JP2006159514A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which accumulates image data, performs a low power processing other than periodically performing an output, and also, can set a specified period for continuing the low power process without performing the periodical output, and thus, reduces consumption power. <P>SOLUTION: A communication section 150 receives setting data for the interval of the periodical output and a sleep mode period. A CPU 180 stores the setting data in a RAM 133. The communication section 150 receives a job including image data. The CPU 180 stores the job data in an HD 131. The CPU 180 acquires a present time from a clock section 170. The CPU 180 judges whether the present time is an output timing or not. The CPU 180 judges whether the present time is the sleep mode period or not. The CPU 180 ends the low power motion when the present time is judged to be the output timing, and also, not the sleep mode period, and makes a printing process section 140 print the image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a low power processing function.

In image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, fax machines, and multifunction machines, a technique for performing low power processing has been devised for the purpose of reducing power consumption. Patent Document 1 discloses a facsimile apparatus that stores image data received during a low power operation in a memory, and releases and outputs the low power operation when the data amount reaches a predetermined value. However, since this technique outputs image data with a certain amount of data as a threshold value, there is a problem that data may not be output for a long time depending on the communication state.
Further, an image forming apparatus that sets a time for batch output of received image data, shifts to the low power mode until the set time, cancels the low power operation at the time, and outputs the image forming apparatus is disclosed in Patent Document 2 and 3 is published. However, since this method outputs received data in accordance with a set time, for example, in a facsimile, when received at midnight, it is output even at night when there is no need for output when it is time. was there.
Further, Patent Document 4 is a technique for shifting to a low power mode when a non-operation state continues for a certain period of time, and canceling the low power operation at the time set for the timer communication reservation setting time or the end of the low power mode. is there. However, this technique has a problem in that power is supplied in the same manner as during printing for a certain period of time when there is no operation, and the power saving effect is not sufficient.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-8968 JP 2004-77547 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-233907 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-232540

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and performs low power processing except that the received image data is accumulated and periodically output, and the low power processing is not performed for a certain period of time. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that reduces power consumption by continuing the process.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 stores an output request including image information input from the outside in the image information storage means, and periodically stores the stored image information based on the output interval information. In the output image forming apparatus, the low power priority period storage means for storing the start time and the end time of the low power priority period input from the outside, the current time acquisition means for acquiring the current time, and the current time are Output power determination means for determining whether the time is set in the output interval information, and comparing the start time and the end time with the current time, and determining whether the current time is in the low power priority period or not As a result of the determination of the period determination means and the output timing determination means, it is determined that the current time is the output timing, and the determination result of the low power priority period determination means, When it is determined that the present time is not in the low power priority period, it includes a periodic output image output unit that ends the low power operation and outputs the image information stored in the image information storage unit. The image forming apparatus is characterized.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the periodic output time image output means further determines whether or not the image information is stored in the image information storage means. It is characterized by continuing the power operation.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for storing an output request including image information input from the outside in the image information storage means and periodically outputting the stored image information based on the output interval information. The low power priority period storage means for storing the start time and end time of the low power priority period, the current time acquisition means for acquiring the current time, and the current time set by the output interval information. An output timing determination means for determining whether there is a low power priority start determination means for comparing whether the current time is the start time by comparing the start time and the current time, and a result of determination by the output timing determination means; When it is determined that the current time is the output timing, and the result of determination by the low power priority start determination means is that the current time is determined to be the start time, the low power The low power priority start image output means for outputting the image information stored in the image information storage means is compared with the end time and the current time to determine whether the current time is the end time. An image forming apparatus comprising: a low power priority termination determination unit.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the invention, the low power priority start image output means further determines whether or not the image information is stored in the image information storage means. It is characterized by continuing the power operation.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for storing an output request including image information input from the outside in an image information storage unit, and periodically outputting the stored image information based on output interval information. The low power priority period storage means for storing the start time and end time of the low power priority period, the current time acquisition means for acquiring the current time, the start time and the current time are compared, and the current time Low power priority start determination means for determining whether the current time is the start time, low power priority end determination means for comparing whether the current time is the end time by comparing the end time with the current time, and the low power priority end determination As a result of determination by the means, when it is determined that the current time is the end time, the low power priority termination is performed to end the low power operation and output the image information stored in the image information storage means. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising an image output means when.

  According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the low power priority end image output means further determines whether or not the image information is stored in the image information storage means. It is characterized by continuing the power operation.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the start time and the end time further include date information, and the current time acquisition means further acquires the current date. And

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the start time and the end time further include day information, and the current time acquisition means further acquires the current day of the week. And

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a period during which low power operation is prioritized is set, a time other than the low power priority period is determined at a regular output timing, and the received image information is output. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced more than the conventional one.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the received image information is accumulated and the start time of the low power priority period is reached without reaching the output timing, the image information is output collectively, It is possible to avoid the received image information not being output for a long period of time.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the received image information is collectively output at the end of the low power priority period, by setting the period not requiring operation as the low power priority period, further power consumption can be reduced. Reduction is possible.

  According to the second, fourth, and sixth aspects of the invention, when there is no image information in the image information storage area, the low-power processing is continued, so that the power consumption can be further reduced.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus having a function of low power processing for reducing power consumption, and is an apparatus that prints image data input from the outside at a specified timing. For example, there are a printer, a copier, a FAX, and a multifunction machine.
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a printer will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printer 100 according to the present embodiment. The printer 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 180 and includes a storage unit 130 including an HD (Hard Disk) 131, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 132, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 133. Note that the RAM includes both a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. A print processing unit 140 receives image data for printing, performs overall processing related to printing, feeds paper, prints image data, and discharges printed paper. A communication unit 150 is connected to a network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and receives a print request and image data. Reference numeral 160 denotes a display unit having a touch panel function. Note that the touch panel display unit 160 may include an input unit including a numeric keypad and a function key, and a display unit such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display. A clock unit 170 measures and manages the day of the week and time.

  The CPU 180 is realized by loading a program (not shown) for realizing the functions described below into the RAM 133 and executing it.

  Each function described above may be realized using dedicated hardware.

  First, in the following, a description will be given of setting for operating the printer 100 with low power. When the power of the apparatus is turned on, the CPU 180 periodically outputs the image data (hereinafter referred to as “periodic output”), and in order to perform the low power operation otherwise, the CPU 180 determines the output interval and its initial processing. The touch panel display unit 160 requests to input a time indicating whether to start. In response to this, the user inputs data for setting the output timing. For example, as the first process after 10 minutes from the current time, data requesting to perform an output process every other hour is input from the touch panel display unit 160. The CPU 180 receives the output timing setting data from the touch panel display unit 160 and stores it in the nonvolatile memory area of the RAM 133.

  Next, in order to set a period during which low power operation is prioritized (hereinafter referred to as a sleep mode period), the CPU 180 displays a screen requesting input of the day of the week to be processed and the start time and end time of the process on the touch panel display. Display on the unit 160. The user sets the sleep mode period accordingly. For example, data requesting that low power processing be performed every Sunday from midnight to 5:00 in the morning is input from the touch panel display unit 160. The CPU 180 receives setting data for the sleep mode period from the touch panel display unit 160 and stores it in the nonvolatile memory area of the RAM 133. Then, low power operation is started.

  Next, the operation of the printer 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After starting the low power operation as described above, first, the CPU 180 requests and obtains data of the current day of the week and time from the clock unit 170 (step S1). Next, the communication unit 150 is inquired whether a job requesting output has been received (step S2). At this time, if the user transmits a job requesting printing of certain image data from the PC connected to the LAN to the printer 100, the CPU 180 receives the job data from the communication unit 150 and writes the job data to the HD 131 ( Step S3). The job data here includes a job ID for identifying individual job data and image data.

  Next, the CPU 180 compares the output data for the regular output described above with the acquired current time (step S4). If it is determined that the current time is the output timing, the current time is compared with the setting data for the sleep mode period (step S5). As a result, when it is determined that the current time is in the sleep mode, the process proceeds to step S1 described above and the process is repeated. If it is determined that it is not in the sleep mode period, all job IDs of the job data stored in the HD 131 are read, the low power operation is canceled, and a print request including the job ID is transmitted to the print processing unit 140. In response to this, the print processing unit 140 prints image data corresponding to the received job ID on a sheet (step S6). Next, the process proceeds to the step S1 described above.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time is not the output timing as a result of the comparison between the current time described in step S4 and the output timing, the sleep mode start time setting data is read, and the current time starts the sleep mode. It is determined whether it is timing (step S7). When it is determined that it is the start timing of the sleep mode, all the image data of the job data stored in the HD 131 is printed from the print processing unit 140 as in step S6 described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the above-described step S1 to repeat the process. When it is determined that it is not the start timing of the sleep mode, it is further determined whether or not the current time is a timing for ending the sleep mode (step S8).

  If it is the end timing of the sleep mode, all the image data of the job data stored in the HD 131 is printed as in step S6 described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1 described above. If it is not the end timing of the sleep mode, the process proceeds to step S1 without repeating the process.

  In this way, the user sets a low power priority period in advance during periods when no operation is required, such as non-business hours, and the image data in the storage unit is not printed if the low power priority period is set even at regular output timing. Therefore, the job can be prevented from being executed in a time that does not require an operation, and the power consumption can be reduced.

  In addition, since a job received during business hours is printed before the sleep mode period starts, the problem that jobs during business hours are not output for a long time can be avoided.

  Also, since jobs received during non-business hours are automatically batch-printed when the sleep mode period ends, it is possible to save the user from manually executing the job and printing when the sleep mode is canceled.

  In step S6 of the above-described embodiment, all the job IDs of the job data stored in the HD 131 are read, the low power operation is canceled, and a print request including the job ID is transmitted to the print processing unit 140. However, if job data is not stored in the HD 131, the low power operation may not be canceled, and the process may be repeated by transitioning to step S1.

  In the above description, when the CPU 180 receives a job from the communication unit 150 and stores it in the HD 131 (step S2), if there is no free space necessary for storing job data, the RAM 133 is temporarily temporarily stored. The job data is stored in. Thereafter, the CPU 180 may request the print processing unit 140 to print the image data of the job data and perform printing. Further, when the image forming apparatus is applied to a printer or a copier, when the CPU 180 determines that there is not enough free space in the HD 131, the job data storage capacity is insufficient, so that the printing process is performed immediately. Or a request to select whether or not to cancel the job is displayed on the display unit of the user's PC if it is a printer, or on the display unit such as the touch panel display unit 160 if it is a copier, and the user selects the next process. Also good. If the user requests printing immediately, the print processing is performed so that the job data received by the CPU 180 is temporarily stored in the RAM 133 and the image data of the job data is printed, as in the above-described method. Request to the unit 140 to print. When the user determines that the execution of the job should be performed after canceling the sleep mode and inputs a job cancel request, the CPU 180 deletes the received job data from the RAM 133 and shifts to the processing of step 1 described above. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the sleep mode is set to a one-week cycle such as 0:00 to 5:00 every Sunday. However, the clock unit may have a calendar function and may be set to a specific date. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the job from the user is always printed only at the output timing. However, when the image forming apparatus is applied to a printer or a copier, in the case of the printer, the display of the user's PC, etc. In the case of a copier, a display unit such as a touch panel display unit displays an inquiry as to whether or not printing is to be performed immediately. When the user requests printing immediately, the received job is printed immediately, You may make it without trouble.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes a design and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a printer in the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Printer 130 ... Memory | storage part 131 ... HD
132 ... ROM
133 ... RAM
140: Print control unit 150 ... Communication unit 160 ... Touch panel display unit 170 ... Clock unit 180 ... CPU
N ... Network

Claims (8)

In an image forming apparatus that stores an output request including image information input from the outside in an image information storage unit, and periodically outputs the stored image information based on output interval information.
Low power priority period storage means for storing the start time and end time of the low power priority period, input from the outside,
Current time acquisition means for acquiring the current time;
Output timing determination means for determining whether or not the current time is the time set in the output interval information;
Low power priority period determining means for comparing the start time and the end time with the current time and determining whether the current time is the low power priority period;
As a result of determination by the output timing determination means, it is determined that the current time is output timing, and as a result of determination by the low power priority period determination means, it is determined that the current time is not the low power priority period A periodic output image output means for terminating the low power operation and outputting the image information stored in the image information storage means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the regular output image output unit further determines whether the image information is stored in the image information storage unit, and continues the low power operation when the image information is not stored. 3. In an image forming apparatus that stores an output request including image information input from the outside in an image information storage unit, and periodically outputs the stored image information based on output interval information.
Low power priority period storage means for storing the start time and end time of the low power priority period, input from the outside,
Current time acquisition means for acquiring the current time;
Output timing determination means for determining whether or not the current time is the time set in the output interval information;
Low power priority start determination means for comparing the start time with the current time and determining whether the current time is the start time;
As a result of the determination of the output timing determination means, it is determined that the current time is the output timing, and when the current time is determined to be the start time as a result of the determination of the low power priority start determination means, the low Low power priority start image output means for ending power operation and outputting the image information stored in the image information storage means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a low power priority end determination unit that compares the end time with a current time and determines whether the current time is the end time.   4. The image formation according to claim 3, wherein the low power priority start image output unit further determines whether the image information is stored in the image information storage unit, and continues the low power operation when the image information is not stored. 5. apparatus. In an image forming apparatus that stores an output request including image information input from the outside in an image information storage unit, and periodically outputs the stored image information based on output interval information.
Low power priority period storage means for storing the start time and end time of the low power priority period, input from the outside,
Current time acquisition means for acquiring the current time;
Low power priority start determination means for comparing the start time with the current time and determining whether the current time is the start time;
Low power priority end determination means for comparing the end time with the current time and determining whether the current time is the end time;
As a result of the determination by the low power priority end determination means, when it is determined that the current time is the end time, the low power that ends the low power operation and outputs the image information stored in the image information storage means Image output means at the end of priority;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   6. The image formation according to claim 5, wherein the low power priority end image output means further determines whether or not the image information is stored in the image information storage means, and if not, continues the low power operation. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the start time and the end time further include date information, and the current time acquisition unit further acquires the current date. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the start time and the end time further include day information, and the current time acquisition unit further acquires the current day of the week.

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