JP2011173323A - Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

When a print job is transmitted from an external terminal device, the waiting print job is made to wait, thereby ensuring a long power saving state time and substantially promoting energy saving.
When a device controller 8 receives a print job transmitted from an external terminal device (terminal devices 32 and 33 such as a personal computer or a server, an Internet FAX 34, or an external personal computer 35), the printer controller 16 If it is determined that the printer is in a power saving state, a confirmation request signal indicating whether to immediately execute printing or to temporarily hold printing is transmitted to the external terminal device, and a response to the confirmation request signal from the external terminal device. When the hold permission signal is received, the print job execution is temporarily put on hold with the print data of the print job stored in the HD 13.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a state determination unit that determines whether or not a state of a printer controller that receives a print job from an external terminal device is in a power saving state, and execution of the received print job based on the determination result of the state determination unit The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus, an image forming system including the image forming apparatus, and an image forming method.

  A conventional image forming apparatus performs printing by performing a return operation (ie, a heating operation) from a power saving state immediately after receiving a print job, regardless of the power saving state (power saving state) of the apparatus. It was.

  In addition, the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 adds a “print data storage instruction” or a “print data print instruction” to a print job itself, thereby creating a print job created by a different application on the same computer. Files are printed collectively at once.

JP 2000-168166 A

  In the conventional image forming apparatus, when a print job is received from the host computer in the power saving state, printing is executed immediately. For example, when the apparatus enters the power saving state immediately after the end of one job, the print job is received. Every time it is done, a return operation from the power saving state (that is, a heating operation) is required, and the power required for the return operation is wasted.

  In addition, in the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to add an instruction such as “print data storage instruction” or “print data print instruction” to the print job itself. Therefore, it is necessary for the human being to give instructions, which is a troublesome operation. Also, if this printing device is connected to a network and is in an environment where multiple people use it at the same time, the printing device will frequently return from the power-saving state, so that substantial power saving (energy saving) is achieved. There was a problem that it might not be done.

  By the way, in the conventional image forming apparatus, after printing is completed, the printer shifts to a ready state for a certain time, and when the next print job is received during that time, the print job is immediately executed, and after the execution, the ready state is again kept for a certain time. Will be transferred to.

  That is, when print jobs are sequentially sent at short intervals, the printing operation (printing power) and ready state (ready power) are repeated as shown in FIG. For a long time, a situation occurs in which it does not easily shift to the power saving state (sleep power).

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 9B, if these print jobs are put together and printing is performed at once, the number of times of shifting to the ready state is reduced, and the power saving state is continued correspondingly. That is, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

  The present invention was devised by paying attention to such a point, and its purpose is to ensure a long power saving state time by waiting for a print job that can be waited for when a print job is transmitted from an external terminal device. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming method capable of substantially promoting energy saving.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a state determination unit that determines whether or not a state of a printer controller that receives a print job from an external terminal device is in a power saving state, and the state determination unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls execution of a print job received based on the determination result of the step, wherein the control unit receives the print job transmitted from the external terminal device; If it is determined by the state determination means that the printer controller unit is in a power saving state, a confirmation request signal is sent to the external terminal device asking whether to immediately execute printing or temporarily hold printing, and When a hold permission signal that is a response to the confirmation request signal is received from an external terminal device, the print data of the print job is stored in the storage unit, It is characterized in that once pending execution of serial print job.

  In the case of a power saving state (low power state) such as a sleep mode or a low power mode, if a print operation is performed every time a print job is received, a return operation (heating operation) must be performed for each print job. There will be an increase in power consumption. On the other hand, in the present invention, when a print job is received from the external terminal device in the power saving state, first, it is confirmed whether printing can be temporarily suspended for the external terminal device. When a request signal is transmitted and a hold permission signal that is a response to the confirmation request signal is received from the external terminal device, the print job is temporarily put on hold instead of printing immediately, for example, preset printing By collectively executing the print job after reaching the number of jobs, the number of operations for returning from the power saving state (that is, the heating operation) can be reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus. It becomes possible. Here, the print job includes a print job from an external terminal device, a FAX print job, a copy print job, and the like. In addition, some recent image forming apparatuses have a USB connection terminal. In such an image forming apparatus, a so-called USB job executed when a USB is connected to the USB connection terminal is also used as a print job. included.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control unit is configured to execute a print job of the print data stored in the storage unit when the hold release condition set in advance is satisfied. it can.

  With such a configuration, when a predetermined hold release condition is satisfied, a print job of all print data stored in the storage unit at that time is collectively executed, thereby returning from the power saving state. The number of operations (i.e., heating operation) can be reduced, which makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the hold cancellation condition is the number of print jobs of the print data stored in the storage unit, and the control unit prints the print data stored in the storage unit. When the number of jobs reaches a certain number set as the hold release condition, a print job of print data stored in the storage unit can be executed.

  With such a configuration, when the number of print jobs of the print data stored in the storage unit is set in advance and reaches a predetermined number, the control unit collects all print data print jobs stored in the storage unit. As a result, the number of operations for returning from the power saving state (that is, the heating operation) can be reduced, whereby the power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the hold cancellation condition is a data amount of print data stored in the storage unit, and the control unit is a data amount of print data stored in the storage unit. Can be configured to execute a print job stored in the storage means when a certain amount of data set as the hold release condition is reached.

  With this configuration, when the total data amount of the print data stored in the storage unit reaches a predetermined data amount, the control unit prints all the print data stored in the storage unit. By executing the jobs collectively, the number of operations for returning from the power saving state (that is, the heating operation) can be reduced, and thereby the power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the hold release condition includes a condition that a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the previous printing operation, and the control unit has The print data print job stored in the storage unit can be executed regardless of other hold release conditions.

  With such a configuration, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the previous printing operation, regardless of other hold release conditions (that is, the number of print jobs and the amount of print data stored in the storage unit) By collectively executing the print jobs for all the print data stored in the storage unit, the number of operations for returning from the power saving state (that is, the heating operation) can be reduced. In addition, since the number of print jobs and the amount of print data stored in the storage means do not easily reach a fixed number or a fixed amount of data, the requested print job is put on hold for a long time. It is not preferable to end up. Therefore, when the print data is stored in the storage means when a predetermined time has passed without performing the print operation, the print operation is always performed at that time, so that the print job can be held for a long time. It can be avoided. As a result, the user who uses the printer can predict the execution timing of the print job permitted to be held to some extent (that is, the printing is performed at least after a certain period of time). Can do.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the control unit receives a hold rejection signal that is a response to the confirmation request signal from the external terminal device, the control unit performs a return operation from the power saving state and performs printing. It can be configured to execute a job.

  With such a configuration, the fact that the hold / non-hold signal has been received is urgent printing, and in this case, the printing can be executed immediately to flexibly cope with it.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control unit is configured to execute a print job by performing a return operation from the power saving state when a copy or facsimile print request signal is received. it can.

  With such a configuration, when the user requests to print a copy, the user has come to the front of the image forming apparatus because he wants to make a copy immediately. Therefore, if printing is suspended here, the efficiency is rather deteriorated. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to respond flexibly by executing the print job immediately.

  If the request is a facsimile print request, the facsimile is a transmission job from a third party and is considered to be highly urgent. In this case, it is possible to respond flexibly by executing the print job immediately. It becomes. In other words, in the case of a copy or facsimile print request, a return operation from the power saving state and execution of a print job are performed even if the predetermined number of print jobs, the amount of data, or the predetermined time has not been reached. Become.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the print job is executed, the other print jobs stored in the storage unit can be continuously executed.

  With this configuration, when a request for immediate execution of a print job is received from an external terminal device (when a hold rejection signal is received), or when a copy or facsimile print request signal is received, the print job Following the execution of the above, the other print jobs stored in the storage means are also executed collectively, so that the number of operations for returning from the power saving state (that is, the heating operation) can be reduced, thereby forming an image. The power consumption of the apparatus can be reduced.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the control unit executes the print job that has been temporarily held, the control unit transmits a print start or printing message to the external terminal device that has requested printing. It can be set as the structure to do.

  According to such a configuration, when the print job is temporarily held on the image forming apparatus side, it is not known when the print job transmitted from the external terminal apparatus is executed. Accordingly, since the print completion time due to the execution of the print job can be predicted by receiving a print start or printing message, the printed material can be picked up at an appropriate time without leaving the printed material unattended.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control unit transmits a print completion message to the external terminal device that has requested printing after completion of printing by execution of the temporarily held print job. be able to.

  With such a configuration, when the print job is temporarily suspended on the image forming apparatus side, it is not known when the print job transmitted from the external terminal apparatus is executed. Therefore, since it is known that the printing is completed by receiving the print completion message, it is possible to pick up the printed material at an appropriate time without leaving the printed material.

  The image forming system of the present invention is an image forming system having a configuration in which the image forming apparatus having the above configuration and the external terminal device are connected via a print server, and the storage unit is provided in the print server. It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, by providing the storage unit in the print server, when the image forming apparatus temporarily holds the execution of the print job transmitted from the external terminal apparatus, the print data of the print job is stored internally. There is no need to keep it. In other words, it is not necessary to operate a device with high power consumption, such as an HDD, a semiconductor memory, or an image processing CPU, which is a storage unit connected to the printer controller unit, so it is not necessary to save print data. Consumption can be reduced. Further, even an image forming apparatus that does not include means for storing print data in the printer controller unit (that is, a large capacity storage means) can be applied to the image forming system of the present invention.

  In the image forming system of the present invention, the external terminal device and the image forming device are connected via a communication unit, and the image forming device includes a printer controller unit that receives a print job from the external terminal device. An image forming system comprising: a state determination unit that determines whether or not a state is a power saving state; and a control unit that controls execution of a print job received based on a determination result of the state determination unit, When the control unit receives the print job transmitted from the external terminal device and determines that the printer controller unit is in a power saving state by the state determination unit, the control unit performs printing on the external terminal device. A confirmation request signal indicating whether to execute immediately or temporarily hold printing is transmitted, and a hold permission signal that is a response to the confirmation request signal from the external terminal device Is received, while the received print job is discarded, the hold information indicating that the execution of the print job transmitted from the external terminal apparatus is once put on hold is stored in the storage unit, When the hold information stored in the storage unit satisfies a hold release condition set in advance, the request signal of the print job is transmitted to the external terminal device based on the hold information, and in response to the request signal A print job transmitted from the external terminal device is executed.

  When the print data of a print job transmitted from an external terminal device is temporarily stored on the image forming apparatus side, it is necessary to operate a means for storing the print data even in the power saving state, and power consumption Will increase. In contrast, according to the present invention, print data of a print job is stored on the external terminal device side, and the image forming device side holds that the execution of the print job transmitted from the external terminal device is once held. It is only necessary to store information, and it is not necessary to operate devices with high power consumption, such as HDDs, semiconductor memories, image processing CPUs, etc., which are storage means connected to the printer controller unit. Power consumption can be reduced. Further, even an image forming apparatus that does not include means for storing print data in the printer controller unit (that is, a large capacity storage means) can be applied to the image forming system of the present invention.

  According to the image forming system of the present invention, when the external terminal device transmits the hold permission signal to the image forming device, the external terminal device temporarily stores the print data of the transmitted print job, and When a print job request signal is received from the forming apparatus, the stored print data print job can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

  With such a configuration, the print data of the print job is saved on the external terminal device side, and when the image forming apparatus becomes ready for printing, the print job of the saved print data is transmitted again. On the device side, there is no need to save print data of the print job. That is, on the image forming apparatus side, it is not necessary to store the print data of the transmitted print job until it is ready to print, so that the storage unit connected to the printer controller unit in the power saving state For example, it is not necessary to operate devices with large power consumption, such as HDDs, semiconductor memories, and image processing CPUs. Thereby, the power consumption in a power saving state can be suppressed.

  Further, according to the image forming system of the present invention, the hold release condition is the number of hold information stored in the storage unit, and the control unit is configured such that the number of hold information stored in the storage unit is When a certain number of cases set as the hold cancellation condition is reached, a request signal for the print job can be transmitted to the external terminal device based on the hold information.

  With this configuration, when the number of hold information stored in the storage unit is set in advance and reaches a certain number, the control unit prints print jobs corresponding to all the hold information stored in the storage unit. By sequentially receiving from the external terminal device and executing them together (sequential execution), the number of operations for returning from the power saving state (ie, heating operation) can be reduced, thereby reducing the consumption of the image forming apparatus. Electricity can be achieved.

  Further, according to the image forming system of the present invention, the hold cancellation condition includes a condition of a predetermined time from the end of the previous printing operation, and the control unit is configured to execute when the predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the previous printing operation. The print job request signal can be transmitted to the external terminal device based on the hold information regardless of other hold release conditions.

  With such a configuration, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the previous printing operation, the control unit does not limit the number of pieces of hold information stored in the storage unit, and all the holds stored in the storage unit. By sequentially receiving print jobs corresponding to the information from the external terminal device and executing them together (sequential execution), the number of operations for returning from the power saving state (that is, heating operation) can be reduced, As a result, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be reduced. Also, since the user can predict to some extent the execution time of the print job permitted to be held, the user can go to get the printed matter in accordance with the printing timing.

  Further, according to the image forming system of the present invention, when the control unit receives a hold rejection signal that is a response to the confirmation request signal from the external terminal device, the control unit performs a return operation from the power saving state and performs printing. It can be configured to execute a job.

  With such a configuration, the fact that the hold / non-hold signal has been received is urgent printing, and in this case, the printing can be executed immediately to flexibly cope with it.

  Further, according to the image forming system of the present invention, the control unit is configured to execute a print job by performing a return operation from the power saving state when a copy or facsimile print request signal is received. it can.

  With such a configuration, when the user requests to print a copy, the user has come to the front of the image forming apparatus because he wants to make a copy immediately. Therefore, if printing is suspended here, the efficiency is rather deteriorated. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to respond flexibly by executing the print job immediately. If the request is a facsimile print request, the facsimile is a transmission job from a third party and is considered to be highly urgent. In this case, it is possible to respond flexibly by executing the print job immediately. It becomes. In other words, in the case of a copy or facsimile printing request, even if the hold information has not reached a certain number of cases, and even if a certain time has not elapsed since the end of the previous printing operation, The return operation and the execution of the print job are performed.

  According to the image forming system of the present invention, when the print job is executed, the print job indicated by the hold information stored in the storage unit can be continuously executed.

  With this configuration, when a request for immediate execution of a print job is received from an external terminal device (when a hold rejection signal is received), or when a copy or facsimile print request signal is received, the print job Following the execution of the above, a print job corresponding to all the hold information stored in the storage means is sequentially received from each external terminal device, and these are collectively executed (sequentially executed) to return from the power saving state. The number of operations (i.e., heating operation) can be reduced, which makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, according to the image forming system of the present invention, when the control unit executes a print job that has been suspended, the control unit transmits a print start or printing message to the external terminal device that has requested printing. It can be set as the structure to do.

  With such a configuration, when the hold information stored in the storage unit satisfies a hold release condition set in advance, the image forming apparatus sends a print job request signal to each external terminal device based on the hold information. Since the print jobs are executed in the order in which they are received, the timing at which the print job transmitted from any external terminal apparatus is executed cannot be accurately determined on the external terminal apparatus side. Therefore, by sending a print start or printing message to the corresponding external terminal device, the external terminal device side can predict the print completion time due to the execution of the print job. It is possible to go to get the printed matter.

  Further, according to the image forming system of the present invention, the control unit transmits a print completion message to the external terminal device that has requested printing after completion of printing by executing the temporarily held print job. be able to.

  With such a configuration, when the hold information stored in the storage unit satisfies a hold release condition set in advance, the image forming apparatus sends a print job request signal to each external terminal device based on the hold information. Since the print jobs are executed in the order in which they are received, the timing at which the print job transmitted from any external terminal apparatus is executed cannot be accurately determined on the external terminal apparatus side. Therefore, by sending a print completion message to the corresponding external terminal device, the external terminal device can know that printing has been completed, so that the printed material can be picked up at an appropriate time without leaving the printed material unattended. It becomes possible.

  Further, the image forming method of the present invention is based on a state determination unit that determines whether or not the state of the printer controller that receives a print job from an external terminal device is a power saving state, and a determination result of the state determination unit. An image forming method of an image forming apparatus comprising control means for controlling execution of a received print job, the step of receiving a print job transmitted from the external terminal device, and receiving a print job, A step of determining the state of the printer controller unit by the state determination unit; and as a result of the state determination, if the printer controller unit is in a power saving state, printing is immediately performed on the external terminal device; Transmitting a confirmation request signal as to whether to temporarily hold, and holding as a response to the confirmation request signal from the external terminal device When the acceptance signal is received, the step of temporarily holding the execution of the print job with the print data of the print job stored in the storage unit and the number of print jobs stored in the storage unit are preset. When the predetermined number of records is reached, or when the amount of print data stored in the storage unit reaches a predetermined data amount, a print job for the print data stored in the storage unit is executed. And the step of performing.

  In the power saving state such as sleep mode or low power mode, if a print operation is performed every time a print job is received, a return operation (heating operation) must be performed for each print job, and power consumption Will increase. On the other hand, in the present invention, when a print job is received from the external terminal device in the power saving state, first, it is confirmed whether printing can be temporarily suspended for the external terminal device. When a request signal is sent and a hold permission signal is received from an external terminal device, the print job is temporarily put on hold instead of printing immediately, and the number of print jobs set in advance or set in advance By collectively executing a print job after reaching the data amount, it is possible to reduce the number of operations for returning from the power saving state (that is, heating operation), thereby reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus. It becomes possible.

  In the image forming method of the present invention, the external terminal device and the image forming device are connected via a communication unit, and the image forming device includes a printer controller unit that receives a print job from the external terminal device. An image forming method for an image forming system, comprising: a state determining unit that determines whether or not a state is a power saving state; and a control unit that controls execution of a print job received based on a determination result of the state determining unit. The control means receives the print job transmitted from the external terminal device, receives the print job, determines the status of the printer controller unit by the status determination means, and status determination As a result, if the printer controller unit is in a power saving state, printing is immediately performed on the external terminal device or printing is temporarily performed. A confirmation request signal indicating whether or not to stop, and when a hold permission signal is received as a response to the confirmation request signal from the external terminal device, the received print job is discarded while the external terminal device Storing in the storage means holding information indicating that the execution of the print job sent from is temporarily put on hold, and the number of pieces of holding information stored in the storage means reaches a preset fixed number A step of transmitting a request signal for the print job to the external terminal device based on the hold information; and a step of executing a print job transmitted from the external terminal device in response to the request signal; The external terminal device transmits the hold permission signal to the image forming apparatus, and transmits the hold permission signal. In this case, the step of temporarily storing the transmitted print job inside, and the step of transmitting the stored print job to the image forming apparatus when receiving a print job request signal from the image forming apparatus, It is characterized by including.

  When a print job transmitted from an external terminal device is temporarily stored on the image forming apparatus side, it is necessary to operate a means for storing the print job even in a power saving state, which increases power consumption. It will be. On the other hand, in the present invention, the print job is stored on the external terminal device side, and the image forming apparatus side only stores hold information indicating that the execution of the print job transmitted from the external terminal device is once held. It is only necessary to store it, and it is not necessary to operate a device with high power consumption such as an HDD, a semiconductor memory, or an image processing CPU that is a storage means connected to the printer controller unit. Consumption can be reduced. Further, according to the image forming system of the present invention, even an image forming apparatus that does not include a means for storing print data (that is, a large-capacity storage means) in the printer controller unit is used as the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Can be used.

  In the image forming apparatus and the image forming method of the present invention, when a print job is received from an external terminal device in a power saving state, is it possible to first temporarily hold printing to the external terminal device? When a confirmation request signal is transmitted to determine whether or not a hold permission signal that is a response to the confirmation request signal is received from the external terminal device, the print job is temporarily put on hold instead of printing immediately. By executing the print jobs collectively after reaching the preset number of print jobs, the number of operations for returning from the power saving state (that is, the heating operation) can be reduced, thereby reducing the number of image forming apparatuses. Power consumption can be reduced.

  The image forming system and the image forming method of the present invention provide the storage unit in the print server, so that the image forming apparatus can perform the print job when the execution of the print job transmitted from the external terminal apparatus is temporarily suspended. There is no need to store the print data of the job internally. In other words, it is not necessary to operate a device with high power consumption, such as an HDD, a semiconductor memory, or an image processing CPU, which is a storage unit connected to the printer controller unit, so it is not necessary to save print data. Consumption can be reduced. Further, even an image forming apparatus that does not include means for storing print data in the printer controller unit (that is, a large capacity storage means) can be applied to the image forming system of the present invention.

  The image forming system and the image forming method of the present invention store print data of a print job on the external terminal device side, and the image forming device side temporarily holds the execution of the print job transmitted from the external terminal device. It is only necessary to store the hold information indicating that it has been selected, and it is necessary to operate a device with high power consumption, such as an HDD, a semiconductor memory, or an image processing CPU, which is a storage unit connected to the printer controller unit. Therefore, the power consumption in the power saving state can be suppressed. Further, even an image forming apparatus that does not include means for storing print data in the printer controller unit (that is, a large capacity storage means) can be applied to the image forming system of the present invention.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating hold and execution processing operations related to print job hold release conditions 1 and 2 according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a hold and execution processing operation related to a hold release condition 3 for a print job according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display screen by the side of an external terminal device. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display screen by the side of an external terminal device. 3 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing hold and execution processing operations related to print job hold release conditions 1 and 2 according to the third embodiment, and shows processing operations on the digital multi-function peripheral side. 10 is a flowchart showing hold and execution processing operations related to print job hold release conditions 1 and 2 according to the third embodiment, and shows processing operations on the digital multi-function peripheral side. 10 is a flowchart showing hold and execution processing operations related to print job hold release conditions 1 and 2 according to the third embodiment, and shows processing operations on the external terminal device side. (A) is an explanatory view showing a printing operation when print jobs are sequentially sent at short intervals in a conventional image forming apparatus, and (b) is a case where a plurality of print jobs are printed together. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of printing operation.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
In the first embodiment, a case where the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital multifunction machine having a copy mode, a printer mode, a scanner mode, and a facsimile mode will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical configuration of such a digital multifunction peripheral and an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system including peripheral devices connected to the digital multifunction peripheral.

  First, the electrical configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 includes an image reading unit 2 that reads a document and inputs image data, an operation unit 4 that receives user input, an image forming unit 6 that prints image data, and an entire apparatus. A device control unit 8 for controlling, a FAX modem 9 for communicating with a facsimile machine, a communication unit 10 for communicating with an external device, a management unit 11 for storing control information and setting information for the entire device, and image data And a hard disk (HD) 13 for storing image data, a clock unit 14, and a timer circuit unit 15, and includes a device control unit 8, a FAX modem 9, a communication unit 10, and a management unit 11. Thus, the printer controller unit 16 is configured. That is, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of the first embodiment is a multifunction peripheral of a FAX and a network printer.

  The image reading unit 2 functions as an input unit that inputs image data, and includes an image sensor such as a CCD 2a, a document detection sensor 2b that detects a document set on a document table or an automatic document feeder (ADF), and the like. . Image data read by the CCD 2 a is output to the image forming unit 6.

  The operation unit 4 includes an input unit 4a composed of various function buttons such as a touch panel and mechanical keys described later, and a display unit 4b composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal.

  The image forming unit 6 includes an image processing unit 6a having a working memory unit 6b for developing print data. The image forming unit 6 encrypts the data and temporarily saves (saves) the data to the hard disk 13 in order to protect the data coming from outside. And a security unit (encryption / decryption unit) 6c that decrypts the data saved (stored) in the hard disk 13 and passes it to the image processing unit 6a, a printing unit 6d having a laser scanning unit (LSU), and the like. I have. The memory unit 6b uses a readable / writable semiconductor memory such as an SDRAM or a flash memory. The memory unit 6b stores image data by overwriting new image data on old image data. The printing unit 6d prints an image on a recording sheet supplied from a paper supply unit (not shown) based on the image data stored in the memory unit 6b. In the image forming unit 6, the input image data is stored in the memory unit 6b, image processing such as compression, expansion, and processing of the image data is performed on the memory unit 6b, and the image processed image data is printed in the printing unit 6d. Are output to the hard disk 13 or the device control unit 8. The memory unit 6b is divided into an input data area for storing input image data and an output data area for storing image data for output. Instead of dividing and using one memory unit 6b, two memory units 6b may be used.

  The device control unit 8 is a part that manages operation control of the entire device, and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. When there is an input from the operation unit 4 or a data input from an external device, the device control unit 8 controls each unit based on information stored in the management unit 11 and processes the input image data. That is, any one of a copy mode, a printer mode, a scanner mode, and a facsimile mode is executed on the input image data.

  The management unit 11 is a part that manages information necessary for the operation of the device. For example, in terms of transmission / reception, the management unit 11 manages a mail address, a FAX telephone number, and the like. In addition, it is necessary for the operation of the device, such as management of position information (address information) of data temporarily saved in the hard disk 13 and management of position information of data output to the printer when operating in the printer mode. Information is managed collectively.

  The communication unit 10 is connected to a router, a switching hub, and the like via a LAN cable, and is connected to a network 21 formed by terminal devices 32 and 33 such as a personal computer and a server. The network 21 is connected to the Internet 23 via a communication line such as a telephone line network or an optical fiber. The communication unit 10 transmits / receives data to / from the terminal devices 32 and 33 in the network 21 and transmits / receives data to / from the Internet FAX 34 and the external personal computer 35 through the Internet 23. The FAX modem 9 is connected to the telephone line network 22 via a telephone line and performs facsimile communication with an external facsimile apparatus 31. Accordingly, since image data is input through the communication unit 10 and the FAX modem 9, these also function as input means. In the first embodiment, the communication unit 10 is a printer board that includes a memory for expanding received data into data that can be handled by the device. Accordingly, the communication unit 10 sequentially transfers the received data to the memory unit 6b while developing the data on the memory.

  The erasing unit 12 performs processing for deleting data temporarily saved in the hard disk 13 under the control of the device control unit 8. Further, the clock unit 14 measures the current time, and the timer circuit unit 15 measures a certain time, which will be described later.

  In the digital multi-function apparatus 1 having the above configuration, the FAX modem 9 can be connected to the facsimile apparatus 31 managed by, for example, the administrator via the telephone line network 22 as described above. Terminal devices (personal computers) 32, 33, etc. are connected via 21, and an Internet FAX 34, external personal computer 35, etc. can be connected via the Internet 23. The digital multifunction peripheral 1 of the first embodiment is arranged in such a network environment.

  Next, the operation when each mode is executed in the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 having the above-described configuration will be described.

  In the copy mode, the image data of the original read by the image reading unit 2 is output from the image forming unit 6 as a copy. Specifically, the image of the original set at the reading position is read by the CCD 2a. The image data output from the CCD 2a is completed as an output image on the memory unit 6b, and is once transferred to the hard disk 13 and stored. When there are a plurality of documents, the reading and storing operations are repeated.

  Thereafter, based on the processing content instructed from the operation unit 4, the image data stored in the hard disk 13 is sequentially read out at an appropriate timing and sent to the memory unit 6b. Then, the image data is transferred from the memory unit 6 to the printing unit 6d in accordance with the writing timing to the printing unit 6d, and the image is printed on the recording paper.

  Similarly, when printing a plurality of read image data, the image data is stored as output images on the hard disk 13 in units of pages, and sent from the hard disk 13 to the memory unit 6b in accordance with the output mode. The image data in the memory unit 6b is repeated for the number of output sheets, and transferred to the printing unit 6d in accordance with the write timing to the printing unit 6d.

  In the printer mode, the image data output from the terminal devices 32 and 33 is received by the communication unit 10. The device control unit 8 sends the input image data to the memory unit 6b, develops the output image data in units of pages, and temporarily stores it in the hard disk 13. Then, the image data is sent again from the hard disk 13 to the memory unit 6b and transferred to the printing unit 6d in the same manner as in the copy mode, and an image is printed.

  In the scanner mode, the image data of the document read by the image reading unit 2 is communicated with data to arbitrary terminal devices 32 and 33 through the network 21. That is, the image data output from the CCD 2 a is completed as an output image on the memory unit 6 b and is temporarily stored in the hard disk 13. Then, the image data is sent again from the hard disk 13 to the memory unit 6b, and the device control unit 8 establishes communication with the transmission destination in the network instructed via the operation unit 4, and the target transmission is performed from the communication unit 10. Send the image data first. Further, the image data is transmitted from the network 21 to the external Internet FAX 34 and the external personal computer 35 through the network 21 by the communication unit 10. The device control unit 8 transmits image data from the FAX modem 9 to the facsimile apparatus 31 through the telephone line network 22 by the same operation in the facsimile mode.

  In the first embodiment, the data received from the outside via the network is expanded into data that can be handled by the device in the communication unit 10, so that the input data is sent from the image reading device in the communication unit 10. It is also possible to confirm whether the received data is copy data, facsimile data sent from a facsimile apparatus, or print data sent from a terminal apparatus. Furthermore, it is possible to check whether the input data is color data, monochrome data, or data with a specific document mark.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the device control unit 8 processes received data based on the result of confirmation in the communication unit 10 and the like. That is, when the device control unit 8 receives a print job from the terminal devices 32 and 33 or the external personal computer 35, the device control unit 8 determines whether or not the printer controller unit 16 is in a power saving state, and receives it based on the determination result. Controls hold or execution of a print job.

  More specifically, the device control unit 8 determines that the printer controller unit 16 is in a power saving state when receiving a print job transmitted from an external terminal device such as the terminal devices 32 and 33 and the external personal computer 35. In such a case, a confirmation request signal indicating whether to immediately execute printing or to temporarily hold printing is transmitted to the external terminal device, and a hold permission signal that is a response to the confirmation request signal is received from the external terminal device. In this case, the print data of the print job is stored (saved) in the HD 13 and the execution of the print job is temporarily suspended. In addition, the device control unit 8 executes a print job of print data stored in the HD 13 when a preset hold release condition is satisfied.

  As described above, when a print job is received from the external terminal device in the power saving state, first, a confirmation request signal is transmitted to the external terminal device as to whether or not it is possible to temporarily hold the print. When a hold permission signal, which is a response to the confirmation request signal, is received from the terminal device, the print job is temporarily put on hold instead of printing immediately. Then, when a preset hold release condition is satisfied, a print job of all the print data stored in the HD 13 at that time is collectively executed, thereby returning from the power saving state (that is, heating operation) ), The power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

  Here, as the hold release condition, the number of print jobs of the print data stored in the HD 13 (this is set as the hold release condition 1) or the data amount of the print data stored in the HD 13 (this is the hold release) Condition 2), or a fixed time from the end of the previous printing operation (this is referred to as hold release condition 3). In other words, when the number of print data print jobs stored in the HD 13 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10), the device control unit 8 prints the print data stored in the HD 13. Can be configured to execute. Alternatively, the device control unit 8 has reached a predetermined data amount (for example, a data amount corresponding to half the total data capacity of the HD 13) of the print data stored in the HD 13 In this case, the print job stored in the HD 13 can be executed. Furthermore, when a certain time (for example, 1 hour) has elapsed since the end of the previous printing operation, the device control unit 8 stores the information in the HD 13 regardless of other hold release conditions (number of print jobs and data amount). It is possible to adopt a configuration in which a print job of the print data that has been executed is executed.

  These hold cancellation conditions 1 to 3 are preferably configured so that the user of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can arbitrarily change the settings by operating the operation unit 4. For example, the number of print jobs varies depending on the usage environment. In a usage environment in which frequent print jobs occur, it is better to set the number of print job counts, which is a hold release condition, to recover from the power saving state (that is, heating The purpose of reducing the number of operations) can be achieved more effectively. Similarly, the amount of print data to be stored is small in the number of print jobs, for example, when printing a manuscript that frequently uses figures other than characters or frequently attaches photographs or the like. However, the amount of data becomes very large. Therefore, it is convenient if the user can freely set the amount of data to be stored according to the usage environment. Furthermore, it is convenient if the user who uses it can set it freely in consideration of convenience for a certain period of time.

  In addition, there are various names such as sleep mode, power save mode, power saving mode, preheating mode, energy saving mode, and low power mode in the power saving state (hereinafter also referred to as power saving mode). All these modes are referred to as the power saving mode.

  Next, the above-described print job suspension and execution processing will be specifically described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and the display screen examples on the external terminal device side shown in FIGS.

  The device control unit 8 determines whether or not a copy execution instruction by the user or a print instruction by FAX reception is input in the power-on state of the device (step S101), and an external terminal such as the terminal devices 32 and 33 and the external personal computer 35 Whether or not a print job has been received from the apparatus is constantly monitored (step S102).

  In this state, when a print job transmitted from an arbitrary external terminal device is received (Yes is determined in Step S102), it is determined whether or not the current print operation is being performed (Step S103). If not (NO in step S103), it is next determined whether or not it is in a ready state (that is, a state in which printing can be performed immediately) (step S104).

  As a result, when the digital multifunction device 1 is in the power saving mode when it is not in the ready state (when it is determined No in step S104), the device control unit 8 immediately executes printing on the external terminal device. Then, a confirmation request signal for temporarily suspending printing is transmitted (step S105), and reception of a response signal is awaited (step S106).

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a confirmation request screen displayed on the display unit of the external terminal device that has received the confirmation request signal. On the confirmation request screen displayed on the display unit of the external terminal device, a confirmation message such as “Do you want to print immediately? Or do you want to print after holding the print once?” Below that, the file name of the print job is displayed, and further below that, “Print immediately (sends hold signal)”, “Print is suspended and then printed (hold) Two selection windows such as “Send permission signal” are displayed. Therefore, the user of the external personal computer 35 checks one of the selection windows and presses the “OK” button therebelow. .

  When the digital multifunction peripheral 1 receives a response signal (holding rejection signal or holding permission signal) (when determined Yes in step S106), it determines whether the response signal is a holding permission signal or a holding permission signal. If it is determined (step S107) and it is a hold permission signal (when it is determined YES in step S107), the print data of the transmitted print job is stored (saved) in the HD 13 (step S108).

  Next, the device control unit 8 determines whether or not the print data stored in the HD 13 satisfies a certain hold release condition (step S109). Here, the certain hold release condition is either the hold release condition 1 or the hold release condition 2 described above.

  That is, when the hold release condition is the hold release condition 1, the device control unit 8 sets a predetermined number of print data print jobs stored in the HD 13 (that is, the number of stored print data). It is determined whether or not the number of cases (for example, 10 cases) has been reached. When the hold release condition is the hold release condition 2, the device control unit 8 sets a predetermined amount of print data stored in the HD 13 (for example, the total data capacity of the HD 13). It is determined whether or not the data amount corresponding to half the data capacity has been reached.

  As a result, if the hold release condition 1 or the hold release condition 2 is not satisfied (when it is determined No in step S109), the process returns to step S101 and waits again to store the next print data in the HD 13. It becomes a state.

  On the other hand, when the hold release condition 1 or the hold release condition 2 is satisfied, that is, when a certain number of print jobs or a certain amount of data has been reached (when determined Yes in step S109), power saving is achieved. A return operation from the mode (that is, a heating operation) is performed (step S110), and when printing is possible, a print job for all print data stored in the HD 13 is executed (step S111). The print data is erased sequentially (step S112).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 that the response signal from the external terminal device is a hold rejection signal (when it is determined NO in step S107), the printing is urgent, and in this case, printing is performed. Respond flexibly by executing immediately. That is, the operation proceeds to step S110, the return operation from the power saving mode (ie, the heating operation) is performed, and when the print is ready, the print job received this time is printed first, and then at that time A print job for all print data stored in the HD 13 is executed (step S111), and the print data after execution is sequentially deleted (step S112). That is, when there is a request for immediate execution of a print job from an external terminal device (holding rejection signal is received), other print jobs stored in the HD 13 are also executed together with the execution of the print job. By doing so, the number of operations of the return operation from the power saving mode (that is, the heating operation) can be reduced, so that the power consumption of the digital composite device 1 can be reduced.

  At this time, when executing a print job of the print data stored in the HD 13, the device control unit 8 transmits a print start or print message to the external terminal device that has requested printing, After printing is completed by executing the print job, a print completion message is transmitted to the external terminal device that has requested printing (step S113).

  FIGS. 5A to 5C show examples of message screens displayed on the display unit of the external terminal device that has received this message. As a message screen displayed on the display unit of the external terminal device, a message notifying the start of printing shown in FIG. 5A, a message notifying that printing is in progress shown in FIG. 5B, and the printing completion shown in FIG. There are three types of messages that inform the user. Each screen has an “OK” button at the lower right. When this button is pressed, the confirmation signal is transmitted to the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

  When a print job is temporarily held on the digital multifunction peripheral 1 side, the external terminal device side does not know when the transmitted print job is executed. Accordingly, by transmitting a print start or printing message and a print completion message to the external terminal device, the user using the external terminal device can predict the print completion time due to execution of the transmitted print job. It is possible to pick up the printed matter at an appropriate time without leaving the printed matter. However, any one or two of the print start message, the printing message, and the print completion message may be transmitted.

  Thereafter, when the execution of all the print jobs is completed, the process shifts to a ready state, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) set in the ready state has passed (step S114). Then, when the ready state elapses for a predetermined time, the mode again shifts to the power saving mode (step S115), returns to step S101, and returns to the standby state.

  On the other hand, if a copy execution instruction or a FAX reception print instruction is input in step S101 (if it is determined YES in step S101), the operation proceeds to step S116, and the device is ready (that is, immediately Whether or not printing is possible) is determined. As a result, if it is in a ready state (when it is determined YES in step S116), the instructed copy operation or printing operation of the received FAX data is immediately started (step S118). On the other hand, when it is not in the ready state (when it is determined No in step S116), the return operation from the power saving mode (that is, the heating operation) is performed (step S117). The copy operation that has occurred or the printing operation of the received FAX data is started (step S118).

  That is, in the case of a copy execution instruction, the user has come to the front of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in order to immediately copy, so if printing is suspended here, the efficiency is rather deteriorated. Therefore, in this case, the print job can be executed immediately to flexibly cope with it. If the request is a facsimile print request, the facsimile is a transmission job from a third party and is considered to be highly urgent. In this case, the print job can be executed immediately to respond flexibly. Yes. That is, in the case of a copy or FAX print request, the return operation from the power saving mode and the execution of the print job are performed even if the number of print jobs and the amount of data have not been reached.

  Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the print data of the print job in the hold state is stored in the HD 13 (step S119). If the print data is stored (if determined as Yes in step S119), The operation proceeds to step S111, and print jobs for all print data stored in the HD 13 at that time are continuously executed. That is, when a copy operation instructed or a print operation of received FAX data is performed, by executing other print jobs stored in the HD 13 together with the execution of the print job, The number of operations for returning from the power saving mode (ie, heating operation) can be reduced.

  On the other hand, if the print data of the print job in the hold state is not stored in the HD 13 after the instructed copying operation or the printing operation of the received FAX data has been completed (when No is determined in step S119) ), The operation proceeds to the ready state and proceeds to step S114, and it is determined whether or not this ready state has passed a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute). Then, when the ready state elapses for a certain period of time (when it is determined Yes in step S114), the mode again shifts to the power saving mode (step S115), returns to step S101, and returns to the standby state.

  Further, when the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is already executing another print job when a print job is received from the external terminal device (when it is determined Yes in step S103), the operation proceeds to step S111. The print job of all the print data stored in the HD 13 at that time is continuously executed. That is, when the printing operation is being performed, the operation for returning from the power saving mode (that is, the heating operation) is performed by collectively executing other print jobs stored in the HD 13 following the execution of the print job. ) Operations can be reduced.

  Further, if the result of determination in step S104 is that it is in a ready state (if it is determined Yes in step S104), it is in a state where printing can be immediately executed. In this case, the operation proceeds to step S111. After executing the received print job, all the print data print jobs stored in the HD 13 at that time are continuously executed.

  In the above processing operation, when the print data stored in the HD 13 satisfies a certain hold release condition in the determination in step S109, the return operation from the power saving mode (that is, the heating operation) is performed in step S110. However, even if the print data stored in the HD 13 satisfies a certain hold release condition in the determination in step S109, the operation for returning from the power saving mode is performed at that time. Alternatively, when the next print job is received, a return operation from the power saving mode is performed, and the print data print job stored in the HD 13 is sequentially executed together with the received print job. Good.

  The device control unit 8 also performs print job hold and execution processing in consideration of the hold release condition 3 in parallel with the processing of steps S101 to S119. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a print job hold and execution process that takes hold release condition 3 into consideration.

  That is, the device control unit 8 activates the timer circuit unit 15 to start measurement for a certain time (for example, 1 hour) (step S201), and in parallel with the determination of step S101 and step S102 in FIG. It is monitored whether or not a certain time has elapsed since the end of the previous printing operation (step S202) and whether or not the printing operation has been performed before the certain time has elapsed (step S203).

  When the printing operation is performed before a predetermined time has elapsed (that is, when the print job is executed in step S112 shown in FIG. 2, the copying operation or the printing operation of FAX data is executed in step S119). Is determined to be Yes in step S203, the timer circuit unit 15 is reset at that time (step S204), the process returns to step S201, and measurement of a predetermined time is started again.

  On the other hand, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the previous printing operation (when determined Yes in step S202), the timer circuit unit 15 is reset (step S205), and the HD 13 is in a suspended state. It is confirmed whether print data of the print job is stored (step S206). As a result, when the print data of the print job in the hold state is not stored in the HD 13 (when it is determined No in step S206), the process returns to step S201 as it is, and measurement of a predetermined time is started again. To do.

  On the other hand, when the print data of the print job in the hold state is stored in the HD 13 (when it is determined No in step S206), the return operation from the power saving mode (that is, the heating operation) is performed. (Step S207). Since the subsequent processes are the same as the processes in steps S111 to S115 shown in FIG. 2, the same step numbers are assigned to the flowchart in FIG. 3, and detailed description thereof is omitted. That is, after shifting to the power saving mode in step S115, the process returns to step S201, and measurement for a predetermined time is started again.

  In this way, when a certain time has elapsed since the end of the previous printing operation, all print data print jobs stored in the HD 13 are printed regardless of the number of print data print jobs stored in the HD 13 and the amount of data. By executing the operations collectively, the number of operations of the return operation from the power saving mode (that is, the heating operation) can be reduced. In addition, for the user who uses the print job, the number of print jobs stored in the HD 13 and the amount of data do not readily reach a certain number or amount of data, so the requested print job is put on hold for a long time. That is not preferable. Therefore, when print data is stored in the HD 13 when a certain time has passed without performing the print operation, the print operation is always performed at that time, thereby avoiding a long hold state of the print job. can do. As a result, the user who uses the printer can predict the execution time of the print job permitted to be held to some extent (that is, the printing is performed at least after a certain time). it can.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the print data of the pending print job is stored (saved) in the HD 13 in the digital multifunction peripheral 1, but in the second embodiment, the print data of the pending print job is stored in the print server. It is configured to (save).

  FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram of the image forming system according to the second embodiment. The configuration of this image forming system is almost the same as the configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 except that the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is connected to each external terminal device (terminal such as a personal computer or server) via the print server 40. Devices 32 and 33, Internet FAX 34, external personal computer 35, etc.).

  Accordingly, the external terminal device communicates a print job and print data with the print server 40. Also, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 communicates with an external terminal device via the print server 40.

  That is, in the second embodiment, the print server 40 relays the confirmation request signal from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the response signal from the external terminal device, but the other processes are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the print job hold and execution processing operations according to the second embodiment is omitted here.

  When a plurality of printing devices (various printing devices including the digital multi-function peripheral 1) are connected to the print server 40, the print server 40 receives print data of a print job requested from the external terminal device, Stored internally for each printing device requested to print. Therefore, in step S109, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 determines whether or not the print data addressed to the self-machine stored in the print server 40 satisfies a certain hold release condition.

  According to the second embodiment, by providing the print server 40 with the storage unit for the pending print data, in the digital multi-function peripheral 1, when the execution of the print job transmitted from the external terminal device is temporarily suspended, There is no need to store print data of a print job internally. That is, since it is not necessary to save print data by operating devices with large power consumption such as the HD 13 and the image processing unit 6a connected to the printer controller unit 16, power consumption in the power saving mode can be suppressed. . Further, there is an advantage that even an image forming apparatus that does not include means for storing print data (that is, a large capacity storage means) in the printer controller unit can be applied to the image forming system of the present invention.

<Embodiment 3>
In the first embodiment, the print data of the pending print job is stored (saved) in the HD 13 in the digital multifunction peripheral 1, but in the third embodiment, the print data of the pending print job is stored on the external terminal device side. Is stored (saved).

  The configuration of the image forming system according to the third embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, and thus the third embodiment will be described using the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1. Assumed to be performed.

  In the third embodiment, when the device control unit 8 receives a print job transmitted from an external terminal device (terminal devices 32 and 33 such as a personal computer and a server, the Internet FAX 34, and the external personal computer 35), the printer controller unit 16 Is determined to be in the power saving mode, a confirmation request signal indicating whether to immediately execute printing or to temporarily hold printing is transmitted to the external terminal device, and a response to the confirmation request signal is transmitted from the external terminal device. When a certain hold permission signal is received, the received print job is discarded, while hold information indicating that the execution of the print job transmitted from the external terminal device is once put on hold is not shown in an internal memory (nonvolatile When the hold information stored in the internal memory satisfies the hold release condition set in advance, it is based on the hold information. Te transmits a request signal for the print job to an external terminal device, and executes a print job transmitted from the external terminal device in response to the request signal.

  On the other hand, when the external terminal device transmits a hold permission signal to the digital multifunction peripheral 1 as a response signal to the confirmation request signal, the external terminal device temporarily stores the print data of the transmitted print job and prints it from the digital multifunction peripheral 1. When a job request signal is received, the print job of the stored print data is transmitted again to the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

  When the print data of the print job transmitted from the external terminal device is temporarily stored on the digital multifunction peripheral 1 side as in the first embodiment, the minimum required for storing the print data even in the power saving mode The means need to be operated, and the power consumption increases accordingly. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the print data of the print job is stored on the external terminal device side, and the execution of the print job transmitted from the external terminal device is temporarily held on the digital multifunction peripheral 1 side. It is only necessary to store the hold information shown in the internal memory, and it is not necessary to operate a device with high power consumption such as the HD 13 and the image processing unit 6a connected to the printer controller unit 16, so that the power in the power saving mode Consumption can be reduced. Even an image forming apparatus that does not include means for storing print data in the printer controller unit 16 (that is, a large-capacity storage means) can be applied to the image forming system of the third embodiment.

  Here, the hold release condition is the number of pieces of hold information stored in the internal memory (this is referred to as hold release condition 4), and the device control unit 8 has the number of pieces of hold information stored in the internal memory. The print job request signal can be transmitted to the external terminal device based on the hold information when a predetermined number (for example, 10) preset as the hold release condition is reached. That is, when the number of pending information stored in the internal memory reaches a predetermined number (such as 10), the device control unit 8 prints print jobs corresponding to all the pending information stored in the internal memory. By sequentially receiving from the corresponding external terminal device and executing them together (sequentially executing), the number of operations of the return operation from the power saving mode (that is, the heating operation) can be reduced, whereby the image forming apparatus The power consumption can be reduced.

  The device control unit 8 also includes a condition of a fixed time from the end of the previous printing operation as the hold release condition (this is the hold release condition 3 described in the first embodiment), and from the end of the previous print operation. When a certain time has elapsed, a print job request signal can be transmitted to the external terminal device based on the hold information regardless of the hold release condition. When a certain amount of time has passed since the end of the previous printing operation, regardless of the number of pending information stored in the internal memory, print jobs corresponding to all the pending information stored in the internal memory are sequentially sent from the external terminal device. By receiving them and executing them together (sequentially executing), the number of operations for returning from the power saving mode (that is, heating operation) can be reduced. Also, since the user can predict to some extent the execution time of the print job permitted to be held, the user can go to get the printed matter in accordance with the printing timing.

  These hold release conditions may be configured so that arbitrary settings can be changed on the user side of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 by an operation from the operation unit 4 as in the first embodiment.

  Next, the print job hold and execution processing described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8 and the display screen examples on the external terminal device side shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts showing processing operations on the digital multi-function peripheral 1 side, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing operations on the external terminal device side.

  When an arbitrary external terminal device (for example, the external personal computer 35) transmits a print job to the digital multifunction peripheral 1 (step S501), it waits for reception of a confirmation request signal from the digital multifunction peripheral 1 (step S502).

  On the other hand, the device control unit 8 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 determines whether or not a copy execution instruction by the user or a print instruction by FAX reception is input in the power-on state of the apparatus (step S301), and the terminal devices 32 and 33, It is constantly monitored whether or not a print job has been received from an external terminal device such as the external personal computer 35 (step S302).

  In this state, when a print job transmitted from the external terminal device is received (Yes in step S302), it is determined whether or not the print operation is currently in progress (step S303), and the print operation is not in progress. In the case (when it is determined No in step S303), it is next determined whether or not it is in a ready state (that is, a state where printing can be executed immediately) (step S304).

  As a result, when the digital multifunction device 1 is in the power saving mode when it is not in the ready state (when it is determined No in step S304), the device control unit 8 immediately executes printing on the external terminal device. Then, a confirmation request signal for temporarily suspending printing is transmitted (step S305), and a response signal is waited for (step S306).

  On the other hand, when the external terminal device receives the confirmation request signal from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (Yes in Step S502), the confirmation request screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. Here, when “execute printing immediately (send hold signal is transmitted)” is selected (when it is determined No in step S503), a hold reject signal that is an instruction to immediately execute printing. Is transmitted, the external terminal device subsequently transmits the print data of the print job to be executed to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when “execute printing after holding printing temporarily (send hold permission signal)” is selected (when it is determined Yes in step S503), the hold permission signal is sent to the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Since the data is transmitted, the external terminal device temporarily stores the print data in the internal memory without transmitting it (step S504), and waits for reception of a print job request signal from the digital multifunction peripheral 1 (step S505).

  On the other hand, upon receiving the response signal (when it is determined Yes in step S306), the device control unit 8 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 determines whether the response signal is a hold permission signal or a hold rejection signal. (Step S307) If it is a hold permission signal (if determined Yes in Step S307), the received print job is discarded, while the execution of the print job transmitted from the external terminal device is temporarily held. The hold information indicating that it has been stored is stored in the internal memory (step S308). Here, the hold information includes unique information of the external terminal device that has transmitted the print job, and the device control unit 8 can identify the source of the print job by confirming this unique information. It has become.

  Next, the device control unit 8 determines whether or not the hold information stored in the internal memory satisfies a certain hold release condition (step S309). Here, the fixed hold release condition is the hold release condition 4 described above.

  That is, the device control unit 8 determines whether or not the number of hold information stored in the internal memory (that is, the number of print job holds) has reached a predetermined number (for example, 10). .

  As a result, if the hold release condition 4 is not satisfied, the process returns to step S301 to enter the standby state again in order to store the hold information of the next received print job in the internal memory.

  On the other hand, when hold release condition 4 is satisfied, that is, when the number of pieces of fixed hold information has reached a fixed number (when determined Yes in step S309), the return operation from the power saving mode Is started (step S310). At the same time, the external terminal device is specified based on each hold information stored in the internal memory, and a print job request signal is transmitted to the external terminal device (step S311). The print job is awaiting reception of print data (step S312). The device control unit 8 transmits a print job request signal to each identified external terminal device by the number of hold information.

  On the other hand, when the external terminal device receives the print job request signal from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (YES in step S505), the external terminal device transmits print data together with the print job to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 again (step 505). S506), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the digital multi-function peripheral 1 receives a print job and print data from the external terminal device (when it is determined Yes in step S312), the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is ready to print after returning from the power saving mode. The job is executed (step S313).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that the response signal from the external terminal device is a hold / non-hold signal (if NO is determined in step S307), the printing is urgent, so in this case printing is performed. Respond flexibly by executing immediately. That is, the operation proceeds to step S310, the return operation from the power saving mode (that is, the heating operation) is performed, and when printing is possible, the print job received this time is printed first, and then at that time The external terminal device is specified based on each hold information stored in the internal memory, and a print job request signal is transmitted to the external terminal device (step S311). That is, when there is a request for immediate execution of a print job from an external terminal device (holding rejection signal is received), it corresponds to all holding information stored in the internal memory following execution of the print job. By collectively executing the print job, the number of operations for returning from the power saving mode (that is, the heating operation) can be reduced.

  At this time, when executing the print job transmitted from the external terminal device, the device control unit 8 transmits a print start or printing message to the external terminal device that has requested printing, and prints. After printing is completed by executing the job, a print completion message is transmitted to the external terminal device that has requested printing (step S314).

  FIGS. 5A to 5C show examples of message screens displayed on the display unit of the external terminal device that has received this message. As a message screen displayed on the display unit of the external terminal device, a message notifying the start of printing shown in FIG. 5A, a message notifying that printing is in progress shown in FIG. 5B, and the printing completion shown in FIG. There are three types of messages that inform the user. Each screen has an “OK” button at the lower right. When this button is pressed, the confirmation signal is transmitted to the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

  That is, in this case, since print jobs are sequentially transmitted from a plurality of external terminal devices, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 side executes the print jobs in the order received. For this reason, the external terminal device cannot accurately know when the print job transmitted from any external terminal device is executed. Therefore, a user who uses an external terminal device can predict the print completion time due to the execution of the print job by transmitting a print start message, a printing in progress message, or a print completion message to the corresponding external terminal device. It is possible to pick up the printed matter at an appropriate time without leaving it. However, any one or two of the print start message, the printing message, and the print completion message may be transmitted.

  Thereafter, when the execution of all the print jobs is completed (Yes in Step S315), the device control unit 8 shifts to a ready state, and this ready state is set for a predetermined time (for example, 1). It is determined whether or not minutes have elapsed (step S316). Then, when the ready state has elapsed for a predetermined time, the mode again shifts to the power saving mode (step S317), returns to step S301, and returns to the standby state.

  On the other hand, if a copy execution instruction or a print instruction by FAX reception is input in step S301 (when it is determined Yes in step S301), the operation proceeds to step S318, and the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is in a ready state ( That is, it is determined whether or not printing is immediately possible. As a result, if it is in the ready state (when it is determined YES in step S318), the instructed copy operation or printing operation of the received FAX data is immediately started (step S319). On the other hand, when it is not in the ready state (when it is determined No in step S318), the return operation from the power saving mode (that is, the heating operation) is performed (step S320). The copying operation that has been performed or the printing operation of the received FAX data is started (step S319).

  That is, in the case of a copy execution instruction, the user has come to the front of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in order to immediately copy, so if printing is suspended here, the efficiency is rather deteriorated. Therefore, in this case, the print job can be executed immediately to flexibly cope with it. If the request is a facsimile print request, the facsimile is a transmission job from a third party and is considered to be highly urgent. In this case, the print job can be executed immediately to respond flexibly. Yes. That is, in the case of a copy or FAX print request, the return operation from the power saving mode and the execution of the print job are performed even if the number of print jobs and the amount of data have not been reached.

  Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the hold information is stored in the internal memory (step S321). When the hold information is stored (when determined Yes in step S321), the process proceeds to step S311. The external terminal device is specified based on each hold information stored in the internal memory at that time, and a print job request signal is transmitted to the external terminal device. In other words, when the instructed copy operation or the received FAX data print operation is performed, the print job corresponding to the hold information stored in the internal memory is also executed together with the execution of the print job. By doing so, the number of operations of the return operation from the power saving mode (that is, the heating operation) can be reduced.

  On the other hand, after the instructed copy operation or the printing operation of the received fax data is completed, if the hold information is not stored in the internal memory (if No is determined in step S321), the ready state is entered. Then, the operation proceeds to step S316, and it is determined whether or not this ready state has passed a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute). Then, when the ready state elapses for a certain period of time (when it is determined Yes in step S316), the mode again shifts to the power saving mode (step S317), returns to step S301, and returns to the standby state.

  If the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is already executing another print job when a print job is received from the external terminal device (when it is determined Yes in step S303), the process proceeds to step S313. The print job corresponding to all the hold information stored in the internal memory at that time is continuously executed. In other words, if a print operation is in progress, the print job corresponding to all the hold information stored in the internal memory is collectively executed following the execution of the print job, thereby returning from the power saving mode. The number of operations (that is, heating operation) can be reduced.

  Further, if the result of determination in step S304 is that it is in a ready state (if it is determined Yes in step S304), it is in a state where printing can be executed immediately, and in this case, the operation proceeds to step S313. After executing the received print job, the print job corresponding to all the hold information stored in the internal memory at that time is continuously executed.

  The device control unit 8 also performs print job hold and execution processing in consideration of the hold release condition 3 in parallel with the processing of steps S301 to S321. However, since the hold and execution processing of the print job in consideration of the hold release condition 3 has already been described with reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  In other words, when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the end of the previous printing operation, print jobs corresponding to all the hold information stored in the internal memory are collectively executed regardless of the number of hold information stored in the internal memory. By doing so, the number of operations of the return operation from the power saving mode (that is, the heating operation) can be reduced. In addition, it is not preferable for the user who uses the information to hold the requested print job for a long time because the number of the hold information stored in the internal memory does not reach the fixed number. Therefore, if the hold information is stored in the internal memory when a certain period of time has passed without the print operation being performed, the print operation must be executed at that time, so that the print job is held for a long time. Can be avoided. As a result, the user who uses the printer can predict the execution time of the print job permitted to be held to some extent (that is, the printing is performed at least after a certain time). it can.

1 Digital MFP 2 Image Reading Unit 2a CCD
2b Document detection sensor 4 Operation unit 4a Input unit 4b Display unit 6 Image forming unit 6a Image processing unit 6b Memory unit 6c Security unit (encryption / decryption unit)
6d Printing section 8 Device control section 9 FAX modem 10 Communication section 11 Management section 12 Erasing means 13 Hard disk (HD)
14 Clock unit 15 Timer circuit unit 16 Printer controller unit 21 Network (LAN)
22 Telephone network 23 Internet 31 Facsimile device 33, 33 Terminal device (PC)
34 Internet FAX
35 External PC 40 Print Server

Claims (22)

A state determination unit that determines whether the state of the printer controller unit that receives the print job from the external terminal device is in a power saving state, and controls execution of the received print job based on the determination result of the state determination unit. An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit,
When the control means receives the print job transmitted from the external terminal device and the state determination means determines that the printer controller unit is in a power saving state, the control means prints to the external terminal device. If the confirmation request signal indicating whether to execute printing immediately or to temporarily hold the printing is transmitted and a hold permission signal that is a response to the confirmation request signal is received from the external terminal device, the print data of the print job The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the execution of the print job is temporarily put on hold in a state in which is stored in the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes a print job of print data stored in the storage unit when a preset hold release condition is satisfied. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,
The hold cancellation condition is the number of print jobs of the print data stored in the storage unit,
The control unit executes a print job of the print data stored in the storage unit when the number of print jobs of the print data stored in the storage unit reaches a certain number set as the hold release condition An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,
The hold cancellation condition is a data amount of print data stored in the storage unit,
The control unit executes the print job stored in the storage unit when the data amount of the print data stored in the storage unit reaches a certain data amount set as the hold release condition. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein
The hold cancellation condition includes a condition of a certain time from the end of the previous printing actual operation,
The control means executes a print job of print data stored in the storage means regardless of other hold release conditions when a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the previous printing operation. Image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
When the control unit receives a hold rejection signal that is a response to the confirmation request signal from the external terminal device, the control unit performs a return job from the power saving state and executes a print job. . An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes a print job by performing a return operation from the power saving state when a copy or facsimile print request signal is received. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein
When the print job is executed, another print job stored in the storage unit is continuously executed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the print job once suspended is executed, the control unit transmits a print start or printing message to the external terminal device that has requested printing. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit transmits a print completion message to the external terminal device that has requested printing after completion of printing by executing a temporarily held print job. An image forming system configured to connect the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and the external terminal device via a print server,
An image forming system, wherein the storage means is provided in the print server. The external terminal device and the image forming apparatus are connected via a communication unit, and the image forming apparatus determines whether the state of the printer controller unit that receives the print job from the external terminal device is in a power saving state. An image forming system comprising: a state determining unit for determining; and a control unit for controlling execution of a print job received based on a determination result of the state determining unit,
When the control means receives the print job transmitted from the external terminal device and the state determination means determines that the printer controller unit is in a power saving state, the control means prints to the external terminal device. If the confirmation request signal indicating whether to execute printing immediately or to temporarily hold printing is transmitted and a hold permission signal that is a response to the confirmation request signal is received from the external terminal device, the received print job is On the other hand, the hold information indicating that the execution of the print job transmitted from the external terminal device is once held is stored in the storage unit, and the hold information stored in the storage unit is preset. When the hold release condition is satisfied, the request signal of the print job is transmitted to the external terminal device based on the hold information, and in response to the request signal Image forming system and executes a print job transmitted from Kigaibu terminal. The image forming system according to claim 12,
When the external terminal device transmits the hold permission signal to the image forming apparatus, the external terminal device temporarily stores print data of the transmitted print job and receives a print job request signal from the image forming apparatus. In the image forming system, a print job of the stored print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 12 or 13,
The hold release condition is the number of hold information stored in the storage means,
The control means requests the print job to the external terminal device based on the hold information when the number of hold information stored in the storage means reaches a certain number set as the hold release condition. An image forming system for transmitting a signal. The image forming system according to any one of claims 12 to 14,
The hold cancellation condition includes a condition of a fixed time from the end of the previous printing operation,
The control means transmits a request signal for the print job to the external terminal device based on the hold information when a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the previous print operation, regardless of other hold release conditions. An image forming system. The image forming system according to any one of claims 12 to 15,
The control unit executes a print job by performing a return operation from a power saving state when receiving a hold rejection signal that is a response to the confirmation request signal from the external terminal device. . The image forming system according to any one of claims 12 to 15,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes a print job by performing a return operation from the power saving state when a copy or facsimile print request signal is received. The image forming system according to claim 16 or 17,
When the print job is executed, the print job indicated by the hold information stored in the storage unit is continuously executed. The image forming system according to any one of claims 12 to 18,
The control unit, when executing a print job that has been temporarily suspended, transmits a print start or printing message to the external terminal device that has requested printing. The image forming system according to any one of claims 12 to 19,
The image forming system, wherein the control unit transmits a print completion message to the external terminal device that has requested printing after the completion of printing by executing a temporarily held print job. A state determination unit that determines whether the state of the printer controller unit that receives the print job from the external terminal device is in a power saving state, and controls execution of the received print job based on the determination result of the state determination unit. An image forming method of an image forming apparatus comprising a control means,
Receiving a print job transmitted from the external terminal device;
Receiving a print job, determining the status of the printer controller by the status determination means;
As a result of the state determination, if the printer controller unit is in a power saving state, a step of transmitting a confirmation request signal as to whether to immediately execute printing or temporarily hold printing to the external terminal device;
When a hold permission signal is received as a response to the confirmation request signal from the external terminal device, the print job execution data is temporarily held in a state where print data of the print job is stored in a storage unit; ,
When the number of print jobs of the print data stored in the storage unit reaches a predetermined number, or when the amount of print data stored in the storage unit reaches a predetermined data amount And a step of executing a print job of the print data stored in the storage means. The external terminal device and the image forming apparatus are connected via a communication unit, and the image forming apparatus determines whether the state of the printer controller unit that receives the print job from the external terminal device is in a power saving state. An image forming method for an image forming system, comprising: a state determining unit for determining; and a control unit for controlling execution of a print job received based on a determination result of the state determining unit,
The control means includes
Receiving a print job transmitted from the external terminal device;
Receiving a print job, determining the status of the printer controller by the status determination means;
As a result of the state determination, if the printer controller unit is in a power saving state, a step of transmitting a confirmation request signal as to whether to immediately execute printing or temporarily hold printing to the external terminal device;
When a hold permission signal is received as a response to the confirmation request signal from the external terminal device, the received print job is discarded, while execution of the print job transmitted from the external terminal device is temporarily held Storing the hold information indicating that the storage means is stored in the storage means;
Transmitting a request signal for the print job to the external terminal device based on the hold information when the number of hold information stored in the storage means reaches a predetermined number of preset cases;
Executing a print job transmitted from the external terminal device in response to the request signal,
The external terminal device is
Transmitting the hold permission signal to the image forming apparatus;
If the hold permission signal is transmitted, temporarily storing the transmitted print job;
And a step of transmitting the stored print job to the image forming apparatus when a print job request signal is received from the image forming apparatus.

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