The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinafter and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the invention, and wherein:
An embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to figures. However, scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples shown in figures.
First of all, structure of print processing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to
As shown in
The terminal device 1 is an information processing terminal such as Personal Computer (PC) and the like, and is able to conduct broadcasting of processing request information that relates to a predetermined processing, to the network N. In addition, in a case where response information is received from the MFP 2 that corresponds to the processing request information, the terminal device 1 sends job data, which is the entity of processing, to this MFP 2. Thus the MFP 2 executes the predetermined processing. Here, the predetermined processing means a processing that corresponds to a function of the MFP 2. For example, image reading processing by an image reading unit 24, print processing by an image forming unit 26, FAX sending processing by a communication unit 27, and the like can be mentioned. Here, in the present embodiment, processing request information and job data sent from the terminal device 1 are related to print processing.
The MFP 2 as the information processing device is a device that has a plurality of functions such as printer, scanner, and the like. The MFP 2 receives print job data sent from the terminal device 1, and conducts print processing that corresponds to the print job data.
The control unit 20 comprises a Central Processing Unit (CPU) not shown, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and the like. The CPU executes various kinds of processing described later, such as list type token generation processing, list type token receiving processing, and the like, by collaboration with various kinds of control programs that are stored in the memory unit 32 beforehand, and by using a predetermined region of the RAM as work area. Thus the CPU controls performance of each unit that structures the MFP in an integral manner.
The operation unit 21 is provided with an input key and the like, receives information that is inputted by a user as an input signal, and outputs the input signal to the control unit 20. The display unit 22 is structured with Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and the like, and displays various kinds of information in accordance with a display signal from the control unit 20. In addition, the display unit 22 may structure a touch panel combined with the operation unit 21.
The memory unit 23 comprises a non-volatile storage medium that is structured with a magnetic or an optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, and stores programs required to perform the MFP 2, and data related to execution of the program.
The memory unit 23 also stores job data sent from the terminal device 1 through the network N, image data of document that was read by the image reading unit 24, list type token described later that was generated by the information processing device itself, list type token sent from other MFP 2, and the like, under the control of the control unit 20.
Further, the memory unit 23 stores master flag, which shows whether the MFP 2 itself is a master MFP which becomes a distribution source of list type token described later, and the master flag is set to “ON” or “OFF” under the control of the control unit 20. Hereinafter, MFP 2 that has its master flag “ON” is referred to as master MFP, and MFP 2 that has its master flag “OFF” is referred to as slave MFP.
The memory unit 23 stores a condition table 231 to indicate a state of MFP 2 itself. Here, in the condition table 231, condition to calculate an evaluation value from specifications and functions provided to MFP 2 itself, load rate of each functional unit, and the like, is defined.
In addition, in the condition table 231, “network usage rate”, “waiting time”, and “under printing” are defined as a condition that relates to processing state of the MFP 2, and represents usage rate of the communication unit 27, waiting time of MFP 2 itself, and whether the image forming unit 26 is under usage or not, respectively. To each of these conditions, coefficient “−100”, “0.5”, and “−100” are defined respectively in correspondence, and the value identified by this coefficient is multiplied with the values of “network usage rate”, “waiting time”, and a value that corresponds to the state of “under printing” to obtain point, under control of the control unit 20. For example, in a case where the “network usage rate” is 10%, point is 10×−100=−1000, and in a case where the “waiting time” is 30 minutes, point is 30×0.5=15. Concerning “under printing”, “1” or “0” is set corresponding to whether it is conducting printing or not, and in a case where it is conducting printing, point is 1×−100=−100.
Further, in the condition table 231, a “minimum point” to determine whether MFP 2 itself is in a state in which the MFP 2 is able to conduct processing of the print job or not, is defined. By comparing the “minimum point” and the total value of each point that was calculated from the afore-mentioned conditions (hereinafter referred to as “state point”) under the control of the control unit 20, it is determined whether MFP 2 itself is in a state in which the MFP 2 is able to conduct processing of the print job or not. For example, in the afore-mentioned example, state point is 415 (i.e., 500+1000−1000+15−100=415), and thus exceeds the “minimum point” of 150. Therefore, it is determined that it is in a state in which the MFP 2 is able to conduct processing of the print job. Further, in a case where it is determined that it is in a state in which the MFP 2 is able to conduct processing of the print job, the control unit 20 sends the total value of each point as a state information of MFP 2 itself to other MFP 2, through the communication unit 27.
Here, in the afore-mentioned condition table 231, various kinds of conditions and coefficients that correspond to print processing request (pull print) from the terminal device 1 are defined. However, various kinds of conditions and coefficients set to the condition table 231 are not limited to the afore-mentioned example. It may also store condition table that corresponds to image reading processing, facsimile sending processing, and the like. Here, in such a case, concerning a list type token generation processing described later, list type token is generated for each function such as image reading processing, facsimile sending processing, and the like. Then, this list type token is sent (distributed) to each MFP 2 that is included in the list type token.
The image reading unit 24 includes a light source to irradiate light on a document, image sensors such as a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor to conduct photoelectric conversion of reflected light from the document, Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and the like, scanning unit to scan light irradiated to the document, an image processing unit to apply various kinds of conversions and processing to electric signal that is read by the image sensor and to output image data, and the like (none of them shown). The control unit 20 controls the image reading unit 24 in accordance with the processing request information (job data) that relates to reading an image sent from the terminal device 1, and thus executes image reading processing to read an image recorded on a document.
The paper storing and feeding unit 25 includes a paper storing unit to store recording paper, a paper availability detecting unit to detect whether paper is stored in the paper storing unit or not, a size detecting unit to detect paper size of the recording paper stored in the paper storing unit, a feeding unit to feed the recording paper stored in the paper storing unit, and the like (none of them shown). Under the control of the control unit 20, the paper storing and feeding unit 25 feeds a recording paper with paper size which corresponds to the image data or is instructed through the operation unit 21, to an image forming position of the image forming unit 26, and then ejects the recording paper after image forming.
The image forming unit 26 is a printer of ink jet type, laser type, thermal transfer type, dot impact type, and the like. The image forming unit 26 forms image on the recording paper in accordance with image data inputted from the control unit 20. The control unit 20 controls the image forming unit 26 in accordance with the processing request information (job data) that relates to printing, sent from the terminal device 1, and thus executes print processing to record image on the recording paper.
The communication unit 27 is provided with a communication interface such as network interface card and the like, and conducts communication control of various kinds of information that are sent and received among other devices connected to the network N. In addition, the communication unit 27 is provided with a facsimile modem and the like, and conducts facsimile communication. The control unit 20 controls the communication unit 27 in accordance with the processing request information (job data) that relates to sending facsimile, sent from the terminal device 1, and thus executes facsimile sending processing to send facsimile.
The I/F unit 28 is a communication interface that conducts data communication with other device, and is structured with Universal Serial Bus (USB), IEEE 1284, IEEE 1394, PCMCIA, and the like.
Hereinafter, performance of the MFP 2 will be described with reference to
First of all, the control unit 20 of the master MFP conducts broadcasting of state request information that require obtainment of state information, to slave MFP that is connected to print processing system 100 (step S11).
Meantime, in a case where the control unit 20 of the slave MFP receives the state request information sent from the master MFP (step S21), the control unit 20 of the slave MFP calculates state of device itself as a state point (step S22), in accordance with the condition table 231 stored in the memory unit 23. Then, it is determined whether it is in a state in which the slave MFP is able to conduct processing of the print job or not (step S23), by comparing the state point and the minimum point of the condition table 231.
In a case where it is determined in step S23 that the state point exceeds the minimum point (step S23; Yes), this state point is sent as state information to the master MFP, which is the sending source of the state request information (step S24), and the processing at the slave MFP side is concluded.
In addition, in a case where it is determined in step S23 that the state point is below the minimum point (step S23; No), the processing at the slave MFP side is concluded immediately.
On the other hand, in a case where the control unit 20 of the master MFP receives the state information sent from the salve MFP (step S12), the control unit 20 of the master MFP sorts the name of slave MFP, which is the sending source of the state information, in accordance with the value identified by the state information (state point). Subsequently, list of slave MFP after sorting is expressed in a list form, and generates list type token (list information) that has an operation flag recorded in connection with the slave MFP in highest order (step S13).
Here, the order of each MFP that are set in the list type token represents the order of information processing device that corresponds to the processing request from the terminal device 1, and it is preferable that MFP with higher state point is set to higher order. In this embodiment, all of the slave MFP that responded state information were included in the list type token. However, the embodiment is not limited to this given embodiment, and the slave MFP with the lowest state point, that is, the slave MFP in the lowest sort order, may be eliminated from the list type token.
Next, the control unit 20 of the master MFP sends (distributes) the generated list type token to each slave MFP that is included in the list type token (step S14). Further, in a case where a former list type token is stored in the memory unit 23, this former list type token is first deleted (step S15), and then the master flag is set to “OFF” (step S16), and the present processing is concluded.
Here, in the present embodiment, the master MFP is assigned to the MFP 2 in the highest order, that is, the MFP 2 with the highest state point, among the MFP 2 that are included in the list type token. However, it is not limited to the given embodiment, and the MFP 2 in the lowest order, that is, the MFP 2 with the lowest state point, may be assigned. Further, role as the master MFP may be assigned in rotation. Concerning a case where list type token is not yet generated, such as a case of initial operation of the print processing system 100 or the like, a predetermined MFP 2 may be assigned as the master MFP, or state point of each MFP 2 may be exchanged with each other and the MFP 2 with the highest state point may be assigned as the master MFP.
First of all, state request information is broadcasted from the MFP 2A which is the master MFP, to the slave MFP (MFP 2B through MFP 2F).
Subsequently, the slave MFP that received the state request information determines whether it is in a state in which the slave MFP that received the state request information is able to conduct processing of the print job or not, in accordance with the state point of device itself. In a case where it is determined that it is in a state in which the slave MFP that received the state request information is able to conduct processing, the state point is sent to the MFP 2A as the state information. Here, concerning the MFP 2E among the slave MFP, it is determined that it is not in a state in which the MFP 2E is able to conduct processing, and state information is not sent from the MFP 2E.
Next, when the MFP 2A receives the state information sent from the slave MFP (MFP 2B, MFP 2C, MFP 2D, and MFP 2F), it sorts the name of slave MFP, which is the sending source of the state information, in accordance with the state point identified by these state information. Subsequently, list of slave MFP after sorting is expressed in a list form, and generates list type token that has an operation flag set in connection with the slave MFP in highest order.
Subsequently, the MFP 2A distributes the list type token to the MFP 2B, MFP 2C, and MFP 2F that are included in the generated list type token, and then concludes the present processing. Then, standby is conducted until state request information is received from other MFP 2.
On the other hand, salve MFP that received the list type token (MFP 2B, MFP 2C, and MFP 2F) move on to list type token receiving processing described later (refer to
Next, processing that relates to receiving list type token (hereinafter referred to as list type token receiving processing) is described with reference to
First of all, when the control unit 2 receives a list type token (step S31), it determines whether MFP 2 itself has the master flag set to “ON” or not (step S32). In a case where it is determined that the master flag is set to “OFF” (step S32; No), it determines whether the order of MFP 2 itself is set in the highest order or not (step S33).
In a case where it is determined in step S33 that MFP 2 itself is set in the highest order (step S33; Yes), master flag that assigns MFP 2 itself as the master MFP is set to “ON” (step S34), and moves on to step S35. In a case where it is determined in step S33 that MFP 2 itself is not set in the highest order (step S33; No), it immediately moves on to step S35.
In the following step S35, the control unit 20 determines whether the operation flag of the list type token is recorded in connection with MFP 2 itself. In a case where it is determined that the operation flag is recorded in connection with MFP 2 itself (step S35; Yes), it moves on to job response processing (step S36) described later. In a case where it is determined in step S35 that the operation flag is recorded in connection with other MFP 2 (step S35; No), the present processing is concluded, and conducts standby until it receives the next list type token.
Hereinafter, job response processing of step S36 will be described with reference to
First of all, the control unit 20 conducts standby until it receives processing request information that is broadcasted from the terminal device 1 (step S361; No). In a case where it is determined that the processing request information is received (step S361; Yes), the control unit 20 sets the operation flag of the list type token, that was set in connection with MFP 2 itself, in connection with MFP 2 that is in lower order (step S362), as an updated list type token. Subsequently, the updated list type token is distributed to other MFP 2 included in the list type token (step S363). Here, in step S362, after the operation flag is set in order until it raches the MFP 2 in the lowest order, the operation flag is once again returned to the MFP 2 in the highest order.
Next, the control unit 20 sends response information that informs that MFP 2 itself will conduct the print processing, to the terminal device 1 which is the sending source of the print job data (step S364). Subsequently, the control unit 20 executes print processing that corresponds to the job data by controlling the paper storing and feeding unit 25 and the image forming unit 26 (step S365), concludes the present processing and the list type token receiving processing, and conducts standby until the next list type token is received.
As described above, since the MFP 2 that corresponds to the processing request is listed by the list type token beforehand, each MFP 2 that is included in the list type token can confirm in advance whether the device itself corresponds to the next processing request. Therefore, prompt operation can be conducted for the processing request.
Here, referring back to
In a case where it is determined in step S37 that the operation flag is recorded in connection with MFP 2 itself (step S37; Yes), the control unit 20 executes steps S38 through S43, concludes the present processing, and conducts standby until the next list type token is received. Here, concerning each processing of step S38 through S43, explanation is omitted since they are the same as the steps S11 through S16 of the afore-mentioned list type token generation processing.
On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S37 that the operation flag is recorded in connection with other MFP 2 (step S37; No), the control unit 20 immediately concludes the present processing and conducts standby until the next list type token is received.
First of all, in a case where processing request information is broadcasted to each MFP 2 from either one of terminal device 1 among a plurality of terminal devices 1 that are connected to the print processing system 100, the MFP 2 which determined that the operation flag set in the list type token is set in connection with the MFP 2 itself (MFP 2C), among the MFP 2 that received the processing request information.
Then, the MFP 2C resets the operation flag of the list type token which is set in connection with MFP 2 itself to the MFP 2 that is in the lower order (MFP 2F) (refer to
Subsequently, the MFP 2C sends response information that corresponds to the processing request information to the terminal device 1, which is the sending source of the processing request information, and then executes processing in accordance with the job data sent from the terminal device 1.
Next, in a case where processing request information is broadcasted to each MFP 2 from either one of terminal device 1 among a plurality of terminal devices 1 that are connected to the print processing system 100, the MFP 2 which determined that the operation flag set IN the list type token is set in connection with MFP 2 itself (MFP 2F), among the MFP 2 that received the processing request information.
Then, the MFP 2F resets the operation flag of the list type token L which is set in connection with MFP 2 itself to the MFP 2 that is in the lower order (MFP 2B) (refer to
Subsequently, the MFP 2F sends response information that corresponds to the processing request information to the terminal device 1, which is the sending source of the processing request information, and then executes processing in accordance with the job data sent from the terminal device 1.
Further, in a case where processing request information is broadcasted to each MFP 2 from either one of terminal device 1 among a plurality of terminal devices 1 that are connected to the print processing system 100, the MFP 2 which determined that the operation flag set in the list type token is set in connection with MFP 2 itself (MFP 2B), among the MFP 2 that received the processing request information.
Then, the MFP 2B resets the operation flag of the list type token L which is set in connection with MFP 2 itself to the MFP 2 that is in the lower order (MFP 2C) (refer to
Subsequently, the MFP 2B sends response information that corresponds to the processing request information to the terminal device 1 which is the sending source of the processing request information, and then executes processing in accordance with the job data sent from the terminal device 1.
As described, among the MFP 2 included in a list type token, operation flag is passed in order in accordance with the order of each MFP 2 that is set in the list type token. Accordingly, it can be assumed that a ring network (token ring) is virtually structured among each MFP 2. That is, only the MFP 2 that is set in connection with the operation flag at a particular time responds to the processing request from the terminal device 1.
On the other hand, concerning the MFP 2C which has master flag set to “ON”, in other words, concerning the master MFP, in a case where it receives a list type token as shown n
As a result, since master MFP can be shifted for every predetermined timing, and since a newly generated list type token can be distributed, load that is borne on each MFP 2 can be distributed in accordance with the state of each MFP 2.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since a list type token that identifies the order of MFP 2 that corresponds to processing request, that is in accordance with the state of each MFP 2, is distributed to each MFP 2, processing request can be managed in accordance with the order that is identified in the list type token. Therefore, even in a case where processing capacity is non-uniform among each MFP 2, load that is borne on each MFP 2 can be distributed in accordance with the state of each MFP 2. As a result, efficient operation can be conducted.
Here, in a case where the MFP 2, that is set with the operation flag, does not respond to the processing request information form the terminal device 1, for reasons such as occurrence of failure or the like, other MFP can detect such failure by determining whether the list type flag is received in a predetermined time from reception of the processing request information (hereinafter referred to as first predetermined time) or not. In such case, performance of the print processing system 100 can be maintained by having the master MFP, that detected the failure, set the operation flag to the MFP in lower order to update the list type token, and then distributing the updated list type token to each MFP 2 included in the list type token.
Further, in a case where the MFP 2, that is newly set with the operation flag, does not respond to the processing request information, the master MFP that detected the failure resets the operation flag to MFP in further lower order, and updates the list type token. Then the updated list type token is distributed to each MFP 2 included in the list type token. In a case where the operation flag is set in connection with the MFP in the lowest orders the afore-mentioned list type token generation processing (refer to
Concerning the afore-mentioned failure, in a case where the MFP does not respond, in a similar manner, other MFP 2 can detect such failure by determining whether the list type flag is received in a predetermined time from reception of the processing request information (hereinafter referred to as second predetermined time) or not. Here, it is preferable that the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time. In such case, the MFP 2 that is in the next order from the highest order set in the list type token updates the list type token by eliminating the MFP 2 in the highest order, that is, the master MFP. Then, this updated list type token is distributed to each MFP 2 included in the list type token, and thus performance of the print processing system 100 can be maintained.
Here, the present invention is not limited to the afore-mentioned embodiment, and various kinds of modifications and alteration in design can be applied so long as it does not deviate the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the afore-mentioned embodiment, the MFP 2 that became the master MFP does not generate state information (state point). However, it is not limited to such embodiment, and the MFP 2 that became the master MFP may also generate state information, and generate list type token in accordance with the generated state information.
Further, in the afore-mentioned embodiment, a new list type token was generated in a timing in which the operation flag of the list type token makes a circle of the MFP 2 included in the list type token. However, it is not limited to such embodiment, and a new list type token may be generated in a timing, when time that is longer than a predetermined time is timed by the master MFP.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2006-145210 | May 2006 | JP | national |