Planned time calculation device, image forming apparatus, and planned time calculation method

Abstract

The objective is to provide a scheduled time calculation device that can quantitatively determine the time required to complete a job. [Solution] A scheduled time calculation device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a sheet counting unit that measures the number of sheets discharged based on a signal from a detection means for detecting discharged sheets; a time measuring unit that measures time at least while the sheets are being discharged; a calculation unit that calculates the scheduled time for the completion of discharge of a first predetermined number of sheets based on a discharge speed which is the average number of sheets discharged per first predetermined time; and an output unit that outputs data for displaying the scheduled time for completion of discharge calculated by the calculation unit on a display means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a scheduled time calculation device, an image forming apparatus, and a scheduled time calculation method.

Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus, a technique for measuring a printing speed that varies depending on the number of printed sheets, the type of paper, etc. is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for calculating copy productivity from the time from the start of copying to the completion of copying and the number of copied sheets counted by a copy number counting means, and displaying the printing speed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] When a single user uses a plurality of image forming apparatuses and desires to execute jobs such as printing seamlessly without stopping each image forming apparatus, there is a problem that the completion time of a job such as printing is difficult to understand. In particular, even for a user who is not accustomed to using an image forming apparatus of a specific model, a technique for contributing to the improvement of work efficiency, such as being able to quantitatively grasp the completion time of a job during the execution of the job, is desired.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a scheduled time calculation device that can quantitatively grasp the time required to complete a job.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A scheduled time calculation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a sheet counting unit that measures the number of sheets discharged based on a signal from a detection means for detecting discharged sheets; a time measuring unit that measures time at least while the sheets are being discharged; a calculation unit that calculates the scheduled time for the completion of discharge of a first predetermined number of sheets based on a discharge speed which is the average number of sheets discharged per first predetermined time; and an output unit that outputs data for displaying the scheduled time for completion of discharge calculated by the calculation unit on a display means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the scheduled time calculation device of the present invention, it is possible to quantitatively determine the time required to complete a job. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of a scheduled time calculation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of a scheduled time calculation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the method for calculating scheduled time according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates the problems in the image forming apparatus relating to the comparative example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for identical components, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0009] <The process leading to the design of the planned time calculation device 10 according to this embodiment> In image forming machines, the remaining amount of paper in the paper stacker, such as trays or cassettes, is displayed during the execution of jobs such as printing. This remaining amount display is performed on the machine's control panel and on devices connected via a network. This remaining amount display is often used to indicate when additional paper or other materials should be added.

[0010] Incidentally, for example, when a single user operates multiple image forming machines, there may be a need to execute jobs seamlessly without stopping each machine. Therefore, the problems related to the comparative example will be explained below using drawings.

[0011] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the problems in the image forming apparatus according to the comparative example. In Figure 5, (a) shows an operation that is undesirable for the user, and (b) shows an operation that is desirable for the user.

[0012] In the illustrated example, a print job is executed by operating two image forming machines, machine A and machine B. Machines A and B have print speeds of 50 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. The user prints the same amount of material simultaneously using each machine. The user aims to execute the print job on machine A, then machine B, and complete the jobs simultaneously. In the diagram, t indicates the time it takes for the print job executed by machine A to be completed.

[0013] In Figure 5(a), the user cannot predict the estimated completion time t for the print job being executed by device A. Therefore, the user prepares the paper for device A only after the print job executed by device A is completed. Consequently, a waiting time occurs in device B before the user begins preparing the paper. Therefore, in the example in Figure 5(a), the user cannot have devices A and B execute print jobs seamlessly.

[0014] In contrast, Figure 5(b) displays the estimated time t for the print job being executed by device A to be completed. Therefore, the user can prepare the paper for device B after knowing the time t, thereby reducing waiting time in device B. Thus, in order for devices A and B to execute print jobs seamlessly, it is important to accurately inform the user of the time t when the print job will be completed.

[0015] In reality, the printing speed of a print job varies depending on the type of paper, the specifications of the equipment, the printing method, etc. Therefore, unless the user is familiar with the image forming machine, they cannot grasp the estimated completion time of a print job. Thus, a device that can quantitatively notify the estimated completion time of a job is desired.

[0016] Therefore, the scheduled time calculation device 10 according to this embodiment was discovered. The scheduled time calculation device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0017] [Embodiment] <Overall configuration of image forming apparatus 1> Figure 1 shows the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product) that incorporates functions such as scanning, copying, printing, and facsimile into a single housing. The image forming apparatus 1 has an output function that records full-color images or monochrome images on a recording sheet P based on input image data. The sheet P is a printable sheet, such as printing paper of various sizes and thicknesses.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 1 may be an electrophotographic copier. The main body 1M of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feeding unit 2, an image forming unit 3, and a scheduled time calculation device 10. An automatic document transport unit 5 (hereinafter referred to as ADF 5) is also arranged on the main body 1M. The scheduled time calculation device 10 may be built into the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in the figure, or it may be a separate device that is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 in a communicative manner.

[0019] The paper feeding unit 2 conveys the supplied sheet P to the image forming unit 3. The image forming unit 3 can form electrostatic latent images of respective colors, for example, based on the image read by the ADF 5. Then, toner is transferred onto the electrostatic latent image, and the toner image developed on a plurality of photosensitive drums 31 is primarily transferred to the primary transfer unit 32, and the toner image is secondarily transferred to the sheet P by the secondary transfer unit 33 adjacent to the primary transfer unit 32.

[0020] The sheet P conveyed to the fixing unit 34 has a full-color image fixed by pressurization and heating in the fixing unit 34, and then is sent from the fixing unit 34 to the paper discharge roller pair and discharged onto the external discharge tray 35.

[0021] The sheet P discharged onto the discharge tray 35 is detected by the detection means 16. The detection means 16 includes a detection filler 36 and an optical sensor 37 that detects the detection filler 36. The detection filler 36 contacts and rotates with the sheet P each time the sheet P is discharged onto the discharge tray 35, and a signal is transmitted from the optical sensor 37 to the scheduled time arithmetic unit 10 as it rotates. Therefore, by using the detection means 16, the number of sheets P discharged onto the discharge tray 35 is detected.

[0022] The first carriage 41 irradiates illumination light from a light source toward the document S passing over the slit glass 45. The reflected light that passes through the slit glass 45 and is reflected by the surface (first surface) of the document S is imaged by the imaging lens 43 via each mirror member mounted on the first carriage 41 and the second carriage 42 and read as a surface read image. Note that at the first reading position R, the surface image of the document S may be conjugate with the imaging unit 44 with respect to the imaging lens 43.

[0023] The stopper member 47 is provided between the slit glass 45 and the platen glass 46, and is positioned by abutting the document S placed on the platen glass 46 against it. When scanning a document placed on the platen glass 46 while it is abutting against the stopper member 47, the first carriage 41 and the second carriage 42 move in the sub-scanning direction (left-right direction in the figure).

[0024] The first carriage 41 and the second carriage 42 move in the sub-scanning direction at a speed ratio of, for example, 2:1. Even with the movement of the first carriage 41 and the second carriage 42 at such a speed ratio, the optical path length from the surface of the document S to the imaging lens 43 does not change.

[0025] Then, as the first carriage 41 and the second carriage 42 are moved, light is shone from the light source onto the original document S, and the reflected light from the original document S is reflected back by the mirror members mounted on the first carriage 41 and the second carriage 42. The reflected light is then imaged by the imaging lens 43 and read by the imaging unit 44.

[0026] Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a scheduled time calculation device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The scheduled time calculation device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, and I / O (Input / Output) 104 which are interconnected by a bus.

[0027] The CPU 101 controls the entire scheduled time calculation unit 10 by executing program 105 using RAM 102 as work memory. ROM 103 is a non-volatile memory such as flash memory and stores program 105. The CPU 101 provides the functionality of the scheduled time calculation unit 10 by executing program 105. I / O 104 is an input / output interface.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a scheduled time calculation device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The scheduled time calculation device 10 includes a sheet counting unit 11, a time measuring unit 12, a calculation unit 13, and an output unit 14.

[0029] The sheet counting unit 11 measures the number of sheets P discharged based on the signal from the detection means 16 that detects the discharged sheets P.

[0030] The time measurement unit 12 measures time for at least the duration that sheet P is being ejected. The time measurement unit 12 may include a timer for measuring time. The time measurement unit 12 may start measuring time at any time, or it may start measuring time at a preset time.

[0031] The calculation unit 13 calculates the estimated completion time for the first predetermined number of sheets P based on the discharge speed, which is the average number of sheets P discharged per first predetermined time. Hereinafter, the first predetermined number is, for example, the number of sheets P printed in one print job. The second predetermined number is any number of sheets P, which is set for calculating the discharge speed. The first predetermined time is any time, which is set for calculating the discharge speed. Furthermore, the second predetermined time is any time, which is the elapsed time from the start of execution of the print job for the calculation unit 13 to recalculate the estimated completion time for discharge.

[0032] The estimated completion time for ejection calculated by the calculation unit 13 may be based on the remaining printing time, which is calculated based on the number of remaining printable sheets or the ejection speed of sheets P to the ejection tray 35. The number of remaining printable sheets may be a value displayed on the equipment executing the print job or the terminal device controlling the job, but is not limited to this, and may also be calculated based on the amount of sheets P ejected to the ejection tray 35.

[0033] The calculation unit 13 calculates the estimated completion time for discharge based on the time measured by the time measurement unit 12 for the discharge of a second predetermined number of sheets P. At this time, the time measurement unit 12 may be equipped with a comparator, for example, to measure the time until the number of discharged sheets P reaches the second predetermined number. The estimated completion time for discharge may be the remaining time until the discharge of sheets P is completed, or it may be the time when the discharge is scheduled to be completed.

[0034] Thus, the method of measuring the discharge time per unit number, which is a second predetermined number of sheets, and calculating the estimated discharge completion time is advantageous, for example, when the discharge interval of sheet P is large. Such a calculation method is used when there is a risk that the timer count in the time measurement unit 12 will exceed the upper limit, and the objective is to reduce the timer count of the time measurement unit 12 by setting the second predetermined number to one or a few sheets.

[0035] Furthermore, the calculation unit 13 calculates the estimated completion time for ejection based on the number of sheets P ejected per first predetermined time, as measured by the sheet counting unit 11. The first predetermined time may be any time, but it is preferable to set it to a few minutes, as setting it too long may cause the print job to be completed prematurely.

[0036] Thus, the method of measuring the number of sheets dispensed per unit time, which is a first predetermined time, and calculating the estimated time for completion of dispensing is advantageous when there is ample time available for measurement in the timer included in the time measurement unit 12, but there is no ample time available in the sheet counter. Furthermore, the method of calculating the number of sheets dispensed per first predetermined time is advantageous when the time required to dispense one sheet P is long.

[0037] Furthermore, the first predetermined time includes the time during which the ejection of sheet P is temporarily suspended during the job. The time during which the ejection of sheet P is temporarily suspended is the time when jams occur, such as adjustment time or processing time of the image forming apparatus 1 during the execution of the print job. Therefore, the estimated ejection completion time calculated by the calculation unit 13 is based on an ejection speed that is closer to the actual value, resulting in higher accuracy.

[0038] Furthermore, the calculation unit 13 recalculates the estimated completion time for ejection at second predetermined time intervals. The larger the second predetermined time interval, the more accurately it can reflect jams such as adjustment time and processing time of the image forming apparatus 1 during the execution of the print job, but if it is made too large, the print job may be completed prematurely, so it is preferable to set it to a few minutes. By having the calculation unit 13 recalculate the estimated completion time for ejection at second predetermined time intervals, it is possible to reflect, for example, the effects of jams that occur during the execution of the print job, and to calculate the estimated completion time for ejection with higher accuracy based on actual values ​​of the ejection speed.

[0039] The output unit 14 outputs data to the display means 17 for displaying the estimated discharge completion time calculated by the calculation unit 13 on the display means 17. The user can visually confirm the estimated discharge completion time displayed on the display means 17.

[0040] The display means 17 may be provided on the image forming apparatus 1, or it may be a simple device attached externally to the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the display means 17 may be, for example, a user's terminal device connected to the scheduled time calculation device 10 via a network. Furthermore, the display means 17 may be, but is not limited to, an LED or liquid crystal display using, for example, a two-digit seven-segment display.

[0041] The detection means 16 may be a component including the detection filler 36 described with reference to Figure 1 and an optical sensor 37 that detects the detection filler 36, or it may be other detection means built into the image forming apparatus 1.

[0042] The storage unit 15 is composed of RAM 102 and ROM 103, etc., as shown in Figure 2. The storage unit 15 stores the sheet ejection speed, sheet type, and first predetermined number of sheets P calculated by the calculation unit 13 in association with each other. When the calculation unit 13 executes a print job with the same or similar printing conditions as the associated sheet ejection speed, type, and first predetermined number of sheets P, it can easily calculate the estimated completion time for ejection.

[0043] When executing a print job, the discharge speed at which the sheet P is discharged into the discharge tray 35 varies depending on whether jams occur, the direction in which the sheet P is supplied, the type of sheet P, the printing conditions such as single-sided or double-sided printing, the size of the sheet P, and the specifications of the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, when calculating the estimated completion time for discharge, calculations based on the actual discharge speed of the sheet P are required.

[0044] With the above functional configuration, the scheduled time calculation device 10 calculates the sheet ejection speed of the sheets P based on the number of sheets P measured and the time measured during the execution of the print job. Then, based on the ejection speed of the sheets P, it calculates the estimated completion time for ejecting a first predetermined number of sheets, which is the number of pages included in the print job, and makes this information visible to the user. As a result, the user can quantitatively grasp the completion time of the print job, which allows for seamless execution of the print job on multiple image forming apparatuses 1, for example, contributing to increased work efficiency.

[0045] <Method for calculating estimated time> Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for calculating scheduled time according to one embodiment of the present invention. The time measurement unit 12 starts measuring time (S101). The time measurement unit 12 continues to measure time at least while the sheet P is being ejected.

[0046] The sheet counting unit 11 measures the number of sheets P discharged based on the signal from the detection means 16 that detects the discharged sheets P (S102). The calculation unit 13 calculates the estimated time for the discharge of the first predetermined number of sheets based on the discharge speed, which is the average number of sheets P discharged per first predetermined time (S103).

[0047] The output unit 14 outputs data for displaying the estimated completion time of ejection, calculated by the calculation unit 13, on the display means 17 (S104). When a first predetermined number of sheets P are ejected (YES in S105), the process is completed.

[0048] If sheet P has not been discharged (NO in S105) and the second predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S106), the calculation unit 13 recalculates the scheduled discharge completion time (S107). If the second predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S106), the process returns to step S103.

[0049] When a first predetermined number of sheets P are ejected (YES in S108), the process is completed. If a first predetermined number of sheets P are not ejected (NO in S108), the process returns to step S106.

[0050] These steps carry out a scheduled time calculation method according to one aspect of the present invention. However, the scheduled time calculation method according to one aspect of the present invention may include other steps as appropriate, depending on the measurement conditions, measurement environment, etc.

[0051] <Effects and Effects> The scheduled time calculation device 10 according to this embodiment calculates the ejection speed of sheets P based on the number of sheets P measured and the time measured during the execution of the print job. Then, based on the ejection speed of sheets P, it calculates the estimated completion time for ejecting a first predetermined number of sheets, which is the number of pages included in the print job, and the user can visually confirm the estimated completion time.

[0052] Therefore, according to the scheduled time calculation device 10 of the present invention, the time required to complete a job can be determined quantitatively.

[0053] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0054] Each of the functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0055] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> A scheduled time calculation device comprising: a sheet counting unit that measures the number of sheets discharged based on a signal from a detection means for detecting discharged sheets; a time measuring unit that measures time at least while the sheets are being discharged; a calculation unit that calculates the scheduled completion time for a first predetermined number of sheets based on a discharge speed which is the average number of sheets discharged per first predetermined time; and an output unit that outputs data for displaying the scheduled completion time calculated by the calculation unit on a display means. <2> The calculation unit recalculates the scheduled discharge completion time at second predetermined time intervals. <1> The scheduled time calculation device described above. <3> The first predetermined time includes the time during which the ejection of the sheet during the job is temporarily suspended. <1> or the above <2> The scheduled time calculation device described above. <4> The calculation unit calculates the estimated completion time for ejection based on the time measured by the time measurement unit for the ejection of the second predetermined number of sheets. <1> From the above <3> A scheduled time calculation device as described in one of the following. <5> The calculation unit calculates the scheduled completion time for discharge based on the number of sheets discharged per first predetermined time measured by the sheet counting unit. <1> From the above <4> A scheduled time calculation device as described in one of the following. <6> The system further includes a storage unit that stores the discharge speed calculated by the calculation unit, the type of sheet, and the first predetermined number of sheets in association with each other. <1> From the above <5> A scheduled time calculation device as described in one of the following. <7> The aforementioned <1> From the above <6> An image forming apparatus equipped with a scheduled time calculation device as described in any one of the following. <8> A scheduled time calculation method performed by a scheduled time calculation device, comprising: a step of measuring the number of sheets discharged based on a signal from a detection means for detecting discharged sheets; a step of measuring time for at least the duration that the sheets are being discharged; a step of calculating the scheduled time for the completion of discharge of a first predetermined number of sheets based on a discharge rate which is the average number of sheets discharged per first predetermined time; and a step of outputting data for displaying the calculated scheduled time for completion of discharge on a display means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1. Image forming apparatus 10. Scheduled Time Calculation Unit 11. Sheet count measurement unit 12-hour measurement unit 13 Arithmetic section 14 Output section 15 Storage section 16 Detection means 17 Display means 36 detection fillers 37 Optical Sensors P Sheet [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0057] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-143014

Claims

1. A sheet counting unit measures the number of sheets that have been discharged based on a signal from a detection means that detects the discharged sheets, A time measuring unit that measures time at least while the sheet is being discharged, A calculation unit calculates the estimated completion time for discharging a first predetermined number of sheets based on the discharge speed, which is the average number of sheets discharged per first predetermined time; An output unit outputs data for displaying the estimated discharge completion time calculated by the calculation unit on a display means, A scheduled time calculation device equipped with this device.

2. The calculation unit recalculates the scheduled discharge completion time at second predetermined intervals. The scheduled time calculation device according to claim 1.

3. The first predetermined time includes the time during which the ejection of the sheet is temporarily suspended during the job. The scheduled time calculation device according to claim 1.

4. The calculation unit calculates the estimated completion time for ejection based on the time measured by the time measurement unit for the ejection of the second predetermined number of sheets. The scheduled time calculation device according to claim 1.

5. The calculation unit calculates the estimated completion time for discharge based on the number of sheets discharged per first predetermined time measured by the sheet counting unit. The scheduled time calculation device according to claim 1.

6. The system further includes a storage unit that stores the discharge speed calculated by the calculation unit, the type of sheet, and the first predetermined number of sheets in association with each other. The scheduled time calculation device according to claim 1.

7. A scheduled time calculation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Image forming apparatus.

8. A scheduled time calculation method performed by a scheduled time calculation device, A step of measuring the number of sheets discharged based on a signal from a detection means for detecting the discharged sheets, The steps include measuring time at least while the sheet is being ejected, The steps include: calculating the estimated time for completing the discharge of the first predetermined number of sheets based on the discharge speed, which is the average number of sheets discharged per first predetermined time; The steps include outputting data for displaying the calculated estimated discharge completion time on a display means, A method for calculating scheduled time, including the method itself.

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