Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that can perform print data saving processing more appropriately than conventional methods when it receives other print data that has been designated for saving while the print data that has been designated for saving is being saved. [Solution] The system comprises a communication unit that acquires print data from an external terminal via a network, a data analysis unit that analyzes the print data and determines whether or not the print data has been designated for preservation, a storage unit that stores various types of data, a plurality of preservation processing units that perform processing to save the print data that has been determined to have been designated for preservation to the storage unit, and a control unit that controls the communication unit, the data analysis unit, the storage unit, and the plurality of preservation processing units, wherein the control unit, when it determines that the print data received by the communication unit has been designated for preservation, performs processing to save the print data using one of the plurality of preservation processing units selected based on a predetermined selection procedure.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , ,

[0006]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), after performing a process (print release save process) of temporarily saving print data transmitted from a print driver of a user terminal in an image forming apparatus set in the main unit, a print release print function is known in which the print data stored in the print release save area is acquired by an image forming apparatus set in a sub-unit or the main unit, and an image based on the print data is formed.

[0003] In an image forming apparatus having such a print release print function, when there is only one print release save processing unit, even if the image forming apparatus receives a plurality of print data simultaneously, parallel save processing cannot be performed, and thus save processing is sequentially performed for each print data.

[0004] As a result, when the image processing apparatus first receives a print job with a large print data size and starts the save process, even if it then receives a job with a small print data size, it will be waited until the previous save process is completed.

[0005] On the other hand, there is also a method of performing print data reception and save processing in the background. In this case, print release printing on the sub-unit becomes possible after the print release save process of the main unit is completed.

[0006] In relation to these problems, an information processing device has been proposed that can execute multiple conversion processes in parallel to convert document data into printable data that can be printed by a printer, and which includes a determination means for determining whether the number of parallel conversion processes executed in response to a received conversion request exceeds a predetermined number for each management unit, and a means for placing the conversion process for the document data related to the conversion request in a queue if the determination means determines that the number exceeds the predetermined number, and starting the conversion process for the document data related to the conversion request if it determines that the number does not exceed the predetermined number (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0007] The above-described information processing device is characterized by its ability to parallelize the printing data generation process while suppressing the consumption of resources for unnecessary parallel processing. This is achieved by performing parallel processing while maintaining a certain number of parallel processes for each management unit, such as users and printers, depending on the state of the printing data conversion process. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-041274 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Incidentally, the data storage processing speed for print release jobs varies greatly depending on various factors such as the specific registration status of print release jobs, including the number of print release jobs received simultaneously by the image forming apparatus, the size of the print release job data, and the print release job reception and communication speeds.

[0010] This disclosure was made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and provides an image forming apparatus that can perform data saving processing for print release jobs more appropriately than before when another print release job is received while a print release job is being saved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The image forming apparatus according to this disclosure comprises a communication unit that acquires print data from an external terminal via a network; a data analysis unit that analyzes the print data and determines whether or not the print data has been designated for preservation; a storage unit that stores various types of data; a plurality of preservation processing units that perform processing to save the print data that has been determined to have been designated for preservation to the storage unit; and a control unit that controls the communication unit, the data analysis unit, the storage unit, and the plurality of preservation processing units, wherein the control unit, when it determines that the print data received by the communication unit has been designated for preservation, performs processing to save the print data using one of the plurality of preservation processing units selected based on a predetermined selection procedure.

[0012] In this disclosure, “predetermined storage designation” is a function that performs a process (for example, the print release storage process described later in this embodiment of disclosure) in which print data sent from the print driver of an external terminal is temporarily stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage unit in the image forming apparatus set in the master unit, and an image forming apparatus set in the slave unit or the master unit retrieves the print data stored in the storage area and forms an image based on the print data. An "image forming apparatus" is a device that forms and outputs images, such as a copier or multifunction printer that has a copying function, or an MFP that also includes functions other than copying, such as a printer that uses an electrophotographic method to form images with toner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, an image forming apparatus is realized that can perform print data saving processing more appropriately than in the conventional method when it receives other print data that has been designated for saving while the print data that has been designated for saving is being saved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows a schematic configuration of an image forming system including a digital multifunction printer in this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data flow for a typical print job on a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data flow for a print release job on a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the challenges encountered during the print release saving process of conventional digital multifunction printers. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates an example of data flow when print release jobs are received from multiple user terminals almost simultaneously. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of print job execution and print release job saving processes for the digital multifunction printer. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the selection process flow of the print release storage processing unit of a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the print release saving processing unit selection settings screen displayed on the control panel of a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the execution process flow of a print job on a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 10] Figure 1 shows an example of an internal management table for print release jobs stored in the memory of the digital multifunction printer. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the selection procedure for the print release storage processing unit of a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 12]It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a selection procedure of a print release storage processing unit of the digital multi-function peripheral in FIG. 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Next, preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0016] As the selection procedure, the control unit selects one of the plurality of storage processing units that is not in the middle of the storage process. On the other hand, when all of the plurality of storage processing units are in the middle of the storage process, the control unit may select the storage processing unit in which the registered print data is the least or the total size of the registered print data is the smallest.

[0017] The “registered print data” is print data during the storage process to the storage processing unit and print data waiting for the storage process.

[0018] In this way, when receiving print data that has received a predetermined storage designation during the storage process and receiving other print data that has received the storage designation, basically, a free storage processing unit is selected. When all are in the middle of the storage process, the storage processing unit in which the registered print data is the least or the total size of the registered print data is the smallest is selected. Therefore, an image forming apparatus capable of performing the storage process of print data more appropriately than before can be realized.

[0019] The print data includes information on the IP address of the external terminal that is the transmission source. As the selection procedure, the control unit, among the IP addresses of the transmission sources that transmitted the print data registered in the plurality of storage processing units, when there is the same one as the IP address of the print data received by the communication unit, may select the storage processing unit that registered the registered print data.

[0020] In this way, if, while saving print data that has been designated for saving is being saved, another print data that has been designated for saving is received, and if there is an IP address registered in the saving processing unit that is the same as the IP address of the print data received by the communication unit, the saving processing unit that registered the registered print data will be selected, thereby realizing an image forming apparatus that can perform print data saving processing more appropriately than in the past.

[0021] The control unit may, as part of the selection procedure, calculate the reception speed of the print data during the saving process and select one of the saving processing units from among the plurality of saving processing units based on the reception speed.

[0022] In this way, if another print data designated for saving is received while print data designated for saving is being saved, the reception speed of the print data being saved is calculated, and a saving processing unit is selected based on the reception speed. This makes it possible to realize an image forming apparatus that can perform print data saving processing more appropriately than conventional methods.

[0023] The print data includes information about the IP address of the external terminal that is the source, and the control unit calculates the reception speed of the print data being saved from among the plurality of storage processing units and saves it in the storage unit along with the IP address. The control unit may, as part of the selection procedure, if there is a storage processing unit among the plurality of storage processing units that has registered the print data being saved at a reception speed slower than a predetermined threshold, exclude the storage processing unit that registered the registered print data and select one of the storage processing units.

[0024] In this way, if, while saving print data that has been designated for saving is being saved, another print data that has been designated for saving is received, and there is a print data being saved with a reception speed slower than a predetermined threshold, the saving processing unit that registered the registered print data is excluded, and one of the saving processing units is selected. This makes it possible to realize an image forming apparatus that can perform print data saving processing more appropriately than in the past.

[0025] The following details of this disclosure will be illustrated with drawings. The following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0026] [Embodiment 1] Based on Figure 1, an image forming system 100 including a digital multifunction printer 1, which is one embodiment of the image forming apparatus disclosed herein, will be described.

[0027] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the image forming system 100, which includes the digital multifunction printer 1 of this disclosure.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 100 disclosed herein consists of a digital multifunction printer 1 and user terminals 2A, 2B, and 2C (hereinafter collectively referred to as user terminal 2) connected via a network 3.

[0029] Digital multifunction device 1 is a device such as a multifunction printer or MFP that digitally processes image data and has copy, printer, scanner, and facsimile functions.

[0030] The user terminal 2 transmits image data to the digital multifunction printer 1 via a wired or wireless network 3, causing it to execute jobs such as print jobs or print release jobs.

[0031] The digital multifunction printer 1 comprises a control unit 10, a communication unit 11, an operation panel 12, a data analysis unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a storage unit 15, and an image forming unit 16.

[0032] The following describes each component of the digital multifunction printer 1.

[0033] The control unit 10 comprehensively controls the digital multifunction printer 1 and consists of at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), at least one SoC (System on a Chip), at least one RAM (Random Access Memory), at least one ROM (Read-only memory), at least one control circuit, various interface circuits, etc.

[0034] The control unit 10 monitors and controls all loads, including detection by each sensor, motor, clutch, and control panel 12, in order to control the operation of the entire digital multifunction printer 1.

[0035] The communication unit 11 communicates with external terminals such as user terminals 2 via the network 3 and receives jobs such as print jobs or print release jobs, as well as image data, etc.

[0036] When the control unit 10 receives a print job from the communication unit 11, it passes the print job data to the data analysis unit 13 and determines whether the print job is a print release job based on the analysis results of the data analysis unit 13.

[0037] The operation panel 12 consists of a display panel made of an LCD panel or the like, and a touch panel, such as a capacitive type, which is placed on top of the display panel and detects the position where a finger is touched, and includes a display unit and an operation unit.

[0038] The display unit is the part that displays various types of information. The display unit consists of, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an EL display, and is a display device such as a monitor or line display used by the operating system or application software to display electronic data such as processing status. The control unit 10 displays the operation and status of the digital multifunction printer 1 through the display unit.

[0039] The control unit is the interface for operating the digital multifunction printer 1 and is the part that receives commands from the user.

[0040] The data analysis unit 13 is the part that analyzes the data necessary for printing, and is equipped with multiple data analysis processing units that can be processed in parallel. The data analysis unit 13 includes a PDL analysis unit that analyzes data such as color specifications, number of copies, and paper size specifications from the received data in the case of print jobs such as PCL / PostScript / PDF.

[0041] Furthermore, the data analysis unit 13 determines whether the print job received by the communication unit 11 is a print release job. If the analysis by the data analysis unit 13 determines that the print job is a print release job, it performs a process (print release saving process) to save the image data related to the print release job in the print release saving area of ​​the storage unit 15. The data analysis unit 13 is equipped with multiple print release saving processing units so that such print release saving processes can be performed in parallel.

[0042] The image processing unit 14 is the part that processes the image data of a print job into an appropriate electrical signal based on the instructions such as a print job or print release job acquired by the communication unit 11 and the analysis results of the data analysis unit 13, so that it is suitable for output such as enlargement and reduction.

[0043] The memory unit 15 is an element or storage medium that stores information and control programs necessary to realize the various functions of the digital multifunction printer 1. For example, semiconductor elements such as RAM and ROM, storage media such as hard disks, flash memory units, and SSDs are used.

[0044] The storage unit 15 stores data necessary for executing print jobs and print release jobs, such as information on various jobs, image data, spool storage data, settings for the master or slave unit, and print release storage data.

[0045] Furthermore, the storage unit 15 includes an image data storage area for temporarily storing print job data, a print release storage area for temporarily storing print release job data, and a spool area.

[0046] Furthermore, the data may be stored in different devices, such as a hard disk drive for the data storage area and a flash memory unit for the program storage area.

[0047] The image forming unit 16 is the part that prints image data related to a print job or print release job, which has been acquired by the communication unit 11 and processed by the image processing unit 14, onto the paper.

[0048] <Data flow of print jobs for the digital multifunction printer 1 in this disclosure> Next, the data flow of a print job for the digital multifunction printer 1 of this disclosure will be described based on Figure 2. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data flow of a print job for the digital multifunction printer 1 shown in Figure 1. In the example shown in Figure 2, we assume that digital multifunction printer 1A is set as the master unit and digital multifunction printer 1B is set as the slave unit.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2, when a print job is sent from user terminal 2A to digital multifunction printer 1A (master unit), the print job data flows as indicated by the dashed arrows.

[0050] When the communication unit 11 receives print job data transmitted from the user terminal 2A, the control unit 10 has the data analysis unit 13 analyze the print job data to determine whether or not the print job is a print release job. If the print job is not a print release job, the control unit 10 causes the PDL analysis unit to analyze the data of the print job. After the analysis is complete, the control unit 10 causes the image data for printing to be saved in the image data storage area of ​​the storage unit 15. Subsequently, the control unit 10 causes the image forming unit 16 to form an image based on the image data.

[0051] <Data flow of print release jobs for digital multifunction printer 1 in this disclosure> Next, based on Figure 3, the data flow of the print release job for the digital multifunction printer 1 in this disclosure will be described. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data flow for a print release job on the digital multifunction device 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0052] In Figure 3, when a print release job is executed from user terminal 2 to digital multifunction printer 1A (master unit), the print release job data flows as shown by the solid arrow.

[0053] When the communication unit 11 receives print release job data sent from the user terminal 2, the control unit 10 checks the beginning of the data to determine that it is print release data and passes the data to the print release storage processing unit 1. In general, if none of the multiple print release saving processing units 1 and 2 are currently performing saving processing, the data shall be passed in any or predetermined order.

[0054] The print release saving processing unit 1 retrieves some print release job information, such as the job name, user name, and whether it is color or monochrome, from the print release job data to create a list of print release jobs, and saves the print release job data along with the list information to the print release saving area of ​​the storage unit 15. The list of print release jobs includes information on the job ID assigned to each job.

[0055] Next, when the print release printing function is selected from the control panel 12 of the digital multifunction printer 1B (slave unit), the print release job list data is sent from the digital multifunction printer 1A (master unit) to the digital multifunction printer 1B (slave unit).

[0056] The user selects the desired print release job from the list of print release jobs displayed on the control panel 12 of the digital multifunction printer 1B (slave unit) and executes the print job.

[0057] The data flow of print release jobs from digital multifunction printer 1A (master unit) to digital multifunction printer 1B (slave unit) is shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 3. The control unit 10 of digital multifunction printer 1B (slave unit) transmits the data for the corresponding print release job from the print release storage area of ​​the storage unit 15 of digital multifunction printer 1A (master unit).

[0058] The processing after the communication unit 11 receives the print release job is the same as for normal printing in Figure 2. That is, when the communication unit 11 receives the print release job data, the control unit 10 has the PDL analysis unit of the data analysis unit 13 analyze the print release job data. After the analysis is complete, the control unit 10 has the image data for printing stored in the image data storage area of ​​the storage unit 15. After that, the control unit 10 has the image forming unit 16 form an image based on the image data.

[0059] <Challenges in the print release saving process of conventional digital multifunction printers 1X> Next, based on Figure 4, we will explain the challenges of the conventional digital multifunction printer 1 during the print release saving process.

[0060] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the challenges encountered during the print release saving process of the conventional digital multifunction printer 1X. As shown in the example in Figure 4, the conventional digital multifunction printer 1X has only one print release storage area.

[0061] Let's consider a scenario where such a digital multifunction printer 1X receives print release jobs from three user terminals 2A to 2C almost simultaneously (in the order of 2A, 2B, and 2C).

[0062] In this case, the digital multifunction printer 1X checks the beginning of data 1 received from user terminal 2A, determines it to be print release data, and passes the data to the print release storage processing unit as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 4.

[0063] The print release saving processing unit retrieves some print release job information, such as the job name, user name, and whether it is color or monochrome, from the print release job data 1, and saves the print release job data along with this information in the print release saving area of ​​the storage unit 15.

[0064] In this case, if the size of the print release job data 1 received from user terminal 2A is large, the time required to save it to the print release storage area will also increase in proportion to its size.

[0065] On the other hand, data 2 received from user terminal 2B cannot be immediately transferred to the print release storage area because data 1 received from user terminal 2A is currently being saved to the print release storage area.

[0066] However, if we wait until the process of saving data 1 to the print release storage area is complete, there is a risk that the reception of data 2 from user terminal 2B will stop and a timeout will occur. To avoid this situation, data 2 is temporarily saved to the spool area as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 4. Similarly, the data 3 received from user terminal 2C is also temporarily stored in the spool area, as indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 4.

[0067] Once the process of saving data 1 to the print release storage area is complete, data 2 and data 3, which were temporarily stored in the spool area, are sequentially passed to the print release storage processing unit and saved.

[0068] Thus, the conventional digital multifunction printer 1X had a problem in that it could not start the print release saving process for data 2 received from user terminal 2B and data 3 received from user terminal 2C until the print release saving process for data 1 of the print release job received from user terminal 2A was completed.

[0069] <Saving process for multiple print release jobs received by the digital multifunction printer 1A of this disclosure> Next, based on Figure 5, we will explain a proposed solution to the problems encountered during the print release saving process of the conventional digital multifunction printer 1. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data flow when print release jobs are received almost simultaneously from multiple user terminals 2A to 2C. As shown in the example in Figure 5, the digital multifunction printer 1A of this disclosure comprises two print release storage areas 1 and 2.

[0070] Similar to Figure 4, we assume that the digital multifunction printer 1A receives print release jobs from three user terminals 2A to 2C almost simultaneously (in the order of user terminals 2A, 2B, and 2C).

[0071] In this case, the digital multifunction printer 1A checks the beginning of the data 1 received from the user terminal 2A, determines it to be print release data, and passes the data to the print release storage processing unit 1 as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 5.

[0072] The print release saving processing unit 1 obtains some print release job information, such as the job name, user name, and whether it is color or monochrome, from the print release job data 1, and saves the print release job data along with this information in the print release saving area of ​​the storage unit 15.

[0073] Next, the digital multifunction printer 1A checks the beginning of the data 2 received from the user terminal 2B, determines it to be print release data, and passes the data to the print release storage processing unit 2 as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 5.

[0074] The print release saving processing unit 2 obtains some print release job information, such as the job name, user name, and whether it is color or monochrome, from the print release job data 2, and saves the print release job data along with this information in the print release saving area of ​​the storage unit 15.

[0075] In this way, the digital multifunction printer 1A can process print release job data in parallel using the two print release storage processing units 1 and 2.

[0076] On the other hand, regarding data 3 received from user terminal 2C, since data 1 received from user terminal 2A and data 2 received from user terminal 2B are being saved to the print release storage area, data 3 is temporarily stored in the spool area as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 5.

[0077] The data 3 received from user terminal 2C is kept in the spool area until the saving process of data 1 by print release saving processing unit 1 or the saving process of data 2 by print release saving processing unit 2 is completed.

[0078] Furthermore, if the size of data 1 of the print release job received from user terminal 2A is large, and the sizes of data 2 and 3 of the print release jobs received from user terminals 2B and 2C respectively are small, the print release saving processing unit 2 can complete the print release saving process for data 2 and 3 even while the print release saving processing unit 1 is saving data 1.

[0079] <Processing of executing print jobs and saving print release jobs for the digital multifunction device 1 of this disclosure> Next, with reference to Figure 6, the execution of print jobs and the saving of print release jobs of the digital multifunction device 1 of this disclosure will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of print job execution and print release job saving processes for the digital multifunction printer 1 in Figure 1.

[0080] In step S101 of Figure 6, when the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction printer 1 receives a job, it stores the job's reception start time and the source IP address in the storage unit 15 (step S101).

[0081] In the following step S102, the control unit 10 has the data analysis unit 13 analyze the received job data to check the beginning of the data and determine whether the job data is a print release job or not (step S102).

[0082] If the job data is a print release job (if the determination in step S102 is Yes), in step S103, the control unit 10 selects one print release storage processing unit to be registered based on the selection procedure for print release storage processing units described later (step S103).

[0083] Next, in step S104, the control unit 10 determines whether the selected print release storage processing unit is in the process of saving (step S104).

[0084] If the selected print release saving processing unit is not currently performing saving processing (the determination in step S104 is No), in step S105, the control unit 10 obtains predetermined print release job information, such as the username, from the received job data (step S105).

[0085] In the subsequent step S106, the control unit 10 stores the print release job data, the size of the job data, and the reception speed in the print release storage area of ​​the storage unit 15 (step S106), and then terminates the process.

[0086] On the other hand, if the selected print release saving processing unit is in the process of saving (if the determination in step S104 is Yes), in step S107, the control unit 10 stores the print release job data, the size of the job data, and the reception speed in the spool area of ​​the storage unit 15 (step S107), and then terminates the process.

[0087] Furthermore, in step S102, if the job data is not a print release job (the determination in step S102 is No), in step S108, the control unit 10 causes the image forming unit 16 to execute the print job and form an image (step S108).

[0088] <Selection process of the print release storage processing unit of the digital multifunction printer 1 in this disclosure> Next, the selection process of the print release storage processing unit of the digital multifunction device 1 of this disclosure will be described based on Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the selection process flow of the print release storage processing unit of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Figure 1.

[0089] In Figure 7, when the selection process for the print release saving processing unit is started, in step S201, the control unit 10 searches for a print release saving processing unit that is not currently processing among the multiple print release saving processing units (step S201).

[0090] In the following step S202, the control unit 10 determines whether or not there is a print release storage processing unit that is not currently processing (step S202).

[0091] If there is a print release saving processing unit that is not currently processing (if the determination in step S202 is Yes), in step S203, the control unit 10 selects the print release saving processing unit that is not currently processing (step S203) and terminates the process.

[0092] In this way, if another print release job is received while a print release job is being saved, the system will basically select an available print release saving processing unit, thus enabling a digital multifunction device 1 that can perform the print release job saving process more appropriately than before.

[0093] If there are multiple print release saving processing units that are not currently processing, select any print release saving processing unit in any order or in a predetermined order.

[0094] On the other hand, if there is no print release saving processing unit that is not currently processing (i.e., the determination in step S202 is No), the control unit 10 selects a print release saving processing unit according to the procedures in steps S204 to S211 described later.

[0095] In step S204, the control unit 10 determines whether the print release storage processing unit is set to select based on the reception speed (step S204).

[0096] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the selection settings screen for the print release saving processing unit displayed on the operation panel 12 of the digital multifunction device 1 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 8, if the user prioritizes selecting the print release saving processing unit based on the reception speed, they should check "Determine by speed". In the example in Figure 8, the delay detection threshold is set to "1Kbps". On the other hand, if the user wants to prioritize the selection of the print release saving processing unit based on the job order, they should check "Prioritize job order".

[0097] In step S204 of Figure 7, if the setting is such that the print release storage processing unit should be selected based on the reception speed (if the determination in step S204 is Yes), in step S205, the control unit 10 checks the job information registered in each print release storage processing unit and performs the following determinations (1) to (3) (step S205).

[0098] Judgment (1): Check whether the receiving speed of the currently processing job is below a predetermined delay threshold. If it is below the threshold, the print release storage processing unit to which the job is registered is excluded from selection.

[0099] In this way, the reception speed of the data during the saving process is calculated, and a print release saving processing unit is selected based on the reception speed, thereby realizing a digital multifunction device 1 that can perform the saving process of print release jobs more appropriately than before.

[0100] Judgment (2): The print release saving processing unit, which has a job registered that is currently being received from user terminal 2 stored in the storage unit 15 as a delayed IP address with a slow reception speed, is also excluded from selection.

[0101] In this way, if there is any print data being saved that has a reception speed slower than a predetermined threshold, the print release saving processing unit that registered the print data is excluded, and one of the print release saving processing units is selected. This makes it possible to realize a digital multifunction device 1 that can perform the save processing of print release jobs more appropriately than before.

[0102] Judgment (3): Calculate the total size of received data for jobs registered in each print release storage processing unit, and select the print release storage processing unit with the smallest size.

[0103] In this way, the digital multifunction printer 1 can be realized that can perform print release job saving processing more appropriately than before, by selecting the print release saving processing unit that minimizes the total size of the registered print data.

[0104] Next, in step S206, the control unit 10 selects the print release storage processing unit based on the above determinations (1) to (3) (step S206), and terminates the process.

[0105] On the other hand, if the print release saving processing unit is not set to be selected based on the reception speed in step S204 (i.e., the determination in step S204 is No), then in step S207, the control unit 10 checks the IP address of the job registered in each print release saving processing unit (step S207).

[0106] In the following step S208, the control unit 10 determines whether there is a print release storage processing unit that has already registered a job with the same IP address as the source IP address of the job to be registered (step S208).

[0107] If there is already a print release saving processing unit that has registered a job with the same IP address (if the determination in step S208 is Yes), in step S209, the control unit 10 selects the print release saving processing unit to which the job is registered (step S209) and terminates the process.

[0108] In this way, if there is an IP address among the IP addresses of the senders that sent the print data registered in the print release saving processing unit that is the same as the IP address of the print data received by the communication unit, the print release saving processing unit that registered the registered print data will be selected, thereby realizing a digital multifunction device 1 that can perform the print release job saving process more appropriately than before.

[0109] On the other hand, if there is no print release saving processing unit that already has a job registered for the same IP address (if the determination in step S208 is No), in step S210, the control unit 10 checks the number of jobs registered in each print release saving processing unit (step S210).

[0110] In the following step S211, the control unit 10 selects the print release saving processing unit with the fewest registered jobs (step S211) and terminates the process.

[0111] In this way, the digital multifunction printer 1 can be realized that can perform print release job saving processing more appropriately than before, by selecting the print release saving processing unit with the fewest registered print data.

[0112] <Execution process of print jobs for the digital multifunction printer 1 of this disclosure> Next, the print job execution process of the digital multifunction printer 1 of this disclosure will be described based on Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the execution process flow of a print job on the digital multifunction printer 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0113] In Figure 9, when the execution of the print job is started, in step S301, the control unit 10 determines whether the data analysis unit 13 is performing PDL analysis (step S301).

[0114] If the data analysis unit 13 is not currently performing PDL analysis (i.e., the determination in step S301 is No), in step S302, the control unit 10 causes the data analysis unit 13 to perform PDF analysis of the print job data (step S302).

[0115] In the following step S303, the control unit 10 causes the image processing unit 14 to generate print data based on the PDL analysis results of the data analysis unit 13 (step S303).

[0116] Next, in step S304, the control unit 10 causes the image forming unit 16 to print the image based on the generated print data (step S304), and then terminates the process.

[0117] On the other hand, if the data analysis unit 13 is performing PDL analysis in step S301 (if the determination in step S301 is Yes), in step S305, the control unit 10 saves the received data to the spool area of ​​the storage unit 15 (step S302), and then returns to the determination in step S301.

[0118] <Example of the selection procedure for the print release storage processing unit of the digital multifunction printer 1 in this disclosure> Next, an example of the selection procedure for the print release storage processing unit of the digital multifunction printer 1 of this disclosure will be described based on Figures 10 to 12.

[0119] Figure 10 is an example of an internal management table for print release jobs stored in the memory unit 15 of the digital multifunction printer shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 10, for each print release job, the following information is managed: "Job ID", "Storage Processing Unit" that registered the job, "IP Address" of user terminal 2 that sent the job, "Delay" indicating whether or not it is a delayed IP address, "Start Time" and "End Time" of data reception, "Size" of received data, and "Reception Speed" calculated from the time and size.

[0120] In the example in Figure 10, the "delay" information for user terminal 2 of IP address xxx.xxx.xxx.106, which previously had slow reception speeds, is recorded as "present". The control unit 10 selects the print release storage processing unit 2 based on the information in the internal management table.

[0121] Figures 11 and 12 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the selection procedure for the print release storage processing unit of the digital multifunction device 1 shown in Figure 1. Figures 11 and 12 show the list of jobs registered in the queue of each print release saving processing unit. The job at the top is the job currently being processed.

[0122] Figure 11(A) shows an example of selecting an unused print release storage processing unit 2. In Figure 11(A), the print release saving processing unit 1 is processing job ID:1, and the print release saving processing unit 2 has no jobs currently being processed. In this case, the control unit 10 selects the print release saving processing unit 2 and registers the next job ID:2.

[0123] Thus, the basic method is to select whichever of the print release saving processing units 1 and 2 is available and perform the saving process. Figure 11(B) shows an example where, if multiple print release saving processing units 1 and 2 are all processing, the one with the fewer registered jobs is selected.

[0124] In Figure 11(B), the print release storage processing unit 1 has two jobs registered, Job ID: 1 and Job ID: 3, and the print release storage processing unit 2 has one job registered, Job ID: 2. In this case, the control unit 10 selects the print release holding unit 2, which has a small number of registered jobs, and registers the next job ID: 4.

[0125] Thus, when both print release saving processing units 1 and 2 are in the process, the basic approach is to select the one with the fewer registered jobs.

[0126] Figure 11(C) shows an example where the print release storage processing unit 1 and 2 are selected based on the smaller total data size of the registered jobs. The control unit 10 calculates the sum of the data sizes, since the data size is determined if the data has already been stored in the spool.

[0127] In Figure 11(C), the print release saving processing unit 1 has two jobs, Job ID: 1 and Job ID: 3, totaling 2MB, while the print release saving processing unit 2 has one job, Job ID: 2, totaling 20MB. Therefore, the saving completion time for the print release saving processing unit 2 is predicted to be 10 times that of the print release saving processing unit 1.

[0128] In this case, although the number of registered jobs is greater in print release saving processing unit 1 than in print release saving processing unit 2, control unit 10 selects print release saving processing unit 1 and registers the next job ID: 4.

[0129] Figure 12(A) shows an example where, when print release jobs are received consecutively from user terminal 2 with the same IP address, the same print release saving processing unit is selected to register the jobs.

[0130] In Figure 12(A), the print release saving processing unit 1 has job ID: 1 (received from user terminal 2 with IP address: xxx.xxx.xxx.101) and job ID: 3 (received from user terminal 2 with IP address: xxx.xxx.xxx.103) registered. Meanwhile, the print release saving processing unit 2 has job ID: 2 (received from user terminal 2 with IP address: xxx.xxx.xxx.102) registered.

[0131] Next, when the digital multifunction printer 1 receives job ID:4 from user terminal 2 with IP address:xxx.xxx.xxx.103, the control unit 10 selects the print release saving processing unit 1, which has registered job ID:3 that was received immediately before from user terminal 2 with the same IP address, and registers job ID:4.

[0132] On the other hand, if job ID:4 is registered in print release saving processing unit 2, which has a small number of registered jobs, the order in which job ID:3 and job ID:4 are saved cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, if multiple jobs are received consecutively from user terminal 2 with the same IP address, it is determined that these jobs were executed by the same user, and priority is given to saving them to the same print release saving processing unit in the order they were received.

[0133] Figure 12(B) shows an example where, if the data reception speed of either print release saving processing unit 1 or 2 is slow during saving, the unit with the faster data reception speed is selected.

[0134] In the example shown in Figure 12(B), the print release storage processing unit 1 has two jobs registered, Job ID: 1 and Job ID: 3, and the reception speed is set to 100 Kbps. Similarly, the print release storage processing unit 2 has one job registered with job ID:2, and the reception speed is set to 1Kbps. This reception speed is calculated from the elapsed time from the start of job reception to the present, and the size of the received data.

[0135] Next, when the digital multifunction printer 1 receives job ID:4, the control unit 10 avoids the print release save processing unit 2, which has a slower reception speed, and selects the print release save processing unit 1 to register job ID:4.

[0136] Figure 12(C) shows an example of selecting the other print release storage processing unit when a job received from user terminal 2 (with a threshold such as 1Kbps or less) that previously had an extremely slow reception speed is registered in either print release storage processing unit 1 or 2.

[0137] The control unit 10 calculates the reception speed in the same manner as in Figure 12(B), and stores the reception speed in the storage unit 15, associating it with the information (IP address, etc.) of the transmitting user terminal 2. In the example in Figure 12(B), we assume that the reception speed was slow when receiving data from user terminal 2 with IP address xxx.xxx.xxx.104 in the past.

[0138] In Figure 12(C), the print release storage processing unit 1 has job ID: 1 (received from user terminal 2 with IP address: xxx.xxx.xxx.101), job ID: 3 (received from user terminal 2 with IP address: xxx.xxx.xxx.103), and job ID: 5 (received from user terminal 2 with IP address: xxx.xxx.xxx.105) registered.

[0139] Meanwhile, the print release storage processing unit 2 has job ID:2 (received from user terminal 2 with IP address:xxx.xxx.xxx.102) and job ID:4 (received from user terminal 2 with IP address:xxx.xxx.xxx.104) registered.

[0140] Next, when the digital multifunction printer 1 receives job ID: 6 from user terminal 2 with IP address: xxx.xxx.xxx.106, the print release storage processing unit 2 has job ID: 4 registered, which was received from user terminal 2 with IP address: xxx.xxx.xxx.104, which may have a slower reception speed. Therefore, the control unit 10 selects the print release storage processing unit 1 and registers job ID: 4.

[0141] In this way, a digital multifunction printer 1 can be realized that can perform the save processing of print release jobs more appropriately than before, even when another print release job is received while a print release job is being saved.

[0142] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure include combinations of any of the embodiments described above.

[0143] In addition to the embodiments described above, various modifications of this disclosure are possible. These modifications should not be construed as being outside the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure should include the meaning of equivalents to the claims and all variations within that scope. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0144] 1,1A,1B: Digital multifunction printer; 1X,1Y: Conventional digital multifunction printer; 2,2A,2B,2C: User terminal; 3: Network; 10: Control unit; 11: Communication unit; 12: Operation panel; 13: Data analysis unit; 14: Image processing unit; 15: Storage unit; 16: Image forming unit; 100: Image forming system

Claims

1. A communication unit that acquires print data from an external terminal via a network, A data analysis unit analyzes the print data and determines whether or not the print data has been designated for storage in advance. A memory unit that stores various types of data, Multiple storage processing units that perform the process of storing the print data that has been determined to have been designated for storage in the storage unit, The system comprises the communication unit, the data analysis unit, the storage unit, and a control unit that controls the plurality of storage processing units, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, when the control unit determines that the print data received by the communication unit is designated for storage, it performs the process of saving the print data using one of the plurality of storage processing units selected based on a predetermined selection procedure.

2. As part of the selection procedure, the control unit selects one of the plurality of storage processing units that is not currently performing a storage process. On the other hand, if all of the multiple storage processing units are in the process of storage, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 selects the storage processing unit that has the fewest registered print data or the smallest total size of the registered print data.

3. The print data includes information about the IP address of the external terminal that is the source of the transmission. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, as part of the selection procedure, the control unit selects the storage unit that registered the registered print data if, among the IP addresses of the source that sent the print data registered in the plurality of storage units, there is one that is the same as the IP address of the print data received by the communication unit.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, as part of the selection procedure, calculates the reception speed of the print data during the storage process from among the plurality of storage processing units and selects one of the storage processing units based on the reception speed.

5. The print data includes information about the IP address of the external terminal that is the source of the transmission. The control unit calculates the reception speed of the print data during the storage process and stores it in the storage unit along with the IP address, among the plurality of storage processing units. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, as part of the selection procedure, if there is a storage processing unit among the plurality of storage processing units in which print data is being stored at a rate slower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit selects one of the storage processing units by excluding the storage processing unit that registered the print data.

Images