JP2010146370A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a for especially summing up and analyzing the operation rate of the printer, estimating a non-operation time zone from data in the past and automatically performing power saving control regarding the printer capable of setting a power saving mode, and to automatically perform the power saving control by a server computer on a network. <P>SOLUTION: The printer connected to the network includes: a first storage means for storing the operation time of the device in the past; a second storage means for storing an operation reference value; a comparison means for reading the operation time of the device in a specified period from the first storage means and comparing it with the operation reference value stored in the second storage means; and a control means for shirting the device to an operable state when the operation time of the device in the specified period is larger than the operation reference value as the compared result, and shifting the device to a power saving state when the operation time of the device in the specified period is smaller than the operation reference value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus capable of setting a power saving mode.

  Today, the preservation of the global environment is screamed globally, and greenhouse gas emission regulations are being realized, centering on the Global Warming Prevention Conference. Under such circumstances, a reduction in power consumption is also demanded in printing apparatuses such as printers and copiers.

  For this reason, in the printing apparatus, for example, in order to reduce power consumption, the temperature of the fixing device during non-operation is lowered and the sleep mode is set. In this case, for example, the sleep time and the sleep schedule are set by operating the operation panel of the printing apparatus.

Patent Document 1 discloses an invention in which a power saving prohibition period is set based on a processing history of a print job of an operating computer, and switching from the power supply mode to the power saving mode is prohibited during the power saving prohibition period.
JP 2006-231632 A

  However, in the above-described conventional apparatus, the power saving process is performed according to a preset sleep time or sleep schedule, and is not a power saving process in consideration of past operation information of the apparatus. Further, the apparatus of Patent Document 1 does not refer to the processing history of a print job that is not operating, and cannot perform efficient power saving processing.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a printing apparatus that automatically collects and analyzes the operating rate of a printing apparatus, estimates a non-operating time zone from past data, and automatically performs power saving control. To do. It is another object of the present invention to automatically perform power saving control by a server computer on a network.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided the first storage means for storing the operation time of the past apparatus, the second storage means for storing the operation reference value, and the operation time of the apparatus for a specific period. A comparison means for reading from one storage means and comparing with an operation reference value stored in the second storage means, and when the comparison result indicates that the operation time of the device for the specific period is greater than the operation reference value; Can be achieved by providing a printing apparatus having control means for causing the apparatus to shift to a power saving state when the operation time of the apparatus for the specific period is shorter than the operation reference value.
According to the second invention, the above-described problem can be achieved by providing a printing apparatus in which the specific period is a fixed period on a specific day of the week.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the operation reference value can be achieved by providing a printing device set by a user.

  In addition, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the above-described object can be achieved by providing a printing apparatus in which a comparison process with the latest operation time is also performed as the operation time of the past apparatus compared with the operation reference value.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the comparison process can be achieved by providing a printing apparatus that is executed by a server computer on a network.

  According to the present invention, data can be automatically collected based on past operation results, the printing apparatus can be shifted to power saving, and it is not necessary to schedule a power saving time zone, and power saving control can be performed. It can be carried out. In addition, power saving control from a server computer is possible via a network.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram in which the printing apparatus of this embodiment is connected to a host device via a network. This system has a configuration in which three personal computers (PC1 to PC3), three printer devices 1 to 3, and a server computer 4 are connected via a LAN (local area network). The personal computer (PC1 to PC3) includes an input unit such as a keyboard, a display unit, a printer driver, and the like, and outputs print data created according to an application program to the printer devices 1 to 3.

  On the other hand, FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the printer apparatuses 1 to 3. The printer apparatus 1 will be described below as a representative of the printer apparatuses 1 to 3.

  The printer apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 5, a ROM 6, a RAM 7, a clock circuit 8, a flash memory 9, an internal connection bus 10, a printer control LSI 11, a USB host LSI 12, an engine unit 13, a USB / LAN interface 14, a hard disk (HDD) 15, The CPU 16 is configured.

  The CPU 16 performs system control of the printer apparatus 1 according to the program and data stored in the ROM 6, and performs processing described later using the RAM 7 as a work area.

  The print data from the personal computers (PC1 to PC3) is supplied via the USB / LAN interface 14, temporarily stored in the reception buffer (RAM 7) under the control of the CPU 16, and then the command included in the print data is analyzed. The drawing data is again developed in the RAM 7 and then transferred to the engine unit 13. The printer control LSI 11 controls each unit of the printer apparatus 1 including the engine unit 13.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of the flash memory 9 and stores the operating status of the printer apparatus 1. The flash memory 9 includes an operation time area 9a for every hour, an operation time area 9b for every day, a storage area 9c for the maximum operation day for one week, and a storage area 9d for the maximum operation day for one month. In the hourly operation time area 9a, the operation time of the printer device 1 is stored every hour, and the operation time of the printer device 1 for 24 hours is stored.
The operation reference value storage area 9e stores operation reference value data to be described later.

  Further, the operation time area 9b for each day stores the operation time of the printer device 1 every day, and stores the operation time of the printer device 1 for 365 days a year. In addition, the day of week in which the printer device 1 has been operated for the longest time in one week is stored in the storage area 9c for the maximum operating day of the week. Further, the maximum working date storage area 9d for one month stores the maximum working date when the printer apparatus 1 has been operated within one month. The flash memory 9 of this example can store the above data for several decades.

The processing operation of this embodiment will be described below.
4 and 5 are flowcharts for explaining the processing operation of this example.

  First, in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, after the printer 1 is turned on and the initial setting process is performed, it is determined whether or not there is an operating time area (step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1). This determination is a process for determining whether the above-described areas are set in the flash memory 9. If the above-described area setting is not yet performed in the flash memory 9 (S1 is NO), the determination is made in the flash memory 9. The aforementioned management area is created (S2).

  On the other hand, if the area has already been set (S1 is YES), it is determined whether the current time has been acquired (S3). In this determination, the CPU 16 acquires information on the current time from the clock circuit 8, and if information on the current time cannot be acquired at this time (S3 is NO), for example, the sleep operation is performed according to the contents set on the operation panel 5. (S4). In this case, the power saving process of this example described later is not performed.

  On the other hand, if the information on the current time can be acquired (S3 is YES), it is determined whether there is past data for the same day of the week (S5). That is, the CPU 16 refers to the information in the hourly operation time area 9a and the daytime operation time area 9b of the flash memory 9, and determines whether past data for the same day of the week exists. If past data for the same day of the week does not exist (S5 is NO), the sleep operation is performed according to the contents set in the operation panel 5 (S6). Also in this case, the power saving process of this example described later is not performed.

  On the other hand, if past data for the same day of the week exists (YES in S5), it is determined whether the printer apparatus 1 is currently operating (S7). If the printer apparatus 1 is currently operating (S7 is YES), the process is returned, but if the printer apparatus 1 is not currently operating (S7 is NO), what percentage of the operating time of the printer apparatus 1 is based on past data. (%) Is calculated (S8).

  The operating time of the printer apparatus 1 is calculated according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the CPU 16 accesses the flash memory 9 and searches for past data (S8-1). If past data exists (YES in S8-2), SUM = SUM + same day data is calculated (S8-3). This process is performed for all past data, and the operation time of the printing apparatus 1 on the same day of the week is totaled (S8-1 to 8-4). For example, the past data between 9:00 am and 10:00 am on Tuesday is totaled, and the average value (operating average value) is calculated (S8-2 is NO, S8-5).

  Next, it is determined whether there is an operation reference value (S8-6). Here, the operation reference value is a value set by the user operating the operation panel 5, and a reference value desired by the user can be set. Here, if the operation reference value is already set (S8-6 is YES), A% is obtained from the operation average value and the operation reference value described above (S8-7).

For example, when the operation reference value is set to 30 minutes (the printing operation is performed for 30 minutes in one hour), if the operation average value is 33 minutes from the past data,
A% = 110% (33/30 × 100).
On the other hand, if the operation reference value is set to 30 minutes and the operation average value is 20 minutes,
A% = 67% (20/30 × 100).

  Further, in this example, B% is also calculated from the operation average value and operation reference value for the previous week (S8-8), and the above A% and B% are compared (S8-9), and A% ≧ B%. In some cases, A% is used as the operation reference value (YES in S8-9, S8-10). On the other hand, when A% <B%, B% is used as the operation reference value (S8-9 is NO, S8-11). That is, in this example, the past data and the data for the previous week are compared, and the larger value is used for the subsequent comparison processing.

  Next, based on the calculation result, the CPU 16 executes the determination (S9) shown in FIG. That is, if the operation rate is 100% or more from the above calculation result (S9 is YES), it is determined whether the printer device 1 is operating (S10), and if the printer device 1 is not operating (S10 is YES). The printer 1 is immediately released from the sleep state (S11). That is, if the operation rate is 100% or more, there is a high possibility that the printing apparatus 1 will be used from the past data, and the sleep state is immediately canceled to make the printer apparatus 1 usable (S11).

  On the other hand, if the operating rate is less than 100% (S9 is NO), the printer apparatus 1 is immediately set to the sleep mode (S12). In this case, it is unlikely that the printer device 1 will be used from past data, and the sleep state is set to save power.

  In other words, in this example, instead of simply shifting the printer device to power saving just by setting the time as in the past, power saving is performed in the time zone where printing processing is concentrated based on past data (operation results). This is a configuration in which it automatically cancels and automatically shifts to power saving during a time period when the print processing is relatively small. With this configuration, it is not necessary to schedule a power saving time zone, and the printer apparatus 1 can automatically collect and analyze data to perform efficient power saving control.

  Note that the processing and determination (S8-12 to S8-16) shown in FIG. 5 are processing when the operation reference value is not set by the user (S8-6 is NO), and the above processing and determination (S8). The same processing as in −7 to S8-11) is performed. In this case, the initial reference value preset in the printer apparatus 1 is used, C% is calculated from the past data (S8-12), and D is further calculated from the operation average value and the initial reference value for the previous week. % Is also calculated (S8-13), and the above C% and D% are compared (S8-14). If C% ≧ D%, C% is used as a reference value (S8-14 is YES, S8 -15), when C% <D%, D% is used as a reference value (S8-14 is NO, S8-16). That is, also in this case, the past data is compared with the data for the previous week, and the larger value is adopted to set and cancel the sleep mode.

As described above, according to this example, it is possible to collect and analyze the operation rate (printing time) in the printer device, perform highly accurate power saving control, and reduce the total cost of the printing process. .
In the description of the above-described embodiment, the operation reference value is described as 30 minutes or 20 minutes, but is not limited to the above time. In other words, it is possible to manage based on the printing amount (number of printed sheets). Further, the present embodiment can be applied not only to a printer apparatus but also to a printing apparatus such as a copying machine.
(Embodiment 2)

Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment described above, the power saving process is set by the printer apparatus 1, but in this example, the power saving control is performed by the print management tool connected to the network. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the processing of this example. For example, a print management tool is installed in the server computer 4 shown in FIG. 2 described above, and each user performs processing of this system via the server computer 4. . In FIG. 6, only the personal computer (PC 1) and the printer device 1 are shown on the network, but other personal computers (PC 2, PC 3), printer devices 2, 3, etc. are of course connected to the network. Yes.

  The processing operation of this example will be described below. 7 to 10 are flowcharts for explaining the processing of this example. First, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, when an application of the server computer 4 is activated, the server computer 4 searches for a printer device operating on the network (step (hereinafter referred to as ST) 1).

  Here, if the printer device operating on the network cannot be detected (NO in ST2), the personal computer (PC1 to PC3) is notified that printing cannot be performed (ST3). On the other hand, when a printing apparatus operating on the network is detected (YES in ST2), the server computer 4 creates a printer list (ST4).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the printer list. As shown in the figure, the printer list records the model name and operation history of a personal computer connected to the network. However, only the model name of the printer device connected to the network is displayed at this stage. Further, although only one unit is shown in the figure, when there are a plurality of personal computers connected to the network, the same display is performed.

  Next, the server computer 4 notifies the personal computer on the network of a printer list of usable printer devices (ST5). By this processing, the personal computers (PC1 to PC3) connected to the network can know the existence of usable printer devices.

  Next, it is determined whether the management information can be read (ST6). Here, when the management information cannot be read (NO in ST6), initial management information is created, and the fact that the printer apparatus cannot be managed is recorded in the list (ST7). On the other hand, if the management information can be read (YES in ST6) and can be managed, the operation time (print execution time), the number of prints, the consumables stored in the printer device from the printer device. Information is acquired and printer management information is acquired (ST8).

  Next, it is monitored whether the printing process of the printer apparatus is started (ST9). If the printing process is not started (NO in ST9), the current time is recorded in the list of the corresponding printer apparatus (ST10).

  In this case, if the non-operating time of the printer apparatus is measured after the process shown in FIG. 8 and the non-operating time exceeds a preset time (xx minutes) (ST11), if it is a managed printer (STEP 11) If ST12 is YES), the mode is forcibly shifted to the power saving mode (ST13). By performing the processing in this manner, the target printer device can be shifted to the power saving mode by the print management tool of the server computer 4 without using the power saving shift function in the printer device.

  On the other hand, in the above monitoring process (ST9), when the printing process is started (YES in ST9), the time information recorded in the list of the corresponding printer is cleared (ST14), and the process shown in FIG. Transition.

  First, it is determined whether the printer device is a management target printer (ST15). If the printer device is not a management target printer (ST15 is NO), normal printing processing is performed (ST16). On the other hand, if the printer device is a management target (YES in ST15), it is further determined whether printing is in progress (ST17). If printing is in progress (YES in ST17), an alternative printer device is searched for printing. The process is performed (YES in ST18). If there is no alternative printer device (NO in STP18), it is notified that printing is waiting (ST19).

  If it is not currently printing (ST17 is NO) in the determination (ST17), the operation rate up to the present is read from the management information (ST20), and it is determined whether the set operation rate is exceeded (ST21). Here, for example, when the operating rate is exceeded (YES in ST21), the operating rate is too high, so printing in the alternative printer device is notified (ST22), and printing processing in the alternative printer device is performed (YES in ST23). ).

  By configuring in this way, only a specific printer device among a plurality of printer devices (for example, printer devices 1 to 3) is not used more than the operating rate, and the total cost of the printer device is reduced. If there is no alternative printer device (NO in ST23), printing processing is unavoidably performed by the current printer device, and notification to that effect is given (ST24).

On the other hand, in the above determination (ST21), when the operating rate is not exceeded (NO in ST21), a printing process for determining whether toner is present is performed.
For example, for cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), if all the toner remains (ST25 is NO, ST26 is NO), normal printing processing is performed (ST27). ). On the other hand, when only the remaining amount of black (K) toner is not present (YES in ST26), printing is performed using cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) toner according to the processing shown in FIG. (ST28), to that effect is notified (ST29).

  If there is no remaining amount of cyan (C), black (K), and magenta (M) toner (YES in ST25), the target printer is forcibly changed to monochrome (ST30), and notification to that effect. (ST31).

  If there is no remaining toner of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), or black (K) (YES in ST25 or YES in ST26), the remaining amount of toner is confirmed, and the toner The printing process may be performed by changing the toner save ratio according to the remaining amount of toner. With this configuration, it is possible to perform a printing process corresponding to the maintenance of the global environment.

1 is a system configuration diagram to which a printing apparatus is connected. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of flash memory. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer list.

Explanation of symbols

1-3..Printer 4 ... Server computer 5 ... Operation panel 6 ... ROM
7 ... RAM
8 .. Clock circuit 9... Flash memory 9 a .. Operation hour area 9 b for every hour... Operation area 9 c for each day... Storage area 9 d for the maximum operation day for one week. Operating day storage area 9e..Operation reference value storage area 10..Internal connection bus 11..Printer control LSI
12. USB host LSI
13. Engine unit 14. USB / LAN interface 15. Hard disk (HDD)
16. CPU

Claims (5)

First storage means for storing past operation times of the apparatus;
Second storage means for storing an operation reference value;
Comparison means for reading the operation time of the device for a specific period from the first storage means and comparing with the operation reference value stored in the second storage means;
If the comparison result shows that the operation time of the device for the specific period is greater than the operation reference value, the device is shifted to an operable state, and if the operation time of the device for the specific period is less than the operation reference value, the device is Control means for shifting to the power saving state;
A printing apparatus comprising:   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific period is a predetermined period on a specific day of the week.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation reference value is set by a user.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a comparison process with the latest operation time is also performed as the operation time of the past apparatus compared with the operation reference value.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the comparison process and the control process are performed by a server computer on a network.