JP4813407B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming program, and is an improvement of an image forming apparatus and an image forming program suitable for use in, for example, a copying machine, a printer, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP) equipped with a power saving mode. About.

  In recent years, from the viewpoint of energy saving requests, multifunction devices and the like are equipped with a power saving mode for suppressing power consumption. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the printing process (step S1) is completed, It is determined whether or not a predetermined period of time has passed without a printing process (step S2), and when the predetermined period has elapsed, a power saving mode start process (step S3) is executed.

  However, if the transition time to the power saving mode is set longer in accordance with the working hours that are frequently used, excess power is consumed before the transition to the power saving mode in the overtime hours when the usage frequency is low. On the other hand, if the transition time to the power saving mode is set to a short time according to the overtime hours that are not frequently used, the power saving mode is immediately entered immediately before working hours when the usage frequency is high. Deteriorate.

  Therefore, for example, an image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-101919 (Patent Document 1) has been proposed.

  This configuration is an image forming apparatus in which, when the output operation is not performed for a certain period of time, at least from the standby state in which the fixing heater can fix, the energization to the fixing heater is cut off to execute the energy saving mode. Measure the time to shift to the energy saving mode and the time to shift to the standby state from the energy saving mode, and set the transition time to the energy saving mode (power saving mode) by using a certain day of the week and time zone as a frequently used time zone. Set a long time, configure a short time to enter the energy saving mode during less frequently used time, and automatically determine the time to shift to the energy saving mode (power saving mode) according to the environment where the device is placed It is what you do.

  Furthermore, a network system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-151587 (Patent Document 2) has also been proposed.

In this patent document 2, an input unit that inputs a set operation mode, a display unit that displays the set operation mode, and a predetermined time after the end of the last input operation are input to an image forming apparatus as a terminal device. And a control unit that shifts the setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus to a predetermined setting mode. In a network system in which these devices are connected to each other, the power saving in the terminal device depends on the frequency of use of each device in each time zone. The system is equipped with a transition time determination means that determines the mode transition time. Depending on whether the frequency of use at a given time is low or high, the transition time to the power saving mode can be set longer or shorter to enable quick operation. It is a thing.
JP 2004-101919 A (Patent Document 1) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-151587 (Patent Document 2)

  However, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above, the transition time is changed and set based on a prediction that a certain day of the week, time, or frequency of use of a certain device will be high. The printing state is not taken into consideration, and improvement is desired.

  In other words, if the predecessor is printing a large number of sheets, the next-ranked print requester waits for the print order, but there is an example of returning to his seat and performing work other than waiting in front of the device. Many.

  In this case, you may be distracted by the work and do not notice that the previous printing process has been completed, and if you notice it, you may have shifted to the power saving mode and cannot immediately start your own printing work. It was an obstacle to efficient printing.

  Furthermore, there may be a sudden meeting or event that makes it necessary to create a document suddenly, and there may be a situation in which it is necessary to return to use immediately after shifting to the power saving mode.

  In addition, the printing process is not limited to image data that requires only a short period of time or image data that requires a long period of time. If a small amount of image data happens to be processed after the mode transition period is extended, the extended energy-saving mode transition period will be reset to the reference period before the extension, which may cause the above-mentioned problems, which can be improved. Need special ingenuity.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and even when a plurality of image data requiring a long or short print processing period is printed, it is possible to set a transition period to an appropriate power saving mode. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming program.

  In order to solve such a problem, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a printing unit that prints image data, a state detection unit that detects a printing state immediately before the printing unit, and the printing unit from a normal mode. A mode switching unit that switches to the power saving mode at the reference timing, and is configured to extend the mode switching timing to the power saving mode in the printing unit when the detected printing state by the state detection unit exceeds a predetermined reference printing state. A mode switching unit.

  In addition, the mode switching unit includes the previous transition period to the power saving mode in which the mode switching is set based on the detected print state related to the print image data printed before the immediately preceding print image data printed immediately before, The longer period from the relationship between the current transition period of the power saving mode that is set for mode switching based on the detected print status related to print image data and the elapsed period from the previous mode switch timing to the end of printing of the previous print image data Is set as the power saving mode transition period.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the mode switching unit compares the period obtained by subtracting the elapsed period from the previous transition period and the current transition period, and sets the longer period as the power saving mode transition period. Is also possible.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the state detection unit detects the immediately preceding print number as the print state, and the mode switching unit enters the power saving mode when the print number exceeds the reference print number as the reference print state. A configuration in which the mode switching timing is extended is also possible.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the state detection unit detects the immediately preceding printing operation period as the printing state, and the mode switching unit detects the power saving mode when the printing operation period exceeds the reference printing period as the reference printing state. A configuration is also possible in which the mode switching timing is extended.

  An image forming program according to the present invention prints image data based on a print instruction to an image formation control computer that controls printing of image data and controls the apparatus to shift from a normal mode to a power saving mode. A state detection process for detecting a print state in the print process, and a mode switching process for switching the print process from the normal mode to the power saving mode at the reference timing, and the detected print state by the state detection process is a predetermined reference print. Mode switching processing to extend the mode switching timing to the power saving mode in the printing process when exceeding the state, and mode switching based on the detected print state related to the print image data printed before the previous print image data printed immediately before The previous transition period to the set power saving mode and the print image data immediately before that Based on the relationship between the current transition period of the power saving mode set for mode switching based on the detected print state and the elapsed period from the previous mode switching timing to the end of printing of the previous print image data, the longer period is set to the power saving mode. And mode switching change processing that is changed and set as the transition period.

  In the image forming program of the present invention, the mode switching change process compares the period obtained by subtracting the elapsed period from the previous transition period and the current transition period, and executes the longer period as the power saving mode transition period. Is also possible.

  In the image forming program of the present invention, the previous number of prints is detected as the print processing state in the state detection process, and the power saving mode is entered when the number of prints exceeds the reference print number as the reference print state in the mode switching process. A configuration for extending the mode switching timing is also possible.

  In the image forming program of the present invention, when the state detection process detects the immediately preceding printing operation period as the printing state, and the mode switching process causes the printing operation period to exceed the reference printing period as the reference printing state, the power saving mode A configuration for extending the mode switching timing is also possible.

  In such an image forming apparatus and an image forming program according to the present invention, the immediately preceding printing state in the printing unit is detected, and the mode switching timing to the power saving mode is extended when the detected printing state exceeds a predetermined reference printing state. Mode switching control and printing the image data at the switched mode switching timing, and the mode switching set based on the detected print state related to the print image data printed before the immediately preceding print image data printed immediately before The previous transition period to the saved power saving mode, the current transition period of the power saving mode set based on the detected print state related to the immediately preceding print image data, and the printing of the previous print image data from the previous mode switching timing From the relationship with the elapsed time until the end, the longer period is the power saving mode transition period Because a constant, even when a plurality of image data that requires long and short any printing period is executed printing, it is possible to set the transition period to the appropriate power saving mode.

  In the present invention, the period obtained by subtracting the elapsed period from the previous transition period is compared with the current transition period, and the longer period is set as the power saving mode transition period, even when the current transition period is set longer. If the elapsed period is short, a long transition period can be set as in the previous case.

  In the present invention, in the configuration in which the mode switching timing to the power saving mode is extended when the immediately preceding print number exceeds the reference print number, even if the printing operation with a large number of prints is finished, the mode is not immediately shifted to the power saving mode, and the normal mode The next printing operation can be started.

  In the present invention, in the configuration in which the mode switching timing to the power saving mode is extended when the immediately preceding printing operation period exceeds the reference printing operation period, even if the printing operation with a long printing operation period is completed, the mode is immediately shifted to the power saving mode. Instead, the next printing operation can be started in the normal mode.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The image forming program according to the present invention will be described in the process of describing the image forming apparatus.

  1, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reading unit 1, a storage unit 3, a printing unit 5, a state detecting unit 7, a mode switching unit 9, a display operation unit 11, a communication unit 13, a control unit 15, and these. And a bus 17 for connecting the two.

  Here, the power saving mode will be briefly described before describing the components constituting the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Note that the printable operation is the normal mode immediately.

  The power saving mode includes, for example, a standby mode and a sleep mode depending on the amount of power consumption during standby, and may be further subdivided.

  The standby mode is a mode in which the fixing heater in the printing unit 5 is controlled to be turned on / off so that the temperature can be quickly entered into the printing operation (image formation output). The standby mode shifts to the power saving mode in a short standby period. This is a mode with a short return time.

  The sleep mode is a power saving mode in which the temperature of the fixing heater is controlled by setting the temperature one step lower than that in the standby mode as a target value. The power supply to the printing unit 5 and the control unit 15 is turned off, The mode is a mode in which the mode is shifted to the power saving mode after a long standby period, the return time to the normal state is relatively long, and the power consumption is kept low.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the image reading unit 1 optically reads image data from, for example, a printed document having a plurality of pages under the control of the control unit 15, and performs a filtering process, a gradation process, and the like to obtain an electronic image. A data input unit such as a known scanner for generating data, and the generated image data is sequentially stored in the storage unit 3 for each page of the document. Image data can also be input from the communication unit 13 as will be described later.

  The image reading unit 1 may have an automatic paper feeding mechanism that automatically feeds a document of a plurality of pages. However, since the image reading unit 1 is a known one, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  Under the control of the control unit 15, the storage unit 3 stores image data from the image reading unit 1 and the communication unit 13, a reference timing period (t 1), an extension period (α), a content of the reference print state, an elapsed period ( T), a power saving mode transition period (t, t ′), and the like are stored in a readable / writable manner, for example, a hard disk (HDD).

  The printing unit 5 receives a print instruction from the display operation unit 11 to be described later, and is a known monochrome or a printer that performs image formation processing on the image data stored in the storage unit 3 and transfers and fixes the image data on the printing paper under the control of the control unit 15. A color printing engine.

  The printing unit 5 includes a conveyance unit that conveys printing paper from the paper feed stage, a transfer unit that transfers an image to the conveyed printing paper, and a fixing unit (heating roller) that fixes a transferred image of the transferred printing paper. The operation stop control and the return control are performed in accordance with the information of the power saving mode described above from the mode switching unit 9, that is, the standby mode or the sleep mode, but are not essential parts of the present invention. Description and illustration are omitted.

  The state detection unit 7 detects the printing state of each image data in the printing unit 5 under the control of the control unit 15, for example, the number of prints and the print processing period, and has a function as a print number counting unit and a timer unit. The number of prints and the print processing period are output to the mode switching unit 9.

  The number of prints can be obtained from the count value of the copy number counter arranged in the printing unit 5, and the print processing period is determined by a sensor arranged in a paper discharge unit or a paper feed tray in the printing unit 5. It is possible to count from the elapsed time from the first page to the last page and the elapsed time from the start / stop of the conveyance roller that conveys the paper.

  When the reference print number or the reference print processing period as the reference print state is set to, for example, 100 sheets or 3 minutes, respectively, the previous print number or print processing period by the state detection unit 7 exceeds 100 sheets or 3 minutes As will be described later, the mode switching unit 9 sets 10 minutes (t1), which is the reference timing period of the mode switching unit 9, to 5 minutes, for example, and sets it to 15 minutes (t1 + α), and enters the power saving mode for the printing unit 5. It operates to extend the mode switching timing.

  Whenever the printing operation for each image data in the printing unit 5 is finished, for example, when 10 minutes have passed without the printing operation process being performed, the mode switching unit 9 uses this period as a reference timing period (t1) to set the power saving mode, for example, standby. The printing unit 5 is controlled to be switched to the mode, and when the detection state of the control unit 15, that is, the number of printed sheets or the printing processing period exceeds a predetermined reference printing state, the mode switching timing to the power saving mode is set, for example, as an extension period (α) When the printing instruction is issued after that, the return control is performed.

  The reference timing period (t1) 10 minutes and the extension period (α) 5 minutes are input from the display operation unit 11.

  Further, the mode switching unit 9 is configured to change the mode switching timing for each immediately preceding detected printing state.

  In other words, the mode switching unit 9 performs the previous transition period (t) to the power saving mode in which the mode switching is set based on the detected print state related to the print image data printed immediately before the previous print image data printed immediately before. ), The current transition period (t ′) of the power saving mode in which mode switching is set based on the detected printing state relating to the immediately preceding print image data, and the elapsed period from the previous mode switching set timing to the end of printing of the immediately preceding print image data From the relationship with (T), it has a change processing function for setting the longer period as the power saving mode transition period (t).

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the last transition period (t) is 10 minutes (t = t1) or 15 minutes depending on whether the number of printed sheets or the print processing period exceeds 100 sheets or 3 minutes. (T = t1 + α), and the current transition period (t ′) is 10 minutes (t ′ = t1) or 15 minutes depending on whether the number of printed sheets or the print processing period exceeds 100 sheets or 3 minutes ( t ′ = t1 + α).

  The mode switching unit 9 compares the period (t−T) obtained by subtracting the elapsed period (T) from the previous transition period (t) and the current transition period (t ′), and shifts the longer period to the power saving mode. It has a function to set as a period. The mode switching unit 9 also has a counting unit that counts an elapsed period (T) from the previous mode switching set timing to the end of printing of the immediately preceding print image data.

  In the mode switching unit 9, the meaning of subtracting the elapsed period (T) from the previous transition period (t) is to determine whether or not the elapsed period (T) exceeds the extended period (α), as will be described later. Is.

  The display operation unit 11 includes a liquid crystal display panel disposed on a main body case (not shown) of the image forming apparatus and a liquid crystal operation panel that also serves as a touch switch input unit. Instruction, cancellation, reference timing time (t1), reference print state content such as reference print number or reference processing period, mode switching timing extension period (α), and other various display input functions, control unit 15 is controlled.

  The communication unit 13 is a NIC (network interface card) such as a LAN board, which receives image data via the known network 19 and stores it in the storage unit 3 under the control of the control unit 15.

  The control unit 15 mainly controls the image forming apparatus, that is, the image reading unit 1, the storage unit 3, the printing unit 5, the state detection unit 7, the mode switching unit 9, the display operation unit 11, and the communication unit 13. , Which forms part of them.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be briefly described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. These flowcharts are a part of the operation of the image forming apparatus.

  For example, when the first printing process starts and ends in step S10, it is determined in step S11 whether or not the reference printing state has been exceeded. For example, if the number of printed sheets is 100 or less and step S11 is NO, the process proceeds to step S12. Then, the previous transition period (t) to the power saving mode is set to 10 minutes (t = t1), and the process proceeds to step S14 (see FIG. 2A (A)).

  If the number of printed sheets exceeds 100 and step S11 is YES, the process proceeds to step S13, and the previous transition period (t) to the power saving mode is extended by 5 minutes and set to 15 minutes (t = t1 + α). The process moves to S14 (see FIG. 2A (B)).

  In step S14, a timer is started for counting the elapsed period (T), and the process proceeds to step S15 to wait for an operation.

  If there is no operation and step S15 is NO, it is determined in step S16 whether or not the transition period (t) to the power saving mode has been reached. If it is not reached and step S16 is NO, the process returns to step S15. If the transition period (t) to the power saving mode is reached and step S16 is YES, the process proceeds to step S17 to execute the transition process to the power saving mode. These processes are executed until an operation is performed.

  If there is an operation and step S15 is YES, it is determined in step S18 whether or not it is a request for starting the next image data (print job). If it is not a print request but step S18 is NO, the process returns to step S14 to print. If it is a request and step S18 is YES, it will move to step S19 of FIG.

  In FIG. 4, when the immediately preceding second printing process is started and ended in step S19, the process proceeds to step S20 to determine whether or not the reference printing state has been exceeded.

  If the number of prints of the previous image data is 100 or less and step S21 is NO, the process proceeds to step S12, and the current transition period (t ′) to the power saving mode is set to 10 minutes (t ′ = t1). The process proceeds to step S23 (see FIG. 2C (c)).

  If the number of printed sheets exceeds 100 and step S20 is YES, the process proceeds to step S22, and the current transition period (t ′) to the power saving mode is extended by 5 minutes and set to 15 minutes (t ′ = t1 + α). Then, the process proceeds to step S23 (see FIG. 2C (d)).

  In step S23, “previous transition period (t) −elapsed period (T)” and current transition period “t ′” are compared, and the longer transition period is set as the transition period to the power saving mode. Move.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the elapsed period (T) is equal to or shorter than the extended period (α), it is set to 15 minutes (d) in FIG. Is set to 10 minutes (C).

  In step S24, a timer is started for shifting to the power saving mode, and the process proceeds to step S25 to wait for an operation.

  If there is no operation and step S25 is NO, it is determined whether or not the transition period to the power saving mode has been reached in step S26, and if it is not reached and step S26 is NO, the process returns to step S25, and the power saving mode is reached. If the transition period to is reached and step S26 is YES, the process proceeds to step S27 and the transition process to the power saving mode is executed. These processes are executed until an operation is performed.

  If there is an operation and step S25 is YES, it is determined in step S28 whether or not it is a request for starting the next image data (print job). If it is not a print request but step S28 is NO, the process returns to step S24 to print. If it is a request and Step S28 is YES, it will return to Step S19. Thereafter, these are repeated.

  Such a processing procedure is the image forming program according to the present invention.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the printing unit 5 that prints image data, the printing state immediately before the printing unit 5, for example, the state detection unit 7 that detects the number of printed sheets or the printing operation period, and the printing A mode in which the unit 5 is switched from the normal mode to the power saving mode at the reference timing, and when the detected printing state by the state detecting unit 7 exceeds a predetermined reference printing state, the mode switching timing in the printing unit 5 to the power saving mode is extended. And a switching unit 9.

  In addition, the mode switching unit 9 includes a previous transition period to the power saving mode in which the mode switching is set based on the detected print state related to the print image data printed immediately before the previous print image data printed immediately before. , Using the current transition period of the power saving mode that is set for mode switching based on the detected print state relating to the immediately preceding print image data and the elapsed period from the previous mode switching timing to the end of printing of the immediately preceding print image data. By comparing the period obtained by subtracting the elapsed period from the transition period and the current transition period, the longer period is set as the power saving mode transition period.

  Therefore, after a large amount of image data is printed and the energy saving mode transition period is extended and set, even if a small amount of image data is continuously processed, the appropriate energy saving mode transition is performed depending on the image data printing processing period (elapsed period T). The period can be set.

  That is, if the immediately preceding number of printed sheets or the printing operation period exceeds the reference printing state, it is possible to extend the transition period to the power saving mode, and even if the transition period this time is set short, the elapsed period ( If T) is short, it is possible to set a long transition period as in the previous case, and even if a plurality of image data requiring a long or short print processing period is printed, a transition period to an appropriate power saving mode is set. The

  In addition, when the immediately preceding printing operation period or the number of printed sheets is within a predetermined reference printing state, it is always possible to shift to the power saving mode in the normal transition period.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the previous transition period is not limited to that based on the detected print state related to the print image data printed immediately before the immediately preceding print image data printed immediately before, The previous period is also possible, and the elapsed period (T) can also be counted from that point.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the reference timing period for shifting from the normal mode to the power saving mode can be arbitrarily set, and the reference printing state compared with the immediately preceding printing state, for example, the number of printed sheets or the printing operation period. The content (reference print number or reference print operation period) can also be set arbitrarily.

  Furthermore, the extension mode switching timing to the power saving mode is not limited to a fixed period such as 10 minutes as described above, but increases in a stepwise manner or a value that increases in proportion to the immediately preceding number of printed sheets or the printing operation period. It is also possible to set the value to

  In the image forming apparatus described above, the standby mode is described as an example of the power saving mode. However, the image forming apparatus can also be implemented in the sleep mode. However, it will be more effective in the standby mode.

  The image forming program according to the present invention also compares the period obtained by subtracting the elapsed period from the previous transition period and the current transition period, and sets the longer period as the power saving mode transition period, as the immediately preceding printing state. If the configuration is such that the printing operation period and the number of prints are set, and the mode switching timing is set for each immediately preceding detected printing state, the same effect as that of the image forming apparatus can be obtained.

1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention together with the image forming program of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention together with the image forming program of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a conventional image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reading part 3 Memory | storage part 5 Printing part 7 State detection part 9 Mode switching part 11 Display operation part 13 Communication part 15 Control part 17 Bus | bath 19 Network

Claims (8)

A printing section for printing image data;
A state detection unit for detecting the previous printing state in the printing unit;
A mode switching unit that switches the printing unit from a normal mode to a power saving mode at a reference timing, and when a detected printing state by the state detection unit exceeds a predetermined reference printing state, a mode switching timing to the power saving mode is set. A mode switching portion formed to extend, and
Comprising
The mode switching unit includes a previous transition period to a power saving mode in which mode switching is set based on the detected print state related to print image data printed before the previous print image data printed immediately before, and the previous print From the relationship between the current transition period of the power saving mode that is set for mode switching based on the detected print state relating to image data and the elapsed period from the previous mode switching timing to the end of printing of the previous print image data, the longer one An image forming apparatus, wherein the period is set as a power saving mode transition period. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode switching unit compares a period obtained by subtracting the elapsed period from the previous transition period and the current transition period, and sets the longer period as the power saving mode transition period. . The state detection unit detects the previous number of printed sheets as the printing state, and the mode switching unit extends the mode switching timing to the power saving mode when the number of printed sheets exceeds the reference number of printed sheets as the reference printing state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The state detection unit detects a previous printing operation period as the printing state, and the mode switching unit detects a mode switching timing to the power saving mode when the printing operation period exceeds a reference printing period as the reference printing state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein An image formation control computer that controls printing of image data and controls the device to shift from the normal mode to the power saving mode.
A printing process for printing the image data based on a print instruction;
A state detection process for detecting a print state in the print process;
A mode switching process for switching the printing process from the normal mode to the power saving mode at a reference timing, and when the detected printing state by the state detection process exceeds a predetermined reference printing state, the mode switching to the power saving mode is performed. Mode switching process to extend the timing,
The previous transition period to the power saving mode set in the mode switching based on the detected print state related to the print image data printed immediately before the previous print image data printed immediately before, and the detection related to the previous print image data Based on the relationship between the current transition period of the power saving mode that is set for mode switching based on the printing status and the elapsed period from the previous mode switching timing to the end of printing of the previous print image data, the longer period is shifted to the power saving mode. Mode switching change processing to be changed and set as a period;
An image forming program for executing 6. The image forming program according to claim 5, wherein the mode switching change processing compares a period obtained by subtracting the elapsed period from the previous transition period and the current transition period, and sets the longer period as the power saving mode transition period. . The state detection process detects the previous print number as the print state, and the mode switching process extends the mode switching timing to the power saving mode when the print number exceeds the reference print number as the reference print state. The image forming program according to claim 5 or 6 to be executed. The state detection process detects a previous printing operation period as the printing state, and the mode switching process determines a mode switching timing to the power saving mode when the printing operation period exceeds a reference printing period as the reference printing state. 7. The image forming program according to claim 5, wherein the extension is executed.

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