JP2017026751A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To safely stop power supply to various sections in an image formation device without providing a special sensor even if the image formation device is not connected with a communication network when an earthquake occurs.SOLUTION: An image formation device includes: a job execution unit for executing a job on the basis of image data; an image processing unit; a storage unit including an HDD; a control unit for performing control to read from and write into the HDD and for having the HDD store the image data used for the job; and a power supply management unit for managing power supply from a power supply unit that generates voltage necessary for the operation of various sections in the image formation device. The control unit recognizes the writing speed of the image data into the HDD during job execution, and has the power management unit perform a shutdown process to stop power supply to the various sections in the image formation device when the writing speed of the image data into the HDD falls below an earthquake determination value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus equipped with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The image forming apparatus can store various information. The image forming apparatus has a printing function. The image forming apparatus can also be connected to a communication network such as a network or a telephone line. When a disaster such as an earthquake occurs, it is preferable to use an image forming apparatus having various functions.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes a technique related to the use of an image forming apparatus when a disaster occurs. Specifically, Patent Document 1 includes a function of receiving a predetermined disaster signal by being connected to a desired network or telephone line, and having a radio, and when the disaster signal is received, data on the disaster is received. And an image forming apparatus that prints out the data on paper. With this configuration, it is attempted to automatically cope with the occurrence of a disaster and prevent damage and deterioration due to the disaster and shortening of the life of consumables (Patent Document 1: claims 1 to 4, paragraph [0006]).

JP 2001-023060 A

  In order for the image forming apparatus to automatically perform the operation described in Patent Document 1 when an earthquake occurs, it is necessary for the image forming apparatus to detect and recognize the occurrence of the earthquake. However, if an earthquake detection sensor is provided in the image forming apparatus, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus increases accordingly. Therefore, in order to avoid the need to install a special sensor in the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus receives a notification (signal) that informs of a disaster such as an earthquake early warning, and the image forming apparatus recognizes the occurrence of an earthquake (disaster). There are things to do.

  However, when the image forming apparatus recognizes the occurrence of an earthquake by a signal notifying the occurrence of an earthquake from the outside as described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to connect the image forming apparatus to some external communication network. Therefore, there is a problem that an image forming apparatus that does not need to be connected to an external communication network must be connected to the external communication network.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, when a disaster signal is received, the disaster data is received and printed out on paper. For this reason, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, printing may be performed even in a state of being shaken by an earthquake, and thus the power supply to the fixing device (heater) may be continued despite being shaken by the earthquake. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, an impact is applied to the image forming apparatus due to a shake such as a falling object or a collision with a wall, and thus the lighting state of the heater of the fixing device cannot be canceled (the heater is turned off). There is a possibility that an abnormality such as “cannot be turned off” may occur, and there is a possibility that damage to the image forming apparatus may be further increased.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention safely stops power supply to each part in the image forming apparatus without providing a special sensor even when not connected to a communication network when an earthquake occurs.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect includes a job execution unit, an image processing unit, a storage unit, a control unit, a power supply unit, and a power supply management unit. The job execution unit executes a job based on the image data. The image processing unit performs image processing of image data used for a job. The storage unit includes an HDD. The control unit controls reading and writing of the HDD, and stores image data used for a job in the HDD. The power management unit manages power supply from a power supply unit that generates a voltage necessary for the operation of each unit in the image forming apparatus. When the job is executed, the control unit recognizes the writing speed of the image data to the HDD, and recognizes that an earthquake has occurred when the writing speed of the image data to the HDD is equal to or lower than the earthquake judgment value. When the occurrence is recognized, the power management unit is caused to perform a shutdown process for stopping the power supply to each part including the job execution unit and the HDD in the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect the occurrence of an earthquake without being connected to a communication network. Further, the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus can be reduced without providing a special sensor for detecting the occurrence of an earthquake. In addition, it is possible to safely stop power supply to each part in the image forming apparatus.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of HDD which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the spool in the multifunctional device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the electric power supply system | strain in the multifunctional device which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process regarding the earthquake occurrence recognition in the multifunctional device which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the MFP 100 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) will be described as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in each embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
First, an outline of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a control unit 1 (control board) inside. The control unit 1 controls each unit of the apparatus. The control unit 1 includes a CPU 11 that performs various calculations and processes, and an image processing unit 12 that performs image processing of image data D2 used for jobs such as printing and transmission. The multifunction device 100 includes an HDD 2 as a large-capacity storage device. The HDD 2 is communicably connected to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 controls reading and writing of the HDD 2 and causes the HDD 2 to store image data D2 used for the job. The storage unit 3 includes a nonvolatile storage device such as the ROM 31 and the HDD 2 and a volatile storage device such as the RAM 32. The CPU 11 is a central processing unit. The CPU 11 performs calculations and processing based on the program P1 and the control data D1 stored in the storage unit 3 to control each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In addition, the multifunction device 100 includes an operation panel 4. In addition, as a job execution unit that executes a job based on the image data D2, a document conveyance unit 5a, an image reading unit 5b, a printing unit 6, and a communication unit 7 (also corresponding to a reception unit) provided at the top of the multi-function peripheral 100 are provided. )including. The printing unit 6 includes a paper feeding unit 6a, a conveyance unit 6b, an image forming unit 6c, and a fixing unit 6d. In addition, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a power supply unit 8 that generates a voltage necessary for the operation of each unit in the image forming apparatus, and a power management unit 9 that manages (controls) the power supply from the power supply unit 8.

  The control unit 1 is communicably connected to the image reading unit 5b and the document conveying unit 5a. The control unit 1 gives an operation instruction to the image reading unit 5b and the document conveying unit 5a. The image reading unit 5b and the document conveying unit 5a operate according to instructions. Specifically, in the case of a job involving scanning such as copying or scanning transmission, the control unit 1 continuously and automatically sets the set originals one by one toward a reading position (feed reading contact glass, not shown). Therefore, the original is conveyed to the original conveying unit 5a. In the case of a job involving scanning, the control unit 1 reads an original conveyed by the original conveying unit 5a or an original set on a placement reading contact glass (not shown) and generates an image data D2. 5b.

  The operation panel 4 includes a setting screen for printing and scanning, a display panel 41 for displaying various messages, a touch panel unit 42 provided for the display panel 41, and a hard key 43 such as a start key. The operation panel 4 accepts setting of job execution conditions (setting operation for setting values). The control unit 1 controls display on the display panel 41. Further, the control unit 1 communicates with the operation panel 4 and recognizes the setting content based on a touch on the touch panel unit 42 or an operation on the hard key 43 such as a start key. Then, the control unit 1 controls the printing unit 6, the image reading unit 5 b, the document conveying unit 5 a, and the communication unit 7 to execute a job so as to match the user's setting.

  The control unit 1 is communicably connected to each unit of the printing unit 6 (a paper feeding unit 6a, a conveyance unit 6b, an image forming unit 6c, and a fixing unit 6d). The control unit 1 controls each unit of the printing unit 6 that performs paper feeding, paper conveyance, toner image formation, transfer, and fixing. In addition, an engine control unit is provided separately from the control unit 1, and the operation of the printing unit 6 is controlled by the control unit 1 giving an operation instruction to the engine control unit and causing the engine control unit to perform actual control of the printing unit 6. You may be made to do.

  Specifically, the control unit 1 causes the paper supply unit 6a to supply the paper and send it out to the transport unit 6b when the job involves printing such as a copy job or a print job. The control unit 1 causes the transport unit 6b to transport the paper fed from the paper feed unit 6a within the apparatus. The control unit 1 causes the image forming unit 6c to form a toner image based on the image data D2 and transfer it to a sheet. The image forming unit 6c includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device that charges the photosensitive drum, an exposure device that scans and exposes the photosensitive drum based on the image data D2, and forms an electrostatic latent image. And a transfer device for transferring the formed toner image onto a sheet.

  The fixing unit 6d includes a heater 6h that generates heat when energized, a heating rotator that is heated by the heater 6h and that is in contact with the sheet on which the toner image is transferred, and a pressurizing rotator that is in pressure contact with the heating rotator. A halogen heater 6h or an IH heater 6h can be used as the heater 6h. During the print job, the controller 1 energizes the heater 6h to maintain the temperature of the heating rotator at a temperature suitable for fixing the toner image (fixing control temperature). As the paper passes between the heating rotator and the pressure rotator, the toner image is fixed on the paper. The conveyance unit 6b discharges the fixed sheet outside the apparatus.

  In addition, a communication unit 7 (corresponding to a job execution unit and a reception unit) is connected to the control unit 1. The communication unit 7 communicates with a computer 200 such as a PC or a server or a FAX apparatus 300 via a network or a cable. The control unit 1 causes the image processing unit 12 to generate image data D2 used for printing based on data (image data D2 and print settings) received from the computer 200 by the communication unit 7, and the printing unit 6 based on the generated image data D2. To print (print job). The communication unit 7 can transmit the image data D2 to the computer 200 or the FAX apparatus 300 (scan transmission job).

(HDD2)
Next, an overview of the HDD 2 mounted in the multi function device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the HDD 2 according to the embodiment.

  In order to exchange data with the HDD 2, the controller 1 is provided with a host controller 1a and an interface 1b. The host controller 1a may be built in the CPU 11. The interface unit 1b includes a connector and is connected to the HDD interface 21 via a cable. The connection between the control unit 1 and the HDD 2 conforms to SATA (Serial ATA) standards (may conform to standards other than SATA).

  The host controller 1a recognizes the HDD 2 connected to the interface unit 1b. The host controller 1a notifies the CPU 11 of the recognition result. The host controller 1a controls reading of data from the HDD 2. In addition, the host controller 1 a controls data writing to the HDD 2.

  Specifically, based on an instruction to read data from the HDD 2 from the CPU 11, the host controller 1 a causes the HDD 2 to read data from a read location designated by the CPU 11. Further, based on a write instruction from the CPU 11, the host controller 1 a causes the HDD 2 to write data to a location designated by the CPU 11.

  The HDD 2 includes an HDD controller 20, an HDD interface 21, a cache memory 22, a magnetic head unit 23, and a magnetic disk 24. Data is written to and read from the magnetic disk 24 by the magnetic head unit 23. The magnetic head unit 23 includes a head 23a that reads and writes information facing the magnetic disk 24, and a seek mechanism 23b that moves the head 23a to a position for reading and writing (performs seek). The HDD 2 is provided with an HDD motor (not shown) that rotates the magnetic disk 24.

  The HDD controller 20 controls all functions of the HDD 2 while exchanging with the host controller 1a. In other words, the HDD controller 20 controls operations of the magnetic head unit 23 and the cache memory 22.

  The HDD interface 21 receives data to be written. The HDD controller 20 stores the received data in the cache memory 22. Then, the HDD controller 20 causes the magnetic head unit 23 to write the data stored in the cache memory 22 to the magnetic disk 24. The HDD controller 20 temporarily stores the data read from the magnetic disk 24 in the cache memory 22. Then, the HDD controller 20 transmits the read data to the control unit 1 (host controller 1a) or the like via the HDD interface 21.

  The HDD 2 can store a program P1, control data D1, image data D2, speed data D3, and the like. The speed data D3 includes a value indicating the average speed of writing to the HDD 2 (details will be described later). The HDD 2 may store a startup program for the multifunction peripheral 100.

(Spool of image data D2)
Next, the spool of the image data D2 in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a spool flow in the MFP 100 according to the embodiment.

  The multi-function device 100 includes an HDD 2. When a job such as copying, printing, and scan transmission is performed, if the image data D2 used for the job is stored in the RAM 32, the storage area of the RAM 32 is occupied. Therefore, the control unit 1 compresses the image data D2 used for the job, and spools (temporarily saves) the compressed image data D2 in the HDD 2. Then, the spooled image data D2 is read (output) according to the output timing (printing or transmission timing). As described above, in the MFP 100, the HDD 2 temporarily stores the image data D2 used for the job.

  An example of the flow of the image data D2 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the acquisition unit of the image forming apparatus acquires job data. In a job involving scanning such as copying or scanning transmission, the image reading unit 5b functions as an acquisition unit. In a print job for printing based on data received from a computer, the communication unit 7 that receives data functions as an acquisition unit. Document image data D2 and received data obtained by each obtaining unit are temporarily stored in the RAM 32. The original image data D2 and the received data are sent to the image processing unit 12. These data may be directly transferred to the image processing unit 12.

  The image processing unit 12 performs image processing according to the settings made on the operation panel 4. When the received data is data described in PDL, the image processing unit 12 generates image data D2 (raster data) based on the description in PDL. Then, the image processing unit 12 performs image processing on the generated image data D2 based on the setting data included in the received data. Then, the image processing unit 12 compresses the image data D2 by a predetermined method such as JPEG. Then, the image processing unit 12 sends the compressed image data D2 to the HDD 2. As a result, the image data D2 used for the job is written into the HDD 2 and spooled.

  When it is time to output the image data D2 spooled by a print job such as copying or printing, the HDD 2 sends the image data D2 to the image forming unit 6c via the image processing unit 12. At this time, the image processing unit 12 performs image data D2 decompression processing and image processing necessary for printing. When it is time to output the image data D2 spooled by the scan transmission job (when JPEG data is transmitted), the HDD 2 sends the image data D2 to the communication unit 7.

(Power supply and shutdown processing)
Next, power supply and shutdown processing in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply system in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  The multi-function device 100 is connected to a commercial power source P. Electric power from the commercial power supply P is input to the power supply unit 8. Electric power from the commercial power source P is supplied to the heater 6h. The power supply unit 8 is provided with an energization control circuit 80. The energization control circuit 80 is a circuit that performs power supply (energization ON) and supply stop (energization OFF) to the heater 6h. An energization control circuit 80 and a switching element such as a semiconductor switch are included, and power supply to the heater 6h is turned ON / OFF.

  The primary power supply circuit 81 is a circuit (power conversion circuit) that rectifies and smoothes power supplied from the commercial power supply P. For example, the primary power supply circuit 81 is a switching power supply including a transformer, a switching element, a capacitor, a diode, and the like. The primary power supply circuit 81 generates a voltage (for example, DC 24V) for rotating the motor in the multifunction peripheral 100 and supplies the voltage to each motor.

  The secondary power supply circuit 82 steps down the DC voltage generated by the primary power supply circuit 81, and controls the document conveyance unit 5 b, image reading unit 5 b, operation panel 4, printing unit 6, control unit 1, CPU 11, ROM 31, RAM 32, image. A drive voltage to be supplied to circuits and elements included in the components of the multi-function device 100 such as the processing unit 12, the HDD 2, and the communication unit 7 is generated. Since the voltage value to be input differs depending on each circuit and element such as 5V, 3.3V, 2.5V, 1.8V, 1.5V, and 1.2V, the power supply unit 8 includes a plurality of secondary power supply circuits. 82 is provided. The secondary power supply circuit 82 is a DC converter or a linear regulator. The power supply unit 8 includes the document conveyance unit 5b, the image reading unit 5b, the operation panel 4, the printing unit 6, the control unit 1, the CPU 11, the ROM 31, the RAM 32, the image processing unit 12, the HDD 2, and the communication unit 7. One or more kinds of voltages are input to the part. In addition, a switch circuit 83 for turning on / off the power supply to a specific circuit or element may be provided.

  The power management unit 9 is a power control IC. The power management unit 9 controls power supply to each part included in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  When the main power supply is turned on by the main power switch 90 (see FIG. 4), the power management unit 9 starts to input voltages to each circuit and each element in a predetermined order so that no error or abnormality occurs. As described above, the secondary power supply circuit 82 is operated in order or the switching element in the switch circuit 83 is turned on. Further, the power management unit 9 permits the energization control circuit 80 to energize the heater 6h. Each unit of the multifunction device 100 is sequentially activated by turning on the main power.

  When the main power is turned off by the main power switch 90 (see FIG. 4), the power management unit 9 stops voltage input to each circuit and each element in a predetermined order so that no error or abnormality occurs. As described above, the secondary power supply circuit 82 is stopped in order, or the switching element in the switch circuit 83 is turned off. The power management unit 9 also prohibits the energization control circuit 80 from energizing the heater 6h. By the processing of the power management unit 9 in response to the main power switch 90 being turned off, the power supply to each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 is shut down (shutdown processing).

  Normally, when the power supply is shut down by turning off the main power supply (when the normal power supply is off), the control unit 1 before the power supply to the storage unit 3 (HDD2, ROM31, RAM32) is stopped, the RAM32, the CPU11, and the HDD2. Among the data stored in the volatile storage device such as the cache memory 22 in the internal memory, the HDD 2 is caused to perform pre-blocking processing for storing predetermined data in the HDD 2. What kind of data is designated as “predetermined data” can be appropriately determined. In the pre-blocking process, the control unit 1 may store all the data stored in the RAM 32 and each cache memory 22 in the HDD 2. Further, the control unit 1 may store a value related to the lifetime of the multifunction peripheral 100 such as the number of printed sheets and a value related to consumables such as toner and remaining amount information of the paper in the HDD 2. Further, the control unit 1 may store history information such as the contents of the job executed by the multi-function device 100 while the main power is on and the execution date / time in the HDD 2.

(Recognition of earthquake occurrence and shutdown process)
Next, an example of a flow of processing related to earthquake occurrence recognition in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing related to earthquake occurrence recognition in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  The start of FIG. 5 is a point in time when the overall activation of the multifunction device 100 is completed after the main power of the multifunction device 100 is turned on.

  First, the control unit 1 confirms whether or not the communication unit 7 has received an emergency earthquake bulletin transmitted from a predetermined distribution source (distribution facility of an emergency earthquake bulletin distributor) (step # 1). The communication unit 7 can receive the earthquake early warning transmitted from the distributor via the connected network (communication line). In other words, the multi-function device 100 includes a receiving unit that receives an earthquake early warning issued from a transmission source.

  When an earthquake early warning is received before recognizing that an earthquake has occurred (Yes in step # 1), the control unit 1 causes the printing unit 6 to perform printing based on the emergency print information D5 (step # 2). Note that when the multifunction device 100 (communication unit 7) is not connected to the network (when the earthquake early warning cannot be received), step # 1 and step # 2 may be skipped.

  “Emergency print information D5” is information stored as print contents at the time of the occurrence of an earthquake, and can be determined as appropriate. The emergency print information D5 can include information such as a map of an evacuation site, a diagram showing an evacuation route, and a procedure for evacuation. The emergency print information D5 is stored in a nonvolatile manner in the storage unit 3 (ROM 31 or HDD 2). When printing based on the emergency print information D5, the control unit 1 reads the emergency print information D5 from the storage location. Then, the control unit 1 causes the image processing unit 12 to perform image processing necessary for printing such as generation of raster data of the emergency print information D5. Then, the control unit 1 spools the image data D2 of the emergency print information D5 after the image processing in the HDD 2. The control unit 1 causes the HDD 2 to sequentially transmit the image data D2 of the emergency print information D5 to the exposure device of the image forming unit 6c of the printing unit 6. Thereby, the emergency print information D5 is printed.

  After step # 2 and when no earthquake early warning is received (No in step # 1), the control unit 1 confirms whether there is a job to be executed (step # 3). When step # 2 is being executed, step # 3 is Yes. If the start key is operated on the operation panel 4 to instruct the start of job execution, or if the communication unit 7 receives print data, Step # 3 is Yes.

  When there is a job to be executed (Yes in step # 3), the control unit 1 checks whether the job to be executed is a print job (copy job or print job) (step # 4). When step # 2 is being executed, step # 4 is also Yes. When it is a print job (Yes in Step # 4), the control unit 1 starts processing relating to the print job (Step # 5). During the print job, the control unit 1 repeats ON / OFF of energization to the heater 6h so that the temperature of the heating rotator is maintained at the fixing control temperature.

  Further, when the answer is No in Step # 3 (when there is no job to be executed), the control unit 1 confirms whether or not it is time to write dummy data (Step # 6). During a period when there is no job to be executed, the control unit 1 periodically writes dummy data and checks the writing speed of the HDD 2.

  Specifically, when a predetermined time has elapsed without starting the job since the completion of the job or from the end of the previous dummy data write, the control unit 1 writes the dummy data. It is determined that it should be performed (Yes in step # 6). The “predetermined time” can be determined as appropriate. The “predetermined time” may be several tens of seconds, several tens of seconds, or several minutes. In the MFP 100 of the present embodiment, the “predetermined time” is about 1 minute.

  When it is time to write dummy data (Yes in step # 6), the control unit 1 starts writing dummy data (step # 7). On the other hand, when it is not time to write dummy data (No in step # 6), the flow returns to step # 1.

  When writing of the image data D2 used for the print job is started (step # 5), when the job does not involve printing such as a scan transmission job (No in step # 4), and when writing of dummy data is started (step #) 7) The control unit 1 measures the writing speed of the image data D2 and the dummy data to the HDD 2 (step # 8). In other words, the control unit 1 recognizes the writing speed of image data D2 and dummy data to the HDD 2 at the time of job execution. In the case of a print job, the control unit 1 causes the HDD 2 to store image data D2 used for the print job. In the case of a scan transmission job, the control unit 1 stores image data D2 used for transmission in the HDD 2. The control unit 1 causes the dummy data to be written to the HDD 2 during a period when there is no job.

  A method for measuring the writing speed of the image data D2 and the dummy data to the HDD 2 can be determined as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the control unit 1 obtains the data writing speed at regular intervals from the start of writing of the image data D2 for the job or the dummy data to the HDD 2 until the completion of the writing. Specifically, the control unit 1 obtains the total of job image data D2 and dummy data written to the HDD 2 from the start of writing to the HDD 2 to the end of each cycle. Further, the control unit 1 obtains the total time from the writing start time to the HDD 2 to the end time of each cycle. Then, the control unit 1 calculates the writing speed of the image data D2 at the end of each cycle by dividing the total by the total time.

  Then, the control unit 1 confirms whether an earthquake has occurred (whether shaking has occurred due to the earthquake) based on the obtained writing speed (step # 9). Specifically, the control unit 1 checks whether or not the writing speed of the image data D2 to the HDD 2 has decreased to the earthquake determination value V1 or less when executing the job. Then, when the writing speed of the image data D2 to the HDD 2 has dropped below the earthquake determination value V1, the control unit 1 recognizes (determines) that an earthquake has occurred (Yes in step # 9).

  If writing is performed in a state where the head 23a of the HDD 2 is shaken and deviated from an appropriate position, data of an inappropriate track is overwritten and the written data cannot be read. In order to prevent writing at a shifted position, servo position information D4 is recorded on the magnetic disk 24, and data is written until the servo position information D4 read by the head 23a is stabilized at a predetermined position for a predetermined time. You may want to refrain from. In addition, a vibration sensor 25 (vibration sensor) may be built in the HDD 2 and writing may be refrained while the vibration detected by the vibration sensor is greater than a threshold value. The HDD 2 of the present embodiment also has a mechanism in which the servo position information D4 is written on the magnetic disk 24, the shake sensor 25 is built in (see FIG. 2), and off-track writing is prevented. Accordingly, when data is written, if the HDD 2 is vibrated or shaken, the writing speed becomes slow.

  In the MFP 100 of this embodiment, attention is paid to the fact that the writing speed of the HDD 2 becomes slow when the MFP 100 or the HDD 2 is actually shaking due to an earthquake or the like, and the occurrence of the earthquake is recognized. In order to confirm whether or not an earthquake has occurred, the control unit 1 compares the measured writing speed of the image data D2 to the HDD 2 with the “earthquake determination value V1”. Thereby, the occurrence of an earthquake can be recognized without providing a special sensor.

  The “earthquake determination value V1” can be determined as appropriate. In the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, the speed is set to be slower than the average value of the writing speed of the image data D2 to the HDD2. For example, a value of about 10 to 20% of the average value of the writing speed of the image data D2 to the HDD 2 can be set as the “earthquake determination value V1”. Further, the “earthquake determination value V1” may be a value about 10 to 20% of the writing speed on the specifications of the HDD 2 or the writing speed obtained by using benchmark software. The “earthquake determination value V1” may be a fixed value.

  When the writing speed of the image data D2 to the HDD 2 exceeds the earthquake determination value V1 (No in step # 9, when it is not recognized that an earthquake has occurred), the control unit 1 uses the job image data D2 and dummy data. It is confirmed whether or not the writing is completed (step # 10). If the writing of the image data D2 for the job and the dummy data has not been completed (No in Step # 10), the flow returns to (Step # 8).

  On the other hand, when the writing of the job image data D2 and dummy data is completed (Yes in step # 10), the control unit 1 updates the average value of the writing speed (updates the speed data D3, step # 11). ). In addition, the control unit 1 may update the earthquake determination value V1 to a new value based on the average value of the writing speed. Data indicating the writing speed measured so far and the writing speed obtained in the current job and the average value of these speeds are stored in a nonvolatile manner as speed data D3 in the ROM 31 or HDD 2 (FIG. 2). reference). Of the obtained writing speeds, only the writing speed for the most recent predetermined number of times may be stored, and the average value may be obtained. Then, the CPU 11 obtains the earthquake determination value V1 at the time of starting or updating the earthquake determination value V1, and stores the current earthquake determination value V1 in the RAM 32. Then, the flow returns to step # 1.

  When the occurrence of an earthquake is recognized (Yes in step # 9), the control unit 1 performs a shutdown process for stopping the power supply to the job execution unit such as the printing unit 6 and each part including the HDD 2 in the power management unit 9. (Step # 12). At this time, the control unit 1 causes the power supply management unit 9 to stop the power supply to the supply stop portion without performing the shutdown preprocessing for the HDD 2 (step # 12). Then, this flow ends.

  In the state where vibration and shaking are generated by the earthquake, the pre-blocking process is almost stopped and may not end indefinitely. There is a possibility that the head 23a hits the magnetic disk 24 and the data or the magnetic disk 24 is damaged during the pre-blocking process. In addition, due to the impact applied to the multi-function device 100 until the pre-shutdown process is completed, there is a possibility that the freeze of the control unit 1, the energization control circuit 80, and the power management unit 9 occurs, and the energization to the heater 6h cannot be turned off. Get higher. Therefore, when the occurrence of an earthquake is recognized, the power supply is immediately shut down to eliminate the above disadvantages.

    When vibration or shaking is applied, the data writing speed of the HDD 2 decreases. Further, when a shake due to an earthquake occurs, a large impact may be applied to the image forming apparatus (corresponding to the multifunction machine 100 of the present embodiment) due to a collision with an indoor object such as a wall or a desk or a falling object. The job execution unit (corresponding to the printing unit 6, the document conveying unit 5 b, the image reading unit 5 b, and the communication unit 7 of this embodiment) is operated due to a large impact on the image forming apparatus and a circuit freeze or switch failure. You may not be able to stop.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment includes a job execution unit that executes a job based on the image data D2, an image processing unit 12 that performs image processing of the image data D2 used for the job, a storage unit 3 that includes the HDD 2, and Power supply management that controls power supply from the control unit 1 that controls reading and writing of the HDD 2 and stores the image data D2 used for the job in the HDD 2 and the power supply unit 8 that generates voltages necessary for the operation of each unit in the image forming apparatus Part 9. When the job is executed, the control unit 1 recognizes the writing speed of the image data D2 to the HDD 2, and recognizes that an earthquake has occurred when the writing speed of the image data D2 to the HDD 2 is equal to or less than the earthquake determination value V1, When recognizing the occurrence of an earthquake, the power management unit 9 is caused to perform a shutdown process for stopping power supply to the job execution unit and the HDD 2 in the image forming apparatus.

  As a result, the power supply to each part in the image forming apparatus can be stopped promptly and safely when shaking is detected even if it is not connected to any communication network. In addition, if the epicenter is deep, emergency earthquake alerts will not be issued, but it can also be recognized that an earthquake with a deep epicenter has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of abnormalities such as data or disk damage caused by accessing the HDD 2 even in the shake state, or the job execution portion cannot be stopped because the job execution portion is operated even in the shake state. Can do. Further, it is possible to detect the occurrence of an earthquake without separately installing a special sensor or a receiver for receiving a disaster notification signal, thereby preventing an increase in manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, the image forming apparatus includes, as a job execution unit, a heater 6h for forming a toner image based on the image data D2 and fixing the toner image on a sheet, and a printing unit 6 for performing a print job. When executing the print job, the control unit 1 stores the print image data D2 that is the image data D2 used for the print job in the HDD 2, sequentially transmits the print image data D2 to the print unit 6 to the HDD 2, and sends the print data to the HDD 2. When the writing speed of the printing image data D2 is recognized and the writing speed of the printing image data D2 to the HDD 2 is equal to or lower than the earthquake determination value V1, it is recognized that an earthquake has occurred.

  This makes it possible to quickly detect the occurrence of an earthquake during execution of a print job. Therefore, when a shake due to an earthquake occurs, the power supply to the heater 6h can be stopped quickly and reliably. In addition, the printing image data D2 is no longer written in a state of being shaken by an earthquake, and the data in the HDD 2 and the disk can be reliably prevented from being damaged.

  In a normal shutdown process, data stored in the volatile storage device before the power supply is stopped is stored in the HDD 2 in order to prevent loss of data stored in the volatile storage device such as the RAM 32 or the cache memory 22. May be remembered. However, the writing speed is slow when the HDD 2 is vibrated or shaken due to an earthquake. In other words, data writing to the HDD 2 before the power supply is stopped may not end indefinitely. Furthermore, there is a high possibility that the head 23a of the HDD 2 touches the magnetic disk 24 due to vibration or shaking, and the data or the magnetic disk 24 is damaged.

  Therefore, when the normal power is turned off, the control unit 1 causes the HDD 2 to perform pre-blocking processing for storing predetermined data among data stored in the volatile storage device of the storage unit 3, and then performs shutdown processing. When the power management unit 9 recognizes the occurrence of an earthquake, the power management unit 9 performs the shutdown process without performing the pre-shutdown process on the HDD 2. Thereby, the power supply to the HDD 2 can be stopped immediately after the occurrence of the earthquake is recognized. Therefore, writing in a state of being shaken by an earthquake is not performed, and the data in the HDD 2 and the magnetic disk 24 can be reliably prevented from being damaged.

  Further, during the period when the job is not executed, the control unit 1 causes the dummy data to be written to the HDD 2 at a predetermined timing, recognizes the writing speed of the dummy data to the HDD 2, and writes the dummy data to the HDD 2. When the included speed becomes the earthquake determination value V1 or less, it is recognized that an earthquake has occurred. By writing the dummy data to the HDD 2 at a predetermined timing, it is possible to recognize the occurrence of an earthquake even while the job is not being executed.

  In places far from the epicenter, shaking may start after receiving an earthquake early warning. In high-rise buildings, it begins to oscillate after the arrival of vibration. Therefore, the image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit (communication unit 7) that receives an emergency earthquake bulletin issued from a transmission source. The storage unit 3 stores emergency print information D5 as information to be printed when an earthquake occurs. When the receiving unit receives the earthquake early warning before recognizing that an earthquake has occurred, the control unit 1 causes the printing unit 6 to perform printing based on the emergency print information D5 and writes the emergency print information D5 as image data D2. When the data writing speed to the HDD 2 becomes equal to or less than the earthquake determination value V1 when the vehicle is on, it is recognized that an earthquake has occurred.

  Accordingly, by printing information to be printed at the time of occurrence of the earthquake after the occurrence of the earthquake and before the shaking starts, it is possible to provide the user with a printed matter of information useful to the user. In addition, since the power supply to the printing unit 6 is immediately stopped when the shaking starts, the power supply to the heater 6h can be stopped immediately. Further, since the power supply to the HDD 2 is immediately stopped when the shaking starts, there is no damage to the data and the disk of the HDD 2. The “emergency print information D5” can include information useful for evacuation, such as an evacuation site, a route to the evacuation site, an evacuation procedure, and a storage place for materials.

  The writing speed to the HDD 2 varies depending on the model of the HDD 2. A plurality of types of HDDs 2 that can be attached to the image forming apparatus may be prepared. In addition, the writing speed of the HDD 2 may change while the image forming apparatus is being set or used. Therefore, the control unit 1 stores the average value of the writing speed of the image data D2 to the HDD 2 in the storage unit 3, and sets a speed lower than the average value as the earthquake determination value V1. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether or not an earthquake has occurred based on whether the writing speed is slower than the actual average writing speed. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the occurrence of an earthquake.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus equipped with an HDD.

100 MFP (Image Forming Apparatus) 1 Control Unit 12 Image Processing Unit 2 HDD
22 Cache memory (volatile storage device)
3 storage unit 32 RAM (volatile storage device)
5a Document conveying section (job execution section) 5b Image reading section (job execution section)
6 Print section (job execution section) 6h Heater 7 Communication section (job execution section, reception section) 8 Power supply section 9 Power management section D2 Image data D3 Speed data D5 Emergency print information V1 Earthquake judgment value

Claims (6)

A job execution unit that executes a job based on image data;
An image processing unit that performs image processing of image data used in the job;
A storage unit including an HDD;
A control unit that controls reading and writing of the HDD and stores image data used for a job in the HDD;
A power management unit that manages power supply from a power supply unit that generates a voltage necessary for the operation of each unit in the image forming apparatus, and
When the job is executed, the control unit recognizes the writing speed of the image data to the HDD, and recognizes that an earthquake has occurred when the writing speed of the image data to the HDD is equal to or lower than the earthquake judgment value. An image forming apparatus, wherein when the occurrence is recognized, the power management unit performs a shutdown process for stopping power supply to each part including the job execution unit and the HDD in the image forming apparatus. The job execution unit includes a printing unit that forms a toner image based on image data, includes a heater for fixing the toner image on a sheet, and performs a print job.
When executing a print job,
The control unit stores print image data, which is image data used for a print job, in the HDD, sequentially transmits the print image data to the print unit toward the print unit, and outputs the print image data to the HDD. 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the image data writing speed is recognized, and when the writing speed of the image data for printing to the HDD is equal to or lower than an earthquake judgment value, it is recognized that an earthquake has occurred. Forming equipment.   The control unit causes the HDD to perform pre-blocking processing for storing predetermined data among data stored in a volatile storage device of the storage unit when the power is normally turned off, and then performs the shutdown processing. 3. The power management unit according to claim 1, wherein when the power management unit recognizes the occurrence of an earthquake, the power management unit performs the shutdown processing without performing the pre-shutdown processing on the HDD. Image forming apparatus.   During a period when the job is not executed, the control unit causes the dummy data to be written to the HDD at a predetermined timing, recognizes the writing speed of the dummy data to the HDD, and the dummy to the HDD. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the data writing speed is equal to or less than the earthquake determination value, the occurrence of an earthquake is recognized. Including a receiver that receives the earthquake early warning issued from the sender,
The storage unit stores emergency print information as information to be printed when an earthquake occurs,
The control unit causes the printing unit to perform printing based on the emergency print information when the reception unit receives an earthquake early warning before recognizing that an earthquake has occurred, and uses the emergency print information as the image data. 5. The image formation according to claim 2, wherein when the writing speed of data writing to the HDD becomes equal to or less than the earthquake determination value during writing, it is recognized that an earthquake has occurred. 6. apparatus.   The control unit stores an average value of the writing speed of the image data into the HDD in the storage unit, and sets a speed lower than the average value as the earthquake determination value. 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5.

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