JP5614076B2 - Image forming apparatus and control program therefor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control program therefor.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus configured to independently supply power to a main control unit, an engine unit, and a scanner unit by a power function signal from a power saving control CPU.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, in the process of returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, if any key operation is performed, the copy mode is returned to the copy mode, and the fax key is operated to the fax mode. A technique is disclosed in which the user is inquired about which mode to return to if the key is not operated, and when there is no key operation, the operation mode is restored to the mode before the transition to the energy saving mode. ing.

  Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a return factor from a return factor detection unit that cuts off power to at least the scanner unit, the plotter unit, and the extended function control unit and detects the connection status of the line / network connection detection unit during power saving. There is disclosed a digital multi-function peripheral configured to perform power on / off control based on a signal and to supply power to a return factor detection unit in a set power supply time zone.

  Patent Document 4 includes a real-time clock for changing the setting of the transition time for reducing power consumption in the time zone, and an image having a configuration in which the transition time is automatically changed and controlled when the set time is reached. A forming apparatus is disclosed.

  Further, in Patent Document 5, in a printing apparatus provided with a sleep function, a usage history in which an operation signal based on a user operation is associated with time information is recorded, and based on the usage history, usage according to time information is recorded. A technique for analyzing a frequency distribution and controlling a switch group of a power supply system related to each function according to an analysis result is disclosed.

JP 2001-217964 A JP 2003-008790 A JP 2007-036956 A JP 2006-076214 A JP 2009-208254 A

  The present invention provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus control program capable of realizing a reduction in power consumption by rearranging the execution order of the plurality of processes by a simple process when executing the plurality of processes from the power saving state. Is the purpose.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus starts the execution of the plurality of processes from the power saving state in which the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing units is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state. And determining a first processing unit having the largest number of processes that are not used in executing the process from among the plurality of processing units based on information representing processing units that are not used in executing the process for each of the plurality of processes. The execution order of the plurality of processes is set so that a process group that does not use the first processing unit in executing the process has a higher execution order than a process group that uses the first processing unit in executing the process. Reordering means for reordering, causing the plurality of processes to be executed in the execution order after the reordering by the reordering means, and using the plurality of processing units. Timing is configured to include a control means for performing control processing of switching the power supplied by the power supply operating status of the processing unit has arrived.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the invention according to the first aspect, the rearrangement means, among the treatment groups upon execution of processing without using the first processing unit, processing not used upon execution of the process Among the processing groups that do not use the first processing unit at the time of executing the process, and that do not use the second processing unit at the time of executing the process. The execution order of each process that is not used when the first processing unit is executed is rearranged so that the group has a higher execution order than the processing group that uses the second processing unit when the process is executed. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus starts the execution of the plurality of processes from the power saving state in which the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing units is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state. The processing unit of the plurality of processing units is executed based on the information indicating the processing units that are not used for the processing execution for each of the plurality of processings and the information indicating the power consumption of each of the plurality of processing units. When an individual process that does not use any of the processing units is executed, the first processing unit that consumes the maximum power when the one of the processing units is maintained in the power saving state is determined, and The processing group that does not use the first processing unit for execution has a higher execution order than the processing that uses the first processing unit for execution of processing. Rearrangement means for rearranging the execution order of the number of processes; and a processing unit that causes the plurality of processes to be executed in the execution order after the rearrangement by the rearrangement means and that has started to be used among the plurality of processing units Control means for performing a control process for switching the power supplied to the power supplied in the operating state.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the third aspect , the rearranging means does not use any of the processing units when executing the processing in a processing group that does not use the first processing unit when executing the processing. When any of the processing units is maintained in the power-saving state when each processing is executed, the second processing unit having the second largest power consumption after the first processing unit is determined, and the processing is executed. Among the processing groups that do not use the first processing unit, the processing group that does not use the second processing unit when executing processing has a higher execution order than the processing group that uses the second processing unit when executing processing. Thus, the execution order of each process that does not use the first processing unit is rearranged when executing the process.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus starts the execution of the plurality of processes from the power saving state in which the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing units is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state. , Based on information representing processing units that are not used in executing the processing for each of the plurality of processes, information representing power consumption of each of the plurality of processing units, and information representing processing times of the plurality of processes, Of the plurality of processing units, power consumption is saved when any of the processing units is maintained in a power-saving state when an individual process that does not use any of the processing units is executed. There determine the maximum of the first processing unit, non-treated group using the first processing unit upon execution of processing, using the first processing unit upon execution of processing Rearranging means for rearranging the execution order of the plurality of processes so that the execution order is higher than the processing order, and executing the plurality of processes in the execution order after the rearrangement by the rearranging means, And a control means for performing a control process for switching the power supplied to the processing unit for which the use start time has reached among the plurality of processing units to the power supplied in the operating state.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5 , wherein the rearrangement unit does not use any of the processing units when executing the processing in the processing group that does not use the first processing unit when executing the processing. When any one of the processing units is maintained in the power saving state when the individual processing is executed, the second processing unit having the second largest power consumption after the first processing unit is determined. Of the processing groups that do not use the first processing unit for execution, the processing group that does not use the second processing unit for execution of processing has a higher execution order than the processing group that uses the second processing unit for execution of processing. The execution order of each process that does not use the first processing unit is rearranged so that the process is executed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control program for an image forming apparatus, wherein a computer built in the image forming apparatus is configured to stop supply power to each of a plurality of processing units or lower than supply power in an operating state. In starting the execution of a plurality of processes from the power saving state, the processing units that are not used in the execution of the processes are not used in the execution of the processes among the plurality of processing units based on the information representing the respective processes. The first processing unit having the largest number of processes is determined, and the processing group that does not use the first processing unit when executing the process has a higher execution order than the processing group that uses the first processing unit when executing the process. Rearrangement means for rearranging the execution order of the plurality of processes so that the plurality of processes are executed after the rearrangement by the rearrangement means. Together is performed in the order, to function as control means for performing control processing of switching the power supplied to the processing units used start time has arrived to supply power in the operating state of the plurality of processing units.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for controlling an image forming apparatus, wherein a computer built in the image forming apparatus is configured to stop supply power to each of a plurality of processing units or to reduce the supply power in an operating state. When starting execution of a plurality of processes from a power-saving state, based on information indicating processing units that are not used for execution of the processes for each of the plurality of processes and information indicating power consumption of each of the plurality of processing units The power consumption is reduced when any one of the plurality of processing units is maintained in a power-saving state when an individual process that does not use any of the processing units is executed. Determines the largest first processing unit, and a group of processes that do not use the first processing unit when executing the process has the first processing unit when executing the process. Rearrangement means for rearranging the execution order of the plurality of processes so that the execution order is higher than the process using the network, and the plurality of processes in the execution order after the rearrangement by the rearrangement means It is made to perform, and it is made to function as a control means which performs control processing which changes the power supplied to the processing unit which the use start time has reached among the plurality of processing units to the power supplied in the operating state.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control program for an image forming apparatus, wherein a computer built in the image forming apparatus is configured to stop the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing units or to lower the power supplied in an operating state. When starting execution of a plurality of processes from a power saving state, information indicating processing units that are not used for execution of each process for each of the plurality of processes, information indicating power consumption of each of the plurality of processing units, and the plurality of the plurality of processes Based on the information indicating the processing time of each process, when any of the plurality of processing units does not use any of the processing units when executing the process, any of the processing units saves power. Determining the first processing unit that consumes the largest amount of power when it is maintained in the state, and do not use the first processing unit when executing the processing. Treated group, as executed than the processing that uses the first processing unit upon execution of processing order is higher, the plurality of rearranging rearranging means the execution order of the processes, and, said plurality of processing Control means for performing a control process of executing the execution order after the rearrangement by the rearrangement means and switching the power supplied to the processing unit that has reached the start of use among the plurality of processing units to the power supplied in the operating state. To function as.

According to the first , second , and seventh aspects of the present invention, when a plurality of processes are executed from the power saving state, the execution order of the plurality of processes is not required without requiring information indicating the power consumption of each of the plurality of processing units. There is an effect that reduction of power consumption by rearranging can be realized by simple processing.

According to the third , fourth , and eighth aspects of the present invention, when executing a plurality of processes from the power saving state, the power consumption can be reduced by rearranging the execution order of the plurality of processes by a simple process. There is an effect that the amount of reduction in power consumption can be increased as compared with the case where information representing the power consumption of each unit is not used.

According to the fifth , sixth , and ninth aspects of the present invention, when a plurality of processes are executed from the power saving state, reduction of power consumption by rearranging the execution order of the plurality of processes can be realized by a simple process. The amount of reduction in power consumption can be increased as compared with the case where information representing each processing time is not used.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process at the time of a power saving return. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the execution order rearrangement process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the rearrangement by the execution order rearrangement process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the execution order rearrangement process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the rearrangement by the execution order rearrangement process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the execution order rearrangement process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the rearrangement by the execution order rearrangement process of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a controller 12 including a microcomputer 12 and a CPU 12A, a memory 12B, a nonvolatile storage unit 12C including a hard disk drive (HDD) and a flash memory. The storage unit 12C stores device configuration information and a process registration table (both described later), and a power saving control program is installed in advance. The power saving control program includes a program for executing power saving cancellation processing including execution order rearrangement processing to be described later, and is an example of the control program for the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. When the CPU 12A executes the above power saving control program, the controller 12 functions as an example of a rearranging unit and an example of a control unit according to the present invention, and the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is included in the present invention. It functions as an example of such an image forming apparatus.

  The controller 12 is connected to a first power supply unit 22, and the first power supply unit 22 is connected to a commercial power supply via a power switch 30 that is turned on and off by a user operation. The first power supply unit 22 supplies power to the controller 12 while the power switch 30 is turned on. The controller 12 uses the power supplied from the first power supply unit 22 while the power switch 30 is turned on. The operation is continued.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes at least an image reading unit 14 that optically reads a set document (paper original) to be read and outputs read image data, and displays an image represented by the input image data on a recording sheet. Each unit includes an image forming unit 16 to be formed on the display unit, and an operation panel 18 provided with a display unit 18A composed of an LCD or the like and an operation accepting unit 18B composed of a numeric keypad, a touch panel, etc. for accepting an operation by a user. . The image forming apparatus 10 can be mounted (connected) with one or more pre-processing units 32 and one or more post-processing units 34. As an example, FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which one pre-processing unit 32 and three post-processing units 34 </ b> A to 34 </ b> C are mounted (connected) to the image forming apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, the preprocessing unit 32 and the postprocessing unit 34 mounted (coupled) in the image forming apparatus 10 are an example of the processing unit in the present invention.

  The preprocessing unit 32 includes a paper feeding device that can set a large amount of paper and has a function of supplying paper to the image forming apparatus 10 at a high speed, and a plurality of preprocessing units 32 are mounted on (connected to) the image forming apparatus 10. ), Sheets of different sizes are set in the individual preprocessing units 32. Further, as the post-processing unit 34, a plurality of types of post-processing units 34 having different post-processing to be executed are prepared, and one or more types of post-processing may be performed on the paper on which the image is printed. The image forming apparatus 10 is mounted (connected) with one or more post-processing units 34 that perform desired post-processing.

  As post-processing that can be executed by any of the plurality of types of post-processing units 34, for example, decoloring processing for correcting paper warping (curling), folding processing for folding a paper at a preset position on the paper, paper Punching process for punching holes at preset positions above, stapling process for aligning the edges of multiple sheets and binding them as a single sheet bundle with staples, and discharging sheets (bundles) to different positions on the same discharge unit Offset processing, stack processing for stacking discharged sheets (bundles), booklet processing for aligning the edges of a plurality of sheets, and the like.

  The operation reception unit 18B of the operation panel 18 is provided with a power saving return switch (not shown) for instructing the image forming apparatus 10 in the power saving state to release the power saving state. The power saving return switch is a controller. When the power saving return switch is operated by the user, if the power is supplied to the controller 12, the operation is detected by the controller 12. In addition, the device configuration information stored in the storage unit 12C of the controller 12 includes the current device configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 (mounting / non-mounting of the pre-processing unit 32 and the post-processing unit 34, and each mounted unit). Power consumption, etc.), for example, additional mounting of the pre-processing unit 32 and post-processing unit 34, or removal of the pre-processing unit 32 or post-processing unit 34 that has been mounted, etc. Each time the device configuration changes, the information is updated to information indicating the changed device configuration.

  The image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, the operation panel 18 provided in the image forming apparatus 10, and the pre-processing unit 32 and the post-processing unit 34 mounted (connected) to the image forming apparatus 10 are connected via the power supply switch 26. Are respectively connected to the second power supply unit 24 and operated by the power supplied from the second power supply unit 24 via the power supply switch 26. The power supply switch 26 is composed of, for example, a relay or a semiconductor element and can be switched on / off by an on / off signal supplied from the outside. The power supply switch 26 is connected to the controller 12 and is turned on / off by an on / off signal supplied from the controller 12. Is switched. The second power supply unit 24 is connected to the power switch 30 via a power supply switch 28 whose on / off state is switched by an on / off signal supplied from the controller 12 in the same manner as the power supply switch 26. While each of the units 28 is turned on, power is supplied to the unit in which the corresponding power supply switch 26 is turned on.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when the power switch 30 is turned on and power is supplied from the first power supply unit 24 to the controller 12, the controller 12 turns on the power switch 30 and all the power switches. By turning on 28, power is supplied from the second power supply unit 24 to the mounted unit among the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, the operation panel 18, the pre-processing unit 32, and the post-processing unit 34. . When the warm-up or the like in each unit is completed, the image forming apparatus 10 is in an operating state, and the controller 12 has names of a plurality of types of processes (“copy”, “print”, “scan”, etc.) that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 10. A menu screen (not shown) displayed as an option is displayed on the display unit 18A of the operation panel 18.

  Further, when the user operates the operation receiving unit 18B of the operation panel 18 while the menu screen is displayed on the display unit 18A and selects any option in the menu screen, the controller 12 Then, an operation screen (not shown) for designating the processing content of the selected processing is displayed on the display unit 18A, and the operation receiving unit 18B is operated again by the user, and the processing content of the processing to be executed is designated. When execution of the process is instructed, the process instructed to be executed is performed by the unit used in the process instructed to execute.

  For example, when “copy” in the menu screen is selected by the user, the controller 12 causes the display unit 18A to display a copy operation screen for designating the processing content of the copy process, and the operation receiving unit 18B is displayed by the user. When it is operated again and the content of the copy process to be executed is specified and the execution of the copy process is instructed, the copy process instructed to be executed is performed by the image reading unit 14 and the image forming unit 16 (note that copying is performed) Depending on the processing content of the processing, at least one of the pre-processing unit 32 and the post-processing unit 34 is also used). In addition, when the option “scan” in the menu screen is selected and the processing content of the scan process is specified and the execution of the scan process is instructed, the controller 12 performs the scan process instructed to execute the image reading unit 14. When the option “print” in the menu screen is selected, and the processing content of the printing process is specified and the execution of the printing process is instructed, the image forming unit 16 performs the printing process instructed to execute the printing process. (At least one of the pre-processing unit 32 and the post-processing unit 34 is also used depending on the processing content of the print processing).

  Note that the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment stores and stores print data to be printed in the storage unit 12C of the controller 12 for print processing, and stores and stores the print data by operating the operation panel 18. Data print processing is instructed, or print data stored and stored is instructed by information received from a device such as a PC (Personal Computer) connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a communication cable. Alternatively, there is also provided a function for collectively performing print processing on the stored print data, triggered by the arrival of a preset time. When this function is used, the print data is registered (accumulated and stored) in the process registration table stored in the storage unit 12C. The print data registered (accumulated and stored) in the process registration table may be print data received from a device such as a PC, or print data obtained by reading a document by the image reading unit 14. In the configuration in which an image information transmission / reception unit (not described in the present embodiment) is additionally mounted on the image forming apparatus 10, another facsimile machine in which the image information transmission / reception unit is connected via a telephone line network may be used. It may be print data (image information) received from the apparatus.

  The controller 12 performs the following power saving control for the purpose of reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 10. This power saving control is realized by the CPU 12A of the controller 12 executing a power saving control program. That is, the controller 12 is provided with timers corresponding to any of the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, the pre-processing unit 32, and the post-processing unit 34, and the controller 12 The time elapsed since the last processing was performed in each unit is counted by the timer. The timer values of these timers are reset when a new process is started in the corresponding unit. However, when the timer value reaches a value corresponding to a preset power saving state transition time, the controller 12 By turning off the switch 28, the supply of power to the unit corresponding to the timer whose timer value has reached a value corresponding to the power saving state transition time is stopped.

  Further, the controller 12 continues to supply power to the operation panel 18 while power is supplied to at least one of the units 34, and all of the power supply to each unit is stopped, or The power supply to the operation panel 18 is also stopped after a preset time has elapsed since the power supply to each unit has been stopped. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 enters a power saving state in which power is supplied only to the controller 12.

  The transition to the power saving state is not limited to the case where the elapsed time since the last processing has reached a value corresponding to the preset power saving state transition time. Even when an operation that indicates a transition instruction to the power saving state is performed by the user, such as “Pressed”, the transition to the power saving state is performed regardless of the elapsed time since the last processing. It may be. When the controller 12 performs the power saving control described above, for example, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 10 is significantly larger than when the power supply to each unit is turned on / off in conjunction with the on / off of the power switch 30. Reduced.

  Next, processing when releasing the power saving state will be described. In the present embodiment, the power saving state release trigger is stored and stored in the process registration table when the power saving return switch of the image forming apparatus 10 in the power saving state is operated by the user to instruct the return from the power saving state. When it is necessary to execute the print processing of the print data (when the execution of the print processing of the stored print data is instructed or when the time to execute the print processing has arrived) is there. When any of the power saving state release triggers occurs, the power saving return program shown in FIG. 2 is performed by the CPU 12A of the controller 12 executing the power saving return program.

  In this power saving return process, it is first determined whether or not the current power saving state return trigger is due to the need to execute the print process of the print data stored and stored in the process registration table. If this determination is negative, it can be determined that the current power saving state return trigger is an operation of the power saving return switch by the user, so that the routine proceeds to step 52 and normal power saving return processing is performed.

  That is, the controller 12 first restarts the supply of power only to the operation panel 18 and displays the aforementioned menu screen on the display unit 18A. When any option (name of process) in the menu screen is selected by the user, an operation screen corresponding to the selected process is displayed on the display unit 18A, and the user is displayed on the displayed operation screen. When it is detected that an operation other than the cancel operation has been performed, the power supply is resumed only for the unit used in the process selected on the previous menu screen. As a result, when a return from the power saving state is instructed, power consumption of the image forming apparatus 10 is reduced and power supply is resumed as compared with a case where power supply to all units is resumed. The warm-up process in the unit and the operation in which the user designates the processing content via the operation screen displayed on the display unit 18A are performed in parallel, so that the user instructs the execution of the process, The waiting time until the execution of the process is actually started is also shortened.

  Instead of restarting the supply of power to the unit to be used, triggered by an operation other than the cancel operation performed by the user on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 18A as described above, The supply of power to the unit to be used may be resumed with a trigger that one of the processes is selected on the menu screen.

  On the other hand, if the current power saving state return trigger is when execution of print processing of print data stored and stored in the process registration table is required, the determination in step 50 is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 54. Since the image forming unit 16 is always used in the print processing of the print data, the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the image forming unit 16 is turned on to start the supply of power to the image forming unit 16 and the next In step 56, execution order rearrangement processing is performed. The execution order rearrangement process is a process for rearranging the execution order of the print processing of individual print data stored and stored in the process registration table. Although the details will be described later, an image is executed in parallel with the execution order rearrangement process. The formation part 16 is warmed up. In step 58, 1 is substituted into the variable i.

  By the way, when registering the print data in the process registration table, the print condition information for designating the processing content of the print process is also registered in the process registration table together with the print data, and this print condition information is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10. Among the functions that can be provided by each of the pre-processing unit 32 and the post-processing unit 34, information that specifies a function to be used in print processing of print data is also included. Of the functions that can be provided by each of the pre-processing unit 32 and the post-processing unit 34 that are installed, the functions that are used in the print processing of print data may be different for each print data. .

  For this reason, in the next step 60, the execution order is changed to the i-th execution order by referring to the print condition information corresponding to the print data in which the execution order of the print processing is set to the i-th by the execution order rearrangement process in step 56 A unit used in print processing (at least one unit used in print processing among the pre-processing unit 32 and the post-processing unit 34 mounted in the image forming apparatus 10) is recognized. In Step 62, it is determined whether or not at least one of the used units recognized in Step 60 is in a power supply stop state. When this determination is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 64, and the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the used unit of which the power supply is stopped among the used units recognized in step 60 is turned on to supply power to the used unit. To start step 66. As a result, processing such as initialization of the internal mechanism is performed in the used unit in which power supply has been started. If the determination at step 62 is negative, step 64 is skipped and the routine proceeds to step 66.

  In step 66, it is determined whether all the units (including the image forming unit 16) used in the i-th print process in the execution order are operable, and step 66 is repeated until the determination is affirmative. If the determination in step 66 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 68, where the i-th print process is performed by the image forming unit 16 and the use unit recognized in step 60. In the next step 70, it is determined whether or not the variable i has reached the total number of print data (the number of print processes to be executed) n registered in the process registration table. If the determination is negative, the variable i is incremented by 1 in step 72 and the process returns to step 60. Steps 60 to 72 are repeated until the determination in step 70 is affirmed. When the print processing of all the print data registered in the process registration table is completed, the determination in step 70 is affirmed and the power saving return time processing is ended. Note that the above-described power saving return processing is an example of processing by the control means according to the present invention.

  Incidentally, print processing of print data registered in the process registration table is usually executed in the order of registration of individual print data in the process registration table. On the other hand, in the pre-processing unit 32 and the post-processing unit 34, each time power supply is started, processing such as initialization of an internal mechanism is performed. The pre-processing unit 32 and the post-processing mounted in the image forming apparatus 10 are avoided in order to avoid an increase in processing time due to repeated processing such as initialization of the internal mechanism in each of the post-processing units 34. Of the units 34, the units that have once resumed the supply of power continue to supply power without making a transition to the power saving state again.

  For this reason, depending on the execution order of the individual print processes to be executed and the combination of units used in the individual print processes, after the supply of power is once resumed, it is not used for other print data print processes for a long time. There is a possibility that a continuous unit may appear, and the power to be supplied to a unit that is not used in this way is wasted, so the period of supplying power to a unit that is not used is shortened. If the execution order of the print processes is rearranged, power consumption during execution of the print process to be executed is reduced.

  The rearrangement of the print processing execution order is, for example, a process of calculating power consumption for all combinations of the print processing execution order, and selecting a combination in which the calculated power consumption indicates the minimum value as the print processing execution order. It can be realized by doing. However, the number of combinations of n print processing execution orders is n! (N factorial). For example, even if the number of print processes is 10, the number of print processing execution order combinations is 10! = 3628800 streets. In the process registration table, for example, print data of about 100 print processes can be registered. Therefore, as described above, the execution order of all the print processes is rearranged by the above process. Then, the calculation load is very large, and it takes a long time for processing.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the execution order rearrangement process shown in FIG. 3 is performed in step 56 of FIG. In this execution order rearrangement process, first, in step 100, the number of print processes waiting to be executed (the number of print data registered in the process registration table) n is obtained from the process registration table and the total number of used units ( The total number m of pre-processing units 32 and post-processing units 34 mounted in the image forming apparatus 10 is acquired from the apparatus configuration information, and an n-row × m-column matrix as shown in FIG. 4A is generated as an example. To do. FIG. 4A shows an example of a matrix generated when the number of execution waiting processes n = 5 and the total number of used units m = 4. In this matrix, each row corresponds to a different print process, and each column corresponds to a different use unit.

  In step 102, 1 is substituted for the variable i, and in the next step 104, the print condition information of the print process (i-th print process) in which the print data is registered in the process registration table is extracted from the process registration table. Recognize all the units that are not used in the i-th print process (unused units) among the m used units. In this embodiment, identification numbers 1 to m for distinguishing each other are given to m units, and recognition of unused units in step 104 is performed by individual units that are not used in the i-th print processing. This is done by recognizing each identification number j given to. In step 106, for each unused unit recognized in step 104, flag = 0 is set in the cell (i, j) in the i-th row and j-th column of the matrix generated in step 100.

  In the next step 108, it is determined whether or not the variable i has reached the execution waiting process number n. If the determination is negative, the variable i is incremented by 1 in step 110, the process returns to step 104, and steps 104 to 110 are repeated until the determination in step 108 is affirmed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4A as an example, in each row of the matrix corresponding to each print process in the execution waiting state, a flag = 0 is set in a cell corresponding to an unused unit in each print process. Are respectively set.

  In step 112, each of the first to nth print processes (all (n) print processes waiting for execution) is set in the processing target array. In step 114, it is determined whether or not the number of print processes set in the processing target array is greater than one. In this case, the determination is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 116, where flag = 0 in the cell group corresponding to the processing target array (each row corresponding to one of the print processes set in the processing target array) in the matrix. In step 118, it is determined whether or not a corresponding cell has been extracted in the search in step 116.

  If the determination in step 118 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 120, and the number of cells in which flag = 0 is set in the matrix is calculated for each print process set in the processing target array. In step 122, among the print processes set in the process target array, the row in the matrix corresponding to the print process in which the number of cells set with flag = 0 calculated in step 118 is the maximum is displayed as the process target array. For the print process corresponding to the rearranged row in the matrix cell group corresponding to, the execution order of the print process is set in ascending order (There is already a print process for which the execution order has been set. Otherwise, the execution order is set to 1, and if there is a print process with the execution order already set, the maximum value +1 of the execution order already set is set as the execution order).

  In the next step 124, among the cell groups of the matrix corresponding to the processing target array, the flag is set on the column corresponding to the unit used in the print processing whose execution order is set in step 124. Set flag = 1 to all cells. In the next step 126, the print processing for which the execution order has been set in step 124 is excluded from the processing target array, and the process returns to step 114. Thus, steps 114 to 126 are repeated until the determination at step 114 or step 118 is negative. If the determination in step 114 or step 118 is negative, the process proceeds to step 128, in which the execution order is set in ascending order for all print processes set in the processing target array, and the execution order rearrangement process is performed. finish.

  The operation of the execution order rearrangement process of FIG. 3 described above will be further described along with an example of rearrangement of the execution order of the print processing shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows the number of waiting processes n = 5, the total number of used units m = 4, the unused units of print process 1 are units 2 and 4, the unused units of print process 2 are units 2 to 4, and the print process 3 The execution order rearrangement process of FIG. 3 was performed under the condition that the unused units are units 2 and 3, the unused unit of print process 4 is units 1 and 3, and the unused unit of print process 5 is units 1 and 2. Show the case.

  Under the above conditions, in the first round of processing, as shown in FIG. 4A, the number of cells in which flag = 0 calculated for each print processing of the processing target array in step 120 is set as shown in FIG. 1, 3 to 5 are “2”, and print processing 2 is “3”. For this reason, the print processing with the maximum number of cells in which flag = 0 is set to “print processing 2”, and the row corresponding to print processing 2 corresponds to the processing target array as shown in FIG. 4B. The cells are rearranged at the head of the cell group (the entire matrix at this time), and execution order = 1 is set for print processing 2 (step 122). Further, since unit 1 is used in print processing 2, all cells positioned on the column corresponding to unit 1 and having a flag set (in this example, print processing 4 on the column corresponding to unit 1, Flag = 1 is set in the cell corresponding to 5 (step 124). Then, the print process 2 is excluded from the processing target array (step 126), and the first round of the process is completed.

  In the second round of processing, as shown in FIG. 4C, the number of cells in which flag = 0 calculated for each print processing of the processing target array is set to “2” ", The print processes 4 and 5 are each" 1 ". For this reason, the print processing with the maximum number of cells in which the flag = 0 is set to “print processing 1” and “print processing 3”. However, as shown in FIG. Since the corresponding row is already positioned at the head of the cell group corresponding to the processing target array, the rearrangement is not performed, the execution order = 2 for the print process 1, and the execution order = 3 for the print process 3. Are respectively set (step 122). Further, since units 1 and 3 are used in print processing 1 and units 1 and 4 are used in print processing 3, it corresponds to units 3 and 4 excluding unit 1 in which flag = 1 is already set in the corresponding cell. All cells located on the column and set with a flag (in this example, cells corresponding to the print processes 1, 3, and 4 on the column corresponding to the unit 3 and the print process 1 on the column corresponding to the unit 4) , 2) is set for each flag = 1 (step 124). Then, the print processes 1 and 3 are excluded from the processing target array (step 126), and the second round of the process ends.

  In the third round of processing, as shown in FIG. 4E, the number of cells set with flag = 0 calculated for each print processing of the processing target array is “0” in print processing 4, Processing 5 is “1”. Therefore, the print process with the maximum number of cells for which flag = 0 is set is “print process 5”, and the row corresponding to the print process 5 corresponds to the processing target array as shown in FIG. The cells are rearranged at the head of the cell group, and execution order = 4 is set for the print processing 5 (step 122). In the print processing 5, the units 3 and 4 are used. However, since the flags 3 are already set in the corresponding cells in the units 3 and 4, no cells for which the flag = 1 is newly set are generated ( Step 124). Then, the print process 5 is excluded from the process target array (step 126), and the third round of the process ends.

  In the fourth round of processing, since only print processing 4 is set in the processing target array, the determination in step 114 is negative, execution order = 5 is set for print processing 5 (step 128), and execution order is arranged. The replacement process ends. The execution order rearrangement process shown in FIG. 3 is an example of the process performed by the rearrangement unit according to the first aspect.

  With the above-described processing, the execution order of the printing processes 1 to 5 is rearranged as shown in FIG. 4G. In this execution order, power consumption corresponding to the cells indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. Is done. That is, since the unit 2 is not used while the printing processes in the execution order 1 to 4 are being performed, power consumption is reduced by maintaining the power saving state during this period. Further, since the unit 3 is not used while the printing process of the execution order 1 is performed, the power consumption is saved by maintaining the power saving state during this period. Further, since the unit 4 is not used while the printing processes in the execution order 1 and 2 are performed, the power consumption is saved by maintaining the power saving state during this period. Therefore, the processing load such as rearranging the execution order of the print processing so that the power consumption is reduced, and calculating the power consumption for each of n! It can be realized with simple processing without performing large processing.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the respective parts, and the description of the configuration is omitted. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The execution order rearranging process according to the above will be described only for parts different from the execution order rearranging process described in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the execution order rearranging process according to the second embodiment is the same as the execution order rearranging process described in the first embodiment from step 100 to step 118. When the determination in step 118 is affirmed by extracting cells in which flag = 0 is extracted from the cell group corresponding to the processing target array, the execution order is rearranged according to the second embodiment. In the processing, the process proceeds to step 130, where the number of units corresponding to the cells extracted in the search in step 116 is 2 or more (whether cells corresponding to different units are extracted as cells with flag = 0 set). Determine whether or not.

  If the number of units corresponding to the cells for which flag = 0 is set in the cell group corresponding to the processing target array is two or more, the determination in step 130 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 134. The number of cells set with flag = 0 extracted in the search is calculated for each unit. In step 136, the unit with the maximum number of corresponding cells set with flag = 0 calculated in step 130 is set as a division reference unit used as a reference for division of the processing target array, and the process proceeds to step 138. If the number of units corresponding to the cells for which flag = 0 is set in the cell group corresponding to the processing target array is 1, the determination in step 130 is negative and the process proceeds to step 132. The only unit corresponding to the cell in which the flag = 0 extracted in the search is set as the division reference unit, and the process proceeds to step 138.

  In step 138, the cell group of the matrix corresponding to the processing target array is divided into a column group corresponding to a print processing group that does not use the division reference unit set in step 132 or step 136 (a division reference unit non-use processing group), and The order in the cell group of the matrix corresponding to the array to be processed is divided into the column group corresponding to the print processing group using the reference unit (divided reference unit using process group), and the divided reference unit non-use processing group. The corresponding column group is rearranged so that the column group corresponding to the division reference unit usage processing group usage processing group is later. In step 140, flag = 1 is set for all cells in the matrix that are positioned on the column corresponding to the division reference unit and for which the flag is set.

  In the next step 142, the print processing group that does not use the division reference unit set in step 132 or step 136 (the division reference unit non-use processing group) is set as the processing target array, and the process returns to step 114. Thus, steps 114 to 142 are repeated until the determination at step 114 or step 118 is negative.

  If the determination in step 114 is negative, the process proceeds to step 144, and for the only print process set in the processing target array, the execution order of the print process is set in ascending order, and the process proceeds to step 148. If the determination in step 118 is negative, the process proceeds to step 146, the execution order of the print processes is set in ascending order for each print process set in the processing target array, and the process proceeds to step 148.

  In step 148, it is determined whether or not the execution order has been set for all print processes waiting for execution. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 150, and corresponds to a unit used in one of the print processes for which the execution order is set in step 144 or 146 among the cell groups of the matrix corresponding to the processing target array. Flag = 1 is set for all cells that are positioned on the column and for which a flag is set. In the next step 152, a single processing group whose execution order is not set (of the processing groups divided in the previous step 138, whose execution order is not set and whose order in the matrix is the earliest). Individual print processing is set in the processing target array, and the process returns to step 114.

  Thereby, every time the determination of step 114 or step 118 is denied, step 144 or step 146 and steps 148 to 152 are performed. When the execution order is set for all print processes waiting for execution, the determination in step 148 is affirmed and the execution order rearranging process is terminated.

  The operation of the execution order rearrangement process of FIG. 5 described above will be further described along with an example of the rearrangement of the execution order of print processes shown in FIG. 6 shows the same conditions as FIG. 3, that is, the number of waiting processes n = 5, the total number of used units m = 4, the unused units of print processing 1 are units 2 and 4, and the unused units of print processing 2 are unit. 2 to 4, the unused units of print processing 3 are units 2 and 3, the unused units of print processing 4 are units 1 and 3, and the unused units of print processing 5 are units 1 and 2. The case where execution order rearrangement processing is performed is shown.

  Under the above conditions, in the first round of processing, there are cells for which flag = 0 is set on the columns corresponding to units 1 to 4 in the cell group corresponding to the processing target array (the entire matrix at this time). As shown in FIG. 6A, the number of cells set with flag = 0 calculated for each unit in step 134 is “2” for units 1 and 4, and “4” for unit 2. ”, Unit 3 becomes“ 3 ”. For this reason, the unit 2 having the largest number of cells for which the flag = 0 is set is set as the division reference unit (step 136), and as shown in FIG. 6B, the cell corresponding to the processing target array. The group is divided into a unit 2 non-use process group (print processes 1 to 3 and 5) and a unit 2 use process group (print process 4), and is rearranged so that the unit 2 non-use process group comes first ( Step 138). Also, flag = 1 for all cells that are located on the column corresponding to unit 2 and have a flag set (in this example, cells corresponding to print processes 1 to 3 and 5 on the column corresponding to unit 2). Is set (step 140). Then, the unit 2 non-use processing group is set as the processing target array (step 142), and the first round of processing ends.

  In the second round of processing, there are cells with flag = 0 set on columns corresponding to units 1, 3, and 4 in the cell group corresponding to the processing target array. As shown in FIG. 6C, the number of cells in which the flag = 0 calculated in is set to “1” for the unit 1 and “2” for the units 3 and 4 respectively. Therefore, in this example, the unit 3, which is the unit with the largest number of cells for which the flag = 0 is set, is set as the division reference unit (step 136), and as shown in FIG. The corresponding cell group is divided into a unit 3 non-use process group (print processes 2 and 3) and a unit 3 use process group (print processes 1 and 5), and the unit 3 non-use process group is arranged first. It is changed (step 138). In addition, flag = 1 is set in all cells that are located on the column corresponding to unit 3 and for which a flag is set (in this example, cells corresponding to print processes 2 to 4 on the column corresponding to unit 3). (Step 140). Then, the unit 3 non-use processing group is set as the processing target array (step 142), and the second round of processing is completed.

  In the third round of processing, as shown in FIG. 6E, the flag = 0 is set only on the column corresponding to the unit 4 in the cell group corresponding to the processing target array (print processing 2 and 3 at this time). Since the set cell exists, the unit 4 which is the only unit in which the cell with flag = 0 is set on the corresponding column is set as the division reference unit (step 132). As shown in (F), the cell group corresponding to the processing target array is divided into a unit 4 non-use process group (print process 2) and a unit 4 use process group (print process 3). As shown in F), the row corresponding to the unit 4 non-use processing group (print processing 2) is already positioned at the head of the cell group corresponding to the processing target array, so that no rearrangement is performed (step 138). ). Also, flag = 1 is set for all cells that are located on the column corresponding to unit 4 and for which a flag is set (in this example, cells corresponding to print processes 1 and 2 on the column corresponding to unit 4). (Step 140). Then, the unit 4 non-use process group (print process 2) is set as the process target array (step 142), and the third round of the process ends.

  In the fourth round of processing, since the processing target array is only print processing 2 by the above processing, the process proceeds from step 114 to step 144, and execution order = 1 is set for print processing 2. Further, since unit 1 is used in print processing 2, all cells positioned on the column corresponding to unit 1 and having a flag set (in this example, print processing 4 on the column corresponding to unit 1, (Cell corresponding to 5) is set to flag = 1 (step 150: see also FIG. 6F). Then, as the processing group in which the execution order is not set and the order in the matrix is the earliest processing group, the processing group consisting of the printing processes 3 is set in the processing target array (step 152), and the fourth round of processing ends.

  In the fifth round of processing, the processing target array becomes only print processing 3 by the above processing, so that the process proceeds from step 114 to step 144 again, and execution order = 2 is set for print processing 3. Further, since the unit 4 is used in the print processing 3, all the cells that are located on the column corresponding to the unit 4 and the flag is set (in this example, the print processing 1 on the column corresponding to the unit 4) Flag = 1 is set for each cell (step 150: see also FIG. 6F). Then, as the processing group in which the execution order is not set and the order in the matrix is the earliest processing group, the processing group including the printing processes 1 and 5 is set in the processing target array (step 152), and the fifth round of the processing is completed. .

  In the sixth round of processing, the array to be processed becomes print processing 1 and 5 by the above processing, but as shown in FIG. 6F, at this point in time, a cell group (print processing 1 , 5 in each row), there is no cell in which flag = 0 is set. Therefore, the process proceeds from step 118 to step 146, and the execution order = 3 for print process 1 is set for print process 5. Execution order = 4 is set (step 146). In print processing 1, units 1 and 3 are used, and in print processing 5 units 3 and 4 are used. Since units 1, 3, and 4 have already been set with a flag = 1, a new flag is set. No cell for which flag = 1 is set (step 150), only the print process 4 for which the execution order is not set is set as the processing target array (step 152), and the sixth round of the process ends.

  Then, in the seventh round of processing, the processing target array becomes only print processing 4 by the above processing, so that the process proceeds from step 114 to step 144 again, execution order = 5 is set for print processing 4 and execution order is set. The rearrangement process ends. The execution order rearrangement process shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a process performed by the rearrangement unit according to claims 2 and 3.

  With the above-described processing, the execution order of the printing processes 1 to 5 is rearranged as shown in FIG. 6 (G). In this execution order, power consumption corresponding to the cells indicated by hatching in FIG. 6 (G) is reduced. Is done. That is, since the unit 2 is not used while the printing processes in the execution order 1 to 4 are being performed, power consumption is reduced by maintaining the power saving state during this period. Further, since the unit 3 is not used while the printing processes in the execution order 1 and 2 are performed, the power consumption is saved by maintaining the power saving state during this period. Further, since the unit 4 is not used while the printing process of the execution order 1 is performed, the power consumption is saved by maintaining the power saving state during this period. Therefore, the processing load such as rearranging the execution order of the print processing so that the power consumption is reduced, and calculating the power consumption for each of n! It can be realized with simple processing without performing large processing.

  When the result shown in FIG. 6G is simply compared with the result shown in FIG. 4G, the number of cells in which power consumption is reduced is the same, but the execution order rearrangement described in the first embodiment is performed. In the processing (FIG. 3), rearrangement is performed based on the number of unused units for each print processing, whereas in the execution order rearrangement processing (FIG. 5) described in the second embodiment, for each unit. Sorting is performed by setting a division reference unit based on the number of unused print processes, and although the algorithm is slightly complicated, depending on conditions, it may take a longer time from the start of print data print processing. Thus, it is possible to rearrange the order of execution of print processing so that units that can be maintained in a power saving state appear.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, since this 3rd Embodiment is the structure same as 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, it attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to each part, abbreviate | omits description of a structure, hereafter, refer FIG. The execution order rearranging process according to the third embodiment will be described only for parts different from the execution order rearranging process (FIG. 5) described in the second embodiment.

  In the execution order rearrangement process (FIG. 5) described in the second embodiment, all unused units j of the i-th print process are recognized in step 104, and in the next step 106, the i-th row and j-th column of the matrix are recognized. Although flag = 0 is set for each cell (i, j), as shown in FIG. 7, in the execution order rearranging process according to the third embodiment, instead of step 104 above, step 105 , Recognizing all unused units j of the i-th print process and referring to the print data (for example, header) of the i-th print process registered in the process registration table The size and the like are recognized, and an approximate calculation time ti for the i-th print processing is also performed based on the recognized number of pages and paper size.

  Further, instead of step 106 described above, in step 107, first, the power consumption of each unused unit j recognized in step 105 is read from the device configuration information, and the cell (i, j) in the i-th row and j-th column of the matrix is read. In step 105, flag = 0 is set in j), and the processing time ti estimated in step 105 and the cough of the power consumption of the unused unit j read from the device configuration information are set as the reducible power consumption. This is performed for each unused unit j recognized in step (b). As a result, as shown in FIG. 8A as an example, among the rows of the matrix corresponding to the individual print processing in the execution waiting state, the flag = 0 is set in the cell corresponding to the unused unit in the individual print processing. In addition, the power consumption that can be reduced is also set.

  In the execution order rearrangement process (FIG. 5) described in the second embodiment, when the number of units corresponding to the cell extracted in the search in step 116 is 2 or more (when the determination in step 130 is affirmed) ), The number of cells for which flag = 0 is set is calculated for each unit (step 134), and the unit having the largest number of cells for which flag = 0 is set is set as the division reference unit (step 134). 136), however, in the execution order rearranging process according to the third embodiment, instead of the above process, first, in step 135, the total value of the reducible power consumption of the cells for which flag = 0 is set is calculated for each unit. In the next step 137, the unit with the largest total value of the reducible power consumption calculated in step 135 is set as the division reference unit.

  Next, the operation of the execution order rearranging process (FIG. 7) according to the third embodiment will be further described along with an example of rearranging the execution order of the printing processes shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows the same conditions as FIG. 3, that is, the number of waiting processes n = 5, the total number of used units m = 4, the unused units of print processing 1 are units 2 and 4, and the unused units of print processing 2 are unit. In addition to the conditions of 2 to 4, the unused unit of print processing 3 is units 2 and 3, the unused unit of print processing 4 is units 1 and 3, the unused unit of print processing 5 is units 1 and 2, and the unit 1 Unit power consumption is "2", unit 2 power consumption is "3", unit 3 power consumption is "5", unit 4 power consumption is "6", and the unit processing time of print processing 1, 3, 5 FIG. 7 shows a case where the execution order rearrangement process of FIG. 7 is performed under the condition that each of the unit processing times of the print processes 2 and 4 is “2”.

  Under the above conditions, as shown in FIG. 8A, among the columns corresponding to the unit 1 of the matrix, the cell corresponding to the print process 4 has “4” as the reducible power consumption and corresponds to the print process 5. "2" is set as the reducible power consumption for each cell, and among the columns corresponding to unit 2, the cell corresponding to print processing 1 is "3" as the reducible power consumption and corresponds to print processing 2. "6" as the reducible power consumption for the cell to be printed, "3" as the reducible power consumption for the cell corresponding to the print process 3, and "3" as the reducible power consumption for the cell corresponding to the print process 5 “10” is set for each of the cells corresponding to the print process 2 in the column corresponding to the unit 3 and “10” is set for the cell corresponding to the print process 3. 5 "print “10” is set as the reducible power consumption for the cell corresponding to the processing 4, and “6” is set as the reducible power consumption for the cell corresponding to the print processing 1 in the column corresponding to the unit 4. Each cell corresponding to the print process 2 is set to “12” as the power consumption that can be reduced.

  Here, in the first round of processing, there are cells for which flag = 0 is set on columns corresponding to units 1 to 4 in the cell group corresponding to the processing target array (the entire matrix at this time). As shown in FIG. 8B, the total value of the reducible power consumption calculated for each unit in step 135 is “6” for unit 1, “15” for unit 2, and “25” for unit 3. “Unit 4 is“ 18 ”. For this reason, the unit 3 having the maximum total power consumption that can be reduced is set as the division reference unit (step 137), and as shown in FIG. 8C, the cell group corresponding to the array to be processed is The unit 3 non-use process group (print processes 2 to 4) and the unit 3 use process group (print processes 1 and 5) are rearranged so that the unit 3 non-use process group comes first (step 138). ). In addition, flag = 1 is set in all cells that are located on the column corresponding to unit 3 and for which a flag is set (in this example, cells corresponding to print processes 2 to 4 on the column corresponding to unit 3). (Step 140). Then, the unit 3 non-use processing group is set as the processing target array (step 142), and the first round of processing ends.

  In the second round of processing, there are cells with flag = 0 set on columns corresponding to units 1, 2, and 4 in the cell group corresponding to the processing target array. As shown in FIG. 8D, the total value of the reducible power consumption calculated in (1) is “4” for unit 1, “9” for unit 2, and “12” for unit 4. For this reason, the unit 4 that is the unit having the maximum total power consumption that can be reduced is set as the division reference unit (step 137), and as shown in FIG. 8E, the cell group corresponding to the processing target array is The unit 4 non-use process group (print process 2) and the unit 4 use process group (print processes 3 and 4) are further divided and rearranged so that the unit 4 non-use process group comes first (step 138). . Also, flag = 1 is set for all cells that are located on the column corresponding to unit 4 and for which a flag is set (in this example, cells corresponding to print processes 1 and 2 on the column corresponding to unit 4). (Step 140). Then, the unit 4 non-use process group (print process 2 only) is set as the process target array (step 142), and the second round of the process ends.

  In the third round of processing, since the processing target array is only print processing 2 by the above processing, the process proceeds from step 114 to step 144, and execution order = 1 is set for print processing 2. Further, since unit 1 is used in print processing 2, all cells positioned on the column corresponding to unit 1 and having a flag set (in this example, print processing 4 on the column corresponding to unit 1, (Cell corresponding to 5) is set to flag = 1 (step 150: see also FIG. 8E). Then, as the processing group in which the execution order is not set and the order in the matrix is the earliest processing group, the processing group including the printing processes 3 and 4 is set in the processing target array (step 152), and the third round of processing ends. .

  In the fourth round of processing, as shown in FIG. 8E, the flag = 0 is set only on the column corresponding to the unit 2 in the cell group corresponding to the processing target array (print processing 3 and 4 at this time). Since the set cell exists, the unit 2 which is the only unit in which the cell in which flag = 0 is set on the corresponding column is set as the division reference unit (step 132). As shown in FIG. 8F, the cell group corresponding to the processing target array is divided into a unit 2 non-use process group (print process 3) and a unit 2 use process group (print process 4). As shown in E), since the row corresponding to the unit 2 non-use processing group (print processing 3) is already positioned at the head of the cell group corresponding to the processing target array, no rearrangement is performed (step 138). ). Also, flag = 1 for all cells that are located on the column corresponding to unit 2 and have a flag set (in this example, cells corresponding to print processes 1 to 3 and 5 on the column corresponding to unit 2). Is set (step 140). Then, the unit 2 non-use process group (print process 3) is set as the process target array (step 142), and the fourth round of the process ends.

  In the fifth round of processing, since the processing target array is only print processing 3 by the above processing, the process proceeds from step 114 to step 144, and execution order = 2 is set for print processing 3. In the print process 3, units 1 and 4 are used. Since the flag 1 is already set in the corresponding cell, the unit 1 is positioned on the column corresponding to the unit 4 and the flag is set. Flag = 1 is set for all the cells (in this example, the cells corresponding to print processes 1 and 2 on the column corresponding to unit 4) (step 150: see also FIG. 8G). Then, as the processing group in which the execution order is not set and the order in the matrix is the earliest processing group, the processing group consisting of the printing processes 4 is set as the processing target array (step 152), and the fifth round of processing ends.

  In the sixth round of processing, the processing target array becomes only print processing 4 by the above processing, so that the process proceeds from step 114 to step 144 again, and execution order = 3 is set for print processing 4. In the print processing 4, the units 2 and 4 are used. Since the units 2 and 4 have already been set with the flag = 1 in the corresponding cells, there is a cell in which the flag = 1 is newly set. (Step 150), the processing group consisting of the print processes 1 and 5 is set as the processing target array as the processing group in which the execution order is not set and the order in the matrix is the earliest (Step 152). Close the eyes.

  In the seventh round of processing, the array to be processed becomes print processing 1 and 5 by the above processing, but as shown in FIG. 8G, at this point in time, a cell group corresponding to the array to be processed (print processing 1 , 5 in each row), there is no cell in which flag = 0 is set, so the process proceeds from step 118 to step 146, and execution order = 4 for print process 1 is set for print process 5. Execution order = 5 is set for each (step 146), and the execution order rearrangement process ends. The execution order rearrangement process shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a process performed by the rearrangement unit according to claims 6 and 7.

  With the above-described processing, the execution order of the print processes 1 to 5 is rearranged as shown in FIG. 8H. In this execution order, power consumption corresponding to the cells indicated by hatching in FIG. 8H is reduced. Is done. That is, since the unit 2 is not used while the printing processes in the execution order 1 and 2 are performed, the power consumption is saved by maintaining the power saving state during this period. Further, since the unit 3 is not used while the printing processes in the execution order 1 to 3 are performed, the power consumption is saved by maintaining the power saving state during this period. Further, since the unit 4 is not used while the printing process of the execution order 1 is performed, the power consumption is saved by maintaining the power saving state during this period. Therefore, the processing load such as rearranging the execution order of the print processing so that the power consumption is reduced, and calculating the power consumption for each of n! It can be realized with simple processing without performing large processing.

  When the results shown in FIG. 8H are simply compared with the results shown in FIGS. 4G and 6G, the number of cells in which power consumption is reduced is reduced by one. In the execution order rearrangement process (FIG. 7) described in the second embodiment, the power saving state of the unit 3 having the maximum total amount of power consumption that can be reduced (see FIG. 8B) is continued for a long time. This is because the algorithm is prioritized, and when the condition of FIG. 8 is applied to the rearrangement result shown in FIG. 4 (G), the amount of power to be reduced is “31”, as shown in FIG. 6 (G). When the condition of FIG. 8 is applied to the rearrangement result, the amount of power reduced is “42”, whereas the rearrangement result shown in FIG. ) Is further reduced so that the print processing execution order is rearranged.

  In the third embodiment, the aspect of rearranging the execution order of the print processing based on the reducible power consumption that is the product of the processing time ti of the print processing and the power consumption for each unit has been described. Without limitation, the power consumption of each unit is used as the reducible power consumption instead of the reducible power consumption in the execution order rearranging process described in the third embodiment, and printing is performed based on the power consumption of each unit. You may make it rearrange the execution order of a process. This aspect is particularly effective in the case where variations in the processing time of individual print processes are small, and the process becomes simpler because it is not necessary to perform an estimation calculation of the processing time ti of each print process. The execution order rearrangement process in the above aspect is an example of the process performed by the rearrangement means according to claims 4 and 5.

  In the above description, the pre-processing unit 32 and the post-processing unit 34 have been described as examples of the processing unit according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and units other than those described above may be the processing unit according to the present invention. Can also be used.

  In the above description, the power saving control program, which is an example of the control program for the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, is stored (installed) in the storage unit 12C of the controller 12 in advance. The control program can be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Controller 12C Memory | storage part 16 Image forming part 18 Operation panel 24 2nd electric power supply part 26 Power supply switch 32 Pre-processing unit 34A-34C Post-processing unit 34 Post-processing unit

Claims (9)

When starting the execution of a plurality of processes from the power saving state where the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing units is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state, the processing units that are not used when executing the processes are Based on the information represented for each process, the first processing unit having the maximum number of processes that are not used in executing the process is determined from the plurality of processing units, and the first processing unit is not used in executing the processes. Rearrangement means for rearranging the execution order of the plurality of processes so that the processing group is higher in order of execution than the processing group using the first processing unit when executing the process;
Control that causes the plurality of processes to be executed in the execution order after the rearrangement by the rearrangement unit, and switches the supply power to the processing unit that has reached the start of use among the plurality of processing units to the supply power in the operating state Control means for performing processing;
An image forming apparatus including: Said sorting means, in a processing group upon execution of processing without using the first processing unit, the number of processing not used in the execution of the process is large in the following the first processing unit a second processing unit Among the processing groups that do not use the first processing unit when executing the process, and the processing group that does not use the second processing unit when executing the process uses the second processing unit when executing the process. as execution order becomes higher than the group, the first is not used in performing the process of processing unit rearranges the execution order of the processes according to claim 1 image forming apparatus according. When starting the execution of a plurality of processes from the power saving state where the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing units is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state, the processing units that are not used when executing the processes are Based on the information representing each process and the information representing the power consumption of each of the plurality of processing units, individual processes that do not use any of the plurality of processing units when executing the processes are executed. When one of the processing units is maintained in a power saving state, the first processing unit that consumes the largest amount of power is determined, and a processing group that does not use the first processing unit when executing the processing Rearranging the execution order of the plurality of processes so that the execution order is higher than the process using the first processing unit when executing the processes. And the stage,
Control that causes the plurality of processes to be executed in the execution order after the rearrangement by the rearrangement unit, and switches the supply power to the processing unit that has reached the start of use among the plurality of processing units to the supply power in the operating state Control means for performing processing;
An image forming apparatus including: In the processing group that does not use the first processing unit at the time of execution of processing, the rearrangement unit is configured such that when any of the processing units that do not use any of the processing units at the time of processing execution is executed, A second processing unit that consumes less power when the power saving state is maintained is determined next to the first processing unit, and among the processing groups that do not use the first processing unit when executing the processing, The first processing unit is used in executing the process so that the processing group that does not use the second processing unit in execution has a higher execution order than the processing group that uses the second processing unit in executing the process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the execution order of each processing that is not performed is rearranged. When starting the execution of a plurality of processes from the power saving state where the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing units is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state, the processing units that are not used when executing the processes are Based on the information representing each process, the information representing the power consumption of each of the plurality of processing units, and the information representing the processing time of each of the plurality of processes, any of the plurality of processing units is executed during the execution of the process. When each of the processing units that do not use the processing unit is executed, the first processing unit that has the maximum power consumption saved when any one of the processing units is maintained in the power saving state is determined. as treated group that does not use the first processing unit during execution, execution order is higher than the process of using the first processing unit upon execution of processing, Serial and rearranging rearranging means the execution order of a plurality of processes,
Control that causes the plurality of processes to be executed in the execution order after rearrangement by the rearranging unit, and switches power supplied to a processing unit that has reached the start of use from among the plurality of processing units to power supplied in an operating state. Control means for performing processing;
An image forming apparatus including: In the processing group that does not use the first processing unit at the time of execution of processing, the rearrangement unit is configured such that when any of the processing units that do not use any of the processing units at the time of processing execution is executed, The second processing unit that has the second largest power consumption after the first processing unit when it is maintained in the power saving state is determined, and the processing among the processing groups that do not use the first processing unit when executing the processing. The processing group that does not use the second processing unit at the time of execution of the first processing unit at the time of execution of the process so that the execution order is higher than the processing group that uses the second processing unit at the time of execution of the process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the execution order of each process not used is rearranged. A computer built in the image forming apparatus
When starting the execution of a plurality of processes from the power saving state where the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing units is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state, the processing units that are not used when executing the processes are Based on the information represented for each process, the first processing unit having the maximum number of processes that are not used in executing the process is determined from the plurality of processing units, and the first processing unit is not used in executing the processes. Rearrangement means for rearranging the execution order of the plurality of processes so that the processing group is higher in order of execution than the processing group using the first processing unit in executing the process;
In addition, the plurality of processes are executed in the execution order after rearrangement by the rearranging unit, and the supply power to the processing unit that has reached the start of use among the plurality of processing units is changed to the supply power in the operating state. A control program for an image forming apparatus for causing a control unit to perform control processing for switching. A computer built in the image forming apparatus
When starting the execution of a plurality of processes from the power saving state where the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing units is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state, the processing units that are not used when executing the processes are Based on the information representing each process and the information representing the power consumption of each of the plurality of processing units, individual processes that do not use any of the plurality of processing units when executing the processes are executed. When one of the processing units is maintained in a power saving state, the first processing unit that consumes the largest amount of power is determined, and a processing group that does not use the first processing unit when executing the processing Rearranging the execution order of the plurality of processes so that the execution order is higher than the process using the first processing unit when executing the processes. Stage,
In addition, the plurality of processes are executed in the execution order after rearrangement by the rearranging unit, and the supply power to the processing unit that has reached the start of use among the plurality of processing units is changed to the supply power in the operating state. A control program for an image forming apparatus for causing a control unit to perform control processing for switching. A computer built in the image forming apparatus
When starting the execution of a plurality of processes from the power saving state where the power supplied to each of the plurality of processing units is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state, the processing units that are not used when executing the processes are Based on the information representing each process, the information representing the power consumption of each of the plurality of processing units, and the information representing the processing time of each of the plurality of processes, any of the plurality of processing units is executed during the execution of the process. When each of the processing units that do not use the processing unit is executed, the first processing unit that has the maximum power consumption saved when any one of the processing units is maintained in the power saving state is determined. as treated group that does not use the first processing unit during execution, execution order is higher than the process of using the first processing unit upon execution of processing, Serial rearranging rearranging means the execution order of a plurality of processes,
In addition, the plurality of processes are executed in the execution order after rearrangement by the rearranging unit, and the supply power to the processing unit that has reached the start of use among the plurality of processing units is changed to the supply power in the operating state. A control program for an image forming apparatus for causing a control unit to perform control processing for switching.

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