JP2005088499A - Image forming apparatus and method for controlling it - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable to save electric power more than in the conventional case by processing collectively requirements for printing from external devices at a prescribed time during an electric power saving condition while electric power supply except instruments necessary for communication with the external devices under the electric power saving condition is suppressed as much as possible. <P>SOLUTION: When the requirement for printing of printing data is received from a host device 2 (the external device) (on the Y-side of S31) under a condition where it is shifted to an energy-saving mode, information for the requirement related to the requirement for the printing is stored (S32). Thereafter, when it is detected that the time reaches one or a plurality of processing times set in advance (on the Y-side of S12), in a case when the unprocessed information for the requirement is stored (on the Y-side of S21), a shift to an operating mode (S23), the requirement and receiving of the printing data to the host device, and an image formation (S24) based on the printing data are respectively practiced. After the image formations of the printing data corresponding to all the information for the requirements are completed, the shift to the energy-saving mode is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that receives print data from an external apparatus and forms an image, and a control method therefor.

Conventionally, various techniques for reducing the power consumption of image forming measures have been proposed.
For example, in Patent Document 1, data is stored without printing (image formation) immediately after print data is input, and when a predetermined amount of print data is stored or when a certain time has elapsed. There has been proposed an image forming apparatus that saves power by activating an image forming unit that has been in a power saving state and processing the image forming units together.
Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming system that starts and prints intermittently so that the number of image forming units corresponding to the frequency of use is operated. In order to prevent unnecessary restoration from the power saving mode in which the image forming unit is in a power saving state, image forming apparatuses in which a communication unit responds independently to requests (inquiries, etc.) other than print processing have been proposed.
As a result, power consumption is suppressed during times when there is no print request, and the number of startups of devices such as image forming units is reduced.
JP-A-10-095146 JP 2001-345980 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-074864

However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since print data received from an external device is stored in a memory, a large-capacity memory such as a hard disk for storing the print data and a part that handles print data of a peripheral device or the like There is a problem that it is necessary to keep the system running, and the power saving of that part is not enough.
The technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 controls the number of units in a system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a network, and the operating image forming means (apparatus) is in its operating state as a whole. The image forming apparatus is not intended to save power.
Furthermore, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 has a problem in that sufficient power saving cannot be achieved because it always returns from the power saving mode when a print processing request is received.
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to prevent power supply to devices other than those required for communication with an external device in the power saving state while suppressing power feeding to the minimum. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof that can save power by conventionally processing print requests from external devices at a predetermined time.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides communication means for communicating with one or a plurality of external devices, and image forming means for executing image formation based on print data received from the external devices by the communication means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a power supply control means for controlling power supply to the image forming means; wherein the power supply control means suppresses the power supply to the image forming means in a power saving state by the communication means. Request storage means for storing request information related to the print request when a print request for the print data is received from, timing means for detecting that one or more predetermined processing times have been reached, and the timing means When the unprocessed request information is stored in the request storage unit when the processing time is detected, power is supplied to the image forming unit by the power supply control unit On-time processing control for executing a transition to a transition state, a request and reception of the print data corresponding to the request information by the communication unit, and an image formation by the image forming unit based on the received print data And an image forming apparatus.
As a result, since the print requests received from the external device during the power saving state are processed together at the processing time, the number of activations and the operation time of the image forming unit and the like are reduced, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption. be able to. Furthermore, in the power saving state, it is not necessary to start up a large-capacity storage means (such as a hard disk) for storing the print data every time or until it reaches the processing time, and the communication means And the request storage means having a very small capacity (low power consumption) for storing the minimum request information necessary for requesting the print data to the external device later is required. Unnecessary power feeding is suppressed and more power can be saved. In addition, since it is not necessary to collectively store a plurality of the print data generated during the power saving state, the capacity of the print data storage unit can be reduced.
Here, it is more preferable that the apparatus includes power saving state transition means for causing the power supply control means to shift to the power saving state after completion of image formation of the print data corresponding to all the request information in the request storage means. .

In addition, when the communication unit receives the print request in the operation state, the on-time processing control unit transmits the print data corresponding to the print request by the communication unit before the transition to the power saving state. An apparatus that requests and receives an external device and causes the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the received print data is conceivable.
Thus, the print request received during image formation is efficient without waiting until the next processing time. At this time, the number of times of transition from the power saving state to the operation state does not increase even if it decreases, so it does not lead to an increase in power consumption.
Further, as a more specific configuration, for example, the request information stored in the request storage means includes transmission source information and identification information of the print request, and the periodic processing control means When the print request is received in the power saving state, the identification information is transmitted to the transmission source, and the identification information is transmitted to the external device corresponding to the transmission source information when the print data is requested. What can be sent is considered.

Further, when the communication unit receives the print request for which a predetermined immediate processing designation has been made in the power saving state, the power supply control unit enters the operation state without waiting for the detection of the processing time by the time measuring unit. Transfer, request and reception of the print data corresponding to the print request for which the immediate processing is specified by the communication unit and the request information in the request storage unit, and the print data received by the image forming unit If there is an immediate processing control means for executing image formation based on each of the above, it is possible to interrupt the urgent print request.
In this case, it is more convenient if the immediate processing control means preferentially processes image formation for the print request for which the immediate processing is specified.
Further, an immediate processing result recording means for recording the reception result of the print request for which the immediate processing has been designated, and an immediate processing for restricting image formation by the immediate processing control means based on recording information by the immediate processing result recording means. A processing restriction means may be considered.
As a result, it is possible to prompt that the immediate processing designation be made only when it is truly necessary.

Further, if the processing time input means for inputting the processing time is provided, the user can arbitrarily set the processing time.
And a request record storage unit that stores request record information related to a reception record of the print request, and a process time resetting unit that automatically resets the processing time based on the request record information. Conceivable.
For example, the processing time resetting means narrows the processing time setting interval for a time zone where the number of received print requests is large, and sets the processing time setting interval for a time zone where the number of received print requests is small. Widely reset.
Thus, depending on the past generation results of the print requests, the print requests waiting to be processed are not generated in a large amount in a part of the time zone, and the operation is frequently performed for a very small amount of the print requests. Since the processing time is adjusted so as not to shift to a state, it is efficient.
Further, if the power supply control means is provided with an operation command input means for inputting an operation command for shifting from the power saving state to the operation state, when the user directly operates the image forming apparatus, etc. Interrupt processing can be performed without waiting for the processing time.
The present invention may also be understood as a method for controlling an image forming apparatus corresponding to processing executed by the image forming apparatus.
That is, in a control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming unit that performs image formation based on print data received from one or more external devices; and a power supply control unit that controls power supply to the image forming unit. , Request information regarding the print request is received when a print request for the print data is received from the external device by the communication unit in a power saving state in which power supply to the image forming unit is suppressed by the power supply control unit. A request storage step to be stored in the request storage means, and when the request storage means stores the unprocessed request information when the timing means detects the processing time, the image formation by the power supply control means Transition to an operating state in which power is supplied to the means, and request and reception of the print data corresponding to the request information by the communication means to the external device As well as the method of controlling an image forming apparatus, wherein the appointed time processing step for executing the image formation, to become a by the image forming means based on the print data received.

According to the present invention, when a print request for the print data is received from the external device by the communication unit in a power saving state in which power supply to the image forming unit is suppressed by the power supply control unit, the print request is related to the print request. When the request information is stored and the request storage means stores the unprocessed request information when it is detected that one or more predetermined processing times are reached, the image formation by the power supply control means Transition to an operating state in which power is supplied to the means, request and reception of the print data corresponding to the request information by the communication means to the external device, and image formation by the image forming means based on the received print data Therefore, the print requests received from the external device during the power saving state are processed together at the processing time, and the image forming unit or the like is processed. Number of starts and the operating time it is possible to suppress the wasteful power consumption decreases. Furthermore, in the power saving state, it is not necessary to start up a large-capacity storage means (such as a hard disk) for storing the print data every time or until it reaches the processing time, and the communication means And the request storage means having a very small capacity for storing the minimum request information necessary for requesting the print data to the external apparatus afterwards is used, so that unnecessary power supply is suppressed. As a result, more power can be saved. In addition, since it is not necessary to collectively store a plurality of the print data generated during the power saving state, the capacity of the print data storage unit can be reduced.
In addition, when the communication unit receives the print request in the operation state, the on-time processing control unit transmits the print data corresponding to the print request by the communication unit before the transition to the power saving state. If the request is received and received by an external device, and the image forming unit is configured to perform image formation based on the received print data, the print request received during image formation waits until the next processing time. It is efficient without being At this time, the number of times of transition from the power saving state to the operation state does not increase even if it decreases, so it does not lead to an increase in power consumption.
Further, when the communication means receives the print request in which the predetermined immediate processing designation is made in the power saving state, the transition to the operation state and the immediate processing designation are performed without waiting for the detection of the processing time. If the print data request and reception corresponding to each of the print request and the request information in the request storage means and the image formation based on the received print data are executed, the urgent print request is interrupted. It becomes possible to process, and convenience increases.
In this case, it is more convenient if the immediate processing control means preferentially processes image formation for the print request for which the immediate processing is specified.
Further, an immediate processing result recording means for recording the reception result of the print request for which the immediate processing has been designated, and an immediate processing for restricting image formation by the immediate processing control means based on recording information by the immediate processing result recording means. And the processing restriction means, it is possible to prompt the user to designate the immediate processing only when it is really necessary, and to prevent the user from using the system in a manner that hinders power saving.
A request record storage unit that stores request record information related to the reception time and number of received print requests; and a process time resetting unit that automatically resets the process time based on the request record information. Then, according to the past generation results of the print requests, the print requests that are awaiting processing are not generated in large quantities, and the operation state is not frequently changed due to a very small amount of the print requests. Thus, the processing time can be adjusted, which is efficient.
Further, if the power supply control means is provided with an operation state transition input means for making a transition from the power saving state to the operation state by a predetermined operation input, when the user directly operates the image forming apparatus, etc. Interrupt processing can be performed without waiting for the processing time, and convenience is enhanced.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the present invention can be understood. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system including a printer X as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a printer X and a host that transmits a print request. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the apparatus, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for accepting a print request when the printer X is in the energy saving mode, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a print control process of the printer X, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of request information stored in the request storage unit of the printer X, FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of reception information stored in the host device, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing time resetting processing in the printer X. FIG.

First, referring to the block diagrams shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a printer X which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a host device 2 which transmits a print request to the printer X, and components thereof A schematic configuration of the printing system 1 will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printing system.
As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes the printer X and a host device 2 such as one or a plurality of personal computers, which are connected to a network using a communication cable such as a 10Base-T cable. 3 is connected.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the host device 2 (a) and the main part (b) of the printer X.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the host device 2 includes a CPU 21 that performs various calculations, a RAM 22 that develops a program executed by the CPU 21, and a ROM 23 that stores a program such as a BIOS executed by the CPU 21. , An operation unit 24 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display unit 25 such as a liquid crystal panel and a CRT, a hard disk drive 26 (HDD) in which various driver software, application programs and various data are stored, and data communication via the network 3 This is a general personal computer including the communication unit 27 and the like.
In the HDD 26, various application software such as word processing software and image creation software for generating document data and image data as original data of print data, and data generated by the application software can be interpreted by the printer X. A printer driver or the like is installed for executing processing for converting print data (print job) and transmitting the print data to the printer X via the communication unit 27. As print data, image data such as GDI (Graphics Device Interface), predetermined instruction system data composed of PDL (Page Description Language), and the like can be considered. Print data composed of PDL or the like is printed (image formation) after being converted into image data by the printer X before printing.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the printer X includes a printer controller 10 as a main part thereof, a power source 11 for supplying power to each part in the apparatus, various setting inputs to the printer X, and An operation unit 12 that is a touch panel for displaying information, an image forming unit 13a that forms an image on a predetermined sheet based on image data generated by an image processing unit 14 included in the printer controller 10, and the image And a printer engine 13 for controlling the forming unit 13a. The image forming unit 13a includes a charging device that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum around the photosensitive drum, a laser scanner unit that records an electrostatic latent image on the charged photosensitive drum by laser light, and an electrostatic latent image. A developing device that develops toner, a transfer device that transfers the toner image onto a predetermined paper, an image forming unit that includes a cleaning device that removes toner remaining on the photosensitive drum after the transfer, and the image transferred onto the paper This is a well-known image forming unit including a fixing device that heats and fixes an unfixed toner image by a heating roller heated by a heater.
Further, the printer controller 10 includes a communication I / F (interface) unit 17a (communication means) that communicates with one or a plurality of the host devices 2 (an example of the external device) via the network 3. An example), a buffer 16 in which the print data (print job) received by the communication I / F unit 17a is temporarily stored, and image data used for image formation is generated according to the print data stored in the buffer 16 The image processing unit 14 includes a control unit 15 that performs various controls of the entire printer X, and a storage unit 18 that temporarily stores the image data during image formation. Accordingly, the printer engine 13 and the image forming unit 13a (an example of the image forming unit) execute image formation based on the print data received from the host device by the communication I / F unit 17a.
The communication I / F unit 17a is in an energy saving mode (power saving state) described later, and when the print request is received from the host device 2 (external device) by the communication I / F unit 17a. A request storage unit (an example of the request storage unit) that stores request information related to a print request, and a clock unit 17c that measures time and detects that one or more predetermined processing times have been set in advance (the above-described request storage unit) An example of a time measuring unit) and a reception unit 17d that controls the communication I / F unit 17a, the request storage unit 17b, and the clock unit 17c to receive a print request from the host device 2 in the energy saving mode. The communication unit 17 is configured.
The power supply 11 supplies power to the printer engine 13, the image forming unit 13a (a device such as a heater and a motor) controlled by the printer engine 13, the display lamp of the operation unit 12, the control unit 15, and the like. Energy-saving mode (power-saving state) in which the amount of power supply is suppressed (for example, the heater set temperature is set lower than during normal operation) (power-suppressed state) in a state where the power supply amount is suppressed compared to during stop or steady operation In this case, a sub power source 11a for supplying the minimum power required for the operation of the communication unit 17 is provided. Hereinafter, a state in which power supply is not restricted (a state in which the energy saving mode is canceled) as in the power saving mode is referred to as an operation mode (operation state).
The power source 11 switches the power supply state so that the operation mode is set when a predetermined return command is input from the reception unit 17d or the operation unit 12 in the energy saving mode, and the control is performed in the operation mode. When a predetermined energy-saving command is input from the unit 15, the power-supply state is switched so that the energy-saving mode (power-supply state using only the sub power source 11a) is set. Here, the power supply 11, the receiving unit 17d, the operation unit 12, and the control unit 15 constitute an example of the power supply control unit.

Next, a procedure for receiving a print request by the communication unit 17 when the printer X is in the energy saving mode will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 3A shows the whole processing procedure of the reception processing, and FIG. 3B shows the procedure of the reception processing which is a part of the processing. Before the process shown in FIG. 3A is started, the control unit 15 controls the power supply 11 to shift to the energy saving mode. Hereinafter, S11, S12,... Represent processing procedure (step) numbers.
When the state is shifted to the energy saving mode, the communication unit 17 performs various initializations (S11). For example, initialization of data in the request storage unit 17b, initialization of a reception order ID and the number of receptions described later, and the like.
Next, the clock unit 17c determines whether or not one or a plurality of predetermined processing times have been set (S12). If it is determined that the processing time has not yet been reached, the receiving unit 17d determines whether a predetermined printing operation has been performed from the operation unit 12 (S13), and the printing operation has been performed. If there is not, the request information (the reception order ID & the host ID) exists in the request storage unit 17b by the reception unit 17d (the state of “reception”, ie, the unprocessed request information is stored) Is determined) (S14).
Here, if it is determined that “no reception”, the process returns to S12 to repeat the process. If it is determined that “acceptance” is determined, a predetermined reception process described later is executed (S15).

As shown in FIG. 3B, in the reception process, first, whether or not a print request (request transmitted prior to transmission of print data) is received from the host apparatus 2 by the communication I / F unit 17a. Is checked (S31). Here, when the print request is received, the reception unit 17d allocates a reception order ID (an example of the identification information of the print request) indicating the reception order of the print request. A host ID (an example of the print request transmission source information), which is the identification information of the transmission source set in the print request, is associated and stored in the request storage unit 17b (S32). Further, when a predetermined immediate printing designation (an example of the immediate processing designation) is made in the print request, the designation information (referred to as immediate designation information) is also stored in association with it. Hereinafter, when the reception order ID and the host ID exist, the combination of the immediate designation information is hereinafter referred to as request information (an example of request information related to the print request).
FIG. 5 schematically shows the configuration of the request information stored in the request storage unit 17b. As shown in FIG. 5, for each reception order ID (d1), the host ID (d2) for identifying the transmission source of the print request and the immediate designation information ( d4) ("ON" indicates that the immediate printing is designated) is stored.

Further, the reception unit 17d controls the communication I / F unit 17a, so that the corresponding reception order ID is notified (transmitted) to the transmission source of the print request (the host device 2) (S33). ). That is, when the print request is received in the energy saving mode state (Y side of S31), the reception order ID (an example of the identification information) is transmitted to the transmission source.
FIG. 6 schematically shows a configuration of reception information stored in the hard disk drive 26 by the process of the printer driver in the host device 2 that has received the notification from the communication I / F unit 17a. .
As shown in FIG. 6, in the host device 2 that has received the notification, the print data (d4), the reception order ID (d1) corresponding to the print request transmitted by the own device, and the transmission source of the notification are set. The printer ID (d5) to be identified is stored in association with it.
Next, the reception unit 17d updates the reception order ID to a value assigned to the next print request (S34).
In the example shown in FIG. 5, all of the maximum number of reception order IDs (d1) are stored in advance, and pointers indicating the reception order IDs (d1) to be allocated to the next received print requests (the next reception order in the figure). The reception order ID is updated by sequentially changing (indicated by a pointer).
Further, the reception unit 17d receives a predetermined counter variable stored in the request storage unit 17b in association with the next processing time (the processing time closest to the current time after the current time). After the number of cases is incremented by 1 and updated (S35, an example of the processing of the request result storage means), the reception processing ends. The number of received cases is an example of request result information regarding the reception result of the print request in the energy saving mode (in the power saving state), and is received in a time zone from the previous processing time to the next processing time. The number of print requests is recorded as performance information.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S31 that the print request has not been received, the other receiving process (S36) is executed, and then the receiving process is terminated. For example, when the inquiry about the status of the printer X is received, the other process is a process of replying to the inquiry. If nothing has been received, the present reception process is terminated without performing any process.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3A, after the reception process (S15) is executed, whether or not the received print request is the one for which the immediate print designation (immediate process designation) has been made ( Whether or not the immediate designation information (d3) is ON) is checked by the receiving unit 17d (S16). If the immediate printing is not designated, the process returns to S12 and the above-described processing is repeated.
If it is detected by the clock unit 17c that the processing time has been reached (Y side in S12) while the above-described processing is being repeated, the request unit 17d stores the request in the request storage unit 17b. It is determined whether or not information (the reception order ID & the host ID) exists (in the “reception” state, that is, the unprocessed request information is stored) (S21).
Here, when it is determined that “there is acceptance”, when it is determined that the printing operation is performed in S13, or when it is determined that the immediate print designation is made in S16, When the receiving unit 17d outputs the return command to the power source 11, a transition to the operation mode is executed (S23).
As described above, since the input of the printing operation (an example of the predetermined operation input, the Y side of S13) can be shifted to the operation mode (S23) from the energy saving mode (the operation unit 12 is in the operation state). An example of transition input means) When the user directly operates the printer X, etc., it becomes possible to perform interrupt processing without waiting for the processing time, and convenience is enhanced.
Further, a printing instruction is output from the receiving unit 17d to the control unit 15 (S24). As a result, a print control process of the control unit 15 to be described later is started, and the print process corresponding to all the request information (such as the reception order ID) in the request storage unit 17b is being executed.

Next, the receiving unit 17d checks whether or not the state is shifted to the energy saving mode (S25), and is not in the energy saving mode (the operation mode, that is, the energy saving mode of the control unit 15). If the command does not shift to the energy saving mode), it is further checked whether or not communication data is received from the host device 2 by the communication I / F unit 17a (S26). Here, if it is determined that “reception is present”, a reception process (see FIG. 4) described later is executed (S27), and then the process returns to S25. If it is determined that “no reception”, the process returns to S25 as it is. Is repeated.
Thereby, when the communication I / F unit 17a receives the print request in the operation mode, it is accepted and the request information is stored (registered) in the request storage unit 17b.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S21 that there is no reception from the host device 2, the processing time checked by the clock unit 17c in S12 is updated to the next processing time (S22), and then the processing proceeds to S12. Return and the process is repeated.
If it is determined in S25 that the energy saving mode is set, the process returns to S11 and the process from the beginning is repeated.
Through the above processing, when the print request is received from the host device 2 during the energy saving mode, the minimum necessary for requesting the host device 2 for the print data corresponding to the print request later. Request information (the reception order ID and the host ID) is stored in the request storage unit 17b.
For this reason, during the energy saving mode, it is not necessary to start or constantly start a large-capacity storage means (such as a hard disk) for storing the print data until the processing time is reached. It is only necessary to activate the I / F unit 17a and the request storage unit 17b having a very small capacity.

Next, the procedure of the print control process by the control unit 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 4A shows a processing procedure of the entire print control processing, and FIG. 4B shows a processing procedure of an operation check which is a part of the processing. It is assumed that the operation mode is switched to the operation mode by the power source 11 before the process of FIG. 4A is started (see S23 of FIG. 3A).
First, a predetermined operation timer is reset by the control unit 15 (S40). Thereby, timing of a predetermined set time is started. The operation timer is a timer that counts the time until shifting to the energy saving mode when a state in which no operation is performed from the operation unit 12 continues. However, when the printing process is performed according to the printing instruction from the receiving unit 17d, the process does not shift to the energy saving mode until the process is completed.

Next, the control unit 15 checks whether or not the print instruction (see S24 in FIG. 3A) is input from the communication unit 17 (the receiving unit 17d) (S41). Here, when the input of the print instruction is confirmed (print instruction is present), an operation check process (S51, which will be described later) for checking the operation input from the operation unit 12 is executed, and then the control unit 15 It is checked whether the print preparation is OK (S52). The determination of whether or not the print preparation is OK is that the print preparation is OK when the image data converted from the print data by the image processing unit 14 is present in the storage unit 18 and the storage unit 18 is not currently printing. Determined.
If it is determined that the print preparation is not OK, the control unit 15 is in the process of converting the print data by the image processing unit 14 and the image forming process (printing process) by the image forming unit 13a. (S54). If it is determined that the request is not being processed, the request information (the reception order ID & the host ID) remains in the request storage unit 17b (ie, the host ID). It is determined whether or not the unprocessed request information is stored (S55).
If it is determined in S55 that the request information remains, one of the request information is selected by the control unit 15 (S56), and the print data corresponding to the selected request information is transferred to the communication The request is received from the host device 2 by the I / F unit 17a (S57).
Here, at the time of requesting the print data, the control unit 15 controls the communication I / F unit 17a so as to correspond to the host ID (an example of the transmission source information). The reception order ID is transmitted to. Thereby, the host device 2 returns the print data corresponding to the acceptance order ID.
Further, conversion processing of the received print data into image data is started by the image processing unit 14 (S58), and the selected request information is deleted from the request storage unit 17b (S59), and then the process goes to S51. It returns and the process mentioned above is repeated. The image data converted by the image processing unit 14 is stored in the storage unit 18.
In the selection of the request information to be printed in S56, the request information corresponding to the print request for which the immediate print designation has been made is usually selected in the order in which the print requests are received according to the reception order ID. If it exists, it is preferentially selected.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S52 that the print preparation is OK, the printing process (image formation) by the image forming unit 13a is started (S53), and then the process proceeds to S54 described above.
If the above processing is executed, the Y side of S12 in FIG. 3A → S24 → the Y side of S41 in FIG. 4A → S52 to S58 (in some cases, S26 and S27 in FIG. 3A). By passing through the process, the request information stored in the request storage unit 17b during the energy saving mode and the new information during the printing process are transferred to the operation mode from the time when the processing time is detected. When a print request is received, the print data corresponding to all of the newly added request information is sequentially requested and received from the host device 2 and is printed.

In the process of the operation check (S51), as shown in FIG. 4B, whether or not any operation is performed from the operation unit 12 is checked by the control unit 15 (S61). If it is determined that any operation has been performed, a process corresponding to the operation (S62) is performed, and after a predetermined operation timer is reset (S63), the operation check process ends. If it is determined in S61 that there is no operation from the operation unit 12, the operation check process is terminated as it is.
If an operation from the operation unit 12 is performed before the printing process according to the print instruction from the receiving unit 17d is started by the operation check processing in S51 (FIG. 4B), the operation is performed. The processing corresponding to is performed first.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S55 that the request information does not remain in the request storage unit 17b (that is, the print processing of the print data corresponding to all the request information has been completed), the control unit 15 Thus, it is checked whether or not the operation timer has timed out (S43). Here, if the time-over has not yet occurred, the process returns to S41 and the above-described processing is repeated. However, if the time-over has occurred, the control unit 15 outputs the energy-saving command to the power source 11. Thus, after shifting to the energy saving mode, the printing control process is terminated.
If it is determined in S41 that there is no print instruction from the receiving unit 17d, the operation check process is repeated until the operation timer is detected to be over (Y side in S43) (S42). .

As described above, the printer X is in a state where the control unit 15 has shifted to the energy saving mode (power saving state in which power supply to the image forming unit 13a and the like is suppressed) by the processing described with reference to FIGS. ), When the print request for print data is received from the host device 2 (external device) by the communication I / F unit 17a (communication means) (Y side in S31), the request information regarding the print request is The time is stored in the request storage unit 17b (an example of the request storage unit) (S32), and then the clock unit 17c (an example of the time measuring unit) indicates that one or more predetermined processing times have been set. When it is detected (Y side of S12), when the unprocessed request information is stored in the request storage unit 17b (Y side of S21), the operation mode (operating state) by the receiving unit 17d is entered. Transition (S23), request and reception of print data corresponding to the request information by the communication I / F unit 17a to the host device (S57), and image formation by the image forming unit 13a based on the received print data (S58, S53) are respectively executed (an example of processing of the on-time processing control means).
Further, after the image formation of the print data corresponding to all the request information in the request storage unit 17b is completed (N side of S55), the power source by the control unit 15 (an example of the power supply control unit). 11 to shift to the energy saving mode (S44, an example of processing of the power saving state shifting means).

Further, in the state of the operation mode, when the communication I / F unit 17a receives the print request (Y side of S26), the control unit 15 performs the communication before shifting to the energy saving mode (S44). The host apparatus 2 is requested and received by the I / F unit 17a for the print data corresponding to the print request (S57), and the image processing unit 14 and the image forming unit 13a, etc. based on the received print data ( Since the printing process (image formation) is executed by an example of the image forming unit (S53), the print request received during the printing process is efficient without waiting until the next processing time ( An example of processing of the on-time processing control means).
Further, in the state of the energy saving mode, when the communication I / F unit 17a receives the print request for which the immediate printing designation (an example of the immediate processing designation) is made (Y side of S16), the clock unit 17c Without waiting for the detection of the processing time (Y side in S12), the receiving unit 17d outputs the return command to the power supply 11 (an example of the power supply control means) to enter the operation mode ( S23), request and reception of the print data corresponding to the print request for which the immediate printing is designated by the communication I / F unit 17a (S57), the image processing unit 14, the image forming unit 13a, etc. Since the print processing (S53) of the received print data by the example of the image forming unit is executed, it is possible to interrupt the urgent print request. It becomes (an example of a process of the immediate processing control means).

Next, the processing time setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, it is checked by the control unit 15 whether or not a transition operation to the predetermined time setting mode has been performed from the operation unit 12 (S71). If the transition operation has not been performed, the processing time setting process is performed as it is. However, when the transition operation is performed, the current processing time set in the clock unit 17c is displayed on the operation unit 12 (S72).
Next, it is checked by the control unit 15 whether an operation for increasing or shortening the set time interval of the processing time is performed from the operation unit 12 (S73).
Further, when the operation for increasing the length of time is performed, the current setting time interval of the processing time is set to an interval (for example, +5 minutes) extended, and when the operation for shortening is performed, the time is shortened for the same time. The processing time changed as an interval (for example, −5 minutes) is displayed on the operation unit 12 (S74, S76).
Then, the process of S74 or S76 is repeated until the end operation of the setting process is performed from the operation unit 12 (N side of S75, N side of S77), and when the end operation is performed (Y side of S75, The setting process ends on the Y side in S77. The processing time according to the set time interval is stored in the clock unit 17c. Thereby, the processing time is input (an example of processing of the processing time input means).
Thus, if the processing time can be set at the set time interval, the setting becomes easy. Of course, the time may be directly input using a numeric keypad. Of course, it is also conceivable that the clock time 17c is a predetermined timer and the relative time from the timer timing start time is set as the processing time by detecting time-over at each set time interval.

Next, the resetting process of the processing time (when a plurality of times are set) executed by the control unit 15 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.
In the process shown in FIG. 8, the preset processing time is stored in the request storage unit 17b (see S35 in FIG. 3B). (Example of processing of the processing time resetting means). This process may be executed, for example, in the initialization process (S11) shown in FIG. 3A or when a predetermined operation input is made from the operation unit 12.
Hereinafter, a predetermined one of the plurality of processing times is designated as the 0th processing time, and thereafter the next processing time is designated in order, the first processing time, the second processing time,..., The mth processing time. (N + 1 is the total number of the processing times). Furthermore, the time zone between the 0th and 1st processing times is the 1st time zone, the time zone between the 1st and 2nd processing times is the 2nd time zone, and the Xth time zone in order. (X = 1 to n). The time length of the Xth time zone is referred to as the Xth time interval, and the number of receptions received in the Xth time zone is referred to as the Xth reception number.

First, a predetermined upper limit number and lower limit number are set as criteria for determining that the number of received cases in the time zone between the processing times is large or small (S81).
The upper limit number and the lower limit number are, for example, the total number of receipts for one day added, and divided by the number of intervals of the processing times (= n) as a reference value. A value obtained by adding a predetermined number may be used as the upper limit number, and a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined number may be used as the lower limit number.
Next, after a predetermined variable X is initialized to 1 (S82), the number of Xth receptions (that is, the number of receptions associated with the Xth processing time by the process of S35 in FIG. 3B). Is less than the lower limit number, more than the upper limit number, or other (S83).
Here, when it is determined that the number is less than the lower limit number, the X-th processing time is added by a predetermined time Δt (for example, +5 minutes), and the setting is changed (S84). Changes the setting by subtracting the Xth processing time by a predetermined time Δt (for example, −5 minutes) (S86), and does not change the setting otherwise (S85).
Next, according to the setting change situation of the Xth processing time, the X + 1th received number is corrected (S87). In this case, when the setting of the Xth processing time is changed, since the X + 1th time interval changes (for example, ± 5 minutes), the number corresponding to the change time is corrected.
Specifically, for example, when the X-th processing time is added by Δt,
(X + 1st reception number)
= (Xth number of received cases) × (1 + Δt / Xth time interval before setting change)
And when the Xth processing time is subtracted by Δt,
(X + 1st reception number)
= (Xth number of receptions) × (1−Δt / Xth time interval before setting change)
As a linear correction.
The above-described processing of S83 to S88 is repeated until the variable X is sequentially incremented by 1 (X ← X + 1) (S88) until it is finished for all time zones (until X> n).
As a result, the time period in which the number of received print requests (the number of received requests) is large is reset so that the processing time setting interval is narrowed (S86), and the time period in which the number of received print requests (the number of received requests) is small. Is reset so that the setting interval of the processing time is widened (S84). As a result, depending on the past generation results of the print requests, the print requests that are awaiting processing are not generated in a large amount in a part of the time zone, and the operation is frequently performed for a very small amount of the print requests. Since the processing time is adjusted so as not to shift to a state, it is efficient.
Further, if the processing of S81 to S89 is repeated a plurality of times, the processing for each time zone can be further equalized.

In the printer X described above, the power saving effect is weakened when the user frequently designates the immediate printing (immediate processing) in response to the print request.
Therefore, in order to prevent easy immediate printing designation, for example, the following processing may be added.
When recording the number of receipts in S32 of FIG. 3B, the print request for which the immediate print designation is made by the acceptance unit 17d is associated with the host ID of the transmission source of the print request. For each host ID, the number of received items within a predetermined period (for example, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, etc.) is separately recorded (stored) in the request storage unit 17b (an example of processing of the immediate processing result recording means).
When the print request with the immediate print designation is received (Y side in S16), the number of received immediate print designations corresponding to the host ID of the transmission source of the print request (total for a predetermined period) ) Exceeds the predetermined immediate specified upper limit number, the immediate printing process (shift to S23) is not performed, but the normal print request is processed (shift to S12) (the process of the immediate process restriction unit) Example). Further, when the request information is selected in S56 of FIG. 4A, the request information corresponding to the host ID exceeding the immediate specified upper limit number is preferentially selected in the same manner as a normal print request. (An example of processing of the immediate processing restriction unit).
As a result, it is possible to urge that the immediate printing designation (the immediate processing designation) is made only when it is really necessary, and it is possible to prevent the user's selfish use that hinders power saving.

  The present invention can be used for an image forming apparatus.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system that includes a printer X as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer and a host device that transmits a print request. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print request reception processing when the printer X is in an energy saving mode. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print control processing of the printer X. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of request information stored in a request storage unit of the printer X. The figure which represented typically the structure of the reception information stored in a host apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing time setting processing in the printer X. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing time resetting processing in the printer X.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Printing system 2 ... Host device (external device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Network 11 ... Power supply 11a ... Sub power supply 12 ... Operation part 13 ... Printer engine 14 ... Image processing part 15 ... Control part 16 ... Buffer 17 ... Communication part 17a ... Communication interface (communication means)
17b ... request storage unit (request storage means)
17c ... Clock part (time measuring means)
17d: Accepting sections S11, S12,... Processing procedure (step)

Claims (12)

Communication means for communicating with one or a plurality of external devices, image forming means for executing image formation based on print data received from the external device by the communication means, and controlling power supply to the image forming means In an image forming apparatus comprising a power supply control means,
A request to store request information regarding the print request when the communication unit receives a print request for the print data from the external device in a power saving state in which power supply to the image forming unit is suppressed by the power supply control unit Storage means;
Timing means for detecting that one or more predetermined processing times have been reached;
When the request storage means stores the unprocessed request information when the timing means detects the processing time, the power supply control means shifts to an operation state in which the image forming means is supplied with power. And on-time processing control means for executing request and reception of the print data corresponding to the request information by the communication means to the external device, and image formation by the image forming means based on the received print data;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   2. The power saving state transition unit according to claim 1, further comprising a power saving state transition unit configured to shift to the power saving state by the power feeding control unit after completion of image formation of the print data corresponding to all the request information in the request storage unit. Image forming apparatus.   When the communication processing unit receives the print request in the operation state, the on-time processing control unit transmits the print data corresponding to the print request by the communication unit before the transition to the power saving state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming unit causes the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the received print data. The request information stored by the request storage means includes source information and identification information of the print request,
The on-time processing control unit causes the communication unit to transmit the identification information to the transmission source when the print request is received in the power saving state, and the transmission source information at the time of the print data request. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is transmitted to the external apparatus corresponding to the above.   In the power saving state, when the communication means receives the print request for which a predetermined immediate processing designation has been made, the power supply control means shifts to the operation state without waiting for detection of the processing time by the time measuring means. , Based on the print request for which the immediate processing is designated by the communication unit and the request and reception of the print data corresponding to the request information in the request storage unit, and the print data received by the image forming unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an immediate processing control unit configured to execute image formation.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an immediate processing control unit preferentially processes image formation for the print request for which the immediate processing is designated. An immediate processing result recording means for recording the reception result of the print request for which the immediate processing is specified;
An immediate processing restriction unit for restricting image formation by the immediate processing control unit based on the recording information by the immediate processing result recording unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processing time input unit that inputs the processing time. Request result storage means for storing request result information related to the reception result of the print request in the power saving state;
Processing time resetting means for automatically resetting the processing time based on the requested record information;
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:   The processing time resetting means narrows the processing time setting interval for a time zone in which the number of received print requests is large, and widens the processing time setting interval in a time zone for which the number of print request receptions is small. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, which is set.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation state transition input unit that causes the power supply control unit to shift from the power saving state to the operation state by a predetermined operation input. In a control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming unit that performs image formation based on print data received from one or a plurality of external devices; and a power supply control unit that controls power supply to the image forming unit.
When a request for printing of the print data is received from the external device by the communication unit in a power saving state in which power supply to the image forming unit is suppressed by the power supply control unit, a request request for the print request is given as a predetermined request. A request storage step to be stored in the storage means;
When the request storage means stores the unprocessed request information when the timing means detects the processing time, the power supply control means shifts to an operation state in which the image forming means is supplied with power. And a periodic processing step for executing the request and reception of the print data corresponding to the request information by the communication unit to the external device, and image formation by the image forming unit based on the received print data;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

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