Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and an information processing program with which it is possible to expedite the time at which the execution of other jobs is completed, as compared with the case where the execution of other jobs is initiated after the processing of the job under execution is completed.SOLUTION: An information processing device 30 includes a CPU 31. When it is already determined that other jobs will be executed next to an execution job currently under execution before the completion of the execution job, the CPU 31 changes, while the execution job is being executed, a change setting that is needed for the execution of the other jobs and does not affect the execution job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system. When a print job is received from a client device, this printing system has a function of returning a job acceptance ID, an estimated print completion time, and a password required for printing to the client device. This printing system also has a display that displays the job acceptance ID of the print job currently being rendered to nearby users, a caller that issues a call, or a notification function. This printing system also has a function of executing printing only if the password corresponding to the job acceptance ID is entered from the operation unit while the display is displaying the job acceptance ID during rendering processing. This printing system also has a function of always displaying the job acceptance ID for a set period of time, regardless of the time required for rendering the job, and if the corresponding password is not entered during that period, displaying the next job acceptance ID. This printing system also has a function of displaying the job acceptance ID on the job acceptance ID display again after a set period of time, allowing password entry for a print job that was temporarily saved because the corresponding password was not entered while the job acceptance ID was displayed, and allowing password entry for that print job.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a multifunction device equipped with multiple functions including a copy function. This multifunction device has an information reading unit that transmits an electromagnetic wave signal to a memory card carried by a user who enters a detection area and reads the user's identification information. The multifunction device also has a memory unit that stores a job completion notification destination preset by the authenticated user based on the identification information read from the memory card, and a job control unit that issues a job completion notification to the job completion notification destination stored in the memory unit after the job is completed.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses an image forming apparatus. This image forming apparatus includes an image reading unit that reads an image of an original document to obtain image data, a data communication unit connected to a computer to receive image data from the computer, and a facsimile unit connected to a telephone line to receive the image data. The image forming apparatus also includes an image storage unit shared for storing image data obtained from the facsimile unit, image data obtained from the data communication unit, and image data obtained from the image reading unit, and an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data stored in the image storage unit. This image forming apparatus is characterized in that the image forming unit is used based on a predetermined priority order for various functions realized by the combination of the image reading unit, data communication unit, facsimile unit, and image storage unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-218732 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-244622 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-134391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When an information processing device is shared by multiple users, an instruction to execute another job may be received while a job is being executed. In this case, the information processing device starts executing the other job after the execution of the currently executing job is completed. Therefore, there is a problem in that the user who instructed the execution of the other job must wait until the execution of the currently executing job is completed.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an information processing device and an information processing program that can shorten the time it takes to complete the execution of the other job compared to when the execution of the other job is started after the processing of the currently running job is completed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to a first aspect includes a processor, and when it is determined that another job will be executed next after a currently executing job by the time the currently executing job is completed, the processor changes, during the execution of the currently executing job, change settings that are necessary for the execution of the other job and that do not affect the currently executing job.

[0009] In addition, an information processing device according to a second aspect is the information processing device according to the first aspect, wherein the processor notifies a user who has instructed execution of the other job of a time to start execution of the other job.

[0010] In addition, in an information processing device according to a third aspect, in the information processing device according to the first or second aspect, the processor accepts a selection from the user who instructed the execution of the executed job as to whether or not to continue to execute the job anew, and if a selection to not execute the job anew is accepted, the processor changes the change setting while the executed job is being executed.

[0011] In addition, in an information processing device according to a fourth aspect, in an information processing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the processor accepts a selection from the user who instructed the execution of the executed job as to whether or not to continue to execute the job anew, and if a selection to execute the job anew is accepted, even if the change of the change settings has already begun, the processor again changes the settings to settings necessary for executing the newly executed job and that do not affect the executed job.

[0012] In addition, in an information processing device according to a fifth aspect, in the information processing device according to the fourth aspect, the processor notifies the user who instructed the execution of the other job of the time at which execution of the other job will start, which is estimated by the second change.

[0013] In addition, an information processing device according to a sixth aspect is an information processing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the processor accepts a selection from the user who instructed the execution of the executed job as to whether or not to continue to execute the job anew, and when a selection to execute the job anew is accepted, the processor determines, depending on the processing content of the job to be newly executed, whether or not to change the settings again to settings necessary for executing the job to be newly executed and which do not affect the job to be newly executed.

[0014] In addition, an information processing device according to a seventh aspect is an information processing device according to the sixth aspect, in which the processor notifies the user who instructed the execution of the other job of the time at which execution of the other job will start, as estimated by the decision.

[0015] An information processing program according to an eighth aspect causes a computer to execute a process in which, if it is determined that another job will be executed next after a currently executing job by the time the currently executing job is completed, a change setting is changed during the execution of the currently executing job, the change setting being a setting required for the execution of the other job but not affecting the currently executing job. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the first and eighth aspects, the time required for the execution of another job to be completed can be shortened compared to when the execution of another job is started after the processing of the currently running job is completed.

[0017] According to the second aspect, a user who has instructed the execution of another job can know the time when the execution of the other job will start without going to the information processing device.

[0018] According to the third aspect, if the user who has instructed the execution of an execution job does not subsequently execute a new job, the time until the execution of the other job is completed can be accelerated.

[0019] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to give priority to the instruction from the user who has instructed the execution of the execution job.

[0020] According to the fifth aspect, when the instructions of the user who instructed the execution of the executed job are given priority, the user who instructed the execution of another job can know the time when the execution of the other job will begin without having to go to the information processing device.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to determine whether or not to give priority to a newly executed job depending on the processing content of the newly executed job.

[0022] According to the seventh aspect, a user who has instructed the execution of another job can know the time when the execution of the other job, which is determined according to the processing content of the newly executed job, will begin without having to go to the information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a continuation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in an information processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a subsequent continuation process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in an information processing system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] [First embodiment] An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components and parts in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals. The dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0025] 1, an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment includes a user device 10, a user terminal 20, and an information processing device 30. Note that the number of user devices 10 and user terminals 20 is not limited to the example in FIG.

[0026] The user device 10, the user terminal 20, and the information processing device 30 are capable of communicating with each other via a communication means N. In this embodiment, an in-company communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) is used as the communication means N. However, a public communication line such as the Internet or a telephone line may also be used as the communication means N, or a combination of an in-company communication line and a public communication line may also be used. In this embodiment, a wireless communication line is used as the communication means N. However, a wired communication line may also be used as the communication means N, or a combination of wired and wireless communication lines may also be used.

[0027] The user device 10 is an information processing device owned by a user who uses the information processing device 30. In this embodiment, a personal computer is applied as the user device 10. Note that a tablet terminal or the like may also be applied as the user device 10.

[0028] The user terminal 20 is an information processing terminal owned by a user who uses the information processing device 30. In this embodiment, a smartphone is applied as the user terminal 20. Note that a tablet terminal or the like may also be applied as the user terminal 20.

[0029] The information processing device 30 is an image forming device that performs a print function, a copy function, and a scan function. The functions performed by the information processing device 30 are not limited to the above-mentioned functions. For example, the functions performed by the information processing device 30 may include a facsimile function, etc.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0031] 2, the information processing device 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a storage 34, an input unit 35, a display unit 36, a communication I / F (Interface) 37, a short-range communication unit 38, and a human presence sensor 39. The components are connected to each other via a bus 40 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0032] The CPU 31 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 31 reads a program from the ROM 32 or the storage 34 and executes the program using the RAM 33 as a work area. The CPU 31 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the program recorded in the ROM 32 or the storage 34. In this embodiment, an information processing program is stored in the ROM 32 or the storage 34.

[0033] The ROM 32 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 33 serves as a working area and temporarily stores programs or data. The storage 34 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including the operating system and various data.

[0034] The input unit 35 includes a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used to input various types of information. The display unit 36 ​​is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various types of information. The display unit 36 ​​may also function as the input unit 35 by employing a touch panel system.

[0035] The communication I / F 37 is an interface for communicating with other devices such as the user device 10, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark) and FDDI.

[0036] The short-range communication unit 38 is used to communicate with the user terminal 20 within a predetermined distance (10 cm in this embodiment). In this embodiment, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication method is used as the communication method between the short-range communication unit 38 and the user terminal 20. However, this is not limiting. For example, other methods such as a method based on NFC (Near Field Communication) or a method based on Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may also be used as the communication method.

[0037] The human presence sensor 39 is used to determine whether a user who uses the information processing device 30 has approached the information processing device 30. In this embodiment, a moving body sensor that detects a moving body is applied as the human presence sensor 39. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a sound sensor that detects sounds such as voices may be applied as the human presence sensor 39.

[0038] Next, the operation of the information processing device 30 will be described.

[0039] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing by the information processing device 30. The CPU 31 reads out an information processing program from the ROM 32 or storage 34, expands it in the RAM 33, and executes it to perform information processing.

[0040] In step S100 of FIG. 3, the CPU 31 defines a sequence n, which is the sequence in which the jobs were accepted, and sets the initial value of the sequence n to 1.

[0041] In step S102, the CPU 31 waits until it receives an instruction to execute the nth job (hereinafter referred to as the "nth job") from the user device 10 via the communication I / F 37. If the CPU 31 receives an instruction to execute the nth job from the user device 10 (step S102: YES), it acquires a user ID, which is an ID (identification) for identifying the user who instructed the execution of the nth job (hereinafter referred to as the "executing user"), from the user device 10 via the communication I / F 37, and proceeds to step S104.

[0042] In step S104, CPU 31 executes settings necessary for executing the n-th job accepted in step S102. For example, if the n-th job is a print instruction, CPU 31 heats the fixing device to fix the image on the recording medium.

[0043] In step S106, the CPU 31 waits until any user approaches the information processing device 30 via the human presence sensor 39. If the CPU 31 determines via the human presence sensor 39 that any user has approached the information processing device 30 (step S106: YES), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0044] In step S108, the CPU 31 waits until it receives an instruction to start the nth job from the user terminal 20 of the original user via the short-range communication unit 38. Specifically, the CPU 31 waits until it receives an instruction to start the nth job from the user terminal 20 that has transmitted the same user ID as the user ID acquired in step S102. If the CPU 31 receives an instruction to start the nth job from the user terminal 20 of the original user (step S108: YES), the process proceeds to step S110. Note that in step S108, the CPU 31 may wait until it receives an instruction to start the nth job via the input unit 35.

[0045] In step S110, the CPU 31 starts the execution of the n-th job.

[0046] In step S112, the CPU 31 inquires of the user terminal 20 of the executing user via the communication I / F 37 or the short-range communication unit 38 whether or not to continue to execute a new job after the job currently being executed (i.e., the nth job) is completed. In step S112, the CPU 31 may display a message inquiring whether or not to continue to execute a new job after the job currently being executed is completed on the display unit 36 ​​of the information processing device 30. In the following, the job currently being executed by the information processing device 30 is referred to as an executed job.

[0047] In step S114, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a selection to continue to execute a new job after the current job is completed has been received from the user terminal 20 of the executing user via the communication I / F 37 or the short-range communication unit 38. If a selection to continue to execute a new job has been received from the user terminal 20 of the executing user (step S114: YES), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S116. On the other hand, if a selection to not continue to execute a new job has been received from the user terminal 20 of the executing user (step S114: NO), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S118. Note that in step S114, the CPU 31 may also determine whether or not a selection to continue to execute a new job after the current job is completed has been received via the input unit 35.

[0048] In step S116, the CPU 31 executes a continuation process, which is a process for continuing to execute a new job after the execution job is completed. The continuation process according to this embodiment will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0049] In step S118, CPU 31 determines whether the job being executed has been completed. If CPU 31 determines that the job being executed has been completed (step S118: YES), this information processing ends. On the other hand, if CPU 31 determines that the job being executed has not been completed (step S118: NO), the processing proceeds to step S120. Note that the job being executed in step S118 is the job that has been continued (i.e., the kth job described below) if CPU 31 is executing continuing processing, and is the nth job if CPU 31 is not executing continuing processing.

[0050] In step S120, the CPU 31 determines whether an instruction to execute the (n+1)th job has been received via the communication I / F 37 from a user device 10 owned by a user other than the current user (hereinafter referred to as the "other user"). In other words, in step S120, the CPU 31 determines whether it has been decided to execute another job after the current job (i.e., the nth job). If the CPU 31 has received an instruction to execute the (n+1)th job from a user device 10 owned by another user (step S120: YES), the CPU 31 acquires the user ID of the other user via the communication I / F 37 and proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, if the CPU 31 has not received an instruction to execute the (n+1)th job from a user device 10 owned by another user (step S120: NO), the information processing ends.

[0051] In step S122, the CPU 31 estimates the time to start execution of the n+1th job from the scheduled end time of the executed job, and notifies the estimated time to the user devices 10 and user terminals 20 owned by other users via the communication I / F 37.

[0052] In step S122, CPU 31 may notify other users to make preparations necessary for the (n+1)th job. For example, if the (n+1)th job is a print instruction, CPU 31 may notify the user devices 10 and user terminals 20 owned by other users to prepare paper or replace toner cartridges, etc.

[0053] In step S124, CPU 31 starts changing the change settings, which are settings necessary for executing the job to be executed next after the executed job (i.e., the (n+1)th job) and do not affect the executed job. For example, if the (n+1)th job is a print instruction and the executed job is a scan instruction, a setting for heating the fixing device or the like is applied as a change setting.

[0054] In step S126, the CPU 31 waits until the job execution is completed. If the CPU 31 determines that the job execution is completed (step S126: YES), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S128.

[0055] The executed job in steps S124 and S126 is the job that has been continued (i.e., the kth job described below) if the CPU 31 is executing continuing processing, and is the nth job if the CPU 31 is not executing continuing processing.

[0056] In step S128, the CPU 31 increments the sequence number n, and returns to step S102.

[0057] Next, the continuation process according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0058] In step S200 of FIG. 4, the CPU 31 defines a continuation order k, which is the order of jobs to be executed continuously after the n-th job is completed, and sets the initial value of the continuation order k to 1.

[0059] In step S202, CPU 31 starts changing the first continuation setting (the setting for the first continuation process), which is a setting required for the execution of a job to be executed continuously (i.e., the kth job) and which does not affect the executed job (i.e., the nth job).

[0060] In step S204, the CPU 31 waits until the job being executed (that is, the n-th job) is completed. If the CPU 31 determines that the job being executed is completed (step S204: YES), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S206.

[0061] In step S206, the CPU 31 starts the execution of the k-th job.

[0062] In step S208, the CPU 31 inquires of the user terminal 20 of the executing user via the communication I / F 37 or the short-range communication unit 38 whether or not to continue to execute a new job after the executed job (i.e., the kth job) is completed.

[0063] In step S210, the CPU 31 determines whether a selection to continue to execute a new job after the execution job (i.e., the kth job) is completed has been received from the user terminal 20 of the execution user via the communication I / F 37 or the short-range communication unit 38. If a selection to continue to execute a new job has been received from the execution user (step S210: YES), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if a selection to not continue to execute a new job has been received from the execution user (step S210: NO), the CPU 31 ends this continuation process.

[0064] In step S212, CPU 31 starts changing the second continuation settings (settings for the second continuation process), which are settings necessary for the execution of the job to be continued (i.e., the k+1th job) and do not affect the executed job (i.e., the kth job).

[0065] In step S214, the CPU 31 waits until the k-th job is completed. If the CPU 31 determines that the k-th job is completed (step S214: YES), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S216.

[0066] In step S216, the CPU 31 increments the continuation order k, and returns to step S206.

[0067] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a specific example of the flow of processing in the information processing system 1 when the information processing device 30 is shared by user A and user B will be described.

[0068] 5, user device 10A owned by user A transmits an instruction to execute printing to information processing device 30 and the user ID of user A. User device 10A also transmits to user terminal 20A owned by user A a notification that an instruction to execute printing has been sent to information processing device 30.

[0069] In step S302, the information processing device 30 executes the settings necessary for executing the print job whose order n is 1.

[0070] In step S304, the information processing device 30 waits via the human detection sensor 39 until any user approaches the device.

[0071] In step S306, the user terminal 20A transmits an instruction to start printing.

[0072] In step S308, the information processing device 30 starts execution of the print job whose order n is 1.

[0073] In step S310, the information processing device 30 inquires of the user terminal 20A via the communication I / F 37 or the short-range communication unit 38 whether or not to continue to execute a new job after the printing is completed.

[0074] In step S312, the user terminal 20A transmits a selection to continue and execute a new copy after the printing is completed.

[0075] In step S314, the information processing device 30 starts changing the first continuation settings, which are settings necessary for the copy job whose continuation order k is 1 and do not affect the print job that is being executed.

[0076] In step S316, the information processing device 30 waits until printing is completed. If printing is completed (step S316: YES), the process proceeds to step S318.

[0077] In step S318, the information processing device 30 starts execution of the copy job whose continuation order k is 1.

[0078] In step S320, the information processing device 30 inquires of the user terminal 20A via the communication I / F 37 or the short-range communication unit 38 whether or not to continue to execute a new job after the copy is completed.

[0079] In step S322, the user terminal 20A transmits a selection indicating that the job will not be continued after the copy is completed.

[0080] In step S324, user device 10B owned by user B transmits an instruction to perform scanning to information processing device 30 and the user ID of user B. User device 10B also transmits to user terminal 20B owned by user B a message indicating that an instruction to perform scanning has been sent to information processing device 30.

[0081] In step S348, the information processing device 30 estimates the time to start scanning from the scheduled time for completion of copying, and notifies the user device 10B and the user terminal 20B of the estimated time via the communication I / F 37.

[0082] In step S350, the information processing device 30 starts changing the settings that are required for the scan job whose order n is 2 and that do not affect the copy job currently being executed.

[0083] In step S352, the information processing device 30 waits until the copy is completed. If the copy is completed (step S352: YES), the process proceeds to step S354.

[0084] In step S354, the information processing device 30 waits via the human detection sensor 39 until any user approaches the device.

[0085] In step S356, the user terminal 20B transmits an instruction to start scanning.

[0086] In step S358, the information processing device 30 starts execution of the scan job whose order n is 2.

[0087] In step S360, the information processing device 30 inquires of the user terminal 20B via the communication I / F 37 or the short-range communication unit 38 whether or not to continue to execute a new job after the scan is completed.

[0088] In step S362, the user terminal 20B transmits a selection indicating that it will not continue to execute the job after completing the scan, which is the job with the order n of 2.

[0089] 5, the processing flow in the information processing system 1 has been described for the case where user A continues copying and then does not continue executing the job. However, this is not the only example. For example, if user A continues copying and then instructs to continue printing, even if user B instructs to scan, the scan will not be executed until the print instructed by user A is completed.

[0090] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, the CPU 31 determines whether a selection to continue to execute a new job after the execution of the current job has been completed has been received (step S114), and then determines whether an instruction to execute another job after the execution of the current job has been received from another user (step S120). In the second embodiment, the CPU 31 determines whether an instruction to execute another job after the execution of the current job has been received from another user, and then determines whether a selection to continue to execute a new job has been received. The following describes the differences from the first embodiment. Note that the hardware configuration is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] The flow of information processing in the information processing device 30 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that steps that execute the same processes as those in the information processing flow shown in Fig. 3 are assigned the same step numbers as in Fig. 3, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0092] The information processing flow shown in FIG. 6 differs from the information processing flow shown in FIG. 3 in that the processing from step S114 to step S128 is replaced by processing from step S130 to step S158.

[0093] 6, the CPU 31 determines whether an instruction to execute the (n+1)th job has been received from a user device 10 owned by another user via the communication I / F 37. In other words, in step S130, the CPU 31 determines whether it has been decided to execute another job after the currently executed job (i.e., the nth job). If the CPU 31 has received an instruction to execute the (n+1)th job from a user device 10 owned by another user (YES in step S130), the CPU 31 acquires the user ID of the other user from the user device 10 via the communication I / F 37 and proceeds to step S132. On the other hand, if the CPU 31 has not received an instruction to execute the (n+1)th job from a user device 10 owned by another user (NO in step S130), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S136.

[0094] In step S132, the CPU 31 estimates the time to start execution of the n+1th job from the scheduled end time of the executed job, and notifies the estimated time to the user devices 10 and user terminals 20 owned by other users via the communication I / F 37.

[0095] In step S132, the CPU 31 may notify the other users to make preparations necessary for the (n+1)th job.

[0096] In step S134, CPU 31 starts changing the change settings, which are settings necessary for executing the job to be executed next after the executed job (i.e., the n+1th job) and which do not affect the executed job (i.e., the nth job).

[0097] In step S136, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a selection to continue to execute a new job after the execution job is completed has been received from the user terminal 20 of the execution user via the communication I / F 37 or the short-range communication unit 38. If a selection to continue to execute a new job has been received from the user terminal 20 of the execution user (step S136: YES), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S138. On the other hand, if a selection to not continue to execute a new job has been received (step S136: NO), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S146.

[0098] In step S138, the CPU 31 determines whether or not an instruction to execute the (n+1)th job has been received from the user device 10 of the other user in step S130 via the communication I / F 37. If the CPU 31 has received an instruction to execute the (n+1)th job from the user device 10 of the other user in step S130 (step S138: YES), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S140. On the other hand, if the CPU 31 has not received an instruction to execute the (n+1)th job from the user device 10 of the other user in step S130 (step S138: NO), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S144.

[0099] In step S140, the CPU 31 stops the change of the setting that was started in step S134.

[0100] In step S142, the CPU 31 notifies the user devices 10 and user terminals 20 owned by other users via the communication I / F 37 of the time at which the n+1th job will be started, which is estimated by canceling the change to the changed settings and changing them back to the first continuous settings.

[0101] In step S144, the CPU 31 executes the continuation process shown in FIG.

[0102] In step S146, CPU 31 executes the same process as in step S138. If CPU 31 has received an instruction to execute the (n+1)th job from a user device 10 owned by another user in step S130 (step S146: YES), CPU 31 proceeds to step S150. On the other hand, if CPU 31 has not received an instruction to execute the (n+1)th job from a user device 10 owned by another user in step S130 (step S146: NO), CPU 31 proceeds to step S148.

[0103] In step S148, CPU 31 waits until the job being executed is completed. If CPU 31 determines that the job being executed is completed (step S148: YES), it ends this information processing. Note that the job being executed in step S148 is the job that has been continued (i.e., the kth job) if CPU 31 is executing a continuing process, and is the nth job if CPU 31 is not executing a continuing process.

[0104] In step S150, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the continuation process has been executed. If the continuation process is being executed (step S150: YES), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S152. On the other hand, if the continuation process is not being executed (step S150: NO), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S156.

[0105] In step S152, the CPU 31 estimates the time when the execution of the n+1th job will start from the scheduled end time of the executed job (i.e., the kth job), and notifies the estimated time to the user devices 10 and user terminals 20 owned by other users via the communication I / F 37.

[0106] In step S154, CPU 31 starts changing the change settings, which are settings necessary for executing the job (i.e., the n+1th job) to be executed next to the executed job (i.e., the kth job) and do not affect the executed job.

[0107] In step S156, CPU 31 executes the same process as in step S148. If CPU 31 determines that the job execution is completed (step S156: YES), the process proceeds to step S158. Note that the job execution in step S156 is the job that has been continued (i.e., the kth job) if CPU 31 is executing continuing processing, and is the nth job if CPU 31 is not executing continuing processing.

[0108] In step S158, the CPU 31 increments the sequence number n, and returns to step S102.

[0109] Next, a specific example of the processing flow in the information processing system 1 when the information processing device 30 is shared by user A and user B will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that steps that execute the same processes as those in the processing flow shown in Fig. 5 are assigned the same step numbers as in Fig. 5, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0110] The processing flow shown in FIG. 7 differs from the processing flow shown in FIG. 5 in that processing from step S326 to step S346 is applied instead of processing from step S312 to step S324.

[0111] 7, user device 10B owned by user B transmits an instruction to perform scanning to information processing device 30 and the user ID of user B. User device 10B also transmits to user terminal 20B owned by user B a message indicating that the instruction to perform scanning has been sent to information processing device 30.

[0112] In step S328, the information processing device 30 estimates the time to start executing the scan job, whose order n is 2, from the scheduled end time of the print job, whose order n is 1, and notifies the user device 10B and the user terminal 20B of the estimated time via the communication I / F 37.

[0113] In step S330, the information processing device 30 starts changing the changed settings, which are settings necessary for the scan to be executed next to the print in progress and do not affect the print in progress.

[0114] In step S332, the user terminal 20A owned by user A transmits a selection to continue and execute a new copy after the printing is completed.

[0115] In step S334, the information processing device 30 stops the change of the setting that was started in step S330.

[0116] In step S336, the information processing device 30 notifies the user device 10B and the user terminal 20B via the communication I / F 37 of the time at which the scan will start, estimated by canceling the change to the changed setting and changing it back to the first continuous setting.

[0117] In step S338, the information processing device 30 starts changing the first continuation settings, which are settings necessary for the copy job whose continuation order k is 1 and do not affect the print job whose order n is 1.

[0118] In step S340, the information processing device 30 waits until the printing, which is the job whose order n is 1, is completed. If the printing is completed (step S340: YES), the process proceeds to step S340.

[0119] In step S342, the information processing device 30 starts execution of the copy job whose continuation order k is 1.

[0120] In step S344, the information processing device 30 inquires of the user terminal 20A via the communication I / F 37 or the short-range communication unit 38 whether or not to continue to execute a new job after the copy is completed.

[0121] In step S346, the user terminal 20A transmits a selection indicating that the job will not be continued after the copy is completed.

[0122] [Third embodiment] In the second embodiment, when the CPU 31 receives a selection from the executing user to continue executing a new job, it cancels the change of the changed setting and changes it back to the first continuation setting even if the change of the changed setting has already started. In the third embodiment, when the CPU 31 receives a selection from the executing user to continue executing a new job, it determines whether to cancel the change of the changed setting and change it back to the first continuation setting depending on the processing content of the newly executed job. Differences from the second embodiment will be described below. Note that the hardware configuration is the same as in the second embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] The flow of information processing in the information processing device 30 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that steps that execute the same processes as those in the information processing flow shown in Fig. 6 are assigned the same step numbers as in Fig. 6, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0124] The information processing flow shown in FIG. 6 differs from the information processing flow shown in FIG. 8 in that the processing of step S139 is executed between the processing of step S138 and step S140, and in that the processing of step S160 has been added.

[0125] 8, CPU 31 determines whether the processing time of the job to be continued (i.e., the kth job) accepted from the executing user in step S136 is shorter than the processing time of the (n+1)th job accepted from another user in step S130. If CPU 31 determines that the processing time of the job to be continued is shorter than the processing time of the (n+1)th job (step S139: YES), the process proceeds to step S140. On the other hand, if CPU 31 determines that the processing time of the job to be continued is longer than the processing time of the (n+1)th job (step S139: NO), the process proceeds to step S160.

[0126] Note that any method may be used to determine the length of processing time. For example, if the job to be subsequently executed and the (n+1)th job both have print instructions, CPU 31 may compare the number of sheets of paper to be printed. In this case, CPU 31 determines that the processing time for the job with the larger number of sheets of paper to be printed is longer. In addition, CPU 31 may compare the types of jobs to determine the length of processing time. For example, if the job to be subsequently executed is a copy and the (n+1)th job is a scan, it is estimated that the copy job will take longer to process than the scan job because it involves print processing, and therefore CPU 31 determines that the processing time for the job to be subsequently executed is longer than the (n+1)th job.

[0127] Furthermore, in step S139, CPU 31 may determine whether the job to be continuously executed is a predetermined process (for example, a scan instruction). That is, in step S139, CPU 31 determines whether to proceed to step S140 or step S160 depending on the processing content of the job to be continuously executed.

[0128] In step S160, the CPU 31 executes the n+1th job accepted from another user, and then executes the subsequent continuation process, which is a process for executing the kth job accepted from the executing user to be continued, and then terminates this information processing.

[0129] Next, the continuation subsequent processing according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0130] In step S400 of FIG. 9, the CPU 31 estimates the time to start execution of the (n+1)th job from the scheduled end time of the nth job, and notifies the estimated time to the user devices 10 and user terminals 20 owned by other users via the communication I / F 37.

[0131] In step S402, the CPU 31 estimates the time to start execution of a job (i.e., the kth job) that will continue to be executed from the time when the n+1th job is scheduled to end, and notifies the estimated time to the user device 10 and user terminal 20 owned by the executing user via the communication I / F 37.

[0132] In step S404, the CPU 31 waits until the n-th job, which is the job being executed, is completed. If the CPU 31 determines that the n-th job is completed (step S404: YES), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S406.

[0133] In step S406, the CPU 31 waits until any user approaches the information processing device 30 via the human presence sensor 39. If the CPU 31 determines via the human presence sensor 39 that any user has approached the information processing device 30 (step S406: YES), the process proceeds to step S408.

[0134] In step S408, the CPU 31 waits until it receives an instruction to start the (n+1)th job from the user terminal 20 of another user via the short-range communication unit 38. Specifically, the CPU 31 waits until it receives an instruction to start the (n+1)th job from the user terminal 20 that transmitted the same user ID as the user ID acquired in step S130. If the CPU 31 receives an instruction to start the (n+1)th job from the user terminal 20 of another user (step S408: YES), the process proceeds to step S410. Note that in step S408, the CPU 31 may wait until it receives an instruction to start the (n+1)th job via the input unit 35.

[0135] In step S410, the CPU 31 starts the execution of the (n+1)th job.

[0136] In step S412, CPU 31 starts changing the change settings, which are settings necessary for executing the job (i.e., the kth job) to be executed next to the executed job (i.e., the n+1th job) and do not affect the executed job.

[0137] In step S414, the CPU 31 waits until the job being executed (i.e., the (n+1)th job) is completed. If the CPU 31 determines that the job being executed is completed (step S414: YES), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S416.

[0138] In step S416, the CPU 31 executes the continuation process shown in FIG.

[0139] In step S418, the CPU 31 waits until the job execution is completed. If the CPU 31 determines that the job execution is completed (step S418: YES), the CPU 31 ends this subsequent continuation process.

[0140] In the continuation subsequent processing shown in FIG. 9 , the CPU 31 does not execute a process of inquiring of the other user as to whether or not to continue to execute a new job after the (n+1)th job is completed. However, this is not a limitation. For example, the CPU 31 may inquire of the other user as to whether or not to continue to execute a new job after the (n+1)th job is completed. Then, when the CPU 31 receives a selection from the other user to continue to execute a new job, the CPU 31 may execute the job related to the selection after executing the continuation processing. Alternatively, when the CPU 31 receives a selection from the other user to continue to execute a new job, the CPU 31 may execute the job related to the selection after the (n+1)th job is completed and before executing the continuation processing.

[0141] Next, referring to FIG. 10, a specific example of the flow of processing in the information processing system 1 when user A and user B share the information processing device 30 will be described. Specifically, a specific example of the flow of processing in the information processing system 1 when user A, who is the executing user, instructs copying as a job to be continuously executed, and user B, who is another user, instructs scanning as the (n+1)th job will be described. If the number of sheets to be copied and the number of sheets to be scanned are the same, it is estimated that copying takes longer to process than scanning, so the information processing device 30 according to this embodiment does not cancel the change of the setting. Note that steps that execute the same processing as in the processing flow shown in FIG. 7 are assigned the same step numbers as in FIG. 7, and their description will be omitted.

[0142] The processing flow shown in FIG. 10 differs from that shown in FIG. 7 in that the processing from step S334 to step S362 is replaced by processing from step S364 to step S388.

[0143] In step S364 of FIG. 10, the information processing device 30 estimates the time to start executing the scan job, whose order number n is 2, from the scheduled end time of the print job, whose order number n is 1, and notifies the estimated time to the user device 10B and user terminal 20B owned by user B via the communication I / F 37.

[0144] In step S366, the information processing device 30 estimates the time to start execution of the copy job, whose continuation order k is 1, from the scheduled end time of the scan job, whose order n is 2, and notifies the user device 10A and user terminal 20A owned by user A of the estimated time via the communication I / F 37.

[0145] In step S368, the information processing device 30 waits until the printing is completed for which the order n is 1. If the printing is completed (step S368: YES), the process proceeds to step S370.

[0146] In step S370, the information processing device 30 waits via the human detection sensor 39 until any user approaches the device.

[0147] In step S372, the user terminal 20B transmits an instruction to start scanning.

[0148] In step S374, the information processing device 30 starts execution of the scan job whose order n is 2.

[0149] In step S376, the information processing device 30 starts changing the changed settings, which are settings necessary for the copy job whose continuation order k is 1 and do not affect the scan job that is being executed.

[0150] In step S378, information processing device 30 waits until the scan whose order n is 2 is completed. If the scan is completed (step S378: YES), the process proceeds to step S380.

[0151] In step S380, the information processing device 30 waits via the human detection sensor 39 until any user approaches the device.

[0152] In step S382, the user terminal 20A transmits an instruction to start copying.

[0153] In step S384, the information processing device 30 starts execution of the copy job whose continuation order k is 1.

[0154] In step S386, the information processing device 30 inquires of the user terminal 20A via the communication I / F 37 or the short-range communication unit 38 whether to continue to execute a new job after the copy job with continuation order k of 1 is completed.

[0155] In step S388, the user terminal 20A transmits a selection to the effect that the job with the continuation order k of 1 will not be continued after the copy job is completed.

[0156] Although the embodiments have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention, and such modifications and improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0157] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments do not limit the claimed invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. The above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by combining the disclosed multiple constituent elements. Even if some constituent elements are deleted from all of the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, as long as the effect is obtained, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

[0158] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the information processing system 1 includes the user device 10 and the user terminal 20. However, this is not limited to this example. For example, the information processing system 1 does not need to include the user device 10. In this case, the CPU 31 can receive a job execution instruction from the user terminal 20 via the communication I / F 37. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 does not need to include the user terminal 20. In this case, the CPU 31 can receive an instruction to start a job, etc., via the input unit 35 of the information processing device.

[0159] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0160] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0161] In the above embodiments, the information processing program is installed in the storage 44, but the present invention is not limited to this. The information processing program according to each of the above embodiments may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the information processing program according to each of the above embodiments may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card. Furthermore, the information processing program according to each of the above embodiments may be obtained from an external device via the communication I / F 37.

[0162] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the information processing is described as being realized by a software configuration using a computer by executing a program, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing may be realized by a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

[0163] In addition, the configuration of the information processing device 30 described in each of the above embodiments is merely an example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted or new parts may be added within the scope of the present invention.

[0164] Furthermore, the processing flow of the information processing program described in each of the above embodiments (see Figures 3, 6, and 8) is also an example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be changed within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 10 User Device 20 User terminal 30 Information processing equipment 31 CPU

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: If it is determined that another job will be executed next after the currently executing job by the time the currently executing job is completed, a change setting is changed during the execution of the currently executing job, the change setting being a setting required for the execution of the other job but not affecting the currently executing job; accepting a selection from the user who instructed the execution of the execution job as to whether or not to continue to execute a new job; When a selection to not execute a new job is received, the change setting is changed during the execution of the job. Information processing device.

2. The processor: notifying the user who instructed the execution of the other job of the time when the execution of the other job is to start; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. A processor is provided, The processor: If it is determined that another job will be executed next after the currently executing job by the time the currently executing job is completed, a change setting is changed during the execution of the currently executing job, the change setting being a setting required for the execution of the other job but not affecting the currently executing job; accepting a selection from the user who instructed the execution of the execution job as to whether or not to continue to execute a new job; When a selection to execute a new job is accepted, even if the change of the change settings has already started, the settings are changed again to settings necessary for executing the newly executed job and that do not affect the executed job. Information processing device.

4. The processor: notifying the user who instructed the execution of the other job of the time at which the execution of the other job will start, estimated by making the change again; The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. A processor is provided, The processor: If it is determined that another job will be executed next after the currently executing job by the time the currently executing job is completed, a change setting is changed during the execution of the currently executing job, the change setting being a setting required for the execution of the other job but not affecting the currently executing job; accepting a selection from the user who instructed the execution of the execution job as to whether or not to continue to execute a new job; When a selection to execute a new job is received, it is determined whether or not to change the settings again to settings that are necessary for executing the new job and that do not affect the job being executed, depending on the processing content of the new job to be executed. Information processing device.

6. The processor: notifying the user who instructed the execution of the other job of the time at which the execution of the other job will be started, which time is estimated by the determination; The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. If it is determined that another job will be executed next after the currently executing job by the time the currently executing job is completed, a change setting is changed during the execution of the currently executing job, the change setting being a setting required for the execution of the other job but not affecting the currently executing job; accepting a selection from the user who instructed the execution of the execution job as to whether or not to continue to execute a new job; When a selection to not execute a new job is received, the change setting is changed during the execution of the job. Have the computer perform the process, Information processing program.

8. When it is determined that another job will be executed next after the currently executing job by the time the currently executing job is completed, a change setting that is necessary for the execution of the other job and that does not affect the currently executing job is changed during the execution of the currently executing job; accepting a selection from the user who instructed the execution of the execution job as to whether or not to continue to execute a new job; When a selection to execute a new job is accepted, even if the change of the change settings has already started, the settings are changed again to settings necessary for executing the newly executed job and that do not affect the executed job. Have the computer perform the process, Information processing program.

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