JP2006333413A - Power saving apparatus for compound machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power saving apparatus for a compound machine which suppresses power consumption by setting a power saving time particularly for each function and by setting power saving according to each of functions. <P>SOLUTION: A nonvolatile memory 13 for setting stores a sleep schedule for each function, and a sleep management section 11 reads the sleep schedule from the nonvolatile memory 13 for setting and performs printing processing according to the relevant sleep schedule. Therefore, power saving can be set on the compound machine in accordance with each of functions. Furthermore, a power saving key is provided and a shift to a sleep mode is facilitated by operating the power saving key even in a ready state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power saving device for a multifunction machine having a printer function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a copying function.

  Today, printers, copiers, facsimile machines, and the like are set in a power saving mode (sleep mode) in order to reduce power consumption. However, in the various apparatuses having the power saving mode, when a printing instruction is given, it takes time to warm up, and the printing process cannot be started in a short time.

  Recently, multifunction devices (for example, MFPs (multifunction printers)) having both a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a copying function have become widespread in printer functions, and even in this multifunction device, when shifting from the power saving mode to the printing mode. It takes time to warm up, and the printing process cannot be started in a short time.

Therefore, for example, there is an invention of Patent Document 1 as a proposal for shortening the warm-up time. According to the present invention, when a facsimile is received in the power saving mode, the heater of the fixing unit is turned on at the time of receiving the calling telephone number notification service activation signal (ID reception terminal activation signal) input before the arrival of actual data. By processing in this way, the warm-up time is shortened and the printing time of facsimile data is shortened.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-112770 (paragraph numbers 0087 to 0107)

  However, the above-described conventional apparatus is a case where a special signal called an ID receiving terminal activation signal can be used, and is not applicable to the entire printing apparatus. In addition to the printer function, the multifunction machine has a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a copying function, and there is a case where it is desired to individually set a power saving state for each function.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a power saving device for a multifunction machine that sets power saving time for each function in the multifunction machine, performs power saving settings corresponding to each function, and suppresses power consumption.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a multifunction device having a printer function, a facsimile function, and a copying function, a first storage means for storing the date and time of a power saving mode corresponding to the printer function, and the facsimile function. Stored in the second storage means for storing the date and time of the power saving mode corresponding to the above, the third storage means for storing the date and time of the power saving mode corresponding to the copying function, and the first to third storage means This can be achieved by providing a power-saving device for a multi-function machine having control means for setting each corresponding function to the power-saving mode corresponding to the date and time of each power-saving mode.

  Here, the date and time data of the power saving mode stored in the first to third storage means is, for example, data corresponding to each function, and the printer function and the copy function are set corresponding to the working hours of the company, The facsimile function is set in consideration of working hours, for example, time difference from overseas.

With this configuration, it is possible to set the date and time of the power saving mode corresponding to each function of the multifunction device.
Further, in the power saving mode, for example, if there is the print instruction, facsimile input, or copy instruction, the corresponding power saving mode is canceled, and after the instruction or input is completed, the power saving mode is waited for for a certain period of time. This is a configuration to return to the mode. With this configuration, in the power saving mode, the power saving state is maintained as much as possible and power consumption is reduced.

  Further, the power saving key is provided, and when the power saving key is operated, the power saving mode is canceled if the power saving mode is set, and the power saving mode is set if the power saving mode is not set. With this configuration, even when the power saving mode is set, the user can switch the power saving mode as necessary.

  In addition, when the power saving key is operated, for example, if the power saving mode is canceled, the power saving mode is restored after waiting for a certain period of time. With this configuration, as in the above case, in the power saving mode, the power saving state is maintained as much as possible to reduce power consumption.

  Further, when the power saving key is operated, for example, if the power saving mode is set, the power saving mode is maintained as it is, and the power saving mode is continued until the preset power saving mode is released. By configuring in this manner, when the power saving mode is not set, once the power saving mode is set, the power saving mode is maintained as much as possible to reduce power consumption.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the date setting of the power saving mode corresponding to each function which a multifunction device has can be performed, and the power consumption of a multifunction device can be suppressed efficiently.
In addition, even in a time zone that is not set in the power saving mode, the power saving mode is set by pressing the power saving key, and the power saving mode is maintained, thereby further reducing power consumption. .

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows an example of a power saving apparatus provided in a multi-function printing apparatus (multifunction printer, hereinafter referred to as MFP) as a power saving apparatus of the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. In the figure, an MFP 1 includes a scanner 2, a scanner control unit 3, a fax (hereinafter referred to as FAX) modem 4, a FAX control unit 5, a drawing unit 6, an image memory 7, a transmission / reception control unit 8, an operation panel 8 (hereinafter referred to as “FAX”). 9, which is simply indicated by an operation panel control unit) 9, a print control unit 10, a sleeve management unit 11, a time management unit 12, and a setting nonvolatile memory 13.

  First, when performing a copying process, a document image placed on a document table is read by the scanner 2, and the document image is transmitted to the drawing unit 6 under the control of the scanner control unit 3. The drawing unit 6 performs drawing processing and writes the processed image data into the image memory 7. The image data written in the image memory 7 is sent to the printing device 15 via the print control unit 10 and printed on paper.

  When receiving a facsimile, the FAX modem 4 converts the data input via the telephone line and transmits the data to the drawing unit 6 via the FAX control unit 5. In the drawing unit 6, the processing data is written in the image memory 7, and the image data written in the image memory 7 is sent to the printing device 15 via the print control unit 10 and printed on paper.

  When performing a printing operation, for example, print data supplied from a personal computer (PC) connected via a LAN (local area network) is input via the transmission / reception control unit 8 and transferred to the drawing unit 6. To do. The print data transferred to the drawing unit 6 is converted into image data by executing the drawing process of the drawing unit 6 and written into the image memory 7. The image data written in the image memory 7 is sent to the printing device 15 via the print control unit 10 and printed on paper.

  On the other hand, power saving schedule information, which will be described later, is written in the setting nonvolatile memory 13. The sleep management unit 11 determines whether the power saving schedule set in the setting nonvolatile memory 13 is valid or invalid. If the schedule is valid, the sleep management unit 11 performs power saving control according to the set schedule. Further, the time management unit 12 manages the set date and time, for example, detects the date and time with a clock, and notifies the sleeve management unit 11 of the time information. The sleeve management unit 11 performs power saving management of the MFP 1 based on the time information from the time management unit 12.

  On the other hand, FIG. 2 shows an example of the operation panel 16 provided on the front surface of the MFP 1, for example, which includes a key portion 16a, a display portion 16b, and an LED portion 16c. The key unit 16a is a key that is operated when executing the above-described various functions, and includes various keys that perform a print instruction or a copy instruction. The key operation signal is set via the above-described operation panel control unit 9 for setting nonvolatile memory. 13 is transmitted.

  Further, the display unit 16b displays, for example, a web screen and inputs a power saving schedule shown in FIG. The power saving schedule is input by checking the day of the week on the screen and entering the start time and end time for sleep setting. The power saving schedule set by the input process is written into the setting nonvolatile memory 13 via the operation panel control unit 9.

The specific display contents displayed on the display unit 16b will be described later. The LED unit 16c displays the status of the MFP 1.
Next, the processing operation of this example will be described. The setting nonvolatile memory 13 stores power saving schedules shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C for each function. 2A shows a power saving schedule corresponding to the printer function, FIG. 2B shows a power saving schedule corresponding to the facsimile function, and FIG. 2C shows a power saving schedule corresponding to the copying function.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of this example. First, a power saving schedule (hereinafter referred to as a sleep schedule) is written in the setting nonvolatile memory 13 (step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1). For example, this processing is executed when an employee turns on the MFP 1 in accordance with the working hours of the company.

With this process, the power saving schedule data shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C is written from the setting nonvolatile memory 13 to the sleep management unit 11.
Next, it is determined whether the power saving schedule is valid (S2). This determination of validity or invalidity is made based on the state of the “sleep schedule valid” or “sleep schedule invalid” check box on the display screen shown in FIG.

  If the sleep schedule is valid (S2 is Y (yes)), the function of the conventional sleep schedule is invalidated (S3), and information on the current day of the week and time is acquired from the time management unit 12 (S4). . If the sleep schedule is not valid, the process is terminated and, for example, a conventional sleep schedule function is used.

  Next, the sleeve management unit 11 determines from the current day of the week and time information acquired from the time management unit 12 whether the current sleep is scheduled (S5). If the sleep is currently scheduled (Y in S5), a sleeve command is transmitted to the printing device 15 (S6), and the next set time is set in the time management unit 12 (S7). For example, in the case of the printer function (FIG. 4 (a)), if the current day of the week and time are 8:00 on Monday, it is the scheduled sleep time, the sleep command is transmitted to the printing device 15, and the next set time 8:40 which is (the ready state set time) is set in the time management unit 12.

  On the other hand, if the sleep is not currently scheduled (S5 is N (No)), a ready command is transmitted to the printing device 15 (S8), and the next set time is set in the time management unit 12 (S7). For example, according to the above-described example, if the current day of the week and time are 9:00 on Monday, the ready command is sent to the printing apparatus 15 instead of the scheduled sleeve time, and the ready state where the printing process can be performed immediately is set. The printing device 15 is set. At this time, the next set time notified to the time management unit 12 (set time in the sleep state) is 12:00.

  Next, an actual processing example will be described using the time chart shown in FIG. For example, in the example shown in the figure, the MFP 1 is set in the ready state at 9:00, the ready state is canceled at 17:00, the sleep mode is entered, and then the ready state is set again at 19:00. It is an example of a schedule for releasing the ready state at 0:00 and shifting to the sleep mode.

  In the above setting, for example, when print data is input from a personal computer (PC) between 17:00 and 19:00, which is the sleep mode, the sleep mode is canceled, and the MFP 1 immediately returns to the ready mode and prints the print data. Process. When no further print data is input or the operation panel 16 is not operated for 3 minutes after the above printing process is completed, the process returns to the sleep mode as shown in FIG.

By processing as described above, it is possible to set a sleeve schedule that meets the working conditions of the company, and to perform efficient power saving control.
The above processing is for the printer function, and the sleep schedule in FIG. 4B corresponds to the facsimile function. The schedule of FIG. 6B is almost the same as the schedule shown in FIG. 5A, but the schedule for Sunday is different. In this case, Sunday mode is set to the ready mode between 9:00 to 10:00 and 16:00 to 17:00, and the rest time is the sleep mode.

  This setting is effective for checking emergency facsimile reception on Sunday morning, for example, corresponding to facsimiles from overseas. In other words, the person in charge goes to work at 10:00 on Sunday morning, and the printing result of the facsimile input at midnight on Saturday can be viewed, and the received data can be easily checked. The same applies to Sunday evening at 17:00.

  In power saving time periods other than the above, proxy reception is performed for facsimile input and data is stored. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid paper jams and the like outside of the hours, and it is also possible to avoid device failures.

The same applies to the copying function shown in FIG. 4C, and the printing apparatus 15 is set to a sleep mode or a ready mode according to a preset sleep schedule. Therefore, the printing apparatus 15 repeats the sleep mode and the ready mode corresponding to any function.
(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

This example is different from the first embodiment described above in that a power saving key is provided on the operation panel and the user can freely switch the mode by operating the power saving key. This will be specifically described below.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation panel used in this example. In this figure, the basic configuration of the key unit 16a, the display unit 16b, and the LED unit 16c is the same as that of FIG. However, in this example, the power saving key 17 is provided in the key part 16a. In the system configuration of the MFP 1 in which the operation panel 16 of this example is installed, the operation panel control unit 9 and the sleep management unit 11 are connected by a signal line as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the function of the power saving key used in this example. As shown in the figure, first, when the sleep schedule is invalid (in the case of the conventional sleep mode), if the MFP 1 is in the sleep state, the sleep state is maintained even when the power is turned on, and then the ready state is forced by pressing the power saving key. The state is set (a shown in FIG. 9). In this case, it returns to the sleep state after the designated time elapses. However, this conventional designated time is a long time setting of about 1 hour, for example.

In the printing operation, the printer shifts to a ready state and returns to a sleep state after a specified time has elapsed.
Similarly, if the sleep schedule is disabled and the MFP 1 is ready, the MFP 1 can immediately enter the ready state when the power is turned on, and then can be set to the sleep state by pressing the power saving key (b in the figure). In the ready state, the printing process is performed as it is during the printing operation, and the state shifts to the sleep state after the designated time has elapsed.

  On the other hand, when the sleep schedule of the present example is valid and the MFP 1 is set to the sleep state, the MFP 1 is temporarily put into a ready state when the power is turned on, and returns to the sleep state after a predetermined time. Thereafter, when the sleep start time is reached, the mode shifts to the sleep mode, and when the ready start time is reached, the mode shifts to the ready mode. When the power saving key is pressed, the ready state is forcibly set (c shown in FIG. 9). In this case, it returns to the sleep state after a certain time has elapsed. However, this fixed time is a short time of about 3 minutes, for example. In the printing operation, the printer shifts to a ready state and returns to a sleep state after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  If the MFP 1 is in the ready state, it immediately enters the ready state when the power is turned on, and shifts to the sleep mode at the sleep start time, and shifts to the ready mode at the ready start time. Then, the sleep mode can be set by pressing the power saving key (d shown in the figure). In the printing operation, the printing process is performed in the ready state.

  10 and 11 are time charts for explaining specific examples based on the function of the power saving key. First, FIG. 10 shows an example in which the power saving key is pressed while the MFP 1 is in a ready state (in the case of d shown in FIG. 9). In this case, the MFP 1 immediately shifts to a sleep state (e in FIG. 10). That is, in the case shown in FIG. 10, in the sleeve schedule, the ready state continues until 17:00, but when the power saving key is pressed, the state immediately shifts to the sleep state. Therefore, by controlling in this way, even in the ready state, it is possible to shift to the sleep mode by pressing the power saving key and to further reduce power consumption.

  On the other hand, the example of FIG. 11 is an example in which the power saving key is pressed while the MFP 1 is in the sleep state (c shown in FIG. 9). In this case, the MFP 1 immediately shifts to the ready state (f shown in FIG. 11). That is, in the sleeve schedule, the sleep state continues until 19:00, but immediately shifts to the ready state when the power saving key is pressed. However, in this case, if there is no print instruction for a certain period of time, it returns to the sleep state (g shown in FIG. 11). Further, as described above, the fixed time is an extremely short time of about 3 minutes, and once the mode is shifted to the ready mode, the mode is returned to the sleep mode in a short time. Therefore, the power consumption can be further suppressed by such a configuration.

  As described above, by providing the power saving key in this example, it is possible to change the sleep schedule once set by operating the power saving key. Therefore, it is possible to easily cope with a change in the working hours of the company, and to realize a more convenient power saving schedule.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an MFP including a power saving device of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the structure of an operation panel. It is a figure explaining the structure of a display part. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the example of the power-saving schedule set for every function. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the first embodiment. 3 is a time chart for explaining processing of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the power saving key provided in the operation panel. FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram of an MFP including a power saving device according to a second embodiment. It is a figure explaining the function of the power saving key used in Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a time chart for explaining processing of the second embodiment. 10 is a time chart for explaining processing of the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... MFP 1
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Scanner 3 ... Scanner control part 4 ... FAX modem 5 ... FAX control part 6 ... Drawing part 7 ... Image memory 8 ... Transmission / reception control part 9 ... Operation panel control Unit 10 ... Print control unit 11 ... Sleeve management unit 12 ... Time management unit 13 ... Setting non-volatile memory 15 ... Printing device 16 ... Operation panel 16a ... Key unit 16b ... Display section 16c ... LED section

Claims (5)

In a multifunction device having a printer function, a facsimile function, and a copying function,
First storage means for storing the date and time of the power saving mode corresponding to the printer function; and second storage means for storing the date and time of the power saving mode corresponding to the facsimile function;
Third storage means for storing the date and time of the power saving mode corresponding to the copying function;
Control means for setting the printing means to the power saving mode when performing the processing of each corresponding function corresponding to the date and time of each power saving mode stored in the first to third storage means;
A power-saving device for a multi-function machine.   In the power saving mode, if there is the print instruction, facsimile input, or copy instruction, the corresponding power saving mode is canceled, and after the instruction or input is completed, the operation proceeds to the power saving mode after a certain period of time elapses. The power-saving device for a multi-function machine according to claim 1, wherein:   3. The composite according to claim 1, further comprising a power saving key, wherein when the power saving key is operated, the power saving mode is canceled if the power saving mode is set, and the power saving mode is set if the power saving mode is not set. Machine power saving device.   4. The power-saving device for a multi-function peripheral according to claim 3, wherein when the power-saving key is operated, if the power-saving mode is cancelled, the power-saving mode is restored after a predetermined time has elapsed.   4. The composite according to claim 3, wherein when the power saving key is operated, for example, if the power saving mode is set, the power saving mode is maintained as it is, and the power saving mode is continued until a preset date and time of canceling the power saving mode. Machine power saving device.

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