JP5750842B2 - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for suppressing power consumption by supplying power to the minimum necessary functions in the operation mode during operation.

  Patent Document 2 is an image processing apparatus that includes a plurality of functions and performs image processing by a combination of the functions, and calculates an execution frequency for each function based on an execution history of the image processing. Based on the above, a technology for optimizing the power usage state flexibly and easily according to the usage status by selecting a function to supply power in the power saving mode is disclosed.

JP 2002-359703 A JP 2009-225139 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a program that reduce the processing time of continuous processing for continuously executing two or more different functions while suppressing power consumption.

The image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of processing units that realize a plurality of functions by combining the respective processes, and that respectively perform predetermined processes including at least a process of forming an image on a recording medium. The switching means for switching the state of each of the plurality of processing means to an operation state in which the process can be executed or a power saving state in which power consumption is suppressed; and the two or more different continuous processes for successively executing two or more different functions A combination of functions, and a receiving unit that receives an instruction to execute the continuous process, a storage unit that stores an execution order of the functions in the continuous process, and an instruction to execute the continuous process by the receiving unit, The execution order of the instructed function is read from the storage means, and the processing means used in the function that is executed first in the continuous process is in an operating state. Controls exchange means, during the processing of the currently executing function, before a time going back by the return time to be predicted from the temperature of the processing means used in the function to be executed next from the processing end time of the function in the running By starting the heating of the processing means, the control of the switching means is started so that the processing means is in an operating state during the processing of the function being executed, and the processing is completed by the end of the processing of the function being executed. Control means for controlling the switching means so that the means is in an operating state .
Also, the invention of claim 2 is the invention of claim 1 Symbol mounting, said control means, said processing means used in the function to be executed the following when a power saving state, the functions in the running The switching means is controlled so that the processing means used for the function to be executed next is in an operating state by the end of the processing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the control means used by the next function at the end of the processing of the function being executed is in an operating state. The switching means is controlled.
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein when the control means accepts a condition setting by the function to be executed next, the function is used. Delay the control that puts the processing means into operation.

Program of the invention of claim 5, causes the computer to function as a control means according to any one of 請 Motomeko 1 to 4.

According to the first and fifth aspects of the present invention, compared with the case where each function is returned to the operating state at the stage of executing the process of each function in the continuous process of continuously executing two or more different functions, It is possible to reduce the processing time of continuous processing for continuously executing two or more different functions while suppressing consumption.

According to the invention of claim 3 , it is possible to suppress power consumption as compared with the case where the functions of continuous processing are simultaneously returned to the operating state.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a top view which shows an example of the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the continuous processing information which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the identification information input screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the job flow selection screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the return control processing program which concerns on embodiment. It is a graph which shows the change of the power consumption when scanning and copying are performed continuously as continuous processing.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus having a scan function, a copy function, a print (print) function, and a facsimile (FAX) function will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is connected to a commercial power source (for example, AC 100 V), and is switched on or off to switch power supplied from the commercial power source to an energized state or a non-energized state. 12, a first low-voltage power supply device 14 connected to the power switch 12, for converting power supplied from the commercial power supply via the power switch 12 into DC power of a first voltage level (for example, 5 V), and a power switch 12 and a second low-voltage power supply device 16 that converts electric power supplied from a commercial power supply via the power switch 12 into DC power of a second voltage level (for example, 24V).

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment combines various processing buttons 40 (see FIG. 2) and a touch panel as processing means for realizing a copy function, a printing function, and a facsimile function by combining the processes. The operation panel 17 provided with 42, the controller 18 for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus, and an automatic document feeder, recording paper set in the automatic document feeder or recording placed at a predetermined reading position A scanner 20 that reads an image from paper and acquires image data representing the image, and forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum by electrophotography based on the image data, and attaches toner to the formed latent image. The image forming engine 22 for transferring the developed toner image onto the recording paper and a general communication line are connected to another FAX terminal device via the general communication line. And a FAX communication unit 26 for performing FAX communication with.

  The controller 18 is connected to the first low-voltage power supply device 14 and is supplied with power from the first low-voltage power supply device 14. The operation panel 17, the scanner 20, the image forming engine 22, and the FAX communication unit 26 are connected to the second low-voltage power supply device 16, and power is supplied from the second low-voltage power supply device 16. In addition, although not shown, there is an area that is partially connected to the first low-voltage power supply device 14 at a part of the FAX communication unit 26 that detects the line.

  The controller 18 stores and holds a CPU (central processing unit) 30 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, a ROM 32 that stores various programs including a control program in advance, a RAM 34 that temporarily stores various data, and various data. Network I that is connected to an HDD (hard disk drive) 36 and a network NET, and transmits and receives various communication data including print data to be printed with an external device such as the external server 80 via the network NET. A / F (interface) unit 38 is provided.

  Further, the image forming engine 22 includes a fixing unit 24 that fixes the toner image transferred to the recording sheet by heating and pressurizing the recording sheet.

  The operation panel 17, the controller 18, the scanner 20, the image forming engine 22, and the FAX communication unit 26 are connected to each other via a bus BUS. Accordingly, the controller 18 can control the operation of the scanner 20, control the operation of the image forming engine 22, and control FAX communication with other FAX terminal devices via the FAX communication unit 26. Further, the controller 18 can grasp the operation state of the user with respect to the operation buttons 40 and the touch panel 42 (see FIG. 2) provided on the operation panel 17. Further, the controller 18 can control display of messages on the touch panel 42 provided on the operation panel 17.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes switches 90 </ b> A to 90 </ b> D in each power wiring that connects the second low-voltage power supply device 16, the scanner 20, the image forming engine 22, and the FAX communication unit 26. . The controller 18 is connected to the switches 90 </ b> A to 90 </ b> D and controls on / off of the switches 90 </ b> A to 90 </ b> D, and can stop the supply of power to the unused device.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the operation panel 17 according to the present embodiment.

  The operation panel 17 is provided with various operation buttons 40 such as a numeric keypad 40A, a start button 40B, a clear button 40C, and a power saving button 40D, and a touch panel 42 that can perform a touch operation.

  The power saving button 40D is directly connected to the controller 18, and when the user operates the power saving button 40D, the controller 18 detects the power saving button 40D.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined standby period elapses without image formation, the operation state shifts to the power saving state. In this power saving state, in order to reduce power consumption and realize energy saving, the second low voltage power supply device 16 and the switches 90A to 90D are turned off to stop the supply of power to unused devices, and the touch panel 42 displays In addition, the lighting is stopped, and the power for energizing the fixing device 24 of the image forming engine 22 is stopped.

  When the power saving button 40D of the operation panel 17 is pressed in the power saving state, the image forming apparatus 10 turns on the second low-voltage power supply device 16 or the switch 90D to restart the supply of power to the operation panel 17 and the operation panel 17 When an instruction to execute one of the functions is received from the user, the switches 90A to 90D are controlled so that the device used for the function is in an operating state.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, identification information of a user who is permitted to use the apparatus is stored in advance in the HDD 36 as user information.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can register a continuous process for continuously executing a plurality of functions as a job flow. The HDD 36 stores a continuous process number for identifying a continuous process registered as a job flow and a function execution order as continuous process information. The continuous processing information may be set from the operation panel 17 or may be set from an external device such as a personal computer (PC) via the network NET.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the data structure of the continuous processing information.

  The continuous process information stores a continuous process number and the execution order of a plurality of functions. An arrow “→” described in the function execution order indicates the order of execution.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined standby period elapses without image formation, the operation state shifts to the power saving state.

  When using the device in the power saving state, the user presses the power saving button 40D on the operation panel 17.

  When the power saving button 40D of the operation panel 17 is pressed, the second low-voltage power supply device 16 and the switch 90D are turned on to resume the supply of power to the operation panel 17 and the identification information for authenticating the user to the touch panel 42. The input screen 50 is displayed.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the identification information input screen 50.

  The identification information input screen 50 is provided with an input area 52 for inputting identification information and an OK button 54 for instructing start of authentication.

  When the identification information input screen 50 is displayed, the user inputs identification information in the input area 52 and designates the OK button 54.

  When the OK button 54 is designated, the image forming apparatus 10 authenticates the user depending on whether or not the identification information input in the input area 52 matches any of the user information stored in the HDD 36. If authentication is obtained, a selection screen 60 for accepting selection of copy, scan, FAX, and job flow is displayed on the touch panel 42 as shown in FIG. The selection screen 60 is provided with a function selection button 62 corresponding to each function of copy, scan, FAX, and job flow.

  When the user selects a copy, scan, or fax function on the selection screen 60 displayed on the touch panel 42, the image forming apparatus 10 switches the switches 90 </ b> A to 90 </ b> A so that a device used for the function is in an operating state. 90D is controlled. For example, when scanning is designated, the controller 18 turns on the switch 90C to restart the supply of power to the scanner 20.

  On the other hand, when an instruction to execute the job flow function is received from the user via the touch panel 42, the image forming apparatus 10 displays a job flow selection screen 70 for selecting the continuous process registered as the job flow on the touch panel 42. Let

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the job flow selection screen 70.

  The job flow selection screen 70 includes a display area 72 for displaying a registered continuous process number and a function to be executed, an input area 74 for inputting a continuous process number for execution, and authentication start. An OK button 76 for instructing is provided.

  When the job flow selection screen 70 is displayed, the user inputs the continuous process number of the continuous process to be executed in the input area 74 and designates the OK button 76.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, when an instruction to execute any continuous process is received on the job flow selection screen 70 displayed on the touch panel 42, a device used for a function to be executed first in the continuous process becomes an operation state. Thus, the switches 90A to 90D are controlled.

  By the way, in continuous processing, when controlling a device used in each function to be in an operating state at the stage of executing the processing of each function when continuously executing a plurality of functions, although power consumption can be suppressed, If the device used in the next function is controlled to be in an operating state at the stage of executing the process of the next function, a waiting time is generated until the next function can be executed.

  In particular, since the image forming engine 22 fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording paper by heating and pressurizing with the fixing device 24, it needs to be in a specific temperature range when performing fixing, but the power saving state is When it becomes a long time, the temperature of the fixing device 24 decreases. For this reason, when the temperature of the fixing unit 24 decreases, an image cannot be formed until the temperature of the fixing unit 24 rises to a specific temperature range, and the waiting time for warming up the fixing unit 24 becomes long.

  In view of this, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment controls the switches 90A to 90D so that the equipment used in the function first executed in the continuous processing is in the operating state in the continuous processing. The switches 90 </ b> A to 90 </ b> D are controlled so that the equipment used for the function to be executed next by the end of the process is in an operating state.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the return control processing program executed by the CPU 30 of the controller 18 when receiving an instruction to execute any continuous processing on the job flow selection screen 70 of the touch panel 42. ing. The program is stored in advance in the ROM 32.

  In step S10, the execution order of the function of the continuous process number instructed to be executed on the job flow selection screen 70 is read from the continuous process information stored in the HDD 36.

  In step S <b> 12, the switches 90 </ b> A to 90 </ b> D are controlled so that the device used for the function executed first in the function execution order is in the operating state.

  As a result, the device used for the function to be executed first returns to the operating state, and processing of the first function is started.

  In step S14, in the execution order of the functions read in step S10, it is determined whether or not there is a device whose power supply is stopped among the devices used in the function executed next to the function currently being executed. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S18. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 16.

  In step 16, the process waiting for the function currently being executed is waited for, and the process proceeds to step S28.

  On the other hand, in step S18, a scheduled end time at which the processing of the function currently being executed ends is obtained. In the present embodiment, the processing time when each function is executed is stored in the HDD 36, the average processing time when a similar function is executed in the past is obtained, and the processing start of the function for which the current execution is instructed is started. The time when the average processing time elapses from is set as the scheduled end time. Note that the processing time of each function may be predicted from the number of recording sheets to be actually processed. For example, when the function currently instructed to execute is scanning, a sensor for detecting the thickness of the recording paper set in the automatic document feeder is provided, and the number of recording paper to be read is estimated from the thickness of the recording paper. Then, the processing time is predicted by multiplying the estimated number of recording sheets to be read by the average reading time per sheet, and the time when the processing time has elapsed from the start of processing of the function currently instructed to execute is set as the scheduled end time. Also good. For example, when the function currently instructed to execute is FAX, processing is performed by multiplying the added recording time by adding the average reading time per sheet and the average FAX transmission time per sheet to the recording sheet to be read. The estimated time may be the time when the processing time has elapsed from the start of processing of the function for which execution is currently instructed.

  In the next step S20, a return time until the device used in the function to be executed next is returned to the operating state when energization is started is obtained. This return time may be stored in the HDD 36 as a predetermined time for each device and may be obtained by reading from the HDD 36. Further, the return time may be obtained by detecting the state of each device. For example, the temperature of the fixing device 24 of the image forming engine 22 may be detected and the time may be predicted until the temperature rises from the detected temperature to a specific temperature range. Alternatively, the temperature decrease may be predicted from the time when the fixing device 24 is off, and the time may be predicted until the temperature rises to a specific temperature range.

  In the next step S22, a time before the return time from the scheduled end time is set as the return start time.

  In the next step S24, the process waits until the return start time is reached.

  In step S <b> 26, the switches 90 </ b> A to 90 </ b> D are controlled so that the device used for the function to be executed next is in an operating state.

  As a result, the device used for the function to be executed next returns to the operating state, and the processing of the next function is started.

  In step S28, it is determined whether or not there is a function to be executed next in the execution order of the functions read in step S10. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S14 and the determination is negative. In this case, the process ends.

Thus, for example, if the execution continues with scanning and copying as a continuous process, the image forming apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 8, used in a scan by turning on the switch 90C at the timing T1 which is instructed to execute the scan The energization of the scanner 20 is started and the scan is returned to the operating state. During the execution of scanning, the switch 90A is turned on to start energization of the image forming engine 22 used for copying to start warming up of the image forming engine 22, and image formation is performed at a scheduled end time T2 when the scanning ends. The engine 22 is returned to the operating state.

  Thereby, since the scanner 20 and the image forming engine 22 used for copying at the end of scanning are in an operating state, copying can be performed quickly.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Of course, it can apply also to what changed the design within the range described in the claim.

  Further, continuous processing is not limited to scanning and copying. For example, when scanning and printing are continuously executed as continuous processing, when FAX transmission and copying are continuously executed, and when scanning, FAX transmission and copying are continuously executed, copying and printing processing are started. First, the image forming engine 22 is returned to the operating state, so that copying and printing can be performed quickly.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where it controlled to return the function predicted to be performed next at the scheduled end time of the function being executed, it is not limited to this. For example, the function to be executed and the function to be executed next may be restored or restored. If the user needs to set the condition for the next function, the return start time of the function that is predicted to be executed next may be delayed by the time the user sets the condition for the next function. Good. If the return start time of the function to be executed next is before the end of the function currently being executed, the waiting time when the next function is continuously executed is shortened.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the identification information is acquired by being input from the operation panel 17 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, an IC card in which the identification information is recorded. May be obtained by reading with a card reader.

10 image forming apparatus 17 operation panel (processing means, reception means, acquisition means)
18 Controller 20 Scanner (Processing means)
22 Image formation engine (processing means)
26 FAX communication unit (processing means)
30 CPU (control means)
90A-90D switch (switching means)

Claims (5)

A plurality of processing means for realizing a plurality of functions by combining each processing and performing each predetermined processing including at least processing for forming an image on a recording medium;
Switching means for switching the state of each of the plurality of processing means to an operation state in which processing can be executed or a power saving state with reduced power consumption;
A receiving means for receiving a combination of the two or more different functions of continuous processing for continuously executing two or more different functions, and an instruction to execute the continuous processing;
Storage means for storing the execution order of the functions in the continuous processing;
When an instruction to execute a continuous process is received by the receiving unit, the execution order of the instructed function is read from the storage unit, and the processing unit used for the function executed first in the continuous process is in an operating state. As described above, during the processing of the function being executed, the switching means is controlled so as to go back from the processing end time of the function being executed by the predicted return time from the temperature of the processing means used in the function to be executed next . By starting the heating of the processing means before the time, the control of the switching means is started so that the processing means is in an operating state during the processing of the function being executed, until the processing of the function being executed is completed. Control means for controlling the switching means so that the processing means is in an operating state;
An image forming apparatus. The control means is configured such that when the processing means used for the function to be executed next is in a power saving state, the processing means used for the function to be executed next before the processing of the function being executed is in an operating state. wherein controlling the switching means according to claim 1 Symbol placing the image forming apparatus so as to. Said control means, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said processing means used in the next function at the end of processing functions in the execution controls said switching means so that the operating state. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein when the control unit receives a condition setting by the function to be executed next, the control unit delays the control to set the processing unit used in the function to an operation state. A program for causing a computer to function as a control means according to any one of 請 Motomeko 1 to 4.

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