JP2006262163A - Monitoring system for image-forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image-forming device monitor system, capable of preventing overcurrent of a commercial power source, at the same time from being used and reducing useless power, even when a plurality of image forming devices are connected to one and the same commercial power source. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device monitor system is provided with a plurality of image forming devices, connected to a network and having a normal mode for performing normal operation and energy-saving mode for reducing using power, more than in the normal mode to switch the normal mode and the energy-saving mode, in accordance with an instruction from the outside, and a monitoring device for monitoring the image forming devices via the network, instructing the image forming devices in the normal mode to shift to the energy-saving mode, and instructing the plurality of image forming devices in the energy-saving mode to release the energy saving mode so as to make the shifting time of each image forming device from the energy saving mode to the normal mode different. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus monitoring system that monitors and controls a power usage state of a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or an image forming apparatus that combines these functions via a network.

  In recent years, for the purpose of environmental conservation, it has become important to reduce power consumption of equipment and power consumption when equipment is not used. In addition, it is economically important for the user to reduce the power consumption of the equipment and useless power reduction when the equipment is not used.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, power supply state monitoring means for monitoring the use state of the power supply of the network printer is provided, the use state of the network printer is stored, and the power supply of the network printer is stored based on the stored information. Has been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Further, for example, a network image forming system that determines the priority of power-on or shut-off of an image forming apparatus based on the number of history image forming jobs of each image forming apparatus in a predetermined time zone or the image forming performance of each image forming apparatus Is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  Also disclosed is a printer system in which a computer and a plurality of printer devices are connected to each other via a network to automatically select a printer device that can start printing earliest or automatically select a printer device that does not require the most power consumption. (For example, see Patent Document 3).

JP 11-301065 A JP 2000-353070 A JP 2002-318664 A

  An image forming apparatus including a fixing device that pressurizes and heats a medium on which a toner image is formed and fixes the toner image requires a large amount of power. Particularly in an energy saving mode in which the fixing heater is turned off for a long time, a large current flows to the fixing heater when the power is turned on. However, there are many offices in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a commercial power source (outlet) having a commercial power source with a breaker rated at 100V and 15A. This is to prevent breakers rated at 100V and 15A including other machines from being cut off during copying, taking into account the inrush current when the power of OA equipment such as copiers and printers is turned on at once. Often not.

  In such a case, the breaker may be shut off when the power of OA equipment such as a copier or printer is turned on at a time by remote control during lunch break or working hours. Therefore, the power of the OA equipment is turned on at a time. In order to prevent the breaker from shutting down even in such a case, it is necessary to limit the number of OA devices such as copying machines and printers connected to the outlet. Further, when the breaker is cut off by turning on the power source of the image forming apparatus at one time during lunch break or the like, there is a possibility that the worst situation occurs in which the data of the personal computer being created disappears.

  However, the conventional techniques such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3 described above cannot solve such problems, and techniques for solving such problems have not yet been established. There is no current situation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and even when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to the same commercial power source, the overcurrent use of the commercial power source at the same time is prevented and wasted. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus monitoring system capable of reducing power consumption.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus monitoring system according to claim 1 is connected to a network and operates in a normal mode in which normal operation is performed, and energy saving in which power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal mode. A plurality of image forming apparatuses that switch between the normal mode and the energy saving mode in accordance with an instruction from the outside, and the image forming apparatus that monitors the image forming apparatus via the network and that is in the normal mode. And a monitoring device for instructing a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the energy saving mode to release the energy saving mode so that the transition timing of each image forming apparatus from the energy saving mode to the normal mode is different. It is characterized by providing.

  In the image forming apparatus monitoring system according to claim 2, the monitoring apparatus monitors the image forming apparatus via a network, instructs the image forming apparatus in the normal mode to turn off the power, A plurality of image forming apparatuses in a disconnected state are instructed to input a power supply so that the start-up times of the respective image forming apparatuses are different.

  According to another aspect of the image forming apparatus monitoring system of the present invention, the monitoring apparatus issues a release instruction to preferentially release the energy saving mode for an image forming apparatus having a long startup time among the plurality of image forming apparatuses. It is characterized by performing.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus monitoring system, wherein the monitoring apparatus includes a measuring unit that measures time, instructs the transition to the energy saving mode at a preset time, and saves energy at the preset time. A mode release instruction is performed.

  According to another aspect of the image forming apparatus monitoring system of the present invention, the monitoring apparatus includes a calendar function and a measuring unit that measures time, and instructs the transition to the energy saving mode at a preset date and time. It is characterized in that an instruction to cancel the energy saving mode is given at daytime.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus monitoring system that issues an instruction to shift to an energy saving mode only to a specific image forming apparatus among a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus monitoring system in which a monitoring apparatus is connected to an entry / exit monitoring means for monitoring the entry / exit of a person in a predetermined area via a network, and information from the entry / exit monitoring means. Based on the above, an instruction to shift to the energy saving mode and an instruction to cancel the energy saving mode are performed.

  In the image forming apparatus monitoring system according to the eighth aspect, the monitoring device is connected to the lighting equipment control means for controlling the lighting equipment to be turned on and off via the network, and is illuminated based on information from the entrance / exit monitoring means. The lighting equipment control means is instructed to turn on and off the equipment.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus monitoring system instructing to turn off only a specific lighting facility among the lighting facilities.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus monitoring system divides a plurality of image forming apparatuses into a plurality of groups and saves energy so as to change the timing of transition from the energy saving mode to the normal mode of each image forming apparatus in the group. A mode release instruction is performed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since control is performed so that the transition timing from the energy saving mode to the normal mode in each image forming apparatus is different, even when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to the commercial power source, It is possible to reduce the amount of current used at the same time to prevent overcurrent use of the commercial power supply at the same time, and to shift unnecessary image forming devices to energy saving mode and to cancel energy saving mode when necessary. Power can be effectively reduced.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since control is performed so that the start-up timing from the power-off state in each image forming apparatus is different, even when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a commercial power source, Reduce the amount of current used at the same time of the power supply to prevent overcurrent use of the commercial power supply at the same time, and useless power by turning off the power of the image forming apparatus that is not needed and starting it up when necessary Is effectively reduced.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus having a long start-up time among the plurality of image forming apparatuses is controlled so as to preferentially cancel the energy saving mode. There is an effect that the release end time of the energy saving mode can be set substantially at the same time.

  According to the invention of claim 4, in order to instruct to shift to the energy saving mode at a preset time, and to instruct to cancel the energy saving mode at a preset time, automatic at a preset time. Thus, the mode of the image forming apparatus can be switched.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, an instruction to shift to the energy saving mode is given at a preset date and time, and an instruction to cancel the energy saving mode is given at a preset date and time. Thus, the mode of the image forming apparatus can be switched.

  According to the invention of claim 6, since the instruction to shift to the energy saving mode is given only to a specific image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, it is unnecessary while using the necessary image forming apparatus. It is possible to effectively reduce wasteful power in an image forming apparatus.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, since the instruction to shift to the energy saving mode and the instruction to cancel the energy saving mode are issued based on the information from the entry / exit monitoring means, the mode of the image forming apparatus is matched with the person's trend. There is an effect that can be controlled.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the lighting equipment control means is instructed to turn on and off the lighting equipment based on the information from the entrance / exit monitoring means. There is an effect that can be controlled.

  Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 9, since it instruct | indicates light extinction only with respect to a specific lighting installation, it is possible to effectively reduce useless electric power in an unnecessary lighting installation while using the necessary lighting installation. There is an effect that it is possible.

  According to the invention of claim 10, the plurality of image forming apparatuses are divided into a plurality of groups, and the energy saving mode is set so that the timing of shifting from the energy saving mode to the normal mode of each image forming apparatus in the group is different. Since the cancellation instruction is given, the effect of increasing the degree of freedom of the control mode is achieved.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus monitoring system according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a device monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. OA devices, lighting equipment control devices, and entrance / exit management systems installed in a company (building) are in-house LANs. It is a figure for demonstrating schematic structure of the equipment monitoring system connected to the monitoring apparatus via the in-house LAN, and is connected.

  This device monitoring system also has functions other than the image forming apparatus monitoring system according to the present invention, for example, a security management function that monitors employee entry and exit, etc. Only the function will be described. Therefore, in the following, this device monitoring system is described as an image forming apparatus monitoring system.

  The image forming apparatus monitoring system according to the present embodiment is installed on the first floor or A room 301 and connected to the in-house LAN 310, and the image forming apparatuses 203 and 210, the image forming apparatus (printer) 204, the personal computer 205, Entrance / exit management system 220, lighting equipment control device 201, image forming apparatus 206, image forming apparatus (printer) 211, personal computer 207, entrance / exit management installed on the second floor or B room 302 and connected to in-house LAN 310 System 221, lighting equipment control device 202, image forming apparatuses 215, 212, 213, FAX 223, entrance / exit management system 222, lighting equipment control that are also installed on the third floor or C room 303 and connected to in-house LAN 310 Connected to the device 214 and the in-house LAN 310 With a monitoring device 208 that monitors these devices in configured.

  The entry / exit management systems 220, 221 and 222 carry out person entry / exit management and security management by reading IC card information in which personal information is stored in an IC card. The entrance / exit management system 220, 221, 222 transmits the information to the monitoring device 208 through the in-house LAN 310 when all the people on each floor or room leave the office or when a person enters each floor or room. The monitoring device 208 is connected to a server 209 that stores and manages the above-described device information.

  Further, the monitoring device 208 has a clock function and a calendar function, and when a preset date and time or a break time such as a lunch break is reached, the power source of the illumination and the image forming apparatus is turned off or the power saving mode is set. Perform the transition operation. The monitoring device 208 turns on the power of the lighting and the image forming device or cancels the energy saving mode when the preset date and time or the break time such as lunch break ends.

  Next, specific operations of the monitoring device 208 will be described based on control flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2-1 and 2-2. FIGS. 2-1 and 2-2 are control flowcharts when the monitoring device 208 shifts the image forming apparatus in each room to the energy saving mode or cancels the energy saving mode, and the case where the illumination in each room is turned off or on. It is a control flowchart of.

  First, a CPU (not shown) provided in the monitoring device 208 checks the current date and time (step S101), and determines whether or not it is a preset date and time for power control (step S101). S102). For example, as an example, it is checked whether the current date and time is “20:00 on the day before entering the summer vacation or winter vacation, or 20:00 on Friday”.

  Here, when the current date / time shifts to the energy saving mode set in advance in the judgment of step S102 or when the illumination is turned off (Yes in step S102), the illumination set in advance (stored) in the A room 301 Is output to the lighting equipment control device 201 (step S103). Next, a signal for shifting to the energy saving mode is output to the image forming apparatuses 203, 204, and 210 set (stored) in the A room 301 in advance (step S104).

  Next, the signal which turns off the illumination previously set (stored) in the room B 302 is output to the lighting equipment control device 202 (step S105). Next, a signal for shifting to the energy saving mode is output to the image forming apparatuses 206 and 211 set (stored) in the B room 302 in advance (step S106).

  Next, a signal for turning off the illumination set in advance (stored) in the C room 303 is output to the lighting equipment control device 214 (step S107). Next, a signal for shifting to the energy saving mode is output to the image forming apparatuses 215, 212, and 213 set (stored) in the C room 303 in advance (step S108), and this control flow ends.

  In addition, if the current date / time shifts to a preset energy saving mode or the lighting is not turned off in the determination of step S102, whether or not the current date / time is a date / time to release the preset energy saving mode. Is determined (step S109). For example, as an example, a check is made as to whether the current date is “9:00 on the next day after summer vacation or winter vacation ends, or 9:00 on Monday”.

  Here, when the current date / time is the date / time when the preset energy saving mode is canceled in the determination in step S109 (Yes in step S109), first, a signal for lighting the preset (stored) illumination of the A room 301 Is output to the lighting equipment control apparatus 201 (step S110). Next, a signal for turning on the lighting set (stored) in the room B 302 in advance is transmitted to the lighting equipment control device 202 (step S111). And the signal which lights the illumination previously set (memory | storage) of C room 303 is transmitted to the lighting installation control apparatus 214 (step S112).

  Next, for the group of image forming apparatuses connected to the LAN 310 of the A room 301, it is confirmed whether or not priority information for canceling the energy saving mode is set in the order of longer startup time (step S113). If there is priority information (Yes at Step S113), an energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the image forming apparatus having the longest startup time, for example, the image forming apparatus 210 (Step S114).

  Next, in order to prevent the power from being turned on at the same time, the time is counted (for example, N minutes) (step S115). An energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 203 (step S116). Next, the time is counted (for example, N minutes) (step S117), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, an energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 204 that has the next long startup time (step S118).

  Next, for the image forming apparatuses in the B room 302 group, the same confirmation operation and the transmission operation of the energy saving mode release signal as those in the A room 301 group are performed (step S119). Then, for the image forming apparatus in the C room 303 group, the same confirmation operation and the transmission operation of the energy saving mode release signal as those in the A room 301 group are performed (step S120), and this control flow ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S113 that priority information for canceling the energy saving mode is not set for the group of image forming apparatuses connected to the LAN 310 of the room A 301 in order of increasing startup time (step S113). No), it is confirmed whether or not priority information for canceling the energy saving mode is set (stored) in the descending order of power consumption for the group of image forming apparatuses connected to the LAN 310 of the A room 301 (step S121). ).

  If there is priority information (Yes at step S121), an energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the image forming apparatus with the largest power consumption, for example, the image forming apparatus 210 (step S122). Next, in order to prevent the power from being turned on at the same time, the time is counted (for example, N minutes) (step S123). An energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the forming apparatus 203 (step S124). Next, time is counted (for example, N minutes) (step S125), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, an energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the image forming apparatus with the next largest power consumption, for example, the image forming apparatus 204 (step S126). ).

  Then, the confirmation operation and the transmission operation of the energy saving mode release signal similar to the case of the A room 301 group are performed for the image forming apparatuses in the B room 302 group (step S127). For the image forming apparatus in room C 303, the same confirmation operation and transmission operation of the energy saving mode release signal as in the case of room A 301 are performed (step S128), and this control flow ends.

  On the other hand, if the priority information for canceling the energy saving mode is not set for the group of image forming apparatuses connected to the LAN 310 of the A room 301 in order of increasing power consumption in the determination in step S121 (No in step S121). ), An energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the group of image forming apparatuses connected to the LAN 310 of the A room 301, for example, the image forming apparatus 203 (step S129).

  Next, in order to prevent simultaneous power-on, the time is counted (for example, N minutes) (step S130), and an energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the next image forming apparatus, for example, the image forming apparatus 204. (Step S131). Next, the time is counted (for example, N minutes) (step S132), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, an energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the next image forming apparatus, for example, the image forming apparatus 210 (step S133).

  Then, for the image forming apparatuses in the B room 302 group, the same energy saving mode release signal transmission operation as that in the A room 301 group is performed (step S134). For the image forming apparatuses in the C room 303 group, the same energy saving mode release signal transmission operation as that in the A room 301 group is performed (step S135), and this control flow ends.

  If it is determined in step S109 that the current date and time is not the date and time for canceling the preset energy saving mode (No in step S109), it is determined whether the current day of the week is Monday to Friday (step S136). . If the current day of the week is not Monday to Friday (No at step S136), the control flow ends.

  On the other hand, if the current day of the week is any of Monday to Friday (Yes at step S136), it is next determined whether or not the current time is a break time (step S137). If the current time is a break time (Yes at step S137), the process proceeds to step S103. If the current time is not a break time (No at Step S137), it is next determined whether or not the current time is a leaving time (Step S138).

  If the current time is the leaving time (Yes at step S138), the process proceeds to step S103. If the current time is not the leaving time (No at step S138), it is next determined whether or not the current time is the break end time (step S139). If the current time is the break end time (Yes at step S139), the process proceeds to step S110.

  On the other hand, when the current time is not the break end time (No at Step S139), it is next determined whether or not the current time is the work time (Step S140). Here, when the current time is the attendance time (Yes at Step S140), the process proceeds to Step S110. If the current time is not an attendance time (No at step S140), the control flow ends.

  Next, a case where the monitoring device 208 controls the image forming apparatus in each room based on information from the entrance / exit management system will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 3-1 and 3-2. FIGS. 3A and 3B are control flowcharts when the monitoring device 208 shifts the image forming apparatus in each room to the energy saving mode or cancels the energy saving mode based on information from the entry / exit management system, and It is a control flowchart in the case of turning off or turning on indoor lighting.

  First, a CPU (not shown) provided in the monitoring device 208 checks whether or not there is a signal from the entry / exit management system 220, 221, 222 (step S201). Here, when there is no signal (No at Step S201), this control flow ends.

  On the other hand, if there is a signal from the monitoring device 208 in step S201 (Yes in step S201), it is confirmed whether or not the signal indicates that all of the A room 301 has left or left, and all of the A room 301 has left or left the office. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S202).

  Here, when the signal from the monitoring device 208 is a signal indicating that all members of the A room 301 have left or left the office (Yes in step S202), a signal for turning off the illumination set in advance (stored) in the A room 301 is provided. It transmits to the lighting equipment control apparatus 201 (step S203). Next, a signal for shifting to the energy saving mode is transmitted to the image forming apparatuses 203, 204, and 210 set (stored) in the A room 301 in advance (step S204). Then, a flag indicating that all members of the A room 301 have left or left the office is set (step S205), and the control flow ends.

  If the signal from the monitoring device 208 is not a signal indicating that all members in the A room 301 have left or left the office in the determination in step S202 (No in step S202), the signal indicates that all of the B room 302 has left or left the office. It is determined whether or not all of the B room 302 has left or left the office (step S206).

  Here, when the signal from the monitoring device 208 is a signal indicating that all the members in the B room 302 have left or left the office (Yes in step S206), a signal for turning off the light set in advance (stored) in the B room 302 is provided. It transmits to the lighting installation control apparatus 202 (step S207). Next, a signal for shifting to the energy saving mode is transmitted to the image forming apparatuses 206 and 211 set (stored) in the B room 302 in advance (step S208). And the flag (for example, flag = 2) which shows that all the B room 302 left or left the office is set (step S209), and this control flow is complete | finished.

  If the signal from the monitoring device 208 is not a signal indicating that all members in the B room 302 have left or left the office (No in step S206), the signal indicates that all of the C room 303 has left or left the office. It is determined whether or not all of the C room 303 has left or left the office (step S210).

  Here, when the signal from the monitoring device 208 is a signal indicating that all of the C room 303 has left or left (Yes in step S210), a signal for turning off the preset (stored) illumination of the C room 303 is provided. It transmits to the lighting installation control apparatus 214 (step S211). Next, a signal for shifting to the energy saving mode is transmitted to the image forming apparatuses 215, 212, and 213 set (stored) in the C room 303 in advance (step S212). And the flag (for example, flag = 3) which shows that all the C room 303 left or left the office is set (step S213), and this control flow is complete | finished.

  If the signal from the monitoring device 208 is not a signal indicating that all of the A room 301, the B room 302, and the C room 303 have left or left the office (No at step S210), all of the A room 301 have left. Alternatively, it is confirmed whether or not a flag for leaving the office (for example, flag = 1) is set (step S214).

  Here, when the flag (for example, flag = 1) in which all the members in the A room 301 have left or left the office is set (Yes in step S214), it is confirmed whether or not there is a person in the A room 301 (step S214). S215). When there is a resident in the A room 301 (Yes in step S215), a signal for turning on the illumination set in advance (stored) in the A room 301 is transmitted to the lighting equipment control device 201 (step S216).

  Next, with respect to the group of image forming apparatuses connected to the LAN 310 of the A room 301, it is confirmed whether or not priority information for canceling the energy saving mode is set in order of increasing startup time (step S217). If priority information is present (Yes at step S217), an energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the image forming apparatus having the longest startup time, for example, the image forming apparatus 210.

  Next, in order to prevent the power from being turned on at the same time, the time is counted (for example, N minutes), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the image forming apparatus having the next long startup time, for example, the image forming apparatus 203 is used. An energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to. Then, the time is counted (for example, N minutes), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, an energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 204 having a long startup time (step S218), and this control flow ends. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S217 that priority information for canceling the energy saving mode is not set for the group of image forming apparatuses connected to the LAN 310 of the A room 301 in order of increasing startup time (step S217). No), it is confirmed whether or not priority information for canceling the energy saving mode is set (stored) in descending order of power consumption for the group of image forming apparatuses connected to the LAN 310 of the A room 301 (step S219). ).

  Here, when there is priority information, an energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the image forming apparatus with the largest power consumption, for example, the image forming apparatus 210. Next, in order to prevent the power from being turned on at the same time, the time is counted (for example, N minutes), and after a predetermined time has passed, the image forming apparatus having the next largest power consumption, for example, the image forming apparatus 203 is used. Send energy saving mode release signal. Then, the time is counted (for example, N minutes), and after a lapse of a certain time, an energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to an image forming apparatus with higher power consumption, for example, the image forming apparatus 204 (step S220). The flow ends.

  On the other hand, when the priority information for canceling the energy saving mode is not set for the group of image forming apparatuses connected to the LAN 310 of the A room 301 in order of increasing power consumption in the determination in step S219 (No in step S219). ), An energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the group of image forming apparatuses connected to the LAN 310 of the A room 301, for example, the image forming apparatus 203 (step S221).

  Next, in order to prevent simultaneous power-on, the time is counted (for example, N minutes) (step S222), and an energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the next image forming apparatus, for example, the image forming apparatus 204. (Step S223). Next, the time is counted (for example, N minutes) (step S224), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, an energy saving mode release signal is transmitted to the next image forming apparatus, for example, the image forming apparatus 210 (step S225). The control flow ends.

  If there is no occupant in the A-room 301 in step S215 (No in step S215), the process proceeds to step S226.

  Returning to step S214, if the flag that all of the A room 301 has left or left (for example, flag = 1) is not set (No in step S214), the flag that all of the B room 302 has left or left the office (for example, , Flag = 2) is set (step S226). When the flag that all the members in the B room 302 have left or left (for example, flag = 2) is set (Yes in step S226), it is confirmed whether or not there is a person in the B room 302 (step S227).

  If there is a person in room B 301 (Yes at step S227), a signal for lighting the preset (stored) light in room B 302 is transmitted to lighting equipment control device 202 (step S228). Then, the same confirmation operation as that for the A room 301 is performed for the B room 302 below. Specifically, the operation corresponding to Step S217 to Step S225 is also performed for the B room 302.

  If there is no person in room B 302 in step S227 (No in step S227), the process proceeds to step S229.

  Returning to step S226, if the flag that all of the B room 302 has left or left (for example, flag = 2) is not set (No at step S226), the flag that all of the C room 303 has left or left (for example, , Flag = 3) is checked (step S229). When the flag (for example, flag = 3) in which all the members in the C room 303 have left or left the office is set (Yes in step S229), it is confirmed whether or not there is a person in the C room 303 (step S230).

  When there is a resident in the C room 303 (Yes at Step S230), a signal for lighting the preset (stored) illumination of the C room 303 is transmitted to the lighting equipment control device 214 (Step S231). Then, the same confirmation operation as that for the A room 301 is performed for the C room 303 below. Specifically, the operation corresponding to step S217 to step S225 is also performed for the C room 303.

  Returning to step S229, if the flag (for example, flag = 3) in which all the members in the C room 303 have left or left the office is not set (No in step S229), and if there is no person in the C room 303 (step S230) No), this control flow ends.

  Next, an image forming apparatus monitoring system according to the present invention using the Internet will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus monitoring system using the Internet according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus monitoring system according to the present embodiment includes a network system 401 of company A, a network system 402 of company B, and a monitoring apparatus 208 of service company 213.

  A company A network system 401 includes an image forming apparatus 203, an image forming apparatus (printer) 204, a personal computer 205, an entrance / exit management system 220, and a lighting equipment control apparatus 201 connected to an in-house LAN 320 and a firewall ( (Firewall: a function for preventing unauthorized intrusion from the outside is incorporated) 232 is connected to a router 231 and connected to the Internet by the router 231.

  In the network system 402 of Company B, an image forming apparatus 212, an image forming apparatus 215, a FAX 223, a personal computer 207, and an entry / exit management system 221 are connected to an in-house LAN 330 and connected to the Internet through a router (Router) 235. Has been.

  The monitoring device 208 of the service company 213 is connected to the Internet that monitors the above devices, and a server 209 is connected to the monitoring device 208.

  Although the present embodiment is a system using a LAN, it is also possible to connect to the Internet using an analog modem or ADSL. Since the operation of the monitoring device 208 is the same as that of the monitoring device 208 shown in FIG. 1, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, an image forming apparatus connected to the monitoring apparatus 208 via a network will be described. FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus connected to the monitoring apparatus 208 via a network. The system of the image forming apparatus includes a controller board 501 that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus, an operation unit control board 502 of the image forming apparatus connected to the controller board 501, an HDD 503 that stores image data, and a LAN interface board 505. A FAX control unit (FCU) 506 connected to the controller board 501 by a general-purpose PIC bus, an engine control board 510, and a scanner board (SBU) 511 for reading a copy original (image) connected to the engine control board 510, A writing control board 512 for writing image data on the drum, an AC control circuit 519 for supplying power to a fixing device mounted on the image forming apparatus, and a PSU (Power Supply Unit) for supplying power to the board and control circuit. ) 525 etc. Composed.

  The PSU 525 includes a switching regulator IC 515 and supplies power necessary for image formation of the image forming apparatus to each board, control circuit, and mechatronic component. When the energy saving mode transition signal (c) for reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus is output from the CPU 518 of the engine control board 510, the PSU 525 outputs the controller board 501, the LAN interface board 505, the energy saving mode release SW 508, and the ADF. Other than the power supply to the sensor 509, it stops.

  The LAN interface board 505 is connected to the in-house LAN 531, and the communication interface with the controller board is connected by standard communication interfaces of the PHY chip I / F and the I2C bus I / F. Communication with an external device is performed via the LAN interface board 505.

  When receiving the signal from the external device, the LAN interface board 505 outputs an energy saving mode release signal (a) to the PSU 525. In order to cancel the energy saving mode, the PSU 525 supplies power necessary for image formation of the image forming apparatus to each board, control circuit, and mechatronic component. The image forming apparatus returns to the same state as when the main power switch is turned on.

  Further, the PSU 525 receives an energy saving mode release signal (b) from the energy saving mode release SW 508, an output of the pressure plate opening / closing sensor 522 that detects the opening of the pressure plate, or the output of the ADF sensor 541 that detects the insertion of the document into the ADF. In order to cancel the energy saving mode, power is supplied to each board, the control circuit, and the mechatronic component as necessary for image formation of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus returns to the same state as when the main power switch is turned on.

  Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus system of FIG. 5 will be described in detail. A color original reading unit 500 that optically reads an original scans the original with an original illumination light source, and forms an original image on the color CCD 521. The original image, that is, the reflected light of light irradiation on the original is photoelectrically converted by the CCD 521 to generate R, G, and B image signals.

  The color CCD 521 is a 3-line color CCD, generates EVENch / ODDch R, G, B image signals and inputs them to the analog ASIC 542 of the SBU board 511. The SBU board 511 includes an analog ASIC 542, a color CCD 521, and a timing generation circuit / control circuit 543 that generates drive timing of the analog ASIC 542. The output of the color CCD 521 is sampled and held by a sample and hold circuit in the analog ASIC 542, then A / D converted, converted into R, G, and B image data, and an output I / F (interface) 520 of the image data bus. To the image data processor IPP (Image Processing Processor, hereinafter simply referred to as IPP) 544.

  The IPP 544 is a programmable arithmetic processing unit that performs image processing. The image data transferred from the SBU 511 to the IPP 544 is corrected for signal deterioration (scanner system signal deterioration) by the IPP 544 and written in the frame memory 507.

  The controller board 501 includes a CPU 551, a ROM 552 that controls the controller board, an SRAM 555 that is a working memory used by the CPU 551, an NV-RAM 553 that has a SRAM backup and clock function using a lithium battery, and a controller board 501 ASIC 554 equipped with system bus control, local bus control, memory interface control such as frame memory, FIFO, PCI bus, HDD I / F, compression / decompression, editing / rotation function and CPU peripheral function, and its interface circuit, etc. It is installed.

  A work memory 504 is a work memory for image development (conversion from document data to image data) used in the printer. The frame memory 507 is a working memory that temporarily stores a read image to be printed immediately while power is continuously supplied and image data of a written image.

  The HDD 503 is used as an application database for storing system application programs and device activation information of printers and image forming process devices, and as an image database for storing image data of read images and written images, that is, image data and document data. .

  Further, both the physical interface and the electrical interface are connected to the controller through an interface conforming to ATA / ATAPI-4.

  The controller board 501 controls the entire system such as a scanner application, a facsimile application, a printer application, and a copy application using the above functions. Further, the input of the operation unit control board 502 is decoded, and the setting of the system and the state contents thereof are displayed on the display unit of the operation unit.

  The operation unit control board 502 includes a CPU 561, a ROM 562, a RAM 563, an LCD 564, and an ASIC (LCDC) that controls key input. In the ROM 562, a control program for controlling the operation unit control board 502 for controlling input reading and display output of the operation unit control board 502 is written. The RAM 563 is a working memory used by the CPU.

  The operation unit control board 502 communicates with the controller board 501 to operate the panel to allow the user to input system settings, and display processing and input processing to display system settings and status to the user. Control is performed.

  The engine control board 510 mainly performs image creation control of the image forming apparatus. The CPU 518, the IPP 544 that performs image processing, the ROM 571 that incorporates a program necessary for controlling copying and printout, the SRAM 573 necessary for the control, And NV-RAM 572 are mounted. Also provided is a serial interface ASIC 575 that transmits and receives signals to and from other CPUs that perform control.

  The I / OASIC 574 includes a motor for controlling the image forming apparatus, high-voltage power supply control such as charging, developing bias, and transfer bias used for image formation, a pickup solenoid for feeding copy paper, a paper feeding clutch, a registration clutch, a registration sensor, I / O control of the image forming apparatus including analog control of a discharge sensor, a toner end sensor, a P sensor, a T sensor, and a thermistor for detecting a fixing temperature is performed.

  The writing control board 512 is driven by the writing image processing ASIC 513 and the PWM signals of black (B), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) output from the writing image processing ASIC 513. A laser diode (LD) driver 514 is mounted. The writing image processing ASIC 513 performs edge correction, jaggy correction, double density processing, and the like. The laser diode (LD) 517 is composed of four units for each color, and includes a synchronization detection sensor 516. The LD driver 514 performs current control (modulation control) so that the laser light has a predetermined value by detecting and feeding back the output light of the LD with a photodetector (PD).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the power supply of the image forming apparatus that is not required is remotely turned on / off, so that the commercial power supply can be connected even when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to the commercial power supply. Image forming device monitoring that can prevent unnecessary power consumption by preventing overcurrent use (rush current) at the same time, shifting unnecessary image forming devices to energy saving mode, and releasing energy saving mode when necessary Can provide a system.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus monitoring system according to the present invention is useful for a system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a commercial power source, and is particularly wasteful when the apparatus power is reduced and the apparatus is not used. Suitable for power reduction.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus monitoring system according to the present invention in which an OA device, a lighting equipment control device, an entrance / exit management system, and a device monitoring apparatus are connected to an in-house LAN. 5 is a control flowchart when the monitoring apparatus shifts the image forming apparatus in each room to the energy saving mode or cancels the energy saving mode, and a control flowchart when the lighting in each room is turned off or turned on. 5 is a control flowchart when the monitoring device 208 shifts the image forming apparatus in each room to the energy saving mode or cancels the energy saving mode, and a control flowchart when the lighting in each room is turned off or turned on. Based on the information from the entrance / exit management system, the monitoring apparatus shifts the image forming apparatus in each room to the energy saving mode, or the control flowchart for canceling the energy saving mode, and the case where the lighting in each room is turned off or turned on It is a control flowchart. Based on the information from the entrance / exit management system, the monitoring apparatus shifts the image forming apparatus in each room to the energy saving mode, or the control flowchart for canceling the energy saving mode, and the case where the lighting in each room is turned off or turned on It is a control flowchart. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus monitoring system according to the present invention that uses the Internet. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus connected to a monitoring apparatus via a network.

Explanation of symbols

201, 202, 214 Lighting equipment control device 203, 204, 206, 210, 211, 212, 213, 215 Image forming device 220, 221, 222 Entrance / exit management system 208 Monitoring device 501 Controller board 502 Operation unit board 503 HDD
504 Work memory 505 LAN interface board 506 FAX control unit 507 Frame memory 508 Energy saving mode release key 509 ADF document detection sensor 510 Engine control board 511 Scanner board 512 Writing control board 513 Writing image processing ASIC
514 LD Driver 515 Switching Regulator IC
516 Sync detection sensor 517 LD
518 CPU
519 AC control circuit 520 I / O I / F
521 Color CCD
522 Pressure Plate Open / Close Suncer 523 Input / Output I / F
524 I / O I / F
525 PSU
526 Energy saving signal

Claims (10)

A plurality of images that are connected to a network and have a normal mode in which normal operation is performed and an energy saving mode in which power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal mode, and switch between the normal mode and the energy saving mode according to an instruction from the outside. A forming device;
The image forming apparatus is monitored via the network, the image forming apparatus in the normal mode is instructed to shift to the energy saving mode, and the plurality of image forming apparatuses in the energy saving mode are instructed. A monitoring device that issues an instruction to cancel the energy saving mode so that the transition timing from the energy saving mode to the normal mode of each image forming apparatus is different.
An image forming apparatus monitoring system comprising: The monitoring apparatus monitors the image forming apparatus via the network, instructs the image forming apparatus in the normal mode to turn off power, and forms the plurality of images in which the power is in a cut off state. 2. The image forming apparatus monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein a power supply input instruction is given to the apparatus so that the start-up times of the respective image forming apparatuses differ. The said monitoring apparatus performs the said cancellation | release instruction | indication so that cancellation | release of the said energy saving mode may be preferentially performed with respect to an image forming apparatus with a long starting time among these image forming apparatuses. The image forming apparatus monitoring system according to claim. The monitoring device includes a measuring unit that measures time, and instructs to shift to the energy saving mode at a preset time, and issues an instruction to cancel the energy saving mode at a preset time. The image forming apparatus monitoring system according to claim 1. The monitoring device includes a calendar function and a measuring unit that measures time, and instructs to shift to the energy saving mode at a preset date and time, and instructs to cancel the energy saving mode at a preset date and time. The image forming apparatus monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming apparatus monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein an instruction to shift to the energy saving mode is issued only to a specific image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The monitoring device is connected to an entrance / exit monitoring means for monitoring a person's entry / exit in a predetermined area via a network, and based on information from the entrance / exit monitoring means, an instruction to shift to the energy saving mode and the The image forming apparatus monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein an instruction to cancel the energy saving mode is issued. The monitoring device is connected to a lighting equipment control means for controlling lighting on and off of the lighting equipment via a network, and the lighting equipment control means turns on and off the lighting equipment based on information from the entrance / exit monitoring means. The image forming apparatus monitoring system according to claim 7, wherein: The image forming apparatus monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein an instruction to turn off only a specific lighting facility among the lighting facilities is given. The plurality of image forming apparatuses are divided into a plurality of groups, and an instruction to cancel the energy saving mode is issued so that the timing of transition from the energy saving mode to the normal mode of each image forming apparatus in the group is different. The image forming apparatus monitoring system according to claim 1.

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