JP2008273141A - Printing controlling apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make rearrangement of images possible when a power saving printing mode for reducing power consumption at the time of printing is designated. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing part 50 is equipped with an image information storing part 51 for storing image information, and an image outputting part 52 for reading out successively the image information from the image information storing part 51 and outputting them to an image processing system 10. In addition, a controlling part 40 is equipped with a mode judging part 41 for judging whether or not the power saving printing mode for reducing the power consumption at the time of printing is designated, an image information acquiring part 42 for reading out the image information from the image information storing part 51 when the power saving printing mode is designated, an order changing part 43 for changing the order of the read-out image information, and a signal outputting part 44 for outputting signals for controlling motors or the like of the image process system 10 and a paper conveying system 30 in accordance with changing in the order of the image information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus and a program.

  When copying documents of various sizes at once, images that can be used effectively for the power supplied to the heat roller of the fuser by storing images of all the documents and rearranging them for each paper size. A forming apparatus is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the apparatus of Patent Document 1, the fixing device includes a coil divided into a plurality of systems, and this coil is configured to change the distribution of the power supplied during warm-up according to the size of the paper. Has been.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-45699

Here, conventionally, no mechanism has been proposed for rearranging images when a power-saving printing mode for reducing power consumption during printing is designated.
An object of the present invention is to make it possible to rearrange images when a power saving printing mode for reducing power consumption during printing is designated.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of pieces of image information arranged in a predetermined order, and power consumption of the printing device when printing on the printing device based on the plurality of pieces of image information is reduced. A determination unit that determines whether or not a power saving printing mode to be specified is specified, and a change that changes an order of the plurality of pieces of image information when the determination unit determines that the power saving printing mode is specified. And a printing control apparatus comprising: output means for outputting the plurality of pieces of image information whose order has been changed by the changing means to the printing apparatus.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the changing unit is configured to set the plurality of pieces of image information based on a specific attribute that is predetermined to influence the power consumption among the plurality of pieces of image information. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the order is changed.
The invention according to claim 3 is the print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specific attribute includes an attribute relating to a color of an image printed based on the plurality of pieces of image information.
The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the specific attribute includes an attribute relating to a weight or thickness of a medium on which an image is printed based on the plurality of pieces of image information. Device.
The invention according to claim 5 is the print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specific attribute includes an attribute relating to an image area ratio of an image printed based on the plurality of pieces of image information. .
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the second aspect, the specific attribute includes an attribute related to a size of a medium on which an image is printed based on the plurality of pieces of image information. is there.
The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the changing means changes the order of the plurality of pieces of image information stored in a predetermined storage device in response to a print instruction of the same user. It is a printing control device.
The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the changing means does not change the order of the plurality of pieces of image information stored in a predetermined storage device in response to one printing instruction. It is a printing control device.
The invention according to claim 9 is a function for acquiring a plurality of pieces of image information arranged in a predetermined order in a computer, and power consumption of the printing device when printing is performed by the printing device based on the plurality of pieces of image information. A function for determining whether or not a power saving printing mode is specified, a function for changing the order of the plurality of image information when it is determined that the power saving printing mode is specified, and an order Is a program for realizing the function of outputting the plurality of pieces of image information changed to the printing apparatus.

The invention of claim 1 has an effect that images can be rearranged when a power saving printing mode for reducing power consumption during printing is designated.
The invention of claim 2 has an effect that images can be rearranged in consideration of power consumption.
The invention of claim 3 has an effect that images can be rearranged in consideration of power consumption when images of different colors coexist.
The invention of claim 4 has an effect that images can be rearranged in consideration of power consumption when images printed on media having different weights or thicknesses are mixed.
The invention of claim 5 has an effect that images can be rearranged in consideration of power consumption when images having different image area ratios coexist.
The invention of claim 6 has an effect that images can be rearranged in consideration of power consumption when images printed on media having different sizes are mixed.
The invention of claim 7 has the effect that image rearrangement can be controlled for each user who has given a print instruction.
The invention according to claim 8 has an effect that it is possible to prevent the disorder of the order of the images due to the rearrangement of the images within one printing instruction.
The invention of claim 9 has the effect that images can be rearranged when a power saving printing mode for reducing power consumption during printing is designated.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First, an image forming apparatus to which the exemplary embodiment is applied will be described. In this embodiment, paper is used as an example of a medium on which an image is printed. However, other media such as plastic, metal, fiber, and the like may be used.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, and shows a so-called tandem type digital color printer. The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes an image processing system 10 that forms an image corresponding to gradation data of each color, a paper transport system 30 that transports paper, an image process system 10, and a paper transport system 30 in a main body 1. A control unit 40 for controlling and an image processing unit 50 for performing predetermined image processing on the image information are provided. FIG. 1 is a view of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the side where the user operates (front side).

  The image processing system 10 includes four image forming units 11Y and 11M of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), which are arranged in parallel at regular intervals in the horizontal direction. , 11C, 11K. Then, a transfer unit 20 is provided for transferring the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 12 of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K onto the intermediate transfer belt 21. The main body 1 also includes a fixing device 29 that fixes the image on the paper secondarily transferred by the transfer unit 20 to the paper using heat and pressure. Further, toner cartridges 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19K are provided for supplying toner of each color to the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

  Here, in each of the image forming units 11 (11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K), around the photosensitive drum 12 that rotates in the direction of arrow A, a charger 13 that charges the photosensitive drum 12, and a photosensitive drum. There are provided a laser exposure unit 14 for writing an electrostatic latent image on 12 and a developing unit 15 for accommodating each color component toner and developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 12 with toner. Further, around the photosensitive drum 12, a primary transfer roll 16 that transfers each color component toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 to the intermediate transfer belt 21, and a drum cleaner that removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 12. 17 is also provided. These image forming units 11 are arranged in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  The transfer unit 20 includes a drive roll 22 that drives the intermediate transfer belt 21, a tension roll 23 that applies a constant tension to the intermediate transfer belt 21, and a backup roll 24 that secondarily transfers the superimposed toner images of each color onto a sheet. A belt cleaner 25 for removing residual toner and the like existing on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is provided. The intermediate transfer belt 21 is wound around the drive roll 22, the tension roll 23, and the backup roll 24 with a constant tension, and is driven to rotate by a dedicated drive motor (not shown) having excellent constant speed. The drive roll 22 is circulated at a predetermined speed in the arrow B direction. As the intermediate transfer belt 21, for example, a belt whose resistance is adjusted with a belt material (rubber or resin) that does not cause charge-up is used.

  The paper transport system 30 includes paper feed trays 31a and 31b that stack and supply paper on which images are recorded. Also, nudger rolls 32a and 32b that pick up and supply sheets from the sheet feeding trays 31a and 31b, feed rolls 33a and 33b that separate and convey the sheets supplied from the nudger rolls 32a and 32b, and feed rolls. A conveyance path 34 is provided for conveying the sheets separated one by one by 33a and 33b toward the image transfer unit. Further, a resist roll 35 that conveys the sheet conveyed through the conveyance path 34 in a timely manner toward the secondary transfer position, and a backup roll 24 that is provided at the secondary transfer position and press-contacts the image on the sheet. Are provided with a secondary transfer roll 36 for secondary transfer of the toner and a discharge roll 37 for discharging the paper on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 29 to the outside of the main body 1. Furthermore, a discharge tray 38 for stacking sheets discharged by the discharge roll 37 is provided.

  Further, the scanner unit 60 reads an image of a document placed on the platen glass or an image of the document conveyed on the platen glass by a CCD image sensor or the like (not shown). Here, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the scanner unit 60 is disposed on the upper side of the main body 1 to save space. In addition, a predetermined gap is formed between the discharge tray 38 and the scanner unit 60 so that the paper after image formation discharged to the discharge tray 38 can be easily taken out.

Next, an image forming process of the image forming apparatus will be described.
First, for example, image information is input to the image processing unit 50 from a PC (Personal Computer) or a scanner unit 60 (not shown). The image processing unit 50 performs predetermined image processing on the input image information. The image information subjected to the image processing is converted into color material gradation data of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and each image forming unit 11Y, 11M, It is output to the 11C, 11K laser exposure unit 14.

  In each of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, the photosensitive drum 12 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charger 13. Further, in the laser exposure devices 14 of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, the photoconductors of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K according to the color material gradation data input from the image processing unit 50. The drum 12 is irradiated with laser light. On the photosensitive drums 12 of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, the charged surface is exposed to form an electrostatic latent image. The formed electrostatic latent image is converted into yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) colors by the developing devices 15 of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. Developed as a toner image.

  The toner images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 12 of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are multiple transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 21. At this time, since the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C that form yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images are provided on the most upstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21, the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images are provided. Are first transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 21 first. Further, since the image forming unit 11K that forms the black toner image is provided on the most downstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21, the black toner image is finally primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21. . Then, the photosensitive drums 12 of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K after the transfer are cleaned by the drum cleaner 17.

  On the other hand, in the paper transport system 30, the nudger roll 32 rotates in accordance with the timing of image formation, and paper of a predetermined size is supplied from the selected one of the paper feed trays 31a and 31b. The sheets separated one by one by the feed roll 33 are conveyed to the registration roll 35 through the conveyance path 34 and are temporarily stopped. Thereafter, the registration roll 35 rotates in accordance with the movement timing of the intermediate transfer belt 21 on which the toner image is formed, and the sheet is conveyed to the secondary transfer position formed by the backup roll 24 and the secondary transfer roll 36. On the sheet conveyed from the lower side to the upper side at the secondary transfer position, the toner images in which the four colors are multiplexed are sequentially transferred in the sub-scanning direction by using the pressing force and a predetermined electric field. The sheet on which the toner image of each color is transferred is subjected to a fixing process by heat and pressure by the fixing device 29 and then discharged to a discharge tray 38 provided at the upper portion by a discharge roll 37. On the other hand, the intermediate transfer belt 21 after the secondary transfer is cleaned by the belt cleaner 25 to prepare for the next process.

  By the way, in this embodiment, it is possible to designate a power saving printing mode for reducing power consumption when printing an image for such an image forming apparatus. Then, the control unit 40 rearranges the image information in the image processing unit 50 when the power saving printing mode is designated. The image information is typically print data described in a page description language such as PDL (Page Description Language), but may be image data obtained by rasterizing such print data.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the following four methods are considered as image rearrangement methods. However, these are merely examples, and the rearrangement may be performed by paying attention to any attribute as long as the attribute is predetermined as an attribute of image information that affects power consumption.

(1) Rearrangement of black and white image (image including only black and white) and color image (image including color) In the case of a tandem type color printer as shown in FIG. 1, normally, a black and white image drives only the image forming unit 11K. Thus, a color image is formed by driving the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. Therefore, the power consumption is lower when a monochrome image is formed than when a color image is formed. However, when a monochrome image and a color image are mixed, it is necessary to drive the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K in preparation for the formation of the next color image even during the formation of the monochrome image, and wasteful power is consumed. End up.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the order of the image information is changed as shown in FIG. That is, only the image forming unit 11K is driven in the first half to form a monochrome image, and the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are driven in the second half to form a color image. Accordingly, it is not necessary to drive all the image forming units during the formation of the black and white image, and wasteful power consumption is reduced.

Also, depending on the image forming apparatus, the speed for forming a black and white image is set to be higher than the speed for forming a color image. This is because a monochrome image requires less heat energy to be given by the fixing device 29 than a color image. However, when a monochrome image and a color image are mixed, if the monochrome image is formed at the same slow speed as that of the color image, an unnecessarily large amount of heat energy is applied from the fixing device 29 to the monochrome image.
For this reason as well, in the present embodiment, the image information is switched so that a monochrome image is formed first and then a color image is formed.

For example, assume that the amount of power required to form one monochrome image is 0.33 Wh, and the amount of power required to form one color image is 0.43 Wh. In this case, if the images of 5 black and white and 5 colors are formed without being rearranged, the power consumption is 4.3 Wh. On the other hand, if these images are formed by rearranging the black and white image and the color image in this order, 3.8 Wh is sufficient, so the power consumption is reduced by about 12%.
Further, such replacement of the image information contributes to shortening the total image formation time.
Here, the description has been given of replacing the image with a focus on black and white and color, but the image may be rearranged with a focus on another color having a relationship with the power consumption.

(2) Rearrangement of images printed on paper with a large basis weight and images printed on a paper with a small basis weight Since paper with a large basis weight also takes a large amount of heat during fixing, more heat energy is fed to the fixing device 29. Need to supply. For this reason, the temperature of the fixing device 29 is increased, or the sheet conveyance speed is decreased. However, when images printed on paper with a large basis weight and images printed on a sheet with a small basis weight are mixed, the temperature of the fixing device 29 and the paper transport speed are adjusted to match the paper with the large basis weight. Therefore, more heat energy than necessary is supplied to a small sheet, and wasteful power is consumed.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the order of the image information is changed as shown in FIG. That is, an image is formed in a state where the temperature of the fixing device 29 is low and / or a paper conveyance speed is high using a paper having a small basis weight in the first half, and a temperature of the fixing device 29 using a paper having a large basis weight in the second half. The image is formed in a state where the image is high and / or the sheet conveyance speed is low. As a result, wasteful heat energy is less supplied to a sheet having a small basis weight, so that power consumption can be suppressed.

By the way, in the case of (2), it is desirable to form an image first on a sheet having a small basis weight. The reason is as follows. That is, image formation immediately after power-on or immediately after returning from the power saving mode is started when the fixing device 29 is warmed up and the fixing device 29 reaches a predetermined temperature. However, immediately after the power is turned on or immediately after returning from the power saving mode, the temperature of each part is not sufficiently increased, and thus a droop phenomenon in which the temperature of the fixing device 29 decreases may occur. When the temperature of the fixing device 29 is excessively lowered due to the droop phenomenon, it is necessary to temporarily stop image formation and perform warm-up again. Since the droop phenomenon is more likely to occur in paper with a larger basis weight, if an image is first formed on a sheet with a smaller basis weight and the temperature of each part rises, then an image is formed on a sheet with a larger basis weight. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of the droop phenomenon.
The basis weight is the weight per unit area of the paper, but may be rearranged using the weight of the paper. Further, the paper thickness may be used instead of the basis weight. In this case, an image is formed with a thin sheet in the first half and a low temperature of the fixing device 29 and / or a high paper conveyance speed, and a thick paper is used in the second half and the temperature of the fixing device 29 is high. In other words, an image is formed in a state where the paper conveyance speed is low.

(3) Rearrangement based on image area ratio (toner weight per unit area) In an image with a high image area ratio, it is necessary to supply heat to a larger amount of toner. In some cases, the conveyance speed of the machine may be reduced. However, when images having different image area ratios are mixed, an image is formed under a condition that matches an image having a high image area ratio, so that loss occurs.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the order of the image information is changed so that images are printed in order from the image with the lowest image area ratio. Thereby, the loss of thermal energy is reduced and wasteful power consumption is reduced.

(4) Rearrangement of an image to be printed on a large size paper and an image to be printed on a small size paper When the paper size is different, the motor torque required for conveyance is different and the power consumption is also different. When images printed on paper of different sizes are mixed, instantaneous motor torque switching is difficult, so even when transporting small paper, it is transported with the same torque as large paper, which is useless. Power is consumed.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the order of the image information is changed as shown in FIG. That is, an image is formed by conveying a small-sized sheet with a small torque in the first half, and an image is formed by conveying a large-sized sheet with a large torque in the second half. Thereby, useless switching of torque is reduced, and useless power consumption is reduced.

  2 to 5, the unit for rearranging the image information is not clearly shown. However, the image information may be rearranged in units of image information (page units) corresponding to one sheet, or one print instruction may be given. You may rearrange by the unit (job unit) of corresponding image information. It is also conceivable to perform rearrangement using these units in combination. In this case, it is preferable not only to specify the power saving printing mode, but also to specify whether to rearrange on a page basis or on a job basis in the power saving printing mode.

Next, the control unit 40 and the image processing unit 50 that realize such an outline operation will be described in detail.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of the control unit 40 and the image processing unit 50 in the present embodiment.
First, the control unit 40 includes a mode determination unit 41 that performs mode determination, an image information acquisition unit 42 that acquires image information from the image processing unit 50, and an order change unit 43 that changes the order of the image information. . Further, the image processing unit 50 includes a signal output unit 44 that outputs a predetermined control signal to the image process system 10 and the paper transport system 30 when the image processing unit 50 outputs an image to the image process system 10.
Next, the image processing unit 50 includes an image information storage unit 51 that stores image information, and an image output unit 52 that outputs the image information to the image process system 10 at a predetermined timing.

Here, functions in the control unit 40 will be described in more detail.
For example, the mode determination unit 41 reads out mode information set in advance by the user from a memory (not shown), and determines whether or not a power saving printing mode for reducing power consumption when printing an image is specified. Alternatively, when rearranging in units of jobs, mode information may be added to the header portion of the job, and it may be determined by referring to this whether the power saving printing mode is designated. In the present embodiment, the mode determination unit 41 is provided as an example of a determination unit that determines whether or not the power saving printing mode is designated.
The image information acquisition unit 42 is activated when the mode determination unit 41 determines that the power saving printing mode is designated, and reads all image information stored in the image information storage unit 51 at that time. In the present embodiment, an image information acquisition unit 42 is provided as an example of an acquisition unit that acquires image information.

The order changing unit 43 performs rearrangement processing as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 on the image information read by the image information acquisition unit 42. In the present embodiment, an order changing unit 43 is provided as an example of changing means for changing the order of image information.
The signal output unit 44 is activated when the mode determination unit 41 determines that the power saving printing mode is designated, and monitors the output of the image to the image process system 10 by the image output unit 52 and outputs the image. Then, a signal necessary for the operation of printing the image is output to the image process system 10 or the paper transport system 30.

Further, the function of the image processing unit 50 will be described in more detail.
The image information storage unit 51 is a memory that temporarily stores an image input from a PC (not shown) or the scanner unit 60, and corresponds to a so-called print job queue.
The image output unit 52 sequentially reads the image information stored in the image information storage unit 51 and outputs the image information to the image process system 10 to instruct the printing of the image. In the present embodiment, an image output unit 52 is provided as an example of an output unit that outputs image information to the image process system 10 which is an example of a printing apparatus.

Next, the operation of the control unit 40 in the present embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 40 that performs the rearrangement as shown in FIG.
In the control unit 40, first, the mode determination unit 41 reads mode information stored in a memory (not shown) (step 401), and determines whether or not a power saving printing mode is designated (step 402).
As a result, when it is determined that the power saving printing mode is designated, the mode determination unit 41 notifies the image information acquisition unit 42 and the signal output unit 44 to that effect and activates them.
Thereby, first, the image information acquisition unit 42 reads out all the image information stored in the image information storage unit 51 (step 403), and transfers it to the order change unit 43. Then, the order changing unit 43 rearranges the image information and writes it back to the image information storage unit 51 so that the monochrome image is printed first, and then the color image is printed (step 404).

Thereafter, in the image processing unit 50, the image output unit 52 sequentially extracts the rearranged image information from the image information storage unit 51, and outputs an image based on the image information to the image process system 10. At this time, in the control unit 40, the signal output unit 44 detects the output of one unit image (page or job) to the image processing system 10 (step 405). Then, it is determined whether or not the output image has been switched from a monochrome image to a color image (step 406).
Here, if the color image is not switched and the monochrome image continues, the signal output unit 44 outputs a signal instructing driving to a motor (not shown) that is a driving source of the image forming unit 11K. (Step 407). Then, a signal instructing driving at a higher speed than in the case of a color image is output to a motor (not shown) which is a driving source of the image processing system 10 and the paper transport system 30 (step 408).
If the color image is switched, the signal output unit 44 outputs a signal instructing driving to a motor (not shown) that is a driving source of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K (step). 409). Then, a signal instructing driving at a lower speed than in the case of a black and white image is output to a motor (not shown) which is a driving source of the image processing system 10 and the paper transport system 30 (step 410).

Next, the signal output unit 44 determines whether or not the output of one unit image to the image processing system 10 is detected within a predetermined time (step 411). Here, if the output of the image is detected, the processing in steps 405 to 410 is repeated until the output of the image is eliminated. If it is determined in step 411 that the output of one unit image to the image processing system 10 has not been detected within a predetermined time, the processing is terminated.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step 402 that the power saving printing mode is not designated, the mode determination unit 41 does not activate the image information acquisition unit 42 and the signal output unit 44. That is, the image output unit 52 sequentially extracts the image information stored in the image information storage unit 51 according to the initial order, and outputs an image based on the image information to the image process system 10.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 40 that performs the rearrangement as shown in FIG.
In the control unit 40, first, the mode determination unit 41 reads mode information stored in a memory (not shown) (step 421), and determines whether or not the power saving printing mode is designated (step 422).
As a result, when it is determined that the power saving printing mode is designated, the mode determination unit 41 notifies the image information acquisition unit 42 and the signal output unit 44 to that effect and activates them.
Thereby, first, the image information acquisition unit 42 reads all the image information stored in the image information storage unit 51 (step 423), and transfers it to the order change unit 43. Then, the order changing unit 43 rearranges the image information so that the images are printed in ascending order of basis weight, and writes it back to the image information storage unit 51 (step 424).

  Thereafter, in the image processing unit 50, the image output unit 52 sequentially extracts the rearranged image information from the image information storage unit 51, and outputs an image based on the image information to the image process system 10. At this time, in the control unit 40, the signal output unit 44 detects the output of one unit image (page or job) to the image processing system 10 (step 425). As a result, the signal output unit 44 outputs a signal for setting a temperature corresponding to the basis weight to the fixing device 29 (step 427). Then, a signal instructing driving at a speed corresponding to the basis weight is output to a motor (not shown) which is a driving source of the image processing system 10 and the paper transport system 30 (step 428).

Next, the signal output unit 44 determines whether or not the output of one unit of image to the image processing system 10 is detected within a predetermined time (step 431). Here, if the output of the image is detected, the processing of steps 425 to 428 is repeated until the output of the image is eliminated. If it is determined in step 431 that the output of one unit image to the image processing system 10 has not been detected within a predetermined time, the processing is terminated.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step 422 that the power saving printing mode is not designated, the mode determination unit 41 does not activate the image information acquisition unit 42 and the signal output unit 44. That is, the image output unit 52 sequentially extracts the image information stored in the image information storage unit 51 according to the initial order, and outputs an image based on the image information to the image process system 10.

Further, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 40 that performs the rearrangement as shown in FIG.
In the control unit 40, first, the mode determination unit 41 reads mode information stored in a memory (not shown) (step 441), and determines whether or not the power saving printing mode is designated (step 442).
As a result, when it is determined that the power saving printing mode is designated, the mode determination unit 41 notifies the image information acquisition unit 42 and the signal output unit 44 to that effect and activates them.
As a result, first, the image information acquisition unit 42 reads all the image information stored in the image information storage unit 51 (step 443), and transfers it to the order change unit 43. Then, the order changing unit 43 rearranges the image information so that the images are printed in ascending order of the image area ratio, and writes it back to the image information storage unit 51 (step 444).

  Thereafter, in the image processing unit 50, the image output unit 52 sequentially extracts the rearranged image information from the image information storage unit 51, and outputs an image based on the image information to the image process system 10. At this time, in the control unit 40, the signal output unit 44 detects the output of one unit image (page or job) to the image processing system 10 (step 445). As a result, the signal output unit 44 outputs a signal for setting the temperature according to the image area ratio to the fixing device 29 (step 447). Then, a signal instructing driving at a speed corresponding to the image area ratio is output to a motor (not shown) which is a driving source of the image processing system 10 and the paper transport system 30 (step 448).

Next, the signal output unit 44 determines whether or not the output of one unit of image to the image processing system 10 is detected within a certain time (step 451). If the output of the image is detected, the processes in steps 445 to 448 are repeated until the output of the image is lost. If it is determined in step 451 that the output of one unit image to the image processing system 10 has not been detected within a predetermined time, the processing is terminated.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step 442 that the power saving printing mode is not designated, the mode determination unit 41 does not activate the image information acquisition unit 42 and the signal output unit 44. That is, the image output unit 52 sequentially extracts the image information stored in the image information storage unit 51 according to the initial order, and outputs an image based on the image information to the image process system 10.

Furthermore, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 40 that performs the rearrangement as shown in FIG.
In the control unit 40, first, the mode determination unit 41 reads mode information stored in a memory (not shown) (step 461), and determines whether or not a power saving printing mode is designated (step 462).
As a result, when it is determined that the power saving printing mode is designated, the mode determination unit 41 notifies the image information acquisition unit 42 and the signal output unit 44 to that effect and activates them.
Thereby, first, the image information acquisition unit 42 reads all the image information stored in the image information storage unit 51 (step 463), and transfers it to the order change unit 43. Then, the order changing unit 43 rearranges the image information so that the images are printed in ascending order of the paper size, and writes it back to the image information storage unit 51 (step 464).

  Thereafter, in the image processing unit 50, the image output unit 52 sequentially extracts the rearranged image information from the image information storage unit 51, and outputs an image based on the image information to the image process system 10. At this time, in the control unit 40, the signal output unit 44 detects the output of one unit image (page or job) to the image processing system 10 (step 465). Accordingly, the signal output unit 44 outputs a signal instructing rotation with a torque corresponding to the paper size to a motor (not shown) that is a drive source of the paper transport system 30 (step 467).

Next, the signal output unit 44 determines whether or not the output of one unit image to the image processing system 10 is detected within a predetermined time (step 471). If the output of the image is detected, the processes in steps 465 to 467 are repeated until the output of the image is lost. If it is determined in step 471 that the output of one unit image to the image processing system 10 has not been detected within a predetermined time, the processing is terminated.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step 462 that the power saving printing mode is not designated, the mode determination unit 41 does not activate the image information acquisition unit 42 and the signal output unit 44. That is, the image output unit 52 sequentially extracts the image information stored in the image information storage unit 51 according to the initial order, and outputs an image based on the image information to the image process system 10.

The case where the image rearrangement is performed by the image forming apparatus has been described above.
However, when the images are rearranged in the image forming apparatus, if the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state, the controller of the image forming apparatus returns to the normal state for the rearrangement process and consumes power. Will end up. In this case, by performing the process of rearranging the images on the PC, the controller of the image forming apparatus maintains the sleep state, and power consumption is reduced.

Therefore, a hardware configuration of the computer 90 will be described as an example in which such image rearrangement is realized by the computer 90.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the computer 90.
As shown in the figure, the computer 90 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91 as a calculation means, a main memory 92 as a storage means, and a magnetic disk device (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 93. Here, the CPU 91 executes various types of software such as an OS (Operating System) and applications to realize the above-described functions. The main memory 92 is a storage area for storing various software and data used for execution thereof, and the magnetic disk device 93 is a storage area for storing input data for various software, output data from various software, and the like. .
Further, the computer 90 includes a communication I / F 94 for performing communication with the outside, a display mechanism 95 including a video memory and a display, and an input device 96 such as a keyboard and a mouse.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to select “printer 1 (immediate printing)” and “printer 1 (later printing)” on, for example, a printer selection screen of the computer 90 (PC) having such a hardware configuration. Keep it. Among these, when “printer 1 (print later)” is selected, the images are rearranged on the PC as shown in FIGS. In addition, after selecting “Printer 1 (print later)”, “Printer 1 (print accumulated document)” can be selected in addition to “Printer 1 (print later)”.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the PC in response to such a selection operation on the selection screen.
First, the PC determines whether “immediate printing” is selected (step 901). If it is determined that “immediate printing” is not selected, it is determined whether “print stored document” is selected (step 902). If it is determined that “print stored document” is not selected, “print later” is selected, and the PC stores print data (image information) in itself (step 903). Then, the images are rearranged as shown in FIGS.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 901 that “print immediately” is selected, or if it is determined that “print stored document” is selected in step 902, the PC uses the stored print data to the image forming apparatus. (Step 904).

Even when the images are rearranged on the PC in this way, the CPU 91 executes a predetermined program, whereby the same functional configuration as that shown in FIG. 6 is realized in the PC.
However, in this case, in the image processing unit 50, the image information storage unit 51 acquires image information from an application or the like operating on the PC, and the image output unit 52 outputs an image to the image forming apparatus. In the control unit 40, the signal output unit 44 is not provided. For example, the image output unit 52 outputs image information to which information indicating what sort is performed is added to the image forming apparatus. Thereby, the operation of the signal output unit 44 is performed in the image forming apparatus.

  It should be noted that the program for realizing the present embodiment may be provided by being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, as well as provided by communication means.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the 1st example of the rearrangement of the image in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the 2nd example of the rearrangement of the image in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the 3rd example of the rearrangement of the image in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the 4th example of the rearrangement of the image in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional configurations of a control unit and an image processing unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is the flowchart which showed the 1st example of operation | movement of the rearrangement of the image in embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the 2nd operation example of the rearrangement of the image in embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the 3rd operation example of the rearrangement of the image in embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the 4th operation example of the rearrangement of the image in embodiment of this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of the computer which can implement | achieve embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement of the computer in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image process system, 30 ... Paper conveyance system, 40 ... Control part, 50 ... Image processing part, 60 ... Scanner unit

Claims (9)

Obtaining means for obtaining a plurality of pieces of image information arranged in a predetermined order;
Determination means for determining whether or not a power saving printing mode for reducing power consumption of the printing apparatus when printing with the printing apparatus based on the plurality of image information is specified;
A changing unit that changes the order of the plurality of pieces of image information when the determination unit determines that the power saving printing mode is designated;
An output means for outputting the plurality of pieces of image information whose order has been changed by the changing means to the printing apparatus.   The changing unit is configured to change the order of the plurality of pieces of image information based on specific attributes that are predetermined as affecting the power consumption among the plurality of pieces of image information. The print control apparatus according to claim 1.   The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specific attribute includes an attribute relating to a color of an image to be printed based on the plurality of pieces of image information.   The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specific attribute includes an attribute related to a weight or a thickness of a medium on which an image is printed based on the plurality of pieces of image information.   The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specific attribute includes an attribute related to an image area ratio of an image printed based on the plurality of pieces of image information.   The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specific attribute includes an attribute related to a size of a medium on which an image is printed based on the plurality of pieces of image information.   The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit changes the order of the plurality of pieces of image information stored in a predetermined storage device in accordance with a print instruction from the same user.   The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit does not change the order of the plurality of pieces of image information stored in a predetermined storage device in response to one print instruction. On the computer,
A function of acquiring a plurality of pieces of image information arranged in a predetermined order;
A function of determining whether or not a power saving printing mode for reducing power consumption of the printing apparatus when printing with the printing apparatus based on the plurality of image information is specified;
A function of changing the order of the plurality of pieces of image information when it is determined that the power saving printing mode is designated;
A program for realizing a function of outputting the plurality of pieces of image information whose order has been changed to the printing apparatus.

Images