JP4501783B2 - Image forming apparatus, external device, and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an external device, and an image forming system.

  An image forming apparatus that performs printing using a laser includes a fixing device for fixing toner onto a sheet, and heat fixing processing is possible by heating the fixing device.

  Here, in the case where the fixing device is heated to a high temperature state where heat fixing processing can be performed every time the image is formed, it takes time to start the image forming processing because heating takes time. On the other hand, when the fixing device is constantly heated to a high temperature state, although the image forming process can be performed immediately, the power consumption increases, which is not desirable.

  Therefore, there are two modes, a READY state in which the temperature of the fixing device is constantly heated and a SLEEP state in which the fixing device is in an unheated state. In the READY state, image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. There is known an image forming apparatus in which printing can be started immediately, and in the SLEEP state, printing is started after the fixing device is heated to the READY state. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the printing is completed, the state is shifted from the READY state to the SLEEP state, and power consumption and the like are suppressed.

  However, in the case of shifting to the SLEEP state after a predetermined time has elapsed after printing, the image forming apparatus shifts to the SLEEP state after a certain period of time regardless of the availability of the image forming apparatus in an actual environment. Although the apparatus is likely to be used, it shifts to the SLEEP state, or the image forming apparatus is unlikely to be used, but it takes a long time to shift to the SLEEP state, and power is wasted. There was a problem of being consumed.

Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1, information indicating that a PC is powered by transmitting a PING command to a plurality of PCs (external devices) connected to the image forming apparatus via communication means. When there is even one response, the system is in the READY state, and when there is no response indicating that the PC is turned on, the SLEEP state is considered. In this way, when the PC is turned on and the image forming apparatus is likely to be used, the READY state is entered, while the PC is not turned on and the image forming apparatus is used. When there is no possibility, the SLEEP state is entered, so that the heat generation amount of the fixing device can be controlled in accordance with the availability of the image forming apparatus.
JP 2000-141831 A

  However, in the above configuration, since the configuration is such that the READY state and the SLEEP state are switched depending on whether or not the PC is turned on, there is no possibility of receiving a print command (for example, the PC is turned on). However, no one is logged in and the image forming apparatus is not likely to be used, or the ratio of the number of PCs that are turned on is small), the system shifts to the READY state. In addition, it was difficult to say that it was operating properly.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and suppresses power consumption when the possibility of image formation is low, and performs image formation when the possibility of image formation is high. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus or the like that can shorten the time required to perform the process.

As a means for achieving the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is transmitted via communication means from an external device capable of setting any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses as an image forming apparatus normally used. An image forming apparatus including a fixing device that can form an image based on the image data to be processed and that performs a heat fixing process on the image, wherein the external device is in an activated state, and the external device is the image Reception for receiving a use start code indicating that the external device has been logged in and a use end code indicating that the external device has been logged out as information indicating whether or not data can be transmitted And the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device when the information received by the receiving unit and the information received by the receiving unit is information indicating that the transmission is possible. And a temperature control means for making the calorific value larger than a calorific value within a predetermined time of the fixing device in the case of the information indicating that, the use start code is generated by the external device triggered by the login, The end-of-use code is generated by the external device in response to the logout, and the start-of-use code and the end-of-use code are stored in the reception unit when the external device has its own driver installed. The temperature control means receives the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device of the image forming apparatus when the external apparatus is set to the image forming apparatus to be normally used in the external apparatus. the was with you larger than the calorific value configured in a predetermined time period of the fixing device of the image forming apparatus when it is not set in the image forming apparatus normally used With a butterfly.
Note that the “sendable state” includes, for example, a state in which the user logs in to the external device, a state in which a driver for operating the image forming apparatus has been installed, and the setting of the external device is online. The state etc. are mentioned.

Further, “the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time” means the total amount of heat generated within a predetermined time, and “the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device when it is information indicating that transmission is possible”. The information indicating that the information received by the receiving means is in a transmittable state means that the amount of heat generated by the fixing device is larger than the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time when the information indicates that the information is not in a transmittable state. If the temperature of the fixing device is information indicating that it is not in a transmittable state, the amount of heat generation is controlled to be higher than the temperature of the fixing device in the case of information, or the temperature of the fixing device in both states is The maintenance time of the fixing device temperature when the information is the same and indicates that the transmission is possible. The maintenance time of the temperature of the fixing device when the information indicates that the transmission is not possible. The calorific value to be longer Such as Gosuru thing is Ru and the like.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, an image can be formed based on image data transmitted via communication means from an external device that can be set as an image forming apparatus that normally uses any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. And an image forming apparatus including a fixing device that performs heat fixing processing on the image, wherein the external device is in an activated state, the external device is in an activated state, and the external device receives the image data. As information indicating whether or not it is in at least one of the transmittable states, a use start code indicating that the external device has been logged in, a use end code indicating that the external device has been logged out, When there are a large number of external devices in a state in which the image data can be transmitted by the use start code and the use end code received by the reception unit. Temperature control means for making the heat generation amount of the fixing device within a predetermined time larger than the heat generation amount of the fixing device within a predetermined time when the number of external devices is small, and the use start code is the login The use end code is generated by the external device in response to the logout, and the use start code and the use end code are self-drivers in the external device. Is received by the receiving means when the image forming apparatus has been installed, and the temperature control means is a predetermined time of the fixing device of the image forming apparatus when set in the image forming apparatus normally used in the external device If the setting of the external device is not set for the image forming apparatus that is normally used, the amount of heat generated in the printer is within a predetermined time of the fixing device of the image forming apparatus. Characterized in place of larger than kicking heating value.
“The amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device when the number of external devices is large is set to be greater than the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device when the number of external devices is small”. Controls the amount of heat generated so that the temperature of the fixing unit when the number is large is higher than the temperature of the fixing unit when the number of external devices is small, or the fixing unit during heating regardless of the number of external devices Controls the amount of heat generated so that the maintenance time of the fixing device when the number of external devices is the same and the number of external devices is longer than the maintenance time of the fixing device when the number of external devices is small. Things.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a counting unit that counts the number of the external devices, and the temperature control unit is responsive to the number of external devices counted by the counting unit. And the amount of heat generated by the fixing device is controlled.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the method according to the third aspect , the counting means obtains identification information of the external device transmitted from the external device, and the number after the duplication of the identification information is removed. Is counted as the number of external devices.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect , the heating of the fixing device is started when the numerical value counted by the counting means is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value. Has characteristics.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the third to fifth aspects, the heating of the fixing device is stopped when the numerical value counted by the counting means is equal to or less than a predetermined second threshold value. It has a feature.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect , the temperature control unit changes the temperature maintaining time for maintaining the fixing device at a predetermined temperature after the image forming process, thereby changing the temperature of the fixing device. It is characterized in that the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time is controlled.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to sixth aspects, the temperature control unit changes a temperature maintaining time for maintaining the fixing device at a predetermined temperature after the image forming process. Thus, the heat generation amount of the fixing device within a predetermined time is controlled, and is characterized in that it includes addition means for increasing the temperature maintenance time according to the number of the external devices.

The invention according to claim 9 is the one according to claim 7 or 8 , further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not the temperature maintenance time is longer than a predetermined time set in advance. When it is determined that the temperature maintenance time is longer than the predetermined time, the heat generation amount is controlled so that the fixing device is always maintained at a temperature at which heat fixing processing is possible.

The invention of claim 10 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 7 or 8 , an upper limit time is set for the temperature maintenance time.

The invention of claim 11 is capable of forming an image based on the image data, and can transmit the image data via the communication means to the image forming apparatus having a fixing device for performing thermal fixing processing on the image, a plurality An external device that can be set as an image forming apparatus that normally uses any one of the image forming apparatuses , the external apparatus is in an activated state, and the external apparatus can transmit the image data As information indicating whether or not it is in a state, it includes a use start code indicating that the external device has been logged in and a use end code indicating that the external device has been logged out. Generated at the time of login, the end-of-use code is generated at the time of the log-out, and the use start code and the end-of-use code are set as installed in the driver. Transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus, and based on the information transmitted by the transmitting means within a predetermined time of the fixing device when the image forming apparatus is in the transmittable state The heat generation amount is larger than the heat generation amount in the predetermined time of the fixing device when not in the transmittable state , and the heat generation in the predetermined time of the fixing device when the image forming apparatus is normally used. The fixing device is controlled such that the amount is larger than the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device when the amount is not set in the image forming apparatus to be normally used .

The invention according to claim 12 is capable of transmitting image data , and includes any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses.
The image forming apparatus can be set as an image forming apparatus that is normally used, and an image can be formed based on the image data transmitted from the external apparatus via a communication unit, and the image is subjected to heat fixing processing. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus including a fixing device to be applied, wherein the external device is in an activated state and the external device is capable of transmitting the image data. Information indicating whether or not the external device has been logged in, and a use end code indicating that the external device has been logged out. The use start code triggers the login. The use end code is generated at the time of the logout, and the use start code and the use end code are displayed on the driver-installed image. The image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit that can receive the use start code and the use end code, and a fixing unit that is in the transmittable state. The heat generation amount within a predetermined time is larger than the heat generation amount within the predetermined time of the fixing device when not in the transmittable state, and the fixing device has a predetermined heat generation when the image forming apparatus is normally used. And a temperature control means for making the heat generation amount within the time larger than the heat generation amount within the predetermined time of the fixing device when it is not set in the image forming apparatus that is normally used .

A thirteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the twelfth aspect of the invention, the state in which the external device can transmit the image data is that the communication state setting in the external device is an online state.

<Invention of Claim 1>
According to this configuration, when there is an external device in a state where image data can be transmitted, that is, when the image forming apparatus is highly likely to receive an image formation command, the fixing device generates heat within a predetermined time. Since the amount increases, it is possible to reduce the time required to perform image formation in a situation where image formation is easily performed. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus is in a state where there is a low possibility of receiving an image formation command, the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device is reduced, so that power consumption can be suppressed.

<Invention of Claim 2 >
According to this configuration, when the number of external devices that are likely to transmit image data is large, that is, when the image forming apparatus is highly likely to receive an image formation command, the fixing device within a predetermined time. Since the amount of heat generated in is increased, the time required for image formation can be shortened in a situation where image formation is easily performed. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus is in a state where there is a low possibility of receiving an image formation command, the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device is reduced, so that power consumption can be suppressed.

<Invention of Claim 3 >
According to this configuration, it is possible to control the temperature of the fixing device according to the possibility of using the image forming apparatus with a simple configuration.

<Invention of Claim 4 >
According to this configuration, it is possible to control the temperature of the fixing device according to the number of external devices counted more accurately.

<Invention of Claim 5 >
According to this configuration, when the number of counted external devices is large, that is, when there is a high possibility of image formation, the heat generation amount of the fixing device within a predetermined time can be increased.

<Invention of Claim 6 >
According to this configuration, when the possibility of image formation is low, heating of the fixing device is not performed, so that waste of power consumption can be prevented.

<Invention of Claim 7 >
According to this configuration, the temperature of the fixing device can be controlled with a simple configuration in accordance with the availability of the image forming apparatus.

<Invention of Claim 8 >
According to this configuration, the time during which the heat generation amount of the fixing device is large can be extended as the possibility of image formation increases.

<Invention of Claim 9 >
According to this configuration, when there is a high possibility of image formation, the fixing device can be constantly maintained at a temperature at which heat fixing processing can be performed.

<Invention of Claim 10 >
Depending on the environment such as the number of external devices, the temperature maintenance time may become very long. However, if the temperature maintenance time is too long, the power consumption increases accordingly. However, according to this configuration, since the upper limit time is set for the temperature maintenance time, power consumption can be reduced.

<Invention of Claim 11 >
According to this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a configuration for determining whether or not an external device is in a transmittable state in which image data can be transmitted on the image forming device side, and thus the configuration of the image forming device is simplified. can do.

<Invention of Claim 12 >
According to this configuration, when there is an external device in a state where image data can be transmitted, that is, when the image forming apparatus is highly likely to receive an image formation command, the fixing device generates heat within a predetermined time. Since the amount is controlled to be large, it is possible to reduce the time required for image formation under such a situation where image formation is frequently performed. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus is in a state where there is a low possibility of receiving an image formation command, the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device is reduced, so that power consumption can be suppressed.

<Invention of Claim 13 >
When the user changes the communication state setting in the external device to the online state and image formation becomes possible, the possibility of image formation increases. A high heat generation state can be achieved.

<Embodiment 1>
Embodiment 1 of a printing system 1 of the present invention (corresponding to an “image forming system” of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing system 1.

1. Configuration of Printing System As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes, as terminal devices, for example, three personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “PCs 10A, 10B, and 10C”, which correspond to “external devices” of the present invention), Two laser printers (hereinafter referred to as “printers 20A and 20B”, which correspond to the “image forming apparatus” of the present invention) are connected via, for example, network interfaces 17 and 55 and a LAN cable 2 (communication means). . Upon receiving print data (image data) transmitted from the PCs 10A, 10B, and 10C, the printers 20A and 20B perform print processing based on the print data.

(1) Personal computer The configuration of the PCs 10A, 10B, and 10C will be described. Since the PCs 10A, 10B, and 10C have the same configuration, the PC 10A is mainly described, and the description of the overlapping parts of the other PCs 10B and 10C is omitted.
The PC 10A is configured to be activated when a power switch (not shown) is turned on. As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 10A receives an input operation from the outside (for example, an input unit such as a keyboard or a mouse). A display unit 12 for displaying various images, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, a CPU 15, a hard disk 16, and a network interface 17 (corresponding to the “transmission means” of the present invention). Yes. A predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 11 of the PC 10A in the activated state, and a user name and a password are input to log in and transmit / receive information such as print data.

  The display unit 12 can display information on a printer that has already been installed with a driver. By operating the operation unit 11, any one of the displayed printers (a plurality of printers that normally use the printer) can be displayed. When an image formation command is issued when the printer is usable (driver installed), it can be set in advance as a printer that is automatically selected to send print data.

  The hard disk 16 stores application software for creating information to be printed, a printer driver for a printer that performs printing, and the CPU 15 stores application software, a printer driver, and the like based on a command from the operation unit 11. Read from the hard disk 16 and operate.

  The hard disk 16 of the PC 10A stores information indicating the connection status between the PC 10A and the printers 20A and 20B set by operating the operation unit 11.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), information on registered printing apparatuses (printers 20A and 20B) in which a driver has been installed among printers connected to the hard disk 16 of the PC 10A via the LAN cable 2, A communication status setting (online or offline) with a registered printing apparatus and a printer setting (information regarding whether the printer is set to be used normally) from among the registered printing apparatuses are stored. Similarly, for the PCs 10B and 10C, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, information on the registered printing apparatus, setting of the communication state with the registered printing apparatus, and setting of the printer used in normal operation are stored. .

When logging in to the PC 10A, the CPU 15 uses a start code indicating that the PC 10A has logged in, an address of the PC 10A (identification information of the PC 10A), and a printer setting (information indicating whether it is set as “normally used printer”). Are generated with terminal use start information associated with each other. At the time of logout of the PC 10A, a use end code indicating that the PC 10A has been logged out, an address (PC identification information) of the PC 10A, and printer settings are generated as terminal use end information associated with each other.

  Then, the CPU 15 transmits the terminal use start information and the terminal use end information to the printer that is in the online state at the time of login or logout of the PC 10A, thereby notifying the printer side of the current use status of the PC. ing.

(2) Printer The configuration of the printers 20A and 20B will be described. However, since the printers 20A and 20B have the same configuration, only the printer 20A will be mainly described, and the description of the overlapping portions of the printer 20B will be omitted.
(A) Structure FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of the printer 20A. As shown in the figure, the printer 20A has a housing 21, and a paper feeding cassette 22 in which sheets as stacked recording media are stored is attached to the lower portion of the housing 21. Yes. The paper feed cassette 22 is detachable, and can be removed by pulling it out in the front direction of the printer 20A (the right direction in the drawing). The paper feeding cassette 22 is provided with a paper pressing plate 23 biased upward by a pressing spring (not shown), and the uppermost layer of paper stacked on the paper pressing plate 23 is the printer 20A. The sheet feeding roller 24 is provided on the front surface side and rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow. The sheet is separated and fed one by one by the action of the separation pad 25.

  A process cartridge 26 is disposed above the paper feed cassette 22. The process cartridge 26 is also detachable from the front side of the printer 20 </ b> A, similarly to the paper feed cassette 22. The process cartridge 26 is configured by assembling a photosensitive cartridge 26A and a developing cartridge 26B so as to be separable. In the photosensitive cartridge 26A, a photosensitive drum 27 that transfers a toner image, a transfer roller 28 that transfers a toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 27 to a sheet, and corona discharge are generated to cause the surface of the photosensitive drum 27 to have a positive potential. A scorotron charger 29 is provided for charging the battery. The developing cartridge 26B includes a developer chamber 30 that stores toner, a developing roller 31 that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 27, and a supply roller 32 that supplies toner to the developing roller 31. The developer chamber 30 is provided with an agitator 33 for stirring the toner.

  A front cover 34 whose lower end is pivotably attached and can be opened and closed is provided above the paper feed cassette 22 at the front face of the printer 20A from which the paper feed cassette 22 is attached and detached. Thus, the process cartridge 26 can be attached and detached. A pinch roller 35 and a registration roller 36 are rotatably mounted between the process cartridge 26 and the paper feed cassette 22.

  Behind the process cartridge 26 is a laser generator (shown) that emits a laser beam, a polygon mirror 37 (hexahedral mirror) that is driven to rotate, a lens 38, a reflection mirror 39, a reflection mirror 40, a lens 41, and a reflection. A laser scanner unit 43 including a mirror 42 and the like is attached. The laser beam L swayed by the polygon mirror 37 is applied to the photosensitive drum 27 through the lens 38, the reflecting mirrors 39 and 40, the lens 41, and the reflecting mirror 42, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 27. It is formed.

  Then, the photosensitive drum 27 and the transfer roller 28 are rotationally driven so as to sandwich and convey the paper between them, and the paper is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 27 and the transfer roller 28, The toner carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 27 is transferred onto the paper.

  A fixing device 43 for fixing the toner on the paper is provided behind the process cartridge 26. The fixing device 43 is provided with a heating roller 44 for heating and melting the toner on the transferred paper, and a pressing roller 45 disposed so as to face the heating roller 44 and pressing the fed paper toward the heating roller 44. .

  The heating roller 44 includes a metal base tube 44A as a cylindrical member, and a halogen lamp 44B is provided along the axial direction thereof. The halogen lamp 44B can heat the surface of the heating roller 44 to a fixing temperature at which the toner is fixed on the paper. As will be described in detail later, the heating roller 44 heats up when the printer 20A receives a command to start image formation when the printer 20A is in a non-heated state (reception of print data, etc.). Is maintained, the heating is stopped.

  The pressure roller 45 includes a metal pressure roller shaft 45A and a rubber roller 45B made of a rubber material that covers the periphery of the pressure roller shaft 45A. In the pressing roller 45, the rubber roller 45 </ b> B is elastically pressed against the metal base tube of the heating roller 44, and is driven by the rotation of the heating roller 44.

  The toner transferred onto the paper is heat-fixed on the paper while the paper passes between the heating roller 44 and the pressing roller 45.

  A shooter 46 is provided behind the fixing device 43. The shooter 46 is formed in a U-shape and conveys the paper from the fixing device 43 by turning the paper from the rear side to the front side. A pair of paper discharge rollers 48, 48 for discharging the paper that has passed through the shooter 46 to a paper discharge tray 47 formed on the upper surface of the housing 21 is attached to the front end side of the shooter 46.

(B) Software Configuration The software configuration of the printer 20A is shown in a simplified manner in FIG. The printer 20A includes an operation unit 50 that receives various input operations, a printing unit 51 that controls printing on paper, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, an NVRAM 56, a CPU 54, and a network interface 55 ("reception unit" of the present invention). For example).
The RAM 53 stores terminal use start information and terminal use end information transmitted from the PCs 10A, 10B, and 10C.

The CPU 54 is configured to be able to switch between two types of power modes consisting of READY and SLEEP.
When the power mode is READY, the temperature of the fixing device 43 is in a high temperature state, and control for heating the fixing device 43 is performed based on a signal from the CPU 54. On the other hand, when the power mode is SLEEP, control is performed so that the fixing device 43 is not heated based on a signal from the CPU 54 (the temperature of the fixing device 43 is lower than the high temperature state). When the printer 20A is turned on, the power mode is READY.

The NVRAM 56 stores a power saving mode transition time (corresponding to the “temperature maintenance time” of the present invention) and a READY maintenance time.
The power saving mode transition time is the time until the power mode shifts to SLEEP when the power mode is READY and no print data is received. As will be described in detail later, the power saving mode transition time is set to be longer as the print data is more likely to be received.

The READY maintenance time is a certain length of time set in advance by a user (administrator) or the like. If the power saving mode transition time exceeds the READY maintenance time, it is determined that there is a high possibility of image formation. The power mode is always READY. As a result, it is possible to form an image at any time without waiting for the fixing unit 43 to be heated.

2. Personal computer CPU processing <Login>
Processing of the CPU 15 at the time of login of the PC 10A will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU 15 executed when logging into the PC 10A.
When the CPU 15 receives a signal indicating that the user has logged in by operating the operation unit 11, the CPU 15 uses the start code indicating that the PC 10A has logged in, the address of the PC 10A (identification information of the PC 10A), and the printer setting (“normal” Terminal use start information associated with each other) (S11). The terminal use start information may be composed of a use start code and an address, and the printer setting (information indicating whether “normally used printer” is set) may not be included in the terminal use start information.

  Then, the count i is initialized (i = 0, S12), and the current count i is compared with the number of registered printing apparatuses that are drivers installed (S13). The count i is larger than the number of registered printing apparatuses. If it is smaller (“YES” in S13), the count i is incremented by 1 (S14). That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, the number of registered printing apparatuses is two printers 20A and 20B. When the initial value 0 and the number of registered printing apparatuses 2 are compared, the registered printing apparatus is larger. It becomes "YES" in S13 and progresses to S14.

  Next, the i-th registered printing apparatus is set as the printing apparatus j (S15). Since the printer 20A is registered as the first printing apparatus in the PC 10A, the printer 20A becomes the printing apparatus j.

  Next, it is determined whether the printing apparatus j can be used (S16). Here, the determination as to whether the printing apparatus can be used is performed by determining whether the communication state setting (connection setting) between the PC 10A and the printing apparatus j is in an online state.

  When the communication state between the PC 10A and the printing apparatus j is an online state ("YES" in S16. That is, the image data can be transmitted to the printing apparatus j), the printing apparatus j can be used. After determining that it is in the state and transmitting terminal use start information to the printing apparatus j (S17), the count i is compared with the number of registered printing apparatuses (S13). That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, since the setting of the communication state with the printer 20A in the PC 10A is online, it is determined that the printer 20A (printing apparatus j) can be used, and “YES” in S16. "

On the other hand, when the communication state between the PC 10A and the printing apparatus j is offline, it is determined that the printing apparatus j is in an unusable state, and the count i is compared with the number of registered printing apparatuses ( "NO" in S16, S13). For example, in the case of the PC 10B, as shown in FIG. 3B, since the setting of the communication state with the printer 20B in the PC 10B is offline, the printer 20B (printing device j) cannot be used. The determination is “NO” in S16.
Thereafter, the above processing (S13 to S17) is repeated until the count i becomes equal to the number of registered printing apparatuses.
When the count i is equal to the number of registered printing apparatuses (“NO” in S13), the login process is terminated.

<When logging out>
Processing of the CPU 15 at the time of logout of the PC 10A will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU 15 executed when logging out of the PC 10A.
When the CPU 15 of the PC 10A receives a signal indicating that the user has logged out in response to the signal from the operation unit 11, the CPU 15 uses the end-of-use code indicating that the use of the PC 10A is finished, the address of the PC 10A (identification information of the PC 10A), and the printer. Terminal use end information is generated in association with the setting (information indicating whether it is set as “normally used printer”) (S21). The terminal use end information may be composed of a use end code and an address, and the printer setting (information indicating whether the printer is set as “normally used printer”) may not be included in the terminal use end information.

  The count i is initialized (i = 0, S22), and the current count i is compared with the number of registered printing apparatuses registered in advance by a driver or the like (two printers 20A and 20B in this embodiment) (S23). ).

When the count i is smaller than the number of registered printing apparatuses (“YES” in S23), the count i is incremented by 1 (S24).
The i-th registered printing device is set as the printing device j (S25). Since the printer 20A is registered as the first printing apparatus in the PC 10A, the printer 20A becomes the printing apparatus j.

  Next, it is determined whether the printing apparatus j can be used (S26). Here, the determination as to whether the printing apparatus can be used is performed by determining whether the communication state setting (connection setting) between the printing apparatus j and the PC 10A is in an online state.

When the communication state between the PC 10A and the printing apparatus j is online (“YES” in S26, that is, the state in which image data can be transmitted to the printing apparatus j), the printing apparatus j can be used. After determining that it is in the state and transmitting terminal use end information to the printing apparatus j (S27), the count i is compared with the number of registered printing apparatuses (S23).
On the other hand, when the communication state between the PC 10A and the printing apparatus j is offline, it is determined that the printing apparatus j is in an unusable state, and the count i is compared with the number of registered printing apparatuses ( "NO" in S26, S23).
Thereafter, the above processing (S23 to S27) is repeated until the count i becomes equal to the number of registered printing apparatuses.
When the count i is equal to the number of registered printing apparatuses (“NO” in S23), the logout process ends.

3. Processing of Printer CPU The processing of the printer CPU 54 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing of the CPU 54 of the printer.
When the power button of the operation unit 50 is pressed and the power is turned on, initialization is first performed. Specifically, the power mode is set to READY, the READY maintenance flag is set to false (0), and time measurement is started with the time at this time as the READY time (S31). Here, when the flag is true (1), the READY maintenance flag indicates that the constant power mode is READY, and when the READY maintenance flag is false (0), the image formation is completed (or when the power is turned on). ), The power mode is switched from READY to SLEEP.

  Next, it is determined whether the READY maintenance flag is false and whether the power saving mode transition time has elapsed from the READY time (S32).

If the READY maintenance flag is false and the power saving mode transition time has elapsed from the READY time (“YES” in S32), the power mode is changed to SLEEP (S33), and print data is received. It is determined whether it has been performed (S34).
On the other hand, if the READY maintenance flag is true or the power saving mode transition time has not elapsed since the READY time (“NO” in S32), it is determined whether print data has been received while the power mode remains READY. (S34).

  If it is determined that the print data has been received (“YES” in S34), it is determined whether the power mode is SLEEP (S35). If the power mode is determined to be SLEEP (“YES” in S35), the power mode is READY. (S36), after the fixing device 43 is heated to a temperature at which heat fixing is possible, the printing process is performed (S37). On the other hand, if the power mode is determined to be READY (“NO” in S35), the printing process is performed as it is (S37).

Then, the READY time is rewritten to the current time (S38), and it is determined again whether the READY maintenance flag is false and whether the power saving mode transition time has elapsed from the READY time (S32).
On the other hand, if it is determined that no print data has been received (“NO” in S34), it is determined whether terminal use start information has been received (S39).
If it is determined that the terminal use start information has been received (“YES” in S39), a use terminal addition routine is executed (S40).

<Use terminal addition routine>
In the use terminal addition routine, as shown in FIG. 8, first, the count i is initialized (S51), and it is determined whether the count i is smaller than the number of used terminals (the number of PCs already registered based on the terminal use start information). (S52). Therefore, the CPU 54 corresponds to the “counting unit” of the present invention.
If the count i is smaller than the number of used terminals (“YES” in S52), 1 is added to the count i (S53), and the i th used terminal name in the used terminal list (FIG. 4) stored in the RAM 53 is displayed. It is determined whether or not the name of the terminal to be added (S54).

If it is determined that the count i-th used terminal name is the name of the terminal to be added (“YES” in S54), the used terminal is already registered, so that the used terminal is not added. End the add routine.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the i th used terminal name is not the name of the terminal to be added (“NO” in S54), it is determined again whether the count i is smaller than the number of used terminals (S52).

  When it is determined that the count i is not smaller than the number of used terminals (“NO” in S52), it means that there is no terminal to be added to the used terminal list, and thus the number of used terminals is incremented by 1 (S55). ), The used terminal name is added to the end of the used terminal list (S56), and the used terminal adding routine is terminated.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, if PC 10A and PC 10B are already registered in the used terminal list, even if an attempt is made to add PC 10A or PC 10B here, “YES” is added in S54. Not. On the other hand, if an attempt is made to add a PC 10C, “NO” is obtained in S54 and S52, and the PC 10C is added at the end in S56 via S55.

Next, in FIG. 7, when it is determined that the terminal use start information has not been received ("
NO "), it is determined whether terminal use end information has been received (S41).
If it is determined that the terminal use end information has been received (“YES” in S41), a use terminal deletion routine is executed (S42).

<Use terminal deletion routine>
In the used terminal deletion routine, as shown in FIG. 9, first, the count i is initialized to 0 (S61), and is the count i smaller than the number of used terminals (number of PCs already registered based on terminal use start information)? Is determined (S62). Therefore, the CPU 54 corresponds to the “counting unit” of the present invention.

  If the count i is smaller than the number of used terminals (“YES” in S62), the count i is incremented by 1 (S63), and the terminal whose count i-th used terminal name in the used terminal list (FIG. 4) is to be deleted It is determined whether it is a name (S64).

  When it is determined that the i-th used terminal name is the name of the terminal to be deleted (“YES” in S64), the number of used terminals is decremented by 1 (“YES” in S64), and the terminal is to be deleted from the used terminal list. The terminal name is deleted (S66), and the used terminal deletion routine is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the i-th used terminal name is not the name of the terminal to be deleted (“NO” in S64), loop processing is performed until the count i is smaller than the number of used terminals, and the count i is greater than the number of used terminals. When it becomes smaller (“NO” in S62), the used terminal deletion routine is terminated without deleting the terminal name.

  Specifically, for example, when the PC 10A is deleted from the list of used terminals in FIG. 4, the PC 10A is deleted and the list includes only the PC 10B. On the other hand, even if an attempt is made to delete the PC 10C from the list, the PC 10C does not exist and the process ends without deleting.

Next, when the use terminal addition routine or the use terminal deletion routine ends, a power saving mode transition time update routine is executed.
<Power saving mode transition time update routine>
In the power saving mode transition time update routine, as shown in FIG. 10, first, initialization is performed, the count i is set to 0, and the power saving mode transition time is set to 0 (S71).

Next, it is determined whether the count i is smaller than the number of used terminals (S72).
If the count i is smaller than the number of used terminals (“YES” in S72), 1 is added to the count i (S73), and the i th used terminal in the count is used for normal use set (selected) in advance by the user. It is determined whether or not it is a printer (S74).

When the i th used terminal is set as a printer that is normally used (“YES” in S74), since there is a high possibility that print data is transmitted from the set PC, the power saving mode is set. The transition time for high usage, which is a slightly longer time, is added to the transition time (S75), and it is determined again whether the count i is smaller than the number of used terminals (S72).
On the other hand, if the printer is not set for normal use (“NO” in S74), the transition time for low usage is added to the transition time to the power saving mode (S76), and the count i is smaller than the number of terminals used. It is determined whether or not (S72). Therefore, the CPU 54 corresponds to the adding means and temperature control means of the present invention.

Then, the above loop is repeated until the count i becomes equal to the number of used terminals (S72 to S76). As a result, the number of PCs that are likely to transmit print data increases and the possibility of image formation increases, and the time of the fixing device 43 in a high temperature state (a state in which the amount of generated heat is large) becomes longer. In particular, when the print data is highly likely to be transmitted as in the case where it is selected as a printer that is normally used by the user, the fixing unit 43 is fixed at the time of image formation by increasing the time of the high temperature state. The frequency of waiting until the vessel 43 is heated can be reduced.
The transition time for high usage and the transition time for low usage are values that are set in advance, and the transition time for high usage is set to a value that is greater than or equal to the transition time for low usage.

  On the other hand, when the count i becomes equal to the number of terminals used (“NO” in S72), it is determined whether or not the power saving mode transition time is longer than the READY maintenance time set in advance by the user (S77).

When the power saving mode transition time is longer than the READY maintenance time (“YES” in S77), the READY maintenance flag is rewritten to “true” (S78), the power mode is set to READY (S79), and the power saving mode transition is performed. End the time update routine. Thus, for example, when the number of users is large, the READY state is always maintained. Therefore, when there is a high possibility of image formation, the fixing device 43 is always maintained at a temperature at which heat fixing processing can be performed. Image formation can be performed without waiting for the heating of 43.
On the other hand, if the power saving mode transition time is not longer than the READY maintenance time (“NO” in S77), the READY maintenance flag is set to “false” (S80), and the power saving mode transition time update routine is terminated.

If it is determined in FIG. 7 that terminal use end information has not been received (“NO” in S41), other processing is performed (S43), the READY maintenance flag is false again, and READY It is determined whether the power saving mode transition time has elapsed from the time (S32).
Thereafter, the above processing (S32 to S44) is repeatedly performed.

4). Effects of the Present Embodiment According to the present embodiment, when there are PCs 10A, 10B, and 10C (external devices) that can transmit print data (image data), that is, the printers 20A and 20B (image forming apparatuses) When there is a high possibility of receiving an image formation command, it takes a long time for the fixing device 43 to maintain a high temperature (heating) state (the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time increases), so that image formation is easily performed. Under the circumstances, the time required until image formation can be shortened. On the other hand, when the printers 20A and 20B are in a state where there is a low possibility of receiving an image formation command, the time for which the fixing device 43 maintains a high temperature (heating) state is shortened (the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time is small). , Power consumption can be suppressed.

  Further, when the number of PCs 10A (10B, 10C) that are likely to transmit print data is large, that is, as the printer 20A (20B) is more likely to receive an image formation command, the fixing unit 43 becomes higher in temperature. Since the time for maintaining the (heating) state is lengthened (the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time is increased), the time required for image formation is shortened in such a situation where image formation is frequently performed. Can do.

  Furthermore, it is generally considered that when the user switches the communication state setting in the PC 10 </ b> A (10 </ b> B, 10 </ b> C) to the online state and image formation is possible, the possibility of image formation is increased. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in such a case, the fixing device 43 can be brought into a high heat generation state.

Further, since the CPU 15 on the PC 10A (10B, 10C) side determines whether or not it is in an online state (a state where print data can be transmitted), it is determined whether or not it is in an online state on the printers 20A and 20B side. The printer 20A (20
The configuration of B) can be simplified.

<Embodiment 2>
In the power saving mode transition time update routine of the first embodiment, when the power saving mode transition time exceeds the READY maintenance time, the power saving mode transition time is constantly maintained in the READY state. An upper limit is set for the time. Therefore, in the power saving mode transition time update routine of FIG. 10, the comparison between the power saving mode transition time and the READY maintenance time (S77), the flag change (S78, S80), and the mode change are not performed (S79). Instead of these, as shown in FIG. 11, processing for setting the upper limit of the power saving mode transition time (S81, S82) is performed. In addition, about the structure same as Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  For example, the upper limit power saving mode transition time preset by the user is stored in the NVRAM 56.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 54 performs the processes of S71 to S76 as in the first embodiment. When the count i becomes equal to the number of used terminals in S72 (“NO” in S72), the power saving mode transition time is reached. It is determined whether it is longer than the upper limit power saving mode transition time (S81).

  If the power saving mode transition time is longer than the upper power saving mode transition time (“YES” in S81), the power saving mode transition time is rewritten to the upper power saving mode transition time (S82), and the power saving mode transition time is reached. End the update routine. On the other hand, when the power saving mode transition time is not longer than the upper limit power saving mode transition time (“NO” in S81), the power saving mode transition time update routine is ended as it is.

  In the first embodiment, the READY state is always maintained depending on an environment such as a large number of PCs. Therefore, although there is a merit that it can be used immediately, the power consumption increases accordingly. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, even if the frequency of use is high, the power consumption can be suppressed by shifting to the SLEEP mode after the upper limit power saving mode transition time has elapsed.

<Embodiment 3>
In the printer of the above embodiment, the power saving mode transition time update routine (FIG. 10) is executed when the use terminal addition routine or the use terminal deletion routine ends. However, in the printer of Embodiment 3, the use terminal addition routine Alternatively, after the used terminal deletion routine is finished, as shown in FIG. 12, the number of PCs used (hereinafter referred to as “number of used terminals”) is used instead of the power saving mode transition time update routine (FIG. 10). And a mode switching routine for switching modes.

The NVRAM 56 stores a first threshold value and a second threshold value. Both the first threshold value and the second threshold value are numerical values set in advance by the user (administrator), and the first threshold value is set to a numerical value larger than the second threshold value.
Then, as shown in FIG. 12, in the mode switching routine, the number of used terminals is counted, and it is determined whether or not the number of used terminals is equal to or greater than a preset first threshold value (S91).

If the number of terminals used is equal to or greater than the first threshold (“YES” in S91), the power mode is set to READY (S92), and the mode switching routine is terminated.
On the other hand, when the number of used terminals is less than the first threshold (“NO” in S91), it is determined whether the number of used terminals is equal to or smaller than a preset second threshold (S93).

When the number of used terminals is equal to or smaller than the second threshold (“YES” in S93), the power mode is set to SLEEP (S94), and the mode switching routine is terminated.
Note that an arbitrary value can be set as the second threshold value. For example, if the second threshold value is set to “0”, the power mode is set to SLEEP when there is no possibility of an image formation command being transmitted from the PC. Thus, power consumption can be further suppressed.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the number of counted PCs 10A (10B, 10C) is large, that is, when there is a high possibility of image formation, the temperature state of the fixing device 43 is high (predetermined time). It is possible to maintain a state in which the amount of generated heat is large. On the other hand, when the possibility of image formation is low, since the fixing device 43 is not heated, waste of power consumption can be prevented.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the three PCs 10A, 10B, 10C and the two printers 20A, 20B are connected by communication means. However, the number of PCs or printers may be more or less than these.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time is controlled by controlling (differentiating) the time from the heating state (the power mode is READY) to stopping the heating (switching to SLEEP). However, the means for varying the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time is not limited to this. For example, when the power mode is SLEEP, heating is not stopped, and heating is performed so as to be maintained at a predetermined temperature state lower than that when READY, so that the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time may be varied.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the amount of heat generated in a predetermined time is varied according to the number of PCs that can transmit print data among the PCs that are turned on and turned on. I can't. For example, a PING command is transmitted from the printer to each PC, the number of PCs that are powered on and activated is counted by the CPU 54 on the printer side, and the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time according to the counted number of PCs. It is good also as a structure made to differ.

  (4) When determining whether or not the PC is in a state where print data can be transmitted, it is determined whether the setting of the communication state with the printer is online (setting of the external device is online) on the PC. Although it was set as the structure judged, it is not restricted to this. For example, depending on whether the communication status setting is online, logged in to the PC, installed with a driver for operating the printer, or whether one or more are satisfied, the PC It may be determined whether the print data can be transmitted. In addition, other indicators (states) other than the above-described online state, logged-in state, and driver installed state are further added to determine whether the PC is in a state where print data can be transmitted. You may make it judge.

Block diagram showing the configuration of the printing system Side sectional view showing the internal structure of the printer The figure which shows the connection situation of PC and printer Figure showing the status of the PC Flowchart showing CPU processing at PC login Flow chart showing processing of CPU at logout of PC Flow chart showing processing of printer CPU Flow chart of terminal used routine addition Used terminal deletion routine flowchart Flow chart of power saving mode transition time update routine Flowchart of Power Saving Mode Transition Time Update Routine of Embodiment 2 Flowchart of processing in which a mode switching routine is performed instead of the power saving mode transition time update routine of the third embodiment

2 ... LAN cable (communication means)
10A, 10B, 10C ... Personal computer (external device)
15, 54... CPU (temperature control means, addition means, counting means)
16 ... Hard disk 17 ... Network interface (transmission means)
20A, 20B ... Printer (image forming apparatus)
43 ... Fixer 44 ... Heating roller 45 ... Pressing roller 55 ... Network interface (receiving means)

Claims (13)

It is possible to form an image based on image data transmitted via communication means from an external device that can be set as an image forming apparatus that normally uses any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and heat fixing the image An image forming apparatus including a fixing device that performs processing,
As the information indicating whether or not the external device is in an activated state and the external device is in a state capable of transmitting the image data, a use start code indicating that the external device is logged in, and the external device A receiving means for receiving an end-of-use code indicating that the device has been logged out;
When the information received by the receiving means is information indicating that the transmission unit is in a transmittable state, the heat generation amount of the fixing device within a predetermined time is information indicating that the transmission unit is not in the transmittable state. Temperature control means for making the calorific value larger than the calorific value of the fixing device within a predetermined time,
The use start code is generated in the external device in response to the login, and the use end code is generated in the external device in response to the logout, and the use start code and the use end code are Received by the receiving means when its own driver is already installed in the external device ,
The temperature control means is an image that the setting of the external device normally uses for the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device of the image forming device when the image forming device is normally used in the external device. An image forming apparatus, wherein the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of a fixing device of the image forming apparatus when not set in the forming apparatus is larger . It is possible to form an image based on image data transmitted via communication means from an external device that can be set as an image forming apparatus that normally uses any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and heat fixing the image An image forming apparatus including a fixing device that performs processing,
The external device is information indicating whether the external device is in an activated state, the external device is in an activated state, and the external device is in a state in which the image data can be transmitted. Receiving means for receiving a use start code indicating that the device has been logged in, and a use end code indicating that the external device has been logged out;
The amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device when the number of the external devices in a state where the image data can be transmitted by the use start code and the use end code received by the receiving unit is large. Temperature control means for making the calorific value larger than the calorific value within a predetermined time of the fixing device when the number of
The use start code is generated in the external device in response to the login, and the use end code is generated in the external device in response to the logout, and the use start code and the use end code are Received by the receiving means when its own driver is already installed in the external device ,
The temperature control means is an image that the setting of the external device normally uses for the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device of the image forming device when the image forming device is normally used in the external device. An image forming apparatus, wherein the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of a fixing device of the image forming apparatus when not set in the forming apparatus is larger . Comprising a counting means for counting the number of the external devices,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the temperature control unit controls a heat generation amount of the fixing device according to the number of external devices counted by the counting unit. The said counting means acquires the identification information of the said external device transmitted from the said external device, and counts the number after removing the duplication part of the said identification information as the number of the said external devices. The image forming apparatus according to 3 . Wherein when the numerical values counted is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value by the counting means, the image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that to start the heating of the fixing device. Wherein when the numerical values counted by the counting means is equal to or less than a predetermined second threshold value, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that heating is discontinued in the fixing device. The temperature control unit controls the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device by changing a temperature maintaining time for maintaining the fixing device at a predetermined temperature after the image forming process. the image forming apparatus according to 1. The temperature control means controls the amount of heat generated within a predetermined time of the fixing device by changing a temperature maintaining time for maintaining the fixing device at a predetermined temperature after the image forming process.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that it comprises an adding means for increasing the temperature maintenance time according to the number of the external device. Determination means for determining whether the temperature maintenance time is longer than a predetermined time set in advance;
When the determination means determines that the temperature maintenance time is longer than the predetermined time, the heat generation amount is controlled so that the fixing device is always maintained at a temperature at which heat fixing processing is possible. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that it is set the upper limit time in the temperature holding time. An image based on the image data can be formed, and the image data can be transmitted via a communication unit to an image forming apparatus including a fixing unit that performs a heat fixing process on the image. An external device that can be set as an image forming apparatus that normally uses the image forming apparatus ,
As the information indicating whether or not the external device is in an activated state and the external device is in a state capable of transmitting the image data, a use start code indicating that the external device is logged in, and the external device A use end code indicating that the device has been logged out, and the use start code is generated upon the login, and the use end code is generated upon the logout, the use start code and the use A transmission means for transmitting the end code to the image forming apparatus having the driver installed;
Based on the information transmitted by the transmission unit, the heat generation amount of the fixing device within a predetermined time when the image forming apparatus is in the transmittable state is determined by the predetermined value of the fixing device when the image forming apparatus is not in the transmittable state. The amount of heat generated within a predetermined time when the heat generation amount is larger than the amount of heat generated within the time period and is set in the image forming apparatus that is normally used, and when the image forming apparatus is used normally. An external device characterized in that the fixing device is controlled to be larger than a heat generation amount of the fixing device within a predetermined time . An external device that can transmit image data and can be set as an image forming apparatus that normally uses any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the image data transmitted from the external apparatus via a communication unit An image forming system including an image forming apparatus including a fixing device that is capable of forming an image based on the image and performing a heat fixing process on the image,
The external device includes
As the information indicating whether or not the external device is in an activated state and the external device is in a state capable of transmitting the image data, a use start code indicating that the external device is logged in, and the external device A use end code indicating that the device has been logged out, and the use start code is generated upon the login, and the use end code is generated upon the logout, the use start code and the use A transmission means for transmitting the end code to the image forming apparatus having the driver installed;
The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving means capable of receiving the use start code and the use end code;
The amount of heat generated in the fixing unit within a predetermined time when the transmission is possible is larger than the amount of heat generation within the predetermined time when the fixing unit is not in the transmission state , and the image forming apparatus is normally used. Temperature control means for making the heat generation amount within a predetermined time of the fixing device when set to be larger than the heat generation amount within the predetermined time of the fixing device when not being set in a normally used image forming apparatus ; An image forming system comprising: The image forming system according to claim 12, wherein the external device is capable of transmitting the image data state, set the communication state of the external device is online.

Images