The disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for allocating a print job among multiple printers. The apparatus includes one or more computer workstations that are communicatively coupled to a controller. The controller is communicatively coupled to plural multifunction peripherals (MFPs) for printing. The system provides a user an option of designating a print job as a tandem mode job, wherein a controller utilizes the multiple MFPs in printing the job in order to decrease the overall print time. In one embodiment, the controller utilizes only two MFPs. In another embodiment, more than two MFPs are utilized. Regardless of the number of MFPs utilized, all of the MFPs are desirably controlled by the same controller.
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/163,344, entitled "Dynamic Load Balancing for a Tandem Printing System," filed Nov. 3, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference.
This application is related to the following U.S. provisional patent applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference: (I) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/163,360, entitled "Synchronous Printing," filed Nov. 3, 1999; (2) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/163,343, entitled "Generation of Cover Sheets by a Networked Printer," filed Nov. 3, 1999; and (3) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 06/163,272, entitled "Error Management for a Tandem Printing System," filed Nov. 3, 1999.
When at least one output unit is brought into a printable state, a controller prepares a schedule to assign a tandem print job to another output unit under execution of another job so as to complete the tandem print job within the shortest time period, and causes the output unit to execute the tandem print job according to the schedule. Thus, the tandem print job can be started when at least one output unit is brought into a printable state and completed within the shortest time period.
Control is effected to produce a plurality of child print jobs for a plurality of printers from data to be printed, on the basis of inputted instruction for distributed print, and information regarding a parent print job is produced on the basis of information regarding the plurality of child print jobs produced under control of the distributed print, and the parent job is displayed in a distinguishable manner from the child print job.
Control is effected to produce a plurality of child print jobs for a plurality of printers from data to be printed, on the basis of inputted instruction for distributed print, and information regarding a parent print job is produced on the basis of information regarding the plurality of child print jobs produced under control of the distributed print, and the parent job is displayed in a distinguishable manner from the child print job.
An information processing apparatus which generates print data includes a range setting module which sets the print range of each printer in order to distribute a print job to a plurality of printers and perform print processing, a recognition module which recognizes generation of an error in processing of each print range together with an error generation page within the print range when printing is performed in accordance with the set print range, a determination module which determines a re-print start page within the print range in accordance with the print attribute and error generation page of the print job within the print range that is interrupted by generation of the error, and a data transfer module which transfers print data of a re-print range specified by the determined re-print start page to a substitute printer which performs re-printing of the interrupted print range, and causes the substitute printer to execute re-printing.
A multi-function peripheral (100) forming part of a system (200) for automating and managing business processes is disclosed. The multi-function peripheral (100) has an input device (117) for initiating a workflow process in the system (200). The multi-function peripheral (100) also receives status notification from the system (200) during the workflow process, and provides status feedback to a user. The user may be required to make further selections in response to the status feedback.
