JP2011131472A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute a job in suitable control form by changing a plurality of kinds of control forms according to the temperature in an apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: When the temperature T in the apparatus is measured by a measuring part and the measured temperature is higher than the first standard temperature T0 (S101:YES), the operation mode is changed from a "normal mode" in which only the first CPU operates to a "load distribution mode" in which the first CPU and the second CPU operate or to a "power saving mode" in which only the second CPU operates (S103, S104). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus capable of switching a control mode when executing a job.

  2. Description of the Related Art An image processing apparatus capable of executing a job that involves processing of image data, such as scanning, copying, PC printing, FAX transmission / reception, and the like, is known which has a function of switching the control mode of a control unit. For example, the image processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a main control unit having a high-speed CPU and a sub-control unit having a low-speed CPU, and the main control unit normally controls the printing unit and the like, The sub control unit controls the interface with the external device. During the power saving mode, the main control unit is stopped and only the sub control unit is operated to reduce power consumption.

JP-A-8-101609

  On the other hand, when the temperature in the image processing apparatus rises, there is a possibility that the control unit provided in the apparatus does not operate normally. However, conventionally, efficient control has not always been performed according to such a situation.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of performing efficient control according to the temperature in the apparatus.

  In order to achieve this object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of executing a job involving processing on image data, and a measuring unit that measures a temperature in the apparatus of the image processing apparatus; A processing unit that performs processing on the image data; and a control unit that controls the processing unit to execute the job and that can switch a plurality of types of control modes. The control mode is switched according to the measured temperature.

  If the above configuration is adopted, a plurality of types of control modes are switched according to the temperature in the apparatus, so that it is possible to execute a job in an appropriate control mode.

  Furthermore, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit may include a plurality of arithmetic processing elements, and the control mode may be switched by changing at least one activation state of the plurality of arithmetic processing elements.

  If the said structure is employ | adopted, a control part will switch a control form by changing the at least 1 starting state among several arithmetic elements. For example, power consumption can be suppressed by turning off the activation state of the arithmetic element.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control unit can switch between a plurality of types of control forms having different heat generation amounts, and the higher the temperature in the apparatus, the more the control unit switches to a control form with a smaller heat generation amount. good.

  If the above configuration is employed, the control unit switches to a control unit that generates a smaller amount of heat as the temperature in the device is higher. Therefore, the temperature rise due to the heat generated by the control unit itself can be suppressed as the temperature in the device is higher.

  Furthermore, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit includes a plurality of arithmetic processing elements having different calorific values, and the higher the temperature in the apparatus, the larger the calorific value of the arithmetic processing elements is stopped to generate a calorific value. The control mode may be switched by activating a small arithmetic processing element.

  If the above configuration is adopted, the higher the temperature in the apparatus, the more the processing element with a larger calorific value is stopped and the arithmetic processing element with a smaller calorific value is started, so that the temperature rise due to the heat generation of the arithmetic processing element itself is suppressed. I can do it.

  Furthermore, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit may switch the control mode by increasing the number of arithmetic processing elements to be activated as the temperature in the apparatus is higher.

  If the said structure is employ | adopted, it is possible to allocate a process to many arithmetic processing elements, so that the temperature in an apparatus is high by increasing the number of arithmetic processing elements to start, so that the temperature in an apparatus is high. Therefore, the amount of work of each arithmetic processing element is reduced, and the heat generation of each arithmetic processing element can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit includes a plurality of arithmetic processing elements having different heat resistant temperatures that can operate with each other, and the higher the temperature in the device, the lower the heat generation temperature minus the heat generation amount. The control mode may be switched by stopping the arithmetic processing element having a low temperature and starting the arithmetic processing element having a high allowable temperature.

  If the above configuration is adopted, the arithmetic processing element having a lower allowable temperature is stopped and the image processing apparatus is controlled by the arithmetic processing element having a higher allowable temperature as the temperature in the apparatus is higher, so that the arithmetic processing element is operated safely. It is possible.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention further includes a reception unit that receives the job, and a determination unit that determines whether or not the temperature in the apparatus has reached a specified temperature. The higher the processing load of the job processed by the processing unit, the lower the temperature is set. When the control unit executes the job received by the receiving unit, the temperature in the apparatus is regulated by the determining unit. The control mode may be switched to a control mode with a small calorific value in response to determining that the value has exceeded the value.

  If the said structure is employ | adopted, the timing which switches a control part will be defined by the regulation temperature, and the regulation temperature will be defined as a low temperature, so that the job processing load is large. Therefore, when processing with a large processing load is executed, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the control unit by switching to a control mode with as little heat generation as possible.

  Furthermore, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the processing unit includes an image forming unit that forms image data on a sheet using a developer, and a thermal fixing unit that thermally fixes the sheet on which the image data is formed. The image forming unit and the thermal fixing unit can perform printing processing to print an image on a sheet, and the control unit can increase the temperature inside the apparatus by the thermal fixing unit when the printing processing is executed. In the case where becomes larger, the control mode may be switched to a control mode with a small calorific value.

If the above configuration is adopted, for example, when printing on a cardboard sheet or when continuous printing is performed on a specific number of sheets, there is a high possibility that the temperature increase in the image processing apparatus by the heat fixing unit will increase. In such a case, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the control unit by switching the control mode to a control mode with a small calorific value.

  According to the present invention, since a plurality of types of control modes are switched according to the temperature in the apparatus, it is possible to execute a job in an appropriate control mode.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image processing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing specifications of the first CPU and the second CPU. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the printer. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the mode switching process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the function execution process.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image processing system 1. The image processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10 (for example, a personal computer) and a printer 30 (an example of an image processing device).

(1) Terminal Device The terminal device 10 is connected to a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, HDD (hard disk drive) 14, an operation unit 15 having a keyboard and a pointing device, a display unit 16 having a liquid crystal display, and a communication line 20. A network interface 17 and the like are provided. The HDD 14 stores various programs such as an OS, application software capable of creating image data for printing, and a printer driver for controlling the printer 30. The CPU 11 performs processing according to the program read from the ROM 12. The operation of the terminal device 10 is controlled while the result is stored in the RAM 13.

(2) Printer The printer 30 is a multifunction device that can execute a plurality of functions such as a print function, a copy function, and a scanner function, for example, and includes a first CPU 31A and a second CPU 31B (a plurality of arithmetic processing elements, an example of a determination unit), a ROM 32, A RAM 33 is provided. The first CPU 31A, the second CPU 31B, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 constitute the control unit of the present invention.

  Various programs and the like for controlling the operation of the printer 30 are recorded in the ROM 32, and the CPUs 31A and 31B operate the printer 30 while storing the processing results in the RAM 33 according to the program read from the ROM 32. Control.

  Here, the relationship between the first CPU 31A and the second CPU 31B will be described with reference to FIG. The first CPU 31A has a higher maximum clock representing the maximum processing speed of the CPU and higher power consumption during operation than the second CPU 31B. Furthermore, the first CPU 31A has a larger heat generation amount during operation than the second CPU 31B, and has a higher heat-resistant temperature, which is a temperature at which the CPU operates normally.

Specifically, the maximum clock of the first CPU 31A is 1 [GHz], the power consumption is 50 [W], the temperature at the maximum clock as the heat generation amount is 80 [° C.], and the heat resistance temperature is 150 [° C.]. On the other hand, the maximum clock of the second CPU 31B is 300 [MHz], the power consumption is 20 [W], the temperature at the maximum clock as the heat generation amount is 30 [° C.], and the heat resistant temperature is 140 [° C.]. Furthermore, the allowable temperature indicating the temperature inside the printer 30 for the CPU to operate normally is 70 [° C.] for the first CPU 31A and 110 [° C.] for the second CPU 31B.

  In the case of this embodiment, since the first CPU 31A generates a larger amount of heat than the second CPU 31B, the first CPU 31A is a CPU that tends to be hotter than the second CPU 31B.

  The printer 30 further includes a network interface 21 (an example of a reception unit), an NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) 34, and an operation unit 35 (an example of a reception unit), and further includes a scanner unit 36, a facsimile unit 37, Various devices (an example of a processing unit) such as an image processing unit 38 and a printing unit 39 are provided.

  The network interface 21 is connected to an external device such as the terminal device 10 via the communication line 20 and can perform data communication with each other. The operation unit 35 has a plurality of buttons, and various input operations such as an instruction to execute each function can be performed by the user. Furthermore, the operation unit 35 includes a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display), a lamp, and the like, and can display various setting screens, operation states, and the like.

  The scanner unit 36 reads an image of a document (not shown) and generates image data as read data. The facsimile unit 37 transmits / receives image data as facsimile data to / from an external facsimile apparatus (not shown).

  The image processing unit 38 performs image processing (for example, processing for conversion into data that can be printed), for various image data such as read data from the scanner unit 36 and print data received by the network interface 21. As specific examples of image processing, processing for converting print data received from the terminal device 10 into bitmap data that can be printed by the printing unit 39, or reading data read by the scanner unit 36 is externally performed by the facsimile unit 37. There is a process for converting the data into facsimile data that can be transmitted to the facsimile apparatus. The printing unit 39 prints an image based on the image data on a sheet W (for example, paper, an OHP sheet) by an electrophotographic method described later.

  Moreover, the said device performs the following functions independently or in cooperation.

  In the “print function”, the network interface 21 receives print data from the terminal device 10, the image processing unit 38 performs predetermined image processing (for example, development processing to bitmap data) on the print data, and the printing unit 39 Print the image to be printed on the sheet.

  In the “copy function”, the operation unit 35 receives a copy instruction from the user, the scanner unit 36 generates document reading data, the image processing unit 38 performs predetermined image processing on the reading data, and the printing unit 39 reads the data. Print the image on a sheet.

  In the “facsimile printing function”, the operation unit 35 receives a facsimile printing instruction from the user, and the printing unit 39 prints an image based on the already received facsimile data on a sheet.

  In the “scan function”, the operation unit 35 receives a scan instruction from the user, and the scanner unit 36 generates read data of a document.

In the “facsimile communication function”, the operation unit 35 receives a facsimile communication instruction from the user, and the facsimile unit 37 exchanges facsimile data with an external facsimile apparatus.

  Note that each piece of image data or the like when the above functions are executed is simply referred to as a job.

  In addition, the printer 30 includes a measuring unit 40 and can measure the temperature in the printer 30. Depending on the temperature measured by the measurement unit 40, an operation mode described later is switched.

2. Operation Mode The two CPUs 31A and 31B control the printer 30 in three operation modes (an example of a control mode) of “normal mode”, “load distribution mode”, and “power saving mode” having different control capabilities. Can be executed.

  The “normal mode” is an operation mode in which only the first CPU 31A is in the activated state and the second CPU 31B is in the sleep state. “Activation state” refers to a state in which the device can be controlled. “Sleep state” refers to, for example, inability to access the NVRAM 34, and a signal (for example, activation interrupt signal) from the activated CPU or the external device 10. The state that can only be detected. In this embodiment, the normal printer 30 operates in this “normal mode”.

  The “load distribution mode” is an operation mode in which the first CPU 31A and the second CPU 31B are activated. In this operation mode, since the processing load is distributed to each CPU when executing each function described above, the amount of heat generated by each CPU can be suppressed as compared with the case where each function is executed by one CPU. is there.

  The “power saving mode” is an operation mode in which only the second CPU 31B is in the activated state and the first CPU 31A is in the sleep state. In this operation mode, since the printer 30 operates only with the second CPU 31B, it is possible to suppress power consumption and heat generation as compared with the “normal mode”.

  These three operation modes can execute all the functions described above in each operation mode. In each operation mode, each CPU 31A, 31B does not always operate at the maximum clock, but controls each device while switching the clock according to the processing load based on the function. For example, since the copy function has a larger number of operating devices than the print function, the processing load is large. Accordingly, the CPUs 31A and 31B control the copy function with the maximum clock, but control the print function with the medium clock.

3. Internal Configuration of Printer FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the printer 30. In the following description, when distinguishing each component for each color, subscripts of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and B (black) are added to the reference numerals of the respective parts, and they are not distinguished. Omits subscripts.

  The printer 30 includes a supply tray 41, the above-described printing unit 39, a discharge tray 42, and the like. The supply tray 41 is provided at the bottom of the printer 30 and can store a plurality of sheets W.

The printing unit 39 includes an image forming unit 44, a thermal fixing unit 45, and the like, and includes a pickup roller 46, registration rollers 47 and 47, a belt 48 for sheet conveyance, and the like as a conveyance mechanism. . The pickup roller 46 takes out the sheets W stored in the supply tray 41 one by one and conveys them to the registration rollers 47 and 47. The registration rollers 47 and 47 adjust the posture of the conveyed sheet W and send it out onto the belt 48 at a predetermined timing.

  The image forming unit 44 includes a plurality (for example, four) of process cartridges 51Y, 51M, 51C, and 51B corresponding to each of a plurality of colors (for example, four colors) of toner, and a plurality of (for example, four) exposure devices 52. . Each process cartridge 51 includes a photoreceptor 53, a charger 54, a toner container 55, and the like. The position on the belt 48 immediately below the image forming unit 44 is hereinafter referred to as a printing position.

  The charger 54 is a so-called scorotron charger, and uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor 53. The exposure device 52 includes, for example, a plurality of light emitting elements (for example, LEDs) arranged in a line along the rotation axis direction of the photoconductor 53, and the plurality of light emitting elements emit light based on image data for each color. By controlling, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 53.

  The toner storage unit 55 stores toner of each color (in this embodiment, for example, positively chargeable non-magnetic one-component toner) and includes a developing roller 56. The developing roller 56 charges the toner to “+” (positive polarity) and supplies the toner as a uniform thin layer onto the photoreceptor 53 to develop the electrostatic latent image, thereby developing a toner image (monochrome image or color image). ).

  Each transfer roller 57 is disposed at a position where the belt 48 is sandwiched between each of the photoconductors 53. Each transfer roller 57 is applied with a transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charged polarity of the toner between the transfer roller 57 and transfers the toner image formed on the transfer member 53 onto the sheet W.

  Thereafter, the sheet W is conveyed to the thermal fixing unit 45 by the conveyance mechanism 38, and the toner image is thermally fixed by the thermal fixing unit 45 and conveyed toward the discharge tray 42 via the discharge roller 60.

  The operation of forming an image on the sheet W by the printing unit 39 is referred to as printing processing.

4). Mode Switching Process FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the mode switching process executed by any one of the CPUs 31A and 31B in the activated state based on the operation mode of the printer 30. For example, the processing is periodically executed after the printer 30 is activated. In the present embodiment, the operation mode is switched using the amount of heat generated by each of the CPUs 31A and 32B as an index.

  In the mode switching process, it is determined whether or not the temperature T in the printer 30 (device temperature T) measured by the measuring unit 40 is higher than the first specified temperature T0 in S101. The first specified temperature T0 is a predetermined temperature. In this embodiment, the first specified temperature T0 is set to 110 [° C.] and stored in the NVRAM 34 of the printer 30.

  Further, the first specified temperature T0 may cause an abnormal operation such as thermal runaway when the first CPU 31A performs a low-load process such as control of the operation unit 35 when the user operates the operation unit 35, for example. It is a value set low for a certain temperature. The reason why the set value of the first specified temperature T0 is set in this manner is that the operation mode is switched to a value lower than that of the first CPU 31A, rather than continuing the operation until the first CPU 31A is likely to break. This is because there is a lower possibility of breakage.

If the apparatus internal temperature T is higher than the first specified temperature T0 (S101: YES), it is determined in S102 whether or not the power saving priority setting is stored in the NVRAM 34 in advance. The power saving priority setting is a setting for selecting either “load distribution mode” or “power saving mode” when switching the operation mode. That is, the user can set the power saving priority setting in advance via the operation unit 35 of the printer 30, the operation unit 15 of the terminal device 10, or the like.

  If the power saving priority setting is set by referring to the NVRAM 34 (S102: YES), the operation mode is switched to the “power saving mode” in S103. When the power saving priority setting is not set (S102: NO), the operation mode is switched to the “load distribution mode” in S104. If the operation mode has already been switched in S103 and S104, the processes in S103 and S104 are omitted.

  On the other hand, if the apparatus internal temperature T is lower than the first specified temperature T0 in S101 (S101: NO), whether or not a function execution instruction has been issued in the network I / F 21 by the operation unit 35 or the terminal apparatus 10 in S105. Determine whether. If an execution instruction is given (105: YES), a function execution process described later is executed in S106.

  Next, after the processing of S103, S104, or S106 is completed, or when an execution instruction is not issued in S105 (S105: NO), the internal temperature T of the printer 30 measured by the measuring unit 40 in S107 is the first. It is determined whether the temperature is lower than the specified temperature T0. If the apparatus internal temperature T is lower than the first specified temperature T0 (S107: YES), the operation mode is switched to the normal mode in S108, and the mode switching process ends. If the operation mode has already been switched in S108, the process in S108 is omitted.

  On the other hand, when the apparatus internal temperature T is higher than the first specified temperature T0 in S107 (S107: NO), the mode switching process is terminated as it is.

  Next, the function execution process of S106 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a function execution process executed by one of the CPUs 31A and 31B in the activated state based on the operation mode of the printer 30. In addition, when performing the process similar to the mode switching process of FIG. 4, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When a function execution instruction is issued in the mode switching process (S105 in FIG. 4: YES), it is determined whether or not the internal temperature T of the printer 30 measured by the measurement unit 40 in S201 is higher than the second specified temperature T1. to decide. The second specified temperature T1 is a predetermined temperature, and is set to 90 [° C.], for example, in the present embodiment, and stored in the NVRAM 34 of the printer 30.

  In addition, the second specified temperature T1 is an abnormal operation such as a thermal runaway when the first CPU 31A performs a moderate load process such as controlling the operations of the image processing unit 38 and the printing unit 39 by the print function. It is a value set low with respect to the temperature that may cause The reason why the set value of the second specified temperature T1 is set in this manner is that the operation mode is switched to a value lower than that of the first CPU 31A, rather than continuing the operation until the first CPU 31A is likely to break. This is because there is a lower possibility of breakage.

  Here, if the apparatus internal temperature T is lower than the second specified temperature T1 (S201: NO), whether or not the execution instruction is an execution instruction for the print function or the copy function in S202, and whether or not a thick paper is selected as a sheet to be printed. This is determined with reference to the setting value set by the user when the execution instruction is issued by the user.

When executing cardboard printing, the temperature of the heat fixing unit 45 is generally raised from the normal temperature to ensure heat fixing. That is, when executing cardboard printing, there is a high possibility that the temperature T in the apparatus will suddenly increase, so the determination process is performed in S202.

  At this time, if thick paper printing, which is printing on thick paper, has not been selected (S202: NO), the execution instruction is an execution instruction for the print function or the copy function in S203, and a continuous number of sheets to be printed continuously. Similarly, it is determined from the set value whether the number of printed sheets is greater than a predetermined number.

  When the number of continuously printed sheets is larger than the specified number, the heat fixing unit 45 is generally operated at a printing temperature for a long time to perform heat fixing. That is, if the number of continuous prints is greater than the specified number, there is a high possibility that the temperature T in the apparatus will suddenly rise, so the determination process is performed in S203.

  At this time, if the continuous print number is less than the specified number (S203: NO), it is similarly determined from the set value whether or not the execution instruction is a copy instruction in S204. If it is a copy instruction (S204: YES), it is determined in S205 whether or not the internal temperature T of the printer 30 measured by the measurement unit 40 is higher than the third specified temperature T2. The third specified temperature T2 is a predetermined temperature, and is set to 60 [° C.], for example, in the present embodiment, and stored in the NVRAM 34 of the printer 30.

  In addition, the third specified temperature T2 is an abnormality such as thermal runaway when the first CPU 31A performs high load processing such as controlling the operations of the scanner unit 36, the image processing unit 38, and the printing unit 39 with a copy function. It is a value set low with respect to the temperature at which there is a possibility of proper operation. The reason why the set value of the third specified temperature T2 is set in this way is that the operation mode is switched to a value lower than the first CPU 31A rather than continuing the operation until the first CPU 31A is likely to break. This is because there is a lower possibility of breakage.

  Next, if the apparatus internal temperature T is higher than the second specified temperature T1 in S201 (S201: YES), or if a cardboard printing instruction is selected in S202 (S202: YES), the number of continuous prints is greater than the specified number in S203. If there are many (S203: YES), or if the temperature in the apparatus is higher than the third specified temperature T2 in S205 (S205: YES), it is determined in S102 whether power saving priority setting has been made, and S103 and S104. Switch the operation mode with.

  On the other hand, if the execution instruction is not a copy instruction in S204 (S204: NO), or if the apparatus internal temperature T is lower than the third specified temperature T3 in S205 (S205: NO), the processes from S102 to S104 are not executed. The operation mode does not switch.

  Then, it is determined that the processes in S103 and S104 are completed, or the execution instruction is not a copy instruction in S204 (S204: NO), or the apparatus internal temperature T is lower than the third specified temperature T3 (S205: NO) in S205. Then, in S206, the function instructed to be executed in S105 is executed, and the function execution process ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to operate each of the CPUs 31A and 31B safely by switching the operation mode depending on the state of the temperature T in the apparatus.

  Note that the processing of S101, S201, and S205 executed by the first or second CPU 31A, 31B corresponds to the determination processing of the present invention.

6). Effects of the present embodiment According to the present embodiment, the operation mode configured by the first and second CPUs 31 </ b> A and 31 </ b> B can be switched according to the apparatus internal temperature T by the function execution process. Therefore, the convenience can be improved as compared with the conventional configuration in which the operation mode is determined regardless of the apparatus internal temperature T.

  In addition, since the higher the apparatus internal temperature T, the smaller the heat generation amount is switched to the operation mode, the higher the apparatus internal temperature T is, the more the temperature rise caused by the heat generation of the first and second CPUs 31A and 31B can be suppressed.

  Further, for example, when the operation mode is switched from the “normal mode” to the “power saving mode”, the first CPU 31A having a large heat generation amount is stopped and the second CPU 31B having a small heat generation amount is started. In addition to being able to suppress, overall power consumption by the CPU can be suppressed by switching the operation mode.

  For example, when the operation mode is switched from the “normal mode” to the “load distribution mode”, the processing load can be distributed to a plurality of CPUs by increasing the number of operating CPUs. The amount of work allocated can be reduced, and the temperature rise due to the heat generated by each CPU can be suppressed.

  Also, in this embodiment, when executing a function with a large processing load, the value of the specified temperature is set low, and the operation mode is switched according to the specified temperature. Even when operating with a high clock, it is possible to execute processing in an operation mode with a small amount of heat generation.

  Furthermore, when printing a cardboard sheet, which is a situation in which the internal temperature T is likely to rise, or when performing continuous printing on a specified number of sheets, the processing may be executed in an operation mode with a small amount of heat generation. Is possible.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and the drawings, and for example, the following various aspects are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, the printer 30 that is a multifunction peripheral is taken as an example, but the “image processing apparatus” of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a printer that does not have a scanner function or a facsimile function, a facsimile apparatus alone, or an image reading apparatus alone may be used. In short, any image processing apparatus capable of executing a function for image data may be used.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the copy function, the scan function, the facsimile communication function, and the like are given as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image storage function for storing image data in the HDD 34, a specific image extraction function for extracting a specific image from scan data, a mail function, and facsimile data based on the received image data after receiving the image data from the terminal device 10. A PC fax function or the like that transmits to an external facsimile machine may be used. In short, any function for image data may be used.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, the printing unit 39 is configured to be able to execute printing by an electrophotographic method. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is configured as a printing unit capable of performing printing by an inkjet method, for example. May be.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the printer 30 including the two CPUs 31A and 31B has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be an image processing apparatus including three or more CPUs. Further, four or more operation modes may be provided according to the number of CPUs.

(5) In the above embodiment, as a method of making the three operation modes different, the specifications of the first and second CPUs 31A and 31B that are activated in the respective operation modes, and the first and second CPUs 31A and 31B that are activated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a method may be used in which the performance of a plurality of CPUs is equal and the number of CPUs that are activated in each operation mode is different.

  When a plurality of CPUs are in an activated state, the plurality of CPUs cooperate to control a device and execute a function. As a form of cooperation, for example, there is a form in which a plurality of CPUs share and control a common device (for example, the image processing unit 38). In the case where one function is executed by a plurality of devices, each CPU controls an individual device (for example, the image processing unit 38 and the printing unit 39). Also, a method may be used in which the performances of a plurality of CPUs are made different so that different control units are activated in each control mode.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the power saving setting, the specified temperature, etc. are registered in the NVRAM 34 provided in the printer 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the outside of the printer 30 such as the HDD 14 provided in the terminal device 10 may be registered in a storage device, or the printer 30 may be provided with a storage element such as an HDD or a flash ROM.

  (7) In the above embodiment, the operation mode is switched alternatively according to the situation such as the apparatus internal temperature T, but the operation mode may be switched in multiple stages. For example, a plurality of specified temperatures are set, and the operation mode may be switched to “normal mode”, “load distribution mode”, “power saving mode”, etc., as the temperature T in the apparatus changes. .

  (8) In the above embodiment, the mode switching process is executed using the amount of heat generation as an index, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mode switching process may be executed using the allowable temperature, heat-resistant temperature, etc. shown in FIG. 2 as indices.

  If the mode switching process is executed using the allowable temperature as an index, the process of S102 is eliminated in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the process of S103 is directly executed. That is, when the allowable temperature is used as an index, each CPU can be operated safely because only the second CPU 31B, which is a CPU having a high allowable temperature, is operated without operating the first CPU 31A, which is a CPU having a low allowable temperature. Is possible. In this case, it is not necessary to set the power saving setting.

1 Image Processing System 10 Terminal Device 11 CPU
15 Operation Unit 20 Communication Line 21 Network Interface 30 Printer 31A First CPU
31B 2nd CPU
33 RAM
34 ROM
35 Operation unit 36 Scanner unit 38 Image processing unit 39 Printing unit 40 Measurement unit 44 Image forming unit 45 Thermal fixing unit W Sheet T In-apparatus temperature T0 First specified temperature T1 Second specified temperature T2 Third specified temperature

Claims (8)

An image processing apparatus capable of executing a job involving processing on image data,
A measuring unit for measuring the temperature in the image processing apparatus;
A processing unit for processing the image data;
A control unit capable of controlling the processing unit to execute the job and switching between a plurality of types of control modes;
With
The image processing apparatus, wherein the control unit switches the control mode according to the temperature measured by the measurement unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a plurality of arithmetic processing elements, and switches a control mode by changing an activation state of at least one of the plurality of arithmetic processing elements. .   3. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is capable of switching between a plurality of types of control modes having different calorific values, and switching to a control mode having a smaller calorific value as the temperature in the apparatus is higher. Image processing device.   The control unit includes a plurality of arithmetic processing elements having different calorific values, and the higher the temperature in the apparatus, the larger the calorific value of the arithmetic processing elements are stopped and the smaller calorific value is calculated. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control form is switched.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit switches the control mode by increasing the number of arithmetic processing elements to be activated as the temperature in the apparatus is higher.   The control unit has a plurality of arithmetic processing elements having different heat resistant temperatures that can operate with each other, and the higher the temperature in the apparatus, the smaller the allowable heat processing temperature subtracted from the heat resistant temperature and the lower the allowable temperature processing element. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control mode is switched by activating an arithmetic processing element having a large allowable temperature. A reception unit for receiving the job;
A determination unit for determining whether or not the temperature in the apparatus has reached a specified temperature;
With
The specified temperature is set to a lower temperature as the processing load of the job processed by the processing unit increases.
When the control unit executes the job received by the receiving unit, the control mode is changed to a control mode with a small calorific value when the determination unit determines that the temperature in the apparatus exceeds a specified temperature. The image processing device according to claim 2, wherein the image processing device is switched. The processing unit includes an image forming unit that forms image data on a sheet using a developer, and a heat fixing unit that thermally fixes the sheet on which the image data is formed. A printing process for printing an image on a sheet by the fixing unit can be executed.
The control unit switches the control mode to a control mode with a small calorific value when the temperature increase in the apparatus is increased by the heat fixing unit when the printing process is executed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7.