JP2013091275A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further reduce power consumption.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 includes saving power adjusting parts 241, 242, 25 for restricting the power consumption in the apparatus after a power-saving transit period passes since processing for a print job is completed. Moreover, the image forming apparatus includes a power-saving transit period switch part 243 for switching the power-saving transit period from the first power-saving transit period into the second power-saving transit period which is shorter than the first power-saving transit period when a power-saving instruction is made while processing the print job.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a power saving mode for suppressing power consumption when a predetermined time has elapsed.

  The image forming apparatus having the power saving mode executes the power saving mode at a timing when a preset time (time for shifting to the power saving mode) has elapsed after execution of the print job.

JP 2009-178855 A

  However, the transition time to the power saving mode is a preset time, and changing this time is permitted only by the administrator of the image forming apparatus or there are many operation procedures necessary for the change. It took time and effort. For this reason, the image forming apparatus used by the general user does not operate in the power saving mode until the set transition time elapses after the execution of the print job is completed.

In particular, when the image forming apparatus is a copier, for example, after the user has copied the original with the copier, that is, after the execution of the print job has been completed by the copier, there is no input of the next new print job, In addition, since the user does not plan to copy the next document, there is a case where the copier in front of the user wants to immediately operate in the power saving mode. However, the copier did not operate in the power saving mode until the set transition time had elapsed.
As described above, the image forming apparatus has a problem in that power is wasted and power consumption is increased until the operation in the power saving mode after the execution of the print job is completed.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that further reduces power consumption.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus including a power consumption adjusting unit that limits power consumption in the apparatus after a power saving transition time has elapsed since the completion of processing of a print job. When a power saving instruction is input during processing of the print job, the power saving transition time is switched from the first power saving transition time to a second power saving transition time shorter than the first power saving transition time. The power saving transition time switching unit is provided.

  For example, by setting the second power saving transition time to “0 second”, the image forming apparatus can be immediately operated in the power saving mode when the processing of the print job is completed. Further, by setting the second power saving transition time to “1 minute”, it is possible to provide a time margin for inputting the next print job.

  The power saving instruction can be input by the user via the operation unit, for example. It can also be input from an external device via a network.

  According to the present invention, power saving is performed by the power consumption adjustment unit when a second power saving transition time (for example, 0 seconds), which is shorter than the first power saving transition time, elapses after the processing of the print job is completed. Therefore, the power consumption can be further reduced.

1 is a diagram showing a system including an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is an external view of a display part and an operation part. It is an example of the 1st power saving transition time waiting screen displayed on a display part. It is an example of the 2nd power saving transition time waiting screen displayed on a display part. 6 is an example of a new print job switching cancel screen displayed on the display unit. 6 is an example of a new print job standby screen displayed on the display unit. 5 is a flowchart of a power saving mode transition processing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart of an interrupt processing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. It is an external view of a display part and an operation part. It is an example of the 1st power saving transition time waiting screen displayed on a display part. It is an example of the 2nd power saving transition time waiting screen displayed on a display part. 6 is an example of a new print job standby screen displayed on the display unit.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each figure is only schematically showing the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the common component and the same component, and those overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system including an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to an external device 3 via a network 2, and the external device 3 receives print data. The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image generated based on the print data on a sheet 5 as a medium to be copied and discharges it.
Further, it has a function as an MFP (Multifunction Printer) having a function of scanning a document (printed material) as a medium and copying it on the paper 5.
Hereinafter, the distance between the position where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed and the position where the external apparatus 3 is installed is short, and the user 4 who operates the external apparatus 3 goes to collect the paper 5 printed by the image forming apparatus 1. The distance is such that it can be removed.
Here, the network 2 is a computer network that is interconnected using an Internet Protocol technology via, for example, a wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network). In addition to the LAN, ZigBee (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 (MFP) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a display unit 61 and an operation unit 62, a print job output unit 21 (external connection unit 211, fax unit 212, scanner unit 213), print control unit 22, image A printing unit 23 as a forming unit, a power saving control unit 24 (a power saving transition processing unit 241, a power saving transition determining unit 242, a power saving transition time switching unit 243, a printing time calculating unit 244, a second power saving transition time setting unit 245), A power management unit 25, a timer unit 26, a storage unit 27 (first power saving transition time T1, second power saving transition time T2, job end time Te), and a power source unit 28 are provided.
Here, the power saving control unit 241, the power saving transition determination unit 242, and the power management unit 25 have a function as the power consumption adjustment unit 29.

(Print Job Output Unit 21)
The print job output unit 21 is a component that outputs a print job to the print control unit 22, and includes an external connection unit 211, a fax unit 212, and a scanner unit 213.
The external connection unit 211 is an I / F (interface) connected to the network 2, is connected to the external device 3 via the network 2, and transmits / receives data to / from the external device 3. The external connection unit 211 outputs the print instruction received from the external device 3 and a print job including document data or image data to the print control unit 22.
The fax unit 212 is a facsimile, for example, and generates a FAX job (print job) from data received via a telephone line and outputs the FAX job (print job) to the print control unit 22.
The scanner unit 213 is, for example, a scanner, generates image data by reading a surface image of a medium placed on a reading table or using an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and performs a copy job. (Print job) is generated and output to the print control unit 22.

(Power supply unit 28)
The power supply unit 28 is a component that is connected to a commercial power supply and supplies power to each unit in the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the power supply unit 28 is controlled by the power management unit 25 to limit the power supply destination or reduce the amount of power supply.
The heating member 124 (FIG. 3) of the fixing device 123 (FIG. 3), which will be described later, is preferably maintained at a predetermined temperature by the standby power supplied from the power supply unit 28. For example, in the power saving mode, the power supply unit 13 is controlled by the power supply management unit 25 to reduce the power supplied to the fixing device 123 (heating member 124) or to shut off the backlight of the display unit 61. It works to switch to the power saving state.

(Power management unit 25)
The power management unit 25 controls the power supply unit 28 according to the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to control the amount of power supplied to each component. For example, in response to an operation mode switching instruction (from normal mode to power saving mode) from the power saving transition processing unit 241 to be described later, the power supply unit 28 is controlled so as to reduce the power consumption of the entire image forming apparatus 1. The supply power amount is controlled by limiting the supply destination or reducing the supply power amount. For example, in the power saving mode, the power management unit 25 reduces the amount of power supplied to the fixing device 123 that is the heating member 124. In this power saving mode, when a print job is input, the heating member 124 is supplied with power that is maintained at a constant temperature so that the fixing device 123 reaches a temperature necessary for printing in a short time. Is done.

(Printer 23)
The printing unit 23 uses the power supplied from the power supply unit 28 to drive the various rollers and belts shown in FIG. 3, or to heat the paper 5 using a heater as the heating member 124, and to the paper cassette 117. The placed paper 5 is conveyed, an image is formed (printed) on the paper 5, and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 129.

FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram of the printing unit 23 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a printing unit 23 is a tandem color printing apparatus using an electrophotographic system, and is a four-color developing device 102 (102K, 102Y, 102M, 102C) and an LED head 103 (103K) as four exposure means. , 103Y, 103M, 103C), the transfer roller 111 (111K, 111Y, 111M, 111C), the fixing device 123, a paper cassette 117 as a paper feed unit, a transport unit including the transfer belt 114, and a stacker (discharge). Paper tray) 129, transfer belt cleaning blade 115, and transfer belt cleaner container 116.
The toner cartridges 104 (104K, 104Y, 104M, and 104C) are detachable from the developing units 102 (102K, 102Y, 102M, and 102C), respectively, so that the toner inside can be supplied into the developing unit.

  The developing unit 102 (102K, 102Y, 102M, 102C) includes a photosensitive drum 109 (109K, 109Y, 109M, 109C) as an image carrier and a charging roller 105 (105K, 105Y, 105M) as a charging unit. 105C), a developing roller 107 (107K, 107Y, 107M, 107C) as a developer carrier, a supply roller 106 (106K, 106Y, 106M, 106C) as a developer supply means, and a thin layer forming means Development blades 108 (108K, 108Y, 108M, 108C) and cleaning blades 110 (110K, 110Y, 110M, 110C). In the drawing, only the photosensitive drum 109K, the charging roller 105K, the developing roller 107K, the developing blade 108K, and the cleaning blade 110K are shown. Each roller is disposed in a direction in which the axis is perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the paper 5 and parallel to the conveyance surface.

  The photosensitive drum 109 is uniformly charged to the negative electrode by the charging roller 105. The charged photosensitive drum 109 is discharged by the light emission / irradiation of the LED head 103 to discharge the irradiated portion, and an electrostatic latent image is formed.

  On the other hand, the supply roller 106 charges toner as a developer inside the toner cartridge 104 and supplies the charged toner to the development roller 107. The developing blade 108 thins the toner supplied to the developing roller 107 and forms a uniform toner layer on the surface of the developing roller 107. As the toner moves from the developing roller 107 on the photosensitive drum 109, the electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image (developer image). The cleaning blade 110 is a mechanism for cleaning the residual toner after transfer.

  The transfer rollers 111 (111K, 111Y, 111M, 111C) are arranged so that a bias voltage can be applied from the back surface of the transfer belt 114 to the transfer position. The transfer belt driving roller 112 and the transfer belt driven roller 113 stretch the transfer belt 114 and can convey the sheet 5 by driving the rollers. The transfer roller 111 transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 109 to a medium.

  The transfer belt cleaning blade 115 can scrape off the toner on the transfer belt 114, and the toner scraped off by the transfer belt cleaning blade 115 is stored in the transfer belt cleaner container 116.

  The paper cassette 117 is detachably attached to the printing unit 23 and loaded with paper 5. The paper feed roller 118 feeds the paper 5 as a transfer medium from the paper cassette 117 and conveys it along the paper guide 119. The registration rollers 120 and 121 abut the sheet 5 in the stopped state, drive the registration rollers 120 and 121 at a predetermined timing after skew correction, and convey the sheet 5 to the transfer belt 114. The paper detection sensor 122 detects the passage of the paper 5 in contact or non-contact.

  The fixing device 123 includes a heating member 124 and a pressure-bonding member 125. A power source is applied to the heating member 124, and a heater as the heating member 124 is heated. The toner image transferred onto the paper 5 is fixed on the paper 5 by heat and pressure. The heating member 124 and the crimping member 125 are brought into pressure contact with each other to form a nip portion. The printing unit 23 conveys the sheet 5 along the sheet guide 128 by the discharge rollers 126 and 127 and discharges the sheet 5 to the sheet discharge tray 129 face down.

Returning again to FIG.
(Print Control Unit 22)
The print control unit 22 processes the print job and controls the printing unit 23 to form an image on the paper 5. Here, the print job is a job including a print instruction and image data received from the external device 3 via the external connection unit 211. Here, the print job includes a copy job for printing a copy of the recording medium read by the scanner unit 213 on the sheet 5 and a FAX job for printing the FAX received by the fax unit 212 via the telephone line on the sheet 5. To do.
Further, the print control unit 22 outputs a notification regarding the print job to the power saving transition determination unit 242. In the first embodiment, the print control unit 22 outputs a new job input notification when a new print job is acquired (input). When a print job is executed and processing is started, a job start notification is output. Further, when the processing of the print job is completed, a job end notification is output.

(Display unit 61, operation unit 62)
FIG. 4 shows an example of the appearance of the operation unit 62 and the display unit 61. The display unit 61 is a component that displays information visible to the user 4, and is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a display. The operation unit 62 is a component that receives an instruction from the user 4. For example, the display unit 61 and the operation unit 62 may be a touch panel that has both a display function such as an LCD and a position input function such as a touch pad.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operation unit 62 includes a copy key 621, a scan key 622, a print key 623, a fax key 624, a power saving key 625, an up / down / left / right selectable direction selection key 626, a color A copy selection key 627, a monochrome copy selection key 628, and numeric keys 629 for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies are provided. The display unit 61 includes an LCD screen.

The copy key 621 is a button for driving the scanner unit 213 to generate a copy job (print job) and printing (copying) on the paper 5 using the printing unit 23.
The power saving key 625 is a button for inputting a power saving transition instruction. When the user 4 presses the power saving key 625 during execution of the print job, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 described later executes an interrupt process.
The numeric key 629 is also a button for inputting time. Before the power saving key 625 is pressed, a second power saving transition time T2, which will be described later, is input together with a power saving transition instruction by inputting a time from the numeric key 629. For example, by inputting “0”, the second power saving transition time T2 becomes “0 seconds”.

Returning again to FIG.
(Timer part 26)
The timer unit 26 acquires the current time.

(Storage unit 27)
The storage unit 27 stores a preset first power saving transition time T1, a second power saving transition time T2 that can be set by the user 4 via the operation unit 62, and a job end time Te. The storage unit 27 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disc Drive).

The job end time Te is time information based on the job end notification output by the print control unit 22.
The first power saving transition time T1 is a time set in advance by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, when “600 seconds” is set, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a process of switching to the power saving mode 10 minutes after the end of printing.
The second power saving transition time T2 is set when the user 4 inputs time via the operation unit 62 and presses the power saving key 625 during printing (the image forming apparatus 1 is processing a print job) ( Time (stored in the storage unit 27). For example, when “0 seconds” is set as the second power saving transition time T2, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a process of switching to the power saving mode immediately after the end of printing (0 seconds).

(Power saving control unit 24)
The power saving control unit 24 includes a power saving transition processing unit 241, a power saving transition determination unit 242, a power saving transition time switching unit 243, a printing time calculation unit 244, and a second power saving transition time setting unit 245. The power saving control unit 24 functions as a control unit, and includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The function of each component as a control unit is realized by the CPU developing and executing a program stored in a storage unit (not shown).

(Power saving transition processing unit 241)
The power saving transition processing unit 241 is a processing unit that causes each component of the image forming apparatus 1 to execute processing based on the operation mode (power saving mode, normal mode). For example, when the power saving transition determination unit 242 instructs to switch from the normal mode to the power saving mode, the power saving transition processing unit 241 outputs an operation mode switching instruction (from the normal mode to the power saving mode) to the power management unit 25. Thus, the power management unit 25 performs processing in the power saving mode.

(Power saving transition determination unit 242)
The power saving transition determination unit 242 performs transition determination of the operation mode (normal mode, power saving mode) according to the notification acquired from the print control unit 22, and shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode, or the power saving mode. The power saving transition processing unit 241 is a component that instructs the transition from the normal mode to the normal mode.
The power saving transition determination unit 242 acquires the current time from the timer unit 26, further acquires the previous job end time Te from the storage unit 27, and calculates the elapsed time from the previous job end time Te. Then, the elapsed time is compared with the power saving transition time switched to the power saving transition time switching unit 243 (the first power saving transition time T1 or the second power saving transition time T2). If the elapsed time exceeds the power saving transition time, the power saving transition processing unit 241 is caused to perform processing for shifting to the power saving mode.
Further, the power saving transition determination unit 242 extracts the job end time Te from the job end notification acquired from the print control unit 22 and stores the job end time Te in the storage unit 27.

(Power saving transition time switching unit 243)
The power saving transition time switching unit 243 is interrupted in response to an instruction from the operation unit 62 (a power saving key 625 is pressed) during execution of a print job or in response to a new job input notification acquired from the print control unit 22. It is a component that performs processing and switches the power saving transition time in the power saving mode to one of the first power saving transition time T1 and the second power saving transition time T2. Then, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 causes the display unit 61 to display a screen indicating that the power saving transition time has been switched.
For example, the first power saving transition time T1 is set to a long time (eg, “600 seconds (10 minutes)), and the second power saving transition time T2 is set to a short time (eg,“ 0 seconds ”). Suppose that

<Pattern 1-1>
When a print job is input, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 sets the power saving transition time to the first power saving transition time T1, and the first power saving transition time standby screen shown in FIG. 61a is displayed.

<Pattern 1-2>
In addition, when the power saving transition time is the first power saving transition time T1, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 uses the power saving key 625 in the operation unit 62 (via the power saving transition determination unit 242) during execution of the print job. Is pressed, interrupt processing is performed, and the power saving transition time in the power saving mode is switched from the first power saving transition time T1 (10 minutes) to the second power saving transition time T2 (0 seconds). Then, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 causes the display unit 61 to display the second power saving transition time waiting screen 61b shown in FIG.

<Pattern 1-3>
In addition, when the power saving transition time is the second power saving transition time T2, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 uses the power saving key 625 in the operation unit 62 (via the power saving transition determination unit 242) during execution of the print job. Is pressed, interrupt processing is performed, and the power saving transition time in the power saving mode is switched from the second power saving transition time T2 (0 minutes) to the first power saving transition time T1 (10 minutes). Then, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 causes the display unit 61 to display the first power saving transition time waiting screen 61a shown in FIG.

<Pattern 1-4>
In addition, when the power saving transition time is the second power saving transition time T2, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 performs a new job (via the print control unit 22) (new job input notification) during execution of the print job. In response to the acquisition, the interruption process is performed, and the power saving transition time in the power saving mode is switched from the second power saving transition time T2 (0 minutes) to the first power saving transition time T1 (10 minutes). Then, switching to the second power saving transition time T2 (0 minutes) in the power saving mode is prohibited. Then, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 causes the display unit 61 to display a new print job switching cancel screen 61c shown in FIG.

<Pattern 1-5>
In addition, when the power saving transition time is the first power saving transition time T1, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 performs a new job (via the print control unit 22) (new job input notification) while the print job is being executed. In response to the acquisition of, interrupt processing is performed, and switching to the second power saving transition time T2 (0 minutes) in the power saving mode is prohibited. Then, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 causes the display unit 61 to display a new print job standby screen 61d shown in FIG.

  Here, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 determines whether or not the print control unit 22 is executing a print job, using the estimated print time calculated by the print time calculation unit 244. The power saving transition time switching unit 243 extracts the time from the job start notification acquired via the power saving transition determination unit 242, and the power saving key 625 is pressed until the estimated printing time elapses from that time (print start time). It is determined whether or not.

(Printing time calculation unit 244)
The print time calculation unit 244 calculates a time (estimated print time) that is expected to be completed until the processing of the print job is completed from the designated number of prints included in the print job and the print speed unique to the image forming apparatus 1. To do. In the first embodiment, the printing time calculation unit 244 calculates the estimated printing time by multiplying the designated number of prints and the printing speed. The power saving transition time switching unit 243 also displays the estimated printing time calculated by the printing time calculation unit 244 on the screen when the display unit 61 displays a screen informing that the power saving transition time has been switched.
Here, the designated number of prints is a number obtained by multiplying the number of original pages included in the print job received from the external device 3 by the number of copies. If the print job is a copy job, the number of pages of the document placed on the reading table (the number of times the image forming apparatus 1 has read the document placed on the reading table) and an input via the operation unit 62 are input. The number of printed copies is multiplied by the number of printed copies. This designated number of prints is a number that matches the number of sheets 5 to be used by executing a print job when single-sided printing of the sheet 5 is performed.
For example, the display unit 61 displays the remaining processing time [seconds] per copy, the number of remaining copies, and the remaining number of copies per copy. Here, the remaining processing time can be obtained by the following calculation formula. If the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 1 is 20 [sheets / minute], the remaining processing time [seconds] = specified number of copies to be printed × number of sheets per copy / 20 [sheets / minute] × 60 [seconds].

(Second power saving transition time setting unit 245)
The second power saving transition time setting unit 245 displays a screen for setting the second power saving transition time T2 on the display unit 61 in accordance with the input from the operation unit 62, and further, the input from the operation unit 62 according to the instruction of the screen The stored data (time data) is stored in the storage unit 27 as the second power saving transition time T2.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 having the above configuration, when the user 4 presses the power saving key 625 of the operation unit 62 during printing, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 executes an interruption process, Switching from the first power saving transition time T1 to the second power saving transition time T2. As a result, when the second power saving transition time T2 (for example, 0 seconds) elapses, the power saving transition determination unit 242 outputs an instruction to shift from the normal mode to the power saving mode to the power saving transition processing unit 241 to shift to power saving. The processing unit 241 outputs an operation mode switching instruction (from the normal mode to the power saving mode) to the power management unit 25. As a result, power saving of the image forming apparatus 1 is performed immediately after the end of printing (in 0 seconds), so that the power consumption can be further reduced as compared with the conventional image forming apparatus.

  In addition, by pressing the power saving key 625 to switch the power saving transition time from the first power saving transition time T1 to the second power saving transition time T2, the power saving key 625 is pressed again to change the power saving transition time to the first. It can return to power saving transition time T1. As a result, when the user (user a) first presses the power saving key 625 and another user (user b) uses the image forming apparatus 1, the power is saved immediately after printing is completed (in 0 seconds). It is possible to prevent the user b from being forced to wait for warm-up to return the image forming apparatus 1 that has started operating in the mode to the normal mode again.

[Power saving mode transition processing operation]
Next, the power saving mode transition processing operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 9 (refer to FIGS. 1 to 8 as appropriate). As an example, a case where the user 4 copies an original using the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The user 4 places a document on the reading table and presses the copy key 621 of the operation unit 62.

  First, the print control unit 22 acquires and executes a print job from the print job output unit 21 (scanner unit 213) (step S101). Then, the print control unit 22 outputs a job start notification to the power saving transition determination unit 242. The power saving transition determination unit 242 starts the power saving mode transition process when the job start notification is acquired (step S102). First, the power saving transition determination unit 242 causes the power saving transition time switching unit 243 and the printing time calculation unit 244 to perform processing.

The power saving transition time switching unit 243 sets the power saving transition time to the first power saving transition time T1, and causes the display unit 61 to display the initial first power saving transition time waiting screen 61a (FIG. 5) (step S103).
Then, the print time calculation unit 244 calculates an estimated print time from the designated number of prints included in the print job and the print speed unique to the image forming apparatus 1 (step S104).

  The power saving transition determination unit 242 passes the estimated printing time from the time when the job start notification is acquired (that is, the time when the print control unit 22 executes the print job) without pressing the power saving key 625 of the operation unit 62. It is determined whether or not (step S105).

  When the power saving key 625 is pressed before the estimated printing time elapses (No in step S105), the power saving transition time switching unit 243 executes an interrupt process described later in order to immediately shift to the power saving mode (step S105). S200).

  On the other hand, when the estimated printing time is reached without the power saving key 625 being pressed (step S105, Yes), the power saving transition determination unit 242 acquires the current time from the timer unit 26 and stores it as “job end time Te” as a storage unit. 27 (step S106). Then, the power saving transition determination unit 242 acquires the power saving transition time (first power saving transition time T1) from the storage unit 27 (step S107).

  Thereafter, the power saving transition determination unit 242 determines whether or not the first power saving transition time T1 has elapsed without inputting a new print job from the current time (job end time Te) acquired in step S106. (Step S108). At this time, the power saving transition determination unit 242 determines that a new print job has been input by acquiring a new job input notification from the print control unit 22.

  When a new job input notification is acquired before the first power saving transition time T1 has passed (step S108, No), the power saving transition time switching unit 243 displays a new print job standby screen 61d (FIG. 8) on the display unit 61. (Step S109), and return to Step S103.

  On the other hand, when the first power saving transition time T1 has elapsed without a new print job being input (step S108, Yes), the power saving transition determination unit 242 performs a process of shifting to the power saving transition processing unit 241 to the power saving mode. (Step S110). The power saving transition processing unit 241 performs processing for switching each component of the image forming apparatus 1 including the power management unit 25 from the normal mode to the power saving mode. As a result, the power management unit 25 switches from the normal mode to the power saving mode, and the image forming apparatus 1 starts operating in the power saving mode (step S111).

<Interrupt processing>
Next, the interruption process (step S200) executed by the power saving transition time switching unit 243 will be described with reference to FIG.
When the power saving key 625 is pressed (No in step S105 in FIG. 9), the power saving transition time switching unit 243 executes an interrupt process (step S200), and the power saving transition time is set to the first power saving transition time T1 (10 Minutes) to the second power saving transition time T2 (0 minutes) (step S201), and the display unit 61 displays the second power saving transition time standby screen 61b (FIG. 6) (step S202).
Then, the power saving transition determination unit 242 performs the estimated printing without pressing the power saving key 625 of the operation unit 62 again from the time when the job start notification is acquired (that is, the time when the print control unit 22 executes the print job). It is determined whether time has passed (step S203).

When the power saving key 625 is pressed again before the estimated printing time elapses (No in step S203), the power saving transition time switching unit 243 sets the power saving transition time from the second power saving transition time T2 (0 minute) to the first. It switches to power saving transition time T1 (10 minutes) (step S204), and displays the first power saving transition time waiting screen 61a (FIG. 5) on the display unit 61 (step S205).
Then, the power saving transition determination unit 242 acquires the current time from the timer unit 26 and stores it in the storage unit 27 as “job end time Te” (step S206). Then, the power saving transition determination unit 242 acquires the power saving transition time (first power saving transition time T1) from the storage unit 27 (step S207). Thereafter, the power saving transition determination unit 242 performs the process of step S108 (FIG. 9).

  On the other hand, when the estimated printing time is reached without pressing the power saving key 625 (step S203, Yes), the power saving transition determination unit 242 acquires the current time from the timer unit 26 and stores it as “job end time Te” as a storage unit. 27 (step S208). Then, the power saving transition determination unit 242 acquires the power saving transition time (second power saving transition time T2) from the storage unit 27 (step S209).

  Thereafter, the power saving transition determination unit 242 determines whether or not the second power saving transition time T2 has elapsed without inputting a new print job from the current time (job end time Te) acquired in step S105. (Step S210).

  When a new job input notification is acquired before the second power saving transition time T2 has elapsed (step S210, No), the power saving transition time switching unit 243 sets the power saving transition time from the second power saving transition time T2 (0 minutes). Switching to the first power saving transition time T1 (10 minutes) (step S211), the new print job switching cancel screen 61c (FIG. 7) is displayed on the display unit 61 (step S212), and the process returns to step S103 (FIG. 9).

  On the other hand, when the second power saving transition time T2 has elapsed without a new print job being input (step S210, Yes), the power saving transition time switching unit 243 ends the interrupt process (step S200), and FIG. Return to. Then, the power saving transition determination unit 242 causes the power saving transition processing unit 241 to perform processing for shifting to the power saving mode (step S110). Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 1 starts operating in the power saving mode (step S111), and the image forming apparatus 1 ends the power saving mode transition processing operation.

[Second Embodiment]
The image forming apparatus 1 </ b> A according to the second embodiment turns on the backlight 611 included in the display unit 61 </ b> A to indicate that it is operating in the normal mode, and turns off the backlight 611 to turn it off in the power saving mode. A function of notifying the user 4 that the vehicle is in operation is provided. Since other functions are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment is not illustrated because only the display 61A of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment and the power saving transition time switching unit 243 are partially different. A description will be given with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, for convenience, they are referred to as a display unit 61A and a power saving transition time switching unit 243A.
The display unit 61A includes a backlight 611. The display unit 61A turns on / off the backlight 611 in response to an instruction to turn on or turn off the backlight 611 from the power saving transition time switching unit 243A.
Here, when the backlight 611 of the display unit 61A is turned on, it indicates that the power saving transition time is the “first power saving transition time T1”, while when the backlight 611 is turned off, the power saving transition time. Indicates “second power saving transition time T2”.

The power saving transition time switching unit 243A instructs the display unit 61A to turn on or turn off the backlight 611 at the same time when the display unit 61A displays a screen indicating that the power saving transition time has been switched.
The power saving transition time switching unit 243A switches the backlight 611 to the display unit 61A when the power saving transition time in the power saving mode is switched from the first power saving transition time T1 (10 minutes) to the second power saving transition time T2 (0 minutes). Instruct to turn off.
The power saving transition time switching unit 243A returns to the display unit 61A when the power saving transition time in the power saving mode is switched from the second power saving transition time T2 (0 minutes) to the first power saving transition time T1 (10 minutes). An instruction to turn on the light 611 is given.

With the above configuration, the following problem that may occur in the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment can be solved.
For example, during processing of a print job, after the user 4 presses the power saving key 625 (switched to the second power saving transition time T2), a new print job is input (switched to the first power saving transition time T1). However, when the user 4 presses the power saving key 625 again for the purpose of canceling, the power saving transition time becomes “second power saving transition time T2”. Therefore, if the second power saving transition time T2 is “0 minutes”, for example, after the processing of the print job is completed, the image forming apparatus 1 operates in the power saving mode, and the user 4 resumes normal operation from the power saving mode again. You will be forced to wait for warm-up to return to mode.
However, according to the image forming apparatus 1A of the second embodiment, the time until the operation mode is switched from the normal mode to the power saving mode can be confirmed by turning on / off the backlight 611 of the display unit 61A. Therefore, when the power saving key 625 is pressed, it can be confirmed at a glance and operation mistakes can be reduced.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications.
The image forming apparatus 1 (1A) according to the first and second embodiments is, for example, an electrophotographic recording type printer, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or an MFP (Multifunction Printer). Any type of image forming apparatus may be used.

The image forming apparatus 1 (1A) according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment may include a user authentication unit. The user authentication unit includes a reading unit that reads user information, and an authentication unit that authenticates the read user information and user information included in the print job.
The reading unit reads user information stored in the medium, for example, when the user 4 passes a medium such as an IC card or a USB memory through a card reader or connects to a USB connection I / F. Here, the operation unit 62 may be used for inputting user information. Thereby, the user 4 inputs user information via the operation unit 62, whereby the reading unit can acquire (read) the user information from the operation unit 62.

The authentication unit executes authentication processing when user information is included in the print job. Hereinafter, for convenience, user information included in a print job is referred to as job user information.
First, the authentication unit prompts the user 4 to input user information. When the user 4 connects the USB memory to the USB connection I / F, the authentication unit reads user information stored in the USB memory. Hereinafter, for convenience, the user information stored in the medium is referred to as medium user information.
Thereafter, the authentication unit authenticates the job user information and the medium user information, and determines whether or not they are the same user 4.

  In the first embodiment, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 is a processing unit (first power saving unit) that performs an interrupt process in response to an instruction from the operation unit 62 (a power saving key 625 is pressed) during execution of a print job. The transition time switching unit 243) and a processing unit (second power saving transition time switching unit 243) that performs interrupt processing in response to a new job input notification acquired from the print control unit 22 during execution of a print job may be shared. I do not care. By sharing, the first power saving transition time switching unit 243 performs the processes of the above-described patterns 1-1 to 1-3, and the second power saving transition time switching unit 243 is configured to perform pattern 1-4 and pattern 1 Process -5 is performed. Such independent processing can reduce the waiting time for processing such as when a new job input notification is acquired immediately after the power saving key 625 is pressed.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the operation unit 62 includes the power saving key 625 as a dedicated key for inputting a power saving transition instruction, but other keys are used instead of the power saving key 625. May be. For example, the direction selection key 626 can select up, down, left, and right, and when the left direction key is pressed, a power saving transition instruction is input.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the operation unit 62 may include a cancel key 630 as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. The cancel key 630 is a button for canceling the action after the power saving key 625 is pressed. That is, by pressing the power saving key 625, an instruction to switch from the first power saving transition time T1 (10 minutes) to the second power saving transition time T2 (0 minutes) is output to the power saving transition time switching unit 243A. By pressing the cancel key 630, an instruction to switch again from the second power saving transition time T2 (0 minutes) to the first power saving transition time T1 (10 minutes) is output to the power saving transition time switching unit 243A.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the appearance of the operation unit 62 and the display unit 61 (61 </ b> A) including the cancel key 630, in which the left direction key of the direction selection key 626 is the power saving key 625.
As shown in FIG. 12, in the case of the image forming apparatus 1 (1A) including the display unit 61 that has a small LCD screen and cannot display notifications to the user 4 shown in FIGS. The first power saving transition time standby screen 61e shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. The display unit 61 displays the characters “Printing” on the screen and lights the backlight 611 (corresponding to the first power saving transition time standby screen 61a in the first embodiment). Thereafter, when the power saving key 625 is pressed during execution of the print job (the power saving transition time is switched from the first power saving transition time T1 to the second power saving transition time T2), the second power saving transition time standby screen 61f shown in FIG. Is displayed. The display unit 61 turns off the backlight 611 (61f) (corresponding to the second power saving transition time standby screen 61b in the first embodiment). When the power saving key 625 is pressed again or the cancel key 630 is pressed (the power saving transition time is switched from the second power saving transition time T2 to the first power saving transition time T1), a new print job shown in FIG. The standby screen 61g is displayed. The display unit 61 displays the characters “Printing (existed next job)” on the screen and turns on the backlight 611 (61g) (new print job switch cancel screen 61c and new print job standby screen in the first embodiment). 61d). The image forming apparatus 1 (1A) of the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be configured to perform such processing.

In the first and second embodiments, the user 4 pressing the power saving key 625 during execution of a print job is a trigger for the power saving transition time switching unit 243 to execute an interrupt process. . This trigger may be predetermined data (power saving request data) input from the external device 3 to the external connection unit 211 via the network 2. For example, after the user 4 transmits a print job from the external apparatus 3 to the image forming apparatus 1 (1A) via the network 2, the user 4 presses the power saving key 625 from the external apparatus 3 via the network 2. The power saving request data indicating is transmitted. The image forming apparatus 1 (1A) that has received the power saving request data may perform processing assuming that the power saving key 625 is pressed. As a result, when the external connection unit 211 receives the power saving request data during execution of the print job, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 becomes a trigger for executing the interrupt process.
Similarly, cancel request data indicating that the user 4 presses the cancel key 630 from the external device 3 via the network 2 may be transmitted. As a result, when the external connection unit 211 receives the cancel request data during execution of the print job, the power saving transition time switching unit 243 serves as a trigger for executing processing as the cancel key 630 is pressed.

1,1A Image forming device 2 Network 5 Paper (Copy medium)
21 Print Job Output Unit 22 Print Control Unit 23 Print Unit (Image Forming Unit)
24 Power Saving Control Unit 25 Power Management Unit (Power Consumption Adjustment Unit)
26 Timer section 27 Storage section 28 Power supply section 29 Power consumption adjustment section 61, 61A Display section 62 Operation section 211 External connection section 212 Fax section 213 Scanner section 241 Power saving transition processing section (power consumption adjustment section)
242 Power saving transition determination unit (power consumption adjustment unit)
243, 243A Power saving transition time switching unit 244 Printing time calculation unit 245 Second power saving transition time setting unit 611 Backlight 625 Power saving key 630 Cancel key T1 First power saving transition time T2 Second power saving transition time Te Job end time

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus including a power consumption adjusting unit that limits power consumption in the apparatus after a power saving transition time has elapsed since the completion of processing of a print job,
When a power saving instruction is input during processing of the print job, the power saving transition time is switched from the first power saving transition time to the second power saving transition time shorter than the first power saving transition time. An image forming apparatus comprising:   The power saving transition time switching unit switches the power saving transition time to the first power saving transition time when a new print job or a cancel instruction is input after switching the power saving transition time to the second power saving transition time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is returned. An operation unit that is operated by a user to input the power saving instruction and the cancel instruction;
A scanner unit that reads a surface image of a medium and generates image data when the operation unit inputs a print job execution instruction;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an image forming unit that processes the print job including the image data and forms an image of the image data on a copy medium. A display unit for displaying information;
The power saving transition time switching unit displays information indicating the current power saving transition time on the display unit every time the power saving transition time is switched to the first power saving transition time or the second power saving transition time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. A storage unit for storing the first power saving transition time and the second power saving transition time;
The power saving transition time switching unit acquires the first power saving transition time or the second power saving transition time from the storage unit according to the power saving instruction, and provides the first power saving transition time to the power consumption adjustment unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second power saving transition time is a time input together with the power saving instruction.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the new print job is a print job transmitted from an external apparatus via a network.

Images