JP2003091395A - Information processing apparatus, network system, information output control method, storage medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a network system capable of efficiently performing information output processing. SOLUTION: A plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 each having an information output function and capable of interlocking via a communication unit 101
The information processing apparatus 102 capable of communicating with the image forming apparatuses 3 and 104 performs image forming based on the capability information of the information output function of the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 and the information output function of the apparatus 102 (the maximum number of printable sheets or the processing speed). One output process (a process of printing and outputting a plurality of copies of one image data) is distributed to the devices 103 and 104 and the own device 102.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, an information processing apparatus and a network system used in an apparatus or system for sharing and executing one output process for a plurality of image forming apparatuses on a network. The present invention relates to an information output control method, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for implementing the same, and the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer is solely responsible for a series of document scanning operation or print output operation.

By the way, in recent years, along with the spread of personal computers (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "PC") and the maintenance of a network environment, the image forming apparatus is not a single unit but a single unit.
A system form has been adopted in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are combined and these image forming apparatuses are interlocked with each other to share one output process. Such a system form is, for example, a plurality of copies of a certain original document.
In this case, a document is scanned by a certain image forming apparatus, and the image information of the document obtained by this is distributed and sent to a plurality of other image forming apparatuses connected via a network. The plurality of image forming apparatuses simultaneously print out the distributed image information, and in particular, the configuration in which the plurality of image forming apparatuses simultaneously performs the output processing causes the single image forming apparatus to perform the output processing. Compared with the configuration, there is an advantage that the processing time can be shortened.

[0004]

However, in the conventional system configuration in which one output process is shared by a plurality of image forming apparatuses on the network as described above, the following problems occur. There were (1) and (2).

Problem (1): There is a case where there is a possible upper limit of the output information amount (the number of printed sheets) for each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the upper limit value also differs for each individual image forming apparatus. There is. For example, in a device equipped with a sorter, there is an upper limit on the number of print outputs that can be physically loaded by the sorter. Further, for example, when a billing system is applied, the billing system limits the number of sheets that can be printed out at one time. Therefore, in the past, in such a case, in a certain image forming apparatus, when the output information amount reaches the upper limit, although the information to be actually output remains,
Output processing was interrupted. Therefore, the user needs to take avoidance measures. This is very miscellaneous and reduces output processing efficiency.

Problem (2): When combining a plurality of image forming apparatuses, there is a limitation that image forming apparatuses of the same model are combined, and further, options installed in the image forming apparatuses are not the same. There may be restrictions such as not being allowed. Thus, the output information amount handled by each image forming apparatus is simply determined by simply dividing the total output information amount by the number of image forming apparatuses. When there is a difference in the operation status, the processing end time is early or late for each image forming apparatus. This is not an efficient process.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in order to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and implements an information processing apparatus, a network system, an information output control method and an information output control method capable of efficiently performing information output processing. An object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for storing the program, and the program.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems] Under such a purpose,
A first aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of devices or systems each having an information output function and capable of interlocking via any communication means, and the information output of the plurality of devices or systems. The present invention is characterized by comprising a processing distribution means for distributing one output processing to the plurality of devices or systems based on the capability information of the function.

A second invention is the same as the first invention,
The processing distribution means is characterized in that, in the one output processing, the output amount handled by each of the plurality of devices or systems is determined.

A third invention is the same as the first invention,
The capability information of the output function includes at least one of an upper limit amount that can be output and an output processing speed.

A fourth invention is the same as the first invention,
The information output function includes a print output function.

A fifth invention is the same as the first invention,
The processing distribution means outputs one output to the plurality of devices or systems and the own device based on the capability information of the information output function of the plurality of devices or systems and the capability information of the information output function of the own device. It is characterized by distributing processing.

A sixth invention is the same as the first invention,
It is characterized by comprising an acquisition means for acquiring the target information in the one output process.

A seventh invention is based on the first invention.
It is characterized by comprising a storage means for storing the target information in the one output process.

An eighth invention is based on the first invention,
The one output process includes a process of outputting a plurality of copies of one image data, and the process distribution unit determines the number of output copies in charge as the output amount in charge.

A ninth invention is a network system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected to each other via a network, and at least one of the plurality of devices is provided.
One device has a function of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is an information output control method for linking a plurality of devices or systems each having an information output function to execute one output process. It is characterized by including a processing distribution step of distributing one output processing to the plurality of devices or systems based on the capability information of the information output function.

In an eleventh aspect based on the tenth aspect, the process distribution step includes a step of determining an output amount to be handled by each of the plurality of devices or systems in the one output process. Characterize.

In a twelfth aspect based on the tenth aspect, the capability information of the output function includes at least one of an upper limit amount of output and an output processing speed.

A thirteenth invention is an information output control method for printing out a plurality of copies of one image data by a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected so as to be communicable and interlockable with each other on a network. The method further comprises a determining step of determining the number of copies to be printed out by the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the processing capabilities of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

In a fourteenth aspect based on the thirteenth aspect, the processing capacity is the upper limit of the number of printable sheets,
And at least one of the print output speeds.

In a fifteenth aspect based on the thirteenth aspect, the plurality of image forming apparatuses have at least one of a scanner function for acquiring the image data, a memory function for storing the image data, and a print output function. It is characterized by having such a function.

A sixteenth invention is a computer readable storage of a program for causing a computer to realize the function of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the function of the network system according to claim 9. It is characterized by being recorded on a medium.

A seventeenth invention is characterized in that a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the information output control method according to any one of claims 10 to 15 is recorded in a computer-readable storage medium. .

An eighteenth invention is a program for causing a computer to realize the function of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the function of the network system according to claim 9. To do.

A nineteenth invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the information output control method according to any one of the tenth to fifteenth aspects.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] The present invention is applied to, for example, a network system 100 as shown in FIG. The network system 100 according to the present embodiment has a system form in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses 102 to 103 are interlocked to share one output process.
In particular, it is configured to determine the output information amount to be handled by each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 102 to 103, based on the output capability (upper limit of the number of sheets that can be output) of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 102 to 103. There is. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the network system 100 of this embodiment will be specifically described.

<Overall Configuration of Network System 100> In the network system 100, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of image forming apparatuses (machines) 102 to 104 are provided.
It is configured to be communicably connected to each other via the network 101.

In the present embodiment, the three image forming apparatuses 102 to 104 are connected to the network 101 for the sake of simplicity of description, but the number of connections is not limited to this. Further, as the network 101 here, for example, a wired cable such as Ethernet (R), or wireless, optical communication, radio wave, or the like can be applied. The image forming apparatuses 102 to 104 are installed in geographically different places, and the network 101
It may be connected via. Alternatively, the network 101 may be an intra-device network that is set up in a certain device, and the image forming apparatuses 102 to 104 may be connected to the intra-device network.

<Structure of Image Forming Devices 102 to 104> As the image forming devices 102 to 104, for example, an image forming device 200 having a structure as shown in FIG. 2 is applied.

In the image forming apparatus 200 shown in FIG.
The CPU 201 is a microprocessor that controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 200 by executing a predetermined processing program or the like.

The hard disk (HDD) 202 is a CP
It is a large-capacity hard disk that is under the control of the U201 and stores a plurality of applications and the like necessary for the CPU 201 to perform operation control. In addition to the above data, the hard disk 202 is capable of temporarily storing an image forming command, which will be described later, or accumulating a bitmap image or a compressed image. The bitmap image is formed by a RIP unit described later, read by a scanner unit described later, or received from the outside. The memory 203 is a CP
A work memory used by the U 201, which temporarily stores an image forming command described later or stores a bitmap image or a compressed image, like the hard disk 202. Bitmap image is RI described later
It is formed by the P unit, read by the scanner unit described later, or received from the outside. . In addition, the memory 203 is a CP
It is configured to be accessible from U201 at high speed.

The high-speed CPU bus 204 includes the CPU 201,
A bus that connects the HDD 202, the memory 203, and each functional unit described below, and has a function of transferring data processed by the CPU 201 to each functional unit or transferring data between the functional units at high speed (DMA transfer). Have. As the high-speed CPU bus 204, for example,
A VL bus, a PCI bus, or the like can be applied.

The RIP 205 is a unit having a function of receiving an image forming command input from an external interface connected to a computer, which will be described later, and forming a bitmap image according to the contents of the command.
The image forming command for the RIP 205 is a high-speed CPU.
It is input via the bus 204. Further, the bitmap image (image image) data obtained by the RIP 205 is
It is sent out on the high-speed image bus 216. RIP205
For example, Postscript, PCL, LI
PS, CaPSL or the like can be applied.

The image processing unit 206 has a function of performing a filtering process such as a smoothing process or an edge process on the image image data input via the high speed image bus 216 in accordance with a processing command from the CPU 201, and also has a high speed. Character recognition (OCR) of image image data input via the image bus 216
It also has a function and an image separation function for separating the character part and the image part.

The compression / expansion processing unit 207 subjects the image image data input via the high-speed image bus 216 to compression processing according to an image compression method such as MH, MR, MMR, or JPEG, The compressed data thus obtained is transferred to the high speed CPU 204 or the high speed image bus 21.
6 has the function of sending data to the above. Further, the compression / expansion processing unit 207 is a high-speed CPU 204 or high-speed image bus 21.
It has a function of decompressing the compressed image data inputted via 6 by the method according to the above image compression method to restore the image data and send it to the high speed image bus 216.

The bus bridge 208 is a high speed CPU bus 2
04 is a bus bridge controller for connecting the low-speed CPU bus 209, and has a function of absorbing a difference in processing speed between buses. Such a bus bridge 208
The CPU 201 operating at high speed can access the functional unit operating at low speed, which is connected to the low speed CPU bus 209. The low-speed CPU bus 209 has a bus configuration with a slower transfer speed than the high-speed CPU 204, and is a bus to which a functional unit having a relatively low processing capacity is connected. As the low-speed CPU bus 209, for example, an ISA bus or the like can be applied.

The modem 210 includes a public line 211 and a low speed C
A low-speed C that is a functional unit that interposes the PU bus 209.
A function of modulating digital data sent via the PU bus 209 into data suitable for sending out onto the public line 211, and the modulated data sent via the public line 211, are used for the image forming apparatus 200. It has a function of converting into digital data which can be processed in the inside.

The LAN interface 212 connects the image forming apparatus 200 to the network 101 shown in FIG.
It is a functional unit for connecting to the above via the LAN 213, and has a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from another device or system via the network 101. LAN2
As 12, for example, Ethernet (R) or the like can be applied.

The management apparatus interface 214 is a functional unit for connecting the image forming apparatus 200 and the management apparatus 222 including a personal computer or the like. Control commands and the like are sent from the image forming apparatus 200 to the management apparatus 222 via the management apparatus interface 214, and enable signals and the like are sent from the management apparatus 222 to the image forming apparatus 200.

The panel interface 215 has a function of exchanging various control signals with the operation unit 221 in the image forming apparatus 200. For example, the panel interface 215 outputs a signal based on the operation of an input switch such as a key arranged on the operation unit 221 to the CPU 210.
To the RIP 205 or the image processing unit 20.
6 or resolution conversion processing is performed to display the image data created by the compression / expansion unit 207 on a liquid crystal display unit (not shown) provided in the operation unit 221. Operation unit 221
Has a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input unit attached on the liquid crystal display unit, a plurality of hard keys, switches, and the like. A signal input by operating the touch panel or the hard keys of the operation unit 221 is transmitted to the CPU 201 via the panel interface 215. The panel interface 21 is provided on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 221.
5 and the image data sent from the image forming apparatus 20.
Function information and the like in the operation of 0 are displayed.

The high-speed image bus 216 is an image input / output bus in various functional units (an image generation unit including the RIP 205, the image processing unit 206, and the compression / expansion processing unit 207), and a scanner interface 21 described later.
7 and the printer interface 219 for connecting each other. The control such as data transfer in the high-speed image bus 216 is not under the control of the CPU 201, but is executed by the bus controller 222 described later.

The scanner unit 218 is a visible image reading device having an automatic document feeding function, and has a CCD color sensor of three lines of RGB or a monochrome CC of one line.
It has a D line sensor. The read image data obtained by the scanner unit 218 is sent to the high-speed image bus 216 by the scanner interface unit 217 described later. Scanner interface unit 21
A high-speed image bus 216 is a function of performing optimum binarization processing on read image data obtained by the scanner unit 218 according to the contents of processing in the subsequent process.
Of the read image data, and a function of converting the color data of the three primary colors of RGB of the read image data into CMYBk data.

The printer unit 220 receives various information regarding image data received from the printer interface unit 219, which will be described later, image data on the HDD and the memory, and further receives image data and various information received from a modem or an external IF. The image is printed out as visible image data on a recording sheet. As the printer unit 220, a bubble jet (R) printer that prints out on a recording sheet by a bubble jet (R) system, or an electronic photograph that forms an image on a recording sheet by forming an image on a photosensitive drum by a laser beam A laser beam printer or the like utilizing the technology can be applied. Laser beam printers include monochrome printers and CMYBk color laser beam printers. The printer interface unit 219 transfers the image data sent via the high-speed image bus 216 to the printer unit 220. For the image data, from the bus width of the high-speed image bus 216 to the floor of the printer unit 220. It has a function of performing a bus width conversion process for converting into a bus width according to the key and a function of executing a process for absorbing a difference between the printing speed of the printer unit 220 and the transfer speed of the image data of the high-speed image bus 216.

<Operation of Network System 100> Here, in the plurality of image forming apparatuses 102 to 104 having the structure shown in FIG.
2 (machine A) scans a document, and the image forming apparatus 103 (machine B) and the image forming apparatus 104 (machine C) share the read image data obtained by the scan and perform print processing (duplicated print processing). The operation of the network system 100 in the case of performing will be described.

In FIG. 1, the machine that performs the scanner operation is indicated by "(S)", and the machine that performs the print operation is indicated by "(P)". That is, in FIG.
(102) performs scanner operation + print operation, and machine B (103) and machine C (104) respectively
Perform printing operation. Therefore, for example, machine A (1
02) reads the manuscript and, like an ordinary copier,
It is possible to copy and output (print) it on its own side. At the same time, the machine B (103) and the machine C (104) also perform output (print) to reduce the output processing time to 1/3 by simply calculating the normal processing time. be able to. In this case, it is the machine A (102) that receives an instruction from the user that controls the entire operation. However, the machine B (103) and the machine C (104) finally detect the output upper limit number of sheets after actually starting the operation, on the own responsibility.

(1) Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 102 (Machine A) FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a document scanning operation in the image forming apparatus 102 (Machine A).

Step S301: The CPU 201 accepts, via the panel interface 215, the designation of the device to be interlocked, which is made by the user through the operation unit 221 described later in detail. Step S302: The CPU 201 details the device specified by the user (here, the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 on the network 101, hereinafter also referred to as “interlocked operation target machine”) via the LAN interface 212. If there is an upper limit for the number of print output sheets per unit time and the number of printable sheets (printable sheet number) which will be described later, inquire about information about the upper limit value.

Step S303: The CPU 201 accepts, via the panel interface 215, the setting of the number of copies to be duplicated (copies) made by the user through the operation unit 221 and various settings relating to other functions of duplicate print processing. Step S304: When the CPU 201 waits for a copy start key pressed by the user via the operation unit 221 via the panel interface 215, that is, a copy process start instruction is awaited, and the copy process start instruction is received. , And proceeds to the next step S305.

Step S305: The CPU 201 calculates the machine charge amount (number of copy copies in charge) to be distributed to the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 as the interlocked operation target machines inquired in step S302 and the own apparatus 102. The calculation processing of the distribution in charge of the machine here is to make the respective image forming apparatuses 102 to 104 operate most effectively and to finish all the copying operations (print output operations) at the fastest. That is, the CPU 201 determines the number of print outputs per unit time of the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 acquired in step 302, and the own apparatus 102.
Based on the number of print outputs per unit time, the machine charge amount (number of copy copies in charge) of the image forming apparatuses 102 to 104 is calculated.

Specifically, for example, the processing capacity of the image forming apparatus 102 is 50 sheets output per minute, and the processing capacity of the image forming apparatus 103 is 60 sheets output per minute.
If the processing capacity of the image forming apparatus 104 is 70 sheets output per minute, and the number of copies designated by the user in step S303 is X, the number of copies to be handled by each of the image forming apparatuses 102 to 104 is: Number of copies in charge of the image forming apparatus 102 = X / (50 + 60 + 7)
0) × 50 Number of copies in charge of the image forming apparatus 103 = X / (50 + 60 + 7)
0) × 60 Number of copies in charge of the image forming apparatus 104 = X / (50 + 60 + 7)
0) × 70.

Here, in executing the copy charge distribution calculation processing in step S305, upper limit information of the number of printable sheets (printable sheet number) of the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 acquired in step S302, and the own apparatus 102.
If there is an upper limit on the number of printable sheets (printable sheet number) in the image forming apparatuses 102 to 104 according to the upper limit value information of the number of printable sheets (printable sheet number), details will be described later.
The number of assigned units is reduced so that the upper limit is not reached, and the reduced amount is adjusted to be sent to another device.

Step S306: The CPU 201 determines the number of copies in charge for the other image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 based on the machine charge distribution result determined in step S305.
Notification is made via the LAN interface 212.

Step S307: The CPU 201 causes the scanner unit 218 to execute a document scanning operation via the scanner interface 217, and the read image data (image data) acquired thereby is transferred to another via the LAN interface 212. Image forming apparatus 10
3 and 104. Step S308: CPU201 is step S307.
The output processing of the image data acquired in step S3 is performed.
The number of distribution units in charge of the own apparatus 102 acquired in step 05 is set to the printer unit 2 via the printer interface 219.
Run at 20. At this time, as will be described later in detail, the output processing for the number of assigned distribution units is also executed in the other image forming apparatuses 103 and 104.

Step S309: The CPU 201 determines whether or not the scanner unit 218 has finished scanning all the originals, and the printer unit 220 has also completed all the output processing (output processing for the assigned distribution number).
If the result of this determination is that the processing has not ended, the CPU 201 returns to step S307 again, and repeatedly executes the subsequent processing steps, thereby repeating the scanning operation,
Alternatively, the output process is continued, while when all the processes are finished, the present process is finished.

(2) Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 103 (Machine B) and Image Forming Apparatus 104 (Machine C) In FIG. 4, output processing is executed based on the number of distribution copies in charge from the image forming apparatus 102 (Machine A). Image forming apparatus 1
03 (machine B) and image forming apparatus 104 (machine C)
The operation of is shown by a flowchart.

In FIG. 4, the operation of the image forming apparatus 103 (machine B) and the image forming apparatus 104 (machine C),
That is, although the output processing is shown, the output processing of the image forming apparatus 102 (machine A) executed in step S308 of FIG. 3 is the same as the portion related to the output processing in FIG. 4 (steps S403 and S404). Will be processed. Further, the output processing of a plurality of copies is roughly divided into two types. For example, when outputting 5 copies (copy output) of a 3-page original (1 page, 2 pages, 3 pages)
Page), (page 1, page 2, page 3), ...
By repeating the output of 5 sets for 5 sets of output, the first form and the sorter (1 page, 1 page, 1 page, 1 page, 1 page),
(2 pages, 2 pages, 2 pages, 2 pages, 2 pages), (3 pages, 3 pages, 3 pages, 3 pages, 3
There is a second mode in which the output is made in the order of (page) and this is output as 5 copies. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the output processing of a plurality of copies is executed according to the first mode.

Step S401: The CPU 201 determines LA
Via the N interface 212, the assigned distribution number (the linked copy handling number) is received from the image forming apparatus 102 (machine A) that executes the scanning operation. Step S402: The CPU 201 receives image data (image data of a scanned original document) from the image forming apparatus 102 (machine A) that executes the scanning operation via the LAN interface 212.

Step S403: The CPU 201 executes the output processing of the image data received in step S402.
For the number of distribution units in charge of the own device received in step S401,
This is executed by the printer unit 220 via the printer interface 219.

Step S404: The CPU 201 determines in the output process of step S403 whether or not the actual number of output copies has reached the upper limit. Normally, in advance in FIG.
In step S305, since the allocation is performed so that the upper limit of the number of sheets is not reached, it is not determined in this step S404 that “the actual number of output copies has reached the upper limit”. If it is determined that the actual number of output copies has reached the upper limit, it is necessary to perform the process for reaching the upper limit of the number of copies. Therefore, the CPU 201
If, as a result of the determination in step S404, the actual number of output copies reaches the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S407, and if not, the process proceeds to step S405.

Step S407: As a result of the determination in step S404, if the actual number of output copies reaches the upper limit, CP
The U201 displays a message notifying the user of the fact on the display unit of the operation unit 221, and waits for the avoidance process. Here, the notification to the user is explicitly made by displaying the message, but it may be simply recorded in the operation log, for example. Step S408: The CPU 201 determines whether or not the avoidance processing for reaching the upper limit of the number of sheets has been executed. Examples of the avoidance process here include a process of making it possible to continue output by a user operation, such as removing the paper on the discharge tray of the printer unit 220. CPU20
In the case of 1 as a result of the determination in step S408, when the avoidance process is performed and the output can be continued, the process proceeds to step S405.

Step S405: The CPU 201 determines whether or not the printer unit 220 has completed the output processing for the number of assigned copies received in step S401. If the result of this determination is that the output processing has not been completed, The process from step S403 is executed again, and when the output process is completed, the process proceeds to step S406. Step S406: The CPU 201 performs step S405.
When the output process is completed as a result of the determination, it is determined whether or not there is image data to be received. As a result of this determination, if there is image data to be received, the process from step S402 is executed again. If all the image data have been received, the process ends.

<Designation of Target Device for Linked Operation> Here, the designation of the device (target device for linked operation) which is to be linked by the user through the operation unit 221 in step S301 of FIG. 3 will be described.

For example, the operation unit 221 has a device operation screen (basic screen regarding the copy function) 500 as shown in FIG.
Have. In the present embodiment, the device operation screen 500
Is displayed on the operation unit 221, but is not limited to this, and is physically displayed on the main body of the image forming apparatus (here, the image forming apparatus 102), for example.
Alternatively, it is displayed on a connected man-machine interface unit (management device 222 or the like), or displayed on the screen of a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus 102 via an arbitrary network. The form can be applied.

The user can grasp the state of the image forming apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 1 from the device operation screen 500.
02 various instructions. For example, the user presses the interlocking device specification button 501 on the device operation screen 500 in order to specify the image forming devices (here, the image forming devices 103 and 104) to be interlocked with each other. Device operation screen 50
When the 0 linked device designation button 501 is pressed, the display screen of the operation unit 221 transitions to, for example, a screen 510 shown in FIG.

On the screen 510 shown in FIG. 6, a list of linked operation target machines is displayed. Here, it is possible to display a list of four linked operation target devices at one time. By operating the page forward movement button 514 and the page backward movement button 516, the list display of the next page or the list display of the previous page is performed. It is configured to be able to. The page currently displayed can be confirmed on the page display unit 515. The user can designate (select) a plurality of linked operation target devices by touching a desired device on the currently displayed list. At this time,
The selected device is highlighted. Further, by touching the device currently highlighted in reverse, the selection can be canceled, and at the same time, the highlighted display is switched to the normal display. The upper limit of the number of devices that can be selected at the same time is predetermined for each system, and it is not possible to select beyond the upper limit.

Regarding the contents of the list display, for example, focusing on the device highlighted on the screen 510 of FIG. 6, "511" is the device name ("003 earth"). “512” is a status indicating the device status, and as the status, “Ready” indicating an operable state, “JAM” indicating a jam error, and
Other warnings and statuses that indicate various states are included. “513” is the specification of the device, and the specification indicates whether it is a monochrome printing machine, a color printing machine, or the processing speed (printing speed per minute: ppm) of each. Is mentioned.

The user can determine the current device selection by pressing the OK button 517. After this determination, the display screen of the operation unit 221 returns to the device operation screen (basic screen regarding the copy function) 500 shown in FIG.

<Notification of the upper limit of the number of printable sheets> Here, in step S302 of FIG. 3, the number of printable sheets (printable sheet number) obtained from the interlocked operation target machines (here, the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104) The upper limit value information will be described below.

For example, the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104
In step 302 above, the image forming apparatus 102
When the inquiry is received from the image forming apparatus 102, the image forming apparatus 102 is notified of the outputtable number upper limit value information 600 as shown in FIG. The outputable sheet upper limit value information 600 is subdivided by the paper size 601 related to the weight and the staple presence / absence 603 regarding stapling.

As the paper size 601, information based on various classification methods can be applied. Here, as an example,
It is supposed to be divided into two according to the size 602 which is larger or smaller than the A4 vertical size. That is, in the outputtable upper limit value information 600, there are two sizes 602, which are smaller than the A4 vertical size and larger than the A4 vertical size, as the paper size 601, and according to the presence / absence of stapling 603 for each size. The upper limit number of prints 604 is determined.

Here, if stapling, that is, stapling is performed, the thickness is slightly increased. If there is an upper limit of the physical paper ejection tray, it is a value that must be taken into consideration, because if the paper is ejected and stacked above the height, it will lead to a physical failure.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus 102 which has received the above-mentioned outputtable sheet upper limit value information 600 executes the copy charge distribution calculation processing in step S305 shown in FIG. Information 600
On the basis of the above, the machine assigned number is adjusted and determined so that the upper limit of the number of printable sheets (printable sheet) is not reached.

In the present embodiment, the image data obtained by scanning the original with the scanner unit 218 is printed out, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image data is stored in the HDD 202 or the memory 203, for example. Image data may be printed out, or image data may be received from a third external device and printed out. Alternatively, the encoded image data may be decoded and then printed out.

Further, in this embodiment, the network 1
Image forming apparatus 1 for outputting image data by a scanner operation or the like among the image forming apparatuses 102 to 104 on 01.
02 is configured to determine the distribution number of machines in charge for each of the image forming apparatuses 102 to 104. For example, the image forming apparatus 102 is configured by a third device or system independent of the image forming apparatuses 102 to 104. -10
It may be configured to determine the number of assigned machines for each of the four. In this case, the third apparatus or system communicates with the image forming apparatuses 102 to 104 to obtain necessary information, and the like, to thereby obtain the image forming apparatus 102.
The number of distributions in charge of machines for each of .about.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is based on the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be output as the output capability of each of the image forming apparatuses 102 to 103.
Each of Nos. 02 to 103 is configured to adjust and determine the output information amount to be in charge so as not to reach the upper limit of the number of printable sheets. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatuses 102-
The output capacity of each 103 is set as a processing speed, and the output information amount to be in charge of each of the image forming apparatuses 102 to 103 is determined based on this processing speed.

For simplicity of explanation, only the configuration and operation different from those of the first embodiment will be specifically described.

First, in the operation of the image forming apparatus 102 shown in FIG.
Although the 201 receives the designation of the device that performs the interlocking operation made by the user from the operation unit 221 via the panel interface 215 (step S301), the interlocking operation target device (image) specified by the user in the next step S302. The forming devices 103 and 104) are queried for information regarding the processing speed as the output capability, which will be described in detail later.

The CPU 201 determines the image forming apparatuses 103 and 1 according to the information returned in response to the inquiry.
For 04, for example, the number of prints that can be output per minute is recognized, and if the processing speeds such as single-sided printing and double-sided printing differ in processing speed, information about each is provided. Withdraw. The CPU 201 also acquires information regarding the processing speed of the device 102 in the same manner.

Then, the CPU 201 executes the next step S
The process from 303 is executed, and in the process of step S305, the number of distribution units in charge of the machine of the image forming apparatuses 102 to 103 is determined based on the information regarding the processing speed acquired in step 302. After that, the CPU 201
Performs the processing from step S306 as described above.

FIG. 8 shows an example of information 800 regarding processing speed (processing speed information) used for determining the number of distribution units in charge of machines. The processing speed information 800 includes information about the print color 801 and the print paper size 805.
The information is roughly classified into two types. The information about the print color 801 is subdivided by the printer type 802 indicating whether it is monochrome print or color print.
2 is subdivided by a print form 803 that is single-sided print or double-sided print, and a print processing speed 804 is determined for each print form 803. Print processing speed 80
The unit of 4 is the print processing speed per minute “pp
The processing speed in the case of "m" is the speed for printing A4 portrait paper. On the other hand, the information regarding the print paper size 805 includes various paper sizes 806.
The print processing speed 807 is determined for each paper size 806. The unit of the print processing speed 807 is "1.0" as the processing speed when printing out A4 portrait size paper, and is a ratio indicating how much the processing speed changes for each paper size. There is.

According to the processing speed information 800 shown in FIG.
For example, in the case of black-and-white single-sided printing, it is 4 for A4 portrait
It is 0ppm, but when it comes to B4 size, it is multiplied by 0.7,
It turns out that it becomes 28 ppm.

In FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 103 and the image forming apparatus 104 are the same as the image forming apparatus 1
12 is a flow chart showing an output process executed based on the number of assigned copies from 02.

Although FIG. 9 shows the operation of the image forming apparatus 103 and the image forming apparatus 104, that is, the output processing, the output processing in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Similarly, step S30 of FIG.
The output processing of the image forming apparatus 102 executed in S8 is related to the output processing in FIG. 9 (step S903).
And S904). Also, regarding the form of output processing for a plurality of copies, for example, 5 copies of a 3-page document are output (copy output), as in the first embodiment.
In this case, the output of (1 page, 2 pages, 3 pages), (1 page, 2 pages, 3 pages), ... Is repeatedly executed for 5 sets to output 5 copies.
According to the above form, output processing of a plurality of copies is executed.

Step S901: The CPU 201 determines that the LA
Through the N interface 212, the distribution number of assigned copies (the number of linked copy assignments) is received from the image forming apparatus 102 that executes the scan operation. Step S902: The CPU 201 receives image data (image data of a scanned original document) from the image forming apparatus 102 that executes the scanning operation via the LAN interface 212.

Step S903: The CPU 201 executes the output processing of the image data received in step S902,
The number of distribution units in charge of the own device received in step S901,
This is executed by the printer unit 220 via the printer interface 219.

Step S905: The CPU 201 determines whether or not the printer unit 220 has completed the output processing for the number of distributed copies received in step S901. As a result of this determination, if the output processing is not completed, The process from step S903 is executed again, and when the output process is completed, the process proceeds to step S905. Step S905: The CPU 201 performs step S904.
When the output processing is completed as a result of the determination, it is determined whether or not there is image data to be received. As a result of the determination, if there is image data to be received, the processing from step S902 is executed again. If all the image data have been received, the process ends.

An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the host and the terminal of the first and second embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the system or apparatus. By the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the device reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium,
It goes without saying that it will be achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium is the first and second program codes.
The functions of the embodiment are realized, and the storage medium storing the program code and the program code constitute the present invention. A ROM, flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, or the like can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the first and second embodiments are realized, but also the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that this also includes the case where the above-mentioned processes perform some or all of the actual processing and the functions of the first and second embodiments are realized by the processing. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the extended function board inserted in the computer or the extended function unit connected to the computer, the extended function is executed based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, this also includes the case where the CPU provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the first and second embodiments.

[0090]

As described above, according to the present invention, one output process is performed by a plurality of devices or systems each having an information output function (printer function etc.) and capable of interlocking via a communication means such as a network. When distributing (processing such as outputting a plurality of copies of one image data), based on the capability information of the information output function (information such as the upper limit amount that can be output, output processing speed, etc.) It is configured to distribute one output process. As a result, the total output amount in one output process is not divided by the number of devices or systems as in the prior art, but the output amount according to the processing capacity of each device or system is distributed. Therefore, one output process can be efficiently performed without waste.

Specifically, for example, when the present invention is applied to a system form in which one image data is simultaneously printed out by a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected so as to be interlocked on a network, the total number of output copies Distribution of
It is not determined by a simple division by the number of printers, but is determined according to the maximum printable number of sheets of each image forming apparatus or the processing speed. As a result, the final total processing time can be shortened without inviting complicated avoidance processing, and the production efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied in a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus of the network system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a scanning operation of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a print output operation of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation screen for designating the print output side in the scan operation.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed based on an operation on the operation screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of outputtable sheet upper limit information used when determining the output information amount to be handled by the print output side.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing speed information used when determining an output information amount to be handled on the print output side in the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining the print output operation in the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 network system 101 network 102-103 Image forming apparatus

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of devices or systems, each of which has an information output function and is capable of interlocking, through an arbitrary communication means, the information output function of the plurality of devices or systems. 1 for each of the above devices or systems based on the capability information of
An information processing apparatus comprising a processing distribution means for distributing one output processing. 2. The processing distribution means determines the output amount in charge of each of the plurality of devices or systems in the one output processing.
The information processing device described. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the capability information of the output function includes at least one of an upper limit amount of output and an output processing speed. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information output function includes a print output function. 5. The processing distribution means, based on the capability information of the information output function of the plurality of devices or systems and the capability information of the information output function of its own device, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one output process is distributed to the output processing unit. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires target information in the one output process. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores target information in the one output process. 8. The one output process includes a process of outputting a plurality of copies of one image data, and the process distribution unit determines the number of output copies in charge as the output amount in charge. The information processing device described. 9. A network system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected to each other via a network, and at least one device of the plurality of devices is according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A network system having a function of an information processing device. 10. An information output control method for performing a single output process by interlocking a plurality of devices or systems each having an information output function, the information output function of the plurality of devices or systems. 1 for each of the above devices or systems based on capability information
An information output control method comprising a process distribution step of distributing one output process. 11. The information output control according to claim 10, wherein the processing distribution step includes a step of determining an output amount in charge of each of the plurality of devices or systems in the one output processing. Method. 12. The information output control method according to claim 10, wherein the capability information of the output function includes at least one of an upper limit amount that can be output and an output processing speed. 13. An information output control method for printing out a plurality of copies of one image data by a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to each other on a network so as to be communicable and interlockable with each other. An information output control method, comprising: a determining step of determining the number of copies to be printed out by the image forming apparatus based on the processing capabilities of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. 14. The information output control method according to claim 13, wherein the processing capability includes at least one of a maximum number of printable sheets and a printout speed. 15. The image forming apparatus has at least one of a scanner function for acquiring the image data, a memory function for storing the image data, and a print output function. Item 14. The information output control method according to item 13. 16. A computer-readable storage medium recording a program for causing a computer to realize the function of the information processing device according to claim 1 or the function of the network system according to claim 9. 17. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the information output control method according to claim 10 is recorded. 18. A program for causing a computer to realize the function of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or the function of the network system according to claim 9. 19. A program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the information output control method according to claim 10.