JP2015197529A - image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus configured to properly select and set normal mode or slow mode.SOLUTION: When it is determined that a distance between a transmission source of a print job and an MFP is beyond a predetermined distance, it is apparently takes a certain time for a user to acquire a printed matter. An image is formed at a low fixing temperature and at a low image-forming speed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a printer having a low speed mode is known. In this image forming apparatus, the low speed mode and the normal mode are selectively set. The low speed mode is a mode in which an operation speed is reduced as compared with the normal mode and an image is formed on a sheet.

  In the low speed mode, the paper is conveyed at a low speed. Therefore, the occurrence rate of paper jam can be kept low. Further, in the case of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the fixing temperature can be lowered in the low speed mode as compared with the normal mode, so that power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, since the motor that drives the polygon mirror is rotated at a low speed, the motor noise that causes noise can be reduced.

JP 2007-33569 A

  On the other hand, the low-speed mode has a drawback that it takes time until the user can obtain a printed material (paper on which an image is formed).

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can be set by appropriately switching between a normal mode and a low speed mode.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a receiving unit that receives an instruction to execute a print job, and a control unit. When a print job execution instruction is input via the reception unit, the distance acquisition process for acquiring the distance from the transmission source of the instruction and the distance acquired by the distance acquisition process are greater than or equal to a predetermined value. An image is formed on a sheet conveyed at a normal speed using the image forming unit when it is determined that the distance is not greater than or equal to the predetermined value by the determination process for determining whether or not there is When the normal printing process for executing a print job in the normal mode and the determination process determines that the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the image forming unit is used to set a lower fixing temperature than the normal mode. Having a low-speed printing process which executes the print job in the low-speed mode for forming an image on a sheet conveyed at a lower lower speed than the normal speed.

  According to this configuration, when it is determined that the distance between the print job transmission source and the image forming apparatus is outside the predetermined distance, it is clear that it takes a considerable time until the user acquires the printed matter. By performing image formation under the conditions of low fixing temperature and low image formation speed, it is possible to save energy without being affected by the demerits of the low-speed mode (it takes time to obtain printed matter). Can be achieved.

  When the transmission source is a computer connected to a network in the distance acquisition process, the control unit acquires a distance from the computer based on the IP address of the computer. Also good.

  In the image forming apparatus, the control unit may acquire the distance to the transmission source based on information on the position of the transmission source included in the print job in the distance acquisition process.

  In the image forming apparatus, the control unit corrects the distance acquired by the distance acquisition process using the information regarding the print amount included in the print job in the determination process, and the corrected distance is the predetermined distance. It may be determined whether or not it is greater than or equal to the value.

  An image forming apparatus, further comprising a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of a fixing device included in the image forming unit, wherein the control unit detects a temperature detected by the temperature detection unit higher than a fixing temperature in the low speed mode. When the temperature is close to the fixing temperature in the normal mode, a print job may be executed in the normal mode even if the distance is determined to be greater than or equal to the predetermined value by the determination processing.

  Even when it is determined that the distance between the print job transmission source and the position of the image forming apparatus is outside the predetermined distance, if the detected temperature is close to the fixing temperature in the normal mode, the image is formed at a low fixing temperature. There are few benefits. Therefore, when the detected temperature is close to the fixing temperature in the normal mode, an energy saving effect can be obtained by executing the print job as it is.

  The image forming apparatus may further include a display unit, and the control unit may further include a non-lighting process for setting the display unit to a non-lighting state when the print job is executed in the low speed mode. Good.

  According to the present invention, the normal mode and the low speed mode can be appropriately switched and set.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system including an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the MFP as seen from the upper left front side. It is sectional drawing which shows notionally the structure of an image process part. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the MFP. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of printing processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 1st mode setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 2nd mode setting process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Overview of printing system>

  The printing system 1 includes an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) 2 and a server 3 as shown in FIG. The MFP 2 and the server 3 are connected to be communicable with each other via the Internet 4 as an example of a network.

  The MFP 2 and the server 3 can be accessed via the Internet 4 from a PC (Personal Computer) 5 as an example of a computer. The MFP 2 can be accessed from a PC (Personal Computer) 5 via a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN. The server 3 can be accessed from a mobile terminal 6 such as a mobile phone via a public telephone line network or a wireless LAN.

  The server 3 is a server that provides a download service for transmitting a file stored in the memory to the MFP 2 via the Internet 4.

  When using the download service, the user accesses the website provided by the server 3 from the PC 5 or the mobile terminal 6. When the website is accessed, a login screen is displayed on the display of the accessed PC 5 or portable terminal 6. When the user ID and the login password are input on this login screen, the server 3 authenticates the user ID and the login password. If the authentication is successful, a list of printable files is displayed on the display of the accessed PC 5 or portable terminal 6. When one or a plurality of files are selected and the execution thereof is instructed, a print job relating to execution of printing of the files is transmitted from the server 3 to the MFP 2. When the MFP 2 receives the print job, the MFP 2 prints a file (image data) included in the print job. The above operation is merely an example, and may be changed as appropriate.

  Further, in the MFP 2, a file can be downloaded from the server 3 to the MFP 2 and printed by the user performing the same operation as described above using the display unit 50 and the operation unit 60 (see FIG. 2). it can.

  The user can also operate the PC 5 to transmit a print job from the PC 5 to the MFP 2.

<Mechanical configuration of MFP>

  As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 2 as an example of the image forming apparatus includes a printer main body 21, a scanner main body 22, and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 23.

  In the following description, the up / down, left / right, and front / rear directions defined when the MFP 2 placed on a plane is viewed from the side where an operation panel 26 (described later) is provided are used.

  In the printer main body 21, an image forming unit 30 shown in FIG. The image forming unit 30 performs printing (color printing or monochrome printing) based on image data by an electrophotographic method, and forms an image on a sheet. The image forming unit 30 will be described in detail later.

  A paper feed tray 24 is provided at the bottom of the printer main body 21. The paper feed tray 24 is configured to accommodate a plurality of sheets in a stacked state. A paper discharge tray 25 is formed on the upper surface of the printer main body 21. The sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray 24 are sent one by one from the sheet feeding tray 24 into the printer main body 21 and are conveyed toward the paper discharge tray 25 through the printer main body 21. While the sheet is conveyed through the printer main body 21, the image forming unit 30 forms an image on the sheet. The paper (printed material) on which the image is formed is discharged to the paper discharge tray 25.

  The scanner main body 22 is disposed above the printer main body 21. A contact glass (not shown) is disposed on the upper surface of the scanner body 22. An image reading unit 40 (see FIG. 4) is provided in the scanner body 22 so as to be able to reciprocate in the left-right direction. The image reading unit 40 includes an LED light source, a lens, an image sensor, and the like.

  The ADF 23 is disposed above the scanner body 22. A rear end portion of the ADF 23 is rotatably connected to the scanner main body 22. The ADF 23 can be displaced between a use position covering the upper surface of the scanner main body 22 and a non-use position where the front side is lifted with respect to the scanner main body 22 by rotation about the rear end. The ADF 23 can transport a document to be read by the image reading unit 40 via the contact glass in a state where the ADF 23 is located at the use position. Further, the contact glass is exposed in a state where the ADF 23 is located at the non-use position, and a document can be placed on the contact glass.

  When reading a document image by the ADF method, the image reading unit 40 is stopped at a predetermined position. When the document conveyed by the ADF 23 passes through the contact glass, the image reading unit 40 irradiates the document with light. The reflected light from the document is received by the image sensor of the image reading unit 40, whereby reading of the image formed on the document is achieved.

  When reading an image by the flat bed method, an original is placed on the contact glass. While the image reading unit 40 is moved at a constant speed, light is emitted from the image reading unit 40 to the document. The reflected light from the document is received by the image sensor of the image reading unit 40, whereby reading of the image formed on the document is achieved.

  The MFP 2 includes an operation panel 26. The operation panel 26 is disposed, for example, at the front end portion of the scanner body 22. The operation panel 26 is provided with a display unit 50 and an operation unit 60.

  The display part 50 consists of a liquid crystal display, for example. Various information is displayed on the display unit 50.

  The operation unit 60 includes various operation buttons. Various inputs are possible by pressing the operation buttons. As the operation buttons, for example, an OK button for confirming various instructions, a cancel button for canceling various instructions, a cross button for selecting a key displayed on the display unit 50, numbers and characters are input. A numeric keypad is included.

<Image forming unit>

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 30 includes four photosensitive drums 31, four chargers 32, four developing units 33, an exposure unit 34, a conveyance belt 35, four transfer rollers 36, and A fixing device 37 is provided.

  The four photosensitive drums 31 are provided for each color of black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C), and in the order of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan in the order from the front side. They are arranged in parallel at intervals. Each of the photosensitive drums 31 is provided so that its peripheral surface can rotate about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction.

  The four chargers 32 are provided corresponding to the photosensitive drums 31, respectively, and are arranged on the rear upper side of the corresponding photosensitive drums 31. The charger 32 is, for example, a scorotron charger having a wire and a grid.

  The four developing devices 33 are provided corresponding to the photosensitive drums 31, respectively, and are disposed on the front upper side of the corresponding photosensitive drums 31. Each developing device 33 includes a developing case 331 that contains toner, and a developing roller 332 that is held by the developing case 331. The developing roller 332 is provided to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The peripheral surface of the developing roller 332 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 31.

  The exposure device 34 is disposed above the four photosensitive drums 31. The exposure unit 34 emits four laser beams corresponding to each color.

  At the time of image formation, the photosensitive drum 31 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the left side. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the image forming unit 30 is viewed from the left side. As the photosensitive drum 31 rotates, the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is uniformly charged by the discharge from the charger 32 and then selectively exposed by the laser beam from the exposure unit 34. By this exposure, electric charges are selectively removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 31, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31. A developing bias is applied to the developing roller 332 of the developing device 33. When the electrostatic latent image faces the developing roller 332, toner is supplied from the developing roller 332 to the electrostatic latent image due to a potential difference between the electrostatic latent image and the developing roller 332. As a result, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31.

  The conveyor belt 35 is disposed below the four photosensitive drums 31. The conveyor belt 35 is an endless belt wound around two rollers 351 and 352. The two rollers 351 and 352 are disposed at the same position in the vertical direction, and are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Thereby, the conveyance belt 35 has the planar part extended in the front-back direction and the left-right direction between the two rollers 351,352 up and down. The upper planar portion is in contact with the peripheral surfaces of the four photosensitive drums 31.

  The four transfer rollers 36 are arranged at positions facing the respective photosensitive drums 31 with the planar portion on the upper side of the conveying belt 35 interposed therebetween.

  The paper supplied from the paper feed tray 24 (see FIG. 2) into the printer main body 21 is transported toward the transport belt 35. At the time of image formation, the conveyor belt 35 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the left side. The sheet fed onto the conveyor belt 35 moves integrally with the upper planar portion of the conveyor belt 35 and passes between each photosensitive drum 31 and the conveyor belt 35 in order. A transfer bias is supplied to the transfer roller 36.

  When a monochrome image is formed on the paper, a toner image is formed on the surface of the black photosensitive drum 31. Then, the toner image is transferred to a sheet conveyed by the conveying belt 35 by the action of a transfer bias. As a result, a monochrome image composed of a black toner image is formed on the paper.

  Further, when a color image is formed on a sheet, a toner image is formed on the surface of two or more photosensitive drums 31. Then, these toner images are transferred onto the paper transported by the transport belt 35 so as to overlap each other by the action of the transfer bias. As a result, a color image is formed on the sheet by superimposing the toner images of the respective colors.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 37. Then, the toner image is fixed on the paper by heating and pressurization in the fixing device 37. As a result, the formation of the image on the paper is achieved, and the paper on which the image is formed is discharged to the paper discharge tray 25 (see FIG. 2).

<Electric configuration of MFP>

  As shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 2 includes a network interface (I / F) 70, a facsimile interface 80, a USB interface 90, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 101, a ROM 102 and a RAM 103.

  A network interface 70 as an example of a reception unit is an interface for connection with a LAN (Local Area Network). The MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 4 (see FIG. 1) via a LAN.

  The facsimile interface 80 is an interface for connection with a public telephone network used for facsimile communication.

  The USB interface 90 is an interface (USB port) for connecting a removable medium such as a USB memory. The MFP 2 has a direct print function. The direct print function is a function for capturing and printing a file stored in a removable medium.

  The ASIC 101 includes a CPU 104 as an example of a control unit. The ASIC 101 receives an operation signal indicating the operation content of the operation unit 60, a detection signal of a fixing temperature sensor 38 as an example of a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the fixing device 37, and the like. In addition, a print job transmitted from an external device is input to the ASIC 101 via the network interface 70. When a print job is input to the ASIC 101, the CPU 104 stores the print job in the RAM 103. When a removable medium is connected to the USB interface 90 and printing is instructed from the operation unit 60, the CPU 104 takes in a file stored in the removable medium, creates a print job, and stores the print job in the RAM 103. Let The CPU 104 controls the image forming unit 30, the image reading unit 40, and the display unit 50 by executing programs for various processes based on signals, print jobs, and the like input to the ASIC 101, and the network interface 70. Alternatively, communication via the facsimile interface 80 is controlled.

  The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 104 and various data.

  The RAM 103 is used as a work area when the CPU 104 executes a program.

<Print processing>

  While the MFP 2 is powered on, the CPU 104 of the ASIC 101 repeatedly executes the printing process shown in FIG. The print process is a process related to execution of a print job by the image forming unit 30.

  In the printing process, the CPU 104 determines whether a print job has been input (S1). The print job includes image data to be printed on paper.

  When no print job has been input (S1: NO), the CPU 104 ends the printing process.

  When a print job is input (S1: YES), the CPU 104 stores the print job in the RAM 103 (S2).

  Thereafter, the CPU 104 determines whether an instruction to execute the print job has been received from the outside via the network interface 70 (S3).

The instruction to execute the print job is
(1) When the user operates the PC 5 (see FIG. 1), the PC 5 inputs the print job via the LAN,
(2) After the PC 5 is operated by the user and a print job is input from the PC 5 via the LAN, the operation unit 60 is operated by the user and input from the operation unit 60.
(3) After accessing the web page of the server 3 from the PC 5 or the portable terminal 6 (see FIG. 1), the user operates the PC 5 or the portable terminal 6 and inputs the print job from the server 3 via the LAN, or (4 ) After a file is taken in from a removable medium such as a USB memory, the operation unit 60 is operated by the user and input from the operation unit 60. Among them, the print job execution instruction is received via the network interface 70 in the case of (1) or (3).

  When the print job execution instruction is not received via the network interface 70 (S3: NO), that is, in the case of (2) or (4), the CPU 104 determines the sheet conveyance speed as the first speed. V1 is set, the fixing temperature is set to the first fixing temperature T1, a print job is executed, and image formation on the sheet by the image forming unit 30 is started (S4).

  Further, the CPU 104 turns on the backlight of the display unit 50 and displays the status of image formation by the image forming unit 30 (S5).

  Thereafter, the CPU 104 determines whether or not printing of all image data (image formation) included in the print job being executed has been completed (S6).

  The CPU 104 waits until printing of all image data is completed (S6: NO). When printing of all image data is completed (S6: YES), the printing process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when an instruction to execute a print job is received via the network interface 70 (S3: YES), that is, in the case of (1) or (3), the CPU 104 changes the operation mode of the image forming unit 30. A mode setting process for setting one of the normal mode and the low speed mode is executed (S7).

  The normal mode is a mode in which the sheet is conveyed at the first speed V1 and the fixing device 37 applies heat at the first fixing temperature T1 to the sheet. The first fixing temperature T1 is a temperature at which the toner image can be satisfactorily fixed on the paper conveyed at the first speed V1, in other words, a heat amount sufficient for fixing the toner image on the paper conveyed at the first speed V1. It is the temperature that can be given.

  The low speed mode is a mode in which the sheet is conveyed at a second speed V2 lower than the first speed V1, and the fixing device 37 applies heat at the second fixing temperature T2 lower than the first fixing temperature T1 to the sheet. The second fixing temperature T2 is a temperature at which the toner image can be satisfactorily fixed on the paper conveyed at the second speed V2, in other words, a heat amount sufficient for fixing the toner image on the paper conveyed at the second speed V2. It is the temperature that can be given.

  The mode setting process will be described later.

  After the mode setting process, the CPU 104 determines whether or not the operation mode of the image forming unit 30 is set to the low speed mode (S8).

  When the low speed mode is not set (S8: NO), that is, when the normal mode is set, the CPU 104 sets the sheet conveyance speed to the first speed V1, and sets the fixing temperature to the first fixing temperature T1. Then, a print job is executed, and image formation on the paper by the image forming unit 30 is started (S9).

  Further, the CPU 104 turns on the backlight of the display unit 50 and displays the state of image formation by the image forming unit 30 (S10).

  Thereafter, the CPU 104 waits until printing of all the image data included in the print job being executed is finished (S6: NO), and when printing of all the image data is finished (S6: YES), the printing process is finished.

  When the operation mode of the image forming unit 30 is set to the low speed mode (S8: YES), the CPU 104 refers to the detection signal of the fixing temperature sensor 38, and the temperature T of the fixing device 37 is higher than the first fixing temperature T1. It is determined whether or not the temperature is sufficiently low, specifically, whether or not the temperature T of the fixing device 37 is lower than the first fixing temperature T1 by a predetermined temperature or more (S11).

  When the temperature T of the fixing device 37 is sufficiently lower than the first fixing temperature T1 (S11: YES), the CPU 104 sets the sheet conveyance speed to the second speed V2, and sets the fixing temperature to the second fixing temperature T2. Then, a print job is executed, and image formation on the paper by the image forming unit 30 is started (S12).

  In this case, the CPU 104 does not turn on the backlight of the display unit 50 in order to suppress power consumption (S13).

  Thereafter, the CPU 104 waits until printing of all the image data included in the print job being executed is finished (S6: NO), and when printing of all the image data is finished (S6: YES), the printing process is finished.

  Even when the operation mode of the image forming unit 30 is set to the low speed mode (S8: YES), the temperature T of the fixing device 37 is not sufficiently lower than the first fixing temperature T1 (S11: NO). When the temperature T is close to the first fixing temperature T1, the CPU 11 sets the fixing temperature to the first fixing temperature T1, executes the print job, and causes the image forming unit 30 to form an image on the sheet. Start (S14).

  In this case, the CPU 104 does not turn on the backlight of the display unit 50 in order to reduce power consumption (S15).

  Thereafter, the CPU 104 waits until printing of all the image data included in the print job being executed is finished (S6: NO), and when printing of all the image data is finished (S6: YES), the printing process is finished.

<First mode setting process>

  After accessing the server 3 from the portable terminal 6 (see FIG. 1), when the user operates the portable terminal 6 and receives an instruction to execute a print job from the server 3 via the LAN together with the print job ((3 )), The first mode setting process shown in FIG. 6 is executed as the mode setting process in step S7 of FIG.

  In the first mode setting process, the CPU 104 determines whether or not position information is included in the print job received via the network interface 70 (S711).

  When the GPS (Global Positioning System) function of the mobile terminal 6 operated by the user is turned on, when the mobile terminal 6 accesses the server 3, the location information of the mobile terminal 6 acquired by GPS is the mobile terminal. 6 to the server 3. Then, when the print job and the print job execution instruction are transmitted from the server 3 to the MFP 2, the position information of the portable terminal 6 is included in the print job.

  When the position information of the portable terminal 6 is included in the print job (S711: YES), the CPU 104 refers to the position information and acquires the distance from the portable terminal 6 to the MFP 2 (S712).

  Then, the CPU 104 determines whether or not the acquired distance, that is, the distance from the portable terminal 6 to the MFP 2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (S713).

  If the distance from the portable terminal 6 to the MFP 2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S713: YES), the CPU 104 determines whether or not an exception flag is included in the print job (S714).

  For example, the user can instruct image formation in the normal mode on the web page of the server 3 by operating the mobile terminal 6. When this instruction is given, an exception flag is included in the print job transmitted from the server 3 to the MFP 2.

  If the exception flag is not included in the print job (S714: NO), the CPU 104 sets the operation mode of the image forming unit 30 to the low speed mode (S715) and ends the first mode setting process.

  If an exception flag is included in the print job (S714: YES), the CPU 714 sets the operation mode of the image forming unit 30 to the normal mode (S716) and ends the first mode setting process.

  Further, when the position information of the mobile terminal 6 is not included in the print job (S711: NO), or when the distance from the mobile terminal 6 to the MFP 2 is less than a predetermined value (S713: NO), the CPU 714 Then, the operation mode of the image forming unit 30 is set to the normal mode (S716), and the first mode setting process is ended.

<Second mode setting process>

  When the user operates the PC 5 (see FIG. 1) and an instruction to execute the print job is input from the PC 5 via the LAN (in the case of (1) above), or the PC 5 accesses the server 3 Thereafter, when the user operates the PC 5 and an instruction to execute the print job is input from the server 3 via the LAN along with the print job (in the case of (3) above), the mode setting process in step S7 in FIG. The second mode setting process shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

  In the second mode setting process, the CPU 104 first acquires the IP address of the PC 5 that is the transmission source of the print job execution instruction (S721). When an instruction to execute a print job is input together with the print job from the PC 5 via the LAN, the CPU 104 acquires a transmission source address included in the IP header at the head portion of transmission data from the PC 5. When an instruction to execute a print job is input from the server 3 via the LAN according to the instruction from the PC 5, the server 3 acquires the IP address of the PC 5 and includes the IP address in the print job. . In this case, the CPU 104 acquires an IP address included in the print job.

  Next, the CPU 104 acquires the distance from the PC 5 to the MFP 2 from the acquired IP address and the IP address of the MFP 2 (S722).

  Then, the CPU 104 determines whether or not the acquired distance, that is, the distance from the PC 5 to the MFP 2 is a predetermined value or more (S723).

  If the distance from the PC 5 to the MFP 2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S723: YES), the CPU 104 sets the operation mode of the image forming unit 30 to the low speed mode (S724) and ends the second mode setting process.

  On the other hand, when the distance from the PC 5 to the MFP 2 is less than the predetermined value (S723: NO), the CPU 714 sets the operation mode of the image forming unit 30 to the normal mode (S725), and ends the second mode setting process.

<Effect>

  According to this configuration, when it is determined that the distance between the transmission source of the print job and the MFP 2 is outside the predetermined distance, it is clear that it takes a considerable time for the user to acquire the printed matter. And achieves energy savings without being affected by the demerits of the low-speed mode (it takes a long time to obtain the printed matter). be able to.

  Even when it is determined that the distance between the print job transmission source and the position of the MFP 2 is outside the predetermined distance, if the detected temperature is close to the fixing temperature in the normal mode, there is an advantage of forming an image at a low fixing temperature. Few. Therefore, when the detected temperature is close to the fixing temperature in the normal mode, an energy saving effect can be obtained by executing the print job as it is.

<Modification>

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can also be implemented with another form.

  The distance acquisition process and the determination process of the present invention may be selectable by the user as to whether or not to execute.

  If the print amount included in the print job is 100 sheets, it takes time for the MFP 2 to execute image formation. Further, if the print amount included in the print job is several sheets, it does not take much time. Therefore, if the print job is 50 sheets or more, the predetermined distance may be set to 1 km, and if the print amount is several sheets, it may be appropriately corrected in the form of 30 m.

  In addition, various design changes can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

2 MFP
4 Internet 5 PC
37 Fixing Unit 38 Fixing Temperature Sensor 30 Image Forming Unit 50 Display Unit 70 Network Interface 104 CPU

Claims (6)

An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
A reception unit for receiving an instruction to execute a print job;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
A distance acquisition process for acquiring a distance from a transmission source of the instruction when an instruction to execute the print job is input via the reception unit;
A determination process for determining whether or not the distance acquired by the distance acquisition process is greater than or equal to a predetermined value;
A normal printing process for executing a print job in a normal mode in which an image is formed on a sheet conveyed at a normal speed using the image forming unit when the determination process determines that the distance is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value. When,
When it is determined by the determination process that the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the image forming unit is used to transport a sheet that is conveyed at a fixing temperature lower than the normal mode and at a lower speed than the normal speed. A low-speed printing process that executes a print job in a low-speed mode that forms an image on
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
In the distance acquisition process, the control unit acquires the distance from the computer based on the IP address of the computer when the transmission source is a computer connected to a network. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
In the distance acquisition process, the control unit acquires a distance from the transmission source based on information regarding the position of the transmission source included in the print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the determination process, the control unit corrects the distance acquired by the distance acquisition process using information regarding the print amount included in the print job, and whether the corrected distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. An image forming apparatus for discriminating between. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature of a fixing device included in the image forming unit;
Further comprising
The controller is
If the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is closer to the fixing temperature in the normal mode than the fixing temperature in the low speed mode, even if the distance is determined to be greater than or equal to the predetermined value by the determination process, An image forming apparatus that executes a print job in a normal mode. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Display,
Further comprising
The controller is
A non-lighting process for turning the display unit into a non-lighting state when executing a print job in the low speed mode
An image forming apparatus further comprising:

Images