JP2013043291A - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of automatically bringing the apparatus into a power saving state while satisfying a printing request of a user even if printing data are stored in a volatile storage section and a program.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: the volatile storage section 54 for storing printing data; a printing means 10 for printing the printing data; a power source control means 72 for controlling a power source to cut off power supply to at least the volatile storage section 54 when a condition set in advance is satisfied; and a printing control means 74 for controlling the printing means 10 to print the printing data stored in the volatile storage section 54 when the condition set in advance is satisfied.

Description

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

  Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic operation control system that automatically turns off the power of the system based on the execution state of the program in the system and time information.

  Patent Document 2 notifies the software that the system power-off time has come, and the software either immediately powers off the system or extends the power-off time depending on the processing status of the system. An automatic power-off device for performing the above is disclosed.

  Patent Document 3 uses a timer transmission function of a facsimile apparatus to send a transmission request that has not reached the transmission time when the information processing apparatus is turned off in a facsimile communication system in which the information processing apparatus and the facsimile apparatus are connected. A facsimile communication system is disclosed in which a transmission instructed by a user can be transmitted at a specified time by turning off the power after making a timer transmission reservation.

  Patent Document 4 notifies the information processing apparatus that the image forming unit shifts to the power saving state before the image forming unit shifts to the power saving state when the confidential print data is stored in the storage unit. Thus, there is disclosed an image processing apparatus that extends a transition for a predetermined time when a request for extending a transition to a power saving state of an image forming unit is notified from the information processing apparatus.

  In addition, there is a technique for adjusting a time for receiving a print output, or a technique for temporarily storing a print job in the RAM of the image forming apparatus in order to prevent the print output from being left at the discharge port of the apparatus.

JP 61-115115 A JP-A-62-98415 JP-A-9-116727 JP 2008-300194 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a program that can automatically put the apparatus into a power saving state while satisfying a user's print request even when print data is stored in a volatile storage unit. Is to provide.

[Image forming apparatus]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a volatile storage unit that stores print data, a printing unit that prints the print data, and a power supply to at least the volatile storage unit when a preset condition is satisfied. Power control means for controlling the power supply to cut off the supply of power, and print control for controlling the printing means to print the print data stored in the volatile storage unit when the preset condition is satisfied An image forming apparatus.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the power control unit controls the power when printing by the printing unit has not been performed for a predetermined time or more.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the power supply control unit cuts off the supply of power to the self apparatus when the preset condition is satisfied.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the volatile storage unit includes a first area in which print data that requires confidentiality is stored and a second area in which print data that does not require confidentiality is stored. And the print control unit controls the print unit to print the print data stored in the second area of the volatile storage unit when the preset condition is satisfied. Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1 to 3.

  In the present invention according to claim 5, the volatile storage unit stores print data and attribute information indicating whether or not confidentiality of the print data is necessary, and the print control unit includes: 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the predetermined condition is satisfied, control is performed so that print data selected based on the attribute information is printed by the printing unit. 5.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the print control means further transfers print data that requires confidentiality to a storage device connected to the own apparatus when the preset condition is satisfied. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus outputs the image.

[program]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when a printing step for printing print data and a preset condition are satisfied, supply of power to at least a volatile storage unit in which the print data is stored is cut off. A power control step for controlling the power supply and a print control step for controlling the print data stored in the volatile storage unit to be printed by the printing step when the preset condition is satisfied. It is a program to be executed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, even when print data is stored in the volatile storage unit, the apparatus can be automatically put into a power saving state while satisfying a user's print request. An image forming apparatus can be provided.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of controlling the power supply in accordance with the use situation.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus that can further reduce power consumption can be provided.

  According to the present invention of claim 4, in addition to the effects of the present invention of claims 1 to 3, an image forming apparatus capable of maintaining the confidentiality of print data can be provided.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first to third aspects of the present invention, an image that can maintain the confidentiality of the print data while effectively utilizing the storage area of the volatile storage unit. A forming apparatus can be provided.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the fourth or fifth aspect, an image forming apparatus capable of preventing disappearance of print data that needs to be kept confidential is provided. Can do.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, even when the print data is stored in the volatile storage unit, the apparatus can be automatically put into the power saving state while satisfying the print request of the user. A program can be provided.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming system 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 6 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 6 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the control program which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement by the control program which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the control program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of print data stored in a volatile storage unit 80. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement by the control program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the control program which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement by the control program which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image forming system 90 which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement by the control program which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming system 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 6 and the terminal device 8 are connected to each other via a network 4. The number of the image forming apparatus 6 and the terminal apparatus 8 can be set arbitrarily. Alternatively, a one-to-one locally connected terminal device and an image forming apparatus are also possible.

  For example, the terminal device 8 generates print data and transmits the print data generated via the network 4 to the image forming apparatus 6.

  The image forming apparatus 6 receives the print data transmitted from the terminal device 8 and outputs an image corresponding to the print data on a sheet.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the image forming apparatus 6.

  The image forming apparatus 6 includes a printing apparatus 10 and an image reading apparatus 12. The printing apparatus 10 includes, for example, a three-stage recording medium supply cassette 14, and a supply head 16 is provided in each of the recording medium supply cassettes 14. Is provided.

  When one of the recording medium supply cassettes 14 is selected, the supply head 16 is actuated and supplied from the selected recording medium supply cassette 14 to the image forming unit 20 via the recording medium supply path 18.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 6 may have a fax function (not shown).

  The image forming unit 20 is provided with yellow, magenta, cyan, and black photoconductors 22 and an intermediate transfer belt 24.

  A charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a primary transfer device, a cleaning device, and the like (not shown) are disposed around each photoconductor 22, and a toner image formed on each photoconductor 22 is placed on the intermediate transfer belt 24. Transcribed. When black and white is set, only black is enabled.

  The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 24 is transferred to the recording medium sent by the secondary transfer roll 26 and fixed by the fixing device 28, and the recording medium on which the toner image is fixed passes through the recording medium discharge path 30. And discharged to the discharge unit 32.

  However, when double-sided printing is set, the recording medium whose surface is fixed by the fixing device 28 is sent from the recording medium discharge path 30 to the reversing device 34 and reversed by the reversing device 34, and the recording medium reversing path 36. To the recording medium supply path 18 again and sent to the image forming unit 20 for printing on the back side.

  The image reading device 12 has an automatic document feeder 38 capable of reading a double-sided document. The automatic document feeder 38 sends the document to a platen 40, and a reading unit 42 made up of a CCD or the like on the platen 40. The original image is read.

  A document set detector 44 for detecting whether or not a document is set on the automatic document feeder 38 is provided. The automatic document feeder 38 also serves as a platen cover, and the document can be placed on the platen 40 by opening the platen cover. The opening / closing of the platen cover can be detected by a platen cover opening / closing detector 46.

  The user interface device 48 (hereinafter referred to as “UI device 48”) is provided integrally with the image forming apparatus 6 or via a network. Further, the UI device 48 includes, for example, a touch panel, and is configured to accept an instruction about processing content from the operator to the image forming apparatus 6 as an input or display information.

  The image forming apparatus 6 includes a facsimile modem connected to a public line and a network communication apparatus connected to a network 4 such as a LAN. By using a network communication device provided in the image forming device 6, print data transmitted from the terminal device 8 is received, and an image corresponding to the print data is printed by the printing device 10.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 6.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 6 has a configuration in which a CPU 50, a ROM 52, a RAM 54, an input / output interface 56, a scan interface 58, a print interface 60, a facsimile modem interface 64, and a UI device 48 are connected by a bus. The image forming apparatus 6 includes a component as a computer capable of information processing and communication with other apparatuses.

  The image forming apparatus 6 does not include a nonvolatile storage device (for example, HDD) other than the ROM 52.

  The CPU 50 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 6 by executing processing based on a later-described control program 66 stored in the ROM 52 or RAM 54. Further, the input received via the UI device 48 is transmitted to the CPU 50, and display information from the CPU 50 is transmitted to the UI device 48.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 50 has been described as reading and executing the control program 66 stored in the ROM 52 or RAM 54, but the program is stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and provided to the CPU 50. It is also possible. It can also be provided to the CPU 50 through the input / output interface 56.

  The ROM 52 and RAM 54 store a control program 66. Here, the RAM 54 is a volatile memory, and also stores print data, as will be described later. Hereinafter, the RAM is referred to as a volatile storage unit.

  The input / output interface 56 is connected to a network communication device provided in the image forming apparatus 6 and is connected to an information terminal via a network IF and a local IF.

  The scan interface 58 is connected to the image reading device 12, and the print interface 60 is connected to the printing device 10.

  The modem interface 64 is connected to a facsimile modem provided in the image forming apparatus 6.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control program 66 that operates in the image forming apparatus 6. As shown in FIG. 4, the control program 66 includes a print job reception unit 68, a rasterization processing unit 70, a power supply control unit 72, and a print control unit 74.

  The print job reception unit 68 receives the print job (print instruction) transmitted from the terminal device 8 and outputs the print data of the received print job to the rasterization processing unit 70.

  The rasterization processing unit 70 performs a development process for converting print data output from the print job receiving unit 68 such as postscript format into image data (hereinafter referred to as raster data) that is raster format print data.

  The rasterization processing unit 70 outputs the generated raster data to the RAM 54 or the printing apparatus 10 that is a volatile storage unit. Specifically, the rasterization processing unit 70 outputs the generated raster data to the volatile storage unit 54 for a print job for which printing processing is suspended, and for a print job for which printing processing is not suspended, The generated raster data is output to the printing apparatus 10.

  Note that the print job whose print processing is suspended is, for example, a print job in which printing is performed after a user (operator) performs a print instruction operation on the UI device 48, or a print time is designated by the user. A print job.

  The printing apparatus 10 prints the raster data output from the rasterization processing unit 70 or the volatile storage unit 54 under the control of the print control unit 74.

  When the preset condition is satisfied, the power control unit 72 notifies the print control unit 74 that the preset condition is satisfied.

  The power controller 72 controls the power of the image forming apparatus 6 when the preset condition is satisfied. Here, the control of the power source of the image forming apparatus 6 refers to a control for reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 6 as compared with that before the control. For example, the power supply of a part of the devices constituting the device 6 is cut off. In controlling the power supply of the image forming apparatus 6, at least the power supply to the volatile storage unit 54 is shut off.

  Examples of the preset condition include a case where the printing operation by the printing apparatus 10 has not been performed for a predetermined time or a predetermined time. Thereby, the power control by the power control unit 72 is performed according to the usage state of the image forming apparatus 6.

  The print control unit 74 controls printing by the printing apparatus 10. The print control unit 74 prints a print job for which print processing is suspended when the UI device 48 performs a print instruction operation or when a specified print time is reached. To do. Specifically, the print control unit 74 sends raster data corresponding to the print job from the volatile storage unit 54 to the printing apparatus 10 to cause the printing apparatus 10 to perform printing.

  Further, when the print control unit 74 receives a notification from the power supply control unit 72 that a preset condition is satisfied, the print control unit 74 sends all the raster data stored in the volatile storage unit 54 to the printing apparatus 10. To cause the printing apparatus 10 to perform printing.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control program in this embodiment.

  In step 100 (S100), for example, a user supplies power to the image forming apparatus 6.

  In step 102 (S102), the image forming apparatus 6 to which the power is supplied is activated.

  In step 104 (S104), the power supply control unit 72 determines whether a preset condition is satisfied. If the preset condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step 102, and if the preset condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 106.

  In step 106 (S106), the power control unit 72 notifies the print control unit 74 that a preset condition is satisfied. The print control unit 74 determines whether or not raster data is stored in the volatile storage unit 54. If the raster data is stored, the process proceeds to step 108, and if the raster data is not stored. Shifts to step 112.

  In step 108 (S108), the print control unit 74 transmits all raster data in the volatile storage unit 54 to the printing apparatus 10.

  In step 110 (S110), the printing apparatus 10 prints the raster data output from the volatile storage unit 54.

  In step 112 (S112), after the printing by the printing apparatus 10 is completed, the power control unit 72 performs power control with at least power cut-off to the volatile storage unit 54. As a result, the print data stored in the volatile storage unit 54 is printed before it disappears due to power interruption. In addition, since the print data is printed before the power to the volatile storage unit 54 is shut off, the user who instructed printing of the print data is notified before the power is controlled by the power control unit 72 ( Notification of print data disappearing without being printed).

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the control program 76 according to the second embodiment.

  The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the print control unit 74 is changed to a print control unit 78 and the volatile storage unit 54 is changed to a volatile storage unit 80.

  In the first embodiment, the print control unit 74 performs control to transmit all raster data stored in the volatile storage unit 54 to the printing apparatus 10 when a preset condition is satisfied. However, the print control unit 78 of the second embodiment stores the raster data stored in the volatile storage unit 80 in the second area described below when the preset condition is satisfied. Only existing raster data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 10.

  In the volatile storage unit 80, the storage area is divided into a secure area 82 and a non-secure area 84. The secure area (first area) 82 stores print data that requires confidentiality, and is non-secure. The area (second area) 84 stores print data that does not require confidentiality. For example, the volatile storage unit 80 stores raster data that requires user authentication for print output in the secure area (first area) 82 and prints in the non-secure area (second area) 84. Raster data that does not require user authentication is stored in the output.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of print data stored in the volatile storage unit 80.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the print data stored in the volatile storage unit 80 has a data structure in which print attribute information is added to the raster data generated by the rasterization processing unit 70. The print attribute information is information indicating whether or not the print data needs to be kept confidential, and is added to the print data by, for example, a driver provided in the terminal device 8 when the terminal device 8 issues a print instruction. Is done. The print attribute information includes information on a user who has issued a print instruction, password information used for print output, and the like.

  The rasterization processing unit 70 according to the present embodiment stores raster data that requires confidentiality in the secure area 82 based on the print attribute information, and stores non-secure area 84 for raster data that does not require confidentiality. To remember.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation by the control program in the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same operations as those shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 8, the operations from Step 100 to Step 104, Step 110, and Step 112 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted, and Step 200 and Step 202 are described.

  In step 200 (S200), the power control unit 72 notifies the print control unit 78 that a preset condition is satisfied. The print control unit 78 determines whether or not raster data is stored in the volatile storage unit 80. If the raster data is stored, the process proceeds to step 202, and if the raster data is not stored. Shifts to step 112.

  In step 202 (S 202), the print control unit 78 transmits all of the raster data stored in the non-secure area (second area) 84 of the volatile storage unit 80 to the printing apparatus 10.

  In step 112, the power to the volatile storage unit 80 is shut off, and the raster data stored in the secure area (first area) 82 disappears. Thereby, the confidentiality of the raster data stored in the secure area 82 is maintained.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
A block diagram showing a control program 86 according to the third embodiment is expressed as shown in FIG. 9. In the third embodiment, the print control unit 74 is changed to a print control unit 88. Different.

  As in the second embodiment, the print control unit 88 according to the third embodiment is a raster that does not need to maintain confidentiality among raster data stored in the volatile storage unit 54 when a preset condition is satisfied. Only the data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 10.

  However, in the second embodiment, the raster data in the non-secure area among the storage areas of the volatile storage unit 80 divided into the secure area and the non-secure area is printed out. Region division as in the second embodiment is not performed, and only raster data that does not need to be kept secret is printed out.

  In the second embodiment, it is necessary to provide a security area and a non-security area regardless of whether raster data is actually stored in each area. For this reason, there is a possibility that the storage area of the volatile storage unit 80 cannot be used effectively. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the storage area is effectively used without dividing the storage area of the volatile storage unit 54.

  Like the volatile storage unit 80, the volatile storage unit 54 according to the third embodiment stores print data with the data structure shown in FIG. Then, the print control unit 88 determines whether or not the raster data requires confidentiality based on the print attribute information stored together with the raster data stored in the volatile storage unit 54, and maintains the confidentiality. Only raster data that is not required is transmitted to the printing apparatus 10.

  Specifically, the print control unit 88 transmits to the printing apparatus 10 raster data to which information indicating that user authentication is required or print attribute information including password information used for print output is added. Instead, the other raster data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 10.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation by the control program in the third embodiment. In FIG. 10, the same operations as those shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 10, the operations from Step 100 to Step 104 and Step 112 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In step 300 (S300), the power control unit 72 notifies the print control unit 88 that a preset condition is satisfied. The print control unit 88 determines whether or not raster data is stored in the volatile storage unit 54. If the raster data is stored, the printing control unit 88 proceeds to step 302, and if the raster data is not accumulated. Shifts to step 112, and the power-off process is executed.

  In step 302 (S302), the print control unit 88 extracts one of the raster data stored in the volatile storage unit 54.

  In step 304 (S304), the print control unit 88 determines whether print attribute information indicating that user authentication is required is added to the raster data extracted in step 302. If print attribute information indicating that user authentication is required is not added, the process proceeds to step 306, and if added, the process proceeds to step 310.

  In step 306 (S306), the print control unit 88 determines whether print attribute information including password information is added to the raster data extracted in step 302. If print attribute information including password information is not added, the print control unit 88 transmits the raster data to the printing apparatus 10 and proceeds to step 308. If print attribute information including password information is added, the print control unit 88 proceeds to step 310 without transmitting it to the printing apparatus 10.

  In step 308 (S308), the printing apparatus 10 prints the raster data transmitted by the print control unit 88.

  In step 310 (S310), the print control unit 88 deletes the raster data extracted in step 302 from the volatile storage unit 54. Thereafter, the process returns to step 106, and the operations from step 302 to step 310 are repeated until there is no raster data accumulated in the volatile storage unit 54.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming system 90 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, in the fourth embodiment, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, a server 92 is further connected to the network 4.

  The server 92 is configured as a storage device that stores data sent via the network 4.

  In the second and third embodiments, when a preset condition is satisfied, the power to the volatile storage unit is shut off by the control of the power control unit, and the print data that needs to maintain confidentiality is deleted. Is done. In the present embodiment, when a preset condition is satisfied, print data that needs to be kept secret is output to the server 92 and stored in the server 92 so that print data that needs to be kept secret is not deleted. Let

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation by the control program in the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same operations as those shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the control program of the second embodiment is transformed into this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when raster data is stored in the volatile storage unit 80 in step 400 (S400), step 402 is performed.

  In step 402 (S402), the print control unit of the present embodiment transmits the print data in the secure area to the server 92, and proceeds to step 200.

  In FIG. 12, step 402 is described as being performed before step 110 (print execution), but may be performed prior to step 112 (power OFF process execution).

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the case where the control program of the second embodiment is transformed into the present embodiment has been described. However, the control program of the third embodiment can be changed to the present embodiment. In this case, the print control unit extracts the print attribute information including password attribute information or print attribute information indicating that user authentication is required to the raster data extracted in step 302 (see FIG. 10). The print data is transmitted to the server 92.

  As described above, the example of outputting the print data that needs to maintain confidentiality to the server 92 has been described as the description of the fourth embodiment. However, the non-volatile storage device connected to the image forming apparatus 6 is not limited to the server 92. May be output.

2 Image forming system 4 Network 6 Image forming device 8 Terminal device 10 Printing device 54 Volatile memory (RAM)
68 Print Job Accepting Unit 70 Rasterization Processing Unit 72 Power Supply Control Unit 74 Print Control Unit 92 Server

Claims (7)

A volatile storage unit for storing print data;
Printing means for printing the print data;
Power control means for controlling the power to cut off the supply of power to at least the volatile storage unit when a preset condition is satisfied;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a print control unit configured to control the print unit to print the print data stored in the volatile storage unit when the preset condition is satisfied. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit controls the power when printing by the printing unit has not been performed for a predetermined time or longer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit cuts off power supply to the apparatus when the preset condition is satisfied. The volatile storage unit includes a first area in which print data that requires confidentiality is stored and a second area in which print data that does not require confidentiality is stored.
The print control unit controls the print data stored in the second area of the volatile storage unit to be printed by the printing unit when the preset condition is satisfied. The image forming apparatus described. The volatile storage unit stores print data and attribute information indicating an attribute of whether or not confidentiality of the print data is necessary,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control unit controls the print unit to print the print data selected based on the attribute information when the preset condition is satisfied. 5. . The print control means further outputs print data that requires confidentiality protection to a storage device connected to the self apparatus when the preset condition is satisfied. Image forming apparatus. A printing step for printing the print data;
A power control step of controlling the power supply so as to cut off the supply of power to the volatile storage unit in which the print data is stored, when a preset condition is satisfied;
A program that causes a computer to execute a print control step of controlling print data stored in the volatile storage unit to be printed by the printing step when the preset condition is satisfied.

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