Image forming apparatus and system

Abstract

To shorten a time required for a determination processing of a function of a mounted component of an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of arithmetic processing parts capable of performing control of image formation and a determination processing for determining a function of one or a plurality of mounted components; a function stop instruction part that instructs each arithmetic processing part to stop a function not used in the determination processing when the determination processing is performed; a processing determination part configured to determine each arithmetic processing part to perform the determination processing for each mounted component based on determination information indicating a load amount of each arithmetic processing part applied to the determination processing held in the determination information holding part when the determination processing is performed, and available resources of each arithmetic processing part when the function not used in the determination processing is stopped; and a distribution instruction part that distributes and instructs the plurality of arithmetic processing parts to perform the determination processing according to the determination of each processing determination part. Each arithmetic processing part stops the function that is not used in the determination processing based on an instruction from the function stop instruction part, performs the determination processing, and outputs a result of the determination processing to a holding part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and system. [Background technology]

[0002] In a system that detects signs of abnormalities in an image forming device, a method is known in which the process of acquiring sensor information used to detect the signs is distributed to multiple CPUs (Central Processing Units) to prevent print jobs from being affected by the process of detecting the signs (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In a failure prediction system that predicts signs of failure in an image forming device, a method is known in which a primary judgment is made using standardized data such as sensor information acquired during image printing, and if signs of failure are detected, a secondary judgment is made, thereby accurately predicting failures while reducing the load (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when determining the functions of mounted parts of an image forming apparatus during printing, such as determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the mounted parts, determining signs of a malfunction, or determining whether or not the parts can be recycled, the determination of the functions of the mounted parts and the printing operation are performed in parallel. In this case, the CPU load is distributed between the determination of the functions of the mounted parts and the printing operation, which poses a problem that the processing time required for determining the functions of the mounted parts cannot be sufficiently reduced.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to reduce the time required for determining the functions of components mounted on an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an image forming unit including one or more mounted components and forming an image, a plurality of arithmetic processing units capable of controlling the formation of the image and performing a determination process for determining functions of the mounted components, a function stop instruction unit that instructs each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units to stop functions not used in the determination process when the determination process is performed, a determination information storage unit that stores determination information indicating the load on the arithmetic processing unit imposed on the determination process for each mounted component, and a function stop instruction unit that stores the determination information stored in the determination information storage unit and a function stop instruction unit that stores a function not used in the determination process when the determination process is performed. The system includes a processing decision unit that decides which processing unit will perform the judgment process for each mounted component based on the available resources of the plurality of processing units; a distribution instruction unit that distributes and instructs the plurality of processing units to perform the judgment process for the mounted components in accordance with the decision of the processing decision unit; and a storage unit that stores the results of the judgment process for the mounted components performed by the plurality of processing units so that they can be presented externally, wherein each of the plurality of processing units stops functions that are not used in the judgment process based on instructions from the function stop instruction unit, performs the judgment process instructed by the distribution instruction unit, and outputs the results of the judgment process to the storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The time required for the process of determining the functions of the components mounted on the image forming apparatus can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining a CPU that performs the recycling determination process for each mounted component in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of step S110 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a determination information storage unit in FIG. 1; [Figure 5]1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a recycling determination process performed by each CPU in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a determination information storage unit used in a recycle determination process for mounted parts in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a determination information storage unit used in a recycle determination process for mounted parts in an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a determination information storage unit used for a recycle determination process for mounted parts in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining a CPU that performs a recycling determination process for each mounted part in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective side view showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing device in FIG. 1. [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an embodiment of a system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted.

[0010] (First embodiment of image forming apparatus) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1 is, for example, a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multi-Function Printer) having a facsimile function and one or more of a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, etc.

[0011] Image forming apparatus 100 includes image forming unit 110, nonvolatile memory 120, operation panel 130, multiple CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c, free resource information holding unit 150, function stop instruction unit 160, judgment information holding unit 170, processing decision unit 180, and distribution instruction unit 190. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c, they will also be referred to as CPU 140. CPU 140 is an example of a calculation processing unit.

[0012] 1, for ease of explanation, an example is shown in which the image forming unit 110, nonvolatile memory 120, operation panel 130, each CPU 140, function stop instruction unit 160, and distribution instruction unit 190 are interconnected by a bus BUS. However, these elements may be connected by a connection method other than a bus BUS.

[0013] The image forming unit 110 has a plurality of mounted components 111a, 111b, 111c, ... included in a printer unit (printer engine), an image reading device, a writing unit, etc., used to form an image. Hereinafter, when the mounted components 111a, 111b, and 111c are not to be distinguished from one another, they will also be referred to as mounted components 111.

[0014] 1, for ease of explanation, an example is shown in which all mounted components 111 that perform the determination process described below are mounted on the image forming unit 110. However, some of the mounted components 111 that perform the determination process may be mounted on a unit other than the image forming unit 110. In the following, an example is described in which the image forming unit 110 has multiple mounted components 111 that perform the determination process, but the image forming unit 110 may have only one mounted component 111 that performs the determination process.

[0015] The nonvolatile memory 120 is an electrically rewritable memory such as a flash memory, etc. The nonvolatile memory 120 stores the results of the determination process of the mounted components 111 performed by each CPU 140.

[0016] The operation panel 130 has a display unit 131 that stores various information. The display unit 131 has an image memory that temporarily stores the results of the judgment process of the mounted components 111 performed by each CPU 140 in order to display the results. The display unit 131 then displays the results of the judgment process stored in the image memory. The non-volatile memory 120 and the image memory of the display unit 131 are an example of a storage unit that stores the results of the judgment process of the multiple mounted components 111 performed by the CPU 140 so that the results can be presented externally.

[0017] The CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c respectively have the functions of determination processing units 141a, 141b, and 141c that perform determination processing to determine the functions of the mounted components 111. In the following, when the determination processing units 141a, 141b, and 141c are not distinguished from one another, they are also referred to as determination processing unit 141. In the following, an example will be described in which the determination processing is a recycling determination process that determines whether the mounted components 111 are recyclable. Note that the determination processing may also be a determination of whether the mounted components 111 have a malfunction, a determination of a sign of a malfunction in the mounted components 111, or a determination of a life expectancy of the mounted components 111.

[0018] For example, CPU 140a controls the printer engine to operate image forming unit 110. This realizes the scanner function, copy function, print function, etc. of image forming apparatus 100. For example, CPU 140b controls the entire image forming apparatus 100, and CPU 140c controls the operation panel 130.

[0019] It is assumed that the CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c have the same performance. However, the performance of the CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c may differ from one another. For example, each CPU 140 may have an internal memory for storing various information. The number of CPUs 140 installed in the image forming apparatus 100 may be four or more.

[0020] The free resource information holding unit 150 holds information indicating free resources such as the free processing status of each CPU 140 and the free capacity of built-in memory. The free processing status of each CPU 140 may be calculated by subtracting the CPU usage rate from 1. For example, the information indicating free resources is calculated by an OS (Operating System) executed by each CPU 140 and stored in the free resource information holding unit 150.

[0021] When the recycle determination process is being performed, function stop instruction unit 160 outputs to each CPU 140 an instruction to stop functions not used in the recycle determination process. Determination information holding unit 170 holds determination information indicating the load on CPU 140 imposed by the recycle determination process for each of multiple mounted components 111. For example, the determination information held in determination information holding unit 170 is updated every time image forming apparatus 100 operates. An example of the determination information held in determination information holding unit 170 is shown in FIG. 4.

[0022] When carrying out the recycling determination process, processing determination unit 180 determines which CPU 140 will carry out the recycling determination process for each mounted component 111, based on the determination information stored in determination information storage unit 170 and information on available resources of each CPU 140 when functions not used in the recycling determination process are stopped. Distribution instruction unit 190 distributes and outputs instructions for the recycling determination process for multiple mounted components 111 to multiple CPUs 140 in accordance with the determination of processing determination unit 180.

[0023] The functions of the function stop instruction unit 160, the processing determination unit 180, and the distribution instruction unit 190 may be realized by any of the CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c, or may be realized by a device such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The determination information holding unit 170 may be allocated to an internal memory of any of the CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c, may be allocated to the non-volatile memory 120, or may be provided independently.

[0024] Each of CPUs 140 stops functions not used in the recycle determination process based on instructions from function stop instruction unit 160, and performs the recycle determination process instructed by dispersion instruction unit 190. Each of CPUs 140 stores the results of the recycle determination process in nonvolatile memory 120 and displays them on display unit 131. Each of CPUs 140 may output the results of the recycle determination process to either nonvolatile memory 120 or display unit 131.

[0025] 2 is a flow diagram showing an example of a process for determining, for each mounted component 111 in FIG. 1, a CPU 140 that will perform the recycling determination process. The process shown in FIG. 2 is started based on an instruction to start the recycling determination process. For example, to start the recycling determination process, a contractor or the like who removes image forming apparatus 100 from its installation location sets image forming apparatus 100 to maintenance mode and presses a start button for the recycling determination process that is displayed on operation panel 130. This causes the instruction to start the recycling determination process to be sent to function stop instruction unit 160 and processing determination unit 180.

[0026] First, in step S100, function stop instruction unit 160 outputs an instruction to stop functions not used in the recycle determination process to each CPU 140. Each CPU 140 that has received the stop instruction stops the functions not used in the recycle determination process. For example, CPU 140a stops the image formation operation by image forming unit 110. For example, CPU 140b stops all control of image forming apparatus 100 except for power control. For example, CPU 140c stops accepting operations via operation panel 130 and stops control of switching of operating modes (for example, switching between normal mode and energy-saving mode).

[0027] Next, in step S110, processing determination unit 180 acquires the amount of data to be used in the recycling determination process for mounted component 111 from determination information storage unit 170. For example, data to be used in the recycling determination process may be power-on time data for mounted component 111, or travel distance data for a rotating mounted component 111 such as a photosensitive drum, or motor torque data, and the larger the amount of data, the longer the recycling determination process takes. Note that in step 110, processing determination unit 180 checks the amount of data to be used in the recycling determination process for mounted component 111 that is actually mounted in image forming device 100, out of the components that can be mounted in image forming device 100.

[0028] Next, in step S120, the processing decision unit 180 acquires the amount of free resources of each CPU 140 from the free resource information storage unit 150. The processing decision unit 180 acquires the free status of each CPU based on the CPU usage rate of each CPU 140, and acquires the free capacity of the built-in memory.

[0029] Next, in step S130, processing determination unit 180 determines which CPU 140 will execute the recycling determination process for each mounted component 111, based on the amount of data used in the recycling determination process for each mounted component 111 obtained in step S110 and the amount of available resources obtained in step S120. For example, processing determination unit 180 determines which CPU 140 will execute the recycling determination process for each mounted component 111, so as to minimize the time required for the recycling determination process for all mounted components 111. If CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c have different performance, processing determination unit 180 also takes performance into consideration when determining which CPU 140 will execute the recycling determination process for each mounted component 111. In accordance with the determination, processing determination unit 180 notifies distribution instruction unit 190 of information indicating which CPU 140 will execute the recycling determination process for each mounted component 111. When the image forming unit 110 has only one mounted component 111 for which a determination process is to be performed, the determination process for the one mounted component 111 may be distributed to a plurality of CPUs 140 for execution.

[0030] Next, in step S140, distribution instruction unit 190 instructs each CPU 140 to perform recycling determination processing based on the notification from processing determination unit 180. Upon receiving the instruction from distribution instruction unit 190, determination processing unit 141 of each CPU 140 starts recycling determination processing for the instructed mounted component 111. Then, the processing shown in FIG. 2 ends.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing an example of the process of step S110 in Fig. 2. First, in step S111, the process determination unit 180 selects one of the mounted components 111 mounted on the image forming unit 110. Next, in step S112, the process determination unit 180 acquires from the determination information storage unit 170 the amount of data to be used in the recycling determination process for the mounted component 111 selected in step S111.

[0032] Next, in step S113, processing determination unit 180 determines whether or not it has acquired the data amounts of data to be used in the recycle determination process for all mounted components 111 mounted on image forming unit 110. If processing determination unit 180 has acquired the data amounts of data to be used in the recycle determination process for all mounted components 111, it ends the processing shown in Fig. 3, and if there is any mounted component 111 for which the data amount of data to be used in the recycle determination process has not been acquired, it returns the processing to step S111.

[0033] 4 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in determination information storage unit 170 of FIG. 1. Determination information storage unit 170 has an area for storing data amounts DTa, DTb, DTc, ..., DTx, which are examples of the load amount imposed on the recycle determination process, in association with all recycle target parts A, B, C, ..., X that can be installed in image forming apparatus 100 or other image forming apparatuses, which are targets for the recycle determination process. For example, mounted parts 111a, 111b, and 111c in FIG. 1 correspond to part A, part B, and part X, respectively. Part C is an optional part that the user can select whether or not to install. Since part C is not installed in image forming apparatus 100, data amount DTc is not used.

[0034] By providing determination information storage unit 170 with an area for storing data amounts corresponding to all components that can be installed in image forming apparatus 100 or other image forming apparatuses, it is possible to accommodate the installation of optional components in image forming apparatus 100, and further, determination information storage unit 170 can be made common to various image forming apparatuses. This allows the data amount acquisition process in the recycling determination process to be standardized, thereby reducing the cost of image forming apparatus 100.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing an example of the recycle determination process performed by each CPU 140 in Fig. 1. First, in step S200, CPU 140 disables functions that are not used in the recycle determination process based on an instruction from function disable instruction unit 160. Next, in step S210, CPU 140 performs the recycle determination process for mounted components 111 instructed by dispersion instruction unit 190.

[0036] Next, in step S220, CPU 140 stores the results of the recycle determination process in nonvolatile memory 120. Next, in step S230, CPU 140 displays the results of the recycle determination process on display unit 131. Each time the recycle determination process of each CPU 140 is completed, the determination results are sequentially displayed as a list on display unit 131. Note that CPU 140 may perform only one of steps S220 and S230.

[0037] Next, in step S240, CPU 140 resumes the function stopped in step S200, and ends the recycle determination process shown in Fig. 5. Note that if image forming apparatus 100 is powered off after the recycle determination process, step S240 does not need to be performed.

[0038] Instead of stopping functions that are not used in the recycle determination process in step S200, it is also possible to set a stop flag corresponding to the function to be stopped and restart CPU 140, and after restart, CPU 140 stops the function corresponding to the set stop flag. In this case, in step S240, CPU 140 can resume the stopped function by resetting the stop flag and restarting. However, to prevent restart before the recycle determination process in all CPUs 140 is completed, it is necessary to restart after all of the recycle determination processes in multiple CPUs 140 are completed.

[0039] As described above, in the first embodiment, each CPU 140 stops functions that are not used in the recycle determination process based on instructions from function stop instruction unit 160. This allows each CPU 140 to perform the recycle determination process in a concentrated manner.

[0040] The processing determination unit 180 determines the CPU 140 that will execute the recycling determination processing for each mounted component 111 based on the amount of data used in the recycling determination processing for each mounted component 111 and the amount of available resources of the CPU 140. This allows the load (processing time) imposed on the recycling determination processing to be distributed to each CPU 140, thereby shortening the time required for the recycling determination processing for all mounted components 111.

[0041] The determination information storage unit 170 has an area for storing the amount of data used in the recycling determination process corresponding to components that can be installed in the image forming apparatus 100 and other image forming apparatuses. This allows for the installation of optional components in the image forming apparatus 100, and further allows the determination information storage unit 170 to be common to various image forming apparatuses. Therefore, the process of acquiring the amount of data in the recycling determination process can be standardized, and the cost of the image forming apparatus 100 can be reduced.

[0042] By storing the results of the recycling determination process in nonvolatile memory 120, it is possible to access nonvolatile memory 120 of image forming apparatus 100 that has been removed from its installation location, and to identify recyclable mounted parts 111. This allows the recycling determination process to proceed efficiently.

[0043] By displaying the results of the recycling determination process on display unit 131, a contractor or the like who removes image forming apparatus 100 from its installation site can identify recyclable mounted parts 111 before removing image forming apparatus 100. This allows, for example, a list of recyclable mounted parts 111 to be attached to image forming apparatus 100 to be removed. Therefore, at the recycling site, recyclable mounted parts 111 can be removed from image forming apparatus 100 without turning on the power of image forming apparatus 100 and accessing nonvolatile memory 120, allowing the recycling determination process to proceed efficiently.

[0044] (Second embodiment of image forming apparatus) 6 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in determination information storage unit 170 used for the recycling determination process of mounted component 111 in the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The configuration of image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, except that the information stored in determination information storage unit 170 is different and the method of determining CPU 140 that causes processing determination unit 180 to perform the recycling determination process is different.

[0045] In this embodiment, determination information holding unit 170 has an area for holding the processing time of the recycle determination process, which is an example of the load amount applied to the recycle determination process, in association with all recycle target parts A, B, C, ..., X that can be installed in image forming apparatus 100 or other image forming apparatuses. As in FIG. 4, installed parts 111a, 111b, and 111c in FIG. 1 correspond to parts A, B, and X, respectively, and part C is an optional part that the user can select whether or not to install. Since part C is not installed in image forming apparatus 100, the processing time of part C is not used.

[0046] In the flow of the recycle determination process for the mounted component 111 in this embodiment, the "amount of data used in the recycle determination process" in steps S110 and S130 in FIG. 2 and steps S112 and S113 in FIG. 3 is replaced with the "processing time required for the recycle determination process."

[0047] If the CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c have different performances, the determination information storage unit 170 may have an area for storing the processing time of the recycling determination process for each part to be recycled, corresponding to each of the CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c.

[0048] As described above, the second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. For example, each CPU 140 can perform the recycling determination process in a concentrated manner by suspending functions that are not used in the recycling determination process, thereby reducing the time required for the recycling determination process for mounted components 111. By storing the results of the recycling determination process in nonvolatile memory 120 or displaying them on display unit 131, the recycling determination process at the recycling site can be carried out efficiently.

[0049] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the processing time required for the recycling determination process is stored in determination information storage unit 170. This makes it possible to appropriately determine CPU 140 that will perform the recycling determination process for each mounted component 111, compared to when the amount of data used for the recycling determination process is stored in determination information storage unit 170 and the processing load of the recycling determination process is estimated from the amount of data. As a result, the processing time required for the recycling determination process can be evenly distributed to each CPU 140, further reducing the time required for the recycling determination process.

[0050] (Third embodiment of image forming apparatus) 7 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in determination information storage unit 170 used for the recycling determination process of mounted component 111 in the third embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The configuration of image forming apparatus 100 of the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, except that the information stored in determination information storage unit 170 is different and the method of determining CPU 140 that causes processing determination unit 180 to perform the recycling determination process is different.

[0051] In this embodiment, determination information holding unit 170 has an area for holding CPU usage rates and memory usage amounts, which are examples of the load on CPU 140 imposed on the recycle determination process, in association with all recycle target parts A, B, C, ..., X that can be installed in image forming apparatus 100 or other image forming apparatuses. As in FIG. 4, installed parts 111a, 111b, and 111c in FIG. 1 correspond to parts A, B, and X, respectively, and part C is an optional part that the user can select whether or not to install. Since part C is not installed in image forming apparatus 100, the CPU usage rate and memory usage amount of part C are not used.

[0052] In addition, if the performance (including the storage capacity of the built-in memory) of the multiple CPUs 140 installed in the image forming device 100 differs from one another, the judgment information storage unit 170 has an area for storing the CPU usage rate and memory usage required for the recycling judgment process for each CPU 140.

[0053] In the flow of the recycle determination process for the mounted component 111 in this embodiment, the "amount of data used in the recycle determination process" in steps S110 and S130 in FIG. 2 and steps S112 and S113 in FIG. 3 is replaced with "CPU usage rate and memory usage required for the recycle determination process."

[0054] In addition, if the performance of CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c differs from one another, judgment information storage unit 170 may have an area corresponding to each of CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c that stores the CPU usage rate and memory usage used in the recycling judgment process for each part to be recycled.

[0055] As described above, the third embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. For example, each CPU 140 can perform the recycling determination process in a concentrated manner by suspending functions that are not used in the recycling determination process, thereby reducing the time required for the recycling determination process for mounted components 111. By storing the results of the recycling determination process in nonvolatile memory 120 or displaying them on display unit 131, the recycling determination process at the recycling site can be carried out efficiently.

[0056] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the CPU usage rate and memory usage amount are stored in the determination information storage unit 170 as the load on the CPU 140 required for the recycling determination process. This makes it possible to appropriately determine the CPU 140 that will perform the recycling determination process for each mounted component 111, compared to when the processing load of the recycling determination process is estimated from the amount of data. As a result, the processing time required for the recycling determination process can be evenly distributed to each CPU 140, further reducing the time required for the recycling determination process.

[0057] (Fourth embodiment of image forming apparatus) 8 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in determination information storage unit 170 used for the recycling determination process of mounted component 111 in the fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The configuration of image forming apparatus 100 of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 1, except that the information stored in determination information storage unit 170 is different and the method of determining CPU 140 that causes processing determination unit 180 to perform the recycling determination process is different.

[0058] In this embodiment, the determination information storage unit 170 has an area for storing determination information indicating the CPU capable of performing the recycling determination process in the shortest time, in association with all recyclable parts A, B, C, ..., X that can be installed in the image forming apparatus 100 or other image forming apparatuses. For example, the performance of the CPUs 140a, 140b, and 140c differ from one another. As in FIG. 4, the installed parts 111a, 111b, and 111c in FIG. 1 correspond to parts A, B, and X, respectively, and part C is an optional part that the user can select whether to install. Part D is an optional part that can be installed in the image forming apparatus 100, or an optional part for another image forming apparatus that is not installed in the image forming apparatus 100. Because parts C and D are not installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the "CPUs optimal for the determination process" for parts C and D are not used.

[0059] 9 is a flow diagram showing an example of a process for determining a CPU 140 that performs a recycling determination process for each mounted component 111 in an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The same step numbers are used for processes similar to those in FIG. 2, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. The process shown in FIG. 9 is the same as the process in FIG. 2, except that steps S110A and S130A are performed instead of steps S110 and S130 in FIG. 2, and step S120 in FIG. 2 is not performed.

[0060] In step S110A, the process determining unit 180 acquires from the determination information holding unit 170 information indicating the CPU 140 that can execute the recycle determination process for the mounted component 111 in the shortest time.

[0061] After step S110A, in step S130A, processing determination unit 180 determines CPU 140 indicated by the information obtained from determination information storage unit 170 corresponding to each mounted component 111 as CPU 140 to perform the recycling determination process, and notifies distribution instruction unit 190. Note that if image forming unit 110 has only one mounted component 111 for which determination process is to be performed, the determination process for one mounted component 111 may be distributed and performed among multiple CPUs 140.

[0062] In the flow of the recycle determination process for the mounted component 111 in this embodiment, the "amount of data used in the recycle determination process" in steps S112 and S113 of FIG. 3 is replaced with "information indicating the CPU that can perform the recycle determination process in the shortest time."

[0063] As described above, the fourth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. For example, each CPU 140 can perform the recycling determination process in a concentrated manner by suspending functions that are not used in the recycling determination process, thereby reducing the time required for the recycling determination process. The results of the recycling determination process can be stored in non-volatile memory 120 or displayed on display unit 131, allowing the recycling determination process to proceed efficiently at the recycling site.

[0064] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, determination information indicating a CPU capable of performing the recycling determination process in the shortest time is stored for each component in determination information storage unit 170. This allows processing determination unit 180 to determine a CPU 140 that will perform the recycling determination process for each mounted component 111 without acquiring the amount of free resources for each CPU 140 from free resource information storage unit 150 and performing processing to determine a CPU 140 that will perform the recycling determination process. Also, even if the type of CPU 140 has strengths and weaknesses in the recycling determination process for each mounted component 111, an appropriate CPU 140 can be determined. As a result, the processing by processing determination unit 180 can be simplified, the load (processing time) on the recycling determination process can be distributed to each CPU 140, and the time required for the recycling determination process for all mounted components 111 can be shortened.

[0065] (Overall configuration of image forming apparatus) Fig. 10 is a perspective side view showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 in Fig. 1. The image forming apparatus 100 is a digital multi-function printer (MFP) having multiple functions such as a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

[0066] Image forming apparatus 100 can switch between operation modes that respectively realize copy function, print function, scanner function, facsimile function, etc., using an application switching key or the like on an operation panel (not shown). When the copy function is selected, image forming apparatus 100 enters copy mode, when the print function is selected, it enters print mode, when the scanner function is selected, it enters scanner mode, and when the facsimile function is selected, it enters facsimile mode.

[0067] Furthermore, the internal state of the image forming apparatus 100 switches to a normal mode, an energy saving mode (power saving mode), etc., depending on the state of the internal circuit. For example, the normal mode includes an operating mode (operating state) and a standby mode (standby state).

[0068] For example, the operating mode includes a copy mode or a print mode in which images or text data are printed on paper media. The print mode includes an operation in facsimile mode in which received data is printed on paper media. The operating mode also includes a scanner mode in which an original document is scanned or a transmission / reception operation in facsimile mode. The state of the internal circuitry is switched by the user of image forming apparatus 100 operating the operation panel or by control within image forming apparatus 100.

[0069] Image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 1, an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) 2, and an image forming unit 110. For ease of understanding, FIG. 1 illustrates the image forming unit 110 with its interior seen through. Image forming unit 110 includes a manual feed roller 4, an imaging unit 5, a tandem imaging element 6, a recording paper supply unit 7, and multiple recording paper feed cassettes 7a. Image forming unit 110 also includes registration rollers 8, an optical writing device 9, a fixing device 10, a reversing mechanism 11, a secondary transfer belt 12, an intermediate transfer belt 13, a transfer unit 14, and an image processing unit 15. Image processing unit 15 may be provided in a location other than image forming unit 110 within image forming apparatus 100.

[0070] The ADF 2 automatically transports the document placed on the mounting table to a position where the image is read. The image reading unit 1 is, for example, a scanner having an image sensor, and reads the image of the document transported to the reading position by the ADF 2. The image processing unit 15 processes the image data of the document read by the image reading unit 1.

[0071] Image forming unit 110 has a function of printing an image on recording paper by electrophotography based on image data of a document that has been read by image reading unit 1 and processed by image processing unit 15. Note that image forming unit 110 is not limited to electrophotography, and may print an image on recording paper by inkjet printing.

[0072] The manual feed roller 4 has a function of feeding recording paper set by the user into the image forming unit 110. The recording paper supply unit 7 has a function of feeding recording paper from one of a plurality of recording paper feed cassettes 7a in which recording paper is set. The registration roller 8 transports the recording paper fed from the manual feed roller 4 or the recording paper supply unit 7 to the secondary transfer belt 12.

[0073] The optical writing device 9 converts the image data read by the image reading section 1 and processed by the image processing section 15 into optical information. The imaging unit 5 has four photosensitive drums 312 (Y, M, C, K) corresponding to the four colors of toner: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and imaging elements 6 including a charger, developer, transfer unit, cleaner unit, and static eliminator provided around each photosensitive drum.

[0074] The image forming elements 6 form toner images on each photosensitive drum corresponding to the image information for each color converted by the optical writing device 9. The toner images formed on each photosensitive drum are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 13 by a primary transfer roller. The full-color toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 13 moves to the transfer section 14 as the intermediate transfer belt 13 moves, and is transferred to the recording paper positioned on the secondary transfer belt 12 at the transfer section 14.

[0075] The recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing device 10 as the secondary transfer belt 12 travels. The fixing device 10 fixes the toner image on the recording paper to the recording paper. The recording paper onto which the toner image has been fixed is then discharged from the discharge section, completing the process of printing a color image onto the recording paper. In double-sided printing, in which images are printed on both sides of the recording paper, the recording paper is turned over by a reversing mechanism 11, and the inverted recording paper is sent onto the secondary transfer belt 12.

[0076] 1 includes a plurality of components such as an optical writing device 9, a fixing device 10, a photosensitive drum, a charger, a developing device, and an intermediate transfer unit including an intermediate transfer belt 13. The components 111 may also be an image reading unit 1, an ADF 2, etc., which are arranged outside the image forming unit 110.

[0077] (Hardware configuration of image forming device) Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 in Fig. 1. Note that the hardware configuration diagram shown in Fig. 11 is an example, and other hardware configurations may be used as long as they are capable of realizing the technology of the present disclosure. The image forming apparatus 100 has a configuration in which a controller 50 corresponding to the image processing unit 15 in Fig. 10 and an engine 65 corresponding to the imaging unit 5 in Fig. 10 are connected via a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus.

[0078] The controller 50 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100 and controls drawing, communication, and input from the operation panel 130. The engine 65 may have an image scanner such as the image reading unit 1 in FIG. 10 in addition to the imaging unit 5 in FIG. 10.

[0079] The controller 50 has the form of, for example, a control board. The controller 50 has a CPU 51, a system memory (MEM-P) 52, a north bridge (NB) 53, a south bridge (SB) 54, and a local memory (MEM-C) 57. The controller 50 also has an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 56 and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 58.

[0080] The controller 50 has an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 55 that connects the north bridge 53 and the ASIC 56. The system memory 52 has a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52b. The CPU 51 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100 by executing various programs such as an OS (Operating System) and applications. The CPU 51 corresponds to the CPU 140b in FIG. 1. The CPU 51 is connected to other devices via a chipset that has the system memory 52, the north bridge 53, and the south bridge 54.

[0081] The north bridge 53 interconnects the CPU 51, system memory 52, south bridge 54 and AGP bus 55, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the system memory 52, a PCI master and an AGP target.

[0082] The system memory 52 is used for storing programs and data, for expanding the programs and data, and for image formation, etc. The ROM 52a stores various programs and data used by the programs, etc. The RAM 52b is used for expanding the programs and data and for image formation.

[0083] The southbridge 54 is connected to the northbridge 53 via a PCI bus, and connects the northbridge 53 to PCI devices or peripheral devices. The southbridge 54 is also connected to a network interface (I / F) unit and the like via the PCI bus.

[0084] The ASIC 56 also functions as a bridge that connects the AGP bus 55, PCI bus 60, HDD 58, and local memory 57. The ASIC 56 has a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter that forms the core of the ASIC 56, and image processing circuits such as a memory controller that controls the local memory 57.

[0085] For example, the ASIC 56 has a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform processes such as rotating image data. The ASIC 56 also has a PCI unit that transfers data to and from the engine 65 via a PCI bus 60. The ASIC 56 is connected to an FCU (Facsimile Control Unit) 62, a USB interface 63, an IEEE1394 interface 64, and the like via the PCI bus 60. The operation panel 130 is directly connected to the ASIC 56.

[0086] The local memory 57 is used as an image buffer and a code buffer for holding data for copying. The HDD 58 stores image data, programs, font data, and forms.

[0087] The AGP bus 55 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphics processing, and by directly accessing the system memory 52 at high throughput, the graphics accelerator card can operate at high speed.

[0088] (One embodiment of the system) Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of a system of the present invention. Elements similar to those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. A system 300 shown in Fig. 12 includes an image forming apparatus 102 and a computer (PC) 200 connected to the image forming apparatus 102. The computer 200 is an example of an information processing apparatus.

[0089] The image forming apparatus 102 has a configuration in which the function stop instruction unit 160, the determination information storage unit 170, the processing decision unit 180, and the distribution instruction unit 190 are removed from the image forming apparatus 100 in Fig. 1. The computer 200 has the functions of the function stop instruction unit 160, the determination information storage unit 170, the processing decision unit 180, and the distribution instruction unit 190 in Fig. 1. Therefore, the processes shown in Figs. 2 and 3 or the process shown in Fig. 9 are performed by the computer 200.

[0090] The determination information storage unit 170 stores the information shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, or Fig. 8. Then, the computer 200 performs a process to determine a CPU 140 that will perform the recycling determination process for each mounted component 111, similar to any of the first to fourth embodiments of the image forming apparatus 100. The recycling determination process performed by each CPU 140 is the same as that shown in Fig. 5.

[0091] As described above, this embodiment also provides the same effects as the first to fourth embodiments of the image forming apparatus. For example, each CPU 140 can perform the recycling determination process in a concentrated manner by suspending functions that are not used in the recycling determination process, thereby reducing the time required for the recycling determination process for mounted components 111. The results of the recycling determination process can be stored in nonvolatile memory 120 or displayed on display unit 131, allowing the recycling determination process at the recycling site to proceed efficiently.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the process of determining CPU 140 that will perform the recycling determination process can be performed not only within image forming apparatus 100 but also by computer 200 connected to image forming apparatus 100. In other words, even if image forming apparatus 102 does not have the processing function of determining CPU 140 that will perform the recycling determination process, computer 200 can determine CPU 140 that will perform the recycling determination process.

[0093] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> an image forming unit including one or more mounted components and forming an image; a plurality of arithmetic processing units capable of controlling the formation of the image and performing a determination process for determining the function of the mounted component; a function stop instruction unit that instructs each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units to stop functions that are not used in the determination process when the determination process is performed; a determination information storage unit that stores determination information indicating a load on the arithmetic processing unit that is applied to the determination process for each mounted component; a processing determination unit that determines the arithmetic processing unit that will perform the judgment process for each mounted component based on the judgment information stored in the judgment information storage unit and available resources of the plurality of arithmetic processing units when functions not used in the judgment process are stopped, when the judgment process is performed; a distribution instruction unit that distributes and instructs the execution of the determination process for the mounted component to the plurality of arithmetic processing units in accordance with the decision of the process decision unit; a storage unit that stores a result of the determination process of the mounted component performed by the plurality of calculation processing units so that the result can be presented to the outside, each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units stops a function not used in the determination process based on an instruction from the function stop instruction unit, performs the determination process instructed by the distribution instruction unit, and outputs a result of the determination process to the holding unit; An image forming apparatus comprising: <2> an image forming unit including one or more mounted components and forming an image; a plurality of arithmetic processing units capable of controlling the formation of the image and performing a determination process for determining the function of the mounted component; a function stop instruction unit that instructs each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units to stop functions that are not used in the determination process when the determination process is performed; a determination information storage unit that stores determination information indicating the processing unit that can perform the determination process in the shortest time for each of the mounted components; a processing determination unit that determines the arithmetic processing unit that will perform the judgment process for each mounted component based on the judgment information stored in the judgment information storage unit and available resources of the plurality of arithmetic processing units when functions not used in the judgment process are stopped, when the judgment process is performed; a distribution instruction unit that distributes and instructs the execution of the judgment process of the mounted component to the plurality of arithmetic processing units based on the judgment information stored in the judgment information storage unit; a storage unit that stores a result of the determination process of the mounted component performed by the plurality of calculation processing units so that the result can be presented to the outside, each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units stops a function not used in the determination process based on an instruction from the function stop instruction unit, performs the determination process instructed by the distribution instruction unit, and outputs a result of the determination process to the holding unit; An image forming apparatus comprising: <3> the determination information storage unit stores the determination information corresponding to each of a plurality of components that can be mounted on the image forming unit, including the mounted component; The processing determination unit acquires, from the determination information storage unit, the determination information of the mounted component mounted on the image forming unit, among the determination information for each of the plurality of components stored in the determination information storage unit. Characterized by <1> or <2> 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . <4> The judgment information stored in the judgment information storage unit is any one of the amount of data used in the judgment process for each mounted component, the processing time of the judgment process for each mounted component, or the amount of resources used in the arithmetic processing unit for the judgment process for each mounted component. Characterized by <1> Or <3> 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein <5> the determination information stored in the determination information storage unit is a usage amount of resources of the arithmetic processing unit required for the determination process for each mounted component, The processing unit includes, as the resources, a processing unit and a memory for storing data used by the processing unit. Characterized by <4> 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . <6> The storage unit is one or both of an image memory that stores the result of the determination process to be displayed on a display unit and a non-volatile memory that stores the result of the determination process so that it can be read from outside. Characterized by <1> Or <5> 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein <7> A system including an image forming device including an image forming unit that includes one or more mounted components and forms an image, a plurality of arithmetic processing units that are capable of controlling the formation of the image and performing a determination process that determines functions of the mounted components, and a storage unit that stores a result of the determination process of the mounted components by the plurality of arithmetic processing units so that the result can be presented externally, and an information processing device connected to the image forming device, The information processing device includes: a function stop instruction unit that instructs each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units to stop functions that are not used in the determination process when the determination process is performed; a determination information storage unit that stores determination information indicating a load on the arithmetic processing unit that is applied to the determination process for each mounted component; a processing determination unit that determines the arithmetic processing unit that will perform the judgment process for each mounted component based on the judgment information stored in the judgment information storage unit and available resources of the plurality of arithmetic processing units when functions not used in the judgment process are stopped, when the judgment process is performed; a distribution instruction unit that distributes and instructs the execution of the judgment process for the mounted component to the plurality of arithmetic processing units in accordance with the decision of the process decision unit, each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units stops a function not used in the determination process based on an instruction from the function stop instruction unit, performs the determination process instructed by the distribution instruction unit, and outputs a result of the determination process to the holding unit; A system characterized by:

[0094] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. These requirements can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined depending on the application form. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Image reading unit 2 ADF 4 Manual feed roller 5 Imaging unit 6 Imaging Elements 7 Recording paper supply unit 7a Recording paper cassette 8 Registration roller 9 Optical writing device 10 Fixing device 11 Reversal mechanism 12 Secondary transfer belt 13 Intermediate transfer belt 14 Transfer section 15 Image processing section 50 Controllers 51 CPU 52 System Memory (MEM-P) 52a ROM 52b RAM 53 Northbridge (NB) 54 Southbridge (SB) 55 AGP Bus 56 ASIC 57 Local Memory (MEM-C) 58 HDD 60 PCI bus 60 62 FCU 63 USB interface 64 IEEE1394 interfaces 65 Engine 100, 102 Image forming apparatus 110 Image forming unit 111(111a, 111b, 111c) Mounted parts 120 Non-volatile memory 130 Operation Panel 131 Display section 140(140a, 140b, 140c) CPU 141 (141a, 141b, 141c) Determination processing unit 150 Free resource information storage unit 160 Function stop instruction section 170 Judgment information holding unit 180 Processing decision unit 190 Dispersion instruction section 200 computers 300 System BUS [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0096] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-29247 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-77274

Claims

1. an image forming unit including one or more mounted components and forming an image; a plurality of arithmetic processing units capable of controlling the formation of the image and performing a determination process for determining the function of the mounted component; a function stop instruction unit that instructs each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units to stop functions that are not used in the determination process when the determination process is performed; a determination information storage unit that stores determination information indicating a load on the arithmetic processing unit that is applied to the determination process for each mounted component; a processing determination unit that determines the arithmetic processing unit that will perform the judgment process for each mounted component based on the judgment information stored in the judgment information storage unit and available resources of the plurality of arithmetic processing units when functions not used in the judgment process are stopped, when the judgment process is performed; a distribution instruction unit that distributes and instructs the execution of the determination process for the mounted component to the plurality of arithmetic processing units in accordance with the decision of the process decision unit; a storage unit that stores a result of the determination process of the mounted component performed by the plurality of calculation processing units so that the result can be presented to the outside, each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units stops a function not used in the determination process based on an instruction from the function stop instruction unit, performs the determination process instructed by the distribution instruction unit, and outputs a result of the determination process to the holding unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. an image forming unit including one or more mounted components and forming an image; a plurality of arithmetic processing units capable of controlling the formation of the image and performing a determination process for determining the function of the mounted component; a function stop instruction unit that instructs each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units to stop functions that are not used in the determination process when the determination process is performed; a determination information storage unit that stores determination information indicating the processing unit that can perform the determination process in the shortest time for each of the mounted components; a processing determination unit that determines the arithmetic processing unit that will perform the judgment process for each mounted component based on the judgment information stored in the judgment information storage unit and available resources of the plurality of arithmetic processing units when functions not used in the judgment process are stopped, when the judgment process is performed; a distribution instruction unit that distributes and instructs the execution of the judgment process for the mounted component to the plurality of arithmetic processing units based on the judgment information stored in the judgment information storage unit; a storage unit that stores a result of the determination process of the mounted component performed by the plurality of calculation processing units so that the result can be presented to the outside, each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units stops a function not used in the determination process based on an instruction from the function stop instruction unit, performs the determination process instructed by the distribution instruction unit, and outputs a result of the determination process to the holding unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

3. the determination information storage unit stores the determination information corresponding to each of a plurality of components that can be mounted on the image forming unit, including the mounted component; The processing determination unit acquires, from the determination information storage unit, the determination information of the mounted component mounted on the image forming unit, among the determination information for each of the plurality of components stored in the determination information storage unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The judgment information stored in the judgment information storage unit is any one of the amount of data used in the judgment process for each mounted component, the processing time of the judgment process for each mounted component, or the amount of resources used in the arithmetic processing unit for the judgment process for each mounted component.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

5. the determination information stored in the determination information storage unit is a usage amount of resources of the arithmetic processing unit required for the determination process for each mounted component, The processing unit includes, as the resources, a processing unit and a memory for storing data used by the processing unit.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein:

6. The storage unit is one or both of an image memory that stores the result of the determination process to be displayed on a display unit and a non-volatile memory that stores the result of the determination process so that it can be read from outside.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. A system including an image forming device including an image forming unit that includes one or more mounted components and forms an image, a plurality of arithmetic processing units that are capable of controlling the formation of the image and performing a determination process that determines functions of the mounted components, and a storage unit that stores results of the determination process of the mounted components by the plurality of arithmetic processing units so that the results can be presented externally, and an information processing device connected to the image forming device, The information processing device includes: a function stop instruction unit that instructs each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units to stop functions that are not used in the determination process when the determination process is performed; a determination information storage unit that stores determination information indicating a load on the arithmetic processing unit that is applied to the determination process for each mounted component; a processing determination unit that determines the arithmetic processing unit that will perform the judgment process for each mounted component based on the judgment information stored in the judgment information storage unit and available resources of the plurality of arithmetic processing units when functions not used in the judgment process are stopped, when the judgment process is performed; a distribution instruction unit that distributes and instructs the execution of the judgment process for the mounted component to the plurality of arithmetic processing units in accordance with the decision of the process decision unit, each of the plurality of arithmetic processing units stops a function not used in the determination process based on an instruction from the function stop instruction unit, performs the determination process instructed by the distribution instruction unit, and outputs a result of the determination process to the holding unit; A system characterized by:

Images