JP2011191424A - Image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus, and control program of image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus maintaining a high processing speed, and reducing power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus, a control part controls an image forming part and an image reading part to execute a job designated by a user. When the job is designated (S101), required electric energy which a power supply part supplies is calculated on the basis of the content of the job (S103). If the required electric energy exceeds a prescribed value (S105; NO), the control part refers power reduction tables on the basis of excessive electric energy, job content, and a condition or the like of mounting an option device, and a power reduction mode which should be applied is selected (S107). The control part reduces power of the image forming apparatus on the basis of a selected power reduction mode (S109) and executes the job (S111). Since the power of a part giving no bad influence on productivity of the image forming apparatus is reduced, power consumption is reduced in isolation while maintaining the high processing speed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image forming apparatus control program, and in particular, an image forming apparatus having other functions in addition to an image forming function, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image The present invention relates to a control program for a forming apparatus.

  In image forming apparatuses (scanner functions, facsimile functions, copying functions, functions as printers, data communication functions, server functions, MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals), facsimile apparatuses, copying machines, printers, etc.), image forming functions In addition to these, there are other functions. In such an image forming apparatus, the value of power that can be used in the entire apparatus is determined in advance as a standard value. When operating the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to prevent the power consumed by the entire apparatus from exceeding the standard value.

  Patent Document 1 below discloses an image forming apparatus that detects an integrated value of power consumption for each power consumption unit constituting the apparatus and calculates a remaining power capacity based on the detected integrated value of power consumption. This image forming apparatus manages the power capacity allocation for each power consuming unit based on the calculation result of the remaining power capacity, and finely manages the power usage of the image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus, recalculation of the priority of each power consuming unit is executed according to the situation so that the processing speed (throughput) does not decrease.

JP-A-2005-275140

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, there is a portion where the power can be reduced so as not to reduce the processing speed depending on the operation mode of the image forming apparatus and the mounting state / use state of the optional device used together with the image forming apparatus. May be limited. In other words, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the power consumption is reduced in a portion that does not contribute to the processing speed.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and is capable of maintaining a high processing speed and reducing power consumption, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image forming apparatus control. The purpose is to provide a program.

  To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, an image reading unit that reads a document as image data, and at least an image forming unit and an image reading unit. A power supply unit that supplies power to each unit including the device, a calculation unit that calculates a value related to power that the power supply unit needs to supply to each unit based on the content of the job specified by the user, and a calculation The power reduction to be applied by referring to the power reduction table in which a plurality of power reduction modes are set in advance based on the comparison result of the comparison unit and the comparison value of the power-related value calculated by the unit By controlling each part of the apparatus including a selection part for selecting a mode and an image forming part and an image reading part based on the power reduction mode selected by the selection part, And a performing unit to perform.

  Preferably, the selection unit selects the power reduction mode based on the content of the job designated by the user.

  Preferably, the selection unit selects the power reduction mode according to the current state of the image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, the selection unit selects the power reduction mode according to an excess amount from a predetermined value related to the power calculated by the calculation unit.

  Preferably, when the second job different from the first job is designated by the user in a state where the execution of the first job designated by the user is not completed, the selection unit selects the first job. The power reduction mode is selected based on the content and the content of the second job.

  Preferably, when the execution of the first job designated by the user is not completed and the second job different from the first job is designated by the user, the execution unit designates the first job as the first job. On the other hand, control for reducing power is not executed, but control for reducing power is executed for the second job.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, power is supplied to each unit including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, an image reading unit that reads a document as image data, and at least the image forming unit and the image reading unit. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a power supply unit includes: a calculation step that calculates a value related to power that the power supply unit needs to supply to each unit based on the content of a job specified by a user; The power reduction to be applied by referring to the power reduction table in which a plurality of power reduction modes are set in advance based on the comparison step for comparing the power-related value calculated in the step with a predetermined value and the comparison result of the comparison step A selection step for selecting a mode, and an image forming unit and an image reading unit based on the power reduction mode selected in the selection step. By controlling the Te, and an execution step of executing the job.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, power is supplied to each part of the apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, an image reading unit that reads a document as image data, and at least the image forming unit and the image reading unit. A control program for an image forming apparatus including a power supply unit to perform, a calculation step for calculating a value related to power that the power supply unit needs to supply to each unit based on the content of a job specified by a user; The power to be applied by referring to the power reduction table in which a plurality of power reduction modes are set in advance based on the comparison step for comparing the power-related value calculated in the calculation step with a predetermined value and the comparison result of the comparison step A selection step of selecting a reduction mode, and an image forming unit and an image reading unit based on the power reduction mode selected in the selection step By performing the control for 置各 portion, to execute an executing step of executing a job to a computer.

  According to these inventions, a value relating to power is calculated based on the contents of the job, and each part of the apparatus is controlled according to the power reduction mode selected to be applied based on the comparison result between the value and the predetermined value. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image forming apparatus control program capable of maintaining a high processing speed and reducing power consumption.

1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus in one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus in a state where an optional device is attached. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a power reduction table. It is a flowchart which shows the control regarding the power consumption reduction function by a control part. It is a figure which shows an example of the multi-job time table.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The image forming apparatus is an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) having a scanner function, a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, a data communication function, and a server function. In the scanner function, an image of a document set by the image reading function is read and stored in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like. In the copying function, it is further printed (printed) on paper or the like by the image forming function. In the function as a printer, when a printing instruction is received from an external terminal such as a PC, printing is performed on a sheet by an image forming function based on the instruction. In the facsimile function, facsimile data is received from an external facsimile machine and stored in an HDD or printed on paper or the like. In the data communication function, data is transmitted / received to / from a connected external device. In the server function, a plurality of users can share data stored in the HDD or the like.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that the low voltage power amount and the fixing necessary power amount (total power used) of the entire image forming apparatus exceed the standard value of the entire apparatus, the total power used is within the standard value. In order to suppress, the power reduction mode is selected. As the power reduction mode, an optimum power reduction mode is selected from a power reduction table in which a plurality of power reduction modes are set in advance. The power reduction mode registered in the power reduction table is set in consideration of the productivity of the image forming apparatus (for example, the processing time of the image forming apparatus) according to the operation mode and the mounting state of the optional device. It is what.

  Since the optimum power reduction mode is selected from a plurality of power reduction tables, it is possible to achieve both maintenance of the productivity of the image forming apparatus and reduction of power consumption regardless of the operation state of the image forming apparatus.

  [Embodiment]

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1]

  Referring to the drawing, an image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feed cassette 3, a paper discharge tray 5, an operation unit 11, a control unit 20, an image forming unit 30, a document reading unit 40, and a power supply unit 60. Is provided. The control unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the power supply unit 60 are disposed inside the housing of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The image forming apparatus 1 has three paper feed cassettes 3 (paper feed cassettes 3a, 3b, 3c). Each paper feed cassette 3 is loaded with, for example, different sizes of paper (B5 size, A4 size, A3 size, etc.). The paper feed cassette 3 is disposed in the lower part of the image forming apparatus 1 so as to be detachable from the housing of the image forming apparatus 1. The paper loaded in each paper feed cassette 3 is fed one by one from the paper feed cassette 3 and sent to the image forming unit 30 at the time of printing. The number of paper feed cassettes 3 is not limited to three, and may be more or less.

  The paper discharge tray 5 is disposed above the portion of the housing of the image forming apparatus 1 where the image forming unit 30 is stored and below the portion where the document reading unit 40 is disposed. The paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 30 is discharged from the inside of the housing to the paper discharge tray 5.

  The power supply unit 60 is provided inside the housing of the image forming apparatus 1. The power supply unit 60 is connected to a commercial power source, and supplies power to the control unit 20 and the image forming unit 30 based on the commercial power source.

  The operation unit 11 is disposed on the upper front side of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 11 includes a plurality of operation buttons 11a that can be pressed by the user. A display panel 13 is disposed on the operation unit 11. The display panel 13 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided with a touch panel. The display panel 13 displays a guidance screen for the user or displays an operation button to accept a touch operation from the user. The display panel 13 performs display under the control of the control unit 20. When the operation button 11 a or the display panel 13 is operated by the user, the operation unit 11 transmits an operation signal or a predetermined command corresponding to the operation to the control unit 20. That is, the user can cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute various operations by operating the operation unit 11.

  The image forming unit 30 roughly includes a toner image forming unit (not shown), a sheet conveying unit (not shown), and a fixing unit 50 (shown in FIG. 2). The image forming unit 30 forms an image on a sheet by electrophotography. The image forming unit 30 processes image data sent from the document reading unit 40 and input data sent from an external interface (not shown) to form an image on a sheet. For example, the image forming unit 30 forms an image on a sheet based on image data sent from the document reading unit 40, thereby realizing a copying function. Further, for example, the image forming unit 30 forms an image on a sheet based on input data sent from a PC (Personal Computer) connected via an external interface unit, thereby realizing a function as a printer. .

  The paper transport unit includes a paper feed roller, a transport solar, and a motor that drives them. The paper transport unit feeds paper from the paper feed cassette 3 and transports it inside the housing of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the paper transport unit discharges the paper on which the image is formed from the housing of the image forming apparatus 1 to the paper discharge tray 5 or the like.

  The toner image forming unit synthesizes four color images by a so-called tandem method. That is, the image forming unit 30 can form a color image on a sheet. The toner image forming unit has four sets of print heads that form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black CMYK images, a laser scan unit that exposes the photosensitive member, and an image of each color developed by each print head. And a transfer roller for transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt to a sheet.

  In the toner image forming unit, a latent image is formed on the photoreceptor of each print head by the laser scan unit based on the image data for each color of YMCK. A development process is performed in each print head, and a toner image for each color is formed on the photoreceptor. A toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt by each photoconductor, and a mirror image of the toner image formed on the sheet is formed on the intermediate transfer belt (primary transfer). Thereafter, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt is transferred onto the sheet by the transfer roller (secondary transfer).

  The fixing unit 50 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. The fixing unit 50 conveys the sheet on which the toner image is formed between the heating roller and the pressure roller, and heats and presses the sheet. As a result, the fixing unit 50 melts the toner adhering to the paper and fixes it on the paper, thereby forming an image on the paper.

  The document reading unit 40 is disposed on the upper part of the housing of the image forming apparatus 1. The document reading unit 40 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 41. The document reading unit 40 performs the above-described scanner function. The document reading unit 40 scans a document placed on a transparent document table with a contact image sensor and reads it as image data. Further, the document reading unit 40 reads the image data of the document by the contact image sensor while sequentially taking in a plurality of documents set on the document tray by the ADF 41.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Referring to the drawing, control unit 20 controls image forming unit 30, document reading unit 40, power supply unit 60, and the like. The control unit 20 is constituted by, for example, a CPU and a memory. The control unit 20 includes a control program 21 stored in a memory or the like. The control unit 20 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 by executing the control program 21.

  The power supply unit 60 supplies power to each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 including the image forming unit 30 and the document reading unit 40. In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 30 is provided with a fixing power supply unit 55. The fixing power supply unit 55 supplies power to the fixing unit 50 based on the power supplied from the power supply unit 60 to the image forming unit 30. That is, when power is supplied from the fixing power supply unit 55, the fixing unit 50 heats the paper to fix the toner image on the paper.

  Here, an optional device can be attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is used in accordance with the use or situation of the image forming apparatus 1 by attaching an optional device.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the option device 80 is attached.

  Examples of the option device 80 include a finisher and an LCT (Large Capacity Tray). The finisher outputs the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit 30 by bundling it with staples or bending it into a booklet. The LCT can hold more sheets than the sheet feeding cassette 3 so as to be fed.

  Referring to the figure, when option device 80 is attached, option device 80 operates with power supplied from power supply unit 60. The option device 80 is controlled by the control unit 20 together with the image forming unit 30. That is, the option device 80 can operate in synchronization with, for example, the image forming unit 30 and exhibit its function.

  The option device 80 is not limited to the above-described one. Further, the option device 80 may operate together with the document reading unit 40, for example.

  [Description of power consumption reduction function]

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 has a power consumption reduction function. The power consumption reduction function is used when the total amount of power used in the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “required power amount”) is expected to exceed the overall standard value of the image forming apparatus 1. This is a function to keep the power actually used within the standard value. The power consumption reduction function is executed by causing the control unit 20 to execute the control program 21, for example.

  When executing the power consumption reduction function, the control unit 20 selects an application to be applied from a plurality of preset power reduction modes, and the image forming unit 30 and the document reading unit 40 are selected based on the selected power reduction mode. Control is performed for each part of the image forming apparatus 1 including

  In the present embodiment, as the power reduction mode, the calculated required current value (an example of a value related to power) exceeds the predetermined amount (power excess amount), the content of the job specified by the user, and A plurality of items are set according to the current state of the image forming apparatus 1. More specifically, a plurality of power reduction modes are set for each combination of the power excess amount, the job content, and the state of the image forming apparatus 1. The plurality of power reduction modes are collectively set as a power reduction table. Here, the state of the image forming apparatus 1 refers to the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 (normal operation / sleep / standby, etc.), whether or not the option device 80 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 so as to be usable. I mean.

  The power reduction table is stored in, for example, a memory in the control unit 20 or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The control unit 20 refers to the power reduction table and selects a power reduction mode to be applied to control the image forming apparatus 1 from the power reduction table. That is, the control unit 20 selects the power reduction mode according to the amount of excess of the calculated necessary current value from the predetermined value, the content of the job specified by the user, and the current state of the image forming apparatus 1. I do.

  [Example of power reduction table]

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the power reduction table.

  Referring to the drawing, the power reduction table includes an excess amount (a power excess amount) of a required power amount from a predetermined value, a job mode, that is, a job content, and an installation status of the option device 80 (an example of the state of the image forming apparatus 1). ) Is a table showing power reduction points and reduction amounts set to correspond to each of the above. In the drawing, 1 to 1 for the job mode means that an image is formed on one sheet of one page of a read document in a copy job. 1 to N means forming an image on a plurality of sheets for one page of a read original in a copy job. Nto1 means that a plurality of originals are read in a copy job, and the images are formed on one page of paper.

  Referring to the figure, in the present embodiment, the power reduction table is set so that the productivity of the entire image forming apparatus 1 is not reduced as much as possible. That is, the power reduction table is set so that the designated job is completed promptly.

  For example, when the excess power is 50 W or less and the job mode is 1 to 1, the image forming unit 30 is configured so that both the productivity of reading a document and the productivity of image formation are substantially the same. And the power of the document reading unit 40 are to be reduced. The amount of power reduction expected at this time is, for example, 2.5%. At this time, when the finisher (FN) is attached as the optional device 80 and the LCT is not attached, the power of the finisher is to be reduced in addition to the image forming unit 30 and the document reading unit 40. The amount of power reduction expected at this time is, for example, 2.0%.

  Similarly, when the job mode is 1 to N, the number of printed sheets is large while the number of originals is small, so the power of the original reading unit 40 is targeted for reduction, while the image forming unit The 30 power is not subject to reduction. On the other hand, when the job mode is Nto1, the number of originals is large, while the number of printed sheets is small. Therefore, the power of the image forming unit 30 is targeted for reduction, while the original reading unit The 40 power is not subject to reduction.

  [Flow of control related to power consumption reduction function]

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control related to the power consumption reduction function by the control unit 20.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the power consumption reduction function needs to be executed when a job is designated by the user. And the control part 20 performs a power consumption reduction function according to the determination result.

  Referring to the figure, in step S101, the control unit 20 accepts a job to be executed by the image forming apparatus 1 by the user. That is, at this time, the job mode is determined by the user.

  Here, as the job, for example, a print job for forming an image based on data transmitted from a PC or the like connected to the image forming apparatus 1, a read job for reading a document with the document reading unit 40, Copy jobs for copying on paper, facsimile transmission / reception jobs, and the like. The designation of a job by the user here is not only that the user designates a job to the image forming apparatus 1 directly or via a PC or the like, but also the job that the image forming apparatus 1 receives a facsimile. This also includes the occurrence of Note that the job designation is not limited to this.

  In step S <b> 103, the control unit 20 calculates a current value that the power supply unit 60 needs to supply to each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the content of the job specified by the user. That is, the control unit 20 calculates the required power amount.

  In step S105, the control unit 20 compares the required power amount, that is, the current value calculated in step S103 with a predetermined value. Here, a value (for example, 15 A) corresponding to the standard value of the image forming apparatus 1 is set as the predetermined value. The control unit 20 compares the calculated current value with a predetermined value, and determines whether or not the necessary current value is within the predetermined value.

  When the required power amount is not within the predetermined value in step S105, the control unit 20 executes a power consumption reduction function.

  That is, in step S107, the control unit 20 selects a power reduction mode to be applied by referring to the power reduction table based on the power excess amount, the job content, the installation status of the option device 80, and the like.

  In step S109, the control unit 20 reduces the power of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the power reduction mode selected in step S107 in the power reduction table. The control unit 20 reduces power consumption by changing, for example, the processing speed or the like and changing the productivity of the part designated as the reduction part in the selected power reduction mode. As a result, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 during job execution is reduced.

  When the power is reduced in step S109 and when the required power amount does not exceed the predetermined value in step S105, in step S111, the control unit 20 executes a process for the job designated by the user.

  When the process is executed in step S111, the control unit 20 ends the process for the job designated at that time. Thereafter, when another user designates another job, the control unit 20 performs the processing from step S101 again.

  [Multi-job processing]

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 performs a second job (next job) different from the preceding job in a state where the execution of the first job (preceding job, priority job) designated by the user has not been completed. ) Is designated by the user (the situation at this time may be referred to as a multi-job), the power reduction mode is selected based on the contents of the preceding job and the next job. For example, when the next job occurs during execution of the preceding job, the control unit 20 calculates the required power amount from the preceding job and the next job, and determines whether the required power amount is within a predetermined value. . Then, as will be described later, the control unit 20 reduces the power of the next job and executes the job so as not to affect the productivity of the preceding job. Such power reduction performed at the time of multi-job is performed based on the power reduction mode selected from the multi-job time table (another example of the power reduction table).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multi-job table.

  Referring to the figure, the multi-job time table collectively shows the power reduction mode with the combination of the preceding job and the next job and the power reduction target in that case as the power reduction mode. . In the figure, the asterisk symbol indicates that the job to which the asterisk is attached includes a copy, that is, an image forming operation.

  Each power reduction mode is for each combination of the preceding job and the next job so that the processing speed of the preceding job is not reduced and productivity is maintained, that is, the preceding job is terminated quickly. Is targeted for power reduction in relatively unrelated parts. That is, in the multi-job table, the power reduction target is set based on the content of the preceding job and the content of the next job.

  That is, when the combination of the preceding job and the next job is a print job including an image forming operation and a scan job as shown in the first row of the data row of the multi-job table, the power of the image forming unit 30 If this is reduced, the completion of the preceding job will be delayed, and the completion of the next job may be delayed as a result. Therefore, in this case, the document reading unit 40 is targeted for power reduction. Also, as shown in the second row of the data row of the multi-job table, when the combination of the preceding job and the next job is a scan job and a print job that do not include an image forming operation, the power of the document reading unit 40 If this is reduced, the completion of the preceding job is delayed and the completion of the next job may be delayed due to the influence. Therefore, in this case, the image forming unit 30 is a power reduction target.

  As an example, it is assumed that the preceding job is a print job sent from a PC connected to the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, the document reading unit 40 does not consume power, but only the image forming unit 30 consumes power. In this state, when a scan instruction is issued as the next job, this applies to the case of the first row of the data row of the multi-job table, so the control unit 20 performs control to reduce only the power of the document reading unit 40. That is, the control unit 20 selects a power reduction mode based on the content of the preceding job and the content of the next job, and performs control for reducing power, that is, power reduction so as not to affect the productivity of the preceding job. As a result, the productivity of the scan job is reduced until the print operation of the preceding job is completed, but the productivity of the print job that is the priority job is maintained. In other words, based on the selected power reduction mode, the control unit 20 does not perform power reduction for the preceding job, but performs power reduction for the next job. Therefore, even when the power consumption is reduced, it is possible to prevent the preceding job from being completed quickly and the completion of the next job from being delayed.

  [Effects of the embodiment]

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the required power amount is calculated based on the contents of the job to be executed, and when the required power amount is larger than a predetermined value, the power consumption reduction function is executed. Based on the excess power, job contents, and image forming device status, power consumption is reduced in areas that do not adversely affect the productivity of the image forming device. Therefore, efficient power consumption is maintained while maintaining high processing speed. Can be reduced.

  When executing the power consumption reduction function, the control unit selects a power reduction mode to be applied from a power reduction table in which a plurality of power reduction modes are collected in advance, and performs power reduction based on the power reduction mode. Therefore, the optimum power reduction mode can be easily obtained based on the excess power amount, the contents of the job, and the state of the image forming apparatus. Since the control unit is not forced to perform complicated processing, a simple configuration can be adopted as the control unit, and the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

  [Others]

  The control unit may calculate, for example, a power value or a power amount value as a value related to power.

  As the predetermined value, a value corresponding to the standard value of the image forming apparatus, such as a value of a predetermined ratio of the standard value (for example, 90% of the standard value) may be set. At this time, the value corresponding to the standard value may be changed as necessary. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption to a desired extent.

  A plurality of power reduction modes may be set in advance based on any one of the excess power amount, the job content, and the state of the image forming apparatus. A plurality of power reduction modes may be set in advance based on patterns obtained by combining two of the excess power amount, the job content, and the state of the image forming apparatus.

  The power reduction mode may be set in advance based on the current operation mode of the image forming apparatus and the temperature of the image forming apparatus as the state of the image forming apparatus. In this case, the power reduction mode may be selected based on the current operation mode, the temperature of the image forming apparatus, and the like.

  In the multi-job table, power reduction targets may be set for each pattern of combinations of the content of the preceding job and the content of the next job, the excess power amount and / or the state of the image forming apparatus. .

  Even at the time of multi-job, the power reduction mote may be selected from the power reduction table based on the contents of the next job. During multi-jobs, the control unit does not execute control to reduce power for the preceding job regardless of the selected power reduction mode, and reduces power based on the power reduction mode for the next job. Control may be executed.

  The image forming apparatus may be a monochrome / color copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine (MFP) thereof. Further, the image forming method is not limited to the one that forms an image by an electrophotographic method, and may be one that forms an image by a so-called inkjet method, for example.

  The processing in the above embodiment may be performed by software or by using a hardware circuit.

  A program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment can be provided, or the program can be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, or a memory card and provided to the user. It may be. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet. The processing described in the text in the above flowchart is executed by the CPU according to the program.

  The above embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 20 Control part 21 Control program 30 Image forming part 40 Image reading part 60 Power supply part 80 Option apparatus

Claims (8)

An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
An image reading unit for reading a document as image data;
A power supply unit that supplies power to each unit including at least the image forming unit and the image reading unit;
A calculation unit that calculates a value related to power that the power supply unit needs to supply to each unit of the apparatus based on the content of the job specified by the user;
A comparison unit that compares a value related to power calculated by the calculation unit with a predetermined value;
A selection unit that selects a power reduction mode to be applied with reference to a power reduction table in which a plurality of power reduction modes are set in advance based on the comparison result of the comparison unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an execution unit that executes the job by performing control on each unit including the image forming unit and the image reading unit based on the power reduction mode selected by the selection unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the power reduction mode based on a job content designated by the user.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the power reduction mode according to a current state of the image forming apparatus.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the power reduction mode according to an excess amount of a value related to power calculated by the calculation unit from the predetermined value. 5. .   When the second job different from the first job is designated by the user in a state where the execution of the first job designated by the user has not been completed, the selection unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power reduction mode is selected based on the content of the second job and the content of the second job.   When the second job different from the first job is designated by the user in a state where the execution of the first job designated by the user is not completed, the execution unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control for reducing power is not executed for the second job, but control for reducing power is executed for the second job. An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
An image reading unit for reading a document as image data;
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit of the apparatus including at least the image forming unit and the image reading unit,
A calculation step of calculating a value related to power that the power supply unit needs to supply to each unit of the apparatus based on the content of the job specified by the user;
A comparison step of comparing a value related to the power calculated by the calculation step with a predetermined value;
A selection step of selecting a power reduction mode to be applied with reference to a power reduction table in which a plurality of power reduction modes are set in advance based on the comparison result of the comparison step;
An execution step of executing the job by performing control on each unit including the image forming unit and the image reading unit based on the power reduction mode selected in the selection step. Control method. An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
An image reading unit for reading a document as image data;
A control program for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit of the apparatus including at least the image forming unit and the image reading unit;
A calculation step of calculating a value related to power that the power supply unit needs to supply to each unit of the apparatus based on the content of the job specified by the user;
A comparison step of comparing a value related to the power calculated by the calculation step with a predetermined value;
A selection step of selecting a power reduction mode to be applied with reference to a power reduction table in which a plurality of power reduction modes are set in advance based on the comparison result of the comparison step;
An image that causes a computer to execute an execution step of executing the job by controlling each part of the apparatus including the image forming unit and the image reading unit based on the power reduction mode selected in the selection step. Control program for forming equipment.

Images