JP4916262B2 - Image forming apparatus, program, and transition period setting method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), a program, and a transition period setting method.

  Recently, environmental protection and energy saving have been taken up, and efforts have been made to meet standards proposed for energy saving, such as Energy Star and ZESM, in the design of copiers and MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals). Yes. These standards are intended to save energy and save energy when they are in a standby state (a state in which some power supply is stopped and a return command is awaited after the main power is turned on and the unused state has passed for a predetermined time). There are restrictions.

  Currently, the standby energy saving mode (hereinafter referred to as energy saving mode) that is implemented in copiers and MFPs, such as fixing heaters with high power consumption, power supplies such as operation panels are turned off or switched to low power operation, In the scanner section, the power is generally turned off all at once.

  Also, in recent years, in copiers and MFPs, after a certain period of time, the temperature of the fixing heater is lowered to stand by to save power consumption compared to the normal standby mode. "Low-power mode" that automatically reduces power consumption after a lapse of time, the second low-power that is continuously realized without turning off the power if the operation is not continued after shifting to the low-power mode A plurality of energy saving modes such as a “sleep mode” that is a state and an “off mode” that automatically turns off power if no device is used for a set time or longer are appropriately switched.

  However, especially in copiers and MFPs that have multiple energy-saving modes, how the multiple energy-saving modes are different, how can they be set to improve the energy-saving effect, and what should be done for optimal settings, etc. It may be difficult to understand.

  Further, since the conventional energy saving mode transition time is set manually by the user, it is difficult to use the method of dividing the transition time setting for each arbitrary time zone. For example, the transition time during business hours (for example, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm) is set longer due to the high usage frequency of copiers and MFPs, and the transition time is shortened during overtime hours because the usage frequency is low. It is ideal to set and optimize energy saving, but manual setting is an impediment and is not realistic.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, the number of times of printing within an arbitrary time range in one day is stored, and when the number of times of printing stored in an arbitrary time range of one day is small, the transition time to the sleep mode By automatically shortening the time, the system shifts to the sleep mode quickly, thereby improving the energy saving performance. According to this, the sleep mode transition time can be shortened automatically in accordance with each user environment without troublesome settings by the user.

JP 2003-14584 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, the change in the transition time of the energy saving mode is limited to the “sleep mode”, and the user must perform troublesome work for the energy saving modes other than the sleep mode.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, the degree of optimization of the transition time is insufficient. For example, when the user sets the transition time to the sleep mode to be short in order to improve energy saving (for example, 1 minute may be used), and when there is actually printing every few minutes in that time zone, there is printing Each time, it takes time and power to raise the fixing temperature from the sleep mode to the standby mode, and when viewed in total, the transition time is set to 1 minute, conversely an increase in power loss (necessary for raising the fixing temperature) Power). That is, not only the transition time is shortened but also the transition time is not increased in some cases, the energy saving cannot be optimized.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and the transition time can be optimized and energy saving can be improved even if the user does not perform troublesome work (such as setting transition times for a plurality of energy saving modes). An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a program, and a transition period setting method.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to an image forming apparatus that shifts from a standby mode to an energy-saving mode that saves power according to a preset transition time. A power consumption reference value storage means for storing in a storage unit a power consumption reference value in the energy saving mode, a power consumption reference value required for returning from the energy saving mode to the standby mode, and an arbitrary time range Transition transition storage means for storing transition information of transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode in the storage unit in time series, and the standby mode and the energy saving mode stored in the storage unit by the transition transition storage means And the number of times of return from the energy saving mode and the power consumption reference value storage means Based in the power reference value, in the, based on power consumption at a plurality of different shift time and power consumption calculation means for calculating the power consumption of the power consumption calculation means has calculated at any of a plurality of different transit time Transition time setting means for setting a transition time with the least power consumption among the plurality of different transition times .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the transition time setting unit sets the transition time with the least power consumption each time the power consumption calculation unit performs calculation. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the transition time setting unit sets the transition time with the least power consumption at a timing when the power is turned on.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the transition transition storage unit acquires any transition of transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode. set the time range for each time period, wherein the transition time set by the transition time setting means, said by the power consumption the power consumption calculating means is calculated for each time zone, set individually for each of the time slot Is done.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the transition transition storage unit acquires any transition transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode. set the time range for each day of the week and each time slot, wherein the transition time set by the transition time setting means, wherein the power which the power consumption calculating means for each of said day of the week and each time slot is calculated, the day of the week It is set individually for each time zone .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, an informing means for informing the user of the transition time with the least power consumption .

The invention according to claim 7, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the calculation of the power consumption by the power consumption calculating means, and, of the transition time by the shift time setting means The user can select whether to execute the setting .

The invention according to claim 8, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the calculation of the power consumption by the power consumption calculating means, and, of the transition time by the shift time setting means The setting is executed while the device is not operating.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the transition transition storage unit is configured to perform transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode within an arbitrary time range. A storage upper limit is provided in the storage device for transition information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the power consumption reference value in the standby mode and the energy saving mode for each peripheral device that can be added is stored in the storage unit. In the case of further comprising a device power reference value storing means for storing, and adding the peripheral device, the power consumption calculating means is configured to store the standby mode and the energy saving mode stored in the storage unit by the transition transition storing means. The transition time and the number of times of return from the energy saving mode, the power consumption reference value stored in the storage unit by the power consumption reference value storage unit, and the storage unit stored in the storage unit by the device power reference value storage unit based on the power consumption levels of the peripheral devices, calculates the power dissipation at any of a plurality of different transit time.

The invention according to claim 11 is a program for causing a computer to execute a process of transitioning from a standby mode to an energy saving mode for saving power according to a preset transition time, in the standby mode and the energy saving mode. A power consumption reference value storage function for storing a power consumption reference value and a power consumption reference value required for returning from the energy saving mode to the standby mode in a storage unit, and the standby mode and the energy saving within an arbitrary time range. A transition transition storage function for storing transition information of transition with a mode in the storage unit in time series, a transition time between the standby mode and the energy saving mode stored in the storage unit by the transition transition storage function, and The number of returns from the energy saving mode and the power consumption reference value storage function That on the basis of the power consumption levels, to a power consumption calculation function of calculating a power dissipation at any of a plurality of different transit time, based on the power consumption at a plurality of different shift time to the power consumption calculating function is to calculate, A transition time setting function for setting a transition time with the least power consumption among the plurality of different transition times is executed by the computer.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the eleventh aspect , the transition time setting function sets the transition time with the least power consumption every time the power consumption calculation function calculates .

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the program according to the eleventh aspect , the transition time setting function sets the transition time with the least power consumption at a timing when the power is turned on.

The invention according to claim 14 is the program according to any one of claims 11 to 13 , wherein the transition transition storage function is an arbitrary time range in which transition transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode is acquired. the set for each time zone, the transition time set by the transfer time setting function by the power consumption the electric power consumption calculating means for each of said time slot has been calculated, is set individually for each said time slot .

The invention according to claim 15 is the program according to any one of claims 11 to 13 , wherein the transition transition storage function has an arbitrary time range for acquiring transition transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode. set for each day of the week and each time slot, the transition time set by the transfer time setting function by the power consumption the power consumption calculating means is calculated for each said day of the week and each time slot, the day of the week and time zone Each is set individually.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the eleventh to fifteenth aspects, the computer is caused to execute a notification function for notifying a user of the transition time with the least power consumption .

The invention according to claim 17, in claims 11 to 16 any one description of programs, the calculation of the power consumption by the power consumption calculating function, and the setting of the transition time by the shift time setting function The user can select whether to execute or not.

The invention according to claim 18, in any one description of program claims 11 to 17, the calculation of the power consumption by the power consumption calculating function, and the transition time setting by the transition time setting function Executed during the non-operating mode of the device.

The invention according to claim 19 is the program according to any one of claims 11 to 18 , wherein the transition transition storage function is transition information of transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode within an arbitrary time range. An upper limit of storage in the storage device is provided.

According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, in the program according to any one of the eleventh to nineteenth aspects, the power consumption reference value in the standby mode and the energy saving mode for each peripheral device that can be added is stored in the storage unit. When the computer further executes a device power reference value storage function and the peripheral device is added, the power consumption calculation function includes the standby mode and the energy saving mode stored in the storage unit by the transition transition storage function. And the number of times of return from the energy saving mode, the power consumption reference value stored in the storage unit by the power consumption reference value storage function, and the device power reference value storage function stored in the storage unit. the peripheral consumption based on the power reference value of the instrument, dissipation at any of a plurality of different transition times are It is calculated.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transition period setting method in an image forming apparatus that transitions from a standby mode to an energy saving mode for power saving in accordance with a preset transition time, the standby mode and the energy saving mode. A power consumption reference value storage step of storing in the storage unit a power consumption reference value required for returning from the energy saving mode to the standby mode, the standby mode within an arbitrary time range, and the Transition transition storage step of storing transition information of transition to energy saving mode in the storage unit in time series, transition time between the standby mode and the energy saving mode stored in the storage unit by the transition transition storage step, and Stored in the power consumption reference value storage step and the number of times of return from the energy saving mode Costs and power reference value, based on a power consumption calculation step of calculating the power dissipation at any of a plurality of different transit time, based on the power consumption at a plurality of different shift time to the power consumption calculating step is calculated, the A transition time setting step of setting a transition time with the least power consumption among a plurality of different transition times .

According to the inventions according to claims 1, 11 , and 21 , the state transitions of the standby mode and the energy saving mode are stored, the frequency and content of use of the device are learned, and the energy saving mode transition time with the least power consumption is set. By doing so, the transition time can be optimized and energy saving can be improved without requiring the user to perform troublesome work (such as setting transition times for a plurality of energy saving modes).

Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 2, 12 , there exists an effect that the transition time can be optimized by setting the transition time with the least power consumption for every calculation.

Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 3, 13 , there exists an effect that the transition time can be optimized by setting the transition time with the least power consumption at the timing when the power is turned on. .

According to the inventions according to claims 4 and 14 , the transition time is individually set for each time zone, so that each time range (for example, morning, lunch break, afternoon, overtime, midnight) It is possible to automatically set the optimal energy saving mode transition time in such a time zone, and to further promote the energy saving performance.

Further, according to the inventions according to claims 5 and 15 , since it is possible to set an optimum energy saving mode transition time for each day of the week (for example, weekdays and holidays), further energy saving can be promoted. There is an effect.

Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claims 6 and 16 , there exists an effect that a user can confirm the transition time of the energy saving mode with the least power consumption .

Further, according to the inventions according to claims 7 and 17 , since it is possible for the user to select whether or not to set the transition time most suitable for energy saving, the user-friendliness can be improved. , Has the effect.

Further, according to the inventions according to claims 8 and 18 , since the simulation process of calculating the transition time is performed when the CPU is not operating, the process can be performed when the CPU resources are available, and the performance of the CPU is improved. Thus, there is an effect that it is possible to set an optimum transition time without causing an increase in hardware costs.

Further, according to the inventions according to claims 9 and 19 , there is an effect that the storage area can be saved.

In addition, according to the inventions according to claims 10 and 20 , even if the load in the standby mode or the low power mode is increased by additionally connecting peripheral devices, it is possible to flexibly correspond to the calculation of an appropriate energy saving mode transition time. There is an effect that can be done.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus, a program, and a transition period setting method according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, as an image forming apparatus, a copy function, a facsimile (FAX) function, a print function, a scanner function, an input image (a document image read by a scanner function, an image input by a printer or a FAX function), etc. This is an example in which a so-called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that is a combination of the above is applied.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a finisher 100 that is a post-processing device, a scanner unit 200, and a printer unit 300.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to the present embodiment can select a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function by sequentially switching with an application switching key of the operation unit 400 (see FIG. 2). The copy mode is selected when the copy function is selected, the printer mode is selected when the printer function is selected, and the facsimile mode is selected when the facsimile mode is selected. Here, an example of the flow of image formation in the copy mode will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the scanner unit 200 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 will be described. The scanner unit 200 generally includes an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF (Auto Document Feeder)) 1 and a reading unit 50.

  A document bundle placed on the document table 2 of the ADF 1 with the image surface of the document facing up, when a print key (not shown) on the operation unit 400 is pressed, starts with the feed roller 3 from the bottom document. The sheet is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6 by the feeding belt 4. The digital multi-function peripheral 1000 has a counting function that counts up the number of documents each time a document is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6.

  A document fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6 is read by the reading unit 50 as image data.

  Here, the reading unit 50 will be described in detail. The reading unit 50 includes a contact glass 6 on which an original is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, a CCD image sensor 54, and the like. The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown). This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The reading unit 50 of this embodiment turns on the exposure lamp 51 when a document is mounted on the contact glass 6, and reads the document by moving and scanning the first carriage and the second carriage to the right by the scanner driving motor. A reading method and a reading method for reading a document conveyed by the ADF 1 can be selected while the exposure lamp 51 is turned on and the first carriage and the second carriage are stopped. In the reading method in which the first carriage and the second carriage are moved and scanned in the right direction by the scanner driving motor to read the original, when reading the original image, the first carriage and the second carriage are not changed so that the optical path length does not change. Are mechanically scanned in the sub-scanning direction at a relative speed of 2: 1. The document image is read by the CCD image sensor 54, converted into an electrical signal, and output. An output signal from the CCD image sensor 54 is converted into digital data (image data) by an AD converter.

  Document image information converted into digital data is sent to the printer unit 300 to output image information as a print output, or sent to a storage device to store input image information. There are various types and used as information of each scanner unit 200.

  The document whose image data has been read by the reading unit 50 is discharged by the feeding belt 4 and the discharge roller 5.

  Further, when it is detected by the document set detection 7 that the next document is present on the document table 2, the next document is fed onto the contact glass 6 in the same manner as the previous document.

  The feeding roller 3, the feeding belt 4, and the discharging roller 5 described above are each driven by a conveyance motor (not shown).

  Next, the printer unit 300 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 will be described. The printer unit 300 generally includes an image forming station 70, a fixing unit 17, a paper feeding unit 80, and a double-sided paper feeding unit 111.

  The image forming station 70 forms an image by an electrophotographic method, and mainly includes a writing unit 57, a photosensitive member 15, a developing unit 27, and a conveying belt 16 that also functions as a transfer unit.

  The paper feed unit 80 includes a first tray 8, a second tray 9, a third tray 10, a first paper feeder 11, a second paper feeder 12, a third paper feeder 13, and a vertical transport unit 14. ing. The transfer sheets P stacked on the first tray 8, the second tray 9, and the third tray 10 are fed by the first sheet feeder 11, the second sheet feeder 12, and the third sheet feeder 13, respectively. It is conveyed to a position where it abuts on the photoreceptor 15 by the conveyance unit 14.

  The image data read by the reading unit 50 is written on the photosensitive member 15 by the laser beam output from the writing unit 57 and passes through the developing unit 27 to form a toner image. The writing unit 57 is composed of a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, and a mirror 60. Inside the laser output unit 58, a polygon mirror (polygon) that rotates at a constant high speed by a laser diode and a motor as a laser light source. Mirror). Although not particularly illustrated, a beam sensor that generates a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position where a laser beam near one end of the photoconductor 15 is irradiated.

  The toner image on the photoconductor 15 is transferred to the transfer paper P conveyed by the conveyance belt 16 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 15. Thereafter, the transfer paper P that has been transported to the fixing unit 17 and on which the image has been fixed is discharged by the paper discharge unit 18 to the finisher 100 that is a post-processing device.

  The finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus can guide the transfer paper P conveyed by the paper discharge roller 19 of the paper discharge unit 18 by switching between the normal paper discharge roller 102 direction and the staple processing unit direction. More specifically, the finisher 100 as a post-processing device can discharge the transfer paper P to the normal paper discharge tray 104 side via the transport roller 103 by switching the switching plate 101 upward. By switching the switching plate 101 downward, the transfer paper P can be conveyed to the staple table 108 via the conveying rollers 105 and 107.

  The transfer paper P loaded on the staple table 108 is aligned by the paper jogger 109 each time it is discharged, and is bound by the stapler 106 upon completion of a partial copy. The group of transfer sheets P bound by the stapler 106 is stored in the staple completion discharge tray 110 by its own weight.

  On the other hand, the normal paper discharge tray 104 of the finisher 100 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth. The paper discharge tray 104 that can be moved back and forth moves forward and backward for each original document or for each copy section sorted by the image memory, and sorts copy paper that is simply discharged.

  The digital multifunction peripheral 1000 according to the present embodiment can form images on both sides of the transfer paper P. When images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper P, the path of the paper discharge unit 18 is switched without guiding the transfer paper P fed from each of the paper feed trays 8 to 10 to the paper discharge tray 104 side. By setting the branching claw 112 for the upper side to the upper side, the paper is once stocked in the duplex feeding unit 111. Thereafter, the transfer paper P stocked on the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 is re-fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 in a reversed state in order to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 15 again, The paper is guided to the paper discharge tray 104 via the branching claw 112 set on the side. As described above, the duplex feeding unit 111 is used when images are created on both sides of the transfer sheet P. Further, the front and back sides of the transfer paper P can be changed using the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 when printing on the back surface of the transfer paper P on which an image is placed.

  Note that the above-described photosensitive member 15, conveyance belt 16, fixing unit 17, paper discharge unit 18, development unit 27, and finisher 100 are driven by a main motor (not shown), and each of the paper feeding devices 11 to 13 is a main motor. Are driven by a paper feed clutch (not shown). The vertical conveyance unit 14 is driven to transmit the drive of the main motor by an intermediate clutch (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 has a configuration in which a controller 1101, a printer unit 300, and a scanner unit 200 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. A controller 1101 is a controller that controls the entire digital multifunction peripheral 1000 and controls drawing, communication, and input from the operation unit 400. The printer unit 300 or the scanner unit 200 includes image processing parts such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

  The controller 1101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1111, a system memory (MEM-P) 1112, a north bridge (NB) 1113, a south bridge (SB) 1114, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated). Circuit) 1116, local memory (MEM-C) 1117, and hard disk drive (HDD) 1118, and NB 1113 and ASIC 1116 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 1115. The MEM-P 1112 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1112a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1112b.

  The CPU 1111 controls the entire digital multi-function peripheral 1000, has a chip set including the NB 1113, the MEM-P 1112, and the SB 1114, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 1113 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 1111, the MEM-P 1112, the SB 1114, and the AGP bus 1115, and includes a memory controller that controls read / write to the MEM-P 1112, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 1112 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 1112a and a RAM 1112b. The ROM 1112a is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data for controlling the operation of the CPU 1111. The RAM 1112b is a writable and readable memory used as a program and data development memory, a printer drawing memory, and the like. It is.

  The SB 1114 is a bridge for connecting the NB 1113 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 1114 is connected to the NB 1113 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit 1104 and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 1116 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 1115, the PCI bus, the HDD 1118, and the MEM-C 1117. The ASIC 1116 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 1116, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 1117, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform rotation of image data by hardware logic and the like. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the printer unit 300 and the scanner unit 200 via the PCI bus. The ASIC 1116 is connected to an FCU (Fax Control Unit) 1121, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 1122, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 1123 via a PCI bus.

  A MEM-C 1117 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and an HDD 1118 is a storage for storing image data, storing programs for controlling the operation of the CPU 1111, storing font data, and storing forms. It is.

  The AGP bus 1115 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP bus 1115 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 1112 with high throughput. .

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a power supply system of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000. As shown in FIG. 3, the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 includes a system management unit 500 including a controller system load such as a controller 1101 and an operation unit 400, and an engine unit unit including an engine system load such as a scanner unit 200 and a printer unit 300. The power is supplied from the power supply unit 700 to 600. The power supply unit 700 supplies power to the DC power supply 701 that supplies power to the system management unit 500, DC power supply 702 that supplies power to the engine unit 600, and the fixing unit 17 of the printer unit 300. The heater driving unit 703 is configured to supply. SW shown in FIG. 3 is a main power switch.

Next, an energy saving mode (hereinafter referred to as energy saving mode) function for saving power during standby, which is realized by the controller 1101 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1000 according to the present embodiment in accordance with a program, will be briefly described. In the energy saving mode during standby performed in the digital multifunction peripheral 1000, the power of the fixing heater 17 and the operation unit 400 of the fixing unit 17 with high power consumption is turned off or switched to low power operation, and the power source is collectively used in the scanner unit 200. Turn off. More specifically, the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 includes the following three types of energy saving modes.
Low power mode: When a certain time has passed since the last use of the device, the power supply is stopped and the fixing temperature is lowered except for a part of the engine system load.
Sleep mode: When the operation is not continued after shifting to the low power mode, the power supply to the engine system load is stopped.
Off mode: When equipment is not used for the set time, all engine loads and controller loads, except for some, are powered off.

  Note that the sleep mode is effective when a printer function or a scanner function is provided by adding an option. The off mode is effective when only the copy function is provided. Accordingly, only one function of the sleep and off modes is enabled depending on what function the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 has. That is, the sleep mode and the off mode are in an exclusive relationship.

  In such a digital multi-function peripheral 1000, the power consumption reference value in the standby mode and the energy saving mode and the power consumption reference value required for returning from the energy saving mode to the standby mode are the MEM-C 1117 and HDD 1118 of the controller 1101, etc. It is stored in the storage unit as a power consumption reference value table. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a power consumption reference value table T1. The power consumption reference values stored in the power consumption reference value table T1 shown in FIG. 4 are determined based on numerical values measured at the design stage. Note that the power consumption reference value required for returning from the energy saving mode to the standby mode is that in the low power mode and the sleep / off mode, the fixing roller temperature is lowered for energy saving (for example, in the low power mode). Is required to be applied for a certain period of time in order to raise it to a fixing roller temperature capable of copying (for example, the fixing temperature for copying is 180 ° C.). Power consumption. Here, power consumption reference value storage means is realized.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral 1000, the transition time from the standby mode to the energy saving mode and its variable range are stored as a transition time table in a storage unit such as the MEM-C 1117 or the HDD 1118 of the controller 1101. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the transition time table T2. The initial value and variable range of the transition time from the standby mode to the energy saving mode shown in FIG. 5 are numerical values set at the time of product shipment. Note that the initial value and variable range of the transition time are not necessarily the numerical values shown in FIG. For example, in FIG. 5, the variable range of the sleep / off mode is set between 60 minutes and 240 minutes, but it may be between 1 minute and 240 minutes.

  Next, the energy saving mode transition time calculation function, which is a characteristic function of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to the present embodiment, will be described. The digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to the present embodiment calculates the transition time of each energy saving mode that can minimize power consumption based on the power consumption reference value table T1 shown in FIG.

  The controller 1101 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 stores the transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode in a storage unit such as the MEM-C 1117 or the HDD 1118 of the controller 1101. Here, the transition transition storage means is realized. Hereinafter, an example will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a transition diagram illustrating an example of transition of operation modes of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000. FIG. 6 shows a mode transition of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 after the power of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 is turned on at 9:00 am (about 1 hour). In the example of FIG. 6, after the power switch is turned on at 9 am and the control system is activated, warm-up is performed to raise the fixing temperature. After the warm-up is completed, the mode shifts to the standby mode, and further, the state where it is not used for a certain period of time continues, the mode shifts to the low power mode. After that, since a copy operation is required, a return from the low power mode is performed, and a copy is performed after the return. Immediately after the copying is completed, the mode is shifted to the standby mode, and the state in which it is not used again for a certain period of time continues, and then the mode shifts to the low power mode and further to the off mode.

  When the operation mode transition as in the example shown in FIG. 6 occurs, the controller 1101 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 displays the standby / energy saving mode transition information as shown in FIG. 7 in the MEM-C 1117, the HDD 1118, and the like. Remember. Then, the controller 1101 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 sends information such as the time when the standby / energy saving mode has shifted within an arbitrary time range, the number of times of transition, and the return time / number of times from the energy saving mode to the MEM-C 1117, the HDD 1118, and the like. Accumulate.

  As described above, the transition information between the standby mode and the energy-saving mode within an arbitrary time range is stored in time series, but it is desirable that there are a plurality of original data used for calculating the optimum transition time instead of one. . In this case, since the transition time is optimized based on a plurality of arbitrary time ranges, the accuracy can be improved. For example, when calculating the transition time for each arbitrary time zone in units of one week, it is preferable to store transition information for one month or two weeks or more and calculate the optimal transition time based on this information. It is possible to use transition information for one month or more, but since the storage capacity of the MEM-C 1117, HDD 1118, etc. is not infinite, it is one month, two months, two weeks, one week, one day, two It is desirable to store transition information by dividing periods such as days, and calculate an optimal transition time based on the stored information.

  Next, calculation of the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode will be described.

  First, as an example of calculating the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode, a case where copying is performed in an 18 minute cycle will be described. It is assumed that an initial value of 15 minutes is set as the transition time from the standby mode to the low power mode. The transition information in this case is as shown in FIG. Note that copying is actually performed after returning from the low power mode, but only the transition information of the standby / energy saving mode is stored as described above.

  Next, based on the transition time of the standby / energy saving mode and the number of times of return from the energy saving mode in FIG. 8 and the power consumption reference value stored in the power consumption reference value table T1 shown in FIG. The power consumption at 60 minutes is calculated. Here, power consumption calculating means is realized.

As shown in FIG. 8, the standby mode is a total of 49 minutes and 30 seconds, the low power mode is a total of 9 minutes, and the number of times of recovery from low power is 3 times, so these are stored in the power consumption reference value table T1 shown in FIG. From the power consumption reference value, it can be calculated as follows.
350 Wh × (49.5 / 60 minutes) +200 Wh × (9/60 minutes) +2500 W × (1.5 / 60) = 288.75 Wh + 30 Wh + 62.5 Wh = 381.25 Wh

  Next, simulation is performed by changing the optimum transition time in the low power mode from 1 minute to 60 minutes under the conditions of FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the transition time to the low power mode is set to 1 minute in the copy cycle of FIG. 8, it is estimated how the power consumption will be. Since the standby mode is a total of 4 minutes, the low power mode is a total of 54 minutes and 30 seconds, and the total number of times of recovery from the low power is 3, the power consumption standards stored in the power consumption reference value table T1 shown in FIG. From the value, it can be calculated as follows:
350 Wh × (4/60 minutes) +200 Wh × (54.5 / 60 minutes) +2500 W × (1.5 / 60) = 23.33 Wh + 181.67 Wh + 62.5 = 267.5 Wh

  Similarly, the case where the transition time to the low power mode is set to 18 minutes is estimated. In the case of 18 minutes, since copying is performed before shifting to the low power mode, this concept results in the standby mode lasting 60 minutes. Therefore, the power consumption when the standby mode continues for 1 hour is 350 Wh.

Therefore,
Transition time to low power mode: 1 minute → Power consumption: 267.5 Wh
Transition time to low power mode: 15 minutes → Power consumption: 381.25Wh
Transition time to low power mode: 18 minutes or longer → Power consumption: 350 Wh
Therefore, when copying is performed in an 18-minute cycle, it can be seen that the most energy saving can be achieved by setting the transition time to the low power mode to “1 minute”.

  As described above, transition information between standby mode and energy-saving mode within an arbitrary time range, power consumption standard value in standby / energy-saving mode, and power consumption standard value when returning from energy-saving mode are most suitable for energy saving. The transition time can be calculated. Here, the transition time optimum value calculating means is realized.

  FIG. 10 shows a simulation result when the transition time is changed from 1 minute to 60 minutes when copying is performed in an 18-minute cycle. As shown in FIG. 10, when copying is performed in an 18 minute cycle, the transition to the low power mode is set to “1 minute” to achieve the most energy saving.

  Next, as an example of calculating the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode, a case where copying is performed in a 5-minute cycle will be described.

  As described above, in the example in which copying is performed in the 18-minute cycle, when the transition time to the low power mode is set to the Min value, the most energy saving can be achieved. However, setting the Min value is not necessarily the most energy saving. This point will be described. It is assumed that an initial value of 15 minutes is set as the transition time from the standby mode to the low power mode.

  The non-operating power consumption is calculated when copying is performed in a 5-minute cycle and the transition time to low power is 15 minutes. Since copying is performed before shifting to low power, the standby mode continues as a result for 60 minutes under this assumption, and can be calculated as follows. Therefore, the power consumption when the standby mode continues for 1 hour is 350 Wh.

Here, if the transition time to the low power mode is set to 1 minute, the power consumption will be examined. Since the standby mode is a total of 11 minutes, the low power mode is a total of 44 minutes, and the total number of times of recovery from the low power is 10, the power consumption reference value stored in the power consumption reference value table T1 shown in FIG. It can be calculated as follows.
350 Wh × (11/60 minutes) +200 Wh × (44/60 minutes) +2500 W × (5/60) = 64.17 Wh + 144.67 Wh + 208 = 416.8 Wh

Therefore,
Transition time to low power mode: 1 minute → Power consumption: 416.8 Wh
Transition time to low power mode: 5 minutes or longer → Power consumption: 350 Wh
Therefore, when copying is performed in a 5-minute cycle, if the transition time to the low power mode is set to 1 minute of Min, a large amount of power is consumed at the time of return, resulting in the low power mode. The power consumption becomes larger than when the transition time to 15 minutes is longer. Therefore, when copying is performed in a 5-minute cycle (in other words, when copying is performed 10 times within a time range of 60 minutes), it is desirable to set the transition time to the low power mode to 5 minutes or more. It can be said.

  The above is an example of calculating the optimum transition time in the low power mode, but the basic calculation (when calculating the optimum transition time in both the low power and the sleep / off mode by combining the sleep / off mode) The algorithm is the same.

  The optimum value of the transition time of the energy saving mode calculated by the above method is automatically rewritten to the transition time table T2 shown in FIG. Here, a transition time setting means is realized. It should be noted that it may be rewritten every calculation, or every time the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 is turned OFF → ON, the optimal value calculated and stored in advance may be rewritten at the timing when the power is turned ON. The optimum value may be rewritten once a day or once a week.

  Next, the timing for executing the process for calculating the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode as described above will be described. The calculation process of the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode may be performed during the standby mode time every time a given time range elapses, or a certain time of day is specified and the time has passed. It may be calculated during the time of the later standby mode. In any case, when the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 is in a low-load standby mode in which copying, printing, scanners or the like are not operating, or in an energy saving mode, the transition time is calculated (simulated). This is desirable because it does not adversely affect the CPU 1111 and copy performance. As a result, since the simulation process of calculating the transition time is performed when the CPU 1111 is not operating, the process can be performed when the resources of the CPU 1111 are available, without increasing the cost of the hardware such as improving the performance of the CPU 1111. The optimal transition time can be calculated.

  As the first timing, there is a timing at which the process of calculating the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode is performed at the timing when the main power switch SW is turned on. Here, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing including the transition time calculation processing in the energy saving mode when the main power switch is ON. As shown in FIG. 11, when the main power switch SW is turned on, the DC power supplies 701 and 702 in the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 are activated to generate a DC voltage, and the generated DC voltage is transferred to the system management unit 500 and the engine. Each is supplied to the unit unit 600 to activate the control system. When the control systems of the system management unit 500 and the engine unit unit 600 are activated, initial setting of software, homing of the scanner unit 200, and the like are performed and warm-up is performed (step S1).

  After the initial software setting, the controller 1101 determines whether automatic setting of the energy saving mode transition time is valid or invalid (step S2). In the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 of the present embodiment, a selection screen for enabling / disabling automatic setting of the energy saving mode transition time as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the operation unit 400, and the user automatically sets the energy saving mode transition time. You can choose to enable or disable. Thereby, since it is possible for the user to select whether or not to calculate the transition time most suitable for energy saving, user convenience can be improved.

  When it is determined that the automatic setting of the energy saving mode transition time is valid (Yes in step S2), the process of calculating the optimum value of the energy saving mode transition time is executed (step S3).

  When the calculation processing of the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode is completed, transition information older than one month (30 days) is deleted from the transition information for returning from the standby mode, the energy saving mode, and the energy saving mode (step S4). The purpose of deleting old transition information in this way is to save hard disk capacity.

  Thereafter, when there is a transition of the operation mode, the transition information of the standby / energy saving mode as shown in FIG. 7 is recorded in the MEM-C 1117, the HDD 1118, etc. (step S5).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic setting of the energy saving mode transition time is invalid (No in step S2), the process returns without doing anything.

  The transition information to be deleted may be two months (60 days) instead of one month (30 days), or may be shortened to two weeks (14 days) or one week (7 days).

  At the same time, warm-up is performed around the photoconductor 15 of the printer unit 300 and around the fixing unit 17. In warm-up, it takes the longest time to raise the temperature of the fixing roller.

  When the calculation processing of the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode is completed, transition information older than one month (30 days) is deleted from the transition information for returning from the standby mode, the energy saving mode, and the energy saving mode (step S4). The purpose of deleting old transition information in this way is to save hard disk capacity.

  Further, it is desirable that there are a plurality of original data used for calculating the optimum transition time, but there are a plurality of original data. However, the storage capacity of the MEM-C 1117 and the HDD 1118 is not infinite. Therefore, an upper limit of the storage area for transition information is secured, for example, 100 MB so that transition information for about one month can be stored. If the transition information of about one month is stored and the optimum transition time is calculated based on this information, the accuracy is good. Note that the upper limit of the storage area is not limited to 100 MB, and may be 50 MB or 10 MB. In this case, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, step S4 is omitted, and only when the storage capacity of the transition information exceeds 100 MB (Yes in step S6), the old transition information is deleted (step S6). S7), new transition information may be written thereon. Thus, by providing an upper limit for the capacity for storing transition information, it is possible to save the storage area.

  As the second timing, there is a timing at which the process for calculating the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode is executed at the timing when the transition time automatic setting is switched from invalid to valid. Here, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing including energy saving mode transition time calculation processing at the time of setting switching. As shown in FIG. 14, when the transition time automatic setting is switched from invalid to valid, it is determined whether or not the standby mode is in effect (step S11).

  When it determines with it being in standby mode (Yes of step S11), the calculation process of the optimal value of the transition time in energy saving mode is performed (step S12).

  When the calculation process of the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode is completed, transition information older than one month (30 days) is deleted from the transition information for returning from the standby mode, energy saving mode, and energy saving mode (step S13).

  Thereafter, when there is a transition of the operation mode, the transition information of the standby / energy saving mode as shown in FIG. 7 is recorded in the MEM-C 1117, the HDD 1118, etc. (step S14).

  The reason why the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode is calculated during the standby mode is that the operating rate of the CPU 1111 is low during non-operation, so that the performance of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 is not adversely affected (free resources Effective use).

  As the third timing, there is a timing at which the calculation process of the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode is executed at an update timing of a certain period. Here, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing including the transition time calculation processing of the energy saving mode at the time of updating at a constant cycle. As shown in FIG. 15, it is determined whether or not the standby mode is in effect at the time of updating at a constant cycle (step S21).

  When it determines with it being in standby mode (Yes of step S21), the calculation process of the optimal value of the transition time in energy saving mode is performed (step S22).

  When the process of calculating the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode is completed, transition information older than one month (30 days) is deleted from the transition information for returning from the standby mode, energy saving mode, and energy saving mode (step S23).

  Thereafter, when there is a transition of the operation mode, the transition information of the standby / energy saving mode as shown in FIG. 7 is recorded in the MEM-C 1117, the HDD 1118, etc. (step S24).

  The reason why the optimum value of the transition time in the energy saving mode is calculated during the standby mode is that the operating rate of the CPU 1111 is low during non-operation, so that the performance of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 is not adversely affected (free resources Effective use).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the state transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode is stored, the frequency and content of the use of the standby mode and the energy saving mode are learned, and the user is troublesome by optimizing the energy saving mode transition time. Transition time can be optimized and energy savings can be improved without the need for complicated work (such as setting transition times for multiple energy saving modes).

  8 and 9 show an example of an arbitrary time range (assuming that the non-operation time is 60 minutes), but the time range for acquiring the transition is, for example, five times as shown in FIG. Dividing into bands, the optimum transition time may be set finely for each time zone. In the above-described example, when the transition time in the low power mode is 15 minutes, the transition to the low power mode is made in 15 minutes in all time zones. If the user tries to manually set the optimum transition time in five time zones as shown in FIG. 16, it is quite complicated. However, when the optimum transition time for each time zone can be automatically calculated and changed, it is particularly effective when the time zone is subdivided as shown in FIG. Note that the example of dividing the time zone into five ways is an example, and the start time, lunch, and end time differ depending on the user environment, so that the user can change the setting of the time zone and increase or decrease the setting items. desirable. As a result, the transition time is optimized for each time zone so that it is optimally optimized for each time range (for example, in the morning, during the lunch break, in the afternoon, overtime, or late at night). It is possible to automatically set the transition time in the energy saving mode, and further promote energy saving.

  In addition, depending on the user environment, usage forms such as Saturday morning business only and Sunday holiday workers only using the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 can be considered. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, it is desirable that the time zone and the transition time can be optimized for each day of the week. Thereby, since it is possible to set an optimal energy saving mode transition time for each day of the week (for example, weekdays and holidays), further energy saving can be promoted.

  Further, the transition time in the energy saving mode (the transition time set in the transition time table T2) can be confirmed by the user on the screen of the operation unit 400. Here, notification means is realized. Thereby, the user can confirm the transition time in the energy saving mode. In addition, when the user selects “invalid” on the selection screen for enabling / disabling automatic setting of the energy saving mode transition time as shown in FIG. 12, it is desirable that the user can manually input the energy saving mode transition time. Conversely, when the user selects “Enable” on the selection screen for enabling / disabling automatic setting of the energy saving mode transition time as shown in FIG. 12, manual input by the user for the energy saving mode transition time may be invalidated. desirable.

Further, the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 has a configuration in which the finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus is connected. The finisher 100 is often a peripheral device that can be added later. When adding peripheral devices, a power consumption reference value table T3 in which power consumption reference values related to peripheral devices as shown in FIG. 18 are stored in a storage unit such as the MEM-C 1117 or the HDD 1118 of the controller 1101 is used. good. Here, a device power reference value storage means is realized. According to the power consumption reference value table T3, the power in the standby mode when the finisher 100 is added is
350Wh + 50Wh = 400Wh
It becomes. The power in the low power mode and the sleep / off mode does not change. Peripheral devices such as post-processing devices and paper feed units are additionally connected, so that it is possible to flexibly respond to the calculation of the appropriate energy saving mode transition time even if the load in standby mode or low power mode increases. is there. Of course, the same applies to the case where additional hardware (for example, when adding hard disks or recording drives) is connected in addition to peripheral devices.

1 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a power supply system of a digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows a power consumption reference value table. It is a schematic diagram which shows a transfer time table. FIG. 10 is a transition diagram illustrating an example of transition of operation modes of the digital multifunction peripheral. It is a schematic diagram which shows the transition information in standby / energy saving mode. It is a schematic diagram which shows the transition information in standby / energy saving mode. It is a schematic diagram which shows the transition information in standby / energy saving mode. It is a graph which shows a simulation result when shifting time is changed to 1 to 60 minutes in case copying is performed in an 18-minute cycle. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process including the transition time calculation process of the energy saving mode at the time of main power switch ON. It is a front view which shows the selection screen of valid / invalid of the automatic setting of energy saving mode transfer time. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process including the transition time calculation process of the energy saving mode at the time of main power switch ON. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process including the transition time calculation process of the energy saving mode at the time of setting switching. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process including the transition time calculation process of the energy saving mode at the time of the update of a fixed period. It is a schematic diagram which shows the transition time table which set the optimal transition time for every time slot | zone. It is a schematic diagram which shows the transition time table which set the optimal transition time for every day of the week and every time slot | zone. It is a schematic diagram which shows the power consumption reference value table which stored the power consumption reference value regarding a peripheral device.

Explanation of symbols

1000 Image forming apparatus 1117, 1118 Storage unit

Claims (21)

In an image forming apparatus that shifts from a standby mode to an energy saving mode that saves power according to a preset transition time,
A power consumption reference value storage means for storing a power consumption reference value in the standby mode and the energy saving mode and a power consumption reference value required for returning from the energy saving mode to the standby mode in a storage unit;
Transition transition storage means for storing transition information of transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode in an arbitrary time range in the storage unit in time series,
The transition time between the standby mode and the energy saving mode stored in the storage unit by the transition transition storage means, the number of times of return from the energy saving mode, and the power consumption reference stored in the power consumption reference value storage means and values, based on, the power consumption calculation means for calculating the power dissipation at any of a plurality of different transit time,
Based on the power consumption at a plurality of different shift time to the power consumption calculating means is calculated, and the transition time setting means for setting the lowest power consumption shift time of said plurality of different transit time,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The transition time setting means sets the transition time with the least power consumption every time the power consumption calculation means performs calculation.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The transition time setting means sets the transition time with the least power consumption at the timing when the power is turned on.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The transition transition storage means sets an arbitrary time range for acquiring transition transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode for each time zone,
The transition time set by the transition time setting means is individually set for each time period by the power consumption calculated by the power consumption calculation means for each time period.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The transition transition storage means sets an arbitrary time range for acquiring transition transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode for each day of the week and each time zone,
The transition time set by said transition time setting means, by the power consumption the power consumption calculating means is calculated for each said day of the week and each time slot is set individually for each of the days of the week and time zone,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. Informing means for informing the user of the transition time with the least power consumption,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that. The user can select whether to execute the calculation of the power consumption by the power consumption calculation unit and the setting of the transition time by the transition time setting unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The calculation of the power consumption by the power consumption calculation means and the setting of the transition time by the transition time setting means are executed during a mode when the apparatus is not in operation.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The transition transition storage means provides a storage upper limit in the storage device for transition information of transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode within an arbitrary time range.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A device power reference value storage means for storing power consumption reference values in the standby mode and the energy saving mode for each peripheral device that can be added in the storage unit;
When the peripheral device is added, the power consumption calculation means, the transition time between the standby mode and the energy saving mode stored in the storage unit by the transition transition storage means, and the number of return from the energy saving mode, Based on the power consumption reference value stored in the storage unit by the power consumption reference value storage unit and the power consumption reference value of the peripheral device stored in the storage unit by the device power reference value storage unit, calculating the power dissipation at any of a plurality of different transit time,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A program for causing a computer to execute a process of transitioning from a standby mode to an energy saving mode for power saving according to a preset transition time,
A power consumption reference value storage function for storing a power consumption reference value in the standby mode and the energy saving mode and a power consumption reference value required for returning from the energy saving mode to the standby mode in a storage unit;
Transition transition storage function for storing transition information of transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode in an arbitrary time range in the storage unit in time series,
The transition time between the standby mode and the energy saving mode stored in the storage unit by the transition transition storage function, the number of times of return from the energy saving mode, and the power consumption reference stored in the power consumption reference value storage function and values, based on a power consumption calculation function of calculating a power dissipation at any of a plurality of different transit time,
Based on the power consumption at a plurality of different shift time to the power consumption calculating function is calculated, and the transition time setting function for setting the lowest power consumption shift time of said plurality of different transit time,
That causes the computer to execute the program. The transition time setting function sets the transition time with the least power consumption every time the power consumption calculation function calculates.
12. The program according to claim 11, wherein: The transition time setting function sets the transition time with the least power consumption at the timing when the power is turned on.
12. The program according to claim 11, wherein: The transition transition storage function sets an arbitrary time range for acquiring transition transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode for each time zone,
The transition time set by the transition time setting function is individually set for each time period by the power consumption calculated by the power consumption calculation unit for each time period.
The program according to any one of claims 11 to 13 , characterized in that: The transition transition storage function sets an arbitrary time range for acquiring transition transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode for each day of the week and each time zone,
The transition time set by the transition time setting function is individually set for each day of the week and time period by the power consumption calculated by the power consumption calculation unit for each day of the week and for each time period.
The program according to any one of claims 11 to 13 , characterized in that: Causing the computer to execute a notification function that notifies the user of the transition time with the least power consumption;
The program according to any one of claims 11 to 15 , wherein: The user can select whether to execute the calculation of the power consumption by the power consumption calculation function and the setting of the transition time by the transition time setting function.
The program according to any one of claims 11 to 16 , characterized in that: The calculation of the power consumption by the power consumption calculation function and the setting of the transition time by the transition time setting function are executed during a mode when the device is not in operation.
The program according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that: The transition transition storage function provides a storage upper limit in the storage device for transition information of transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode within an arbitrary time range.
The program according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that: Causing the computer to further execute a device power reference value storage function for storing power consumption reference values in the standby mode and the energy saving mode for each peripheral device that can be added to the storage unit;
When the peripheral device is added, the power consumption calculation function includes the transition time between the standby mode and the energy saving mode stored in the storage unit by the transition transition storage function and the number of times of return from the energy saving mode, Based on the power consumption reference value stored in the storage unit by the power consumption reference value storage function and the power consumption reference value of the peripheral device stored in the storage unit by the device power reference value storage function, calculating the power dissipation at any of a plurality of different transit time,
20. A program according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that: A transition period setting method in an image forming apparatus that transitions from a standby mode to an energy saving mode for power saving according to a preset transition time,
A power consumption reference value storage step of storing in a storage unit a power consumption reference value in the standby mode and the energy saving mode, and a power consumption reference value required for returning from the energy saving mode to the standby mode;
A transition transition storage step of storing transition information of transition between the standby mode and the energy saving mode in an arbitrary time range in the storage unit in time series,
The transition time between the standby mode and the energy saving mode stored in the storage unit by the transition transition storing step, the number of times of return from the energy saving mode, and the power consumption reference stored in the power consumption reference value storing step and values, based on a power consumption calculation step of calculating the power dissipation at any of a plurality of different transit time,
Based on the power consumption at a plurality of different shift time to the power consumption calculating step is calculated, and the transition time setting step of setting the lowest power consumption shift time of said plurality of different transit time,
The transition period setting method characterized by including.

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