JPH07168482A - Copy management device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] Accurate grasp of the time required for job processing that does not rely on the experience and intuition of the administrator for assigning jobs to image forming apparatuses and workers, and that exceeds the technology described in the above publications. Provide a copy management device with predictive ability, quick response ability, optimal allocation of human and physical resources, and utilization ability [Configuration] Executing multiple recording jobs such as copying and printing on multiple image forming apparatuses An image forming apparatus including a control unit that operates based on a job execution program, the control unit having a measuring function for measuring a time required for job execution by a plurality of image forming apparatuses and / or an operator. It has a data storage function that stores the actual value determined by the data obtained by the measurement function, predicts the time required to execute a new job based on the stored value, and uses the predicted value to determine the actual value. Image forming apparatus and / or operator and / or
Alternatively, the execution start time is determined (assigned).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to copying using an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer such as a copy center.
The present invention relates to a copy management device capable of streamlining a request reception process, a job execution form, and a job allocation process in a business of entrusting and executing a large number of recording jobs such as printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The usage contents of an image forming apparatus are complicated and diversified as the business contents of a business operator using an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a printer are complicated and diversified and the number of copying and the number of times of use are increased. However, it is difficult to manage the use of the image forming apparatus. In particular, in the copying business such as a copy center that undertakes a large number of recording jobs such as copying and printing, it becomes difficult to manage the use of the image forming apparatus in response to the increase in the number of copying requests and the diversification of request contents. Especially, with the expansion of the business scale, it becomes more difficult to manage the use of the image forming apparatus, resulting in a situation where the use efficiency of each image forming apparatus is lowered. The processing and management procedure of a request job that is performed when a copying request is made in a business that performs the above-described copying work is normally performed as follows.

1) First of all, at the request reception office, the request contents such as the number of copies, the number of copies, the size, the presence or absence of post-processing, the delivery date, etc. are entered in a predetermined request slip, and the operator is deficient in the contents. Check if there are any omissions. If the request contents are incomplete or unclear, the requester is inquired to correct the incompleteness and supplement the contents, and then the request slip is completed. 2) The job assignment work corresponding to the requested job is usually performed by the general manager of the work based on the contents of the request slip, the operation status of the personnel and the image forming apparatus at the work site,
It is carried out while observing the characteristics of the apparatus and the like with great care, or based on the characteristics of the apparatus which the administrator of each image forming apparatus grasps based on his experience. In any case, it is difficult to obtain an ideal result due to reasons such as incorrect situation judgment, lack of experience, misunderstanding, etc., because the work mainly depends on experience and intuition.

3) Regarding the delivery date reply to the client,
Since the manager only makes a rough judgment based on the information obtained by directly inquiring about the current quantity of work in process and the margin of each worker, the rough time is only answered, so accuracy may be lacking. As a result, there is always the potential for trouble with the client. 4) The job management method that relies mainly on experience and intuition as described above has the constitution that it is difficult to respond quickly and efficiently to express requests, and it operates for sudden requests. We take measures after finding out the image forming apparatus and workers who have not done so. Further, if there is no free space, it is necessary to force the interrupt process, so that the delivery date of the first-come-first-served job is likely to be delayed. Also, for interrupt processing,
There may be a case where each mode is set again.

5) Each worker monitors the progress of the job, but when a problem occurs, the contents are reported to the business manager, and the business manager makes a huge job based on the information. Also, it is necessary to re-examine the job allocation while considering the job request content and perform the reallocation again. 6) When an inquiry about the progress status of a specific job is received, after confirming the job content and the type and characteristics of the document, the operator goes around each workplace to search for the processor of the job, the execution order and the finishing time, etc. It is necessary to listen to.

In particular, under recent circumstances where the copying business such as a copy center is becoming large in scale, each processing and management procedure as described above becomes more complicated and difficult, and the above-mentioned various problems become more apparent. It is clear that it will become worse and worse. From such a point, conventionally, various ideas have been proposed and implemented as described below for automating and improving the efficiency of copy management in a job including a large number of image forming apparatuses and processing a large number of jobs.

A) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 64-74556: A reception device for inputting copy request contents, a work terminal device for inputting the work status at each work site, copy request contents and work status at each work site. A copying work management system provided with work allocating means for allocating work at each work site based on, and having work display means for displaying information on the allocated work. b) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-217365: When making a work time zone reservation at each work site corresponding to the work process set by the copy request content, a vacancy corresponding to the number of man-hours from the work site corresponding to the later process Make reservations when you have time,
If the reservation is not established, the registered job is moved from the work site corresponding to the later process to make the reservation sequentially while securing the free time. Further, when the reservation is not established, the reservation is sequentially made while securing the vacant time from the work site corresponding to the previous process. To summarize this, first, a vacant time is searched for in the subsequent process, and if there is no vacant time, the reserved time zone is moved, and if no reservation is made, the vacant time is secured from the preceding process.

C) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-217366: Making a reservation for allocation of work time zones by referring to a reservation table recording work time zone reservations corresponding to each work site set by copy request contents, and making the reservation Based on the information, work management of copy requests such as delivery date reply to the requester and work progress management (work management by using reservation data) is performed. d) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-217367: A reservation table holding time slots reserved for work contents is searched from a later process to an earlier process, and a vacant time larger than the calculated man-hours. Make a reservation when it exists (justification type).

E) When the reservation is not established, the registered jobs are moved from the work site corresponding to the subsequent process to secure the vacant time, and the reservations are sequentially made (last packed + registered job moving type). f) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-219850: Work information based on reservation contents is displayed at each work site, and the difference between the reserved time zone and the current time can be displayed so that the worker can check the progress of work. It was possible to work while checking. g) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-69773: Reservation is sequentially performed from a work site corresponding to a later process when there is a vacant time corresponding to the number of man-hours, and when the reservation is not established, a work site corresponding to a previous process is performed. Make reservations sequentially while securing free time.

H) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-69774: Work reservation processing and management processing are performed, and at the same time, each work site reports the fact that the work is disabled and the information is reflected in the reservation processing and management processing. Perform appropriate reservation processing and management processing. i) JP-A-2-69775: Reception terminal device / working terminal device / overall control device / optical reading device / display means /
Equipped with a keyboard device / reception processing means, the optical reading device reads the content of a copy request and performs various reception processing,
The reservation process and management process for each work site are performed based on the input information from each terminal device.

However, in any of the techniques described in any of the above publications, the ability to accurately predict the required job time, the ability to respond to inquiries about the delivery date and the progress of the ordered job, the quick response ability, and the status of the copying work site in real time , Has the ability to grasp the job status and reflect the data in the job estimated time and allocation, and to make an appropriate delivery date response at the time of reception and prevent complaints and troubles before they occur. However, improvement of these points was desired.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above, and further exceeds the techniques described in the above publications without resorting to the experience and intuition of an administrator for assigning jobs to an image forming apparatus or an operator. It is an object of the present invention to provide a copy management device having an ability to accurately grasp and predict the time required for job processing, a speedy response ability, an optimal allocation of human and physical resources, and an ability to utilize.

[0013]

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus having a control unit which operates based on a job execution program for executing a plurality of recording jobs such as copying and printing in a plurality of image forming apparatuses. In the apparatus, the control unit stores a measurement function of measuring a time required for job execution by a plurality of image forming apparatuses and / or operators, and an actual value determined by data obtained by the measurement function. And a data accumulation function for performing a job, predicting a time required to execute a new job based on the accumulated value, and executing an image forming apparatus and / or an operator and / or an execution start time based on the predicted value. An image forming apparatus having a control unit that operates based on a job execution program that executes a plurality of recording jobs such as copying, printing, etc. on a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Thus, the control unit accumulates the actual value regarding the time required for a plurality of image forming apparatuses and / or operators to execute each job mode, and the accumulated value regarding the mode of the new job to be executed. The time required to execute the job based on the above, and determine (assign) the image forming apparatus and / or the operator and / or the execution start time to be executed based on the above-mentioned predicted value. The actual value regarding the time required for the forming apparatus and / or the operator to execute each job mode is
The difference or ratio between the predicted time and the actual time related to job execution, the control unit changes the actual value related to the time required for the plurality of image forming apparatuses and / or the operator to execute each job mode. The control unit has a performance changing function that enables the job execution time, and the estimated execution time is a time required for the job to be processed by the standard recording processing capacity of the image forming apparatus and / or the operator. Calculated as a product of a standard value and a margin coefficient, and correcting the margin coefficient based on the accumulated value. In the control unit, the execution time prediction value is a job for an image forming apparatus and / or an operator. Is calculated as the sum of the standard value of the required time and the margin coefficient, which are calculated as being processed by the standard recording processing capacity of, and the margin time is corrected based on the accumulated value. In the above-mentioned section, the predicted execution time value is the sum of the sum and product of the standard value of the required time and the margin coefficient, which are calculated to process the job with the standard recording processing capacity of the image forming apparatus and / or the operator. Sought,
Correcting the margin time based on the accumulated value, a required time standard value calculated to process the job with the standard recording processing capacity of the image forming apparatus and / or the operator, and a margin coefficient. Data input is performed by providing a changing unit that can arbitrarily set the allowance coefficient, changing the actual value of the execution time, and changing the allowance time and the allowance coefficient. In this case, input data check means for checking the validity of the input data is provided, and the data is updated only when the validity of the input data is affirmed by the input data check means. , When the data is input by the means for changing the actual value of the execution time and the means for changing the allowance time and the allowance coefficient. That the image forming apparatus and / or operator and / or start time again again determined (re-allocating) is characterized by.

[0014]

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a system that is comprehensively managed by the copy management apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a system block diagram showing the system of FIG. 1 as a block. The image forming apparatuses 1, 2, 3, 4 shown in FIGS.
Is a copying machine or printer each having a predetermined function (the same or different function, or a combination thereof). For example, the image forming apparatus 1 is a type having a double-sided unit capable of performing double-sided copying and a sorter for sorting discharged transfer papers, and 2 is an RDH type (circulation type) automatic document feeder and post-processing. 3 is a digital image forming apparatus and 4 is a color image forming apparatus. Code 1
Reference numeral 1 denotes a post-processing device for performing post-processing such as punching, folding, interleaving paper, gluing, binding, and binding on the transfer paper discharged from the image forming apparatuses 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Further, the above configuration is not limited to the processing by hardware such as the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus, but is applicable to the small copy processing and the post-processing which is difficult for the post-processing apparatus. It is also possible to arrange a work table on which paper folding, perforation, and finishing are performed manually. When allocating on this workbench,
Places and workers will be assigned. Further, a terminal device is arranged on this workbench, and instructions of work contents, a job start signal, a job end signal, and a trouble occurrence signal are transmitted and received through the terminal device.

The image forming apparatuses 1, 2, 3, 4 and the post-processing apparatus 11 etc. are connected to the communication line 10-1 via the terminal devices 5, 6, 7, 8, 12. Communication line 10
-1 is the reception terminal device 1 via the communication control unit 16.
It is connected to the central management device 9, which is 8. The image forming apparatuses 1, 2, 3, 4, the post-processing apparatus 11, etc. are connected to the central management apparatus 9, which is the reception terminal apparatus 18, by, for example, a multi-drop method.

Here, the boring address included in the transmission data from the central management unit 9 is transmitted in response to the command signal included in the transmission data only when the boring address included in the transmission data matches the address previously assigned to each image forming apparatus. Etc. are processed. Similarly, processing of data transmitted from any image forming apparatus can be performed by adding a machine address to the transmission data. That is, regardless of the number of image forming apparatuses 1, 2, 3, and 4 connected to the central management apparatus 9,
Bidirectional communication between the central management device 9 and an arbitrary image forming device is possible.

The reception terminal device 18 is an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen key input, which is used for inputting various job data when receiving a copy request or inquiring a copy request, inputting copy request search data, and various commands. 1
5a, a reading unit 15b for reading the content of the copy request, the image data to be copied, etc., which reads the data via a recording medium such as an IC card, a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic card, and the copy request content And the like, which is an apparatus for reading the description / display data, and an OCR 15c configured by an optical reading apparatus for optically reading the description / display data and a recognition processing unit for recognizing the read information, a display device 13, an output device 14, and a storage It has a device 17, an external interface unit 19, and the like.

The storage device 17 stores the image data input from the input device 15, the copy request contents, the department management data,
Storage device for storing and holding contents such as system configuration data, man-hour data, worker information, request department / requester code No., reservation information data [magnetic memory (hard disk), magneto-optical memory, semiconductor memory, magnetic tape Etc.].

The display device 13 is related to the mode / processing content of the central management device 9 such as reservation scheduling table display, request content input screen, inquiry information, copy request slip display, copy request content, logging data of each copying machine. It is a display device (LCD, CRT, etc.) that displays the contents to be processed. The output device 14 is an output device (printer or the like) that outputs a copy request slip, copy request contents, a work instruction sheet for the copy request, and the like. External interface unit 19
Is an external interface unit that accepts job reservations from external workstations, receives job inquiry information, etc., and sends and displays information from the reception terminal device to external workstations in real time by e-mail, etc., using a LAN or communication line. It is also possible to form a network.

(1) -2 Image Forming Apparatus Configuration (A) Description of Basic Operation of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 3 is provided with a bookbinding machine as an example of the image forming apparatuses 1, 2, 3 and 4 of FIGS. An example of a copier is shown. The basic operation of the image forming apparatus will be described using an example of a copying machine equipped with this bookbinding machine. The document D set on the circulation type document conveying device 70 is sent out from the first sheet below and stopped on the platen glass 71, and after the image on the document surface is read by the reading scanner 72, it is retransmitted to the original. The documents are ejected and stacked on the document stack. The read image of the original is subjected to predetermined image processing or accumulated in a memory and in a desired order (laser diode, polygon mirror, Fθ).
The photoconductor 7 is composed of a writing optical device 73 (including a lens).
4 is written as an electrostatic latent image. The toner image formed through the charging device 77, the exposure device (writing), and the developing device 78 is transferred to a transfer sheet sent from the main body built-in trays 65A to 65D, 61 to 64 (tray that can be added as an option). The image is fixed by the fixing device 75. When making a double-sided copy, the paper is guided to the double-sided tray 76 by the branch claw A.
They are stacked, re-fed, transferred to the back side of the image, fixed, and then ejected. Although a digital copying machine is shown as the image forming apparatus in this example, it may be another image forming apparatus such as an analog copying machine or a facsimile printer.

A bookbinding machine 79 is connected to the sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus (copier). When the post-processing is unnecessary, the sheet is guided upward by the branching claw C, and the sheet ejection tray 80
Directly discharged to. When the sheets are guided downward by the branching claws C, they are stacked on a staple tray 81 that is inclined so that the left side in the drawing faces upward. The sheet discharged to the staple tray 81 is moved downward by the action of its own weight and the brush roller 82, hits the reference member 83, and stands still. There is a jogger (not shown) on the side when stacking, and a plurality of sheets are stacked in a stacked state at a predetermined position in cooperation with the reference member 83.

The reference member 83 is movable up and down along the staple tray 81, and is in the stack position for side stitching (edge binding), and the motor M for saddle stitching (center binding).
The rotation of ₁ moves the reference member 83 to a predetermined position corresponding to the size, and the stapling is performed. The stapled paper is conveyed upward along the staple tray 81,
The sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 80. In the case of saddle stitching, the sheet folding device 84 provided on the discharge path from the staple tray 81 folds the sheet into two at the binding portion, and passes through the path 85 to be discharged in a so-called "saddle-stitching" bookbinding format. You can also In folding the sheet, the sheet is gripped by the first folding stopper 86 of the transport path from the back of the transport belt by the pressure roller 87, and the sheet is gripped by the folding roller 88 from the central portion (binding portion), and the transport path 85
It is done by proceeding to. By displacing the first folding stopper 86 by the motor M ₂ , sheets of various sizes can be folded from the center thereof.

There is a branching claw E on the lower side of the stacking surface of the staple tray 81, and when the stacked or stapled sheets are conveyed upward by a predetermined amount, and then the claws E are opened and fed backward, the sheets are returned. Backside tape applying section 9 via route 89
Lead to zero. The back surface tape adhering portion 90 is composed of a tape adhering portion 90a and a tape folding portion 90b. The leading edge of the conveyed sheet reaches the tape attaching section 90 and stops, and the tape is attached to the above-mentioned edge of the sheet surface so that the width direction thereof protrudes (Fig. 4 (a). The tape is sent to the folding section 90b, and the tape is folded and attached to the side surface of the sheet (bundle) and the opposite surface to the attachment surface, and the back tape attachment bookbinding is completed.
The paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray (Fig. 4 (b)).

(B) Description of Block Diagram FIG. 5 is an example of a block diagram showing a control system of a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1, 2, 3, 4 connected to the central management apparatus 9. The image forming apparatus includes an optical control unit 114 for controlling each part of the optical system such as a lens motor 117, a scanner motor 118, APS sensors 119 and 120, a main motor 123, a developing motor 124, a conveyance motor 125, and a paper feeding motor 126. , An exposure lamp 121, an AC control unit 115 for controlling each unit of the fixing heater 122, various key switches 127 in an operation unit (not shown) for setting and displaying various modes, a display LCD / LED / CRT 128,
Operation control unit 11 for controlling the pressure plate detection switch 129 and the like
6, each of the control units 114, 115, and 116 is connected to the main control unit 110, and inputs / outputs various signals.

For example, when the main control unit 110 is operated by an operation unit (not shown), the input data is input through the operation control unit 116 and the optical control unit 114) or the AC control unit 115. And outputs a control signal to each unit to execute corresponding control. Further, it is configured to output necessary display data via the operation control unit 116. Further, the main control unit 110 includes a storage unit [ROM, RAM, nonvolatile RA for storing various data.
M) 111] are connected, and a motor and a solenoid 112 are connected as a load of the main body device, and a sensor 113 for detecting the state of each part is connected. The central management device 9 and each image forming device are connected via a terminal device 130. The terminal device 139 includes a communication control unit 132, a terminal unit 131, and the like.

The communication control unit 132 is means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the central management unit 9, and for example, converts a parallel signal into a serial signal when outputting a signal,
It also performs a conversion function of converting a serial signal into a parallel signal at the time of signal input, and conversion between signals of TTL level and RS232 level. Communication control unit 1
Transmission / reception of 32 is generally controlled by the main control unit 110, but this is not always the case. The terminal unit 131 includes a keyboard, a display,
The communication control unit 13 is composed of an output device, control, etc.
It is connected to the central management apparatus 9 via 2 and is configured to be capable of mutual transmission / reception with the central management apparatus 9.

As a result, even if the image forming apparatus side does not have a means for connecting to the central management unit 9 (a state in which it is not supported in terms of hardware or software), this terminal unit 130 is If there is, the communication control unit 132 receives and transmits the data of the central management device 9, and the terminal unit 131 including a keyboard, a display unit, an output device, and a control unit inputs information from the image forming apparatus side from the keyboard to perform central management. It is possible to send to the device 9. Conversely, instructions, commands, various information, etc. for the image forming apparatus are sent from the central management apparatus 9 to the terminal unit 1
By displaying it on the display unit 31, the operator can be given instructions, commands, reference information, and the like. Further, the above function is not suitable for inputting or displaying various information or data on the display unit of the image forming apparatus even when the image forming apparatus and the central management unit 9 are connected (character display is not possible, It is also effective in fixed patterns, small screen sizes, etc.), and in this case it exerts its function effectively.

(1) -3 Central Management Device (A) Description of Hardware Configuration FIG. 6 is an example of a basic hardware configuration diagram of the central management device 9. Reference numeral 40 is a control unit (controller), and the control unit 40 is a central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU) 41 that constitutes a microcomputer that controls the central management unit 9.
A timer 47 that supplies a timing signal to the CPU 41 and generates time in a reservation process, a ROM 43 that stores fixed data such as program data for operating the CPU 41 to perform a reservation process, and temporary data in various modes. Volatile RAM 44 that temporarily stores the data and loses data when the power is turned off, and system configuration data,
Man-hour data, worker information, requesting department / requester code No.
Non-volatile RAM 4 that stores data such as logging data, number of jams, number of serviceman calls, number of sheets of paper, etc. of each machine and does not lose data even when the power is turned off.
5 and the I / O 48 that controls the interface between the input device 15, the display device 13, the output device 14, and the like, and also communicates with the terminal devices 5 to 8 and 12 mounted on each copying device and the post-processing device, and the book. Central management device and terminal devices 5-8, 1
2 is composed of a communication control unit 46 for controlling communication with

From the input device (keyboard, mouse, pen key input, etc.) 15a, various job data at the time of accepting a copy request or inquiring a copy request, copy request search data,
Various commands are input. Input device (reading unit)
Reference numeral 15b is a device for reading the content of a copy request, image data to be copied, and the like, which is read via a medium such as IC data, a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a magnetic card. The input device (OCR) 15c is a device for reading the content of a copy request, image data to be copied, etc., and includes an optical reading device for optically reading description / display data and a recognition processing unit for recognizing read information. In general, this device reads the copy request contents and the like.

Storage device [magnetic memory (hard disk), magneto-optical memory, semiconductor memory, magnetic tape, etc.] 1
Reference numeral 7 denotes image data, copy request contents, department management data, system configuration data, man-hour data, worker information, requested department / person code N input from the input device 15 described above.
o, reservation information data, characteristic information of each copier, serviceman call information sent from each copier, logging information data such as the number of jams and the number of sheets fed, supply-related information such as the number of toners, papers, agents and staples , Various information related to job reservation processing is stored. Further, fixed data such as a fixed-size front cover printing tape or frequently-used copy format information may be stored.

The display device (LCD, CRT, etc.) 13 displays a reservation scheduling table, a request content input screen,
The inquiry information, the copy request slip display, the copy request content, the logging data of each copying machine, and the like, which are related to the mode / processing content of the central management apparatus 9, are displayed. The output device (printer, etc.) 14 displays a copy request slip, copy request contents,
Print out work instructions etc. for copying requests. The external interface unit 19 reserves a job from an external workstation, receives job inquiry information and the like, and sends information from the reception terminal device to an external workstation in real time by mail or the like for display. Further, the image data and the character data are sent to the central management unit and stored in the above-mentioned storage device [magnetic memory (hard disk), magneto-optical memory, semiconductor memory, magnetic tape, etc.] 17.

Further, the central management unit 9 communicates with the terminal units 5 to 8 and 12 mounted on each copying machine / post-processing unit via the communication control unit 46, and the storage unit 1 described above is connected.
It is also possible to send out copy request information input from the input device stored in 7, image information data read from a scanner or a recording medium, and the like. Similarly, job start / end signals, machine status signals (jam status, SC status, function down status, operating / pause status, machine maintenance status, etc.) from each copying machine / post-processing device to the central management device 9, service man call Sending logging information data such as information, number of jams, number of sheets fed, supply-related information such as the number of toners, sheets, agents, staples, copy request information, image data if each copier is equipped with a reading device Can also be sent to the central management device 9. As a result, the central management device 9 can obtain the latest data that is constantly updated for each linked copying machine / post-processing device, and can perform accurate and highly accurate reservation scheduling in reservation scheduling. .

Further, in the present configuration, the input / output device and the display device are connected via the input / output board of the control unit (controller) 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and is connected to the communication control unit 46. It is also possible to take With this configuration, the input device 15, the output device 14, and the display device 13 can be arranged at a plurality of places, and it becomes possible to input a reservation job or make a reservation inquiry from each terminal device.

The external interface unit 19
Job reservation, job inquiry, job information transmission from external workstation via, and reply to inquiry information, job finishing time change information, job completion information, etc. are sent to the external workstation in real time by e-mail and displayed. It is also possible. Further, when it is desired to use the image forming apparatus as a printer device, the image data and the character data are sent to the central management unit 9 through the external interface unit 19, and the above-mentioned storage device [magnetic memory (hard disk), magneto-optical memory, Semiconductor memory, magnetic tape, etc.] 17 can also store data regarding the order of reservation.

(B) Description of Block Diagram FIG. 7 is an example of a functional block diagram of the central management unit 9. As shown in the description of the central management device of item (1) -3, (A) hardware configuration diagram, the central management device 9
The display unit 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication control unit 16, and the external interface unit 19 are provided, and further, the system setting unit 20, the request receiving unit 21, the job man-hour calculating unit 22, the job required time calculating unit 23,
The job reservation processing means 24, the allocation means 25, the delivery date adjusting means 26, the job inquiry processing means 27, the billing processing means 28, and the like. Next, the latter means 20-
28 will be described.

(A) System setting means 20 This is means for setting the system configuration shown in the schematic diagram and system block diagram of the present invention shown in FIGS.
The system setting means 20 is activated when the system is first started up, when a machine fails, or when the system configuration is changed such as a change in human resources. These pieces of information will be reflected not only in new reservation reception after setting / change and job allocation, but also in job allocation already reserved.
An example of items for setting various information about the system is shown below. -Address settings for image forming devices and post-processing devices that make up the system. -Setting of image forming devices and post-processing devices that make up the system. -Types of image forming devices and post-processing devices that configure the system, performance settings (productivity (for each mode), additional mode (function), jam data, man-hour parameters). -Reservation priority information. -Each image forming apparatus mode combination processing information.・ Failure information setting of image forming device and post-processing device.・ Failure or maintenance of image forming equipment and post-processing equipment
Delete device settings when disconnecting the device from the system.

Setting of maintenance information of the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus. -Worker information setting (worker name, skill level information, working time information, etc.). -Definition of the correspondence relationship between the image forming apparatus, the post-processing apparatus and the worker. -Requester information setting (requester, department name, department code, etc.). -Requester complaint history information. -Setting various information for reservation allocation processing. -Setting of working days and time information for reservation allocation processing.・ Supply information (paper, toner, developer, staple,
Cover sheet, colored paper, riding etc.).・ Various information serving as basic data for bill calculation and management in the billing processing means 28 [price per copy,
Copy fee for each paper size, post-processing (bookbinding processing) fee, various paper prices (including special paper), transportation fee, etc.].

(A) Request accepting means 21: This is means for controlling the step of accepting a copy request. Generally, the client goes to the reception desk to bring a manuscript and make a copy request. The copy request table describes the number of copies, copy size, variable size, post-processing information, designated delivery date, and the like. The form of reception is not limited to this, and the contents of a job request from a terminal can be input, and image data to be requested for copying can be transmitted via a medium such as an IC card, a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a magnetic card. You may read from the input device (reading part) 15b. Further, image data or the like desired to be copied may be sent to the storage device 17 via a line or a network.

The following items can be listed as the job information. Copy type (diazo, PPC, etc.), / original size, number of sheets and original status, / transfer paper size, paper type, / copy mode (binding margin, scaling, double-sided, cover, etc.), /
Presence or absence of post-processing (staple, bookbinding, etc.), / number of copies,
Desired delivery date / other requirements. -If the input device (OCR) 15c or the like is provided, the reception content can be optically read out as the copy request content and description / display data of the request table. -The reception contents are input by the operator or requester using the built-in input device (keyboard, mouse, pen key input, etc. 15a) to input various job data when the copy request is received. On input,
By providing the job content input guidance or the like on the display device 13, the job data content can be input interactively.

Confirmation of whether the requester code is a registrant Check of input contents Checking consistency of description contents, omission of description, etc. Prior to job reservation processing and allocation processing, it is troublesome to re-query job contents. The first check is carried out in order to improve the reservation work efficiency by omitting or correcting unclear points and obvious mistakes.

An example of the contents will be shown below. * Is the designated delivery date appropriate (date, time, regular holidays, holidays, matching of receiving time and delivery time? * Number of originals * Confirmation of stamping * Specification over (outside the processing range of the constituent system. For example, AO Correspondence, color, double-sided, scaling, etc. * Flawed conditions (missing entries, etc. ex, number of originals, omission of binding margin value in binding margin mode, etc.) * Inconsistency (exclusivity check of mode: double-sided original) 1-sided-> double-sided mode specification, double-sided-> single-sided mode back binding margin specification, etc.).

An action based on the check processing of the input contents. -Based on the input content check processing, the following processing is performed to improve the input content check processing efficiency. * Check the input contents and display the NG item. * Check the input contents and correct the NG item. * Check the entered contents, prompt the user to re-enter the NG item, and register the new contents. * Check the input contents and cancel the NG item. -When the above items are passed and the job reservation process and allocation are completed, the following items are executed.・ For inquiries and management, copy request No. Is given. -Registration of job reception time.・ Output of acceptance contents. (For reception requester copy and copy center management) (C) Job man-hour calculation unit 22-Expands the requested copy job content into a process that is a functional unit, and serves as basic data for the job required time calculation unit 23. It is a means for calculating the job man-hours. (D) Job required time calculating means 23: A means for calculating the job required time based on the job process data obtained by the job man-hour calculating means 22. It should be noted that this value is merely an estimated value of the initial required time based on the job content input data and changes depending on the job execution. For example, if the number of declared manuscripts does not match the actual number of manuscripts,
It changes due to factors such as increased time required due to machine trouble.

Even if the job required time is the same copy speed (CPM), the operation mode of each copying machine in each mode (automatic document feeder mode: RDH, ADF)
Also, it depends on whether or not options are installed (sorter, finisher). For example, when making a copy of n copies in single-sided mode. The ADF mode in which the automatic document feeder repeats a copy of a set number (n) of one document and the recycle mode in which the set number of documents are recycled to make a one-to-one copy are described below. The time calculation formula is also different.

ADF mode: (number of originals x (original replacement time + ( _Trp x n))) x Y1 + Y2 Recycle mode: (number of originals x (original replacement time + (T
_rp × n)) × n) × Y1 + Y2 However, Trp: time required for one copy at the time of repeat n: number of copy reset copies Y1: allowance proportional to the number of originals and set copies Y2: allowance time associated with the job ( (It is not proportional to the number of originals or the number of sets) ・ The required job time also differs depending on the combination of the copying machine and the post-processing device, such as a certain copying machine and a certain post-processing device. In the reception processing, the answer about the finish time to the job requester is to absorb the initial required time estimated value calculated by the job required time calculation means 23, the pre-job processing, the required time for machine trouble, etc. Based on the result of multiplying by the margin (coefficient) or adding the margin time,
Job reservation / allocation is required.

(E) Job reservation processing means 24: A means for controlling various processes associated with the allocation process and the reservation process. An example is shown below.・ Reservation registration of workers. -Check stock and make advance reservations for paper, special paper, glue, and staples.・ Reservation registration of the device (copying machine, post-processing device).・ Respond to the deadline for booking.・ No. of copy request when allocation is confirmed Registration of.・ Reservation error processing (determination of whether delivery date adjustment is necessary, request for delivery date change request at reception, etc.) -Execution of allocation means 25 shown in (f) (f) Allocation means 25-This is means for performing allocation based on various information of physical resources and human resources registered by the system setting means 20. When various kinds of information on physical resources and human resources registered by the system setting means 20 are reset / corrected / changed, the resetting and the like are not only accepted for reservations and jobs but also already accepted for reservations. It will also be reflected in the assigned job allocation. (Reassignment of already reserved reservations) -Here, the following items will be assigned. -Apparatus (copier, post-processing device). ·worker. -Time (start time, end time, delivery date).・ Supply of paper, special paper, glue, staples, etc.

An example of items to be considered in allocation is shown below. -Job specificity (whether a dedicated machine for OHP sheets, stapling, etc. is required)・ Priority of desired delivery date (forward reservation, backward reservation). -Copy / post-processing machine availability information (operating rate). -Machine characteristics (image quality, magnification accuracy, speed, etc.). -Machine / function failure information. -The status of worker attendance. -Worker skill level information.

The following items are examples of cases in which reallocation is executed. -When a system configuration machine stops or fails. -When a function deletion occurs in the system configuration machine. -When the system configuration machine is canceled due to a stop, failure, or function deletion. -When there is a difference between the number of application documents at the time of request acceptance and the number of confirmed documents due to job execution. -When an interrupt job occurs.

(G) Job Execution: When executing a job, it is necessary to deliver the job content (request slip with a copy request number) and the original document. Generally, the work manager uses the job inquiry means 27 of the central management unit 9 to request the copy request No. from the document storage shelf in which the request slip and the document are stored. Knows which job to distribute to which machine and distributes it. Then, the worker executes the job by looking at the job request slip. Further, not limited to the above, if the configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used, the request contents of the next job are sent from the central management device 9 to each image forming apparatus 1 via the communication line 10-1.
4 to 4 or the post-processing device 11. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually input the job content to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 4 and the post-processing apparatus 11. Image data read by a scanner (not shown) or the input device 15 may be sent to each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 4 for the original. Further, the operator of each machine may access the central management device 9 via the terminal devices 5 to 8 and 12 to display the contents of the next job request.

The example of the following items is the communication line 10-
It is also possible to send in real time from each image forming apparatus or the post-processing apparatus side to the central management apparatus 9 via 1. -Job start, end, and suspension signals corresponding to each job. -The number of confirmed documents. -Notification of machine stop and failure status. -Notification of recovery information from machine stop and failure status. -Notification of toner end and paper end information.・ Notification of recovery information at toner end and paper end. -Notification of jam condition occurrence information. -Notification of jam condition recovery information. The contents of the above eight items are sent to the central management device 9 and registered as failure information and maintenance information of the image forming device and the post-treatment device of the system setting means 20. This result is
It will be fed back to the next reservation / allocation process. (For example, if a machine is stopped due to a functional failure and it is no longer possible to execute reserved jobs,
It will be re-reserved and re-allocated for each machine. ) (H) Delivery date adjusting means 26: This is means for adjusting the delivery date when the following events occur.・ Delayed delivery due to machine stoppage or failure during job execution. -Delivery delay due to job inability to run due to lack of material stock.・ When the delivery date is changed due to reallocation. -If the delivery delay occurs as described above, the following processing is executed.・ Adjustment by executing reallocation to keep the desired delivery date.・ In the case of NG above, notify the client of the change in delivery date. Furthermore, adjustment and decision of renewal delivery date.

(X) Job inquiry processing means 27: Job start / end corresponding to each job from each machine,
An interruption signal is sent from each image forming apparatus or post-processing apparatus to the central management apparatus 9 in real time via the communication line 10-1, and the status of the received job can be known.・ Copy request No. Enter to inform the current job location (waiting, processing, reception rack, shipped, etc.). Specifically, the following processing is executed. Display the above contents on the display means 13. Further, it may be displayed on a workstation or the like connected to the external interface unit 19.・ Support for late delivery jobs. (Delivery request for late copy N
o. , Delay time display, expected finish time display, automatic notification of delivery delay information, etc.)-Progress status display function for copy requests (corresponding to copy request No.).・ In addition, the work manager transfers the request slip to be transferred from the manuscript storage shelf to the machine, and the manuscript copy request No. It is also possible to search.・ No. for requesting copying of the next job by the machine operator And search for copy request contents.

(C) Billing processing means 28: Request acceptance contents (black and white, color, both sides, transfer paper size, presence / absence of post-processing, requested copy number, use of special paper, etc.) and job execution result data (actual number of original documents) By this, charge management and logging data management for each job and each user (department code) are performed. Specifically, the following processing is performed. -Fee management processing for each user (department code).・ Fee calculation process for each user (department code).・ Fee billing process for each user (department code). (Issue of bill, etc.)-Fee inquiry processing from each user (department code).・ Budget remaining charge answer for each user (department code).・ Detailed charge processing for each user (department code).
(Search, output, and display of request contents such as job requester name, reception time, number of requested copies, etc.) (C) Description of copy request operation example FIG. 8 is performed on the central management apparatus 9 of the copy request reception system and the system. 7 shows a series of operation flows for the copy request system. If there is a system setting (S1) performed when the system is started up, or when the system is changed or modified, and if there is a request inquiry or a job progress inquiry for a waiting job, those processings are executed (S6, S7). Also,
Steps S4 to S14 are a flow from request acceptance for the requested job to delivery date reply, which includes checking the request content / correcting the content (S5, S6), calculating the job man-hour of the request job (S9), request content and job man-hour. Based on this, the initial job required time is predicted (S10). Allocation processing of workers and machines is performed based on the initial job required time prediction data (S11). If allocation is not successful, request acceptance N
The G process is performed to adjust the delivery date (S12).
If the allocation is successful, request acceptance registration for the requested job is executed (S13). In the request reception registration, the job code No. for the job in this system is registered. Etc. are given. This job code No. Manages the progress status and allocation. When the request reception registration is completed, the delivery date is answered to the requester (S14). This is based on the initial job required time prediction data in S10, and is data that may be corrected by a machine trouble or the like.

In steps S15 to S19, the actual job execution and the occurrence of a trouble on the system are monitored (S17) from the occurrence of troubles such as the start / end time of the job / the number of confirmed originals does not match the declared number of sheets. If it is determined that the content of the defect reaches the level at which reassignment is required for the already implemented assignment, the job required time is estimated again and reassignment is performed if necessary. At the same time, if there is a possibility that request acceptance data will be updated or delivery will be delayed,
It is also necessary to execute processing such as late delivery notification.

(D) Example of screen display of display device in copy request operation FIG. 9 shows an example of the screen configuration of the display device 13 in the central management unit 20 of the copy request receiving system. Here, it is roughly divided into an initial mode selection screen which is a normal display screen and an error processing screen when a problem occurs, but the invention is not limited to this. On the initial mode selection screen, system setting, request acceptance processing, complaint registration processing, allocation processing, various inquiry processing, etc. are performed. Further, on the error processing screen, a defective machine occurrence display, a reservation NG job occurrence display, a warning when re-allocation is required, etc. are displayed.

FIG. 1 is a detailed block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
A description will be given according to the flow chart of 0. This embodiment relates to system setting means 20, request receiving means 21, job man-hour calculation means 22, job required time calculation means 23, job reservation processing means 24, allocation means 25, job execution, etc. It relates to the job required time calculating means 23 in the central management device function (block diagram) of No. 7.

First, as a premise of FIG. 10, the system setting means 20 is set with the schematic diagram according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the system configuration shown in the system block diagram, and further, the required job time is calculated and the reservation is made. It is assumed that the following parameters required for processing are already set. For example, it is registered when the system is formed (S1) in the system setting of FIG. 8 or when the system is changed or modified.

-Types of image forming apparatuses and post-processing apparatuses constituting the system, performance setting [productivity (for each mode), additional mode (function), jam data of each machine, man-hour parameter] -each image forming apparatus Mode combination processing information.・ Failure information data setting of image forming device and post-processing device.・ Maintenance information setting of image forming device and post-processing device. -Worker information setting (worker name, skill level information, working time information, etc.). -Definition of the correspondence relationship between the image forming apparatus, the post-processing apparatus and the worker. (Operator's familiarity with each machine, skill level, etc.) -Setting various information for reservation allocation processing. (Reservation allocation status of each machine / worker). -Setting of working days and time information for reservation allocation processing. If it is determined in S30 that the request has been accepted, the request accepting unit 21 accepts the copy request in S31 and obtains the following job information. -Copy type (diazo, PPC, etc.). -Original size, number of sheets and original condition.

When it is determined in S31 that the request has been received, the process of S31 is performed by the copy request receiving means 21 to obtain the following job information. -Copy type (diazo, PPC, etc.). -Original size, number of sheets and original condition. -Transfer paper size and paper type. -Copy mode (binding margin, scaling, double-sided, cover mode, etc.). -Presence or absence of post-processing (staple, bookbinding, etc.).・ Number of copies.・ The desired delivery date.・ Other requirements. Etc. Next, based on the job information obtained by the request receiving means 21 in S31, the job man-hour calculation means 22 expands the copy job content into a process which is a functional unit, and the basis for calculation by the job required time calculation means 23. The job man-hours to be data is calculated (S32). In S33, the latest data regarding each machine and the operator, which is the data for calculating the initial job required time in S34, is read. In S34, S3
Job required time calculating means 2 based on the job man-hour data of 2
3, the initial job required time is calculated. The initial job required time obtained here is the basic data of the allocation process described later. Further, this value is based on the job content input data (the number of copies, the desired mode) and is a parameter required for calculating the job required time initially set by the system setting means 20, for example, the productivity of each device ( Each mode) data, jam data, man-hour parameters, image forming apparatus mode combination processing information, image forming apparatus, post-processing apparatus failure information, and the like.

The predicted value thus obtained is only an initial required time predicted value, and varies depending on the job execution (for example, the number of declared originals does not match the actual number of originals, the required time increases due to machine trouble, etc.). Even if the job required time is generally referred to, different required time values are calculated due to the following factors, so there are several ways depending on each condition (for example, machine used, worker, combination of copy modes, etc.). The required job time is calculated. Figure 1
1 is an example of the job required time by the combination of the machine and the operation in the mode A, but in the horizontal row, it is understood that the required time is different even in the same mode A due to the difference in the machine capability. The vertical columns show the difference in the required time due to the difference in the operator who uses the same machine, and the difference in the proficiency level of the operator for each machine appears.

Even if the job required time is the same copy speed (CPM), the operation mode of each copying machine in each mode (automatic document feeder mode: RDH, ADF),
It varies depending on the option installation status (sorter, finisher). -The required time also differs depending on the combination of the copying machine and the post-processing device, such as a certain copying machine and a certain post-processing device. In the reception process, the finish time reply to the job requester has a margin to absorb the initial required time estimated value calculated by the job required time calculating means 23 and the required time for job pre-stage measures, machine trouble, etc. ( Coefficient) or add margin time such as setup time.

In S35, the image forming apparatus and the worker are allocated so as to meet the desired delivery date input by the request receiving means 21 based on the initial job required time data calculated in S34 (S35). Here, when making a decision, a combination having a short required time is not necessarily selected, and when the priority order is limited by other conditions, the rule is followed. When the allocation of the image forming apparatus and the worker to the job is completed, the job execution is started (S36, 37).

When the job is completed, the actual required time (actual time) required for the job is fixed (S3).
8). To calculate the actual required time, send the job start, end, interruption signal (paper out, toner out, machine trouble, etc.) and interruption cancellation signal corresponding to each job to the central management unit from each machine. Good. Also, if the data of the number of originals confirmed after the end of the job is also known, the difference between the number of originals and the actual count originals data can be recognized (original number error), and the data depending on the number of originals (CPM data etc.) Can be obtained more accurately.

Then, in S39, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the above-mentioned contents stored in the non-volatile RAM 45 and the storage device 17 of the central management unit of FIG. 6 before and after the job execution. If data has changed, actual data based on job execution (latest data)
Will be updated by. If the actual data is used as a ratio or a difference between the predicted time and the actual time, the time when the machine is actually operated is calculated from the predicted time and the actual time.
The actual data will be taken as a ratio. On the other hand, the time such as setup time from job start (from job start to machine start) and post-processing (from machine stop to job end detection) is regarded as the difference between the actual data.

FIG. 12 shows an example of margin coefficient update based on the jam ratio. For example if you log jam rate per each and mode each machine, S50 at decision was carried out machine type machine identification of your machine flag flg _- ma _-
Register No. On the other hand, the mode used in the machine is determined in S51, and the mode identification flag flg _-- mo is determined.
registered in de. The flg _- ma _- No and flg _-
The margin coefficient is two-dimensionally determined by the mode.

On the other hand, in determining the margin coefficient, the jam rate of the machine or mode is determined (S52), and if the jam rate increases, the margin coefficient is increased (S5).
4). Then, when the machine and the mode are used in the next process, the data of this time is reflected and the required time tends to increase due to the increase of the jam ratio.
With such a configuration, by storing the jam rate for each mode (RDH / ADF mode, single-sided / double-sided mode) in each machine, it is possible to more accurately predict the initial job required time. .

FIG. 12 shows an example in which the margin coefficient changes depending on the jam rate, but the invention is not limited to this. That is, generally, this margin coefficient is a coefficient relating to time data related to a proportional factor to the job to be processed, that is, the number of documents and the number of copies. The above contents are, of course, automatically updated in S40 of FIG. 10, prepared for the case where there is no past data such as the system initial state, or the case where the measured value is abnormal data, It is also possible to directly input by the system setting means 20. As an example, the setting flow will be described with reference to FIG.
In S60, it is determined whether the mode is the margin coefficient changing mode. If it is the change mode, the input mode is waited, and it is determined whether or not the update data is input (S61).

When the update data is input, the validity of the update data is checked in S62, the data is updated only when the data is valid, and if it is not valid, the data is not updated (S62). This is usually based on the fact that the margin coefficient is updated based on actual data,
When the registered data causes a problem with respect to the actual job time prediction due to the system initialization state or some trouble, it can be updated manually. Therefore, in the sense of preventing careless data entry and mistakes, S
At 62, the validity of the updated data is checked.
Then, after the validity check of the update data, the update data is not registered in the storage device (S63).

Next, when the margin coefficient is updated, it is necessary to determine whether or not the reallocated margin coefficient needs to be reallocated to the allocated jobs (S64). If reallocation is necessary, reallocation is performed in S65. Then, it is checked whether jobs whose delivery date is overdue are generated as a result of reassignment (S66), and if they are present, they are displayed (S67).
finish. The information thus set will be fed back in the next job reception / reservation / allocation process for constantly reading the latest data and predicting the job time in S34 of FIG. The margin time is set in the same procedure. The margin time is not a factor proportional to the amount of jobs to be processed, such as mode setting for job execution, paper transportation, document transportation, machine setting, setup, etc., but has an additive meaning. Therefore, the margin time changes depending on the skill level of the machine used by the operation and the complexity of the mode.

[0069]

In the present invention having the above construction, the effects corresponding to each claim are as follows. Advantageous effect of claim 1: The management device of the system of the present invention accumulates the actual time relating to the time required for job execution performed in the past by a plurality of storage devices and / or workers registered in the system, and the accumulation is performed. Based on the value, the time required to execute a new job is predicted. Therefore, the estimated execution required time of the job can be calculated from the latest actual value, and thus the more accurate and accurate estimated execution required time of the job can be calculated. It is possible to calculate the estimated execution time of the job from the latest updated and corrected actual value, which means that
It is of course possible to absorb different work capabilities for each worker, and even if there is an error in the data set in the management device system initial setting that is the basis for calculating the estimated time, an abnormality can be detected and corrected Is.

Advantageous effect of claim 2: The management device of the system of the present invention comprises a plurality of recording devices and / or recording devices registered in the system.
Or various job modes (two-sided,
The actual time relating to the required time is accumulated according to the size change, edit mode, etc.), and the time required to execute the job is predicted based on the accumulated value related to the mode of the new job to be executed. Therefore, there are differences in the productivity of each mode of the recording device (double-sided, single-sided mode and ADF / RDH
Differences in jam ratio among modes), differences in work efficiency among workers (mode skill level, difference in number of setting items for each job, setup time such as slip sheet / cover set)
Since the job execution time is calculated in consideration of the above,
It is possible to calculate the expected execution required time of a job in a more accurate and appropriate machine and worker according to each mode.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the management apparatus of the system of the present invention, the actual value to be accumulated is the difference or ratio between the predicted time of job execution and the actual time, and both can be selectively switched. Since it is configured, the difference between the estimated time and the actual time is accumulated separately when it does not depend on the number of manuscripts or the number of copies (setup time for copying, etc.) and when it depends on the number of manuscripts or the number of copies. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately calculate the expected execution time required for the job.

Advantages of Claims 4 and 8: The data referred to in the normal job time prediction is preferably the actual data, but the registered data causes a problem with respect to the actual job time prediction due to the system initialization state or some trouble. When brought, it was possible to update manually. As a result, an incorrect job execution time prediction value may be calculated, and further, the recording apparatus and / or the operator may make reservations or allocations obtained by using the incorrect job execution time prediction value. Corrections can be received, and more accurate job execution time prediction and allocation can be performed.

Advantages of Claims 5, 6, and 7: The estimated job execution time for predicting the time required to execute a new job is the standard recording processing capability of the recording apparatus and / or the operator. It is obtained as the product of the required time standard value calculated as processing and the margin coefficient, and the margin coefficient is modified based on the above accumulated value (actual value), so even with the same model, it changes over time. It is also possible to absorb the productivity (for example, the decrease in productivity due to the increase in the jam rate). In addition, the job execution time prediction value that predicts the time required to execute a new job is the required time standard value that is calculated assuming that the job is processed by the recording apparatus and / or the standard recording processing capacity of the operator. It can be obtained as the sum of the spare time, and the spare time is corrected based on the accumulated value (actual value). It can also be absorbed. That is, the expected execution required time of the job can be accurately calculated by constantly modifying the margin coefficient and the margin time according to the actual results.

Effect of claim 9: Normally, the above data is premised on the assumption that it is based on actual data, but in case the registered data causes a problem with respect to the actual job time prediction due to the system initialization state or some trouble. ,
If it can be updated manually, the estimated job duration may be unsuitable due to careless data entry or incorrect entry.

Therefore, when data is input by the changing means in the actual value in claim 4 and the margin time and margin coefficient in claim 8 in the system management device, the validity of the input data is checked. Input data check means to be provided, and only when the input data is valid by the input data check means,
Since the data is updated, the data in the storage device is rewritten with inappropriate data, the wrong job execution time estimation value is calculated, and the wrong job execution time estimation is performed. Reservation and allocation of the recording device and / or the operator obtained by using the value can be prevented in advance.

Effect of claim 10: When the above-mentioned data update processing is performed, it is determined whether or not reassignment is necessary for a job that has been assigned based on old data, and if reassignment is required. Since the recording device and / or the operator who executes the job process and / or the execution start time are re-determined (reassigned), the updated information is used for the next job reception / reservation / assignment process. It will be used as feedback for reading the data constantly and predicting the job time. As a result, accurate and accurate job time prediction and eventually allocation are performed.

Further, the following effects can be obtained through claims 1-10.・ Improved copy center efficiency by improving work efficiency.・ Reduction of complaints and troubles due to delivery due to accurate delivery response (precise time prediction).・ Precise time prediction Precise grasp of work status.・ Efficient resource allocation (machines, workers). -Reduction of operator play time. -Equally distributed addition of workers.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a copy management apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a structural explanatory view of an example of an image forming apparatus managed by the present invention.

4A and 4B are explanatory views of the main configuration of the image forming apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of a control system of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a central management device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a basic hardware configuration of a central management device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block diagram of a central management device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a series of operations for the copy management system and the copy request system performed on the system in the copy request receiving system.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration on the display device of the central management device of the copy request system.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calculating a job required time in the central management device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a job required time according to a combination of a machine and an operator in mode A.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of updating a margin coefficient based on a jam ratio.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for manually updating a margin coefficient.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 2, 3, 4 image forming apparatus 5, 6, 7, 8, 12
Terminal device, 9 Central management device, 10-1 Communication line,
11 post-processing device, 15a input device, 15b reading unit,
15c OCR, 16 communication control unit, 17 storage device, 18 reception terminal device, 19 external interface unit, 40 control unit (controller), 41 central processing unit (CPU), 42 bus, 43 ROM, 4
4 RAM, 45 non-volatile RAM, 46 communication control unit, 70 circulating document feeder, 71 platen glass, 73 writing optical device, 74 photoconductor, 75 fixing device, 77 charger, 78 developing device, 79 bookbinding machine,
80 paper discharge tray, 81 staple tray, 82 brush roller, 110 main control unit, 111 storage unit, 112
Load: 117 lens motor, 118 scanner motor, 119, 120 APS sensor, 123 main motor, 124 developing motor, 125 transport motor, 12
6 paper feed motor, 130, 139 terminal device, 131
Terminal unit, 132 communication control unit,

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that operates based on a job execution program that executes a plurality of recording jobs such as copying and printing in a plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein the control unit is a plurality of units. The image forming apparatus and / or the operator has a measuring function for measuring the time required for job execution, and a data storing function for storing the actual value determined by the data obtained by the measuring function. The time required to execute a new job is predicted based on the value, and the image forming apparatus and / or the operator to be executed and / or the execution start time are determined (assigned) by the predicted value. Copy management device. 2. An image forming apparatus including a control unit that operates based on a job execution program that executes a plurality of recording jobs such as copying and printing in a plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein the control unit includes a plurality of units. The image forming apparatus and / or the operator accumulates the actual value regarding the time required to execute each job mode, and executes the job based on the accumulated value regarding the mode of the new job to be executed. The image forming apparatus and / or the operator and / or the execution start time to be executed are determined (assigned) based on the predicted value. 3. The actual value related to the time required for the plurality of image forming apparatuses and / or the operators to execute each job mode is a difference or a ratio between the estimated time and the actual time related to job execution. The copy management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the copy management apparatus is a copy management apparatus. 4. The control unit is provided with a performance change function capable of changing a performance value related to the time required for the plurality of image forming apparatuses and / or the operator to execute each job mode. The copy management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the copy management apparatus is a copy management apparatus. 5. The control unit, wherein the predicted execution time is a required time standard value and a margin coefficient which are calculated to process a job by the standard recording processing capacity of an image forming apparatus and / or an operator. The copy management apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the margin coefficient is corrected based on the accumulated value. 6. The control unit, wherein the predicted execution time value is a required time standard value and a margin coefficient which are calculated to process a job by the standard recording processing capacity of an image forming apparatus and / or an operator. The copy management apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the margin time is corrected based on the accumulated value. 7. The control unit, wherein the predicted execution time value is a required time standard value and a margin coefficient which are calculated to process a job with a standard recording processing capacity of an image forming apparatus and / or an operator. 3. The copying management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the margin time is corrected based on the accumulated value, which is obtained as the sum of the sum and the product. 8. A standard value of required time, a margin coefficient, and a margin coefficient, which are calculated to process the job with the standard recording processing capacity of the image forming apparatus and / or the operator,
3. The copy management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a changing unit that can be set arbitrarily. 9. The validity of the input data is checked when data is input by the means for changing the actual value of the execution time and the means for changing the allowance time and the allowance coefficient. 9. The copy management according to claim 4, wherein input data check means is provided, and the data is updated only when the validity of the input data is affirmed by the input data check means. apparatus. 10. An image forming apparatus and / or an operation to be executed when data is input by means for changing the actual value relating to the execution time and means for changing the margin time and the margin coefficient. 9. The copy management apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the person and / or the execution start time is determined again (reassigned).