Image forming job managing apparatus, method of same, and program for same

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00011. Field of the Invention

0002The present invention relates to an image forming job managing apparatus, a method for managing image formation, a program for the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming job managing apparatus, a method for managing image formation, a program for the same capable of realizing a process management apparatus for a printing system configured to output (print and bind) a document.

00032. Description of the Related Art

0004There is a conventional service known as “copy service” or “printing service” in which, in response to an order placed by a client, a predetermined number of copies of a predetermined document is produced and bound in a predetermined style.

0005When a request for such a printing operation is made, the client mails a document recorded on paper or an electronic medium (flexible disk (FD), magneto-optical disk (MO), compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM) or the like) to a company providing the printing service (i.e., service provider) together with a print instruction including information such as the number of copies to print, the binding style, and the delivery date (this process may be referred to as “new document submission”). There is also a submission system provided by service providers through the Internet in which the user can submit an electronic document using, for example, a browser program. Furthermore, there is a system in which the client can contact the service provider by, for example, telephone to assign a document that has been previously printed and stored by the service provider and the number of copies to be reprinted (this process may be referred to as “repeated submission”).

0006When the service provider receives various orders from specified and unspecified users, the service provider determines the processing order and the processing schedules of these orders (work assignment, scheduling) on the basis of the number of copies to be produced, the delivery date of the copies, and limitations on man power and material resources. Then, according to the determined schedule, the submitted document is read with a copy machines or a scanner (when the document is a hard copy) or printed out with a printer connected to a personal computer (when the document is an electronic document). The produced copies are checked, collated, and, finally, delivered to the client.

0007However, such a scheduling method for work assignment is not always efficient. In particular, when a problem occurs during any of the steps in the document production process has to be rescheduled, requiring many extra man-hours by the persons involved with the job. To solve such a problem, process management apparatuses configured to automatically determine work schedules and to assign work to the appropriate personnel are currently in use.

0008An example of such a known printing process management apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-40099. Here, the process management apparatus has a resource assignment function in which jobs to be processed are stored in queue and processed in order of priority.

0009Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-63003 discloses a process management apparatus having a job assignment function capable of assigning jobs, if necessary, to a plurality of resources so that distributed processing can be carried out for the jobs while taking into consideration the availability of the resources used for processing and the delivery date of the product.

0010Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-63004 discloses a process management apparatus having a function that allows the schedules concerning the entire printing system to be grasped intuitively and allows the processing dates of the printing jobs or the object to be processed to be changed by intuitive operation.

0011The aforementioned known process management apparatuses described above have disadvantages in that, when a job that has to be processed urgently is received once a schedule is assigned appropriately, the entire schedule has to be manually reassigned or, even when the job is assigned to a plurality of resources for processing, the delivery date may have to be to be postponed. Such problems may be solved by placing priority on urgent jobs. However, each time an urgent job is received, the priority of the job must be set, causing a reduction in the work efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0012By taking into consideration, the above-identified problems, the present invention provides an image forming job managing apparatus, a method for managing image formation, and program for the same that allows a schedule for an image formation job to be changed easily so that schedule management is achieved through easy operation.

0013One aspect of the present invention provides an imaging forming job management apparatus including a virtual job assignment unit configured to assign an image forming job for forming images to a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the image forming job being a virtual image forming job for forming images using an image forming apparatus group including the plurality of image forming apparatuses, a real job assignment unit configured to assign an image forming job for forming images to a single image forming apparatus, the image forming job being a real image forming job for forming images using a single image forming apparatus, and a schedule managing unit configured to manage image forming jobs according to a schedule, the schedule being generated by assigning each of the image forming jobs to at least one image forming apparatus using either the virtual job assignment unit or the real job assignment unit.

0014Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of managing image forming jobs including assigning an image forming job for forming images to a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the image forming job being a virtual image forming job for forming images using an image forming apparatus group including the plurality of image forming apparatuses, assigning an image forming job for forming images to a single image forming apparatus, the image forming job being a real image forming job for forming images using a single image forming apparatus, and managing image forming jobs according to a schedule, the schedule being generated by assigning each of the image forming jobs to at least one image forming apparatus using either the virtual job assignment unit or the real job assignment unit.

0015Another aspect of the present invention provides an image forming job management apparatus configured to generate schedule information by scheduling orders to be processed by a printer capable of communication, the apparatus including a first assigning unit configured to assign a first order to a predetermined time and a predetermined printer, a schedule determining unit configured to determine whether a second order is assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer, an order attribute determining unit configured to determine whether or not the second order has been assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer by the first assigning unit when the schedule determining unit determines that a second order is assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer, and a schedule generating unit configured to generate schedule information so as to process the first order at the predetermined time with the predetermined printer, the first order being assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer by the first assigning unit, and to generate schedule information so as to change the predetermined time and the predetermined printer to which the second order is assigned, the second order not being assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer, when the order attribute determining unit determines that a second order is already assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer, the second order not being assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer.

0016Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of managing image forming jobs for generating schedule information by scheduling orders to be processed by a printer, the method including A) assigning a first order to a predetermined time and a predetermined printer, B) determining whether a second order is assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer, C) determining whether or not the second order has been assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer in step A when step B determines that a second order is assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer, D) generating schedule information so as to process the first order at the predetermined time with the predetermined printer, the first order being assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer in step A, and generating schedule information so as to change the predetermined time and the predetermined printer to which the second order is assigned, the second order being assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer in a step other than step A, when step C determines that a second order is already assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer, the second order being assigned to the predetermined time and the predetermined printer in a step other than step A.

0017Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an exemplary topology of a network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is illustrates an exemplary architecture of a typical personal computer (PC) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates an exemplary architecture of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a flow diagram of a general overview of an exemplary processing sequence according to an embodiment of the present invention including document submission, ordering, order management, and schedule management.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a screen showing an exemplary log-in process a document submission client according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates an exemplary file submission screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates another exemplary file submission screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates an exemplary job ticket screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates an exemplary order manager screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates an exemplary order manager screen (real printer) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates an exemplary order manager screen (virtual printer) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates an exemplary software configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> illustrates exemplary printer information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> illustrates a flow chart showing an exemplary print time calculation process carried out by a scheduler server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates an exemplary scheduler user interface (UI) corresponding to a work schedule produced by the schedule server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> illustrates a flow chart showing an exemplary overview of a basic process according to an embodiment of the present invention carried out when a predetermined order is selected, dragged, and dropped on a displayed printer name.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> illustrates a flow chart showing an exemplary distributed process carried out when a job is assigned to a distributed virtual printer in a scheduler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> illustrates an exemplary scheduler UI corresponding to a work schedule produced by the schedule server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> illustrates another exemplary scheduler UI corresponding to a work schedule produced by the schedule server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> illustrates a flow chart showing an exemplary scheduler process carried out on a manager PC according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> illustrates yet another exemplary scheduler UI corresponding to a work schedule produced by the schedule server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> illustrates still yet another exemplary scheduler UI corresponding to a work schedule produced by the schedule server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> illustrates exemplary storage information on schedule information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> illustrates exemplary updated storage information on schedule information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> illustrates an exemplary reserved time setting UI according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

0043Numerous embodiments, features and aspects of the present invention will now be described below with reference to the drawings.

0044As described in detail below, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the user uploads printing document data (hereinafter simply referred to as the “document”) to a print server connectable via a communication network, and the operator in charge of printing at the printing facility (hereinafter simply referred to as the “operator”) uses the service provided by the print server to specify the print style and delivery date. The present invention provides an image forming job managing apparatus, a method for managing image formation, and a program for the same capable of realizing a process management apparatus for a printing system configured to output (print and bind) a document. Accordingly, the aforementioned provide a printing system configured to output a document in accordance with the specified print style and deliver this document to the user by the delivery date.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an exemplary network topology employed in the embodiments present invention. The network topology shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> includes at least three bases on the network, i.e., a client base <b>161</b>, a print server base <b>162</b>, and a print base <b>163</b>. The client base <b>161</b> includes at least one client personal computer (PC) or the like (e.g., this client PC may also be a word processing apparatus or a game apparatus including a communication device). The client PC includes a communication device connectable to the Internet and a peripheral device capable of using at least the function provided by a print server according this embodiment. The client base <b>161</b> is not limited and may be any type of system using a local area network (LAN) in an office or a home-use information apparatus.

0046The print server base <b>162</b> includes at least the print server according to this embodiment. The print server includes a communication device connectable to a specified (or an unspecified) client PC via the Internet <b>142</b>. The print base <b>163</b> includes at least one printing device and a manager PC <b>106</b> configured to manage related to the printing process carried out at the print base <b>163</b>. When the printing device provided at the print base <b>163</b> is directly connectable to the Internet <b>142</b>, the print job sent via the Internet <b>142</b> can be directly processed. The manager PC <b>106</b> includes a communication unit capable of accessing the print server via the Internet <b>142</b>. The print base <b>163</b> is, for example, a print base included in an intranet print-on-demand (POD) system or a centralized reprographic department.

0047In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a desktop PC <b>101</b>, a notebook PC <b>102</b>, and a word processing device <b>103</b> (which are simply referred to as “client PCs”) are connectable to a print server <b>104</b> via a local area network LAN <b>121</b> and the Internet <b>141</b>. They each have a browser function and are capable of issuing various commands to the print server <b>104</b>. The user can use any of these client PCs <b>101</b>, <b>102</b>, and <b>103</b> to upload a predetermine document to the print server <b>104</b> and place an order for printing and binding (hereinafter simply referred to as an “order”) by specifying the printing style, the delivery date, and the delivery destination through a document submission screen provided by the print server <b>104</b>. The client PCs <b>101</b>, <b>102</b>, and <b>103</b> use a predetermined protocol to communicate with the print server <b>104</b> and carry out various processes required for log-in, management of communication sessions, network communication, and security management.

0048As mentioned, the client PCs <b>101</b>, <b>102</b>, and <b>103</b> are connected to a local area network (LAN) <b>121</b> that enables connection with an external network via the Internet <b>141</b>. The client PCs <b>101</b>, <b>102</b>, and <b>103</b> may be capable of mutual communication with the print server <b>104</b> by downloading a JAVA® applet for document submission from the print server <b>104</b> or may use technologies developed by Macromedia Incorporated, such as Flash Remoting, Flash, and ActionScript to receive processing synchronously or asynchronously with frontend/backend systems. Instead, it is also possible for the client PCs <b>101</b>, <b>102</b>, and <b>103</b> to pole the print server <b>104</b> so that the client PCs <b>101</b>, <b>102</b>, and <b>103</b> appear as though they are accessing the active information in the print server <b>104</b> at real time. According to this embodiment, the communication protocol and communication technology are not limited. Hereinafter, it is assumed that mutual communication between the client PCs <b>101</b>, <b>102</b>, and <b>103</b> and the print server <b>104</b> is established.

0049The print server <b>104</b> includes a communication unit capable of providing a service via the Internet and controls the connection between the client PCs <b>101</b>, <b>102</b>, and <b>103</b>. A web application server (WAS) technology is used to provide the printing service and to link to a backend system, such as a data base (DB) or an authentication system. However, since the method of linking with systems for account management, security management, DB linkage, and an intranet mission-critical system is not the main element of this embodiment, descriptions thereof are omitted. A LAN <b>122</b>, which the print server <b>104</b> is connected to, connects to an external network via the Internet <b>141</b> and <b>142</b>.

0050A desktop PC (or may be a word processing device) <b>106</b> (hereinafter referred to as a “manager PC <b>106</b>”) disposed in the print base <b>163</b> is connectable to the print server <b>104</b> via the Internet and is capable of downloading documents uploaded from the client PCs <b>101</b>, <b>102</b>, and <b>103</b> and performing functions such as document management, printing instruction, delivery management, and schedule editing. High quality color multi-function peripheral devices (MFPs) <b>111</b>, <b>112</b>, and <b>113</b> that are multi-function copy machines capable of scanning, printing, and sending facsimiles and often include a finisher device for stapling and punching are hereinafter referred to as “printers <b>111</b>, <b>112</b>, and <b>113</b>.” The printers <b>111</b>, <b>112</b>, and <b>113</b> each include a finisher that staple finishing and punching finishing. The printers <b>111</b>, <b>112</b>, and <b>113</b> are capable of high quality printing and receiving printing requests from the manager PC <b>106</b>. A LAN <b>123</b>, which the manager PC <b>106</b> and the printers <b>111</b>, <b>112</b>, and <b>113</b> are connected to, is connected to an external network via the Internet <b>142</b>.

0051As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the client base <b>161</b>, the print server base <b>162</b>, and the print base <b>163</b> are configured on different networks (i.e., LANs). However, the client base <b>161</b>, the print server base <b>162</b>, and the print base <b>163</b> may be configured on the same network in other scenarios. The Internet <b>141</b> and the Internet <b>142</b> may be either different networks or the same network. In general, the connection between a LAN and the Internet is established via gateways, firewalls, and routers. However, since these components do not constitute the gist of this embodiment, descriptions thereof are omitted.

0052As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the client base <b>161</b>, the print server base <b>162</b>, and the print base <b>163</b> establish a 1:1:1 relationship. However, the actual system does not necessarily have to establish such a relationship. Furthermore, the print server base <b>162</b> is capable of linking to other systems, such as a database system <b>105</b> and an authentication server, when required. However, since such linkage is not important to this embodiment, descriptions thereof are omitted. According to the descriptions above, a document is submitted by uploading electronic data from a client PC. However, the method of document submission is not limited, and other submission methods, such as submission of a hard copy and submission of a recording medium (i.e., submitting a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, or the like on which the document data is stored) may be employed.

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates an exemplary architecture of a typical PC that is utilized with the client PCs <b>101</b>, <b>102</b>, and <b>103</b>, the print server <b>104</b>, and the manager PC <b>106</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The architecture shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> includes a central processing unit (CPU) <b>201</b> configured to employ and control the method according to this embodiment, a random access memory (RAM) <b>202</b> configured to provide a work area for the CPU <b>201</b>, an auxiliary storage device (hard disk, flexible disk, or CD-ROM) <b>203</b> configured to provide a communication program according to this embodiment, an image display device (more specifically, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display or a dual-scan super twisted nematic (DSTN) liquid crystal display) <b>204</b> used to display messages addressed to the user, a user command input device (more specifically, a mouse or a keyboard) <b>205</b> configured to allow the user to input a command, a network interface (NIC) <b>206</b> configured to exchange data with other information devices via a LAN <b>220</b>, and a main bus <b>209</b>. The user command input device <b>205</b> and the image display device <b>204</b> are not mandatory for the print server <b>104</b> according to this embodiment. The LAN <b>220</b> has a similar configuration as the LANs <b>121</b>, <b>122</b>, and <b>123</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates an exemplary architecture of the printers <b>111</b>, <b>112</b>, and <b>113</b>. The architecture shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> includes a CPU <b>301</b> configured to interpret the print data received from the PC and to control the printing and finishing, a RAM <b>302</b> configured to provide a work area for the CPU <b>301</b> and to temporarily store the print data, and an auxiliary storage device (more specifically, a hard disk or a CD-ROM) <b>303</b> used to temporarily store the print data or used instead of the RAM <b>302</b> when instructed by the CPU <b>301</b>. An image display device <b>304</b>, such as a touch panel, can be used to display error messages and the condition of the printer. A user command input device (touch panel) <b>305</b> is provided to allow the user to input instructions such as the number of copies to produce, magnification, and cancellation of the printing. A network interface card (NIC) <b>306</b> is provided to exchange data with a network apparatus via a LAN <b>320</b>. The apparatuses <b>304</b> and <b>305</b> may be provided as a single module, such as a touch panel.

0055A print control device <b>307</b> configured to print out print data sent from the PC on paper. The print control device <b>307</b> according to this embodiment also controls the finisher. An image reader <b>308</b> is configured to read an image on a printed out document and digitalize the image into black and white (or color) binary image data. The LAN <b>320</b> according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the LAN <b>123</b>. Additionally, a main bus <b>309</b> is provided for communications between the aforementioned components <b>301</b> through <b>308</b>. An interface according to this embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, that enables data transmission to and reception from the PC is the NIC <b>306</b>. However, the interface is not limited and may be a parallel interface, a serial interface, or a universal serial bus (USB).

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a flow diagram of a general overview of an exemplary processing sequence including steps of submitting a document, placing an order, managing an order, and managing the overall schedule. An order manager <b>1201</b> and a scheduler <b>1202</b> are output based application software that operates on the manager PC <b>106</b> included in the print base <b>163</b>. The order manager <b>1201</b> is capable of managing various processing steps, such as managing the submitted document, of the processing carried out at the print base <b>163</b>. The scheduler <b>1202</b> links with the order manager <b>1201</b> to provide a schedule management function. An overview of an exemplary ordering process will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, and details of the order manager <b>1201</b> and the scheduler <b>1202</b> will be described further below.

0057As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, first, a user <b>401</b> submits a document to the print server <b>104</b> (S<b>401</b>). Once the document is submitted, the print server <b>104</b> writes information, such as the print style, delivery destination, and delivery date, set by the user <b>401</b> in a job ticket (S<b>402</b>). The information written in the job ticket is linked to the document submitted in Step S<b>401</b> and stored on the RAM <b>202</b> as order information (S<b>403</b>). The job ticket can be referred to and edited at a predetermined timing from the service program operating on the manager PC <b>106</b> and from the order manager <b>1201</b> and the scheduler <b>1202</b> operating on the manager PC <b>106</b>, wherein such timing and processing are carried out by the CPU <b>201</b>. The job ticket is also stored on the RAM <b>202</b>.

0058The order manager <b>1201</b> checks the submission of an order by periodically communicating with the print server <b>104</b>. Upon detection of the submission of an order (S<b>404</b>), the order manager <b>1201</b> requests the print server <b>104</b> to obtain the order information (a set of information including the document data and the job ticket information) (S<b>405</b>). In response, the print server <b>104</b> transmits the order information to the order manager <b>1201</b> (S<b>406</b>). More specifically, since the order information is stored on the RAM <b>202</b> of the print server <b>104</b>, the print server <b>104</b> reads out the order information from the RAM <b>202</b> and then transmits the order information.

0059Upon reception of the order information in Step S<b>406</b>, the order manager <b>1201</b> displays this order information on the image display device <b>204</b> (S<b>407</b>). The received order information is stored on the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>. The order manager <b>1201</b> recognizes a drag and drop (D&amp;D) operation of order information process carried out by the operator (S<b>408</b>). More specifically, the order manager <b>1201</b> recognizes the process carried out when the operator drags and drops (D&amp;D) an unscheduled order included in the displayed order information onto the scheduler <b>1202</b>. When the order is dragged and dropped onto the scheduler <b>1202</b>, the scheduler <b>1202</b> prepares an appropriate schedule by carrying out schedule management (S<b>409</b>). Since the method of schedule management employed in Step S<b>409</b> characterizes this embodiment of the present invention, details are described below. The schedule prepared in Step S<b>409</b> is stored in the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>.

0060When the schedule is set, the operator confirms the schedule and starts the output process (printing and binding). According to this embodiment, when the document submission process (S<b>401</b>) and the job ticket production (S<b>402</b>) are carried out, information on at least the order identification (ID), the number of pages of the document, the number of copies of the document to be produced, the color attribute of the output document, and the delivery date is included in the job ticket. The order ID is a unique ID issued to the order by the print server <b>104</b> so that the order can be uniquely identified by the print server <b>104</b>, the order manager <b>1201</b>, and the scheduler <b>1202</b> at predetermined timings.

0061<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates an exemplary configuration <b>1200</b> of the software operated on the manager PC <b>106</b> included in the print base <b>163</b>. The order manager <b>1201</b>, the scheduler <b>1202</b>, and a data managing unit <b>1203</b> included in the manager PC <b>106</b> are configured so that they may communicate with each other.

0062The order manager <b>1201</b> manages the submitted order information. An order management information unit <b>1201</b><i>a </i>periodically communicates with the print server <b>104</b> to check whether a new order is submitted. An order display unit <b>1201</b><i>b </i>displays detailed order information and a list of orders. An order managing unit <b>1201</b><i>c </i>is linked to the scheduler <b>1202</b> or the data managing unit <b>1203</b> to control all information related to orders.

0063The scheduler <b>1202</b> manages the schedule of an order. A schedule determining unit <b>1202</b><i>a </i>determines the printing schedule. A schedule managing unit <b>1202</b><i>b </i>displays the printing schedule on the image display device <b>204</b>. A print time calculating unit <b>1202</b><i>c </i>calculates the printing time based on the performance of the printer, the number of pages of the document, and the number of copies of the document to be produced. The method of calculating the printing time will be described below. A scheduler managing unit <b>1202</b><i>d </i>manages the schedule determining unit <b>1202</b><i>a, </i>the schedule managing unit <b>1202</b><i>d, </i>and the print time calculating unit <b>1202</b><i>c </i>and accesses the data managing unit <b>1203</b> to obtain schedule information and printer information. The data managing unit <b>1203</b> manages various data required for operating the order manager <b>1201</b> and the scheduler <b>1202</b>. An order managing unit <b>1203</b><i>a </i>manages order information. A schedule managing unit <b>1203</b><i>b </i>controls the print schedule information. A progress managing unit <b>1203</b><i>c </i>manages the progress of the processing of each order. A printer information managing unit <b>1203</b><i>d </i>manages information related to the available real printers <b>111</b> to <b>116</b> in the print base <b>163</b> and information on a distributed virtual printer characterizes the present invention.

0064<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> illustrates exemplary printer information controlled by the printer information managing unit <b>1203</b><i>d. </i>The printer information is stored in the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>. According to this embodiment, the printer information is controlled as INI files. In other words, the software can referred to the printer information according to section information and key information at predetermined timings.

0065In this embodiment, real printers corresponding to actual printers and a virtual printer that is capable of managing a print job by distributing the print job among more than one printer are used. The real printer is mainly used for printing out a scheduled job. The virtual printer divides a print job and distributes the divided print jobs to the real printers being managed. The method of distributing a print job will be described below.

0066Printer information <b>1300</b> includes a section <b>1301</b> that is an area for storing the number of real printers and virtual printers. The number of real printers <b>1302</b><i>a </i>and the number of virtual printers <b>1302</b><i>b </i>are controlled as keys of the section <b>1301</b>.

0067Sections <b>1303</b> to <b>1333</b> store information sets for each of the real printers indicated by the number included in the section <b>1301</b>. The sections <b>1303</b> to <b>1333</b>, for example, are constituted of keys, such as a key <b>1304</b> for controlling the printer name, a key <b>1306</b> for indicating the color classification of the printer, a key <b>1307</b> for indicating the printing speed of the printer, a key <b>1308</b> for controlling other information. Sections <b>1334</b> to <b>1336</b> are areas provided to control information on the virtual printers. The sections <b>1334</b> to <b>1336</b>, for example, are constituted of keys such as a key <b>1335</b> for indicating the printer name and a key <b>1336</b> for indicating information on the real printer to be controlled.

0068According to this embodiment, whether a printer is a real printer or a virtual printer is determined on the basis of a section name or a printer key type included in the printer information. When a printer type is determined on the basis of the section name, the printer is determined to be a real printer if the character string “Real” is included in the section name, whereas the printer is determined to be a distributed virtual printer if the character string “Virtual” is included in the section name.

0069When the printer type is determined on the basis of the printer type key, the value set in “PrinterType” for each printer is referred to. More specifically, if the character string “Real” is set in “PrinterType,” the printer is determined to be a real printer, whereas if the character string “Virtual” is set in “PrinterType,” the printer is determined to be a distributed virtual printer. According to this embodiment, since the printer information <b>1300</b> is stored in the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>, the order manager <b>1201</b>, the scheduler <b>1202</b>, and the data managing unit <b>1203</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b> refer to the RAM <b>202</b> at predetermined timings in order to obtain and/or edit information included in the printer information <b>1300</b>.

0070<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5, 6</figref>, and <b>7</b> illustrate exemplary user interface (UI) screens of a document submission service client used in Step S<b>401</b> of the document submission process, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. According to this embodiment, a job ticket includes the information specified and confirmed on the screen of the document submission service client displayed on the PC included in the client base <b>161</b>.

0071In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an example log-in screen used when logging into the document submission service provided by the print server <b>104</b>. According to this embodiment, the user can access the document submission service by inputting the correct log-in ID <b>501</b> and password <b>502</b>. The document submission client screen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> also includes an “OK” button <b>503</b> and a cancel button <b>504</b>. As described above, details on account management are not described in detail here.

0072<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates an example UI used by the user to specify information related to the display order information displayed when log-in is authorized by the log-in process illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. A field <b>601</b> is provided to specify the document to be submitted, a field <b>602</b> is provided to specify the number of pages of the submitted document file, a field <b>603</b> is provided to specify the number of copies to be printed out, a field <b>604</b> is provided to specify whether the document is to be printed out in color or monochrome, a field <b>605</b> is provided to specify the delivery destination, and a field <b>606</b> is provided to specify the delivery date. The document submission service client screen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> also includes an “OK” button <b>607</b> and a cancel button <b>608</b>.

0073According to this embodiment, as shown in the field <b>602</b>, the page number of the document is manually input by the user. However, the page number of the document may be automatically obtained by the document submission service client. Here, the page number in the field <b>602</b>, the number of copies in the field <b>603</b>, the color of the document in the field <b>604</b> are stored in the RAM <b>202</b> of the client PC <b>106</b> and are used when the print time calculating unit <b>1202</b><i>c </i>of the scheduler <b>1202</b> operating on the manager PC <b>106</b> calculates the printing time when required.

0074<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates an exemplary UI used to confirm order information input by the user, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. However, this UI is not mandatory for this embodiment. A unique ID <b>703</b> is the same ID as the above-mentioned order ID and is automatically assigned by the print server when a document is submitted. When an order button <b>701</b> is pressed, an order is placed and the order information is uploaded to the print server <b>104</b>. Since the order information, as described above, is stored in the RAM <b>202</b> of the client PC, the order information can be displayed as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> at a predetermined timing. Also, the aforementioned screen includes a cancel button <b>702</b>.

0075<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> illustrates a flow chart showing an exemplary process for calculating the printing time carried out by the print time calculating unit <b>1202</b><i>c </i>of the scheduler <b>1202</b>. The logic employed for calculating printing time is not important for this embodiment. However, for convenience, it is assumed that the printing time is calculated in accordance with the process shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>. The process for calculating printing time can be employed to the real printers <b>111</b> to <b>116</b>. Steps shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> may be carried out by the CPU <b>201</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>.

0076The process is initiated at Step S<b>1401</b>. Next, the print time calculating unit <b>1202</b><i>c </i>information on the number of pages of the document and the number of copies of the document to be produced from fields <b>804</b> and <b>805</b>, respectively, included in a job ticket <b>800</b> (S<b>1402</b>). More specifically, since the fields <b>804</b> and <b>805</b> included in the job ticket <b>800</b> are provided in a format interpretable by the print time calculating unit <b>1202</b><i>c, </i>the process of Step S<b>1402</b> can be carried out by the print time calculating unit <b>1202</b><i>c. </i>

0077Next, the print time calculating unit <b>1202</b><i>c </i>obtains the printing speed of a predetermined printer from the progress managing unit <b>1203</b><i>c </i>of the data managing unit <b>1203</b> (S<b>1403</b>). Then, by using the information on the number of pages of the document and the number of copies of the document to be produced obtained from the fields <b>804</b> and <b>805</b>, respectively, in Step S<b>1402</b> and the printing speed obtained in Step S<b>1403</b>, the print time calculating unit <b>1202</b><i>c </i>calculates the printing time based on the following formula (S<b>1404</b>): <br />[printing time]=[number of pages]×[number of copies]/[printing speed (minutes)

0078For example, the print time required for printing 100 copies of a document having 32 pages at a printing speed of 32 ppm is: <br />[printing time]=32×100/32=100 minutes. <br /> N-UP printing and two-side printing are not described in this embodiment. If such printing styles are used, printing time must be calculated by taking into consideration information on whether the document is printed on one side or two sides. However, the process of such calculation will not be described here. After the printing time is calculated in S<b>1401</b>, the process ends (S<b>1405</b>).

0079<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows an example job ticket. A field <b>801</b> represents the user ID specifying the user who submitted the document. A field <b>802</b> represents a unique order ID assigned by the print server <b>104</b>. A field <b>803</b> represents a file name of the submitted document. The job ticket also includes order information such as the field <b>804</b> representing the number of pages, the field <b>805</b> representing the number of copies of the document to be produced, a field <b>806</b> representing color or monochrome printing, a field <b>807</b> representing the destination information, and a field <b>808</b> representing the delivery date. Such a job ticket including such order information is generated each time an order is submitted. The order manager <b>1201</b> and the scheduler <b>1202</b> are capable of referring the information included in the job tickets at predetermined timings.

0080According to this embodiment, a job ticket manages information in text format by keys (e.g., “order ID” shown in the field <b>802</b> provided to specify a unique order ID) and set values (e.g., “ABCD0001” set in the field <b>802</b> provided to specify the order ID) for the set items. However, instead, other formats, such as extended markup language (XML) or job definition format (JDF), may be used.

0081<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates an example UI screen of the order manager <b>1201</b> operating on the manager PC <b>106</b>. When new order information is received in Step S<b>406</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the order manage <b>1201</b> displays a UI <b>900</b> for order management, such as that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. A menu <b>901</b> is a typical menu used for software and is operated to store information, display a help, and confirm the version of the software. Order information list <b>902</b> includes order IDs, user IDs, document file names, and the status of the order that has been submitted and may be tracked. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the status of the files being processes are indicated by the terms “completed” indicating that the operation is completed, “processing” indicating that the operation is being processed, and “unprocessed” indicating that the operation schedule is undetermined. The method for scheduling such an “unprocessed” order characterizes the present invention. The scheduling method will be described below.

0082Still referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, an item <b>903</b> is an UI displaying detailed information of the order when “meeting.doc” is selected in an order information list <b>902</b>. The item <b>903</b> includes information written in the job ticket shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. An item <b>904</b> is an UI for displaying the content of the assigned operation. For the UI shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, since a schedule for the selected order is not set yet, detailed information is not displayed.

0083<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates an example UI screen <b>1000</b> of the order manager <b>1201</b> operating on the manager PC <b>106</b> when a job is assigned to a real printer. According to this embodiment, some of the displayed operation information <b>1001</b> includes the printer to be used, the start time of the operation, and the end time of the operation. An example UI screen <b>1800</b> of the scheduler <b>1202</b> corresponding to this schedule is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>.

0084<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates an example UI screen <b>1100</b> of the order manager <b>1201</b> operating on the manager PC <b>106</b> when a job is assigned to a distributed virtual printer. According to this embodiment, some of the displayed operation information <b>1101</b> includes the printer to be used, the start time of the operation, and the end time of the operation. An example UI screen <b>1900</b> of the scheduler <b>1202</b> corresponding to this schedule is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>.

0085<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates an example UI screen of the scheduler <b>1202</b> operating on the manager PC <b>106</b>. According to this embodiment, a schedule UI <b>1500</b> is displayed on the image display device <b>204</b> by the schedule managing unit <b>1202</b><i>b </i>of the scheduler <b>1202</b>. An area <b>1501</b> displays the date corresponding to the displayed schedule. The content of the schedule corresponding to the date specified by the area <b>1501</b> is displayed by the scheduler managing unit <b>1202</b><i>d. </i>An area <b>1502</b> displays entry information of the available real printers <b>111</b> to <b>116</b> in the print base <b>163</b>. An area <b>1503</b> displays entry information on a distributed virtual printer. An area <b>1504</b> displays the reservation states of the real printers and the virtual printer. Rectangles <b>1505</b> to <b>1507</b> indicate the actual reservation states. According to this embodiment the rectangle representing, the reservation state of a job assigned to a real printer (rectangle <b>1505</b>) is drawn in solid lines, and the rectangle representing reservation state of a job assigned to a virtual printer (rectangles <b>1506</b> and <b>1507</b>) is drawn in dotted lines.

0086According to this embodiment, a predetermined order listed in the order information list <b>902</b> displayed in the UI <b>900</b> of the order manager <b>1201</b> is dragged and dropped onto the areas <b>1502</b> and <b>1503</b> representing the printers included in the schedule UI <b>1500</b> to reserve a predetermined printer for use. According to the embodiment of the present invention, when an order is dropped on to a distributed virtual printer, reservations are made for the real printers assigned to functions as a distributed virtual printer.

0087In the scheduler UI <b>1500</b>, when an order is dropped onto the area <b>1503</b> representing the distributed virtual printer, the rectangles <b>1506</b> and <b>1507</b> representing the reservation states are displayed to indicate that the distributed virtual printer has been reserved and that the corresponding real printers (printers <b>114</b>, <b>115</b>, and <b>116</b>) has been reserved to distribute the order.

0088The reservation process carried out when an order is dragged from the order manager <b>1201</b> and dropped onto the scheduler <b>1202</b> will be described in detail below.

0089<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> illustrates a flow chart showing an overview of an exemplary basic process carried out at the order manager <b>1201</b> operated on the manager PC <b>106</b> according to this embodiment of the present invention when the user selects and drags a predetermined order from the order information list <b>902</b> and drops the order onto a printer displayed in the scheduler <b>1202</b>. The process shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is carried out by the CPU <b>201</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>.

0090At S<b>1601</b> the process is initiated. When the order manager <b>1201</b> recognizes that a predetermined order is being dragged (S<b>1602</b>), the order managing unit <b>1201</b><i>c </i>of the order manager <b>1201</b> obtains information on the number of pages and the number of copies to be produced of the order being dragged from the data managing unit <b>1203</b> (S<b>1603</b>). More specifically, the order manager <b>1201</b> obtains the information on the number of pages and the number of copies to be produced for the order being dragged at a predetermined timing from the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b> where information on all orders is stored.

0091When an order is dragged onto the schedule UI <b>1500</b> by operating a mouse (S<b>1604</b>), the order manager <b>1201</b> determines whether the order has been moved onto a printer entry display area (such as the area <b>1502</b>) on the schedule UI <b>1500</b> (S<b>1605</b>). If the order is dragged onto a printer, the order manager <b>1201</b> determines whether this printer is a real printer or a distributed virtual printer (S<b>1612</b>). When the order is dropped on a real printer, the printing speed of the real printer is obtained from the data managing unit (S<b>1606</b>). More specifically, the data managing unit <b>1201</b><i>c </i>manages information on the printing capability (including the printing time) of the real printers stored on the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>, by considering the information on the number of pages and the number of copies obtained in Step S<b>1603</b>, the order manager <b>1201</b> can obtain information on the printing speed at a predetermined timing.

0092Whether the order is dragged onto a real printer functioning as a virtual printer may be determined in Step S<b>1612</b> by obtaining the coordinates of the location where the order has been dropped onto by operating the mouse. According to this embodiment, there are two methods of assigning an order to a printer. In one method, an order can be directly assigned to a real printer by setting a reservation time using the setting UI shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> and dragging the order onto the real printer. In another method, as described below, an order can be assigned to a distributed virtual printer without specifying the reservation time and the real printers that are to be actually used.

0093At this time, the print time calculating unit <b>1202</b><i>c </i>calculates the required print time in accordance with the above-described calculation method based on the number of pages and the number of copies of the document and the printing speed of the printer to be used. The required printing time calculated in Step S<b>1607</b> is stored in the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>.

0094When the required printing time is determined in Step S<b>1607</b>, the order managing unit <b>1201</b><i>c </i>temporarily displays a rectangle drawn in solid lines corresponding to the required printing time on the schedule UI <b>1500</b> (S<b>1608</b>). At this state, if it is determined that the order has been dropped onto an area (i.e., printing entry display unit) corresponding to a real printer by operating the mouse or the like (S<b>1609</b>), the order managing unit <b>1201</b><i>c </i>notifies the order ID of the dropped order on the scheduler and the name of the selected printer to the scheduler (S<b>1610</b>). Then, the process is ended (S<b>1611</b>). When the order is dropped onto a real printer, the setting UI shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is displayed so that the real printer can be reserved for processing using the setting UI shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, as described below.

0095If it is determined that a distributed virtual printer is selected in Step S<b>1612</b>, the order manager <b>1201</b> carries out a scheduling process for the distributed virtual printer (S<b>1613</b>). Details of the scheduling process for a distributed virtual printer will be described later with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>.

0096The order manager <b>1201</b> determines whether the dragged order has been dropped onto a distributed virtual printer in the printer entry area in Step S<b>1604</b> (S<b>1609</b>). If it is determined that the order has been dropped on a distributed virtual printer displayed in the schedule UI <b>1500</b>, the process goes to the above-described Step S<b>1610</b>. An order that has been dropped onto a real printer in the printer entry display area of the schedule UI <b>1500</b> in Step S<b>1612</b> is set to high-priority level and is stored in the RAM <b>202</b>. The order dropped onto the virtual printer is set to a low-priory level and is stored in the RAM <b>202</b>. As described below, an order assigned to a real printer is given high priority over an order assigned to a virtual printer and is scheduled preferentially over an order assigned to a virtual printer. In other words, the order assigned to a real printer is processed with priority at a predetermined time and with a predetermined printer. Details are described below.

0097If an order is dropped on an area outside the controlled area by operating the mouse or the like in Steps S<b>1603</b>, S<b>1604</b>, S<b>1605</b>, S<b>1606</b>, S<b>1607</b>, S<b>1608</b>, S<b>1609</b>, and S<b>1612</b>, the drag and drop process according to this embodiment is cancelled. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> illustrates an example of a drag and drop process. However, since the internal processing for this process differs for each operation system (OS), the drag and drop process according to this embodiment is not limited to any particular architecture.

0098<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a flow chart showing an exemplary distributed process for distributing a job to a distributed virtual printer using the scheduler <b>1202</b>. This flow chart illustrates an exemplary detailed process carried out in Step S<b>1613</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>. When distributing the order, it is desirable to employ a distribution method that considers the printing speed of the real printers to which the job is distributed so that the processing time of each real printer becomes equal. However, according to this embodiment, the actual distribution process is not limited, and thus, other variations of a distribution process may also be utilized. According to this embodiment, a distribution method in which only the number of printers to be used to process the distributed jobs is considered. The process illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is carried out by the CPU <b>201</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>.

0099In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the process is initiated (S<b>1701</b>) and then the scheduler managing unit <b>1202</b><i>d </i>obtains information on the number of copies to be produced from the job ticket (S<b>1702</b>). Then, the scheduler managing unit <b>1202</b><i>d </i>obtains information on the assigned distributed virtual printer to which the order is assigned from the data managing unit <b>1203</b> and determines the number of real printers to which the job is distributed (S<b>1703</b>). More specifically, since the information included in the job ticket generated by the print server <b>104</b> is interpretable by the scheduler managing unit <b>1202</b><i>d, </i>Step <b>1702</b> can be carried out. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, the printer information includes information on the real printers that function as a distributed virtual printer (key <b>1336</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>). In Step S<b>1703</b>, the scheduler managing unit <b>1202</b><i>d </i>refers to the printer information stored in the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b> to determine which real printers can be used to carry out processing in accordance with the order information (for example, color printing) included in the job ticket.

0100The scheduler <b>1202</b> compares the number of copies of the document to be produced with the number of real printers available for processing the order while functioning as a distributed virtual printer. If the scheduler <b>1202</b> determines that the number of copies is smaller than the number of real printers (S<b>1704</b>), a job corresponding to each copy is assigned to each real printer determined in Step S<b>1703</b> as available for functioning as being assigned as a distributed virtual printer (S<b>1705</b>). The RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b> stores information on which job is assigned to which real printer.

0101After jobs are assigned in Step S<b>1705</b>, the print time calculating unit <b>1202</b><i>c </i>calculates the printing time required by each real printer (S<b>1706</b>) and carries out a scheduling process for each real printer (S<b>1707</b>). More specifically, a schedule is prepared for the real printers based on the required printing time calculated in Step S<b>1706</b>, the availability of the printers to which jobs have been assigned, and the order information included in the job ticket.

0102By referring to the information on the delivery date included in the order information, a schedule is prepared (i.e., schedule information is generated) so that the delivery date is met. Since the printer information for each real printer is stored in the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>, scheduling is carried out by considering the printing ability of the real printers and schedule information described below so that processing of the jobs assigned to the real printers functioning as a distributed virtual printer is completed at substantially the same timing. <b>101</b> For example, when the printing speeds of a printer <b>1113</b> and a printer <b>1114</b> are compared, it is determined that the printing speeds are the same according to the information shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>. Therefore, these printers are scheduled to produce the same number of copies. Now, a method of scheduling considers the schedule information will be described. For example, a reservation to carry out processing from 9:00 to 11:00 is made using the setting UI shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>. If the printer <b>1113</b> can be used for processing for one hour between 10:00 to 11:00 and the printer <b>1114</b> can be used for processing for two hours between 9:00 to 11:00, job for producing copies of the document at a one to two ratio will be schedule for the printers <b>1113</b> and <b>1114</b>, respectively (i.e., (printer <b>1113</b>):(printer <b>1114</b>)=1:2). In this way, both printers will complete the production of the copies at substantially the same time. Since the schedule information of each printer includes information on the processing time, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 23 and 24</figref>, the printers are determined as being available except for the time period indicated by the processing time.

0103The scheduler <b>1202</b> stores the schedule information on the schedule set in Step S<b>1707</b> on the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b> via the progress managing unit <b>1203</b><i>c </i>(S<b>1708</b>). Then, the process is completed (S<b>1709</b>).

0104In Step S<b>1704</b>, if it is determined that the number of copies to be produced is greater than the number of real printers to which the jobs are assigned, the scheduler <b>1202</b> calculates how to distribute the production of copies so that the number of copies produced by each real printer (S<b>1710</b>). Then, the process goes to Step S<b>1706</b>. According to this embodiment, the calculation for determining the number of copies to be produced by each real printer carried out in Step S<b>1710</b> is based on the following formula: <br />[number of copies produced by each real printer]=[number of copies indicated in job ticket]/[number of real printers to which jobs are assigned]

0105The remainder obtained from the above formula is carried over and, if necessary, a new job is assigned to a predetermined real printer selected by the schedule managing unit. At this time, this additional job will be preferentially assigned to a real printer having a high processing speed. It is also possible to distribute the jobs to printers in accordance with the performance of the printers so that the processing carried out by the printers is completed at substantially the same timing. In this way, schedule management becomes easy. The number of copies to be printed by each printer can be determined on the basis of methods well known to one skilled in the art, such as a method in which the number of copies to be printed is determined proportionally to an inverse number of the printing speed of the printer obtained in advance.

0106As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16 and 17</figref>, to schedule a new order, order information on the new order displayed on the order manager <b>1201</b> is selected, dragged, and dropped onto a predetermined printer so as to determined printer to be used for processing the order. As show in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, when the order is assigned to a virtual printer, the order is assigned so that the delivery date specified in the order information is met. In other words, for an order assigned to a virtual printer, the printers to be used for processing the order and the processing time of the order are determined according to information (order attribute) included in the order information.

0107<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> illustrates a flow chart showing an exemplary process carried out by the scheduler <b>1202</b> operating on the manager PC <b>106</b> according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described above, when an order is assigned to a distributed virtual printer, the jobs for producing a predetermined number of copies are distributed equally among at least two real printers that are linked in advance to the selected distributed virtual printer, to print out the predetermined number of the copies of the document. By dropping an order onto a distributed virtual printer on the schedule UI, the priority level of the order assigned to the real printers without specifying the processing time and the real printers to be used is set to a “low-priority” level (hereinafter, an order assigned for a distributed virtual printer is referred to as a “virtual order”). In contrast, by dropping the order onto a real printer on the schedule UI, the priority level of the order assigned to the real printers of a predetermined processing time is set to a “high-priority” level (hereinafter, an order assigned for a real printer is referred to as a “real order”)

0108When a virtual order and a real order are compared, the priority level of the real order is higher than the priority level of the virtual order. According to this embodiment, since the processing of a real order is give priority over the processing of a virtual order, when a real order is to be assigned to a printer at a time that has already been reserved for a virtual order, the real order is assigned in a manner such that the reservation for the virtual order is interrupted. In other words, schedule information is generated so that the real order is processed at the specified time with the specified printer. In contrast, when a virtual order is to be assigned to a printer at a time that has been reserved for a real order, the virtual order cannot interrupt the reservation for the real order. Therefore, when a virtual order may interrupt a real order, the scheduler <b>1202</b> reschedules the virtual order. The steps included in the flow chart shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> are carried out by the CPU <b>201</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>.

0109Next, the steps in the flow chart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> will be described in detail. The process begins at Step S<b>2001</b>. The scheduler <b>1202</b> initializes the interface used to receive a message from an external module (for example, the order manager <b>1201</b>) (S<b>2002</b>). Then, the scheduler <b>1202</b> maintains a request stand-by state (S<b>2003</b>) by repeating Steps S<b>2003</b> and S<b>2004</b> until a request is received (S<b>2004</b>). A request is made by dragging and dropping an order onto a predetermined printer on the schedule UI so that the order information is processed by the predetermined printer. When a printer is assigned to process the order information by the drag and drop operation, the order information and the information of the assigned printer are linked and stored in the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>.

0110The scheduler <b>1202</b> determines whether the request made in Step S<b>2004</b> is a request for assigning an order to a real printer (S<b>2005</b>). More specifically, since the request information generated in Step S<b>2004</b> is stored in the RAM <b>202</b>, the scheduler <b>1202</b> recognizes which printer has been assigned by referring to the RAM <b>202</b>. Accordingly, Step S<b>2005</b> can be carried out. An order is assigned to a real printer, as described above, when a request is made by dropping the order onto a real printer displayed on the printer entry. In response to dropping the selected order on the real printer, a setting UI, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, is displayed.

0111Now, the setting UI <b>2500</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, will be described. The setting UI <b>2500</b> has a box <b>2501</b> used for setting the reservation time. By pressing an OK button <b>2502</b> after inputting a predetermined reservation time in the box <b>2501</b>, the reservation time of the selected order is set. The set reservation time, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, is stored in the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>.

0112In Step S<b>2005</b>, if it is determined that an order has been assigned to a real printer, the scheduler <b>1202</b> obtains the reservation time specified or the order using the setting UI <b>2500</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> (S<b>2006</b>). More specifically, since the reservation time is stored in the RAM <b>202</b>, the scheduler <b>1202</b> can refer to the RAM <b>202</b> to carry out the processing in Step S<b>2006</b>.

0113The scheduler <b>1202</b> calculates the printing time (S<b>2007</b>), as describe above, and prepares the information required for assigning an order. Then, the scheduler <b>1202</b> determines whether another order is assigned for the reservation time obtained in Step S<b>2006</b> (S<b>2008</b>). More specifically, since the schedule information for each printer, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 23 and 24</figref>, is stored in the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b>, the determination process in Step S<b>2008</b> can be carried out by comparing this information with the reservation time obtained in Step S<b>2006</b>. In this process, whether or not a scheduled order is already assigned to the specified real printer at the specified reservation time can be determined.

0114In Step S<b>2008</b>, if it is determined that another order is not assigned to the reservation time obtained in Step S<b>2006</b>, the printer is assigned to the reservation time set using the setting UI <b>2500</b> and the print time calculated in Step S<b>2007</b> (S<b>2009</b>). Then, the schedule information is updated (S<b>2010</b>), the schedule is displayed on the image display device <b>204</b> (S<b>2011</b>), and the request stand-by state is entered again (S<b>2003</b>).

0115In Step S<b>2008</b>, if the scheduler <b>1202</b> determines that another order is assigned to the reservation time obtained in Step S<b>2006</b>, the priority level of the new order and the priority level of the existing order are compared (S<b>2012</b>). More specifically, for the order information, the reservation time is set with the setting UI <b>2500</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, and the priority level is set by dropping the order onto the printer in the setting UI <b>2500</b>. Then, this order information is temporarily stored in the <b>202</b>. Here, the priority level of the temporarily stored new order and the priority level of the existing order already stored in the RAM <b>202</b> are referred to in order to carry out the processing for Step S<b>2012</b>. In other words, in Step S<b>2012</b>, the reservation time for the existing order is set with the setting UI <b>2500</b>, and then, according to the order attribute, the order is determined whether it has been directly assigned to a real printer.

0116According to the comparison carried in Step S<b>2012</b>, if the priority level of the existing order is “high-priority” (i.e., if it is a ‘real order’), the new order is assigned to the printer so that the start time of the new order is set after the end time of the existing order (S<b>2013</b>). Then, the processing for Step S<b>2010</b> is carried out. Since the scheduled order information per printer is stored in the RAM <b>202</b> of the manager PC <b>106</b> while being linked to order information, processing time, and priority level (i.e., high priority level for a real printer and low priority level for a virtual printer), the processing for Steps S<b>2012</b> and S<b>2013</b> can be carried out. According to Step S<b>2013</b>, a new real order is assigned after the processing of an existing real order is completed. However, this process is not limited, and the delivery dates of the existing real order and the delivery date of the new real order may be compared so that the order assigned to an earlier delivery date is given priority.

0117In Step S<b>2012</b>, if the scheduler <b>1202</b> determines that the existing order is a virtual order (i.e., NO), the reservation of the existing virtual order is canceled (S<b>2014</b>). Then, the copies of the document that were to be produced by processing the virtual order are additionally distributed to another virtual order (S<b>2015</b>). More specifically, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, the printer information includes real printer information included in the distributed virtual printer information. Therefore, when a reservation of an existing virtual order is cancelled in Step S<b>2014</b>, the real printer included in the real printer information in the included in the distributed virtual printer information, except for the cancelled real printer, can be recognized.

0118In Step <b>2015</b>, the cancelled virtual order is distributed to real printers included in the real printer information in the included in the distributed virtual printer information, except for the cancelled real printer, can be recognized. In other words, the scheduler <b>1202</b> generates schedule information for the existing order, which has been scheduled without being assigned to a reservation time and a real printer, so that the time and the printer to which the existing order was assigned are changed. The cancelled existing virtual order may be rescheduled by generating a schedule so that the existing virtual order is processed after the new real order at the same printer.

0119The scheduler <b>1202</b> reserves a printer by replacing the virtual order cancelled in Step S<b>2014</b> with the new real order determined in Step S<b>2005</b> (S<b>2016</b>). More specifically, the virtual order stored in the RAM <b>202</b> is replaced with the new real order information reserved in S<b>2016</b>. In other words, in Step S<b>2016</b>, a schedule is generated by making a reservation so that the order assigned to a reservation time and a real printer is processed at the specified time and printer.

0120In Step S<b>2005</b>, if the scheduler <b>1202</b> determines that a virtual order is scheduled, the above-mentioned distribution of the copies of the document is carried out (S<b>2017</b>), the printers to which the copies are distributed are reserved (S<b>2018</b>), and Step S<b>2010</b> is carried out.

0121As described above, a real order can be reserved with priority over an already-reserved virtual order for a predetermined time using the setting UI, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>. In Step <b>2014</b>, the reservation of a virtual order replaced by a reservation of a real order is cancelled. However, when the virtual order cannot be distributed to other printers, the reservation is not canceled, and the processing is carried out after the processing of the real order replacing the virtual order is completed.

0122When the number of printers to which the virtual order is distributed is reduced in Step S<b>2015</b>, the amount of processing required by the remaining distributed printers is increased. At this time, the end time of the virtual order is delayed. If, after the virtual order, another virtual order is reserved, the start time of this other virtual order is also delayed. In this way, dynamic schedule information can be displayed.

0123According to this embodiment, a real order is scheduled to be processed at a time reserved by using the setting UI, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>. However, if the delivery date of the real order to be scheduled is not coming up immediately and if the delivery date of the virtual order that has already been scheduled for the reservation time meets predetermined conditions (for example, the delivery date being the current day), a message may be displayed so that the user may select the virtual order to be processed before the real order. Instead, it is also possible to change the schedule by setting a higher priority to the virtual order than the real order.

0124<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21 and 22</figref> illustrate the transition in a screen when an order assigned to a reservation time to which a virtual order is already assigned is dragged and dropped onto a real printer (here, the reservation time is May 12th, 9:00 am). <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> illustrates the schedule information of the printer <b>114</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>, stored in the RAM <b>202</b>.

0125In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>, a virtual order A (480 copies) <b>2101</b> and a virtual order B (480 copies) <b>2102</b> are dragged and dropped onto a distributed virtual printer <b>2103</b> on a schedule UI <b>2100</b>. One hundred and twenty copies each of the virtual orders A and B are distributed and reserved among the printers <b>113</b> to <b>116</b>. At this time, if an order C <b>2104</b> for <b>120</b> copies is dragged and dropped onto the real printer <b>114</b> and a reservation time “May 12th, 9:00 to 10:30” is set using the setting UI, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, the scheduler <b>1202</b> refers to the schedule information for the RAM <b>114</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, that is stored in the RAM <b>202</b>.

0126By referring to the stored information, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, the scheduler <b>1202</b> determines that the virtual order A is scheduled for “May 12th, 9:00 to 10:30” and confirms that the priority of the virtual order A is set to “low priority” since it is a virtual order. Since the order C directly dropped onto the real printer <b>114</b> is set to “high priority” as described above, the <b>1202</b> determines that the order C is given higher priority than the order A. Accordingly, the scheduler <b>1202</b> changes the schedules of the virtual orders A and B as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>.

0127<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> shows another screen <b>2200</b> of an exemplary scheduler UI. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, the order C <b>2203</b> is set as a priority order. In response, the order A <b>2105</b> (from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>) assigned for the printer <b>114</b> is cancelled, and the cancelled order A <b>2105</b> is additionally distributed 40 copies to the other printers <b>113</b>, <b>115</b>, and <b>116</b>. As a result, the processing time of the printers <b>113</b>, <b>115</b>, and <b>116</b> are postponed, and the starting time of the virtual order B is also postponed. The schedule information of the real printer <b>114</b> after scheduling the order C <b>2104</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>. More specifically, before the order C <b>2104</b> is scheduled, the RAM <b>202</b> stores information indicating that the order A is to processed from 9:00 to 10:00. However, after the order C is dropped onto the real printer <b>114</b>, the order C is assigned to the reservation time “9:00 to 10:30,” and the priority of the order C is compared to the priority of the order A assigned to the time to which the order C is also to be assigned. Since the order C is directly dropped onto the real printer <b>114</b>, its priority is set to “high” and, thus, is scheduled so that it is assigned to the real printer <b>114</b> at the reservation time with priority over the order A. As a result, the information stored in the RAM <b>202</b> is changed as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>.

0128As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21 and 22</figref>, the orders are displayed along a time line provided for each image forming apparatus (printer) on the scheduler UI. The schedule of the orders may be changed by selecting an image forming job and moving it to a predetermined position on the scheduler

0129As described above, by employing the method according to the present invention to a process management apparatus configured to carry out operation scheduling related to printing when a printing job is received, orders can be dropped onto a distributed virtual printer and can be easily scheduled. Orders scheduled by dropping the order onto a distributed virtual printer on a schedule UI and an order scheduled by dropping the order onto a real printer on a schedule UI can be automatically set at different priority level, and order interruption and scheduling in accordance to the order's priority level can be automatically carried out. In this way, schedule management according to the user's intention can be carried out through easy operation.

0130The present invention may also be achieved by supplying a software program configured to realize the functions according to the embodiments of the present invention (i.e., a program corresponding to the process illustrated in the flow charts according to the embodiments) directly or remotely to a system or an apparatus and reading out the supplied program code with the system or apparatus.

0131According to the present invention, a schedule for an image forming job can be easily changed so that schedule management according to the user's intention can be carried out through easy operation.

0132Accordingly, the program code installed in a computer for realizing the functions of the present invention are also considered an embodiment of the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program for realizing the functions of the present invention.

0133The configuration of the program according to the present invention is not limited and may be an object code, a program processed with an interpreter, script data supplied to an OS.

0134As a medium for supplying a program may be a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a MO, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, a DVD (DVD-ROM and DVD-R).

0135Other methods for supplying a program may include a method of connecting an Internet website using a browser program of a client computer and downloading the computer program or a file including a compressed file having an automatic installation function from the website to a recording medium, such as a hard disk. Moreover, the program code according to the present invention may be divided into a plurality of files and be downloaded from different websites. In other words, a World Wide Web (WWW) server allowing a plurality of users to download program files for realizing the functions according to the present invention using a computer is also included in the scope of the present invention.

0136It is also possible to store an encrypted program according to the present invention on a recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, allow a user who meets predetermined conditions to download a key for decrypting the program from a website via the Internet, and then allow the user to install the program in a computer to realize the function according to the embodiments of the present invention.

0137The above-described functions may be realized by executing the program read out by a computer. In addition to such a case, an OS operating on a computer may carry out part and all of the actual processing in accordance with instructions based on the program to realize the functions of the embodiments of the present invention. Such a case is also included in the scope of the present invention.

0138A program read out from a recording medium may be written in a memory included in a function expansion board installed in a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer so that an OS operating on a computer may carry out part and all of the actual processing in accordance with instructions based on the program to realize the functions of the embodiments of the present invention.

0139While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

0140This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2005-171530 filed Jun. 10, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.