JP2010068357A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To optimize energy saving, to improve convenience, and to attain a technology of load reduction of program development regarding energy saving, in a system in which platforms such as controllers are shared. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of units attaining each function for image formation and having an energy-saving information storage means which stores each piece of energy-saving information; and a control means for controlling a unit, having an information collection means for detecting the energy-saving information storage means to collect the energy-saving information stored in the detected energy-saving information storage means, and an energy saving mode generation means for generating a plurality of energy-saving modes from information collected by the collection means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that has a plurality of energy saving modes and optimizes power consumption.

  In recent years, electrical appliances and the like have been required to save energy, and an apparatus capable of reducing power consumption in an image forming apparatus is also desired.

  In the conventional image forming apparatus, not only the power consumption during operation is reduced, but also a mode in which the power consumption is specially reduced in a state other than the operation such as an energy saving mode is prepared. The energy saving mode is a function for reducing power consumption by stopping the power supply of each unit in the image forming apparatus. For example, among functions of an image forming apparatus, it is possible to select a function with high power consumption with priority for energy saving, or a function with a short initial time can be selected with priority to energy saving. To do.

  However, stopping the power supply to each unit is effective in reducing power consumption, but when returning from the energy-saving mode to the operation mode, the initialization time of each unit that has been stopped from supplying power is required. This is a cause of impairing user convenience.

For example, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, in order to achieve both optimization of energy saving and improvement of convenience, a plurality of energy saving modes with different units to be stopped are provided, and the energy saving mode is selected in accordance with the use situation of the user. By making it possible, both energy saving optimization and convenience improvement are realized.
JP 2001-022481 A

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus includes a scanner unit 102 for reading a document by a CCD system or a CIS system, a network unit 103 for communication, an inkjet head or a laser, and performs imaging. These image forming units 104 are all controlled by the control device 101.

  In the product development of the image forming apparatus as described above, in order to respond to the needs of each user in a short period of time, the control device is common, the combination of each unit connected to the control device is changed, the product lineup is expanded and early The product launch is realized.

  Naturally, these products are designed to save energy, and in order to achieve both optimization of energy saving and improvement of convenience, energy saving design is carried out for each product consisting of a combination of different units. An energy saving mode is prepared, and convenience is improved by selecting the energy saving mode according to the user environment and arranging it.

  By adopting a development system that uses common parts in this way, it is possible to develop products that optimize energy conservation and improve convenience in a short period of time.

  However, although the development load can be reduced in hardware by sharing the control device, the program built in the control device gives instructions corresponding to multiple energy saving modes for each product with a different unit combination. There is a problem that the program must be developed and described, the program is not shared in software development related to energy saving, and the load is not reduced in software development.

  That is, in order to select one of a plurality of energy saving modes, it is necessary to grasp the power consumption amount and initial time of each unit in advance at the time of program development in the control board. Therefore, the control board is reused, and every time a product with different units to be combined is developed, it is necessary to design a program related to energy saving. This is because even if units that realize the same function are used, the amount of power consumption and the initial time are different depending on the components constituting the unit and the method of the unit.

  For example, regarding the light source of a scanner unit that reads a document, the LED power consumption is lower than that of xenon. There is a CCFL as a light source. CCFL has high brightness and is inexpensive, but the brightness is not very stable, and the initial time (time until the brightness stabilizes) is longer than that of LED.

  For this reason, in conventional product development, it is possible to reduce the hardware development load by using a common control board among products, but there still exists a program development load related to energy saving.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and in a system in which a common platform such as a common control device is achieved, optimization of energy saving and convenience improvement are achieved, and a program related to energy saving is provided. The purpose is to realize technology to reduce development load.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention realizes each function for image formation and detects a plurality of units having energy saving information storage means storing energy saving information and energy saving information storage means. Control for controlling a unit having information collecting means for collecting energy saving information stored in the detected energy saving information storage means and energy saving mode generating means for generating a plurality of energy saving modes from the information collected by the collecting means And means.

  The energy saving information is characterized in that it is a power consumption amount specific to a unit in which the energy saving information storage means is mounted, and function classification information.

  The energy saving information is characterized by initial time and function classification information specific to the unit on which the energy saving information storage means is mounted.

  The energy saving information storage means stores an energy saving transition prohibition flag for preventing transition to the energy saving mode.

  It comprises a time measuring means for measuring time and a reservation execution means for executing the energy saving mode generated by the energy saving mode generating means associated with the set time when the time measuring means determines that the set time has been reached.

  According to the present invention, by providing each unit with a memory that stores energy saving information, it is possible to share an energy saving program among different products.

  Image forming apparatuses include single-function printers and multi-function machines to which a unit such as a scanner is added based on the printer. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus as a multifunction peripheral.

  The image forming apparatus includes a document reading device 2 having an automatic document feeder (ADF) 1 and an image forming device body 3 having a paper feed tray.

  In the document reading operation, a document set on the document table 4 of the ADF 1 or the document reading glass 5 of the scanner 2 is irradiated with light by a lamp 6, and the reflected signal thereof is CCD (Charge Couppled Device) or CIS (Contact Image). Read by a sensor 7 such as “Sensor”.

  The read signal is converted into a digital signal by a device called AFE (Analog Front End) and transmitted to a controller (not shown) on the scanner or printer side. The transmitted scan signal (image data) is converted into printer image data by image processing by a controller, and transmitted to a PC (display), a printer engine (not shown), or the like. In the case of inkjet, the printer engine performs rendering processing (processing that replaces image data in the order of head transfer).

  In the printing operation on the paper, the printing paper 14 discharged from the paper feed tray 12 is sent to the paper conveying belt 10, the paper edge sensor 9 detects the printing paper, and the carriage 8 equipped with the head starts printing. When moved to the position, the print data subjected to the rendering process is transferred to the head and printing is started. After the printing is completed, the printing paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 11.

  As a single-function printer aiming at space saving and low price, an ink jet method is mainly adopted. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an inkjet image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus includes a control board 101 that performs overall control, a head unit 102, a head drive unit 103, a head maintenance unit 104, a paper transport unit 105, an operation / display unit 106, and a network unit 107. . Further, the image forming apparatus aiming at space saving and low cost has a scanner unit 108, an ADF unit 109, and a FAX unit 110 added to the “printer function” as a base as shown in the figure.

  The head unit 102 discharges ink, and the head drive unit 103 controls the timing of discharging ink. The head maintenance unit 104 prevents clogging of the head due to ink contamination, and the paper transport unit 105 transports paper.

  The operation / display unit 106 functions as an interface with the user, and network communication is performed by the network unit 107. The control board 101 realizes image formation by controlling these units.

  Further, the ADF unit 109 prompts the document to the scanner unit, and the scanner unit 108 reads the document or the like sent from the ADF unit 109. The FAX unit 110 controls communication means using a telephone line. The scanner unit 108 is used in a combination of an LED light source unit 118 and a CIS unit 128 effective for space saving.

  On the other hand, single-function printers, which are high-end machines, employ a photosensitive method using a laser that is advantageous for high-speed printing. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a laser type image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus includes a control board 101, a laser light source unit 201, a photoreceptor unit 202, a fixing roller unit 203, a paper transport unit 105, an operation / color display unit 106, and a high-speed network unit 206. Prepare. Further, the image forming apparatus of the high-class machine has a scanner unit 208, an ADF unit 109, and a FAX unit 110 added to the “printer function” as a base as shown in the figure.

  The control board 101 is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 and controls each unit to realize image formation. The laser light source unit 201 exposes the photoconductor, and the photoconductor unit 202 transfers the latent image by toner onto the paper. The fixing roller unit 203 fixes toner on a sheet and performs network communication by the high-speed network unit 206.

  The scanner unit 208 uses a CCD unit 218 having a depth of field and a xenon light source unit 228 having a short luminance stabilization time.

  As can be seen by comparing Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, even if the product concept changes, the control board is universal and adopts the same one. By changing the combination of connected units, the characteristics of each product can be obtained. Has been.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. A hardware feature of this embodiment is that a unique nonvolatile memory is mounted on each unit connected to the control board.

  That is, the head unit 302, the head driving unit 303, the head maintaining unit 304, the network unit 307, the CIS unit 318, the LED light source unit 328, and the FAX unit 310 are each equipped with their own nonvolatile memory 400. is doing.

  As described so far, the same control board is adopted for each product, while the other units have different specifications in order to obtain the features of the product. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load of program development by installing a unique nonvolatile memory 400 in each unit that is different for each product, and retaining information related to energy saving unique to the installed unit in the nonvolatile memory 400. It becomes possible.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the ink jet method shown in FIG. 3, but the nonvolatile memory 400 is uniquely mounted in each unit similarly in the case of the laser method shown in FIG. 4.

  In the present embodiment, the non-volatile memory is not mounted on the paper transport unit 105, the operation / display unit 106, and the ADF unit 109. However, the non-volatile memory may be mounted. Therefore, it is omitted here.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a basic flow of the energy saving program in the control board in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a hardware mechanism, and FIG. 6 shows a software mechanism. By combining these, for example, an optimum energy saving function can be realized even for an unknown unit.

  After power-on of the image forming apparatus (step S11), non-volatile memories mounted on all units connected to the control board are detected (step S12). After acquiring information related to energy saving unique to each unit stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S13), a plurality of energy saving modes are generated based on the acquired information (step S14). The generation result is displayed on the display unit so that the user can select the plurality of generated energy saving modes (step S15).

  The user selects and sets an energy saving mode to be used from a plurality of energy saving modes generated from the display unit (step S16). An energy saving operation is executed according to the energy saving mode set by the user (step S17).

  Note that the program related to energy saving in the control device does not describe the actual work of multiple energy-saving modes, but a plurality of rules or formulas for generating multiple energy-saving modes and multiple rules using these rules or formulas. Only the description for generating (calculating) the energy saving mode is used, and the numerical values for generating (calculating) the plurality of energy saving modes are information (numerical values) related to energy saving unique to each unit in the memory provided in each unit. The program in the control device automatically generates multiple energy-saving modes by using information (numerical values) related to energy-saving unique to these units. Development load can be reduced.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing information in the nonvolatile memory mounted on the unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, in the non-volatile memory mounted on each unit connected to the control board, the “power consumption” peculiar to each mounted unit and the image forming apparatus when the unit operates Stores “classification information” indicating functions.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart in the energy saving program in the control board in the embodiment of the present invention.

  After power-on of the image forming apparatus (step S21), non-volatile memories mounted on all units connected to the control board are detected (step S22). The power consumption amount and the classification information of each unit stored in the nonvolatile memory are acquired (step S23). Based on the classification information, the units used for each function of the image forming apparatus are listed (step S24).

  Based on the list listed in step S24 and the power consumption of each unit, the total power consumption for each function of the image forming apparatus is calculated (step S25). The total power consumption for each function is compared (step S26), and a plurality of energy saving modes are generated from the comparison result (step S27). The generation result is displayed on the display unit so that the user can select the plurality of generated energy saving modes (step S28).

  The user selects and sets an energy saving mode to be used from a plurality of energy saving modes generated from the display unit (step S29). An energy saving operation is executed in accordance with the energy saving mode set by the user (step S30).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list generated by the listing process in step S24.

  The “head unit”, “head driving unit”, and “head maintaining unit” are units used in a printing operation for forming an image on paper by ejecting ink. The “LED light source unit” and “CIS unit” provided in the “scanner unit” are units used in a scanning operation for reading an original image. The “LED light source unit” illuminates the original and reflects the reflected image to the “CIS”. This is realized by receiving light with the unit. The “FAX unit” is used for receiving / transmitting from the telephone line, and the “network unit” is used for receiving / transmitting image information from the network.

  Since the printer function is a function that forms an image on paper based on image information from the network, the units used are “head unit”, “head drive unit”, “head maintenance unit”, “network unit” ".

  The copy function is a function of forming an image obtained by scanning a document on paper, and uses an “LED light source unit”, “CIS unit”, “head unit”, “head drive unit”, and “head maintenance unit”.

  The FAX transmission function is a function for transmitting scanned document information via a FAX line, and “LED light source unit”, “CIS unit”, and “FAX unit” are used.

  The FAX reception function is a function for printing an image received via a FAX line, and a “FAX unit”, “head unit”, “head drive unit”, and “head maintenance unit” are used.

  The scan-to-mail function is a function for e-mailing scanned document information as electronic data and sending it to a user on a network network. The “LED light source unit”, “CIS unit”, and “network unit” are used. .

  These are summarized as shown in FIG. 9, and the program on the control board is stored as a table in the RAM in the apparatus.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the total power consumption calculation result and the comparison result of each function.

  After creating the table in FIG. 9, the power consumption of the units used in each function is totaled for each function, and stored in the RAM in the apparatus as a table as shown in FIG. Based on the table shown here, the energy saving mode is generated.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of energy saving modes generated in the present embodiment.

  A plurality of energy saving modes are generated based on the table of FIG. 9 by the energy saving program in the control board. The energy saving mode generated in the present embodiment is divided, for example, for each function to save energy, and an energy saving effect when each function is saved is shown. As a result, the user can set a function that reduces energy consumption and a function that does not decrease according to the use environment while confirming power consumption.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the energy-saving information according to the present embodiment, the “power consumption” that has been handled so far is “initial time”. Here, the “initial time” is a preparation time until the unit that has entered the energy saving state becomes operable.

  In the present embodiment, the basic stance is to actively reduce power consumption. However, depending on the user, there is a case where the unit that takes the initial time does not want to save energy. This case is also flexible.

  The flow of the control board energy-saving program in the present embodiment is basically the same as the flow shown in FIG. 8, but the initial time for each function is calculated as shown in FIG.

  That is, after the image forming apparatus is powered on (step S31), the nonvolatile memories mounted on all the units connected to the control board are detected (step S32). The initial time and classification information of each unit stored in the nonvolatile memory is acquired (step S33). Based on the classification information, the units used for each function of the image forming apparatus are listed (step S34).

  Based on the list listed in step S34 and the initial time of each unit, the initial time of each function of the image forming apparatus is calculated (step S35). The initial times of the respective functions are compared (step S36), and a plurality of energy saving modes are generated from the comparison results (step S37). The generation result is displayed on the display unit so that the user can select the plurality of generated energy saving modes (step S38).

  The user selects and sets an energy saving mode to be used from a plurality of energy saving modes generated from the display unit (step S39). An energy saving operation is executed according to the energy saving mode set by the user (step S40).

  The function initial time is calculated as the maximum initial time of units used in the function.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of energy saving modes specialized in the initial time of each function generated in the present embodiment.

  For example, if the unit that takes the most initial time is the head unit, it will take the initial time of three functions of “copy”, “printer”, and “fax reception” that use this unit. This will cause the user to wait when returning. Therefore, the energy saving mode generated in the present embodiment enables both waiting time and energy saving suitable for the user environment, and the function related to printing that takes the initial time is not included in the energy saving target. The As a result, the user can set a function that reduces energy saving and a function that does not decrease according to the usage environment while taking the initial time into consideration.

(Third embodiment)
In the present embodiment, both the “power consumption” and “initial time” described so far are used, and “total power consumption” and “initial time” are displayed on the display unit for each function, so that the user can Selectable. Thereby, the user can select a function to be energy-saving while confirming the power consumption and the initial time.

(Fourth embodiment)
For example, a network unit, a FAX unit, and the like are units that cannot systematically save energy because they need to constantly monitor and accept external requests.

  The nonvolatile memory of such a unit has a “flag not permitting energy saving transition”. This eliminates the need for the user to select energy saving in consideration of such a situation.

(Fifth embodiment)
Using the time information to make a reservation setting for a plurality of different energy saving modes for each date and time also improves the convenience for the user.

  The user reserves in advance a plurality of energy saving modes to be performed at an arbitrary time from the display / operation unit. Time information (date and time, day of the week) is acquired from an RTC unit (clock) on a control board (not shown), and the energy saving mode set by the user is executed when a reservation time comes.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a time reservation setting example in the energy saving mode.

  For example, in reservation 1, work such as the year-end and New Year holidays is closed, and a day when the apparatus is not used is set. In reservation 2, a time period in which the employee returns home and does not use the device is set. On the other hand, considering the FAX reception from overseas, only the FAX reception function is set not to save energy.

  Based on the conditions set in this way, the reserved energy saving mode is executed at the reserved time (reservation 1, reservation 2) with reference to the time information from the RTC unit. This makes it possible to provide detailed energy savings that are optimal for the user's office environment.

  By using the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the energy-saving mode is automatically generated, so that the energy-saving program can be reused, and the detailed energy-saving quality and convenience are not reduced. Reduction of development load related to energy saving can be realized.

  In addition, the hardware mechanism makes it possible to reduce the development load related to software energy saving.

  In addition, it is possible to automatically generate an energy saving mode focusing on the power consumption of each unit.

  In addition, it is possible to automatically generate an energy saving mode focusing on a return time from energy saving, and it is possible to realize an energy saving mode setting that provides a return time for each function that matches the user's office environment.

  The technology that can automatically generate the energy-saving mode can handle unknown units, but on the other hand, units that cannot save energy in the office environment (for example, FAX reception) are also included in the energy-saving mode. Even if the user can remove from the energy-saving mode by custom setting, it takes time, but this time can be avoided.

  Further, by automatically generating the energy saving mode for each function, it is possible to generate an energy saving mode that is easy for the user to understand.

  The present invention has been described above by the preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. is there.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an inkjet image forming apparatus. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a laser type image forming apparatus. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an image forming apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a flowchart of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the information in a non-volatile memory. 1 is a flowchart of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the list produced | generated by list processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the total power consumption calculation result of each function, and a comparison result. It is a figure which shows an example of several energy saving mode. It is a flowchart figure of the image forming apparatus in other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of several energy saving mode. It is a figure which shows the example of a time reservation setting in energy saving mode.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Control board 105 Paper conveyance unit 106 Operation / display unit 109 ADF unit 302 Head unit 303 Head drive unit 304 Head maintenance unit 307 Network unit 318 CIS unit 328 LED light source unit

Claims (5)

A plurality of units having energy saving information storage means for realizing each function for image formation and storing each energy saving information;
Information collecting means for detecting the energy saving information storing means, collecting the energy saving information stored in the detected energy saving information storing means, and generating an energy saving mode from the information collected by the collecting means. And an image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy saving information is a power consumption amount specific to a unit in which the energy saving information storage unit is mounted, and function classification information.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy saving information is initial time and function classification information specific to a unit in which the energy saving information storage unit is mounted.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy saving information storage unit stores an energy saving transition prohibition flag for preventing transition to an energy saving mode. 5. A time measuring means for measuring time;
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reservation execution unit configured to execute the energy saving mode generated by the energy saving mode generation unit associated with a set time when the time measuring unit determines that the set time has been reached. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

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