JP5451224B2 - Multifunction machine and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multifunction peripheral, and more particularly, to a multifunction peripheral that realizes functions such as a PC printer, a facsimile, and a copy, and a control method thereof.

  In the conventional multifunction machine, the following control is performed.

  The first control method is a method of storing received image information in a memory, canceling the power saving mode when a certain amount of received image information is accumulated, and performing batch printing.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-167812 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image communication apparatus that intends to reduce power consumption and stores image information received by facsimile in an image memory when the power saving mode is set. The image communication apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a batch recording mode for recording the received image information stored when a certain amount of received image information is stored, and the time set in the time setting unit. It has a function of switching between an immediate recording mode or a mode in which memory is accumulated and recording is suspended, and a method of controlling energization to the heater of the recording unit is adopted.

  The second control method is a method of controlling by switching between the mode for printing immediately and the mode for storing data in the memory.

  The third control method is a method in which a temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature is provided, the temperature is stored, and control is performed so that the data in the memory is printed in a time zone where the ambient temperature is the highest.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-248227 (Patent Document 2) discloses an image forming apparatus having a multi-function function that performs an efficient energy saving operation by reducing the number of times the fixing heater is started up. In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, a temperature sensor for detecting an ambient temperature is provided, the temperature is stored, and an HDD that stores image data received so far in a time zone in which the ambient temperature is the highest is stored. A method for controlling printing is adopted.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-44307 (Patent Document 3) discloses a facsimile apparatus with improved power saving effect. The facsimile apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3 includes a table storage unit that stores a table related to the priority of a communication partner. This table includes a communication partner and a recording condition corresponding to the communication partner. The recording condition specifies when to record the image data received in the power saving mode from the corresponding communication partner. For example, in the case of a communication partner with a priority, “immediate recording” is registered. For communication partners with no priority, it is possible to specify, for example, the time or time to start recording, or the number of items to be recorded together. When an incoming call is received during the power saving mode, the control unit refers to the table based on the caller information of the communication partner received by the communication unit when the call is received, and determines whether the communication partner has priority. . When it is determined that the communication partner has priority, the image forming apparatus returns from the power saving mode and starts to heat up the fixing unit of the recording unit, and temporarily stores an image received from the communication partner in the image memory. When the fixing device is heated up to a predetermined temperature and recording is possible, the received image is read from the image memory and recorded in the recording unit. If it is determined that the communication partner has no priority, the received image is stored in the image memory while maintaining the power saving mode, instead of recording the image immediately after reception. Recording is performed according to the recording conditions corresponding to the communication partner included in the above table. It is possible to start recording collectively when the number of records set as the recording condition is received, or to record collectively when the designated time comes. In order to increase the efficiency of the power saving mode, all images stored in the image memory may be recorded as having no priority when the mode is shifted to the normal mode. The communication partner priority table is used by the control unit to determine the presence or absence of the communication partner priority.

  In Patent Document 3, a reading unit may be provided so that an image of a document read by the reading unit can be transmitted to an external facsimile apparatus via a communication unit, or a document can be copied. Further, a display unit may be provided to display which mode the facsimile apparatus is in, or to display the amount of data stored in the image memory and the operation state. Furthermore, an external storage device or the like may be connected, or a PC interface may be provided to connect a device such as a computer.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-26163 (Patent Document 4) discloses an image forming apparatus that can reduce the number of times of switching between a copy / print function and a standby mode, and as a result, can perform efficient energy saving control. The image forming apparatus (digital copying machine) disclosed in Patent Document 4 includes an external storage device (HDD) represented by a hard disk in which various data are stored. The HDD stores management information and image data as a copy / print job. The management information is composed of a reception number, storage user information, storage time, priority, processing state, copy mode, and image data capture completion information. The priorities are, for example, four levels 1 to 4, with priority 1 indicating output immediately (output with the highest priority), and priority 2 indicating output at arbitrary time A (closest output setting time). Priority 3 indicates output at an arbitrary time B (output setting time after a predetermined time from the arbitrary time A), and priority 4 indicates output at an arbitrary time C (output at the beginning of the next morning) Show.

  In Patent Document 4, the CPU searches for an unprocessed head copy / print job in the HDD, and checks the priority of the searched copy / print job. As a result, when the priority is 1, the CPU determines that the output process is a priority and checks whether or not the power saving mode is currently in effect. If the result of this check is the power saving mode, the power saving mode is checked. Is released and the print unit can print, the copy mode and image data of the copy / print job are read from the HDD and output to the print unit, so that the printer unit prints out. When the time interval until the scheduled output time is shorter than the predetermined time, the CPU carries out print processing for the copy / print job. The stored user information, priority, and copy (print) mode are input items for the user, and are set by the operation panel in the case of image data by the digital copying machine, and by the PC in the case of print data from the PC. It is set up. The user selects the priority reservation using the setting display section of the operation panel, sets the stored user information, the priority, the copy mode, sets the dimming in the scanner section, and presses the copy start key.

JP-A-5-167812 JP 2004-248227 A JP 2002-44307 A JP 2001-26163 A

  However, the conventional techniques have the following problems.

  The first problem is that all of Patent Documents 1 to 3 target facsimile recording output and do not support other operation modes.

  The second problem is that the power saving mode is canceled by the time setting, the memory amount, and the temperature setting, and the recording is output. Therefore, although the effect of reducing the power consumption can be expected, the printing is performed without reflecting the user's intention. There are many things that make it difficult to use.

  In addition, when it is easy to use, since the time for entering the power saving mode is reduced, there is a concern that the effect of reducing the power consumption is reduced.

  Patent Document 3 describes a facsimile apparatus, but there is also a description of other configurations. However, there is no specific description about the other operation modes, and it is unclear how the power saving operation is performed in copying and PC printing. In Patent Document 3, all images stored in the image memory are recorded when the mode is shifted to the normal mode. That is, in Patent Document 3, the batch recording timing is irrelevant to the heat-up of the fixing device.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 4 describes a copy and PC print operation. However, in Patent Document 4, there is no specific technique in other operation modes (for example, facsimile reception operation), and the operation is unknown. Further, in Patent Document 4, the effect of reducing power consumption and the influence on user convenience are not known.

  In Patent Document 4, a table for storing management information as a copy / print job can be set, and priority can be set to operate the apparatus. However, in Patent Document 4, management information that can be set by priority is only set for “time”. In other words, Patent Document 4 does not have a configuration capable of registering management information in arbitrary items desired by the user in each operation mode (for example, time, number of received jobs, number of times until operation is started). Furthermore, in Patent Document 4, the operation after priority setting is an operation led by the apparatus side, and a detailed operation cannot be designated as desired by the user.

  Further, in Patent Document 4, when the time interval until the scheduled output time of the first unprocessed copy / print job is shorter than a predetermined time, the print processing for the copy / print job is merely carried forward. . In other words, in Patent Document 4, other unprocessed copy / print jobs are not collectively carried out by the print processing.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a multifunction peripheral that can reduce the number of times of heat-up of a heater of a fixing unit and suppress power consumption, and a control method therefor.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a multifunction peripheral and a control method therefor that can flexibly set the recording output priority of each functional block.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multifunction device that is user-friendly and capable of energy saving and a control method therefor.

A multifunction peripheral according to the present invention is a multifunction peripheral having at least three types of functional blocks including a printer, a copy, and a facsimile, and includes a memory unit that stores image data, and a developing unit that transfers the image data to recording paper. A fixing unit including a heater for thermally fixing the toner image transferred onto the recording paper by the developing unit, a heater control unit for controlling the heater of the fixing unit, and a print for each job executed in each functional block for priority operation, and what pre-registered priority job registration unit operation table set whether to heat-up operation when the condition, when or facsimile reception during the operator activates the device operation, each job advance from among the registered operation table specifying to confirm one of the priorities, the operation along the operation table for each the finalized priorities for Cormorants means, when performing an operation along the operation table, when to start the print operation, heating up the heater of the fixing unit by controlling the heater control unit, and means for recording output images data, A means to read out all the image data stored in the memory unit and perform batch recording output when the heat-up is performed, and after the recording output is completed, delete the image data in the memory unit and control the heater control unit And a means for turning off the heater of the fixing unit.

  The effect of the present invention is that the number of heat-ups of the heater of the fixing unit can be reduced and power consumption can be suppressed.

1 is a block diagram of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when registering in advance in a priority job registration / recognition unit in the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a heater heat-up operation table in a job of each functional block in the multifunction machine illustrated in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when activation of each functional block (a scanner unit, a facsimile control unit, and a PC print control unit) occurs in the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a multifunction machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

  Next, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  With reference to FIG. 1, a multi-function device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The illustrated multifunction machine 10 is a multifunction machine that implements functions such as a PC printer, a facsimile, and a copy. In other words, the multifunction device 10 is a multifunction device having at least three types of functional blocks including a printer, a copy, and a facsimile.

  The illustrated multifunction machine 10 includes a PC print control unit 12, a scanner unit 14, a facsimile control unit 16, a network control unit 18, a memory unit 20, a main control unit 22, a telephone line 24, a priority job registration / recognition unit 26, and a printer unit. 28 and the input operation unit 30. The printer unit 28 includes a print control unit 32, a heater control unit 34, a development unit 36, and a fixing unit 38.

  The multifunction machine 10 has an electrophotographic printer unit 28. The multifunction machine 10 has a copy function, a PC printer function (including via a network) for printing information from a personal computer, and a normal facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image information (image data) via the telephone line 24. Have.

  Next, functions of components of the multifunction machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  The PC print control unit 12 has a PC printer function for processing and outputting data from a personal computer (not shown). The scanner unit 14 has a function of reading a document and converting it into image data. The scanner unit 14 functions as a copier by recording and outputting the converted image data via the printer unit 28. The facsimile control unit 16 has a function of performing facsimile communication through the telephone line 24, decoding received image data, and outputting the decoded image data.

  The network control unit 18 has a function of connecting the multifunction machine 10 to a network. The network control unit 18 realizes a network printer function for processing print data from a plurality of users via a network.

  The memory unit 20 stores image data from each functional block (scanner unit 14, facsimile control unit 16, PC print control unit 12). A telephone line 24 is a telephone line for performing facsimile communication.

The priority job registration / recognition unit 26 prioritizes print operations for each job performed by each functional block (scanner unit 14, facsimile control unit 16, PC print control unit 12) as illustrated in FIG. An operation table in which a heat-up operation is performed under what conditions with respect to the degree is registered in advance . In accordance with the operation table for each priority registered in the priority job registration / recognition unit 26, the operation of the printer unit 28 is controlled to be started as described later.

The print control unit 32 in the printer unit 28 controls to record the image data from the memory unit 20 in accordance with the operation table for each priority from the priority job registration / recognition unit 26. The developing unit 36 transfers the image data to a recording sheet. The fixing unit 38 thermally fixes the toner image transferred to the recording paper by the developing unit 36. The heater control unit 34 controls the heater in the fixing unit 38 according to an instruction from the print control unit 32.

  The input operation unit 30 has a display function for displaying priority job registration, job priority designation, operation activation, and device status. The main control unit 22 controls the overall operation of the multifunction machine 10. That is, the main control unit 22 operates as a computer of the multifunction machine 10.

  Next, features of the invention will be described.

  The present invention reduces the heat-up operation of the fixing unit 38 when outputting recording paper with each function as much as possible in the multifunction machine 10 that realizes functions such as a PC printer, a facsimile machine, and a copy, thereby efficiently saving energy. It is characterized by realizing the operation.

In FIG. 1, a memory unit 20 stores image data from each functional block (scanner unit 14, facsimile control unit 16, PC print control unit 12). As described above , the priority job registration / recognition unit 26 determines what kind of priority is given to the print operation priority for each job executed in each functional block (scanner unit 14, facsimile control unit 16, PC print control unit 12). An operation table that sets whether to perform a heat-up operation in the case of conditions is registered in advance. When the main control unit 22 heats up the heater of the fixing unit 38 and prints out the print operation according to the operation table for each priority, the main control unit 22 stores it in the memory unit 20 with other functions or other jobs. It controls to output the image data of the job being processed at the same time.

In this way, according to the present invention, when each functional block does not individually heat up the heater of the fixing unit 38 but performs an operation according to the operation table for each priority , when the printing operation is activated. Controls to heat up, and prints other jobs according to the job, reducing unnecessary heat up and frequent heat up, reducing total power consumption .

  Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The operator registers in advance the priority job registration / recognition unit 26 with respect to the recording and printing operation of the multifunction machine 10 via the input operation unit 30.

The operation at this time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the power is turned on (step S201), the mode shifts to the initial registration mode (step S202). An operation table in which under what conditions the heat-up operation is performed is registered with respect to the priority of the print operation for each job executed in each functional block relating to the recording printing of the multifunction machine 10 from the input operation unit 30. When an instruction to that effect is input (step S203), the main control unit 22 displays a registration screen for each functional block operation.

  When the registration screen for the operation related to the PC print operation is displayed (step S204), the operator registers the operation (step S205). Similarly, the operator performs operation registration for the facsimile function (steps S206 and S207) and operation registration for the copy function (steps S208 and S209). When registration is completed (step S210), the main control unit 22 turns off (or confirms) the heater of the fixing unit 38, and sets the multifunction machine 10 to the standby mode.

Next, steps S205, S207, and S209 in which the operation table is registered in the priority job registration / recognition unit 26 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows the heat-up operation of the heater of the fixing unit 38 under any condition with respect to the priority of the print operation for each job performed in each functional block related to recording printing registered in the priority job registration / recognition unit 26. It is an example of a table (operation table) in which whether or not to perform is set .

  For the job from each functional block of the functional block operations of the scanner (copying operation), printer operation, and facsimile operation, the main control unit 22 uses the fixing unit 38 according to the priority input when the operation is started. The operation for heating up the heater is controlled so that it can be input in a table format.

  First, an example of priority in the case of a scanner (copy) will be described.

  For example, for the priority (1) of the scanner (copy), “1” is entered in the item of the number of times, and the other items have no value. This means that “when a copy operation job having a priority of 1 is activated, the heater heating-up operation of the fixing unit 38 is activated in the (first) job”.

  Similarly, for the priority (2) of the scanner (copy), a value of “5” is entered in the memory capacity item. This means that “when the copy operation with priority 2 is activated, the heat-up operation of the heater of the fixing unit 38 is activated when the used capacity of the memory unit 20 exceeds (5%)”. ing.

  For the scanner (copy) priority 3, “3” is entered in the received job item and “2” is entered in the frequency item. This means that “when the copy operation with priority 3 is activated, the heat-up operation of the fixing device 38 is activated when the copy job with priority (3) is activated (twice)”. Represents.

  Next, an example of priority in the case of a printer will be described.

  For example, for the printer priority 1 (* marked out of the box), “1” is entered in the number of items, and the other items have no value. This means that “when a priority 1 printer operation job is activated, the heater heating operation of the fixing unit 38 is activated in the (first) job”.

  For printer priority 2, a value of “5” is entered in the memory capacity item. This means that “when the priority 2 printer operation is activated, the heater heating-up operation of the fixing unit 38 is activated when the used capacity of the memory unit 20 exceeds (5%)”. ing.

  In addition, for the printer priority 3 (* marked out of the box), “3” is entered in the item of received job and “2” is entered in the item of number of times. This means that "when the priority 3 printer operation is activated, the heat up operation of the fixing device 38 is activated when the priority (3) printer job is activated (twice)". Represents.

  Similarly, for the priority 4 of the printer (the portion marked with an asterisk ★), “6” is entered in the time item, and “20” is entered in the memory capacity item. This means that “when the priority 4 printer operation is activated, there is no heat up due to other factors during (6 hours), or the used capacity of the memory unit 20 exceeds (20%). "Activating the heat-up operation of the heater of the fixing unit 38".

  In the illustrated example, the priority for the functional blocks of the printer and the scanner (copy) is defined by a combination of “time”, “reception job”, “number of times until operation start”, and “memory capacity”. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the priority of the functional blocks of the printer and the scanner (copy) may be defined by a combination of at least “time”, “reception job”, and “number of times until the operation is started”.

  Next, an example of priority in the case of facsimile will be described.

  In most facsimiles, the passive operation is started, so the priority is determined, registered, and the heat-up operation of the fixing unit 14 is often started based on information obtained through communication. Become.

  In any mode, a condition based on a combination of logic such as AND or OR is possible for each item.

  For example, for priority 1 (the asterisk mark outside the box), the condition is entered with AND, and when the image quality of S-FINE is received once, it is heated up.

  Priority 2 (circled out of the box) is registered under the OR condition, and heats up after 2 hours have elapsed from the time of facsimile reception, or heats up when the memory capacity of the memory unit 20 exceeds 5%. When the image quality is received, heat up.

  Priority level 3 (marked with ● in the margin) is registered under the OR condition and 10 faxes are received, or the destination phone number obtained through the number display function or facsimile communication such as TSI. Check the external station number, and if the number is 047, heat up.

  Priority level 4 (point marked Δ outside the box) is also registered under the OR condition, and is heated up after 12 hours have elapsed from the time of facsimile reception or when the memory capacity of the memory unit 20 exceeds 80%.

Priority 5 (the black triangle outside the box) is also registered under the OR condition, and the heat-up operation is performed when a document whose number registered for one-touch is smaller than the tenth or the number of received sheets exceeds 20. I do.

  In the illustrated example, the priority for the functional block of the facsimile is set to “time”, “partner number”, “number of times until operation start”, “memory capacity”, “one-touch registration number”, “received image quality”, “ It is defined by a combination of “city code” and “number of received sheets”, but is not limited to this. For example, the priority for the functional block of the facsimile may be defined by a combination of at least “time”, “number of times until operation is started”, and “received image quality”.

  Prepare to allow the user to freely set conditions in any mode, such as scanner (copy), printer, or facsimile.

As described above, the main control unit 22 is an operation in which under what conditions the heating up operation of the heater of the fixing unit 38 is set with respect to the priority of the print operation for each job executed in each functional block. The table is registered in advance in the priority job registration / recognition unit 26, and control is performed so that the heater of the fixing unit 38 can be heated up flexibly.

  Although an example is given for this table, it may be configured so that the parameters can be increased and the conditions can be set freely.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the operation when the operation of the functional blocks (scanner unit 14, facsimile control unit 16, PC print control unit 12) occurs will be described.

  When the MFP 10 is turned on (step S401), the main control unit 22 transitions to an initial registration screen (step S402). When the initial registration (procedure of FIG. 2) is completed, the main control unit 22 turns off the heater of the fixing unit 38 (step S403). As a result, the multifunction machine 10 enters the standby mode and enters a standby state (step S404).

When the operator activates the apparatus operation or receives a facsimile, the main control unit 22 designates one of the priorities (the contents described in FIG. 3) from the operation table registered in the priority job registration / recognition unit 26 in advance. Then, the job is started (steps S405 and S406).

  That is, the main control unit 22 selects and adds one of the priorities registered in the priority job registration / recognition unit 26 for each job from the functional block in steps S405 and S406, and performs the print operation. Acts as a means to perform.

  When the operation activation of the functional blocks (scanner unit 14, facsimile control unit 16, PC print control unit 12) occurs (steps S405 and S406), the main control unit 22 determines the priority of the input job (step S405). S407). The main control unit 22 performs an operation according to the determined operation table for each priority (step S408, description of FIG. 3).

  It is assumed that the printing operation is activated when the operation according to the operation table is performed (YES in step S409). In other words, it is assumed that a job having a high priority is activated. In this case, the main control unit 22 controls the heater control unit 34 via the print control unit 32 of the printer unit 28 to activate the heat-up operation of the heater of the fixing unit 38 (step S410), and record output (Step S411).

  That is, the main control unit 22 controls the heater control unit 34 for jobs with high priority in step S408, YES in step S409, and step S410 in cooperation with the memory unit 20 and the printer unit 28. Then, the heater of the fixing unit 38 is heated up to serve as means for recording and outputting the image data of the job having a high priority.

It is assumed that the printing operation is not started (NO in step S409 ). In other words, it is assumed that a job having a low priority is activated. In this case, the main control unit 22 controls the heater control unit 34 via the print control unit 32 of the printer unit 23 to turn off the heater of the fixing unit 38 (step S403). As a result, the multifunction machine 10 enters the standby mode (step S404). In this case, the main control unit 22 performs an operation of storing image data of a job having a low priority in the memory unit 20.

  That is, the main control unit 22 cooperates with the memory unit 20 to store image data of a job with a low priority in the memory unit 20 for a job with a low priority at NO in step S408 and step S409. Serves as a means to keep memorized.

  It is assumed that recording output has been performed (step S411). In this case, the main control unit 22 confirms whether there is image data of another job stored in the memory unit 20 (step S412). If there is (NO in step S412), the memory unit All the image data stored in 20 are simultaneously recorded and output (step S411).

  That is, the main control unit 22 cooperates with the memory unit 20 and the printer unit 28 to perform all the image data stored in the memory unit 20 when the heat-up is performed in step S411 and step S412 NO. Serves as a means for reading out and collectively recording and outputting.

  After the recording output is completed, the main control unit 22 deletes the image data in the memory unit 20 (step S413), controls the heater control unit 34 via the print control unit, and turns on the heater of the fixing unit 38. It is turned off (step S403). As a result, the multifunction machine 10 returns to the standby mode (step S404).

  That is, the main control unit 22 cooperates with the memory unit 20 and the printer unit 28 to delete the image data in the memory unit 20 after the recording output is completed in step S412, YES, and steps S413 and S403, and the heater It functions as a means for turning off the heater of the fixing unit 38 by controlling the control unit 34.

  The first embodiment of the present invention described above has the following effects.

The first effect is that the number of heat-ups of the heater of the fixing unit 38 can be reduced and power consumption can be suppressed. The reason for this is that when priority is given to each job from the function block (12, 14, 16), control is performed so that the operation is started, and when the operation according to the operation table for each priority is performed, printing is performed. when to start the operation, the heater of the fixing unit 38 to heat up performs recording output, when executing the heat-up of the fixing unit 38 reads all the image data stored in the memory unit This is because it operates to perform batch recording.

  The second effect is that by adding priority (priority) and controlling to activate the function blocks (12, 14, 16), it is possible to perform a recording operation that matches the user's intention and to use it. It is possible to supply an easy-to-use multifunction machine 10.

  With reference to FIG. 5, a multi-function machine 10A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The illustrated multifunction machine 10 </ b> A has the same configuration as the multifunction machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 and operates except that it further includes a mail transmission unit 40. Accordingly, components having the same functions as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be described below for the sake of simplicity.

  The mail transmission unit 40 controls to notify the operator of the status of the job executed by the operator via the network control unit 18 by e-mail.

  In the MFP 10A according to the second embodiment as described above, an effect of further improving usability can be obtained by enabling notification of the recording output by e-mail.

  With reference to FIG. 6, a multifunction peripheral 10B according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The illustrated multifunction machine 10B has the same configuration as that of the multifunction machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 and operates except that the number display detector 42 is further provided. Accordingly, components having the same functions as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be described below for the sake of simplicity.

  The number display detection unit 42 has a function of recognizing a destination telephone number when receiving a facsimile.

  In the multifunction machine 10B according to the third embodiment, it is easy to set a priority job even in a facsimile operation by adding a function for recognizing the destination telephone number. In addition, with respect to facsimile reception from registered destinations, by adding a function such as preferential recording, it becomes possible to make finer settings and to improve usability.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

A multifunction machine according to a first aspect of the present invention is a multifunction machine having at least three types of functional blocks including a printer, a copy machine, and a facsimile machine, and a memory unit for storing image data, and transferring the image data to a recording sheet. This is implemented by each functional block, a developing unit that performs fixing, a fixing unit that includes a heater that thermally fixes the toner image transferred to the recording paper by the developing unit, a heater control unit that controls the heater of the fixing unit, and the like. A priority job registration unit that pre-registers an operation table that sets under what conditions the heat-up operation should be performed for the priority of the print operation for each job , and when the operator activates the device operation or facsimile reception sometimes, by specifying to confirm one of the priorities among the operating table which is previously registered for each job, the operation table for each the finalized priorities It means for performing an operation in Tsu, when performing an operation along the operation table, when to start the print operation, heating up the heater of the fixing unit by controlling the heater control unit, recording outputs images data Means for reading out all the image data stored in the memory unit and performing batch recording output when the heat-up is performed, and deleting the image data in the memory unit after the recording output is completed, and the heater Means for controlling the control unit to turn off the heater of the fixing unit.

In the MFP according to the first aspect of the present invention, the multifunction peripheral may further include a mail transmission unit for notifying the status of a job the operator has performed the operator. Furthermore, it is preferable that the multi-function device further includes a number display detection unit that displays a destination telephone number when receiving a facsimile. The priority job registration unit may prescribe and register the priority for the printer and copy function blocks by a combination of at least the time, the number of received jobs, and the number of times until the operation is started. The priority job registration unit may register the priority of the printer and copy function blocks by specifying the memory capacity of the memory unit. The priority job registration unit may define and register the priority for the functional block of the facsimile by a combination of at least time, the number of times until the operation is started, and the received image quality. The priority job registration unit may register the priority for the functional block of the facsimile by specifying the memory capacity of the memory unit.

A method for controlling a multifunction peripheral according to the second aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a multifunction peripheral having at least three types of functional blocks including a printer, a copy, and a facsimile. The multi-function peripheral includes a memory unit that stores image data, a developing unit that transfers the image data to recording paper, a fixing unit that includes a heater that thermally fixes the toner image transferred to the recording paper by the developing unit, A heater control unit that controls the heater of the fixing unit. The above-mentioned control method of the multi-function apparatus is configured so that an operation table in which a heat-up operation is performed under the conditions for the priority of the print operation for each job executed in each functional block is stored in the priority job registration unit in advance. At the time of registration and when the operator activates the apparatus operation or receives a facsimile , one of the priorities is designated and determined from the operation table registered in advance for each job, and the determined priority and performing an operation along the operation table of each, when performing an operation along the operation table, when to start the print operation, heating up the heater of the fixing unit by controlling the heater control unit, image A step of recording and outputting image data, and a step of reading all the image data stored in the memory unit and performing a batch recording output when heat-up is performed. When, after the recording output is completed, comprising the steps of: deleting the image data in the memory section, turns off the heater of the fixing unit by controlling the heater control unit.

The control method of the MFP according to the second aspect of the present invention, a control method of the multifunction peripheral may further include a step of notifying the status of a job steering author was performed to the operator. Furthermore, it is preferable to further include a step of displaying the destination telephone number when receiving the facsimile, and the method for controlling the multifunction device. Priorities for the printer and copy functional blocks may be defined by a combination of at least the time, the number of received jobs, and the number of times until the operation is started, and registered in the priority job registration unit. Priorities for the printer and copy functional blocks may be defined by the memory capacity of the memory unit and registered in the priority job registration unit. The priority for the functional block of the facsimile may be defined by a combination of at least the time, the number of times until the operation is started, and the received image quality, and registered in the priority job registration unit. The priority for the functional block of the facsimile may be defined by the memory capacity of the memory unit and registered in the priority job registration unit.

A control program for a multifunction device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a multifunction device having at least three types of functional blocks including a printer, a copy, and a facsimile, and stores a memory unit that stores image data and an image data A multi-functional apparatus including a developing unit that transfers to paper, a fixing unit that includes a heater that thermally fixes the toner image transferred to the recording paper by the developing unit, and a heater control unit that controls the heater of the fixing unit Registering an operation table in advance in the prioritized job registration unit , in which condition the heat-up operation is performed for the priority of the print operation for each job executed in each functional block. , when or facsimile reception during the operator activates the device operation, one of the priorities among the operating table which is previously registered for each job finger And established a procedure for performing an operation along the operation table for each the finalized priorities, when performing an operation along the operation table, when to start the print operation, controls the heater control unit fixing the part of the heater to heat up, the procedure for recording outputs the images data, when carrying out the heat-up, the procedure of collectively recording outputs reads all the image data stored in the memory unit, the recording output Is completed, the image data in the memory unit is deleted, and the heater control unit is controlled to turn off the heater in the fixing unit.

In a third aspect the MFP control program according to the above present invention, the composite machine control program, in the MFP computer further possible to perform the steps of notifying the operator the status of jobs steering author was carried Is preferred. Furthermore, it is preferable that the control program for the multifunction machine further executes a procedure for displaying a destination telephone number when receiving a facsimile. The procedure for registering the priority is to register the priority for the functional block of the printer and the copy in the priority job registration unit by defining the combination of at least the time, the number of received jobs, and the number of times until the operation is started. It may be. The procedure for registering the priority may be such that the priority for the printer and copy function blocks is also defined by the memory capacity of the memory unit and registered in the priority job registration unit. The procedure for registering the priority is to register the priority for the functional block of the facsimile in the priority job registration unit by specifying the combination of at least the time, the number of times until the operation is started, and the received image quality. Good. The procedure for registering the priority may be to register the priority for the functional block of the facsimile in the priority job registration unit by also defining the priority by the memory capacity of the memory unit.

  The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

10, 10A, 10B MFP 12 PC print control unit 14 Scanner unit 16 Facsimile control unit 18 Network control unit 20 Memory unit 22 Main control unit 24 Telephone line 26 Priority job registration / recognition unit 28 Printer unit 30 Input operation unit 32 Print control Section 34 Heater control section 36 Development section 38 Fixing section 40 Mail transmission section 42 Number display detection section

Claims (21)

A multi-function machine having at least three types of functional blocks including a printer, a copier, and a facsimile;
A memory unit for storing image data;
A developing unit for transferring image data to recording paper;
A fixing unit including a heater for thermally fixing the toner image transferred to the recording paper in the developing unit;
A heater control unit for controlling the heater of the fixing unit;
A priority job registration unit that pre-registers an operation table in which a heat-up operation is performed under what conditions with respect to the priority of a print operation for each job performed in each functional block;
When the operator activates the apparatus operation or receives a facsimile, the operator designates and confirms one of the priorities from the operation table registered in advance for each job, and the operation for each determined priority. Means for performing movement along the table ;
When performing an operation along the said operating table, when to start the print operation, heating up the heater of the fixing unit by controlling the heater control unit, and means for recording output images data,
Means for reading out all image data stored in the memory unit and collectively recording and outputting when the heat-up is performed;
Means for deleting the image data of the memory unit after the recording output is completed, and controlling the heater control unit to turn off the heater of the fixing unit;
Multi-function machine equipped with.   The multifunction device according to claim 1, further comprising a mail transmission unit that notifies the operator of a status of a job executed by the operator.   3. The multi-function apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a number display detection unit for displaying a destination telephone number when receiving a facsimile.   The priority job registration unit prescribes and registers the priority of the printer and the copy functional block by a combination of at least time, the number of received jobs, and the number of times until the operation is started. 4. A multifunction peripheral according to any one of the three.   5. The multi-function peripheral according to claim 4, wherein the priority job registration unit prescribes and registers the priority of the printer and the copy function block by a memory capacity of the memory unit.   6. The priority job registration unit registers and registers the priority for the functional block of the facsimile in accordance with a combination of at least time, the number of times until the operation is started, and received image quality. Or a multi-function machine according to one of the above.   The multi-function peripheral according to claim 6, wherein the priority job registration unit prescribes and registers the priority for the functional block of the facsimile also by a memory capacity of the memory unit. A method for controlling a multifunction peripheral having at least three types of functional blocks including a printer, a copy, and a facsimile, wherein the multifunction peripheral includes a memory section for storing image data and a developing section for transferring the image data to recording paper And a fixing unit including a heater for thermally fixing the toner image transferred to the recording paper by the developing unit, and a heater control unit for controlling the heater of the fixing unit, Is
A step of pre-registering in the priority job registration unit an operation table in which a heat-up operation is performed under what conditions with respect to the priority of a print operation for each job performed in each functional block;
When the operator activates the apparatus operation or receives a facsimile, the operator designates and confirms one of the priorities from the operation table registered in advance for each job, and the operation for each determined priority. Steps to move along the table ;
When performing an operation along the said operating table, when to start the printing operation, said by controlling the heater control unit to heat up the heater of the fixing unit, and recording outputs the images data,
When performing the heat-up, reading out all image data stored in the memory unit and batch recording and outputting,
After the recording output is completed, deleting the image data of the memory unit, and controlling the heater control unit to turn off the heater of the fixing unit;
A control method of a multifunction machine including   9. The method of controlling a multifunction device according to claim 8, further comprising a step of notifying the operator of a status of a job executed by the operator.   10. The method for controlling a multifunction machine according to claim 8, further comprising a step of displaying a destination telephone number when receiving a facsimile.   11. The priority for the functional block of the printer and the copy is defined by at least a combination of time, the number of received jobs, and the number of times until the operation is started, and is registered in the priority job registration unit. The control method of the multifunction device as described in any one.   12. The multifunction device control method according to claim 11, wherein the priority of the printer and the copy functional block is defined by the memory capacity of the memory unit and registered in the priority job registration unit.   The priority level for the functional block of the facsimile is defined by a combination of at least time, the number of times until the operation is started, and received image quality, and is registered in the priority job registration unit. A method for controlling a multifunction device as described in one.   14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the priority for the functional block of the facsimile is defined by the memory capacity of the memory unit and registered in the priority job registration unit. A multi-function machine having at least three types of functional blocks including a printer, a copy machine, and a facsimile machine, a memory unit for storing image data, a developing unit for transferring image data to recording paper, and the recording by the developing unit A computer of the multi-function peripheral including a fixing unit including a heater that thermally fixes the toner image transferred to the paper, and a heater control unit that controls the heater of the fixing unit.
A procedure for registering in advance in the priority job registration unit an operation table in which the heat-up operation is performed under what conditions for the priority of the print operation for each job performed in each functional block;
When the operator activates the apparatus operation or receives a facsimile, the operator designates and confirms one of the priorities from the operation table registered in advance for each job, and the operation for each determined priority. The procedure to move along the table ,
When performing an operation along the said operating table, when to start the printing operation, said by controlling the heater control unit to heat up the heater of the fixing unit, and a procedure for recording outputs the images data,
When performing the heat-up, a procedure for reading out all the image data stored in the memory unit and collectively recording and outputting,
After the recording output is completed, the image data in the memory unit is deleted, the heater control unit is controlled to turn off the heater of the fixing unit,
Control program for multifunction devices to execute In the computer of the multifunction device,
The multi-function peripheral control program according to claim 15, further causing a procedure of notifying the operator of a status of a job executed by the operator.   17. The multi-function peripheral control program according to claim 15, further comprising a step of displaying a destination telephone number when receiving a facsimile. The procedure for registering the priority is as follows:
18. The priority levels for the printer and the copy function block are defined by a combination of at least time, the number of received jobs, and the number of times until the operation is started, and are registered in the priority job registration unit. A control program for a multifunction machine according to any one of the above. The procedure for registering the priority is as follows:
19. The multi-function peripheral control program according to claim 18, wherein the priority of the printer and the functional block of copying is defined by the memory capacity of the memory unit and registered in the priority job registration unit. The procedure for registering the priority is as follows:
20. The priority for the functional block of the facsimile is defined by a combination of at least time, the number of times until the operation is started, and received image quality, and is registered in the priority job registration unit. The control program for multifunction devices described in 1. The procedure for registering the priority is as follows:
21. The multi-function peripheral control program according to claim 20, wherein the priority of the functional block of the facsimile is defined by the memory capacity of the memory unit and registered in the priority job registration unit.

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