Job execution system, control method, and program

Abstract

To enable management of individual jobs included in a combined job when the combined job in which a plurality of jobs generated in a controller are combined is acquired and executed.SOLUTION: A job execution system 1 includes a controller 2 and a job execution apparatus 3. The controller 2 comprises a combining unit 26 that combines a plurality of jobs to generate a combined job 42, and a transmission unit 27 that transmits job information 46 relating to at least one job of the plurality of jobs and the combined job 42. The job execution apparatus 3 comprises a job management unit 35 that acquires and manages the job information 46 and the combined job 42, and an execution unit 36 that executes the combined job 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a job execution system, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image forming systems that form images on continuous print media such as roll paper are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This image forming system includes an image forming apparatus (apparatus main body) and a controller. The controller can communicate with external devices via a network. When it receives data to be printed from the external device, it generates a job and outputs it to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus forms and outputs an image on the continuous print media based on the job output from the controller. At this time, blank areas are generated on the continuous print media before and after the area where the image is formed. The blank areas are cut in a subsequent cutting process and become waste paper. Therefore, in conventional image forming systems, in order to reduce the blank areas between jobs, the controller generates a combined job that combines multiple jobs. When the image forming apparatus receives the combined job from the controller, it executes the combined job as a single job.

[0003] However, in conventional image forming systems, when a combined job is stopped while it is being executed on an image forming device, it is not possible to determine which of the multiple jobs included in the combined job have been completed. For example, if the combined job includes two jobs, a first job and a second job, and the first job has already been completed when the combined job is stopped, there is no need to execute the first job when the combined job is resumed. However, because conventional image forming devices manage the combined job as a single job, it is not possible to determine whether the first job has been completed when the combined job is stopped.

[0004] Therefore, in conventional image forming systems, when a combined job is stopped on an image forming device, only two methods can be selected for restarting the combined job: restarting the combined job from the beginning or restarting the combined job from the point where it was stopped. For example, if the combined job is stopped after the first job included in the combined job has already been completed, restarting the combined job from the beginning when the combined job is restarted will result in the images included in the first job being formed again, which will be wasted. Furthermore, if the combined job is restarted from the point where it was stopped, blank pages will be generated when the job is restarted, resulting in blank pages being mixed in the middle of the job. If blank pages are mixed in between consecutive pages, they must be trimmed and removed in the subsequent cutting process. In this case, the paper feed amount must be individually set so that the blank pages are properly trimmed in the cutting process, which is cumbersome for users. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-40711 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a job execution system, a control method, and a program that enable management of individual jobs included in a combined job when a combined job that is generated by a controller is acquired and executed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is a job execution system comprising a controller and a job execution device, wherein the controller has a combination unit that combines multiple jobs to generate a combined job, job information regarding at least one job among the multiple jobs, and a transmission unit that transmits the combined job, and the job execution device has a job management unit that acquires and manages the job information and the combined job, and an execution unit that executes the combined job.

[0008] The invention according to claim 2 is the job execution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the job information includes information relating to the plurality of jobs.

[0009] The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the job execution system of claim 2, the job management unit manages the combined job based on information about at least one job among the information about the multiple jobs.

[0010] The invention according to claim 4 is the job execution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the job execution device further comprises an output unit that outputs the job information when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0011] The invention of claim 5 is a job execution system of claim 4, wherein the job execution device further has an image forming unit that forms an image on a continuous printing medium based on the combined job, the execution unit stops the combined job in the middle of image formation by the image forming unit, and the output unit outputs the job information when the combined job is stopped.

[0012] The invention according to claim 6 is the job execution system according to claim 5, characterized in that the job management section resumes image formation by the image forming section based on the job information.

[0013] The invention of claim 7 is a job execution system of claim 5, characterized in that the job management unit determines a restart position of the combined job stopped by the execution unit, and restarts the combined job from the determined restart position.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present invention provides the job execution system of the seventh aspect, wherein the job management section determines the restart position based on the job information.

[0015] The invention of claim 9 is a job execution system of claim 4, characterized in that the job execution device further has an image forming unit that forms an image on a continuous printing medium based on the combined job, the job management unit updates the job information according to the progress of the combined job by the image forming unit, and the output unit outputs the job information updated by the job management unit.

[0016] The invention of claim 10 is characterized in that, in the job execution system of claim 9, the job management unit updates information contained in the job information regarding the distance of the continuous printing medium required for image formation.

[0017] The invention according to claim 11 is the job execution system according to claim 9, characterized in that the job management section updates information relating to the time required for image formation, which is included in the job information.

[0018] The invention of claim 12 is characterized in that, in the job execution system of claim 9, the execution unit stops the combined job in the middle of image formation by the image forming unit, and the output unit outputs the job information at the time the combined job was stopped.

[0019] The invention of claim 13 is a control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, characterized by comprising an acquisition step for acquiring a combined job in which multiple jobs are combined and job information regarding at least one of the multiple jobs, an image formation step for forming an image based on the combined job, an update step for updating the job information in accordance with the progress of the combined job, and an output step for outputting the job information.

[0020] The invention according to claim 14 is the control method according to claim 13, characterized in that the job information includes information relating to the plurality of jobs.

[0021] The invention of claim 15 is a control method of claim 13, characterized in that the image forming step forms an image on a continuous printing medium and further includes a stopping step of stopping the combined job while the image is being formed on the continuous printing medium, and the output step outputs the job information when the combined job is stopped.

[0022] The invention of claim 16 is a program that causes an image forming device to execute an acquisition step of acquiring a combined job in which multiple jobs are combined and job information regarding at least one of the multiple jobs, an image forming step of forming an image based on the combined job, an update step of updating the job information in accordance with the progress of the combined job, and an output step of outputting the job information.

[0023] The invention according to claim 17 is the program according to claim 16, wherein the job information includes information relating to the plurality of jobs.

[0024] The invention of claim 18 is characterized in that, in the program of claim 16, the image forming step forms an image on a continuous printing medium and further has a stopping step for stopping the combined job while the image is being formed on the continuous printing medium, and the output step outputs the job information when the combined job is stopped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, when a job execution device acquires and executes a combined job in which multiple jobs generated in a controller are combined, it becomes possible to appropriately manage the individual jobs included in the combined job. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a job execution system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control mechanism of the job execution system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the concept of combining a plurality of jobs. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a comparison between a case where an image is formed on a continuous print medium based on a normal job and a case where an image is formed on a continuous print medium based on a combined job. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 illustrates information generated by a combiner. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating information transmitted from a controller to a job execution device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an operation panel. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an operation panel. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by a controller. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by a job execution device. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed procedure for updating job information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Elements common to the embodiments described below are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0028] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a job execution system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The job execution system 1 includes a controller 2 and a job execution device 3. The controller 2 and the job execution device 3 are capable of communicating with each other. The job execution device 3 of this embodiment is configured by an image forming device 8. In the following description, the job execution device 3 will be described as the image forming device 8.

[0029] The controller 2 outputs a job to the image forming apparatus 8 and causes the image forming apparatus 8 to perform a printing operation. For example, the controller 2 is configured by a personal computer (PC) or a server. The controller 2 is connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). When the controller 2 receives image data to be printed from another external device via the network, it generates a job that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 8. The controller 2 may also receive a job generated by an external device.

[0030] The image forming device 8 continuously transports a long continuous print medium 9 such as roll paper, and forms and outputs an image on the continuous print medium 9. The image forming device 8 includes a paper feed unit 4, an image forming unit 5, and a paper discharge unit 6. A transport path 12 for transporting the continuous print medium 9 is formed in the paper feed unit 4, the image forming unit 5, and the paper discharge unit 6.

[0031] The paper feed unit 4 holds a roll of paper 10 with continuous printing medium 9 wound around a shaft core 11, and pays out the continuous printing medium 9 from the roll of paper 10 to a conveyance path 12. The paper feed unit 4 then supplies the continuous printing medium 9 to the image forming unit 5. The paper feed unit 4 has a buffer function to absorb slight speed differences between the conveyance speed of the continuous printing medium 9 paid out from the roll of paper 10 and the conveyance speed of the continuous printing medium 9 in the image forming unit 5. This buffer function also has the function of applying an appropriate tension to the continuous printing medium 9.

[0032] The image forming unit 5 has an image forming section 13 that forms an image on the continuous print medium 9. The image forming unit 5 also has an operation panel 19, which serves as a user interface, on the top of the unit. The operation panel 19 has a display section 19a that displays various information. This display section 19a is configured as a touch screen. Therefore, the operation panel 19 can accept user operations on the display section 19a.

[0033] The image forming unit 13 includes a plurality of photoreceptors 14 , an intermediate transfer belt 15 , a secondary transfer roller 16 , and a fixing unit 17 .

[0034] The multiple photoconductors 14 correspond to multiple colors, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the intermediate transfer belt 15. A charger, an exposure unit, and a development unit are arranged around each photoconductor 14. The surface of the photoconductor charged by the charger is exposed by the exposure unit. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor. The development unit develops the electrostatic latent image with a developer containing toner. This forms a toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 14.

[0035] The intermediate transfer belt 15 is an endless belt that contacts the photoreceptors 14 of each color and moves circulatingly in a predetermined direction. The toner images formed on the surfaces of the photoreceptors 14 are sequentially primarily transferred onto the circulating intermediate transfer belt 15. The toner images of each color are primarily transferred so that they overlap each other at the same position on the intermediate transfer belt 15, thereby forming a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 15. The color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transported along the transport path 12 by the secondary transfer roller 16 and secondarily transferred onto the continuous print medium 9.

[0036] The fixing unit 17 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer roller 16 on the conveying path 12. The fixing unit 17 applies heat and pressure to the continuous printing medium 9 onto which the image has been transferred, thereby fixing the image to the continuous printing medium 9. The image fixed by the fixing unit 17 is transported to the paper discharge unit 6 as the continuous printing medium 9 is transported.

[0037] The paper discharge unit 6 collects the continuous printing medium 9 on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 5 by winding it up around the shaft core 18. The paper discharge unit 6 has a buffer function to absorb the slight difference in speed between the transport speed of the continuous printing medium 9 in the image forming unit 5 and the winding speed relative to the shaft core 18. This buffer function also has the function of applying an appropriate amount of tension to the continuous printing medium 9. Therefore, the continuous printing medium 9 is wound up around the shaft core 18 without any bias or other problems occurring.

[0038] The continuous print medium 9 wound around the shaft core 18 is cut in a subsequent cutting process and processed into a specified printed matter.

[0039] The image forming apparatus 8 includes a control unit 30 that controls the image forming operation as described above. When the control unit 30 receives a job from the controller 2, it registers the job as a reserved job. When the time comes for the control unit 30 to execute the next job, it reads out the job to be executed next from among the jobs registered as reserved jobs and executes the read job. For example, the control unit 30 determines that the next job is ready to be executed when the last image formed in the previous job is wound around the shaft core 18 by the paper discharge unit 6. Then, the control unit 30 reads out the next job from among the reserved jobs and executes it.

[0040] In the job execution system 1 described above, multiple image forming apparatuses 8 may be connected to the controller 2. In this case, the controller 2 outputs a job to each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 8. For example, the controller 2 manages reserved jobs stored in each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 8, and selects one image forming apparatus 8 based on the storage status of the reserved jobs to output the job.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control mechanism of the job execution system 1. The controller 2 includes, as its hardware configuration, a CPU 20, a storage unit 21, a network interface 22, and a communication interface 23. The CPU 20 is a hardware processor that executes computer-readable programs. The storage unit 21 is a non-volatile storage device configured, for example, by a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage unit 21 stores in advance a program 24 to be executed by the CPU 20. The network interface 22 is an interface that connects the controller 2 to a network and communicates with external devices. The communication interface 23 is an interface that connects the controller 2 to the image forming apparatus 8 and communicates with the image forming apparatus 8. The communication interface 23 may also serve as the network interface 22.

[0042] The CPU 20 executes the program 24 to function as a generating unit 25, a combining unit 26, and a transmitting unit 27.

[0043] When the generation unit 25 receives image data to be printed via the network interface 22, it generates a job that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 8. Furthermore, the generation unit 25 may access an external device via the network interface 22 based on a user instruction, read image data from the external device, and generate a job. The job generated by the generation unit 25 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 21. Furthermore, when the generation unit 25 receives a job from an external device, it temporarily saves the received job in the storage unit 21.

[0044] When multiple jobs are stored in the storage unit 21, the combination unit 26 combines the multiple jobs to generate one combined job. For example, the combination unit 26 reads out multiple jobs to be combined from the storage unit 21 based on a user instruction, and combines the multiple jobs to generate a combined job.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the concept of combining multiple jobs. As shown in Fig. 3, when two jobs 41, job A and job B, are to be combined, the combining unit 26 generates a combined job 42 that combines the two jobs A and B. The combined job 42 includes an image from job A and an image from job B. In other words, the combined job 42 is a job for continuously forming the images included in the two jobs A and B on the continuous printing medium 9.

[0046] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a comparison between an image formed on a continuous printing medium 9 based on a normal job (single job) and an image formed on a continuous printing medium 9 based on a combined job. For example, if the image forming device 8 executes multiple jobs A and B as a normal job without combining them, a blank area will appear on the continuous printing medium 9 between the image of job A and the image of job B, as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0047] In contrast, when the combining unit 26 combines multiple jobs A, B, and C to generate a combined job and the image forming device 8 executes the combined job, as shown in FIG. 4B, it is possible to eliminate blank pages between the images of job A and job B on the continuous print medium 9. The same applies to the area between job B and job C. However, when generating the combined job 42, the combining unit 26 can also insert blank pages between job A and job B. For example, if a user has preset a setting to insert blank pages of a predetermined length, equivalent to one or several pages, between multiple jobs 41, the combining unit 26 generates the combined job 42 by inserting a predetermined blank page between job A and job B. In this case, it is preferable that the length of the blank page be shorter than the length of the blank page that would occur if jobs A and B were executed as normal jobs. In this way, the combining unit 26 combines multiple jobs 41 to generate the combined job 42, thereby reducing the amount of blank pages that would occur on the continuous print medium 9.

[0048] After generating the combined job 42 , the combining unit 26 generates combined job information about the combined job 42 and job information about at least one job out of the plurality of jobs 41 included in the combined job 42 .

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates information generated by the combining unit 26. FIG. 5(a) shows combined job information 45. The combined job information 45 is information used to execute the combined job 42 and represents the combined job 42 itself. The combined job information 45 includes image data 45a to be formed on the continuous print medium 9 by the image forming device 8. The image data 45a included in the combined job information 45 is image data included in each of the multiple combined jobs 41. The combined job information 45 also includes auxiliary information 45b related to the combined job 42. The auxiliary information 45b is information for managing the combined job 42, and includes, for example, information regarding the number of pages of the image data 45a and the length (distance) of the continuous print medium 9 required to print all of the image data 45a. In the example of FIG. 5(a), the combined job information 45 includes auxiliary information 45b indicating that the image data 45a consists of 1,000 pages and that the length (distance) required to print them is 500 meters. It should be noted that the information contained in the combined job information 45 does not provide details of the multiple jobs 41 contained in the combined job 42.

[0050] FIG. 5B shows job information 46 generated together with the combined job information 45. The job information 46 includes information about at least one of the multiple jobs 41 included in the combined job 42. The job information 46 may also include information about all of the jobs 41 included in the combined job 42. For example, when the combined job 42 is generated by combining two jobs A and B, the job information 46 shown in FIG. 5B includes information 46a and 46b about the two jobs A and B. The information 46a about job A includes information about the number of pages of image data included in job A and the length (distance) of the continuous printing medium 9 required to print job A. The information 46b about job B includes information about the number of pages of image data included in job B and the length (distance) of the continuous printing medium 9 required to print job B. Therefore, by referring to the job information 46, details of the multiple jobs 41 included in the combined job 42 can be determined.

[0051] In addition, when the combined job 42 includes two jobs A and B, if there is information 46a about one job A, information 46b about the other job B can be estimated from the additional information 45b of the combined job information 45 and information 46a about job A. Therefore, the combining unit 26 may generate job information 46 that includes only information 46a about job A. Alternatively, the combining unit 26 may generate job information 46 that includes only information 46b about job B.

[0052] 2, the transmitting unit 27 transmits a job to the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 8 via the communication interface 23. When the combining unit 26 generates a combined job 42, the transmitting unit 27 transmits the combined job 42 to the control unit 30. At this time, the transmitting unit 27 associates combined job information 45 with job information 46 and transmits them to the control unit 30, as shown in FIG. 6. Note that when the user specifies that a normal job should be transmitted instead of a combined job, the transmitting unit 27 reads out the specified job from the storage unit 21 and transmits it to the control unit 30.

[0053] The control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 8 has a hardware configuration including a CPU 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication interface 33. The CPU 31 is a hardware processor that executes computer-readable programs. The storage unit 32 is a non-volatile storage device configured, for example, as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage unit 32 stores in advance a program 34 to be executed by the CPU 31. The communication interface 33 is an interface for communicating with the controller 2. Note that the communication interface 33 may be capable of communicating with external devices other than the controller 2.

[0054] The CPU 31 reads out and executes a program 34 from the storage unit 32, thereby functioning as a job management unit 35, an execution unit 36, and an input / output unit 37.

[0055] The job management unit 35 manages jobs to be executed in the image forming apparatus 8. The job management unit 35 receives and acquires jobs transmitted from the controller 2 via the communication interface 33. When the job management unit 35 acquires a job, it temporarily stores the job in the storage unit 32 and registers it as a reserved job. The job management unit 35 manages the execution order of reserved jobs and instructs the execution unit 36 ​​to execute the reserved job. In addition, the job management unit 35 manages the progress of the job as the execution unit 36 ​​executes the job.

[0056] When the combined job 42 is generated in the controller 2, the job management unit 35 receives the combined job information 45 and the job information 46. In this case, the job management unit 35 manages the combined job 42 based on the combined job information 45 and the job information 46. For example, when reserving the combined job 42, the job management unit 35 registers the combined job 42 as a reserved job based on the combined job information 45, and also registers the multiple jobs A and B included in the combined job 42 based on the job information 46. For example, the job management unit 35 registers information such as the number of pages and length of the multiple jobs A and B included in the combined job 42 in the detailed information of the combined job 42 registered as a reserved job based on the job information 46. The job management unit 35 then manages the combined job 42 registered as a reserved job. Note that obtaining information such as the number of pages and length of the multiple jobs A and B included in the combined job 42 also corresponds to management by the job management unit 35.

[0057] For example, if the number of pages described in the auxiliary information 45b of the combined job information 45 does not match the total number of pages of each job included in the job information 46, the job information 46 does not include information on all of the jobs combined into the combined job 42. In other words, the job information 46 is missing information on some of the jobs 41 combined into the combined job 42. In this case, the job management unit 35 estimates information on jobs not included in the job information 46 from the information included in the combined job information 45 and the job information 46. The job management unit 35 then manages the estimated information as information on the jobs included in the combined job 42.

[0058] The execution unit 36 ​​controls the execution of jobs in the image forming device 8. Based on instructions from the job management unit 35, the execution unit 36 ​​reads out a job registered as a reserved job in the storage unit 32, and executes the job by operating each of the paper feed unit 4, the image forming unit 13, and the paper discharge unit 6.

[0059] In the case of combined job 42, execution unit 36 ​​reads combined job information 45 and controls job execution based on that combined job information 45. That is, execution unit 36 ​​causes image forming unit 13 to perform image formation based on image data 45a included in combined job information 45. As a result, images included in combined job 42 are continuously formed on continuous print medium 9. By executing combined job 42, execution unit 36 ​​can reduce blank pages that appear between multiple jobs A and B included in combined job 42.

[0060] If the execution unit 36 ​​detects an abnormal condition such as a paper jam or toner empty while the combined job 42 is being executed, the execution unit 36 ​​stops the execution of the combined job 42. The execution unit 36 ​​then notifies the user that an abnormal condition has been detected. If the execution of the combined job 42 is stopped midway, the user identifies the cause of the abnormal condition and takes steps to resolve the abnormal condition. Once the abnormal condition is resolved, the user instructs the image forming apparatus 8 to resume the combined job 42.

[0061] The resume instruction is received by the job management unit 35. When the job management unit 35 receives the resume instruction from the user, it instructs the execution unit 36 ​​to resume execution of the combined job 42. At this time, the job management unit 35 instructs the execution unit 36 ​​of the resume position of the combined job 42. Then, the execution unit 36 ​​resumes execution of the combined job 42 based on the instruction from the job management unit 35.

[0062] When the execution unit 36 ​​is executing the combined job 42, the job management unit 35 successively updates the combined job information 45 and the job information 46 in accordance with the progress of the combined job 42. For example, as the execution of the combined job 42 progresses, the job management unit 35 updates the combined job information 45 by writing the number of pages that have been output and the length of the output into the additional information 45b of the combined job information 45. Furthermore, as the execution of the combined job 42 progresses, the job management unit 35 updates the job information 46 by writing the number of pages that have been output and the length of the output of each of the jobs A and B. By successively updating the job information 46, the job management unit 35 can manage the progress of each of the multiple jobs A and B included in the combined job 42. In other words, when the execution unit 36 ​​is executing the combined job 42, the job management unit 35 can manage the progress of each of the multiple jobs 41 included in the combined job 42 in real time.

[0063] The input / output unit 37 has the functions of both an input unit and an output unit. The input / output unit 37 inputs and outputs various data between the paper feed unit 4, the image forming unit 13, the paper discharge unit 6, and the operation panel 19. The input / output unit 37 can also input and output data between the input / output unit 37 and external devices via the communication interface 33.

[0064] The job management unit 35 can output information about a job via the input / output unit 37. When a predetermined condition is met, the job management unit 35 outputs combined job information 45 and job information 46 via the input / output unit 37. The predetermined condition includes various conditions. For example, when the combined job 42 is received, the job management unit 35 determines that the predetermined condition is met and outputs the combined job information 45 and job information 46. Furthermore, when an output instruction from a user is received, the job management unit 35 determines that the predetermined condition is met and outputs the combined job information 45 and job information 46. Furthermore, when execution of the combined job 42 is stopped in the image forming device 8, the job management unit 35 determines that the predetermined condition is met and outputs the combined job information 45 and job information 46.

[0065] For example, the job management unit 35 generates screen information based on the combined job information 45 and the job information 46, and outputs the screen information to the operation panel 19. As a result, a screen showing the status of the combined job 42 is displayed on the operation panel 19. The user can understand the status of the combined job 42 by looking at the screen.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen G1 displayed on the operation panel 19. For example, the job management unit 35 displays the screen G1 as shown in FIG. 7(a) on the operation panel 19. The screen G1 in FIG. 7(a) has a screen configuration in which a job list and a machine status can be switched using tabs 51 and 52, and shows a state in which tab 51 is selected and job list 53 is displayed. In job list 53, a plurality of jobs managed by the job management unit 35 are displayed as a list. FIG. 7(a) shows an example in which three jobs are registered.

[0067] Furthermore, the job list 53 displays multiple items for each job, such as whether or not it is combined, the file name, the status, the distance, the remaining pages, and the remaining time. If the job displayed in the job list 53 is a combined job 42, the item for whether or not it is combined is displayed as "YES." In the example of FIG. 7(a), the first and third jobs are combined jobs 42, and the second job is a normal job (single job).

[0068] The status item indicates the current status of the job. A job that is being executed by the image forming device 8 is displayed as "outputting" in the status item. A job that has been registered as a reserved job but has not yet been executed is displayed as "reserved" in the status item. Therefore, the user can understand the current status of the job by checking the status item.

[0069] The distance item indicates the distance of the continuous print medium 9 required to execute the job and the distance that has already been output. When a job is being executed, the output distance is successively updated by the job management unit 35. Therefore, when a job is being executed normally, the output distance displayed in the job list 53 increases as the job progresses.

[0070] The remaining pages field indicates the number of pages that have not yet been output. For an unexecuted job, the remaining pages field displays the total number of pages included in the job. When a job is being executed, the number of remaining pages is updated successively by the job management unit 35. Therefore, if the job is being executed normally, the remaining pages field decreases as the job progresses. When the remaining pages field reaches 0, this indicates that the job has finished being executed.

[0071] The remaining time item indicates the time required to form an image included in a job on the continuous print medium 9. Here, the time required for image formation depends on the transport speed of the continuous print medium 9 in the image forming device 8. Therefore, the job management unit 35 calculates the remaining time required for image formation based on the job information (including the combined job information 45 and job information 46) received from the controller 2 and the transport speed of the continuous print medium 9. The job management unit 35 then adds the calculated remaining time to the job information. Furthermore, when the controller 2 instructs the image forming device 8 on the transport speed of the continuous print medium 9, the controller 2 may include information regarding the remaining time in the job information beforehand when transmitting the job information to the image forming device 8.

[0072] When a job is being executed, the remaining time is successively updated by the job management unit 35. Therefore, if the job is being executed normally, the remaining time field decreases as the job progresses. When the remaining time field reaches 0, this indicates that the job has finished executing.

[0073] 7(a) shows that the combined job 42 with the file name "JOB1" at the top of the job list 53 is currently being executed. Therefore, the screen G1 successively updates and displays the items of distance, remaining pages, and remaining time according to the progress of the combined job 42.

[0074] When the execution unit 36 ​​stops the execution of the combined job 42 with the file name "JOB1" midway, the job management unit 35 updates the screen G1 of FIG. 7(a) to the screen G1 shown in FIG. 7(b). On the screen G1 shown in FIG. 7(b), the display of the status item 55 for the combined job 42 with the file name "JOB1" has been changed to "Stopped." This lets the user know that an abnormal condition has occurred midway during the execution of the combined job 42, causing the job to be stopped. The user then takes action to resolve the abnormal condition, making the job ready to be resumed.

[0075] For example, when a user resumes a combined job 42, the user determines the resume position of the combined job 42 and instructs the image forming apparatus 8. At this time, the user can check the output status of the multiple jobs 41 included in the combined job 42 by operating screen G1. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the user selects the combined job 42 with the file name "JOB1" and operates the details display button 54. This causes screen G1 displayed on the operation panel 19 to change to screen G1 shown in FIG. 8(b). Screen G1 in FIG. 8(b) displays a details display field 56 for the combined job 42 in the center. The details display field 56 displays the progress status of each of the multiple jobs 41a and 41b included in the combined job 42.

[0076] For example, in the example of FIG. 8(b), it is displayed that the output of the first job 41a included in the combined job 42 has already been completed, and that the job was stopped while the second job 41b was being output. This display allows the user to understand that the output of the first job 41a has already been completed and that there is no need to reprint it. The user also understands that if the job is resumed from the stopped position, blank pages will be mixed in the middle of the second job 41b. Therefore, when resuming the combined job 42, the user can specify the beginning position of the second job 41b as the resume position. By specifying the beginning position of the second job 41b as the resume position, the job management unit 35 determines the position specified by the user as the resume position of the combined job 42. The job management unit 35 then specifies the resume position when instructing the execution unit 36 ​​to resume the combined job 42. For example, when the start position of the second job 41b is instructed to be resumed, the execution unit 36 ​​resumes image formation from the first page of the second job 41b. Therefore, after the combined job 42 is resumed, it is possible to prevent blank pages from being mixed in the middle of the second job 41b.

[0077] 8(b), the output of the second job 41b has already started, so if the combined job 42 is restarted from the beginning of the second job 41b, the images that were output before the stop will be wasted. Therefore, the user can compare the number of pages that have been output with the number of pages that have not yet been output, and specify the optimal restart position from the perspective of cost and work efficiency.

[0078] The job management unit 35 may also automatically determine the resume position of the combined job 42. In this case, the job management unit 35 determines the resume position based on the job information 46. For example, if the number of pages output by the second job 41b that was stopped midway is more than half of the total pages, the job management unit 35 determines the position where the combined job 42 was stopped as the resume position. In this case, the output pages are not wasted, but blank pages will be mixed in the middle of the second job 41b. In addition, if the number of pages output by the second job 41b that was stopped midway is less than half of the total pages, the job management unit 35 determines the beginning position of the second job 41b as the resume position. In this case, blank pages are not mixed in the middle of the second job 41b, but pages that have already been output will be wasted. Note that the page threshold used by the job management unit 35 when automatically determining the resume position is not limited to half of the total pages, but can be set arbitrarily.

[0079] Next, a processing procedure by the job execution system 1 will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure by the controller 2. Fig. 9 shows the processing procedure for generating a combined job 42 and transmitting it to the image forming apparatus 8. The processing based on the flowchart in Fig. 9 is performed by the CPU 20 of the controller 2 executing the program 24.

[0080] The controller 2 determines whether a combine instruction to combine multiple jobs 41 has been received (step S10). If a combine instruction has not been received (NO in step S10), the processing by the controller 2 ends. On the other hand, if a combine instruction has been received (YES in step S10), the controller 2 reads out the multiple jobs 41 specified as the jobs to be combined (step S11). The controller 2 combines the read out multiple jobs 41 to generate a combined job 42 (step S12). This generates combined job information 45. Next, the controller 2 generates job information 46 including information about at least one job out of the multiple jobs 41 included in the combined job 42 (step S13). The controller 2 then transmits the combined job 42 to the image forming apparatus 8 (step S14). At this time, the controller 2 transmits the combined job information 45 and the job information 46 to the image forming apparatus 8. Therefore, when combined job 42 is generated in controller 2, combined job information 45 indicating combined job 42 and job information 46 regarding jobs included in combined job 42 are transmitted from controller 2 to image forming apparatus 8.

[0081] 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of a processing procedure by the image forming apparatus 8. The processing based on FIGS.

[0082] The image forming apparatus 8 determines whether a job has been received from the controller 2 (step S20). If a job has been received (YES in step S20), the image forming apparatus 8 registers the received job as a reserved job (step S21). For example, if the image forming apparatus 8 receives a combined job 42, the image forming apparatus 8 registers the combined job 42 as a reserved job based on the combined job information 45 and the job information 46. In this case, the combined job 42 may be a job that combines two jobs A and B, and the job information 46 may only contain information about one of the jobs A and B. In this case, the image forming apparatus 8 estimates information about the other job based on the additional information 45b included in the combined job information 45 and the job information 46, and registers the information about the other job in the job information 46.

[0083] Next, the image forming device 8 determines whether it is time to start a new job (step S22). If it is time to start a new job (YES in step S22), the image forming device 8 reads out job information to be executed next (step S23). If the job to be executed next is a combined job 42, the image forming device 8 reads out combined job information 45 and job information 46 corresponding to the combined job 42. The image forming device 8 then starts executing the job (step S24). As a result, the images included in the job are sequentially formed on the continuous print medium 9. Once the image forming device 8 starts executing the job, it updates the job information as the job progresses (step S25).

[0084] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure for updating job information (step S25). When updating job information, the image forming apparatus 8 determines whether the combined job 42 is currently being executed (step S40). If the combined job 42 is currently being executed (YES in step S40), the image forming apparatus 8 updates the combined job information 45 in accordance with the progress of the combined job 42 (step S41). That is, the image forming apparatus 8 writes the current progress status of the combined job 42 into the attached information 45b of the combined job information 45 and updates the attached information 45b. Therefore, the attached information 45b of the combined job information 45 records the progress status of the combined job 42 as a whole. However, the attached information 45b of the combined job information 45 does not record the progress status of each job included in the combined job 42. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 8 updates the attached information 45b of the combined job information 45 and then updates the job information 46 (step S42). That is, the image forming apparatus 8 writes the progress status of each of the jobs A and B included in the combined job information 45 into information 46a and 46b relating to each of the jobs A and B, and updates the job information 46. As a result, as the combined job 42 progresses, the progress status of each of the jobs A and B included in the combined job 42 is recorded in the job information 46.

[0085] On the other hand, if a normal job is being executed instead of the combined job 42 (NO in step S40), the image forming device 8 writes the progress status of the normal job into the job information of the normal job to update it (step S43). This completes the job information update process (step S25).

[0086] Returning to the flowchart of Fig. 10, the image forming apparatus 8 then determines whether the job being executed has finished (step S26). If the job has not finished (NO in step S26), the image forming apparatus 8 determines whether the job has been stopped midway due to a jam, toner empty, or the like (step S27). If the job has not been stopped (NO in step S27), the process by the image forming apparatus 8 returns to step S25, and the job information is updated according to the progress of the job.

[0087] On the other hand, if the job is stopped midway (YES in step S27), the image forming apparatus 8 outputs job information. If the stopped job is a combined job 42, the image forming apparatus 8 generates and outputs information that enables the user to confirm the stop position of the combined job 42, based on the combined job information 45 and job information 46 at the time of the stop. For example, the image forming apparatus 8 generates screen information that can be displayed on the display unit 19a of the operation panel 19 and outputs the screen information to the operation panel 19. As a result, for example, screen G1 shown in FIG. 8B is displayed on the operation panel 19. Therefore, if the combined job 42 is stopped midway, the user can understand how much of the multiple jobs 41 included in the combined job 42 has been output. The image forming apparatus 8 may also output job information to an external device via the communication interface 33.

[0088] When the abnormal condition that caused the job to stop is resolved, the image forming apparatus 8 determines the restart position of the job (step S29). For example, the image forming apparatus 8 determines a position specified by the user as the restart position. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 8 may automatically determine the restart position of the job. Since the image forming apparatus 8 holds job information 46 related to the multiple jobs 41 included in the combined job 42, it may automatically determine, for example, the start position of a specific job among the multiple jobs 41 as the restart position. The image forming apparatus 8 then resumes execution of the job from the determined restart position (step S30). Thereafter, the process by the image forming apparatus 8 returns to step S25, and processing is performed to update the job information as the job progresses.

[0089] If the job is completed normally without being stopped (YES in step S26), the process by the image forming apparatus 8 returns to step S20 and repeats the above-described process.

[0090] As described above, the job execution system 1 of this embodiment includes the controller 2 and the image forming apparatus 8. The controller 2 generates a job and sends it to the image forming apparatus 8. The controller 2 can combine multiple jobs 41 to generate a combined job 42. When the combined job 42 is generated, the controller 2 generates job information 46 related to at least one of the multiple jobs 41 included in the combined job 42. The controller 2 then transmits combined job information 45 related to the combined job 42 and the job information 46 to the image forming apparatus 8. Meanwhile, upon receiving the combined job information 45 and the job information 46 from the controller 2, the image forming apparatus 8 manages the combined job 42 based on the combined job information 45 and the job information 46. The image forming apparatus 8 then executes the combined job 42.

[0091] The job execution system 1 having such a configuration can manage the progress status of each of the multiple jobs 41 included in the combined job 42 in the image forming device 8. Therefore, when the image forming device 8 stops the execution of the combined job 42 midway, the image forming device 8 can identify the job where the stop position was stopped among the multiple jobs 41. Furthermore, the image forming device 8 can also identify the stop position of the identified job. Therefore, when the execution of the combined job 42 is resumed, the image forming device 8 can set the start position of any of the multiple jobs 41 as the resume position. This can prevent blank sheets from being mixed in between the jobs included in the combined job 42. It can also improve the work efficiency in the subsequent cutting process.

[0092] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0093] For example, in the above embodiment, the job execution device 3 is an image forming device 8. However, the job execution device 3 is not necessarily limited to an image forming device 8 that forms an image on a continuous print medium 9. For example, the job execution device 3 may be a device that executes the combined job 42 and transmits the jobs included in the combined job 42 to the outside. Furthermore, the job execution device 3 may be a raster image processor that executes the combined job 42 and rasterizes the image data included in the combined job information 45 to generate a raster image.

[0094] In the above embodiment, for example, the controller 2 transmitting the combined job information 45 and the job information 46 to the image forming apparatus 8 is primarily effective in determining the restart position of the combined job 42 that was stopped in the image forming apparatus 8. However, transmitting the combined job information 45 and the job information 46 to the image forming apparatus 8 by the controller 2 also provides other useful effects. For example, the image forming apparatus 8 can manage each of the multiple jobs 41 included in the combined job 42 by managing the combined job 42 based on the combined job information 45 and the job information 46. Therefore, after registering the combined job 42 as a reserved job, the image forming apparatus 8 can individually cancel each of the multiple jobs 41 included in the combined job 42. For example, the image forming apparatus 8 has the advantage of being able to cancel the job specified to be canceled if it has not yet been executed, even after starting execution of the combined job 42.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 8 manages the combined job 42 using all of the information included in the job information 46 received from the controller 2. However, the image forming apparatus 8 does not need to use all of the information included in the job information 46 when managing the combined job 42. For example, if the combined job 42 consists of two jobs A and B, the image forming apparatus 8 can appropriately manage the progress of the combined job 42 with either information 46a about job A or information 46b about job B. Therefore, it is sufficient for the image forming apparatus 8 to manage the combined job 42 using at least one of information 46a about job A and information 46b about job B. For example, when the image forming apparatus 8 receives job information 46 for the combined job 42, which combines two jobs A and B, it is sufficient for it to acquire and use only information 46a about job A and not use information 46b about job B.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the continuous print medium 9 is roll paper 10, but the continuous print medium 9 is not limited to roll paper 10. For example, the continuous print medium 9 may be a continuous form or the like.

[0097] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the programs 24, 34 executed by the controller 2 and the image forming apparatus 8, respectively, are pre-stored in the storage units 21, 32. However, the programs 24, 34 are not limited to being pre-stored in the storage units 21, 32. In other words, the programs 24, 34 can be traded independently. Therefore, the programs 24, 34 may be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided in a downloadable form via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 Job Execution System 2 Controllers 3 Job Execution Device 8. Image forming device 9. Continuous Print Media 13 Image forming unit 24 Programs 25 Generation part 26 Joint 27 Transmitter 30 Control Unit 34 Programs 35 Job Management Department 36 Executive Department 37 Input / output section (output section) 41 Jobs 42 Combined Jobs 45 Combined Job Information 46 Job Information

Claims

1. A job execution system including a controller and a job execution device, The controller a combining unit that combines a plurality of jobs to generate a combined job; a transmission unit that transmits job information regarding at least one job among the plurality of jobs and the combined job; and the job execution device, a job management unit that acquires and manages the job information and the combined job; an execution unit that executes the combined job; A job execution system comprising:

2. 2. The job execution system according to claim 1, wherein the job information includes information about the plurality of jobs.

3. 3. The job execution system according to claim 2, wherein the job management unit manages the combined job based on information about at least one job among the information about the plurality of jobs.

4. the job execution device, an output unit that outputs the job information when a predetermined condition is satisfied; 2. The job execution system according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. the job execution device, an image forming unit that forms an image on a continuous print medium based on the combined job; and the execution unit stops the combined job during image formation by the image forming unit, 5. The job execution system according to claim 4, wherein the output unit outputs the job information when the combined job is stopped.

6. 6. The job execution system according to claim 5, wherein the job management section restarts image formation by the image forming section based on the job information.

7. 6. The job execution system according to claim 5, wherein the job management section determines a restart position of the combined job stopped by the execution section, and restarts the combined job from the determined restart position.

8. 8. The job execution system according to claim 7, wherein the job management section determines the restart position based on the job information.

9. the job execution device, an image forming unit that forms an image on a continuous print medium based on the combined job; and the job management unit updates the job information in accordance with the progress of the combined job by the image forming unit; 5. The job execution system according to claim 4, wherein the output unit outputs the job information updated by the job management unit.

10. 10. The job execution system according to claim 9, wherein the job management unit updates information about the distance of the continuous print medium required for image formation, which is included in the job information.

11. 10. The job execution system according to claim 9, wherein the job management section updates information relating to the time required for image formation, which is included in the job information.

12. the execution unit stops the combined job during image formation by the image forming unit, 10. The job execution system according to claim 9, wherein the output unit outputs the job information at the time when the combined job is stopped.

13. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring a combined job obtained by combining a plurality of jobs and job information relating to at least one job among the plurality of jobs; an image forming step of forming an image based on the combined job; an updating step of updating the job information according to the progress of the combined job; an output step of outputting the job information; A control method comprising:

14. 14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein the job information includes information about the plurality of jobs.

15. The image forming step forms an image on a continuous print medium, The method further includes a stop step of stopping the combined job during the process of forming an image on the continuous print medium, 14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein said output step outputs said job information when said combined job is stopped.

16. In the image forming apparatus, an acquiring step of acquiring a combined job obtained by combining a plurality of jobs and job information relating to at least one job among the plurality of jobs; an image forming step of forming an image based on the combined job; an updating step of updating the job information according to the progress of the combined job; an output step of outputting the job information; A program characterized by executing the following.

17. 17. The program according to claim 16, wherein the job information includes information about the plurality of jobs.

18. The image forming step forms an image on a continuous print medium, The method further includes a stop step of stopping the combined job during the process of forming an image on the continuous print medium, 17. The program according to claim 16, wherein the output step outputs the job information when the combined job is stopped.

Images