Print job management device and print job management program

Abstract

If workers performing tasks related to printing equipment do not have access to information about the print job, it becomes difficult to manage the progress of the print job. [Solution] A print job management device is configured comprising: a registration unit that registers a first printing device in a storage medium and registers a 1-1 worker in association with the first printing device in the storage medium; a receiving unit that receives print jobs for executing printing; and a notification unit that notifies the terminal of the 1-1 worker of information regarding the print job when at least one of the first printing device and the 1-1 worker is specified in the received print job.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a print job management device and a print job management program. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Conventionally, a technique is known in which print data indicating a print job is transmitted via a network, a print job is assigned to a printing device, and the printing device is caused to execute printing (for example, Patent Document 1). 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-128286 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 When causing a printing device to execute printing based on a print job, if an operator who performs operations related to the printing device cannot know information related to the print job, it has been difficult to manage the progress of the print job. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0005】 A print job management device according to an embodiment includes a registration unit that registers a first printing device in a storage medium and registers a first operator in association with the first printing device in the storage medium, a reception unit that receives a print job for executing printing, and a notification unit that notifies a terminal of the first operator of information related to the print job when at least one of the first printing device and the first operator is specified in the received print job. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the print job management program causes the computer to function as a registration unit that registers the first printing device in a storage medium and registers the 1-1 worker in association with the first printing device in the storage medium; a receiving unit that receives print jobs for executing printing; and a notification unit that, when at least one of the first printing device and the 1-1 worker is specified in the received print job, notifies the terminal of the 1-1 worker of information regarding the print job. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the print job management program causes the computer to function as a registration unit that registers the first printing device in a storage medium and registers the 1-1 worker in association with the first printing device in the storage medium; a receiving unit that receives print jobs for executing printing; and a notification unit that, when at least one of the first printing device and the 1-1 worker is specified in the received print job, notifies the terminal of the 1-1 worker of information regarding the print job. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0006】 [Figure 1] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print job management system. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of the print job management system. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing an example of print job data. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing an example of printing device data. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing the configuration of the administrator terminal. [Figure 6] A block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing the configuration of a printing device. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing the configuration of the worker terminal. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing how each device notifies users of information related to print jobs. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating the printing equipment managed by the print job management system and the individuals involved in its management. [Figure 11]A diagram illustrating an example of a notification regarding a print job. [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating an example of a notification regarding a print job. [Figure 13] A flowchart of the printing process. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0007】 Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) System configuration: (1-1) Configuration of the print job management device: (1-2) Administrator terminal configuration: (1-3) Configuration of the information processing device: (1-4) Configuration of the printing device: (1-5) Configuration of worker terminals: (2) Notification of information regarding the print job: (2-1) Example of notification behavior: (2-2) Acquisition of candidate printing devices: (3) Other embodiments: 【0008】 (1) System configuration: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including a print job management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a print job management device 10, an administrator terminal 20, an information processing device 30, a printing device 40, and a worker terminal 50. In this embodiment, the printing device 40 is connected to the information processing device 30. Furthermore, the administrator can use the administrator terminal 20 to register various information in the storage medium provided by the print job management device 10 and to manage print jobs. Workers who perform tasks related to the printing device 40 use the information processing device 30 and the printing device 40 to perform various tasks related to printing, such as removing printed media, replacing and replenishing media, and dealing with malfunctions. Furthermore, workers can use the worker terminal 50 to view information related to print jobs. 【0009】 In this embodiment, the number of the illustrated devices is an example, and the number is not limited. For example, the number of the information processing devices 30, printing devices 40, and operator terminals 50 indicated as plural is not limited to the number illustrated in FIG. 1, and the printing job management device 10, administrator terminal 20, etc. indicated as one may be plural. In this embodiment, the operator terminal 50 is owned by each operator. Therefore, the number of operators matches the number of operator terminals 50. 【0010】 In this embodiment, the printing job management device 10, administrator terminal 20, information processing device 30, and operator terminal 50 can communicate with each other via a network. The mode of the network may be various modes, and may be a local network, or devices physically separated from each other via the Internet or the like may communicate with each other. Further, the printing device 40 may be able to communicate with the printing job management device 10 or the administrator terminal 20. In this embodiment, the system including the printing job management device 10 is a system for printing printed matter, but other processes, for example, surface treatment, etc. may be further performed on the printed matter after printing. 【0011】 In this embodiment, an administrator who has received a request for production of printed matter from a requester prints the printed matter related to a plurality of requests using a plurality of printing devices 40. The administrator generates a printing job including data for causing the printed matter to be printed using the administrator terminal 20 and registers the printing job in the printing job management device 10. The printing job management device 10 instructs the information processing device 30 to execute the printing job. The information processing device 30 performs processing for executing the printing job to generate printing data, and causes the printing device 40 to execute printing based on the printing data. 【0012】 In this embodiment, a printing job is generated by the administrator and registered in the printing job management device 10. However, after registration, the printing job management device 10 causes printing to be executed in the order of input of the printing job. When a shortage of a printing medium or a wait for replacement of a printing medium occurs in the printing device 40, printing is interrupted. If the operator does not notice in a state where printing is interrupted, there is a possibility that printing will not end as scheduled. 【0013】 It is necessary to monitor whether the printing of each printing job is proceeding smoothly. However, in a state where there are a large number of printing devices 40 and a large number of printing jobs, it is inefficient for all operators to monitor all of the printing jobs. Therefore, if one or more operators are determined for each printing job to be monitored, the monitoring target is limited and it becomes easier for each operator to manage. 【0014】 Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is configured to notify an operator of information regarding the printing job that the operator should be in charge of. Hereinafter, the configuration of each device of the system that realizes such notification will be described. 【0015】 (1-1) Configuration of the printing job management device: FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing job management device 10. The printing job management device 10 includes a processor 10a, a communication unit 10b, and a storage medium 10c. The processor 10a includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. not shown, and can execute various programs recorded in the storage medium 10c to control each part of the printing job management device 10 and each device connected to the network. Note that the processor 10a may be composed of a single chip, may be composed of a plurality of chips, or may be configured as a SoC together with various functional blocks that operate each part. Further, for example, an ASIC may be adopted instead of the CPU, or a configuration in which the CPU and the ASIC cooperate may be adopted. When each device in the present embodiment includes a processor, the processor can be realized in various modes similar to the processor 10a. 【0016】 The communication unit 10b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The printing job management device 10 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 10b. Note that the communication unit 10b may include an interface for communicating with various removable memories mounted on the printing job management device 10. 【0017】 Various types of information are stored in the storage medium 10c of the print job management device 10. For example, print job data 10c1 and print device data 10c2 are stored in the storage medium 10c. Print job data 10c1 is data that indicates a print job generated by the administrator. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of print job data 10c1. In this embodiment, in print job data 10c1, the print file indicating the content to be printed and the print conditions are associated with the print job identification information. In addition, if an operator is designated as the person in charge of a print job by the administrator or the like, information indicating that operator is associated with the print job identification information. The state in which an operator is designated as the person in charge of a print job is also expressed as the state in which an operator is designated in the print job. 【0018】 In this specification, the identification information of a print job is indicated as print job A, print job B, etc., the print files are indicated as print files a, b, etc., and the print conditions are indicated as print conditions a, b, etc. A print file can be any file that shows the content to be printed, for example, it can consist of a PDF file showing the print image, etc. The print conditions are the conditions when printing the print file, and may include any conditions such as print quality, print speed, colors used for printing, number of copies to print, type of printing medium, etc. 【0019】 Furthermore, in Figure 3, information indicating the worker is expressed as "Worker 1-1," etc. The information indicating the worker may be any identification information, but in this embodiment, since workers may be associated with printing devices, the notation "Worker XY" is used for ease of explanation. Here, X corresponds to the identification information of the printing device, and Y may increase or decrease depending on the number of workers associated with that printing device. For example, in the notation "Worker 1-1," "1" means that the worker is associated with the first printing device. Also, "-1" means that the first worker is associated with that printing device. Therefore, for example, Worker 1-1 and Worker 1-2 are different workers. Various other types of information may also be associated with the print job data 10c1. In this example, the delivery date (not shown) set for the print job is included in the print job data 10c1. 【0020】 The printing device data 10c2 is data that specifies the print job to be printed on the printing device and the operator responsible for the work on the printing device. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the printing device data 10c2. In this embodiment, the printing device data 10c2 associates the identification information of the printing device with the identification information of the print job specified to be printed on the printing device and the identification information of the operator designated as responsible for the work on the printing device. The state in which a printing device is specified as the device that should execute the printing of a print job is also expressed as the state in which a printing device is specified in the print job. 【0021】 Figure 4 illustrates a scenario where a first printing device is designated as the device for printing print jobs A, B, and C, and operators 1-1 and 1-2 are designated as the personnel responsible for the work related to the first printing device. It also illustrates a scenario where a second printing device is designated as the device for printing print jobs D and E, and operator 2-1 is designated as the personnel responsible for the work related to the second printing device. In the examples shown in Figure 4, both the first and second printing devices are associated with print jobs and operators; however, it is also conceivable that at least one of the print jobs or operators may not be associated with a printing device. 【0022】 (1-2) Administrator terminal configuration: Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the administrator terminal 20. The administrator terminal 20 comprises a processor 20a, a communication unit 20b, a storage medium 20c, a display 20d, and an input unit 20e. The processor 20a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the storage medium 20c to control each part of the administrator terminal 20. 【0023】 The communication unit 20b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The administrator terminal 20 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 20b. The communication unit 20b also includes an interface for communicating with various removable memory devices installed in the administrator terminal 20. 【0024】 The storage medium 20c of the administrator terminal 20 stores the print file 20c1 requested by the client. The print file 20c1 may be recorded on the storage medium 20c in any manner. For example, the print file 20c1 prepared by the client who requested the print may be recorded in removable memory and transferred from the removable memory to the storage medium 20c via the communication unit 20b. Alternatively, the print file 20c1 may be obtained from an external device via a network. Furthermore, the administrator may use the administrator terminal 20 to create the print file 20c1 using an application program and record it on the storage medium 20c. Of course, the administrator may also edit the original document created by the client to generate the print file 20c1 and record it on the storage medium 20c. 【0025】 The display 20d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 20e is a device used by the administrator to perform input operations, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. In any case, the administrator can input their intentions by operating the input unit 20e while viewing the images and characters displayed on the display 20d. 【0026】 The administrator can access the print job management device 10 and perform various inputs using the display 20d and input unit 20e of the administrator terminal 20 as a user interface. These inputs include registering the printing devices managed by the print job management device 10, registering operators to be associated with the printing devices, generating print jobs, specifying the printing device to print the print job, and specifying the operator responsible for the print job. Inputs for generating print jobs include inputs for sending the print file 20c1 to the print job management device 10 and inputs for specifying the printing conditions when printing an image based on the print file 20c1. 【0027】 (1-3) Configuration of the information processing device: Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 30. The information processing device 30 is a device that generates print data for printing images and the like that shown in the print files included in a print job on the printing device 40, and controls the printing. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which one printing device 40 is connected to one information processing device 30, but multiple printing devices 40 may be connected to one information processing device 30. 【0028】 The information processing device 30 comprises a processor 30a, a communication unit 30b, a storage medium 30c, a display 30d, and an input unit 30e. The processor 30a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the storage medium 30c to control each part of the information processing device 30. 【0029】 The communication unit 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The information processing device 30 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 30b. The communication unit 30b also includes an interface for communicating with various removable memories installed in the information processing device 30. 【0030】 The storage medium 30c of the information processing device 30 records print data 30c1 for printing the print target for the print job. The print data 30c1 is data generated by the processor 30a performing image processing etc. according to the printing conditions based on the print job data 10c1. The print data 30c1 includes data indicating the amount of colorant used for each pixel, etc., and is passed to the printing device 40, which then performs printing. If printing is performed based on multiple print job data 10c1, the print jobs indicated by the print job data 10c1 may be arranged in execution order to generate a print queue. In this case, each time the printing device 40 enters a standby state, the processor 30a processes the print job at the top of the queue to generate print data 30c1 and performs printing. 【0031】 The display 30d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 30e is a device used by the operator to perform input operations, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. Various information may be displayed on the display 30d, and the operator can perform various inputs by operating the input unit 30e. In this embodiment, an operator designated as the person in charge of a print job can reassign the designated print job to another operator. That is, the operator can use the user interface displayed on the display 30d to identify the print job assigned to them and select another operator to designate that operator as the person in charge of the print job. Note that such reassignment of an operator may also be performed using the operator terminal 50. 【0032】 (1-4) Configuration of the printing device: Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing device 40. The printing device 40 comprises a processor 40a, a communication unit 40b, a storage medium 40c, a printing unit 40d, and a UI unit 40e. The processor 40a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the storage medium 40c to control each part of the printing device 40. 【0033】 The communication unit 40b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The printing device 40 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 40b. The communication unit 40b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable memories installed in the printing device 40. 【0034】 The printing unit 40d is the part that performs printing, and various printing methods such as inkjet and electrophotography may be employed. The printing unit 40d is equipped with actuators, various devices, sensors, drive circuits, mechanical parts, etc., for performing printing on various printing media. The sensors include sensors that detect various detection targets that may change in the printing apparatus 40. The detection targets are not limited, and examples include sensors that detect the remaining amount of printing media and sensors that detect the remaining amount of ink for each color used for printing. 【0035】 The UI unit 40e includes a touch panel display and various keys and switches. The touch panel display includes a display panel that shows various information, such as the status of the printing device 40 and the remaining ink level, and a touch detection panel superimposed on the display panel to detect touch operations by a person's finger or the like. The processor 40a can acquire the operator's operations via the UI unit 40e. The processor 40a can also display various information on the UI unit 40e's display and notify the user. The operator may also be able to execute commands such as starting a print media change operation or interrupting a print job via the UI unit 40e. 【0036】 The processor 40a executes printing in response to instructions from the information processing device 30. That is, when printing for a print job is executed, print data 30c1 is passed from the information processing device 30 to the printing device 40. The processor 40a receives the print data 30c1 via the communication unit 40b and controls the printing unit 40d to execute printing of the content indicated by the print data 30c1. 【0037】 (1-5) Configuration of worker terminals: Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the worker terminal 50. The worker terminal 50 comprises a processor 50a, a communication unit 50b, a storage medium 50c, a display 50d, an input unit 50e, and a speaker 50f. The processor 50a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the storage medium 50c to control various parts of the worker terminal 50. 【0038】 The communication unit 50b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The worker terminal 50 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 50b. The communication unit 50b also includes an interface for communicating with various removable memory devices installed in the worker terminal 50. 【0039】 The storage medium 50c of the worker terminal 50 can store various types of information. The display 50d is a display device that can display any image. The input unit 50e is a device that the worker uses to perform input operations, and consists of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. The speaker 50f is a device that outputs sound. 【0040】 The operator can input their intentions by operating the input unit 50e while viewing images and characters displayed on the display 50d. In this embodiment, the operator can input the printing conditions for a print job using the display 50d and input unit 50e of the operator terminal 50 as a user interface. 【0041】 Furthermore, the operator can recognize various notifications based on the various information displayed on the display 50d and the sounds output from the speaker 50f. In this embodiment, when an operator is designated as the person in charge of a print job, or when the printing device in charge of the operator is designated as the device that should execute a print job, information for outputting a notification is transmitted from the print job management device 10. Based on this information, the processor 50a controls the display 50d and speaker 50f to output a notification indicating a print job to the operator. The operator can recognize the print job for which they have been designated as the person in charge through this notification. As a result, the operator can clearly understand the print jobs they are responsible for and easily manage the progress of the print jobs. 【0042】 (2) Notification of information regarding the print job: In the system described above, the print job management device 10, administrator terminal 20, information processing device 30, printing device 40, and worker terminal 50 work together to manage print jobs and execute printing related to those jobs. During this process, the worker designated as the person in charge of a print job is notified of information related to that print job. The notification of information regarding print jobs will be explained below. 【0043】 The processor 10a of the print job management device 10 functions as a registration unit 10a1, a receiving unit 10a2, a notification unit 10a3, and a reception unit 10a4 by executing a program (not shown). The registration unit 10a1 has the function of registering printing devices to the storage medium 10c and registering operators in association with printing devices to the storage medium 10c. The receiving unit 10a2 has the function of receiving print jobs for execution. The notification unit 10a3 has the function of notifying the terminal of the first-first operator of information about the print job when at least one of the first printing device and the first-first operator is specified in the received print job. The reception unit 10a4 has the function of accepting the specification of either or both of the printing device and / or operator. 【0044】 In this embodiment, these functions provide notification of information regarding print jobs. Figure 9 is a flowchart of each device when providing notification of information regarding print jobs. In the system according to this embodiment, before system operation starts, or when a new printing device is added, the administrator operates the input unit 20e to register the printing device. When the registration process starts, the processor 20a of the administrator terminal 20 accepts the registration of the printing device by the administrator (step S200). That is, the processor 20a accepts the identification information of the printing device to be managed. The processor 20a also accepts the identification information of the operator associated with the printing device. Upon receiving each piece of information, the processor 20a transmits the received information to the print job management device 10 via the communication unit 20b. 【0045】 The processor 10a receives the information via the communication unit 10b using the function of the registration unit 10a1 and performs registration processing (step S100). Specifically, the processor 10a accepts the designation of a printing device by the administrator based on the identification information of the printing device transmitted from the administrator terminal 20, and registers the printing device to be managed in the storage medium 10c by adding the accepted identification information of the printing device to the printing device data 10c2. 【0046】 Furthermore, the processor 10a receives a designation of an operator to be associated with a printing device based on the operator identification information transmitted from the administrator terminal 20, and registers the operator in association with the printing device in the storage medium 10c by adding the received operator identification information to the printing device data 10c2 in association with the printing device. With this configuration, any operator can be associated with any printing device. For this reason, as shown in Figure 4, the processor 10a can register the first printing device and the second printing device as managed devices in the storage medium 10c. Also, as shown in Figure 4, it is possible to register the 1st-1 operator and the 1st-2 operator in association with the first printing device. Furthermore, it is possible to register the 2nd-1 operator in association with the second printing device. 【0047】 Furthermore, the administrator can upload the print file 20c1 to the print job management device 10 at any time. When the administrator operates the input unit 20e to specify the print file 20c1 and issues an upload command, the processor 20a of the administrator terminal 20 transmits the print file 20c1 to the print job management device 10 via the communication unit 20b (step S205). In other words, the processor 20a receives the print file 20c1, which indicates the content to be printed in the print job, and provides it to the print job management device 10. At the same time, the processor 20a identifies the printing conditions specified by the administrator through operations on the input unit 20e and transmits information indicating the printing conditions via the communication unit 20b. 【0048】 When this information is transmitted, the processor 10a receives the print file 20c1 and print conditions via the communication unit 10b using the functions of the receiving unit 10a2, and generates a print job (step S105). Specifically, the processor 10a stores the acquired print file 20c1 and information indicating the print conditions in the storage medium 10c via the communication unit 10b. Furthermore, the processor 10a assigns identification information to the print job, associates the identification information indicating the print file 20c1 with the information indicating the print conditions, and stores it in the storage medium 10c as print job data 10c1. 【0049】 Furthermore, the administrator can specify print jobs at any time. When specifying print jobs, the processor 20a sends a request to acquire information about the print job via the communication unit 20b. Upon receiving this request, the processor 10a acquires the print job data 10c1 and the printer device data 10c2 and sends them to the administrator terminal 20 via the communication unit 10b. 【0050】 The processor 20a receives the print job data 10c1 and the printing device data 10c2 via the communication unit 20b, and displays the identification information for each print job and the identification information for the print file on the display 20d. Furthermore, if a print job is associated with the identification information of a printing device in the printing device data 10c2, the processor displays the identification information on the display 20d as the printing device that will print the print job. 【0051】 The administrator can select any print job by operating the input unit 20e while viewing the display. Once a print job is selected, the processor 20a displays a screen on the display 20d prompting the administrator to input the destination for the selected print job. In this embodiment, the administrator can input the printing device on which the print job should be printed and the person responsible for the print job on this screen. Once the input is made, the processor 20a accepts the entered destination (step S210). 【0052】 When a destination is specified, the processor 20a transmits the print job identification information, the identification information of the printing device that is the destination, and the identification information of the operator that is the destination to the print job management device 10 via the communication unit 20b. If no destination is specified, the identification information indicating the destination is not transmitted. Therefore, for example, the destination may be only a printing device, only an operator, or both a printing device and an operator may be specified as the destination. 【0053】 The processor 10a, through the functions of the receiving unit 10a4, receives the identification information of the print job, the identification information of the designated printing device, and the identification information of the operator via the communication unit 10b, and accepts the designation (step S110). Next, the processor 10a, through the functions of the registration unit 10a1, determines based on the received information whether the designated destination of the print job is the printing device only, the operator only, or both the printing device and the operator (step S115). 【0054】 The state where the designated recipient is only an operator refers to a state in which an operator has been designated as the person in charge of the print job, and it has been determined that no printing device has been designated to print the print job. If it is determined in step S115 that the designated recipient is only an operator, the processor 10a, using the function of the registration unit 10a1, refers to the print job data 10c1 and registers the designated operator by adding the identification information of the operator designated as the person in charge to the print job data 10c1 of the print job specified in step S110 (step S120). 【0055】 In this case, the processor 10a, using the function of the notification unit 10a3, notifies the worker designated as the person in charge of the print job via the communication unit 10b (step S125). In this embodiment, the worker terminal 50 used by each worker is predetermined. Therefore, the processor 10a considers the worker terminal 50 used by the worker designated as the person in charge of the print job as the destination. Then, the processor 10a transmits information about the print job to the destination via the communication unit 10b. 【0056】 When information regarding a print job is transmitted, the processor 50a of the worker terminal 50 acquires the information via the communication unit 50b and controls the display 50d to display the information (step S505). Through this process, the worker designated as the person in charge of the print job can be made to recognize that they are the person in charge of that print job. As a result, there will be no situations where the worker monitoring the print job is absent or unknown, and it becomes easier to manage the progress of the print job. 【0057】 On the other hand, the state in which the designated destination is only the printing action refers to a state in which no operator is designated as the person in charge of the print job, and it is determined that a printing device to which the print job should be printed is designated. In step S115, if it is determined that the designated destination is only the printing device, the processor 10a, using the function of the registration unit 10a1, refers to the printing device data 10c2 and adds the identification information of the received print job to the printing device data 10c2 of the designated printing device, thereby registering the print job to the designated printing device (step S130). 【0058】 In this case, the processor 10a, using the function of the notification unit 10a3, notifies the operator associated with the printing device to which the print job is specified via the communication unit 10b (step S135). Specifically, the processor 10a refers to the printing device data 10c2 and identifies the operator associated with the printing device to which the print job is specified. Then, the processor 10a transmits information about the print job to the operator terminal 50 used by the identified operator via the communication unit 10b. If there are multiple operators associated with the printing device, each operator's operator terminal 50 becomes the recipient. 【0059】 When information regarding a print job is transmitted, the processor 50a of the worker terminal 50 acquires the information via the communication unit 50b and controls the display 50d to display the information (step S505). Through the above process, workers who are to work on a printing device designated as the device that prints a print job can be made aware that a print job to be printed has been generated on the printing device they manage. As a result, it is possible to prevent a print job that no worker is aware of from being printed on the printing device that prints the print job, and the progress of the print job is managed by any of the workers associated with the printing device. 【0060】 Furthermore, the state in which the designated destination is both a printing device and an operator refers to a state in which an operator has been designated as the person in charge of the print job, and it has been determined that a printing device to which the print job should be printed has been designated. If it is determined in step S115 that the designated destination is both a printing device and an operator, the processor 10a registers the designated destination using the function of the registration unit 10a1 (step S140). That is, the processor 10a refers to the print job data 10c1 and adds the identification information of the operator designated as the person in charge to the information of the print job specified in step S110. Furthermore, the processor 10a refers to the printing device data 10c2 and adds the identification information of the received print job to the printing device data 10c2 of the designated printing device. 【0061】 In this case, the processor 10a, through the function of the notification unit 10a3, notifies the worker designated as the person in charge of the print job via the communication unit 10b (step S145). That is, the processor 10a sends information about the print job to the worker terminal 50 used by the worker designated as the person in charge of the print job via the communication unit 10b. 【0062】 When information regarding a print job is transmitted, the processor 50a of the worker terminal 50 acquires the information via the communication unit 50b and controls the display 50d to display the information (step S505). Through this process, the worker designated as the person in charge of the print job can be made to recognize that they are the person in charge of that print job. As a result, there will be no situations where the worker monitoring the print job is absent or unknown, and it becomes easier to manage the progress of the print job. 【0063】 In step S145, if step S145 is executed, there is a possibility that multiple operators are associated with the printing device designated as the device for printing the print job. However, in this embodiment, notification is sent only to the operator who was accepted as the person in charge in step S110. In other words, in this embodiment, if a specific operator is designated as the person in charge of a print job, it is considered that the operator only needs to monitor the print job, and there is no need to notify other operators. 【0064】 In this embodiment, the operator can reassign the operator using the operator terminal 50. Specifically, the operator can reassign a print job that they were previously assigned to to another operator, or to another print job that should be printed on another printing device. In other words, the operator can reassign the print job at any time (step S500). When the operator operates the input unit 50e to initiate reassignment, the processor 50a transmits a request to acquire information about the print job along with the operator's identification information via the communication unit 50b. 【0065】 When such an acquisition request is made, the processor 10a performs processing to accept the re-designation using the function of the reception unit 10a4 (step S110). Specifically, the processor 10a refers to the print job data 10c1 and extracts the print job data 10c1 of the print job associated with the identification information of the worker who made the acquisition request as the target for transmission. The processor 10a also acquires the printing device data 10c2 and extracts the printing device data 10c2 of the printing device associated with the identification information of the worker who made the acquisition request as the target for transmission. Then, the processor 10a transmits the print job data 10c1 and printing device data 10c2 to the worker terminal 50 via the communication unit 10b. 【0066】 The processor 50a receives the print job data 10c1 and the printing device data 10c2 via the communication unit 50b, and displays the identification information for each print job and the identification information for the print file on the display 50d. Furthermore, if a print job is associated with the identification information of a printing device in the printing device data 10c2, the processor displays the identification information on the display 50d as the printing device that will print the print job. 【0067】 The operator can specify any print job by operating the input unit 50e while viewing the display. Once a print job is specified, the processor 50a displays a screen on the display 50d that allows the operator to select the destination for the specified print job. In this embodiment, the operator can select the printing device and the operator as the destination on the screen. 【0068】 If a printing device different from the previously designated printing device is specified as the destination, the processor 50a transmits the print job identification information and the identification information of the designated printing device to the print job management device 10 via the communication unit 50b. The processor 10a receives the print job identification information and the identification information of the designated printing device via the communication unit 10b using the function of the reception unit 10a4, and modifies the identification information associated with the print job in the printing device data 10c2 so that the device that will print the print job is the designated printing device. The processor 10a also deletes the identification information of the original operator that was associated with the print job in the print job data 10c1. 【0069】 When another worker is designated as the person in charge, the processor 50a transmits the print job identification information and the identification information of the designated worker to the print job management device 10 via the communication unit 50b. The processor 10a receives the print job identification information and the identification information of the designated worker via the communication unit 10b using the function of the reception unit 10a4, and updates the print job data 10c1 so that the person in charge of the print job becomes the worker indicated in the identification information. The processor 10a also deletes the print job identification information that was associated with the original printing device in the printing device data 10c2. 【0070】 After this, the processor 10a executes the processes from step S110 onward, and the processor 10a executes steps S125, S135, and S145 based on the function of the notification unit 10a3. Through the above processes, the operator can change the person in charge of a print job for which they were previously assigned to another operator, and can also change the printing device so that printing is performed on a printing device that they are not in charge of. Therefore, the operator can delegate print jobs that they cannot manage, considering the number of print jobs they are in charge of, the number they can manage, their available working time, etc., to other operators. 【0071】 (2-1) Example of notification behavior: Next, the operation resulting from the above processing will be explained with an example. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the printing devices managed by the print job management device 10 and the persons involved in the management. In the example shown in Figure 10, there are a first printing device and a second printing device that are managed by the print job management device 10. In the example shown in Figure 10, it is assumed that the first printing device is associated with the 1st-1st worker and the 1st-2nd worker, and the second printing device is associated with the 2nd worker. In the example shown in Figure 10, the 1st-1st worker and the 2nd-1st worker are shown as persons involved in the designation. 【0072】 If the administrator has designated the first printing device as the device to print print job A, but has not designated an operator to be responsible for it (arrow Ex1), the processor 10a of the print job management device 10, through the processing in steps S115, S130, and S135, refers to the printing device data 10c2 and identifies the operators associated with the first printing device as operator 1-1 and operator 1-2. Then, in step S135, the processor 10a notifies the operator terminals 50 of operator 1-1 and operator 1-2 of information regarding the print job. 【0073】 Information regarding a print job includes information communicated to the operator to proceed with printing the job, and information indicating the destination of the print job. Figure 11 shows an example of notification regarding a print job. In the example shown in Figure 11, the display 50d of the operator terminal 50 shows the job name, due date, type of printing medium, person in charge, printing device, and instructions for the work to be performed by the operator. 【0074】 In this example, the information about the print job transmitted from the print job management device 10 to the worker terminal 50 includes the print job identification information, the deadline set for the print job, the type of printing medium, the worker responsible for managing the print job, the designated printing device, and information indicating the work instructions. The processor 50a receives the information about the print job and displays this information on the display 50d. In this example, the print job identification information, the deadline set for the print job, the type of printing medium, and the information indicating the work instructions are the information transmitted to the worker in order to proceed with printing the print job. The worker responsible for managing the print job and the designated printing device are the information indicating the destination of the print job. 【0075】 As described above, in this embodiment, if the first printing device is designated for print job A and no worker, including worker 1-1 and worker 1-2, is designated, the notification unit 10a3 notifies the terminals of worker 1-1 and worker 1-2 of information regarding print job A. As a result, worker 1-1 and worker 1-2 can recognize that they are responsible for the print job and the printing device to print the print job based on the information indicating the destination of the print job included in the notification, and can proceed with their work easily. In addition, workers can easily proceed with tasks necessary to print the print job, such as confirming the type of printing medium, based on the information transmitted to them in order to proceed with printing the print job. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 11, since two workers, worker 1-1 and worker 1-2, are designated for the first printing device, each worker can consult with each other about who should do the work and devise ways to print efficiently. 【0076】 Figure 10 also shows an example where the administrator has designated worker 1-1 as the person in charge of print job A, but has not specified the printing device to be used (arrow Ex2). In this case, the processor 10a of the print job management device 10 identifies worker 1-1 as the person in charge of the print job through the processing in steps S115, S120, and S125. Then, in step S125, the processor 10a notifies worker terminal 50 of worker 1-1 of information regarding the print job. 【0077】 Figure 12 shows an example of notification regarding a print job. In the example shown in Figure 12, the job name, due date, type of print medium, person in charge, printing device, and instructions for the work to be performed by the worker are displayed on the display 50d of the worker terminal 50. However, unlike Figure 11, the printing device is left blank because it is not yet determined. Also, since only worker 1-1 is designated as the person in charge, only worker 1-1 is shown as the person in charge. 【0078】 In this example, the information about the print job transmitted from the print job management device 10 to the worker terminal 50 includes the print job identification information, the deadline set for the print job, the type of printing medium, the worker designated as the person in charge of the print job, and information indicating the work instructions. The processor 50a receives the information about the print job and displays this information on the display 50d. 【0079】 The 1-1 worker can recognize that they are responsible for the print job based on the information included in the notification, and can proceed with the work easily. Furthermore, the 1-1 worker can easily proceed with tasks necessary for printing the print job, such as confirming the type of printing medium, based on the information communicated to them to proceed with printing the print job. 【0080】 As described above, different information is notified depending on whether a first printing device is specified in the print job and a first-1 operator is not specified (when step S135 is executed), or whether a first printing device is not specified in the print job and a first-1 operator is specified (when step S125 is executed). This configuration allows for notifications tailored to each case. 【0081】 Although not illustrated in Figure 10, if the administrator designates the first printing device as the device to print print job A and the first-1 worker as the person in charge, a notification is sent to the first-1 worker in step S145. This process is the same as in step S125. However, the notification indicates that the printing device to be used to perform the printing is the first printing device. Through the above process, the notification unit 10a3 will notify the first-1 worker's terminal of information regarding the print job when at least one of the first printing device and the first-1 worker is designated in the print job. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the first-1 worker can recognize the print jobs that they are responsible for managing, and it becomes easier to manage the progress of the print jobs. 【0082】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processor 10a performs the same processing as in step S125 in step S145 using the function of the notification unit 10a3. Specifically, in this embodiment, even if multiple workers are associated with a printing device, the processor 10a notifies the 1-1 worker explicitly designated as the person in charge of print job A, but does not notify the 1-2 worker. That is, in this embodiment, using the function of the notification unit 10a3, when a first printing device is specified for a print job, the 1-1 worker is specified, and the 1-2 worker is not specified, the processor 10a notifies the terminal of the 1-1 worker about information regarding the print job, but does not notify the terminal of the 1-2 worker about information regarding the print job. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the explicitly designated worker that they have been designated as the person in charge of the print job, and to prevent notification to workers who are not explicitly designated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent confusion caused by notifying multiple workers when there is an explicitly designated worker. 【0083】 Furthermore, step S145 is executed when the 1st-1 worker is designated as the person in charge of the print job and the 1st printing device is designated as the device to print on. As a result, the processor 10a notifies the 1st-1 worker of information about the print job once. That is, even if both the situation in which the person in charge of the print job is explicitly designated as the 1st-1 worker and the situation in which the 1st-1 worker is in charge of the print job because the 1st-1 worker is associated with the 1st printing device occur simultaneously, no duplicate notifications are made, and the notification is executed only once. With this configuration, duplicate notifications are prevented, and the worker is notified of any inconvenience. 【0084】 Figure 10 also shows examples where the 1st-1 worker, designated as the person in charge of print job A, designates a 2nd printing device that is not associated with him as the device to print print job A (arrow Ex3), and where the 2nd-1 worker is designated as the person in charge of print job A (arrow Ex4). 【0085】 As shown in the example in Ex3, if the 1st-1 worker designates the 2nd printing device as the device to print print job A, the original designation is deleted in step S110. Therefore, in the example in Ex3, the 1st-1 worker has designated the 2nd printing device as the device to execute print job A, but has not designated a worker as the person in charge. In this state, the processor 10a of the print job management device 10, through processing in steps S115, S130, and S135, refers to the printing device data 10c2 and identifies the worker associated with the 2nd printing device as the 2nd-1 worker. Then, in step S135, the processor 10a notifies the 2nd-1 worker's worker terminal 50 of information regarding the print job. 【0086】 Based on the information included in the notification indicating the destination of the print job, the worker in Section 2-1 can recognize that they are responsible for the print job and the printing device on which the print job should be printed, thereby facilitating the work. Furthermore, based on the information communicated to the worker in Section 2-1 to facilitate the printing of the print job, the worker in Section 2-1 can easily proceed with tasks necessary for printing the print job, such as confirming the type of printing medium. 【0087】 As described above, in this embodiment, if a second printing device is specified in a print job, and no worker, including worker 2-1, is specified in the print job, information regarding the print job is notified to worker 2-1's terminal. However, information regarding the print job is not notified to the terminals of worker 1-1 and worker 1-2. Therefore, no new notification is sent to the original worker. Of course, if a notification has already been sent to another worker before worker 1-1 made the specification, a notification that the specification has been canceled may be sent. 【0088】 As shown in the example in Ex4, when the 1st-1 worker designates the 2nd-1 worker as the person in charge of print job A, the processor 10a of the print job management device 10 identifies the 2nd-1 worker as the person in charge of the print job through the processing in steps S115, S120, and S125. Then, in step S125, the processor 10a notifies the 2nd-1 worker's terminal 50 of information regarding the print job. 【0089】 The worker in Section 2-1 can recognize that they are responsible for print job A based on the information indicating the destination of the print job included in the notification, and can proceed with the work easily. In addition, the worker in Section 2-1 can easily proceed with tasks necessary for printing the print job, such as confirming the type of printing medium, based on the information communicated to the worker in Section 2-1 for the purpose of printing the print job. 【0090】 (3) Printing process: The operator can cause the printing device to print a print job in various ways. Figure 13 is a flowchart of the printing process. Here, we will explain an example in which the operator causes the information processing device 30 to execute the printing process according to the notifications shown in Figures 11 and 12. The operator operates the input unit 30e of the information processing device 30 to which the printing device 40 associated with the operator is connected, and requests to obtain a list of print jobs (step S300). When the request is made, the processor 30a sends the request to obtain a list of print jobs to the print job management device 10 via the communication unit 30b. 【0091】 The processor 10a receives the acquisition request via the communication unit 10b (step S155). Upon receiving the acquisition request, the processor 10a refers to the print job data 10c1, acquires the print job identification information, print conditions, and the identification information of the designated person in charge, and transmits these to the information processing device 30 that made the acquisition request (step S160). 【0092】 The processor 30a obtains a list of print jobs via the communication unit 30b, namely the print job identification information, print conditions, and the identification information of the designated person in charge (step S305), and displays it on the display 30d (step S310). Based on the display on the display 30d, the operator selects a print job that has not yet started printing from among the print jobs they are in charge of, and operates the input unit 30e to specify the print job and issue a print command. 【0093】 The processor 30a determines whether or not the print instruction has been made (step S315). If it determines that the print instruction has been received, the processor 30a generates print data and starts printing (step S320). Specifically, the processor 30a transmits the identification information of the instructed print job to the print job management device 10. The processor 10a of the print job management device 10 refers to the print job data 10c1, obtains the print file 20c1 and print conditions of the print job to which the identification information is associated, and transmits them to the information processing device 30 (step S165). The processor 30a receives the print file 20c1 via the communication unit 30b, performs predetermined processing such as color conversion on the print file 20c1 based on the print conditions, and generates print data 30c1. Then, the processor 30a transmits the print data 30c1 to the printing device 40. As a result, the printing device 40 performs printing based on the print data 30c1 (step S400). 【0094】 Furthermore, if the printing device 400 is currently printing or if there is a queue of jobs waiting to be printed, the print data may be added to the end of the queue, or the operator may be able to change the print order. Through the above process, the operator can easily complete the printing of the print jobs that they are responsible for based on the notification. 【0095】 (4) Other embodiments: The embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention, and various other embodiments can be adopted. For example, in the embodiments described above, the print job management device 10 and the administrator terminal 20 are configured as different devices, but they may be the same device or distributed across three or more devices. Also, the information processing device 30 and the printing device 40 may be integrated. Furthermore, the execution order of the processes in Figures 9 and 13 is not limited to the order shown in these figures. For example, in Figure 9, steps S105, S110 and S205, S210 and S500, S505 are shown as consecutive blocks, but the order may be different, the timing of the execution of the processes may be arbitrary, and they do not have to be executed consecutively. 【0096】 Furthermore, a single terminal may be used by multiple people. For example, on the administrator terminal 20, the registration of the printing device, the sending of print files, and the specification of print files may be performed by the same administrator, or by different administrators. Specifically, the upload of print files 20c1 may be performed by the sales representative administrator, while the specification is performed by the printing factory administrator. 【0097】 Furthermore, the data configurations shown in Figures 3 and 4 are not limited to these configurations. For example, the print job data 10c1 may be associated with a printing device that should perform the printing, or the printing device data 10c2 may register an operator designated as the person in charge of the print job. 【0098】 The registration unit only needs to be able to register the first printing device in the storage medium and register the first-1 worker in association with the first printing device in the storage medium. In other words, a worker can be associated with a printing device, and information indicating the associated worker is stored in the storage medium. Of course, it is sufficient that one or more arbitrary workers are associated with any printing device. Workers associated with a printing device are notified in advance that they are the workers responsible for the operation of that printing device, and the notified workers perform the work related to that printing device. 【0099】 The receiving unit only needs to be able to receive a print job to execute printing. That is, it only needs to be able to receive data indicating the content to be printed in the print job, such as a print file. Of course, various information necessary for executing the print job, such as print conditions, may also be included in the print job. 【0100】 The notification unit only needs to be able to notify the terminal of the 1-1 worker of information about the print job when the received print job specifies at least one of the 1st printing device and the 1-1 worker. That is, when a print job is executed, at least one of the printing device that prints the print job and the worker who performs the work related to the print job is specified. When the 1st printing device is specified in the print job, the 1-1 worker is associated with the 1st printing device, and therefore the 1-1 worker is the worker who performs the work related to that print job. Accordingly, when the 1st printing device is specified in the print job, a notification is sent to the terminal of the 1-1 worker. 【0101】 Furthermore, if a 1-1 worker is designated for a print job, the 1-1 worker is the worker who performs the tasks related to that print job. Therefore, a notification is sent to the 1-1 worker's terminal. The notification unit should, in this way, notify that the 1-1 worker is the person who performs the tasks related to the print job, thereby reducing the possibility of situations where the progress of the print job is not managed. 【0102】 The information regarding the print job that is notified to the 1-1 worker is not limited. In other words, any information that allows the 1-1 worker to recognize that they should be performing work related to the print job is acceptable. 【0103】 Furthermore, the mode of notification by the notification unit 10a3 is not limited to the modes described above. For example, if a first printing device is specified for a print job, and a 1-1 worker is specified, but a 1-2 worker is not specified, information regarding the print job may be notified to the terminals of both the 1-1 worker and the 1-2 worker. In other words, even if the worker is not the 1-1 worker who is explicitly designated as responsible, if the 1-2 worker is associated with the first printing device that prints the print job, the 1-2 worker may also be notified. With this configuration, all workers who could potentially handle the print job are notified, thus reducing the possibility of print job delays being overlooked. 【0104】 Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable as a program or method executed by a computer. Moreover, such systems, programs, and methods may be implemented as a single device or by utilizing components from multiple devices, encompassing various embodiments. They can also be modified as appropriate, such as being partly software and partly hardware. Furthermore, the invention also functions as a recording medium for a program that controls the system. Of course, the recording medium for the program may be a magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or any recording medium developed in the future can be considered in exactly the same way. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0105】 10...Print job management device, 10a...Processor, 10a1...Registration unit, 10a2...Receiver unit, 10a3...Notification unit, 10a4...Reception unit, 10b...Communication unit, 10c...Storage medium, 10c1...Print job data, 10c2...Printing device data, 20...Administrator terminal, 20a...Processor, 20b...Communication unit, 20c...Storage medium, 20c1...Print file, 20d...Display, 20e...Input unit, 30...Information processing device, 3 0a...Processor, 30b...Communication unit, 30c...Storage medium, 30c1...Print data, 30d...Display, 30e...Input unit, 40...Printing device, 40a...Processor, 40b...Communication unit, 40c...Storage medium, 40d...Printing unit, 40e...UI unit, 50...Worker terminal, 50a...Processor, 50b...Communication unit, 50c...Storage medium, 50d...Display, 50e...Input unit, 50f...Speaker, 400...Printing device

Claims

[Claim 1] A registration unit that registers the first printing device in a storage medium and registers the first-1 operator in association with the first printing device in the storage medium, A receiving unit that receives print jobs for executing printing, When the received print job specifies at least one of the first printing device and the first-1 operator, a notification unit notifies the terminal of the first-1 operator of information regarding the print job, A print job management device equipped with the following features. [Claim 2] The registration unit registers the first and second operators in association with the first printing device and stores them in the storage medium. The notification unit, when the first printing device is specified in the received print job and no worker, including the first-1 worker and the first-2 worker, is specified, notifies the terminal of the first-1 worker and the terminal of the first-2 worker of information regarding the print job. The print job management device according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The notification unit, when the first printing device is specified in the received print job, the 1-1 operator is specified, and the 1-2 operator is not specified, notifies the terminal of the 1-1 operator of information regarding the print job, but does not notify the terminal of the 1-2 operator of information regarding the print job. The print job management device according to claim 2. [Claim 4] The notification unit, when the first printing device is specified in the received print job and the first-1 operator is specified, notifies the first-1 operator of information regarding the print job once. The print job management device according to claim 1. [Claim 5] The notification unit notifies different information depending on whether the first printing device is specified in the received print job and the first-1 operator is not specified, or whether the first printing device is not specified in the received print job and the first-1 operator is specified. The print job management device according to claim 1. [Claim 6] The notification unit, when the received print job specifies the first printing device, specifies the 1-1 operator, and does not specify the 1-2 operator, notifies the terminal of the 1-1 operator and the terminal of the 1-2 operator of information regarding the print job. The print job management device according to claim 2. [Claim 7] The registration unit registers the second printing device in the storage medium and registers the second-first operator in association with the second printing device in the storage medium. The notification unit, in the case where the received print job specifies the second printing device and no worker, including the second-first worker, is specified, notifies the terminal of the second-first worker of information regarding the print job, but does not notify the terminals of the first-first worker and the first-second worker of information regarding the print job. The print job management device according to claim 1. [Claim 8] The system further includes a reception area that accepts designations for either or both a printing device and / or an operator. The registration unit registers the designated printing device and operator in the storage medium in association with the received print job. The print job management device according to claim 1. [Claim 9] The aforementioned reception desk is capable of accepting changes to designated workers. The notification unit, if the designated worker is changed, notifies the new worker of information regarding the print job. The print job management device according to claim 8. [Claim 10] Computers, A registration unit that registers the first printing device in a storage medium and registers the first-1 operator in association with the first printing device in the storage medium. A receiving unit that receives print jobs to execute printing. If the received print job specifies at least one of the first printing device and the first-1 operator, a notification unit notifies the terminal of the first-1 operator of information regarding the print job. A print job management program that functions as such.

Images