), but this is not limited to this.

[0105] When the CPU 21 causes the printing device 12, which has a CPU performance lower than that of the server device 20, to execute the printing process, the CPU 21 may determine that the server device 20 is the device that will execute the rendering process of the processed data used by the printing device 12.

[0106] In addition, when the CPU 21 causes a printing device 12 with relatively low processing capabilities among multiple printing devices 12 to perform printing processing, the CPU 21 may determine that the device to perform rendering processing of the processed data used by that printing device 12 is the server device 20.

[0107] <Other variations> In the present embodiment, the printing system 10 has been described as an example of an information processing system, but for example, the server device 20 may also be understood as an example of an information processing system.

[0108] Furthermore, a device including a processor that executes the determination process may be configured as an external device that exists outside the server device 20. In this case, the external device or a system including the external device and the server device 20 can be understood as an example of an information processing system.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., the aforementioned CPU, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0110] Furthermore, the operations of the processors in the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0111] Furthermore, the information processing system in this embodiment is not limited to one configured by multiple devices, but may be one configured by a single device. That is, the "system" in this embodiment may be one configured by multiple devices or one configured by a single device.

[0112] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples may be appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0113] <Additional Notes> (((1))) a processor; The processor: determining an image forming apparatus to execute the image forming process among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that execute an image forming process for forming an image based on the second image data that has been subjected to a conversion process for converting the first image data into second image data; determining a device to execute the conversion process among a transmitting device that transmits at least one of the first image data and the second image data to the image forming device and the plurality of image forming devices; Information processing system.

[0114] (((2))) The processor: A device that is to execute the conversion process is determined based on the processing capabilities of the transmission device and the plurality of image forming devices for the conversion process. The information processing system according to (((1))).

[0115] (((3))) The processor: When the image forming process is to be executed by an image forming apparatus having a processing capability lower than that of the transmitting apparatus, The image forming apparatus determines the transmitting apparatus as the apparatus that will execute the conversion process of the second image data used by the image forming apparatus. The information processing system according to (((2))).

[0116] (((4))) The processor: determining a device to execute the conversion process based on the complexity of the first image data; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0117] (((5))) The processor: If the complexity of the first image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the image forming device and the transmitting device are determined to be devices that will execute the conversion process. The information processing system according to (((4))).

[0118] (((6))) The processor: A device that is to execute the conversion process is determined based on a data transmission speed from the transmitting device to the image forming device. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))).

[0119] (((7))) A device that executes the conversion process is determined among a second transmitting device that transmits the first image data to the first transmitting device as the transmitting device, the first transmitting device, and the plurality of image forming devices. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))).

[0120] (((8))) The processor: A device to execute the conversion process is determined based on the processing capabilities of the second transmission device, the first transmission device, and the plurality of image forming devices. The information processing system according to (((7))).

[0121] (((9))) For computers, determining an image forming apparatus to execute the image forming process among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that execute an image forming process for forming an image based on the second image data that has been subjected to a conversion process for converting the first image data into second image data; determining a device to execute the conversion process among a transmitting device that transmits at least one of the first image data and the second image data to the image forming device and the plurality of image forming devices; An information processing program for executing processing.

[0122] (((10))) determining an image forming apparatus to execute the image forming process among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that execute an image forming process for forming an image based on the second image data that has been subjected to a conversion process for converting the first image data into second image data; determining a device to execute the conversion process among a transmitting device that transmits at least one of the first image data and the second image data to the image forming device and the plurality of image forming devices; Information processing methods.

[0123] According to the configuration (((1))), the time until the image formation process is completed can be shortened in a case where a processor determines only the device that will perform the image formation process in a plurality of image forming devices that perform an image formation process that forms an image based on second image data that has undergone a conversion process that converts first image data into second image data.

[0124] According to the configuration (((2))), the time required to complete the image forming process can be shortened compared to when the processor determines the device to execute the conversion process regardless of the processing capabilities of the sending device and multiple image forming devices.

[0125] According to the configuration (((3))), when the processor causes an image forming device with lower processing capabilities than the sending device to perform the image forming process, the time until the image forming process is completed can be shortened compared to when the processor determines that the image forming device is the device that will perform the conversion process of the second image data used by the image forming device.

[0126] According to the configuration (((4))), the time required to complete the image forming process can be shortened compared to when the processor determines the device that will execute the conversion process regardless of the complexity of the first image data.

[0127] According to the configuration (((5))), when the complexity of the first image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the time until the image formation process is completed can be shortened compared to when the processor determines that only the image forming device will perform the conversion process.

[0128] According to the configuration (((6))), the time required to complete the image forming process can be shortened compared to when the processor determines the device to execute the conversion process regardless of the data transmission speed from the transmitting device to the image forming device.

[0129] According to the configuration (((7))), the time until the image forming process is completed can be shortened compared to when the processor determines the device to execute the conversion process only from the first transmitting device and multiple image forming devices.

[0130] According to the configuration (((8))), the time until the image formation process is completed can be shortened compared to when the processor determines the device to execute the conversion process regardless of the processing capabilities of the first transmitting device, the second transmitting device, and the multiple image forming devices.

[0131] According to the configuration (((9))), in a plurality of image forming devices that perform an image formation process to form an image based on second image data that has undergone a conversion process to convert first image data into second image data, the time until the image formation process is completed can be shortened compared to when only the device that will perform the image formation process is determined.

[0132] According to the configuration (((10))), in a plurality of image forming devices that perform an image formation process to form an image based on second image data that has undergone a conversion process to convert first image data into second image data, the time until the image formation process is completed can be shortened compared to when only the device that will perform the image formation process is determined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 10 Printing system (an example of an information processing system) 12 Printing device (an example of an image forming device) 14. Providing device (an example of a second transmitting device) 20 Server device (an example of a transmission device and a first transmission device) 21 CPU (an example of a processor)

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: determining an image forming apparatus to execute the image forming process among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that execute an image forming process for forming an image based on the second image data that has been subjected to a conversion process for converting the first image data into second image data; determining a device to execute the conversion process among a transmitting device that transmits at least one of the first image data and the second image data to the image forming device and the plurality of image forming devices; Information processing system.

2. The processor: A device that is to execute the conversion process is determined based on the processing capabilities of the transmission device and the plurality of image forming devices. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: When the image forming process is to be executed by an image forming apparatus having a processing capability lower than that of the transmitting apparatus, The image forming apparatus determines the transmitting apparatus as the apparatus that will execute the conversion process of the second image data used by the image forming apparatus. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The processor: determining a device to execute the conversion process based on the complexity of the first image data; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. The processor: If the complexity of the first image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the image forming device and the transmitting device are determined to be devices that will execute the conversion process. The information processing system according to claim 4 .

6. The processor: A device that is to execute the conversion process is determined based on a data transmission speed from the transmitting device to the image forming device. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

7. A device that executes the conversion process is determined among a second transmitting device that transmits the first image data to the first transmitting device as the transmitting device, the first transmitting device, and the plurality of image forming devices. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

8. The processor: A device to execute the conversion process is determined based on the processing capabilities of the second transmission device, the first transmission device, and the plurality of image forming devices. The information processing system according to claim 7 .

9. For computers, determining an image forming apparatus to execute the image forming process among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that execute an image forming process for forming an image based on the second image data that has been subjected to a conversion process for converting the first image data into second image data; determining a device to execute the conversion process among a transmitting device that transmits at least one of the first image data and the second image data to the image forming device and the plurality of image forming devices; An information processing program for executing processing.

10. determining an image forming apparatus to execute the image forming process among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that execute an image forming process for forming an image based on the second image data that has been subjected to a conversion process for converting the first image data into second image data; determining a device to execute the conversion process among a transmitting device that transmits at least one of the first image data and the second image data to the image forming device and the plurality of image forming devices; Information processing methods.

Images