JP4387501B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that performs copying or the like using a heat source such as a heat roller or a heater lamp.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Traditionally,Heat rollerAn image forming apparatus such as a composite copying machine that performs copying and printing using a heat source such as a heater lamp or the like has been put into practical use. This copier has a copy function, a print function, and a facsimile function.
[0003]
In such a complex type copying machine, as represented by application to the energy star program, energy saving in a copy function, a print function, and a facsimile function is an indispensable function at present.
[0004]
At present, in copy and print operations, a constant amount of power consumption, such as a drive portion or a heat source (a heat roller or a heater lamp), cannot be helped. Therefore, it is common to control the temperature of the heat source in standby.
[0005]
However, in the case of a usage situation where the copy / print operation and the standby mode are frequently repeated, the above control has no effect, so customization such as time adjustment to the standby mode is required. The situation is always changing, and it doesn't seem effective in reality.
[0006]
  This is because the copying / printing operation can be immediately performed according to the user's event. As a result, the basic performance is convenient. However, from the viewpoint of power consumption, this is considered to be the cause of the above problem.
[0007]
Therefore, there is a demand for improving the power consumption efficiency by shifting the basic performance under machine control from the viewpoint of power consumption reduction.
[0008]
That is, there is a demand for an apparatus that can reduce the number of times of switching between image forming processing and standby, and that can implement efficient energy saving control.
[0009]
The above drawbacks will be described below.
[0010]
For example, a case where a digital copying machine performs copy output will be described.
[0011]
First, the user places the document on the document table on the digital copying machine, and after inputting the required number of output sheets, paper size, copy density, and other various function selection processes from the operation panel, immediately starts copy output. Follow the steps.
[0012]
This basic operation method has the following problems.
[0013]
This is the same as the case of using an analog copying machine that does not hold temporary storage means for the entire document image information, and has the advantage that the user can immediately perform copy output processing.
[0014]
However, since the priority of the output contents is not taken into account, the digital copying machine may be occupied when outputting a large amount of copies.
[0015]
As a countermeasure for the conventional case, as represented by the interrupt copy function, the output process being executed is temporarily interrupted with the interrupt key, and after another copy output is performed, the process is manually returned to the original process. There is.
[0016]
However, there are many cases in which a large amount of output is being performed using an option such as an automatic document feeder or sorter, so the interrupt copy function uses only a single number of options. There are restrictions such as being impossible.
[0017]
Therefore, the above basic operation method makes the operation time of the digital copying machine irregular, and thus has the following influence on the energy saving function represented by the energy star program.
[0018]
As a basic function for application to the energy star program, a flowchart is shown in FIG. If the standby state continues for a certain time, the maintenance temperature of the heater lamp (heat source) for fixing the output paper is lowered, and if the standby state continues in that state, the power switch of the digital copying machine itself is automatically turned off.
[0019]
However, as described above, when used irregularly, the implementation rate of the energy saving control for lowering the heater lamp maintenance temperature is lowered, and the power saving efficiency is not improved.
[0020]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention is required to reduce the number of switching between image forming processing and standby, and to perform efficient energy saving control, and can reduce the number of switching between image forming processing and standby, An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing efficient energy saving control.
[0021]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a reading unit that sequentially reads an image of a plurality of originals in document units, and a plurality of stages corresponding to a document unit image read by the reading unit with the highest priority on image formation time after a predetermined time. Storage means for storing priorities, image forming means for forming an image on an image forming medium by fixing each image of a document unit by a heat source operating at a first temperature, and the image forming means A first control unit that controls the temperature of the heat source to a second temperature lower than the first temperature when image formation is not performed after a predetermined time, and at least one document unit in the storage unit First determination means for determining whether the image formation time has the highest priority or a predetermined time later according to the priority given to the document unit image when the first image is stored. 1 size A second determination unit that determines whether the first control unit controls the second temperature when the image formation time is determined to be the highest priority by the unit, and a second determination unit that When it is determined that the temperature of the heat source is controlled to the second temperature, the second control unit controls the temperature of the heat source at the first temperature, and the temperature of the heat source is changed to the first temperature by the second control unit. When it is determined that the image is not controlled to the first temperature by the second determination means, an image of the document unit with the highest image formation time is read from the storage means and the image is read. A first processing unit that forms an image on the image forming medium by the forming unit; and a second temperature that is set by the first control unit when the first determination unit determines that the image formation time is a predetermined time later. Third judgment to determine whether or not it is controlled And a second processing means for controlling the temperature of the heat source to the first temperature by the second control means when it is judged that the second temperature is controlled by the third judgment means. And when the temperature of the heat source is controlled at the first temperature by the second processing means, or when the temperature is not controlled to the first temperature by the third judging means. A fourth determination unit that determines whether it is time to form an image based on a predetermined time by one determination unit and an elapsed time since the image of the document unit is stored in the storage unit; When it is determined by the determining means that the time for image formation is reached, an image of a document unit whose image formation time is a predetermined time later is read from the storage means, and the image forming means reads an image on the image forming medium. And third processing means to be formed.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
FIG. 1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a composite digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus of the present invention.
[0029]
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, a finisher 2 as an optional device is mounted on the main body of the digital copying machine 1.
[0030]
An operation panel 3 for instructing various operations and displaying guidance is provided on the upper surface of the main body 1.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 3 includes a ten key 11 as a copy number setting key, a copy start key 12 for instructing to start copying, a reduction ratio, a reduction / enlargement ratio setting key 13 for setting an enlargement ratio, and operation guidance. A liquid crystal display (LCD) 14 with a built-in touch key that can be used and various instructions, a FAX key 15 that selects a facsimile function, a document size key 16 that specifies the size of a document, and a copy size that indicates the size of a sheet to be copied A key 17 and a copy key 18 for selecting a copy function are provided.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal display unit 14 includes an operation guide display unit 14a that displays an operation guide such as “READY” and a setting display unit 14b that displays various setting contents. As shown in FIG. 3, the setting display unit 14b is a basic function (BASIC) setting screen, for example, as an initial screen. The finisher is used, double-sided copy designation, paper feed cassette selection, copy density change, An icon for instructing the setting, editing, program, setting change, etc. of whether the read image is a photographic image, a text image or a mixed image of a photographic image and a text image is displayed.
[0033]
The setting display unit 14b includes editing (EDIT), program (PROGRAM), and setting (SETTINGS) setting screens. For example, in the setting screen for programs and setting, priority setting, job cancellation, job List display, priority setting can be changed and added.
[0034]
The digital copying machine 1 may be used alone or as a network printer as shown in FIG.
[0035]
In this case, the digital copying machine 1 is connected to a personal computer (PC) 16,... And a server 17 via a local network (LAN) 15.
[0036]
The internal configuration of the digital copying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0037]
When the digital copying machine 1 is used as a general copying machine, the image signal read by the scanner unit (scanner function) 21 is sent to the printer unit 22 for printing. For this reason, the scanner unit 21 is provided with a CCD sensor, and scans a document to convert light into an electrical signal.
[0038]
In this embodiment, the printer unit 22 is a device that performs printing using an electrophotographic system. For this reason, when the printer unit 22 receives the electrical signal of the image, it prints it on the paper as an image. The printer unit 22 is provided with a heater lamp (or heat source such as a heat roller) 22a as a fixing device subject to power saving control, and a thermistor 22b as a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the heater lamp 22a. ing.
[0039]
An outline of the entire digital copying machine 1 will be described below.
[0040]
The digital copying machine 1 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 23 that controls the operation thereof, a ROM (Rend only memory) 24 that stores software for operating the digital copying machine, image data, and other operational data. RAM (Random Access Memory) (S-RAM) 25, an external storage device (HDD) 26 represented by a hard disk in which various data are stored, a network interface 27 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the LAN 15, A printer unit interface 28 for exchanging signals with the printer unit 22, a scanner unit interface 2 for exchanging signals with the printer unit 22 and the scanner unit 21 connected to the interface 28. The scanner unit 21 connected to the interface 29, the operation panel 3 for displaying and accepting instructions for the operation of the digital copying machine 1, the operation panel interface 30 for exchanging signals with the operation panel 3, and the finisher 2 or an interface 31 for exchanging signals with the sorter.
[0041]
The CPU 23 is connected to the RAM 25, ROM 24, HDD 26, network interface 27, printer unit interface 28, scanner unit interface 29, operation panel interface 30 and interface 31 via the bus 32. Necessary signals are passed between the units via the bus 32.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 6, the HDD 26 stores management information and image data as a copy / print job.
[0043]
The management information is composed of a reception number, storage user information, storage time, priority, processing state, copy mode, and image data capture completion information.
[0044]
The reception number is a job reception number, and 1 to 65535 is assigned in the order of early time, and the number is reset every 24 hours. At the time of resetting, if there is one with a priority of 4, since it has been taken over from yesterday, a number for making it the highest priority output is added.
[0045]
The stored user information is a user name and is set by the user. In the case of the PC 16, the information is the owner of the PC 16.
[0046]
The storage time indicates the storage time, and is registered in the Christian era: month: day: time.
[0047]
The priorities are, for example, four levels 1 to 4, with priority 1 indicating output immediately (output with the highest priority), and priority 2 output at an arbitrary time A (the nearest next output setting time) ), Priority 3 indicates output at an arbitrary time B (output setting time after a certain time from the arbitrary time A), and priority 4 indicates output at an arbitrary time C (output in the first morning of the next day) ).
[0048]
In the processing state, 0 indicates unprocessed and 1 indicates processed.
[0049]
The copy (print) mode is the number of copies, density, presence / absence of selection of various functions, and the like.
[0050]
In the image data capture completion information, 0 indicates incomplete and 1 indicates complete.
[0051]
The image data is image data read by the scanner unit 21 of the digital copying machine 1 or print data supplied via a local network (LAN) 15 from a personal computer (PC) 16.
[0052]
The stored user information, priority, and copy (print) mode are input items for the user, and are set by the operation panel 3 in the case of image data from the digital copying machine 1, and in the case of print data from the PC 16. It is set by the PC 16.
[0053]
The CPU 23 determines whether the data is new data based on the presence / absence of existing data in the HDD 26, and issues a reception number for the new data. At this time, copy / print jobs are stored in order from the top of the empty area of the HDD 26.
[0054]
At this time, the CPU 23 sets the date and time obtained by the clock function of the RAM 25 as the storage time, sets unprocessed as the processing state, and captures the print data from the LAN 15 when the image data capture processing from the scanner unit 21 is completed. When the processing is finished, the image data capture completion information is set to completed. When the image data capture completion information is incomplete, the CPU 23 does not complete reservation acceptance.
[0055]
When the CPU 23 registers a copy / print job in the empty area of the HDD 26, the CPU 23 compares the priority of the copy / print job with the reception number, the priority of the existing copy / print job, and the reception number. In this case, the copy / print jobs are rearranged in the order of the reception numbers, and after this rearrangement, standby processing is performed with the first copy / print job as the next scheduled output job.
[0056]
When the CPU 23 is instructed to display a list of copy / print jobs from the operation panel 3, it searches for unprocessed copy / print jobs in the HDD 26, and the estimated output time of each searched copy / print job. (Calculated from the output time based on the priority), the target person name (stored user information), and the remaining memory (HDD 26) capacity can be displayed.
[0057]
With this function, the user can grasp the reservation status on the operation panel 3.
[0058]
Next, output timing determination processing (output interval setting change processing for priority) according to priority will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0059]
That is, the user (for example, the administrator of the digital copying machine 1) selects the output interval setting change for the priority by the setting display unit 14b of the operation panel 3, and the CPU 23 displays the output interval setting screen on the setting display unit 14b. Is displayed (ST1). On the output interval setting screen of the setting display unit 14b, the output interval for each priority is set in units of hours (1 to 24 hours) and units of minutes (1 to 60 minutes) (ST2). The set contents of the output interval for each set priority are registered in the RAM 25 or HDD 26 (ST3). When the output interval setting change for each priority is performed and the input confirmation key indicating completion is pressed (ST4), the CPU 23 ends the output interval setting change processing for the priority.
[0060]
However, in this embodiment, the priority 1 is output with the highest priority, and the priority 4 is the first morning of the next day, so the output timing determination process is not performed. ing.
[0061]
Therefore, in the case of the arbitrary time A for the priority 2 (closest next output setting time) and the arbitrary time B for the priority 3 (output setting time after a certain time from the arbitrary time A), the output timing described above. A decision process is performed.
[0062]
Next, user information input processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0063]
That is, when registering the copy / print job, the CPU 23 guides the input of the user number or the user name by the operation guidance display unit 14a (ST11). With this guidance, when the first user inputs the user name using the setting display unit 14b (ST12), the CPU 23 issues a new user number other than the user number registered in the HDD 26 (ST13). The issued user number and the user name are registered in the HDD 26 (ST14), and the issued user number is displayed on the operation guidance display unit 14a (ST15).
[0064]
When the user number is input using the numeric keypad according to the guidance in step 11 (ST16), the CPU 23 determines whether or not a matching user number is registered in the HDD 26 (ST17), and the matching user number is registered. If so, this user number is displayed by the operation guidance display unit 14a (ST15).
[0065]
If the matching user number is not registered, the CPU 23 returns to step 11.
[0066]
Next, priority input processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0067]
That is, when outputting with the highest priority (ST21), priority 1 is set (ST22), and when outputting at the next next output setting time as the arbitrary time A (ST23), priority 2 is set ( ST24) When outputting from the arbitrary time A as the arbitrary time B to the output set time after a certain time (ST25), the priority 3 is set (ST26), and the first time of the next day as the arbitrary time C is output. When doing so (ST27), priority 4 is set (ST28).
[0068]
Next, the priority reservation acceptance process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0069]
That is, the user selects a priority reservation using the setting display unit 14b of the operation panel 3, sets saved user information, priority, and copy mode, sets a document on the scanner unit 21, and presses the copy start key 12. (ST31).
[0070]
Then, the CPU 23 checks whether or not the HDD 26 is full, that is, whether or not the reservation information overflows (ST32). If the reservation information overflows, the CPU 23 executes the output process regardless of the priority (ST33). That is, the image data read by the scanner unit 21 is printed out as it is by the printer unit 22.
[0071]
If the reservation information is not overflowed as a result of the check in step 32, the CPU 23 checks whether or not the document reading process by the scanner unit 21 is completed (ST34), and when this reading process is completed. In addition, a new reception number is issued based on the existing data in the HDD 26, the date and time obtained by the clock function of the RAM 25 is the storage time, the processing state is unprocessed, and the reception number and the storage time are set as described above. A copy / print job is stored in an empty area in the HDD 26 based on management information to which stored user information, priority, and copy mode are added and image data read by the scanner unit 21 (ST35).
[0072]
Next, the CPU 23 sets the image data capture completion information to “completed” when the image data capture processing from the scanner unit 21 is completed, and the priority of the stored copy / print job (main data) in the HDD 26 is set. And the reception number, the priority of the existing copy / print job (existing data), and the reception number are compared, and the copy / print job is rearranged in the order of priority and in the order of the reception number. The copy / print job is set as the next scheduled output job and standby processing is performed (ST36).
[0073]
Next, the reservation execution process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0074]
That is, the CPU 23 searches for an unprocessed head copy / print job in the HDD 26 (ST41), and checks the priority of the searched copy / print job (ST42).
[0075]
Thereby, when the priority is 1, the CPU 23 determines that the output process has the highest priority (ST43), and checks whether or not it is currently in the power saving mode (ST44). When the power saving mode is canceled and printing is possible by the print unit 22 (ST45), the copy mode and image data of the copy / print job are read from the HDD 26 and output to the printer unit 22, The printer 22 prints out (ST46).
[0076]
When the print processing for the copy / print job is completed, the CPU 23 either completes the corresponding copy / print job in the HDD 26 or deletes the copy / print job management information (ST47).
[0077]
If the result of the check in step 44 is not the power saving mode, the process proceeds to step 46.
[0078]
Further, as a result of checking the priority in the above step 42, when the priority is 2, the CPU 23 is the next next set output time as the arbitrary time A (the time obtained by adding the arbitrary time A from the registered time; scheduled output time) ) (ST48), and compares the scheduled output time with the current date and time obtained by the clock function of the RAM 25 (ST49). As a result of this comparison, if the current date and time has not reached the scheduled output time, the CPU 23 ends the reservation execution process.
[0079]
As a result of the comparison in step 49, if the current date and time has reached the scheduled output time, the CPU 23 determines that it is an output process (ST50), and checks whether it is currently in the power saving mode (ST51). As a result of this check, if the power saving mode is set, the power saving mode is canceled, and when the print unit 22 can print (ST52), the copy mode and image data of the copy / print job are read from the HDD 26. By outputting to the printer unit 22, the printer unit 22 prints out (ST53).
[0080]
When the print processing for the copy / print job is completed, the CPU 23 either completes the corresponding copy / print job in the HDD 26 or deletes the copy / print job management information (ST54).
[0081]
Further, as a result of checking the priority in the above step 42, when the priority is 3, the CPU 23 sets the output set time as the arbitrary time B (the time obtained by adding the arbitrary time B after the predetermined time A from the registration time; The output processing is determined at (scheduled output time) (ST55), and the scheduled output time is compared with the current date and time obtained by the clock function of the RAM 25 (ST56). As a result of this comparison, if the current date and time has not reached the scheduled output time, the CPU 23 ends the reservation execution process.
[0082]
As a result of the comparison in step 56, when the current date and time has reached the scheduled output time, the processing in steps 50 to 55 is similarly performed.
[0083]
Further, as a result of checking the priority in the above step 42, when the priority is 4, the CPU 23 determines that the output is the first morning of the next day as the arbitrary time C (ST57) and ends the reservation execution process.
[0084]
If the result of the check in step 51 is not the power saving mode, the process proceeds to step 53.
[0085]
Next, output interval optimization processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0086]
For example, when the print processing is ended, the CPU 23 searches for an unprocessed head (next time) copy / print job in the HDD 26 (ST61), the estimated output time of the searched copy / print job and the clock of the RAM 25. The current date and time obtained by the function is compared (ST62). As a result of this comparison, the CPU 23 checks whether or not the time interval until the scheduled output time is shorter than the predetermined time (5 minutes) (ST63), and the time interval until the planned output time is from the predetermined time (45 minutes). It is checked whether it is too long (ST64).
[0087]
The scheduled output time is a time obtained by adding an arbitrary time A from the registration time in the case of priority 2, and a time obtained by adding an arbitrary time B after a predetermined time from the registration time in the case of priority 3. Yes.
[0088]
As a result of the check in step 63, if the time interval until the scheduled output time is shorter than the predetermined time (5 minutes), the CPU 23 carries out the print processing for the copy / print job (ST65). Thereafter, the process returns to step 61, and an output interval optimization process for the next copy / print job is performed.
[0089]
As a result of the check in step 64, if the time interval until the scheduled output time is longer than the predetermined time (45 minutes), the CPU 23 checks whether the highest priority output other than the reservation exists during standby (ST66). .
[0090]
As a result of this check, if the highest priority output other than the reservation exists in the standby state, the CPU 23 advances the print processing for the copy / print job (ST67). Thereafter, the process returns to step 61, and an output interval optimization process for the next copy / print job is performed.
[0091]
As a result of the check in step 63, when the time interval until the scheduled output time is longer than a predetermined time (5 minutes), and as a result of the check in step 64, the time interval until the planned output time is a predetermined time (45 minutes). If shorter, the CPU 23 ends the process.
[0092]
Such output interval optimization processing will be described.
[0093]
As described above, after the reservation process is executed, the output amount is determined in advance according to the contents.
[0094]
As a result, the CPU 23 can predict the time required for the output process and the power consumption of the output process. Therefore, the CPU 23 performs the following control determination when the reserved output process is completed.
[0095]
(1) When the interval until the next reserved execution output is short (eg, when the number of reserved outputs is large)
For example, if it is shorter than the energy star low power mode transition time setting condition, the standby state will continue as it is, so the next reservation process will be continued and output after the current output, and the low power mode will be output. Adjust to create a transition to.
[0096]
(2) When the interval until the next reserved execution output is long (Example: When the number of reserved outputs is small)
For example, when the number of the next reservation output is one, when the highest priority output occurs in an event other than the reservation execution output, the next reservation execution output is continuously output. At this time, when an option such as the finisher 2 is installed, an error in taking out the output is prevented by changing the reservation execution output and the other bins.
[0097]
In addition, the output of the second time is advanced and output together with the next case, and the advanced output is notified at this time.
[0098]
(3) Processing when the maximum number of reservations is exceeded
If the number of reservations has already reached the maximum number of reservations (set the number of reserved capacity per copy)
Since the new reservation function cannot be used, it is output immediately. At that time, the next reserved copy and print job are also output together, and an output change notification is sent to the reserved user.
[0099]
In addition, as a supplement to the low power mode, the relationship with the power consumption reduction control represented by the energy star program will be described below.
[0100]
As a basic type, the low power mode is performed at the set time 1 from the standby state in which the control temperature of the heater lamp at the time of copy output is maintained, and the auto shut-off is performed at the set time 2.
[0101]
However, in this embodiment, even when the arbitrary times A and B are being counted, if the output reservation time is reached and there is an unprocessed copy / print job, the arbitrary times A and B are counted. The copy / print job is executed with priority.
[0102]
As a result, the auto shut-off function is limited to normal conditions when there is no operation for a certain period of time and when there is no reserved copy / print job.
[0103]
In addition, the key operation of the operation panel 3 in the standby state cancels the power saving function and resets the measurement of the elapsed time, but newly outputs a job cancel and immediate output function (priority setting / change / cancel dedicated key). It is also possible to provide a function only for the operation system, independent of the power saving function, by using the key.
[0104]
This prevents the temperature of the heater lamp from changing.
[0105]
In addition, the reservation copy / print job can be canceled (processed), and the reservation schedule priority can be changed.
[0106]
Further, when the digital copying machine 1 is connected as a network printer (LAN printer) as in the configuration of FIG. 4, an output process notification function is provided to the user on the local network (LAN) 15. The completion of the reservation copy / print job can be notified by e-mail or message processing.
[0107]
In addition, the following functions can be implemented as interlocking functions when optional equipment (finisher, sorter) is installed.
[0108]
Enables output with different priority settings for each bin of the finisher and sorter.
[0109]
(1) When there is a paper detection function for each bin
Send an output completion notification to the target user of the specified output bin.
[0110]
(2) If the paper bin status in the output bin does not change even after a certain period of time has elapsed since the reservation was output, a similar notification is sent to the output target user.
[0111]
However, this process does not function when the user has pulled it out and returned it again.
[0112]
With these functions, the number of times of switching between the copy / print function and the standby mode can be reduced, and as a result, efficient energy saving control can be implemented.
[0113]
As described above, in order to reduce power consumption, it can be realized not by using unused time during the night but by improving the operating efficiency with respect to the actual usage time.
[0114]
In addition, to reduce power consumption, priority information is added to copy and print jobs as a means to improve operation efficiency with respect to actual usage time, not to use unused time such as at midnight, and according to the priority information, A plurality of jobs can be reserved and output together, and an output condition according to the reservation status can be determined on control and changed.
[0115]
Also, priority can be set for copy output, and output interval setting according to priority is performed from the operation panel, and is set in a combination of minutes (1 to 60 minutes) and hours (1 to 24 hours). It can be changed, and can be copied and printed according to the output interval setting.
[0116]
For copy output, output time is recognized as a priority, such as immediate output, output at the nearest scheduled output time that has been set in advance, output to the next time, output to the next day, etc. When the output data is stored in the external storage device and is scheduled to be output, the stored data is read again, the unprocessed copy / print job is searched from the stored output planned data, listed, and displayed on the operation panel. Is displayed on the operation panel to display a list of information that cannot be stored and the contents of the current reservation information.
[0117]
For copy output, output time is recognized as a priority, such as immediate output, output at the nearest scheduled output time that has been set in advance, output to the next time, output to the next day, etc. Save the output data to the external storage device, read the current reservation information contents from the stored output schedule data, and output the new reservation contents immediately with the highest priority output setting, or the next reserved output When the interval until is short, the output operation starts immediately when the copy print button is accepted, and the contents of the next output reservation waiting are output at the same time, and the power saving state is continued immediately after output. is there.
[0118]
For copy output, output time is recognized as a priority, such as immediate output, output at the nearest scheduled output time that has been set in advance, output to the next time, output to the next day, etc. The output data to the external storage device is saved, the current reservation information content is read from the stored output schedule data, the paper loading signal of the output paper device represented by the finisher is input, and the LAN printer is obtained from the information. When the connection is established, the user can be notified of the completion of the reservation job by e-mail or message communication on the network.
[0119]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the number of times of switching between image forming processing and standby, and as a result, can perform efficient energy saving control.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an operation panel.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display unit.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example when a digital copying machine is used as a network printer.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a digital copying machine.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing management information and image data as a copy / print job stored in an HDD.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining output timing determination processing according to priority.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining user information input processing;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining priority input processing;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining priority reservation acceptance processing;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining reservation execution processing;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining output interval optimization processing;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining basic functions for application to an energy star program;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Digital copier
3. Operation panel
14 ... Liquid crystal display
21 ... Scanner section
22 ... Printer section
22a ... Heater lamp
22b ... Thermistor
23 ... CPU
26 ... HDD

Claims (1)

Reading means for sequentially reading images of a plurality of documents in document units;
A storage unit that stores the image in units of documents read by the reading unit with the highest priority on image formation time, and a plurality of priority levels corresponding to a predetermined time later;
Image forming means for forming an image on an image forming medium by fixing each of the document unit images by a heat source operating at a first temperature;
A first control unit that controls the temperature of the heat source to a second temperature lower than the first temperature when image formation is not performed even after a predetermined time has passed by the image forming unit;
When at least one document unit image is stored in the storage unit, it is determined whether the image formation time has the highest priority or a predetermined time later according to the priority given to the document unit image. A first determination means;
A second determination unit that determines whether the first control unit controls the second temperature when the first determination unit determines that the image formation timing has the highest priority;
Second control means for controlling the temperature of the heat source at the first temperature when it is determined that the second temperature is controlled by the second determination means;
When the temperature of the heat source is controlled at the first temperature by the second control unit, or when it is determined that the temperature is not controlled to the first temperature by the second determination unit, the image formation timing is changed. First processing means for reading an image of the highest priority document unit from the storage means and forming an image on an image forming medium by the image forming means;
Third determination means for determining whether the first control means is controlled to the second temperature when the first determination means determines that the image formation time is after a predetermined time;
A second processing means for controlling the temperature of the heat source to the first temperature by the second control means when it is judged that the third temperature is controlled by the third judgment means;
When the temperature of the heat source is controlled at the first temperature by the second processing means, or when it is determined that the temperature is not controlled to the first temperature by the third determining means, Fourth determination means for determining whether or not it is time to form an image based on a predetermined time by the determination means and an elapsed time since the document unit image is stored in the storage means;
When it is determined by the fourth determination means that it is time to form an image, an image in document units whose image formation time is a predetermined time later is read from the storage means, and the image formation means Third processing means for forming an image on the medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images