Image formation apparatus and power saving control method for image formation apparatus

Abstract

To solve such a problem that, in an image formation apparatus, even though the apparatus transitions from a normal mode to a sleep mode after printing is completed on the basis of multiple sleep transition times, since the transition to the sleep mode occurs after the sleep transition time, there is a case where electric power generated during the standby state is wasted after printing is finished.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus comprises: a print data command analysis unit 102 that analyzes received print data; a parameter control unit 105 that stores parameter information of the analyzed print data in an EEPROM 107; a print data processing unit (103, 106) that analyzes the print data and generates print image data; an engine unit 108 that prints the print image data; and a power saving control unit 109 that performs power saving control of the engine unit 108 and the like. In accordance with the parameter information assigned to the print data, the apparatus controls the transition to a sleep state at a timing earlier than a preset specified time after printing is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a power saving function. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some conventional image forming apparatuses are configured to transition from a normal mode to a sleep mode after printing is completed based on a plurality of preset sleep transition times (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-43620 A (Page 6, Figure 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional method described above, the image forming device transitions to sleep mode after a preset sleep transition time has elapsed, which can result in unnecessary consumption of power generated during the standby state after printing is completed until the device transitions to sleep mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: The printer includes a print data command analysis unit that analyzes print data received from a host device, a parameter control unit that stores parameter information of the print data analyzed by the print data command analysis unit in a storage unit, a print data processing unit that analyzes the print data and generates print image data, an engine unit that prints the print image data, and a power saving control unit that performs power saving control of the engine unit, The power saving control unit is characterized in that, based on parameter information attached to the print data, it controls the power state of the engine unit, which is in a first power state, to transition to a second power state that consumes less power than the first power state within a second time period that is shorter than a predetermined first time period after printing is completed.

[0006] A power saving control method for an image forming apparatus is capable of changing a transition time for transitioning an image forming apparatus from a first power state to a second power state that consumes less power than the first power state, based on an instruction from a host device including a printer driver, the method comprising: a first step of setting, on a setting screen of the image forming device, a transition time for transitioning the power consumption of the image forming device from the first power state to the second power state after printing is completed to a first time; a second step of setting, on a setting screen of the printer driver, the transition time to a second time shorter than the first time; a third step of adding parameter information to print data after the second step; and a fourth step of transitioning the power consumption of the image forming device in the first power state to the second power state in the second time when the image forming device has completed printing based on the print data. The present invention is characterized by comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to set the apparatus to enter sleep mode immediately after printing is completed as needed, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption during standby. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a control system of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a sleep transition operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting screen of a printer driver. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the content of parameter information given to print data. [Figure 5] It is a main part block diagram showing the main part configuration of the control system of the printer according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the sleep transition operation in Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] It is a list of history information (job log) that the job log control unit stores in the EEPROM. [Figure 8] It is a time chart for explaining the operation of the printer according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] It is a time chart for explaining the operation of the printer according to Embodiment 2.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a main part block diagram showing the main part configuration of the control system of the printer 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 as an image forming apparatus is connected to a network environment. The network environment here is a network environment constructed for executing printing based on print data received from a host device via the network (not shown). The printer 10 includes a network transmission / reception unit 101, a print data command analysis unit 102, a print data editing / expansion unit 103, a control unit 104, a parameter control unit 105, a RAM 106, an EEPROM 107 as a storage unit, an engine unit 108, a power saving control unit 109, and the like.

[0011] The network transmission / reception unit 101 receives data from a host device via the network and stores the received print data on the RAM 106. The print data command analysis unit 102 analyzes the PJL (Print Job Language) part of the print data stored on the RAM 106 and stores the analysis result on the EEPROM 107 via the parameter control unit 105.

[0012] The print data editing and expanding unit 103 analyzes the PDL (Page Description Language) part of the print data stored on the RAM 106, and edits and expands the print image data together with the RAM 106. Note that the print data editing and expanding unit 103 and the RAM 106 correspond to the print data processing unit. The parameter control unit 105 sets the parameter information analyzed by the print data command analysis unit 102 in the EEPROM 107 or refers to the parameter information from the EEPROM 107.

[0013] The engine unit 108 prints the print image data expanded on the RAM 106 onto a medium, and the control unit 104 generally controls the operations among the respective components. The power saving control unit 109 controls the transition and return of the power saving state (power save state, sleep state) of the printer 10 in the standby state as the first power state, and performs power saving control in each state. Note that here, when transitioning to the sleep state as the second power state, at least the temperature control of a fixing device (not shown) provided in the printer 10 and the display on a display panel (not shown) as an operation unit (device) stop. Note that in the present embodiment, the user can set on the display panel, which is the setting screen of the printer 10, the transition time (designated time described later) for transitioning the power consumption in the standby state of the printer 10 after printing is completed to the power saving state.

[0014] In the above configuration, the operations performed by the printer 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 according to the flowchart of FIG. 2. Note that FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the sleep transition operation in the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the setting screen 151 of the printer driver, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the content of the parameter information given to the print data.

[0015] First, the user launches an application on a higher-level device (not shown) and selects either "Immediately enter sleep mode after printing" or "Enter sleep mode after a specified time after printing" in the printer driver settings screen 151 shown in Fig. 3 using the check box 152. Here, the explanation will continue on the premise that "Immediately enter sleep mode after printing" is checked. After checking "Immediately enter sleep mode after printing" and executing printing on the printer driver, as parameter information, a PJL command 161 as shown in Fig. 4 is added to the print data and sent to the printer 10.

[0016] Next, the operation of the printer 10 will be described. When the network transmission / reception unit 101 receives print data transmitted from a higher-level device, it requests the print data command analysis unit 102 to analyze the print data. The print data command analysis unit 102 analyzes the print data (step S101) and determines whether the PJL command 161 (Fig. 4), that is, a specific parameter (OKISLEEPAFTERPRINT), is set to ENABLE (step S102).

[0017] If the specific parameter is set to ENABLE here (step S102, Yes), the print data command analysis unit 102 requests the parameter control unit 105 to update the job parameter information stored in the EEPROM 107. The parameter control unit 105 updates the job parameter information of the currently executing job in response to this request (step S103). If it is not set to ENABLE (step S102, No), the job parameter information is not updated.

[0018] Thereafter, the control unit 104 requests the print data editing and expansion unit 103 to edit and expand the print data. After expanding the print image data on the RAM 106, it transfers the print image data to the engine unit 108 and executes printing (step S104).

[0019] Thereafter, it monitors the end of printing (step S105, No), and when printing ends (step S105, Yes), the control unit 104 refers to the information of the specific parameter (OKISLEEPAFTERPRINT) stored in the EEPROM 107 via the parameter control unit 105 (step S106). When it is ENABLE (step S106, Yes), it requests the power saving control unit 109 to immediately shift to the sleep state (step S107). When it is DISABLE (step S106, No), it requests the power saving control unit 109 to shift to the sleep state after a specified time (here, 2 minutes) as the first time (step S108).

[0020] Here, in step S107, it is stated as "request immediate sleep transition", but it is desirable to perform the sleep transition as soon as possible within the possible range. At least, it may be configured to perform the sleep transition within a second time shorter than the specified time. Thereby, the standby time at this time can be shortened. In the present embodiment, "immediate sleep transition" means that the power saving control unit 109 performs the sleep transition based on the instruction of the control unit 104 at the timing when the paper on which the print data is formed by the engine unit 108 is discharged from the printer 10.

[0021] Also, although not shown, when the power saving control unit 109 is in the middle of generating a near end warning notifying that the remaining amount of consumables such as toner and paper has become small after printing, or during the operation of the display panel as the operation unit of the printer 10, even if there is a request from the control unit 104 to immediately shift to the sleep state, it does not immediately shift to the sleep state, but performs control to transition to the sleep state after a specified time (2 minutes), thereby improving usability.

[0022] As described above, according to the printer 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to immediately shift to the sleep mode after printing ends as needed, thereby suppressing wasteful power consumption that occurs during the standby state, for example, power consumption required to maintain the operating states of the display panel and the fixing device.

[0023] Embodiment 2. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a control system of a printer 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The control system of this printer 20 differs mainly from the control system of printer 10 of embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1 above in that a job log control unit 210 and a flash ROM 211 are added. Therefore, parts of this printer 20 that are common to printer 10 of embodiment 1 (Figure 1) above will be given the same reference numerals or will not be shown in the drawings and explanations will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly explained. In explaining the operation of printer 20 of this embodiment, Figures 3 and 4 may be referenced as necessary for parts that are common to printer 10 of embodiment 1.

[0025] After a job is executed, the job log control unit 210 stores a job log (job start time, job end time, user name, etc.) (see FIG. 7) which is history information in a flash ROM 211 serving as a storage unit.

[0026] In the above configuration, the operation performed by printer 20 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8 along the flowchart of Figure 6. Note that Figure 6 is a flowchart explaining the flow of the sleep transition operation in this embodiment, Figure 7 is a list of history information (job log) that job log control unit 210 saves in flash ROM 211, and Figures 8 and 9 are time charts used to explain the operation.

[0027] First, the user starts an application from a higher-level device (not shown), and selects either "Go to sleep mode immediately after printing" or "Go to sleep mode after a specified time after printing" using check box 152 on printer driver setting screen 151 shown in Fig. 3. Here, the explanation will continue assuming that "Go to sleep mode immediately after printing" is checked. After checking "Go to sleep mode immediately after printing," when printing is executed on the printer driver, a PJL command 161 such as that shown in Fig. 4 is added as parameter information to the print data and sent to printer 20.

[0028] Next, the operation of the printer 20 will be described. When the network transmission / reception unit 101 receives print data transmitted from a higher-level device, it requests the print data command analysis unit 102 to analyze the print data. Hereinafter, the process from step S201 where the print data command analysis unit 102 analyzes the print data to step S205 where the control unit 204 confirms the end of printing of the print image data is the same as the process from step S101 to step S105 in the above-described Embodiment 1, and thus the description here is omitted.

[0029] When printing is completed (step S205, Yes), the job log control unit 210 stores a job log (job start time, job end time, user name, etc.), which is the history information of the job shown in FIG. 7, on the flash ROM 211 (step S206). Thereafter, the control unit 204 calculates the job intervals between each job from the immediately preceding three job logs for the job log that was saved immediately before (step S207). In the present embodiment, the job intervals are calculated from the immediately preceding three job logs of the prints made in the past, but it is not particularly limited to the immediately preceding three, and it may be the immediately preceding two or four or more. As long as the job intervals can be calculated from a plurality of job logs included in the history information.

[0030] Here, the content of the process in this step S207 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. As shown in these figures, the control unit 204 calculates the job intervals of the three job logs (numbers 2, 3, 4) of Mr. A immediately before for the job log of Mr. B (number 1) saved immediately before. The job interval of 30 seconds (T1) between the first sheet (number 4) and the second sheet (number 3) of Mr. A and the job interval of 30 seconds (T2) between the second sheet (number 3) and the third sheet (number 4) of Mr. A are calculated respectively.

[0031] Next, the control unit 204 checks whether the immediately preceding three job logs are all from the same user and whether the job intervals T1 and T2 of the immediately preceding three job logs are less than the threshold time (here, 60 seconds) which is shorter than the specified time (2 minutes) (step S208). If the control unit 204 satisfies this condition (step S208, Yes), it determines that the next job will be received from user A, and issues a request to the power saving control unit 109 to shift to the sleep state after the specified time (here, 2 minutes) (step S209). On the other hand, if this condition is not satisfied (step S208, No), it determines that the next job will not be received from user A, and issues a request to the power saving control unit 109 to immediately shift to the sleep state (step S212).

[0032] That is, before user B prints, if user A has printed continuously multiple times (for example, 3 times) within a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds which is shorter than the specified 2 minutes), considering that it is highly likely that user A's printing will resume, after the printing of user B for whom "shift to sleep immediately after printing" is selected on the checkbox 152 (Figure 3) is completed, instead of immediately shifting to the sleep state, the timing of shifting to the sleep state is delayed by the specified time (2 minutes). Note that the thick line part in Figure 8 shows the time chart at the stage where in step S209, a request is issued to the power saving control unit 109 to shift to the sleep state after the specified time (here, 2 minutes).

[0033] Next, after issuing a request in step S209 for the power saving control unit 109 to shift to the sleep state after the specified time (here, 2 minutes), the control unit 204 waits for the average time Ta of the job intervals T1 and T2 calculated in step S207 (step S210). Then, after the elapse of this average time Ta, the control unit 204 determines whether a job from the same user (user A) has been received during this period (step S211).

[0034] Here, in step S210, it was set to wait for only the average time Ta of the job intervals T1 and T2. However, if it is within the specified time (here, 2 minutes) or less, it may be set to wait longer in the standby state where the power consumption of the printer 20 is greater than that in the sleep state. However, the effect of shortening the standby state decreases as the waiting time becomes longer.

[0035] Here, when the control unit 204 does not receive a job from the same user (step S211, No), it determines that the reception of jobs from Mr. A has stopped, and immediately requests the power saving control unit 109 to shift to the sleep state (step S212), and the printer 20 in the standby state is shifted to the sleep state. On the other hand, when it receives a job from the same user, here, since it has received a job from the same Mr. A, the process ends without requesting the power saving control unit 109 to shift to the sleep state. Specifically, the printer 20 shifts from the standby state to the sleep state at a preset specified time.

[0036] Here, in step S211, when there is a job reception, it targets the job reception from Mr. A, who is the same user with a high possibility of a print instruction. However, even when there is a job reception from another person, the process may end without requesting the power saving control unit 109 to shift to the sleep state. Also, the thick line part in FIG. 9 shows the time chart at the stage where, in step S212, a request is immediately issued to the power saving control unit 109 to shift to the sleep state.

[0037] As described above, according to the printer of the present embodiment, even when it is set in the printer driver to shift to sleep immediately after printing is completed, by referring to the printed job log, if there is a high possibility of the next print instruction in the near future, it waits for a suitable time (here, the average time Ta) shorter than the specified time (here, 2 minutes), and when there is no print instruction, it shifts to the sleep state. Therefore, it is expected to have the effect of improving user convenience and further reducing the power consumption of the printer. In the present embodiment, the designated time as the first time has been described in a form that a user sets in advance on the display panel of the printer 10 before printing. However, as a modification example, the designated time as the first time may be set on the setting screen 151 of the printer driver shown in FIG. 3.

Industrial Applicability

[0038] In the present embodiment, a printer has been used as an image forming apparatus for description, but the present invention is also applicable to a copying machine, a FAX, and a multi-functional machine that combines these.

Explanation of Signs

[0039] 10 Printer, 20 Printer, 101 Network Transmission / Reception Unit, 102 Print Data Command Analysis Unit, 103 Print Data Editing / Expansion Unit, 104 Control Unit, 105 Parameter Control Unit, 106 RAM, 107 EEPROM, 108 Engine Unit, 109 Power Saving Control Unit, 151 Setting Screen, 152 Check Box, 161 PJL Command, 210 Job Log Control Unit, 211 Flash ROM.

Claims

1. A print data command analysis unit that analyzes print data received from an upper device, a parameter control unit that stores parameter information of the print data analyzed by the print data command analysis unit in a storage unit, a print data processing unit that analyzes the print data to generate print image data, an engine unit that prints the print image data, and a power saving control unit that performs power saving control of the engine unit and having The power saving control unit, based on parameter information given to the print data, transitions the power state of the engine unit in a first power state to a second power state with less power consumption than the first power state within a second time shorter than a preset first time after printing is completed. An image forming apparatus characterized by controlling as described above.

2. further having an operation unit that receives a user's operation, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power saving control unit transitions to the second power state after the first time has elapsed after printing is completed when the operation unit is being operated.

3. having a job log control unit that sequentially stores a job log in a storage unit after printing is completed, The job log control unit calculates an interval between job logs between successive job logs from a plurality of the job logs stored in the storage unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power saving control unit controls to transition to the second power state at the second time after printing is completed based on the calculated job interval.

4. When, for a job log stored corresponding to the most recent print, all of the job intervals between a plurality of preceding job logs are less than a threshold value and the users of the plurality of job logs are the same, the power saving control unit transitions to the second power state after the first time has elapsed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. After the power saving control unit transitions to the second power state after the first time has elapsed, if no new job is received even when exceeding the average time of the job intervals between the plurality of job logs, the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that it transitions to the second power state at the second time.

6. The power saving control unit controls whether to transition to the second power state at the second time after printing is completed or to transition to the second power state after the first time has elapsed The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

7. A power saving control method for an image forming apparatus capable of changing a transition time for transitioning the image forming apparatus in a first power state to a second power state with less power consumption than the first power state based on an instruction from a host device including a printer driver. A first step of setting, on a setting screen of the image forming apparatus, a transition time for transitioning the power consumption of the image forming apparatus after printing completion from the first power state to the second power state to a first time. A second step of setting, on a setting screen of the printer driver, the transition time to a second time shorter than the first time. A third step of attaching parameter information to print data after the second step. A fourth step of transitioning the power consumption of the image forming apparatus in the first power state to the second power state at the second time when the image forming apparatus finishes printing based on the print data. A power saving control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by including the above steps.

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