Information processing device, printing system, printing method, and program

Abstract

By controlling the operation of the printing device according to the environmental information of the printing device and the environmental conditions of the printing medium, more efficient printing is achieved. [Solution] The information processing device includes an environment determination unit that determines whether environmental information indicating the surrounding environment of the space in which the printing device is installed satisfies environmental condition information indicating environmental conditions suitable for performing printing for each type of printing medium to be used, and a print control unit that transmits a print job to the printing device when the environmental information satisfies the environmental condition information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a printing system, a printing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in a printing factory or the like, large and high-speed printing devices are used for a large amount of printing. Printing paper can be affected by the surrounding environment such as temperature or humidity, and problems such as paper jams may occur if the usage environment is unsuitable.

[0003] In such a printing factory or the like, it is necessary to complete the printing process so as not to cause delays in the specified delivery date or the next process of the printing process.

[0004] Therefore, operators such as employees in a printing factory or the like may execute it using time outside the operator's presence time such as free time or break time, or time outside working hours such as at night or on holidays, for example, in the case of a large amount of printing processing that requires a corresponding amount of time for printing. In this case, the operator sets the recording materials such as printing paper and toner required before the absence time or before the end of working hours in the printing device, and starts printing, so as to handle the situation so that the printing is completed when returning to the printing device or on the next business day.

[0005] On the other hand, various media (such as printing paper) are used for printing, but printing paper and the like have characteristics that are affected by the surrounding environment such as temperature or humidity, and problems such as paper jams may occur if the usage environment is unsuitable.

[0006] Therefore, in a printing factory or the like, in order to avoid problems such as paper jams in advance, experienced operators or the like adjust the temperature or humidity so as to be suitable for the printing paper or the like used based on their experience. This is because when performing printing in various time zones as described above, it is to reduce the risk that the planned printing process is not completed due to problems such as paper jams and affects the delivery date or the next process.

[0007] Furthermore, the temperature or humidity in the area where the printing press is installed does not change immediately even if the temperature or humidity settings of the air conditioning system installed in that area are changed. As a result, operators had to wait without issuing print commands until the temperature or humidity became suitable for the printing paper they were using, which meant they could not use their time effectively.

[0008] As described above, in printing plants and similar facilities, the ability of operators to avoid problems such as paper jams and to perform printing processes efficiently while making effective use of their time relies to an extent that depends on the experience of the operators. There is a need to promote automation so that even less experienced operators can perform such control.

[0009] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus that controls printing according to the temperature inside the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 checks whether the temperature inside the apparatus is suitable for printing on special paper, and if the temperature inside the apparatus is suitable for printing on special paper, it performs printing on the special paper, while if the temperature is not suitable, it stops printing. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] However, with conventional technology, for example, if the printing process takes a long time, the surrounding environment of the printing device may change, and if printing stops midway due to a paper jam or other malfunction, the operator may not be able to respond immediately and may need to restart the printing process, which could actually be inefficient.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and aims to perform more efficient printing by controlling the operation of the printing device according to the environmental information of the printing device and the environmental conditions of the printing medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an environment determination unit that determines whether environmental information indicating the surrounding environment of the space in which a printing device is installed satisfies environmental condition information indicating environmental conditions suitable for performing printing for each type of printing medium used, and a print control unit that transmits a print job to the printing device when the environmental information satisfies the environmental condition information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, more efficient printing can be performed by controlling the operation of the printing device according to the environmental information of the printing device and the environmental conditions of the printing medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printing factory in one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an external side view showing an example of a printing press in one embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the work performed in a printing factory in one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the printing system in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a printing apparatus in one embodiment. [Figure 6] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a control device in one embodiment. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing an example of a computer hardware configuration in one embodiment. [Figure 8] This block diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of the printing system in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an environmental conditions table in one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a job management table in one embodiment. [Figure 11]It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the printing method in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of the mode setting screen in one embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of the job selection screen in one embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing an example of the normal printing process in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen in one embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing an example of the night printing process in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the printing system in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing an example of the night printing process in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing an example of the start time calculation process in the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of this invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0016] [First Embodiment] One embodiment of the present invention is a printing system used in facilities that perform large-scale printing, such as printing plants and data centers (hereinafter referred to as "printing plants, etc."). In this embodiment, the printing plant manufactures printed materials such as books and booklets by performing a printing process in which print data onto thousands to tens of thousands of sheets of printing paper, and a binding process in which the printed sheets are cut, folded, and bound. The printing system in this embodiment is used in the printing process performed in the printing plant. However, the use of the printing system in this embodiment is not limited to the above, and it may be used for any purpose that requires printing on large quantities of printing paper (for example, it may be a printing plant, etc. that does not have processes other than the printing process, such as the binding process mentioned above, and only performs the printing process).

[0017] <Overview of the printing factory> The printing factory in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printing factory in this embodiment.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the printing factory 9 in this embodiment is divided into, for example, a printing area 90, a bookbinding area 91, a warehouse area 92, and an office area 93. The office area 93 includes a machine room 94. Each of the areas 90 to 93 of the printing factory 9 is accessible via a passageway 95.

[0019] The printing area 90 is equipped with multiple printing presses 901-1 to 901-2, a printed materials storage area 902, and air conditioning equipment 903. The bookbinding area 91 is equipped with multiple cutting machines 911-1 to 911-2, multiple folding machines 912-1 to 912-2, and a bookbinding machine 913. The warehouse area 92 is equipped with multiple paper shelves 921-1 to 921-2, multiple toner shelves 922-1 to 922-2, and air conditioning equipment 923.

[0020] Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between individual printing presses 901-1 to 901-2, cutting machines 911-1 to 911-2, folding machines 912-1 to 912-2, paper shelves 921-1 to 921-2, or toner shelves 922-1 to 922-2, they will be collectively referred to as printing press 901, cutting machine 911, folding machine 912, paper shelf 921, or toner shelf 922.

[0021] The number of printing presses 901, cutting machines 911, folding machines 912, binding machines 913, paper shelves 921, and toner shelves 922 are examples only and can be increased or decreased as needed depending on the size of the printing factory 9 and the volume of printing. The types of equipment installed in the printing area 90 and the binding area 91 are examples only and can be installed as needed for the printing or binding process. The types of shelves installed in the warehouse area 92 are examples only and can be changed as needed depending on the type and quantity of equipment required by the printing factory 9. In addition, the way each area is partitioned is also arbitrary and can be implemented on a single floor or any floor without partitions.

[0022] The workflow at the printing factory 9 is described below. Operators, such as employees of the printing factory 9, first confirm in the printing area 90 that the printing paper and toner and other recording materials required for the printing job are set in the printing press 901. If there is a shortage of printing paper or toner, the operator takes the required quantity of printing paper or toner from the paper rack 921 or toner rack 922 in the warehouse area 92 and sets it in the printing press 901 to be used.

[0023] After confirming that sufficient printing paper and recording materials such as toner are loaded, the operator operates the printer 901 to print the desired data on the desired number of sheets of paper. The printed paper discharged from the printer 901 is temporarily stored in the printed material storage area 902. This completes the printing process.

[0024] Once the printing process is complete, the operator brings the printed paper from the print storage area 902 to the binding area 91. The printed paper brought to the binding area 91 is then placed in the workspace of the cutting machine 911. Next, the operator cuts the printed paper by operating the cutting machine 911.

[0025] Next, the operator places the cut printed paper into the workspace of the folding machine 912 and folds the paper by operating the folding machine 912. Then, the operator places the folded printed paper into the workspace of the bookbinding machine 913 and binds the paper by operating the bookbinding machine 913. This completes the bookbinding process.

[0026] The finished books, booklets, and other printed materials are fitted with accessories such as covers, dust jackets, or sales cards as needed. The printed materials are then packaged and shipped from the printing plant 9.

[0027] <Overview of the printing press> The printing press 901 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is an external side view showing an example of the printing press in this embodiment.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the printer 901 in this embodiment includes a printing device 10, a paper feeding unit 11, a paper output unit 12, and an operation panel 13. The printer 901 can have units added, changed, or deleted depending on the application. For example, the paper feeding unit 11 can be selected according to the type of printing paper used and the number of sheets to be printed at once. Also, the paper output unit 12 can be selected according to post-processing such as folding, binding, and punching, and the number of sheets to be printed at once.

[0029] Inside the paper feed unit 11, several thousand to tens of thousands of sheets of unprinted printing paper P1-1 to P1-2 are set. Printing paper P1-1 to P1-2 may be different types of printing paper in terms of material, size, etc., or they may be the same type of printing paper. The printing device 10 prints the print data on the printing paper set in the paper feed unit 11 according to the operator's instructions. Printed printing paper is transported to the paper output unit 12. Printed printing paper P2 discharged from the paper output unit 12 is accumulated in a designated paper output tray.

[0030] The operator can set the type of paper to print, the number of copies to print, whether or not post-processing is required, etc., by operating the control panel 13. The operator can also control the start or stop of printing, etc., by operating the control panel 13. Furthermore, the operator can understand the status of the printer 901 by referring to messages displayed on the control panel 13.

[0031] The type of printing paper can be specified by the operator by selecting from the options displayed on the control panel 13. Furthermore, if the printer 901 is equipped with a sensor for identifying the type of printing paper, the operator can use the sensor to identify the paper, and the type of paper can be displayed on the control panel 13. Additionally, if the paper feed unit 11 is equipped with a sensor for identifying the type of printing paper, it can identify the types of the loaded printing paper P1-1 to P1-2 and display them on the control panel 13.

[0032] Figure 3 shows an example of the work performed in the printing factory in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, in the printing factory 9, a large quantity of printing paper 83-1 to 83-3 is arranged around the equipment 82-1 to 82-2 used in the printing or bookbinding process. Operator 81, for example, uses equipment 82-1 to perform the desired processing on printing paper 83-1 and places the processed printing paper 83-2 around equipment 82-2 which will perform the next process.

[0033] The printer 901 can print thousands to tens of thousands of sheets at once, as long as the specifications of the paper feed unit 11 and the paper output unit 12 allow. When printing tens of thousands of sheets at once, it may take several hours from the start to the completion of printing. For example, printing on 20,000 sheets of paper may take 2 to 3 hours to complete. Normally, once the operator sets the required number of sheets of paper and toner into the printer 901 and commands the start of printing, printing will proceed automatically until completion. Therefore, in a printing factory that operates 24 hours a day, for example, if it is possible to perform large-scale printing over long periods outside of working hours, such as at night or on holidays when operators are absent, the overall productivity of the printing factory 9 will be greatly improved.

[0034] On the other hand, printing paper (medium) is affected by the ambient temperature or humidity (or simply temperature or humidity) of the surrounding environment, such as the air directly surrounding the printing paper or the space within the printing area 90 where the printing device 10 that performs the printing process on the printing paper is installed (for example, the room or space where the printing paper or printing device is located). This can cause the printing paper to become unsuitable for printing (for example, depending on the type of material and surface shape of the medium, paper may expand and become wavy due to moisture absorption, or conversely, shrink and curl or warp due to the release of moisture), or overlapping sheets of printing paper may stick together. If the printing paper becomes unsuitable for printing due to the influence of the surrounding environment, or if the sheets of printing paper stick together, it can cause malfunctions such as paper jams inside the printing press 901. The degree of adhesion of the printing paper depends on the type of material and surface shape.

[0035] Printing plants avoid problems caused by paper sticking together by adjusting the environment within the printing area 90 for each type of paper. Environmental adjustments are sometimes performed manually by experienced operators, or they may be performed manually by checking the appropriate environment for each type of paper, using a database that manages the optimal environment for printing.

[0036] When printing is to be performed during times when the operator is absent, the printing paper and toner should be loaded during the operator's presence, and the environment should be adjusted to the appropriate conditions for the type of paper being used before printing begins. However, ambient temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors may change during printing due to external influences. If the system can be controlled to print when the environment is suitable and adjust it when it is not, the possibility of malfunctions occurring during times when the operator is absent can be reduced.

[0037] <Overall configuration of the printing system> The overall configuration of the printing system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the printing system in this embodiment.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the printing system 1 in this embodiment includes a printing device 10, a print server 20, a user terminal 30, an environmental measuring instrument 40, and equipment 50. The printing device 10, print server 20, user terminal 30, environmental measuring instrument 40, and equipment 50 are each connected to a communication network N1. The communication network N1 is configured so that each connected device can communicate with one another.

[0039] Communication network N1 is constructed using wired communication networks such as the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), or WAN (Wide Area Network). Communication network N1 may also include wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi or short-range wireless communication, or mobile communication networks such as WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or 5G (5th Generation).

[0040] The printing device 10 is an image forming apparatus that prints print data onto printing paper. The printing device in this embodiment is an electrostatic recording device that adheres toner to the printing paper by the action of static electricity. An example of the printing device in this embodiment is a laser printer or an electrostatic copier. The print data is electronic data in which characters and images to be printed on the printing paper are laid out.

[0041] The printer 10 prints print data onto paper according to a print job. In this embodiment, a print job includes print data indicating the content to be printed, paper information indicating the type of paper to be used, and print settings such as the number of copies to print, color, print side (single-sided or double-sided), and print magnification. A print job is input to the printer 10 from the operation panel 13 or print server 20 by an operator. The printer 10 outputs a message to the operation panel 13 or print server 20 to notify the operator of the printing status, etc.

[0042] The print server 20 is an example of an information processing device that spools print jobs for printing on the printing device 10 and sends them to the printing device 10 according to a job scheduler. An example of a print server 20 is a computer. The print server 20 is installed, for example, in the machine room 94 shown in Figure 1.

[0043] The print server 20 receives mode information from the user terminal 30 indicating the operating mode of the printer 10. The print server 20 receives print job execution instructions from the user terminal 30 and stores the instructed print jobs in the spool. The print server 20 reads the print jobs from the spool according to the job execution status of the printer 10 and sends them to the printer 10.

[0044] User terminal 30 is an example of an information processing terminal operated by an operator. One example of user terminal 30 is a computer. Other examples of user terminal 30 include smartphones or tablet devices. User terminal 30 is installed, for example, in the printing area 90, office area 93, or machine room 94 shown in Figure 1.

[0045] The user terminal 30 transmits mode information indicating the operating mode of the printer 10 to the print server 20 in response to the operator's operation. The user terminal 30 transmits instructions to the print server 20 to execute a print job in response to the operator's operation. The user terminal 30 outputs messages received from the printer 10 to the operator.

[0046] The print server 20 and user terminal 30 are not limited to information processing devices, as long as they are equipped with communication functions. The print server 20 and user terminal 30 may be, for example, output devices such as PJ (Projector), IWB (Interactive White Board), digital signage, HUD (Head Up Display) devices, industrial machinery, imaging devices, sound collection devices, medical equipment, networked home appliances, automobiles (Connected Car), notebook PCs (Personal Computers), mobile phones, smartphones, tablet devices, game consoles, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), digital cameras, wearable PCs, or desktop PCs.

[0047] The environmental measuring instrument 40 is a measuring device that measures the environment of the space in which the printing device 10 is installed. The environmental measuring instrument 40 is installed, for example, in the printing area 90. It is particularly preferable that the environmental measuring instrument 40 be installed around the printing press 901. For example, the environmental measuring instrument in this embodiment has the function of measuring the temperature or humidity of the space. An example of the environmental measuring instrument in this embodiment is a thermometer or a hygrometer, etc.

[0048] The equipment 50 is equipment for adjusting the environment of the space in which the printing device 10 is installed. The equipment 50 is installed, for example, in the printing area 90 shown in Figure 1. The equipment in this embodiment has the function of adjusting the temperature and humidity of the space. An example of the equipment in this embodiment is an air conditioner, a humidifier, an air purifier with a humidifying function, or an air conditioner with a humidifying function.

[0049] Note that the overall configuration of printing system 1 shown in Figure 4 is just one example, and various system configurations are possible depending on the application and purpose. For example, one or more of the printing device 10, print server 20, user terminal 30, environmental measuring instrument 40, and equipment 50 may be included in multiple units of printing system 1. For example, the print server 20 may be implemented by multiple computers, or it may be implemented as a cloud computing service. The classification of devices such as the printing device 10, print server 20, and user terminal 30 shown in Figure 4 is just one example.

[0050] <Hardware configuration of the printing device> The hardware configuration of the printing apparatus in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printing apparatus in this embodiment.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the printing apparatus 10 in this embodiment comprises a writing unit 101, an image-making unit 102, an intermediate transfer belt 103, a secondary transfer unit 104, a fixing unit 105, and a control device 110.

[0052] The writing unit 101 forms a transfer image (toner image) on the image-forming unit 102 using laser light.

[0053] The image-forming unit 102 holds a photoreceptor, developer, and toner, and forms a toner image using laser light from the writing unit 101. The image-forming unit 102 includes photoreceptor drums Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and BK (black). The image-forming unit 102 performs an image-forming process (charging process, exposure process, and development process) to form toner images on each of the photoreceptor drums Y, M, C, and BK. The toner images formed on the photoreceptor drums Y, M, C, and BK are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 103 by a transfer process. After the transfer of the toner images, the image-forming unit 102 performs a cleaning process to clean the intermediate transfer belt 103 in preparation for the next image-forming process.

[0054] When forming a full-color toner image, the image-forming unit 102 transfers a yellow toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 103, then sequentially forms magenta toner images, cyan toner images, and black toner images, superimposes them, and transfers them to the intermediate transfer belt 103. The image-forming unit 102 forms the yellow toner image, magenta toner image, cyan toner image, and black toner image on the photoreceptor drums Y, M, C, and BK, respectively.

[0055] The transfer of the toner image from the photoreceptor drums Y, M, C, and BK to the intermediate transfer belt 103 is primary transfer, and the transfer from the intermediate transfer belt 103 to the printing paper is secondary transfer. The image-forming unit 102 transports the toner image (full-color toner image) superimposed and transferred from the photoreceptor drums Y, M, C, and BK onto the intermediate transfer belt 103 to the position of the secondary transfer section 104 (secondary transfer position). The secondary transfer position is the position where the secondary transfer roller contacts the transport path R1 or R2. R1 is the transport path for single-sided printing, and R2 is the transport path for double-sided printing.

[0056] The secondary transfer unit 104 transfers the full-color toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 103 to the printing paper in one go (secondary transfer) at the secondary transfer position.

[0057] The fixing unit 105 fixes the toner image onto the printing paper by heating and pressurizing the printing paper, which has already had the toner image transferred to it, using a pair of rollers.

[0058] The control device 110 controls the overall operation of the printing device 10. In this embodiment, the control device 110 further converts the image data sent from the host device into a format (transfer image) that the writing unit 101 can use to form an image.

[0059] The control device 110 communicates with the operation panel 13 to receive and transmit signals, thereby understanding the operator's operations and providing the operator with various information. The control device 110 also executes predetermined printing processes based on print jobs and other data input from external devices such as the print server 20.

[0060] The hardware configuration of the control device 110 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control device in this embodiment.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, the control device 110 in this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 121, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 122, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 123, an external memory interface 124, a communication interface 125, an internal bus interface 126, a PCIe interface 127, an image output DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) 128, an image processing unit 129, and a compressor / decompressor 130. The internal bus 120 connects these components.

[0062] The internal bus 120 further connects each component to the PCIe bus 134 via the internal bus interface 126 and the PCIe interface 127.

[0063] The CPU 121 performs various calculations to configure all system-related settings and starts the DMAC 128 for image output, the image processing unit 129, and the compressor / decompressor 130.

[0064] ROM122 primarily stores operation control programs for CPU121. RAM123 is used as a primary storage location for CPU121 calculation results and various data, and also functions as memory for image storage. Unless otherwise specified, ROM122, RAM123, etc., are collectively referred to as internal memory.

[0065] An image memory, used as memory for storing images, is connected to the external memory interface 124. When the CPU 121 receives print data from the print server 20, it draws to the image memory via the external memory interface 124 based on the printer language.

[0066] The communication interface 125 is the interface between the print server 20 and the operation panel 13 and the control device 110.

[0067] Internal bus I / F126 is the interface between PCIe I / F127 and internal bus 120. Internal bus I / F126 inputs and outputs image data between the address specified by the PCIe bus master and the image memory via external memory I / F124.

[0068] The PCIe I / F127 communicates with the PCIe bus master in accordance with the PCIe bus 134 protocol.

[0069] The image output DMAC 128 and image processing unit 129 are connected to the CPU 121 and external memory I / F 124, etc., via the internal bus 120. The image output DMAC 128 is also connected to PCIe I / F 127.

[0070] The image output DMAC128 functions as a DMA controller during printing. Specifically, when activated by the CPU121, the image output DMAC128 reads image data from a pre-specified area of ​​external memory and outputs that image data to the PCIeI / F127. This output is performed through a handshake exchange as needed.

[0071] The image processing unit 129 corrects the distortion of the read image.

[0072] The compressor / decompressor 130 is activated by the CPU 121 and performs compression or decompression of various data. The compressor / decompressor 130 is used for memory conservation.

[0073] <Computer Hardware Configuration> In this embodiment, the print server 20 and the user terminal 30 are implemented by a computer. Figure 7 shows an example of a hardware configuration when the print server 20 or the user terminal 30 is implemented by a computer.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7, the computer in this embodiment includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, HD (Hard Disk) 504, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, network I / F 509, bus line 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and media I / F 516.

[0075] Of these components, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire computer. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as the IPL. The RAM 503 is used as the work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data, such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501.

[0076] Display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. External device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, external devices include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and printers. Network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using the communication network N1. Bus line 510 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting various components such as the CPU 501 shown in Figure 7.

[0077] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, and various instructions. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, and moving the cursor. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls the reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that it is not limited to DVD-RW, but may also be DVD-R, etc. The media interface 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the recording medium 515, such as flash memory.

[0078] <Functional Configuration of the Printing System> An example of the functional configuration of the printing system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the printing system in this embodiment.

[0079] ≪Print Server Functional Configuration≫ As shown in Figure 8, the print server 20 in this embodiment includes an environmental condition storage unit 200, a job storage unit 201, a mode reception unit 202, an instruction reception unit 203, an environment acquisition unit 204, an environment determination unit 205, an operation control unit 206, a print control unit 207, a notification output unit 208, and an adjustment instruction unit 209.

[0080] The environmental condition storage unit 200 and the job storage unit 201 are implemented, for example, using the HD504 shown in Figure 7. Reading or writing data stored in the HD504 is performed, for example, via the HDD controller 505.

[0081] The mode reception unit 202, instruction reception unit 203, environment acquisition unit 204, environment determination unit 205, operation control unit 206, print control unit 207, notification output unit 208, and adjustment instruction unit 209 are implemented, for example, by a program deployed from the ROM 502 shown in Figure 7 onto the RAM 503, which is then executed by the CPU 501 and the network I / F 509.

[0082] The environmental condition storage unit 200 stores environmental condition information indicating environmental conditions suitable for the use of printing paper. In this embodiment, the environmental condition information is stored in an environmental condition table. The environmental condition table stores environmental condition information for each type of printing paper. In this embodiment, the environmental condition information includes the range of temperature and humidity suitable for use, as well as the range of temperature and humidity that can be used.

[0083] The job storage unit 201 stores print jobs. In this embodiment, print jobs are stored in a job management table. In this embodiment, print jobs include paper information indicating the type of paper to be used. The type of paper may be specified by the user or automatically detected from the paper loaded in the printer 10. A print job may also include a completion time for the print job.

[0084] The mode reception unit 202 accepts mode information input by receiving mode information indicating the operating mode of the printing device 10 from the user terminal 30. The mode reception unit 202 sets the operating mode of the printing device 10 to the operating mode indicated by the received mode information.

[0085] The operating modes in this embodiment include a normal printing mode and a night printing mode. The normal printing mode is used during working hours, such as weekdays during the day, when an operator is present. The night printing mode is used during off-hours, such as nights and holidays, when an operator is absent.

[0086] The instruction receiving unit 203 receives a print job execution instruction from the user terminal 30 by receiving a signal indicating the instruction to execute the print job. This execution instruction includes information indicating the print job to be executed.

[0087] The environmental information acquisition unit 204 acquires environmental information indicating the surrounding environment of the printing device 10. In this embodiment, the environmental information includes information on ambient temperature and ambient humidity detected by the environmental measuring instrument 40.

[0088] The environmental determination unit 205 obtains environmental condition information regarding the printing paper specified in the print job for which an execution instruction has been received from the environmental condition storage unit 200. The environmental determination unit 205 determines whether the environmental information obtained by the environmental acquisition unit 204 satisfies the acquired environmental conditions. Note that the environmental determination unit 205 is an example of an environmental condition acquisition unit.

[0089] The environmental condition storage unit 200 does not necessarily have to be provided by the print server 20; it may be provided by an external device different from the print server 20. In this case, the environmental determination unit 205 obtains environmental condition information from the environmental condition storage unit 200 provided by the external device via the communication network N1. Alternatively, the environmental determination unit 205 may obtain the environmental condition information stored in the external device via the communication network N1 and temporarily store (cache) it in the environmental condition storage unit 200.

[0090] The operation control unit 206 controls the operation of the printing device 10 based on the mode information received by the mode reception unit 202 and the determination result by the environment determination unit 205. When the mode information indicates normal printing mode, the operation control unit 206 executes normal printing processing. When the mode information indicates night printing mode, the operation control unit 206 executes night printing processing.

[0091] The print control unit 207 transmits a print job to the printing device 10 according to the execution instruction received by the instruction reception unit 203. The print control unit 207 is executed by the operation control unit 206 when the environmental determination unit 205 determines that the environmental information satisfies the environmental conditions.

[0092] The notification output unit 208 sends a notification message, such as a warning, to the user terminal 30 indicating that the environment needs to be adjusted. The notification output unit 208 is executed by the operation control unit 206 when the environment determination unit 205 determines that the environmental information does not meet the environmental conditions when the system is set to normal print mode.

[0093] The adjustment instruction unit 209 transmits a signal to the equipment 50 instructing it to adjust the environment. In this embodiment, adjusting the environment means adjusting the temperature and humidity of the space in which the printing device 10 is installed so that they fall within the appropriate temperature and humidity ranges for printing paper. When the night printing mode is set, the adjustment instruction unit 209 is executed by the operation control unit 206 if the environmental information determines that the environmental conditions are not met.

[0094] (Environmental Conditions Table) The environmental condition table in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the environmental condition table in this embodiment.

[0095] As shown in Figure 9, the environmental conditions table in this embodiment has the following data items: identification information (paper code) to identify the printing paper (medium), the name of the printing paper (paper name), the temperature range suitable for printing (appropriate temperature range), the humidity range suitable for printing (appropriate humidity range), the temperature range in which printing is possible (usable temperature range), and the humidity range in which printing is possible (usable humidity range).

[0096] Types of printing paper (mediums) include, for example, plain paper, fine paper, coated paper, matte paper, Lezack, thick or thin paper (thinness), OHP (Overhead projector) sheets, etc., and are not limited to paper but include a variety of media. The types of printing paper (mediums) may be defined not only by commonly used names, but also based on, for example, raw materials, material properties, and surface smoothness. Surface smoothness greatly affects the adhesion between printing papers.

[0097] Paper jams and other malfunctions are more likely to occur when the ambient temperature or humidity (temperature or humidity of the space in that environment) is low. Therefore, the usable temperature range and usable humidity range are set lower than the appropriate temperature range and appropriate humidity range (however, depending on the characteristics of the printing device 10, if a similar tendency occurs at higher ambient temperatures or humidity, they may be set higher than the appropriate temperature range and appropriate humidity range, and this is not limited to this). In the example shown in Figure 9, the upper and lower limits of the usable temperature range are set to 80% of the upper and lower limits of the appropriate temperature range. Similarly, the upper and lower limits of the usable humidity range are set to 80% of the upper and lower limits of the appropriate humidity range.

[0098] (Job management table) The job management table in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the job management table in this embodiment.

[0099] As shown in Figure 10, the job management table in this embodiment has the following data items: identification information to identify the print job (job code), the name of the print job (job name), identification information to identify the paper to be used (paper code), and the time at which the print job must be completed (completion time).

[0100] Setting an end time is optional; you do not have to set one. You can set a common end time for all print jobs, or you can set different times individually for each print job.

[0101] The job management table may contain information that identifies the printing device 10 performing the printing (for example, the printer name or URI (Uniform Resource Identifier)). In this case, different end times may be set for each printing device 10.

[0102] ≪User Terminal Functional Configuration≫ As shown in Figure 8, the user terminal 30 in this embodiment includes a mode input unit 301, a print instruction unit 302, and a notification display unit 303.

[0103] The mode input unit 301, the print instruction unit 302, and the notification display unit 303 are realized, for example, by a process in which a program loaded from the ROM 502 shown in Figure 7 onto the RAM 503 causes the CPU 501 and the network I / F 509 to execute.

[0104] The mode input unit 301 receives mode information in response to an operation by the operator. The mode input unit 301 then transmits the received mode information to the print server 20.

[0105] The print instruction unit 302 receives instructions to execute a print job in response to an operation by the operator. The print instruction unit 302 then sends the received print job execution instructions to the print server 20.

[0106] The notification display unit 303 displays a notification screen on the display 506 for displaying notification messages, such as warnings, received from the print server 20.

[0107] <Printing Instructions> The processing procedure for the printing method in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 16. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for the printing method in this embodiment.

[0108] In step S1, the mode input unit 301 of the user terminal 30 displays a mode setting screen on the display 506. The mode setting screen is a screen for the user to set the operating mode of the printing device 10.

[0109] ≪Mode setting screen≫ The mode setting screen in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the mode setting screen in this embodiment.

[0110] As shown in Figure 12, the mode setting screen 400 in this embodiment has a mode selection field 401, a setting button 408, and a cancel button 409.

[0111] The mode selection field 401 displays a list of selectable operating modes. In the example shown in Figure 12, the normal print mode and night print mode are displayed along with radio buttons that allow only one of them to be selected. However, the display of the mode selection field 401 is not limited to this; it may be displayed in any way that allows for the exclusive selection of one of the operating modes.

[0112] When the user presses the setting button 408, the mode input unit 301 accepts mode information indicating the operating mode selected in the mode selection field 401. The mode input unit 301 sends the accepted mode information to the print server 20. This mode information includes information indicating the operating mode selected in the mode selection field 401.

[0113] If the user presses the cancel button 409, the mode information will not be accepted, and the mode setting screen 400 will close. Here, we will continue the explanation assuming that the setting button 408 was pressed.

[0114] Let's return to Figure 11 for explanation. In step S2, the mode receiving unit 202 of the print server 20 receives mode information from the user terminal 30. Next, the mode receiving unit 202 accepts the received mode information. Subsequently, the mode receiving unit 202 sets the operating mode of the printer 10 to the operating mode indicated by the accepted mode information. The operating mode of the printer 10 is stored in a storage unit such as the HDD 504.

[0115] This section describes how to set the operating mode of the printing device 10 according to user operations, but the method of setting the operating mode is not limited to this. For example, the operating mode may be automatically set in conjunction with the working hours of the printing factory 9, such that it is in normal printing mode from the start time to the end time, and in night printing mode from the end time to the start time of the next business day.

[0116] In step S3, the print instruction unit 302 of the user terminal 30 displays a job selection screen on the display 506. The job selection screen is a screen for the user to select a print job to execute.

[0117] ≪Job Selection Screen≫ The job selection screen in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the job selection screen in this embodiment.

[0118] As shown in Figure 13, the job selection screen 410 in this embodiment has a job selection field 411, an execute button 418, and a cancel button 419.

[0119] The job selection field 411 displays a list of executable print jobs in a selectable format. In the example shown in Figure 13, information about the print jobs stored in the job management table is displayed along with selectable checkboxes. However, the display format of the job selection field 411 is not limited to this; it may be displayed in any way that allows each print job to be selected individually. Alternatively, the job selection field 411 may be displayed in a way that allows the exclusive selection of any one print job.

[0120] When the user presses the execute button 418, the print instruction unit 302 receives an execution instruction for the print job selected in the job selection field 411. The print instruction unit 302 sends the received execution instruction to the print server 20. This execution instruction includes the job code of the print job selected in the job selection field 411. If multiple print jobs are selected in the job selection field 411, the execution instruction will include multiple job codes.

[0121] If the user presses the cancel button 419, the print job execution command will not be accepted, and the job selection screen 410 will close. Here, we will continue the explanation assuming that the execute button 418 was pressed.

[0122] Let's return to Figure 11 for explanation. In step S4, the instruction receiving unit 203 of the print server 20 receives an execution instruction for a print job from the user terminal 30. Next, the instruction receiving unit 203 sends the received execution instruction to the environment determination unit 205.

[0123] In step S5, the print server 20 determines the current operating mode stored in the memory unit. If the operating mode is normal printing mode, the print server 20 proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the operating mode is night printing mode, the print server 20 proceeds to step S7.

[0124] In step S6, the print server 20 performs a normal print operation. A normal print operation is the operation performed when the system is set to normal print mode.

[0125] ≪Normal Printing Process≫ The normal printing process in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the normal printing process (step S6 in Figure 11) in this embodiment.

[0126] In step S11, the environmental acquisition unit 204 of the print server 20 acquires the ambient temperature and ambient humidity around the printing device 10 from the environmental measuring instrument 40. Next, the environmental acquisition unit 204 sends the environmental information, including the acquired ambient temperature and ambient humidity, to the environmental determination unit 205.

[0127] In step S12, the environment determination unit 205 of the print server 20 receives an execution instruction for a print job from the instruction reception unit 203. Next, the environment determination unit 205 reads the print job specified by the received execution instruction from the job management table stored in the job storage unit 201. Subsequently, the environment determination unit 205 obtains the paper information included in the read print job.

[0128] In step S13, the environmental determination unit 205 of the print server 20 reads the environmental condition information related to the paper information acquired in step S12 from the environmental condition table stored in the environmental condition storage unit 200. This allows the environmental determination unit 205 to obtain the environmental conditions of the printing paper specified in the print job.

[0129] In step S14, the environment determination unit 205 of the print server 20 receives environment information from the environment acquisition unit 204. Next, the environment determination unit 205 determines whether the received environment information satisfies the environment conditions acquired in step S13. Subsequently, the environment determination unit 205 sends the determination result to the operation control unit 206.

[0130] Specifically, the environmental determination unit 205 determines that the environmental information satisfies the environmental conditions if the ambient temperature included in the environmental information falls within the appropriate temperature range included in the environmental conditions, and the ambient humidity included in the environmental information falls within the appropriate humidity range included in the environmental conditions. On the other hand, the environmental determination unit 205 determines that the environmental information does not satisfy the environmental conditions if the ambient temperature included in the environmental information does not fall within the appropriate temperature range included in the environmental conditions, or if the ambient humidity included in the environmental information does not fall within the appropriate humidity range included in the environmental conditions.

[0131] The operation control unit 206 receives the judgment result from the environment determination unit 205. Next, if the received judgment result indicates that the environmental conditions are met (YES), the operation control unit 206 proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the received judgment result indicates that the environmental conditions are not met (NO), the operation control unit 206 proceeds to step S16.

[0132] In step S15, the print control unit 207 of the print server 20 sends a print job to the printing device 10 in accordance with the execution instruction received in step S4. The printing device 10 receives the print job from the print server 20 and starts printing according to the print job.

[0133] In step S16, the notification output unit 208 of the print server 20 sends a notification message to the user terminal 30 indicating that the environment needs to be adjusted. The notification display unit 303 of the user terminal 30 receives the notification message from the print server 20. The user terminal 30 displays a notification screen on the display 506 showing the received notification message.

[0134] ≪Notification screen≫ The notification screen in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen in this embodiment.

[0135] As shown in Figure 15, the notification screen 420 in this embodiment has a notification message 421 and an OK button 422 that indicate that the environment should be adjusted. The notification message 421 includes a message informing the user that the temperature and humidity are not suitable for printing paper, and a suggestion to adjust them to the appropriate temperature and humidity.

[0136] Let's return to Figure 11 for explanation. In step S7, the print server 20 performs nighttime printing. Nighttime printing is a process that is executed when nighttime printing mode is set.

[0137] Nighttime printing processing The nighttime printing process in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the nighttime printing process (step S7 in Figure 11) in this embodiment. In Figure 16, "A" represents an in-page connector, indicating a return from step S17 to step S11.

[0138] The processes from steps S11 to S15 are the same as in normal printing. Therefore, these processes will not be explained.

[0139] In step S17, if the equipment 50 is a controllable device that responds to signals instructed from an external source, such as the adjustment instruction unit 209, the adjustment instruction unit 209 of the print server 20 transmits a signal to the equipment 50 instructing it to adjust the environment. The signal instructing the adjustment of the environment may include not only an ON / OFF instruction for the equipment 50 (for example, transmitting a control instruction of 0 or 1 to the IP address of the equipment 50), but also information indicating the appropriate temperature range and humidity range for the printing paper.

[0140] Equipment 50 receives a signal from the print server 20 instructing it to adjust the environment. If equipment 50 is an air conditioner, equipment 50 starts operating the cooling or heating function with the appropriate temperature range included in the received signal as the target temperature. If equipment 50 is a device with a humidifying function, equipment 50 starts operating the humidifying function with the appropriate humidity range included in the received signal as the target humidity.

[0141] The adjustment instruction unit 209 sends a signal instructing the adjustment of the environment, and then returns to step S11. The print server 20 then repeats the processes from step S11 to step S17. When step S14 is executed for the second time or later, the environmental information may be determined to satisfy the environmental conditions if it satisfies the usable temperature range and usable humidity range included in the environmental conditions.

[0142] By configuring the system as described above, the start of a print job can be stopped until the surrounding environment of the printing device 10 meets the environmental conditions for the printing medium. In other words, the printing device 10 can start printing when the surrounding environment becomes suitable for the printing medium. As a result, printing is performed when the surrounding environment of the printing device 10 is suitable for the printing medium, or even if the surrounding environment of the printing device 10 changes, the probability of malfunctions such as paper jams occurring can be reduced.

[0143] <Effects of the First Embodiment> In this embodiment, the print server 20 sends a print job to the printing device 10 when the surrounding environment of the printing device 10 meets the environmental conditions for printing paper. Because the print server 20 in this embodiment issues a print command when the environment is suitable for printing, malfunctions such as paper jams in the printing device 10 are less likely to occur. Therefore, with the print server 20 in this embodiment, operators in printing factories and other places who want to complete even large-volume printing that takes a long time more reliably can control the operation of the printing device 10 according to whether or not the surrounding environment of the printing device 10 meets the environmental conditions for printing paper in order to perform printing more efficiently.

[0144] In this embodiment, the print server 20 acquires information regarding temperature or humidity as the surrounding environment, and includes a temperature and humidity range suitable for using printing paper as the environmental conditions. If the ambient temperature or humidity of the printing device 10 is suitable for using printing paper, malfunctions such as paper jams are less likely to occur. Therefore, with the print server 20 in this embodiment, operators in printing factories and the like who want to complete even large-volume printing that takes a long time more reliably can control the operation of the printing device 10 according to the ambient temperature or humidity of the printing device 10 in order to perform printing more efficiently.

[0145] In this embodiment, the print server 20 receives input for the operating mode of the printer 10 and determines its actions when the surrounding environment of the printer 10 does not meet the environmental conditions for printing paper, according to the operating mode. The actions when the surrounding environment does not meet the environmental conditions include outputting a notification indicating that the environment should be adjusted and outputting a signal instructing an external device to adjust the environment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the print server 20 can operate appropriately according to the operating mode of the printer 10 when the surrounding environment of the printer 10 does not meet the environmental conditions for printing paper, and can control the operation of the printer 10 more efficiently.

[0146] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, when set to night printing mode, the printer 10 is configured to start printing when the surrounding environment meets the environmental conditions for printing paper. In the second embodiment, when set to night printing mode, the printer 10 is configured to start printing even if the surrounding environment does not meet the environmental conditions for printing paper, so that the print job can be completed by the desired end time.

[0147] The night printing mode is set for times when the operator is absent, but the operator must manually input instructions to execute print jobs. At this time, the operator can adjust the amount of printing paper and recording materials such as toner, as well as the ambient temperature and humidity of the printing device 10. Therefore, the probability of the surrounding environment of the printing device 10 changing to a state unsuitable for the printing paper and causing malfunctions such as paper jams is not high. This probability depends on the thermal insulation and airtightness of the printing area 90, or the performance of the air conditioning equipment 903, but is, for example, less than 5%.

[0148] On the other hand, if the surrounding environment of the printing device 10 does not meet the environmental conditions for the printing paper and printing is not performed until the next business day, printing will have to be started manually after the start of business on the next business day. Since print jobs performed in nighttime printing mode are expected to take several hours, this can also be a factor in reducing the overall productivity of the printing plant 9.

[0149] In this embodiment, when a print job has an end time set, the system calculates the start time at which printing must begin in order to complete the print job by that end time. Even if the surrounding environment of the printing device 10 does not meet the environmental conditions for the printing paper, the system controls the printing device 10 to start printing once the start time of the print job has elapsed.

[0150] <Functional Configuration of the Printing System> The functional configuration of the printing system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the printing system in this embodiment.

[0151] As shown in Figure 17, the print server 20 in this embodiment includes an environmental condition storage unit 200, a job storage unit 201, a mode reception unit 202, an instruction reception unit 203, an environment acquisition unit 204, an environment determination unit 205, an operation control unit 206, a print control unit 207, a notification output unit 208, an adjustment instruction unit 209, and a print planning unit 210. In other words, the print server 20 in this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a print planning unit 210.

[0152] The print planning unit 210 calculates the start time for print jobs for which an end time has been set. The start time is the time at which printing must begin in order to complete the print job by the end time. The print planning unit 210 calculates the processing time for the print job based on the print capacity of the print job and the printing performance of the printing device 10, and determines the start time by working backward from the end time.

[0153] The processing time for a print job can be calculated using a known method based on the volume of the print data and the printing performance of the printing device 10. For example, a method may be used to estimate the processing time of a job based on a formula that multiplies at least the CPU processing time in the printing device for the print job by the amount of data to be processed.

[0154] <Printing Instructions> The processing procedure for the printing method in this embodiment will now be described. The printing method in this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it involves nighttime printing.

[0155] Nighttime printing processing The nighttime printing process in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 18 and 19. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the nighttime printing process (step S7 in Figure 11) in this embodiment. In Figure 18, "A" represents an in-page connector, indicating a return from step S17 to step S11.

[0156] The processing in steps S11 to S17 is the same as in the first embodiment, except for the branch destination in step S14. Therefore, these processes will not be explained.

[0157] In step S14, if the result of the environmental determination unit 205 indicates that the environmental conditions are met (YES), the operation control unit 206 of the print server 20 proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the result of the environmental determination unit 205 indicates that the environmental conditions are not met (NO), the operation control unit 206 proceeds to step S21.

[0158] In step S21, the print planning unit 210 of the print server 20 determines whether or not an end time is set for the print job received in step S4. Next, if an end time is set for the print job, the print planning unit 210 calculates the start time for that print job. Subsequently, the print planning unit 210 sends the calculated start time to the operation control unit 206.

[0159] (Start time calculation process) The start time calculation process in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figure 19. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the start time calculation process (step S21 in Figure 18) in this embodiment.

[0160] In step S31, the print planning unit 210 requests a print job from the environment determination unit 205. The environment determination unit 205 sends the print job to the print planning unit 210 in response to the request from the print planning unit 210. The print planning unit 210 obtains the completion time included in the print job received from the environment determination unit 205.

[0161] In step S32, the print planning unit 210 determines whether or not an end time is set for the print job. If an end time is set (YES), the print planning unit 210 proceeds to step S33. If an end time is not set (NO), the print planning unit 210 terminates the start time calculation process.

[0162] In step S33, the print planning unit 210 obtains the print data included in the print job received in step S31. Next, the print planning unit 210 calculates the job capacity based on the print data.

[0163] In step S34, the print planning unit 210 acquires the processing performance of the printing device 10. The processing performance of the printing device 10 may be stored in advance in the storage unit of the print server 20, or it may be acquired from the printing device 10 based on a predetermined protocol.

[0164] In step S35, the print planning unit 210 calculates the processing time for the print job based on the job capacity of the print job calculated in step S33 and the processing performance of the printing device 10 obtained in step S34. The processing time for the print job is the length of time required from the start of the print job until its completion.

[0165] In step S36, the print planning unit 210 subtracts the processing time calculated in step S35 from the end time of the print job. This allows the print planning unit 210 to calculate the start time of the print job.

[0166] Let's return to Figure 18 for explanation. In step S22, the operation control unit 206 of the print server 20 determines whether the current time has passed the start time. If the current time has passed the start time (YES), the operation control unit 206 proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the current time has not passed the start time (NO), the operation control unit 206 proceeds to step S17.

[0167] In step S15, the print control unit 207 of the print server 20 sends a print job to the printing device 10 in accordance with the print job execution instruction received in step S4. The printing device 10 receives the print job from the print server 20 and starts printing according to the print job.

[0168] In step S17, the adjustment instruction unit 209 of the print server 20 sends a signal to the equipment 50 instructing it to adjust the environment. After sending the signal instructing the adjustment instruction unit 209, it returns to step S11. Then, the print server 20 repeats the processes from step S11 to step S17. This allows printing to start so that the print job can be completed by the end time, even if the surrounding environment of the printing device 10 does not meet the environmental conditions for the printing paper.

[0169] <Effects of the second embodiment> In this embodiment, the print server 20 calculates a start time to complete the print job by a specified end time, and sends the print job to the printing device 10 when the current time has passed that start time. For printing factories and the like, it is desirable to complete printing by a desired end time while utilizing the time when operators are absent, and it is inconvenient and inefficient to waste time by not starting the printing process. Therefore, with the print server 20 in this embodiment, even if the surrounding environment of the printing device 10 does not meet the environmental conditions for printing paper, it is not only possible to control the system so that printing is not started uniformly, but if there is a specified end time (for example, after the end of the operator's break time or idle period, or the start time of work on the next business day set before the end of working hours), the system can prioritize the end time and start the printing process, thereby enabling more efficient printing to complete the print job by the desired end time.

[0170] [supplement] Examples of the present invention are as follows:

[0171] [1] A receiving unit that receives instructions to execute a print job in which a print medium has been specified or detected, An environmental information acquisition unit that acquires environmental information indicating the surrounding environment of the printing device, An environmental condition acquisition unit acquires environmental condition information indicating environmental conditions corresponding to the printing medium, When the environmental information satisfies the environmental conditions, a print control unit transmits the print job to the printing device, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

[0172] [2] The information processing device described in [1] above, The environmental condition acquisition unit acquires the environmental condition information relating to a specified or detected printing medium from a storage unit that stores the environmental condition information relating to a plurality of printing media. Information processing device.

[0173] [3] An information processing device as described in [1] or [2] above, The aforementioned environmental information includes information relating to at least one of temperature and humidity. The aforementioned environmental conditions include at least one of a temperature range and a humidity range suitable for the use of the printing medium. Information processing device.

[0174] [4] The information processing apparatus described in [3] above, A mode receiving unit that receives input of mode information indicating the operating mode of the printing device, An operation control unit that determines the operation when the environmental information does not satisfy the environmental conditions based on the mode information, An information processing device further equipped with the following features.

[0175] [5] An information processing device according to any of the above [1] to [4], The system further includes a notification output unit that outputs a notification indicating that the environment should be adjusted when the environmental information does not meet the environmental conditions. Information processing device.

[0176] [6] An information processing device according to any of the above [1] to [4], The system further includes an adjustment instruction unit that outputs a signal to an external device instructing it to adjust the environment when the environmental information does not meet the environmental conditions. Information processing device.

[0177] [7] The information processing apparatus described in [6] above, The external device includes at least one of the equipment having an air conditioning function or a humidifying function. Information processing device.

[0178] [8] An information processing device according to any of the above [1] to [4], The system further includes a print planning unit that calculates a start time for the print job to be completed at the end time specified in the print job. The print control unit transmits the print job to the printing device when the environmental information does not satisfy the environmental conditions and the current time has elapsed since the start time. Information processing device.

[0179] [9] A printing system in which a printing device, an information processing terminal and an information processing device are able to communicate via a network, The aforementioned information processing terminal is The system includes a print instruction unit that transmits an execution instruction for a print job in which a print medium has been specified or detected, The aforementioned information processing device is A receiving unit that receives the execution instruction from the information processing terminal, An environmental information acquisition unit that acquires environmental information indicating the surrounding environment of the printing device, An environmental condition acquisition unit acquires environmental condition information indicating environmental conditions corresponding to the printing medium, When the environmental information satisfies the environmental conditions, a print control unit transmits the print job to the printing device, A printing system equipped with the following features.

[0180]

[10] Computers, A procedure for receiving instructions to execute a print job in which a print medium is specified or detected, Procedure for obtaining environmental information that indicates the surrounding environment of a printing device, A procedure for obtaining environmental condition information indicating environmental conditions corresponding to the aforementioned printing medium, A procedure for sending the print job to the printing device when the environmental information satisfies the environmental conditions, A printing method to perform this task.

[0181]

[11] The printing method described in

[10] above, The procedure for acquiring the aforementioned environmental conditions involves acquiring the environmental condition information relating to a specified or detected printing medium from a storage unit that stores the environmental condition information relating to a plurality of printing media. Printing method.

[0182]

[12] The printing method described in

[10] or

[11] above, The aforementioned environmental information includes information relating to at least one of temperature and humidity. The aforementioned environmental conditions include at least one of a temperature range and a humidity range suitable for the use of the printing paper. Printing method.

[0183]

[13] The printing method described in

[12] above, A procedure for receiving input of mode information indicating the operating mode of the printing device, A procedure for determining the operation when the environmental information does not satisfy the environmental conditions, based on the mode information, Further printing methods.

[0184]

[14] A printing method described in any of the above

[10] to

[13] , If the aforementioned environmental information does not meet the aforementioned environmental conditions, the procedure further involves outputting a notification indicating that the environment should be adjusted. Printing method.

[0185]

[15] A printing method described in any of the above

[10] to

[13] , If the aforementioned environmental information does not meet the aforementioned environmental conditions, the procedure further involves outputting a signal to an external device instructing it to adjust the environment. Printing method.

[0186]

[16] The printing method described in

[15] above, The external device includes at least one of the equipment having an air conditioning function or a humidifying function. Printing method.

[0187]

[17] A printing method described in any of the above

[10] to

[13] , The printing method is further executed to calculate the start time for the print job to be completed at the end time specified in the print job. The transmission procedure involves sending the print job to the printing device when the environmental information does not meet the environmental conditions and the current time has elapsed from the start time. Printing method.

[0188]

[18] Computers, A procedure for receiving instructions to execute a print job in which a print medium is specified or detected, Procedure for obtaining environmental information that indicates the surrounding environment of a printing device, An environmental condition acquisition unit acquires environmental condition information indicating environmental conditions corresponding to the printing medium, A procedure for sending the print job to the printing device when the environmental information satisfies the environmental conditions, A program to execute.

[0189] Each of the functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0190] The apparatus described in the examples represents only one of several computing environments for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the print server 20 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including a network or shared memory, and can carry out the processing disclosed herein.

[0191] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0192] 1. Printing System 10 Printing device 11 Paper feed unit 12 Paper output unit 13. Control Panel 20 Print Servers 30 User terminals 40 Environmental measuring instruments 50 Equipment 101 Writing Unit 102 Image-making unit 103 Intermediate transfer belt 104 Secondary transfer section 105 Fixing section 110 Control device 200 Environmental condition storage section 201 Job Memory Unit 202 Mode Reception Section 203 Instruction Reception Department 204 Environmental Acquisition Department 205 Environmental Judgment Department 206 Operation Control Unit 207 Printing Control Unit 208 Notification Output Section 209 Adjustment instruction section 210 Printing Planning Department 301 Mode Input Section 302 Print instruction section 303 Notification display area [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0193] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-208076

Claims

1. An environmental determination unit determines whether the environmental information indicating the surrounding environment of the space in which the printing device is installed satisfies the environmental condition information indicating the environmental conditions suitable for performing printing for each type of printing medium used. When the aforementioned environmental information satisfies the aforementioned environmental condition information, a print control unit transmits a print job to the printing device, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes an adjustment instruction unit that, when the environmental information does not meet the environmental condition information, instructs the equipment to adjust the surrounding environment with the environmental conditions as the target. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The adjustment instruction unit instructs the equipment to adjust the surrounding environment to target environmental conditions based on the start time of the print job. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The print control unit transmits the print job to the printing device when the environmental information does not satisfy the environmental condition information and the current time has elapsed since the start time of the print job. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A printing system in which a printing device, an information processing terminal, and an information processing device can communicate via a network, The aforementioned information processing terminal is The information processing device includes a print instruction unit that transmits an execution instruction for a print job, including the type of printing medium to be used. The aforementioned information processing device is A receiving unit that receives the execution instruction from the information processing terminal, An environmental determination unit determines whether the environmental information indicating the surrounding environment of the space in which the printing device is installed satisfies environmental condition information indicating environmental conditions suitable for performing printing for each type of printing medium. A print control unit that transmits the print job to the printing device when the environmental information satisfies the environmental condition information, A printing system equipped with the following features.

6. Computers A procedure for determining whether environmental information indicating the surrounding environment of the space where the printing device is installed satisfies environmental condition information indicating environmental conditions suitable for performing printing for each type of printing medium used, A procedure for sending a print job to the printing device when the aforementioned environmental information satisfies the aforementioned environmental condition information, A printing method to perform this task.

7. On the computer, A procedure for determining whether environmental information indicating the surrounding environment of the space where the printing device is installed satisfies environmental condition information indicating environmental conditions suitable for performing printing for each type of printing medium used, A procedure for sending a print job to the printing device when the aforementioned environmental information satisfies the aforementioned environmental condition information, A program to execute.

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