JP2007201605A - Image forming system and startup method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique enabling completion of the initialization process of an image forming system before preset timing, and bringing the image forming system to a ready-to-use state at the above preset timing, in regard to an initialization technique of the image forming system. <P>SOLUTION: The ready-to-use timing of an image forming system is stored into the above system for outputting an image on the surface of a recording medium, or performing bookbinding of the recording medium in addition thereto. Based on the above ready-to-use timing, the initialization start timing of each of a variety of initialization processes is calculated beforehand. By counting a time, when the above initialization start timing reaches, the initialization process of which initialization process start timing reaches is started at the above timing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a startup technique involving an initialization process of an image forming system.

  The image forming apparatus is an apparatus that outputs an image to a paper medium according to image data. In recent years, this image forming apparatus has been rapidly increased in value added, and is in the direction of being systematized. For example, in addition to outputting an image to a paper medium, an image forming apparatus has been equipped with a scanner and a facsimile. In addition, as a peripheral device of the image forming apparatus, a recording medium that outputs an image such as a paper feeding device that stores paper media, a staple finisher, a folding machine, a saddle stitching machine, a case binding machine, or a large capacity stacker is stacked or bound. Devices to be connected.

  Such image forming apparatuses are widely used in various departments such as a general-purpose office processing department and a printing business specialized in printing. An image forming system used for business is usually activated at the time of attendance by an operator of a department to be used, and is normally turned off manually at the end of work. However, for the purpose of improving the work efficiency, the image forming system is required to be automatically activated according to the work schedule.

  In response to this demand, for example, a technique for setting the start time of the warm-up operation of the image forming system is disclosed (for example, refer to “Patent Document 1”). The image forming system is not immediately usable when the power is turned on, initialization of image data, initialization of image data acquisition settings, initialization of image output settings, warm-up of heated members, recording Various initialization processes such as initialization of medium accumulation settings, initialization of bookbinding settings of recording media, and adjustment of the image forming system are required. This technique is a technique for automatically starting warm-up at a predetermined time. With this technique, if the start-up time of the warm-up operation is matched with the attendance time, the warm-up operation is started from the attendance time, and the image forming system can be used after the end of the warm-up operation from the attendance time.

JP 2001-350388 A

  Depending on the conventional warm-up operation startup time setting technology, it is possible to automatically start the image forming system, but since the initialization process is started from the set time, the set time is adjusted to the attendance time. In this case, the image forming system cannot be used promptly from the working time. Therefore, in the conventional technology, work start is awaited until it can be used after going to work, and the effect of improving work efficiency is diminished.

  It is also conceivable that the operator guesses the time required for the initialization process and sets the start time before the attendance time, but the initialization process time is determined by the use of the image forming system. Since it varies depending on the conditions, it is difficult to accurately predict the initialization processing time, and it becomes usable before the attendance time, and power consumption is wasted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and particularly relates to an initialization processing technique for an image forming system. Specifically, the initialization processing is completed by a set timing, and an image is processed at the set timing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique for enabling a forming system.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention described in claim 1 is an image forming system including at least a printer unit that outputs an image to the surface of a recording medium, an initialization control unit that starts an initialization process, and a time A timer for counting the time, storage means for storing the usable timing of the system, and an initialization time table for storing an initialization time required for initialization corresponding to the initialization process, before the usable timing A timing calculation unit for calculating an initialization start timing before the initialization time, and a timing management for managing a control start of the initialization control unit based on a comparison between the time measured and the initialization start timing And means.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 2 is an image forming system including a printer unit that outputs at least an image on the surface of a recording medium, and initialization control for starting various initialization processes of the system. Means, a timer for measuring time, storage means for storing various use conditions and usable timing of the system, and an initialization time table for storing initialization time required for initialization for each of the various initialization processes , Timing calculation means for calculating the initialization start timing before the initialization time before the initialization time for each initialization process executed corresponding to the various use conditions, the time measured and the initial time And a timing management means for managing the control start of the initialization control means based on the comparison with the initialization start timing.

  You may make it further provide the setting means which receives the setting of the said various use conditions and the said usable timing (equivalent to invention of Claim 3).

  The setting means stores in advance dependency relationship information in which the setting content of another use condition is fixed according to the setting content of one use condition, and the setting content of the one use condition is set according to the dependency relationship information. Accordingly, the setting contents of the other use conditions may be permitted or not permitted (corresponding to the invention described in claim 4).

  An image forming system further comprising at least one of a scanner unit for reading an image and a facsimile unit for receiving an image, wherein the storage unit includes, as the use condition, the printer unit, the scanner unit, or the facsimile unit. You may make it memorize | store the presence or absence of use (equivalent to invention of Claim 5).

  The timing calculation unit stores in advance initialization execution order information for starting the other initialization process after completion of one initialization process, and starts the initialization of the one initialization process according to the initialization execution order information. The timing may be calculated based on the usable timing and the initialization start timing of the other initialization process (corresponding to the invention described in claim 6).

  The image forming system may further include various bookbinding apparatuses that bind the recording medium on which the image is output, and the storage unit may store whether or not the various bookbinding apparatuses are used as the use condition. This corresponds to the invention described in item 7).

  A correction process execution counter or a cleaning process execution counter is further provided, and when the correction process execution counter or the cleaning process execution counter reaches a predetermined value, the timing calculation unit performs an initialization start timing for each of the correction process or the cleaning process. May be calculated (corresponding to the invention of claim 8).

  Temperature detection means for detecting the temperature in the system, and the timing calculation means calculates an initialization start timing of the warm-up process based on the detected temperature and the usable timing, and controls the initialization process The means may start a warm-up process for warming up the heated member to be heated as the initialization process (corresponding to the invention of claim 9).

  Humidity detection means for detecting humidity in the system is further provided, and the timing calculation means calculates the initialization start timing of the warm-up process based on the detected humidity and the usable timing, and controls the initialization process The means may start a warm-up process for warming up the heated member to be heated as the initialization process (corresponding to the invention of claim 10).

The storage means stores various combinations of various use conditions and usable timing of the system,
The setting unit may receive one selection from the various combinations, and the timing calculation unit may calculate an initialization start timing based on the selected combination. Equivalent to the invention).

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 12 is a method of starting an image forming system including a printer unit that outputs an image to the surface of a recording medium, and the initialization time required for the initialization is preset. Is stored in the initialization time table, the usable timing of the system is stored, the initialization start timing before the usable timing and before the initialization time is calculated, the time is measured, and the time is measured The initialization process start is managed based on the comparison between the time and the initialization start timing, and the initialization process is started according to the management of the initialization process start.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 13 is a method for starting an image forming system including a printer unit that outputs an image to the surface of a recording medium, wherein the initialization time required for the initialization is set in advance. Store in the initialization time table for each initialization process, store various use conditions and useable timing of the system, and set the initialization start timing before the use timing and before the initialization time. Calculate for each initialization process executed in accordance with various usage conditions, measure the time, manage the initialization process start based on the comparison between the time measured and the initialization start timing, In accordance with the management of the start of the initialization process, various initialization processes are started.

  The various use conditions and the usable timing settings may be received, and the set various use conditions and the usable timing may be stored (corresponding to the invention of claim 14).

  In the setting of the various usage conditions, dependency information in which the setting contents of the other usage conditions are fixed in advance according to the setting contents of one of the usage conditions is stored in advance, and the one usage is set according to the dependency information. Depending on the setting contents of the conditions, the setting contents of the other use conditions may be permitted or not permitted (corresponding to the invention of claim 15).

  An activation method for an image forming system further comprising at least one of a scanner for reading an image and a facsimile for receiving an image, wherein the printer unit, the scanner unit, or the facsimile unit is used as the use condition May be stored (corresponding to the invention of claim 16).

  In the calculation of the initialization start timing, initialization execution order information for starting the other initialization process after the completion of one initialization process is stored in advance, and the one initialization process is performed according to the initialization execution order information. The process initialization start timing may be calculated based on the usable timing and the initialization start timing of the other initialization process (corresponding to claim 17).

  An activation method for an image forming system that further includes various bookbinding apparatuses that bind a recording medium on which an image is output, and whether or not various bookbinding apparatuses are used may be stored as the use condition. 18 corresponds to the invention described in 18).

  The initialization process includes at least either a correction process or a cleaning process, and counts the number of executions of the correction process or the number of executions of the cleaning process. In calculating the initialization start timing, the correction process execution counter Alternatively, when the cleaning process execution counter reaches a predetermined value, an initialization start timing may be calculated for each of the correction process and the cleaning process (corresponding to the invention according to claim 19).

  The initialization process includes a warm-up process for warming up a heated member to be heated. The temperature in the system is detected, and in the calculation of the initialization start timing, the detected temperature and the usable timing are detected. Based on the above, the initialization start timing of the warm-up process may be calculated (corresponding to the invention of claim 20).

  The initialization process includes a warm-up process for warming up the heated member to be heated, and detects the humidity in the system. In calculating the initialization start timing, the detected humidity and the usable timing are detected. Based on the above, the initialization start timing of the warm-up process may be calculated (corresponding to the invention of claim 21).

  Various combinations of various use conditions and usable timings of the system are stored, one of the various combinations is selected in the setting of the various use conditions, and one of the selected combinations is selected in the calculation of the initialization start timing. The initialization start timing may be calculated based on the combination (corresponding to the invention described in claim 22).

  According to the present invention, the initialization start timing for setting the usable state at the usable timing is calculated for the initialization process, and the initialization process is started when the timed time coincides with the initialization start timing. The initialization start timing is before the initialization time necessary for initialization before the usable timing. Accordingly, the initialization process ends at the usable timing, and the image forming system can be used immediately. As a result, the work efficiency of the printing job is improved, the standby time is reduced, and the power consumption can be reduced. The effect of reducing the power consumption is improved compared to the conventional case where the operator estimates the initialization time and empirically sets the activation time.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 100 as an apparatus main body, and peripheral devices are connected to a front stage and a rear stage of the image forming apparatus 100. A subsequent apparatus 200 is connected to the subsequent stage of the image forming apparatus 100. A sheet feeding device 300 is connected to the front stage of the image forming apparatus 100. The post-stage apparatus 200 is an apparatus that stacks or binds recording media that output images, such as a staple finisher, a folding machine, a saddle stitcher, a case binding machine, or a large-capacity stacker. .. Are sometimes connected in series.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunction peripheral, and a printer unit 100a, a scanner unit 100b, and a facsimile unit 100c are arranged in the apparatus. The printer unit 100a outputs an image on the surface of the recording medium, for example, by electrophotography in accordance with the image data. The scanner unit 100b reads an image shown on the surface of an object such as a document by photoelectric conversion and acquires image data. The facsimile unit 100c is connected to a public line and receives image data from an external device via the public line. The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a network such as a LAN, and receives image data from an external device in the LAN via the network.

  The paper feeding device 300 accommodates a recording medium therein and feeds the recording medium to the image forming apparatus 100. The recording medium accommodated is a paper-like body to which toner such as thick paper, coated paper, and recording paper can adhere.

  The staple finisher drives a staple into a bundle of recording media. The folding machine folds a bundle of recording media and processes it into a booklet shape. The saddle stitcher performs saddle stitching on the recording medium. The case binding machine attaches the back of a bundle of recording media and binds it with a cover. The large-capacity stacker is loaded with a recording medium on which an image is output.

  In this image forming system, image data is acquired by receiving image data from an external device via a LAN or a public line, or by reading an image from a document by the scanner unit 100b. The recording medium is fed and an image according to the image data is output on the surface of the recording medium. Further, the recording medium that outputs the image is accumulated, or the bundle of accumulated recording media is bound.

  The printer unit 100a is, for example, a tandem type color image forming unit. The tandem type has an image output system for each color, and the image output system is arranged side by side in the recording medium conveyance direction. The printer unit 100a includes an image output unit 104 that outputs an image to a recording medium. A conveyance path 105 for feeding the recording medium from the paper feeding device to the image output unit 104 is disposed between the paper feed port 103 and the image output unit 104. A fixing unit 106 is disposed following the image output unit 104.

  The conveyance path 105 conveys the recording medium carried from the paper feed port 103 to the image output unit 104 and the fixing unit 106 and further conveys the recording medium into the subsequent apparatus 200. The transport path 105 is formed by a plurality of pairs of opposing rollers arranged at a predetermined interval. The pair of rollers sandwiches the recording medium, and the recording medium is transported to the next stage roller pair by rotating in the conveying direction.

  A paper feed roller 105 a is disposed in the vicinity of the paper feed port 103, and the recording medium is taken out from the recording medium storage unit 103. Conveying rollers 105b and 105c and a registration roller 105d are arranged downstream of the paper supply roller 105a toward the image output unit 104, and convey the recording medium to the image output unit 104 and the fixing unit 106. The registration roller 105 d stops the recording medium that has been conveyed, and regulates the leading edge of the recording medium before conveying it to the image output unit 104.

  A branch path 105e is disposed at the subsequent stage of the fixing unit 106, and conveys the recording medium that has passed through the image output unit 104 and the fixing unit 106 to the paper discharge side or the circulation side. A paper discharge roller 105f is disposed on the paper discharge side of the branch path 105e, and the recording medium transported to the paper discharge side is discharged to the outside and transported into the bookbinding apparatus 200.

  A circulation sheet passing path 105g, a reverse conveyance path 105h, and a refeed conveyance path 105i are arranged on the circulation side of the branch path 105e. When forming images on both sides of the recording medium, the image output unit 104 forms an image on one side, then passes through the circulating sheet passing path 105g, reverses the sheet surface of the recording medium in the reverse conveying path 105h, and refeeds the conveying path. After passing through 105i, it is joined again to the conveying roller 105c.

  The image output unit 104 includes image forming units 109Y, 109M, 109C, and 109K for each color, and semiconductor lasers 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K that are paired with the image forming units 109Y, 109M, 109C, and 109K for each color. And an endless intermediate transfer belt 111 common to the respective colors.

  The image forming unit 109Y and the semiconductor laser 110Y form a yellow (Y) image, and the image forming unit 109M and the semiconductor laser 110M form a magenta (M) image, and the image forming unit 109C and the semiconductor laser 110C. Forms a cyan (C) image, and the image forming unit 109K and the semiconductor laser 110K form a black (K) image.

  In the image forming unit 109Y, a photosensitive drum 1Y, a charging unit 2Y, a developing unit 3Y, and a cleaning unit 5Y are arranged. The image forming unit 109M is provided with a photosensitive drum 1M, a charging unit 2M, a developing unit 3M, and a cleaning unit 5M. The image forming unit 109C is provided with a photosensitive drum 1C, a charging unit 2C, a developing unit 3C, and a cleaning unit 5C. The image forming unit 109K is provided with a photosensitive drum 1K, a charging unit 2K, a developing unit 3K, and a cleaning unit 5K.

  The photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are rotatable cylindrical bodies, and their surfaces are uniformly charged by a charging method such as a scorotron method. The charged surface is exposed by the laser light output from the semiconductor lasers 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K, and the potential of the exposed portion is lowered according to the output intensity of the laser light to form an electrostatic latent image.

  The charging units 2K, 2M, 2C, and 2K uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K by applying an electrostatic charge. Development by the developing units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K is performed by reversal development in which a development bias in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage having the same polarity as the toner polarity to be used is applied, and the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, and A toner image is formed on the surfaces of 1C and 1K. The cleaning units 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K remove residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

  The semiconductor lasers 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K scan the laser light while varying the output intensity according to the image data, and expose the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K to form electrostatic latent images of the respective colors. . The semiconductor lasers 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K are driven by a drive signal corresponding to an output value of each pixel of image data of each color, and output laser light having an output intensity proportional to the output value.

  The intermediate transfer belt 111 rotates without end. Photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are disposed on the belt surface, and primary transfer rollers 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K are disposed on the back surface of the belt so as to face the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. Yes. Further, a secondary transfer roller 7 facing the intermediate transfer belt 111 and a cleaning unit 8 for removing residual toner on the belt surface are disposed.

  The intermediate transfer belt 111 is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K by applying a primary transfer bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner to be used to the primary transfer rollers 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K. The toner images are sequentially transferred for each color (primary transfer) to form a combined color image.

  The intermediate transfer belt 111 rotates to carry the image to the secondary transfer roller 7, and synchronously transfers the images to the surface of the recording medium sandwiched between the secondary transfer rollers 7 (secondary transfer). After the transfer, the residual toner is carried to the cleaning unit 8 where the residual toner is removed.

  The fixing unit 106 includes a fixing roller 106a having a heater therein and a pressure roller 106b facing the fixing roller 106a. The recording medium on which the image is formed is sandwiched between the fixing roller 106a and the pressure roller 106b. The image is fixed on the recording medium by the thermocompression bonding.

  This image forming system is controlled and driven by a control unit 102 provided in the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 102 controls the printer unit 100a, the scanner unit 100b, the facsimile unit 100c, and peripheral devices such as the paper feeding device 300 and the subsequent device 200, and feeds recording media, drives image output, and stores recording media. Drive and bookbinding processing are driven. In particular, the initialization process is driven when the image forming system is activated. The control by the control unit 102 is performed according to an input from the operation panel 108 embedded in the surface of the image forming apparatus 100.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control system of the image forming system. The control unit 102 includes various control circuits including a calculation control unit (CPU) 102a, a processing circuit, a storage circuit, a drive circuit, and the like. The control unit 102 performs acquisition and holding of image data, transmission of various drive signals to the printer unit 100a, facsimile unit 100c, scanner unit 100b, paper feeding device 300, and subsequent device 200, and condition processing of drive signal transmission. Is going.

  In the drive control, a scanner control unit 102b for controlling the scanner unit 100b, a facsimile control unit 102c for controlling the facsimile unit 100c, a printer control unit 102d and a writing processing unit 102e for controlling the printer unit 100a, and the subsequent apparatus 200 are provided. A rear-stage apparatus control unit 102f for controlling and a sheet feeding apparatus control unit 102g for controlling the sheet feeding apparatus 300 are arranged.

  The analog signal image data transmitted from the scanner unit 100b is converted into digital data by the reading processing unit 102h. Image data transmitted from an external device via the LAN is received by the LAN interface 102i. The image data received by the facsimile unit 100c is input to the facsimile control unit 102c.

  The acquired image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 102j. Reading or writing of the image memory 102j is controlled by the DRAM control IC 102k. When the image memory 102j is read or written, the image data is compressed or expanded by the compression / decompression IC 102L. Data retained even when the image forming system is stopped is stored in the nonvolatile memory 102p.

  The arithmetic control unit 102a appropriately reads a program stored in the program memory 102m, expands it in the system memory 102n, and interprets and executes the program. The calculation control unit 102a is a value call, value comparison, calculation, and DRAM control IC 102k, a scanner control unit 102b, a facsimile control unit 102c, a printer control unit 102d, a write processing unit 102e, a post-stage device control unit 102f, and a supply unit. A control signal is transmitted to the paper device control unit 102g to cause the image forming system to perform each function.

  When the image forming system is activated, the arithmetic control unit 102a reads various initialization processing programs of the image forming system, and controls the scanner control unit 102b, the facsimile control unit 102c, the printer control unit 102d, the writing processing unit 102e, and the subsequent apparatus control. The initialization processing signal is transmitted to either the unit 102f or the sheet feeding device control unit 102g. Upon receiving the initialization process signal, these control units start control of various initialization processes and make the system usable.

  Initialization processing includes initialization of image data, initialization of image data acquisition settings, initialization of output settings of images, warm-up of heated members such as the fixing unit 106 and case binding apparatus, and storage medium storage settings. Initialization, initialization of bookbinding settings of the recording medium, and adjustment of the image forming system. The usable state is a state in which the initialization process is completed, the image data can be immediately acquired, the image is immediately output, and can be stored or bound. The usable state varies depending on the value of a usage parameter of the image forming system. The use parameter is a use condition of the image forming system in a usable state, and the value of the use parameter is whether or not each function of the image forming system is used.

  The image forming system is also activated when the arithmetic control unit 102a executes a program for activation while the system is stopped and a predetermined timing is reached. When the predetermined timing comes, the arithmetic control unit 102a outputs an initialization processing signal to each control unit.

  The start timing setting is input by the operator using the operation panel 108. The man-machine interface control unit 102t displays a setting screen on the operation panel 108 and performs various settings for the operator. The operation panel 108 includes display means configured by a liquid crystal display and input means configured by operation keys such as character keys, numeric keys, and keys associated with various functions.

  The operation panel 108 displays a setting screen for setting timings (usable timings) such as time and elapsed time when the image forming system is usable, and usage parameters. When the operator inputs the use timing and use parameters to the setting screen using the operation panel 108, the control unit 102 executes an initialization process so that the image forming system can be used at the use timing. . That is, the predetermined timing is the initialization start timing.

  Timing is measured by acquiring the time counted by the clock generator 102q. The clock generator 102q is a circuit including a crystal oscillator and periodically generates timing pulses.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 102 for starting the image forming system and its peripheral part. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 102 functions as a storage unit 11, a timing calculation unit 12, a timer 14, a timing management unit 15, and an initialization control unit 17. The operation panel 108 functions as the setting unit 10.

  The storage means 11 is composed of a nonvolatile memory 102p. The timing calculation unit 12 includes an arithmetic control unit 102a and a program memory 102m. The timing management unit 15 includes an arithmetic control unit 102a and a nonvolatile memory 102p. The timer 14 includes a clock generator 102q and an arithmetic control unit 102a. The initialization control means 17 includes a scanner control unit 102b, a facsimile control unit 102c, a printer control unit 102d, a writing processing unit 102e, a subsequent apparatus control unit 102f, and a paper supply apparatus control unit 102g.

  The storage unit 11 stores the usable timing and use parameter values set by the setting unit 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a storage area of the storage unit 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage means 11 has an available timing storage area 11a and a use parameter storage area 11b. Addresses indicating the usable timing storage area 11a and the use parameter storage area 11b are associated with each other. The available timing is stored in the available timing storage area 11a. The usage parameter storage area 11b is secured for each usage parameter, and stores the values of the usage parameters.

  The usage parameters are roughly classified into whether or not various functions of the image forming apparatus 100 main body and the connected peripheral device are used, whether or not the stable drive weight is used, and whether or not system adjustment is used. The usage parameter storage area 11b includes information on whether the printer unit 100a is used, whether the facsimile machine 100c is used, whether the scanner 100b is used, whether the paper feeding device 300 is used, whether the succeeding apparatus 200 is a staple finisher, Use parameters in some cases, use in case of saddle stitcher, use in case of case binding machine, use of carrier air control, use of correction at startup, use of cleaning at startup The value of is memorized. In the start-up correction, for example, the positional deviation of each color image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 111 at the start-up is corrected.

  When various functions, stable drive weights, and system adjustment are used, initialization processing corresponding to the functions is performed, and the type of use parameter matches the type of initialization processing.

  The timing calculation means 12 calculates the initialization start timing of various initialization processes from the usable timing. Refer to the initialization time table 13 for the calculation. The initialization time table is composed of the program memory 102m.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the initialization time table 13. In the initialization time table 13, a plurality of initialization time storage areas 13a are secured. The initialization time storage area 13a is associated with each initialization process. The initialization time storage area 13a stores an initialization time required for the associated initialization process.

  The timing calculation unit 12 reads the use parameter from the storage unit 11 and reads the initialization time of the initialization process corresponding to the use parameter whose value is in use from the initialization time table 13. The initialization start timing is calculated by subtracting the read initialization time from the usable timing stored in the storage unit 11.

  The timer 14 measures time from a periodic timing pulse. When the timing is measured by time, the current time is calculated from the measured time.

  The timing management unit 15 compares the current time or elapsed time with each initialization start timing, and if they match, outputs the initialization process start signal of the initialization process that has reached the initialization start timing to the initialization control unit 17. Refer to the timing management table 16 for reference to the initialization start timing. The timing management table 16 includes a nonvolatile memory 102p.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the timing management table 16. The timing management table 16 has an initialization start timing storage area 16a associated with various initialization processes. The initialization start timing storage area 16a stores the initialization start timing of the initialization process to be executed. The timing management unit 15 acquires the initialization start timing calculated by the timing calculation unit 12, and stores it in the initialization start timing storage area 16a corresponding to the initialization start timing.

  When the initialization control means 17 receives the initialization process start signal, the initialization control means 17 drives the drive units of the printer unit 100a, the scanner unit 100b, the facsimile unit 100c, the paper feeding device 300, and the subsequent stage device 200 that are the targets of initialization processing. Is output to start the initialization process.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart according to the activation setting of the image forming system. First, the setting means 10 displays a setting screen (S01). When the usable timing and usage parameters are input according to the setting screen (S02, Yes), the input usable timing and usage parameters are stored in the storage means 11 (S03).

  If the calculation of the processing start timing has not been completed for all the used parameters (S04, No), the timing calculating unit 12 reads out the used parameters that are not used for calculation and the available timing from the storage unit 11 (S05).

  The timing calculation means 12 further reads the initialization time table 13 (S06), and extracts the initialization time associated with the initialization process corresponding to the use parameter read from the storage means 11 from the initialization time table 13 (S07). ). When the initialization time is read, the initialization start timing is calculated by subtracting the initialization time from the usable timing (S08).

  The calculated initialization start timing is stored in the initialization start timing storage area 16a associated with the initialization process corresponding to the use parameter in the storage area of the timing management table 16 (S09).

  If the calculation of the process start timing has not been completed for all the used parameters, S05 to S09 are repeated (S04, No). When the calculation of the processing start timing is completed for all the used parameters (S04, Yes), a message that triggers execution of the periodic timing management routine is transmitted to the timing management means 15 to execute the periodic timing management routine. (S10).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart relating to activation control of the image forming system. In this description, the use start timing is set based on the current date and time, and the case where the current date and time is acquired from the timer 14 will be described.

  First, the timing management unit 15 checks whether there is an initialization start timing for which the comparison of the current time and the initialization start timing is unprocessed (S11). If there is an unprocessed initialization start timing (S11, Yes), the current time is acquired from the timer 14, and the unprocessed initialization start timing is compared with the current time (S12).

  When the current time has passed the initialization start timing as a result of comparison (S12, Yes), the timing calculation means 15 initializes control means for controlling the driving body that executes the initialization process corresponding to the initialization start timing. An initialization processing start signal is output to 17 (S13).

  The initialization process control means 17 that has received the initialization process start signal outputs a drive signal to the driver to be controlled, and starts the initialization process (S14).

  On the other hand, when all the comparison processes have been completed (S11, No), the timing management unit 15 checks whether there is an initialization process that has acquired the initialization start timing but has not yet been initialized. (S15). If there is an unexecuted initialization process (S15, Yes), the timing management means 15 leaves the timing management routine of S11 to S15. This timing management processing routine acquires the timing pulse of the timer 14 and periodically executes it. If all the initialization processes have been completed (S15, No), the periodic execution of the timing management routine is terminated (S16).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart relating to activation control of the image forming system. In this description, the use start timing is set as an elapsed time, and the description will be made on the assumption that the time counted from the timer 14 is acquired as it is. First, the timing management unit 15 checks whether there is an initialization start timing for which the comparison of the elapsed time measured by the timer 14 and the initialization start timing is unprocessed (S21). When there is an unprocessed initialization start timing (S21, Yes), the elapsed time is acquired from the timer 14, and the unprocessed initialization start timing is compared with the elapsed time (S22). If the elapsed time counted by the timer 14 by comparison has passed the initialization start timing (S22, Yes), the initialization control means 17 for controlling the driving body that executes the initialization process corresponding to the initialization start timing. An initialization processing start signal is output to (S23).

  The initialization process control means 17 that has received the initialization process start signal outputs a drive signal to the driver to be controlled and starts the initialization process (S24).

  On the other hand, when all the comparison processes have been completed (S21, No), the timing management unit 15 checks whether there is an initialization process that is associated with the initialization start timing but has not yet been initialized. (S25). When there is an unexecuted initialization process (S25, Yes), the timing management unit 15 leaves the timing management routine of S21 to S25. This timing management processing routine acquires the timing pulse of the timer 14 and is periodically executed. If all the initialization processes have been completed (S25, No), the periodic execution of the timing management routine is stopped (S26).

  In such an image forming system, there is an exclusive process in which the initialization process cannot be started unless the predetermined initialization process is completed. For example, if the initialization processing of the printer unit 100a is not completed, the cleaning and correction processing at the time of activation cannot be started.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the initialization time table 13 has an exclusive relationship storage area 13b and a priority storage area 13c. In the exclusive relationship storage area 13b, association information between initialization processes having an exclusive relationship is stored. The priority storage area 13c stores a priority indicating the processing order of the initialization process having an exclusive relationship.

  The timing calculation unit 12 calculates the initialization start timing of an initialization process having a lower priority than the initialization process that is the calculation target when the initialization process that is the calculation target of the initialization start timing has an exclusive relationship. All are added to the initialization start timing of the target initialization process, and the addition result is subtracted from the use start timing to calculate the initialization start timing.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an initialization start timing calculation operation in consideration of this exclusive relationship. First, the timing calculation unit 12 reads the use parameter and the usable timing for calculation from the storage unit 11 (S31). Further, the initialization time table 13 is read (S32), and if there is information on association of the exclusive relationship in the exclusive relationship storage area 13b of the initialization process which is the calculation target of the initialization start timing (S33, Yes), the timing calculating unit 12 Searches for another initialization process having an exclusive relationship with the initialization process to be calculated from the other exclusive relationship storage area 13b (S34).

  When another initial process having an exclusive relationship is searched, the priority of the calculation target initialization process and the other initialization process having an exclusive relationship with the calculation target are extracted from the priority storage area 13c (S35). The extracted priorities are compared (S36).

  As a result of the comparison, if there is another initialization process having a lower priority than the initialization process of the calculation target (Yes in S36), the initialization time of the initialization process of the calculation target and other initials having a lower priority than this All the initialization times of the initialization processing are extracted from the initialization time storage area 13a and added together (S37). After the addition, the initialization value is further subtracted from the usable timing to calculate the initialization start timing of the initialization process to be calculated (S38).

  When there is no association information (S33, No), and when there is no other low-priority initialization process (S36, No), the process of S07 described above is performed.

  In the system adjustment, the use parameters may be set by using / not using and use interval values. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 102 in the case where the use parameters for start-up correction and start-up cleaning are set by use values and use interval values.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 102 includes a correction counter 18 and a cleaning counter 19. The correction counter 18 and the cleaning counter 19 include an arithmetic control unit 102a and a nonvolatile memory 102p. When the correction is executed, the correction counter 18 counts up the correction count and updates and stores it. When the cleaning is executed, the cleaning counter 19 counts up the number of cleanings and updates and stores it.

  The setting means 10 stores the use presence / absence value and the use interval value in the storage means 11 as a use parameter corresponding to start-up correction and start-up cleaning. The timing calculation means 12 reads the correction count or the cleaning count from the correction counter 18 or the cleaning counter 19 when calculating the initialization start timing of the initialization process corresponding to the use parameter for which the use interval value exists. Only when the number of cleanings is equal to or greater than the use interval, start-up correction and initialization start timing of start-up cleaning are calculated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart relating to the startup setting of the image forming system in which startup correction and startup cleaning are executed at predetermined intervals. First, the timing calculation unit 12 reads out the use parameters and the usable timing used for calculation from the storage unit 11 (S41).

  If there is a use interval value in the use parameter (S42, Yes), the timing calculation means 12 reads the count from the initialization processing counter corresponding to the use parameter (S43). If the initialization process corresponding to the use parameter is correction at startup, the number of corrections is read from the correction counter 18, and if the initialization process corresponding to the use parameter is startup cleaning, the number of cleanings is read from the cleaning counter 19.

  The read count is compared with the value of the use interval (S44). If the count is equal to or greater than the value of the use interval (S44, Yes), the calculation of the initialization start timing is continued (S45). On the other hand, when the count is less than the value of the use interval (S44, No), the calculation of the initialization start timing of the initialization process corresponding to the read use parameter is stopped (S46).

  Further, in the initialization process of the printing unit 100a, the fixing device 106 heats the fixing roller 106a in order to apply a thermocompression bonding action to the recording medium. In the case binding apparatus, similarly, a member to be heated is arranged. The heating time of the fixing roller 106a differs depending on the temperature and humidity in the apparatus main body, and the initialization time of the printing unit 100a depends on the temperature and humidity in the apparatus main body. Therefore, in the image forming system, the initialization time of the printing unit 100a may be variably set according to temperature and humidity.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a control system of the image forming system by the control unit 102. As shown in FIG. 14, in the image forming system, a thermometer 102 r and a hygrometer 102 s are arranged in the image forming apparatus 100. The temperature and humidity detected by the thermometer 102r and the hygrometer 102s are input to the arithmetic control unit 102a.

  FIG. 15 shows an initialization time table 13 that is read when the initialization time is set to vary depending on temperature and humidity. As shown in FIG. 15, in the initialization time storage area 13a (for example, the initialization time storage area 13a of the case binding apparatus) having an initialization time that varies depending on the temperature and humidity, the initial value for each temperature and humidity is stored. Information indicating that the environment-specific initialization time table 20 for storing the initialization time is referred to is stored.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an environment-specific initialization time table 20. The environment-specific initialization time table 20 includes a program memory 102m. The environment-specific initialization time table 20 has an initialization time storage area 20a for a predetermined initialization process for each temperature and humidity, and stores initialization times. A separate table is prepared for each temperature or humidity, and an initialization time corresponding to only the temperature or a table storing an initialization time corresponding to only the humidity is prepared separately. Or the initialization time may be varied only by humidity.

  When the information indicating that the environment-specific initialization time table 20 is referred to is stored in the initialization time storage area 13a of the initialization time table 13, the timing calculation unit 12 refers to the environment-specific initialization time table 20. The initialization time is acquired from the temperature indicated by the thermometer 102r and the humidity indicated by the hygrometer 102s.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of acquiring the initialization time by the timing calculation means 12. First, the timing calculation unit 12 reads out the use parameters that are not used for calculation and the available timing from the storage unit 11 (S51).

  The timing calculation means 12 further reads the initialization time table 13 (S52), and reads the initialization time storage area 13a of the initialization process corresponding to the read use parameter (S53).

  When the information indicating that the environment-specific initialization time table 20 is referred to is stored in the initialization time storage area 13a (S54, Yes), temperature information is acquired from the thermometer 102r, and humidity information is acquired from the hygrometer 102s. Obtain (S55). Next, the environment-specific initialization time table 20 is read (S56), and the initialization time corresponding to the acquired temperature information and humidity information is acquired from the environment-specific initialization time table 20 (S57).

  If the initialization time is stored in the initialization time storage area 13a, the above-described processing after S07 is performed. When the initialization time corresponding to the temperature information and the humidity information is acquired, the above-described processing after S08 is performed.

  18 to 20 are specific examples of setting screens displayed on the operation panel 108 of the above image forming system. The operator inputs activation settings while viewing the setting screen displayed on the operation panel 108 of the image forming system. The setting screen is roughly divided into a screen for inputting usable timing shown in FIG. 18 and a screen for selecting each usage parameter shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the setting screen for setting the usable timing displays a box B1 for selecting to set the usable timing by time or elapsed time. Further, a box B2 for inputting the time that can be used if it is time and the elapsed time that can be used if it is elapsed time is displayed in accordance with this selection. The box B2 for setting the usable timing may be prepared for each day of the week so that it can be set for each day of the week. The time input in this box B2 is written in the storage means 11 as usable timing.

  Further, a box B3 for selecting whether to save the set use parameter may be displayed on the setting screen for setting the usable timing. When the use parameter storage is selected in this box B3, the set use parameter is stored in the nonvolatile memory 102p in association with the use condition name. When displaying the box B3 for selecting whether or not to save the use parameter, the box B4 for selecting the use condition name is displayed on this setting screen. When the use condition name is selected, the use parameter associated with the use condition is read from the nonvolatile memory 102p and written to the storage unit 11 when the initialization start timing is calculated.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, a box B5 for setting each use parameter is displayed on the setting screen for setting the use parameter. For example, whether or not a printer is used, whether or not a facsimile is used, whether or not a scanner is used, whether or not a paper feeding device is used, whether or not a subsequent device is a staple finisher, whether or not a folding machine is used, and whether or not a saddle stitcher is used. A box B5 is set for setting whether to use the case, whether to use the case binding machine, whether to use the carrier air control, whether to use startup correction, and whether to use cleaning at startup. For this setting, an automatic setting can be selected. When the automatic setting is selected, use parameters prepared by default are stored in the storage unit 11.

  In addition, a box B6 for setting a use interval for start-up correction and start-up cleaning is displayed. Furthermore, when the image forming system does not include the thermometer 102r and the hygrometer 102s, a box B7 for inputting the estimated temperature and humidity at the time of activation may be displayed.

  The image forming system has a function having a dependency relationship in which when one function is used, the other function cannot be used. For example, when the printer unit 100a is not used, the conveyance air control cannot be used. In addition, when the peripheral device is not connected, the peripheral device that is not connected cannot be used. The setting means 10 stores information indicating the dependency relationship in the program memory 102m in advance, and calls the information indicating the dependency relationship when displaying the setting screen for setting the use parameter, and cannot be used due to the dependency relationship or unconnected. The function parameter box is grayed out, and the setting cannot be selected.

  As described above, in the image forming system, when the usable timing and the use parameter are input based on the setting screen displayed by the setting unit 10, the timing is calculated and written to the storage unit 10, and the timing calculation unit 12 stores the initialization time table 13. Referring to the initialization process, the initialization start timing for setting the usable state at the usable timing is calculated. The calculated initialization start timing is stored in the timing management table 16, and the timing management means 15 compares the initialization start timing with the time counted by the timer 14. When the initialization start timing coincides with the time measured by the timer 14, an initialization start signal is output to the initialization control means 17 to start the initialization process.

  Since the initialization start timing is before the initialization time necessary for initialization before the usable timing, the initialization process is completed at the usable timing, and the image forming system can be used immediately. Therefore, the work efficiency of the printing job is improved, the standby time is reduced, and the power consumption can be reduced. The effect of reducing the power consumption is improved compared to the conventional case where the operator estimates the initialization time and empirically sets the activation time.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of activation control by a control system of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a storage area of a storage unit included in the image forming system according to the embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows the initialization time table which the image forming system which concerns on this embodiment has. 3 is a diagram illustrating a timing management table included in the image forming system according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart relating to activation setting of the image forming system according to the present exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart according to activation control of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart according to another activation control of the image forming system according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other initialization time table which the image forming system which concerns on this embodiment has. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an initialization start timing calculation operation in consideration of an exclusive relationship of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. It is another functional block diagram of the image forming system concerning this embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing another activation setting of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the other control system of the image forming system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other initialization time table which the image forming system which concerns on this embodiment has. It is a figure which shows the initialization time table classified by environment which the image forming system which concerns on this embodiment has. 10 is a flowchart showing another operation for acquiring the initialization time of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a setting screen for setting usable timing of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st setting screen which sets the use parameter of the image forming system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd setting screen which sets the use parameter of the image forming system which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Setting means 11 Storage means 12 Timing calculation means 13 Initialization time table 14 Timer 15 Timing management means 16 Timing management table 17 Initialization control means 18 Correction counter 19 Cleaning counter 20 Environment-specific initialization time table 100 Image forming apparatus 100a Printer section 100b Scanner unit 100c Facsimile unit 102 Control unit 102a Arithmetic control unit 102b Scanner control unit 102c Facsimile control unit 102d Printer control unit 102f Subsequent device control unit 102g Paper feed device control unit 102m Program memory 102p Non-volatile memory 108 Operation panel 200 Subsequent device 300 Supply Paper equipment

Claims (22)

An image forming system including a printer unit that outputs at least an image on the surface of a recording medium,
Initialization control means for starting the initialization process;
A timer to time,
Storage means for storing the available timing of the system;
A timing calculation unit that includes an initialization time table that stores an initialization time required for initialization in correspondence with the initialization process, and calculates an initialization start timing before the usable timing and before the initialization time; ,
A timing management means for managing the control start of the initialization control means based on a comparison between the time measured and the initialization start timing;
Providing
An image forming system. An image forming system including a printer unit that outputs at least an image on the surface of a recording medium,
Initialization control means for starting various initialization processes;
A timer to time,
Storage means for storing various use conditions and usable timing of the system;
An initialization time table for storing initialization time required for initialization for each of the various initialization processes is included, and the initialization start timing before the usable timing and before the initialization time corresponds to the various use conditions. Timing calculating means for calculating each initialization process executed as
A timing management means for managing the control start of the initialization control means based on a comparison between the time measured and the initialization start timing;
Providing
An image forming system. Further comprising setting means for accepting settings of the various use conditions and the usable timing;
The image forming system according to claim 2. The setting means includes
Dependency information in which the setting contents of the other usage conditions are fixed according to the setting contents of one usage condition is stored in advance, and the other information is set according to the setting contents of the one usage condition according to the dependency relation information. Allow or disallow setting of the usage conditions of
The image forming system according to claim 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, further comprising at least one of a scanner unit that reads an image and a facsimile unit that receives an image.
The storage means stores, as the use condition, whether the printer unit, the scanner unit, or the facsimile unit is used;
An image forming system. The timing calculation unit stores in advance initialization execution order information for starting the other initialization process after completion of one initialization process, and starts the initialization of the one initialization process according to the initialization execution order information. Calculating a timing based on the usable timing and an initialization start timing of the other initialization process;
The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2. The image forming system according to claim 2, further comprising various bookbinding apparatuses that bind the recording medium on which the image is output.
The storage means stores, as the use condition, whether or not various bookbinding apparatuses are used;
An image forming system. A correction process execution counter or a cleaning process execution counter;
The timing calculating means calculates an initialization start timing for each of the correction process or the cleaning process when the correction process execution counter or the cleaning process execution counter reaches a predetermined value;
The image forming system according to claim 2. It further comprises a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature in the system,
The timing calculation means calculates the initialization start timing of the warm-up process based on the detected temperature and the usable timing,
The initialization process control means starts a warm-up process for warming up a heated member to be heated as the initialization process,
The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2. It further comprises humidity detection means for detecting the humidity in the system,
The timing calculation means calculates the initialization start timing of the warm-up process based on the detected humidity and the usable timing,
The initialization process control means starts a warm-up process for warming up a heated member to be heated as the initialization process,
The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2. The storage means stores various combinations of various use conditions and usable timing of the system,
The setting means accepts one of the various combinations;
The timing calculation means calculates an initialization start timing based on the selected one combination;
The image forming system according to claim 3. An image forming system activation method including a printer unit that outputs an image to the surface of a recording medium,
Store the initialization time required for initialization in the initialization time table in advance,
Remembers when the system can be used,
Calculating an initialization start timing before the usable timing and before the initialization time;
Time the time,
Based on the comparison between the time measured and the initialization start timing, the initialization process start is managed,
Starting the initialization process according to the management of the initialization process start;
A start method characterized by the above. An image forming system activation method including a printer unit that outputs an image to the surface of a recording medium,
In advance, initialization time required for initialization is stored in an initialization time table for each of the various initialization processes,
Stores various usage conditions and usable timing of the system,
Calculating an initialization start timing before the usable timing and before the initialization time for each initialization process executed corresponding to the various usage conditions;
Time the time,
Based on the comparison between the time measured and the initialization start timing, the initialization process start is managed,
Starting various initialization processes according to the management of the initialization process start;
A starting method characterized by the above. Accepting the setting of the various use conditions and the usable timing, and storing the set various use conditions and the usable timing;
The activation method according to claim 13. In the setting of the various usage conditions, dependency information in which the setting contents of the other usage conditions are fixed in advance according to the setting contents of one of the usage conditions is stored in advance, and the one usage is set according to the dependency information. Depending on the setting contents of the conditions, the setting contents of the other use conditions are permitted or not permitted.
The activation method according to claim 14. 14. The activation method according to claim 13, further comprising at least one of a scanner for reading an image and a facsimile for receiving an image.
Storing the use condition of the printer unit, the scanner unit, or the facsimile unit as the use condition;
A start method characterized by the above. In the calculation of the initialization start timing, initialization execution order information for starting the other initialization process after the completion of one initialization process is stored in advance, and the one initialization process is performed according to the initialization execution order information. A process initialization start timing is calculated based on the usable timing and the initialization start timing of the other initialization process;
The start-up method according to claim 12 or 13. 14. The start-up method according to claim 13, wherein the image forming system further includes various bookbinding devices that bind the recording medium on which the image is output.
Storing the presence or absence of use of various bookbinding devices as the use condition;
A start method characterized by the above. The initialization process includes at least either a correction process or a cleaning process, and counts the number of executions of the correction process or the number of executions of the cleaning process,
In the calculation of the initialization start timing, when the correction process execution counter or the cleaning process execution counter reaches a predetermined value, the initialization start timing is calculated for each of the correction process or the cleaning process.
The start-up method according to claim 12 or 13. The initialization process includes a warm-up process for warming up a heated member to be heated,
Detect the temperature inside the system,
In the calculation of the initialization start timing, the initialization start timing of the warm-up process is calculated based on the detected temperature and the usable timing.
The start-up method according to claim 12 or 13. The initialization process includes a warm-up process for warming up a heated member to be heated,
Detect humidity in the system,
In the calculation of the initialization start timing, the initialization start timing of the warm-up process is calculated based on the detected humidity and the usable timing.
The start-up method according to claim 12 or 13. Stores various combinations of various usage conditions and usable timing of the system,
In the setting of the various usage conditions, one of the various combinations is selected,
In the calculation of the initialization start timing, the initialization start timing is calculated based on the selected one combination.
The start-up method according to claim 12.

Images