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

Abstract

To reduce the amount of work required to load paper into one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper. [Solution] An information processing device comprising: a tray paper information acquisition unit that acquires tray paper information relating to paper loaded in one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper; and a print job management unit that manages the printing order of multiple print jobs to be printed by a printing device based on job paper information relating to the paper of multiple print jobs that have been fed in, and the type, number, and loading order of the paper loaded in the paper trays included in the tray paper information.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A technique that enables printing even when the number of paper feed trays is smaller than the number of paper types by loading multiple types of paper on a single paper feed tray has been conventionally known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing printing processing using a stack of papers installed in a state where multiple types of papers are mixed on a single paper feed tray, so that printing can be performed even when the number of paper feed trays is smaller than the number of paper types used for printing a print job.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When multiple types of paper are loaded on a single paper feed tray, the order of the paper types fed from the paper feed tray is determined by the order in which they are loaded on the paper feed tray. When printing is performed with multiple types of paper loaded on a single paper feed tray, the paper information of the paper loaded on the paper feed tray is compared with the paper information of the input print job. If the paper used in the print job exists in the paper feed tray, printing is performed.

[0005] If the type of paper used in the print job is different from the type of paper to be fed next from the paper feed tray, the paper is fed empty from the paper feed tray until the type of paper to be fed next from the paper feed tray becomes the same as the type of paper used in the print job. Therefore, when printing multiple print jobs in the order in which they are input, depending on the input order of the print jobs, printing may or may not be possible using the multiple types of paper loaded on the paper feed tray.

[0006] If printing fails using multiple types of paper loaded in the paper tray, a problem arises where the user has to manually place (replace or replenish) the paper to be used for the print job into the paper tray. Note that Patent Document 1 does not solve this problem.

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide an information processing device that reduces the work required to load paper into one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: a tray paper information acquisition unit that acquires tray paper information relating to paper loaded in one or more paper feed trays capable of holding multiple types of paper; and a print job management unit that manages the printing order of the multiple print jobs to be printed by a printing device based on job paper information relating to the paper of multiple printed jobs that have been fed in, and the type, number, and loading order of the paper loaded in the paper feed trays included in the tray paper information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device that reduces the work of loading paper into one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a system configuration diagram of an example of a printing system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a printing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of computer 500 according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a functional configuration diagram of an example of a printing system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the tray paper information configuration. [Figure 6]This is an example image of the job submission screen 1000. [Figure 7] This is an example image of the job submission screen 1000. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure of the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the tray paper information configuration. [Figure 10] This is an example image of the instruction screen 1100. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of an example of the process in step S6. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart of an example of the process in step S6. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating an example of print job data. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart of an example of the process in step S8. [Figure 15] This is a functional configuration diagram of an example of a printing system 1 according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0012] [First Embodiment] <System Configuration> Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of an example of a printing system 1 according to the first embodiment. The printing system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a printing device 10, an information processing device 12, and a client device 18. The information processing device 12 includes a management server device 14 and a job management device 16.

[0013] The printing device 10, the management server device 14, the job management device 16, and the client device 18 are connected to each other via a network N1 such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0014] The printing device 10 prints the input printing job. The printing device 10 has one or more paper feed trays. The paper feed trays of the printing device 10 can stack multiple types of papers on one paper feed tray. The type of paper may be the paper type or the paper size, etc. The paper type may be plain paper, coated paper, or matte paper, etc. The printing device 10 may be a printer, a copier, or a MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), etc., which is an example of a device having a printing function.

[0015] The management server device 14 manages the processes related to the input of the printing job. The job management device 16 manages the printing order of the printing jobs to be printed by the printing device 10 based on the paper information (job paper information) of the papers used in the input printing job and the paper information (tray paper information) of the papers stacked on the paper feed tray. The management server device 14 and the job management device 16 are a PC (Personal Computer) or a workstation, etc. Also, the management server device 14 and the job management device 16 may be realized by an ASP (Application Service Provider) or cloud computing. The details of the management server device 14 and the job management device 16 will be described later.

[0016] The client device 18 is an example of a device operated by the user. The client device 18 transmits the printing job to the management server device 14 according to the user's operation. The client device 18 is a PC, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone, etc.

[0017] The configuration of the printing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, the management server device 14 and the job management device 16 shown in FIG. 1 may have an integrated configuration or a more subdivided configuration.

[0018] <Hardware Configuration> 《Printing Device》 Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a printing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The printing apparatus 10 comprises an image forming unit 101, a paper supply device 140, and an image reading system 150. The image reading system 150 includes an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) 151 and a scanner 160.

[0019] The paper supply device 140 includes multiple paper trays 142 arranged in multiple stages within the paper bank 141, a feed roller 143 that feeds paper from the paper trays 142, and a separation roller 145 that separates the fed paper into individual sheets. It also includes multiple transport roller pairs 146 that transport paper to the paper feed path 137 of the image forming unit 101.

[0020] The paper feed tray 142 holds multiple types of paper stacked inside. The top sheet of paper in the paper feed tray 142 is pressed against the feed roller 143. When the feed roller 143 rotates, the top sheet of paper in the paper feed tray 142 is fed out of the paper feed tray 142.

[0021] The paper fed from the paper tray 142 by the rotational drive of the feed roller 143 is subjected to a transport force from the paper tray 142 side toward the feed path 144 side by contact with the transport roller pair 146.

[0022] Once the paper enters the feed path 144, a transport force is applied by the transport roller pair 146, moving from the vertically downward to the upward direction. As a result, within the feed path 144, the paper is transported toward the paper feed path 137 of the image forming unit 101.

[0023] The image forming unit 101 includes an optical writing device 102, image forming units 103K, 103Y, 103M, and 103C, a transfer unit 124, a paper transport unit 128, a pair of registration rollers 133, a fixing device 134, and a switchback device 136.

[0024] The image-forming units 103K, 103Y, 103M, and 103C form toner images of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan. The optical writing device 102 then drives a light source, such as a laser diode or LED (not shown), located within the optical writing device 102, to irradiate the four drum-shaped photoreceptors 104K, 104Y, 104M, and 104C with laser light. The irradiation of the laser light forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptors 104K, 104Y, 104M, and 104C. The electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image through a predetermined development process.

[0025] Black, yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images are formed on the photoreceptors 104K, 104Y, 104M, and 104C of the imaging units 103K, 103Y, 103M, and 103C. A transfer unit 124 is positioned below the imaging units 103K, 103Y, 103M, and 103C. The transfer unit 124 moves an intermediate transfer belt 125, which is stretched by multiple rollers, in an endless clockwise direction in the figure while keeping it in contact with the photoreceptors 104K, 104Y, 104M, and 104C.

[0026] As the intermediate transfer belt 125 moves endlessly in a clockwise direction as shown in the figure, toner images are sequentially superimposed and transferred to the front surface of the intermediate transfer belt 125. Through this superimposed primary transfer, a four-color superimposed toner image (hereinafter referred to as the four-color toner image) is formed on the front surface of the intermediate transfer belt 125.

[0027] Below the transfer unit 124 in the diagram, there is a paper transport unit 128 that moves an endless paper transport belt across it. Paper transported from the paper supply device 140 toward the register roller pair 133 pauses transport after a predetermined time when its leading edge is detected by the register roller sensor, and the leading edge abuts against the register nip of the register roller pair 133.

[0028] When the leading edge of the paper hits the register nip, the register roller pair 133 restarts its roller rotation drive at a timing that allows the paper to be synchronized with the four-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 125, and transfers the four-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 125 to the paper. The paper then moves away from the intermediate transfer belt 125 and is transported to the fuser unit 134.

[0029] The paper transported to the fuser 134 has the full-color image fixed by pressurization and heating within the fuser 134, and then is sent from the fuser 134 to the paper discharge roller pair 135 before being discharged outside the machine.

[0030] The ADF 151, mounted on top of the scanner 160, has a document tray 153 on its main body cover 152 for placing the original document MS before scanning. The ADF 151 also holds a transport unit 154 for transporting the original document MS, and a document stacking tray 155 for stacking the scanned original document MS.

[0031] "computer" The management server device 14 and the job management device 16 are implemented by a computer 500 with the hardware configuration shown in Figure 3, for example. The client device 18 may also be implemented by a computer 500 with the hardware configuration shown in Figure 3, for example. Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the computer 500 according to this embodiment.

[0032] Computer 500 is equipped with a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, HD 504, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F 508, network I / F 509, data bus 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, drive 514, and media I / F 516.

[0033] The CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire computer 500 according to the program. 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.

[0034] 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. Network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using network N1. Data bus 510 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting various components such as CPU 501.

[0035] The keyboard 511 is a type of input device equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, or various instructions. The pointing device 512 is a type of input device for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, or moving a cursor. The drive 514 controls the reading or writing of various data to the removable recording medium 513. The recording medium 513 is, for example, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable). Note that the recording medium 513 is not limited to DVD-RW, but may also be a DVD-R, etc. The media interface 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the recording medium 515, such as flash memory.

[0036] Note that the hardware configuration shown in Figure 3 is just one example; a configuration may be possible that lacks some of the components shown in Figure 3, or that includes components other than those shown in Figure 3.

[0037] <Functional Configuration> The printing system 1 according to the first embodiment is realized by a functional configuration such as that shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment. The functional configuration diagram shown in Figure 4 omits components that are unnecessary for the explanation of the first embodiment. The management server device 14 and the job management device 16 realize the functional configuration shown in Figure 4 by executing programs such as the OS and applications. The printing device 10 also realizes the functional configuration shown in Figure 4 by executing programs such as the OS and applications. The distinction between the management server device 14 and the job management device 16 is just an example and can be realized by one or more information processing devices 12.

[0038] The printing device 10 includes a tray paper information setting unit 20, a printing unit 22, and a tray paper information storage unit 24. The printing device 10 is equipped with one or more paper feed trays capable of holding multiple types of paper.

[0039] The tray paper information setting unit 20 accepts the setting of tray paper information regarding the paper loaded in the paper tray. The tray paper information is information that indicates the type, number, and loading order of the paper loaded in the paper tray, and indicates how the paper is loaded in the paper tray.

[0040] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of tray paper information. The tray paper information shown in Figure 5 indicates the type of paper, the number of sheets, and the stacking order of the paper loaded in the paper tray. The tray paper information shown in Figure 5 indicates the type of paper, the number of sheets, and the stacking order of the paper loaded in one paper tray identified as "Tray 1".

[0041] The "Paper Type" field indicates the type of paper loaded in the paper tray. If different types of paper are sandwiched between sheets of the same type, there may be multiple sheets of the same type. Figure 5 shows an example where the paper type is set. The "Paper Type" field may also specify the paper size, or both the paper type and size. The "Number of Sheets" field indicates the number of sheets of each type of paper loaded in the paper tray. The "Loading Order" field indicates the loading number for each type of paper loaded in the paper tray. A loading number of "1" indicates that the paper is placed at the bottom of the paper tray. A higher loading number indicates that the paper is placed higher up in the tray. Therefore, multiple types of paper loaded in the paper tray are fed in order from the highest loading number. In the example in Figure 5, the paper is loaded in the paper tray so that 50 sheets of plain paper are fed first, followed by 50 sheets of coated paper.

[0042] The tray paper information may be set by the user manually entering the information using the control panel of the printer 10, by logging into the printer 10 from the client device 18, or by reading the barcode or QR code printed on the paper packaging. Alternatively, the tray paper information may be set by reading the paper type, quantity, and stacking order using sensors or the like installed in the paper tray. Furthermore, the tray paper information may be set using information on paper type, quantity, and stacking order obtained by downloading from the website of the paper supplier of a paper set containing multiple paper types arranged in a predetermined stacking order.

[0043] The printing unit 22 prints the print jobs registered in the print job data described later. The tray paper information storage unit 24 stores the tray paper information that has been set by the tray paper information setting unit 20.

[0044] The management server device 14 has a print job input unit 30 and an instruction output unit 32.

[0045] The print job submission unit 30 receives print jobs from a user operating the client device 18. For example, the print job submission unit 30 receives print jobs from a client device 18 displaying the job submission screen 1000 shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7, based on user operation.

[0046] Figures 6 and 7 are illustrative diagrams of an example of the job submission screen 1000. Figure 6 shows the job submission screen 1000 when using a hot folder. A hot folder is a folder where predetermined processing is performed on saved files. In the job submission screen 1000 of Figure 6, print jobs saved by the user in the hot folder are displayed in a list. When the print button 1002 in Figure 6 is pressed by the user, the print job submission unit 30 accepts the submission of the print job listed on the job submission screen 1000.

[0047] Figure 7 shows the job submission screen 1000 when a hot folder is not used. By pressing the Add Job button 1004, the user adds a new print job to the list of print jobs displayed on the job submission screen 1000 in Figure 7. When the user presses the Print button 1002 in Figure 7, the print job submission unit 30 accepts the submission of the print job listed on the job submission screen 1000.

[0048] The print job input unit 30 stores the print jobs as job data in the job data storage unit 50 (described later) in a manner that allows identification of the order in which they were received. The order in which the print jobs were received indicates, for example, in the job input screen 1000 shown in Figure 6 or 7, that print jobs displayed higher up are earlier in the input order, and print jobs displayed lower down are later in the input order.

[0049] The instruction output unit 32 outputs tray paper information regarding the paper that needs to be loaded into the paper tray in order to print any unprintable jobs that cannot be printed using the paper loaded in the paper tray. The output of tray paper information by the instruction output unit 32 may be done by displaying it on the display device of the client device 18, or by printing it on the printing unit 22 of the printing device 10. By having the user load paper into the paper tray (replace or replenish, etc.) according to the tray paper information output by the instruction output unit 32, the printing device 10 becomes able to print the unprintable jobs. Details of the processing by the instruction output unit 32 will be described later.

[0050] Furthermore, the job management device 16 includes a tray paper information acquisition unit 40, a print job analysis unit 42, a print job management unit 44, a job data storage unit 50, a print job data storage unit 52, and a print-unavailable job data storage unit 54.

[0051] The job data storage unit 50 stores the print jobs that have been submitted by the print job submission unit 30 of the management server device 14 as job data. The print job data storage unit 52 stores the print jobs that can be printed using the paper loaded in the paper tray as print job data. The unprintable job data storage unit 54 stores the unprintable job data that cannot be printed using the paper loaded in the paper tray.

[0052] The tray paper information acquisition unit 40 acquires tray paper information regarding the paper loaded in the paper feed tray of the printing device 10 from the tray paper information storage unit 24. The tray paper information acquired from the tray paper information storage unit 24 is information indicating the type, number, and loading order of the paper loaded in the paper feed tray of the printing device 10.

[0053] The print job analysis unit 42 analyzes the job paper information of the print job stored as job data in the job data storage unit 50. The job paper information includes information on the type and number of sheets of paper to be printed in that print job.

[0054] The print job management unit 44 manages the printing order of print jobs to be printed by the printing device 10, based on the tray paper information acquired by the tray paper information acquisition unit 40 and the print job paper information of the print jobs analyzed by the print job analysis unit 42, according to the type, number, and stacking order of the paper loaded in the paper tray.

[0055] The print job management unit 44 compares the tray paper information acquired by the tray paper information acquisition unit 40 with the print job paper information of the print jobs analyzed by the print job analysis unit 42 for each of the multiple print jobs. Based on the comparison results, the print job management unit 44 rearranges the print order of the multiple print jobs to match the order of the paper loaded in the paper tray. The print job management unit 44 stores the rearranged print jobs as print job data in the print job data storage unit 52.

[0056] Furthermore, based on the comparison results, the print job management unit 44 stores any print jobs that cannot be printed using the paper loaded in the paper tray as print-unprintable job data in the print-unprintable job data storage unit 54.

[0057] <Processing> Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure of the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0058] In step S1, the user operating the client device 18 adds, for example, a print job that they want the printer 10 to print to the print jobs listed on the job submission screen 1000 in Figure 6 or Figure 7. The client device 18 sends the print jobs listed on the job submission screen 1000 in Figure 6 or Figure 7 to the management server device 14.

[0059] In step S2, the user performs an operation to start printing the print job listed on the job submission screen 1000 in Figure 6 or Figure 7 (for example, pressing the print button 1002 on the job submission screen 1000). The client device 18 requests the management server device 14 to print the print job listed on the job submission screen 1000 in Figure 6 or Figure 7.

[0060] In step S3, the print job submission unit 30 of the management server device 14 stores the print jobs for which it has received print requests from the client device 18 as job data in the job data storage unit 50 of the job management device 16, in a manner that allows identification of the order in which the submissions were received.

[0061] In step S4, the print job analysis unit 42 of the job management device 16 analyzes the job paper information, which includes information on the type and number of sheets of paper to be printed in the print job, and is stored as job data in the job data storage unit 50.

[0062] In step S5, the tray paper information acquisition unit 40 of the job management device 16 acquires tray paper information regarding the paper loaded in the paper feed tray of the printing device 10 from the tray paper information storage unit 24. Note that the timing of the processing in step S5 is not limited to the timing shown in the sequence diagram in Figure 8. The processing in step S5 may be performed before any processing that requires tray paper information.

[0063] In step S6, the print job management unit 44 of the job management device 16 manages the print order of the print jobs to be printed by the printing device 10, based on the job paper information of the print jobs analyzed in step S4 and the tray paper information acquired in step S5, according to the type, number, and stacking order of the paper loaded in the paper tray.

[0064] Here, we will explain the process in step S6 in detail, using the job paper information of the print job analyzed in step S4 and the tray paper information obtained in step S5 as examples.

[0065] The printing device 10 is equipped with one paper feed tray "Tray 1" capable of holding multiple types of paper. The paper feed tray "Tray 1" is assumed to be loaded with paper in the state shown in the tray paper information in Figure 5. In the case of the tray paper information shown in Figure 5, 50 sheets of plain paper and 50 sheets of coated paper are loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 1", with the 50 sheets of plain paper on top.

[0066] For example, the process in step S6 will be explained when three print jobs, "Job 1" using 20 sheets of plain paper, "Job 2" using 50 sheets of coated paper, and "Job 3" using 30 sheets of plain paper, are submitted in the order of "Job 1" → "Job 2" → "Job 3".

[0067] The print job management unit 44 compares the tray paper information in Figure 5 with the job paper information of print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3" that was analyzed in step S4. Based on the job paper information of print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3", the print job management unit 44 determines that all print jobs can be printed with the paper loaded in one paper tray "Tray 1" because the paper used for all print jobs is 50 sheets of plain paper and 50 sheets of coated paper.

[0068] The print job management unit 44 rearranges the printing order of print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3" to match the order of the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 1" (50 sheets of plain paper → 50 sheets of coated paper), so that it is in the order of print jobs "Job 1" → "Job 3" → "Job 2". The print job management unit 44 stores the rearranged print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3" as print job data in the print job data storage unit 52, causing the printing device 10 to print print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3" using the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 1".

[0069] If the print order is not rearranged to "Job 1" → "Job 3" → "Job 2", after "Job 1" is printed, 30 sheets of plain paper will be fed (empty) from the paper tray for "Job 2". In order to print "Job 3", 30 sheets of plain paper to be used by "Job 3" must be placed in the paper tray after "Job 2" has been printed.

[0070] In this way, the print job management unit 44 can increase the number of print jobs that can be printed using the paper loaded in the paper tray by rearranging the printing order of print jobs "Job 1" to match the order of the paper loaded in the paper tray "Tray 1".

[0071] Next, we will explain the process in step S6 when three print jobs, "Job 1" (using 20 sheets of plain paper), "Job 2" (using 50 sheets of coated paper), and "Job 3" (using 20 sheets of plain paper), are submitted in the order of "Job 1" → "Job 2" → "Job 3".

[0072] The print job management unit 44 compares the tray paper information in Figure 5 with the job paper information of print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3" that was analyzed in step S4. Based on the job paper information of print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3", the print job management unit 44 determines that all print jobs can be printed with the paper loaded in one paper tray "Tray 1" because the paper used for all print jobs is 40 sheets of plain paper and 50 sheets of coated paper.

[0073] The print job management unit 44 rearranges the printing order of print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3" to match the order of the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 1" (50 sheets of plain paper → 50 sheets of coated paper), so that it is in the order of print jobs "Job 1" → "Job 3" → "Job 2". The print job management unit 44 stores the rearranged print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3" as print job data in the print job data storage unit 52, causing the printing device 10 to print print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3" using the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 1".

[0074] If the print order is not rearranged to "Job 1" → "Job 3" → "Job 2", after "Job 1" is printed, 30 sheets of plain paper will be fed empty from the paper tray for "Job 2". In order to print "Job 3", 20 sheets of plain paper used by "Job 3" must be placed in the paper tray after "Job 2" has been printed.

[0075] In this way, the print job management unit 44 can increase the number of print jobs that can be printed using the paper loaded in the paper tray by rearranging the printing order of print jobs "Job 1" to match the order of the paper loaded in the paper tray "Tray 1". After printing print job "Job 3", 10 sheets of plain paper are fed (empty) from the paper tray in preparation for printing print job "Job 2".

[0076] Next, we will explain the process in step S6 when three print jobs are submitted in the order of "Job 1" → "Job 2" → "Job 3", with "Job 1" using 60 sheets of plain paper, "Job 2" using 50 sheets of coated paper, and "Job 3" using 20 sheets of plain paper.

[0077] The print job management unit 44 compares the tray paper information in Figure 5 with the job paper information for print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3" that was analyzed in step S4. Based on the job paper information for print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3", the print job management unit 44 determines that since the paper used for all print jobs is 80 sheets of plain paper and 50 sheets of coated paper, it is possible to print print jobs "Job 2" and "Job 3" with the paper loaded in one paper tray "Tray 1".

[0078] The print job management unit 44 rearranges the printing order of print jobs "Job 2" and "Job 3" to match the order of the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 1" (50 sheets of plain paper → 50 sheets of coated paper), so that it is in the order of print job "Job 3" → "Job 2". The print job management unit 44 determines that print job "Job 1" cannot be printed with the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 1", and stores it as printable job data in the printable job data storage unit 54.

[0079] The print job management unit 44 stores the rearranged print jobs "Job 2" and "Job 3" as print job data in the print job data storage unit 52, thereby causing the printing device 10 to print print jobs "Job 2" and "Job 3" using the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 1".

[0080] The printing device 10 may include multiple paper feed trays, "Tray 1" and "Tray 2," capable of holding multiple types of paper. Paper is assumed to be loaded into paper feed trays "Tray 1" and "Tray 2" in the state shown in the tray paper information in Figure 9.

[0081] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of tray paper information. The tray paper information shown in Figure 9 indicates the type of paper, the number of sheets, and the stacking order of the paper loaded in the paper tray. The tray paper information shown in Figure 9 indicates the type of paper, the number of sheets, and the stacking order of the paper loaded in multiple paper trays identified as "Tray 1" and "Tray 2". The meaning of the paper type, number of sheets, and stacking order shown in Figure 9 is the same as in Figure 5, so an explanation is omitted.

[0082] In the case of the tray paper information shown in Figure 9, 50 sheets of plain paper and 50 sheets of coated paper are stacked in the paper feed tray "Tray 1" with the 50 sheets of coated paper on top. In the case of the tray paper information shown in Figure 9, 70 sheets of plain paper and 30 sheets of matte paper are stacked in the paper feed tray "Tray 2" with the 30 sheets of matte paper on top.

[0083] Here, we will explain the process in step S6 when, for example, three print jobs are submitted in the order of "Job 1" → "Job 2" → "Job 3", with "Job 1" using 30 sheets of matte paper, "Job 2" using 30 sheets of coated paper, and "Job 3" using 20 sheets of plain paper.

[0084] The print job management unit 44 compares the tray paper information of "Tray 1" shown in Figure 9 with the job paper information of print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3" that were analyzed in step S4.

[0085] The print job management unit 44, based on the job paper information for print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3," determines that since print job "Job 1" uses 30 sheets of matte paper, it is not possible to print print job "Job 1" with the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 1." The print job management unit 44 also determines that since print job "Job 1" uses 30 sheets of matte paper, it is possible to print print job "Job 1" with the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 2."

[0086] Based on the processing up to this point, the print job management unit 44 manages the system to print print job "Job 1" using the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 2", and then print print job "Job 2" using the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 1".

[0087] Furthermore, the print job management unit 44 determines that since the print job "Job 3" uses 20 sheets of plain paper, it is possible to print the print job "Job 3" using the paper loaded in either the paper tray "Tray 1" or "Tray 2".

[0088] Because the plain paper in paper tray "Tray 1" or "Tray 2" is located below the coated or matte paper, when printing print job "Job 3", the coated or matte paper is fed empty from the paper tray. The print job management unit 44 determines that print job "Job 3" should be printed using the plain paper loaded in paper tray "Tray 1" or "Tray 2", which has fewer sheets of coated or matte paper being fed empty from the paper tray.

[0089] Specifically, the print job management unit 44 compares the number of sheets required for print job "Job 1" (30 sheets of matte paper) with the number of sheets of matte paper in paper tray "Tray 2" (30 sheets), resulting in "0 sheets," and the number of sheets required for print job "Job 2" (30 sheets of coated paper) with the number of sheets of coated paper in paper tray "Tray 1" (50 sheets), resulting in "20 sheets." Based on the comparison, the print job management unit 44 determines that print job "Job 3" will be printed using the plain paper in paper tray "Tray 2," which has a smaller subtraction amount. The print job management unit 44 can determine that plain paper in paper tray "Tray 2," which has less paper feeding error, will be used for printing print job "Job 3."

[0090] The print job management unit 44 rearranges the printing order of print job "Job 2", which prints using the paper in paper tray "Tray 1", to match the order of the paper loaded in paper tray "Tray 1". The print job management unit 44 rearranges the printing order of print jobs "Job 1" and "Job 3", which print using the paper in paper tray "Tray 2", to match the order of the paper loaded in paper tray "Tray 2", so that it is in the order of "Job 1" → "Job 3".

[0091] The print job management unit 44 stores the rearranged print jobs as print job data in the print job data storage unit 52, thereby causing the printing device 10 to print print jobs "Job 1" to "Job 3" using the paper loaded in the paper tray.

[0092] Furthermore, the printing order can be mixed, as long as the order in which the paper trays are sorted is maintained. In the example above, the printing order could be "Job 1" → "Job 3" → "Job 2", or "Job 2" → "Job 1" → "Job 3". In other words, it is sufficient as long as the printing order of "Job 1" → "Job 3", which uses paper tray "Tray 2", is maintained. The printing order can also be determined by prioritizing the order in which the papers are inserted, or by determining it based on the priority order defined in advance for each print job.

[0093] Next, we will explain the process in step S6 when two print jobs, "Job 1" which uses 110 sheets of plain paper and "Job 2" which uses 50 sheets of coated paper, are submitted in the order of "Job 1" → "Job 2".

[0094] The print job management unit 44 compares the tray paper information of "Tray 1" shown in Figure 9 with the job paper information of print jobs "Job 1" and "Job 2" that were analyzed in step S4.

[0095] The print job management unit 44 determines, based on the paper information for print jobs "Job 1" and "Job 2," that since print job "Job 1" uses 110 sheets of plain paper, it is not possible to print print job "Job 1" with the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 1". The print job management unit 44 also determines, since print job "Job 1" uses 110 sheets of plain paper, it is not possible to print print job "Job 1" with the paper loaded in the paper feed tray "Tray 2".

[0096] Furthermore, the print job management unit 44 determines that since the print job "Job 1" uses 110 sheets of plain paper, it is possible to print the print job "Job 1" by using both the paper loaded in the paper trays "Tray 1" and "Tray 2".

[0097] The print job management unit 44 divides the print job "Job 1" into two print jobs: "Job 1-1," which prints using 50 sheets of plain paper loaded in the paper tray "Tray 1," and "Job 1-2," which prints using 70 sheets of plain paper loaded in the paper tray "Tray 2."

[0098] Based on the processing up to this point, the print job management unit 44 manages the system to print print job "Job 1" using the 110 sheets of plain paper loaded in the paper trays "Tray 1" and "Tray 2".

[0099] The print job management unit 44 determines that since the paper used for print job "Job 2" is 50 sheets of coated paper, it is possible to print print job "Job 2" using the 50 sheets of coated paper stacked on the upper side of the paper feed tray "Tray 1".

[0100] The print job management unit 44 manages the printing order to match the order of the paper loaded in the paper tray "Tray 1," rearranging the print jobs in the order of "Job 2" → "Job 1-1." The print job management unit 44 also manages the printing order to match the order of the paper loaded in the paper tray "Tray 2," rearranging the print jobs in the order of "Job 1-2." The 30 sheets of matte paper loaded on the upper side of the paper tray "Tray 2" are fed empty (empty) from the paper tray in preparation for printing "Job 1-2."

[0101] The print job management unit 44 stores the rearranged print jobs as print job data in the print job data storage unit 52, causing the printer 10 to print print jobs "Job 1" and "Job 2" using the paper loaded in the paper trays. The print order can be mixed, as long as the rearranged order is maintained for each paper tray. In other words, it is sufficient that the print order of "Job 2" → "Job 1-1" using paper tray "Tray 1" is maintained. Alternatively, the print order may be determined based on the order in which the paper is fed.

[0102] Returning to step S7 in Figure 8, the printing unit 22 of the printing device 10 retrieves multiple print jobs from the print job data storage unit 52 of the job management device 16, with the print order rearranged to match the order of the paper loaded in the paper tray. In step S8, the printing unit 22 of the printing device 10 prints the print jobs retrieved in step S7.

[0103] In step S9, if there are any unprintable jobs that cannot be printed using the paper loaded in the paper tray, the instruction output unit 32 of the management server device 14 obtains the job paper information of the unprintable jobs from the unprintable job data storage unit 54 of the job management device 16.

[0104] In step S10, the instruction output unit 32 generates an instruction regarding the paper that needs to be loaded into the paper tray in order to print the job that cannot be printed. The instruction generated by the instruction output unit 32 includes tray paper information regarding the paper that needs to be loaded into the paper tray in order to print the job that cannot be printed.

[0105] In step S11, the instruction output unit 32 requests the client device 18 to display an instruction screen. In step S12, the display device of the client device 18 displays, for example, the instruction screen 1100 shown in Figure 10.

[0106] Figure 10 is an illustrative image of an example of the instruction screen 1100. Figure 10 is an illustrative image of the instruction screen 1100 when a print job using 50 sheets of plain paper, a print job using 30 sheets of coated paper, and a print job using 10 sheets of matte paper are all print-unavailable jobs. After viewing the instruction screen 1100 in Figure 10, the user can place the paper in the paper tray according to the tray paper information regarding the paper that needs to be loaded into the paper tray in order to print the print-unavailable jobs.

[0107] Furthermore, the user can request the printing of the instruction sheet by pressing the "Print Instruction Sheet" button 1102 on the instruction screen 1100. Here, we will continue the explanation assuming that the user has pressed the "Print Instruction Sheet" button 1102 on the instruction screen 1100.

[0108] In step S13, the client device 18 sends a print request for the instruction document to the instruction output unit 32 of the management server device 14. In step S14, the instruction output unit 32 sends the print job for the instruction document to the printing device 10. The printing device 10 to which the print job is sent in step S14 may be the printing device 10 that has generated a job that cannot be printed, or it may be any other printing device 10.

[0109] In step S15, the printing device 10, having received the print job in step S14, prints an instruction sheet containing the contents of the instruction screen 1100 shown in Figure 10. The user can then place paper in the paper tray while checking the tray paper information on the instruction sheet regarding the paper that needs to be loaded into the paper tray in order to print the unprintable job.

[0110] Figures 11 and 12 are flowcharts of an example of the process in step S6.

[0111] In step S100, the print job management unit 44 acquires the number of paper trays, tray paper information, and job paper information of the printing device 10, which were acquired in step S5.

[0112] The process from step S102 onward is repeated for the number of paper trays provided by the printing device 10. In step S102, the print job management unit 44 selects an unselected paper tray n.

[0113] The process from step S104 onward is repeated for the number of sheets of paper loaded in the selected paper tray n. In step S104, the print job management unit 44 selects the unselected sheets of paper for loading order m in the selected paper tray n. The print job management unit 44 selects the sheets of paper for loading order m in order from the sheets with the largest loading order numbers (loading numbers) included in the tray paper information of the selected paper tray n (sheets that are fed from the paper tray earlier).

[0114] The process from step S106 onward is repeated for the number of print jobs i that were submitted in step S3. In step S106, the print job management unit 44 selects an unselected print job i. In step S108, the print job management unit 44 compares the tray paper information of the paper tray n in stacking order m with the job paper information of print job i. The print job management unit 44 compares the paper type and number of sheets used for printing print job i with the paper type and number of sheets of paper in the paper tray n in stacking order m.

[0115] In step S110, the print job management unit 44 determines whether or not print job i can be printed using the paper in the stacking order m of the paper tray n. If it determines that print job i can be printed, the print job management unit 44 proceeds to step S112 and registers print job i, the paper tray n, the stacking order m of the paper, and the number of sheets of paper in print job data, for example, as shown in Figure 13.

[0116] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of print job data. In the print job data of Figure 13, print job i is registered in the print job field. Paper tray n is registered in the paper tray field of the print job data. The paper stacking order m is registered in the stacking order field of the print job data. The number of sheets is registered in the number of sheets of paper used by print job i.

[0117] In step S114, the print job management unit 44 reduces the number of sheets of paper used by the print job i from the number of sheets of paper in the stacking order m of the paper feed tray n. The number of sheets of paper in the stacking order m of the paper feed tray n (remaining number of sheets) reduced in step S114 is used in the processing of the subsequent step S108.

[0118] In step S116, the print job management unit 44 deletes the print job i registered in the print job data in step S112 from the job data in the job data storage unit 50, and then performs the process in step S118. If it is determined in step S110 that print job i cannot be printed, the print job management unit 44 performs the process in step S118.

[0119] In step S118, the print job management unit 44 determines whether the number of sheets of paper in stacking order m of the paper feed tray n (remaining sheets) is 0 or not. If the number of sheets of paper in stacking order m of the paper feed tray n is not 0, the process returns to step S106. If the number of sheets of paper in stacking order m of the paper feed tray n is 0, the process returns to step S104. After performing the processes from step S102 onwards for the number of paper feed trays provided by the printing device 10, the print job management unit 44 performs the process in step S120.

[0120] In step S120, the print job management unit 44 determines whether or not there are any print jobs remaining in the job data stored in the job data storage unit 50. If there are no print jobs remaining in the job data stored in the job data storage unit 50, the print job management unit 44 terminates the process shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0121] Furthermore, if there are any print jobs remaining in the job data stored in the job data storage unit 50, the print job management unit 44 registers the print jobs remaining in the job data as unprintable job data in step S122. Following step S122, the print job management unit 44 performs the process in step S124. In step S124, the print job management unit 44 deletes the job data stored in the job data storage unit 50.

[0122] Figure 14 is a flowchart of an example of the process in step S8. The process from step S130 onward is repeated for the number of print jobs registered in the print job data.

[0123] In step S130, the printer 10 determines whether the paper tray matches the previous print job and whether the type of paper to be printed has changed. If the paper tray matches the previous print job and the type of paper to be printed has changed, the printer 10 performs the process in step S132 to feed empty paper from the paper tray until the type of paper being fed from the tray changes.

[0124] Furthermore, the printer 10 skips step S132 unless the paper tray matches that of the previous print job and the type of paper to be printed has changed. In step S134, the printer 10 prints the print job.

[0125] According to the first embodiment, the printing order of print jobs to be printed by the printing device 10 can be rearranged to increase the number of print jobs that can be printed using the paper loaded in the paper tray. As a result, according to the first embodiment, the user's work of loading paper into one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper can be reduced.

[0126] For example, in a printing system where the printing device 10 prints print jobs in the order they are submitted, the paper type used in a later print job may be fed empty during the printing of a previous print job. This can lead to the user having to load paper into the paper tray, an action that would not have occurred if the order of the print jobs had been different. According to this embodiment, the printing order of the print jobs to be printed by the printing device 10 can be rearranged according to the paper loaded in the paper tray, thereby reducing the user's workload of loading paper into the paper tray.

[0127] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the system configuration diagram of the printing system 1 shown in Figure 1 shows that the management server device 14 and the job management device 16 are located outside the printing device 10. In the second embodiment, at least one of the management server device 14 and the job management device 16 is located inside the printing device 10.

[0128] When the job management device 16 is located within the printing device 10, the printing system 1 of the second embodiment has the functional configuration shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the printing system 1 according to the second embodiment. The printing system 1 according to the second embodiment is similar to the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, except for a few parts, so the explanation will be omitted as appropriate.

[0129] In addition to the tray paper information setting unit 20, printing unit 22, and tray paper information storage unit 24 shown in Figure 4, the printing device 10 also includes a tray paper information acquisition unit 40, a print job analysis unit 42, a print job management unit 44, a job data storage unit 50, a print job data storage unit 52, and a print-unavailable job data storage unit 54 of the job management device 16.

[0130] When the management server device 14 and the job management device 16 are located within the printing device 10, the printing system 1 of the second embodiment is configured such that the functional configuration of the management server device 14 and the job management device 16 shown in Figure 4 is added to the printing device 10.

[0131] Each of the embodiments described above can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. In this specification, "processing circuit" includes processors programmed to perform each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, and devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), or conventional circuit modules designed to perform each of the functions described above.

[0132] Although the present invention has been described above based on various embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. These points can be modified as long as they do not impair the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to their application.

[0133] Examples of the present invention are as follows:

[0134] <1> A tray paper information acquisition unit acquires tray paper information regarding paper loaded in one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper, A print job management unit manages the printing order of the multiple print jobs to be printed by the printing device based on job paper information relating to the paper used for multiple print jobs that have been fed in, and the type, number, and stacking order of the paper loaded in the paper tray included in the tray paper information. An information processing device having <2> The print job management unit compares the type, number, and stacking order of the paper included in the tray paper information with the type and number of the paper included in the job paper information for each of the multiple print jobs, and manages the printing order of the multiple print jobs to be printed by the printing device and the paper tray used by the multiple print jobs, in order to increase the number of the multiple print jobs that can be printed with the paper stacked in the paper tray. <1> The information processing device described. <3> If there are any unprintable jobs that cannot be printed with the paper loaded in the paper tray, an instruction output unit outputs tray paper information relating to the paper that needs to be loaded in the paper tray in order to print the unprintable jobs. It further possesses <2> The information processing device described. <4> The instruction output unit causes the display device to display tray paper information relating to the paper that needs to be loaded into the paper tray in order to print the job that cannot be printed, or causes the printing device to print tray paper information relating to the paper that needs to be loaded into the paper tray in order to print the job that cannot be printed. <3> The information processing device described. <5> A print job input unit that receives the input of the aforementioned multiple print jobs, It further possesses, The print job management unit manages the printing order of the multiple print jobs fed from the print job input unit and the paper trays used by the multiple print jobs, in order to increase the number of multiple print jobs that can be printed on the paper loaded in the paper tray. <2> ~ <4> An information processing device described in any one of the following. <6> The print job management unit manages the print jobs that can be printed on paper fed from the paper tray in the stacking order, for each paper tray and type of paper. <2> ~ <5> An information processing device described in any one of the following. <7> If the type of paper included in the job paper information of the print job that has just been printed is different from the type of paper included in the job paper information of the next print job to be printed, the printing device will feed empty paper from the paper tray until the type of paper fed from the paper tray matches the type of paper included in the job paper information of the next print job to be printed. <2> ~ <6> An information processing device described in any one of the following. <8> The print job management unit compares the type, number, and stacking order of the paper included in the tray paper information with the type and number of the paper included in the job paper information for each of the multiple print jobs, divides the print jobs in order to increase the number of print jobs that can be printed with the paper stacked in the paper tray, and manages the printing order of the divided print jobs and the paper tray used by the divided print jobs. <2> ~ <7> An information processing device described in any one of the following. <9> The paper of a number greater than or equal to the number of paper trays is loaded into the one or more paper trays. <1> ~ <8> An information processing device as described in any one of the following items. <10> Information processing equipment, A tray paper information acquisition unit that acquires tray paper information about paper placed in one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper. A print job management unit manages the printing order of the multiple print jobs to be printed by the printing device based on job paper information relating to the paper used for the multiple print jobs that have been fed in, and the type, number, and stacking order of the paper placed in the paper tray included in the tray paper information. A program that makes it function as such. <11> A printing system comprising an information processing device and a printing device, The aforementioned information processing device is A tray paper information acquisition unit that acquires tray paper information regarding paper placed in one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper, A print job management unit manages the printing order of the multiple print jobs to be printed by the printing device based on job paper information relating to the paper used for multiple print jobs that have been fed in, and the type, number, and stacking order of the paper placed in the paper tray included in the tray paper information. It has, The aforementioned printing apparatus, A printing unit prints the print jobs according to the printing order of the multiple print jobs managed by the print job management unit. A printing system having <12> An information processing method performed by an information processing device, A procedure for obtaining tray paper information to obtain tray paper information for paper placed in one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper, and A print job management procedure for managing the printing order of multiple print jobs to be printed by a printing device, based on job paper information relating to the paper used for multiple print jobs that have been fed in, and the type, number, and stacking order of the paper placed in the paper tray included in the tray paper information. An information processing method having [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 1. Printing System 10 Printing device 12 Information Processing Devices 14 Management Server Device 16. Job Management System 18 Client devices 20 Tray Paper Information Setting Section 22 Printing Department 30 Print job input section 32. Instruction Output Section 40 Tray paper information acquisition unit 42 Print Job Analysis Department 44 Print Job Management Department 50 Job data storage unit 52 Print job data storage unit 54 Non-printable job data storage unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0136] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-56749

Claims

1. A tray paper information acquisition unit acquires tray paper information regarding paper loaded in one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper, A print job management unit manages the printing order of the multiple print jobs to be printed by the printing device based on job paper information relating to the paper used for multiple print jobs that have been fed in, and the type, number, and stacking order of the paper loaded in the paper tray included in the tray paper information. An information processing device having

2. The print job management unit compares the type, number, and stacking order of the paper included in the tray paper information with the type and number of the paper included in the job paper information for each of the multiple print jobs, and manages the printing order of the multiple print jobs to be printed by the printing device and the paper tray used by the multiple print jobs, in order to increase the number of the multiple print jobs that can be printed with the paper stacked in the paper tray. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. If there are any unprintable jobs that cannot be printed with the paper loaded in the paper tray, an instruction output unit outputs tray paper information relating to the paper that needs to be loaded in the paper tray in order to print the unprintable jobs. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising the above.

4. The instruction output unit causes the display device to display tray paper information relating to the paper that needs to be loaded into the paper tray in order to print the job that cannot be printed, or causes the printing device to print tray paper information relating to the paper that needs to be loaded into the paper tray in order to print the job that cannot be printed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. A print job input unit that receives the input of the aforementioned multiple print jobs, It further possesses, The print job management unit manages the printing order of the multiple print jobs fed from the print job input unit and the paper trays used by the multiple print jobs, in order to increase the number of multiple print jobs that can be printed on the paper loaded in the paper tray. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The print job management unit manages the print jobs that can be printed on paper fed from the paper tray in the stacking order, for each paper tray and type of paper. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

7. If the type of paper included in the job paper information of the print job that has just been printed is different from the type of paper included in the job paper information of the next print job to be printed, the printing device will feed empty paper from the paper tray until the type of paper fed from the paper tray matches the type of paper included in the job paper information of the next print job to be printed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

8. The print job management unit compares the type, number, and stacking order of the paper included in the tray paper information with the type and number of the paper included in the job paper information for each of the multiple print jobs, divides the print jobs in order to increase the number of print jobs that can be printed with the paper stacked in the paper tray, and manages the printing order of the divided print jobs and the paper tray used by the divided print jobs. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

9. The paper of a number greater than or equal to the number of paper trays is loaded into the one or more paper trays. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Information processing equipment, A tray paper information acquisition unit that acquires tray paper information regarding paper placed in one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper. A print job management unit manages the printing order of the multiple print jobs to be printed by the printing device based on job paper information relating to the paper used for the multiple print jobs that have been fed in, and the type, number, and stacking order of the paper placed in the paper tray included in the tray paper information. A program that makes it function as such.

11. A printing system comprising an information processing device and a printing device, The aforementioned information processing device is A tray paper information acquisition unit acquires tray paper information regarding paper placed in one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper, A print job management unit manages the printing order of the multiple print jobs to be printed by the printing device based on job paper information relating to the paper used for multiple print jobs that have been fed in, and the type, number, and stacking order of the paper placed in the paper tray included in the tray paper information. It has, The aforementioned printing apparatus, A printing unit prints the print jobs according to the printing order of the multiple print jobs managed by the print job management unit. A printing system having

12. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, A procedure for obtaining tray paper information, which obtains tray paper information for paper placed in one or more paper trays capable of holding multiple types of paper, A print job management procedure for managing the printing order of multiple print jobs to be printed by a printing device, based on job paper information relating to the paper used for multiple print jobs that have been fed in, and the type, number, and stacking order of the paper placed in the paper tray included in the tray paper information. An information processing method having

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