JP2011257906A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, computer program, and power-saving printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can control an operation of a processor in accordance with a speed of a subsequent stage process to maintain a speed of data processing properly, while reducing a consumption power.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 includes CPUs 11, 12, 13 that receive a print request and print data from a host device 3, convert the print data to bitmap data, and store the converted bitmap data in a print request buffer 21 sequentially. A print control device 18 sequentially reads the bitmap data from the print request buffer 21 to print an image on the basis of the bitmap data. Each of the CPUs 11, 12, 13 is assigned a predetermined process by default. The CPU 11 turns the CPU 12 (or the CPUs 12 and 13) off in accordance with an amount of the bitmap data in the print request buffer 21.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, a computer program, and a power saving printing method.

  In recent years, in an image forming apparatus, a technique using a plurality of processors for speeding up processing has been proposed. On the other hand, there are an increasing number of users who want to reduce the power consumption of the image forming apparatus.

  In order to reduce power consumption, in an image forming apparatus, the image processing apparatus calculates an estimated required time for a certain process, and calculates the required number of processors from the time required for the process and the estimated required time. Then, an unnecessary processor is turned off (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-268082 A

  However, in the above-described technology, in order to turn off unnecessary processor power without degrading the performance of the image processing apparatus, it is necessary to accurately set the processing request time in advance for each process, The estimated required time must be calculated for each process, and the amount of calculation to be executed increases.

  Furthermore, in the above-described technique, the data after image processing is transferred to a subsequent printing apparatus. However, if the image processing is too fast, the intermediate buffer is filled with data, and as a result, processing of the image processing apparatus is delayed. It will end up.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an image forming system and an image forming system that reduce power consumption while controlling the operation of the processor in accordance with the processing speed of the subsequent stage to make the data processing speed appropriate. An object is to obtain an apparatus, a computer program, and a power-saving printing method.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is configured as follows.

  An image forming system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and a host device that transmits a print request to the image forming apparatus to execute printing. The host device determines whether the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is the power saving mode. If the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is not the power saving mode, the host apparatus transmits print data together with the print request to the image forming apparatus, When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is the power saving mode, the print data is converted into bitmap data, and the bitmap data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus together with the print request. The image forming apparatus receives a print request and print data or bitmap data. When the print data is received, the image forming apparatus converts the print data into bitmap data, and the converted or received bits. A print request buffer for sequentially storing the map data; and a print control device for printing the image based on the bitmap data by sequentially calling the bitmap data from the print request buffer. Each of the plurality of processors in the image forming apparatus is assigned a predetermined process by default, and one of the plurality of processors is a plurality of processors according to the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer. Turn off another processor or reduce the clock frequency.

  As a result, the power consumption can be reduced while controlling the operation of the processor in accordance with the processing speed of the subsequent stage to make the data processing speed appropriate.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention receives a print request and print data from a host device, converts the print data into bitmap data, and a print request buffer for sequentially storing the converted bitmap data And a print control device that sequentially calls the bitmap data from the print request buffer and prints an image based on the bitmap data. Each of the plurality of processors is assigned a predetermined process by default. When the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer exceeds a predetermined threshold, the first processor of the plurality of processors A power-off or clock frequency reduction is executed for another second processor of the plurality of processors, and the processing assigned to the second processor is assigned to another third processor or first processor.

  As a result, the power consumption can be reduced while controlling the operation of the processor in accordance with the processing speed of the subsequent stage to make the data processing speed appropriate.

  In addition to the image forming apparatus described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as follows. In this case, when the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold, the first processor executes power-on or clock frequency increase for the second processor, and assigns default processing to the second processor.

  As a result, the processor whose power is turned off or whose clock frequency is lowered returns to the normal operation, so that when the bitmap data in the print request buffer increases and then decreases, the data processing speed by the processor can be made appropriate. .

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as follows in addition to any of the image forming apparatuses described above. In this case, the print data is PDL data, and the third processor is assigned a PDL data analysis process by default, and the second processor defaults a process for generating bitmap data based on the result of the analysis process. Assigned.

  The computer program according to the present invention is a step of determining whether or not the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is a power saving mode in a computer in a host apparatus that transmits a print request to the image forming apparatus and executes printing; When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is the power saving mode, the step of converting the print data into bitmap data; and when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is not the power saving mode, the print data is sent to the image forming apparatus together with the print request. And transmitting the bitmap data to the image forming apparatus when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is the power saving mode.

  As a result, conversion to bitmap data is performed in the host device, so the number of calculations (processing) to be executed in the image forming device is reduced, and power saving control such as powering off or lowering the clock frequency for more processors is performed. It can be performed. In addition, the image forming apparatus takes time to return from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and if conversion to bitmap data is executed after returning to the normal mode, a delay occurs in printing. This delay can be reduced by converting to.

  In the power saving printing method according to the present invention, in the host device, the step of determining whether or not the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is the power saving mode, and if the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is not the power saving mode, printing is performed. When the print data is transmitted from the host apparatus to the image forming apparatus together with the request, and the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is the power saving mode, the print data is converted into bitmap data in the host apparatus, and the bitmap data is transmitted together with the print request to the host apparatus. Transmitting to the image forming apparatus, receiving a print request and print data or bitmap data in the image forming apparatus, and printing data received by the image forming apparatus by a plurality of processors. Converting the data into bitmap data, and Storing the converted or received bitmap data in the print request buffer in sequence, and printing the image based on the bitmap data by sequentially calling the bitmap data from the print request buffer in the image forming apparatus. Steps. Each of the plurality of processors is assigned a predetermined process by default, and one of the plurality of processors is assigned one of the plurality of processors according to the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer. Turn off another processor or reduce the clock frequency.

  As a result, the power consumption can be reduced while controlling the operation of the processor in accordance with the processing speed of the subsequent stage to make the data processing speed appropriate.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, power consumption can be reduced while controlling the operation of the processor in accordance with the processing speed of the subsequent stage so as to make the data processing speed appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the host device in FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining processing assigned to a plurality of CPUs when the data in the print request buffer is small in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of changing processing assignment when there is a lot of data in the print request buffer in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of changing processing assignment when there is a lot of data in the print request buffer in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the system shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a host apparatus 3 via a communication path 2. The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus having a printing function such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral. The communication path 2 is a peripheral device interface cable, a computer network, or the like. The host device 3 is a device that transmits a print request to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication path 2 and executes printing. For example, a personal computer in which an operating system or the like is installed is used for the host device 3.

  The image forming apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 is shared by a plurality of (here, three) CPUs (Central Processing Units) 11, 12, 13, a bus 14 that connects the CPUs 11, 12, 13, and the CPUs 11, 12, 13. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 15, a power supply circuit 16 that controls the power supply of the CPUs 12 and 13, a communication device 17 connected to the communication path 2, and a print control device 18 are included.

  The CPUs 11, 12, and 13 are processors that execute various processes by loading a program from a storage device (ROM: Read Only Memory) (not shown) into the RAM 15 and executing it. The CPU 11 is a processor with lower power consumption and slower processing speed than the CPUs 12 and 13.

  The CPUs 11, 12, and 13 receive a print request and print data from the host device 3 using the communication device 17, and convert the print data into bitmap data. The print data is, for example, PDL (Page Description Language) data. Each of the CPUs 11, 12, and 13 is assigned a predetermined process by default, and the CPU 11 turns off at least one of the CPUs 12 and 13 according to the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer 21. .

  In this embodiment, the CPU 11 is assigned by default to receive a print request and print data or bitmap data, and the CPU 12 is assigned by default to analyze the received print data. Is assigned to generate bitmap data based on the analysis result of the print data.

  A part of the storage area of the RAM 15 is used as the print request buffer 21. In the print request buffer 21, the bitmap data converted by the CPUs 11, 12, and 13 and the bitmap data received by the CPU 11 are stored in order. The bitmap data includes image data of each page of the printed matter in order.

  The bitmap data processed by the print control device 18 is deleted from the print request buffer 21. For this reason, fluctuations in the amount of data in the print request buffer 21 depend on the number of print requests, the number of print pages, the processing time of the print control device 18 and the like, and are difficult to predict in advance.

  The power supply circuit 16 is a circuit that stops the power supply of the CPU 12 and / or the CPU 13 in accordance with a command from the CPU 11.

  The communication device 17 is a device that performs data communication with the host device 3 via the communication path 2.

  The print control device 18 calls bitmap data from the print request buffer 21 in the order of FIFO (First-In First-Out), and controls a print engine (not shown) based on the bitmap data to print an image. The bitmap data processed by the print control device 18 is deleted from the print request buffer 21. In the case of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1, the print engine has a laser scanning unit, a photosensitive drum, an intermediate transfer belt, a toner cartridge, a fixing device, a drive system thereof, and an electronic circuit that controls the drive system. .

  Note that a controller (not shown) in the image forming apparatus 1 determines an operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 and controls an internal device in accordance with the operation mode. For example, when there is no reception of a print request or user operation for a predetermined time, the controller shifts the operation mode from the normal mode to the power saving mode. When the image forming apparatus 1 includes an electrophotographic printing apparatus, in the power saving mode, the power supply to the heater of the fixing device in the printing apparatus is stopped. Accordingly, when a print request is received in the power saving mode, the power supply to the heater of the fixing device is turned off, and thus an operation for returning to the normal mode is required. When the controller switches the operation mode, the controller notifies the printer management unit 52 of the host device 3 of the current operation mode.

  1 includes a communication device 31, a storage device 32, and an arithmetic processing device 33.

  The communication device 31 is a device that performs data communication with the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication path 2.

  The storage device 32 is a storage device having a nonvolatile recording medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory. A program 41 is stored in the storage device 32.

  Note that the program 41 may be recorded in a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM and installed in the storage device 32 from the recording medium.

  The arithmetic processing unit 33 is a computer having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and executes programs stored in the storage device 32 and implements various processing units. When the program 41 is executed by the arithmetic processing unit 33, the printer driver 51 and the printer management unit 52 are realized.

  The printer driver 51 is a driver for the image forming apparatus 1, and (a) determines whether or not the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is a power saving mode, and (b1) the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is omitted. When the power mode is selected, the print data is converted into bitmap data, and the bitmap data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 together with the print request. (B2) When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is not the power saving mode, Print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus together with the print request. The printer driver 51 controls the communication device 31 to transmit a print request or the like to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication path 2.

  The printer management unit 52 is a processing unit that receives the mode notification from the image forming apparatus 1 by the communication device 31 via the communication path 2 and monitors the operation mode (power saving mode, normal mode, etc.) of the image forming apparatus 1. is there.

  Next, the operation of each device in the system will be described.

(A) Operation of host device 3

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the host apparatus 3 in FIG. FIG. 2A is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printer management unit 52, and FIG. 2B is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printer driver 51.

  When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is switched, a mode notification is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1. In the host device 3, the printer management unit 52 monitors whether or not the mode notification is received (step S1). When the mode notification is received, the printer management unit 52 of the image forming apparatus 1 indicated by the mode notification. The current operation mode is recorded and held (step S2).

  When a print request is generated by an application (not shown) or the like, the printer driver 51 is activated. The printer driver 51 first identifies the current operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 and determines whether or not the current operation mode is the power saving mode (step S2).

  If the current operation mode is not the power saving mode, the printer driver 51 uses the communication device 31 to transmit print data together with the print request to the image forming apparatus 1 (step S4).

  On the other hand, when the current operation mode is the power saving mode, the printer driver 51 converts the print data into bitmap data (step S5), and uses the communication device 31 to display the bitmap data together with the print request as an image. It transmits to the forming apparatus 1 (step S6).

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the power saving mode, the host apparatus 3 converts the print data into bitmap data. When the image forming apparatus 1 is not in the power saving mode, the image forming apparatus 1 performs printing. Convert data to bitmap data.

  The printer driver 51 may include a setting value indicating whether the data to be transmitted is print data or bitmap data in the print request. In this case, in the image forming apparatus 1, the CPU 11 can determine whether the received data is print data or bitmap data with reference to the set value.

(B) Operation of the image forming apparatus 1

  FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining processing assigned to the plurality of CPUs 11, 12, and 13 when the data in the print request buffer 21 is small in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of changing processing assignment when there is a lot of data in the print request buffer 21 in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  When print data is transmitted together with a print request from the host device 3, in the image forming apparatus 1, the CPU 11 uses the communication device 17 to receive the print data (step S11). The received print data is stored in the RAM 15.

  At this time, the CPU 11 refers to the print request buffer 21 and determines whether or not the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer 21 is greater than a predetermined threshold (first threshold).

  When the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer 21 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold (step S12), the CPU 11 causes the CPU 12 to execute print data analysis according to the default assignment (step S13). Bitmap data is generated from the analysis result (step S14). In this case, bitmap data is generated at high speed from the print data by pipeline processing by the CPUs 11, 12, and 13. In the analysis of the print data, various print setting values and image data specified by the print data are extracted. The generated bitmap data is stored in the print request buffer 21.

  On the other hand, when the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer 21 is larger than a predetermined threshold (step S22), the CPU 11 assigns the generation of bitmap data to the CPU 12 in order to increase the processing time of the print data. Therefore, the CPU 11 uses the power supply circuit 16 to turn off the power of the CPU 13 (step S23), and causes the CPU 12 to execute print data analysis and generate bitmap data from the analysis result (steps S24 and S25). The generated bitmap data is stored in the print request buffer 21.

  Further, when the print data is received, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer 21 is larger than a predetermined threshold (second threshold) higher than the first threshold. May be. In this case, if the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer 21 is larger than the second threshold value, the following process assignment is executed. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of changing processing assignment when there is a lot of data in the print request buffer 21 in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  When the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer 21 is larger than the second threshold (step S32), the CPU 11 analyzes print data and generates bitmap data in order to extend the processing time of the print data. Assigned to itself (CPU 11). Therefore, the CPU 11 uses the power supply circuit 16 to turn off the power of the CPU 12 and CPU 13 (steps S33 and S34), and executes analysis of the received print data and generation of bitmap data from the analysis result (step S35). , S36). The generated bitmap data is stored in the print request buffer 21.

  If the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer 21 is less than or equal to the second threshold and greater than the first threshold, the assignment of bitmap data generation is switched from the CPU 13 to the CPU 12 as described above. .

  As described above, a plurality of threshold values may be provided step by step, and the number of CPUs to be turned off may be changed step by step according to the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer 21.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives print data, the process is executed as described above.

  When the power of the CPU 13 is turned off, if the data amount in the print request buffer 21 is equal to or smaller than the first threshold when the next print request is received, the CPU 11 uses the power supply circuit 16 to The CPU 12 is turned on, and default processing is assigned to the CPU 12. When the power of the CPUs 12 and 13 is turned off, the CPU 11 uses the power supply circuit 16 if the amount of data in the print request buffer 21 is equal to or less than the first threshold when the next print request is received. Then, the CPUs 12 and 13 are powered on, and default processing is assigned to the CPUs 12 and 13. If the amount of data is greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, the CPU 11 uses the power supply circuit 16 to When the power is turned on and the default processing of the CPUs 12 and 13 is assigned to the CPU 12, the power of the CPU 13 is kept off. If the amount of data is larger than the second threshold, the CPU 11 keeps the power of the CPUs 12 and 13 off. . When the power of the CPU 12 (or CPU 12, 13) is turned on, the program of the CPU 12 (or CPU 12, 13) is loaded again into the RAM 15 and the execution of the program is started.

  When the CPU 11 receives bitmap data from the host device 3, the CPU 11 stores the bitmap data in the print request buffer 21.

  The print control device 18 operates asynchronously with the CPUs 11, 12, and 13, reads bitmap data for each page from the print request buffer 21, and sequentially prints each page.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 1, the CPUs 11, 12, and 13 receive print requests and print data from the host device 3, convert the print data into bitmap data, The converted bitmap data is stored in the print request buffer 21 in order. The print control device 18 sequentially calls the bitmap data from the print request buffer 21 and prints an image based on the bitmap data. Each of the CPUs 11, 12, and 13 is assigned a predetermined process by default, and the CPU 11 supplies power to the CPU 12 (or the CPUs 12 and 13) according to the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer 21. Turn off.

  As a result, the power consumption can be reduced while controlling the operation of the CPUs 11, 12, and 13 in accordance with the processing speed of the subsequent stage (printing control device 18) to make the data processing speed appropriate.

  The above-described embodiments are preferred examples of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. is there.

  For example, in the embodiment described above, the CPU 11 changes at least one clock frequency of the CPUs 12 and 13 without changing the processing assignment, instead of changing the processing assignment and turning off the power of the CPU 13 (or the CPUs 12 and 13). May be lowered. Further, the CPU 11 may change the processing assignment to lower at least one clock frequency of the CPUs 12 and 13. In other words, instead of turning off the power of the CPU 12 (or CPU 12, 13) as described above, the clock frequency of the CPU 12 (or CPU 12, 13) is lowered and increased to the original clock frequency upon return. Also good. By doing so, it is not necessary to reload the program of the CPU 12 (or CPU 12, 13) at the time of return, and processing by the CPU 12 (or CPU 12, 13) can be started immediately.

  The present invention is applicable to, for example, an image forming apparatus having a plurality of processors.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 3 Host apparatus 11, 12, 13 CPU (an example of a plurality of processors)
18 Print Control Device 21 Print Request Buffer 33 Arithmetic Processing Device (Example of Computer)
41 program (an example of a computer program)

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus;
A host device that transmits a print request to the image forming apparatus to execute printing;
The host device determines whether or not the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is a power saving mode. If the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is not a power saving mode, the image forming apparatus prints print data together with the print request. When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is a power saving mode, the print data is converted into bitmap data, and the bitmap data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus together with the print request.
The image forming apparatus receives the print request and the print data or the bitmap data. When the print data is received, the image forming apparatus converts the print data into bitmap data, and the converted data. Or a print request buffer for sequentially storing the received bitmap data, and a print control device for sequentially calling the bitmap data from the print request buffer and printing an image based on the bitmap data. ,
One of the plurality of processors may turn off another processor or reduce the clock frequency according to the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer.
An image forming system. A plurality of processors for receiving a print request and print data from a host device and converting the print data into bitmap data;
A print request buffer for sequentially storing the converted bitmap data;
A print control device that sequentially calls the bitmap data from the print request buffer and prints an image based on the bitmap data;
Each of the plurality of processors is assigned a predetermined process by default,
When the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer exceeds a predetermined threshold, the first processor of the plurality of processors is powered off or the clock frequency is lowered for another second processor of the plurality of processors. And assigning the processing assigned to the second processor to another third processor or the first processor,
An image forming apparatus.   When the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer is less than a predetermined threshold, the first processor executes power-on or clock frequency increase for the second processor, and assigns default processing to the second processor. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. The print data is PDL data,
The third processor is assigned by default to analyze the PDL data,
The second processor is assigned by default a process for generating the bitmap data based on the result of the analysis process;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. To a computer in the host device that sends a print request to the image forming apparatus and executes printing,
Determining whether the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is a power saving mode;
When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is a power saving mode, converting print data into bitmap data;
When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is not a power saving mode, transmitting the print data together with the print request to the image forming apparatus;
When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is a power saving mode, transmitting the bitmap data to the image forming apparatus;
A computer program characterized by executing the program. In a power saving printing method in which a print request is transmitted from a host device to an image forming apparatus and printing is executed with low power consumption.
Determining whether the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is a power saving mode in the host apparatus;
When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is not the power saving mode, print data is transmitted together with the print request from the host device to the image forming apparatus, and when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is the power saving mode, Converting the print data into bitmap data in a host device and transmitting the bitmap data together with the print request from the host device to the image forming device;
Receiving the print request and the print data or the bitmap data in the image forming apparatus;
In the image forming apparatus, when the print data is received, converting the print data into bitmap data by a plurality of processors;
In the image forming apparatus, sequentially storing the converted or received bitmap data in a print request buffer;
In the image forming apparatus, the step of sequentially calling the bitmap data from the print request buffer and printing an image based on the bitmap data,
Each of the plurality of processors is assigned a predetermined process by default,
Turning off or reducing the clock frequency of another processor of the plurality of processors according to the amount of bitmap data in the print request buffer by one of the plurality of processors;
A power-saving printing method.

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