JP4548500B2 - Data output device and data output control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a data output apparatus and a data output control program applied to an image forming apparatus having a box function capable of sorting and storing information such as image data.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus, which is one of data output apparatuses, temporarily stores electronic data in a storage device such as a hard disk in addition to a function to immediately print out received print data and facsimile data, and at a timing desired by a user. It has a function to print out.

  Furthermore, there is an image forming apparatus that stores the electronic data in a divided storage area called “box” for each user or for each group.

  In order to effectively use the box of the image forming apparatus having such a box, various proposals have been made or have already been made.

  For example, when multiple people create materials for a meeting, the person in charge collects the materials created by each person in one place, and the electronic data of the materials is stored in a predetermined box and printed together. It has been proposed to do.

  In addition, it has been proposed to set a print start time in a plurality of boxes and output the data in the box when the print start time comes.

Patent Document 1 discloses a facsimile apparatus that arbitrarily sets a time for outputting facsimile data received at night and prints out the facsimile data by that time.
JP 2002-218120 A

  However, in the case of a proposal that prints the materials created by each person in one place, the person in charge monitors whether or not all the data is collected in the box and performs the printing operation when all the data is collected. It was necessary and inconvenient.

  Even if the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is referred to, the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above automatically prints data when the set time arrives even if not all data is available in the box. The above-mentioned inconvenience when printing data collected in one box could not be solved.

  In addition, if the proposal is to set the print start time for multiple boxes and output the data in the box when the print start time arrives, before the completion of the output of all the data of the box that started the output, When the printing start time of the box arrives, even if the data in the other box is urgent and important data, it cannot be printed until the printing of the previous box is completed, which is also inconvenient. There was a problem. Regarding this problem as well, Patent Document 1 does not provide any solution.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in a data output device such as an image forming apparatus having a box function, when a plurality of data are stored in a box and output, or output to a plurality of boxes. It is an object of the present invention to provide a data output device and a data output control program that improve convenience when a start time is set.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) First and second boxes that can be stored by dividing data, output means for outputting data stored in the first and second boxes, and output of stored data for each box calculating an output time setting means capable of setting a start time, and priority setting means for setting a priority for each box, the first box, the output end time by said output means of the data stored in the box The output end time calculating means for comparing the output end time of the first box with the output start time of the second box before starting the output of the first box, When the output start time comes before the output end time of the first box, the comparison means for comparing the priorities of the first box and the second box, and the higher priority as a result of the comparison. And a control means for outputting the box to control the output unit to be outputted with priority, wherein the control means, the comparison result, if the priority of the second box is high, the first box (A) The data is output by another data output device, (b) is output after the data output of the second box is completed, (c) is output until the output start time of the second box, A data output device that performs processing by either outputting the rest after the output ends.
(2) For each box, a waiting allowable time setting unit capable of delaying the set data output start time is provided, and the control unit outputs the second if the priority of the first box is high as a result of the comparison. If the output of the data in the first box does not end within the waiting allowable time set in the box, the data in the second box is output by another data output device. The data output device described.
(3) the control means, or to output the data of the second box after the output of the data of the first box, the data output apparatus according to item 2 to select whether to output another data output device.
(4) An output step for causing the output means to output data stored in the first and second boxes that can be stored by dividing the data, and an output time for setting the output start time of the stored data for each box A setting step; a priority setting step for setting a priority for each box; an output end time calculating step for calculating an output end time in the output step of the data stored in the box for the first box; Before the output of the first box is started, the calculated output end time of the first box is compared with the output start time of the second box, and the output start time of the second box is the same as that of the first box. When it comes before the output end time, a comparison step for comparing the priorities of the first box and the second box, and as a result of the comparison, A control step of controlling the output means so that the output of the upper box is preferentially output, and in the control step, the priority of the second box is high as a result of the comparison The data of the first box is (a) output by another data output device, (b) is output after the data output of the second box is finished, (c) is output until the output start time of the second box A data output control program for causing a computer to execute processing by either outputting the rest after the output of the second box is completed.
(5) For each box, the computer further executes a waiting allowable time setting step capable of delaying the set data output start time. In the control step, the priority of the first box is high as a result of comparison. If the output of the data in the first box does not end within the waiting allowable time set in the second box, a process for causing the computer to output the data in the second box by another data output device is performed. 5. The data output control program according to item 4, which is executed.
(6) In the control step described above, the computer executes a process of selecting whether to output the data in the second box after the output of the data in the first box or to output the data in another data output device. Data output control program.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (1), before the output of the first box is started, the calculated output end time of the first box is compared with the output start time of the second box . When the output start time of the first box comes before the output end time of the first box, the priority of the box with the higher priority is given priority by comparing the priority of the first box and the second box. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the output of the high priority box from being postponed.

  In other words, if the print start time is set for multiple boxes and the data in the box is output when the print start time arrives, the other boxes must be Since the conventional problem when the print start time of the time has arrived can be solved by introducing the priority, the convenience can be improved.

In addition, when the priority of the second box is high, the data of the first box whose output start time has arrived is output by another data output device, or after the data output of the second box is completed, It is possible to output until the output start time of the second box, and output the rest after the output of the second box ends.

According to the invention described in item (2) above, when the priority of the first box is high, the output of the data in the first box does not end within the waiting allowable time set in the second box. In this case, since the data in the second box is output by another data output device, it can be output by the own device as much as possible, and the load on the other data output device can be delayed.

According to the invention described in (3) above, when the first box data is being output when the output start time of the second box has arrived, the data in the second box is changed to the first box. In addition to the output after the output of the data, it is possible to output the data with another data output device so that the output can be obtained early, which is convenient.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (4) , before the output of the first box is started, the calculated output end time of the first box is compared with the output start time of the second box . When the output start time of the first box comes before the output end time of the first box, the priority of the box with the higher priority is given priority by comparing the priorities of the first box and the second box. By executing the processing to be performed by the computer, it is possible to prevent the output of the high priority box from being postponed.

In addition, when the priority of the second box is high, the data of the first box whose output start time has arrived is output by another data output device, or after the data output of the second box is completed, It is possible to cause the computer to execute a process of outputting until the output start time of the second box and outputting the rest after the output of the second box is completed.

According to the invention described in (5) above, when the priority of the first box is high, the output of the data in the first box does not end within the waiting allowable time set in the second box. In this case, it is possible to cause the computer to execute a process for outputting the data in the second box by another data output device.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (6) , when the first box data is being output when the output start time of the second box has arrived, the data in the second box is changed to the first box. In addition to outputting the data after the data is output, the output product can be obtained at an early stage by causing the computer to execute processing to be output by another data output device.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of an image forming system using an image forming apparatus which is a data output apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  This system includes an image forming apparatus 1 as a data output apparatus and a terminal apparatus 2, and the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatus 2 are connected to each other via a network 3.

  Here, the network 3 may be any one of a network using a dedicated line such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a network using a general line, and a network using wireless communication.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) that forms a scanned original image and a copy image of an image generated from print data transmitted from the terminal device 2 on a sheet.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to other image forming apparatuses 4 and 5 such as MFPs and printers via a network 3.

  The terminal device 2 is a general computer device to which a CPU, a RAM, a fixed storage device, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like are connected. The terminal device 2 transmits various requests such as a print request and a data storage request to the image forming apparatus 1 based on a user instruction.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a ROM 102 storing a control program including an output control program, an S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) 103 for work, and a battery backup for storing various settings related to image formation. An NV-RAM (nonvolatile memory) 104 and a clock IC 105 having a calendar function are connected via a bus to constitute a control unit 100.

  The control unit 100 includes an image reading device 120 that reads a document image, an operation panel 130 that includes various input keys and a display unit, and image forming devices 4 and 5 and a terminal device 2 that are connected via the network 3. A network interface (hereinafter referred to as a network I / F) 160 for transmitting and receiving various types of information to and from an external device such as a printer controller 150 that generates a copy image from print data received by the network I / F 160 An image output device (printing device) 140 that forms a copy image on paper is connected to each other via a bus.

  A fixed storage device 110 is connected to the control unit 100 via a bus. The fixed storage device 110 is, for example, a hard disk device.

  The fixed storage device 110 includes “boxes” 111, 112, 113... That are divided storage areas, and is generated from a document image read by the image reading device 120 and print data transmitted from the terminal device 2. The copied image and various types of information can be stored in the box as electronic data. The electronic data stored in the box can be printed or transmitted to the terminal device 2 via the network I / F 160.

  There are two types of boxes 111, 112, 113... "Public box" that does not restrict access to stored documents and "Private box" that allows access only to specific users or user groups. There is. The private box is configured so as to restrict access by a password, for example. By assigning a password to a specific user or group, only the assigned user or group can access the document stored in the box.

  The fixed storage device 110 can include one or more boxes, both public and private boxes. Individual boxes are uniquely identified by box numbers. It is also possible to give a name so that humans can easily identify individual boxes.

  Both public and private boxes can store one or more documents in one box. Documents stored in the boxes are assigned document numbers that uniquely identify the documents across all boxes. In addition, a document name can be assigned in the same manner as a box.

  Boxes 111, 112, 113... Are created by operations on the operation panel 130. At this time, the box number, box name, and box type (public box or private box) are input via the operation panel 130 and stored in the fixed storage device 110. In the case of a private box, a password is further input and stored in the fixed storage device 110. The box can be deleted by an operation on the operation panel 130.

  Next, an overall processing flow between the terminal device 2 and the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.

  The user sets print start conditions for one or a plurality of boxes using the operation panel 130 of the image forming apparatus 1 or the terminal device 2. In this embodiment, the number of data stored in the box can be set, the number of data for each user can be set, or the print start time can be set. Further, the user can set the print mode for each box together with the setting of the print start condition. The set print start condition and print mode are accepted by the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 and become effective.

  FIG. 3A shows an example of the print start condition and print mode set for each box. In this example, a box (indicated as BOX in the drawing) 1 has a print start condition set at a print start time (12:00), and “color printing / A4 size / single-sided printing” is set as a print mode. In Box 2, the print start condition is set at the print start time (13:00), and “monochrome print / A3 size / single-sided print” is set as the print mode. In box 3, the print start condition is set by the number of data (five), and “color printing / A4 size / double-sided printing” is set as the print mode.

  The set contents are stored in the fixed storage device 110 as a setting information management table shown in FIG. The CPU 101 refers to this setting information management table and performs print control processing based on the setting contents.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the user designates a box and transmits print data to the image forming apparatus 1 with the print start condition and the print mode set as described above, the image forming apparatus In 1, the transmitted print data is stored in a designated box.

  When the print start time is set as the print start condition, the data in the box is printed in the set print mode when the set print start time comes.

  When the number of stored data is set as the print start condition, when the data stored in the box reaches the set number, the data is printed in the set print mode. In this case, when the print start time is set together, when the print start time comes, printing is performed even if the number of stored data does not reach the set number.

  When the number of data for each user is set as the print start condition, when the number of data for each user stored in the box reaches the set number, the data is printed. In this case, if the print start time is set at the same time, when the print start time arrives, printing is performed even if the number of stored data has not reached the set number, but there is insufficient data before printing. It is also possible to make a setting so as to notify the user who has been set or all the set users that the data is insufficient.

  If the print start time is set as a print start condition for a plurality of boxes, the data in each box is printed when the print start time comes. In this case, if the print start time of another box arrives before the print completion time of the box data whose print start time has arrived first, the print data is transmitted to the other image forming apparatuses 4 and 5. For example, the print adjustment is performed.

Hereinafter, a print control process when printing data in a box in which a print start condition is set will be specifically described.
1) First Embodiment In this embodiment, the number of data stored in a box is set as a print start condition, and further, the number of data and the print start time are set together.

  Assume that “number of data 5” is set in the box 3 shown in FIG. Print data is transmitted from the user to the box 3 via the terminal device 2, and the print data is stored in the box (FIG. 4B). Printing of all data stored in the box 3 is started (FIG. 4 (d)) at the time when the number of data reaches 5 which is the set print start condition (FIG. 4 (c)).

  If the number of data and the print start time are set together, when the print start time comes before the print data reaches the set number, the data in the box is automatically printed at that time.

  Control performed by the CPU 101 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. This control is executed by the CPU 101 operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main routine. In step S11 of FIG. 5, the CPU 101 confirms the setting conditions of the setting information management table of FIG. 3B stored in the fixed storage device 110, and a box in which the print start time is set as the print start condition is displayed. Judge whether there is. If there is no box in which the print start time is set (NO in step S11), the process proceeds to step S13.

  If there is a box for which the print start time is set (YES in step S11), a print start determination process based on the print start time is performed in step S12, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, a print main process is performed, and the image output apparatus 140 prints the print target data, and then the process returns to step S11.

  If there is a data reception interrupt during the main routine control, the data reception processing shown in FIG. 6 is executed. In FIG. 6, it is checked in step S21 whether the received data is stored data in a box. If the received data is not stored data (NO in step S21), it is determined as normal printing, and the received data is determined in step S23. The print request is issued and the interruption process is terminated. This print request is determined in the print main process in step S13 in the main flowchart of FIG. 5, and printing is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is stored data (YES in step S21), the received data is stored in the designated box in step S22, and then the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, after executing the print start determination process based on the number of data, the interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a subroutine of the print start determination process in step S24.

  In step S214, it is checked whether or not data is stored in a box whose number of data is used as a print start condition. If not stored (NO in step S241), the process directly returns.

  If stored (YES in step S241), the number of data stored in the stored box and the number of set data are confirmed in step S242. In step S243, the number of stored data is compared with the number of set data. If the print start condition is satisfied, that is, if the number of stored data is equal to or greater than the number of set data (YES in step S243), step S244 is performed. Then, a print request for all stored data is issued. This print request is determined in the print main process in step S13 in the main flowchart of FIG. 5, and printing is executed.

  Next, after the box is deleted in step S245, the process returns.

  If the number of stored data is smaller than the number of set data in step S243 (NO in step S243), the print start condition is not satisfied and the process returns as it is.

  In this way, when the number of data stored in a predetermined box reaches the set number, all stored data is automatically printed. For example, when a plurality of people create conference materials. If the data of the material created by each person is stored in a predetermined box, the data is automatically printed when the data of each person is prepared. For this reason, it is unnecessary for the person in charge to sequentially monitor whether all the data is prepared, and it is not necessary to perform a printing operation when all the data is prepared, which is extremely convenient.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of print start determination processing by setting the time in step S12 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S121, the CPU 101 checks the number of registered boxes (BoxNum), initializes the box number variable x in step S122, and performs the following processing for all boxes x. That is, after confirming that x is smaller than the number of registered boxes (NO in step S123), first, in step S124, it is confirmed whether a print start time is set as a print start condition for box x. If not set (NO in step S124), the box number variable x is incremented in step S128 to check the next box. If set (in the case of YES in step S124), the process proceeds to step 125, where the current time is compared with the set time to determine whether the condition is satisfied (whether the current time has reached the set time). .

  If the condition is not satisfied (NO in step S125), the process proceeds to step S128, and the confirmation in step S124 is performed for the next box. If the condition is satisfied (YES in step S125), a print request for all data stored in the box is issued in step S126. This print request is determined in the print main process in step S13 in the main flowchart of FIG. 5, and printing is executed.

  Next, after the box is deleted in step S127, the box number variable x is incremented in step S128, and the above processing is repeated for the next box.

  In this way, it is confirmed whether or not the print start condition is satisfied for all the registered boxes. If the print start condition is satisfied, a print request for the data of the box is made and the box is deleted.

  When all the boxes have been confirmed (YES in step S123), the process returns.

As described above, for a box in which the print start condition is set at the print start time, even if the number of data does not reach the set number, the data in the box is automatically printed when the print start time comes. . In other words, since it is possible to set a deadline time for aligning data in each box, there is no need to wait for a long time until all the data is aligned.
2) Second embodiment In this embodiment, a user name and the number of print data are set as print start conditions, and a time at which printing is forcibly started even if the number of data is not set is set and set. It is configured to notify that data is not available before the print start time.

  FIG. 9A shows the setting contents of the print start condition for a certain box. In this example, the number of data (number of files) 3, 2, and 1 is set for user (creator) A, user (creator) B, and user (creator) C, respectively, and the print start time is set to 12:00. The notification time when data is not available is set to 11:45. In addition, the notification destination addresses of the creators A to C are set in advance.

  As shown in FIG. 9 (b), data (files) A and C are transmitted from user A and data (files) B and D are transmitted from user B by 11:45 of the notification set time, and are sent to the box. If stored, these are managed in the received file management table, and it is understood that one file by user A and one file by user C are insufficient at 11:45 as the notification time.

  Therefore, at 11:45, which is the notification time, the user A and C addresses are notified that the data is insufficient. Note that the notification may be given to everyone including the user B. By this notification, the user A or the user C can transmit the insufficient data (file) E by the print start time and store it in the box.

  The control performed by the CPU 101 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. This control is executed by the CPU 101 operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the main routine. In step S31 of FIG. 9, the CPU 101 confirms the setting conditions of the setting information management table of FIG. 3B stored in the fixed storage device 110, and the user name and the number of data are set as the print start conditions. Determine if there is a box. If there is no box in which the user name and the number of data are set (NO in step S31), the process proceeds to step S33.

  If there is a box in which the user name and the number of data are set (YES in step S31), the lack data notification determination process is performed in step S32, and then the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, it is determined whether there is a box in which a print start time is set as a print start condition.

  If there is a box in which the print start time is set (YES in step S33), a print start determination process based on the print start time is performed in step S34, and the process proceeds to step S35. If there is no box for which the print start time is set (NO in step S33), the process proceeds directly to step S35.

  In step S35, print main processing is performed, and the image output apparatus 140 is caused to print the print target data, and then the process returns to step S31.

  If there is a data reception interrupt during the main routine control, the data reception processing shown in FIG. 11 is executed. In FIG. 11, it is checked in step S41 whether the received data is stored data in a box. If the received data is not stored data (NO in step S41), it is determined as normal printing, and the received data is determined in step S43. The print request is issued and the interruption process is terminated. This print request is determined in the print main process in step S35 in the main flowchart of FIG. 10, and printing is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is stored data (YES in step S41), in step S42, the received data is stored in the designated box, and then the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, after executing the print start determination process based on the user name and the number of data, the interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a subroutine of the print start determination process in step S44.

  In step S441, it is checked whether or not data is stored in the box having the user name and the number of data as a print start condition. If not stored (NO in step S441), the process directly returns.

  If stored (in the case of YES in step S441), the user number (UserNum) which is a variable is initialized in step S442, and the number of stored data is set for all the set users. Check if the number has been reached.

  That is, in step S443, it is checked whether or not the user number is equal to or less than the set number of users, in other words, whether or not there is a user whose number of data has not been confirmed. If the user number is equal to or less than the set number of users (YES in step S443). In step S444, the number of stored data of the user is compared with the number of set data.

  If the number of stored data has reached the set data number (in the case of YES at step S444), the user number is incremented at step S445, and it is confirmed whether the number of stored data has reached the set data number for the next user. .

  Thus, the number of stored data for each user is determined for the number of set users, and if it is confirmed that the number of stored data for all users has reached the set number of data (NO in step S443), step In S446, a print request for all stored data is issued. This print request is determined in the print main process in step S35 in the main flowchart of FIG. 10, and printing is executed.

  Next, after the box is deleted in step S447, the process returns.

  If the number of stored data has not reached the set data number for any user (NO in step S444), the process returns without issuing a print request.

  Thus, when the number of data of each user stored in the predetermined box reaches the set number, the stored data is automatically printed.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the content of the insufficient data notification determination process in step S32 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S321, the CPU 101 checks the number of registered boxes (BoxNum), sets the variable x of the box number to 1 in step S322, and performs the following processing for all boxes x. That is, first, in step S324, the current time is compared with the notification time set in the box x to determine whether the condition is satisfied (whether the current time has reached the notification time).

  If the condition is not satisfied (NO in step S324), the box number x is incremented in step S329, and the confirmation in step S324 is performed for the next box. If the condition is satisfied (YES in step S324), it is confirmed whether or not data is insufficient for each user set in the box.

  That is, after setting the variable user number to 1 in step S325, it is checked in step S326 whether the user number is equal to or less than the set number of users, in other words, whether there is a user whose number of data has not been confirmed. Is equal to or less than the set number of users (in the case of YES in step S326), in step S327, the stored data number of the user is compared with the set data number.

  If the number of stored data has not reached the set number of data (NO in step S327), in step S330, the user's address is notified that there is a shortage of data, and the process proceeds to step S328. If the number of stored data has reached the number of set data (YES in step S327), the process proceeds directly to step S328.

  In step S328, the user number is incremented, and it is confirmed whether the number of stored data has reached the set data number for the next user.

  In this way, the number of stored data of each user is confirmed for the set number of users while notifying the user who has insufficient data.

  When the confirmation is completed for all users set in the box (NO in step S326), the box number x is incremented in step S329, and the storage data for each user as described above for the next box is incremented. Confirmation process is performed.

  When the confirmation work is completed for all boxes (YES in step S323), the process returns.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the notification time for notifying that data is insufficient is set in the box, and when the notification time is reached, the address of the user whose data is insufficient is notified to that effect. Therefore, the user who has received the notification can take measures such as storing insufficient data, which is convenient.

  In this embodiment, the notification is made only to the user whose data is insufficient. However, if necessary, the notification may be made to all users set in the box.

The print start determination process in step S34 shown in FIG. 10 is the same as the process shown in FIG. Even if the data set in the box is not prepared by the print start determination process in step S34, printing is forcibly started when the print start time comes after notification of the lack of data.
3) Third Embodiment In this embodiment, in addition to the number of print start data, the print start time, and the print mode, a timer for extending the print start time can be set in the box, and the extension is in progress. When data is received and stored in the box, the timer is reset at that time.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. 14. In box 4, for example, the number of data, which is a print start condition, the print start time is 12:00, and the print mode is set as a timer (in FIG. 14, indicated as a printout start timer). 10 minutes is set.

  Now, when the four data (files) A to D are stored in the box (that is, the number of stored data is less than the set data number) and the print start time 12:00 comes, the timer is set. The printing start time is extended by 10 minutes. For example, when new data (file) E is stored at time 12: 4, which is being extended, the timer is reset at this point, and is further extended for 10 minutes, and the print start time becomes 12:14.

  If no new data is stored until this printing start time, all stored data A to E are printed at 12:14 of the printing start time. When new data F is stored by the print start time and the number of stored data reaches the set number of 6, all the data A to F are printed at that time.

  Control performed by the CPU 101 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. This control is executed by the CPU 101 operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the main routine. In step S51 of FIG. 15, the CPU 101 confirms the setting conditions of the setting information management table of FIG. 3B stored in the fixed storage device 110, the print start time is set as the print start condition, and the extension timer is set. Determine whether there is a set box. If there is no box in which these are set (NO in step S51), the process proceeds to step S53.

  If there is a box in which the print start time and the extension timer are set (YES in step S51), a timer count start determination process is performed in step S52, and the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S53, a print main process is performed to cause the image output apparatus 140 to print the print target data, and then the process returns to step S51.

  If there is a data reception interrupt during the main routine control, the data reception processing shown in FIG. 16 is executed.

  In FIG. 16, it is checked in step S61 whether the received data is stored data in a box. If the received data is not stored data (NO in step S61), it is determined as normal printing, and the received data is determined in step S63. The print request is issued and the interruption process is terminated. This print request is determined in the print main process in step S53 in the main flowchart of FIG. 15, and printing is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is stored data (YES in step S61), the received data is stored in the designated box and the timer is reset in step S62, and then the process proceeds to step S64. In step S64, after executing the print start determination process based on the number of data, the interrupt process is terminated.

  Note that the print start determination process in step S64 is the same as the print start determination process shown in FIG.

  Therefore, when the number of stored data reaches the set data number, all stored data is automatically printed.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of the timer count start determination process in step S52 of FIG.

  In step S521, the CPU 101 checks the number of registered boxes (BoxNum), initializes the variable x of the box number in step S522, and performs the following processing for all boxes x. That is, after confirming that x is smaller than the number of registered boxes (NO in step S523), first, in step S524, it is determined whether or not the timer count permission flag (timerCnt flag) is cleared. If not cleared (NO in step S524), the process proceeds to the timer count process in step S528.

  If the timer count permission flag is cleared (YES in step S524), in step S525, it is checked whether the box is a box for which the print start time and the extension timer are set, and the print start time and the extension timer are set. If the box is not set (NO in step S525), the process proceeds to the timer count process in step S528.

  If the print start time and the extension timer are set in the box (YES in step S525), the current time is compared with the print start time set in the box x in step S526, and the condition is satisfied. Whether the current time has reached the notification time is determined.

  If the condition is not satisfied (NO in step S526), the process proceeds to the timer count process in step S528. If the condition is satisfied (YES in step S526), the timer count permission flag is set in step S527, the extension timer for extending the print start time is set, and then the timer in step S528 is set. Proceed to the counting process. The timer count process will be described later. Note that the extension timer is a time set for the box, which is 10 minutes in the example of FIG.

  After the timer count processing, the box number x is incremented in step S529, and the processing in steps S524 to 528 as described above is repeated for the next box.

  When the processes of steps S524 to 528 are completed for all the boxes (YES in step S523), the process returns.

  The contents of the timer count process in step S528 are shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 18, it is checked in step S5281 whether the timer count permission flag is set. If it is not set (NO in step S5281), the process directly returns. If it is set (in the case of YES at step S5281), after the count of the extension timer is started at step S5282, it is checked at step S5283 whether the timer has become zero (whether it has flowed).

  If the timer is not zero (NO in step S5283), the timer is counting and returns. If the timer is zero (YES in step S5283), since the extended print start time has arrived, a print request for all data stored in the box is issued in step S5284. This print request is determined in the print main process in step S53 in the main flowchart of FIG. 15, and printing is executed.

  Next, in step S5285, after deleting the box in which all stored data is printed, the process returns.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the set print start time has arrived without the set number of data being aligned, the extension timer extends the print start time by the set time. It is possible to wait for the data to be collected within the user, which is highly convenient for the user who is late in creating the data.

  If data is stored within the extended time, the extension timer is reset in step S62 in FIG. 16, and if the number of data is not complete, the timer is counted from the beginning in the timer count process in FIG. The print start time can be further extended by a set time from the data storage time, and it is possible to further wait for the data to be prepared.

Even when data is stored before the print start time arrives, the extension timer is reset in step S62 in FIG. 16, but the print permission flag has not yet been set in the determination in step S5281 in FIG. The timer will not run.
4) Fourth Embodiment In this embodiment, a print start time is set as a box print start condition, a priority is set for the box, and the storage data of the box for which the print start time has arrived is set. Calculate the print end time. When there is another box whose print start time comes before the calculated print end time, the print adjustment according to the priority is performed between these boxes.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the printing start times of box 1 and box 2 are set to 11:45 and 12:00, respectively, the priority of box 1 is set to 2, and the priority of box 2 is set to 1. . In this embodiment, the priority is higher when the box is registered first, and higher when the priority is smaller. That is, the priority of box 2 is set higher than that of box 1. The priority criterion is not limited to the box registration after the box registration, and may be determined as appropriate.

  When the print start time of box 1 is 11:45, the CPU 101 calculates the print end time by calculating the print time of the data stored in box 1. If the data printing time of box 1 is 20 minutes, if the data of box 2 is printed after printing of box 1, the printing start time of box 2 will be 12: 5.

  Therefore, the priority of the box 1 and the box 2 is compared, and the print adjustment is performed so that the printing of the data in the box 2 having a higher priority is given priority.

  Specifically, the data of box 1 is printed by another data printing apparatus, the data of box 1 is printed after the printing of box 2 is completed, or the data of box 1 is printed until the printing start time of box 2 comes. After the printing of box 2 is completed, the rest of box 1 is printed. Which method should be adopted may be set in advance for each box.

  In this way, by performing the print adjustment according to the priority, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the printing of the box to which printing should be prioritized is delayed and the user of the box is late in obtaining the printed matter.

  Conversely, when the priority of box 1 is higher than that of box 2 and the printing start time of box 1 is earlier, the printing start time of box 2 by the printing end time of the data of box 1 is reached. When has arrived, it is processed as follows.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 20, it is assumed that the printing start time of box 1 is set to 12:00, the printing start time of box 2 is set to 12:10, and the priority is that of box 1 is high.

  At 12:00, which is the printing start time of box 1, the CPU 101 starts printing the data in box 1. If the printing time of box 1 is 12 minutes, printing of box 1 is performed even when the printing start time of box 2 is 12:10.

  Therefore, the CPU 101 prints the data in box 2 after printing the data in box 1 or when the print start time is 12:10, sends the data in box 2 to the other printing devices 4 and 5 for printing. Let Which one is adopted may be determined based on the permission / rejection setting in advance by setting permission / prohibition of printing in another apparatus for each box. When printing is performed by another printing apparatus, the fact is displayed on the operation panel 130 to notify the user.

  In this way, by enabling the printing of the box data after the print start time to be printed by another printing apparatus, the waiting time can be reduced and the printed matter can be obtained quickly.

  Further, in this case, an allowable waiting time is set for each box, and if printing of box 1 is scheduled to end within the allowable waiting time, printing of box 2 is performed after printing of box 1 is completed, and the allowable waiting time is set. If it is scheduled to end beyond this, the data in the box 2 may be printed by another printing apparatus.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 21, it is assumed that the printing start time of box 1 is set to 12:00, the printing start time of box 2 is set to 12:10, and the allowable waiting time of box 2 is set to 3 minutes. The priority is assumed to be high in box 1.

  At 12:00, which is the printing start time of box 1, the CPU 101 starts printing the data in box 1. If the printing time of box 1 is 12 minutes, printing of box 1 is performed even when the printing start time of box 2 is 12:10.

  Therefore, the CPU 101 calculates the print end time of box 1 when the print start time of box 2 is 12:10. In this example, the printing of box 1 ends at 12:12. Then, the time from the printing start time of box 2 to the printing end time of box 1 is compared with the allowable waiting time of box 2, and when the printing start of box 2 can be waited until the printing of box 1 is completed, box 1 The printing of box 2 is started after the end of printing. In the example of FIG. 21, the time (2 minutes) from the printing start time of box 2 (12:10) to the printing end time of box 1 (12:12) is shorter than the allowable waiting time (3 minutes). The data in box 2 is printed after box 1 is printed.

  Conversely, as shown in FIG. 22, if the printing time of box 1 is 15 minutes, the printing start time of box 2 exceeds 12:10 by 5 minutes, and printing of box 1 ends at 12:15. .

  In this case, the time (5 minutes) from the printing start time (12:10) of box 2 to the printing end time (12:15) of box 1 is longer than the waiting time allowed for box 2 (3 minutes). Therefore, when the print start time of box 2 is reached, the stored data of box 2 is transmitted to another printing apparatus for output.

  As described above, the data in the box 2 can be printed after the first box is printed or printed by another printing apparatus according to the waiting allowable time, which is convenient.

  In this embodiment, the control performed by the CPU 101 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. This control is executed by the CPU 101 operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the main routine. In step S71 in FIG. 23, the CPU 101 confirms the setting conditions in the setting information management table in FIG. 3B stored in the fixed storage device 110, and a box in which the print start time is set as the print start condition is displayed. Judge whether there is. If there is no box in which the print start time is set (NO in step S71), the process proceeds to step S73.

  If there is a box for which the print start time is set (YES in step S71), a print start determination process based on the print start time is performed in step S72, and the process proceeds to step S73.

  In step S73, a print main process is performed, and the image output device 140 is caused to print the print target data. Then, the process returns to step S71.

  If there is a data reception interrupt during the main routine control, the data reception processing shown in FIG. 24 is executed. In FIG. 24, in step S81, it is checked whether or not the received data is stored data in a box. If it is not stored data (NO in step S81), it is determined as normal printing, and received data is determined in step S83. The print request is issued and the interruption process is terminated. This print request is determined in the print main process in step S73 in the main flowchart of FIG. 23, and printing is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is stored data (YES in step S81), the received data is stored in the designated box in step S82, and then the interruption process is terminated.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a subroutine of the print start determination process in step S72 of FIG.

  In step S721, the CPU 101 checks the number of registered boxes (BoxNum), initializes a box number variable x in step S722, and performs the following processing on all boxes x. That is, after confirming that x is smaller than the number of registered boxes (NO in step S723), first, in step S724, it is confirmed whether or not the box x has a print start time set as a print start condition. If not set (NO in step S724), the box number variable x is incremented in step S728 to check the next box. If it is set (YES in step S724), the process proceeds to step 725, where the current time is compared with the set print start time, and whether the condition is satisfied (whether the current time has reached the print start time). Please).

  If the condition is not satisfied (NO in step S725), the box number variable x is incremented in step S728, and the confirmation in step S724 is performed for the next box. If the condition is satisfied (YES in step S725), in step S726, the print end time when all the stored data in the box is printed is calculated. This calculation may be performed by a known method (for example, a method described in JP-A-11-129557).

  Next, in step S727, priority confirmation processing is performed. This process will be described later.

  Next, in step S728, the box number variable x is incremented, and the processing of steps S724 to 727 is performed for the next box.

  In this way, after performing the processing of steps S724 to 727 for all the registration boxes (YES in step S723), the process returns.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the priority confirmation processing in step S727 of FIG. This process compares the priorities of both boxes when the printing start time of another box arrives before the printing of the box whose printing start time has arrived.

  After the box number variable y is initialized in step S7271, it is confirmed in step S7272 that y is smaller than the number of boxes (in the case of NO in step S7272), and in step S7274, box y is set as the print start condition. Check whether the print start time has been set. If it is not set (NO in step S7274), the box number variable y is incremented in step S7278 to check the next box. If set (YES in step S7274), the process proceeds to step 7275, where the calculated print end time of box x and the print start time of box y are compared to determine whether the condition is satisfied (in box x). Whether or not the print start time of the box y comes before the print end time).

  If the condition is not satisfied (NO in step S7275), it is not necessary to adjust the printing. Therefore, in step S7278, the box number variable x is incremented, and the next box is checked in step S7274. If the condition is satisfied (YES in step S7275), the priority of both boxes is compared in step S7276 to determine whether the priority of box y is higher than the priority of box x.

  If the priority of the box y is not higher than the priority of the box x (NO in step S7276), it is not necessary to adjust the printing. Therefore, the above processing is performed for the next box y via step S7278. Do.

  If the priority of the box y is higher than the priority of the box x, that is, if the priority value of the box y is smaller than the priority value of the box x (YES in step S7276), the low priority box. Since the printing start time of the box y having a high priority arrives before the printing of x is completed, the process proceeds to step S7277, where the alternative printing process is set for the box x for printing adjustment, and the process returns.

  On the other hand, if the corresponding box does not exist for all the boxes y (YES in step S7272), the process proceeds to step S7273, and after performing the print request process for the box x, the process returns.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the alternative printing process in step S7277 in FIG.

  In step S72771, the alternative processing setting set in box x is confirmed. If “1. Print with another printing apparatus” is set, the print data in box x is transferred to the other image forming apparatuses 4 and 5 in step S72772, and then the box x is deleted in step S72773. And return. The other image forming apparatus to which the print data is transferred outputs the print data.

  If “2. Print after completion of printing of box y” is set as a result of the confirmation in step S72771, the process returns without doing anything. Accordingly, in this case, the process waits until the printing of the box y is completed.

  As a result of the confirmation in step S72771, if “3. Print halfway and print the rest after printing of box y (division process)” is set, printing of all stored data in box x is performed in step S72774. In addition to issuing a request and setting an interrupt permission flag for permitting the printing of the box y having a high priority during printing, the box x is deleted in step S72775 and the process returns.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the contents of the print request process in step S7273 of FIG.

  In step S72731, it is determined whether data in another box is being printed. If printing is not in progress (NO in step S72731), the process advances to step S72739 to issue a print request for data stored in the box x. This print request is determined in the print main process in step S73 in the main flowchart of FIG. 23, and printing is executed. Next, after deleting the box x in step S72740, the process returns.

  On the other hand, if printing is in progress (YES in step S72731), the flow advances to step S72732 to compare the priority of the box for printing data with the priority of the box x. If the priority of the box during data printing is high (YES in step S72732), the process advances to step S72736 to check whether or not the box x is set to be printed in another device. If yes (YES in step S72736), the print data in box x is transferred to another apparatus in step S72737, and then the box is deleted in step S72738 and the process returns. As a result, the data in the box x is printed by another device without waiting for the end of the data currently being printed.

  If the setting for performing printing in another apparatus is not made (NO in step S72736), the process proceeds to step S72739, and a print request for the data stored in the box x is issued. In this case, the data printing in the box x is performed after the printing data is printed.

  If it is determined in step S72732 that box x has a higher priority than the box that is printing data (NO in step S72732), is an interrupt permission flag set for the box that is printing data in step S72733? Check for no. This interrupt permission flag is set in step S72774 in FIG.

  If the interrupt permission flag is set (YES in step S72733), an interrupt print request for the stored data in box x is issued in step S72734 in order to print the data in box x having a higher priority first. This interrupt print request is determined in the print main process in step S73 in the main flowchart of FIG. 23, and interrupt printing is executed.

  Accordingly, the printing of the box x having a high priority is not hindered by the printing of the box having a low priority, and printing is started at the printing start time set for the box x.

  After requesting interrupt printing, the box x is deleted in step S72735, and then the process returns.

  In step S72733, if the interrupt permission flag is not set for the box that is printing data (in the case of NO in step S72733), the process proceeds to step S72736, and printing is performed on another device according to the setting of box x, or printing is in progress. Printing is performed after data printing is completed.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing processing when the above-described allowable waiting time is set, and is replaced with a portion A surrounded by a broken line in FIG.

  In this process, when the priority of the box during data printing is high (YES in step S72732 in FIG. 28), or when the interrupt permission flag is not set for the box during data printing (NO in step S72733 in FIG. 28). ), The process proceeds to step S72751 in FIG. 29, and it is checked whether or not the box x is set to perform printing in another apparatus. If not (NO in step S72751), the process advances to step S72757 to issue a print request for the stored data in box x, and then deletes the box in step S72758 and returns.

  If the setting for performing printing in another device is made (YES in step S72736), the end time of the data being printed is calculated in step S72752, and the waiting allowable time for box x is acquired in step S72753.

  In step S72754, whether or not the print end time of the data being printed exceeds the print start time of the box x including the waiting allowable time, in other words, the print start time of the data in the box x is set to the print end time of the data being printed. Judge whether or not to wait. If it cannot wait (in the case of YES at step S72754), after the print data of box x is transferred to another device at step S72755, the box is deleted at step S72756, and the process returns.

  If it is possible to wait until the print end time (NO in step S72754), a print request for the stored data in box x is issued in step S72757, the box is deleted in step S72758, and the process returns.

  In this way, the waiting waiting time is set, and it is determined whether printing is performed by another device or waiting until the printing of the data being printed is finished in consideration of the waiting waiting time. Get better.

1 is a configuration explanatory diagram of an image forming system using an image forming apparatus which is a data output apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the image forming apparatus used for the system of FIG. (A) is a schematic diagram for explaining the printing start condition of a box, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a setting information management table. It is explanatory drawing of the printing control processing based on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a main flowchart which shows the printing control processing which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption control process at the time of the data reception in the middle of the process shown by the main flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the printing start judgment process of FIG.6 S24. 6 is a flowchart showing a print start determination process in step S12 of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the printing control processing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a main flowchart which shows the printing control process based on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption control process at the time of the data reception in the middle of the process shown by the main flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the printing start judgment process of FIG.11 S44. It is a flowchart which shows the insufficient data notification judgment process of step S32 of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the printing control processing based on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a main flowchart which shows the printing control processing concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 16 is a flowchart showing an interrupt control process at the time of data reception in the middle of the process shown in the main flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the timer count start judgment process of step S52 in the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the timer count process of step S528 in the flowchart of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the printing control processing which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is also an explanatory diagram of a print control process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is also an explanatory diagram of a print control process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is also an explanatory diagram of a print control process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a main flowchart which shows the printing control processing which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption control process at the time of the data reception in the middle of the process shown by the main flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the printing start judgment process of step S72 in the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the priority confirmation process of step S727 in the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the alternative printing process setting of step S7277 in the flowchart of FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a print request process in step S7273 in the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart replaced by the part of A enclosed with the broken line in the flowchart of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming device (data output device)
2 Terminal device 3 Network 4 Image forming device 5 Printer 101 CPU (data number setting means, control means, output time setting means, timer
, Priority setting means, output end time calculation means, comparison means)
111-113 Box 140 Image output device

Claims (6)

First and second boxes capable of storing data separately;
Output means for outputting data stored in each of the first and second boxes;
For each box, output time setting means capable of setting the output start time of stored data;
Priority setting means for setting the priority for each box;
The first box, and an output end time calculating means for calculating an output end time by said output means of the data stored in the box,
Before starting the output of the first box, the calculated output end time of the first box is compared with the output start time of the second box, and the output start time of the second box is the first box. A comparison means for comparing the priorities of the first box and the second box,
As a result of the comparison, control means for controlling the output means so that the output of the box with the higher priority is output preferentially;
Equipped with a,
When the priority of the second box is high as a result of the comparison, the control means, the data of the first box,
(A) Output with another data output device,
(B) Output after the data output of the second box is completed.
(C) Output until the output start time of the second box, and output the rest after the output of the second box ends.
A data output device characterized in that processing is performed by any of the above. For each box, equipped with a waiting time setting means capable of delaying the set data output start time,
When the priority of the first box is high as a result of the comparison, and the output of the data in the first box is not completed within the waiting allowable time set in the second box, the control means 2. The data output device according to claim 1, wherein the data in the second box is output by another data output device. 3. The data output device according to claim 2 , wherein the control means selects whether to output the data in the second box after the output of the data in the first box or to output the data in another data output device. An output step for causing the output means to output the data stored in the first and second boxes that can store the data separately;
For each box, an output time setting step for setting the output start time of stored data;
A priority setting step for setting the priority for each box;
An output end time calculating step for calculating an output end time in the output step of the data stored in the box for the first box;
Before starting the output of the first box, the calculated output end time of the first box is compared with the output start time of the second box, and the output start time of the second box is the first box. A comparison step for comparing the priorities of the first box and the second box,
As a result of the comparison, a control step for controlling the output means so that the output of the box with the higher priority is output preferentially;
To the computer,
In the control step, if the priority of the second box is high as a result of the comparison, the data of the first box is
(A) Output with another data output device,
(B) Output after the data output of the second box is completed.
(C) Output until the output start time of the second box, and output the rest after the output of the second box ends.
A data output control program for causing a computer to execute processing by any of the above. For each box, let the computer further execute a waiting allowable time setting step that can delay the set data output start time,
In the control step, as a result of the comparison, when the priority of the first box is high, when the output of the data of the first box does not end within the waiting allowable time set in the second box, 5. The data output control program according to claim 4, which causes a computer to execute a process of outputting the data in box 2 by another data output device. 6. The data according to claim 5, wherein in the control step, the computer executes a process of selecting whether to output the data in the second box after the output of the data in the first box or to output the data in another data output device. Output control program.

Images