JP2020023053A - Device, method and program for processing job - Google Patents

Abstract

To switch jobs without decreasing productivity.SOLUTION: A job processing device for processing jobs includes: an image processing part which prepares an image for printing; a time calculation part which calculates a first duration from completing the preparation of an n-th image (n is a positive number equal to 1 or more) of a first job, until starting the preparation of an (n+1)-th image for printing the (n+1)-th image at a predetermined timing, in processing the first job registered first, and a second job registered later; and a determination part which determines whether to interrupt the second job, by comparing the first duration with the time required for preparing one or more images of the second job. When it is determined that the second job should be interrupted, the image processing part prepares the one or more images of the second job after completing the preparation of the n-th image of the first job and before starting the preparation of the (n+1)-th image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a job processing apparatus that processes a job, a job processing method in the job processing apparatus, and a job processing program that operates on the job processing apparatus.

  When printing using an image forming apparatus such as a copier or a multi-function peripheral (MFP), a job is received from a client device connected to a network, and the job is rasterized (developed into a bitmap). To generate an image and form the image on paper. If post-processing is specified in the job, post-processing is performed on the sheet on which the image is formed.

  Here, when a plurality of jobs are received from the client device, the jobs are processed in the order in which they are received. However, when a failure occurs during the processing of the preceding job and the job is stopped, or when the preceding job is post-processed, If time is required, a technique has been proposed in which control is performed such that a preceding job is skipped and a succeeding job is processed first (switching of jobs).

  For example, Patent Literature 1 below includes a receiving unit that receives job data, an information extracting unit that extracts information about resources and status necessary for executing a job from the job data received by the receiving unit, and an apparatus provided in the apparatus. Information collecting means for collecting information on the status of the resources and devices that are present, and fault detecting means for comparing information obtained from the information extracting means with information obtained from the information collecting means to detect a fault in job execution And control means for storing the job data of the job in which the failure is detected by the failure detection means in the apparatus until the failure is resolved, and for receiving and processing other job data. A processing device is disclosed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-133125 describes an image forming apparatus that registers jobs in the order in which they are received, and performs image forming processing and post-processing on a recording medium in accordance with the contents of the registered jobs. Comparing means for comparing the time required for the post-processing of the first job with the time required for the image forming processing of the registered and waiting second job, and executing the execution in accordance with the comparison result by the comparing means. Control means for executing the image forming process of the waiting second job after the completed image forming process of the first job and while the post-processing of the first job is being executed; Is disclosed.

  Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163, the image forming image data is created in accordance with the job information received from the host device, and the image indicated by the image forming image data is printed on a sheet in accordance with the image forming setting information included in the job information. In addition to controlling the image forming means to be formed, if the image forming operation according to the job information cannot be continued, the image forming operation according to the job information is suspended, and the image according to the next job information is stopped. An image forming apparatus having a job skip function for starting a forming operation, wherein a drawing command included as image forming information in page information of a page included in the job information is converted into the corresponding image forming image data. Drawing command conversion means, and the setting information included in the job information processed by the drawing command conversion means. A determining means for checking the operation status of the image forming means and determining whether or not the image forming operation can be performed in accordance with the job information; and (a) when the determining means determines that the image forming operation can be performed, While the conversion operation of the command conversion unit is performed continuously, the image forming image data created by the drawing command conversion unit is formed on a sheet by the image forming unit according to the setting information. If it is determined that the operation cannot be performed, the conversion operation of the drawing command conversion unit is interrupted. If there is next job information following the interrupted job information at the time of the interruption, the conversion is performed according to the next job information. If the next job information does not exist at the time of interruption, the image forming operation is performed in accordance with the interrupted job information. After waiting until it is determined that allows the, configuration and a job control means having the job skip function to resume the drawing command conversion unit processing in accordance with the interrupted job information is disclosed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H11-163873 discloses a job processing apparatus capable of interrupting another job during the execution of a normal job, and develops input image data corresponding to each job in a memory in advance for printing. Means for printing the developed image data on paper, means for post-processing the printed paper, and the printing in one of the normal job and the interrupt job during execution. Means for detecting a standby time of the means, means for determining whether or not execution of the other of the normal job and the interrupt job is possible within the detected standby time, and wherein the determination means is the other of the other. A means for executing one of the other jobs at the same time as one of the jobs when it is determined that the job can be executed.

JP-A-10-304113 JP 2008-173797 A JP 2010-214773 A JP-A-09-163067

  However, as a premise, since a job prepares images (generation of images by rasterization processing and reception of rasterized images) in the order in which the jobs are submitted, if a failure occurs during the processing of the preceding job, or When processing takes time, there is a case where the processing of the succeeding job cannot be started immediately even if the conventional technique is used. That is, in order to skip the preceding job and start the printing process of the succeeding job, it is necessary to wait until the preparation of the image of the succeeding job is completed, and the job cannot be processed efficiently.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a job processing apparatus, a job processing method, and a job processing program which can switch jobs without reducing productivity. is there.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, in a job processing apparatus that processes a job, an image processing unit that prepares an image for printing, processes a first job registered first and a second job registered later. In this case, after the preparation of the n-th (n is a positive number of 1 or more) image of the first job is completed, the (n + 1) -th image for printing the (n + 1) -th image at a predetermined timing. A time calculating unit that calculates a first time until image preparation is started, and compares the first time with the time required to prepare one or more images of the second job. A determination unit that determines whether to interrupt the second job. The image processing unit, when it is determined that the interruption of the second job is to be performed, After the image preparation is completed, the preparation of the (n + 1) th image is started. Before, characterized in that to prepare for the one or more images of the second job.

  One aspect of the present invention is a job processing method in a job processing apparatus that processes a job, wherein the job processing apparatus includes: an image processing unit that prepares an image for printing; When the second job registered later is processed, after the preparation of the nth (n is a positive number equal to or greater than 1) image of the first job is completed, the (n + 1) th image is replaced with a predetermined image. A time calculation process for calculating a first time until preparation of the (n + 1) th image for printing at the timing, the first time, and preparation of one or more images of the second job And performing a determination process of determining whether to interrupt the second job by comparing the time required for the second job. In the image processing, when it is determined that the interrupt of the second job is to be performed, , Of the n-th image of the first job After Bei is completed, before starting the preparation of the n + 1 th image, and performs preparation for the one or more images of the second job.

  One aspect of the present invention is a job processing program that operates on a job processing apparatus that processes a job, the image processing for preparing an image for printing in the job processing apparatus, and a first job that has been registered before. When the second job registered later is processed, after the preparation of the nth (n is a positive number equal to or greater than 1) image of the first job is completed, the (n + 1) th image is predetermined. Time calculation processing for calculating a first time until the preparation of the (n + 1) th image for printing at the timing of the first job, the first time, and the preparation of one or more images of the second job And performing a determination process of determining whether to interrupt the second job by comparing the time required for the second job. In the image processing, when it is determined that the second job is interrupted, The n-th image of the first job After the preparation of finished, before starting the preparation of the n + 1 th image, and performs preparation for the one or more images of the second job.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the job processing apparatus, the job processing method, and the job processing program of this invention, a job can be switched, without reducing productivity.

  The reason is that an image processing unit that prepares an image for printing, a first job registered earlier, and a second job registered later are processed by a job processing apparatus that processes a job. After the preparation of the nth (n is a positive number equal to or greater than 1) image of the first job is completed, the preparation of the (n + 1) th image for printing the (n + 1) th image at a predetermined timing is performed. Interrupting the second job by comparing the first time and the time required to prepare one or more images of the second job with the time calculating unit that calculates the first time until the start of the second job A determination unit for determining whether or not to interrupt the second job, the image processing unit determines whether to interrupt the second job, and after the preparation of the nth image of the first job is completed, the image processing unit Before starting the preparation of the second image, prepare one or more images of the second job. It is from.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram comparing a conventional job processing method with a job processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention (when the productivity of preceding jobs is not reduced). FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram comparing a conventional job processing method with a job processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention (when optimizing productivity of a plurality of jobs as a whole). FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another configuration of the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another configuration of the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a client device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the timing of job processing (in the case where only image preparation is performed without lowering the productivity of a preceding job) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the timing of job processing (in the case of preparing and printing an image without reducing the productivity of a preceding job) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the timing of job processing (in the case where image preparation and printing are performed by optimizing the productivity of the entire preceding job and the succeeding job) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a job processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention (a state in which a controller receives a job A for printing and cutting a noun). FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a job processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention (a state in which a controller receives a job B for printing a document). FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a job processing method (a state in which the image forming apparatus has received setting information from a controller) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a job processing method (a state in which the image forming apparatus has received the image of the first page of job A from the controller) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a job processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention (a state in which the image forming apparatus has received images of two pages of job B from the controller). FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a job processing method (a state in which the image forming apparatus has received the image of the second page of job A from the controller) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a job processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention (a state in which the image forming apparatus has received images of two pages of job B from the controller). FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a job processing method (a state in which the image forming apparatus has received the image of the third page of job A from the controller) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a job processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention (a state in which the image forming apparatus has received images of the remaining pages of job B from the controller). FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation (processing up to image preparation) of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation (image preparation processing) of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation (print processing) of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (print start processing when productivity of a preceding job is not reduced). FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (print start processing when optimizing productivity of a plurality of jobs as a whole).

  As described in the background art, when a failure occurs during the processing of a preceding job or when it takes time to perform post-processing of the preceding job, a technique is proposed that controls to skip the preceding job and execute the succeeding job first. However, since the job prepares the images in the order in which they are submitted, in order to skip the preceding job and start the printing process of the succeeding job, it is necessary to wait until the preparation of the image of the succeeding job is completed. , The job cannot be processed efficiently.

  Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, once the image preparation of the page necessary to satisfy the linear velocity for the preceding job is completed, even if the page of the preceding job still remains, the preparation of the image of the preceding job is temporarily performed. The control is stopped so that the preparation of the image of the succeeding job is performed first.

  More specifically, when a job processing apparatus that processes a job processes an image processing unit that prepares an image for printing, a first job registered first, and a second job registered later. After the preparation of the nth (n is a positive number equal to or greater than 1) image of the first job is completed, the preparation of the (n + 1) th image for printing the (n + 1) th image at a predetermined timing A time calculation unit that calculates a first time until the start of the second job, and compares the first time with the time required to prepare one or more images of the second job, and interrupts the second job. A determination unit for determining whether or not to perform the processing, the image processing unit, when it is determined that the interruption of the second job is to be performed, after the preparation of the n-th image of the first job is completed, Before starting the preparation of the eye image, prepare one or more images of the second job. So as to.

  Further, when the job processing apparatus includes a print processing unit that prints an image on a sheet, the time calculation unit sets the (n + 1) th image at a predetermined timing after the printing of the nth image of the first job is completed. A second time until the printing of the image is started is calculated, and the determination unit compares the second time with the time required for printing one or more images of the second job, and determines the second job. The print processing unit determines whether or not to perform the interruption of the second job, and when it is determined that the interruption of the second job is to be performed, after the printing of the nth image of the first job is completed, Before starting printing of an image, one or more images of the second job are printed.

  Hereinafter, an example of a job processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a comparison between a conventional job processing method and a job processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and executes processing of a succeeding job without reducing productivity of a preceding job. This is an example of the case. Conventionally, when a preceding job (a job A that prints three pages and then cuts and binds each page and binds each copy) and a subsequent job (a job B that prints three pages) are input, conventionally, FIG. As shown in (a), in the image preparation, after preparing images of A-1 to A-3 of job A, images of B-1 to B-3 of job B are prepared. In the printing process, after printing A-1 to A-3 of job A, printing of B-1 to B-3 of job B is performed. In printing A-1 to A-3, printing of A-2 is performed after cutting of A-1 and printing of A-3 is performed after cutting of A-2. That is, when the printing of A-1 is completed, the image preparation of A-2 has been completed, but the printing of A-2 cannot be started unless the cutting of A-1 is completed. A waiting time occurs from the end of printing to the start of printing of A-2. However, B-1 cannot be printed between A-1 and A-2 because the image preparation of B-1 has not been completed at the time of completion of printing of A-1.

  On the other hand, in the case of the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1B, a waiting time occurs from the end of printing of A-1 to the start of printing of A-2, and the end of printing of A-2. Since a waiting time occurs from the time to the start of printing of A-3, in the image preparation, the image preparation is performed in the order of A-1, B-1, A-2, B-2, A-3, and B-3. I do. That is, when the image preparation for A-1 is completed, the image preparation for B-1 is performed before the image preparation for A-2. In the printing process, since a waiting time occurs from the end of printing of A-1 to the start of printing of A-2, printing of B-1 in which image preparation has been completed is performed during that time. Further, since a waiting time occurs from the end of printing of A-2 to the start of printing of A-3, printing of B-2 for which image preparation has been completed is performed during that time. That is, since the image of the job B is prepared in advance, printing of B-1 and B-2 is performed between A-1 and A-2 and between A-2 and A-3, respectively. Can be performed, the job B can be interrupted without affecting the productivity of the job A, and the job can be processed efficiently.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a comparison between a conventional job processing method and a job processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the time until printing of a plurality of jobs is completed is minimized. This is an example in which the productivity of the entire job is optimized). Conventionally, when a preceding job (job A that prints two sheets and cuts and outputs one sheet at a time by the cutting unit) and a succeeding job (job B that prints three sheets) are input, conventionally, FIG. As shown in a), after printing / cutting the first sheet of job A and printing / cutting the second sheet of job A, printing of the first to third sheets of job B is performed. Here, when the sheet after printing / cutting of the job A and the sheet after printing of the job B are discharged to the same tray (the leftmost tray in the schematic diagram of the apparatus), the cutting of the second sheet of the job A does not end. And printing of job B cannot be started (papers of job A and job B are mixed), so even if a waiting time occurs from the end of printing of the first sheet of job A to the start of printing of the second sheet, During this time, the job B cannot be printed.

  On the other hand, in the case of the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2B, the sheet of the job B is discharged to a discharge tray before the cutting section, or another path of the cutting section is used. To be conveyed to a paper ejection tray at a later stage. When the printing of the first sheet of the job A is completed, printing of the job B for which image preparation has been performed in advance (here, printing of the first sheet and the second sheet of the job B) is performed in parallel with the post-processing. Then, the sheet of the job B is discharged to a place different from the sheet of the job A (the tray at the upper center in the schematic diagram of the apparatus). When the printing of the second sheet of the job A is completed, printing of the job B for which image preparation has been performed in advance (here, printing of the third sheet of the job B) is performed in parallel with the post-processing. The sheet is discharged to a place different from the sheet of the job A. That is, when the paper can be discharged to a different place for each job, the job B can be printed during the processing of the job A, and the time until the printing of a plurality of jobs is completed can be reduced.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, a job processing apparatus, a job processing method, and a job processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 are schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a client device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. FIGS. 8 to 10 are schematic diagrams illustrating the timing of job processing according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 11 to 19 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the job processing method according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 20 to 24 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the printing system of this embodiment includes a client device 10 functioning as a job instruction device and an image forming device 20 functioning as a job processing device. These are connected by a communication network 50 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) defined by standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface).

  In FIG. 3, the printing system includes the client device 10 and the image forming apparatus 20. However, as shown in FIG. 4, a control device such as the controller 30 for controlling the image forming apparatus 20 is replaced with a control apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 20. It may be provided separately. In that case, the data transfer from the controller 30 to the image forming apparatus 20 can also use IEEE1394, Parallel, or the like. When processing a job including post-processing, the image forming apparatus 20 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be provided with a post-processing function, or as shown in FIG. A processing device 40 may be provided. Hereinafter, each device will be described in detail based on the configuration of FIG.

[Client device]
The client device 10 is a computer device such as a personal computer, and includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a network I / F unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, and the like, as shown in FIG. You.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11a and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11b and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11c, which are connected via a bus. The CPU 11a reads the program from the ROM 11b or the storage unit 12, expands the program in the RAM 11c, and executes the program, thereby performing overall control of the client device 10.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the control unit 11 includes an OS (Operating System) 16 such as Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), and iOS (registered trademark); A document creation application 17 that creates a document on the above, and a job (PCD (Printer Control Language) or PDL such as PS (Post Script)) in a language that the image forming apparatus 20 can interpret the data of the document created by the document creation application 17. ), And also functions as a printer driver 18 for setting printing conditions, post-processing conditions, and the like.

  The storage unit 12 includes an HDD, a solid state drive (SSD), and stores a program for the CPU 11a to control each unit, document data, a job, and the like.

  The network I / F unit 13 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, and the like, establishes a connection with the image forming apparatus 20 connected via the communication network 50, and transmits a job or the like.

  The display unit 14 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and includes a screen for creating an original, printing conditions (the number of copies, paper type, one-sided / two-sided, color / monochrome, etc.) and post-processing conditions (tab sheet insertion And staples, punches, etc.) are displayed. The operation unit 15 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel integrated with the display unit 14 and the like, and enables operations such as creation of a document, setting of printing conditions and post-processing conditions, and the like.

[Image forming apparatus]
The image forming apparatus 20 is a job processing apparatus that processes a job received from the client apparatus 10 (a printing apparatus that executes printing based on a job in the present embodiment). As illustrated in FIG. 21, a storage unit 22, a network I / F unit 23, a display operation unit 24, an image processing unit 25, a print processing unit 26, a post-processing unit 27, and the like.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU 21a and memories such as a ROM 21b and a RAM 21c, and these are connected via a bus. The CPU 21a controls the entire image forming apparatus 20 by reading the program from the ROM 21b, developing the program in the RAM 21c, and executing the program.

  For example, when receiving the job from the controller 30, the control unit 21 analyzes the setting information of the job and determines whether post-processing is set for the job, whether the post-processing setting is post-processing setting for each job, and the like. to decide. Then, the control unit 21 functions as a time calculation unit 28 and a determination unit 29, as shown in FIG.

  When processing the first job (preceding job) registered earlier and the second job (subsequent job) registered later, the time calculating unit 28 determines the n (n is 1 or more) of the first job. A first time is calculated from the completion of preparation of the (positive number) image to the start of preparation of the (n + 1) th image for printing the (n + 1) th image at a predetermined timing. Further, the time calculation unit 28 calculates a second time from when the printing of the n-th image of the first job is completed to when the printing of the (n + 1) -th image is started at the predetermined timing.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, immediately after the printing of the n-th image (here, A-1) of the job A is completed, the printing of the (n + 1) -th image (here, A-2) of the job A is performed. A first time is calculated at a first timing at which it can be started. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when the job A is a job for performing post-processing on the sheet on which the image is printed, the job A is printed on the sheet on which the n-th (here, A-1) image of the job A is printed. After the post-processing is completed, the first time and the second time are calculated at the second timing at which printing of the (n + 1) th image (A-2 in this case) of the job A can be started immediately. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, when the job A is a job for performing post-processing on the sheet on which the image is printed, the job A is printed on the sheet on which the n-th (here, A-1) image of the job A is printed. Immediately after the post-processing is started, printing of one or more images of job B (here, B-1 and B-2) is started, and immediately after printing of one or more images of job B is completed, The first time and the second time are calculated at the third timing when the printing of the (n + 1) th image of A (here, A-2) can be started. This third timing is a timing that minimizes the time until printing of both the job A (preceding job) and the job B (subsequent job) ends.

  The determination unit 29 compares the first time calculated by the time calculation unit 28 with the time required for preparing one or more images of the second job (subsequent job), and determines the second job (subsequent job). It is determined whether or not to perform an interrupt. The determining unit 29 compares the second time calculated by the time calculating unit 28 with the time required to print one or more images of the second job (subsequent job), and determines the second job (subsequent job). Job) is determined.

  The time calculation unit 28 and the determination unit 29 may be configured as hardware, or the control unit 21 may be configured as a job processing program that functions as the time calculation unit 28 and the determination unit 29, and the job processing program may be configured by the CPU 21a. May be executed.

  The storage unit 22 includes an HDD, an SSD, and the like, and stores a program, a job, a job image, and the like for the CPU 21a to control each unit.

  The network I / F unit 23 includes a NIC, a modem, and the like, establishes a connection with the client device 10 connected via the communication network 50, and receives a job, job setting information, and the like.

  The display operation unit 24 is a touch panel or the like in which a touch sensor formed of a grid-like transparent electrode is formed on a display unit such as an LCD, and displays various screens and enables various operations on the screens.

  The image processing unit 25 includes a RIP (Raster Image Processor) or the like, translates a job, generates intermediate data, performs rendering, and generates image data for each page (this series of processing is referred to as rasterization processing). .) To prepare an image for printing. Further, the image processing unit 25 performs image processing such as screen processing, gradation correction, density balance adjustment, thinning, and halftone processing on the image data as necessary. In the present embodiment, in particular, as a result of comparing the first time and the time required for preparing one or more images of the second job (subsequent job), the determination unit 29 determines that the interruption of the second job (subsequent job) has occurred. Is determined to be performed, after the preparation of the n-th image of the first job (preceding job) is completed and before the preparation of the (n + 1) -th image is started, one of the second job (subsequent job) is started. Prepare more than one image. When the controller 30 performs the rasterizing process, an image for printing is prepared by receiving a rasterized image from the controller 30.

  The print processing unit (print engine) 26 executes a print process based on the image data. The print processing unit 26 includes an exposure unit that irradiates and exposes a laser beam based on image data, a photoconductor drum, a development unit, a charging unit, a photoconductor cleaning unit, and a primary transfer roller. An image forming unit that forms the toner image of the image forming apparatus, an intermediate belt that is rotated by rollers and functions as an intermediate transfer body that conveys the toner image formed by the image forming unit to a sheet, and a toner image that is formed on the intermediate belt. A secondary transfer roller for transferring to the paper, a fixing unit for fixing the toner image transferred to the paper, and a transport unit for transporting the paper, such as a feed roller, a registration roller, a loop roller, a reversing roller, and a discharge roller. Be composed. In the present embodiment, in particular, the determination unit 29 compares the time required for printing one or more images of the second job (subsequent job) with the time required for printing the second job (subsequent job). Is determined to be performed, after the printing of the n-th image of the first job (preceding job) is completed and before the printing of the (n + 1) -th image is started, one of the second job (subsequent job) is started. Print more than one image. At this time, the paper on which the image of the second job (subsequent job) is printed is transported (discharged to a different tray) to a place different from the paper on which the image of the first job (preceding job) is printed. Controls transport.

  The post-processing unit 27 is provided as needed, and performs post-processing such as punching, staples, and booklets on the paper on which the print processing unit 26 has performed the printing process.

  3 to 7 are examples of the printing system of the present embodiment, and the configuration and control of each device can be changed as appropriate.

  For example, in the above description, the control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 has the functions of the time calculating unit 28 and the determining unit 29. However, the printing system includes a job processing device such as the controller 30 including the image processing unit. In this case, the control unit of the controller 30 may have the functions of the time calculation unit 28 and the determination unit 29 (the CPU of the controller 30 may execute the job processing program).

  Next, an example of a job processing method in the printing system having the above configuration (an example of interrupting image preparation and printing of job B during processing of job A as shown in FIG. 9) is a schematic diagram of FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, here, it is assumed that the printing system includes the controller 30 in FIG. 4 and the controller 30 generates an image for printing (performs a rasterizing process) in accordance with a request of the image forming apparatus 20.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11, the user operates the client device 10 to print a job A (instruction to print 10 business card images × 3 pages) (printing on A4 size paper, and then cutting to business card size). The preceding job to which the setting information is added) is input to the controller 30.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the user operates the client device 10 to input a job B (a succeeding job with no post-processing setting) instructing printing of a 10-page document to the controller 30.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the controller 30 transmits the setting information of the job A to the image forming apparatus 20, and subsequently transmits the setting information of the job B. The image forming apparatus 20 analyzes the setting information of the job A and the job B. Since the job A involves post-processing, the post-processing unit 27 (or the post-processing apparatus 40) The time required for the processing is inquired, and the number of pages into which job B can be interrupted by job A is determined in consideration of the time required for image preparation, printing, and post-processing of each page. Here, it is determined that two pages of job B can be interrupted during the post-processing of each page of job A.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the controller 30 transmits the image of the first page of the job A to the image forming apparatus 20, and the image forming apparatus 20 uses the received image to transmit the image of the first page of the job A. Perform printing.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15, when the image forming apparatus 20 requests the image of two pages (P1, P2) of the job B from the controller 30 based on the determination result, the controller 30 sends the image to the image forming apparatus 20. Images of two pages (P1, P2) of job B are transmitted, and image forming apparatus 20 prints two pages (P1, P2) of job B using the received images.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 16, when the image forming apparatus 20 requests the image of the second page of the job A from the controller 30 based on the determination result, the controller 30 sends the second page of the job A to the image forming apparatus 20. The image forming apparatus 20 transmits the image of the eye, and prints the second page of job A using the received image.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17, when the image forming apparatus 20 requests the image of two pages (P3, P4) of the job B from the controller 30 based on the determination result, the controller 30 The image forming apparatus 20 transmits two pages (P3, P4) of the job B using the received image.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 18, when the image forming apparatus 20 requests the image of the third page of the job A to the controller 30 based on the determination result, the controller 30 sends the image of the third page of the job A to the image forming apparatus 20. The image of the page is transmitted, and the image forming apparatus 20 prints the third page of the job A using the received image.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 19, when the image forming apparatus 20 requests the image of the remaining pages (P5 to P10) of the job B to the controller 30 based on the determination result, the controller 30 , The image of the remaining pages (P5 to P10) of job B is transmitted, and image forming apparatus 20 prints the remaining pages (P5 to P10) of job B using the received image.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The CPU 21a executes the processing of each step shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 20 to 24 by expanding the job processing program stored in the ROM 21b or the storage unit 22 into the RAM 21c and executing the program. In the following description, it is assumed that an image of one page is printed on one sheet of paper.

[Image preparation]
First, processing up to image preparation will be described. As shown in FIG. 20, when receiving a job from the controller 30 (S101), the control unit 21 analyzes setting information of the job (S102) and determines whether post-processing is set for the job (S103). ). If the post-processing is not set (No in S103), the control unit 21 (time calculation unit 28) acquires the time required for printing each page (S104), and takes into consideration the printing time of each page. After calculating the first time from the completion of the image preparation of the nth page to the start of the image preparation of the (n + 1) th page for printing the image of the (n + 1) th page at a predetermined timing (S105), the image preparation processing Is performed (S110). Details of this image preparation processing will be described later.

  On the other hand, when post-processing is set (Yes in S103), the control unit 21 determines whether the subsequent processing setting is a post-processing setting for each job (S106). In the case of the post-processing setting for each job (Yes in S106), if the printed sheets of the preceding job and the succeeding job can be transported to different locations, the job can be switched without considering the post-processing. The control unit 21 (time calculation unit 28) acquires the time required for printing each page (S104), and takes into account the printing time of each page, and after the image preparation for page n is completed, the control unit 21 (time calculation unit 28) After calculating a first time until image preparation for the (n + 1) th page for printing an image at a predetermined timing is started (S105), image preparation processing is performed (S110). On the other hand, when the post-processing setting is not the job-based post-processing setting (page-based post-processing setting) (No in S106), the control unit 21 (time calculation unit 28) acquires the time required for printing each page (S107). Inquire the post-processing unit 27 (post-processing device 40 in the case of the system configuration of FIG. 5) about the time required for post-processing of each page (S108), and consider the printing time and post-processing time of each page. After calculating the first time from the completion of the image preparation of the nth page to the start of the image preparation of the (n + 1) th page for printing the image of the (n + 1) th page at a predetermined timing (S109), the image preparation processing is performed. Is performed (S110).

  FIG. 21 shows details of the image preparation process in S110. First, the control unit 21 (determination unit 29) determines whether the image preparation for the page to be printed next to the preceding job has been performed (S201). If the image of the page to be printed has not been prepared (No in S201), the image processing unit 25 prepares the image of the page to be printed next (S204).

  On the other hand, when the image of the page to be printed next is being prepared (Yes in S201), the control unit 21 (the determination unit 29) determines whether the first time calculated in S105 or S109 is equal to or more than one page of the succeeding job. Is compared with the time required for image preparation (S202), and it is determined whether one or more pages of the subsequent job can be prepared for the image within the first time (S203). If it is not possible to prepare one or more pages of the succeeding job within the first time (No in S203), the image processing unit 25 prepares the image of the page to be printed next to the preceding job (S204). If one or more pages of the succeeding job can be prepared within the time (Yes in S203), the image of the one or more pages of the succeeding job is prepared (S205).

  Then, the control unit 21 (judgment unit 29) judges whether image preparation for all pages of all jobs has been completed (S206). If there is a page for which image preparation has not been completed (No in S206), S201 is performed. And the same processing is repeated. When preparing the image, the image processing unit 25 may perform a rasterizing process. In the case of the system configuration shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 20 requests the controller 30 for the image, and the controller 30 performs the rasterizing process. May be performed to transmit the image to the image forming apparatus 20.

[Print processing]
Next, a printing process performed in parallel with image preparation will be described. As shown in FIG. 22, the control unit 21 monitors an unfinished job (S301), and if there is an unfinished job (Yes in S301), performs a print start process (S302). The content of the print start process differs depending on whether the purpose is to reduce the productivity of the preceding job or to optimize the productivity of the entire plurality of jobs. Hereinafter, each case will be described.

  FIG. 23 shows a print start process when the productivity of the preceding job is not reduced. The control unit 21 determines whether a plurality of jobs have been input (S401). (Yes in S401), it is determined whether or not the preceding job is in a printing process (S402). If a plurality of jobs have not been input (No in S401), or if the preceding job is not being printed (No in S402), the print processing unit 26 starts printing the next page of the preceding job (S406). .

  On the other hand, when the preceding job is in the process of printing (Yes in S402), the control unit 21 (time calculation unit 28) performs the processing from the end of printing of the currently printing page to the start of printing of the next page. 2 (S403), the control unit 21 (judgment unit 29) compares the second time with the time required to print one or more pages of the succeeding job (S404), and within the second time. It is determined whether one or more pages of the succeeding job can be printed (S405). If one or more pages of the succeeding job cannot be printed within the second time (No in S405), the print processing unit 26 starts printing the next page of the preceding job (S406), and within the second time, If one or more pages can be printed (Yes in S405), the print processing unit 26 starts printing the succeeding job for the number of printable pages within the second time (S407).

  FIG. 24 shows a print start process when optimizing the productivity of a plurality of jobs as a whole. The control unit 21 determines whether a plurality of jobs have been input (S501), and the plurality of jobs have been input. In this case (Yes in S501), it is determined whether or not the preceding job is being printed (S502). If a plurality of jobs have not been input (No in S501), or if the preceding job is not being printed (No in S502), the print processing unit 26 starts printing the next page of the preceding job (S506). .

  On the other hand, if the preceding job is in the process of printing (Yes in S502), the control unit 21 (time calculating unit 28) executes the process from the end of printing of the currently printing page to the start of printing of the next page. 2 (S503), the control unit 21 (judgment unit 29) compares the second time with the time required to print one or more pages of the succeeding job (S504), and within the second time. It is determined whether printing of one or more pages of the succeeding job shortens the overall processing time (S505). If the overall processing time does not become shorter even after printing one or more pages of the succeeding job within the second time (No in S505), the print processing unit 26 starts printing the next page of the preceding job (S506). . On the other hand, if printing the one or more pages of the succeeding job within the second time reduces the overall processing time (Yes in S505), the print processing unit 26 starts printing one or more pages of the subsequent job. (S507).

  As described above, after the preparation of the nth (n is a positive number equal to or greater than 1) image of the preceding job is completed, the (n + 1) th image for printing the (n + 1) th image at a predetermined timing. The first time until the preparation of the image is started is compared with the time required to prepare one or more images of the succeeding job, or after the printing of the n-th image of the preceding job is completed, The second time until the printing of the (n + 1) th image is started at the predetermined timing is compared with the time required for printing one or more images of the succeeding job, and the subsequent time is determined based on the comparison result. By determining whether to interrupt the job, the job can be processed efficiently.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configuration and control of the printing system and each device can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 20 is operated as the job processing apparatus (the control unit 21 functions as the time calculation unit 28 and the determination unit 29) has been described. The job processing method of the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where the job processing apparatus is operated (the control unit of the controller 30 functions as a time calculation unit and a determination unit).

  The present invention is applicable to a job processing apparatus that processes a job, a job processing method in the job processing apparatus, a job processing program that operates in the job processing apparatus, and a recording medium that records the job processing program.

Reference Signs List 10 client device 11 control unit 11a CPU
11b ROM
11c RAM
12 storage unit 13 network I / F unit 14 display unit 15 operation unit 16 OS
17 Document Creation Application 18 Printer Driver 20 Image Forming Apparatus 21 Control Unit 21a CPU
21b ROM
21c RAM
Reference Signs List 22 storage unit 23 network I / F unit 24 display operation unit 25 image processing unit 26 print processing unit 27 post-processing unit 28 time calculation unit 29 determination unit 30 controller 40 post-processing device 50 communication network

Claims (24)

In a job processing device that processes a job,
An image processing unit that prepares an image for printing;
When processing the first job registered earlier and the second job registered later, the preparation of the n-th (n is a positive number of 1 or more) image of the first job is completed. A time calculating unit that calculates a first time until the preparation of the (n + 1) th image for printing the (n + 1) th image at a predetermined timing is started;
A determination unit configured to compare the first time and a time required for preparing one or more images of the second job, and determine whether to interrupt the second job;
When it is determined that the interruption of the second job is to be performed, the image processing unit starts preparation of the (n + 1) th image after preparation of the nth image of the first job is completed. Before preparing the one or more images of the second job;
A job processing apparatus, comprising: The image processing unit generates an image of the job by a rasterizing process, or receives an image of the rasterized job,
The job processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The job processing device includes a print processing unit that prints the image on paper,
The time calculation unit calculates a second time from when printing of the n-th image of the first job is completed to when printing of the (n + 1) -th image is started at the predetermined timing. ,
The determining unit compares the second time with a time required for printing one or more images of the second job, and determines whether to interrupt the second job.
When it is determined that the interruption of the second job is to be performed, the print processing unit starts printing the (n + 1) th image after the printing of the nth image of the first job is completed. Before printing the one or more images of the second job;
3. The job processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The print processing unit transports the paper on which the image of the second job is printed to a place different from the paper on which the image of the first job is printed,
The job processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The predetermined timing is a timing at which printing of the (n + 1) th image of the first job can be started immediately after printing of the nth image of the first job is completed.
The job processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first job is a job for performing post-processing on paper on which the image is printed,
The predetermined timing is a timing at which printing of the (n + 1) th image of the first job can be started immediately after post-processing of the sheet on which the nth image of the first job is printed,
The job processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first job is a job for performing post-processing on paper on which the image is printed,
The predetermined timing is such that after starting post-processing of the sheet on which the n-th image of the first job is printed, printing of the one or more images of the second job is started immediately, This is a timing at which printing of the (n + 1) th image of the first job can be started immediately after printing of the one or more images of the job is completed.
The job processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The timing is a timing that minimizes the time until printing of both the first job and the second job is completed.
The job processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: A job processing method in a job processing device that processes a job,
The job processing device includes:
Image processing to prepare images for printing;
When processing the first job registered earlier and the second job registered later, the preparation of the n-th (n is a positive number of 1 or more) image of the first job is completed. A time calculation process of calculating a first time until the preparation of the (n + 1) th image for printing the (n + 1) th image at a predetermined timing;
Executing a determination process of comparing the first time with a time required for preparing one or more images of the second job to determine whether to interrupt the second job;
In the image processing, when it is determined that the interruption of the second job is to be performed, after the preparation of the n-th image of the first job is completed, and before the preparation of the (n + 1) -th image is started, Preparing the one or more images of the second job;
A job processing method, comprising: In the image processing, an image of the job is generated by a rasterizing process, or an image of the rasterized job is received.
The job processing method according to claim 9, wherein: The job processing device further includes:
Executing a printing process of printing the image on paper,
In the time calculation process, a second time from when printing of the n-th image of the first job is completed to when printing of the (n + 1) -th image is started at the predetermined timing is calculated. ,
In the determining process, the second time is compared with a time required to print one or more images of the second job, and it is determined whether to interrupt the second job.
In the printing process, when it is determined that the interruption of the second job is to be performed, after the printing of the n-th image of the first job is completed, and before the printing of the (n + 1) -th image is started. Printing the one or more images of the second job.
11. The job processing method according to claim 9, wherein: In the printing process, the paper on which the image of the second job is printed is transported to a place different from the paper on which the image of the first job is printed,
The job processing method according to claim 11, wherein: The predetermined timing is a timing at which printing of the (n + 1) th image of the first job can be started immediately after printing of the nth image of the first job is completed.
The job processing method according to claim 9, wherein: The first job is a job for performing post-processing on paper on which the image is printed,
The predetermined timing is a timing at which printing of the (n + 1) th image of the first job can be started immediately after post-processing of the sheet on which the nth image of the first job is printed,
The job processing method according to claim 9, wherein: The first job is a job for performing post-processing on paper on which the image is printed,
The predetermined timing is such that, after starting post-processing of the sheet on which the n-th image of the first job is printed, printing of the one or more images of the second job is started immediately, This is a timing at which printing of the (n + 1) th image of the first job can be started immediately after printing of the one or more images of the job is completed.
The job processing method according to claim 9, wherein: The timing is a timing that minimizes the time until printing of both the first job and the second job is completed.
16. The job processing method according to claim 15, wherein: A job processing program that runs on a job processing device that processes a job,
In the job processing device,
Image processing to prepare images for printing,
When processing the first job registered earlier and the second job registered later, the preparation of the n-th (n is a positive number of 1 or more) image of the first job is completed. , A time calculation process for calculating a first time until preparation of the (n + 1) th image for printing the (n + 1) th image at a predetermined timing,
Comparing the first time and the time required to prepare one or more images of the second job, and performing a determination process of determining whether to interrupt the second job;
In the image processing, when it is determined that the interruption of the second job is to be performed, after the preparation of the n-th image of the first job is completed, and before the preparation of the (n + 1) -th image is started, Preparing the one or more images of the second job;
A job processing program characterized by the following. In the image processing, an image of the job is generated by a rasterizing process, or an image of the rasterized job is received.
The job processing program according to claim 17, wherein: The job processing apparatus further includes:
Causing a printing process to print the image on paper,
In the time calculation process, a second time from when printing of the n-th image of the first job is completed to when printing of the (n + 1) -th image is started at the predetermined timing is calculated. ,
In the determination processing, the second time is compared with a time required for printing one or more images of the second job, and it is determined whether to interrupt the second job.
In the printing process, when it is determined that the interruption of the second job is performed, after the printing of the n-th image of the first job is completed, and before the printing of the (n + 1) -th image is started, Printing the one or more images of the second job.
19. The job processing program according to claim 17, wherein: In the printing process, the paper on which the image of the second job is printed is transported to a place different from the paper on which the image of the first job is printed,
20. The job processing program according to claim 19, wherein: The predetermined timing is a timing at which printing of the (n + 1) th image of the first job can be started immediately after printing of the nth image of the first job is completed.
The job processing program according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein: The first job is a job for performing post-processing on paper on which the image is printed,
The predetermined timing is a timing at which printing of the (n + 1) th image of the first job can be started immediately after post-processing of the sheet on which the nth image of the first job is printed,
The job processing program according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein: The first job is a job for performing post-processing on paper on which the image is printed,
The predetermined timing is such that after starting post-processing of the sheet on which the n-th image of the first job is printed, printing of the one or more images of the second job is started immediately, This is a timing at which printing of the (n + 1) th image of the first job can be started immediately after printing of the one or more images of the job is completed.
The job processing program according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein: The timing is a timing for minimizing a time until printing of both the first job and the second job is completed.
The job processing program according to claim 23, wherein:

Images