Image formation system

Abstract

To provide an image formation system capable of reducing a burden on a user who attempts to find an image formation device capable of forming an image on a piece of paper.SOLUTION: An image formation system 1 includes a plurality of image formation devices, and an information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 is communicable with the plurality of image formation devices. The information processing device 100 includes a receiving unit 101 and a distributing unit 131. The receiving unit 101 accepts a print job for forming an image on a piece of paper P. The distributing unit 131 distributes, based on device information on image formation for each of the plurality of image formation devices and on image information contained in the image data on the image, a print job to the image formation device capable of forming the image on the piece of paper P among the plurality of image formation devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The information processing device described in Patent Document 1 prevents the registration of functions that cannot be used on the image forming device to which the settings are made for each item of print setting conditions for multiple image forming devices. As a result, it is possible to display whether functions can be used on multiple models of image forming devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-206306 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the information processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the user has to go through the trouble of searching for an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on paper from among the multiple models of image forming apparatuses displayed on the display unit.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an image forming system that can reduce the user's effort in searching for an image forming apparatus that can form an image on paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system includes a plurality of image forming devices and an information processing device. The information processing device is capable of communicating with the plurality of image forming devices. The information processing device includes a receiving unit and a distribution unit. The receiving unit receives a print job for forming an image on a recording medium. The distribution unit distributes the print job to an image forming device among the plurality of image forming devices that can form the image on the recording medium, based on device information related to image formation for each of the plurality of image forming devices and image information included in image data of the image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the image forming system of the present invention, the user's effort to find an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on paper P can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first image forming apparatus of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second image forming apparatus of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a third image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth image forming apparatus of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 shows a flowchart of a process performed by a control unit of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 shows a flowchart of a distribution process performed by a distribution unit of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] An image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system 1. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 1 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus 100. The plurality of image forming apparatuses include a first image forming apparatus 200, a second image forming apparatus 300, a third image forming apparatus 400, a fourth image forming apparatus 500, and an Nth image forming apparatus NP.

[0011] Each of the first image forming apparatus 200 to the Nth image forming apparatus NP forms an image on a sheet of paper P. The sheet of paper P is a recording medium such as plain paper, copy paper, recycled paper, thin paper, thick paper, glossy paper, or OHP (Overhead Projector) paper. The sheet of paper P also includes recording media of special sizes such as envelopes. The sheet of paper P corresponds to an example of a "recording medium."

[0012] The information processing device 100 is configured by, for example, a personal computer. The information processing device 100 is capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming devices via a network NW. Specifically, the information processing device 100 communicates with a first image forming device 200 to an N-th image forming device NP via the network NW. The network NW includes a LAN (Local Area Network) and a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0013] Next, the first image forming apparatus 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first image forming apparatus 200. The first image forming apparatus 200 is a color copier. The first image forming apparatus 200 forms an image on a paper P.

[0014] The first image forming apparatus 200 includes a housing 210, a display operation unit 220, a paper feed unit 212, a transport unit L, a toner supply unit 213, an image forming unit 214, a transfer unit 215, a fixing unit 217, a discharge unit 218, a control unit 203, a communication unit 202, and a storage unit 204. The housing 210 accommodates the paper feed unit 212, the image forming unit 214, the fixing unit 217, the discharge unit 218, the control unit 203, the storage unit 204, the communication unit 202, and the transport unit L.

[0015] The display operation unit 220 receives operations from the user and notifies the user of various information. It has a touch display 221 and a plurality of hard keys 222. The touch display 221 and the plurality of hard keys 222 are provided on an operation panel.

[0016] The touch display 221 has a display device and a touch sensor. The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The touch sensor is overlaid on the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor is, for example, a capacitive touch sensor. The multiple hard keys 222 accept operations by the operator. The multiple hard keys 222 include, for example, arrow keys, a start key, and a numeric keypad.

[0017] The paper feed unit 212 supplies the paper P from the paper tray to the transport unit L. The transport unit L transports the paper P to the discharge unit 218 via the transfer unit 215 and the fixing unit 217. The paper P stored in the paper tray of the first image forming device 200 is A3 size paper P3.

[0018] The toner supply unit 213 supplies toner to the image forming unit 214. The toner supply unit 213 includes four toner containers: a toner container 231y, a toner container 231c, a toner container 231m, and a toner container 231k. The toner container 231y contains yellow toner. The toner container 231c contains cyan toner. The toner container 231m contains magenta toner. The toner container 231k contains black toner.

[0019] The image forming unit 214 forms an image on the paper P. Specifically, the image forming unit 214 includes an image forming section 214y, an image forming section 214c, an image forming section 214m, an image forming section 214k, and a transfer section 215. Yellow toner is supplied to the image forming section 214y from a toner container 231y. Cyan toner is supplied to the image forming section 214c from a toner container 231c. Magenta toner is supplied to the image forming section 214m from a toner container 231m. Black toner is supplied to the image forming section 214k from a toner container 231k. Each of the image forming sections 214y to 214k forms a toner image using toner.

[0020] Image forming units 214y, 214c, 214m, and 214k are respectively equipped with remaining toner amount sensors 241y, 241c, 241m, and 241k. Toner amount sensors 241y, 241c, 241m, and 241k detect the remaining amount of toner.

[0021] Toner remaining amount sensors 241y to 241k are disposed in toner containers 231y to 231k, respectively. Toner remaining amount sensors 241y to 241k optically detect the remaining amount of toner. For example, toner remaining amount sensors 241y to 241k may detect the remaining amount of toner based on the load of a motor (not shown) that agitates the toner in toner container 231. For example, control unit 203 may determine the amount of toner consumed based on the number of printed dots, and detect the remaining amount of toner from the amount of toner consumed.

[0022] Transfer unit 215 includes intermediate transfer belt 254. Image forming units 214y to 214k each transfer a toner image onto intermediate transfer belt 254. A plurality of toner images are superimposed on intermediate transfer belt 254, forming an image on intermediate transfer belt 254. Transfer unit 215 transfers the image formed on intermediate transfer belt 254 onto paper P. As a result, an image is formed on paper P.

[0023] The fixing unit 217 applies heat and pressure to the paper P, and fixes the image formed on the paper P to the paper P. The ejection unit 218 ejects the paper P to the outside of the first image forming apparatus 200.

[0024] The control unit 203 controls the operation of each unit of the first image forming apparatus 200. The control unit 203 also executes various processes based on operations received by the display operation unit 220. The control unit 203 has a hardware circuit such as a processor or an arithmetic circuit. For example, the control unit 203 may have a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 203 may further have an integrated circuit for image processing. For example, the control unit 203 may have an image processing ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) as the integrated circuit for image processing.

[0025] The memory unit 204 includes a storage device and stores data and computer programs. Specifically, the memory unit 204 has a main memory device such as a semiconductor memory and a secondary memory device such as a semiconductor memory and / or a hard disk drive. For example, the memory unit 204 may have a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) as the main memory device. The memory unit 204 may also include removable media. The processor of the control unit 203 executes the computer program stored in the memory unit 204 to control the operation of each unit of the first image forming apparatus 200. The control unit 203 also executes the computer program stored in the memory unit 204 to perform processing corresponding to operations received by the display operation unit 220.

[0026] The communication unit 202 communicates with the information processing device 100 via the network NW. The communication unit 202 transmits device information of the first image forming device 200 to the information processing device 100. The communication unit 202 also receives a print job from the information processing device 100. When the communication unit 202 receives a print job, the control unit 203 controls the image forming unit 214 to form an image on paper P based on the image data of the print job.

[0027] Next, the second image forming apparatus 300 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the second image forming apparatus 300. The second image forming apparatus 300 is a monochrome multifunction peripheral. The second image forming apparatus 300 forms an image on paper P. In addition, the second image forming apparatus 300 can form an image at a speed of 40 ppm (page per minute).

[0028] The second image forming apparatus 300 includes a housing 310, a display operation unit 320, a paper feed unit 312, a transport unit L, a toner supply unit 313, an image forming unit 314, a fixing unit 317, a discharge unit 318, a control unit 303, a memory unit 304, and a communication unit 302. The housing 310 accommodates the paper feed unit 312, the image forming unit 314, the fixing unit 317, the discharge unit 318, the control unit 303, the memory unit 304, the communication unit 302, and the transport unit L.

[0029] The display operation unit 320 receives operations from the user and notifies the user of various information. The display operation unit 320 has a touch display 321 and a plurality of hard keys 322. The touch display 321 and the plurality of hard keys 322 are provided on an operation panel.

[0030] The touch display 321 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The touch sensor is overlaid on the display surface of the display device. The plurality of hard keys 322 accepts operations by the operator. The plurality of hard keys 322 includes, for example, arrow keys, a start key, and a numeric keypad.

[0031] The paper feed unit 312 supplies the paper P from the paper tray to the transport unit L. The transport mechanism 12 transports the paper P along the transport unit L. The transport unit L transports the paper P from the paper tray to the image forming unit 314, the fixing unit 317, and the discharge unit 318. The second image forming apparatus 300 has multiple paper trays. The paper P stored in one of the multiple paper trays is envelope-sized paper P1. The paper P stored in another of the multiple paper trays is A4-sized paper P2. The paper P stored in yet another of the multiple paper trays is A3-sized paper P3.

[0032] The toner supply unit 313 supplies toner to the image forming unit 314. The toner supply unit 313 includes a toner container 331. The toner container 331 contains black toner.

[0033] The image forming unit 314 forms an image on the paper P. Specifically, the image forming unit 314 forms a toner image on the paper P by electrophotography. The image forming unit 314 has, for example, a transfer unit, an image carrier, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, and a discharging unit. After the image is formed on the paper P, the paper P is transported to the fixing unit 317. The image forming unit 314 forms a toner image using toner.

[0034] The image forming unit 314 includes a toner remaining amount sensor 341. The toner remaining amount sensor 341 detects the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner container 331. The toner remaining amount sensor 341 is disposed in the toner container 331.

[0035] The fixing unit 317 applies heat and pressure to the paper P to fix the image formed on the paper P to the paper P. The ejection unit 318 ejects the paper P to the outside of the second image forming apparatus 300.

[0036] The control unit 303 controls the operation of each unit of the second image forming apparatus 300. The control unit 303 also executes various processes based on operations received by the display operation unit 320. The control unit 303 has a hardware circuit such as a processor or an arithmetic circuit. For example, the control unit 303 may have a CPU or an MPU. The control unit 303 may further have an integrated circuit for image processing. For example, the control unit 303 may have an ASIC for image processing as the integrated circuit for image processing.

[0037] The memory unit 304 includes a storage device and stores data and computer programs. Specifically, the memory unit 304 has a main memory device such as a semiconductor memory and a secondary memory device such as a semiconductor memory and / or a hard disk drive. The memory unit 304 may also include removable media. The processor of the control unit 303 executes the computer program stored in the memory unit 304 to control the operation of each unit of the second image forming apparatus 300. The control unit 303 also executes the computer program stored in the memory unit 304 to perform processing corresponding to operations received by the display operation unit 320.

[0038] The communication unit 302 communicates with the information processing device 100 via the network NW. The communication unit 302 transmits device information of the second image forming device 300 to the information processing device 100. The communication unit 302 also receives a print job from the information processing device 100. When the communication unit 302 receives a print job, the control unit 303 controls the image forming unit 314 to form an image on paper P based on the image data of the print job.

[0039] Next, the third image forming apparatus 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the third image forming apparatus 400. The third image forming apparatus 400 is a color multifunction peripheral. The third image forming apparatus 400 forms an image on a sheet P.

[0040] The third image forming apparatus 400 includes a housing 410, a display operation unit, a paper feed unit 412, a conveying unit L, a toner supply unit 413, an image forming unit 414, a transfer unit 415, a fixing unit 417, an ejection unit 418, a post-processing device 420, a control unit 403, a communication unit 402, and a memory unit 404.

[0041] The housing 410, display operation unit, paper feed unit 412, transport unit L, toner supply unit 413, image forming units 414, transfer unit 415, fixing unit 417, discharge unit 418, control unit 403, communication unit 402, and memory unit 404 of the third image forming apparatus 400 correspond to the housing 210, display operation unit 220, paper feed unit 212, transport unit L, toner supply unit 213, image forming units 214, transfer unit 215, fixing unit 217, discharge unit 218, control unit 203, communication unit 202, and memory unit 204 of the first image forming apparatus 200. Therefore, a description of the housing 410, display operation unit, transport unit L, toner supply unit 413, transfer unit 415, fixing unit 417, discharge unit 418, and memory unit 404 of the third image forming apparatus 400 will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

[0042] Image forming unit 414 includes image forming section 414y, image forming section 414c, image forming section 414m, and image forming section 414k. Image forming section 414y, image forming section 414c, image forming section 414m, and image forming section 414k include toner remaining amount sensor 441y, toner remaining amount sensor 441c, toner remaining amount sensor 441m, and toner remaining amount sensor 441k, respectively.

[0043] Paper feed unit 412 supplies paper P from a paper tray to transport unit L. Transport unit L transports paper P to discharge unit 418 via transfer unit 415 and fixing unit 417. Third image forming apparatus 400 has multiple paper trays. Paper P stored in one of the multiple paper trays is envelope-sized paper P1. Paper P stored in one of the multiple paper trays is A4-sized paper P2.

[0044] The control unit 403 communicates various types of information with the post-processing device 420. The various types of information include, for example, post-processing information and completion information. The post-processing information indicates whether or not post-processing is to be performed on the paper P, and the details of the post-processing to be performed on the paper P. The completion information indicates that the post-processing device 420 has completed post-processing on the paper P.

[0045] The communication unit 402 communicates with the information processing device 100 via the network NW. The communication unit 402 transmits device information of the third image forming device 400 to the information processing device 100. The communication unit 402 also receives a print job from the information processing device 100. When the communication unit 402 receives a print job, the control unit 403 controls the image forming unit 414 to form an image on paper P based on the image data of the print job.

[0046] The post-processing device 420 is arranged next to the discharge section 418 of the housing 410. The post-processing device 420 can receive the paper P discharged from the discharge section 418 and perform post-processing on the paper P.

[0047] Post-processing device 420 has a processing tray 421, a post-processing section 422, a conveying section 423, and a discharge tray 424. A plurality of sheets P can be placed on processing tray 421 via conveying section 423.

[0048] The post-processing unit 422 performs post-processing on the sheets P placed on the processing tray 421. The post-processing is, for example, stapling, shifting, punching, or folding. The transport unit 423 transports the sheets P on the processing tray 421 to the discharge tray 424. For example, the folding process folds envelope-sized sheets P placed on the processing tray 421. For example, the stapling process attaches staples to multiple sheets P placed on the processing tray 421. Furthermore, the shifting process moves the sheets P placed on the processing tray 421 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheets P. The punching process punches holes in the sheets P placed on the processing tray 421.

[0049] Next, the fourth image forming apparatus 500 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the fourth image forming apparatus 500. The fourth image forming apparatus 500 is a monochrome multifunction peripheral. The fourth image forming apparatus 500 forms an image on paper P. The fourth image forming apparatus 500 also has a faster image forming speed than the second image forming apparatus 300. For example, the fourth image forming apparatus 500 can form an image at a speed of "60 ppm."

[0050] The fourth image forming apparatus 500 includes a housing 510, a display / operation unit 520, a paper feed unit 512, a conveying unit L, a toner supply unit 513, an image forming unit 514, a fixing unit 517, an ejection unit 518, a control unit 503, a memory unit 504, and a communication unit 502.

[0051] The housing 510, display operation unit 520, paper feed unit 512, transport unit L, toner supply unit 513, image forming unit 514, fixing unit 517, discharge unit 518, control unit 503, memory unit 504, and communication unit 502 of the fourth image forming apparatus 500 correspond to the housing 310, display operation unit 320, paper feed unit 312, transport unit L, toner supply unit 313, image forming unit 314, fixing unit 317, discharge unit 318, control unit 303, memory unit 304, and communication unit 302 of the second image forming apparatus 300. Therefore, a description of the housing 510, display operation unit 520, transport unit L, toner supply unit 513, fixing unit 517, discharge unit 518, control unit 503, and memory unit 504 of the fourth image forming apparatus 500 will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

[0052] The image forming unit 514 includes a toner remaining amount sensor 541. The toner remaining amount sensor 541 detects the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 531 of the toner supply unit 513.

[0053] The paper feed unit 512 supplies the paper P from the paper tray to the transport unit L. The transport unit L transports the paper P to the discharge unit 518 via the transfer unit 515 and the fixing unit 517. The paper P stored in the paper tray of the fourth image forming apparatus 500 is A4 size paper P2.

[0054] The communication unit 502 communicates with the information processing device 100 via the network NW. The communication unit 502 transmits device information of the fourth image forming device 500 to the information processing device 100. The communication unit 502 also receives a print job from the information processing device 100. When the communication unit 502 receives a print job, the control unit 503 controls the image forming unit 514 to form an image on paper P based on the image data of the print job.

[0055] The Nth image forming apparatus NP has the same configuration as any one of the first image forming apparatus 200 to the fourth image forming apparatus 500 shown in Figures 2 to 5. The Nth image forming apparatus NP may also be an inkjet printer.

[0056] Next, the information processing device 100 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0057] The information processing device 100 includes a reception unit 101 , a control unit 103 , a storage unit 104 , and a communication unit 120 .

[0058] The reception unit 101 receives operations from a user. The reception unit 101 receives a print job for forming an image on a sheet P. The reception unit 101 is, for example, a keyboard. The print job includes job information to be executed by the image forming device. The job information includes, for example, instruction information for forming an image, image data of the image to be formed on the sheet P, and image information included in the image data. The instruction information for forming an image includes, for example, an instruction to form an image representing image data indicating a specific document on the sheet P. The print job may also include post-processing information and completion information.

[0059] The image information is, for example, metadata of the image data. The image data includes characters, symbols, graphics, etc. The image information includes first information, third information, and fifth information.

[0060] The first information indicates the color of the image. Specifically, the first information indicates whether the image indicated by the image data is achromatic or chromatic. In other words, the first information indicates whether the image is monochrome or color.

[0061] The third information indicates the size of the paper P on which the image of the image data is placed. The size of the paper P indicates a specific size among paper standards. The specific size of the paper P is determined by a specific standard. For example, the specific standard is the JIS standard (Japanese Industrial Standards). The specific standard may also be an international standard (ISO216, ISO269).

[0062] For example, the specific size is "A3" paper. "A3" size indicates that the size of the paper P on which the image is placed is "297mm x 420mm." Also, for example, the specific size is "envelope" size. "Envelope" size indicates that the size of the paper P on which the image is placed is "229mm x 324mm." When the size of paper P is "229mm x 420mm," paper P is a "square No. 20" envelope.

[0063] The fifth information indicates the number of images in the image data.

[0064] The control unit 103 has a hardware circuit such as a processor or an arithmetic circuit. For example, the control unit 103 may have a CPU or an MPU. The control unit 103 may further have an integrated circuit for image processing. For example, the control unit 103 may have an ASIC for image processing as the integrated circuit for image processing.

[0065] The memory unit 104 includes a storage device and stores data and computer programs. Specifically, the memory unit 104 has a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory and a secondary storage device such as a semiconductor memory and / or a hard disk drive. For example, the memory unit 104 may have RAM and ROM as the main storage device. The memory unit 104 may further include removable media. The processor of the control unit 103 executes the computer programs stored in the memory unit 104 to control the operation of each unit of the information processing device 100.

[0066] The storage unit 104 also stores device information. The device information indicates information related to image formation for each of a plurality of image forming devices. The information related to image formation includes, for example, at least one of second information, fourth information, sixth information, and seventh information.

[0067] The second information indicates the colors in which an image can be formed. Specifically, the second information indicates whether an image can be formed in an achromatic color or a chromatic color.

[0068] The fourth information indicates the size of paper P on which an image can be formed. The fourth information indicates that an image can be formed on paper P of a specific size. For example, the fourth information indicates that an image can be formed on paper P of envelope size. Also, for example, the fourth information indicates that an image can be formed on paper P of "A3" size.

[0069] The sixth information indicates the speed at which an image is formed on the paper P.

[0070] The seventh information indicates the remaining amount of image forming agent used to form an image on paper P. The seventh information includes the remaining amount of each toner indicated by toner remaining amount sensor 241y, toner remaining amount sensor 241c, toner remaining amount sensor 241m, and toner remaining amount sensor 241k of the first image forming apparatus 200. The seventh information further includes the remaining amount of toner indicated by toner remaining amount sensor 341 of the second image forming apparatus 300. The seventh information further includes the remaining amount of toner indicated by toner remaining amount sensor 441 of the third image forming apparatus 400. The seventh information includes the remaining amount of toner indicated by toner remaining amount sensor 541 of the fourth image forming apparatus 500. The seventh information includes the remaining amount of toner indicated by the toner remaining amount sensor of the Nth image forming apparatus NP.

[0071] The storage unit 104 stores device information of the first image forming apparatus 200, the second image forming apparatus 300, the third image forming apparatus 400, the fourth image forming apparatus 500, and the Nth image forming apparatus NP.

[0072] The communication unit 120 communicates with a plurality of image forming apparatuses via the network NW. The communication unit 120 communicates with each of the first image forming apparatus 200, the second image forming apparatus 300, the third image forming apparatus 400, the fourth image forming apparatus 500, and the Nth image forming apparatus NP, and receives apparatus information of each image forming apparatus. The apparatus information of each image forming apparatus received by the communication unit 120 is stored in the storage unit 104. The communication unit 120 transmits a print job to one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Specifically, the communication unit 120 transmits the print job to one of the first image forming apparatus 200, the second image forming apparatus 300, the third image forming apparatus 400, the fourth image forming apparatus 500, and the Nth image forming apparatus NP.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit 103 of the information processing device 100 has a distribution unit 131, a communication control unit 132, and a determination unit 133. The control unit 103 executes a computer program stored in the storage unit 104 to function as the distribution unit 131, the communication control unit 132, and the determination unit 133.

[0074] The allocation unit 131 allocates a print job accepted by the acceptance unit 101 to one of the multiple image forming devices. Specifically, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to an image forming device that can form the image of the print job on paper P, based on device information for each of the multiple image forming devices and image information included in the image of the print job. Therefore, even if the user does not know the device information for each image forming device, the print job can be sent to an image forming device that can form the image on paper P. As a result, the user's effort in searching for an image forming device that can form an image on paper P can be reduced.

[0075] For example, when the reception unit 101 receives a print job, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to the first image forming device 200 from among a plurality of image forming devices. In this case, the allocation unit 131 determines that the image forming device capable of forming the image of the print job on paper P is the first image forming device 200. In other words, the allocation unit 131 determines that the image forming device that supports the image information included in the image of the print job is the first image forming device 200. In this way, it is possible to select an image forming device that is compatible with the image information. As a result, it is possible to prevent an image from being instructed to form an image but not being formed on paper P because the image forming device cannot support the image information.

[0076] The image information also includes first information indicating the color of the image. The device information further includes second information indicating the colors that each of the multiple image forming devices can form an image in. Based on the first information and the second information, the allocation unit 131 allocates print jobs to image forming devices among the multiple image forming devices, each with the color of the first information. Therefore, print jobs are allocated to image forming devices according to the color of the image. As a result, the user's effort in searching for an image forming device that can form an image on paper P in the color indicated by the first information can be reduced.

[0077] Specifically, if the image of the first information does not contain chromatic colors, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to an image forming device among the multiple image forming devices that is capable of forming an image in achromatic colors on paper P. Furthermore, if the image of the first information contains chromatic colors, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to an image forming device among the multiple image forming devices that is capable of forming an image in chromatic colors on paper P. In other words, if the image of the first information indicates that it is monochrome, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to a monochrome multifunction printer, and if the image of the first information indicates that it is color, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to a color multifunction printer. Therefore, the allocation unit 131 selects an image forming device that will form an image on paper P depending on the color of the image. As a result, the effort required of a user to select an image forming device to execute a print job can be further reduced.

[0078] For example, if the image of the first information is achromatic, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to the second image forming apparatus 300 or the fourth image forming apparatus 500 among the multiple image forming apparatuses. The second image forming apparatus 300 and the fourth image forming apparatus 500 are monochrome multifunction peripherals. Also, for example, if the image of the first information is chromatic, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to the first image forming apparatus 200 or the third image forming apparatus 400 among the multiple image forming apparatuses. The first image forming apparatus 200 and the third image forming apparatus 400 are color multifunction peripherals. As a result, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to an image forming apparatus according to the color of the image of the first information.

[0079] Furthermore, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to one of the multiple image forming devices based on the third information and the fourth information for each of the multiple image forming devices. That is, based on the size of the paper P on which the image is to be placed and the size of the paper P on which the image can be formed, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to an image forming device that can form an image of the size of the paper P on which the image is to be placed. This reduces the user's effort in selecting an image forming device that can form an image on the paper P set according to the image size. As a result, it reduces the user's effort in selecting an image forming device that is suitable for the size of the image.

[0080] For example, if the size of paper P in the third information indicates a specific size among the standards for paper P, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to an image forming device among multiple image forming devices that can form an image on paper P of the specific size, based on the third information and the fourth information. Therefore, paper P according to the standard is stored in the paper tray, reducing the effort required by the user to select an image forming device that can form an image on paper P. As a result, the effort required by the user to select an image forming device that can form an image on paper P according to the standard can be reduced.

[0081] For example, if the specific size included in the image information indicates "A3," the allocating unit 131 determines whether an image can be formed on "A3" paper P from the device information of the first image forming device 200 through the device information of the Nth image forming device NP. If it is determined that an image can be formed on paper P of the specific size, the allocating unit 131 allocates the print job to an image forming device that can form an image on paper P of the specific size. For example, based on the third information and the fourth information, the allocating unit 131 allocates the print job to the first image forming device 200 that can form an image on paper P3, or the second image forming device 300 that can form an image on paper P3.

[0082] Furthermore, for example, if the specific size included in the image information indicates "envelope size," the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to an image forming device among the multiple image forming devices that can form an image on envelope-sized paper P1, based on the third information and the fourth information for each of the multiple image forming devices. Therefore, envelope-sized paper P1 is stored in the paper tray, reducing the user's effort in selecting an image forming device that can form an image on envelope-sized paper P1. As a result, the user's effort in selecting an image forming device that can form an image on envelope-sized paper P1 can be reduced.

[0083] Specifically, if the specific size included in the image information indicates "envelope size," the allocating unit 131 determines whether an image can be formed on "envelope-sized" paper P1 based on the device information of the first image forming device 200 through the device information of the Nth image forming device NP. If it is determined that an image can be formed on envelope-sized paper P1, the allocating unit 131 allocates the print job to an image forming device that can form an image on envelope-sized paper P1. For example, based on the third information and the fourth information, the allocating unit 131 allocates the print job to the second image forming device 300 that can form an image on paper P3, or the third image forming device 400 that can form an image on paper P1.

[0084] Furthermore, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to one of the multiple image forming apparatuses based on the first information, the second information, and the seventh information. For example, if the image in the first information does not include chromatic colors, the allocation unit 131 determines to allocate the print job to the second image forming apparatus 300 or the fourth image forming apparatus 500, which are capable of forming an image on paper P in achromatic colors among the multiple image forming apparatuses. Furthermore, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to either the second image forming apparatus 300 or the fourth image forming apparatus 500 based on the remaining amount of image forming agent in the second image forming apparatus 300 and the remaining amount of image forming agent in the fourth image forming apparatus 500. For example, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to the image forming apparatus with the largest remaining amount of image forming agent based on the remaining amount of image forming agent in the second image forming apparatus 300 and the remaining amount of image forming agent in the fourth image forming apparatus 500. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image forming agent from running out midway through image formation, thereby preventing the image forming process from being terminated prematurely. As a result, it is possible to reduce the user's effort in selecting an image forming apparatus from among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that will not terminate image formation midway.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, if the image of the first information includes a chromatic color, the allocation unit 131 determines to allocate the print job to the first image forming device 200 or the third image forming device 400, which is capable of forming an image on paper P in a chromatic color among the multiple image forming devices. Furthermore, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to either the first image forming device 200 or the third image forming device 400 based on the remaining amount of image forming agent in the first image forming device 200 and the remaining amount of image forming agent in the third image forming device 400. For example, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to the image forming device with the largest remaining amount of image forming agent based on the remaining amount of image forming agent in the first image forming device 200 and the remaining amount of image forming agent in the third image forming device 400. This prevents the image forming device from running out of image forming agent midway through image formation and terminating prematurely. As a result, the user's effort in selecting an image forming device from the multiple image forming devices that will not terminate image formation midway can be reduced.

[0086] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a process will be described in the case where the fifth information is included in the device information and the number of images indicated by the fifth information exceeds a threshold value.

[0087] The determination unit 133 determines whether the number of images exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is, for example, "50." That is, the determination unit 133 determines whether the number of images indicated by the fifth information exceeds 50 based on the fifth information of each image forming device.

[0088] Then, when the number of images exceeds a threshold, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to an image forming device among the multiple image forming devices that forms the images on paper at a speed exceeding a predetermined speed based on the sixth information. The predetermined speed can be set in advance by the user. For example, the speed set in advance by the user is "50 ppm." For example, when the number of images exceeds 50 sheets, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to the fourth image forming device 500, which forms images at a speed exceeding "50 ppm." Therefore, when the number of images to be formed is large, an image forming device with a high image formation speed can be selected. As a result, the user's effort in selecting an image forming device with a high image formation speed can be reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication control unit 132 controls the communication unit 120. Specifically, the communication control unit 132 controls the communication unit 120 so as to transmit the print job to the image forming device to which the allocation unit 131 has decided to allocate the print job. Therefore, the image forming device that receives the print job can execute the print job and form an image on the paper P. As a result, it is possible to form an image in accordance with the information described in the image information.

[0090] Next, a flowchart of the process performed by the control unit 103 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of the process performed by the control unit 103 of the image forming system 1 of this embodiment. The process of the control unit 103 shown in Figure 6 includes steps S1 to S4.

[0091] In step S1, the control unit 103 acquires image information included in the image of the print job accepted by the acceptance unit 101. The process proceeds to step S2.

[0092] In step S2, control unit 103 acquires device information for each of first image forming apparatus 200, second image forming apparatus 300, third image forming apparatus 400, fourth image forming apparatus 500, and Nth image forming apparatus NP from storage unit 104. The process proceeds to step S3.

[0093] In step S3, the allocating unit 131 executes the allocating process, and the process proceeds to step S4.

[0094] In step S4, the communication control unit 132 controls the communication unit 120 to send the print job to the image forming device to which the allocation unit 131 has decided to allocate the print job. The process then ends. The image forming device that has received the print job executes the print job and forms an image on the paper P.

[0095] 7 is a flowchart of the distribution process performed by the distribution unit 131 of the image forming system 1 of this embodiment. The distribution process performed by the distribution unit 131 shown in FIG. 7 includes steps S31 to S47.

[0096] In step S31, the allocating unit 131 acquires the first information to the seventh information from the image information and the device information. The process proceeds to step S32.

[0097] In step S32, the allocating unit 131 determines whether the image of the first information includes chromatic colors. If the image of the first information does not include chromatic colors (No in step S32), the process proceeds to step S41. If the image of the first information includes chromatic colors (Yes in step S32), the process proceeds to step S33.

[0098] If the answer is Yes in step S32, then in step S33, the sorting unit 131 determines whether the size of the paper P is a specific size. For example, the specific size is the "envelope" size. If the size of the paper P is not a specific size (No in step S33), the process proceeds to step S35. In other words, if the size of the paper P is not the envelope size, the process proceeds to step S35. If the size of the paper P is a specific size (Yes in step S33), the process proceeds to step S34. In other words, if the size of the paper P is the "envelope" size, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0099] If the answer is Yes in step S33, in step S34, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to the third image forming apparatus 400. That is, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to the third image forming apparatus 400 that can form an image on the "envelope" size paper P1. The process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0100] If the result of step S33 is No, then in step S35, the distribution unit 131 distributes the print job to the first image forming apparatus 200. The process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0101] If the answer is No in step S32, then in step S41, the sorting unit 131 determines whether the size of the paper P is a specific size. For example, the specific size is "A3". If the size of the paper P is not a specific size (No in step S41), the process proceeds to step S45. That is, if the size of the paper P is not "A3", the process proceeds to step S45. If the size of the paper P is not "A3", for example, the size of the paper P is "A4". If the size of the paper P is a specific size (Yes in step S41), the process proceeds to step S42. That is, if the size of the paper P is "A3", the process proceeds to step S42.

[0102] If the answer is Yes in step S41, in step S42, the determination unit 133 determines whether the number of images exceeds the threshold. If the number of images does not exceed the threshold (No in step S42), the process proceeds to step S44. If the number of images exceeds the threshold (Yes in step S42), the process proceeds to step S43.

[0103] If the answer is Yes in step S42, in step S43, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to another Nth image forming apparatus NP. That is, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to the Nth image forming apparatus NP that can form an image on "A3" size paper P at a predetermined speed or faster. The process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0104] If the answer is No in step S42, then in step S44, the distribution unit 131 distributes the print job to the second image forming apparatus 300. The process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0105] If the result in step S41 is No, then in step S45, the determination unit 133 determines whether the number of images exceeds the threshold. If the number of images does not exceed the threshold (No in step S45), the process proceeds to step S48. If the number of images exceeds the threshold (Yes in step S45), the process proceeds to step S47.

[0106] If the answer is Yes in step S45, in step S47, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to the fourth image forming apparatus 500. That is, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to the fourth image forming apparatus 500 that can form an image on "A4" size paper P at a predetermined speed or faster. The process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0107] If the answer is No in step S45, then in step S48, the distribution unit 131 distributes the print job to another N-th image forming apparatus NP, and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0108] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the speed, material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention.

[0109] (1) In the present embodiment, processing is performed based on the first to seventh information, but this is not limited to this. Processing may also be performed based on the first to ninth information. The eighth information is included in the print job. For example, the eighth information is post-processing information. The post-processing information is, for example, stapling processing or shift processing. The ninth information is included in the device information. For example, the ninth information is information indicating whether or not the post-processing device 420 is present.

[0110] In this case, based on the eighth information and the ninth information, the allocation unit 131 allocates the print job to the third image forming apparatus 400, which has the post-processing apparatus 420, among the multiple image forming apparatuses. As a result, the user can reduce the effort required to select an image forming apparatus having the post-processing apparatus 420. [Industrial Applicability]

[0111] The present invention provides an image forming system and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1: Image forming system 100: Information processing device 101: Reception 103: Control unit 120: Communications Department 131:Distribution section 132: Communication control unit 133: Judgment section

Claims

1. An image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the plurality of image forming apparatuses, a reception unit that receives a print job for forming an image on a recording medium; An image forming system comprising an allocation unit that allocates the print job to an image forming device among the plurality of image forming devices that is capable of forming the image on the recording medium based on device information regarding image formation for each of the plurality of image forming devices and image information included in the image data of the image.

2. the image information includes first information indicating a color of the image; the device information includes second information indicating colors capable of forming an image; 2. The image forming system of claim 1, wherein the allocation unit allocates the print job to an image forming device among the plurality of image forming devices that can form the image on the recording medium in the color based on the first information and the second information for each of the plurality of image forming devices.

3. the first information indicates whether the image is achromatic or chromatic; the second information indicates whether the image can be formed in an achromatic color or a chromatic color; The allocating unit If the image of the first information does not include a chromatic color, the print job is assigned to an image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses that is capable of forming an image on the recording medium in an achromatic color; 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein, when the image of the first information includes a chromatic color, the print job is assigned to an image forming apparatus, among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, that is capable of forming an image on the recording medium in a chromatic color.

4. the image information includes third information indicating a size of a recording medium on which the image is to be placed; the device information includes fourth information indicating a size of a recording medium on which an image can be formed, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the allocation unit allocates the print job to one of the plurality of image forming devices based on the third information and fourth information for each of the plurality of image forming devices.

5. the size of the recording medium indicates a specific size among the standards of the recording medium, 5. The image forming system of claim 4, wherein the allocation unit allocates the print job to an image forming device among the plurality of image forming devices that is capable of forming an image on a recording medium of the specific size based on the third information and fourth information for each of the plurality of image forming devices.

6. the specific size indicates the size of an envelope; The image forming system of claim 5, wherein the allocation unit allocates the print job to an image forming device among the plurality of image forming devices that is capable of forming an image on a recording medium the size of the envelope based on the third information and fourth information for each of the plurality of image forming devices.

7. the image information includes fifth information indicating the number of the images, the device information includes sixth information indicating a speed at which an image is formed on a recording medium; a determination unit that determines whether the number of images indicated by the fifth information exceeds a threshold; 2. The image forming system of claim 1, wherein, when the number of images exceeds a threshold, the allocation unit allocates the print job to an image forming device among the plurality of image forming devices that forms the image on the recording medium at a speed that exceeds a predetermined speed based on the sixth information.

8. the device information includes seventh information indicating a remaining amount of image forming agent for forming the image on the recording medium, 3. The image forming system of claim 2, wherein the allocation unit allocates the print job to one of the plurality of image forming devices based on the first information, the second information for each of the plurality of image forming devices, and the seventh information for each of the plurality of image forming devices.

Images