JP2010062901A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently reduce the power consumption per function part in the image forming apparatus which performs electric power supply control for every function part. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1A-1D which communicate mutually via an external LAN12, based on the operational situation and the operational capability of each processing function unit provided respectively in the image forming device 1A-1D connected to the external LAN12, compare the power consumption during the execution of an image formation command in the processing function unit in which the same kind of processing is executed in each image forming apparatus 1A-1D, and select one processing function unit among the processing function units according to the comparison results of the power consumption and executes the image formation command by using the selected processing function unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

In recent years, image forming apparatuses having a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printing function, and a facsimile function have become widespread. In such an image forming apparatus, while one function is being executed, power consumed by a functional unit (unit) that operates other functions is wasted. For this reason, an image forming apparatus has been proposed in which power is supplied only to a unit to be operated and set to an operable state, and power supply to other units is stopped or a power saving state in which the amount of supplied power is reduced is set. .
For example, in Patent Document 1, a job identification name that identifies the type of job to be executed and a unit identification name that identifies a unit that needs to be activated at the time of job execution are defined in advance so as to execute the job. In this case, an image forming apparatus that supplies power only to a unit that needs to be activated is described.

JP 2006-231532 A

Here, in general, in an image forming apparatus that performs power supply control for each function unit (unit), when a print command is transmitted in a state where an image forming unit that is one of the function units is set to a power saving state, Depending on the contents of the print command, the power for returning the image forming unit from the power saving state to the operable state may be relatively larger than the power required for the printing process. For this reason, there is a case where power consumption in units of functional units cannot be efficiently reduced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to efficiently reduce power consumption in an image forming apparatus that performs power supply control for each functional unit in units of functional units.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of image forming apparatuses each including a receiving unit that receives an image forming command and a plurality of processing function units that perform various processes for executing the image forming command. Communication means for performing communication between the image forming apparatuses, and the image forming apparatus has an operation status and an operation capability of each of the processing function units provided in each of the image forming apparatuses connected to the communication means. Based on the comparison result of the power consumption, the power consumption at the time of execution of the image forming command in the processing function unit that performs the same kind of processing in each of the image forming apparatuses is compared. An image forming system comprising: selecting one processing function unit, and executing the image forming command using the selected processing function unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus individually controls power supplied to each of the plurality of processing function units, so that the processing function unit is operable and consumes more power than the operable state. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein a power saving state with a small amount of power is set individually.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the plurality of image forming apparatuses further include a storage unit that stores information regarding an operation status and an operation capability of each of the plurality of processing function units included in the image forming apparatus, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage unit is transmitted to another image forming apparatus via a communication unit.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the one image forming apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores information on an operation state and an operation capability of each of the plurality of processing function units provided in the plurality of image forming apparatuses. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the other image forming apparatus via the communication unit.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first aspect, the image forming apparatus selects the processing function unit that performs a plurality of different types of processing from the same image forming apparatus. is there.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, each of the processing function units is directly connected to another image forming apparatus via the communication unit, and each of the processing function units includes a plurality of the image forming apparatuses. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein one processing function unit is selected from the processing function units that perform the same type of processing.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an accepting means for receiving an image forming command, a plurality of processing function units for performing various processes for executing the image forming command, and an external image including the plurality of processing function units. A communication function unit that communicates with the forming apparatus and obtains an operation status and an operation capability of each of the processing function units of the external image forming apparatus, an operation status and an operation capability of each of the processing function units, and the communication function unit. The processing function unit that performs the same kind of processing based on the operation status and the capability of each of the processing function units provided in the external image forming apparatus acquired through the processing function unit of the external image forming apparatus. Power consumption during execution of the image forming instruction of the processing unit, and the processing function unit and the processing function unit of the external image forming apparatus according to the comparison result of the power consumption An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a selection means for selecting a part.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing function units is individually controlled so that the processing function unit is operable and the power saving state is lower in power consumption than the operable state. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a control means for individually setting the image quality.
The invention according to claim 9 further includes storage means for storing information on the operation status and operation capability of each of the plurality of processing function units, and the communication function unit responds to a transmission request from the external image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the external image forming apparatus.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a computer has a function of receiving an image forming command, a function of communicating with an external image forming apparatus, and a plurality of processes for performing various processes for executing the received image forming command. The processing function unit that performs the same type of processing based on the operation status and operation capability of each function unit and the operation status and operation capability of each of the plurality of processing function units provided in the communicable external image forming apparatus And a function for comparing power consumption at the time of execution of the image forming instruction in the processing function unit of the external image forming apparatus, and the processing function unit and the external image forming apparatus according to the comparison result of the power consumption. A program for realizing a function of selecting one processing function unit from among the processing function units.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the present invention is not adopted, the power consumption in the image forming apparatus that performs the power supply control for each functional unit can be efficiently reduced for each functional unit.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set a more appropriate power saving state corresponding to each function performed by the processing function unit as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select a processing function unit that further reduces power consumption by using the latest information on the operation status and operation capability of each processing function unit of another image forming apparatus.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to acquire information on the operation status and the operation capability of each processing function unit of another image forming apparatus by communicating with one image forming apparatus, compared with a case where the present invention is not adopted. Thus, the communication load of the communication means can be reduced.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, the transmission processing of the image forming command is speeded up, and the power consumption can be reduced by speeding up the image forming processing.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the processing function units can directly select the processing function unit, so that the processing function unit can be selected more quickly than when the present invention is not adopted.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, the power consumption in the image forming apparatus that performs the power supply control for each functional unit can be efficiently reduced for each functional unit.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set a more appropriate power saving state corresponding to each function performed by the processing function unit as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select a processing function unit that further reduces power consumption using the latest information on the operation status and operation capability of each processing function unit of another image forming apparatus.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, the power consumption in the image forming apparatus that performs the power supply control for each functional unit can be efficiently reduced for each functional unit.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
[Description of image forming system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system to which an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is connected. In the image forming system shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 </ b> A to 1 </ b> D (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “image forming apparatus 1”) that form images on paper based on image data are external units that are examples of communication means. They are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 12 so that they can communicate with each other. As a communication means, in addition to the external LAN (Local Area Network) 12, a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, or the like may be used.

[Description of Entire Image Forming Apparatus]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 generates an image data by generating an image data by reading an image on a document, an image forming unit 2 as an example of a processing function unit that forms an image based on image data (image information) of each color. An image reading unit 3 is provided as an example of a processing function unit to be sent to the unit 2. Also, facsimile data (image information) is transmitted / received via a user interface (UI) unit 4, for example, a public telephone line, as an example of a processing function unit that accepts operation input from the user and displays various information to the user. A facsimile (FAX) unit 5 is provided as an example of a processing function unit. Further, an external storage device that is provided externally to the image forming unit 2 and is configured by a tray unit 6 as an example of a processing function unit that supplies paper to the image forming unit 2, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory. The memory unit 7 is provided as an example of the storage means. Furthermore, a system control unit 8 as an example of an integrated control unit that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1 and communication through a communication line, and a power supply unit 9 as an example of a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit. It has.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a communication system and a power supply system in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, an image forming unit 2, an image reading unit 3, a UI unit 4, a FAX unit 5, a tray unit 6, a memory unit 7, and a system control unit 8, which are processing function units, are connected to an in-machine LAN (Local Area Network). 10 is connected. In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the units constituted by the processing function units are connected to each other by a single bus (in-machine LAN 10), thereby realizing communication between the units.
Furthermore, external devices including other image forming apparatuses 1 are connected by an external LAN 12 that is an example of a communication unit via a system control unit 8 that also functions as an example of a communication function unit.

  Each unit is provided with a control unit for individually controlling power supply / stop in each unit. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 2 has an image forming control unit (CPU) 92 as an example of a control unit, and the image reading unit 3 has an image reading control unit (CPU) 93 as an example of a control unit. The UI unit 4 has a UI control unit (CPU) 94 as an example of control means, the FAX unit 5 has a FAX control unit (CPU) 95 as an example of control means, and the tray unit 6 has an example of control means. The tray control unit (CPU) 96, the memory unit 7 are provided with a memory control unit (CPU) 97 as an example of control means, and the system control unit 8 is provided with a system control unit control unit (CPU) 98 as an example of control means. It has been.

  A power line 11 is connected to the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 and each other unit (image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, memory unit 7, system control unit 8). The power is supplied via the power supply unit 9 connected to the power line 11. The power supply unit 9 always supplies power of a predetermined voltage (24 V) as a night-time power supply via the power line 11.

[Description of power supply mode set for each unit]
In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 2, image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, memory unit 7, and system control unit 8, which are processing function units, are in the power mode (operating state). It is configured as a unit in which control is performed individually. For example, each of the image forming unit 2 and each control function unit (each unit) supplies (i) a sleep mode as an example of a power saving state in which power supply is stopped, and (ii) supplies only control power 5 V to each control unit. Standby mode as an example of a power saving state to be performed, and (iii) a power mode such as a job mode as an example of an operable state of supplying 5 V of control power to each control unit and operating power (24 V) to each mechanism unit , Control their own operating state independently and individually.
That is, the image forming control unit 92 of the image forming unit 2 and the control units (image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, memory unit 7, system control unit 8) of each control function unit. The control unit 93, UI control unit 94, FAX control unit 95, tray control unit 96, memory control unit 97, system control unit control unit 98) receives an instruction command (command) for each unit transmitted via the in-machine LAN 10. Based on the attached information, the power supply unit 9 performs power supply / stop control by itself.

  Note that such power supply / stop control may be performed in each device (component) in the unit constituting each unit, as well as in each unit. That is, each device configuring each unit may be configured to perform power supply / stop control by a control unit provided for each device.

[Description of each unit (image forming unit)]
The configuration of each unit will be described using the image forming unit 2 as a representative example.
First, as shown in FIG. 2 described above, the image forming unit 2 includes four image forming modules 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K (hereinafter, image forming module 30) arranged in parallel at regular intervals. I have. Each image forming module 30 includes, as devices (components in the mechanism unit 23 in FIG. 4), a photosensitive drum 31 that forms an electrostatic latent image and holds a toner image, and a charging that charges the photosensitive drum 31. , An exposure device 33 for exposing the photosensitive drum 31 charged by the charging device 32 based on image data, a developing device 34 for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 31, and a photosensitive material after transfer. A cleaner 35 for cleaning the surface of the body drum 31 is disposed. Accordingly, each image forming module 30 forms yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images.

Further, the image forming unit 2 includes, as devices (components), an intermediate transfer belt 36 onto which each color toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 31 of each image forming module 30 is transferred, and each color by each image forming module 30. A primary transfer roll 37 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) toner images to the intermediate transfer belt 36, a secondary transfer roll 38 that collectively transfers (secondary transfer) the superimposed toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 36 to paper. A fixing device 39 for fixing the next transferred toner image on the paper is provided.
Further, the image forming unit 2 includes, as devices (components), a paper storage container 41 that stores paper (P1), a paper feed mechanism unit 42 that feeds the paper P1 from the paper storage container 41 to the paper transport path R1, and a paper storage container. 41 is provided with a paper transport mechanism 43 that transports the paper P1 from the paper 41 and papers (P2 to P4) from the tray unit 6 along the paper transport path R1.
The image forming unit 2 includes image data (image information) from the image reading unit 3, print job data (image information) acquired by the system control unit 8 via the communication means (external LAN 12 in FIG. 3), and a FAX unit. 5 forms an image on the paper (P1 to P4) stored in the paper storage container 41 or the tray unit 6 based on the facsimile data (image information) received at 5. Further, an image is formed on the sheet conveyed from the manual sheet storage unit along the sheet conveyance path R3. Further, images are formed on both sides of the sheet conveyed through the duplex conveyance path R2.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the image forming unit 2. As shown in FIG. 4, in the image forming unit 2, various control units 22 that control each device are connected to the intra-unit LAN 21. Various control units 22 control devices (components) in the mechanism unit 23. More specifically, the various control units 22 include a charge control unit that controls the charger 32, an exposure control unit that controls the exposure unit 33, a development control unit that controls the development unit 34, a primary transfer roll 37, and a secondary transfer unit. A transfer control unit that controls the transfer roll 38 and a fixing control unit that controls the fixing device 39 are included. Further, the various control units 22 control operations of motors, solenoids, clutches, and the like, which are devices in the mechanism unit 23, through mechatronics I / O (IN / OUT).

  In addition, an image formation control unit 92 is connected to the intra-unit LAN 21. The image formation control unit 92 includes a CPU 921 that controls the image formation control unit 92 and a command filter 922 that is connected to the in-machine LAN 10 and filters commands obtained from the in-machine LAN 10. For example, when information with a command indicating that the content is to be processed by the image forming unit 2 is transmitted (broadcast) in the in-machine LAN 10, the command filter 922 selects this command. Then, the CPU 921 is activated by the activation signal from the command filter 922. Therefore, when the sleep mode is set in the image forming unit 2, the power supplied from the power supply unit 9 via the power line 11 is supplied only to the command filter 922, and the CPU 921 is turned off, thereby further saving. Electricity is achieved.

In addition, the image forming unit 2 includes a power supply unit that supplies power of each specified voltage to devices in the various control units 22 and the mechanism unit 23. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the image forming unit 2 is provided with an image forming power supply unit 25, and under the control of the image forming control unit 92, the image forming control unit 92, various control units 22, and the mechanism unit 23. To supply power. At that time, control power (5 V) from the image forming power supply unit 25 to the various control units 22 is supplied by the control power line 26. Further, the operating power (24V) from the image forming power supply unit 25 to the mechanism unit 23 is supplied from the operating power line 27.
In the image forming unit 2 of the present embodiment, the image forming control unit 92 determines the power mode (operating state) to be set for itself based on information obtained via the in-machine LAN 10. Then, the image formation control unit 92 controls the power supplied from the image formation power supply unit 25 to the devices in the various control units 22 and the mechanism unit 23 according to the power supply mode to be set.

  Here, the image forming unit 2 has been described as a representative example, but other units (image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, memory unit 7, system control unit 8) are also various. Although the configuration of the control unit 22 and the contents of the components arranged in the mechanism unit 23 are different, the basic functional configuration is substantially the same as that of the image forming unit 2. Each other unit also independently controls its own operating state based on information obtained via the in-flight LAN 10.

[Description of communication system between image forming apparatuses]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a communication system between the image forming apparatuses 1 via the external LAN 12 in the image forming system of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the system control unit 8 provided in the image forming apparatuses 1 </ b> A to 1 </ b> D is connected to be communicable with each other via an external LAN 12. Further, in the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D, each unit (image forming unit 2, image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, memory unit 7, system control unit 8) is provided by the in-machine LAN 10. They are connected so that they can communicate with each other. The system control unit 8 of each image forming apparatus 1 communicates with each unit in the image forming apparatus 1 and between other image forming apparatuses 1 (external image forming apparatuses) connected to the external LAN 12. Control communication. Thereby, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatuses 1 </ b> A to 1 </ b> D communicates with each unit arranged inside the other image forming apparatus 1 via the system control unit 8 of the other image forming apparatus 1. Then, not only the operation status and operation capability of each unit itself, but also the operation status and operation capability of each unit in the other image forming apparatus 1 are grasped. Accordingly, when each of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D receives print job data via, for example, the external LAN 12, the unit of the image forming apparatus 1 itself is operated to perform print job processing (image forming processing). Alternatively, whether to perform print job processing using a unit that performs the same type of processing of another image forming apparatus 1 is selected from the viewpoint of reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D constituting the image forming system as a whole. .

For this purpose, each unit arranged in each image forming apparatus 1 stores information (unit information) on its current (latest) operation status and its operation capability in the memory unit 7 as storage means via the in-machine LAN 10. Register (memorize). As a result, the memory unit 7 holds unit information relating to the operation status and operation capability of each unit in the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the system control unit 8 of each image forming apparatus 1 that also functions as an example of a communication function unit sends a unit information transmission request to the memory units 7 of the other image forming apparatuses 1 using multicast packets via the external LAN 12. By doing so, unit information regarding each unit of the other image forming apparatus 1 can be acquired from the memory unit 7 of the other image forming apparatus 1.
The system control unit 8, which also functions as an example of a selection unit of each image forming apparatus 1, receives a print job (image formation command) via the external LAN 12, for example, and acquires other acquired image forming apparatuses 1. With reference to the unit information regarding each unit, the power consumption when the unit of the image forming apparatus 1 is operated to perform the print job processing and the unit that performs the same kind of processing of other image forming apparatuses 1 are used. Compare the power consumption when print job processing is performed. Then, the system control unit 8 of each image forming apparatus 1 selects a unit that reduces the power consumption of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D constituting the image forming system as a whole from the comparison result of these power consumptions. For example, among the units of the image forming apparatus 1 that performs the same kind of processing and the units of other image forming apparatuses 1, the unit that consumes the least power is selected when print job processing is performed. Here, the system control unit 8 of each image forming apparatus 1 also functions as a receiving unit that receives an image forming command.

  In this case, for example, a specific image forming apparatus 1 is set in advance as a master unit, and each unit of each image forming apparatus 1 is the master unit via the external LAN 12 from the system control unit 8. The unit information of each unit may be registered in the memory unit 7. In this case, each image forming apparatus 1 acquires unit information regarding each unit of the other image forming apparatus 1 from the image forming apparatus 1 that is a master unit by using a unicast packet without using a multicast packet. Thereby, the communication load on the external LAN 12 is reduced.

[Description of print job processing in each image forming apparatus]
Next, print job processing executed in each image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Here, the image forming apparatus 1A is set as a master unit, and unit information of each unit arranged in each of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D connected to the external LAN 12 is stored in the memory unit 7 of the master image forming apparatus 1A. A registered configuration will be described as an example.
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure of print job processing executed by each image forming apparatus 1 (here, image forming apparatus 1D) when image forming apparatus 1A is set as a master unit.
For example, in the image forming apparatus 1D among the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D, when the print job data is received via the external LAN 12, for example, the system control unit 8 is connected to the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1A which is the master unit. Communication is started via the external LAN 12 (S101). Then, when the communication with the image forming apparatus 1A is established, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D establishes each of the other image forming apparatuses 1 with respect to the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1A (master unit). Request for transmission of unit information (operation status and operation capability) regarding the unit is made (S102).

The system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1A receives a transmission request for unit information of each image forming apparatus 1 from the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D via the external LAN 12 (S201). As a result, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1A transfers (broadcasts) the unit information transmission request from the image forming apparatus 1D to each unit via the in-machine LAN 10 (S202). At this time, if the memory unit 7 is set to the sleep mode, the memory control unit 97 of the memory unit 7 interprets the transmission request for the unit information broadcast to the in-flight LAN 10 and sets the memory unit 7 to the job mode. Return. Then, the memory control unit 97 of the memory unit 7 transmits unit information of each unit relating to each image forming apparatus 1 stored in the memory unit 7 to the system control unit 8 via the in-machine LAN 10 (S203). When the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1A receives the unit information of each unit related to each image forming apparatus 1 from the in-machine LAN 10, the unit information about each unit related to each image forming apparatus 1 is sent to the image forming apparatus 1D via the external LAN 12. To the system control unit 8 (S204).
Thereby, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D acquires unit information of each unit related to the other image forming apparatus 1 (S103).

Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of unit information of each unit arranged in each of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D stored in the memory unit 7 of the image forming apparatus 1A that is the master unit. Although FIG. 7 shows an example of unit information of the image forming unit 2, the tray unit 6, and the system control unit 8, unit information of the same format is stored for other units. For example, in the unit information regarding the image forming apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 7, the image forming unit 2 has 65 black and white images at a resolution of 2400 × 2400 dpi (dot per inch) per minute and a color image at a resolution of 600 × 600 dpi. The image forming capability (operating capability) is equivalent to 50 sheets, and it is registered that the sleep mode is currently set. The tray unit 6 stores A3 size paper in the tray 1, A4 size paper in the tray 2, and B4 size paper in the tray 3, and it is registered that the sleep mode is currently set. Further, the system control unit 8 has a function corresponding to highly compressed image data, and it is registered that the job mode is currently set. The unit information regarding the other image forming apparatuses 1B to 1D is also as shown in FIG.
In step 103, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D acquires unit information related to the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1C illustrated in FIG. It is assumed that the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D always knows unit information of the image forming apparatus 1D itself.

  Next, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D analyzes the print job data received in step 101 (S104). For the received print job data, according to the analysis result in step 104, the power consumption when the unit of the image forming apparatus 1D itself is operated to perform the print job processing, and the other image forming apparatuses 1A to 1A. The power consumption when the print job processing is performed using the unit that performs the same type of processing of 1C is compared. Then, a unit that reduces the power consumption of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D constituting the image forming system as a whole is selected from the comparison result of the power consumption of the units of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D (S105). For example, among the units that perform the same type of processing in the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D, the unit that consumes the least power is selected when print job processing is performed. Then, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D executes image forming processing (print job processing) for the received print job data using the selected unit (S106).

The selection process in step 105 in FIG. 6 will be specifically described.
First, as a first case, print job data received by the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D is image data compressed at a high compression rate, and a print execution command for 1000 color images on A4 size paper The case will be described. Regarding such print job data, in general, when image data compressed at a high compression rate is decompressed, it is better to use the system control unit 8 having a function corresponding to the high compression data. There is little power consumption. Further, when processing a large number of printed sheets such as 1000 sheets, the image forming unit 2 having a high image forming capability performs image forming processing to consume less power. Furthermore, the power consumption of the image forming unit 2 that is currently set to the job mode is less than that of the image forming unit 2 that is set to the sleep mode.
Therefore, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D performs the image forming apparatus 1D's own unit and other units when performing image forming processing related to the received print job data based on the unit information of each unit related to the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D. The power consumptions of the units that perform the same type of processing of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1C are compared. Then, one of the units of the image forming apparatuses 1 </ b> A to 1 </ b> D is selected from the comparison result of the power consumption of the units that perform the same type of processing in the image forming apparatuses 1 </ b> A to 1 </ b> D. In this case, for example, the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1C that has a high image forming capability and is currently set to the job mode, and the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1C having a function for supporting high compression data. And select.

That is, the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1A has a higher image forming capability than the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1C, but is currently in the sleep mode. Therefore, the electric power used for returning the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1A to the job mode is increased. Therefore, it is determined that the total power consumption required for processing the print job data is less in the image forming apparatus 1C.
Further, the image forming apparatus 1B does not support color images.
Further, the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1D itself has a lower image forming capability than the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1C, and is currently in the sleep mode. Therefore, it is determined that the power used to return the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1D to the job mode and the power consumed during image formation are larger than the power consumed by the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1C. Is done.
By determining these points, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D uses the system control unit 8 and the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus 1C as units used when performing the image forming process of the received print job data. 2 is selected.
As in this case, when a unit is selected from the same image forming apparatus 1 (image forming apparatus 1C) as a unit to be used when performing the image forming process of the received print job data, the print job data transmission process is performed. Speeded up. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced by speeding up the image forming process.

Next, as a second case, the print job data received by the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D is image data compressed at a normal compression rate, and 10 color images are printed on A4 size paper. A case where it is a print execution instruction will be described. In this case, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D uses the system control unit 8 and the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1D itself as units used when performing the image forming process of the received print job data. select.
In other words, since the print job data is compressed at a normal compression rate, the system control unit 8 of another image forming apparatus 1 can perform the expansion process by the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D itself. The power consumption does not increase compared to when using Further, when processing a small number of prints such as 10 sheets, the image forming process having a lower image forming capability, for example, the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1D has a higher image forming capability, for example, the image forming apparatus 1A. The image forming unit 2 consumes less power than the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1C. Therefore, even when the power for returning the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1D that is currently in the sleep mode to the job mode is used, the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1D uses the other image forming apparatus. It can be determined that the power consumption is less than when one image forming unit 2 is used. Therefore, in this case, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D selects the system control unit 8 and the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1D itself.
Also in this case, by selecting a unit from the same image forming apparatus 1 (image forming apparatus 1C), the transmission process of the print job data is accelerated, so that the power consumption can be reduced by speeding up the image forming process. Is also planned.

As described above, in step 105 of FIG. 6, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D reduces the overall power consumption of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D according to the analysis result of the received print job data. From the viewpoint, the unit of the image forming apparatus 1D itself or the units of the other image forming apparatuses 1A to 1C are selected. As a result, the overall power consumption of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D connected via the external LAN 12 is reduced.
In this case, the unit to be selected is not limited to the same image forming apparatus 1 and may be selected from a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1. For example, the system control unit 8 selects the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1A having extremely high data processing capability, and converts (decomposes) the image data into bitmap data. On the other hand, as the image forming unit 2, the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1C in which the job mode is set is selected. The decomposed image data (bitmap data) is transferred from the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1A to the image forming apparatus 1C, and the image data is subjected to image forming processing using the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1C. You may set as follows.

  Next, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the system control unit 8 of each image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the system control unit 8 includes a CPU 101 as an example of an arithmetic unit that executes digital arithmetic processing according to a predetermined program when performing control of the power mode of each unit and unit selection processing. A RAM 102 that functions as a work area of the CPU 101, a ROM 103 that stores data such as setting values used in programs executed by the CPU 101, an EEPROM and a flash memory that are rewritable and can retain data even when power supply is interrupted And a non-volatile memory 104, and an interface unit 105 that controls input / output of signals to / from each device connected to the control unit.

  The memory unit 7 stores a program to be executed by the system control unit 8, and when the system control unit 8 reads this processing program, control of the power mode of each unit and unit selection processing are executed. The That is, a program for executing control of the power mode of each unit is read into the RAM 102 in the system control unit 8 from, for example, a hard disk or DVD-ROM as the memory unit 7. Then, based on the program read into the RAM 102, the CPU 101 performs various processes. As another providing form regarding this program, there is a form in which the program is provided in a state stored in the ROM 103 in advance and loaded into the RAM 102. Further, when a rewritable ROM 103 such as an EEPROM is provided, after the system control unit 8 is set, only a program is installed in the ROM 103 and loaded into the RAM 102. Further, there is a form in which a program is transmitted to each control unit via an external LAN 12 such as the Internet, installed in the ROM 103 of the system control unit 8, and loaded into the RAM 102.

  As described above, each image forming apparatus 1 configuring the image forming system according to the present embodiment performs the operation state and operation of each unit disposed in another image forming apparatus 1 when executing the image forming process. Acquires information about capabilities (unit information). Then, the operation status and operation capability of each unit arranged in all the image forming apparatuses 1 connected to the image forming system are compared, and the unit of the image forming apparatus 1 itself is operated, or another image forming apparatus. 1 is selected from the viewpoint of reducing the power consumption of the entire plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 connected via the external LAN 12. As a result, the overall power consumption of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 connected via the external LAN 12 is reduced.

<< Embodiment 2 >>
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the system control unit 8 of each image forming apparatus 1 selects a unit has been described. In the second embodiment, a configuration in which each unit of each image forming apparatus 1 selects a unit will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is used about the structure similar to Embodiment 1, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a communication system between the image forming apparatuses 1 via the external LAN 12 in the image forming system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, each unit (image forming unit 2, image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, memory unit 7, system control unit 8 provided in the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D. Are directly communicable with each other via the external LAN 12. Thereby, each unit of each image forming apparatus 1 communicates with the image forming apparatus 1 connected to the external LAN 12. Then, each unit of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D grasps the operation status and the operation capability of each unit arranged inside the other image forming apparatus 1 (external image forming apparatus), and whether each unit operates. Whether to use other units of the image forming apparatus 1 is selected from the viewpoint of reducing the power consumption of the entire image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D.

In this case, in each image forming apparatus 1, each unit stores information on the current (latest) operation status and its operation capability (unit information) in each image forming apparatus 1 via the in-machine LAN 10. It is registered (stored) in the memory unit 7 as means. Thereby, the memory unit 7 of each image forming apparatus 1 holds unit information relating to each unit arranged in each image forming apparatus 1. That is, the memory unit 7 of each image forming apparatus 1 individually holds unit information regarding each unit arranged in each of the image forming apparatuses 1 illustrated in FIG. Accordingly, each unit of each image forming apparatus 1 makes a request for transmission of unit information to the memory unit 7 of the other image forming apparatus 1 using a multicast packet via the external LAN 12, so that the other image forming apparatus 1. Unit information regarding each unit of the other image forming apparatus 1 can be acquired from the memory unit 7.
Each unit of each image forming apparatus 1 that also functions as an example of a selection unit receives, for example, a print job (image formation command) via the external LAN 12 by the system control unit 8 that is an accepting unit of each image forming apparatus 1. In this case, referring to the unit information about each unit of the other image forming apparatus 1 acquired, the power consumption when the unit itself is operated to perform the print job processing and the same kind of other image forming apparatus 1 are used. Compared with the power consumption when the print job processing is performed using the unit that performs the above processing. Then, from these power consumption comparison results, a unit that reduces the power consumption of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D constituting the image forming system as a whole is selected. For example, among the units themselves and other units of the image forming apparatus 1, the unit with the lowest power consumption is selected when print job processing is performed.

  For example, when the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1D acquires the image data decomposed from the system control unit 8, the memory unit of each of the other image forming apparatuses 1 uses a multicast packet via the external LAN 12. 7, unit information (see FIG. 7) regarding the image forming unit 2 of each of the other image forming apparatuses 1 is acquired. Then, whether the image forming unit 2 itself of the image forming apparatus 1D performs image forming processing of the image data or the image forming processing using the image forming unit 2 of another image forming apparatus 1 is the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1A. Select from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption in the entire 1D.

  In this case, for example, when the decomposed image data acquired from the system control unit 8 forms a color image on 1000 sheets of A4 size paper, the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1D When the image forming process is performed using the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1C that has a high image forming capability and is currently set in the job mode, the image forming capability is low and the image is not restored to the job mode. It is determined that the power consumption is less than the formation process. The image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1D transfers the image data to the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1C via the external LAN 12, and causes the image forming apparatus 1C to execute image forming processing. As a result, the overall power consumption of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D connected via the external LAN 12 is reduced.

In addition, when the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D acquires print job data in which image data that has been compressed at a high compression rate is described, another image is transmitted using a multicast packet via the external LAN 12. Unit information (see FIG. 7) regarding the system control unit 8 of another image forming apparatus 1 is acquired from the memory unit 7 of the forming apparatus 1. Whether the system control unit 8 itself of the image forming apparatus 1D performs the expansion process and the decomposing process of the print job data, or performs the expansion process and the decomposing process using the system control unit 8 of another image forming apparatus 1 Is selected from the viewpoint of reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D as a whole.
In this case, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D performs, for example, print job data decompression processing and decompression processing using the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1C having a function for supporting high compression data. Therefore, it is determined that the power consumption is smaller and the processing time is shortened compared to using the device that does not have the function for supporting high compression data. Then, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1D transfers the print job data to the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1C via the external LAN 12, and performs decompression processing and decompression in the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1C. Execute the process. As a result, the overall power consumption of the image forming apparatuses 1A to 1D connected via the external LAN 12 is reduced.

  At this time, the units of the other image forming apparatuses 1 selected by the units of the respective image forming apparatuses 1 are selected from a plurality of other image forming apparatuses 1 as well as the same other image forming apparatuses 1. Also good. For example, the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1A having extremely high data processing capability is selected, and the image data is decomposed into bitmap data. Thereafter, the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1C in the job mode setting is selected, and the decomposed image data (bitmap data) is transferred from the system control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 1A to the image forming apparatus 1C. The image data is subjected to image forming processing using the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1C. As described above, a series of jobs may be processed by interlocking the units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1.

  As described above, each unit arranged in each image forming apparatus 1 constituting the image forming system of the present embodiment is arranged in each unit arranged in another image forming apparatus 1 when executing the image forming process. Acquire information (unit information) on the operation status and performance of the. Then, the operation statuses and the operation capabilities of the units arranged in all the image forming apparatuses 1 connected to the image forming system are compared, and the units themselves operate or the same kind in other image forming apparatuses 1 is used. Whether to use the unit for processing is selected from the viewpoint of reducing the power consumption of the entire image forming apparatus 1 connected via the external LAN 12. As a result, the overall power consumption of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 connected via the external LAN 12 is reduced.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system to which an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment is connected. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure explaining the communication system and power supply system in an image forming apparatus. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a communication system between image forming apparatuses via an external LAN in the image forming system of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure of print job processing executed in each image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of unit information of each unit arranged in each image forming apparatus stored in a memory unit of the image forming apparatus that is a master unit. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a system control unit of each image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a communication system between image forming apparatuses via an external LAN in the image forming system according to Embodiment 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... Image forming unit, 3 ... Image reading unit, 4 ... User interface (UI) unit, 5 ... Facsimile (FAX) unit, 6 ... Tray unit, 7 ... Memory unit, 8 ... System control unit , 9 ... Power supply unit, 10 ... In-machine LAN, 12 ... External LAN, 21 ... In-unit LAN, 22 ... Various control units, 23 ... Mechanism unit, 92 ... Image formation control unit, 93 ... Image reading control unit, 94 ... UI control unit, 95 ... FAX control unit, 96 ... tray control unit, 97 ... memory control unit, 98 ... system control unit control unit

Claims (10)

A plurality of image forming apparatuses including a receiving unit that receives an image forming command and a plurality of processing function units that perform various processes for executing the image forming command;
Communication means for performing communication between the plurality of image forming apparatuses,
The image forming apparatus includes:
The image in the processing function unit that performs the same kind of processing in each of the image forming apparatuses based on the operation status and operation capability of each of the processing function units provided in each of the image forming apparatuses connected to the communication unit. Comparing the power consumption during execution of the forming instruction, selecting one processing function unit from the processing function units according to the comparison result of the power consumption, and forming the image using the selected processing function unit An image forming system for executing an instruction.   The image forming apparatus individually controls the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing function units, and individually sets the processing function unit in an operable state and a power saving state that consumes less power than the operable state. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is set.   The plurality of image forming apparatuses further include a storage unit that stores information regarding an operation status and an operation capability of each of the plurality of processing function units provided in the image forming apparatus, and the storage unit stores the information via the communication unit. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the stored information is transmitted to another image forming apparatus.   The one image forming apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores information on an operation state and an operation capability of each of the plurality of processing function units provided in the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the storage unit stores the information via the communication unit. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the means is transmitted to the other image forming apparatus.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus selects the processing function unit that performs a plurality of different types of processing from the same image forming apparatus.   In the image forming apparatus, each of the processing function units is directly connected to another image forming apparatus via the communication unit, and each of the processing function units performs the same kind of processing in each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein one processing function unit is selected from the processing function units. A receiving means for receiving an image formation command;
A plurality of processing function units for performing various processes for executing the image forming instruction;
A communication function unit that communicates with an external image forming apparatus including a plurality of the processing function units, and obtains an operation status and an operation capability of each of the processing function units of the external image forming apparatus;
Based on the operation status and operation capability of each of the processing function units, and the operation status and operation capability of each of the processing function units provided in the external image forming apparatus acquired via the communication function unit, the same kind of processing The power consumption during execution of the image forming command in the processing function unit and the processing function unit of the external image forming apparatus is compared, and the processing function unit and the external image are compared according to the comparison result of the power consumption An image forming apparatus comprising: a selecting unit that selects one processing function unit from among the processing function units of the forming apparatus.   Control means for individually controlling the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing function units and individually setting an operable state and a power saving state with less power consumption than the operable state in the processing function unit 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an image forming apparatus. A storage means for storing information on the operation status and operation capability of each of the plurality of processing function units;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the communication function unit transmits the information stored in the storage unit to the external image forming apparatus in response to a transmission request from the external image forming apparatus. On the computer,
A function of accepting an image formation command;
A function of communicating with an external image forming apparatus;
The operation status and operation capability of each of the plurality of processing function units that perform various processes for executing the received image forming command, and each of the plurality of processing function units provided in the communicable external image forming apparatus A function for comparing power consumption at the time of execution of the image forming instruction in the processing function unit that performs the same kind of processing and the processing function unit of the external image forming apparatus, based on the operation status and the operation capability;
A program for realizing a function for selecting one processing function unit from among the processing function unit and the processing function unit of the external image forming apparatus according to a comparison result of the power consumption.

Images