JP4819317B2 - Information processing apparatus, job processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that manages a job that is completed by sequentially executing a plurality of processing steps as a workflow, a job processing method for the information processing apparatus, and a program.

  Conventionally, a third party (customer, client) receives an order to create a printed matter (magazine, newspaper, catalog, advertisement, gravure, etc.), creates the desired printed matter for the client, and delivers it to the client In the so-called commercial printing industry that receives a reward from a client, a large-scale printing apparatus such as an offset plate-making printing machine is still in use today. In the printing industry, submission, design and layout, comp (presentation by printer output), proofreading (layout correction and color correction), proof printing (proof print), block printing, printing, post-processing, shipping, etc. We have been working through various processes.

  This is because it is indispensable to create a block for the use of a printing press as described above. Once a block is created, it is not easy to modify the block and it is very disadvantageous in terms of cost. That is, this is because the layout check and the color confirmation work are essential.

  As described above, in this type of industry, a large-scale apparatus is required, and a certain amount of time is required for a client to create a desired printed matter. Moreover, each of these operations requires specialized knowledge, so to speak, it requires the know-how of a skilled worker called a craftsman.

  On the other hand, with the recent increase in the speed and image quality of electrophotographic printing apparatuses and inkjet printing apparatuses, a large amount called print-on-demand (POD), which is against the printing industry as described above, Aiming to be able to handle large numbers of copies and large volumes of jobs in a short period of time without using large-scale devices and systems, instead of large-scale printing machines and printing methods as described above, for example, digital copiers and digital multifunction machines There is also an emerging market in which digital printing using electronic data is realized by making full use of digital image forming apparatuses such as the above, and business is performed using the digital printing.

  In such a POD market, digitization has been integrated as compared with the conventional printing industry, and management and control using a computer have permeated, and the computer is being used to approach the level of the printing industry to some extent.

  Against this background, the POD market includes PFP (Print For Pay), which is called a printing service of a copy / print shop printing company, and CRD (Centralized Reproduction Division), which is called an in-house printing service. Exists.

An application relating to the POD market is Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-122538.
JP 2003-122538 A

  However, in the printing industry and the POD market as described above, all the operations from receiving and ordering the product to packing, delivery, after-sales service, inventory management, and payment management are collectively performed as a product. Although we are planning to provide services, there is still room for consideration.

  Also, in the printing industry and POD market as described above, management plans and management operations can be supported through the collection, processing, and reporting of production-related data, and information can be accumulated and provided to necessary departments when necessary. Although systems that can be used have been studied, the reality is that the optimal system has not yet been realized and put into operation.

  Also, in the POD market as described above, it is the present situation that skilled workers cannot be hired as in the conventional printing industry, and it is desired to finish jobs at a low cost, or to conduct business with a small investment, TCO (Total There is also a request to reduce Cost of Ownership), but for the new market, it is the fact that such a request has not been fully addressed, and there are still problems to be solved. Has been.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a first execution order of a plurality of processing steps in a workflow in which a plurality of processing steps are executed using a plurality of apparatuses. Scheduling information is displayed, and for each processing step of the displayed first schedule information, which worker should execute each step determined according to the processing capability of the worker at which timing It is to provide a mechanism capable of displaying the second schedule information indicating.

An information processing apparatus that manages a job that is completed by sequentially executing a plurality of processing steps executed by a plurality of apparatuses including at least a printing apparatus and a plurality of workers as a workflow. Holding means for holding worker information including at least processing capability information and identification information for identifying the worker; scheduling means for scheduling the execution order of a plurality of processing steps included in a workflow corresponding to the job; According to the processing capability information of the worker included in the worker information, a worker who executes a processing step executed by the worker among the plurality of processing steps included in the workflow is determined, and the processing step is further A determination means for determining a timing for execution by the determined worker; and a schedule by the scheduling means. A first scheduling information indicating a timing at which a plurality of processing steps included in the workflow are performed, a device that executes each processing step, and a result determined by the determination unit, display control means but for displaying the timing for executing the operator to be executed processing step and the processing step to allow the display means to switch the second scheduling information shown in each of the plurality of operators, the second Receiving the input of the identification information via a screen on which the scheduling information is displayed, and the display control means includes the identification information received by the receiving means among the plurality of workers, and The worker identified based on the identification information included in the worker information held in the holding means, and the identified Only the second scheduling information corresponding to the operator who performs the skill of the peripheral working, characterized in that to be displayed on the display means.

According to the present invention, the steps of the image forming processing categorization in printing industry and the POD market, each step (document editing, proof, print, post-processing, file storage, delivery and dispatch, each step of the scan, etc.) to All the scheduling can be performed from the viewpoint of the work of the worker, and the process can be efficiently managed.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[System overview]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the devices constituting the image forming system of this embodiment are connected by a network 101. Even if this network 101 is a single system, as shown in the figure, 101a, 101b and 101c are shown. You may have more than one system.

  This system includes, for example, a multi-function device such as a color MFP 104 or a monochrome MFP 105 that has a plurality of functions capable of printing electronic data from a scanner unit or electronic data from an external device such as a computer. A single-function device such as a device having only a scanner function such as the scanner 106 or a device (not shown) having only a print function is also provided.

  In addition, the system includes various sheet processing apparatuses that can execute a sheet processing process on a sheet printed by the image forming apparatus. Note that the sheet processing is a plurality of types of post-processing such as cutting processing, stapling processing, folding processing, bookbinding processing such as saddle stitch binding and case binding, sealing processing, collation processing, etc. It corresponds to at least one of them.

  For example, in this system, as an example of a sheet processing apparatus, a recording sheet printed by each of the image forming apparatuses described above is used as a predetermined portion of the recording sheet (for example, the right end of the recording sheet or the upper end of the recording sheet). A cutting machine 121 that performs cutting processing of the recording paper, with the center of the recording paper, the right end portion, the lower end portion, or the middle of the recording paper as an axis. Further, the printed recording paper is subjected to a stapling process at the central middle portion of the recording paper by a stapling unit, and then folded into two about the central central portion as a central axis, thereby producing a saddle stitched bookbinding product. And a saddle stitch binding machine 122. Further, the recording sheets printed by the image forming apparatus are aligned (aligned), the back portions of the aligned recording sheet bundle are bonded with a special glue, and the cover is covered with a cover and press-molded. A case binding machine 123 that performs bookbinding processing is provided.

  Further, a paper folding machine 124 capable of folding recording paper printed by the image forming apparatus is provided. In addition, recording paper that has been printed by the above-mentioned image forming apparatus and processed by the above-mentioned sheet processing apparatus or the like is stored in a predetermined enclosure such as an envelope and sealed, and delivered to the customer. It is equipped with a sealing machine 125 that is useful when Further, a collating machine 126 capable of executing collation processing of recording paper printed by the image forming apparatus (processing for collecting recording paper in an appropriate page order) is provided.

  In the system of the present embodiment, a description will be given of a configuration example in which a plurality of types of sheet processing processes can be executed for each sheet processing apparatus as described above. However, the configuration is not limited to such an apparatus configuration. The sheet processing apparatus may be configured to be able to execute a plurality of types of sheet processing such as stapling, bookbinding, and folding, or may be configured to be capable of performing only one sheet processing by a single sheet processing apparatus. . In any case, the present embodiment can be applied to any apparatus configuration or system configuration that can execute sheet processing in a form desired by the user (customer).

  As described above, the system according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of types of devices such as an image forming apparatus and a sheet processing apparatus, and each of the plurality of devices includes a communication unit via a predetermined communication medium such as the network 101. , Data (image data, printing condition data, control data, status request data, status data, etc.) can be exchanged.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 111 denotes a process management manager, which is a computer or device, or all jobs flowing through the image forming system (in-progress jobs in which processing such as printing processing is being executed, print requests are made). Manage the processes of various statuses (including each job to be processed in this system) such as a waiting job waiting for processing start, an end job for which output processing has been completed, and an error job in which an error has occurred. Yes.

  The process management manager 111 uses a communication unit provided by itself and a communication unit provided by each device (including an image forming apparatus, a sheet processing apparatus, etc.) and the like. Various types of data such as operation status, error status, etc., and job progress information related to job processing status, etc. are acquired from each device via a communication medium such as the network 110, so that each device and this system It is configured to be able to grasp the job to be processed and manage the process of each job.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes an order receipt / submission manager, which accepts a job submitted by a user from a user (customer) user interface unit (for example, a client computer) via a predetermined communication medium such as the Internet. Reference numeral 113 denotes a manuscript editing manager for processing a submitted job and / or a job based on image data read by a scanner into a page order and arrangement as requested by the user. Note that various data including image data to be printed on recording paper and various print output processing condition data such as setting of the number of copies, setting of image processing, setting of finishing processing, and the like are used as job data.

  A proof manager 114 is configured to be capable of data communication with a device such as a client computer via a communication medium such as the Internet, and a job in which manuscript data from a client is manuscript edited according to output processing conditions from the client or an output sample thereof Is for the user (customer) to confirm (proof processing (proofreading processing)) via a user interface unit such as a display of the client computer.

  For example, together with the original image data of the client from the client computer, print output condition data for specifying how to process the image data (color editing, scaling processing such as enlargement and reduction, reduction layout processing, The proof manager 114 that has received the editing process such as the enlarged layout process and the various processing condition data related to the finishing process) has the editing unit and / or another device of the system (for example, an image forming apparatus, The received document image data is processed according to the output condition data set for the document image data using an editing unit provided in another information processing apparatus), and the processed image data is processed by the image forming apparatus. Before actual printing, reply to the client computer via communication media such as the Internet. At the client computer display to display the processed image data, it confirms prehensible configured the processed result to the client.

  The system is configured so that the printing process can be actually started after the confirmation work by the user, and the client does not generate an inappropriate output result different from the output result desired by the client. A desired output result can be provided to the client. In order to obtain such an effect, the proof manager 114 makes it possible to execute pre-printing processing such as document editing processing and proof processing before actually executing printing processing.

  The proof manager 114 presents the edited image data to the client via the UI of the client computer, and the client gives an approval instruction indicating that the processing result is acceptable, and the OK key of the UI of the client computer. In response to an input via (not shown), control is performed so that the processing of the job is passed to the print manager 115, which is the next process. On the other hand, a consent instruction cannot be obtained from the client. Is input from the client via the UI of the client computer, the editing process is executed again, and this process (the proofing process of the job to be processed) is performed until processed document image data that the client satisfies is obtained. ) Is configured to be repeatable.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes a print manager, which performs rasterization processing (processing for converting into bitmap image data) on a job to be processed that has undergone proof processing by the proof manager 114 (original editing processing, proof processing). The rasterized image data is communicated to an image forming apparatus serving as a print output destination provided in the system, for example, an MFP (a device of at least one of color MFPs 104a and 104b or monochrome MFPs 105a to 105c) via the network 110 or the like. Data transfer is performed via the medium, and control is performed so that the print output (print processing) of the processed image data is executed in the image forming apparatus of the print output destination.

  A post-processing manager 116 is a post-processing (finishing processing) step (cutting processing step, saddle stitching) as requested by the user (client) in accordance with the job output processing condition data received by the order receiving / managing manager 112. Bookbinding processing step, case binding processing step, paper folding processing step, sealing processing step, sheet processing processing for recording paper, etc.) on the recording paper printed by the above-described image forming apparatus such as MFP The sheet processing devices such as the cutting machine 121, the saddle stitch binding machine 122, the case binding machine 123, the paper folding machine 124, the sealing machine, and the book binding machine 126 are controlled.

  Reference numeral 117 denotes a file storage manager, which is a file server that stores user jobs (including image data to be printed on recording paper) and responds to reprint requests. For example, even after the image data of the job received by the order / submission manager 112 is printed by any image forming apparatus such as an MFP of this system in the desired output form of the client, the file management manager 117 The printed image data is stored and held in a memory unit such as a hard disk provided in the file management manager 117, and the output request instruction for the printed job is issued from the client through the order receiving / managing manager 112. In this case, the printed image data stored in the memory unit is read again from the memory unit, and the MFP or the like is output in a desired output form newly set by the client at the time of a re-output request. The image forming apparatus can be reprinted. In this way, the reusability of the printed image data is improved, and the same data is not received from the client many times so that useless data communication can be avoided as much as possible.

  A delivery / shipment manager 118 is configured to be capable of data communication with other devices via a communication medium such as the Internet. For example, print completion notification data indicating completion of a printed matter from any of the devices of this system. In response to receiving the message, the delivery / shipment manager 118 sends the completed document (printed material) to the operator who operates the device of this system to the client that has sent the print request to the order / traffic manager 112. Instructed to use the device UI to deliver, or delivered delivery slip data (including slip information about jobs to be delivered) and shipping history data (includes information about jobs that have been completed and shipped to the client) To manage (delivery processing).

  Reference numeral 119 denotes a scan manager, which scans the original with a scanner 106 that can read the paper original of the client in order to respond to the submission of the paper original for a client requesting a print request with the paper original, It can be converted into electronic data as data that can be handled by devices of this system such as an MFP.

  Each of the managers 111 to 118 may be configured by a separate information processing device (for example, a host computer or a server), or one or more of the functions of the managers 111 to 118 may be configured as one information processing device. You may comprise so that it may implement | achieve. For example, a single host computer or server that can execute all the functions of the managers 111 to 118 may be incorporated in the system, or each manager of the managers 111 to 118 may have a separate host computer or A server or the like may be incorporated into the system, or a single host computer or server that can execute the functions of some of the managers may be incorporated into the system, and various controls described in this embodiment are executed. Any configuration is possible as long as it is a possible device configuration and system configuration.

  Each manager is a computer device (information processing unit) having, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, HD, etc., and the CPU executes a program stored in the ROM, HD, or other storage medium to execute each function. It is realized.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes a client computer (client) which can access each manager. For example, the Klein computer 103 sends the image data desired to be printed to the order receiving / managing manager 112 together with the print output processing condition data of the image data, and the proof manager 114 in order to confirm the quality of the manuscript requested to be printed. In order to receive the edited document image data from the printer or to receive the print completion notification, the print completion notification data can be received from the delivery / shipment manager 118, via the UI such as the display of the client computer. Various print settings and image confirmation by the user can be executed.

  Hereinafter, the role of each manager shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

[Process Manager 111]
The process management manager 111 shown in FIG. 1 functions as a centralized management system called a management information system (MIS = Management Information System), supports management planning and management work through the collection, processing, and reporting of production-related data. Information can be accumulated and provided to necessary departments when necessary.

  The process management manager 111 is a computer that is the center of this management information system. In the past, the process management manager 111 was a part that could not be centrally managed due to restrictions on human ability (for example, by a worker other than work completed only by machines). The processing executed through the intervention work, etc.) plays a role of centrally managing information through data communication with each device of the system and creation of an information database by a computer.

  Using the data stored in the process management manager 111 (for example, function information and capability information possessed by each device, status information of each device, status information of the received job, progress information, etc.) The process management manager 111 instructs and manages work processes so that workers can work efficiently by scheduling scheduling applications, especially products (for example, printed materials generated by this system). Used to enhance production capacity planning.

[Order / Submission Manager 112]
The order / entry manager 112 shown in FIG. 1 is an intermediary for so-called electronic commerce (EC = Electronic Commerce), and performs ordering with other devices such as a client computer via a communication medium such as the Internet. For computers. Further, when viewed from the user side, the order receiving / managing manager 112 has an electronic store using a web page on the Internet. After user authentication is performed here, a desired file and electronic data are stored together with desired settings. Is sent from the computer to the order / manufacture manager 112 to place a job order.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing data communication between the order and submission manager 112 shown in FIG. 1 and a computer on the user side and order processing (first control processing of the present invention) by the order and submission manager 112. S201 to S211 indicate work steps on the user-side web browser (Web Browser), and S222 to S226 indicate control processing steps on the order receipt / manufacture manager 112 side.

  In step S201, in response to a key input from the user (client), the control unit (CPU) of the client computer starts up a web browser on the client computer, and inputs a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) address on the web browser. Then, control is performed so as to access the web server (Web Server) unit 221 of the order receipt / manufacture manager 112.

  The web server unit 221 is a web server program typified by Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) of Microsoft Corporation. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) address is set by a user operation via a web browser of a user's client computer according to the http protocol. In response to the input by the client computer, control is performed so as to provide (display) a service screen (Webpage; FIGS. 24 to 31 described later) to the web browser activated by the client computer.

  On the user side, a service screen (FIG. 24 described later) provided from the web server unit 221 via the web browser is displayed on the display of the client computer under the control of the control unit of the computer. . A user who has already registered a user ID and password moves the pointer to “registered” on the display screen of FIG. 24 and inputs a user ID (for example, E-mail Address), a password, and the like on the display screen of FIG. In the case of a new user who is not registered, the user moves the pointer to “New” on the display screen of FIG. 24 to select an unregistered user. Then, in response to a user operation, the control unit of the client computer selectively displays various ordering / ordering screens (FIGS. 25 to 30) provided by the web server unit 221 sequentially on the display of the client computer. (S202).

  Next, customer information (in the case of a new user or a change of a registered user) is provided via an ordering / ordering screen (screens shown in FIGS. 25 to 30 described later) that are sequentially provided from the web server unit 221 and sequentially displayed on the web browser. Various printing instructions such as document information (image data file name (multiple selections possible)), job information (job tickets, etc.), post-processing information (finishing processing, etc.), proof and archive information, delivery information, etc. Is input by the user via an operation unit such as a mouse or a keyboard of the client computer, and these pieces of information are held in an appropriate memory as information to be used in the present system (S203 to S208). At this time, the web server unit 221 simply confirms whether there are any omissions or input mistakes in the user input items on each order placement screen (each screen shown in FIGS. 25 to 30), and then provisional job ordering. Control is performed so that the display transition (provision) is performed on the screen (FIG. 31 described later). If there is a problem with the user input items on each ordering screen (each screen shown in FIGS. 25 to 30), the user is notified each time. A warning notification is notified via the UI of the client computer, and control is performed so that there is no job order mistake. It is assumed that the service screens shown in FIGS. 24 to 31, the check program for the input items, and the like are uploaded in advance to the web server unit 221.

  When the UI screens shown in FIGS. 24 to 31 are displayed on the display unit of the client computer, the display screen is displayed in real time when a job request is actually requested to the order reception / submission manager 112 of this system. Even if the operation screen to be used in the present system including the operation screens of FIGS. 24 to 31 is displayed on the client computer by transferring the data from the order receipt / entry manager 112 to the client computer. For example, program data for displaying an operation screen to be used in the present system including the operation screens shown in FIGS. 24 to 31 is downloaded in advance from an external device such as a server to the client computer. Actually, when a job request is made to the order / traffic manager 112, Without from draft manager 112 receives the operation screen data, may be configured to request the job capable against orders, receiving manager 112. In addition, program data for displaying an operation screen to be used in the present system including the operation screens of FIGS. 24 to 31 is written on a storage medium (CD, MD, FD, etc.) that can be attached to and detached from the client computer. Then, the storage medium is set in the client computer, and the program data is read from the storage medium and installed in the client computer. When making a request, it may be possible to make a job request to the order / submission manager 112 without receiving the operation screen data from the order / submission manager 112.

  As described above, various methods may be adopted for providing the user interface. In any case, the operation screen to be used in the present system including the operation screens of FIGS. 24 to 31 is displayed on the computer. Any form may be used as long as it can be displayed and a user can make a desired setting / instruction through various operation screens and can send an appropriate instruction to the order receiving / managing manager 112.

  Next, the program data including the program for displaying the operation screens of FIGS. 24 to 31 downloaded from the server in advance on the client computer or the web server unit 221 provided in the order / submission manager 112, or the client Temporary job ordering screen (to be described later) provided by program data including a program for displaying the operation screens of FIGS. 24 to 31 read from a storage medium mounted on the computer and sequentially displayed on the web browser of the client computer 31), the above input operation is repeated until the user approves the provisional order (S209), and the display screen of FIG. 31 shows that the user has approved the provisional order on the job provisional order screen (FIG. 31). When the user presses the key 2211 included in 209), using the web browser, the job order including the file (image data) selected by the user and each print instruction from the client computer as the user side is provided in the order receipt / submission manager 112. The folder unit 222 is controlled to transmit data via a communication medium such as the Internet. This hot folder may be provided for each user.

  A hot folder can be created in a plurality of memories (not shown) such as a hard disk provided in the order receipt / submission manager 112. The image data to be printed and the print output processing conditions Therefore, it is a virtual folder for storing output condition data etc. that allows the control unit to specify whether to output the image data, and enables management by associating the image data with the output condition data of the image data. Yes, configured to be appropriately readable by the control unit of the order / submission manager 112, for example, a job to be printed in the hot folder under the control of the control unit of the order / submission manager 112 or the process management manager 111 The image data is printed by an image forming apparatus such as an MFP of this system according to the print output condition data in the hot folder. It is intended to be capable of outputting configuration.

  In addition, the order and submission manager 112 side always monitors the presence or absence of a job in the hot folder by polling (S223, S224). If it is determined that there is a job, can the job be accepted? For example, it is possible to determine whether or not a job for which a processing request has been made by a client can be output by a device included in the system in a print output form desired by the client. Confirmation is made by referring to the function information and status information of each device acquired from the above, the job processing status information / progress information, etc. in each device (S225), and if permitted (if acceptable), The job is received, and the received job data is transferred to the process management manager 111 by the network 101 or the like. In addition to controlling to transmit via the communication medium (S226), message data for notifying the client of “acceptance” is returned to the client computer, and the fact is notified to the user using a web screen, for example. Control to enable notification.

  On the other hand, if the acceptance of the job is not permitted (not acceptable) in step S225, control is performed so that the data of the accepted job is not transmitted to the process management manager 111 via the communication medium such as the network 101. Then, message data for notifying the client of “rejection” is returned to the client computer, and control is performed so that the user can be notified of this using, for example, a web screen.

  Further, the client computer on the user side controls to display the “accept” or “reject” message screen provided from the web server unit 221 on the web browser (S210, S211), and ends the process.

[Original Editing Manager 113]
The document editing manager 113 shown in FIG. 1 merges a plurality of files sent from the user, inserts or deletes pages, and the user's The purpose is to perform the layout as instructed or to visualize the requested post-processing in advance so that it can be visually confirmed.

  For example, the manuscript editing manager 113 handles jobs using electronic data, and the printing process for the recording paper by the image forming apparatus and the sheet by the sheet processing apparatus for the recording paper subjected to the printing process are provided in this system. Before processing is actually performed by the device (in the pre-printing process stage), what type of image is printed on the recording paper, and how the printed recording paper is In order to make it possible for the client user to visually confirm whether the sheet is processed into a sheet through a user interface unit such as a display on a computer, the document image data is subjected to editing processing. Controls the preview display of the edited image data to be executed on the display of the client computer. The display image data such as thumbnails indicating the state where the edited image data is printed on the recording paper, and how the recording paper on which the modified image data is printed are processed by the user. Control is performed so that display image data such as thumbnails for confirmation can be displayed on the display of the client computer.

  3 to 5 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the files A to F transmitted from the user and the completed image (after editing).

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the submitted job from the user includes a file A (File-A) to a file C (File-C). The file A is desired to be output as it is by the user, and the files B and C are 2in1 (a plurality of original image data for two pages are arranged on the same side of the recording paper for one page. Output in a mode in which the printing process is executed in the printed state is desired. In such a case, since the output size and the like are required at the time of document editing, the user needs to instruct those sizes. In addition, when the order of output must be taken into account, the user needs to instruct the order at the time of manuscript submission.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the submitted job from the user is a single file called File D (File-D). The file D is output by a user to output to a specific medium such as a tab sheet (for example, in an image forming apparatus, a tab sheet having a tab portion is divided between a plurality of recording sheets on which document image data is recorded). A function of printing manuscript image data on the tab sheet itself or printing page numbers and chapter numbers in response to an instruction from the user, and punching processing. Therefore, post-processing (also referred to as sheet processing) such as stapling on the recording paper of the job by a sheet processing apparatus capable of punching or stapling the recording paper of the job by a sheet processing apparatus capable of printing is desired.

  In this way, even if the document is submitted as a single file, if it is desired to output to a specific medium such as a tab sheet and post-processing such as punching or stapling, the tab itself is to be edited at the time of manuscript editing. Since information and media information such as tab sheets are necessary, and post-processing information such as punching is also necessary, the user needs to instruct such information at the time of manuscript submission.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the submitted job from the user includes a file E (File-E) and a file F (File-F). The files E and F are desired to be bound by the user and have different paper sizes. As described above, even when the paper size to be output is different, information such as the paper size is required when editing the document. Therefore, the user needs to instruct such information when the document is submitted.

  In addition, the above-mentioned various information instructions from the user are performed from the ordering / ordering screen shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, which will be described later, in steps S205 and S206 shown in FIG.

  In this way, the user's submitted file itself does not necessarily match the user's finished image (the finished image as the output result when actually printed and post-processed) (before printing). The original image data state and the output result state after printing and sheet processing do not match), the image forming system side must edit according to the user's instructions. The manuscript editing manager 113 is in charge of this.

  In addition, since a plurality of files sent from the user are not necessarily the same application or the same type of file, it is necessary to make one file. However, the document editing manager 113 also performs a process for creating a single file. Shall.

  The above editing process in the manuscript editing manager 113 is performed by a program in the manuscript editing manager 113 based on editing information instructed by the user at the time of manuscript submission (without editing work by the operator) and / or the client. It is carried out by editing work using various applications by the worker from 103. The editing process in the document editing manager 113 is one of pre-printing processes.

[Proof Manager 114]
The proof manager 114 shown in FIG. 1 is generally used for two purposes: layout confirmation and color confirmation. In the case of a black and white document, only the former confirmation is performed. Is required.

  In the printing industry, there is a colored output called Color Comprehensive Layout that aims to present to the advertiser before entering the plate making and printing process. Recently, it has been published using a personal computer. The color hard copy of the digital color image processed by DTP (DeskTop Publishing) for creating image data and CEPS (Color Electronic Press System) used for image correction and composition in the printing process is output by a color printer or color plotter. It is used for color comps.

  In on-demand printing using a printer, the same color printer (or black-and-white printer) can be used to check the layout corresponding to the comp, simple color checking, and detailed color checking equivalent to the proof. Therefore, these proof managers 114 collectively process these confirmation operations.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing communication between the proof manager 114 shown in FIG. 1 and a computer (for example, a client computer) on the user side and a proof creation process (second control process of the present invention) by the proof manager 114. ˜S409 indicate work steps to be executed on the client computer on the user side, and S421 to S429 indicate control processing steps to be executed on the proof manager 114 side.

  The proof manager 114 also has a web server unit 441 similar to the order reception / submission manager 112 (may be shared with the web server unit 221 of the order reception / submission manager 112 shown in FIG. 2). Regarding a job managed by the management manager 111 in the proofing process, in step S421, the user requests proof (trial output) (that is, proof setting in step S207 in FIG. 2 (setting on the screen shown in FIG. 29)). If it is determined that a proof is not requested, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S421 that a proof is requested, the process proceeds to step S422 and subsequent steps, and a service is provided to the user side (calibration expression is performed) by the requested proof method (calibration expression method). The proof expression is an output result (performance) when an image is actually printed on recording paper and / or an output result (performance) when sheet processing is actually performed on the recording paper. Without actually performing the printing process in the forming apparatus and without actually executing the sheet processing process in the sheet processing apparatus of this system, the display image data is displayed by the user interface unit such as the display of the client computer. This is equivalent to letting the user express graphically as the completed image data.

  That is, in step S422, it is determined whether or not thumbnail web display is required as a proofreading expression method. If it is determined that the request is requested, in step S423, a thumbnail image is displayed from the document editing manager 113, for example, The original image data received from the client computer as original data and the print output condition data from the user set for the job are created, and the created thumbnail image is uploaded to the web server unit 441. Set to display only authorized users. Thereby, the user can confirm the completed image on the web (can be confirmed on confirmation screens shown in FIGS. 32 to 36 described later).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S422 that thumbnail web display is not required or after step S423, the process proceeds to step S424, where it is determined whether a PDF file is requested as a proofreading expression method. If it is determined that the request is made, in step S425, a PDF file (data) is created by using Acrobat Distiller of Adobe, etc., and presented to the user in a method requested by the user (for example, on the web) It is also possible to set to attach to an E-mail to the user if the file size is small).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S424 that a PDF file is not requested or after step S425, the process proceeds to step S426, where the thumbnail image, the URL of the website where the PDF file is uploaded, the attachment of the PDF file, etc. An electronic mail (E-mail) is transmitted to the user.

  On the other hand, if the user who has received this e-mail in step S401 wants to display thumbnails in step S402, in step S403, the user activates the web browser, inputs the URL, and the web server unit 441. The user ID and password are input to the screen provided by the user, and the thumbnail screen is acquired from the web server unit 441. In step S404, a thumbnail image (FIGS. 32 to 36 described later) acquired from the web server unit 441 is displayed and browsed, and the process proceeds to step S405.

  On the other hand, if thumbnail display is not performed in step S402, the process proceeds to step S405 as it is.

  Next, when the user obtains the PDF file in step S405, the process proceeds to step S406, where the PDF file is downloaded from the web server unit 441, and the process proceeds to step S407.

  On the other hand, if the PDF file is not obtained in step S406, the process proceeds to step S407 as it is.

  Next, in step S407, the user confirms the proof, and if the user determines that the proof confirmation is OK (instruction for shifting to a printing process by an image forming apparatus such as an MFP of the present system). The process proceeds to step S409 as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S407 that the proof confirmation is not OK (NG) (re-calibration is instructed without proceeding to the printing process), in step S408, the user specifies the proof NG location and comment. The process proceeds to step S409.

  Next, in step S409, an e-mail indicating a proof confirmation result (instruction for shifting to the printing process or an instruction for recalibration without shifting to the printing process) is created and transmitted to the proof manager 114. When the proof is NG, the user attaches the NG portion of the proof input in step S408 and the comment data to the e-mail or describes them in the body of the e-mail. The information indicating the proof OK / NG may be configured to be described in the body of the e-mail, or may be configured to describe a character string indicating OK / NG in the title of the e-mail. .

  On the other hand, when receiving the e-mail (S427), the proof manager 114 determines whether or not the proof confirmation result is OK in step S428, and the proof confirmation result is OK (transition to printing process). If it is determined that the process is finished, a series of processes such as order reception, editing, proofing, printing, sheet processing, and delivery shown in FIG. Rewrite JDF (Job Definition Format) data in which instructions for executing a workflow including processes are expressed by digital data that can be recognized by each device. Note that the determination in step S427 may be configured such that the program determines the received e-mail title or the like, or notifies the person in charge that the e-mail has been received, and takes charge from the contents of the received e-mail. The person in charge may make a judgment and the person in charge may input whether or not to confirm.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S428 that the proof confirmation result is not OK (NG) (re-calibration is instructed without proceeding to the printing process), the process proceeds to step S429, and the operator on the image forming system side ( According to the comment data of the NG portion from the user (client), which is the analysis result of the data received from the client computer by the operator of this system that has received a print creation request from the client, the manuscript editing process and the document process are performed again. And proof printing (proof printing) processing is controlled again, and the process returns to step S421.

  In FIG. 6, the confirmation result of the proof from the user output from the client computer is sent by e-mail in step S409. However, the person in charge (worker) on the image forming system side is contacted by telephone or FAX. The person in charge who receives the notification judges OK / NG of the proof, and inputs OK / NG to an appropriate device such as the proof manager 114 of the system via the operation unit. May be. It should be noted that a job order processing process by the order / entry manager 112, a manuscript data editing process step by the manuscript editing manager 113 to be executed after the order processing process, and a proof by the proof manager 114 executed after the editing process step. The processing step is pre-printing processing. On the other hand, an RIP processing step by a print manager 115 described later, a printing processing step by an image forming apparatus such as the MFP 104 or 105 executed after the RIP processing step, and various sheet processing devices executed after the printing processing step The sheet processing by 112 to 126 is referred to as a printing process (or referred to as a post-printing process).

[Print Manager 115]
Next, a data flow in the print manager 115 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the data flow in the print manager 115 shown in FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7, a job (steps shown in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 described later) shifted to the printing process by the process management manager 111 input from an interface of NIC (Network Interface Card) or SCSI (Small Computer System Interface). The job instructed to be printed from the job submission screen in the printing process enters the server (print manager 115) from the input device control unit 601, and plays a role in connecting various client applications to the server. Page description language PDL (Page Description Language) data and JCL (Job Control Language) data are accepted as input. It is status information about the printer and server and corresponds to various clients. The output of this module (input device controller 601) has the role of combining all the appropriate PDL and JCL components.

  Next, an input job control unit 602 manages a requested list of jobs, and creates a job list for accessing individual jobs submitted to the server. Further, this module (input job control unit 602) has three functions: a job routing function for determining a job route, a job split function for determining whether to divide and RIP, and a job scheduling function for determining job order. Is included.

  Reference numeral 603 denotes a RIP (Raster Image Processor) unit. RIP 603a, RIP 603b, RIP 603c, or the number can be further increased as necessary, but are collectively referred to as RIP unit 603 here. The RIP module (RIP unit 603) performs RIP processing on PDLs of various jobs, and creates bitmap data with an appropriate size and resolution. Regarding RIP processing, rasterization processing in various formats such as PostScript (registered trademark of Adobe Corporation in the United States), PCL, TIFF, JPEG, PDF, and the like is possible.

  An image compression / data conversion unit 604 plays a role of compressing bitmap image data generated by the RIP unit 603 or performing format conversion, and selects an optimal image image type that matches each printer. For example, when a job is to be handled in units of pages, processing such as adding a PDF header to bitmap data after rasterizing TIFF or JPEG in the RIP portion and editing the data as PDF data is performed.

  An output job control unit 605 takes job page images and manages how they are handled based on command settings. The page data is printed by a printer such as an MFP, or is saved (stored) in the hard disk 607 in the state of bitmap image data, for example. The handling is determined according to the output processing condition data from the client. Whether or not to leave the job after printing in the hard disk 607 can be selected by an instruction from the client. When the job after printing is saved in the hard disk 607, every time there is a request from the user (client) Then, the printed job data held in the memory is recalled from the memory, and data control is performed so that desired re-output processing such as print processing and transmission processing can be performed. Further, the module (output job control unit 605) manages the interaction between the hard disk 607 and the memory (SDRAM) 608.

  Reference numeral 606 denotes an output device control unit, which device is output to which device, and which device is clustered (a mode in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses execute print operations of jobs output from one image data generation source in parallel and simultaneously. ), The print data is sent to the interface of the selected device, and output processing such as print processing and transmission processing by the device is executed.

  Further, this module (output device control unit 606) monitors the status of the MFP (104 and / or 105) as an example of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment and information such as the apparatus status (for example, the target image forming apparatus). Information for confirming whether the current status is waiting or printing, status information for confirming how many jobs are waiting for printing in the memory of the image forming device, scanner error, Consumables alert status, such as information for identifying whether an error such as a printer error has occurred, information on whether the recording paper has run out or toner has run out, etc., and the loaded recording paper By the control unit in this system, such as information for identifying the size and type of the image, and information on functional equipment for identifying what function the image forming apparatus has. Another information to be), acquired via the communication unit from the image forming apparatus, the information the acquired also serves to convey the print manager 115.

  When the output device control unit 606 transmits various types of information acquired from each image forming apparatus as described above to the print manager 115 via the communication unit, the information acquisition command data from the print manager 115 is received. In response to the reception, data may be transferred from the output device control unit 606 to the print manager 115, or the information may be transferred to the print manager 115 periodically and / or in real time without a request from the print manager 115. It may be configured to execute

  In FIG. 7, the print manager 115 is described in a form having the RIP unit 603. However, the RIP unit 603 may actually be built in the MFP 104 (or the MFP 105), or the print manager. 115 may be configured as a separate unit. In any case, the main role of the print manager 115 is to take charge of a series of processes including the MFP 104 (or the MFP 105) and the RIP unit 603 until the input PDL information is RIP processed and printed.

[Printer Driver]
The data submitted from the user's client computer to the order receiving / submission manager 112 or the like is PDL data, PDF data, application data, paper original (in the case of a paper original, for example, not from an information processing apparatus such as a client computer). , And may be input from the scanner 106 or the like). When the data submitted by the user is PDL (PS, PCL data, etc.), PDF data, etc., it can be RIPed even if it is sent to the print manager 115 as it is when it is shifted to the printing process. On the other hand, when the data submitted by the user is application data, the worker performs the work of converting the application data into data for printing using the print driver from the client computer 103 when the process is shifted to the printing process. Need to be transmitted to the print manager 115. This system is configured and controlled so as to correspond to such various forms.

  The printer driver will be described below.

  8 to 10 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a printer driver screen that is displayed on the display of the client computer 103 illustrated in FIG. 1 mainly by the control unit of the client computer 103, for example. Each operation and control described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 is also included as part of the present invention.

  The printer driver has a GUI having a display screen structure suitable for instructing an output operation such as a print operation by an image forming apparatus such as an MFP of the present system (when a print instruction is issued by a user key operation from an application operation screen or the like). On the GUI for print settings to be displayed on the display of the computer, when the user instructs to display the property related to “printer” by the key operation from the user, the user performs the key operation on the GUI). Desired setting parameters (print output processing condition data) can be set, and the printer driver sends the set user settings together with desired image data to a transmission destination (also called an output destination) such as a printer such as the network 101. Control to transmit via communication medium.

  In FIG. 8, reference numeral 701 denotes a printer driver window. In the setting items in the printer driver window 701, reference numeral 702 denotes a transmission destination selection column for selecting a target output destination. In the present embodiment, the MFP 104 or the MFP 105 described above is a selection target. In this manner, the user can select a desired output destination device of the present system via the selection column 702 displayed on the screen.

  Reference numeral 703 denotes a page setting column for selecting an output page from the job, and determines which page of the image image created by the application software running on the client computer 103 is to be output. In this way, the user can select a page to be printed out by a device such as the MFP of this system via the page setting column 703 to be displayed on the screen, and all pages can be printed or specified without printing all pages. This page can also be printed.

  Reference numeral 704 denotes a copy number setting column for designating the number of output copies of a job to be printed out by a device such as an MFP of the present system. By moving the cursor to this position and clicking the arrow shown (arrow of the scroll bar), The number of copies can be increased or decreased. Reference numeral 707 denotes a property key for performing detailed setting related to the destination device selected in the destination selection column 702. In response to the key input by the user, the key 707 is displayed on the display of the computer. Control is performed to display the various detail screens shown in FIGS.

  Then, after the user has made the desired settings via the various operation screens of FIGS. 8 to 10, printing can be started according to the user's desired settings by inputting the OK key 705. . In response to the user pressing the OK key 705 on the screen 701, the client computer 103 is controlled to be able to transmit print data to the print manager 114 (see FIG. 51 described later). When canceling the processing, the user presses a cancel key 706, and in response to this, the control unit cancels printing and ends the display of the screen 701.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 are operation screens (GUI) displayed on the client computer 103 in response to the user clicking the property key 707 on the operation screen shown in FIG.

  On this screen, tab keys 711 to 714 such as “Paper”, “Graphics”, “Device Options”, “PDL”, and the like are provided, for example, and a click (such as a pointing device included in the client computer 103 (not shown)) is clicked. By instructing the operation unit, various detailed print output condition settings such as “Paper” settings, “Graphics” settings, “Device Options” settings, “PDL” settings, and the like can be set.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of an operation screen displayed when the “Paper” tab 711 is pressed. This screen allows the user to set the paper size of the recording paper for the job to be printed. The paper size setting unit 715 has a layout mode in which document image data for a plurality of pages are arranged and formed on the same surface of one recording paper. An instruction for selecting the number of images to be arranged and formed on the same surface of one sheet of recording paper in the layout mode can be input by the user in the layout mode. An imposition layout setting unit 716 for inputting, and a paper orientation setting unit 717 for setting a user's desired orientation from among a plurality of selection candidates such as a portrait and a landscape for the print direction of a job to be printed. A plurality of types of recording paper of different types and / or sizes included in the image forming apparatus of this system can be processed from among a plurality of paper feeding units capable of storing each type. A paper feed stage setting unit 718 for enabling a user to select a paper feed unit to be used for printing a job from among a plurality of selection candidates, and enabling the user to set the number of print copies of a job to be processed. A copy number setting unit 719 for enabling the user to perform the desired print setting described above in each setting item portion of the screen.

  In addition, when the “Device Options” tab 713 is selected by a user key operation, the control unit displays an operation screen as shown in FIG. This screen displays unique setting information related to devices such as the MFP 104 and the MFP 105 selected by the user on the operation screen of FIG. 8 among a plurality of devices included in the present system, for example, stapling setting and sorting processing. Set sheet processing settings, including finishing settings such as settings, punching settings, punching settings, bookbinding settings, whether to perform single-sided or double-sided printing, and parameters such as color by the printer. A plurality of setting units capable of performing various detailed settings such as finer adjustment settings related to image processing to be changed by the user are provided, and various detailed settings as described above can be performed by the user.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a desired sheet process can be set by the function selection unit 731, and detailed processing condition parameters in the processing mode selected by the selection unit 731 via the setting value setting unit 732 Can be set by the user. For example, according to the setting of the display example, a job to be printed is set by the client via the operation screen setting unit 732 in FIG. 10 to the image forming apparatus selected by the user on the operation screen in FIG. The image forming apparatus is controlled to perform the printing process according to the duplex printing mode, and to perform the duplex printing process based on the long side binding setting in the duplex printing mode set via the setting unit 732. In addition, when the user operates the default key 733 on the operation screen in FIG. 10, control is performed so that the detailed print settings on the operation screen in FIG. 10 are returned to the initial values.

  Although not shown, the “Graphics” tab 712 can select the resolution and halftone settings, and the “PDL” tab 714 can select the output format of the PDL.

  Further, reference numeral 720 denotes an OK key. When this key is pressed (instructed), the property setting is validated and the screen returns to the screen of FIG. Reference numeral 721 denotes a cancel key. When this key is pressed (instructed), the property setting is invalidated and the screen returns to the screen of FIG. Furthermore, reference numeral 722 denotes an application key. When this key is pressed (instructed), the property setting is validated while the property screen remains displayed.

  As described above, after the client among the print processing conditions including various detailed settings sets desired output conditions via the various print setting screens of FIGS. 8 to 10, the job output request from the client computer and its output By sending the print condition data of the job and the image data of the job, the devices (multiple MFPs, printers, etc.) included in the system are provided via the order reception / submission manager 112 and / or the print manager 115 of the system. Data of a job (images) output from the client computer 103 to a device selected by the client among the image forming apparatuses of the client computer 103 in accordance with an output condition set by the client. (Including data).

[RIP part]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the RIP unit 603 illustrated in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the RIP unit 603 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the RIP unit 603 generally includes three parts: an interpreter unit 801, a rendering unit 802, and a screening unit 803.

  The interpreter unit 801 translates PDL and develops a bitmap. The rendering unit 802 performs PDL color rendering. In the case of output to the monochrome MFP 105, the screening unit 803 creates a binarization process and a screen having a predetermined cycle and angle, and in the case of output to the color MFP 104, a calibration gamma. Create including the table.

  Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail.

  First, the interpreter unit 801 will be described with reference to FIG.

The interpreter unit 801 is a part that analyzes PDL data, and PDL represented by PostScript (registered trademark) language of Adobe is classified into the following three elements (a) to (c). (A) Image description based on character code (b) Image description based on graphic code (c) Image description based on raster image data In other words, PDL is a language for describing an image composed of a combination of the above elements. This data is called PDL data.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a description example of PDL data input to the interpreter unit 801 illustrated in FIG. 11 and a drawing result by the interpreter unit 801.

  FIG. 12A corresponds to the PDL description example of the drawing shown in FIG. 12B, and the character information “Description of R901” is represented by L911 to L913, and is composed of the character color, character string, and coordinate position. . In the parentheses of the character color, the densities of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black are shown in order. The minimum is “0.0” and the maximum is “1.0”. In L911, an example of designating that the character is black is shown. Next, L912 indicates that the character string “ABC” is assigned to the variable String1.

  Next, in L913, the first and second parameters indicate the x and y coordinates of the start position coordinates on the paper on which the character string is laid out, the third parameter is the character size, and the fourth parameter is the character spacing. The fifth parameter indicates a character string to be laid out. In short, L913 is an instruction to lay out the character string “ABC” with the size “0.2” and the interval “0.3” from the coordinates (0.0, 0.0).

  Next, in the graphic information example “describe R902”, L921 designates the line color by the same description method as L911 that designates the character color, and here, Cyan is designated. Next, L922 is used to specify that a line is to be drawn. The first and second parameters are the x and y coordinates of the start end coordinates of the line, and the third and fourth parameters are the end coordinates of the x and y coordinates, respectively. And the fifth parameter indicates the thickness of the line.

  Further, in the example of the raster image information “description of R903”, L931 substitutes the raster image for the variable image1. Here, the first parameter represents the image type and the number of color components of the raster image, the second parameter represents the number of bits per color component, and the third and fourth parameters are the x direction and y direction of the raster image. Represents the image size. The fifth and subsequent parameters represent raster image data. The number of raster image data is the product of the number of color components constituting one pixel and the image size in the x and y directions. In this L931, since the CMYK image is composed of four color components (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), the number of raster image data is (4 × 5 × 5 =) 100.

  Next, L932 indicates that image1 is laid out from the coordinates (0.0, 0.5) to a size of “0.5 × 0.5”.

  12B interprets three image descriptions (“Description of R901”, “Description of R902”, and “Description of R903”) in one page shown in FIG. 12A to obtain a raster image. It shows how the data is expanded.

  In FIG. 12B, R901, R902, and R903 are expanded PDL data (“R901 description”, “R902 description”, and “R903 description”) shown in FIG. 12A. is there.

  These raster image data are actually developed in the memory 608 (or hard disk 607) for each of the C, M, Y, and K color components. For example, the R901 portion is stored in each CMYK memory with C = 0. , M = 0, Y = 0, K = 255 are written, and C = 255, M = 0, Y = 0, and K = 0 are written in the portion of R902, respectively.

  In the print manager 115, the PDL data sent from the client 103 (or another computer) remains in the PDL data or is expanded into a raster image as described above, and is stored in the memory 608 (or the hard disk 607). ) And saved as needed.

  Next, the rendering unit 802 shown in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Image data output from the interpreter unit 801 shown in FIG. 11 includes various color spaces other than grayscale, RGB, and CMYK. In the case of other color spaces, CRD (Color Rendering Dictionary) is once used. After being converted to CMYK space, color matching is performed.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of color matching in the rendering unit 802 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in color matching, when color matching is necessary for data input in RGB or CMYK, the CMM unit 1004 performs color adjustment based on the ICC profile. The ICC profile includes a source profile 1005 and a printer profile 1006. The source profile converts RGB (or CMYK) data into a standardized L * a * b * space, and this L * a * b * Data becomes a CMYK space suitable for the target printer again.

  The source profile 1005 includes an RGB profile and a CMYK profile (not shown). When the input image is an RGB image (Microsoft application software, JPEG, TIFF image, or the like), the RGB profile is selected, and the CMYK system is selected. In the case of an image (such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator partial data), a CMYK profile is selected.

  Next, the printer profile 1006 is created in accordance with the color characteristics of each printer. In the case of an RGB image, it is preferable to select Perceptual (color tone priority) or Saturation (brightness priority). In the case of an image, the optimum image is often output by selecting Colorimetric (minimum color difference).

  The ICC profile is generally created in a look-up table format. When RGB (or CMYK) data is input in the source profile 1005, the ICC profile is uniquely converted to L * a * b * data, and the printer profile 1006 is obtained. Then, the L * a * b * data is converted into CMYK that matches the printer.

  If color matching is not required for RGB input data, the default color conversion unit 1003 converts the RGB data into CMYK that matches the printer and outputs the converted data.

  In addition, when color matching is not necessary for data input in CMYK, the data is output as it is.

  Next, gamma correction in the screening unit 803 shown in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a characteristic diagram for explaining gamma correction in the screening unit 803 shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 14 (a) corresponds to a linear gamma table, and FIG. 14 (b) corresponds to a printer output characteristic. 14C corresponds to the calibrated gamma table, and FIG. 14D corresponds to the gamma table in consideration of the output characteristics.

  As the gamma table, a linear gamma curve as shown in FIG. 14A is prepared by default, and the table is prepared according to the printer characteristics.

  For example, if the output characteristic Gp of the MFP 104a has a value as shown in FIG. 14B, the output characteristic can be obtained as shown in FIG. 14A by multiplying the inverse function Ga of FIG. 14C. It is corrected to a linear value (Ga × Gp = G0).

  Further, if a print-like output characteristic Gb is desired to select a characteristic as shown in FIG. 14D, a table of values such as Ga × Gb may be multiplied.

  In addition, a calibration function that uses a scanner unit or a densitometer of the MFP 104a to create these gamma tables is generally known.

[Configuration of MFPs 104 and 105]
Next, configurations of MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) 104 and 105 will be described with reference to FIGS. These MFPs have a memory such as a hard disk capable of storing data of a plurality of jobs in their own apparatus, and a copy function that enables job data output from the scanner to be printed by the printer unit via the memory, a computer The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of functions such as a print function that enables job data output from an external device such as the print unit to be printed via the memory.

  However, since the difference between the MFP 104 and the MFP 105 is a difference between full color and monochrome, and in many parts other than color processing, the full color device often includes the configuration of the monochrome device. Therefore, a description of the monochrome device will be added as needed. Further, regarding the configuration of this system, as described above, there is a single function peripheral such as a single function type image forming apparatus having a multi-function type image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions and having only a print function. : A single-function peripheral device), or a configuration having only one type of image forming apparatus. In addition, any type of image forming apparatus may be provided. In any case, any configuration capable of realizing the control of the present embodiment may be used.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) 104 and 105 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the MFPs 104 and 105 include a scanner unit 1201 that reads an image, a scanner IP unit 1202 that processes the image data, and a fax that transmits and receives an image using a telephone line typified by a facsimile. A network interface card (NIC) unit 1204 for exchanging image data and apparatus information using a network, and a dedicated I / F unit 1205 for exchanging information with the full-color MFP 104. Then, in accordance with the usage of the MFPs 104 and 105, the core unit 1206 performs control to temporarily store the image signal and determine the route.

  The core unit 1206 includes a memory such as a hard disk capable of storing a plurality of image data as described above. For example, a control unit (for example, a CPU of the core unit) included in the image forming apparatus is mainly used. Thus, image data from the scanner unit 1201, image data of a facsimile job input through the FAX unit 1203, image data from an external device such as a computer input through the NIC unit 1204, I / O A plurality of types of image data such as image data from other image forming apparatuses input via the F unit 1205 are controlled so that a plurality of image data can be stored in the hard disk, and the image data stored in the hard disk is appropriately read out. Then, the data is transferred to an output unit such as the print unit 1209, and output processing such as print processing by the printer unit 1209 is controlled to be executable. . Further, in accordance with an instruction from the operator, the image data read from the hard disk is controlled so as to be transferred to an external device such as a computer or another image forming apparatus.

  Next, the image data output from the core unit 1206 is sent to the printer unit 1209 that performs image formation via the printer IP unit 1207 and the screening unit 1208. The sheet printed out by the printer unit 1209 is sent to the online finisher unit 1210, where sheet sorting processing and sheet finishing processing are performed.

  The core unit 1206 organizes bus traffic, and path switching is performed as in the following (1) to (5) depending on how the MFP is used. In addition, it is generally known that compressed data such as JPEG, JBIG, and ZIP is used when the data passes through a network. After the data enters the MFP, the data is decompressed (decompressed) by the core unit 1206. The

(1) Copy function: scanner unit 1201 → core unit 1206 → printer unit 1209
(2) Network scanner: scanner unit 1201 → core unit 1206 → NIC unit 1204
(3) Network printer: NIC unit 1204 → core unit 1206 → printer unit 1209
(4) Facsimile transmission function: scanner unit 1201 → core unit 1206 → FAX unit 1203
(5) Facsimile reception function: FAX section 1203 → core section 1206 → printer section 1209
The printer IP unit 1207 also includes an output masking / UCR unit that performs a matrix operation on the Y, M, C, and K signals, which are toner colors of the image forming apparatus, and a look-up table (LUT) that considers the color characteristics of the toner. ) It is composed of a gamma correction unit for converting to C, M, Y, K data for image output using a RAM, a spatial filter for performing sharpness or smoothing, and the like.

  The screening unit 1208 is a part that performs processing such as error diffusion, dithering, or PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining PWM processing in screening section 1208 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 16A, reference numeral 1301 denotes a triangular wave generator, and 1302 denotes a D / A converter (D / A converter) that converts an input digital image signal into an analog signal.

  The signal from the triangular wave generator 1301 (signal a shown in FIG. 16B) and the image signal from the D / A converter 1302 (signal b shown in FIG. 16B) are compared in magnitude by the comparator 1303. A pulse width signal depending on the density like the signal c shown in FIG. 16B is sent to the laser driving unit 1304. In the case of color, four configurations (C, M, Y, and K, respectively) shown in FIG. 16A are required, and each of C, M, Y, and K is converted into a laser beam by each laser 1305. Is done.

  The polygon scanner 1413 scans the respective laser beams and irradiates the photosensitive drums 1417, 1421, 1425, and 1429.

  FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing the structure of the printer unit (particularly the color printer unit) 1209 shown in FIG. 15. The same components as those in FIG. 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the polygon mirror 1413 receives four laser beams emitted from the four semiconductor lasers 1305. One of them scans and exposes a photosensitive drum 1417 through mirrors 1414, 1415 and 1416, the next one scans and exposes a photosensitive drum 1421 through mirrors 1418, 1419 and 1420, and the next one is a mirror. The photosensitive drum 1425 is scanned and exposed through 1422, 1423 and 1424, and the last one scans and exposes the photosensitive drum 1429 through mirrors 1426, 1427 and 1428.

  Reference numeral 1430 denotes a developing unit that supplies yellow (Y) toner, and forms a yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 1417 in accordance with the laser beam. Reference numeral 1431 denotes a developing unit that supplies magenta (M) toner, and forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 1421 in accordance with the laser beam. Reference numeral 1432 denotes a developing device that supplies cyan (C) toner, and forms a cyan toner image on the photosensitive drum 1425 in accordance with the laser beam. Reference numeral 1433 denotes a developing device that supplies black (K) toner, and forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 1429 in accordance with the laser beam. The four color (Y, M, C, K) toner images are transferred from the photosensitive drums 1417, 1421, 1425, and 1429 to a sheet, and a full-color output image can be obtained.

  A sheet fed from any one of the sheet cassettes 1434 and 1435 and the manual feed tray 1436 passes through a registration roller 1437 and is sucked onto a transfer belt 1438 and conveyed. The toner of each color is developed in advance on the photosensitive drums 1417, 1421, 1425, and 1429 in synchronization with the sheet feeding timing, and the toner is transferred to the sheet as the sheet is conveyed.

  The sheets on which the toners of the respective colors are transferred are separated and conveyed by the conveyance belt 1439, and the toner is fixed to the sheets by the fixing device 1440. The sheet that has passed through the fixing device 1440 is once guided downward by the flapper 1450, and after the trailing edge of the sheet has passed through the flapper 1450, the sheet is switched back and discharged. As a result, the sheets are discharged face down, and the correct page order is obtained when printing is performed in order from the first page.

  The four photosensitive drums 1417, 1421, 1425, and 1429 are arranged at equal intervals with a distance d, and the sheet is conveyed at a constant speed v by the conveying belt 1439, and synchronization is performed at this timing. As a result, the four semiconductor lasers 1305 are driven.

  18 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the printer unit (particularly the monochrome printer unit) 1209 shown in FIG. 15. The same components as those in FIG. 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 18, reference numeral 1413 denotes a polygon mirror which receives the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 1305. The laser beam passes through mirrors 1514, 1515 and 1516 to scan and expose the photosensitive drum 1417.

  Reference numeral 1530 denotes a developing device for supplying black toner, which forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1517 in accordance with the laser beam and transfers the toner image onto a sheet, thereby obtaining an output image.

  A sheet fed from any one of the sheet cassettes 1534 and 1535 and the manual feed tray 1536 is attracted onto the transfer belt 1538 through the registration roller 1537 and conveyed. The toner is developed on the photosensitive drum 1517 in advance in synchronization with the sheet feeding timing, and the toner is transferred to the sheet as the sheet is conveyed.

  The sheet to which the toner has been transferred is separated, and the toner is fixed to the sheet by a fixing device 1540. The sheet that has passed through the fixing device 1540 is once guided downward by the flapper 1550, and after the trailing edge of the sheet has passed through the flapper 1550, the sheet is switched back and discharged. As a result, the sheets are discharged face down, and the correct page order is obtained when printing is performed in order from the first page.

  Note that the case where the printer unit 1209 is a laser beam method has been described as an example, but an electrophotographic method (for example, an LED method) other than the laser beam method, a liquid crystal shutter method, an ink jet method, a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, and the like. The present invention can also be applied to a printing method.

[Configuration of Online Finisher 1210]
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the online finisher unit 1210 shown in FIG.

  The sheet discharged from the fixing unit of the printer unit 1209 enters the online finisher unit 1210 (when the finisher is connected). The online finisher unit 1210 includes a sample tray 1601 and a stack tray 1602, which are switched and discharged according to the type of job and the number of discharged sheets.

  There are two sort methods: a bin sort method that has multiple bins and sorts each bin, and a shift sort that sorts output sheets for each job by shifting the electronic sort function and bin (or tray) toward the back. Sorting by the method can be performed. The electronic sort function is called collate. If you have the large-capacity memory described in the core section above, the so-called collate function is used to change the buffered page order and discharge order using this buffer memory. It can also support electronic sorting functions. Next, the group function is a function for sorting by page, while sorting is sorted by job.

  Further, when the stapling mode is set for the job to be output, control is performed so that the sheet is discharged to the stack tray 1602. In this case, the sheet is discharged before being discharged to the stack tray 1602. Each job is sequentially stored in a processing tray inside the finisher, bound by the stapler 1605 on the processing tray, and then the bundle of recording sheets is discharged to the stack tray 1602.

  In addition to the above two trays, there are a Z-folder 1604 for folding paper into a Z-shape and a puncher 1606 for punching two (or three) holes for files, depending on the type of job. Each process. For example, when the user sets the Z-folding process via the operation unit as the setting related to the sheet process for the job to be output, the Z-folder 1604 executes the folding process on the recording paper of the job, and Above, control is performed so that the paper passes through the apparatus and is discharged onto a discharge tray such as a stack tray 1602 and a sample tray. Also, for example, when the user has set punch processing through the operation unit as the setting related to the sheet processing for the job to be output, punch processing by the puncher 1606 is executed on the recording paper of the job, and Then, control is performed so that the paper passes through the apparatus and is discharged onto a discharge tray such as a stack tray 1602 or a sample tray.

  Further, the saddle stitcher 1607 binds the central part of the sheet at two places, and then folds the sheet by biting the central part of the sheet with a roller to create a booklet like a brochure (bookbinding process). Do. The sheets bound by the saddle stitcher 1607 are discharged to the booklet tray 1608. Whether or not a sheet processing operation such as bookbinding processing by the saddle stitch 1607 can be executed is also based on the sheet processing setting set by the user for the job to be output as described above.

  An inserter 1603 is for sending a sheet set on the tray 1610 to one of the trays 1601, 1602, 1608 without passing it through the printer. Accordingly, a sheet set on the inserter 1603 can be inserted (inserted) between the sheets (sheets printed by the printer unit) sent to the online finisher unit 1210. The tray 1610 of the inserter 1603 is set in a face-up state by the user, and is fed sequentially from the uppermost sheet by the pickup roller 1611.

  Therefore, the sheet from the inserter 1603 is discharged to the trays 1601 and 1602 as it is, and is discharged face down. When sending to the saddle stitcher 1607, the face is aligned by sending it back to the puncher 1606 and then switching back. Whether or not a sheet processing operation such as sheet insertion processing by the inserter 1603 can be executed is also based on the sheet processing setting set by the user for the job to be output, as described above.

  Next, the trimmer (cutting machine) 1612 will be described.

  The output made into a booklet (saddle stitch booklet) by the saddle stitcher 1607 enters this trimmer 1612. At that time, the output of the booklet is first fed by a predetermined length by a roller, cut by a predetermined length by a cutter unit 1613, and dispersed among a plurality of pages in the booklet. The edges that were left will be neatly aligned. Then, it is stored in the booklet hold unit 1614. Whether or not a sheet processing operation such as cutting processing by the trimmer 1612 can be executed is also based on the sheet processing setting set by the user for the job to be output as described above.

[Post-processing manager 116]
The post-processing manager 116 shown in FIG. 1 is a computer that performs overall management of the offline finisher, and performs status management and job instructions for various offline finishers that perform finishing processing on print output from the MFP 104 (or 105). Handle.

  The offline finisher (also referred to as a sheet processing apparatus) managed by the post-processing manager 116 includes a cutting machine 121, a saddle stitch binding machine 122, a case binding machine 123, a paper folding machine 124, a sealing machine 125, or a bookbinding machine (collator) 126. The post-processing manager 116 grasps the device status and job status by sequential polling using these offline finishers and a predetermined protocol, and manages the job execution status. In this embodiment, the above-described plurality of sheet processes (various sheet processes such as cutting, case binding, paper folding, encapsulation, stapling, punching, collating, sorting, bookbinding, and gluing) are performed by separate sheet processing apparatuses. It may be configured to be executable, or may be configured to enable a single sheet processing apparatus to execute a plurality of types of sheet processing. Further, the system may include any one of a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses.

[File Storage Manager 117]
The file storage manager 117 shown in FIG. 1 stores user files (including user information, image data, and printing condition data), and handles cases such as when a reprint reservation is made later. The file format can be stored in one or both of a PDL file and a Print Ready file (Bitmap and Tiff files are widely known). When storing, the Print Ready file is stored in a large amount of data, so it can be recorded on another storage medium (CD-ROM, MO, ZIP, etc.) Larger items are also stored on separate media. Also, if the user desires, it can be sent back together with the final output. In this way, each time a re-output request is made from the user (client), the file management manager 117 reads out the user's job data from the storage medium under the desired print output conditions and re-executes it. Control to enable printing.

  On the other hand, when the user wants to reprint the stored data, it can be reordered, for example, in the Restore item on the screen shown in FIG. 29 described later.

[Delivery / Shipping Manager 118]
The delivery / shipment manager 118 shown in FIG. 1 is linked to services such as courier, courier, and mail, and manages the current delivery status and arrival schedule from the delivery tracking number and airway bill number. Computer. In this way, the delivery / shipment manager 118 is configured so that the delivery status of the final deliverable to be delivered can be sequentially obtained when delivering the final deliverable (printed matter) output by the system to the client. The delivery date and the estimated arrival date are controlled to be manageable.

[Scan Manager 119]
The scan manager 119 shown in FIG. 1 is for controlling the scanner 106 and the scanners of the MFPs 104 and 105. In response to an instruction from the operator, the scanner manager 119 is called to execute a scan image data preview on the display unit. A computer to perform image data reading or quick copy in cooperation with the printer unit of the MFP. When the user submits a paper document, Also used when digitizing. Specifically, first, the scanner driver is activated from the scan manager 119 in response to a key operation in an operation unit such as an operator.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a GUI (Graphic User Interface) of a scanner driver for instructing a scanning operation to be displayed on a display unit included in an information processing apparatus such as a scan manager 119 or a client computer.

  The GUI of the scanner driver includes a source device name selection field 1722, setting fields 1724 to 1733 that allow detailed parameters to be set, a preview key 1736, and a scan key 1737. On the GUI (operation screen) of the scanner driver, a target scanner from among a plurality of devices included in the system (in this system, since the MFP also includes a scanner unit, devices that can be selected in the setting column) Is selected by the source device name 1722, desired parameter settings 1724 to 1733 are performed, and when the preview key 1736 or the scan key 1737 is clicked (instructed by a pointing device or the like (not shown)), the image reading is controlled. .

  Note that when the cancel key 1738 is clicked (instructed by a pointing device (not shown) or the like), the image reading is controlled to be stopped. Further, when the property key 1723 is clicked (instructed by a pointing device or the like not shown), the property setting screen of the scanner selected by the source device name 1722 is displayed.

  FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the scanner unit 1201 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 21, reference numeral 1801 denotes an original platen glass on which an original 1802 to be read is placed. The original 1802 is irradiated by an illumination lamp 1803, and the reflected light passes through mirrors 1804, 1805, 1806, is imaged on a CCD sensor 1808 by a lens 1807, and is input to a data processing unit 1820. The first mirror unit 1810 including the mirror 1804 and the illumination lamp 1803 moves at the speed V, and the second mirror unit 1811 including the mirrors 1805 and 1806 moves at the speed V / 2, thereby scanning the entire surface of the document 1802. The first mirror unit 1810 and the second mirror unit 1811 are driven by a motor 1809.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the data processing unit 1820 in the scanner unit 1201 shown in FIG. 21, FIG. 22A corresponds to a color scanner, and FIG. 22B corresponds to a monochrome scanner. .

  As shown in FIG. 22A, in the case of a color scanner, a read image is converted into an electrical signal by a CCD sensor 1808. The CCD sensor 1808 is an RGB 3-line color sensor, and is input to the A / D converter 1901 as R, G, and B image signals. After gain adjustment and offset adjustment, the A / D converter (A / D conversion unit) 1901 converts each color signal into 8-bit digital image signals R0, G0, and B0. Thereafter, the shading correction unit 1902 performs shading correction using the read signal of the reference white plate for each color.

  Further, since the color line sensors of the CCD sensor 1808 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the line delay adjustment circuit (line interpolation unit) 1903 corrects the spatial deviation in the sub-scanning direction. Next, the input masking unit 1904 converts the reading color space determined by the spectral characteristics of the R, G, and B filters of the CCD sensor 1808 into the NTSC standard color space, and the sensitivity characteristics / illumination lamp of the CCD sensor 1808. 3 × 3 matrix operation using device-specific constants taking into account various characteristics such as spectral characteristics, and the input (R0, G0, B0) signal is converted into a standard (R, G, B) signal. Convert. Further, the luminance / density conversion unit (LOG conversion unit) 1905 includes a look-up table (LUT) RAM, and converts RGB luminance signals into C1, M1, and Y1 density signals. This density signal is taken into the scanner manager 119.

  As shown in FIG. 22B, in the case of a monochrome scanner, the read image is converted into an electrical signal using a single-color one-line CCD sensor 1808, and an A / D conversion unit is converted into a single-color image signal. 1901 is input. This image signal is A / D converted by an A / D conversion 1901, subjected to shading correction by a shading correction unit 1902, and then taken into the scanner manager 119.

  The captured image can be confirmed by the scanner driver preview unit 1735 shown in FIG. 20, or stored as image data in a memory or a hard disk in the scanner manager 119. Of course, the image data from the scanner is printed by the printing apparatus of this system via the memory such as the hard disk as described above or transferred to another apparatus based on an instruction from the operator. It is configured to be able to.

  Note that, as described above, in this embodiment, the functions of the managers 112 to 118 may be separately provided in information processing apparatuses such as a plurality of independent computers, or all manager functions may be One image forming apparatus such as one information processing apparatus or MFP may be included, or at least two or more functions of the manager function may be included in one information processing apparatus or one MFP. The image forming apparatus of the stand may be configured. In any case, any device configuration and system configuration that can execute control, function, and the like that can be provided in this embodiment may be used.

〔data flow〕
Here, referring back to FIG. 1, the actual data flow in the image forming system of this embodiment will be considered. This system is configured so that data can be exchanged between each computer and device using the data communication unit that each has, and the process management manager 111 can manage all of them. is doing.

  The data passed between each manager and each device is CIP3 (International Co-operation for Integration Press and Postpress): a collaborative organization for prepress, print, and post-processing print workflow integration. A format called PPF (Print Production Format), or CIP4 (International Co-operation for Process in Prespress, Press plate: Press plate, which is a data standard to be used in all subsequent printing processes to help automate and improve quality.) , Printing, post-processing process・ A joint organization for processing integration (expanded from CIP3) called JDF (Job Definition Format), which is realized by a new format of standard specifications for describing a wide range of jobs including printing and e-commerce. It is preferable.

  PPF is pre-press (general name of a process before entering a printing operation in an image forming apparatus such as an MFP of this system. Also referred to as a pre-process) → press (printing process in an image forming apparatus such as an MFP of this system) → post Printing on a plurality of devices of this system, called a press (a sheet processing step as a post-processing by a sheet processing device of this system, etc. executed after a printing operation by an image forming apparatus such as an MFP of this system; also called a post-process) Is a format for integrating all workflows related to, and exchanging processing and management data between each process. Based on PostScript (registered trademark), management information, adjustment of ink, designation of cutting position, etc. Handles a variety of information, aiming to stabilize quality, reduce errors, speed up processing, and efficiently operate production facilities Is a standard format in which the post-script to the base.

  On the other hand, JDF is a format that includes prepress work information and control attributes called PJTF (Portable Job Ticket Format) proposed by Adobe in addition to the controllability of PPF. It lists integration, collaboration between production and process management managers, and compatibility with existing systems.

  JDF follows the architecture of handing out work instructions called Job Ticket, which PJTF is good at, and sequentially processes necessary for each process for history, work instructions, management information, etc. It is a mechanism that executes and communicates to the next process.

  Further, in JDF, XML (extensible Markup Language) is used as a language for constructing a job ticket (work instruction). In JDF, a template that describes an array of XML elements and attributes called a schema is defined, and XML data is rewritten in each step according to the defined schema. This is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing how JDF data is rewritten in each step.

  As shown in FIG. 23, this system accepts the order / submission so that the JDF application 2102 in the process management manager 111 creates JDF data for the job 2101 submitted to the order / submission manager 112. The manager 112 performs control mainly.

  Further, the present system applies, for example, a process management manager 111, an order / submission manager 112, a manuscript editing manager 113, a proof manager 114, a print manager 115, to the JDF data created by the order / submission manager 112. The post-processing manager 116, the file storage manager 117, the delivery / shipment manager 118, or the scan manager 119 is configured to be able to rewrite data.

  In the example of FIG. 23, the print manager 115 and the post-processing manager 116 are illustrated, and exchange of JDF data is translated by the JDF parser 2104 (or 2107), and each manager is in each manager. It is configured so that information can be added, deleted, and modified by controlling the above.

  This exchange of information includes an actual print output (paper output that is a recording paper that has been printed out by an image forming apparatus such as an MFP of the present system) offline processing (here offline processing is, for example, the system Even if the worker manually carries the output printed by the image forming apparatus to a sheet processing apparatus such as a finisher and sets the output on the sheet processing apparatus, the process is performed via the JDF parser. Each job processing status is written in JDF data from each device and transmitted to the bucket relay system. Each JDF data is sequentially managed by the process management manager 111 to list each job status. Configure to be able to see.

[Web ordering]
With reference to FIGS. 24-31, it shows about an example of the electronic store using the web page on the internet.

  24 to 31 are schematic diagrams showing examples of job order receiving screens by the order receiving / managing manager 112 shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, in response to a key operation of the operation unit on the user's computer (client computer) by the user, the site as shown in FIG. 24 can be viewed on the display unit of the computer via the Internet. Display control (steps S201 and S202 in FIG. 2).

  In the present embodiment, “Registered” is selected by a key operation by a user registered in advance via the operation screen of FIG. 24, an ID number (here, E-mail Address) and a password are input, and a NEXT key 2209 is pressed. In response to the fact that the above-mentioned settings for the registered user on the screen of FIG. 24 have been made and the NEXT key 2209 has been operated, Control is performed so that the screen shown in FIG. 26 is displayed on the display unit of the client computer. The display control of this embodiment can be executed by the control unit of the client computer or the control unit of a predetermined device of the system.

  For a new user who visits this website, “New” can be selected on the operation screen of FIG. In response to the user selecting “NEW” and pressing the NEXT key 2209 on the screen of FIG. 24, control is performed to display the input screen as shown in FIG. 25 on the display unit of the client computer.

  Next, control is performed so that necessary items (name, company name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail address, etc.) can be entered and registered via the operation screen of FIG. (Step S203 in FIG. 2). Reference numeral 2210 denotes a cancel key, which is instructed when the site is terminated. Here, an example in which necessary items are simply entered is used. However, in order to increase security, a double-triple check such as an identity verification procedure or an account opening procedure may be performed. When such a registration procedure is completed, the display transition from the screen of FIG. 24 to the screen of FIG. 26 is enabled as a registered user as described above.

  Next, on the operation screen of FIG. 26, electronic data (data desired by the user such as document data, table data, and photo data) to be printed to be ordered to the system can be selected by a user key operation.

  In the Fires designation field of the screen shown in FIG. 26, electronic data to be printed can be attached by dragging and dropping or the like by a mouse operation by the user. Furthermore, it is possible to enter a request from the user through a key operation by the user in the Comments column on the screen of FIG. 26 as necessary. In response to the completion of the setting operation on the screen of FIG. 26 and the NEXT key 2209 on the screen of FIG. 26 being keyed by the user, the display content of the display unit of the computer is changed to the screen of FIG. Display transition is performed (step S204 in FIG. 2).

  Next, setting information for a job called a job ticket (data to be printed to be ordered from this system) via the screen shown in FIG. Paper size setting information, specific information on whether the original data consists of only color pages, only black and white pages, mixed color pages and black and white pages, and duplex printing. Information on whether to perform single-sided printing or N-UP function that enables printing of multiple pages on the same side of a single sheet. 2 (including various print output condition information such as setting information on whether to lay out on the same surface) can be input by a user key operation (step S205 in FIG. 2). In response to the setting operation on the screen of FIG. 27 having been completed and the NEXT key 2209 on the screen of FIG. 27 being keyed by the user, the display content of the display unit of the computer is changed to the screen of FIG. Change the display.

  Next, a plurality of types of sheet processing (stapling processing, saddle stitching processing, punching processing, spiral binding processing, cutting processing, etc.) that can be executed by the sheet processing apparatus provided in the system via the operation screen of FIG. The user's desired finishing processing (also referred to as sheet processing) to be set for the data to be printed from among various sheet processing (such as sealing processing for storing recording paper in an envelope). Selection is made possible by operation (step S206 in FIG. 2). In response to the setting operation on the screen of FIG. 28 having been completed and the NEXT key 2209 on the screen of FIG. 28 being keyed by the user, the display content of the display unit of the computer is changed to the screen of FIG. Change the display.

  Next, through the operation screen of FIG. 29, selection of presence / absence of proof print 2220, selection of a proof mode (proof expression method) necessary for executing proof (thumbnail 2221 on website, PDF on ftp site) This system for the client to confirm the quality of the product of the job to be processed by the device of this system, such as the file 2222, the e-mail transmission 2223 of the PDF file, the postal mail 2224 of the CD-ROM containing the PDF file The user can select one or a plurality of calibration methods that can be provided by the user and input archive information or the like by key operation by the user (step S207 in FIG. 2). In response to the setting operation on the screen of FIG. 29 having been completed and the NEXT key 2209 on the screen of FIG. 29 being key-input by the user, the display content of the display unit of the computer is changed to the screen of FIG. Change the display.

  Next, via the operation screen shown in FIG. 30, information on the desired delivery date of the job to be ordered to the system (information on how many years, what day, and what date the printed matter is delivered) can be input by a user key operation. (Step S208 in FIG. 2). When the setting operation on the screen of FIG. 30 is completed and the NEXT key 2209 on the screen of FIG. 30 is key-input by the user, the display content of the display unit of the computer is changed to the screen of FIG. Change the display.

  Next, through the operation screen shown in FIG. 31, the client displays the approximate cost related to the cost required to generate the printed matter of the job to be processed, and if the user is satisfied with the fee, the key on the screen is displayed. By operating the key 2211, a temporary order instruction can be given to the system. Here, the calculation costs displayed on the above screen are the new user and customer, job size (data size), job ticket contents such as the number of copies, finishing processing method, proofing method and number, archiving and reprinting Control is performed so as to be calculated according to information or various condition parameters such as delivery date. Since the user can view the approximate cost before provisional ordering through the user interface provided by the present embodiment as described above, troubles due to cost can be avoided.

  If the user does not like the cost, the information tabs (customer information tab 2201, document information tab 2202, job information tab 2203, post-processing information tab 2204, proof & archive information tab 2205, delivery information) The tab 2206), the return key 2208, the next key 2209, and the like are used so that the user can change the printing condition setting so as to reduce the cost, and the rough cost is calculated again. The cost data re-estimated to be configured to be re-presentable.

  Then, as described above, all settings by the client are completed, and the fee calculated based on the setting information and the like is presented to the client via the UI, and then the OK key 2211 on the screen of FIG. 31 is displayed. Is received (instructed), the temporary order processing instruction of the job output from the client computer is received by the order / submission manager 112 of this system, and the order / submission manager 112 In accordance with the received job order data including the provisional order instruction, each device that is to perform the provisional order process of the job included in the system is operated so as to execute the provisional order process for the job data from the client (FIG. 2). Yes in step S209). Note that because of the provisional ordering process, it is possible to change the setting of the job ticket even at the time of a proof described later.

  In this way, the job data received by the order / submission manager 112 is transferred from the order / submission manager 112 to the process management manager 111 via a data communication medium such as 101, for example. In response, the process management manager 111 controls to start managing the job, and controls to issue JDF data to the job.

[Check layout]
The proof manager 114 shown in FIG. 1 controls the device included in the system to generate proof data (editing result) of a job to be provisionally ordered from the client computer received by the order / submission manager 112. The proof display data that can be displayed on the client computer corresponding to the generation result is generated. Then, as shown in FIGS. 32 to 36, a confirmation screen displaying the editing result by the manuscript editing manager 113 (a result of confirming the temporary order job) is displayed on the user's computer via the web server unit 441. The display can be provided (steps S402 to S406 in FIG. 6).

  32 to 36 are schematic diagrams showing examples of confirmation screens displayed on the display unit of the client computer under the control of the proof manager 114 shown in FIG.

  This confirmation screen includes display components such as a page order / print order switching button 2301, a page unit property (attribute setting) key 2302, a document unit property key 2303, and a job unit property key 2304.

  Then, via the screen, for example, the paper size of the recording paper and the media type of the recording paper are switched by a key operation by the user of the client computer in a desired unit such as a page unit, a document unit, or a job unit. In addition, in the N-up (reduced layout) printing function, the number of images to be laid out on the same surface of one recording sheet can be set to a plurality of candidates (for example, 1, 2, 4, 8 Can be selected from a plurality of candidates (9, 16, 16, etc.), and a plurality of images to be laid out on the same surface of one recording paper can be arranged on the same surface of the recording paper. A plurality of candidates for the order (for example, if the 2up printing function for laying out images for two pages is designated, two types of placement order candidates, and 4up printing for laying out images for four pages) If specified, it is possible to select from among four types of arrangement order candidates), and further, the presence / absence of finishing (whether or not to execute sheet processing) can be set. The type can be selected from a plurality of candidates (a plurality of types of sheet processing such as sorting, stapling, punching, bookbinding, saddle stitching, folding, and case binding). In this example, the job proof screen is the job number “012345”.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of manuscripts submitted by the user and different types of applications or files (for example, document data generated by document creation software or table data created by spreadsheet software) (When mixed), you can also support them, and drag and drop them to display thumbnails on the confirmation screen in document units.

  For example, FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 correspond to the example displayed in page order, and the layout on the recording paper for recording the data of Chapter 1 (Document-001) included in the document data to be printed, and Chapter 14 The layout on the recording paper for recording the data of 2 is configured so that the output result is arranged in 2in1, but other than that, the layout is arranged in 4in1, and the number of layouts arranged in units of chapters (documents) is set. It is an example when the setting which is changed is made.

  FIG. 34 corresponds to an example in which the page order and print order switching buttons 2301 are switched and displayed in the print order, and the print arrangement when booklet binding (booklet printing) can be seen. Next, FIG. 35 corresponds to an example in which the medium is switched in units of pages using tab paper, and the position of the hole can be confirmed on the thumbnail even when an instruction for punching (drilling) is given at the same time. FIG. 36 corresponds to an example of case binding, and it can be confirmed that a sheet whose cover is as large as the spine is used.

  The display windows of the confirmation screens shown in FIGS. 32 to 36 are composed of a folder screen showing a file structure and a thumbnail screen. When one page of the thumbnail screen is double-clicked, a preview image is displayed for each page. A page-by-page enlarged display is also possible.

  In the confirmation screens shown in FIGS. 32 to 36 described above or the display screen of a PDF file (PDF file downloaded from the web server unit 441) (not shown), the user confirms the proof and confirms that the proof confirmation is OK. Is determined (step S407 in FIG. 6).

  If the proof is OK, an e-mail indicating that the proof is OK (instructing the shift to the printing process) is sent in response to the user's key operation (predetermined assigned to the proof manager 114). Control is performed to output from the client computer and transmit it to the proof manager 114 (step S408 in FIG. 6).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the proof confirmation is not OK (NG), the user indicates that the proof is NG (instructs recalibration without proceeding to the printing process) and the proof NG location and comment. The input electronic mail is transmitted to the proof manager 114 (steps S407 and S408 in FIG. 6).

  The proof manager 114 that has received the e-mail from the client computer analyzes the content of the e-mail and determines that the proof confirmation result is OK (instructs the shift to the printing process), the job The proofing process is ended, and the task is transferred to the subsequent manager (for example, the print manager 115) so as to proceed to the next printing (printing) process (Yes in S427 and S428 in FIG. 6). On the other hand, if the proof confirmation result is NG (there is no relocation to the printing process and recalibration is instructed), the operator on the image forming system side confirms the correction contents, and the operator's operation instruction Each device used in the re-calibration process of the system is controlled so as to redo the document editing process, the document process, and the proof print process (proof print) again in accordance with the NG comment from the user (S427 to S429 in FIG. 6). ).

  As described above, by providing the user with the thumbnail confirmation screens and PDF files (not shown) shown in FIGS. 32 to 36 as proofing means, the user can easily and online without performing actual printing. Providing reliable output predictions, making it easy to make various changes during proofing after submission, reducing the burden of careful checking at the time of submission, which was previously burdened by users, and providing customers with cheaper output It is possible to provide a system that can be performed in a short time.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 29, the creation of thumbnails and PDF data is used as an example of a proof expression that can be specified (selected) by the user. In many cases, the color and the like are more accurately understood when printing is performed (the actual printing may differ slightly from the actual color depending on the characteristics of the display device, etc.). Therefore, as a proofreading expression method, an actual image forming apparatus such as the print manager 115 and the MFP 104 (or 105) is used to make a test print (test print) for one copy, and the output is mailed or proofed. It may be configured so that the customer can confirm it after receiving the actual output sample by delivering it to the customer by using a delivery means other than on-line visit or other online means. The embodiment will be described below.

[Job Ordering Screen (Proof) [Second Embodiment]]
FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a job order receiving screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 37 corresponds to a proof information setting screen, and the same components as those in FIG. 29 are denoted by the same reference numerals. .

  37, the user selects the presence / absence of proof print 2220 on the screen shown in FIG. 37, the necessary proof mode (proof expression method) (the thumbnail 2221 on the website, the PDF file 2222 on the ftp site, the PDF E-mail transmission of file 2223, mailing 2224 of CD-ROM containing PDF file, mailing 2901 of printed matter, visit 2902 bringing printed matter 2902 and others 2903 (for example, download of bitmap data, print ready data), etc. If the user selects mail 2901 of printed matter (proof output) or visit 2902 that brings the printed matter (proof output), Actually, the print manager 115 and the MFP 10 (Or, 105) is performed only try shear 1 part by utilizing, delivered to the user, the user can perform a proof check to see this actual printed matter. The process management manager 111 also manages the history of mailing and bringing-in visits of printed matter (proof output).

[Proof Manager [Second Embodiment]]
FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing communication between the proof manager 114 and the user computer and proof creation processing (third control processing of the present invention) by the proof manager 114 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. , S3001 indicate work steps on the user side, and S421 to S425, S427 to S429, and S3021 to S3026 indicate control processing steps on the proof manager 114 side. The same steps as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof is omitted.

  If it is determined in step S424 that PDF data has not been obtained or after step S425, a proof output is requested as a proof expression method in step S3021 (2901 and 2902 in FIG. 37 were selected at the time of submission). In step S3022, the proof output is performed by the print manager 115 (if the operator using the print driver needs work, the work is performed). Proof output), the process proceeds to step S3023.

  In step S3023, it is determined whether or not the proof output needs to be mailed (2901 in FIG. 37 is selected at the time of submission). If it is determined that mailing is necessary, the mail is sent in step S3024. If the person in charge is instructed (instructed by e-mail or the like), on the other hand, if it is determined that it is not necessary to mail it, in step S3026, the person in charge is instructed to give it to another person in charge (by e-mail or the like). Instructions).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3021 that proof output is not requested or after steps S3024 and S3026, the process proceeds to step S3025 to describe the URL of the website that uploaded the thumbnail image and PDF file, attach the PDF file, An electronic mail (E-mail) in which a description that the proof output is mailed and a description that the proof output is transferred by a delivery means other than the mail (for example, a visit) is transmitted to the user.

  On the other hand, in step S3001, the user who received the proof output by mail, visit or the like proceeds to step S407, confirms the proof, and returns the confirmation result by e-mail.

  As described above, an actual proof output can be acquired by an online request from the user, and the color of the color print can be confirmed more accurately.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments described above, the configuration in which the user receives notification of acceptance (or rejection) of the provisional order on the web (steps S210 and S211 in FIG. 2) has been described. Since the confirmation history is lacking in the configuration in which the notification of (rejection) is delivered, the notification of acceptance (or rejection) of the temporary order may be performed by electronic mail (E-mail). The embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the communication between the order / manufacture manager 112 and the user's computer and the order processing (fourth control process of the present invention) by the order / submission manager 112 in the third embodiment of the present invention. Yes, S201 to S209, S3101, and S3102 indicate work steps on the web browser on the user side (Web Browser), and S223 to S226, S3121, and S3122 indicate control processing steps on the order receipt / input manager 112 side. In addition, the same step number is attached | subjected to the step same as FIG. 2, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  If it is determined in step S225 that the order / submission manager 112 cannot accept the job in the hot folder 222, a “job rejection” message is automatically notified to the user by e-mail ( 3121).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S225 that the order and submission manager 112 side can accept the job in the hot folder 222, the job is accepted in step S226, and the received job is managed by the process management. The message is transmitted to the manager 111, and a “job acceptance” message is automatically notified to the user by electronic mail (S3122).

  On the other hand, on the user side, a “job acceptance” or “job rejection” message is received by e-mail from the order receipt / submission manager 112 (S3101 and S3102), and the processing is terminated. Thus, the user can easily determine whether or not the job that he / she has temporarily placed is accepted, and can also save it as a history.

  As described above, a provisional order acceptance (or rejection) history can be stored by notifying provisional order acceptance (or rejection) by electronic mail (E-mail).

  In the present embodiment, confirmation of permission / rejection of the provisional order job is performed by e-mail, and in the first embodiment, the case where it is performed on the web browser has been described. Needless to say, the confirmation may be performed by contact by facsimile or telephone.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the third embodiment described above, a configuration is described in which provisional order acceptance (or rejection) is notified by e-mail (E-mail), and the history of provisional order acceptance (or rejection) notification can be easily saved. However, the provisional order itself from the user may be configured to be performed by electronic mail (E-mail). The embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing communication between the order reception / submission manager 112 and the user computer and order processing (the fifth control process of the present invention) by the order reception / reception manager 112 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Yes, S3101 to S3112 indicate work steps on the web browser on the user side (Web Browser), and S3121 to S3123 indicate control processing steps on the side of the order receiving / managing manager 112. In addition, the same step number is attached | subjected to the step same as FIG. 2, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In step S <b> 3101, the user starts a web browser, inputs a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) address on the web browser, and accesses the web server (Web Server) unit 221 included in the order receiving / managing manager 112.

  When the user inputs a URL address via the web browser, the web server unit 221 provides a service screen to the web browser. It is assumed that the service screen and an order format file having the same format as those in FIGS. 25 to 30 are uploaded to the web server unit 221 in advance.

  On the user side, the web browser opens a screen (not shown) provided by the web server unit 221 and downloads the order format file (S3102).

  On this order format file, the user has the same customer information, document information (image data file names (multiple selections are possible)), job information (job tickets, etc.), post-processing information (finishing processing) as in FIGS. Etc.), various print instructions such as proof and archive information and delivery information are input (S3103 to S3108).

  When the input of the order format file is completed and the user places a temporary order (Yes in S3109), the order format file and the file (image data) selected by the user are received from the user side by the order receiving / submission manager 112. Is transmitted by electronic mail (E-Mail) (S3112). Thus, the user can easily save the contents of the job that has been provisionally ordered and the history indicating that the order has been placed. Instead of sending the e-mail, the order format file and the file (image data) selected by the user may be uploaded to a predetermined ftp site.

  Further, when receiving an e-mail from the user, the order and submission manager 112 side stores a job including an order format file attached to the e-mail and a file (image data) selected by the user in the hot folder. (3123).

  In addition, the order / entry manager 112 always monitors the presence or absence of a job in the hot folder by polling (S223, S224), and if it is determined that there is a job, whether or not the job can be accepted. When it is confirmed (S225) and it is determined that the job cannot be accepted, a "job rejection" message is automatically notified to the user by electronic mail (S3121).

  On the other hand, if the order / entry manager 112 determines that a job based on the format file in the hot folder can be accepted, the job is accepted in step S226, and the received job is designated as a process management manager. A message “Job acceptance” is automatically notified to the user by e-mail (S3122).

  On the other hand, on the user side, a “job acceptance” or “job rejection” message is received by e-mail from the order / submission manager 112 (S3110, S3111), and the processing is terminated. Thus, the user can easily save not only the history of whether or not the job that he / she has temporarily placed is accepted but also the history of the job and the order that has been placed.

  As described above, not only the acceptance / rejection history of the provisional order but also the provisional order itself is performed by e-mail (E-mail), thereby not only the acceptance / rejection history of the provisional order but also the history of the provisional order. Can also be saved.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the case where the proof output is performed by the printer on the image forming system side and the user confirms it by mail, hand delivery or the like has been described. However, if there is also a proof printer on the customer side, the proof printer is used. You may comprise so that proof output is possible using it. The embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing communication between the proof manager 114 and the user computer and proof creation processing (sixth control processing of the present invention) by the proof manager 114 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Indicates work steps on the user side, and S3221 to S3232 indicate control processing steps on the proof manager 114 side.

  First, regarding a job managed by the process management manager 111 in the proof process, in step S3221, it is determined whether or not the user has requested a proof (set on the screen shown in FIGS. 29 and 37). If it is determined that it is not requested, the processing is completed as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3221 that a proof is requested, the process proceeds to step S3222 and subsequent steps, and a service is provided to the user side by the requested proof method.

  That is, in step S3222, it is determined whether or not thumbnail web display is requested. If it is determined that the thumbnail is displayed, the document editing manager 113 generates a thumbnail screen in step S3223, and the generated thumbnail screen is displayed. The thumbnail image is uploaded to the web server unit 441 so that only authorized users can display it. Thereby, the user can confirm the completed image on the web (can be confirmed on the confirmation screens shown in FIGS. 32 to 36).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3222 that thumbnail web display is not requested, or after step S3223, the process proceeds to step S3224 to determine whether a PDF file is requested, and the PDF file is requested. In step S3225, a PDF file is created using Adobe Acrobat Distiller and the like and presented to the user in a method requested by the user (for example, browsing on the web or an ftp site). If the file size is small, it can be set to be attached to the E-mail to the user).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3224 that a PDF file is not requested, or after step S3225, the process proceeds to step S3226, where it is determined whether a proof output (bitmap) is requested and requested. If it is determined, in step S3227, bitmap data or print ready data is created using the RIP portion of the print manager 115 (S3228) and uploaded to a predetermined ftp site.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3226 that proof output is not requested, or after step S3228, the process proceeds to step S3229 to describe the URL of the website where the thumbnail image, PDF file, and proof output bitmap data are uploaded. An electronic mail (E-mail) attached with a PDF file is transmitted to the user.

  On the other hand, in step S3201, the user who has received this e-mail (e-mail notifying that information for proof confirmation desired by the user has been uploaded) starts a web browser and inputs a URL in step S3202. The user ID and password are entered on the screen provided by the web server 441 to access the web server 441.

  If the user has requested a thumbnail display, the thumbnail screen is acquired from the web server 441 in step S3203, the thumbnail screen (FIGS. 32 to 36) is displayed and browsed, and in step S3207, the thumbnail screen is displayed. Proof print thumbnail images.

  If the user has requested a Pdf file, the Pdf file is downloaded from the web server 441 in step S3204, RIP processing is performed in step S3205, and proof printing is performed in step S3207.

  If the user has requested a bitmap file, the bitmap file or the print ready file is downloaded from the web server 441 in step S3206, and proof-printed in step S3207.

  Next, in step S3208, the user confirms the proof. If the user determines that the proof confirmation is OK, the process proceeds to step S3210.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3208 that the proof confirmation is not OK (NG), in step S3209, the user inputs an NG portion of the proof and a comment, and proceeds to step S3210.

  Next, in step S 3210, an e-mail indicating the proof confirmation result is created and transmitted to the proof manager 114. When the proof is NG, the user attaches the NG portion of the proof and the comment data input in step S3209 to the e-mail or describes them in the body of the e-mail. The information indicating the proof OK / NG may be configured to be described in the body of the e-mail, or may be configured to describe a character string indicating OK / NG in the title of the e-mail. .

  On the other hand, when the proof manager 114 receives this e-mail (S3230), in step S3231, the proof manager 114 determines whether or not the proof confirmation result is OK, and if it is determined that the proof confirmation result is OK. The JDF data shown in FIG. 23 is rewritten so as to end the processing and proceed to the printing process. Note that the determination in step S3231 may be configured to be determined by a program from the received e-mail title or the like, or the person in charge is notified that the e-mail has been received, and the person in charge is informed from the contents of the received e-mail. You may comprise so that a person may judge.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3231 that the proof confirmation result is not OK (NG), the process proceeds to step S3232, and the operator on the image forming system side edits the document again in accordance with the NG comment from the user. Processing, document processing, and proof printing (proof printing) are performed again, and the process returns to step S3221.

  Although the confirmation result of the proof from the user is sent by e-mail in step S3209, the person in charge on the image forming system side is contacted by telephone, FAX, etc. You may comprise so that OK / NG may be judged.

  In the case of remote proofing as in the present embodiment, the exchange of image parameters such as ICC profiles and gamma tables described in FIGS. 13 and 14 can also be accessed via the web server (or ftp server) 441. To do.

  As described above, one or more proof means (web display of thumbnail images, PDF file download, proof output (hard copy) mailing, handing, proof output (bitmap data) download, etc.) to the user By providing the service, it becomes possible to provide the service to the user at a more reasonable cost.

  Also, the user can select a desired proofing means from a plurality of proofing means, and reliable output prediction is possible, and the service providing side can proceed with the work step by step, so output can be done in a shorter delivery time. can do.

  Therefore, the customer can divide the part that emphasizes the confirmation work of design and layout from the part that emphasizes the confirmation work of color and color adjustment, and can select the level to be determined by the customer himself, The job can be classified according to the type of job ordered by the customer, such as color output or black-and-white output, and confirmation work (proof mode, proof expression) can be selected accordingly.

  In addition, recently, using an ordering system such as an electronic store using a web browser or a web page on the Internet, a user can select a comp or proof method (proof expression method) casually and unconsciously. In addition, by changing the cost according to the selected method and number, it is possible to provide services with orders and costs that meet the needs of customers.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, reference to a process managed by the process management manager 111 will be described. In particular, a print job will be described.

  The process management manager 111 is capable of comprehensively controlling each manager and each device included in the system, and controls all jobs received by the order receiving / managing manager 112 so as to be manageable. Each job that can be handled by this system includes a plurality of devices spanning a plurality of devices from the order processing process of the job under the main control of the order receiving / delivery manager 112 to the delivery processing process under the main control of the delivery / shipping manager 118. Through the processing steps (However, depending on the request from the client, all processing may be completed with one device, so this system can handle such requests and processing contents) .

  Then, by sequentially executing a plurality of processing steps in an appropriate order in this way, a printed matter is completed as one product, and the system is configured such that the work of one job is completed. For example, it is assumed that a client wants to create 100 copies of the client's data as a plan document and wants to staple all of the plurality of plan documents.

  Then, the client sets the settings in accordance with the client's request through, for example, various UI screens including the operation screens shown in FIGS. 24 to 31 displayed on the client computer described above. Then, it is assumed that the print request is ordered via the client computer, and the order receiving / manager 112 receives the request, thereby confirming the order. It is assumed that original electronic data is received from the client.

  In such a case, as an operation to be performed in the present system in order to complete this job (hereinafter referred to as job 1), for example, an order processing process of the job 1 by the order / managing manager 112 is performed. Next, the editing processing of the job 1 is executed via the document editing manager 113, and then the proof processing step of the job 1 after the editing processing is executed via the proof manager 114, and then the print The manager 115 and the image forming apparatus (104 to 105) such as an MFP execute the print processing process (including the process of printing 100 copies) of the job 1 after the proofing, and then the job 1 is printed on the printed recording paper. A sheet processing process (including a process of stapling for 100 copies) by any of the sheet processing apparatuses 121 to 126 is executed. After, the delivery process by the main control delivery manager 118 to execute (a proposal that 100 parts of staple includes processing for delivery to the client).

  As described above, the plurality of processing steps as described above are performed through (in cooperation with) the plurality of devices (each manager, the image forming apparatus, and the sheet processing apparatus are referred to as devices) included in the system. The job 1 is completed by executing it through such a procedure. For example, assume that another client wants to print a catalog pamphlet of a product manufactured by a company to which the client belongs by color printing with 80 copies, and to saddle-stitch all of them. Then, it is assumed that the order / manager 112 receives a request in accordance with this from the client, and the order is confirmed. Further, it is assumed that the original paper document is handed over from the client to the operator of this system.

  In such a condition, as an operation to be performed in the present system in order to complete this job (hereinafter referred to as job 2), for example, an order processing process for the job 2 by the order receiving / managing manager 112 is performed. Then, the scanner 106 and the scan manager 119 execute the document input processing process of the job 2, and then execute the editing processing of the job 2 via the document editing manager 113. The proof processing process for job 2 is executed via the proof manager 114, and then the print processing process for job 2 after proofing (80 copies) is performed by a color image forming apparatus capable of full color printing such as the print manager 115 and the MFP 104. , Including a process of printing with color), and then the color mark of the job 2 The sheet processing step (including the process of executing the saddle stitch bookbinding process for 80 sheets of color-printed recording paper) by any one of the sheet processing apparatuses 121 to 126 for the completed recording paper is executed. A delivery process step by the main control (including a process of delivering the color printed matter that is saddle-stitched and bound for 80 copies to the client) is executed.

  As described above, the plurality of processing steps as described above are performed through (in cooperation with) the plurality of devices (each manager, the image forming apparatus, and the sheet processing apparatus are referred to as devices) included in the system. The job 2 is completed by executing it through such a procedure.

  Based on such a system configuration and premise, the process management manager 111 of the system is a processing target in the system that is included in the period from the job order processing process to the execution of the job delivery process. A series of work periods of jobs (in this embodiment, as described above, the job is executed via one device or a plurality of devices necessary for completing one job (a job corresponding to one order content). A series of work steps having a plurality of processing steps is referred to as a workflow), and all the processing steps to be executed for the job are controlled to be manageable. In addition, the process management manager 111 can execute this process even when all the process processes to be executed for the job to be processed are completed by one device included in the system. Even in the case of executing by cooperating by executing individual processing in each of a plurality of devices included in the system, for each job of the plurality of jobs received by the order receiving / managing manager 112 (on a job basis) ) Distinguish and control in a manageable manner. In addition, the system according to the present embodiment is not necessarily configured so that all the processing steps executed in the system can be automatically operated without intervention by an operator. In other words, this system requires one device or a plurality of devices required for completing one job to be processed that occurs for each of a plurality of jobs that can be accepted by this system. In a series of work steps (workflows) including a plurality of processing steps executed via the operator, an intervention work by an operator (an operator of this system) may be requested.

  For example, taking the job 1 described above as an example, in the workflow of the job 1, a sheet processing process performed by the sheet processing apparatus of the present system for a document (plan) for which a print processing process by an image forming apparatus such as an MFP has been completed. In the case of executing the stapling process in the image forming apparatus (for example, one of the MFPs 104 to 105 in FIG. 1) that executes the printing process of the job 1 in the present system and the recording paper of the job 1 It is assumed that the sheet processing apparatus (for example, the collating machine 126 in FIG. 1) that executes the stapling process is installed in separate casings and independently from each other, and is electrically and physically disconnected ( In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus may of course include a sheet processing apparatus as an optional apparatus, but is not connected here for the sake of explanation. At least electrically and causes connected to preparative manager 115, the sheet processing apparatus is at least electrically to the is connected to a post-processing manager 116, respectively, preferably it is capable of data communication configured for each manager). In such a case, the operator (operator) of this system takes out the printed material of job 1 printed by the image forming apparatus from the paper discharge unit of the image forming apparatus, and prints the printed material of job 1 taken out. Is carried out and set on the processing tray of the sheet processing apparatus.

  As described above, in the workflow of job 1 necessary for completing job 1, the work of taking out and transporting the printed material from the image forming apparatus and the setting operation of the printed material with respect to the sheet processing apparatus are required at least as intervention work by the operator. The For example, taking the above-described job 2 as an example, in the workflow of job 2, for example, the work of setting the paper original of job 2 on the scanner 106 is required at least as an intervention work by the operator of this system. In addition, an image forming apparatus (for example, the color MFP 104 in FIG. 1) that performs color printing of job 2 and a sheet processing apparatus (vertical amber, which performs saddle stitch binding processing on the color-printed recording paper of job 2). When the saddle stitch bookbinding machine 122) in FIG. 1 is installed independently in separate housings, the printed matter is taken out and conveyed from the image forming apparatus as well as the job 1, and sheet processing is performed. The operation of setting the printed material on the apparatus is required at least as an intervention operation by an operator.

  As described above, both the workflow of job 1 and the workflow of job 2 require intervention work by the operator of this system.

  In addition to the intervention work by the operator as described above, in the workflow necessary for completing the order receiving job in this system, for example, the order receiving of the job by the operator performed in cooperation with the order receiving / managing manager 112 Such as a confirmation operation, a processing condition parameter setting operation for a job performed in cooperation with the manuscript editing manager 113, a job editing operation, a printer environment setting operation, a delivery dispatch operation performed in cooperation with the delivery manager 118, etc. There are several types of intervention work by the operator.

  In the present embodiment, on the premise of such a system configuration, the process management manager 111 can also manage a plurality of types of intervention work of an operator (worker) in a job workflow in the system. In addition, for example, appropriate work instruction information for the operator for notifying the operator of the action to be taken by the operator in the intervention work by the operator in the workflow required for completing the order receiving job, for example, Any of the present systems such as a display unit of a computer, a display unit of an image forming apparatus, a display unit of a sheet processing apparatus, etc. are provided in an optimum presentation format in which an operator himself who confirms instruction information can identify and distinguish for each operator and for each job. UI control is executed by the process management manager 111 so that notification can be presented via a user interface unit included in the device.

[Print Job]
42 to 45 show status information and job processing status of each image forming apparatus acquired by the print manager 114 shown in FIG. 1 from each device such as an MFP via the data communication unit. Management of the printing process that is presented (displayed) on a user interface such as a display unit provided in a device of the system (a device such as a computer, an image forming apparatus, or a sheet processing apparatus) based on various types of information such as information It is an example of a screen. Each of the operation screens shown in FIGS. 42 to 45 can be displayed on a display unit of a computer having the function of the print manager 114. For example, other managers such as the process management manager 111 can display the operation screen of the print manager 114. If the system configuration is built into a computer in a separate casing from the computer, the control is performed so that the display can be performed on a display unit included in the computer of another manager. Of course, it may be configured so that it can be displayed on the display unit of the computer of the client that ordered the job, and can also be configured to display the screen on the display unit of the device of the image forming apparatus or sheet processing apparatus. In any case, any configuration may be employed as long as an optimal user interface can be provided by the system for a client who orders a job and / or an operator of the system receiving an order for the job.

  FIG. 42 shows a workflow executed in this system (scheduling process, order receiving process, editing process, proofing process, printing process, finishing (sheet processing) process, storage process, delivery process related to a job to be processed in this system. FIG. 43 is a device status screen in the printing process, and FIGS. 44 and 45 are job submission screens in the printing process. is there.

  Note that the key address by the operator causes the IP address of the web server on the process management manager 111 side (for example, 192.168.100.11, for example, DNS (Domain Name System) to the URL address portion of the web browser on the client 103. In response to the input of a server name in an environment in which a system that provides a service for determining an IP address from a host name on a TCP / IP network such as the Internet is supported, The service screens shown in FIGS. 42 to 45 are read by the client computer, and can be set in advance so that the screen is displayed on the display unit of the client computer.

  This service tool (service screen) includes a scheduling tab 2401, an order receiving / ordering screen for inputting an instruction to display a suitable operation screen on the display unit in order to enable scheduling between the managers through key operations by the user. Ordering tab 2402 for inputting an instruction to display an operation screen on the display unit for allowing the user to check the order reception status by the submission manager. Suitable for enabling manuscript editing through key operation by the user. For inputting an instruction to display an operation screen for enabling management of the approval status of the customer proof by the editing tab 2403 and the proof manager 114 for inputting an instruction to display an operation screen on the display unit Proofing tab 2404, print job management and print job submission In order to enable management of a post-processing process (sheet processing process) by a printing tab 2405 and a post-processing manager 116 for inputting an instruction to display an operation screen to be used on the display unit. A finishing tab 2406 for inputting an instruction to display a suitable operation screen on the display unit 2606. A suitable operation screen is displayed for enabling management of a job archive status (job storage status) by the file storage manager 117. An archiving tab 2407 for inputting an instruction to be displayed on the section, and an instruction for displaying an operation screen suitable for enabling the delivery dispatch manager 118 to manage the delivery slip and the delivery status on the display section. Delivery tab 2408 and scan job management by scan manager 119 It is executable to upon in such comprise a like scan tab 2409 for inputting a command to display on the display unit a suitable operation screen display constituting.

  Under such a display configuration, for example, in response to the selection of the printing tab 2405 by the user's key operation, the web server (the process management manager 111 side) from the computer displaying the screen is displayed. 42, the data for displaying the job status screen in the printing process shown in FIG. 42 is read into the computer, and the screen is displayed on the display unit of the computer. To control.

  42 to 44, the print process management screen (service screen displayed on the display unit when the printing tab 2405 is selected) inputs an instruction to display an operation screen suitable for job management on the display unit. Job status key 2411 for printing, device status key 2412 for inputting an instruction to display an operation screen suitable for managing the print device MFP 104 or 105 on the display unit, suitable for managing the input of a print job A job submit key 2413 for inputting an instruction to display an operation screen on the display unit, and a configuration for inputting an instruction to display an operation screen suitable for performing various settings such as registration of a printer or cluster printer on the display unit Display key 2414 and the like.

  The operation screen of FIG. 42 corresponds to the operation screen displayed on the computer when the job status key 2411 is selected, and the operation screen of FIG. 43 is the operation screen displayed on the computer when the device status key 2412 is selected. 44 and 45 correspond to the operation screens to be displayed on the computer when the job submit key 2413 is selected.

  As an example of display control according to the present embodiment, first, a device display unit 2421 provided in the job status screen shown in FIG. 42 displays a device name 2421-1 such as an MFP on the network, a device icon (the icon changes according to the status). ) 242-2, and character information (Ready, PaperJam, Printing, etc.) 2421-3 indicating the status of these devices is controlled to be identifiable by the user.

  In the job status display section 2422 provided in the job status screen shown in FIG. 42, status information (processing status information) of each job as an order job to be processed in this system that can be stored in the server is stored. The display is controlled so that the user can monitor it.

  For example, as information of a job that is being received by the image forming apparatus of this system, “Spooling (receiving data before RIP)” is displayed, and information of a job that is being developed by the image forming apparatus of this system is displayed. Is displayed as “Ripping” (in RIP), and “Wait to Print” is displayed as information on jobs waiting to be printed in the image forming apparatus of this system, and printing is performed in the image forming apparatus of this system. Control is performed so that “printing” is displayed as the information of the middle job. In addition, regarding a job that is instructed to wait in the server at the time of job submission, “Hold” is displayed in a state before RIP. For a job in which an error or jam has occurred, a message to that effect is displayed. A job for which printing has been completed is displayed as a finished job as the next job history. Status information of each device acquired from each network device (including an image forming apparatus such as an MFP), which is necessary information for displaying such information, is stored in the server every predetermined period or at a desired timing. Transmits information (status request information) for inquiring the status to each device to obtain a response result from each device. Alternatively, even if the server does not make an inquiry, the manager of the system can acquire the status information by a method of actively notifying the server of status information when the status of each network device changes. In any case, any configuration may be used as long as appropriate status information can be provided to the user at the timing desired by the user under the control of each manager of the system.

  The operation screen of FIG. 42 is configured to include a job history display unit 2423 for displaying history information regarding jobs processed in the present system. A job history can be confirmed by the user via the job history display unit 2423. For example, when displaying history information of a job whose printing operation has been completed normally (a job properly processed by a printing operation as instructed by the user), “Printed” is displayed, and history information of a job canceled halfway is displayed. Controls to display Cancelled.

  Further, this screen is provided with a detail key 2424, and the detail key 2424 is pressed by a user key operation (clicking, instructed by a pointing device or the like not shown) in the job status display unit 2422 and the job history display unit 2423. In response to, jobs received by this system, including jobs that have not been processed (jobs waiting to be printed or jobs that are being printed) and jobs that have already been processed (printed jobs or canceled jobs) The detailed status of the job selected by the key 2424 is controlled so as to be displayed to the user.

  Detailed information includes, for example, job name, target printer, job status, job priority, job ID, client name, job page number, number of copies, paper size, output predicted time, or request from the client to the operator Comments etc. that describe etc. are displayed. The estimated output time (estimated time) is calculated by the manager based on the spool order of the current job, the estimated RIP time, or the printer speed.

  Further, in the job status display unit 2422, 2425-1 to 2425-3 are control keys that can be controlled only by a person (for example, an administrator) who has been given certain privileges for each of these jobs. It is a key to do. From left to right, job cancellation 2425-1, job pause (job pause or hold) 2425-2, job restart (pause job or hold job release) 2425-3, etc. It functions to instruct the manager (in this case, the print manager 115) to cause a related device to process (for example, an image forming apparatus such as an MPF) to execute.

  In the job history display 2423, reference numeral 2761 denotes a control key, which is a key for enabling control of the job in the job history display 2424. From left to right, job archiving (function for storing jobs in another location on the network) 2761-1, job deletion (job deletion) 2761-2, job reprinting (reprint job) 2761-3 And the like (for example, an image forming apparatus such as an MPF) that actually processes the job. Based on these instructions, the operator can handle the server.

  In this system, a standardized database called MIB (Management Information Base) is constructed in the network interface part inside each image forming apparatus of the system including the MFPs 104 and 105 and a printer (not shown), and SNMP (Simple). It is possible to communicate with a computer on the network via a network management protocol (Network Management Protocol), and to acquire the status of devices connected to the network of the system including the MFPs 104 and 105. 103 can exchange necessary information. For example, it is possible to detect what type of finisher is connected as the equipment information of the MFPs 104 and 105, and to detect whether an error or jam is currently occurring, whether printing is in progress, or idling as the status information. It is configured so that it can be displayed on a computer.

  As described above, all static information such as equipment information of the image forming apparatus included in the system including the MFPs 104 and 105, apparatus status, network settings, job history, usage status management, and control can be obtained. . As described above, the print manager uses the MIB to take in the status of the MFP or the like as needed, and updates it as an HTML file so that the client can always view the status.

  Further, in response to the user clicking on the device status key 2412 included in the operation screen of FIG. 42 (instructed by a pointing device or the like not shown), the control unit (for example, the print manager) displays the device status shown in FIG. Display the screen on the display. The device status display unit 2432 provided in the operation screen of FIG. 43 allows the user to check the paper size installed in the device and its replenishment status (paper remaining in each paper stacker or cassette). Device status information is displayed on the display unit 2432 so that the status of accessories such as the equipped finisher can be confirmed in advance. The remaining amount of recording paper is detected by a sensor (not shown) that can detect the remaining amount of recording paper in the paper feed cassette provided in the image forming apparatus of this system.

  For example, the minimum unit may be detected with about 10 sheets without being detected with the accuracy of one recording sheet. However, a plurality of paper feed cassettes included in the image forming apparatus at least indicate that there is recording paper in the paper feeding cassette (with paper) and that there is no recording paper in the paper feeding cassette (no paper). Each sheet feeding cassette is configured to be identifiable. A detail key 2433 is displayed in response to the user clicking this key (instructed by a pointing device (not shown)), and the detailed status of the device (for example, color / monochrome, resolution, printing speed, etc.) is displayed on the display unit. Let

  Further, in response to the user clicking on the job submit key 2413 on the operation screen (instructed by a pointing device (not shown) or the like), the print manager 115 displays the job submit screen shown in FIG. 44 on the display unit.

  The method of using the job submit screen is the same as that of the print driver described above, except that the file on the client 103 is not opened by the application (without printing instructions on the application), and the job to be printed is directly input to the print manager 115 ( The following additional information is attached to the document file to be printed and transferred or copied).

  Usually, a print driver has two roles, one of which is to start up data by an application on the client 103 and convert the data into PDL data such as PostScript (registered trademark) (or PCL). Another role is to throw the converted data into the print manager 115 (or printer). This is because the conventional RIP processing can only handle one type of RIP processing.

  On the other hand, job submission is only a process of throwing a job together with a job ticket using GUI, but in recent years, not only PS but various formats (for example, pdf, tif, jpg, etc.) That can be RIP processed by the same software RIP module, or a plurality of types of software RIP modules (for example, PS and PCL) are included in the print manager 115, and the RIP module depends on the data. Even if one format PDL can be used and various formats (for example, pdf, tiff, jpg, etc.) and various PDL data are sent directly to the print manager 115, a single PDL can be used. Performs RIP processing in the same way as data and expands to bitmap data It has become possible. If the printer has a RIP processing function that handles only PS data instead of bitmap data due to the interface of the MFP 104 or the MFP 105, the print manager 115 converts the bitmap data into the bitmap data by the RIP processing. After development, the data is compressed with JBIG or G4 (CCITT), and a header such as PS (header indicating PS data) is added to the data and output to the MFP. In contrast, printing of these various format data can be realized.

  As a setting item to be added by job submission, 2441 is a transmission destination selection column for selecting a target output destination. Generally, it is possible to set the above-described MFPs 104 and 105, or a cluster printer combining them. When a printer that virtually combines a plurality of printers called cluster printers is selected in the transmission destination selection column 2441, settings can be made for each printer as shown in FIG. In addition, the GUI of the setting item switching key 2442 is changed.

  In the column 2444, the file name may be directly specified together with the directory, but in general, the browse button on the right selects the job file on the server's own computer (or in the network). It will be.

  When such settings are made and the print key 2443 is clicked, the set contents and the designated file are transferred to the print manager 115 and added (queued) as a print job.

  A setting item sent together with the selected file is called a job ticket, and is a setting item as shown in 2445. 44 and 45, the setting items in the general setting (General) are displayed, but the setting items are classified by the setting item switching key 2442 (general setting, job control, finishing, image processing setting, color setting). 46 to 49, setting items of different classifications (setting items such as job control, finishing, image processing setting, color setting, etc.) as shown in FIG. 46 to FIG. 49 are displayed. At the same time, it is transmitted to the print manager 115 and used for RIP processing, printing, post-processing, and the like.

  For example, in this embodiment, the detailed setting items of the job ticket of each classification are classified into several as follows, and various settings are possible.

1. General settings (General): the number of copies of the job to be printed, the paper size of the recording paper of the job to be printed, the paper feed stage to be used by the image forming apparatus in the job to be printed, and the type of recording paper of the job to be printed (Media type), presence / absence of both sides regarding whether to print a job to be printed on both sides or one side (2445 in FIGS. 44 and 45)
2. Job control (Job): Job priority such as job priority for determining the printing order, whether or not to save a job to be printed in a memory such as a hard disk, etc. Settings related to control (Fig. 46)
3. Finishing: setting of sheet processing for a job, such as whether or not to execute sheet processing such as stapling, punching, booklet, etc. (FIG. 47)
4). Image processing setting (ImageQuality = IQ): Image processing setting for a job such as sharpness, brightness, toner reduction setting (FIG. 48)
5). Color setting (Color): Color processing settings for the job such as gamma conversion table setting and ICC profile setting (FIG. 49)
Further, the detailed setting items of the job ticket shown in 1 to 5 can be set for each printer when printing is performed by combining a plurality of printers as shown by 2442 in FIG.

  Furthermore, this job ticket has not only the setting items unique to each device, but also has the advantage that the operation can be carried out smoothly if prepared in advance. A key group 2444 having a save key for saving the job ticket (for reusing the job ticket), a save as key that can be saved with a new name, and a delete key (not shown) for deleting the job ticket is prepared. ing. Note that the key group 2444 also includes a file name input area for selecting a print file from its own computer or a network accessible by itself, a browse key, and the like.

  In response to the completion of various settings by the user as described above, the print manager 115 performs processing operations in accordance with various print output processing conditions set by the user (devices such as MFPs). Control to be executed by a forming apparatus or the like.

  Further, in response to the user pressing the reset key 2446 provided on the operation screen of FIG. 44 or the like, the print manager 115 sets the job ticket setting (setting of print processing conditions for the job) to the default state (initial setting). Control to return to (set value).

[Print Job Flow]
Next, processing of a print job input to the print manager 115 from a job submission or print driver will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 50 shows processing of a print job thrown into the print manager 115 based on an instruction from the user input via the job submission screen shown in FIGS. 44 and 45 (seventh control processing of the present invention). S2508 to S2514 show the operator's work steps on the web browser (job submission screen) on the client 103 side, and S2534 to S2540 show the control processing steps on the print manager 115 side.

  When the client 103 throws a file from the job submission shown in FIGS. 44 and 45 to the print manager 115, the client 103 first accesses the web server (Web Server) unit 2531 on the print manager 115 side with a web browser (S2508). Specifically, the operator starts a web browser on the client 103, inputs a URL address on the web browser, accesses the web server unit 2531 on the print manager 115 side (web on the process management manager 111 side). On the service screen provided by the server, the printing tab 2405 is selected, and the job submit key 2413 is further selected. The operator on the client side opens the job submit screen (job submit screen shown in FIG. 44) (S2509). ).

  Next, the operator selects a desired print file on his / her computer or on a network accessible by himself / herself (S2510). The file selected at this time is not necessarily a PS file as long as the server can be rasterized (RIP), and may be a PCL, TIFF, JPEG, PDF, or the like.

  Further, the operator selects a printer or cluster to be output (S2511). The selected printer name or cluster name is immediately notified to the print manager 115, and a web page including a default (or desired) job ticket, hot folder name, etc. prepared in advance on the print manager 115 side is notified, It is displayed on the web browser (S2512).

  Next, the operator changes the displayed job ticket to a desired setting value to be printed on the browser (S2513) and clicks the print key 2443 (instructed by a pointing device or the like not shown) to select the selected job and the desired job. The job ticket is sent to the hot folder 2532 on the print manager 115 side (submit print job) (2514).

  At this time, the print manager 115 side receives the received job file (here, both the case of a PDL file and the case of an application file are collectively referred to as a job file) and job setting information (job ticket). For example, they are managed separately with different extensions.

  The print manager 115 sequentially monitors a plurality of hot folders by polling (S2534), and if there is a job in the hot folder 2532 (S2535), it is passed to the input job control unit 602 and scheduled (S2536). 7 and 11, RIP (S2537) is performed, and the spool queue table 2533 of the desired printer (or cluster) selected by the operator is referred to (S2538, S2539) and registered there. Are printed on the output device (send print data to each output device) (S2540).

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart for explaining the processing (eighth control processing of the present invention) of a print job thrown into the print manager 115 by the operation from the printer driver screen shown in FIGS. Indicates the operation steps of the operator on the printer driver screen on the client 103 side, S2534 to S2540 indicate control processing steps on the print manager 115 side, and the same steps as those in FIG. .

  When the client 103 throws a file from the printer driver to the print manager 115, first, a print instruction is given from an application (for example, word processing software) running on the client, and as a result, a job is thrown from the printer driver. In detail, the operator starts up the application software in the client 103 (S2501), opens a file to be printed, and issues a print instruction (opens the printer driver screen shown in FIG. 8) (S2502).

  Next, the operator selects a printer (S2503), and sets a desired function using properties or the like (S2504). When the operator clicks the OK button 705 (instructed with a pointing device (not shown) or the like) (S2505), creation of PDL data is started in the client computer 103 (S2506).

  As soon as the PDL data is completed, it is sent to a predetermined hot folder 2532 in the print manager 115. The subsequent processing in the print manager 115 has a mechanism for printing in the same manner as the processing in the case of job submission described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Here, when selecting a printer or a cluster, it is necessary to prepare a PPD (PostScript (registered trademark) Printer Description) file or the like in the client computer 103 and set a printer driver in advance. The PPD file describes setting items for controlling the printer and its initial value, whether or not combinations of settings are possible, and is provided as a unique file for each printer or cluster. The operator must prepare the printer and the cluster by linking the PPD and the driver in his / her own computer.

[Cluster Printer Settings]
As described above, creating a virtual printer by combining a plurality of printers is called a cluster printer. For example, a printing operation of a job output from a data generation source such as a computer using a plurality of image forming apparatuses (for example, two image forming apparatuses of the MFP 104 and the MFP 105) provided in the present system is performed. The image forming apparatuses share and execute simultaneously (a plurality of image forming apparatuses execute a parallel printing operation).

  In such a cluster print mode, in response to an instruction from the user, for example, the first image forming apparatus causes the first image forming apparatus to print 50 copies of a job to be printed 100 copies, and the first image forming apparatus In parallel with the printing operation according to, the remaining 50 copies can be printed by the second image forming apparatus (copy distribution).

  Further, for example, the first image forming apparatus is caused to execute the printing operation of the first page to the 49th page of the job composed of 100 pages, and 50 in parallel with the printing operation by the first image forming apparatus. The printing operation for the first to 100th pages can be executed by the second image forming apparatus (page distribution). In addition, the color MFP of the color black-and-white mixed original data including the color page and the black-and-white page is caused to be executed by the color MFP, and the black-and-white page of the black-and-white mixed original data is executed in parallel with the printing operation of the MFP. Is controlled so as to be executed by the monochrome MFP (color monochrome distribution). The number of image forming apparatuses that enable the distributed printing operation is not limited to two. For example, two or more image forming apparatuses can be executed based on print settings from the user. The present embodiment has such a plurality of types of cluster print modes, and the print manager 115 or the like is configured to execute the distributed printing process by a plurality of image forming apparatuses of the system based on an instruction from the user. It is configured to be controllable by the control unit.

  Note that the print manager 115 displays a cluster print device setting indicating which image forming apparatus of a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as MFPs included in the system performs cluster printing via an operation screen (not shown). It can be set in advance by the user.

  One of the settings by the configuration key 2414 on the printer process management screen shown in FIGS. 42 to 45 is the cluster printer setting, and the flow of processing for creating a cluster printer by combining the MFPs 104 and 105 registered in advance. This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing an example of the cluster printer registration process (the ninth control process of the present invention) in the image forming system of the present invention, and S2601 to S2621 indicate the respective steps.

  First, the operator is allowed to select two or more printers from the registered printer group (S2601). For example, if there are three printers A, B, and C, four combinations of A & B, A & C, B & C, and A & B & C are possible. In addition, even in the case of the same printer combination, it is possible to register as a different cluster printer if the mode described below is different.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the selected combination is a different type of printer (color / monochrome mixed) such as a color printer and a monochrome printer (S2602). A selection is made from two modes: a monochrome page separation mode and a color / monochrome automatic routing mode (S2603).

  Here, the color / monochrome page separation mode means that for one job in which color pages and monochrome pages are mixed, the job is previously separated into color pages and monochrome pages in units of pages. In addition, a (monochrome) page that does not include color information is a mode for outputting to a monochrome printer. Similarly, in the color / monochrome automatic routing mode, after distinguishing between color pages and monochrome pages in advance, if at least one color page is mixed, all jobs are output to the color printer, and all jobs are monochrome pages. If this is the case, the mode automatically routes to the monochrome printer. These functions are modes aimed at cost reduction and simplification of operability because there is a gap in the per-print costs of color pages and monochrome pages.

  When the color / monochrome page separation mode is selected (S2605), the separation mode is set (S2610), a name is given and a cluster is registered (S2615), and the process proceeds to step S2620.

  On the other hand, when the color / monochrome automatic routing mode is selected (S2606), a minimum page (minimum page per unit) is set (S2611), a cluster is registered with a name (S2616), and step S2620 is entered. move on.

  If it is determined in step S2602 that the selected combination is a printer of the same type, such as a color printer and a color printer, or a black and white printer and a black and white printer (not color / monochrome mixed), the job cluster mode, Mode selection is performed from the three modes of the copy number cluster mode and the page cluster mode (S2604).

  Here, the job clustering mode is a mode that optimizes the load balance so that jobs are distributed sequentially to printers that have jobs set up that are available or that are expected to become idle first. is there.

  The copy number clustering mode means that, for example, when the number of output copies set by the user for a job to be printed is 100, the job is transferred to 33 printers having the same capability (here, the same printing speed). , 33 copies and 34 copies (because a remainder is generated when divided by 3), the number of output copies is allocated (distributed), and the printing operation for the allocated copies is executed on each image forming apparatus (here, three). By doing so, it is a clustering mode suitable for enabling a job printing operation to be completed quickly (see FIG. 54).

  Further, the page clustering mode is a mode in which, for example, a job consisting of 1000 pages is allocated to two printers by 500 pages, and each image forming apparatus (here, two) performs a printing operation for the allocated number of pages. It is.

  If the job clustering mode is selected (S2607), the printer priority setting or optimization separation is set (S2612), the cluster is assigned a name (S2617), and the process proceeds to step S2620.

  When the copy number clustering mode is selected (S2608), the setting of the minimum number of copies or the optimization separation is set (S2613), the cluster is registered with a name (S2618), and the process proceeds to step S2620.

  When the page clustering mode is selected (S2609), the minimum page setting or optimization separation is set (S2614), the cluster is registered with a name (S2619), and the process proceeds to step S2620.

  Each cluster printer can be registered with a name assigned in advance in different types of modes even in the same printer combination, and can be handled as a virtual high-speed printer in the same way as a normal one printer.

  Next, in step S2620, a reroute time is set (if one of them goes down due to a jam or an error, a waiting time for job rerouting that automatically assigns the job to another printer) is set. Whether or not a setting end instruction has been issued is determined (S2621). If it is determined that the setting has been completed, the process ends. If it is determined that the setting has not ended, the process returns to step S2601.

  FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing an example of cluster printer processing (the ninth control processing of the present invention) by the print manager 115 shown in FIG. 1, and steps S2651 to S2655 indicate the steps.

  When the job is submitted to the registered cluster printer, it is determined which cluster printer is to be processed (S2651), and each job is processed by a predetermined cluster method. That is, any one of the single printer process (S2652), the job cluster mode process (S2653), the copy number cluster process (S2654), and the page cluster process (S2655) is performed, and the process ends.

  FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing an example of the copy cluster processing (the ninth control process of the present invention) shown in step S2654 of FIG. 53, and steps S2671 to S2676 indicate the respective steps.

  First, in step S2671, the number of copies allocated to the selected printer is calculated. Next, a variable i indicating the number of pages is initialized (i = 1) (S2672), a command for specifying the number of copies is sent to each printer (S2673), and i-page data is output to each printer (S2674). .

  Next, in step S2675, it is determined whether all pages have been output. If it is determined that all pages have not yet been output, the process proceeds to step S2676, i is incremented, and the process proceeds to step S2673. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2675 that all pages have already been output, the process ends.

  Through the above processing, the number of copies set for the job can be allocated to the printer registered as the copy number clustering mode, and the job can be completed quickly.

[Finishing flow]
Next, a post-processing step (also referred to as a sheet processing step) in the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 55 is a schematic diagram showing a flow in which the post-processing (sheet processing) desired by the user such as stapling processing, punching processing, bookbinding processing and folding processing is performed on the printed job in the image forming system shown in FIG. is there. Note that the print output of the MFP 105 (or 104) is a large-capacity stacker (a storage unit for storing printed sheets) provided in an output port of the MFP (a discharge unit for discharging sheets printed by the printing unit). It is configured to be loadable. This system is equipped with a cart that can be transported by an operator in this stacker, and the print output loaded on the cart is operated on various finishers 121 to 126 managed by the post-processing manager 116 while being placed on the cart. It is configured so that members can move and carry.

  FIG. 55 will be described. In this system, for example, the job A is a case binding machine of the present system in which the print output (a bundle of printed recording sheets) of the job A printed by the MFP 105A of the present system is conveyed by the operator using the carriage 2701. A series of processing steps including a processing step of causing the case binding machine 123 to execute the case binding processing on the recording paper bundle and executing the case binding processing to deliver the recording paper bundle using the carriage 2702. This is the job to be executed in this system.

  Job B prints out the print output of job B printed by MFP 105A of this system by an operator by carriage 2701 and sets it on cutting machine 121 of this system, and the cutting machine 121 performs the cutting process for the recording paper bundle. A job to be executed in this system includes a series of processing steps including a processing step of executing and delivering the cut recording paper bundle using a carriage 2702.

  In the job C, the print output of the job C printed by the MFP 105A of this system is transported by the operator using the carriage 2701 and set on the case binding machine 123, and the case binding process is performed on the recording paper by the case binding machine 123. Then, the recording paper bundle that has been subjected to the case binding process is transported by the operator using the carriage 2702 and set on the cutting machine 121, and the cutting process for the recording paper bundle that has been subjected to the case binding process is performed by the cutting machine 121. A job to be executed in this system includes a series of processing steps including a processing step in which a bundle of recording sheets that have been executed and delivered by a worker using a carriage 2703 is shown.

  In this embodiment, in this way, a series of processing steps including a plurality of processing steps by a plurality of devices of the system and intervention work by an operator is accepted as a workflow via the order receiving / submission manager 112 of the system. Control is performed by a control unit of the system including the process management manager 111 so that the job is executed. In addition, the print output condition information set for the job to be processed through the user interface including the operation screen described above, the resource information such as the device included in the system and the capability of the device, and the book Based on the judgment material information for identifying the workflow, such as information on the system operator, the workflow is determined for each job received through the order / manufacture manager 112, and the job is determined based on the determined workflow. Control is performed by a control unit of this system including the process management manager 111 so as to perform processing.

  For the instructions of job A to job C, for example, the process management manager 111 creates JDF data in response to a request instructed by a customer (client) via the operation screen of FIG. The post-processing process is executed to obtain a desired output result. For this purpose, for example, using the web server of the process management manager 111, the process management manager 111 responds that the finisher tab 2406 on the operation screen of FIG. Data monitoring via a communication medium such as the network 101, and monitoring and controlling the status of all finishers (including sheet processing devices such as the cutting machine 121 to the collating machine 126) managed by the post-processing manager 116. It is configured as possible.

  56 is a post-processing process management screen (in the post-processing manager 116) that is provided (displayed) to the user via a display unit of a device such as a computer mainly controlled by the post-processing manager 116 shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing a screen for performing status monitoring and control of all managed finishers.

  This screen is, for example, a service screen that is read (displayed) in response to the IP address of the web server on the process management manager 111 side being input to the URL address input unit of the web browser by a key operation by the user. In response to selection of the tab 2406 by a key operation by the user, the web server on the post-processing manager 116 side (which may be the same as the web server on the process management manager 111 side) is accessed for reading (display). Control).

  In response to the user pressing the job status key 2811 provided in the operation screen of FIG. 56, the user grasps and manages the operation status of each finisher and the status of each job at a glance as shown in the figure. The display is controlled so that it can be done. Thus, the user can confirm how many jobs are stored and which jobs have already been completed.

  In response to the user clicking on the device status key 2812 included in the operation screen shown in FIG. 56 (instructed by a pointing device or the like not shown), the device status screen is displayed on the display unit, so that the capabilities of each finisher are displayed. And the attached accessories can be grasped and managed by the user.

  In response to the user clicking the job submit key 2813 provided in the operation screen of FIG. 56 (instructed by a pointing device or the like not shown), a submit screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit, and each finisher is displayed. Thus, it is configured that the user can instruct via the screen what kind of job is to be thrown (setting regarding what kind of sheet processing is executed for the job). For example, when the cutting process by the cutting machine 121 is executed, the cutting amount (setting of how many millimeters the recording paper is to be cut) and the cutting direction (which of the four corners of the recording paper are cut) Or the like in the case of the paper folding machine 124, the user can set the order of paper folding and the direction of folding via the screen.

  In response to the user clicking the configuration key 2814 included in the operation screen of FIG. 56 (instructed by a pointing device (not shown) or the like), a configuration screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit. The registration process for new finishers installed in this system, the removal of finishers already registered in this system (exclusion from settings), and the presence or absence of installation functions (for example, stapler, puncher, folding unit, bookbinding unit, etc.) It is configured to be settable by the user.

[Scheduling of process control]
As described so far, the process management manager 111 includes the order / entry manager 112, the manuscript editing manager 113, the proof manager 114, the print manager 115, the post-processing manager 116, the file storage manager 117, the delivery / shipment manager 118, Alternatively, it is configured to communicate with the scan manager 119 and the like so that each can be managed and controlled centrally, manage the job status in each manager, and also perform cooperation and scheduling among those managers. Has been.

  As described above, a plurality of managers (including 111 to 119) of this system including the process management manager 111 are each a separate device (an information processing apparatus such as a computer, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP, or a sheet process). System configuration (including various devices of the apparatus) as a function, or a configuration in which all manager functions are mounted in one device, or multiple manager functions in one device It may be configured to mount. In any case, any device configuration and system configuration may be used as long as various operations and controls described in this embodiment can be executed.

  FIG. 57 is an example of a job generation screen that is provided (displayed) on a device user interface such as a display unit of a computer under the control of the process management manager 111 shown in FIG.

  The screen is, for example, in response to the IP address of the web server on the process management manager 111 side being input to the URL address input unit of the web browser of the client computer 103 by a key operation by the user of the computer. This data is read from the process management manager 111 via the network by the computer 103 and can be set in advance so that it is displayed on the display unit of the computer 103.

  Note that this system, including the screen of FIG. 57 and the operation screens of FIGS. 58 to 64 described later, can display various operation screens controlled by the process management manager 111 on the display unit of the client computer 103 as described above. In addition to the above-described configuration, the computer can be displayed on the display unit of the computer having the manager function such as the process management manager 111, and can be displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. To do. In this way, it is configured so that it can be displayed on the display unit of any device (at least one of various devices such as an information processing apparatus such as a computer, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP, and a sheet processing apparatus) related to this system. ing.

  Moreover, although this form demonstrates the display process by a display part as an example of the alerting | reporting process by an alerting | reporting unit, for example, the information equivalent to the information alert | reported to a user via the various operation screens of FIGS. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the user is notified by voice output processing by a voice unit, print output processing of the information on a recording paper by a printer, or the like.

  In any case, it has a function capable of providing the user with information equivalent to various information that can be provided to the user via the various operation screens of the present embodiment, and via the various operation screens of the present embodiment. As long as a user interface unit having a setting function capable of performing user settings equivalent to the user settings that can be executed is used, any form may be used.

  57. The operation screen shown in FIG. 57 (the same as the operation screens shown in FIGS. 58 to 64) is provided as a display component, and responds when the create job key 2911 is selected by a key operation (instructed by a pointing device or the like not shown) by the user. Then, control is performed to display the job generation screen of FIG. 57 on the display unit. This job generation screen is displayed when an order for a job is established in the aforementioned order / submission manager 112 (a print output instruction is given via the order key 2211 in the operation screen of FIG. , A priority selection unit 2930 is provided as a display component so that the job priority can be determined and set in response to a key operation by the user.

  In the present embodiment, jobs are received by the system via the order / submission manager 112 according to the order of priority (Order order) in order according to the order of the jobs received by the order / submission manager 112 (input order). Is referred to as the first priority) for the job to be processed, and the job is sequentially processed in the order according to the set first priority. An order priority instruction (referred to as a first instruction) for instructing the process management manager 111 to execute scheduling (decision) for scheduling related to a job workflow (hereinafter referred to as workflow scheduling). Through the priority selection unit 2930, the user can select and input by key operation.

  When the first instruction is input, the process management manager 111 schedules the processing of the job for which the instruction is set to start after the processing of another job that has already been ordered. For example, when the instruction is input, the device to be used in the job in which the instruction is set is the same as the device used by another job that has already been ordered (for example, the job and the other Process manager 111 responds to the instruction after a series of processing steps (workflows) for other jobs already received are completed. In order to complete the job workflow, the scheduling of the job workflow to be processed (this scheduling method is referred to as a first type scheduling method) is determined.

  When the scheduling is determined, the process management manager 111 uses a plurality of devices (such as an image forming apparatus and a sheet processing apparatus) used for executing a plurality of processing steps necessary in the workflow for completing the job. Multiple devices.

  Depending on the printing conditions, the job may be completed with one device, but here, a plurality of devices are used), and the processing operation in accordance with the determined scheduling content is assigned to the scheduling (first Each device is controlled so that it is sequentially executed at the timing and processing order based on the content of the scheduling determined by the type scheduling method. In addition, the process management manager 111 has information (work) that enables the operator to identify and grasp the action (work instruction) to be taken by the operator in the intervention work by the operator (worker of this system) in the workflow for the job. Instruction information) according to the contents of the scheduling, and the generated work instruction information is notified to the operator (operator) of the system at a notification timing according to the contents of the scheduling in the workflow, for example, Control is performed so as to perform notification (for example, display) via a notification unit such as a display unit.

  It should be noted that the order / entry manager 112 of this system can accept a plurality of jobs, and the received jobs are stored and held in a memory such as a hard disk of any device of the system. It is composed. Since such a configuration is assumed, the process management manager 111 can dynamically change or change the job execution order and scheduling as described above.

  Also, in the present embodiment, the priority (delivery date priority (Delivery)) for processing the jobs received by the system via the order receiving / managing manager 112 in the order of the job delivery schedule (job delivery date). Order (this is called the second priority)) for the job to be processed, and the job is processed in order according to the set second priority. Via the priority selection unit 2930, a delivery schedule priority instruction (referred to as a second instruction) for instructing the process management manager 111 to plan (determine) and execute the workflow scheduling. Selection input is enabled by user key operation. When the second instruction is input, the process management manager 111 determines the job processing start timing of the job for which the second instruction has been set without depending on the order of receiving other jobs already received. Determine in order of delivery (in other words, make the delivery date of the job the highest priority).

  Further, when the instruction is input, for example, the device to be used in the processing of the job for which the second instruction is set is the same as the device used by another job that has already been ordered (for example, When the same MFP or sheet processing apparatus is used for the job and another job.When the same device is used in this way, the device is referred to as a competing device.) When the delivery date of the job for which the job is set is delayed, the process management manager 111 selects the second of the other devices that are different from the competing device to be used in the workflow of another job that has already been ordered. Scheduling is performed so that an alternative operation is executed by a device that can execute the processing of the designated job (first example in the second type scheduling).

  Further, when the device cannot be replaced with another device (for example, when there is only one device that can execute the same sheet processing in this system), for example, the process management manager 111 receives the job of the second instruction. The processing to be executed by a device other than the competing device prior to the processing step to be executed by the competing device in the previous workflow is executed prior to the processing step to be executed by the competing device in the workflow of the other job. Scheduling so that the competing device can be used for the job of the second instruction at a timing earlier than the timing of using the competing device in the workflow of another job by completing it earlier than the processing step. (Second example in second type scheduling).

  When the second instruction is input, the process management manager 111 sets the second instruction without depending on the job reception order or the like, as in the above two examples. Scheduling to execute a processing method that can be completed in as short a period as possible according to the delivery date information of the job by making the best use of the devices included in the system (this scheduling method is referred to as a second type scheduling method). Plan).

  Then, once scheduling is determined, the process management manager 111 applies the contents of the determined scheduling to a plurality of devices used for executing a plurality of processing steps necessary in the workflow for completing the job. Each device is controlled so that the processing operations are sequentially executed at the timing and processing order based on the contents of the scheduling (scheduling determined by the second type scheduling method).

  In addition, the process management manager 111 has information (work) that enables the operator to identify and grasp the action (work instruction) to be taken by the operator in the intervention work by the operator (worker of this system) in the workflow for the job. Instruction information) according to the contents of the scheduling, and the generated work instruction information is notified to the operator (operator) of the system at a notification timing according to the contents of the scheduling in the workflow, for example, Control is performed so as to perform notification (for example, display) via a notification unit such as a display unit.

  In addition, the present embodiment has a high fee (cost) received (received) from a client as a reward for creating and delivering a job in the system, which is received by the system through the order / entry manager 112. Priority order (cost priority (Cost) order) for processing in order. This is referred to as the third priority) and is set for the job to be processed, and the job workflow is scheduled so that the jobs are sequentially processed in the order according to the set third priority. A cost priority instruction (referred to as a third instruction) for instructing the process management manager 111 to execute planning (decision) is performed by the user through the priority selection unit 2930. To enable selection input.

  In this embodiment, a job that creates a higher-quality output result costs more than other jobs. Also, a job created in a shorter delivery period from job ordering to delivery costs more than other jobs. In other words, in this system, a client job that has paid a higher fee is controlled to output with higher quality than other jobs, and finishes so that the delivery period is earlier than other jobs. In other words, if the delivery date and quality can be guaranteed at least, it doesn't matter so much, but the client's job requesting that it be finished at the lowest possible price (fee) is the request from the client. There is a possibility that the output is performed with a guaranteed quality, and there is a possibility that the delivery time is delayed as compared with other jobs.

  In this way, the cost priority that is the third priority is not significantly affected by the order of order that is the first priority, but the order of delivery that is the second priority or the fourth order that will be described later. The order of quality (quality), which is the priority order, may be affected.

  Accordingly, in the present embodiment, setting of priorities among the priorities of a plurality of priorities including the four types of priorities included in the system (determining which priority is to be treated as the highest priority, etc.) For example, “cost order> (the order of priority on the left means higher priority than the order of priority on the right) delivery order> quality order> order of acceptance” “Cost order> Quality order> Delivery order> Acceptance order”, “Cost order> Delivery order = (Priority order on the left and priority order on the right are the same priority) Quality order> Reception order”, “Cost order” The priority setting between the priorities may be configured to be executable by the operation unit in advance, such as “= quality order = delivery order> acceptance order”. Here, description will be given using an example in which the order of costs is higher than the order of acceptance, at least in the case of higher priority.

  When the third instruction is input, the process management manager 111 sets the start timing of processing of the job for which the third instruction is set, for each job of the received job regardless of the order of received jobs. Decide in order of cost (in other words, make job cost the highest priority). In addition, when the third instruction is input, for example, the cost of the job already received by the order receiving / management manager 112 before the job for which the third instruction is set is set by the third instruction. When the cost is lower than the cost of the submitted job, the process management manager 111 gives priority to the completion of the workflow of the job for which the third instruction is set, and delays the completion of the workflow of the previously submitted job. To schedule.

  On the other hand, if the cost of the job already received by the order reception / management manager 112 before the job for which the third instruction is set is higher than the cost of the job for which the third instruction is set, the process The management manager 111 schedules the completion of the workflow of the job for which the third instruction is set later and gives priority to the completion of the workflow of the previously input job.

  When the third instruction is input, the process management manager 111 does not depend on the job reception order or the like for the job workflow for which the third instruction is set as described above. A scheduling based on the cost information (this scheduling method is referred to as a third type scheduling method) is planned.

  Then, once scheduling is determined, the process management manager 111 applies the contents of the determined scheduling to a plurality of devices used for executing a plurality of processing steps necessary in the workflow for completing the job. Each device is controlled so that the processing operations are sequentially executed at the timing and processing order based on the contents of the scheduling (scheduling determined by the third type scheduling method). In addition, the process management manager 111 has information (work) that enables the operator to identify and grasp the action (work instruction) to be taken by the operator in the intervention work by the operator (worker of this system) in the workflow for the job. Instruction information) according to the contents of the scheduling, and the generated work instruction information is notified to the operator (operator) of the system at a notification timing according to the contents of the scheduling in the workflow, for example, Control is performed so as to perform notification (for example, display) via a notification unit such as a display unit.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the priority order (quality priority order) for processing the jobs received by the system via the order receiving / managing manager 112 in the order in which quality is emphasized. This is referred to as the fourth priority order) for the job to be processed, and the job workflow scheduling for sequentially processing the jobs in the order according to the set fourth priority order The key operation by the user via the priority selection unit 2930 is a quality priority instruction (referred to as a fourth instruction) for instructing the process management manager 111 to execute planning (decision). To enable selection input.

  When the fourth instruction is input, for example, whether the process management manager 111 explicitly sets a proof processing request from the client manager 114 from the client as the workflow of the job for which the fourth instruction is set. Regardless of whether or not, for example, the job confirmation process mainly including the loop manager 114 is inserted into the workflow. In addition, even when the confirmation process is inserted, the completion of the workflow of the job for which the fourth instruction is set may be delayed from the completion timing of the workflow when the confirmation process is not inserted. The process management manager 111 performs scheduling so that the job confirmation process mainly including the group manager 114 is inserted into the workflow of the job for which the fourth instruction is set.

  As described above, when the fourth instruction is set, the process management manager 111 sets the quality of the job for which the fourth instruction is set to a higher quality even if the delivery date of the job for which the fourth instruction is set is delayed. (This scheduling method is referred to as a fourth type scheduling method).

  Then, once scheduling is determined, the process management manager 111 applies the contents of the determined scheduling to a plurality of devices used for executing a plurality of processing steps necessary in the workflow for completing the job. Each device is controlled so that the processing operations are sequentially executed at the timing and processing order based on the contents of the scheduling (scheduling determined by the fourth type scheduling method). In addition, the process management manager 111 has information (work) that enables the operator to identify and grasp the action (work instruction) to be taken by the operator in the intervention work by the operator (worker of this system) in the workflow for the job. Instruction information) according to the contents of the scheduling, and the generated work instruction information is notified to the operator (operator) of the system at a notification timing according to the contents of the scheduling in the workflow, for example, Control is performed so as to perform notification (for example, display) via a notification unit such as a display unit.

  The above control example will be described from another viewpoint. This system includes a plurality of devices such as computers such as managers, scanners, image forming apparatuses, and sheet processing apparatuses. A plurality of jobs such as a job output from a computer or a job output from a scanner unit can be received via the order / submission manager 112, and the plurality of jobs can be received by each manager, image forming apparatus, or the like. Multiple devices can be stored sequentially in a memory such as a hard disk of any device, and job data stored in the hard disk can be appropriately printed out by an image forming apparatus provided in the system in response to an instruction from a user. Control is performed by a control unit such as each manager so that data is transmitted to another device.

  In such a system configuration, for example, a job requesting a print order (referred to as a first job) is output from a client computer as an example of a data generation source, and then the same data generation source as the data generation source or another Suppose that another job for which a print order is desired is output from a data generation source (for example, another client computer or a scanner). The first job and the second job output after the first job are sequentially input via the order receiving / managing manager 112 and stored in a hard disk or the like. As described above, when the first job and the second job input after the first job are received via the order reception / submission manager 112, the process management manager 111 sets the first job in the system. The work flow and the work flow of the second job are scheduled, and are managed and controlled, and the work flow of each job is controlled to be executed using each device related to the present system, based on the created scheduling.

  In scheduling the workflow, the process management manager 111 includes print output condition information (including information for specifying what print output setting is made) set by the client for the job, and the present system. Capability information of each device (for example, information on what functions each device of this system has, how many image forming apparatuses exist in this system, and The number of color image forming apparatuses, the number of black and white image forming apparatuses, how many sheets each of these image forming apparatuses can print, and the paper feed unit and paper discharge Information for specifying whether optional devices such as units and duplex printing units are provided, and the hard disk provided in this system Including information for specifying the current status of each device such as printing, waiting for printing, and error occurrence, etc. ) And various kinds of judgment information such as worker's labor force information (information such as how many workers are present) in this system, etc.

  Under such a premise, the process management manager 111 receives the first information from the client and / or the operator of the system via various user interfaces such as a display unit such as a computer and an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. When any one of the above-described plurality of instruction data (the first instruction to the fourth instruction) is input to the job and / or the second job, the first instruction is input based on the input instruction. Control is performed so that both the workflow of one job and the workflow of the second job are newly rescheduled, or only the workflow of any job is rescheduled. It is assumed that the workflow of the first job includes a black and white printing process by the monochrome MFP 105a and a stapling process by the collator 126 to be executed after the printing process.

  On the other hand, the workflow of the second job includes an output confirmation process by the proof manager 114, a color printing process process by the color MFP 104a to be executed after the confirmation process, and a stapling process process by the collator 126 to be executed after the printing process process. Suppose it contains. In this way, it is assumed that the stapling process by the collator 126 is in a competitive state between the first job and the second job.

  For example, when the first instruction (priority in order received) is input from the user (client or operator) via the interface, the process management manager 111 sets the second job input after the first job. The workflow of the second job is scheduled so that the workflow is completed after completion of the workflow of the first job.

  On the other hand, when a second instruction (delivery date priority) is input to the second job from the user via the interface, the process management manager 111 performs the second job printing process in the previous scheduling. However, since the second instruction was input, a cluster was created by the three image forming apparatuses (monochrome MFPs 105a to 105c) included in the system. The printing operation is executed, thereby shortening the printing process period in the workflow of the second job, and accordingly, the stapling process process for the second job by the collating machine 126 in the workflow of the second job is performed. Before executing the stapling process for the first job by the collator 126 in the job workflow, As to completion, re-scheduling.

  As described above, the use timing of the sheet processing apparatus (collating machine 126), which is a competing device for the first job and the second job, in the second job is made earlier than the use timing of the first job. Thereby, the workflow of the second job can be completed with the highest priority. As described above, when the second instruction is set for the second job, the process management manager 111 sets the delivery schedule of the second job as the highest priority (without depending on the other priority order), The second job workflow is scheduled so that the workflow of the second job input later is completed before the completion of the workflow of the first job.

  Further, when a third instruction (cost priority instruction) is input from the user to the second job via the interface, for example, in the previous scheduling related to the workflow of the second job, the output by the proof manager 114 Focusing on the fact that the confirmation process and the color printing process step by the color MFP 104a were included, the first priority is to reduce the cost of the second job. For example, the output confirmation process by the proof manager 114 is omitted first (confirmation work) And the cost is reduced), and the use of the color MFP 104a is canceled for the printing process, and the monochrome MFP 105a is used instead (the monochrome MFP is used rather than the color MFP). Re-schedule so that the cost is low.

  As described above, when the third instruction is set for the second job, the process management manager 111 sets the second job cost to the highest priority (regardless of the other priority order). The cost of the second job is reduced in the processing step (in this case, the confirmation step by the proof manager 114) that was involved in the workflow of the second job scheduled before the third instruction is set. As described above, it is set to be deleted from the workflow of the second job after the third instruction is set or used in the workflow of the second job scheduled before the third instruction is set. The device (here, a color MFP) is used in the workflow of the second job after the third instruction is set so that the cost of the second job is reduced. , It prohibits the use, to utilize alternative device (monochrome MFP), to reschedule the workflow of a second job.

  Further, when the user inputs a fourth instruction (quality priority instruction) to the first job via the interface, for example, in the previous scheduling related to the workflow of the first job, monochrome printing by the monochrome MFP 105a is performed. It only includes a processing step, a stapling step by the collating machine 126 to be executed after the printing processing step, etc., but in response to the input of the fourth instruction to the first job, the step management The manager 111 sets the first job quality as a top priority, for example, a confirmation process by the proof manager 114 → a printing process by the color image forming apparatus 104a → a confirmation process by the proof manager 114 → a sheet processing process by the collator 126 → Schedule the confirmation process by the proof manager 114 Re-ring.

  As described above, when the fourth instruction is set for the first job, the process management manager 111 sets the first job cost to the highest priority (regardless of the other priority order). In order to improve the quality of the first job, a processing step (in this case, a confirmation step by the proof manager 114) that is not included in the workflow of the first job scheduled before the fourth instruction is set. , A device that has been set to be used in the workflow of the first job scheduled before the fourth instruction is set (additional insertion into the workflow of the first job after the fourth instruction is set) Here, the monochrome MFP) is used in the workflow of the first job after the fourth instruction is set for the purpose of improving the quality of the first job. Prohibit the, to utilize alternative device (color MFP), to reschedule the workflow of the first job.

  As described above, the process management manager 111 schedules each workflow of a plurality of jobs. In addition, a user interface that provides (displays) a plurality of instructions (including the first instruction to the fourth instruction) as determination condition information for determining workflow scheduling, for example, under the control of the process management manager 111 ( For example, the user can accept and input via the operation screen of FIG. 57 and the operation screens of FIGS. 58 to 61 described later), and any one of the plurality of instructions is an operation instruction of the user interface. 57, the process management manager 111 has already been scheduled when input by the user via the operation section (priority selection section 2930 of the operation screen of FIG. 57 or priority selection section 2916 of the operation screen of FIGS. 58 to 61). Re-schedule the workflow of the current job to a new workflow based on the entered instructions. Grayed to be able to control. In addition, the workflow of each job is controlled to be executable by the system with the newly set scheduling, and the instruction content according to the scheduling is sent to the worker of the system at the timing according to the scheduling. As appropriate, control is performed so that notification is made via an appropriate user interface unit (display unit of each manager, display unit of the image forming apparatus, display unit of the sheet processing apparatus, portable terminal, or the like).

  The above control example is merely an example in the present embodiment, and other situations that can be assumed in the configuration provided by the present embodiment and the control at that time (there are multiple jobs other than the first job and the second job) Although there are various other cases (when there are other competing devices), various applications are possible by using the control of this embodiment while referring to the control examples of this embodiment.

  Returning again to the description of the example of the operation screen in FIG.

  As described above, the user (here, an operator of this system, but may be a client user) via the setting unit 2930 of the operation screen displayed in FIG. Order priority (Order), delivery schedule priority (Delivery), cost priority (Cost), quality priority (Quality) can be selected and set for each job (in this example, the job with job ID 039028) It is carried out). Further, in another setting unit displayed on the screen, it is possible to select which printer of the system is used to execute the printing operation of the job, and the job of the job printed by the selected image forming apparatus is selected. It is possible to set which finisher included in the system is used to execute sheet processing on the recording paper. When the operator setting is completed via the operation screen of FIG. 57, the process management manager 111 controls to issue a new job and simultaneously issue JDF data, and the generated job is transferred to another registered job. Based on the above, control is performed so as to be managed on the process management manager 111.

  When the scheduling key 2912 on the operation screen in FIG. 57 is clicked by a key operation by an operator (instructed by a pointing device or the like not shown), the process management manager 111 is based on the input state of the operator on the operation screen job generation screen. Then, job scheduling (scheduling processing shown in FIG. 62 described later) is performed, and the job scheduling screen shown in FIGS. 58 to 61 is controlled to be selectively displayed on the display unit.

  When the configuration key 2913 on the operation screen in FIG. 57 is clicked by a key operation by an operator (instructed by a pointing device or the like not shown), the process management manager 111 confirms job setting information, configuration information, and the like by the operator. A job configuration screen (not shown) that can be displayed is displayed on the display unit.

  58 to 61 are examples of job scheduling screens that the process management manager 111 provides (displays) on the display unit by the operator's key operation, and are the same as the function buttons (operation keys) on the operation screen of FIG. The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to things.

  For example, in response to pressing of the scheduling key 2912 on the operation screen of FIG. 57 described above by the operator, the process management manager 111 performs display control to switch the display content of the display unit to the operation screen of FIG. To do.

  In this embodiment, the user (here, the operator of this system, of course, a client user) can visually check the scheduling result of the workflow of each job created by the process management manager 111. The process management manager 111 performs notification control so that identification information for enabling identification can be notified to a user interface such as a display unit in a graphical expression form, for example. For example, in display control as an example of notification control by the process management manager 111, the process management manager 111 causes the display unit to generate information for a job scheduling screen as shown in FIG. Control to display the based operation screen.

  Here, as shown in the screen of FIG. 58, the process management manager 111 performs control so that the operator can display the information of the schedule result in consideration of the time spent by each manager (112 to 119), and Notification control is performed so that the operator can confirm and grasp at a glance.

  For example, in the workflow of a job scheduled by the process management manager 111, what kind of processing steps exist, and in what order, in what schedule, are executed for each job by the operator. The process management manager 111 performs control so as to distinguish and display them in an identifiable manner. In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of jobs can be received by the job receiving process by the order receipt / submission manager 112 and the storage process by a memory such as a hard disk, and the process management manager 111 can manage each job. Therefore, the process management manager 111 has a job ID input field 2915 on the screen as shown in the display contents provided on the operation screen of FIG. 57, and the job of the job whose scheduling is to be confirmed via the key 2915. An ID can be input by an operator's key operation. When a job ID is input via the key 2915, the process management manager 111 receives the ID and stores it in the memory. Input through the key 2915 among a plurality of jobs being executed In addition to controlling the scheduling information of the workflow of the job corresponding to the specified job ID to be displayed on the display unit, the schedule of the job can be displayed together with the schedules of surrounding jobs and in a form distinguishable from other jobs To control.

  For example, as shown in the screen of FIG. 58, the scheduling of the job with the job ID 039028 specified by the key 2915 is displayed on the display unit as the scheduling of the job of interest, and the job ID corresponding to the job ID is displayed before the job corresponding to the job ID. Control is performed so that the scheduling information of the workflow of the job whose job ID is 039027 corresponding to the job received (input) via the submission manager 112 is displayed on the display unit together with the scheduling information of the job.

  In this example, the previous job is controlled so that it can be displayed as a peripheral job by the key 295 on one screen. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The configuration may be such that the scheduling of workflows of at least two jobs including two jobs received before and after the job can be simultaneously displayed on the display unit. Regarding the scheduling information of other jobs, for example, an order corresponding to the order in which jobs are received by the order / entry manager 112 by, for example, scroll display processing by operating the scroll bar provided at the right end of the operation screen of FIG. Thus, the display may be controlled sequentially. Of course, the display control may be performed so as to sequentially switch the display screen for each job without simultaneously displaying the scheduling of a plurality of jobs on one screen.

  As described above, regarding the job schedule display in this embodiment, the process management manager 111 controls to display the schedule for each process for each job managed by the process management manager 111. In addition, as shown in the display screen example of FIG. 58, the manager 111 sets information on the work time (work period) required for each process in the workflow as information that should be identifiable by the operator, for example, as shown in FIG. The work period is controlled to be displayed on the display unit in a bar graph format.

  For example, when the job number of job ID # 039028 is input to the job ID input area 2915, the process management manager 111 controls to display the schedule information of the job on the display unit.

  An example of a method for expressing a job scheduling result by notification control of the process management manager 111 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the display screen of FIG. For example, in response to the job ID input via the key 2915, the scheduling result of the job corresponding to the job ID 39028 input by the key 2915 is displayed in the display area (first area in the upper center of the screen in FIG. Display area). In addition, in the display area (also referred to as the second display area) at the lower center of the screen, the scheduling of the job with the job ID 39027 corresponding to the job already input one job before the job with the job ID 39028 specified by the key 2915 is performed. Control the results to be displayable.

  Here, in completing the job to be processed in this system in the vertical direction of the screen in each of the first display area and the second display area (execute the workflow of the job of interest In that case, which device is used among a plurality of devices (including each device such as an image forming apparatus, a manager, and a sheet processing apparatus) included in the system, and what processing steps are used, and The processing order is controlled so that information for enabling the operator to identify the processing order is displayed. For example, the process name information for identifying the names of the processing steps of the plurality of processing steps in the workflow of the job of interest is such that the processing order of the plurality of processing steps can be identified by the operator. Control is performed so that the jobs are arranged and displayed for each job in the first display area and the second display area in the same order as the execution order, from the top to the bottom of the vertical axis of the screen.

  Referring to the example of FIG. 58, for the job with the job ID 39028, the order receiving process using the order receiving / managing manager 112 is performed, then the editing process using the manuscript editing manager 113 is performed, and then the proof manager. 114, a printing process using the MFP 105c, a sheet processing process (case binding process) using the finisher 123 (corresponding to the case binding machine 123 in FIG. 1), After that, a sheet processing process (cutting process) using the finisher 121 (corresponding to the cutting machine 121 in FIG. 1) is performed, and then a job data storage processing process using the file storage manager 117 is performed. Through the delivery process using the manager 118, the job with job ID 39028 is completed. Can be identified by browsing and confirming the name information of each processing step related to the job with the job ID 39028 displayed in order from the top of the vertical axis direction of the screen of the first display area. I have to. Similarly, in the vertical axis direction of the screen in the second display area, the job with job ID 39027 is one of a plurality of devices (including devices such as an image forming apparatus, a manager, and a sheet processing apparatus) included in the system. , Name information of each processing step in the job workflow of job ID 39027 so that the operator can identify which processing step, what processing step, and in what processing order is processed Are controlled to be arranged and displayed in the order corresponding to the execution order of the respective processing steps from the top in the vertical axis direction.

  Further, the process management manager 111 executes the display control for the vertical axis direction of the screen in the first and second areas as described above, and refers to the operation screen of FIG. In each display area, the processing steps of the plurality of processing steps in the workflow of the target job to be processed are arranged in the horizontal axis direction of the screen in what order and at what timing. In addition, the display unit is controlled so that information for enabling the operator to identify the schedule of execution is arranged and displayed. For example, information on the execution date and time of each processing step is displayed in an array from left to right on the horizontal axis of the screen (in the screen example, October 19 → October 20 → October 21 → 10 22), the bar graph data for each processing step expressing the work period required for each processing step in the workflow of the job of interest is arranged from left to right in the same order as the execution order of each processing step In addition, the bar graph data indicating the work period of each processing step is arranged and displayed so as to be shifted downward by one independently for each processing step.

  Referring to the example of FIG. 58, for the job with the job ID 39028, the order receiving process using the order receiving / managing manager 112 is executed on October 19, and thereafter, from October 19 to October 20 An editing process using the manuscript editing manager 113 is executed, and then a proofing process using the proof manager 114 is executed on October 20, and thereafter, a printing process using the MFP 105c is performed from October 20 to 10th. After that, the sheet processing process (case binding process) using the finisher 123 (corresponding to the case binding machine 123 in FIG. 1) and the job data storage process using the file storage manager 117 are performed on October 21. After that, sheet processing using a finisher 121 (corresponding to the cutting machine 121 in FIG. 1) is performed. The process (cutting process) is executed from October 21 to October 22, and thereafter, the delivery processing process using the delivery / shipment manager 118 is executed on October 22, and through such a workflow, the job ID 39028 is executed. Is scheduled by the process management manager 111 to be completed, the processing steps related to the job with the job ID 39028 displayed by the operator in order from the left in the horizontal axis direction of the screen in the first display area. Can be identified by browsing and confirming the schedule information in a bar graph format for identifying the execution date and time and the work period. Similarly, in the screen horizontal axis direction of the second display area, the job with job ID 39027 is one of a plurality of devices (including each device such as an image forming apparatus, a manager, and a sheet processing apparatus) included in the system. Which device is used, what processing step, and each processing step, in what processing order, in what work period, at what timing, and The schedule information of each processing step in the job workflow of job ID 39027 is in accordance with the execution order of each processing step from the left in the horizontal axis direction so that the operator can identify what schedule is executed. Controls the array display in order.

  In addition, the process management manager 111 enables each display control and provides a key input unit on the screen for notifying the operator of the details of each job process. Display control so that it can be confirmed. For example, on the left side of the process name information on the screen of FIG. 58, a “+” key or a “−” key that can be entered by the user is displayed, and the key is clicked by the user (instructed by a pointing device or the like not shown). In response to this, control is performed so that the detailed information of the selected processing step is displayed on the display unit or displayed in a reduced form (reduced display).

  In the example of FIG. 58, the printing process and the finishing process in the workflow with job ID 39028 are displayed in detail by the above key operation by the user, and the operator can identify which device executes the processing process. In this example, the device name is displayed as detailed information. Accordingly, the printing process in the job workflow of the job ID 39028 is executed by the MFP 105c included in the system, and the sheet processing process is executed by the sheet processing apparatuses 123 and 121 included in the system. Thus, the operator can identify. If the “+” key is clicked by the user while the “+” key is displayed, the process management manager 111 causes the “+” key to be changed to the “−” key, and the device name is changed. On the other hand, when the “-” key is clicked while the “-” key is displayed, the “-” key is changed to the “+” key, and the detailed information is displayed. Is controlled to delete (close) the device name from the screen.

  In addition to each display control described above, as other display control related to the scheduling screen by the process management manager 111, for example, the current date and time information is displayed on the screen or displayed on the screen. In the job workflow, if there are processing steps that have already been completed or if there are processing steps that are currently being processed, the operator can identify them as unexecuted processing steps waiting for processing in the previous step. Control may be performed on the screen of FIG. 58 in a distinguishable display form (for example, highlighted display such as gray display, shaded display, and blinking display).

  The present embodiment is configured such that the following can also be executed via an operation screen as shown in FIGS. 58 to 61 displayed on the display unit by display control by the process management manager 111. For example, referring to the scheduling screen of FIG. 58, regarding the workflow of the job with job ID # 039028, the respective processing steps proceed smoothly to the middle one by one. (Post-processing, also called sheet processing) The time lag occurs when the job is handed over to the sheet processing process that is mainly performed by the manager 116. The job displayed in the first display area on the screen It can be confirmed by the operator by referring to the scheduling result. In the scheduling control according to the instruction specified by the operator among the plurality of instructions for determining the scheduling including the first instruction to the fourth instruction by the process management manager 111 of the present embodiment described above. When the process management manager 111 schedules a plurality of jobs in the order received by the order receiving / manager 112 in accordance with the first instruction from the operator (priority in order received via the priority selection button 2930 on the operation screen in FIG. 57) (Order) is selected by the user), and in the sheet processing step in the workflow of the job with job ID # 039027 received by the order receipt / input manager 112 one job before the job with job ID # 039028 , Job ID # 039028 This is because a case where scheduling utilizing the same finisher 121 and 123 and the finisher to be used in blanking have been made. In such a case, the job with job ID # 039028 does not wait for completion of the finishing process (sheet processing process) of the job with job ID # 039027 that has been input previously. Since the process is scheduled so that it cannot be started, this becomes a bottleneck and the delivery date is determined.

  While the user who confirmed the job scheduling result displayed on the operation screen of FIG. 58 (here, the operator of this system is a client user) grasps the status of the scheduling result, for example, the job ID Even if the customer (client) of the job # 039028 requests that the job ID # 039028 be delivered as soon as possible, in this embodiment, under the control of the process management manager 111, FIG. An operation for instructing the process management manager 111 to change the job priority and readjust the job workflow scheduling via a priority key (priority key) 2916 displayed on the operation screen 61. The user (in this case, the operator of this system) By also good) in the client user, that is configured to be capable of accepting, are controlled by address capable process control manager 111 also requests as described above.

  That is, the job ID # 039028 has a timing (schedule) earlier than the scheduled delivery date and time of the job ID # 039028 in the job scheduling result created according to the first instruction (acceptance order) displayed on the display screen of FIG. The process management manager 111 can be controlled in response to an instruction from the user input via the priority key (priority key) 2916 so that the scheduled delivery date and time of the job comes.

  For example, the scheduling result displayed on the operation screen in FIG. 58 (this result is obtained, for example, for the priority information and each job set by the process management manager 111 via the setting unit 2930 in the operation screen in FIG. Based on various setting information from the user including the set printing condition information, and based on the scheduling results according to the device capability information and current status information of each device in this system) In the case where execution is set, priority is given to the delivery schedule from the current order priority (order priority, corresponding to the first instruction) via the priority key (priority key) 2916 on the operation screen of FIG. The user (here, the system's option) is selected to change to Delivery priority. In response to this, the process management manager 111 receives the priority and the priority set via the setting unit 2916 of the operation screen in FIG. Various setting information from the user including the degree information (in this case, the second instruction is input), the printing condition information set for each job, the device capability information provided in this system, In accordance with the current status information, the completion timing (delivery timing) of the job with the job ID # 039028 is as short as possible than the completion timing of the workflow with the job ID # 039028 in the scheduling according to the previous order. Schedule the job workflow again so that you can To control so that the re-packaging. In addition, the process management manager 111 changes the notification content for the user in the user interface based on the readjusted scheduling result from the notification content based on the previous scheduling result in order to feed back the rescheduled result to the operator. The user interface is controlled to switch to the notification content.

  For example, the display content to be displayed on the display unit as an example of the notification unit is changed from the display content based on the scheduling result according to the reception order shown in FIG. 58 to the scheduling result readjusted according to the delivery date order shown in FIG. Display control is executed so as to make transition to the display contents based on the display contents. In this embodiment, display processing by the display unit as an example of notification processing by the notification unit is used. However, the present embodiment may be configured to be able to cope with voice output processing by the voice output unit.

  For example, as shown in the job scheduling screen of FIG. 59, the process management manager 111 displays the display content corresponding to the result rescheduled by the process management manager 111 in accordance with the delivery schedule priority (Delivery) as described above ( In order to complete the job, what processing steps are executed using which device of this system, each processing step is executed in what order, how much work period is required, what It is controlled so that information such as whether it is executed according to the schedule is displayed on the display unit in a visual and graphical manner in an expression form that can be identified and confirmed for each job. The job scheduling screen of FIG. 59 reflects the job scheduling result after rescheduling. In this example, as can be seen from the job scheduling screen of FIG. The date (workflow completion timing) is delivered as early as 2 days to the order order priority (Order) schedule shown in FIG. 58 (the scheduling result presented on the screen of FIG. 58 is scheduled to be completed on October 22). The process management manager 111 displays the result of the rescheduling on the display unit so that the operator can identify the result, as will be reset to be completed on October 20 by this rescheduling). .

  The point of the device in the above rescheduling process by the process management manager 111 will be described using the above example. For example, regarding the workflow of the job with the job ID # 039028, in the schedule constructed based on the order order priority (Order) setting previously specified, the print operation of the image data of the job with the job ID # 039028 is transferred to one MFP. Scheduled by the process management manager 111. On the other hand, based on the delivery schedule priority (Delivery) setting instructed by the priority setting change from the user this time, the process management manager 111 performs the print operation of the image data of the job with the job ID # 039028. It is forbidden to be executed by only one image forming apparatus and rescheduled to execute distributed printing (cluster printing) by three MFPs (note that the process management manager 111 Based on the device information acquired from the print manager 115 by data communication with the print manager 115, there are at least a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the system, and the cluster printing operation by three MPFs in the system. After confirming that the Running Yuringu).

  As a result, the timing of using the sheet processing apparatus (finishers 123 and 121) in the sheet processing step in the job workflow of the job ID # 039028 subject to delivery priority is determined in the sheet processing step in the job workflow of job ID # 039027. Scheduling to be earlier than the timing of using the sheet processing apparatuses (finishers 123 and 121), thereby eliminating the bottleneck problem as described above and giving priority to the delivery date of the job with job ID # 039028 Is controlling.

  In addition, as a scheduling method for shortening the delivery date, for example, the post-processing manager has also shortened the time by giving priority to other jobs. It is also possible to schedule the job with the job ID # 039028 by shortening the delivery date by, for example, operating it outside of the hours.

  Next, in addition to the order priority (Order) and delivery schedule priority (Delivery) schedules, the cost priority (Cost) and quality priority (Quality) schedules can be considered in the same manner. In the present embodiment, order priority (Order priority, corresponding to the first instruction), delivery schedule priority (Delivery priority, corresponding to the second instruction), cost priority (Cost priority, corresponding to the third instruction), quality priority ( A priority key on the operation screen as shown in FIGS. 58 to 61 for displaying a plurality of instructions for determining scheduling including Quality priority (corresponding to the fourth instruction) on the display unit by the process management manager 111 ( The user (in this example, the operator of this system. Via the priority order key) 2916 (or the priority selection unit 2930 of the operation screen in FIG. 57), when displaying the operation screens in FIGS. 57 to 61 on the client computer. May be a client user).

  Under such a configuration, for example, when cost priority (Cost priority, corresponding to the third instruction) is instructed by the user via the priority key (priority key) 2916, the process management manager 111 The job scheduling screen shown in FIGS. 58 and 59 is used to control the readjustment of the scheduling according to the three instructions and to reflect the newly created scheduling result on the display unit when the scheduling is reconstructed. The display unit is controlled so as to switch (update) the display content to the cost priority job schedule screen of FIG. 60, for example. Also, for example, when an instruction to change to quality priority (Quality priority, corresponding to the fourth instruction) is given via the priority key (priority key) 2916, the process management manager 111 performs scheduling according to the fourth instruction. When the scheduling is reconfigured, the contents of the job scheduling screen shown in FIG. 58, FIG. 59, or FIG. 60 are displayed in order to reflect the newly created scheduling result on the display unit. For example, the display unit is controlled to be switched (updated) to the quality-priority job schedule screen shown in FIG.

  In the cost priority (Cost) job schedule screen shown in FIG. 60, the job with the job ID # 039028 is scheduled with cost priority. In this example, each job is scheduled in advance with a margin. If the job input later to the order receipt / submission manager 112 has priority in terms of schedule, the customer with the job ID # 039028 is given in advance to the customer with the job ID # 039028 so that it can be given priority. Is scheduled with sufficient margin, and accordingly, the discount of the printing cost can be increased for the customer (client) of the job ID # 039028. The process management manager 111 makes it possible to set such scheduling when the third instruction is input, and performs display control so that the result is fed back to the user via the operation screen as shown in FIG.

  It should be noted that no matter how much the cost is prioritized, the output result of the job with the job ID # 039028 may not be delivered if it is always overtaken by the schedule-prioritized job input to the order receiving / managing manager 112 later. Therefore, the process management manager 111 may be configured to cope with it as follows.

  For example, in order to predetermine only a schedule that becomes a deadline even if it is delayed, information regarding the extension deadline of the delivery date is used as job information of the job ID # 039028 in advance, and the job ordering process for the job ID # 039028 It is possible to input as an instruction from the client via the operation screen on the client computer for performing the process, and the process management manager 111 determines the maximum extension deadline of the delivery date based on the information and observes the deadline. As a precondition, the process control manager 111 may be configured to perform scheduling based on the cost priority.

  Further, the date and time when a predetermined number of days have passed since the desired delivery date from the user of the job ID # 039028 is scheduled as the deadline. On the precondition that the job with the job ID # 039028 is completed, the process management manager 111 may be configured to perform scheduling based on the cost priority. In this case, the administrator can previously input the predetermined number of days information as an initial setting.

  The quality priority job schedule screen shown in FIG. 61 is displayed when, for example, the quality priority (Quality priority, corresponding to the fourth instruction) is input by the user via the priority key 2916 on any one of the operation screens of FIGS. 7 is an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit. When the fourth instruction is input via the priority key 2916, the process management manager 111 receives this and executes the scheduling process of the job workflow, and decides to create the quality priority scheduling according to the fourth instruction. (If you have already scheduled, readjust the scheduling). When the scheduling process is completed, control is performed so that information corresponding to the scheduling result created (readjusted) for the quality priority is displayed on the display unit as a quality priority job schedule screen as shown in FIG. In this example, the process management manager 111 schedules a job with job ID # 039028 with quality priority in accordance with an instruction from the user.

  As can be seen from the scheduling result on the screen of FIG. 61, in the workflow of the job corresponding to the job ID # 039028 for which quality priority is instructed, the confirmation process is executed every time one processing process is completed. Scheduling. In this way, the process management manager 111 can execute scheduling that includes a process for ensuring quality even if the delivery date is delayed, when the fourth instruction is input.

Thus, by switching the priority key 2916, it is possible to perform scheduling by switching the order of order, delivery date priority, cost priority, quality priority, and the like. Furthermore, scheduling may be performed from various directions, such as giving priority to the device and worker availability.

  The process management manager 111 executes job workflow scheduling including the first to fourth instructions, which can be selectively input by the user via the user interface such as the operation screen shown in FIGS. In this system, a plurality of instructions to be used for the job may be set for each job (for example, for each job input via the job ID input unit 2915 on the operation screen of FIGS. 58 to 61). As a common setting, when any instruction is input, the instruction may be validated for all of a plurality of jobs input via the order receiving / managing manager 112. As described above, the instruction may be set in units of jobs, or the instruction may be set uniformly (common) for all jobs of a plurality of jobs. However, in any of these cases, even after an instruction is once input, control is performed so that a new instruction can be received from the user again. The readjustment is controlled to be executable each time a new instruction is input.

  FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing an example of the scheduling process (the tenth control process of the present invention) by the process management manager 111 shown in FIG. . S3001 to S3011 indicate each step.

  Further, an example will be described in which the order of orders is set as a default (which priority can be set in advance by an administrator or the like via an operation unit). Further, when performing the scheduling process described in the following flowchart, the process management manager 111 appropriately performs the following processes and determinations in advance and in real time. For example, data communication processing is performed with the other managers 112 to 119.

  As a result, the process management manager 111 can specify what print output conditions are set for each job to be processed based on the information acquired from, for example, the order receiving / managing manager 112. Get and grasp the job output condition information. In addition, based on the device information acquired from each manager 112 to 119, what kind of devices are present in this system, and what functions and units each of these devices have, etc. Get device information about your device. Also, based on the status information acquired from each of the managers 112 to 119, various device status information (current information such as job processing waiting status, job processing execution status, error status, job processing status, etc.) is obtained and grasped. To do. Such information is also appropriately acquired by the process management manager 111 as necessary determination information for determining scheduling in the following flowchart, and is used for the following scheduling processing.

  First, the process management manager 111 generates a schedule in the order received (order order) regarding the process management of the job received by this system. In addition, the scheduling result information created based on the order received is registered in a memory such as a hard disk, and as shown in the operation screen of FIG. The scheduling result is read and displayed (S3001).

  Next, whether or not cost priority is selected for the job corresponding to the job ID input by the user via any one of the operation screens of FIGS. 57 to 61 is determined based on the priority of the operation screen of FIG. The determination is made by confirming the content of the instruction from the user input via the selection unit 2930 or the priority selection unit 2916 of any one of the operation screens of FIGS. 58 to 61 (S3002).

  When it is determined that cost priority is selected for a job corresponding to the job ID input by the user via any one of the operation screens of FIGS. 57 to 61, the cost is given the highest priority. The workflow of a simple job. For example, while confirming the above various information (job output condition information, device information, and status information), post-processing such as performing processing of a job subject to cost priority after execution of processing of another job, The schedule is adjusted so that the processing such as suppressing the quality parameter is performed (for example, the schedule / quality priority is lowered by one). Then, the scheduling result information created based on the cost priority order is registered in a memory such as a hard disk, and as shown in the operation screen of FIG. The scheduling result is read out and displayed (S3003).

  Then, the processing of this flowchart is completed in such a way that the processing of the subsequent step such as step S3004 is directly passed through so that the system is operated with the scheduling setting. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3002 that cost priority is not selected, the process proceeds to step S3004.

  Next, in step S3004, whether or not quality priority is selected for the job corresponding to the job ID input by the user via any one of the operation screens of FIGS. The determination is made by confirming the content of the instruction from the user input via the priority selection unit 2930 of the operation screen or the priority selection unit 2916 of any one of the operation screens of FIGS. If it is determined that quality priority is selected, the job workflow is scheduled so as to improve the quality of the job.

  For example, while confirming the above-mentioned various information (job output condition information, device information, and status information), a schedule for adding a quality confirmation process in the job workflow between each processing process of the job is scheduled. Adjust. Then, scheduling result information created based on this quality priority is registered in a memory such as a hard disk, and as shown in the operation screen of FIG. 61, in response to an instruction from the user, a notification unit such as a display unit. The scheduling result is read out and displayed (S3005).

  Then, in order to operate the system with the scheduling setting, the processing of the flowchart is terminated in such a manner that the processing of the subsequent steps such as step S3006 is directly passed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3004 that quality priority is not selected, the process proceeds to step S3006.

  Next, in step S3006, whether or not delivery schedule priority is selected for the job corresponding to the job ID input by the user via any one of the operation screens of FIGS. This is determined by confirming the content of the instruction from the user input via the priority selection unit 2930 of the operation screen or the priority selection unit 2916 of any of the operation screens of FIGS.

  If it is determined that the delivery date priority is selected, scheduling is set so that the delivery date of the job is earlier (the workflow of the job is completed earlier than the completion of the workflow of other jobs). As a method for shortening the delivery time of the job, for example, without executing the non-cluster print mode in which the print operation of the job is executed by one image forming apparatus in the printing process of the workflow of the job, A cluster print mode is executed in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses included in the system simultaneously execute and execute the print operation of the job. As a result, there is a method of shortening the entire work time by reducing the time required for one processing step (here, the printing step). Therefore, here, in order to prohibit the execution of the non-cluster print mode for the job and execute the cluster print mode, for example, the various information (job output condition information, device information, and status information) Is confirmed to determine whether or not the cluster print operation for the job can be executed in this system (S3007), and it is determined that the cluster print operation can be executed for the job in this system. In such a case, in the printing process in the job workflow, the schedule is rescheduled to a workflow in which a cluster print operation of the job is executed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses included in the system. Then, the scheduling result information created based on this delivery order priority is registered in a memory such as a hard disk, and as shown in the operation screen of FIG. The scheduling result is read out and displayed on the unit (S3008). Then, in order to operate the system with the scheduling setting, the process of this flowchart is terminated in such a manner that the process of the subsequent step such as step S3009 is directly passed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3007 that the cluster print operation for the job cannot be executed, the process directly proceeds to step S3009.

  Next, in step S3009, whether there is an in-process job (including jobs in the middle of processing, corresponding to jobs that have not been processed among jobs received by this system) that can be reordered. For example, it is determined by checking the above-mentioned various information (job output condition information, device information, and status information). An example of a job that can be replaced among in-process jobs is, for example, a job (waiting job) in which a print processing step is completed and processing in the sheet processing step is waiting in turn. In this way, in the workflow, this corresponds to a job in which at least one processing step is completed and the next processing step is not started. An example of an in-process job that cannot be replaced is, for example, one job in a workflow that is a competing job that uses the same device as that to be used in the job and that is executing a print process. The job being processed in the process corresponds to this.

  If it is determined in step S3009 that there is a job that can be reordered among the jobs in progress, the job schedule replaceable with the job is replaced (that is, the job workflow can be replaced with another job). Scheduling to be completed prior to the completion of the workflow of a simple job). Then, the scheduling result information created based on this delivery order priority is registered in a memory such as a hard disk, and as shown in the operation screen of FIG. The scheduling result is read out and displayed on the unit (S3011). Then, the processing of this flowchart is terminated so that the present system is operated with the scheduling setting.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3009 that there is no work in progress (including jobs in the middle of processing, corresponding to jobs that have not been completed), the order can be changed (order order). Set scheduling according to). For example, the workflow of the target job corresponding to the job ID input by the user via any one of the operation screens of FIGS. 57 to 61 has already been received via the order receiving / manager 112 before the target job. After the job workflow is complete, schedule it to complete.

  In this case, the scheduling information according to the order received that has been stored in the memory already created in step S3001 is read from the memory, and based on the scheduling information according to the order received, Control is performed to operate the system (S3010). And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  Although not shown, as a sub-flowchart of the flowchart, the scheduling result information stored in the memory created by the scheduling process in the flowchart is used as the priority of any one of the operation screens in FIGS. Based on an instruction from the selection unit 2916, control is performed so that a scheduling result display process displayed on the display unit as a job scheduling screen as shown in FIGS. 58 to 61 is executed in parallel with the scheduling determination process in the flowchart. In addition, the scheduling result corresponding to the scheduling result whose operation is confirmed in this system is controlled to be displayed on the display unit.

  Further, the process management manager 111 controls the system so that it can be operated by scheduling the job workflow that has been determined to be actually operated through the processing of the flowchart. A description will be given using the following two scheduling operation control examples.

(Operation Example 1)
For example, through the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 62, the process management manager 111 reads job workflow scheduling information in the present system that has been confirmed, from its own memory such as the hard disk, and via the communication unit, the network 101, and the like. Data is distributed to all the other managers 112 to 119, and the above information is registered in a memory such as a hard disk provided in each manager. Each manager can provide the information to each device (scanner 106, image forming apparatuses 104 to 105, and sheet processing apparatuses 121 to 126) managed by each manager, and controls each device managed by itself. enable. If the functions of the other managers 112 to 119 are built in the computer having the function of the process manager 111 and all are managed by one computer, this process is unnecessary. In any case, the above is applied to a plurality of devices included in the system including the computer, the scanner apparatus 106, the image forming apparatuses 104 to 105 such as MFP and SFP, and the sheet processing apparatuses 121 to 126 included in the system. Any configuration may be used as long as it can transmit the determined scheduling information and can control each device to execute an operation according to the information. Also, when transferring job data (for example, image data) to each device, the job ID for specifying the job (this job) together with the print processing condition information of the job so that the ID of the job can be specified. The ID is generated by any one of the managers) and can be transferred in association with the image data of the job.

  Based on the premise configuration described above, in this system, for example, when an image forming apparatus such as an MFP receives job data (image data) output from a device such as a computer or a scanner, the image forming apparatus Identifies the job ID of the job by analyzing the job ID information received together with the image data as the job data. Then, the image forming apparatus determines the print operation start timing for printing the image data of the job corresponding to the job ID after comparing with the scheduling information acquired in advance from the process management manager 111.

  For example, the scheduling information generated by the process management manager 111 includes, for each job, each device indicating what processing process is executed on which device when the job workflow is completed. Information that enables identification (process confirmation information) is included. In addition, the information includes information for enabling each device to specify at which timing and which device each processing step included in the workflow of one job is to be executed. (Schedule information) is also included (note that these pieces of information can be confirmed by the user such as the operator as described in the various display examples). Each device including the image forming apparatus is configured to be able to determine when it should execute processing of a job received from another device.

  Therefore, if the image forming apparatus determines that the received job is a job to be printed immediately by the apparatus as a result of checking the scheduling information, the image forming apparatus starts and executes the printing operation of the job. On the other hand, as a result of referring to the scheduling information, if it is determined that the received job is not a job to be printed immediately, the image data of the job is stored and held in a memory such as a hard disk of the image forming apparatus. The job is read from the memory at the print start timing determined based on the scheduling information, and printing can be executed.

  Further, for example, as a result of confirming the scheduling information, the image forming apparatus itself should have a job in the system to execute a printing operation immediately, but the image forming apparatus itself is an image of the job. If it is determined that no data has been received, a pre-processing step to be executed by another device prior to a printing step using the image forming apparatus (for example, a manuscript editing process using the manuscript editing processing manager 113) In the proof processing process using the process proof manager 114), considering the possibility of a delay in job processing or the occurrence of an error, error information indicating this is sent to the print manager 115 or the like. To the process management manager 111.

  As described above, according to the scheduling information acquired from the process management manager 111, each device has determined that the corresponding job has not been received even though there is a job to be processed immediately by the own device. In this case, information indicating that is transmitted (notified) to the process management manager 111 via a communication medium such as the network 101, and the process management manager 111 performs scheduling readjustment and users such as clients and operators. It is configured to be able to request that the error notification process be executed.

(Operation example 2)
In the first operation example, the image forming apparatus receives job data processed in the previous process in another device in the electronic data (image data) format from the other device. This system may receive job data as electronic data, but may be adapted to receive paper data. The paper data corresponds to a paper original to be read by a scanner or a recording paper that has been subjected to printing processing by the image forming apparatus as described above. In this operation example, an operation control example based on the scheduling information in a device that receives and processes job data in such a paper data format will be described.

  For example, according to the scheduling result determined by the process management manager 111, in the job workflow, after executing the print processing process by the image forming apparatus in the operation example 1, the sheet processing apparatus (any of 121 to 126) is used. Assume that there is a job for which scheduling is set to execute a sheet processing process (for example, stapling, bookbinding, folding, etc.). A description will be given of how such a job is operated in the sheet processing apparatus (any of 121 to 126) according to the scheduling information from the process management manager 111. The processing from when the sheet processing apparatus acquires the scheduling information generated by the process management manager 111 and sets the scheduling information in the memory of the own apparatus is the same as that in the first operation example, and is therefore omitted.

  As a result of checking the scheduling information of the job workflow output from the process management manager 111, the sheet processing apparatus has a job for executing the sheet processing on the recording paper bundle printed by the image forming apparatus of the operation example 1. Among such jobs, the job to be processed by the own device is specified by the schedule information, and further, at what timing the sheet processing of the job should be executed in advance. Keep specific.

  In this system, the period from the completion of the print processing process in the image forming apparatus to the start of the sheet processing process by the sheet processing apparatus in the job workflow (there is one device in one workflow) During the period from the completion of the processing step to the start of another processing step by another device), the operator of this system performs the operation of taking out the recording paper printed on the image forming apparatus, In some cases, an intervention operation by an operator in the system, such as the operation of loading the recording paper used or the operation of placing the recording paper on the stacking unit of the sheet processing apparatus, may occur. Here, the intervention work by such an operator can be actively utilized.

  For example, when a recording sheet printed by the image forming apparatus is set on the stacking unit of the sheet processing apparatus by an operator's intervention work from the image forming apparatus, the sheet processing apparatus performs a job for the set recording sheet bundle. The operator is instructed to input the ID by the operator's key input through the operation unit provided in the sheet processing apparatus. Thereby, the sheet processing apparatus can specify the ID of the actual recording paper bundle (this corresponds to the paper data) set on the stacking unit of the sheet processing apparatus. Note that additional information for specifying a job ID such as a barcode on a recording sheet is not necessary in such a key input of the operator in the printing process by the image forming apparatus, which is a previous process. It is printed together with the image data of the job, and the additional information of the bundle of recording sheets with the additional information is read by the scanner provided in the sheet processing apparatus, and is set in the stacking unit of the sheet processing apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus may be configured to identify the ID of an actual recording paper bundle (this corresponds to paper data). In any case, any configuration may be used as long as the job ID of the recording sheet bundle actually set in the sheet processing apparatus can be specified.

  Then, based on the analysis result of the previously checked scheduling information, the sheet processing apparatus executes a job having a job ID for which a sheet bundle set on the stacking unit of the sheet processing apparatus should immediately execute sheet processing. If it is determined that the sheet is to be processed, the recording paper is transported from the stacking unit, sheet processing is performed by a sheet processing unit (for example, a stapler), and the sheet is discharged to the paper discharge unit. Control as follows. On the other hand, if it is determined that the recording sheet is a job that is not yet a job to be processed, it is stored in the stacking section as it is until the timing for executing the sheet processing determined by the scheduling information is reached. The execution of the sheet processing operation for the recording paper is put on standby.

  Also, for example, as a result of checking the scheduling information, the sheet processing apparatus itself should have a job in the system to execute a sheet processing operation immediately, but the sheet processing apparatus itself If the recording paper bundle is not received (no paper original is set on the stacking unit of the sheet processing apparatus), it is executed by another device prior to the sheet processing process using the sheet processing apparatus. In a pre-processing process to be performed (for example, a document editing process using the document editing process manager 113, a proof processing process using the proof manager 114, a printing process using the image forming apparatus, etc.) Considering the possibility that an error has occurred, error information indicating this is sent to the process management money via the print manager 115 or the like. Transmitting the turbocharger 111 to (notification).

  The process management manager 111 performs overall control of the entire system by allowing operations such as the above two operation examples to be executed by each device in this system, and through the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 62 described above. The management operation operation according to the scheduling data of the job workflow for which the actual operation is determined is controlled to be executable by this system. This makes it possible to construct an optimal system not only from the management of the workflow but also from the operational aspect.

  In the above description, the configuration is described in which the order is changed (selected) in order of order, delivery schedule priority, cost priority, quality priority, etc. for each job, but not only the job unit but also the cost reduction. It is also possible to switch (select) modes such as system optimization priority and system operation rate priority for scheduling.

  In addition, the configuration for switching modes such as order order, delivery schedule priority, cost priority, quality priority, system optimization priority for cost reduction, system availability priority, etc. has been explained. Multiple modes can be selected from modes such as order of order, delivery priority, cost priority, quality priority, optimization priority of the destination system, priority of system availability for cost reduction, etc. A plurality of modes may be combined and scheduled.

  Further, the scheduling mode described above can be switched even after it has been scheduled once. When the scheduling mode is switched, the process management manager 111 not only performs rescheduling but also rescheduling. Configure the scheduled schedule to redisplay. Further, the process management manager 111 can control each device of the system to execute an operation according to the scheduling result determined to be operated in the system, and performs overall control of the entire system.

  As described above, the process management manager 111 is the main organization, classifying processes in the printing industry and the POD market (ordering / manufacture of documents, manuscript editing, proofing, printing, post-processing, file storage, delivery・ By classifying the process into a process such as shipping or scanning, and performing optimal scheduling in consideration of the efficient work procedure, order, order with other jobs, etc., the image forming system In the system such as the image forming system, the operation according to the scheduling can be executed by each device of the system so as to be executable. , Efficient process operation can be performed.

  Moreover, efficient process management can be performed by displaying the schedule classified into each process as a list.

  In addition, for each job, order order, delivery date priority, cost priority, quality priority, etc. are provided, and adjustments with other jobs are made to schedule the whole so that output that meets customer needs Is possible.

  Further, the process management manager 111 is also engaged in the following control.

  For example, as described above, a plurality of instructions including the first instruction to the fourth instruction together with the job ID are provided by the process management manager 111 of the system via the user interface such as the operation screen of FIGS. Can be selectively input.

  In addition, the process management manager 111 of this system converts the workflow of the job corresponding to the job ID input via the operation screen (in this example, the job whose job ID is # 039028) to the job corresponding to the job ID. (In this example, the job having the job ID of # 039028) is completed after the workflow of the job that has already been input to the order receiving / managing manager 112 (in this example, the job having the job ID of # 039027) is completed. In this way, the job workflow is scheduled, scheduling (also referred to as first scheduling), and the job corresponding to the job ID input via the operation screen (in this example, the job with the job ID # 039028) Workflow corresponding to the job ID (in this example, the job ID is # 039). The job workflow is scheduled to be completed before the workflow of the job (job ID # 039027 in this example) that has already been input to the order reception / submission manager 112 before (28 jobs) is completed. Multiple scheduling methods including scheduling (second scheduling) can be selectively set.

  Then, for example, when the first instruction (acceptance priority) is input via the user interface, the first scheduling can be set, and when the second instruction (delivery priority) is input, The second scheduling can be set. Then, the process management manager 111 controls each device of this system so as to be operable by scheduling the job workflow whose settings (including readjustment) are confirmed, and the determined scheduling information is transmitted to the user via the user interface. Control is performed so that notification is possible.

  Here, when this system is controlled by the second scheduling, the workflow of the job corresponding to the job ID selected by the user's key operation (in this example, the job whose job ID is # 039028) is set as the job ID. Before the completion of the workflow of a job (in this example, a job with job ID # 039027) that has already been input to the order receiving / managing manager 112 before the corresponding job (in this example, a job with job ID # 039028) In addition, each device of this system is controlled by the process management manager 111 so as to be completed (this is referred to as a workflow overtaking control of a succeeding job. Also referred to as a second workflow sequence. The workflow operation according to the first scheduling is referred to as a first workflow sequence)

  In the present embodiment, when the second workflow sequence according to the second scheduling is executed in this system, the job corresponding to the job ID selected by the user's key operation (in this example, the job ID is # 039028). The execution of the first processing step included in the workflow of the job (No. job) has already been input to the order receiving / submission manager 112 before the job corresponding to the job ID (in this example, the job with the job ID # 039028) Before the execution of the first processing step included in the workflow of the job (job of job ID # 039027 in this example) is started, control is performed so that it can be started (first control).

  In addition, when the second workflow sequence according to the second scheduling is executed in this system, the job corresponding to the job ID selected by the user's key operation (in this example, the job whose job ID is # 039028) ) Of the first processing step included in the workflow of (), a job (in this example, a job whose job ID is # 039028) prior to the job (in this example, the job (input job submission manager 112) ( In this example, the control (second control) that allows starting even after the execution of the first processing step included in the workflow of job ID # 039027 is permitted is also permitted.

  That is, even if one of the above two controls is adopted, when the second workflow sequence according to the second scheduling is developed and executed in this system, as described above, the succeeding job (in this example, If control can be performed so that the workflow of job ID # 039028 is completed before the workflow of the preceding job (job of job ID # 039027 in this example) is completed, either control is possible. Is controlled by the process management manager 111 so that the process may be executed.

  In the present embodiment, by applying such rules, for example, the process management manager 111 is the main body, and the following control based on the following configuration can be executed.

  For example, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP or an SFP included in the system receives a plurality of print jobs including a first print job input to the apparatus and a second print job input after the first job. The apparatus can be sequentially stored in a memory such as a hard disk included in the apparatus.

  Further, with this configuration, the image forming apparatus interrupts the print operation of the first print job while executing the print operation of the first print job, for example. An interrupt printing function is provided that allows the printing operation of the second print job input after the job and stored in the memory to be started under the suspended state. As described above, the image forming apparatus of the present system has a function of interrupting a print job that is being printed and executing a print process of another print job.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus waits for printing in the memory (not yet, because the first print job is being printed by another print job (print job X)). The first print job and the image data of the second print job are input and stored in the memory, etc. Prior to starting the printing operation of the first print job based on the comparison result of the priority order set for the second print job, the printing operation of the second print job input later is prioritized. It also has an overtaking printing function that can be started automatically. In this way, after the print job being processed (print job X) is completed, the print processing of another job (second print job) is given priority over other print jobs (first print job). A function to enable execution is provided.

  For example, in the case of an image forming apparatus having only a printer function (also referred to as a printer mode) such as SFP, the two functions described above can be performed between jobs of printer functions (print mode) that are the same functions. And make it executable. On the other hand, in the case of an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions (also referred to as a plurality of modes) such as a copy function, a facsimile function, and a print function like an MFP, as described above, jobs having the same function (for example, Even if both the first print job and the second print job are print mode jobs, jobs with different functions (for example, the first print job is a print mode job, Even if the second print job is a job in copy mode, etc., the above-described interrupt printing function and overtaking printing function are controlled to be operable.

  The two functions described above are functions for shortening or delaying the timing at which printing of a print job is completed, depending on the setting. However, such a reduction in processing time or delay is a function that mainly affects one processing step, that is, a printing processing step in one device, which is an image forming apparatus.

  When this system includes such an image forming apparatus, the process management manager 111 applies the above-described rules and performs control as follows.

(Control example 1)
In this system, the above-described first scheduling (for example, the second workflow for the second job received by the order receiving / managing manager 112 after the first job received by the order receiving / managing manager 112, When the first scheduling for scheduling the workflow to be completed after the completion of the first workflow for the first job is set through the scheduling process of FIG. 62 by the process manager 111, The first workflow sequence (sequence for completing the workflow of the succeeding job after completion of the workflow of the preceding job) corresponding to the operation according to the first scheduling is in a state (referred to as the first state) that cannot be executed in this system. For example, from each manager 112-119 In addition, the image forming apparatus (including the color MFP 104 and / or the monochrome MFP 105) included in the system when the determination is made based on various types of information (device capability information, job setting information, status information, etc.) as described above. The execution of the above interrupt printing function and / or the execution of the overtaking printing function included in (1) is prohibited.

  On the other hand, in the present system, when the first scheduling is set through the scheduling process of FIG. 62 by the process manager 111, the first workflow sequence corresponding to the operation according to the first scheduling is represented in the system. For example, based on various types of information (device capability information, job setting information, status information, etc.) acquired from each of the managers 112 to 119. If determined, the execution of the interrupt printing function and / or the execution of the overtaking printing function in the image forming apparatus (including the color MFP 104 and / or the monochrome MFP 105) included in the system is permitted. Control.

(Control example 2)
The second scheduling described above (for example, the second workflow for the second job received by the order receiving / managing manager 112 after the first job received by the order receiving / managing manager 112) When the second scheduling for scheduling the workflow to be completed before the completion of the first workflow is set through the scheduling process of FIG. 62 by the process manager 111, the second scheduling is performed. That the second workflow sequence (sequence for completing the workflow of the succeeding job before the completion of the workflow of the preceding job) corresponding to the operation according to the above operation can be executed in this system (referred to as a third state), for example , As mentioned above obtained from each manager 112-119 The interrupt printing provided in the image forming apparatus (including the color MFP 104 and / or the monochrome MFP 105) of the present system when judged based on the type of information (device capability information, job setting information, status information, etc.) The execution of the function and / or the execution of the overtaking printing function is controlled to be permitted.

  On the other hand, when the second scheduling is set through the scheduling process of FIG. 62 by the process manager 111, the second workflow sequence corresponding to the operation according to the second scheduling is executed in this system. For example, it is determined based on various kinds of information (device capability information, job setting information, status information, etc.) acquired from each of the managers 112 to 119 that it is not possible (referred to as the fourth state). In this case, the execution of the interrupt printing function and / or the execution of the overtaking printing function included in the image forming apparatus (including the color MFP 104 and / or the monochrome MFP 105) of the system is controlled to be prohibited.

  As in the above two control examples, the flowchart of FIG. 62 is based on an instruction from the user input via the user interface such as the operation screen of FIGS. 57 to 61 under the control of the process management manager 111. If it is possible to execute a workflow sequence in accordance with the scheduling of the job workflow determined through the above processing using each device of this system (the completion of the job workflow itself is delayed, etc.) If there is no problem that affects the delivery time of the job), the image forming apparatus is called the image forming apparatus because the interrupt printing function or the overtaking printing function of the image forming apparatus of this system is executed. The processing time of a job is long within the period of one processing step called the printing processing step in one device. Or, even or shortened to permit execution of the interrupt print function and overtake printing function includes an image forming apparatus of the present system. On the other hand, not only the printing process in the image forming apparatus is delayed due to the execution of the interrupt printing function, the overtaking printing function, etc. included in the image forming apparatus of this system, but also the delivery / shipment manager 118 is used. Even if the delivery processing process is delayed and eventually the completion of the job workflow itself is also delayed, whether the first scheduling is set or the second scheduling is set. Regardless, the execution of the interrupt printing function and the overtaking printing function included in the image forming apparatus of this system is prohibited.

  Such application control by the process management manager 111 not only provides an appropriate workflow management operation for the POD market in a system such as this image forming system, but also maximizes the unique functions of each device. It is possible to construct a flexible system that can be used effectively.

  Based on the above idea, the process management manager 111 can further execute the following control.

(Control example 3)
For example, when the first scheduling is set and the current state of the system is the first state, a multifunction image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as an MFP is provided. Execution of various advanced application functions such as a facsimile transmission function, a network scanner function, and a preview function, while the first scheduling is set and the current state of the system is the second state Is controlled to permit execution of the application function of the image forming apparatus.

(Control example 4)
For example, when the second scheduling is set and the current state of the system is the third state, the execution of the application function included in the composite function image forming apparatus is permitted. Thus, when the second scheduling is set and the current state of the system is the fourth state, control is performed to prohibit execution of the application function of the image forming apparatus.

  In the control examples 1 to 4 described above, specific methods for prohibiting execution of each function (functions such as an interrupt printing function, an overtaking printing function, a facsimile transmission function, a network scanner function, and a preview function) For example, if the process management manager 111 determines prohibition of the function, the information can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via a communication medium such as the network 101 and displayed on the display unit of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus, for example. Display of the interrupt print key for instructing execution of the interrupt print function on the operation screen, display of the overprint key for instructing execution of the overtaking print function, and instructing execution of the application function The display of the application key is displayed in gray, shaded, or the key itself is not displayed, and the display unit of the image forming apparatus is controlled so that these keys are disabled, and the screen is displayed. By not accept key inputs of these functions in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus by the user of the forming device, and a method of controlling so as not to perform functions of the prohibited.

  In the case of a print function or the like, the key is displayed on a printer driver that notifies the computer that is the transmission source of the print job of the prohibition function information and displays it on the display unit of the computer. By controlling the computer display unit so that it is grayed out, shaded, or not displayed on the keyboard itself, the key input of these functions in the computer operation unit by the computer user is not accepted. There is a method of controlling so that the prohibited function cannot be executed. On the other hand, as a specific method for enabling the function in the image forming apparatus, for example, the process management manager sends the function to the image forming apparatus in which the function is prohibited by the control via the print manager 115. Sends information to permit use, cancels the invalid state of the key on the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus (releases gray display, shaded display, and non-display), and enables the key The image forming apparatus is controlled so as to execute the function selected by the user by displaying the state so that the key input of these functions can be received from the user. In the case of the print function, the key input can be accepted in the same manner as above by sending a permission signal for the above function to the computer and controlling the display so that the key display on the printer driver is changed from the invalid state to the valid state. And the function instructed by the user is controlled to be executable.

  Whether or not each function can be executed is controlled by the process management manager 111 so that it can be determined for each image forming apparatus of a plurality of image forming apparatuses (including the MFPs 104 and 105) of this system. That is, the above processing is executed individually for each device. Accordingly, for example, for the image forming apparatus used in the printing process included in the workflow of the job to be executed based on the scheduling set by the process management manager 111 among the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The above functions are controlled to be prohibited (however, the above functions may be permitted if the delivery process in the workflow is not delayed), while the images used in the printing process included in the workflow The remaining image forming apparatuses that are not forming apparatuses may be configured to be controlled so as to allow the above functions.

  As described above, depending on whether or not the process management manager 111 can appropriately manage and operate the workflow in this system, whether or not the device-specific function of each device can be executed is controlled. Can be further improved.

[Seventh Embodiment]
In the sixth embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the process management manager 111 executes device-specific schedule setting, scheduling result display, workflow execution according to scheduling, system operation, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, in the present image forming system that is comprehensively managed and controlled by the process management manager 111, a plurality of processing steps (order processing, editing) using a plurality of devices included in the system are provided. Process, proof process, print process, sheet process, delivery process, data storage process, etc.) as a single workflow in order according to the scheduling set by the process management manager 111. Complete the work. Such a workflow is executed for each job received by the order receiving / managing manager 112. Further, a single workflow includes a plurality of processing steps by a plurality of devices, and requires an intervention operation by an operator every time each processing step is completed (a plurality of processing steps included in one workflow). There are many jobs that require intervention by an operator during the period from the completion of one of the processing steps to the start of the next processing step.

  In such a system configuration, the present embodiment also relates to scheduling for an operator (also called an operator or a worker) working in the system that actually performs the intervention work by the operator generated in the workflow as described above. The setting management is performed by the process management manager 111. Furthermore, the efficiency of workers working in this system is improved by providing appropriate instructions to the workers under the control of the process management manager 111. The process management manager 111 performs scheduling from the standpoint of a worker who works in the system environment, and assigns (schedules) which work is to be performed to each worker of a plurality of workers working in the system. . Furthermore, when executing the workflow of the job accepted by the order / entry manager 112, it is calculated which work is efficiently executed by the worker, and the job is allocated or the next to the worker is calculated. The work of the entire system is instructed through a user interface unit such as a display unit, etc., through a user interface unit such as a display unit. Can be efficiently performed. The embodiment will be described below. It should be noted that the configuration, control, and operation of the system other than those described below are all the same as the configuration, control, and operation of the system described above (not necessarily the same). Therefore, this embodiment is also configured as follows on the premise of the system configuration as described above.

[Scheduling of workers]
FIG. 63 is a schematic diagram showing a job schedule screen of an operator that the process management manager 111 shown in FIG. 1 provides on the display unit of a device such as a computer or an image forming apparatus of this system as an example of notification control. , Corresponding to the work schedule from the standpoint of the worker.

  Note that the information that the process management manager 111 informs (displays) information via the operation screens of FIGS. 58 to 61 of the previous embodiment is mainly the first type scheduling related to each processing process by each device in the job workflow. (Result) defined as information (this first type scheduling information includes the first scheduling information according to the job reception order, the second scheduling information according to the job delivery priority, and the third according to the cost priority. Scheduling information, fourth scheduling information according to quality priority, etc.). A mode in which the operator is notified (displayed) of the first type scheduling information is referred to as a first scheduling notification (display) mode.

  On the other hand, the information to be notified (displayed) via the operation screen shown in FIGS. 63 and 64 is mainly the second type regarding each processing step (each work) by each worker of this system in the job workflow. Defined as scheduling (result) information. A mode for notifying (displaying) the second type scheduling information to the operator is a second scheduling notification (display) mode.

  The process management manager 111 controls the first scheduling notification mode and the second scheduling notification mode so as to be selectively switchable according to an instruction from the operator.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that a worker scheduling key 2919 of the operation screen of FIG. 63 is provided in the left display area on each operation screen of FIGS. 57 to 61 (that is, FIGS. 57 to 61). The operation screens of FIGS. 57 to 61 are partially customized so that the operation screen of 61 further includes a key 29169 as a display component. The key 2919 on the operation screen in which the operation screens in FIGS. 57 to 61 are partially customized is key input by a user (here, mainly a worker, but may be a client user as in the previous embodiment) ( In response to a click (instructed by a pointing device or the like not shown), the process management manager 111 controls to display the operation screen of FIG. 63 on the display unit (that is, from the first scheduling notification mode to the second scheduling). The display unit is controlled to switch to the notification mode). The operation screen shown in FIG. 63 displays a schedule screen mainly related to the worker himself / herself so that the worker can identify the second type scheduling information.

  In this system, the process manager 111 schedules workers who are working in this system to process jobs from clients in order to execute job workflows for each worker (worker). This scheduling is performed by information input via the operation screens shown in FIGS. 57 to 61, capability information of each device included in the system, job progress information, status information of each device, and a client for the job. Based on the setting information, etc., the process management manager 111 determines that it can be managed through scheduling processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 63. The management information directly related to the worker himself (for example, including information that enables the worker himself / herself to distinguish the action to be taken in the job workflow for each worker) can be obtained. Notification is performed by displaying a schedule screen or the like on the display unit (notification unit such as the display unit may be used for notification by voice output by a voice unit).

  The process management manager 111 prevents troubles such as erroneous notification of work information to be notified to the worker to an inappropriate worker and unauthorized access. For this purpose, for example, as shown in FIG. 63, a worker ID as an example of information for identifying and identifying the user who is currently accessing to confirm the work content on the display unit is input. A worker ID input field 2917 for determining whether or not the user who has input the worker ID is an official worker corresponding to the worker ID, Password input field 2918 for inputting authentication data for controlling execution permission / prohibition (prohibition / permission) (as an example of authentication data, a password is used here, but information from an IC card may be used as authentication data). The operation screen is controlled to display on the display unit.

  The process management manager 111 includes the name information of all workers working in the system, the worker ID of the worker, the password of the worker, the processing capability (skill) information of the worker, the labor In order for each worker to be able to identify information related to various workers such as time information and work progress information, these pieces of information are associated with each worker in advance in their own memory such as a hard disk. Information is registered and held.

  The operation screen of FIG. 63 displays work information to be notified to the worker corresponding to the worker ID input in the worker ID input field 2917 on the right side of the worker ID input field 2917 and the password input field 2918. The work information display area is provided. The process management manager 111 has a password that matches the password held in the memory for the worker (worker-A in the example of FIG. 63) corresponding to the worker ID input in the worker ID input field 2917. As shown in FIG. 63, the worker corresponding to the worker ID entered in the worker ID entry field 2917 is displayed in the work information display area as shown in FIG. In the example of 63, control is performed so that the work information to be notified to worker-A) is displayed (allowed). FIG. 63 is an example of a display result when an appropriate password is input. On the other hand, a password different from (not matching with) the password stored in the memory for the worker corresponding to the worker ID input in the worker ID input field 2917 is input by the user through the password input field 2918. When input, it is prohibited to display the work information to be notified to the worker corresponding to the worker ID input in the worker ID input field 2917. That is, the display content like the screen of FIG. 63 is not displayed.

  As described above, when an appropriate password is input, as shown in FIG. 63, the process management manager 111 performs scheduling for the worker corresponding to the worker ID (worker-A in the example of FIG. 63). Information is displayed in the work information display area. In addition, the schedule information of the worker (worker-B in this example) having an influence related to the work to be executed by the worker corresponding to the worker ID in the job workflow is also the schedule information of the worker of the peripheral work. Then, control is performed so that the information can be displayed together in the work information display area. Even if it is not displayed on one screen, the schedule information of the worker of the peripheral work (worker-B in this example) is changed to the worker corresponding to the worker ID (by this example) by switching the scroll display or the display screen. In the example of FIG. 63, the worker-A) may be controlled so that it can be displayed in a state where it can be distinguished from its own scheduling information.

  For example, when worker A (corresponding to worker-A) and worker B (corresponding to worker-B) are working in this work environment, worker A mainly uses the prepress department (for example, the order receiving process or editing). Including a process and the like, a department in charge of a processing process performed before the printing process by the image forming apparatus), and the worker B is mainly a post-press department (for example, a printing process by the image forming apparatus including a sheet processing process). Is the department in charge of the processing process performed later). In this case, according to each role, the above-mentioned worker information managed by the process management manager 111 in its own memory, capability information of each device provided in the system, job progress information, each device Status information, setting information from the client for the job, and scheduling information as determined by the process management manager 111 through the scheduling process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Based on this, a work to be performed by worker A (corresponding to worker-A) and worker B (corresponding to worker-B) is determined, and control is performed so as to allocate the work content to each worker.

  For example, the process management manager 111 determines the workflow of each job by executing the scheduling process in the flowchart of FIG. 62 described above. As a result, it is grasped through which processing steps of each of the plurality of devices each job is completed. Also, it is confirmed what kind of operator intervention is required in the workflow. By referring to this information and various information related to the workers of this system stored in the memory after the previous worker information registration process, a plurality of operator interventions required in the job workflow Is determined at what timing (schedule) by which worker of this system. Then, this result is displayed as the second type scheduling information in the work information display area column of the display unit as scheduling information as shown in FIG. 63, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 63, the process management manager 111 is a worker (worker-A in this case) corresponding to the ID input to the worker ID 2917 among the plurality of jobs received via the order receiving / managing manager 112. However, information (job ID in this example) for enabling the worker (worker-A in this case) to identify which job work should be executed is displayed in the vertical direction of the screen of the work information display area. Controls the display so that the jobs with the highest job number are displayed in order. In this example, worker-A can confirm that he / she executes at least the work of the four jobs 039027 to 039030.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 63, the process management manager 111 actually performs what kind of work (intervention work by the operator) in the workflow of each of these jobs (worker-A in this case). Can be displayed as detailed information in the vertical direction of the screen of the work information display area in the vertical direction of the screen in the work information display area in order from the top of the work procedure. Control.

  In this example, the “+” key is controlled to be displayed for each job ID corresponding to each job arranged in the vertical axis direction of the work information display area according to the execution order of the workflow. When pressed by an operator, the display state of the key is changed from “+” to “−”, and the operator (here, the requested worker) is executed during the workflow execution period of the job corresponding to the key. Worker-A) displays the intervening work to be executed in the workflow in the order corresponding to the work order, arranged in order from the top in the vertical axis direction of the work information display area.

  In the example of FIG. 63, when worker A corresponding to worker-A executes the workflow of the job corresponding to job ID 39028, the work (Verify Order) for confirming the order contents of the job in the workflow. And at least three intervention tasks, a job for registering the job in the memory (Register Job) and a job for editing the job (Edit Job), in the workflow of the job with the job ID 39028 in this order. (Verify Order-> Register Job-> Edit Job) is an example in which display control is performed so that the worker (worker-A in this case) can identify that it should be executed. Further, after completing the job workflow of the job 39027 after the lunch scissors (Lunch information), in the job workflow corresponding to the job ID 39029, an operation (Verify Order) for confirming the received order contents of the job, That at least two intervention tasks called a job for registering a job in the memory (Register Job) should be executed in this order (Verify Order → Register Job) in the job workflow of job ID 39029. Display control is performed so that the worker (here, worker-A) can be identified. Further, after that, display control is performed so that the worker (worker-A in this case) can identify that work should be performed in the workflow of job ID 39030.

  If the key is pressed in the state of the “−” key, the detailed information of the job is erased (closed) from the screen and returned to the state of the “+” key.

  Further, the process management manager 111 performs the work in relation to these jobs (each job listed in the vertical axis direction of the worker information display area) in the horizontal axis direction of the worker information display area. Further, at what timing the operator (here, worker-A) should perform the intervention work of each operator required in each workflow of each job, the worker (here, worker-A) ) In a form that allows the worker to easily and visually grasp schedule information for specific identification (for example, a method of expressing date and time as character data as shown in FIG. Control is performed so that the work time required in the process is displayed in a bar graph, etc.), and the work is displayed in order from the work with the earliest date and time.

  In this example, the worker A executes the job with the job ID 39027 in the morning on October 19, and then executes the job with the job ID 39028 from the morning on October 19 to the afternoon. It can be confirmed that the work of job ID 39029 is executed in the afternoon of the 19th, and then the work of job ID 39030 is scheduled to be executed in the morning of October 20th.

  Further, regarding the three intervention work necessary in the workflow of the job corresponding to the job ID 39028, a work (Verify Order) for confirming the order received in the workflow of the job is executed in the morning of October 19, and then Then, the job for registering the job in the memory (Register Job) is executed, and then the job for editing the job (Edit Job) is executed by the morning of October 19th. It can be identified and confirmed by the operator that it should be. Further, the process management manager 111 also has information on a worker (worker-B worker in this case) who executes a work related to the work of the worker of interest corresponding to the worker ID input to the worker IR 2917 as described above. In such a manner, control is performed so that the information is displayed in the worker information display area.

  Note that it may be controlled so that other worker information can be displayed by operating a scroll bar at the right end of the work display area provided on the display screen of FIG. Further, the display control may be performed so that the plurality of operation screens are sequentially switched for each worker without displaying the information of the plurality of workers on one screen as shown in FIG.

  In any case, for each worker, information for enabling the worker himself / herself to confirm which job workflow he / she is involved in, and what kind of intervention work should be executed for each workflow. Information for enabling the worker himself to confirm the information, and information for enabling the worker himself to confirm in what order they should be executed, and at what timing Guidance information (also referred to as second type scheduling information) regarding scheduling for the worker himself / herself in the job workflow, including information for enabling the worker himself / herself to confirm schedule information such as whether to execute The process management manager 111 can be configured to notify the operator via various user interfaces such as a display unit and a voice unit. It is sufficient that. In addition, as described above, the process management manager 111 controls the first scheduling notification mode and the second scheduling notification mode to be selectively switchable in accordance with an instruction from the operator.

  For example, when the job scheduling key 2912 on the operation screen in FIG. 63 is pressed, the display content is displayed on the display unit, and the first type scheduling information in FIGS. 58 to 61 is displayed on the operation screen in FIG. Control to switch to the display screen. In this way, the operation screen for displaying the first type scheduling information and the operation screen for displaying the second type scheduling information are controlled to be switchable every time a mode switching instruction is input from the user. When returning to the operation screen shown in FIGS. 58 to 61, it corresponds to an instruction selected from the above-described first instruction to fourth instruction (priority in order of order, priority in order of delivery date, priority in cost, quality priority). Control to display the operation screen. Further, when the create job key 2911 shown in the operation screen of FIG. 63 or the like is input, control is performed to return to the operation screen of FIG.

  In this way, a plurality of types of operation screens (including the operation screens of FIGS. 57 to 64) are controlled to be selectively displayed on the display unit in response to key input from the user.

  Furthermore, as a major feature, the content of the second type scheduling information that can be displayed on the operation screens of FIGS. 63 and 64 is determined based on the first type scheduling information in the previous embodiment. That is, the process management manager 111 creates first type scheduling information having contents corresponding to the instruction input from the plurality of instructions by the user via the operation screens of FIGS. 57 to 61. The second type scheduling information is created according to the contents of the one type scheduling information.

  For example, when the first instruction is input, the first scheduling information according to the job reception order is generated as the first type scheduling information, and based on the generated first scheduling information, worker information, and the like Create scheduling information of the second type of content. When the second instruction is input, second scheduling information according to job delivery priority is generated as first type scheduling information, and based on the generated second scheduling information, worker information, and the like Create scheduling information of the second type of content. When the third instruction is input, the third scheduling information according to the cost priority is generated as the first type of scheduling information, and the content based on the generated third scheduling information, worker information, etc. Create second type scheduling information. When the fourth instruction is input, the fourth scheduling information according to the quality priority is generated as the first type scheduling information, and the contents of the fourth scheduling information and the worker information based on the generated fourth scheduling information and worker information are generated. Two types of scheduling information are created. Therefore, the contents to be displayed in the worker information display area of the operation screen of FIG. 63 and FIG. 64 differ for each of the plurality of instructions, and the instruction once set via the operation screen of FIG. When the setting is changed again via the operation screens of FIGS. 58 to 61, the second type scheduling information displayed in the worker information display area of the operation screens of FIGS. 63 and 64 in conjunction with the change. The display content is changed so that the result reflects the instruction after the setting is changed.

  Further, in this work environment, when the worker C (corresponding to worker-C in FIG. 64) is also in charge of the same post press as the worker B, the work content of the worker B and the work content of the worker C are: Jobs are allocated in the process management manager 111 so as to handle different jobs so that they do not overlap at the same date and time (work in a workflow that allows workers B and C to execute different tasks at the same date and time) The process manager 111 controls to determine the scheduling for the person). Then, the result is controlled as second type scheduling information so that it can be displayed on the operation screen as shown in FIG. 63 or 64.

  Then, according to the instructions of the process management manager 111, each worker performs each job, so that the entire system operates efficiently.

[Eighth Embodiment]
In the seventh embodiment, when the worker B and the worker C are in charge of the same post press, the worker B and the worker C are respectively in the process management manager 111 so that the work is not doubled. Although the configuration in which jobs are allocated so as to handle different jobs has been described, a configuration may be adopted in which one job is divided by a plurality of workers. The embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 64 is a schematic diagram showing the job schedule screen of the worker provided by the process management manager 111 shown in FIG. 1, where worker B and worker C work on the same job with the same postpress staff. This corresponds to an example in which the worker B and the worker C are divided.

  As shown in FIG. 64, when both the worker B and the worker C are in charge of post-press, the worker B first sets both the MFPs 105a and 105b in the job workflow of job # 039028 (for example, power-on or , Setting of various parameters such as color matching, etc.) is executed, and then the intervention operation for the job of conveying the print output of the MFP 105a to the finisher 123 is executed. The intervention work for the job of carrying the output of 123 to the finisher 121 is executed. In this way, scheduling is performed by the process management manager 111, and the result is displayed so that the worker B can identify the result.

  On the other hand, in the same job # 039028, the worker C first executes an intervention work for the job of conveying the print output of the MFP 105b to the finisher 123, and further sets the finisher 123 (for example, power-on or Process settings to perform various parameter settings to properly perform bookbinding processing, and to perform finisher 121 settings (for example, power-on and various parameter settings to properly perform cutting processing). It is scheduled by the manager 111 and the result is displayed in an identifiable manner.

  As described above (as shown in FIG. 64), the process management manager 111 performs scheduling based on information such as the first type scheduling information and worker information stored in the memory of the device itself. Not only can one job perform different tasks at the same time, but also the number of workers and subdivided tasks can be optimized and allocated, and efficient management becomes possible.

  In the present embodiment, for example, if an operator is given one job, it can be easily inferred what to do next. However, as described above, two or more jobs can be assigned to one job. If you try to be in charge of a large number of people, you will not be able to grasp each other's allocation, so in reality, it may be possible to overlap the work and increase the dead time. 111 is executed.

  The process management manager 111 sequentially gives a work instruction to these workers, and gives the next business instruction (with respect to a plurality of intervention work required for the worker to execute the job workflow, a certain intervention The operator is instructed to perform an intervention task to be performed immediately after the task is executed, and such an instruction is performed in real time at least once every intervention task is completed by the operator or immediately before the completion. By instructing the worker to perform the above operation), it is possible to execute the notification control so that the entire worker can be properly deployed without waste.

FIG. 65 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a configuration for sequentially giving accurate instructions to workers. The same components as those in FIG. 55 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 65, devices (104, 105, 121 to 126 shown in FIG. 1) are used in order to give appropriate instructions to the respective workers when performing the work shown in FIG. Etc.) or carts 2701 to 2703 for transporting jobs between devices, a display device (UI) is provided in advance, and the process management manager 111 selects the next process of the job being processed by each device or cart. Display on the device or cart UI. Further, the process management manager 111 displays the next work of the worker on the UI of the working device or the cart. As a result, accurate instructions can be given sequentially to each worker. The process management manager 111 checks the two types of scheduling information, the current date / time information, the current job processing status, etc., and instructs the worker as to which process is the next process. Decide what to give.

  Therefore, each worker can obtain information on the next process of the job currently being processed and information on the next work of the worker from the UI of the device being worked on or the UI of the cart. This makes it easy for each worker to know what to do next and, as described above, to grasp each other's allocation even when two or more people are in charge of one job. It is possible to suppress the overlap of work and the occurrence of wasted time.

  The above instructions are transmitted to each device via a network, but the cart is movable and lacks workability in a physical network. Therefore, communication is performed over a wireless network, and the cart or A work instruction is displayed for each worker who handles the apparatus, and a separate instruction is given to each worker.

[Ninth Embodiment]
In the eighth embodiment, each device or cart is provided with a UI, and an instruction from the process management manager 111 is displayed on the UI, whereby the instructions from the process management manager 111 can be sequentially notified to each worker. However, each worker carries an ID card, a terminal, etc., identifies the worker who is working with a predetermined device by using the ID card, and instructs the worker's terminal from the process management manager 111. May be displayed. The embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 66 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ID card provided for each worker.

  66, 3301 and 3302 are ID cards (for example, 3301 is John's ID card, 3302 is Laura's ID card), and the operator's name, identification number, department name, work ability (skills) ), Information such as the field in charge and work history is stored.

  FIG. 67 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a configuration for sequentially giving accurate instructions to workers, and the same components as those in FIG. 65 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 67, all workers have ID cards (for example, as shown in FIG. 66, John carries an ID card 3301, and Laura carries an ID card 3302). is doing). The process management manager 111 can identify each worker by the ID card. Then, the process management manager 111 distinguishes the work content according to the identified ID of each worker, and gives a work instruction to each worker.

  All workers also carry a portable terminal called PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) (for example, John carries PDA 3401 and Roller carries PDA 3402). The mobile terminal device may be a mobile phone or the like. At least, the mobile terminal device is portable by the user, has a data communication function, has a notification unit such as a display unit, and receives information from the process management manager 111. Any device may be used as long as it can notify the notification unit of the received information. Further, the ID card described above includes a transmitter and transmits a signal unique to the ID (operator ID). When the worker carries the PDA and the ID card in combination, a signal (worker's ID) transmitted from the ID card is wirelessly received by the PDA, and which worker carries the PDA. The process management manager 111 is notified of whether it is a PDA. In the above description, the ID card includes a transmitter. However, if the PDA is provided with a card reader or the like and the information in the ID card can be read by the card reader, the ID card may be another IC card. Also good.

  Then, the process management manager 111 transmits the work instruction to each worker to the PDA of each worker after distinguishing the work contents according to the ID of each worker identified by communication from the PDA. Accordingly, the process management manager 111 can sequentially display an accurate work instruction corresponding to each worker on the PDA carried by each worker.

  Therefore, each worker can obtain information on the next process of the job currently being processed and information on the next work of the worker from the PDA carried by the worker. This makes it easy for each worker to know what to do next, and, as described above, even in a complicated case where one job is handled by two or more people, It is possible to grasp the allocated amount, and it is possible to suppress the duplication of work and the occurrence of wasted time. Note that communication between the process management manager 111 and the PDA uses, for example, a wireless LAN.

  In addition, if this ID card is used, the skills, fields of responsibility, etc. of each worker can be registered in advance (may be recorded directly on the ID card or stored and managed in the image forming system). The process management manager 111 can also estimate the work man-hours according to the level of each worker, and the work time can be calculated more accurately.

  Further, the attendance of each worker is managed by the ID of each worker, and the process management manager 111 can also grasp the attendance information of each worker by using the ID card, and according to the attendance of the worker, Even if there are workers in the middle (especially even if there are workers who have been on vacation without a leave registration in advance due to sudden illness, etc.), it is possible to reliably grasp the worker's attendance and reschedule the work distribution Is also possible.

  As described above, job scheduling is efficient from the viewpoint of the operator's work, such as order reception / submission, manuscript editing, proofing, printing, post-processing, file storage, delivery / shipment, or scanning. To improve the efficiency of the workflow of the entire business.

  In addition, by using the UI provided on each device (device) or cart, or the PDA terminal carried by the worker to give accurate instructions to the worker, a plurality of workers can be confused, At the same time, different tasks can be performed without waste, and the job can be completed with a short delivery time as a whole.

  Furthermore, due to the ability to flexibly cope with the worker's skills and the excess or deficiency of the worker's attendance, etc., it is possible to predict the schedule progress, increase / decrease in resources, etc., and to perform resource management with planability.

  Note that the present invention also includes all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments (including configurations that include all the configuration requirements of the first to ninth embodiments described above, or configurations that include at least two configurations). It is what

  In addition, this system may have a system configuration in which a digital camera or the like is provided as one of a plurality of devices in addition to a device serving as an image data generation source such as a scanner or a computer. In this case, the ordering / manager 112 also prints the captured image data (or captured image data written in a storage medium removable from the digital camera) taken by the digital camera supplied from the digital camera as one job. This job is also accepted as a single job, and control including scheduling setting and management can be executed by the process management manager 111 in the same manner as the other jobs described above, and received directly from the digital camera, or The system may be configured such that the captured image data read from the removable storage medium can be edited, processed, printed, post-processed, and the like.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a print job and a print instruction are received, a plurality of processes for the print job are controlled, the processes are scheduled, and the processes are managed based on the scheduling results. Therefore, it is possible to perform efficient process management by scheduling a plurality of processes applied to a print job. Therefore, efficient process management can be performed by scheduling a plurality of processes such as reception, manuscript editing, proofing, printing, post-processing, file storage, delivery / shipment, and scanning for a print job. . Also, scheduling modes such as order order, delivery date priority, cost priority, quality priority, etc. are provided, and by adjusting with other jobs according to the selected scheduling mode, output in a schedule that meets customer needs (image And the like.

  Further, even when the image forming apparatus has unique functions such as an interrupt printing function, an overtaking printing function, various extended application functions, etc., the scheduling by the process management manager 111 is not affected. It is possible to provide a flexible and easy-to-use system that can make full use of the functions.

In addition, according to this embodiment, a plurality of processes of image forming processing are managed, and it is possible to execute an appropriate work instruction in real time for a worker who performs work in this system, and image forming processing in the printing industry and the POD market. Efficient scheduling is performed from the viewpoint of the work of the operator, and the scheduling for each process (manuscript editing, proofing, printing, post-processing, file storage, delivery / shipment, scanning, etc.) is performed. There is an effect that process control can be performed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the printing industry and the POD market, all the operations from receiving and placing an order for the product to packing, delivery, after-sales service, inventory management, and payment management are collectively performed in the printing industry and the POD market. If you are going to provide services that act on your behalf, you can provide optimal services and systems. In the printing industry and POD market, a system that supports management planning and management operations through the collection, processing, and reporting of production-related data, accumulates information, and provides it to necessary departments when necessary. Can also realize the optimal system and operation. Also, in the POD market, there are situations such as the fact that skilled workers cannot be hired as in the conventional printing industry, requests to finish jobs at low cost, requests to conduct business with less investment, etc. It is possible to provide a system that fully considers and copes with demands such as reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO).

  As described above, the process management manager 111 for managing all processes is provided in the workflow of fulfillment (working consistently from submission to delivery in POD) to schedule workers and devices. By using the job acceptance order, delivery priority, cost priority, quality priority, and operation rate priority modes, workers and equipment (production goods) can be operated efficiently, and TOC can be reduced.

  Also, in the POD (especially PFP / CRD) workflow, work instructions are given to the workers who work there, and an efficient work environment and work mistakes are reduced. In addition, it is possible to further improve efficiency by distinguishing work processes according to their IDs, and efficient management becomes possible regardless of work skills. In addition, scheduling can be performed so that work can be performed efficiently even if workers are switched. As described above, by giving a work instruction to the worker, it is possible to efficiently manage the work manually performed by the worker, such as conveyance between the MFP and the offline finisher.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the image forming system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 68 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs that can be read by the image forming system according to the present invention.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  2, FIG. 6, FIG. 38, FIG. 39, FIG. 40, FIG. 41, FIG. 50, FIG. 51, FIG. May be performed by a host computer. In this case, data for displaying an operation screen similar to the operation screen described in this embodiment including the operation screens of FIGS. 57 to 61, 63 and 64 is installed from the outside, and the host computer The various user interface screens can be provided on the display unit. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, a browser of a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading the storage medium storing the program represented by the software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing communication between the order / submission manager shown in FIG. 1 and a computer on the user side and order processing (first control processing of the present invention) by the order / submission manager. FIG. It is the model showing an example of the file transmitted from the user, and its completed image (after edit). It is the model showing an example of the file transmitted from the user, and its completed image (after edit). It is the model showing an example of the file transmitted from the user, and its completed image (after edit). FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing communication between the proof manager shown in FIG. 1 and a computer on the user side and proof creation processing (second control processing of the present invention) by the proof manager. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a data flow in the print manager illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a printer driver screen on the client computer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a printer driver screen on the client computer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a printer driver screen on the client computer illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the RIP part shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of description of PDL data input into the interpreter part shown in FIG. 11, and the drawing result by an interpreter part. 12 is a flow illustrating an example of color matching in the rendering unit illustrated in FIG. 11. It is a characteristic view explaining the gamma correction in the screening part shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure explaining the PWM process in the screening part shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the printer part (especially color printer part) shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the printer part (especially monochrome printer part) shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the online finisher part shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing a GUI (Graphical User Interface) of a scanner driver for instructing a scan operation. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the scanner part shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the data processing structure of the scanner shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that JDF data is rewritten in each process. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a job order receiving screen by the order receiving / managing manager illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a job order receiving screen by the order receiving / managing manager illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a job order receiving screen by the order receiving / managing manager illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a job order receiving screen by the order receiving / managing manager illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a job order receiving screen by the order receiving / managing manager illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a job order receiving screen by the order receiving / managing manager illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a job order receiving screen by the order receiving / managing manager illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a job order receiving screen by the order receiving / managing manager illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the confirmation screen by the proof manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the confirmation screen by the proof manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the confirmation screen by the proof manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the confirmation screen by the proof manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the confirmation screen by the proof manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the job order receiving screen in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows communication between the proof manager and user's computer in 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the proof creation process (3rd control processing of this invention) by a proof manager. It is a flowchart which shows the order-receiving process (4th control processing of this invention) by order-receiving / manufacture manager and communication with the order-receiving / manufacture manager and user's computer in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the order-receiving process (5th control processing of this invention) by the order-receiving / manufacture manager and communication with the order-receiving / manufacture manager and user's computer in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows communication between the proof manager and user's computer in 5th Embodiment of this invention, and the proof creation process (6th control processing of this invention) by a proof manager. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print process management screen provided by a print manager illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print process management screen provided by a print manager illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print process management screen provided by a print manager illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print process management screen provided by a print manager illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of a job control setting item. It is a figure which shows an example of a finishing setting item. It is a figure which shows an example of an image processing setting item. It is a figure which shows an example of a color setting item. FIG. 46 is a flowchart for explaining processing (seventh control processing of the present invention) of a print job thrown into the print manager by an operation from the job submission screen shown in FIGS. 44 and 45. FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing (eighth control processing of the present invention) of a print job thrown into a print manager by an operation from the printer driver screen shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the cluster printer registration process (9th control process of this invention) in the image forming system of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of cluster printer processing (ninth control processing according to the present invention) by the print manager illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing an example of a copy number cluster process (a ninth control process of the present invention) shown in FIG. 53. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow for post-processing a printed job in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the management screen (screen which performs the status monitoring and control of all the finishers managed by the post-processing manager) of the post-processing process provided from the post-processing manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the job production | generation screen provided from the process management manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the job scheduling screen provided from the process management manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the job scheduling screen provided from the process management manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the job scheduling screen provided from the process management manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the job scheduling screen provided from the process management manager shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the scheduling process (10th control process of this invention) by the process management manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the job schedule screen of the operator provided by the process management manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the job schedule screen of the operator provided by the process management manager shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining an example of the structure for performing an exact instruction | indication sequentially with respect to each worker. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the ID card provided for every worker. It is a schematic diagram explaining an example of the structure for performing an exact instruction | indication sequentially with respect to each worker. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the image forming system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

101a, 101b network 103 client 104a, 104b color MFP
105a-105c Monochrome MFP
106 Scanner 111 Process Management Manager 112 Order / Submission Manager 113 Document Editing Manager 114 Proof Manager 115 Print Manager 116 Post-Processing Manager 117 File Storage Manager 118 Delivery / Shipment Manager 119 Scan Manager 121 Cutting Machine 122 Saddle Stitch Binding Machine 123 Case Binding Machine 124 Paper folding machine 125 Filling machine 126 Book machine

Claims (9)

An information processing apparatus for managing a job that is completed by sequentially executing a plurality of processing steps executed by a plurality of apparatuses including at least a printing apparatus and a plurality of workers as a workflow,
Holding means for holding worker information including at least processing power information of each of the workers and identification information for identifying the workers;
Scheduling means for scheduling the execution order of a plurality of processing steps included in the workflow corresponding to the job;
According to the processing capability information of the worker included in the worker information, a worker who executes a processing step executed by the worker among the plurality of processing steps included in the workflow is determined, and the processing step is further A determination means for determining the timing of execution by the determined worker;
The scheduling result by the scheduling means, the first scheduling information indicating the timing at which a plurality of processing steps included in the workflow are performed, and a device that executes each processing step, and the result determined by the determining means A display control means for causing the display means to switchably display a processing step to be executed by the worker and second scheduling information indicating the timing at which the worker should execute the processing step for each of the plurality of workers. ,
Receiving means for receiving an input of the identification information via a screen on which the second scheduling information is displayed;
The display control means includes the worker identified based on the identification information received by the receiving means and the identification information included in the worker information held in the holding means among the plurality of workers, An information processing apparatus , wherein only the second scheduling information corresponding to a worker who performs the peripheral work of the identified worker is displayed on the display means . When the identified operator is a worker who is in charge of a prepress process, the display control means indicates the worker who performs a postpress process performed after the prepress process as the identified work. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a worker who performs peripheral work of the worker .   The display control means displays on the display means a work instruction indicating the contents of the processing steps to be executed by the worker determined by the determining means before the timing at which the processing steps are to be executed by the worker. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is a terminal carried by the worker. A job processing method for an information processing apparatus that manages a job that is completed by sequentially executing a plurality of processing steps executed by a plurality of apparatuses including at least a printing apparatus and a plurality of workers as a workflow,
A holding step of holding in the holding means worker information including at least the processing capability information of each of the workers and identification information for identifying the workers;
A scheduling step for scheduling the execution order of a plurality of processing steps included in the workflow corresponding to the job;
According to the processing capability information of the worker included in the worker information, a worker who executes a processing step executed by the worker among the plurality of processing steps included in the workflow is determined, and the processing step is further A decision step for deciding when to perform the decided worker;
The scheduling result of the scheduling step, the timing at which a plurality of processing steps included in the workflow are performed, the first scheduling information indicating a device that executes each processing step, and the result determined by the determination step A display control step for switching the display means to switch between the processing step to be executed by the worker and the second scheduling information indicating the timing at which the worker should execute the processing step for each of the plurality of workers ; ,
Receiving an input of the identification information via a screen on which the second scheduling information is displayed,
The display control step includes, among the plurality of workers, the worker identified based on the identification information received in the receiving step and the identification information included in the worker information held in the holding unit, A job processing method for an information processing apparatus, wherein only the second scheduling information corresponding to a worker who performs a peripheral work of an identified worker is displayed on the display means . In the display control step, when the identified worker is a worker who is in charge of a prepress process, an operator who performs a postpress process executed after the prepress process is designated as the identified work. The job processing method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the job is a worker who performs a peripheral work of the worker .   The display control step displays a work instruction indicating the content of the processing step to be executed by the worker determined in the determination step on the display means before the timing at which the processing step is to be executed by the worker. The job processing method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,   The job processing method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the display unit is a terminal carried by the worker.   A program that causes a computer to execute the job processing method of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

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