JP2010074304A - Image forming apparatus and start controlling method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and a start controlling method, capable of flexibly coping with a change in the maximum usable power belonging to a power supply unit, and starting a connected device and/or a device in its own apparatus within the range of the maximum usable power. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 100 for starting the connected device and/or the device in its own apparatus to perform requesting processing has a determining means (S402) for determining the maximum usable electric energy (c') of power supply to its own apparatus in accordance with a deterioration state of the power supply unit, a determining means (S205) determining whether the total power consumption (a+b) required upon starting including a device that is about to be started and another starting device exceeds the maximum usable electric energy (c') determined by the determining means on the basis of power consumption (a) during starting the device before starting the device that is about to be started, and a starting means (S206) for preferentially starting a device that achieves a function for performing requesting processing in accordance with decision results by the determining means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for performing start-up control of a connected device and / or a device (internal device) within the device.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image forming apparatus called a so-called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) (hereinafter referred to as “multifunction machine”) in which functions of each apparatus such as a printer, a copy machine, a facsimile machine, and a scanner are housed in a single casing is known. Yes. This multifunction device is provided with a display unit, a printing unit, an imaging unit, and the like in one housing, and software corresponding to each of a printer, a copy machine, and a facsimile machine is provided. It operates as a copy, scanner, or facsimile machine.

  In such a conventional multi-function machine, when the apparatus is activated by turning on the main power, it is necessary to wait for the activation of the controller that controls the activation of the engine before each device (engine) is activated. There is a problem that the startup time of the system depends on the startup time of the controller.

Therefore, in Patent Document 1, it is a hard line (information transmission means) before the communication between the controller and the engine is established whether the power is turned on or the power is restored (from what state). By acquiring the above, it is possible to start the engine without waiting for the controller to start, and a technique has been proposed that can shorten the startup time of the connected device and / or the device in the device itself. Yes.
JP 2007-301765 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since the connected device and / or the device in the own device are activated at the same time, the power consumption at the time of activation may be the maximum use of the power supply unit. Possible power may be exceeded.

  If the power consumption at the time of startup exceeds the maximum usable power, stable power cannot be supplied to each device, resulting in an unstable state of the image forming apparatus.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to perform device activation control so that the power consumption at the time of activation does not exceed the maximum usable power.

  In addition, since the maximum usable power may be decreased due to deterioration of the power supply device such as the power supply unit, when determining whether or not the power supply device exceeds the fixed value in the start-up control, the maximum usable power (for example, “ If the value is based on the value at the time of shipment from the factory, etc., the determination will be based on the amount of power that is larger than the actual usable power, and stable power cannot be supplied to each device, making the image forming device unstable. There is a possibility of becoming a state.

  Therefore, it is necessary to consider the change in the maximum usable power due to deterioration.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to flexibly respond to changes in the maximum usable power of the power supply unit and to be connected within the range. To provide an image forming apparatus and an activation control method capable of activating an apparatus and / or an apparatus in its own apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an image forming apparatus that activates a connected device and / or a device in its own device and performs a request process depends on the deterioration state of the power supply unit. Determining means for determining the maximum usable power amount of power supplied to the device, and the total power consumption during startup including the device that is about to be activated and other devices that are being activated based on the amount of power consumption when the device is activated Whether the amount exceeds the maximum usable power amount determined by the determination unit, a determination unit that determines before starting the device to be started, and according to a determination result by the determination unit, The gist of the present invention is that the apparatus includes an activation unit that preferentially activates a device that realizes a function of performing request processing.

  With such a configuration, when the image forming apparatus according to the present invention starts up the device based on the power consumption at the time of starting the device, the total power consumption required at the time of starting including the device that is about to start and other devices that are starting up Before starting the device, determine whether the amount exceeds the maximum usable power amount of the power supply unit determined based on the degradation status estimated from the power consumption and operation time of the device, and based on the determination result Priority is given to the activation of the device that implements the request processing function.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the determining unit determines the maximum usable power amount according to a deterioration state based on a power amount and a supply time of the power supply unit. decide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention quantitatively represents the deterioration state based on the power consumption required for the operation of the device and the operation time from the start to the stop. Degradation state evaluation value calculating means for calculating an evaluation value, and deterioration state accumulation for accumulating the evaluation values for each device calculated by the deterioration state evaluation value calculating means as evaluation values representing deterioration states due to past use of the power supply unit Evaluation value calculation means, and the determination means determines the maximum usable electric energy based on the cumulative evaluation value calculated by the deterioration status cumulative evaluation value calculation means.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a correlation coefficient (degradation weighting coefficient) between the degradation state of the power unit and the power change amount of the maximum usable power amount in the cumulative evaluation value. ) And calculating a power change amount due to the deterioration, and the determining means subtracts the power change amount from a maximum usable power amount when the power unit is not used. The value obtained in this manner is determined as the maximum usable power amount according to the deterioration state.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention has switching means for switching the maximum usable power amount when the power unit is not used according to the destination.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the maximum usable power amount determined by the determining unit is a power amount that cannot maintain the operation performance provided by the image forming device. Notification means for notifying the user to that effect is provided.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention flexibly responds to a change in the maximum usable power of the power supply unit, and activates the connected device and / or the device within the apparatus within the range. Can do.

  In order to achieve the above object, an activation control method according to the present invention is an activation control method in an image forming apparatus that activates a connected device and / or a device in its own apparatus and performs request processing. Based on the determination procedure for determining the maximum usable power amount of power supplied to the device according to the degradation status and the power consumption when starting the device, the device that is going to start and other devices that are starting A determination procedure for determining whether or not the total power consumption required at startup including the power consumption exceeds the maximum usable power consumption determined by the determination procedure before starting the device to be started, and the determination procedure And a startup procedure for starting up a device that realizes the function of performing the request processing with priority.

  By such a procedure, the activation control method according to the present invention is based on the power consumption amount at the time of device activation, and when the device is activated, the total power consumption required at the time of activation including the device to be activated and other devices being activated. Before starting the device, determine whether the amount exceeds the maximum usable power amount of the power supply unit determined based on the degradation status estimated from the power consumption and operating time of the device, and depending on the determination result The start control operation of adjusting the start timing of the device and starting the device that implements the request processing function with priority is realized.

  Accordingly, the activation control method according to the present invention can flexibly cope with a change in the maximum usable power of the power supply unit and can activate the connected device and / or the device in the own device within the range. An image forming environment can be provided.

  According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the total power consumption required at the start-up exceeds the maximum usable power amount of the power supply unit determined based on the deterioration state estimated from the power consumption and operation time of the device. In response, the device that implements the request processing function is given priority to start, so that it can flexibly respond to changes in the maximum usable power of the power supply unit and is connected within that range. And / or the device in the device can be activated.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<Configuration>
Now, the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 10, a sensor 11, a load 12, an image forming unit 13, a fixing unit 14, a writing unit 15, a reading unit 16, and activation control. Part 110.

  The operation unit 10 is a user interface that operates various switches and receives inputs on various operation screens. For example, the operation unit 10 accepts on / off of a main power source by a switch, a click of a button for instructing printing, FAX transmission, and the like.

  The sensor 11 is various sensors of the image forming apparatus 100 such as a conveyance path sensor for confirming abnormality of the conveyance path, a unit connection detection sensor for confirming a unit connection state, and a door sensor for confirming a door opening / closing state.

  The load 12 is a generic term for a motor, a solenoid, or the like that is a control target that is controlled by an IO control unit 25 described later with reference to an input of the sensor 11.

  The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a photosensitive drum, which is an image carrier, and includes the photosensitive drum, a charging unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a separation unit.

  The fixing unit 14 fixes the image formed by the image forming unit 13 onto a recording sheet, and includes a fixing roller and a pressure roller.

  The writing unit 15 generates light to be irradiated onto the photosensitive drum by the image forming unit 13, and includes a light emitting element and a polygon motor.

  The reading unit 16 reads an image of a document, and includes a document transport unit, a scanner carriage, a light emitting unit, and a light receiving unit.

  The image forming unit 13, the fixing unit 14, the writing unit 15, and the reading unit 16 correspond to an engine whose operation is controlled by an engine control unit 20 described later. The engine is not limited to the image forming unit 13, the fixing unit 14, the writing unit 15, and the reading unit 16, and can be any device used for image formation such as a fax unit (not shown).

《Startup control unit》
The activation control unit 110 controls activation of an engine that performs mechanical operations related to image processing such as the image forming unit 13 and the fixing unit 14. The activation control unit 110 includes an engine control unit 20, a controller 31, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 32, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 33, an FCU (Fax Control Unit) 34, a request processing determination signal control unit 51, An image processing unit 41, an image RAM (Random Access Memory) 42, a reading processing unit 43, and a writing processing unit 44.

  In addition, you may comprise so that each structure part of the starting control part 110 may be provided on a single board | substrate, and you may comprise so that each structure part may be divided | segmented on several board | substrates. For example, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, the controller 31, and the request processing determination signal control unit 51 can be configured as independent processors and provided on different substrates.

(Engine control unit)
The engine control unit 20 controls an engine that performs mechanical operations related to image processing, such as the image forming unit 13 and the fixing unit 14, and includes a CPU 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM 23, and a nonvolatile RAM 24. And an IO control unit 25.

  The CPU 21 is a processor that executes engine control processing in the engine control unit 20. The ROM 22 stores a program for operating the CPU 21. The RAM 23 temporarily stores program data. The nonvolatile RAM 24 stores adjustment values related to control and timing, and set values such as registered copy modes. The IO control unit 25 controls the load 12 and the like based on the input of the sensor 11.

(controller)
The controller 31 is a control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100 and controls drawing, communication, and input from the operation unit 10. The controller 31 controls various processes related to image processing using communication established with the engine control unit 20.

  When the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, the initialization process of both the engine control unit 20 and the controller 31 is completed, and a ready state in which an image forming process such as copying can be performed. This initialization process includes a process for establishing communication between the controller 31 and the CPU 21 via a bus (data bus, address bus). After the communication is established, the controller 31 and the CPU 21 can perform control processing using various commands such as an engine start request command.

  The HDD 32 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms.

  The NCU 33 performs communication processing with an external device (not shown), and the FCU 34 performs facsimile transmission / reception processing via a public line. For example, when a print request is received from an external device or when a fax is received, the image data received by the controller 31 is converted into print data, temporarily stored in the HDD 32, and passed through the image processing unit 41. Then, the image data is output by sending it to the writing processing unit 44.

  The reading processing unit 43 performs reading processing of image data scanned by the reading unit 16. The writing processing unit 44 performs a writing process according to the timing of the fed paper.

(Request processing determination signal controller)
The request processing determination signal control unit 51 refers to information (hereinafter referred to as “request processing information”) related to a user operation by the operation unit 10 and request processing such as a print request and a scan request received by the NCU 33 or FCU 34. A signal for determining request processing (hereinafter referred to as “request processing determination signal”) is generated and notified to the engine control unit 20.

Specifically, the request processing determination signal control unit 51 determines the strength (High or Low) according to “Start by print request”, “Start by scan request”, or “Start by other request”. A request processing determination signal (hereinafter referred to as “signal group 1”), which is a combination of signals with different ()). The signal group 1 is assigned a request process indicating either “ON by a print request”, “ON by a scan request”, or “ON by any other request” according to the intensity and the combination thereof.
For example, when the signal group 1 is composed of two signals, the setting of the signal group 1 corresponding to the default intensity (for example, [Low, Low]) is set to “ON by a print request”, and the signal group 1 is turned ON by a print request. When activated, the signal group 1 is set to a default intensity by the initialization process of the request process determination signal control unit 51. Thereby, the signal group 1 according to the activation by the print request can be generated.

  Further, when the user's scan request is detected by the operation unit 10, the signal group 1 can be generated in response to the activation by the scan request on the condition that this information is acquired.

  The request processing determination signal control unit 51 is connected to the CPU 21 through the signal line 61 and notifies the CPU 21 of the signal group 1 generated via the signal line 61.

  The image processing unit 41 performs processing of the read image data. Specifically, the image processing unit 41 performs MTF correction, scaling processing, image quality correction, and the like of the image data according to various processing modes set by the operation unit 10, and then converts the image data into the image RAM 42, And stored in the HDD 32 via the controller 31.

  Further, when using the electronic sort function that takes a plurality of copies, the image processing unit 41 copies the image data from the HDD 32 to the image RAM 42 when performing the second and subsequent copy operations, and the copied image data The electronic sort function is realized by performing a copying operation using the electronic sort function. The stored image data is also used for a recovery operation when the paper is jammed.

  The engine control unit 20 and the controller 31 are connected via an image processing unit 41. In image processing, not only image data but also control signals and status signals are exchanged via the image processing unit 41.

  The image RAM 42 is a storage unit that stores image data to be subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 41.

  The reading processing unit 43 performs reading processing of image data scanned by the reading unit 16. The writing processing unit 44 performs a writing process according to the timing of the fed paper.

<Operation>
Next, the activation control process by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  In the activation control process according to the present embodiment, first, a request process determination signal setting process for setting a request process determination signal (signal group 1) according to the received request process and an activation sequence based on the request process determination signal are followed. The device activation process operates in parallel. These processes will be described separately below.

《Request processing determination signal setting processing》
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an overall flow of the request process determination signal setting process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The request process determination setting process is a process executed when “turned on by a print request (when activation starts)” or “when turned on by a scan request (when activation starts)”. The execution is controlled by the request processing determination signal control unit 51.

  First, the request processing determination signal control unit 51 executes information acquisition processing from the operation unit 10, the NCU 33, and the FCU 34 (step S101). In the information acquisition process, the request process determination signal control unit 51 acquires information such as user operation requests and request processes received by the operation unit 10, the NCU 33, or the FCU 34.

  Subsequently, the request process determination signal control unit 51 determines whether request process information has been acquired from the operation unit 10, the NCU 33, or the FCU 34 (step S102).

  If it is determined in step S102 that the request process information has been acquired, that is, if the request process is detected (step S102: YES), the process proceeds to step S103.

  Subsequently, the request process determination signal control unit 51 determines whether the received request process is a print request based on the acquired request process information (step S103).

  If it is determined in step S103 that the request process is a print request (step S103: YES), the signal group 1 is set to “ON by print request” (step S104). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the request process is not a print request (step S103: NO), the process proceeds to step S105.

  Subsequently, the request process determination signal control unit 51 determines whether the request process is a scan request (step S105). If it is determined in step S105 that the request process is a scan request (step S105: YES), the signal group 1 is set to “ON by scan request”. (Step S106).

  Further, the request process determination signal control unit 51 does not acquire the request process information in step S101 (step S102: NO), or the request process is not a scan request in step S105 (step S105: NO). ), The signal group 1 is set to “ON by other request” (step S107).

<Device startup processing>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of the device activation process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The execution of the device activation process is controlled by the CPU 21 in the engine control unit 20.

  First, the CPU 21 in the engine control unit 20 executes initialization for activation (step S201). Among them, the CPU 21 acquires input information from the sensor 11 from the IO control unit 25, acquires an adjustment value from the nonvolatile RAM 24, and performs zero clear of in-use power described later. The nonvolatile RAM 24 holds the maximum usable power of the power supply unit, and the CPU 21 performs a process of reading this value onto the RAM 23. In the following description, this maximum usable power is 1500 [W].

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 acquires information in which the activation order is defined (hereinafter referred to as “activation order information”) (step S202). Note that the “starting order” referred to here means the order in which one or more devices that realize the function of performing request processing are started.

  First, the CPU 21 confirms the value of the signal group 1 which is a request process determination signal set (generated) in the process shown in FIG. At this time, the signal group 1 is acquired by the CPU 21 asserting the value set in the above-described request process determination signal setting process. Based on the value of the signal group 1 that is the request processing determination signal acquired in this way, the activation order information corresponding to the request processing is acquired.

  Here, the activation order information will be briefly described.

(Boot order information)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data example of the boot order information 71 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the activation order information 71 has a data configuration in which data representing the activation order (order) and data representing the device to be activated (device name) are defined in association with each other.

  The activation order information 71a shown in FIG. 4A defines an activation order when turned on by a print request, that is, an order in which a device that implements a print processing function (print function) is preferentially activated. Has been.

  When printing processing is performed, it is necessary to activate the fixing unit 14, the image forming unit 13, and the writing unit 15 included in the image forming apparatus 100. For this reason, the activation order is defined so that devices such as the reading unit 16 that are not necessary for printing processing (less frequently used) are activated after the fixing unit 14, the image forming unit 13, and the writing unit 15. Has been.

  In addition, the activation order information 71b shown in (B) defines the activation order when turned on by a scan request, that is, a device that implements a function (scan function) for performing scan processing is given priority. The order of activation is defined.

  When performing the scanning process, it is necessary to activate the reading unit 16 included in the image forming apparatus 100, and it is not necessary to perform the scanning process of the fixing unit 14, the image forming unit 13, the writing unit 15, and the like ( The activation order is defined so that devices that are less frequently used are activated after the reading unit 16.

  That is, in the activation order information 71, the activation order of devices that minimizes the activation waiting time of the user is defined according to the request processing. The activation order information 71 is held in the nonvolatile RAM 24 for each request process with the above data configuration.

  As a result, for example, when the signal group 1 represents “ON by print request”, the activation order information 71a that preferentially activates the device that realizes the printing function illustrated in FIG. It is read (obtained) from the RAM 24 onto the RAM 23. When the signal group 1 indicates ON due to the scan request, the activation order information 71b that preferentially activates the device that realizes the scan function shown in FIG. 4B is read.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the optimum activation order that minimizes the activation waiting time of the user is selected and determined according to the request processing.

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 acquires a device (first device to be started) defined at the top of the acquired boot order information 71 (step S203). For example, in the case of the activation order information 71a shown in FIG. 4A, information representing the device “fixing unit” defined at the head corresponding to the activation order “1” is acquired. Thereby, CPU21 determines the apparatus to start first.

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 acquires power consumption when starting the determined device (step S204).

  First, the CPU 21 acquires information (hereinafter referred to as “power consumption information at startup”) in which power consumption at startup is defined. Based on the power consumption information at startup acquired in this way, the power consumption at the startup of the device is acquired.

  Here, the power consumption information at start-up will be briefly described.

(Power consumption information at startup)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data example of the startup power consumption information 72 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the power consumption information 72 at startup is defined by associating data (device name) representing a device to be activated with data (wattage) representing the power consumption at startup. It has a data structure.

  In other words, the power consumption information 72 at startup defines the power consumption at startup for each device. The startup power consumption information 72 is held in the nonvolatile RAM 24 with the above data configuration.

  Thereby, for example, when the determined device is the fixing unit 14, the power consumption at startup read (acquired) from the nonvolatile RAM 24 onto the RAM 23 based on the device data of the “fixing unit”. With reference to the information 72, the power consumption amount 800 [W] defined in association with the fixing unit 14 is acquired as the power consumption at the time of activation.

Subsequently, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the following conditional expression is satisfied (step S205: determination unit).
(Conditional Expression) a + b ≦ c
a: Power consumption [W] at the time of starting the device (hereinafter referred to as “power a”)
b: Power consumption [W] by one or more activated devices (hereinafter referred to as “in-use power b”)
c: Maximum usable power amount [W] of the power supply unit (hereinafter referred to as “maximum usable power c”)
As described above, in step S205, it is determined whether or not the total power consumption (a + b) expected at the time of device activation exceeds the maximum usable power c (within a range).

  For example, when the device acquired in step S204 is the fixing unit 14, the power a of the fixing unit 14 is 800 [W] with reference to the startup power consumption 72 shown in FIG. At this time, the in-use power b cleared to zero in step S201 is 0 [W], and the maximum usable power c read out on the RAM 23 in step S201 is 1500 [W]. The result satisfies the above conditional expression (800 + 0 ≦ 1500) and is determined to be within the range of the maximum usable power c (“true”) even when the device “fixing unit” is activated (step S205). : YES)

  As described above, when it is determined “true” in step S205, the CPU 21 activates the determined device (step S206: activation means). For example, in the case of the activation order shown in FIG. 4A, the fixing unit 14 is activated.

  Subsequently, when starting the determined device, the CPU 21 adds power a to power in use b (step S207).

  As described above, in step S207, the total power consumption required for actual startup (total power consumption required for startup including the activated device and other activated devices) is calculated, and the used power is calculated based on the calculated value. The value of b is updated (b = b + a).

  For example, since the in-use power b is 0 [W] and the power a is 800 [W], the in-use power b is set to 800 [W].

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 refers to the activation order information 71 and determines whether there is a definition of the device corresponding to the next activation order (step S208). For example, since the device “imaging unit” defined corresponding to the next activation order “2” exists in the activation sequence information 71a shown in FIG. 4A, the determination result in step S208 is “ It is determined to be true (step S208: YES).

  As described above, when it is determined to be “true” in step S208, the CPU 21 increments the read address to the data indicating the activation order in the activation order information 71 (step S209). That is, the activation order is advanced by one.

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 acquires a device corresponding to the incremented read address (next activation order) from the activation order information 71. For example, in the case of the activation order information 71a shown in FIG. 4A, information representing the device “imaging unit” defined corresponding to the activation order “2” is acquired. Thereby, CPU21 determines the apparatus to start next. (Step S210).

  Thereafter, the CPU 21 executes the same processing as that in steps S204 to S209 described above.

  If it is determined in step S105 that the conditional expression is not satisfied, that is, it is determined that the maximum usable power is exceeded by starting the device ('false') (step S205: NO), start-up. It waits until the inside device is completely activated (step S211).

  For example, the fixing unit 14 and the image forming unit 13 have been activated so far, the power in use is 1200 [W], and the power a of the writing unit 15 to be activated is 400 [W]. If the usable power c is 1500 [W], the left side of the conditional expression is 1600 [W], which exceeds the maximum usable power c on the right side, and the process proceeds to step S211. .

  In step S211, the process waits until the activation of either the fixing unit 14 or the image forming unit 13 that is currently activated is completed. When the activation of one of the devices is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S212. To do.

  The CPU 21 subtracts the power consumption (hereinafter referred to as “power d”) of the device whose startup has been completed from the in-use power b (step S212).

  As described above, in step S212, the value of the in-use power b is updated with the value of the power that is no longer consumed after the activation is completed (b = b−d).

  For example, when the image forming unit 13 is a device that has been activated, referring to the activation power consumption 72 shown in FIG. 5, the power d of the image forming unit 13 is 200 [W]. 200 [W] is subtracted from 1200 [W] of the electric power b, and the used electric power b is set to 1000 [W].

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 performs the condition determination in step S205 again. For example, the in-use power b is 1000 [W] at this timing in step S212, and the power a of the writing unit 15 that is about to be activated (waiting for activation) is 400 [W]. Thus, the determination result in step S205 is determined to be “true” (step S205: YES).

  As described above, when the device is activated, when it is determined that the maximum usable power c of the power supply unit is exceeded, the activation timing of the device to be activated is adjusted. Specifically, it waits until the activation of the currently activated device is completed, and after the activated device completes the activation, it again calculates the in-use power b, and includes the total power consumption including the power a of the device waiting for activation. It is determined whether or not the power (a + b) exceeds the maximum usable power c. If the determination result is “true”, the device waiting for activation is activated. That is, the start of activation is delayed until the device can be activated within the range of the maximum usable power c (the activation timing is adjusted).

  If it is determined as “false” in step S208, it is assumed that all the devices necessary for realizing the function for performing the request processing have been activated, and the processing illustrated in FIG.

《Maximum usable energy determination process》
Hereafter, in the device activation process, a process for determining an appropriate amount of electric power in consideration of the deterioration status of the power supply unit for the maximum usable power c of the power supply unit used as the determination criterion in step S205 will be described.

  As described above in the problem to be solved by the present invention, the maximum usable power c decreases in the amount of power due to deterioration of the power supply unit.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100, in order to start a device that implements a function for performing request processing within the range of the maximum usable power c and to obtain a stable operating environment, an appropriate value corresponding to the deterioration state of the power supply unit is required. It is necessary to perform start-up control using a large amount of power.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the deterioration state is estimated based on the evaluation value that quantitatively represents the deterioration state of the power supply unit, and the maximum usable power c used for the start-up control is determined from the estimation result.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can flexibly cope with a change in the maximum usable power c of the power supply unit, and can connect the connected device and / or the device in the own device within the range. It can be activated and a stable operating environment can be provided.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an overall flow of the maximum usable power determination process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that execution of the maximum usable power determination process is controlled by the CPU 21 in the engine control unit 20.

  The maximum usable power determination process mainly includes “a process for calculating an evaluation value that quantitatively represents the deterioration state of the power supply unit for each device (a deterioration state evaluation value calculation process for each device: FIG. 6 (A))”. And “Process for Determining Latest Maximum Usable Electricity Based on Evaluation Value Calculated for Each Device and Cumulative Evaluation Value from Past Use (Maximum Usable Energy Determining Process): FIG. 6B” The two processing procedures are roughly divided.

  Below, each said process procedure is demonstrated in detail.

(Degradation status evaluation value calculation processing for each device)
First, the CPU 21 in the engine control unit 20 waits until the device is activated (step S301: NO). For example, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the device has been activated based on a control signal issued to each device and instructing activation.

  When it is determined in step S301 that the device has been activated (step S301: YES), the CPU 21 stores the activated device ID and the activation time (hereinafter referred to as “activation time”) in the memory 23 ( Step S302). The CPU 21 acquires the activation time T0 of the device using, for example, a software timer, and stores it in the RAM 23 together with the device ID. The “device ID” here is information for identifying a device (hereinafter referred to as “device identification information”). For example, the serial number assigned to the device in the manufacturing process. However, the ID is merely an example of device identification information, and the present invention is not limited to this data example.

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the device holding the device ID and the activation time T0 in the RAM 23 in step S302 has stopped (step S303). For example, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the device has stopped based on a control signal issued to each device and instructing the stop.

  In step S303, while the device is not stopped (step S303: NO), loop processing is performed until it is determined that the device has stopped.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S303 that the device has been stopped (step S303: YES), a time (operation time) Ta during which the device determined to have stopped is determined (step S304).

At this time, the CPU 21 acquires, for example, a time when the device is stopped (hereinafter referred to as “stop time”) T1 using the software timer, and acquires the acquired stop time T1. Based on T0 held in the RAM 23, the operating time Ta is calculated by the following equation 1.
Ta = T1−T0 (Formula 1)
The value calculated in this way is determined as the operation time Ta of the device.

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 quantitatively represents the deterioration state of the power supply unit assumed by the operation of the stopped device based on the power a and the operation time Ta of the device (hereinafter referred to as “deterioration state evaluation value”). .) Ep is determined (step S305: deterioration state evaluation value calculation means).

At this time, for example, the CPU 21 calculates the degradation state evaluation value Ep by the following formula 2 based on the power consumption value P [W] of the device acquired from the startup power consumption information 72 and the operation time Ta.
Ep = P × Ta (Formula 2)
The value calculated in this way is determined as the deterioration state evaluation value Ep.

  The above formula 2 is an example of quantifying the deterioration state due to the operation of the device based on the supply power and the supply time from the power supply unit, and the present invention is not limited to this quantification method. .

  When the process in step S305 is completed, the process may return to the device activation detection process in step S301, and the deterioration status evaluation value calculation process may be continued (shift to a state waiting for the next activation detection).

As described above, the degradation status evaluation value calculation process operates in parallel in units of devices (for example, “fixing unit 14, image forming unit 13, and writing unit 15”), and the degradation status evaluation value Ep for each device. _n is determined.

  Subsequently, a maximum usable power amount determination process described later is performed. In the maximum usable power amount determination process, for example, the number of deterioration status evaluation values Ep for each device determined as described above is a predetermined number or more (for example, “the number of devices subject to deterioration status evaluation”). If this happens, start processing. That is, the processing is started when the number of activated devices exceeds a predetermined number.

(Maximum usable energy determination process)
The CPU 21 in the engine control unit 20 calculates the evaluation value of the deterioration state in the electric power unit including the past use (step S401: deterioration state cumulative evaluation value calculation means). That is, the deterioration state due to the use (cumulative use state) from the start of use of the power unit to the present is estimated.

At this time, the CPU 21 calculates a cumulative evaluation value (hereinafter referred to as “deterioration status”) that is a cumulative value of the degradation status evaluation value Ep _n for each device calculated by the above-described degradation status evaluation value calculation processing and the degradation status evaluation value Ep calculated in the past. It is referred to as “cumulative evaluation value.”) Based on Ea, the deterioration state cumulative evaluation value Ea corresponding to the latest deterioration state is calculated by the following formula 3. Note that the deterioration status cumulative evaluation value Ea calculated last time is held in the nonvolatile RAM 24, and is read onto the RAM 23 at the time of the above calculation.
Ea = Ea + (Ep ₁ +... + E _{p n} ) (Formula 3)
The value calculated in this way is determined as the latest deterioration state cumulative evaluation value Ea.

Subsequently, the CPU 21 determines the latest maximum usable power c ′ for performing appropriate start-up control according to the deterioration state based on the determined deterioration state cumulative evaluation value Ea (step S402: determination unit). Based on the maximum usable power c_max in a state in which the power supply unit is not used (a product at the time of shipment from the factory) and has not deteriorated, and the determined deterioration state cumulative evaluation value Ea, the CPU 21 can use the maximum according to the following equation 4. The electric power c ′ is calculated.
c ′ = c_max−Ea × Kw (Formula 4)
The value calculated in this way is determined as the latest maximum usable power c ′ according to the deterioration state. Note that the coefficient Kw in the above equation 4 is a degradation weight coefficient unique to the power supply unit, and is a correlation coefficient between the degradation status of the power supply unit and the power change amount of the maximum usable power. That is, “Ea × Kw” shown in Equation 4 is a value of the power change amount due to deterioration (power change amount calculating means). Therefore, the coefficient Kw is determined in advance from the characteristics of the power supply unit, and is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 24 together with the maximum usable power c_max in a state where it has not deteriorated.

  Note that a plurality of maximum usable power c_max may be held according to the power supply specifications of the destination (for example, “domestic”), and in such a configuration, for example, factory shipment Based on the destination code that is sometimes set, the maximum usable power c_max used in Equation 4 is determined (the value of the maximum usable power c_max is switched according to the destination: switching means).

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 stores the determined latest maximum usable power c ′ in the nonvolatile RAM 24 (step S403). The CPU 21 overwrites and updates the previously stored data of the maximum usable power c ′ stored in the nonvolatile RAM 24. Further, the deterioration status cumulative evaluation value Ea based on the latest maximum usable power c ′ is also overwritten and updated.

  In this way, not only the degradation status currently assumed due to device use but also the degradation status in the power unit considering past usage is quantitatively estimated, and the estimation result (degradation status cumulative evaluation value Ea) and the power source Based on the deterioration weight coefficient Kw determined in advance from the characteristics of the unit and the maximum usable power c_max in a state where there is no deterioration, a predetermined calculation formula (Formula 4) is used to appropriately start according to the deterioration state. The latest maximum usable power c ′ for performing control is determined.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment first starts a device when the device is started based on the power consumption at the time of starting the device. Whether or not the total power consumption during startup, including other active devices, exceeds the maximum usable power consumption of the power supply unit determined based on the degradation status estimated from the power consumption and operating time of the devices. Determine before starting the device.

  Next, on the basis of the determination result, a device that realizes a function for performing request processing is preferentially activated.

  That is, the image forming apparatus 100 activates the connected device and / or the device in the own device within the range of the maximum usable power corresponding to the degradation state of the power supply unit. Furthermore, among the connected devices and / or the devices in the device itself, the device that realizes the function of performing the requested processing is preferentially activated.

  Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 100 can flexibly cope with a change in the maximum usable power of the power supply unit, and can activate the connected device and / or the device within the apparatus within the range. As a result, a stable operating environment can be provided to the user.

  Up to this point, the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment. However, the “startup control function” of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the above embodiment operates according to each processing procedure described with reference to the drawings. This is realized by being executed by a control device (for example, “CPU 21”) as a program coded in a programming language suitable for the environment (platform). Therefore, the program can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium (not shown).

  The program is stored in a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and the like, and a drive device (not shown) that can read these recording media. The image forming apparatus 100 can be installed via In addition, since the image forming apparatus 100 includes an interface device (not shown), the program can be downloaded and installed using an electric communication line such as the Internet.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the startup sequence information 71 and the startup power consumption information 72 are stored in a predetermined storage area of the nonvolatile RAM 24 included in the image forming apparatus 100 has been described. The configuration is not limited.

  For example, the various types of information may be stored in an external recording medium (for example, “detachable semiconductor memory”), and may not necessarily be stored in the storage device included in the image forming apparatus 100. . The storage destination of the various types of information may be configured to be controlled by each functional unit that refers to the information.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example about the starting order information 71 and the starting power consumption information 72 by table data, this invention is not limited to this data format.

  The activation order information 71 only needs to be able to identify the device to be activated based on the activation order, and the activation power consumption information 72 only needs to be able to identify the power consumption during activation based on the device. As described above, each piece of information may have a data configuration that can identify necessary information.

  Further, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the power consumption P and the value of the operation time Ta of the device unit (for example, “image forming unit 13”) are used when calculating the degradation state evaluation value Ep. The present invention is not limited to this unit.

  For example, a component unit (equipment) such as a drive unit (motor or the like) that rotationally drives each component such as a photoconductive drum constituting the image forming unit 13 or a charging unit that charges the peripheral surface of the photoconductive drum. The degradation state evaluation value Ep may be calculated using the power consumption P and the operation time Ta value of the operation unit of the function realized by (1). By calculating the degradation state evaluation value Ep using such a value, it is possible to calculate a more accurate evaluation value than in the case of device units.

  In the maximum usable power determination process, the operation that the image forming apparatus 100 provides to the user when the latest maximum usable power c ′ corresponding to the deterioration state is determined (the time when the process of step S307 is performed). If the value of the maximum usable power c ′ that cannot maintain (cannot guarantee) performance (for example, “printing speed and print quality” in the case of print processing), is displayed on the operation unit 10 It is good also as a structure which notifies to a user via a screen and warns (notification means).

  In addition, the value c ′ determined in the maximum usable power determination process is based solely on the estimation result of the deterioration state in the power unit. In order to stably operate the image forming apparatus 100, the value c ′ is determined. You may need to adjust '.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured such that the user can adjust the determined maximum usable power c ′ to an arbitrary value by a UI (User Interface) function provided by the operation unit 10.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes and configurations described in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the whole flow of the request process discrimination | determination signal setting process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the whole flow of the apparatus starting process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the starting order information which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data example of the power consumption information at the time of start-up which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the whole flow of the maximum available electric power determination process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Operation part 11 Sensor 12 Load 13 Image forming part 14 Fixing part 15 Writing part 16 Reading part 20 Engine control part 21 CPU
22 ROM
23 RAM
24 Nonvolatile RAM
25 IO control unit 31 Controller 32 HDD
33 NCU
34 FCU
41 Image processing unit 42 Image RAM
43 Write Processing Unit 44 Read Processing Unit 51 Request Processing Discrimination Signal Control Unit 61 Signal Line 71 Startup Sequence Information 72 Startup Power Consumption Information 100 Image Forming Apparatus 110 Startup Control Unit

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus that activates a connected device and / or a device in its own device and performs request processing,
A determining means for determining a maximum usable power amount of power supplied to the device according to a deterioration state of the power supply unit;
Based on the power consumption at the time of starting up the device, the total power consumption at the time of startup including the device to be started up and other devices that are starting up exceeds the maximum usable power amount determined by the determining means. Determination means for determining whether or not the device to be activated is activated,
An image forming apparatus comprising: an activation unit that preferentially activates a device that realizes the function of performing the request processing according to a determination result by the determination unit. The determining means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the maximum usable power amount is determined in accordance with a deterioration state based on a supply power amount and a supply time of the power supply unit. The image forming apparatus is
Degradation state evaluation value calculation means for calculating an evaluation value that quantitatively represents the deterioration state based on the power consumption required for the operation of the device and the operation time from starting to stopping.
Deterioration value accumulated evaluation value calculating means for accumulating the evaluation value for each device calculated by the deterioration condition evaluation value calculating means as an evaluation value representing a deterioration condition due to past use of the power supply unit,
The determining means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the maximum usable power amount is determined based on a cumulative evaluation value calculated by the deterioration state cumulative evaluation value calculation unit. The image forming apparatus is
Multiplying the accumulated evaluation value by a correlation coefficient (degradation weighting coefficient) between the deterioration state of the power unit and the power change amount of the maximum usable power amount, and calculating the power change amount due to the deterioration Having means,
The determining means includes
The power obtained by subtracting the power change amount from the maximum usable power amount when the power unit is not used, and a value obtained by subtracting is determined as the maximum usable power amount according to the deterioration state. The image forming apparatus according to 3. The image forming apparatus is
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit that switches a maximum usable power amount when the power unit is not used according to a destination. The image forming apparatus is
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify a user when the maximum usable power amount determined by the determination unit is an amount of power that cannot maintain the operation performance provided by the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 5. An activation control method in an image forming apparatus that activates a connected apparatus and / or an apparatus in its own apparatus and performs request processing,
A determination procedure for determining the maximum usable power amount of power supplied to the device according to the deterioration status of the power supply unit,
Based on the power consumption when starting the device, the total power consumption during startup including the device to be started and other devices that are starting exceeds the maximum usable power amount determined by the determination procedure. A determination procedure for determining whether or not to start the device to be started,
A startup control method comprising: a startup procedure that preferentially boots a device that realizes the function of performing the request processing according to a determination result of the determination procedure.

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