JP5418454B2 - Image forming apparatus and operation plan creation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a printer, and an operation plan creation method.

  In recent years, due to a demand for energy saving, reduction of power consumption is also required in the field of image forming apparatuses. As a conventional technique for reducing power consumption, Patent Document 1 discloses that an image forming apparatus that shifts to a sleep function that shuts off power supply to a fixing lamp when no operation is continued continues for one month. Within the period of time, the power consumption is accumulated every day, and if the accumulated power exceeds a predetermined reference power value on a certain day of the month, the transition time to the sleep function is set up to that day. A technique for changing to a time (for example, 15 minutes) shorter than a time (for example, 45 minutes) is disclosed.

  The shorter the transition time to the sleep function is, the more the power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, the increase in the total power consumption within one month period is suppressed and the power saving effect is enhanced.

JP 2008-187562 A

However, in the technique of Patent Document 1 described above, since only the transition time of the sleep function is targeted for power saving, a power saving effect of a function different from the sleep function cannot be expected.
For those who manage the device, for example, those who do not want to set too much power saving restrictions for the sleep function, but may have some restrictions on functions such as copying, etc. There are those who have.

For those who have such various ideas, it is desirable that an operation plan based on the method desired by the user is provided. However, the technique of Patent Document 1 is a technique specialized for the sleep function as described above. , There is a problem that can not meet the wishes of the administrator.
In addition to power saving, in an image forming apparatus having a function of managing a charge amount for a predetermined period by charging for each image forming function such as color, monochrome copy, single-sided or double-sided copy, etc. , I don't want to put too much restriction on one of the color and monochrome copies, but I want to put some restriction on the other, On the other hand, there may be an idea of setting a certain degree of limitation, and it is desirable to provide an operation plan based on these ideas.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides an image forming apparatus and an operation plan creation method capable of providing an operation plan desired by an administrator or the like while reducing power consumption. For the purpose. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of providing an operation plan desired by a person who manages the charge amount while managing the charge amount.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of executing a first function, which is one of image forming functions, and a second function different from the first function. One of a plurality of reduction modes that regulate the ratio of reduction of power consumption with respect to the first function and the second function with different values; a second receiving means for receiving a selection of a reduction mode from the operator, for each function that is Oite executed within a past predetermined period, it affects the magnitude of the power consumption due to execution of the function names and function within the predetermined time period Acquisition means for acquiring information in association with the parameter given, and a rule for reducing power consumption with the amount of power to be reduced as a target, predetermined for the selected reduction mode To the rules I, a varying means for varying the parameters included in the information, creating means for creating operation plan including the information correlated to the parameters after the change by the variable means corresponding to the function name and the function, Output means for outputting the created operation plan , wherein the first function forms an image on the sheet and uses the fixing member heated to a fixing temperature by a heater of the fixing unit to form the image on the sheet. The second function is a function of performing an image forming operation for heat fixing, and the power supply to the heater is limited when the first function is executed at a time other than when the first function is executed, and the fixing is performed. This is a power saving function that lowers the temperature of the member to a power saving temperature that is lower than the fixing temperature and that cannot perform image formation. In the plurality of reduction modes, the power consumption reduction rate includes the first function and the second function. Function and level And wherein the equivalent mode, the number of printed sheets priority mode towards the second function greater than the first function, that than the second feature toward the first function includes at least two large convenience priority mode is To do.

In addition, the total amount of power consumed by each function executed within the predetermined period is Wa, and the total would be required if it is assumed that the same function as each executed function is executed based on the changed parameter. when the estimated power consumption and Wb of the estimated power consumption Wb, comprising a calculating means for calculating a ratio of total power consumption Wa as expected reduction rate Z1, said creation means, after changing to the function name In addition to the correspondence with the parameters, an operation plan including the calculated expected reduction rate Z1 is created.

Further, the apparatus includes a third receiving unit that receives a change of a parameter included in the operation plan from an operator, and an update unit that updates the parameter included in the operation plan to the changed value.
The first rule that is determined for the previous SL equally mode, each of the power consumption of the same rate by the first function and the second function and reduction rate when attempting to reduce power to the target is reduced As described above, the parameters for the first function and the second function are changed , and the second rule determined for the print number priority mode sets the parameter for the second function by a predetermined amount. The parameter for the first function is changed only when the power consumption reduction amount does not achieve the target even if it is changed , and the third rule determined for the convenience priority mode is the first function. and wherein the parameters only if reductions of a fixed amount changed so even power consumption does not achieve the target, it is intended to change the parameters for the second function for That.

Here, the parameter corresponding to the first function is the number of times of image formation when the operation of forming an image on one side of the sheet for each sheet is one time, and the parameter corresponding to the second function is It is characterized in that it is at least one of the length of the power saving time maintained at the power saving temperature and the value of the power saving temperature.
Here, the variable of the parameter for the first function is performed by making the number of image formations smaller than the total number of image formations related to the image formation performed within the predetermined period. The variable of the parameter is such that the length of the power saving time is shorter than the total power saving time in the power saving function executed within the predetermined period, and the value of the power saving temperature is executed within the predetermined period. The power saving function is performed by at least one of lowering the power saving temperature.

  The power saving function includes a standby temperature control function for maintaining the temperature of the fixing member at a first temperature lower than the fixing temperature, and a low power for maintaining the temperature of the fixing member at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. A temperature control function is included, and the standby temperature control function is executed first among the standby temperature control function and the low power temperature control function, and a transition condition to a predetermined low power temperature control function is set during execution of the standby temperature control function. When satisfied, the system is configured to shift to a low power temperature control function, and the power saving time includes a first time maintained at a first temperature by a standby temperature control function and a low power temperature control function. A second time period maintained at two temperatures is included, and variable parameters for the second function will be reduced when the length of the second time is reduced to a first predetermined time. Whether the target has been achieved by reducing power consumption It determines, when determined not to achieve the target, characterized in that it is carried out by shortening the length of the first time by a second predetermined time period.

  Here, the power saving function further includes a sleep function that cuts off power to the heater, and the low power temperature adjustment function is satisfied when a transition condition to a predetermined sleep function is satisfied during the execution of the low power temperature adjustment function. When the first predetermined time is 0 hour, the execution of the low power temperature adjustment function is prohibited, and the predetermined function is set during execution of the standby temperature adjustment function. When the transition condition to the low power temperature control function is satisfied, the standby temperature control function is shifted to the sleep function.

  Further, the second function further includes a calibration for performing an image stabilization operation for maintaining a constant image quality in the image formation of the own apparatus when the first function and the power saving function are not performed. And the parameter corresponding to the first function is the number of times of image formation when an operation for forming an image on one surface of the sheet for each sheet is one time. The corresponding parameter is, for the power saving function, at least one of the length of the power saving time maintained at the power saving temperature and the value of the power saving temperature, and for the calibration function, the number of image stabilization operations. To do.

  Further, when the expected power consumption that would be required when it is assumed that the same function as the function executed within the predetermined period is executed based on the updated parameter is Wc, the calculation means The ratio of the power consumption amount Wc to the total power consumption amount Wa is recalculated as the expected reduction rate Z2, and when the expected reduction rate Z2 is calculated, the creation unit replaces the expected reduction rate Z1 with the expected reduction rate. The operation plan including Z2 is re-created, and the output means further outputs the re-created operation plan.

Further, the output means is a display means for displaying the operation plan.
In addition, the parameter included in the acquired information has a control means, and each time a function corresponding to the parameter is executed within a predetermined period in the past, an amount indicating that the function has been executed once is integrated. The changed parameter indicates an upper limit value when the function corresponding to the changed function is executed, and the control means performs the function by executing the function for each function after the operation plan is created. When the accumulated value reaches the upper limit value indicated by the corresponding changed parameter, the execution of the function is prohibited, the fact that the upper limit value has been reached is output by the output means, and the accumulated amount is At least one of causing the output means to output that the value has reached a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from an upper limit value indicated by the corresponding changed parameter is performed.

Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is capable of executing different first and second image forming functions, and is charged for the execution of each image forming function. A first accepting unit that accepts input of information indicating the size of an image from the operator, and one reduction among a plurality of reduction modes that define different rates of charge reduction for the first and second image forming functions giving a second receiving means for receiving a selection of a mode from the operator, for each function that is Oite executed within a past predetermined period, the effect on the magnitude of the charge amount by the execution of the function names and function within the predetermined time period A rule predetermined for the selected reduction mode as a rule for reducing the charge amount with the target of the amount of charge amount to be reduced; According to Te, a varying means for varying the parameters included in the information, creating means for creating operation plan including the information correlated to the parameters after the change by the variable means corresponding to the function name and the function, the Output means for outputting the created operation plan , wherein the first function forms an image on the sheet, and heats the image on the sheet using a fixing member heated to a fixing temperature by a heater of the fixing unit. The fixing function is a function of performing an image forming operation for fixing, and the second function restricts the power supplied to the heater at a time other than when the first function is executed, than when the first function is executed. Is a power saving function that lowers the temperature to a power saving temperature that is lower than the fixing temperature and cannot perform image formation. In the plurality of reduction modes, the power consumption reduction rate includes the first function and the second function. And even To a certain uniform mode, than the first function and the number of printed sheets priority mode the larger of the second function, characterized in that at least two usability priority mode is larger in the first function includes than second function .

An operation plan creation method according to the present invention is an operation plan creation method in an image forming apparatus capable of executing a first function which is one of image forming functions and a second function different from the first function, and should be reduced. One reduction mode among a plurality of reduction modes that define a first step of accepting input of information indicating the magnitude of power from an operator and a reduction ratio of power consumption for the first function and the second function with different values a second step of accepting a selection from the operator, for each function that is Oite executed within a past predetermined period, affected the magnitude of the power consumption due to execution of the function names and function within the predetermined time period A third step of acquiring information in which parameters are associated with each other, and a rule for reducing power consumption with a target of the amount of power to be reduced is predetermined for the selected reduction mode According law, first create a fourth step of varying the parameters included in the information, the operation plan including information correlated with the parameter after the change by the fourth step corresponding to the function name and the function 5 An image forming operation in which the first function forms an image on the sheet and heat-fixes the image to the sheet using a fixing member heated to a fixing temperature by a heater of the fixing unit. The second function is configured such that when the first function is not performed, the power supplied to the heater is limited more than when the first function is performed, and the temperature of the fixing member is fixed. This is a power saving function that lowers the temperature to a power saving temperature at which image formation cannot be performed. In the plurality of reduction modes, the power consumption reduction rate is uniform between the first function and the second function. Average A mode, the number of printed sheets priority mode the larger of the second function than the first function, wherein the included at least two large convenience priority mode toward the first function than the second function.

In this way, when the administrator or the like wants to further reduce the amount of power consumption required for image formation, for example, between the first function and the second function, the reduction rate of power consumption required for image formation By selecting a large reduction mode, the parameter after being changed according to the reduction rule according to the reduction mode is output, so that the output parameter can be confirmed.
In addition, since the power saving target includes a first function, which is one of the image forming functions, and a second function different from the first function, for example, a sleep function, only the sleep function can be a power saving target as in the past. Therefore, it is possible to provide a power saving operation plan for the function desired by the manager.

  In addition, when the administrator or the like wants to further reduce the charge for the first image forming function among the first image forming function and the second image forming function, for example, the first image forming function By selecting a reduction mode with a large reduction rate of the charge amount for the parameter, the parameter after the change according to the reduction rule by the reduction mode is output, so that the output parameter can be confirmed.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an entire copying machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit provided in a copying machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a list of functions that can be executed by a copying machine. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen of the operation plan produced by the operation plan part provided in a control part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an operation plan part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an operation history table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an image formation operation | movement table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an idle operation | movement table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a calibration operation | movement table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the table for image formation power consumption calculation. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the table for idle power consumption calculation. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the table for calibration power consumption calculation. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a calibration timing table. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process performed when an operation plan part receives the instruction | indication of an operation plan preparation from the operator. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine in the production | generation process of a function table. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine in the variable process of the parameter of each function. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of the parameter variable process 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the mode before and behind rewriting of the parameter (number of sheets) of an image formation operation table in case a target power consumption reduction rate is 10%. It is a figure which shows the example of the mode before and behind rewriting of the parameter (time) of an idle operation table in case a target power consumption reduction rate is 10%. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of a calibration electric power reduction. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of a power consumption amount update process. It is a figure which shows the example of the mode before and behind rewriting of the parameter of a calibration timing table and a calibration operation table. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of the parameter variable process 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of idle operation power reduction. It is a figure which shows the example of the mode before and behind rewriting of the parameter and power consumption in an idle operation table. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of a calibration power reduction subroutine when the print number priority mode is selected. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of image formation operation power reduction. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of the parameter variable process 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of a calibration electric power reduction when the convenience priority mode is selected. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of calculation processing of an expected reduction rate. It is a figure which shows the example of the driving | running plan in case printing number priority mode is selected. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a parameter change reception screen. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process which performs a warning display. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the temperature control of a fixing part. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of a fixing temperature control subroutine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of standby temperature control. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of low power temperature control. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the subroutine of sleep control. It is a flowchart which shows the content of another temperature control.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described by taking a tandem type color digital copying machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “copying machine”) as an example.
(1) Overall Configuration of Copying Machine FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of the entire copying machine 10.
As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine 10 is roughly composed of a scanner unit 11 that reads a document image, and a printer unit 12 that prints and reproduces the read image on a sheet S as a recording sheet. In addition, it is possible to switch between a normal mode that stands by in a copyable state and a power saving mode that reduces power consumption during standby compared to the normal mode.

The scanner unit 11 includes a first scanner 28 having a lamp 13 and a first mirror 14, and a second scanner 29 having a second mirror 15 and a third mirror 16. When the lamp 13 of the first scanner 28 is turned on with the document placed on the document table glass 19, the document is irradiated with light emitted from the lamp 13.
The reflected light from the document surface is changed in optical path by the first mirror 14, the second mirror 15, and the third mirror 16, and reaches the CCD sensor 18 through the condenser lens 17.

When reading a document, the first scanner 28 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow A with the lamp 13 lit. At this time, the second scanner 29 is moved in the same direction as the first scanner 28 at half the moving speed. Thus, the optical path length from the document surface to the condenser lens 17 is always kept constant, and the reflected light of the document is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD sensor 18.
It should be noted that the first scanner 28 and the second scanner 29 are located at a predetermined home position at the left end portion in the figure when the document is not read, and when the document reading starts, the arrow A appears from the home position. The original is read (scanned), and when the reading is completed, it moves in the direction opposite to the arrow A and returns to the home position.

When the CCD sensor 18 receives the reflected light of the original, the CCD sensor 18 photoelectrically converts the reflected light into an electrical signal to obtain image signals of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components. The obtained image signal is sent to the control unit 60 and used for the printing operation in the printer unit 12.
The printer unit 12 forms an image by a known electrophotographic method, and includes an intermediate transfer unit 20, an image process unit 30, a feeding unit 40, a fixing unit 50, and a control unit 60.

The intermediate transfer unit 20 includes an intermediate transfer belt 21 that is driven to rotate in a direction indicated by an arrow B, and a roller group that stretches the intermediate transfer belt 21, in this case, a drive roller 22, a driven roller 23, a backup roller 24, and the like.
The image processing unit 30 faces the intermediate transfer belt 21 and is arranged at a predetermined interval from the upstream to the downstream in the circumferential direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21 at a predetermined interval (yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black ( K) image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K for the respective colors.

The image forming unit 30Y includes a photosensitive drum 1 as an example of an image carrier, a charging unit 2, an exposure unit 3, a developing unit 4, a primary transfer roller 5, and the periphery of the photosensitive drum 1. It consists of cleaner 6 etc. The other image forming units 30M to 30K have the same configuration as the image forming unit 30Y, and the reference numerals are omitted in FIG.
The feeding unit 40 includes a paper feed cassette 41 that accommodates the paper S, a feed roller 42 that feeds the paper S from the paper feed cassette 41, a transport roller pair 43, a timing roller pair 44, and a secondary transfer roller 45. Etc.

Examples of the paper S that can be stored in the paper feed cassette 41 include plain paper and cardboard.
The timing roller pair 44 takes a timing to send the paper S to the secondary transfer roller 45. The secondary transfer roller 45 is a transfer unit for performing secondary transfer, and a secondary transfer voltage output from the transfer voltage output unit 80 is applied to the secondary transfer roller 45. In the calibration operation described later, when the secondary transfer roller 45 is cleaned, a voltage having a polarity opposite to the secondary transfer voltage is applied from the transfer voltage output unit 80 to the secondary transfer roller 45.

The fixing unit 50 includes a cylindrical fixing roller 51, a pressure roller 52 pressed against the fixing roller 51, a heater 53 that is inserted in the fixing roller 51 and heats the fixing roller 51, and a surface temperature of the fixing roller 51. And a fixing unit temperature detection sensor 54 for detecting the above.
The heater 53 generates heat upon receiving power supply from the power supply unit 90, and the power supply unit 90 supplies power to the heater 53 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 60. As will be described later, the controller 60 performs power supply control so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 is maintained at the fixing temperature when in the normal mode, and is maintained at a temperature lower than the fixing temperature when in the power saving mode.

  The control unit 60 performs various corrections and the like on the image signal of each color component sent from the scanner unit 11, and then converts it into image data of each reproduction color of Y, M, C, K, and the image memory 106 (see FIG. 2) for each reproduction color, in synchronization with the supply of the paper S, and read for each scanning line at a predetermined timing, and each of the image forming units 30Y to 30K (hereinafter referred to as "each image forming unit" The driving signal for driving the laser diode of the exposure unit 3 is generated. With the generated drive signal, the laser diode of the exposure unit 3 is driven for each image forming unit to emit a laser beam, and the photosensitive drum 1 is exposed and scanned.

  Before the exposure scan, the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged by the charging unit 2 for each image forming unit, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1 by the laser beam exposure. The For each image forming unit, each electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by the developing unit 4, and each color toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 21 by electrostatic force acting between the primary transfer roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 1. Primary transcription. At this time, the image forming operations for the respective colors are executed at different timings so that the toner images are superimposed and transferred at the same position on the intermediate transfer belt 21. Each color toner image superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 moves toward the secondary transfer position 46 where the secondary transfer roller 45 is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 21 by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  In accordance with the timing of the image forming operation, the sheet S is fed from the feeding unit 40 via the timing roller pair 44, and the sheet S includes the intermediate transfer belt 21 that is driven to rotate, The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is transferred to the secondary transfer position by an electrostatic force that is sandwiched and conveyed between the secondary transfer roller 45 pressed against the secondary transfer roller 45 and acts between the secondary transfer roller 45 and the intermediate transfer belt 21. At 46, secondary transfer is performed on the sheet S at once.

  The sheet S that has passed the secondary transfer position 46 is conveyed to the fixing unit 50, where the toner image is heated and pressurized and fixed on the sheet S, and then discharged outside the apparatus via the discharge roller pair 47. In the storage tray 48. Of the toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 1 for each image forming unit, the toner (residual toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 without being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21 is cleaned by the cleaner 6. Is done. Further, dirt such as residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is cleaned by the cleaner 25.

  In the above description, the operation in the case of executing a full-color copy job has been described. However, in the case of executing monochrome, for example, K-color copying, only the image forming unit 30K is driven and the image forming units 30Y, 30M, and 30C Each photosensitive drum 1 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 21. This separation is performed by driving a contact / separation mechanism (not shown) for contacting or separating the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C and the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  A K-color toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 of the image forming unit 30K, and the formed K-color toner image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21 and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 21. The K toner image is secondarily transferred onto the sheet S at the secondary transfer position 46. When the monochrome copy job is completed and the color copy job is executed, the photosensitive drums 1 of the image forming units 30Y to 30C are returned to positions where they contact the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  In addition, the scan unit 11 reads a document image to obtain document image data, receives a print instruction from a terminal device such as an external personal computer via a network such as a LAN, and based on the received print instruction. The printer unit 12 has a function of executing various jobs such as a print job for executing printing and a FAX job for executing transmission / reception with an external terminal device by facsimile communication.

  An operation panel 70 as an operation unit is disposed at a position on the front side of the scanner unit 11 where the user (operator) can easily operate. On the operation panel 70, for example, setting of the number of copies, copy density, switching between color / monochrome copy modes, keys for selecting various jobs such as copy, scan, print, and fax, and a touch panel on the surface of the LCD display And a liquid crystal display unit 71 provided with.

In addition to various screens such as job execution status and device status, the liquid crystal display unit 71 displays an operation plan 701 (FIG. 5) for the device itself based on an instruction from the device administrator (hereinafter referred to as “operator”). 4) is displayed.
In the operation plan 701, a power consumption amount obtained by reducing the actual power consumption amount in the past predetermined period, here in a period (last month) retroactive to the past one month from the present by a target reduction rate (for example, 10%, etc.) Assuming the amount of power consumed for a month (period from now to this month: this month), how much each function, such as the number of copy jobs for this month, will be limited by the power reduction. This is a screen showing the upper limit of the number of sheets.

By checking the operation plan 701, the operator can know how much a job such as copying is limited in relation to power saving in this month based on the target reduction rate specified by the operator. . The operation plan 701 is generated by the control unit 60 according to the target reduction rate designated by the operator and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 71.
A pattern detection sensor 9 is disposed around the intermediate transfer belt 21 and between the image forming unit 30K and the secondary transfer position 46 in the circumferential direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21. The pattern detection sensor 9 is a reflective optical sensor for detecting a reference pattern of each color formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 during an image stabilization operation described later, and a detection signal of the reference pattern of each color is received. The data is sent to the control unit 60.
(2) Configuration of Control Unit FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit 60.

As shown in the figure, the control unit 60 includes, as main components, a communication interface (I / F) unit 101, a CPU 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, an image processing unit 105, an image memory 106, an LD driving unit 107, and an operation planning unit. 108, an accumulated time storage unit 109, and the like, and each unit can communicate with each other.
The communication I / F unit 101 is an interface for connecting to a network, such as a LAN card or a LAN board. For example, the communication I / F unit 101 receives a print instruction (print job data) from an external terminal device, and receives the received data. The image is sent to the image processing unit 105. It also functions as an interface for performing facsimile transmission / reception with an external facsimile apparatus via a public telephone line.

  The image processing unit 105 converts the image data obtained by the scanner unit 11, the print job data from the communication I / F unit 101, and the data received by facsimile into image data of reproduction colors Y to K for each job. The converted image data is output to the image memory 106 and stored in the image memory 106 in units of jobs. In the case of facsimile transmission, the image data obtained by the scanner unit 11 is converted into data for facsimile transmission, then sent to the communication I / F unit 101, and sent to the destination via the communication I / F unit 101. Sent.

In the case of a copy job or a print job, the LD driving unit 107 generates a driving signal for the exposure unit 3 for each image forming unit based on the image data of the job stored in the image memory 106, and the exposure unit 3. Drive the laser diode. The drive signal for the data received by facsimile is generated in the same way as for a copy job.
The CPU 102 reads a necessary program from the ROM 103, converts image data in the image processing unit 105, writes / reads image data in the image memory 106, and also includes the scanner unit 11, the image processing unit 30, and the feeding unit 40. Then, the operations of the fixing unit 50 and the like are controlled in a timely manner to execute each job such as smooth copying, printing, scanning, and FAX. Further, the CPU 102 switches between the normal mode and the power saving mode.
(3) Normal Mode and Power Saving Mode In the normal mode, the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 is maintained at a fixing temperature (for example, 185 ° C.) T1, which is a temperature necessary for fixing (a temperature at which image formation can be performed). This is the mode to control. This temperature control is performed by the CPU 102. The CPU 102 receives the detection signal from the fixing unit temperature detection sensor 54 and monitors the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 is maintained at a set target temperature, here T1. In addition, the power supply unit 90 is instructed to control the power supplied to the heater 53, for example, the power supply path is interrupted.

The power saving mode is a mode in which the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 is controlled to be lowered to a power saving temperature lower than the fixing temperature T1 (a temperature at which image formation cannot be performed). Here, standby temperature control and low power temperature control are performed. Three types of sleep control are included.
The standby temperature control is control for setting the target temperature to T2 (for example, 150 ° C.), and the low power temperature control is control for setting the target temperature to T3 (for example, 100 ° C.) lower than T2. The power supplied to the heater 53 is controlled so as to be maintained at the set temperature. The sleep control is a control for cutting off the power supplied to the heater 53. In the sleep control, the power consumption by the heater 53 becomes zero.

  Switching from the normal mode to the power saving mode is performed when a predetermined power saving transition condition is satisfied. When the mode is switched to the power saving mode, the process shifts to the standby temperature control, and if the predetermined power saving cancellation condition is not satisfied during the standby temperature control for a predetermined time, the low power temperature control is then switched. When a state where the predetermined power saving cancellation condition is not satisfied during the low power temperature control continues for a predetermined time, the sleep control is then switched. The sleep control is continued as long as a predetermined power saving cancellation condition is not satisfied. The power saving cancellation condition includes a case where at least one of a job instruction such as copying or an input to the operation panel 70 is received.

When the power saving cancellation condition is satisfied and the power saving mode is canceled during the power saving mode (during standby temperature control, low power temperature control, and sleep control), the target temperature is switched to the fixing temperature T1 by the heater 53. The surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 is raised to the fixing temperature T1.
As for standby temperature control and low-power temperature control, each time each control is executed, the time during which the temperature control is continued is measured, and the measured time is integrated and the integrated value is managed. It has become so. Here, the integration time t1 of the standby temperature adjustment control and the integration time t2 of the low power temperature adjustment control are stored in the nonvolatile integration time storage unit 109.

For example, when the standby temperature adjustment control is executed, the time during which the standby temperature adjustment control is continued is added to the time t1 currently stored in the integration time storage unit 109, and the added value becomes the new integration time. It is stored (updated) as t1. The same applies to the low power temperature control. The accumulated times t1 and t2 are reset to 0 each time an operation plan is created.
In the above description, if the predetermined power saving cancellation condition is not satisfied in the power saving mode, the temperature control is switched in stages in the order of the standby temperature control, the low power temperature control, and the sleep control. Depending on the contents, for example, the low-power temperature control may be skipped (not performed) and the standby temperature control and the sleep control may be switched in this order. The contents of switching between the standby mode and the power saving mode and switching of the temperature control will be described later.
(4) Image Stabilization Processing The CPU 102 further executes image stabilization processing for keeping the formed image with high image quality over a long period of time. In the image stabilization process, registration correction for correcting color misregistration and secondary transfer cleaning are executed here. The resist correction is executed by the following procedure.

That is, (a) the reference patterns of each color Y to K are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 at intervals along the belt circumferential direction, and the formed reference patterns are detected by the pattern detection sensor 9. (B) A distance in the belt circulation direction (corresponding to the sub-scanning direction) from another color pattern is obtained from the detection signal of the pattern detection sensor 9 based on the position of the K color pattern.
(C) The amount of misregistration of each color in the sub-scanning direction is calculated from the difference between the obtained distance and the distance when no misregistration occurs. (D) The calculated misregistration amount is stored in a nonvolatile storage means (not shown) as a control variable for image writing start (exposure start) timing in the exposure unit 3 for each image forming unit.

  The stored misregistration amount is read at the time of the next job execution, and the Y to C colors for K color are eliminated so that the misregistration (color misregistration) is eliminated according to the read misregistration amount. The exposure start timing is changed. In addition to the resist correction, other processes such as skew correction for correcting the skew of the scanning line on the photosensitive drum 1 with respect to the main scanning direction, or a laser so that the density of the output image matches the density of the input image. It may be possible to execute γ correction for controlling the light quantity of the diode. The secondary transfer cleaning method will be described later.

In the ROM 103, in addition to a control program relating to various executable operations such as document reading, image formation, and image stabilization, and a control program relating to operation plan creation, reference pattern printing data formed by registration correction for image stabilization processing Etc. are stored. The RAM 104 is used as a work area for the CPU 102.
The operation plan unit 108 creates an operation plan for this month in the own apparatus (the copying machine 10). In the following, after explaining what operations (functions) the apparatus can perform using FIG. 3, the configuration of the operation plan unit 108 and the operation plan The contents and creation method will be explained specifically.
(5) Executable Functions of Copying Machine FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a list of functions that can be executed by the copying machine 10, and is roughly classified into image formation, idle, and calibration.

Image formation includes copy jobs, print jobs, scan jobs, and fax jobs, and idle includes standby temperature control, low power temperature control, and sleep control.
Calibration includes initial operation and image stabilization. Here, the initial operation is an operation that is executed at a predetermined time such as immediately after the power is turned on, when the cover is opened / closed, immediately after a jam or trouble is solved. For example, the first scanner 28 and the second scanner 29 are operated at their original homes. An operation of returning to the home position when not positioned, and an operation of moving to the contact position if the two are separated in the contact / separation mechanism of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the photosensitive drum 1 are included. Each operation uses a motor (not shown) as a drive source.

Image stabilization includes resist correction and secondary transfer cleaning as described above. Registration correction is divided into two types, long and short. The difference between long and short is that the number of reference patterns formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 in registration correction is different. The reason why the number of reference patterns formed is divided into two types is as follows.
That is, if the number of reference patterns formed is increased, the accuracy of detection of misregistration can be improved as compared with the case where the number of reference patterns is decreased. It takes a long time.

During registration correction execution, jobs such as copying cannot be executed, and if the time required for pattern formation increases, the time required from the start to the end of registration correction also increases, and the waiting time for the operator increases. .
Therefore, every time the period set as the interval for performing registration correction elapses, long and short registration correction are performed alternately, thereby improving the image quality compared to the case of performing short-circuiting each time, and making long each time. The toner consumption and the waiting time can be reduced as compared with the case of execution. The execution interval is set in a calibration timing table 114 (FIG. 13) described later, and image stabilization is executed according to the set interval.

The secondary transfer cleaning is an operation for cleaning dirt on the surface of the secondary transfer roller 45 every time a period set as an interval for executing the secondary transfer cleaning elapses. Here, the intermediate transfer belt 21 is driven to rotate. At the same time, the transfer voltage output unit 80 applies a voltage having a polarity opposite to that at the time of image formation to the secondary transfer roller 45.
For example, if the charge polarity of the toner as a developer is negative and the secondary transfer voltage at the time of image formation is positive, the reverse polarity voltage is a negative voltage that is the opposite of this. By applying a negative voltage, the residual toner adhering to the secondary transfer roller 45 moves to the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the residual toner that has moved to the intermediate transfer belt 21 is driven around the intermediate transfer belt 21. Is cleaned by the cleaner 25. The execution interval of the secondary transfer cleaning is set in the calibration timing table 114 (FIG. 13) similarly to the resist correction, and the secondary transfer cleaning is executed according to the set interval. As image stabilization, in addition to resist correction and secondary transfer cleaning, γ correction can be performed as described above, but any method may be used as long as the image quality of the formed image is kept constant. Or at least one.
(6) Operation Plan FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen showing the operation plan 701 created by the operation plan unit 108, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation plan unit 108.
(6-1) Contents of Operation Plan 701 As shown in FIG. 4, the operation plan 701 includes a column 711 indicating the target power consumption reduction rate, a column 712 indicating the reduction mode, a column 713 indicating the number of sheets, a temperature A column 714 indicating the key, a column 715 indicating the power consumption reduction, and a column 716 indicating the print image quality are provided.

  The column 711 displays a target power consumption reduction rate (hereinafter referred to as “target reduction rate”) Z designated on the operation panel 70 by the operator. The target reduction rate Z indicates a reduction ratio with respect to the total power consumption Wa (actual value) in the past predetermined period, here last month, and is represented by a numerical value such as 10 [%], for example. A value obtained by multiplying the total power consumption Wa by (1-Z / 100) becomes the target total power consumption Wc for this month.

In the column 712, the reduction mode selected on the operation panel 70 by the operator is displayed. There are different types of reduction modes, and here, there are a uniform mode, a print number priority mode, and a convenience priority mode. The mode selected by the operator is highlighted (in the figure, an example in which the uniform mode is selected is shown).
The reduction mode includes the power consumption of the first function related to image formation (such as copy and fax included in the image formation function in FIG. 3) and the second function other than image formation (standby temperature included in the idle function in FIG. 3). In this mode, the reduction ratio of the first function and the second function is specified when attempting to reduce the power consumption of the image stabilization and the image stabilization included in the calibration function.

(A) The uniform mode is a mode in which the reduction ratio between the power consumption of the first function related to image formation and the power consumption of the second function other than image formation is equalized between the first function and the second function. It is.
Specifically, for example, assuming that the target reduction rate Z is 10 [%], in the uniform mode, the previous month's power consumption (actual result) is uniformly cut by 10 [%] for each of the first function and the second function. An operation plan 701 is created with the amount of electric power as a target.

If an attempt is made to reduce the power consumption amount (target) of this month by 10% from the power consumption amount (actual result) of last month, the executable functions are limited by the amount of power reduced.
For example, when the copy function is restricted, if the number of sheets used last month by the copy job is 10,000 sheets, the amount of power allowed to be consumed is 10% lower than the last month, The number of sheets scheduled to be used this month in the copy job is limited to less than 10,000 sheets last month.

Also, when standby temperature control of the second function is limited, the standby temperature control control execution time (integrated) was 10 hours last month, but this month the standby temperature control is reduced by 10%. If only 9 hours of electric energy can be applied to the adjustment control, the scheduled execution time of this month's standby temperature adjustment control is limited to a time that is one hour less than the previous month.
The equal mode is a mode in which the first function and the second function are uniformly reduced at the same reduction rate, so that the first function and the second function are not particularly inferior in terms of power consumption reduction. May be selected by an operator who desires

In the present embodiment, when the standby temperature adjustment control time in this month is limited to, for example, 9 hours, the standby temperature adjustment control is performed when the integration time of the standby temperature adjustment control reaches 9 hours during this month. After that, control for switching to low-power temperature control at a lower temperature than standby temperature control is executed. This is to prevent an increase in power consumption due to continued standby temperature control.
When the standby temperature control is prohibited, only the low power temperature control and the sleep control are performed in the power saving mode. In the low power temperature control, the temperature of the fixing roller 51 is maintained at a lower temperature than the standby temperature control. Therefore, the time required for returning to the normal mode (heating to the fixing temperature T1) is increased accordingly. Therefore, after the operator performs an operation to cancel the power saving mode, when copying is performed after the device returns to the normal mode, the waiting time from the power saving cancellation to the normal mode is increased for the operator. As a result, the convenience for the operator is reduced.

  (B) The print number priority mode is a mode in which the reduction ratio of the power consumption is smaller in the first function than in the second function. The fact that the reduction rate of the power consumption of the first function (copying, printing, etc.) is small means that it is difficult for the copying function, printing job, etc. to be restricted by power reduction, and for the second function (standby temperature control, etc.) Means that the restriction due to power reduction is likely to be applied. From this, it is conceivable that the print number priority mode is selected by an operator who wants to prioritize image formation such as copying (giving more weight to image formation).

(C) The convenience priority mode is a mode in which the reduction rate of the power consumption is smaller in the second function than in the first function. The fact that the reduction rate of the power consumption amount of the second function is small means that it is difficult to limit the control such as standby temperature control in the power saving mode due to the power reduction, and the first function such as copying is due to the power reduction. It means that it becomes easy to be restricted.
For example, as described above, when the standby temperature control is restricted by power reduction and the standby temperature control is prohibited, only the low power and the sleep are set in the power saving mode. Therefore, compared with the case where standby temperature control is not prohibited, the time required for returning to the normal mode from the power-saving canceling operation by the operator who performs copying or the like becomes longer, and the waiting time becomes longer for the operator. . On the other hand, in the convenience priority mode, it is difficult to limit the standby temperature adjustment control, and thus it is easy to suppress an increase in the waiting time of the operator.

For this reason, the convenience priority mode is selected by an operator who wants to prioritize usability by suppressing an increase in waiting time (priority is given to convenience due to low waiting time). It is possible.
In a column 713, a column 731 indicating the planned number (corresponding to the upper limit) of the first function for the first function such as copy, and an expected power consumption based on the planned number of the first function with respect to the predicted power consumption Wb of this month A column 732 indicating the ratio is provided. The predicted power consumption Wb indicates the total power consumption when it is assumed that each job such as copying is executed according to the operation plan 701 this month. A method for calculating the predicted power consumption Wb will be described later.

In a column 714, a column 741 indicating the temperature adjustment time, temperature control temperature, etc. for this month, a column 742 indicating the ratio of the predicted power consumption by the idle function to the predicted power consumption Wb of this month, and the first print time are displayed. A column 743 is provided.
A column 741 includes a column 781 indicating standby temperature control time (corresponding to an upper limit value), a column 782 indicating target temperature by standby temperature control, a column 783 indicating low power temperature control time (corresponding to an upper limit value), and low power. A column 784 indicating the target temperature by the temperature control is included.

  The first print time in the column 743 indicates an actual measured value (average value) of the first print time for the last month in the apparatus, and the first sheet is fed from the start of feeding the first sheet. This corresponds to the time required for the rear end to pass through the discharge roller pair 47. Time is measured from the start of feeding by an internal timer, and the time until the trailing edge of the sheet is detected by a sensor (not shown) arranged in the vicinity of the discharge roller pair 47 is measured, and the average value is stored in the internal memory ( (Not shown) and read when the operation plan 701 is created.

In the column 715, a column 751 indicating the predicted power consumption Wb of this month and a column 752 indicating the predicted reduction rate Z1 of this month relative to the previous month are provided. The expected reduction rate Z1 is a ratio of the predicted power consumption Wb of this month to the total power consumption Wa of last month.
In the column 715, an area 753 is provided in which the relationship between the total power consumption Wa of the previous month and the predicted power consumption Wb of the current month is represented by a bar graph.

A column 716 indicates whether the print image quality is selected from the standard image quality and the low image quality, and indicates the ratio of the predicted power consumption amount by the calibration function to the predicted power consumption amount Wb of this month. A column 762 is provided.
The low print image quality is a mode in which the image stabilization execution interval is set longer than the standard setting interval in accordance with the target reduction rate Z.

  Image stabilization means that the image quality of the reproduced image gradually decreases in the image forming unit as the number of operations such as copying increases and the time increases. This is a process executed to return to. Therefore, as the interval from the previous image stabilization to the next image stabilization becomes longer, the image quality is more likely to be reduced, but on the other hand, the number of times of image stabilization execution per unit period is reduced. For this reason, the frequency of occurrence of a job such as copying cannot be reduced.

From this, it is conceivable that the low image quality is selected by an operator who does not want to restrict execution of copying or the like for image stabilization while allowing a certain level of image quality degradation. An operator can select a standard print image quality and a low image quality by an input operation to the operation panel 70. Information indicating the selection result is stored in a non-volatile internal memory (not shown), read when the operation plan 701 is displayed, and the image quality indicated in the information is highlighted in a column 716. . FIG. 4 shows an example in which a standard is selected.
(6-2) Configuration of Operation Planning Unit 108 As shown in FIG. 5, the operation planning unit 108 includes, as main components, a power reduction rate reception unit 121, a reduction mode selection reception unit 122, and an operation plan creation instruction. Reception unit 123, operation plan display instruction unit 124, operation history management unit 125, date management timer 126, function table generation unit 127, function table storage unit 128, power calculation table storage unit 129, last month The power consumption calculation unit 130, the target power calculation unit 131 for this month, the operation plan creation unit 132, and the operation plan update unit 133 are provided.

The power reduction rate receiving unit 121 receives a target reduction rate Z (corresponding to the magnitude of power to be reduced) designated by the operator via the operation panel 70.
The reduction mode selection accepting unit 122 allows the operator to select one of a plurality of different types of power consumption reduction modes, here, the uniform mode, the print number priority mode, and the convenience priority mode. Accept through.

When the operator gives an instruction to create an operation plan on the operation panel 70 by key input or the like, the operation plan creation instruction acceptance unit 123 accepts the instruction from the operation panel 70 and creates an operation plan. Processing (see FIG. 14) is executed.
The operation plan display instruction unit 124 causes the liquid crystal display unit 71 of the operation panel 70 to display the operation plan based on the operation plan display data created by the operation plan creation unit 132.

The operation history management unit 125 manages the past operation history in its own device by storing and updating in a table format. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation history table 120.
As shown in the figure, the operation history table 120 includes columns for date and time, function name, and parameter. In the date / time column, the date and time of the start and end of the executed functional operation are written. In the function name column, a function name for specifying the executed function is written. In the parameter column, parameters that affect the amount of power consumption required for the function to be executed, for example, the number of copies for copying, the time for standby temperature control, the number of times for image stabilization, etc. Information is written.

For each function, the information from the date and time column, the function name column, and the parameter column is associated with each function, from the start to the end of the operation as one unit. Each time a new function is executed, history information associated with the date, function name, and parameter of the function is added to the operation history table 120, and the contents of the operation history table 120 are updated.
Since the CPU 102 manages which job and temperature control are currently being executed, the operation history management unit 125 obtains information on the start and end of the job and temperature control from the CPU 102, and obtains history information. Will be updated. For standby temperature control, low power temperature control, and sleep, the execution time (the time from the start time to the end time in the date / time column) is written in the parameter column.

The above history information is used to create the operation plan 701, and in the present embodiment, the history information for the previous month is used. May be deleted every time the period elapses.
Returning to FIG. 5, the date management timer 126 is used to measure the current date and time, and is also used to measure the elapsed time from the start to the end of the execution of each operation.

The function table generation unit 127 refers to the operation history table 120 of the operation history management unit 125, and the image forming operation table 111 shown in FIG. 7, the idle operation table 112 shown in FIG. 8, and the calibration operation table 113 shown in FIG. Is generated.
(6-3) Image Forming Operation Table 111 As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming operation table 111 includes columns for function name, parameter (number of sheets), and power consumption. The function name and parameter (number of sheets) correspond to the function name and parameter in the operation history table 120.

  Based on the current date and time and the past date and time of the history information written in the operation history table 120, the function table generation unit 127 identifies the history corresponding to the last month from the history information, and identifies the identified last month In the history, a search is made for a function whose function name is “copy: color plain paper” from among a plurality of functions written in the function name column. When the function of “copy: color plain paper” is found by the search, the respective parameters (number of copies) of the found “copy: color plain paper” are summed up. This total value represents the total number of copies (actual value) used in the “copy: color plain paper” job last month in the apparatus.

  The function table generation unit 127 writes the total value in the parameter column corresponding to the function name “copy: color plain paper” in the image forming operation table 111. In the example of FIG. 7, the total value is 1000 sheets. If no search is made, zero (0) is written as the total value. The fact that zero is not written in the total value when it is not found by the search is the same for other functions described later.

  Similarly, for each function whose function name is “copy: monochrome plain paper” to “FAX reception”, the search, the sum of the parameter values, and the writing to the image forming operation table 111 are sequentially performed for each function. Run. As a result, a numerical value is written in the parameter (number of sheets) column of each function. In this sense, the numerical value indicating the parameter (the number of sheets) is a value obtained by integrating the amount indicating that the function is executed once every time the corresponding function is executed in the previous month (within the past predetermined period). It can be said that it is equivalent.

Then, the power consumption amount for the previous month is calculated for each function, and the calculated value is written in the power consumption amount column corresponding to the function name in the image forming operation table 111. FIG. 7 shows that, for example, the power consumption for the last month for “copy: color plain paper” was 100 (kWh).
For the calculation of the power consumption, the numerical value (number of sheets) written in the parameter (number of sheets) column is multiplied by the power consumption required for processing per sheet (power consumption per unit number of sheets: kWh / sheet). The method is taken. The power consumption per unit number is acquired by referring to the image forming power consumption calculation table 151 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 10, only the information indicating the power consumption per unit number for the copy operation is extracted and shown, but the information indicating the power consumption per unit number for each operation of the print to FAX functions is also image formation. It is written in the power consumption calculation table 151.
The amount of power consumption per unit number is obtained in advance as the power that will be consumed if the function is executed from an experiment or the like, and is written in the image forming power consumption calculation table 151. The image forming power consumption calculation table 151 is stored in the power calculation table storage unit 129.
(6-4) About Idle Operation Table 112 As shown in FIG. 8, the idle operation table 112 includes columns for function name, parameter, and power consumption. The function name and parameter correspond to the function name and parameter in the operation history table 120.

  The function table generation unit 127 generates the idle operation table 112 using the same method as the generation of the image forming operation table 111. That is, “standby temperature control” is searched for by function name from a plurality of functions written in the function name column in the history information (last month) written in the operation history table 120. When “standby temperature control” is found in the search, the parameters (time) of the found “standby temperature control” are totaled. This total value represents the total execution time (actual value) of “standby temperature control” last month in the device itself.

  The function table generation unit 127 writes the total value in the parameter (time) column corresponding to the “standby temperature control” function name in the idle operation table 112. FIG. 8 shows an example of 10 hours. For each function of the low power temperature control and sleep control, the parameters (time) of each function are written based on the history information for the previous month in the same manner as the standby temperature control. In this sense, the numerical value indicating the parameter (time) corresponds to a value obtained by integrating the amount indicating that the corresponding function is executed once every time the corresponding function is executed within a predetermined period in the past. It can be said.

Note that information indicating T2 and T3, which are set temperatures for each temperature control, is written in the parameter (temperature) column for the standby temperature control and the low power temperature control regardless of the history information. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the standby temperature control is T2 = 150 (° C.) and the low power temperature control is T3 = 100 (° C.).
Then, for each function of standby temperature control and low power temperature control, the amount of power consumption for the last month is calculated, and the calculated value is written in the column of power consumption.

The calculation of power consumption is the power consumption per unit time (kWh / hour) when temperature control is performed at the temperature written in the parameter (temperature) column at the time written in the parameter (time) column. The method of multiplying is taken. The amount of power consumption per unit time is acquired by referring to the idle power consumption calculation table 152 shown in FIG.
The amount of power consumed per unit time is obtained in advance as power that will be consumed if the temperature control is executed through experiments or the like, and is written in the idle power consumption calculation table 152. The idle power consumption calculation table 152 is stored in the power calculation table storage unit 129. As for the sleep control, since the power supply to the heater 53 is interrupted as described above, the power consumption is not calculated.
(6-5) Calibration Operation Table 113 As shown in FIG. 9, the calibration operation table 113 includes columns for function name, parameter (number of times), and power consumption. The function name and parameter correspond to the function name and parameter in the operation history table 120.

  The function table generation unit 127 generates the calibration operation table 113 by the same method as described above. That is, from the history information (last month) written in the operation history table 120, “initial operation” is searched for by function name from a plurality of functions written in the function name column. Sum up the parameters (number of times) of "Initial action". This total value represents the total number of executions (actual values) of the “initial operation” last month in the device itself.

The function table generation unit 127 writes the total value in the parameter (number of times) column corresponding to the “initial operation” of the function name in the calibration operation table 113. FIG. 9 shows an example of 25 times. Similarly, for each of the image stabilization registration correction and secondary transfer cleaning operations, the parameter (number of times) is written based on the history information for the previous month.
Then, for each function of initial operation, registration correction (long and short), and secondary transfer cleaning, the power consumption for the last month is calculated, and the calculated value is written in the power consumption column.

The power consumption is calculated by multiplying the number of times written in the parameter (number of times) column by the power consumption per unit number of times (kWh / number of times). The power consumption amount per unit number is acquired by referring to the calibration power consumption calculation table 153 shown in FIG.
The amount of power consumption per unit number is obtained as power that will be consumed if the operation is executed in advance through experiments or the like, and is written in the calibration power consumption calculation table 153. The calibration power consumption calculation table 153 is stored in the power calculation table storage unit 129.

In this sense, the image forming operation table 111, the idle operation table 112, and the calibration operation table 113 affect the function name and the amount of power consumed by the execution of the function for each function executed in the past predetermined period. It can be said that this is a table in which information in association with the parameters given is written.
The generated image forming operation table 111, idle operation table 112, and calibration operation table 113 are stored in the function table storage unit 128.

The function table storage unit 128 is provided with a calibration timing table 114 in which execution intervals of image stabilization and secondary transfer cleaning are written.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the calibration timing table 114. In the example of FIG. 13, the registration correction execution interval is set every 1000 sheets, and the secondary transfer cleaning execution interval is set every 300 sheets. I know that. Note that image stabilization is performed during a period when image formation is not performed. The registration correction is performed every time image formation is performed on 1000 sheets in the example of FIG. For example, when the image stabilization execution timing is reached during the execution of the image forming operation, the image formation is temporarily interrupted and the image stabilization is interrupted. Is resumed. The same applies to the secondary transfer cleaning.
(6-6) Last Month Power Consumption Calculation Unit 130 Returning to FIG. 5, the last month power consumption calculation unit 130 includes the last month power consumption P1 of the image forming operation and the last month power consumption of the idle operation. The amount P2 and the power consumption amount P3 for the last month of the calibration operation are calculated, and the calculated P1, P2, and P3 are added together, and the added value is calculated as the total power consumption amount Wa for the previous month. The total power consumption Wa is the actual value of last month.

The calculation of the power consumption amount P1 is performed by adding all the power consumption amounts by the respective functions written in the image forming operation table 111 (see P1 in the total column 191 described in FIG. 7). Similarly, the calculation of the power consumption amount P2 (P3) is performed by adding all the power consumption amounts by the respective functions written in the idle operation table 112 (calibration operation table 113) (described in FIG. 8). (See P2 in the total column 192 and P3 in the total column 193 shown in FIG. 9).
(6-7) Monthly Target Power Calculation Unit 131 This month target power calculation unit 131 sets the total power consumption Wa for the previous month calculated by the last month power consumption calculation unit 130 to (1-Z / 100) to obtain the target total power consumption Wc for this month. Z is the target reduction rate [%] received by the power reduction rate receiving unit 121.
(6-8) About the operation plan preparation part 132 The operation plan preparation part 132 is the reduction | decrease received by the reduction mode selection reception part 122 so that the power consumption of this month can be reduced aiming at the target total power consumption Wc. The data is written in each of the image forming operation table 111, the idle operation table 112, and the calibration operation table 113 in accordance with a power reduction rule determined in advance for each mode (any one of priority, priority on the number of prints, and convenience). A parameter for each function for the previous month is varied, and an operation plan 701 is created in which the parameter after the variation is indicated by an upper limit value such as the number of copies of this month and the temperature adjustment time.

Since the parameter affects the amount of power consumption required for executing each function as described above, if the parameter is changed in the direction to reduce the power consumption, the same operation as last month will be executed this month. Assuming that the power consumption required to execute the function can be reduced, the power consumption of this month can be brought close to the target total power consumption Wc.
In addition, the operation plan creation unit 132 calculates the predicted power consumption Wb for this month based on the parameters after the variable, and sets the ratio of the calculated predicted power consumption Wb to the total power consumption Wa for the previous month as the expected reduction rate Z1. Calculate as The calculated expected reduction rate Z1 is shown in the operation plan 701.
(6-9) About Operation Plan Update Unit 133 The operation plan update unit 133 receives a change request from the operator and receives a change request for each parameter indicated in the operation plan 701 created by the operation plan creation unit 132. Then, the values currently written in the image forming operation table 111 and the idle operation table 112 are rewritten (updated) with values changed by the operator.

When the parameters are updated, the operation plan creation unit 132 recalculates the predicted power consumption Wb of this month based on the updated parameters, and the total consumption for the last month of the recalculated predicted power consumption Wb. Recalculate the expected reduction rate indicating the ratio to the amount of power Wa. An operation plan 701a including the changed parameters and the recalculated predicted reduction rate Z2 is created, and an instruction to switch the screen display of the liquid crystal display unit 71 from the operation plan 701 before the change to the operation plan 701a is The plan display instruction unit 124 is instructed to switch the screen display. The operator can confirm the operation plan 701a after changing the parameters according to his / her wishes.
(6-10) Processing executed when operation plan creation instruction is received FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the content of processing executed when the operation planning unit 108 receives an operation plan creation instruction from an operator. is there.

As shown in the figure, a function table is generated (step S1).
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine in the function table generation processing. As shown in FIG. 15, the image forming operation table 111 (FIG. 7) for the previous month is generated (step S21). This table generation is executed by the function table generation unit 127 by the above method. The same applies to the generation of the next idle operation table 112 and calibration operation table 113.

In step S22, the idle operation table 112 (FIG. 8) for the previous month is generated, and in step S22, the calibration operation table 113 (FIG. 9) for the previous month is generated.
Then, the generated tables 111 to 113 are stored in the function table storage unit 128 (step S24), and the process returns to the main routine. If a table with the same name is already stored in the function table storage unit 128, it may be overwritten, or information (date etc.) identifying that the table generated at this time is for this month's operation plan. ) In association with each other, the table may be managed separately from the already stored table (past).

  Returning to FIG. 14, in step S2, the total power consumption Wa of the previous month is calculated. This calculation is performed by the power consumption amount calculation unit 130 for last month. Specifically, referring to the image forming operation table 111, the idle operation table 112, and the calibration operation table 113 stored in the function table storage unit 128, the power consumption amount P1 of the image forming operation, the power consumption of the idle operation A process of adding the amount P2 and the power consumption amount P3 of the calibration operation to the total power consumption Wa of the previous month is performed. Information indicating the obtained total power consumption Wa is stored in an internal memory (not shown: hereinafter referred to as “internal memory”), and is used by being read in step S64 and the like described later.

  In step S <b> 3, a process of receiving an input of the target reduction rate Z for this month designated by the operator using the operation panel 70 is performed. This process is executed by the power reduction rate receiving unit 121. In step S4, processing for receiving selection input of the reduction mode selected by the operator using the operation panel 70 among the three reduction modes in equality, priority on the number of printed sheets, and priority on convenience is performed. This process is executed by the reduction mode selection receiving unit 122.

  Upon accepting the input from the operator in steps S3 and S4, a screen (not shown) for the operator to specify the target reduction rate Z and select the reduction mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 71 of the operation panel 70. Thus, a method of accepting an input of designation or selection by the operator from the displayed screen is taken. It should be noted that operation input such as designation or selection by the operator can be accepted, and other methods such as a method of accepting key press input for designation or the like may be used. The received information is stored in the internal memory and used by being read out in the next step S5 or the like.

In step S5, variable processing of parameters for each function is performed.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine in variable processing of the parameters of each function. As shown in the figure, it is determined whether or not the reduction mode selected in step S4 is the equal mode (step S31).
If it is determined that the mode is equal (“YES” in step S31), parameter variable processing 1 is executed (step S32), and the process returns to the main routine.
(6-11) Equal Mode FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine of parameter variable processing 1.

As shown in the figure, the number of sheets written in the parameter (number of sheets) column for each function name in the image forming operation table 111 is uniformly calculated by the same ratio as the target reduction rate Z. The process of rewriting to the number of sheets made is performed (step S101).
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state before and after rewriting parameters (number of sheets) in the image forming operation table 111 when the target reduction rate Z is 10%, and FIG. Reference numeral 18 (b) shows the state after rewriting.

  Before the rewriting in FIG. 18A, among the function names, for example, the parameter “copy: color plain paper” was 1000 sheets, whereas after the rewriting in FIG. It turns out that it is a sheet. Similarly, the parameters of other function names are reduced by 10% before and after rewriting. Although the number of sheets is reduced by the same ratio as the target reduction rate Z, for example, a value obtained by adding a predetermined value (for example, +1 or −1) to Z can be used. The predetermined value may be set in advance, or may be arbitrarily set by the operator using the operation panel 70 or the like.

Returning to FIG. 17, in step S102, the power consumption is calculated for each function name based on the rewritten parameter, and the power consumption currently written in the power consumption column of the image forming operation table 111 is calculated. Is replaced with the calculated power consumption. The calculation of the power consumption based on the numerical value of the parameter is executed by the same method as described above.
In FIG. 18A, for example, in the function name “copy: color plain paper”, the parameters were 1000 sheets and the power consumption was 100 [kWh] before rewriting, whereas in FIG. 18B, After the rewriting, the power consumption is reduced to 90 [kWh] because the number of parameters is reduced to 900. Similarly, it can be seen that the power consumption of other function names is reduced by reducing the parameters. As a result, the total amount of power consumption P1 is also reduced by 10% by rewriting the parameters. Note that the calculation and rewriting of the total total power consumption P1 after the parameters are changed are executed in the calculation process (step S6) of the expected reduction rate Z1 described later. This is the same for the idle operation table 112 (FIG. 19) and the calibration operation table 113 (FIG. 22) described below.

Therefore, for each function of copy to FAX, the upper limit of the number of sheets to be used for that function is set as a parameter after rewriting, and if the number of used sheets for this month does not exceed the value of that parameter, Thus, the power consumption can be reduced by 10%.
In FIG. 18, the “ratio” column is described at the right end of the image forming operation table 111. This “ratio” is the power consumption amount described in the total column 191 of the power consumption amount for each function name. The ratio with respect to P1 is shown. This “ratio” column is described to indicate a guideline of power consumption with respect to P1, and may not actually be included in the table configuration.

Returning to FIG. 17, in step S103, the time written in the parameter (time) column for each function name in the idle operation table 112 is uniformly calculated by the same ratio as the target reduction rate Z. The process of rewriting at the calculated time is performed.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state before and after rewriting the parameters (time) of the idle operation table 112 when the target reduction rate Z is 10%. FIG. (B) shows after rewriting.

  As shown in FIG. 19, for example, “standby temperature control” among the function names, the time was 10 hours before the rewriting in FIG. 19A, whereas FIG. It can be seen that after rewriting, the parameter is reduced to 10 hours by 10%. Similarly for “low power temperature control”, the parameter (time) is reduced by 10% before and after rewriting. Note that sleep is not subject to parameter reduction because the energization of the heater 53 is interrupted and the amount of power is not reduced even if the sleep time is reduced, and the numerical values are not rewritten.

Returning to FIG. 17, in step S <b> 104, the power consumption amount is calculated based on the rewritten parameter for each function name, and the power consumption amount currently written in the power consumption amount column of the idle operation table 112 is calculated. Then, the calculated power consumption is rewritten. The calculation of the power consumption based on the numerical value of the parameter is executed by the same method as described above.
In FIG. 19A, for example, in the function name “standby temperature control”, the power consumption was 35 [kWh] before rewriting, whereas after the rewriting in FIG. It can be seen that the power consumption is reduced to 31.5 [kWh] because the parameter (time) has decreased from 10 hours to 9 hours without changing at 150 [° C.]. Similarly, for the power consumption in the low power temperature control, the power consumption is reduced by reducing the parameters.

As a result, for standby temperature control and low-power temperature control, the upper limit for the current month of the temperature control time (integration) is used as a parameter after rewriting, and the temperature control time (total) of this month must not exceed the value of that parameter. That is, the power consumption can be reduced by 10% compared to last month.
The parameter (temperature) written in the idle operation table 112 becomes the target temperature T2 for standby temperature control in the power saving mode, and becomes the target temperature T3 for low power temperature control. In the above description, only the temperature adjustment time is shortened by the same ratio as the target reduction rate Z. Instead of this, for example, the target temperature is lowered by a temperature corresponding to the power consumption to be reduced evenly with image formation. It can also be. Further, both temperature and time may be lowered (shortened).

Returning to FIG. 17, in step S105, the calibration power is reduced, and the process returns to the main routine.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents of a calibration power reduction subroutine. As shown in the figure, it is determined whether or not the low image quality is selected as the print image quality from the standard image quality and the low image quality (step S111). This determination is made by reading information indicating the selection result of the image quality by the operator stored in the internal memory. Similar to the reception of the target reduction rate Z, a method of receiving a selection from the operator through the operation panel 70 at the present time may be adopted.

If it is determined that the low image quality is not selected, that is, the standard is selected (“NO” in step S111), the process returns to the main routine as it is.
If it is determined that the low image quality is selected (“YES” in step S111), the variable Q (value expressed as a percentage) is set to the value of the target reduction rate Z (step S112), and the power consumption is updated. After executing the process (step S113), the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine for the power consumption amount update process.
As shown in the figure, a value obtained by extending the registration correction execution interval Px and the secondary transfer cleaning execution interval Py written in the calibration timing table 114 by the value of the set variable Q is calculated. The currently written execution intervals Px and Py are rewritten to the calculated values (step S121).

  FIG. 22A is a diagram showing an example of the state before and after rewriting the parameter (interval) of the calibration timing table 114 when the value of the variable Q (= target reduction rate Z) is 10%. Previously, for example, the registration correction parameter (interval) Px is every 1000 sheets, but after rewriting, it is 1100 sheets. The longer the execution interval, the less the number of registration corrections performed per unit period, so the power consumption required for registration correction is reduced per unit period. In this way, the image quality is reduced to some extent as compared with the standard 1000 sheets. The same applies to the secondary transfer cleaning. The resist correction and the secondary transfer cleaning are controlled to be executed at each execution interval.

When the print image quality is switched from the low image quality to the standard by the operator's operation, the registration correction and secondary transfer cleaning parameters (intervals) are the reference values, here, every 1000 sheets and every 300 sheets (in FIG. 13). Automatically returned to the state shown).
Returning to FIG. 21, in step S122, the total number Pz of sheets in the copy function, the print function, and the FAX reception function after changing the parameters is calculated. This calculation is performed by adding the number of sheets (number of sheets after parameter change) currently written in the parameter (number of sheets) column of the copy function, print function, and FAX reception function in the image forming operation table 111.

  Then, from the execution intervals Px and Py rewritten in step S121 and the total number Pz calculated in step S122, the scheduled execution number Pa of this month for resist correction and the scheduled execution number Pb for secondary transfer cleaning this month are obtained. Calculate (step S123). This calculation is performed by dividing the total number Pz by the execution intervals Px and Py, respectively. For example, assuming that the total number Pz is 6600 and the registration correction execution interval Px is 1100, the scheduled number of executions Pa is 6. Since the registration correction is performed alternately for long and short, if the scheduled number of executions Pa is 6, it will be 3 long and 3 short.

  The value of the number of times currently written in the parameter column of the calibration operation table 113 is rewritten to the calculated scheduled number of times Pa and Pb (step S124). FIG. 22B is a diagram illustrating an example of the state before and after rewriting the parameter (number of times). Before the parameter (number of times) is rewritten, the resist correction is performed 8 times (4 times + 4 times), and the secondary transfer cleaning is performed. Compared to 25 times, it can be seen that after rewriting, the resist correction is reduced to Pa = 6 times (3 times + 3 times) and the secondary transfer cleaning is reduced to Pb = 23 times.

  Returning to FIG. 21, in step S125, the power consumption based on the number of times after the parameter rewriting for the resist correction and the secondary transfer cleaning is calculated. This calculation is performed by the method of multiplying the number of times by the power consumption per time as described above. In step S126, the power consumption actually written in the calibration timing table 114 is rewritten to the calculated value, and the process returns.

In the example of FIG. 22B, it can be seen that the total value P3 was 24 (kWh) before the parameter (number of times) was rewritten, whereas it was reduced to 21 (kWh) after the rewriting.
In this sense, the power reduction method in steps S101, S103, S121, S124, etc. is set to the equal mode as the first rule for reducing power consumption with the target reduction rate Z (the amount of power to be reduced) as a target. It can be said that it is a rule decided against. Further, when executing the parameter variable processing 1 described above, the control unit 60 sets the amount of power consumed by the function executed in the past predetermined period in accordance with the first rule corresponding to the selected equal mode. It can be said that it has a function as a variable means for changing an affected parameter.
(6-12) Printed Sheet Priority Mode Returning to FIG. 16, if it is determined that the selected mode is not the uniform mode (“NO” in step S31) and is the printed sheet priority mode (“YES” in step S33). ), Parameter variable processing 2 is executed (step S34).

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the subroutine of parameter variable processing 2.
As shown in the figure, idle operation power reduction (step S201), calibration power reduction (step S202), and image forming operation power reduction processing (step S203) are executed in order, and the process returns.
(6-12-1) Idle Operating Power Reduction FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of an idle operating power reduction subroutine.

As shown in the figure, the time Ta written in the low power temperature adjustment parameter column in the idle operation table 112 is confirmed (step S211). It is determined whether or not the time Ta is 0 (step S212).
If it is determined that the time Ta is not 0 (“NO” in step S212), the time Ta in the low power temperature adjustment parameter column in the idle operation table 112 is rewritten to 0 (step S213) and the power consumption of the low power temperature adjustment The power consumption amount in the amount column is rewritten to 0 (step S214).

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state before and after rewriting parameters and power consumption in the idle operation table 112. FIG. 25A shows before rewriting, and FIG. 25B shows after rewriting. ing. As shown in FIG. 25 (a), the time Ta is 10 hours and the power consumption is 10 (kWh) before the rewriting, but after the rewriting, the time Ta is 0 hours as shown in FIG. It turns out that it is 0 (kWh).

  This is because the parameter (time) corresponds to the upper limit of the execution time of the low-power temperature control, and if the time Ta is set to 0, the power consumption by the low-power temperature control is also 0. When the time Ta becomes 0, the low power temperature control is not executed as will be described later. The configuration is not limited to rewriting the time Ta to 0, and may be rewritten to a set value, for example, a lower limit value, specifically 1 hour. Alternatively, the current time may be rewritten to a value that is smaller by a set value. The set value may be set in advance, or may be set by the operator using the operation panel 70 or the like.

Returning to FIG. 24, in step S215, it is determined whether the target has been achieved by rewriting the time Ta. Specifically, the target is achieved if the power reduction rate Za after parameter rewriting is greater than or equal to the target reduction rate Z, and the target is determined not to be achieved if the relationship of power reduction rate Za <target reduction rate Z. To do. The power reduction rate Za is obtained as follows.
That is, (1) the power consumption amount P2 (actual value) of the idle operation of the previous month is stored before the parameter (time) is rewritten, and the total power consumption P2a of the idle operation is calculated after the rewrite. (2) The difference P2b between P2a and P2 is calculated. The difference P2b corresponds to a reduction amount of power consumption in the idle operation. (3) If the total power consumption of last month is Wa and the value obtained by subtracting P2b from Wa is P2c, the power reduction rate Za is obtained from the equation (1-P2c / Wa).

In the example of FIG. 25, since P2 = 21.5 [kWh], P2a = 11.5 [kWh], P2b = 10 [kWh], Wa = 134 [kWh], and P2c = 124 [kWh], Za = 0.07, that is, 7 (%). Since the target reduction rate Z by the operator is 10 (%) in the above example, the target is not achieved.
Returning to FIG. 24, if it is determined that the target has been achieved (“YES” in step S215), the process returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the target has not been achieved (“NO” in step S215), the time Tb in the parameter column for standby temperature adjustment in the idle operation table 112 is rewritten to a time shortened by N [%] (step S216). ). Here, N [%] corresponds to the same value as the target reduction rate Z. In the example of FIG. 25, the standby temperature control parameter (time) Tb is 3 [hours], and if this is reduced by 10 [%], as shown in FIG. ] Will be rewritten.

  If the standby temperature adjustment parameter (time) Tb changes, the power consumption by standby temperature adjustment also changes. Therefore, in step 217, the power consumption corresponding to the parameter (time) after rewriting is calculated, and the value written in the power consumption amount column for standby temperature control is updated (rewritten) to the calculated value. I do. For calculation of the power consumption, the idle power consumption calculation table 152 in FIG. 11 is referred to. In the example of FIG. 25 (b), the power consumption before rewriting was 11.5 [kWh], but as shown in FIG. 25 (c), it was 10.5 [kWh] after rewriting. You can see that

  In step S218 in FIG. 24, it is determined whether or not the target has been achieved by rewriting the time Tb. That is, it is determined whether or not the relationship of the power reduction rate after parameter rewriting Za ≧ target reduction rate Z is satisfied. This determination method is the same as step S215 described above. Here, the rewritten power consumption P2a is calculated by the above formula using the total power consumption written in the current power consumption column of the idle operation table 112. In the example of FIG. 25C, since P2b = 11 [kWh], Za = 8 [%].

  Returning to FIG. 24, if it is determined that the target has not been achieved (“NO” in step S218), the time Tb written in the parameter column of the standby temperature adjustment has reached the set value, here the lower limit value. Is determined (step S219). This lower limit value corresponds to the lower limit value when the time Tb is shortened. This lower limit value may be set in the apparatus in advance, or may be set by the operator from the operation panel 70 or the like. For example, when the operator determines that the standby temperature adjustment time can be shortened as much as possible, the lower limit value can be set to zero. The same applies to other lower limit values described below.

  If it is determined that the lower limit value has not been reached ("NO" in step S219), the process returns to step S216, and the time Tb in the parameter column for standby temperature adjustment in the current idle operation table 112 is further shortened by N [%]. Rewriting time (step S216), calculating the standby power consumption amount corresponding to the rewritten time, and rewriting the calculated power consumption amount (step S217). Then, it is determined whether or not the target has been achieved by further shortening the time Tb (step S218). This determination method is the same as step S215 described above.

  If the target has not been achieved (“NO” in step S218) and the lower limit has not been reached (“NO” in step S219), the process returns to step S216 and again in the parameter column for standby temperature adjustment. The time Tb is shortened by N [%]. If the target is not achieved and the lower limit is not reached, the process from step S216 to S219 to return to S216 is repeated, and each time the repetition time Tb in the parameter column of the standby temperature adjustment is N [%] It will be shortened. For example, if the lower limit value is 0, the time Tb may be 0 hours due to shortening. In this case, in the example of FIG. 25C, the time Tb in the parameter column of the standby temperature adjustment is shortened by N [%] from 2.7 hours, and finally 0 hour is written. If it is set to 0 hours, the standby temperature control is not executed as will be described later.

If it is determined that the target has been achieved (“YES” in step S218), the process returns. In this case, the power reduction rate Za ≧ the target reduction rate Z.
On the other hand, if the target has not been achieved ("NO" in step S218) and it is determined that the lower limit has been reached ("YES" in step S219), the temperature Tx in the parameter column for standby temperature adjustment in the idle operation table 112 is determined. Is rewritten to a temperature lowered by N [%] (step S220). The temperature Tx corresponds to the target temperature T2 for standby temperature control. In the example of FIG. 25 (c), the standby temperature adjustment parameter (temperature) Tx is 150 [° C.], and if this is reduced by 10 [%], as shown in FIG. [° C.].

  The change of the temperature Tx means that the target temperature T2 of the standby temperature adjustment control changes, and thus the amount of power consumed by the standby temperature adjustment also changes. Therefore, in step S221, the power consumption corresponding to the rewritten parameter (temperature) is calculated, and the value written in the power consumption amount column for standby temperature control is updated to the calculated value. For calculation of the power consumption, the idle power consumption calculation table 152 in FIG. 11 is referred to.

In the example of FIG. 25 (d), the standby temperature adjustment parameter (temperature) Tx = 135 [° C.], the standby temperature adjustment parameter (time) Tb = 2.7 [hour], and the standby temperature adjustment after rewriting It can be seen that the power consumption is 7 [kWh].
In step S222 in FIG. 24, it is determined whether or not the target has been achieved by rewriting the temperature Tx. This determination method is the same as steps S215 and S218 described above. In the example of FIG. 25D, since P2b = 13.5 [kWh], Za = 9 [%].

If it is determined that the target has not been achieved (“NO” in step S222), it is determined whether or not the temperature Tx has reached the lower limit (step S223). This lower limit corresponds to the lower limit when the temperature Tx is lowered.
If it is determined that the lower limit value has not been reached (“NO” in step S223), the process returns to step S220, and the temperature Tx in the parameter column for standby temperature adjustment in the current idle operation table 112 is further shortened by N [%]. Rewriting to temperature (step S220), calculating standby power consumption corresponding to the temperature after rewriting, rewriting to the calculated value (step S221), and whether the target has been achieved by rewriting temperature Tx again Is determined (step S222).

  If the target has not been achieved (“NO” in step S222) and the lower limit has not been reached (“NO” in step S223), the process returns to step S220, and again in the standby temperature adjustment parameter column. The temperature Tx is lowered by N [%]. If the target is not achieved and the lower limit is not reached, the process from Steps S220 to S223 to S220 is repeated, and each time the temperature Tx in the parameter column for standby temperature adjustment is N (%), Be lowered.

In FIG. 25 (d), when the temperature Tx for standby temperature control is lowered, the power consumption by standby temperature control also decreases. May be met and the goal may be achieved.
If it is determined that the goal has been achieved (“YES” in step S222), the process returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the target has not been achieved and the lower limit has been reached (“YES” in step S223), the process returns. In this case, the relationship of power reduction rate Za <target reduction rate Z is established, and the target may not be achieved only by reducing the amount of power consumption during idle operation.

In the above, N [%] is set to the same value as the target reduction rate Z. However, the value is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a value that is half of Z. The value of N [%] may be set in the apparatus in advance, or may be set by the operator using the operation panel 70 or the like. Further, the values of N [%] in steps S216 and S220 may be different from each other.
Moreover, although it was supposed that the process of step S211-S223 was performed, it is not restricted to this. Instead of the above, for example, the processing of S213 to S215, the processing of S216 to S219, and the processing of S220 to S223 are each performed as one unit, and only one unit of processing is executed. A configuration can also be taken. Moreover, it can also be set as the structure which replaces the execution order of each unit with the above, and performs in another order. Further, in the idle operation power reduction in step S201, instead of the above, control can be performed by replacing the standby temperature control with the low power temperature control and the low power temperature control with the standby temperature control.
(6-12-2) Calibration Power Reduction FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of a calibration power reduction subroutine when the print number priority mode is selected.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the calibration power reduction is basically the same as the calibration power reduction in the uniform mode (FIG. 20). However, instead of step S112 in FIG. 20, steps S221 and S222 are performed in FIG. This point is different. In the following, the same step numbers are assigned to parts that perform the same processing as described above, and the description thereof will be omitted when the description overlaps.

  As shown in the figure, when the low image quality is selected (“YES” in step S111), it is determined whether or not the target has been achieved by the idle operation power reduction (S201) executed previously (step S221). . If it is determined that the goal has been achieved (“YES” in step S221), the process returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the target has not been achieved (“NO” in step S221), the value of the ratio Q, which is a variable, is a value obtained by adding a predetermined value α (> 0) to the target reduction rate Z ( Z + α) is set (step S222).

Here, the ratio Q is set to (Z + α) as compared with the case where the ratio Q is set to Z in the uniform mode, the target cannot be achieved by the idle power reduction (step S201) in the print number priority mode. This is because the power consumption in the calibration operation is reduced more in the power consumption update in step S113.
If the ratio Q> Z is set, in the power consumption update as described above, the larger the ratio Q, the longer the execution intervals Px and Py of registration correction and secondary transfer cleaning, and the number of calibration operations per unit period. As a result, the power consumption of the calibration operation can be reduced more than in the uniform mode (Q = Z).

  After setting the ratio Q, the power consumption is updated (step S113). This power consumption amount update is the same as the power consumption update process of FIG. 21 described above, but since the set ratio Q is (Z + α) here, the amount corresponding to the size of (+ α) is equal. The power consumption amount P3 of the calibration operation is calculated to be smaller than that in the mode. A reduction in the value of the calculated power consumption P3 means that a reduction in the power consumption from the previous month is increased, and therefore a greater power reduction can be achieved with the calibration function.

The calculated power consumption is written in the calibration operation table 113. Returns when power consumption is updated.
(6-12-3) Image Forming Operation Power Reduction FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine for image forming operation power reduction when the print number priority mode is selected.

  As shown in the figure, it is determined whether or not the target has been achieved (step S231). This determination is performed by the following method. That is, referring to the image forming operation table 111, the idle operation table 112, and the calibration operation table 113, the power consumption amounts of all the functions currently written in these tables are added together to obtain a total. When the ratio Z ′ obtained by dividing this total value by the total power consumption Wa of the previous month is equal to or greater than the target reduction rate Z, it is determined that the target has been achieved. Judgment is achieved.

  If it is determined that the goal has been achieved (“YES” in step S231), the process returns. When it is determined that the target is not achieved (“NO” in step S231), the value of the ratio Q, which is a variable, is a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value β (> 0) from the target reduction rate Z (Z−β). ) Is set (step S232). However, Q> 0. This ratio Q corresponds to a reduction rate when an attempt is made to reduce the power consumption of the image forming function by reducing the value (upper limit) of the parameter (number of sheets) written in the image forming operation table 111. The larger the ratio Q, the smaller the parameter (number of sheets) value.

In the above uniform mode, the ratio Q is set to the same value as the target reduction rate Z. However, in the print number priority mode, the ratio Q is set to (Z−β). This is done for the following reason.
That is, since it is determined in step S231 that the target has not been achieved, it is necessary to further reduce the power consumption by reducing the number of parameters (the number of sheets) that is the upper limit number of image forming operations. However, the operator who wants to reduce the limit on the number of prints for the current month (in other words, the limit on the operations other than image formation such as the idle operation is greater than the number of prints) in the print number priority mode. Is the mode to select. Even if the print number priority mode is such a mode, if the same restriction as in the uniform mode is imposed, it may not meet the wishes of the operator who wants to reduce the number restriction.

Therefore, with the target reduction rate Z in the uniform mode as a reference, a smaller value is set as the ratio Q to reduce the power consumption of the image forming function for this month, and the number limit is less than the uniform mode. To do.
After the ratio Q is set, the number of sheets written in the parameter (number of sheets) column for each function name in the image forming operation table 111 is calculated by reducing the ratio Q and rewritten to the calculated number ( Step S233). The method for calculating the number of sheets is the same as that in step S101.

For each function name, the power consumption is calculated based on the rewritten parameter, and the power consumption currently written in the power consumption column of the image forming operation table 111 is calculated as the calculated power consumption. (Step S234) and the process returns. Note that the method of calculating the power consumption is the same as in step 102 described above.
As described above, in the print number priority mode, (1) First, the parameters (time and temperature) of the idle operation table 112 are rewritten using a power consumption reduction method predetermined for the mode. (2) If the power consumption reduction target is not achieved, then the parameters (number of times) in the calibration operation table 113 and the parameters (execution interval) in the calibration timing table 114 are rewritten. (3) The parameter (number of sheets) in the image forming operation table 111 is rewritten only when the target has not yet been achieved.

The target of power consumption reduction transitions in the order of idle, calibration, and image formation, and when it is judged that the target is achieved by reducing the power for the idle function, or the achievement of the target is judged by reducing the power for the idle function and the calibration function. In this case, the power consumption for the image forming function is not reduced.
Therefore, in order to reduce the amount of power consumption this month, for operators who want to limit the number of image forming functions as much as possible (prefer the number of sheets), the number-of-prints priority mode is the creation of an operation plan according to their own wishes. It can be said that the reduction mode is suitable for.

  In this sense, the power reduction method by steps S201 to S203 of parameter variable processing 2 is a rule determined for the print number priority mode as a second rule for reducing power consumption with the target reduction rate Z as a target. It can be said. Further, when executing the parameter variable process 2, the control unit 60 sets the amount of power consumed by the function executed in the past predetermined period in accordance with the second rule corresponding to the selected print number priority mode. It can be said that it has a function as a variable means for changing an affected parameter.

Note that the power consumption reduction target is changed in the order of idle, calibration, and image formation. For example, only idle and calibration, or only idle power reduction (the image forming function is not limited by power reduction) is adopted. You can also.
In the parameter variable process 2 in the print number priority mode, the target may not be achieved even if the parameter is varied according to a predetermined reduction method by setting the standby temperature adjustment time or the lower limit value of the temperature. Even in this case, the operator can confirm that the target has not been achieved by looking at the expected reduction rate Z1 included in the operation plan 701.
(6-13) Convenience priority mode Returning to FIG. 16, when it is determined that the selected mode is not the print number priority mode (“NO” in step S33), the selected mode is the convenience priority mode. Then, the parameter variable process 3 is executed (step S35).

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the contents of the subroutine of parameter variable processing 3.
As shown in the figure, the value of the ratio Q, which is a variable, is set to (Z + γ), which is a value obtained by adding a predetermined value γ (> 0) to the target reduction rate Z (step S301). This ratio Q is the same as in the print number priority mode described above when reducing the value (upper limit) of the parameter (number) written in the image forming operation table 111 to reduce the power consumption of the image forming function. This corresponds to a reduction rate of. As the ratio Q is larger, the parameter (number of sheets) value is reduced.

In the above-described print number priority mode, the ratio Q is set to (Z−β), but in the convenience priority mode, it is set to (Z + γ). This is done for the following reason.
That is, the convenience priority mode is a mode that is selected by an operator who wants to reduce the restriction on the idle operation for this month (in other words, to restrict the image forming operation more than the idle operation). . Therefore, with the target reduction rate Z in the uniform mode as a reference, a larger value is set as the ratio Q to reduce the power consumption of the image forming function for the current month, while reducing the power consumption for the image forming function. Only when the target cannot be achieved, the power reduction for the idle operation is attempted.

After the ratio Q is set, the number of sheets written in the parameter (number of sheets) column for each function name in the image forming operation table 111 is calculated by reducing the ratio Q and rewritten to the calculated number ( Step S302). The method for calculating the number of sheets is the same as that in step S101.
For each function name, the power consumption is calculated based on the rewritten parameter, and the power consumption currently written in the power consumption column of the image forming operation table 111 is calculated as the calculated power consumption. (Step S303). The calculation method of the power consumption is the same as that in step 102 described above.

It is determined whether or not the target has been achieved by reducing the power consumption of the ratio Q to the image forming function (step S304). This determination is performed in the same manner as in step S231 described above. If it is determined that the target is achieved (“YES” in step S304), the process returns. In this case, calibration power reduction and idle operation power reduction are not performed.
If it is determined that the target has not been achieved (“NO” in step S304), calibration power reduction is performed (step S305).

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a calibration power reduction subroutine when the convenience priority mode is selected.
As shown in the figure, it is determined whether low image quality is selected as the image quality selection (step S321). This determination method is the same as in step S111. If it is determined that the low image quality is not selected (“NO” in step S321), the process returns as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that the low image quality is selected (“YES” in step S321), the value of the ratio Q is set to the same value as the target reduction rate Z (step S322). Although the ratio Q is set to be the same as the target reduction rate Z, for example, the ratio Q may be set to (Z + γ) or (Z−β).

Then, the power consumption amount update is executed (step S323), and the process returns. For the power consumption amount update, the same processing as in step S113 is executed.
Returning to FIG. 28, it is determined whether or not the target has been achieved by executing calibration power reduction (step S305) (step S306). This determination is performed in the same manner as in step S304 described above. If it is determined that the target is achieved (“YES” in step S306), the process returns. In this case, idle operating power is not reduced.

If it is determined that the target has not been achieved (“NO” in step S306), idle operating power is reduced (step S307), and the process returns. For this idle operating power reduction, the same processing as the above-described idle operating power reduction (step S201) is executed.
Thus, in the convenience priority mode, (1) First, the parameters (number of sheets) in the image forming operation table 111 are rewritten using a power consumption reduction method determined in advance for the mode. (2) If the power consumption reduction target is not achieved, then the parameters (number of times) in the calibration operation table 113 and the parameters (execution interval) in the calibration timing table 114 are rewritten. (3) Rewrite the parameters (time, temperature) of the idle operation table 112 only when the target has not yet been achieved.

If the target of power consumption reduction transitions in the order of image formation, calibration, and idle, and it is judged that the target is achieved by reducing the power for the image forming function, or the target is achieved by reducing the power for the image forming function and the calibration function. If determined, the power consumption for the idle function is not reduced.
Therefore, the convenience priority mode is in line with his / her wishes for operators who want to limit the idle function as much as possible (priority to the time of standby temperature control, etc.) when reducing the power consumption of this month. It can be said that the reduction mode is suitable for creating an operation plan.

In the above description, the power consumption reduction target is changed in the order of the image forming function, the calibration function, and the idle function. However, for example, only the image forming function and calibration, or only the image forming function is reduced in power (idle function). Can also be configured).
In the parameter variable process 3 in the convenience priority mode, as in the parameter variable process 2 in the print number priority mode, the target may not be achieved even if the parameter is changed in accordance with the determined reduction method. Even in this case, the operator can confirm that the target has not been achieved by looking at the expected reduction rate Z1 included in the operation plan 701.

In this sense, the power reduction method in steps S301 to S303 of the parameter variable process 3 is a rule determined for the convenience priority mode as a third rule for reducing power consumption with the target reduction rate Z as a target. It can be said. Further, when executing the parameter variable process 3, the control unit 60 sets the amount of power consumed by the function executed in the past predetermined period in accordance with the third rule corresponding to the selected convenience priority mode. It can be said that it has a function as a variable means for changing an affected parameter.
(6-14) Calculation of Expected Reduction Rate Z1 Returning to FIG. 14, in step S6, the expected reduction rate Z1 is calculated.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine for calculating the expected reduction rate Z1. As shown in the figure, the total power consumption P11 of the image forming operation is calculated with reference to the current image forming operation table 111 (step S61). This calculation is performed by adding all the power consumption amounts of the respective functions of the image forming operation table 111. The calculated value (total value) is overwritten with the value currently written in the total column 191 of the image forming operation table 111 (see FIG. 18B).

  Next, referring to the current idle operation table 112, the total power consumption P21 of the idle operation is calculated (step S62). This calculation is performed by adding all the power consumption amounts of the respective functions in the idle operation table 112. The calculated value (total value) is overwritten with the value currently written in the total column 192 of the idle operation table 112 (see FIG. 19B).

  Then, referring to the current calibration operation table 113, the total power consumption P31 of the calibration operation is calculated (step S63). This calculation is performed by adding the registration correction in the calibration operation table 113 and the power consumption of the secondary transfer cleaning. The calculated value (total value) is overwritten with the value currently written in the total column 193 of the calibration operation table 113 (see FIG. 22B).

  Subsequently, the predicted power consumption Wb is obtained by adding together P11, P21, and P31, and the difference between the calculated expected power consumption Wb and the total power consumption Wa of the previous month is divided by Wa. Is calculated as the expected reduction rate Z1 (step S64), and the process returns to the main routine. For example, if Wa (= P1 + P2 + P3) = 726 [kWh] and Wb (= P11 + P21 + P31) = 652.9 [kWh] as in the examples of FIGS. 18, 19, and 22, Z1 = (Wa−Wb) /Wa=0.1, and the expected reduction rate Z1 is 10%.

The predicted power consumption Wb is the total expected power consumption that would be required when it is assumed that the same function as each function of the previous month is executed this month based on the parameters after the variable, and the expected reduction rate Z1 is When it is assumed that the total power consumption can be reduced to the expected power consumption Wb, it can be said to be a predicted value indicating the ratio of how much has been reduced with respect to the previous month.
(6-15) Creation of Operation Plan Display Screen Returning to FIG. 14, in step S7, an operation plan display screen is created. The operation plan display screen is created by the operation plan creation unit 132 generating image data necessary for displaying the operation plan 701 shown in FIG.

  Specifically, display data for the operation plan 701 is prepared in advance. The display data includes the target power consumption reduction rate in the column 711, the number of columns in the column 713, the time and temperature in the column 714, and the data in the column 715. Since a predetermined value, for example, 0 is written in advance in a data portion corresponding to information selected by the user, such as the predicted power consumption Wb and the predicted reduction rate Z1, or information calculated as a parameter for the current month. This is executed by rewriting the predetermined value with selected information, calculated parameters, or the like.

For example, in the column 711, the target reduction rate Z of this month that is received in step S3 and stored in the internal memory is read out in the column 711, and the read target reduction rate Z value is displayed in the column 711. As described above, the data in the portion indicating the column 711 of the display data is rewritten to the read value.
The same applies to the copy of the column 713: the number of functions such as color, the standby temperature adjustment time and the temperature adjustment temperature of the column 714, and the like. That is, the parameters (number of sheets, time, temperature, etc.) written in the current image forming operation table 111 and idle operation table 112 (after the parameter variable processing is completed) are read for each function, and the display data column is displayed. The data of the portion indicating the number of sheets 713, 714, time, temperature control temperature, etc. is rewritten to the value indicated by the read parameter.

  In the highlighted display of the columns 712 and 716, display data is created so that the display portion of the mode and image quality selected by the user is highlighted. Further, a value (ratio) obtained by dividing the total power consumption P11 by the predicted power consumption Wb is displayed in the column 732 as a percentage display, and a value (ratio) obtained by dividing the total power consumption P21 by the expected power consumption Wb is a percentage. Each ratio is calculated so that the value (ratio) displayed in the column 742 in the display and the total power consumption P31 divided by the predicted power consumption Wb is displayed in the column 762 in the percentage display. Display data is created so as to be displayed in the corresponding column. The graph 753 is created with data corresponding to the graph 753 so that the bar graph of the total power consumption Wa for the previous month and the bar graph of the predicted power consumption Wb for this month have a length corresponding to the ratio of Wa and Wb. Is done. In the first print time 743 column, since the measured value (average value) of the first print time is stored in the internal memory (not shown) as described above, it is read out and the numerical value portion in the column 743 is read. Is written to.

  The operation plan 701 shown in FIG. 4 is an example when the uniform mode is selected as the reduction mode by the operator, and the operation plan 701 shown in FIG. 31 is an example when the print number priority mode is selected. In the example of the uniform mode in FIG. 4, both the number of sheets (parameter) in the number field 713 and the time (parameter) in the temperature adjustment field 714 are uniformly reduced by 10% from the last month (FIGS. 7 and 8). Yes.

  On the other hand, in the example of the print priority mode in FIG. 31, the number of sheets in the number field 713 is the same as last month, and the time and temperature in the temperature adjustment field 714 are further lowered than in the uniform mode. In order to prevent the print priority mode from being limited as much as possible by the image forming function as described above, the parameters of each function have been changed so that the idle function has a higher power reduction ratio than the image forming function. Because. Although an example of the convenience priority mode is not illustrated, the number of image forming functions is limited to a smaller number than that of the uniform mode so that the idle function is not limited as much as possible.

The method for creating operation plan display data is not limited to the above method. Image for displaying on screen the information necessary for the operation plan 701 shown in FIGS. 4 and 31 (accepted target reduction rate Z, calculated expected reduction rate Z1, selected reduction mode, calculated parameters, etc.) Any method can be used as long as data can be created. When the operation plan display screen is created, the accumulated times t1 and t2 currently stored in the accumulated time storage unit 109 are reset to 0 as described above. Each time the temperature control for standby and low power started after the operation plan is executed, the executed time is accumulated.
(6-16) Display of Operation Plan In step S8 of FIG. 14, a process for displaying the created operation plan display screen on the liquid crystal display unit 71 of the operation panel 70 is executed. This display process is executed by the operation plan display instruction unit 124 sending display data of the operation plan 701 generated by the operation plan creation unit 132 to the liquid crystal display unit 71. As a result, the operation plan 701 for this month is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 71 as shown in FIGS.

The operator can visually check the operation plan 701 of this month and confirm to what extent the functions such as copying are limited in reducing the power consumption of this month in the reduction mode selected by the operator. . Specifically, the parameters (number of sheets, time, etc.) shown in the column 713 and the column 714 correspond to the upper limit of the number of sheets, time, etc. for the current month, so when power reduction is performed according to the operation plan 701, the operation plan 701 It can be seen that the number and time shown are limited to the upper limit for this month. More specifically, for example, in the field 713, if the number of “copy colors” is 1000, the operator can set the copy job at the beginning of the month so that the number of color copies in this month is within the range of 1000. You can make a plan.
(6-17) Change of Operation Plan Parameter In step S9 of FIG. 14, a process of accepting a request to change the parameter of the operation plan 701 by the operator is performed. This process is performed by the operation plan update unit 133. For example, when the operator looks at the displayed operation plan 701 and wants to increase the number of “copy color plain paper” this month, for example, An operator change request is accepted.

Specifically, when the display part of the parameters (number of sheets, time, etc.) of the operation plan 701 displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 71 is touch-input by the operator, the reception for receiving the change of the touch-input parameter Control to switch the screen display to the screen.
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a display example of the parameter change acceptance screen 735 for the copy function, and the current parameter (number of sheets) is displayed for each function in the parameter column. The operator selects one of the functions displayed on the parameter change reception screen 735, for example, “copy color plain paper” in the figure by touch input, etc., and operates the parameter value of the selected function. It can be changed by inputting a numeric keypad or the like on the panel 70, and in the example shown in the figure, 1000 (sheets) can be changed to 1200 (sheets).
(6-18) Update of operation plan When the value of the parameter is changed on the screen by the operator and the OK key in FIG. And "YES"), a process for updating the parameter value requested to be changed is performed (step S11). This update is performed by the operation plan update unit 133. Here, the operator changes the current value in the parameter column of the operation table (image forming operation table 111 or idle operation table 112) to which the changed parameter belongs. Rewrite (update) the value. In the above example, the value of the parameter column of “copy color plain paper” in the image forming operation table 111 is rewritten from 1000 (sheets) to 1200 (sheets).

  The parameters of other functions are the same, and when a change is accepted from a change acceptance screen (not shown) (when it is determined that the change is confirmed), the current values of the image forming operation table 111 and the idle operation table 112 are Rewrite (update) the value changed by the operator. Parameters can be changed for one or more functions, and when changing parameters for multiple functions, the reception screen for accepting the parameter change for each function one by one is sequentially switched. It is possible to configure so that the operator can input a value to be changed for each reception screen. As long as the method allows the operator to input the change of the parameter value to the value desired by the operator and can be updated to the value input by the operator, the method is limited to the method using the above reception screen or the like. However, another method may be used.

When even one parameter is updated, the predicted power consumption Wb changes and the predicted reduction rate Z1 calculated in step S6 also changes. Therefore, the process returns to step S6 to recalculate the expected reduction rate Z1.
In the process of calculating the expected reduction rate Z1 in step S6, as shown in FIG. 30, the total power consumption P11 is recalculated in step S61 with reference to the current (after parameter update) image forming operation table 111. In step S62, the total power consumption P21 is recalculated with reference to the current (after parameter update) idle operation table 112, and in step S63, the current (after parameter update) calibration operation table 113 is referred to. The total power consumption P31 is recalculated. This calculation method is the same as the above method. The recalculated total power consumption is denoted as P11 ′, P21 ′, and P31 ′ in order to distinguish from the first calculated value.

In step S64, the sum of the calculated P11 ′, P21 ′, and P31 ′ is obtained as a new predicted power consumption Wb1, and the difference between the calculated predicted power consumption Wb1 and the total power consumption Wa of the previous month is obtained. Is recalculated as a new expected reduction rate Z2.
The recalculated predicted reduction rate Z2 takes into account the value of the parameter changed by the operator, and the expected reduction rate Z1 (changed by the operator is calculated first) depending on the magnitude of the changed value by the operator. It is different from the ones whose values are not considered).

  Note that the parameter change by the operator is an image forming function and an idle function, and the calibration function is not a target of change. Therefore, in calculating the expected reduction rate Z2 by the parameter change, the total power consumption P31 ′ May be stopped, and the value of P31 calculated first may be used. If the parameter change is only one of the image forming function and the idle function, for example, the parameter is not changed for the other function, so the total power consumption is calculated for the other function. It is also possible to stop the redoing process and use the value of the total power consumption calculated first.

  When the calculation of the predicted reduction rate Z2 in step S6 is completed, returning to FIG. 14, in step S7, the operation plan corresponding to the expected reduction rate Z2 is recreated, and in step S8, the operation plan in which the display screen is first created is created. 701 is switched to the re-created operation plan 701 ′ (outputs the operation plan 701 ′), and in step S9, the parameter change is accepted again. The processing method of steps S7 to S9 is the same as the above method.

As a result, the operator can visually confirm the operation plan 701 ′ in which the value of the parameter for which he has instructed the change is taken into account. By changing the parameter, it is possible to know how much the expected reduction rate Z2 differs from the initial expected reduction rate Z1.
If it is determined that there is a parameter change by the operator (“YES” in step S10), the process returns to step S6 via step S11, and the processes in and after step S6 are repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no parameter change by the operator (“NO” in step S10), the processing by the main routine is terminated. The determination that the parameter has not been changed is made, for example, by receiving an end instruction from the operator.
In addition, it goes without saying that the numerical values described in the respective tables are examples, and the values of the predetermined values α, β, and γ may be set in the apparatus in advance by experiments or the like. However, the operator may arbitrarily set using the operation panel 70 or the like. Further, α, β, and γ may be the same size.
(7) Image forming function after operation plan creation The operator checks the operation plan displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 71 (including the operation plan recreated after the parameter change by the operator), for example, You can know the upper limit of the number of copies this month and the upper limit of the standby temperature adjustment time.

As a result, the operator manages, for example, the number of sheets (integrated value) of each function such as copying and printing by the image forming function executed by the copying machine 10 in this month, and the number of sheets is the upper limit. When the value approaches, the user who uses the copier 10 can take measures such as calling attention so as not to exceed the upper limit value before reaching the upper limit value.
In addition, a warning display can be automatically output when the image forming function approaches the upper limit value.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing for displaying a warning. This process is called and executed by a main routine (not shown) at a predetermined time, for example, every time the image forming function (copy to FAX) is executed once by the control unit 60 or at a predetermined interval, for example, every minute.
As shown in the figure, the cumulative number is acquired for each image forming function (step S71). Here, for each of the image forming functions shown in FIG. 3, specifically, the functions of “copy color (plain paper)” to “FAX reception”, a value obtained by integrating the number of sheets executed after the creation of the operation plan ( Is stored and managed in a non-volatile internal memory, and is obtained by reading the integrated value of each function from the internal memory.

For each function, the acquired cumulative number is compared with the parameter (number) as the upper limit value written in the image forming operation table 111 (step S72).
It is determined from the comparison result whether or not there is a function in which the cumulative number is approaching the upper limit value (step S73). For each function, the determination is that the cumulative number is smaller than the parameter (number), and if the difference between the two is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the upper limit is approached, and if the difference is greater than the predetermined value, the approach is not approached. Is done. The predetermined value may be 100 sheets, for example. Moreover, it is good also as a different value for every function. Furthermore, the operator may arbitrarily set the value.

If it is determined that there is no function in which the cumulative number approaches the upper limit (“NO” in step S73), the process returns to the main routine as it is.
If it is determined that there is a function in which the cumulative number is approaching the upper limit value (“YES” in step S73), a control to display a warning that the upper limit value is approached on the liquid crystal display unit 71 of the operation panel 70 is performed. (Step S74), the process returns to the main routine.

  For example, if the total number of copies of the “copy color (plain paper)” function is 900, the parameter (number of sheets) is 1000, and the predetermined value is 100, the “copy color (plain paper) function is the upper limit of this month. A message such as “The number is approaching” is displayed as a warning. When it is determined that a plurality of functions are approaching the upper limit value, warnings for each function can be displayed in a list or the warnings can be sequentially switched for each function for display control.

In the above, the user or the like is warned before the upper limit number is reached that the upper limit number is approached. For example, when the upper limit number is reached, a message to that effect may be displayed as a warning. Alternatively, only the function that has reached the upper limit may be forcibly prohibited. At least one of these may be executed. Furthermore, the warning is not limited to display output, and may be output such as a print on which a sentence or the like is printed.
(8) Temperature Control of Fixing Unit 50 After Creation of Operation Plan (8-1) Overall Control Flow FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the contents of temperature control of the fixing unit 50, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied For example, it is started when the power is turned on or when the jam processing or the trouble is restored, and continues if the conditions for prohibiting the power supply to the heater 53 such as power off, jam or trouble are not satisfied. When the condition is satisfied, it stops (the power supply to the heater 53 is also stopped simultaneously). Then, it resumes when the power is turned on or a jam is restored. In the temperature control, the internal temperature control F (flag) is set to one of 0, 1, 2, and 3, but is set to 0 at the start of the temperature control. Shall be.

As shown in the figure, it is determined whether or not the temperature control F is 0 (step S131). Here, it is determined that the temperature control F = 0 (“YES” in step S131), and the fixing temperature control is executed (step S132).
(8-2) Fixing Temperature Control FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the contents of a fixing temperature control subroutine.

As shown in the figure, the target temperature of the surface of the fixing roller 51 is set to T1 (step S141). The temperature T1 is a fixing temperature (for example, 185 ° C.) that is a temperature necessary for fixing.
When the target temperature T1 is set, the power supply to the heater 53 is controlled so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 is maintained at the target temperature T1 (step S142). A state in which the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 is maintained at the fixing temperature T1 is the normal mode.

In step S143, it is determined whether a predetermined power saving transition condition is satisfied. Here, the power saving transition condition means that a state in which nothing is operated by the operator or a state in which a job such as copying is not executed in the normal mode continues for a predetermined time, for example, 5 minutes.
If it is determined that the power saving transition condition is not satisfied (“NO” in step S143), the process directly returns. In this case, the process returns to step S131 in FIG. 34 again. However, since the temperature control F remains 0 (“YES” in step S131), fixing temperature control is executed (step S132), and the target temperature is set to T1. If the condition for shifting to the power saving mode is not satisfied (“NO” in step S143), the process returns again. Therefore, if the state where the power saving transition condition is not satisfied is continued, the normal mode in which the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 is maintained at the fixing temperature T1 is continued, and image formation such as copying can be performed.

If it is determined that the power saving transition condition is satisfied (“YES” in step S143), it is determined whether or not the standby temperature adjustment integration time t1 is less than or equal to the upper limit value (step S144).
This standby temperature adjustment integration time t1 is the integration time of this month during which the standby temperature adjustment continues, is measured in standby temperature adjustment control (step S134) described later, and is stored in the integration time storage unit 109. .

The upper limit value corresponds to the parameter (time) currently written in the standby temperature adjustment column of the idle operation table 112, which corresponds to 10 hours in the example of FIG. Depending on the contents of the operation plan, for example, it may be 0 hours.
The upper limit value is a parameter set in the operation plan, and the standby temperature adjustment integration time t1 is the total execution time by the standby temperature adjustment control of this month. Therefore, if the standby temperature adjustment integration time t1> the upper limit value, the operation plan This will deviate from the target of reducing power consumption.

Therefore, if the relationship of standby temperature adjustment integration time t1 ≦ upper limit value, the execution of standby temperature adjustment control is not restricted (prohibited). The temperature control F is set so as to limit (prohibit) the execution of the control. If the upper limit value is 0, the standby temperature adjustment integration time t1> the upper limit value is always satisfied, and execution of the standby temperature adjustment control is prohibited.
Specifically, if it is determined that the standby temperature adjustment integration time t1 ≦ the upper limit value (“YES” in step S144), the temperature adjustment F is set to 1 (step S145), and the process returns. When temperature control F = 1, standby temperature control is executed as described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the standby temperature adjustment integration time t1> the upper limit value (“NO” in step S144), it is determined whether the low power temperature adjustment integration time t2 is less than or equal to the upper limit value (step S146). Note that the determination of “NO” in step S144 means that the standby temperature adjustment control is not executed (prohibited).
The low power temperature adjustment integration time t2 is the integration time of the time during which the low power temperature adjustment continues, is measured in the low power temperature adjustment control (step S136) described later, and is stored in the integration time storage unit 109. It's time.

The upper limit value corresponds to the value of the parameter (time) currently written in the low power temperature adjustment column of the idle operation table 112, which corresponds to 30 hours in the example of FIG. The upper limit value is a parameter set in the operation plan, and may be 0 hours, for example.
Since the low power temperature adjustment integration time t2 is the total execution time of this month's low power temperature adjustment control, the operation plan is set when the low power temperature adjustment integration time t2> the upper limit value, as in the standby temperature adjustment control. This will deviate from the target of reducing power consumption.

Therefore, if the relationship of the low power temperature adjustment integration time t2 ≦ the upper limit value, the execution of the low power temperature adjustment control is not restricted (prohibited), and conversely, if the relationship of the low power temperature adjustment integration time t2> the upper limit value is satisfied. The temperature control F is set so as to limit (prohibit) the execution of the low power temperature control.
Specifically, if it is determined that the low power temperature adjustment integration time t2 ≦ the upper limit value (“YES” in step S146), the temperature adjustment F is set to 2 (step S147), and the process returns. When the temperature control F = 2, the low power temperature control is executed as described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the low power temperature adjustment integration time t2> the upper limit value ("NO" in step S146), the temperature adjustment F is set to 3 (step S148) and the process returns. In this case, execution of the low power temperature control is prohibited, and sleep control is executed as described later.
Returning to FIG. 34, if temperature control F is not set to 0 (“NO” in step S131) and it is determined that temperature control F is set to 1 (“YES” in step S133), standby temperature is set. Key control (step S134) is executed.
(8-3) Standby Temperature Control Control FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine for standby temperature control.

As shown in the figure, the target temperature of the surface of the fixing roller 51 is set to T2 (step S151). The temperature T2 is a temperature lower than the fixing temperature T1 as described above. The parameter (temperature) written in the standby temperature adjustment column of the idle operation table 112 is read, and the read temperature is set to T2. . In the example of FIG. 8, it corresponds to 150 [° C.].
The power supplied to the heater 53 is controlled so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 is maintained at the set temperature T2 (step S152). Thereby, standby temperature control is started. For example, when shifting from the normal mode to the power saving mode (standby temperature control), the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 is fixed by limiting the amount of power supplied to the heater 35 to a certain extent as compared to the normal mode. The temperature T2 is maintained lower than the temperature T1. This is the same for the low power temperature control described later.

Time measurement by an internal timer (not shown) is started (step S153). The elapsed time from the start of the standby temperature control can be measured by the start of the timer timing.
In step S154, a difference d1 that is a value obtained by subtracting the current standby temperature adjustment integration time t1 from the upper limit value is calculated. As the current standby temperature adjustment integration time t1, the time stored in the integration time storage unit 109 is read. As the upper limit value, a parameter (time) written in the standby temperature adjustment column of the idle operation table 112 is read. Note that d1 ≧ 0 when the upper limit value ≧ t1, but d1 = 0 when the upper limit value <t1.

  In step S155, it is determined whether or not a predetermined power saving cancellation condition (condition for shifting to the normal mode) is satisfied during standby temperature control. Here, the power saving cancellation condition means that the operator has performed an operation for canceling the power saving in the power saving mode, or an instruction to execute a job such as copying or printing (power saving cancellation instruction). If it is determined that the power saving cancellation condition is not satisfied (“NO” in step S155), the process proceeds to step S156.

In step S156, it is determined whether or not the transition condition to low power temperature control is satisfied. The condition for shifting to low power temperature control is that a state where the power saving cancellation condition is not satisfied from the start of standby temperature control during the standby temperature control is continued for a predetermined time, for example, 5 minutes. The predetermined time may be set to an arbitrary value by the operator.
If it is determined that the condition for shifting to low power temperature control is not satisfied ("NO" in step S156), the elapsed time from the start of timer timing in step S153 (the elapsed time from the start of the current standby temperature control) Is greater than the difference d1 (elapsed time> whether or not the difference d1 is satisfied) (step S157). Elapsed time> difference d1 means that the standby temperature adjustment integration time t1 exceeds the upper limit value during the current standby temperature adjustment control.

If it is determined that elapsed time> difference d1 is not satisfied, that is, elapsed time ≦ difference d1 (“NO” in step S157), the process returns to step S155. During the standby temperature control, when neither the power saving cancellation condition nor the transition condition to the low power temperature control is satisfied and the elapsed time ≦ the difference d1, the standby temperature control is continued.
When it is determined that the power saving cancellation condition is satisfied during the standby temperature control (“YES” in step S155), the temperature control F is set to 0 (step S158), and the time measurement by the internal timer is terminated (step S159). ).

  Then, the count value from the start to the end of the time measurement by the internal timer (the time during which the standby temperature adjustment control was continued) is added to the standby temperature adjustment integration time t1 that is currently stored in the integration time storage unit 109 (step S1). S160) The value after addition is stored (updated) in the integrated time storage unit 109 as a new standby temperature adjustment integrated time t1, that is, the current standby temperature adjustment integrated time t1 is rewritten to a new standby temperature adjustment integrated time t1. After (step S161), the process returns.

  If it is determined that the transition condition to the low power temperature control is satisfied during the standby temperature control (“YES” in step S156), the temperature control F is set to 2 (step S162), and the process proceeds to step S159. Move. Further, if it is determined that the elapsed time> difference d1 during standby temperature control (“YES” in step S157), the temperature control F is set to 2 (step S162), and the process proceeds to step S159. The processing after step S159 is the same as described above.

  If it is determined in step S157 that the elapsed time> the difference d1, the value of the standby temperature adjustment integrated time t1 written in step S161 should be larger than the upper limit value. When executed, the relationship of standby temperature adjustment integration time t1> upper limit value is satisfied in step S144 of FIG. 35 (“NO” in step S144), and temperature adjustment F is set to 2 or 3 without being set to 1. (Step S147 or S148).

  When the temperature control F is set to 2 or 3, when shifting from the normal mode to the power saving mode, the standby temperature control is not executed (prohibited), and the low power temperature control or sleep control is executed. Become. Since the standby temperature adjustment integration time t1 of this month exceeds the upper limit value, the standby temperature adjustment control can be restricted so that it does not greatly deviate from the power consumption reduction target according to the operation plan.

Returning to FIG. 34, if the temperature adjustment F is neither 0 nor 1 (“NO” in step S131, “NO” in S133), and it is determined that the temperature adjustment F is set to 2 (“YES” in step S135). ), Low power temperature control (step S136) is executed.
(8-4) Low Power Temperature Control FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the contents of a low power temperature control subroutine.

As shown in the figure, the target temperature of the surface of the fixing roller 51 is set to T3 (step S171). The temperature T3 is lower than the temperature T2, and the parameter (temperature) written in the low power temperature adjustment column of the idle operation table 112 is read, and the read temperature is set to T3.
The power supplied to the heater 53 is controlled so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 is maintained at the set temperature T3 (step S172). Thereby, the low power temperature control is started.

Time measurement by the internal timer is started (step S173). The elapsed time from the start of the low power temperature control can be measured by the start of the timer timing.
In step S174, a difference d2 which is a value obtained by subtracting the current low power temperature adjustment integration time t2 from the upper limit value is calculated. As the current low power temperature adjustment integration time t2, the time stored in the integration time storage unit 109 is read. As the upper limit value, a parameter (time) written in the low power temperature adjustment column of the idle operation table 112 is read. Note that d2 ≧ 0 when the upper limit value ≧ t2, but d2 = 0 when the upper limit value <t2.

In step S175, it is determined whether or not a predetermined power saving cancellation condition is satisfied during the low power temperature control. This power saving cancellation condition is the same as the power saving cancellation condition during standby temperature control. If it is determined that the power saving cancellation condition is not satisfied (“NO” in step S175), the process proceeds to step S176.
In step S176, it is determined whether a condition for transition to sleep control is satisfied. The transition condition to the sleep control is that a state where the power saving cancellation condition is not satisfied from the start of the low power temperature control during the low power temperature control is continued for a predetermined time, for example, 10 minutes. The predetermined time may be set to an arbitrary value by the operator.

If it is determined that the conditions for transition to sleep control are not satisfied (“NO” in step S176), the elapsed time from the start of timer timing in step S173 (the elapsed time from the start of the current low power temperature control) is calculated. It is determined whether or not the difference is greater than d2 (elapsed time> whether or not the difference d2 is satisfied) (step S177).
Elapsed time> difference d2 means that the low power temperature adjustment integrated time t2 exceeds the upper limit value during the current low power temperature control.

If it is determined that elapsed time> difference d2 is not satisfied, that is, elapsed time ≦ difference d2 (“NO” in step S177), the process returns to step S175. If neither the power saving cancellation condition nor the transition condition to the sleep control is satisfied during the low power temperature control, and the elapsed time ≦ the difference d2, the low power temperature control is continued.
When it is determined that the power saving cancellation condition is satisfied during the low power temperature control (“YES” in step S175), the temperature control F is set to 0 (step S178), and the time measurement by the internal timer is terminated (step S175). S179).

  Then, the count value from the start to the end of the time measurement by the internal timer (the time during which the low power temperature adjustment control was continued) is added to the low power temperature adjustment integration time t2 currently stored in the integration time storage unit 109. (Step S180), the value after addition is stored (updated) in the integration time storage unit 109 as a new low power temperature adjustment integration time t2, that is, the current low power temperature adjustment integration time t2 is newly added to the low power temperature adjustment integration. After rewriting at time t2 (step S181), the process returns.

  If it is determined that the condition for shifting to the sleep control is satisfied during the low power temperature control (“YES” in step S176), the temperature control F is set to 3 (step S182), and the process proceeds to step S179. . Further, if it is determined that the elapsed time> difference d2 during the low power temperature control (“YES” in step S177), the temperature control F is set to 3 (step S183), and the process proceeds to step S179. The processing after step S179 is the same as described above.

  If it is determined in step S177 that the elapsed time> the difference d2, the value of the low power temperature adjustment integration time t2 written in step S181 should be larger than the upper limit value. Is executed, the relationship of the low power temperature adjustment integration time t2> the upper limit value is satisfied in step S146 of FIG. 35 (“NO” in step S146), and the temperature adjustment F is set to 3 without being set to 2. (Step S148).

  When the temperature control F is set to 3, when shifting from the normal mode to the power saving mode, neither the standby temperature control nor the low power temperature control is executed (prohibited), and the sleep control is executed. . Since this month's standby temperature adjustment integration time t1 and low power temperature adjustment integration time t2 each exceed the upper limit value, by limiting both standby temperature adjustment control and low power temperature adjustment control, It is possible not to greatly deviate from the reduction target.

Returning to FIG. 34, when it is determined that the temperature adjustment F is neither 0, 1 or 2 (“NO” in step S135), it is determined that the temperature adjustment F is set to 3, and sleep control (step S137) is performed. Run.
(8-5) Sleep Control FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the contents of a sleep control subroutine.

  As shown in the figure, power supply to the heater 53 is shut off (step S191). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined power saving cancellation condition is satisfied during sleep control (step S192). This power saving cancellation condition is the same as the power saving cancellation condition during the standby temperature control described above. If it is determined that the power saving cancellation condition is not satisfied (“NO” in step S192), the sleep control is continued, and if it is determined that the power saving cancellation condition is satisfied (“YES” in step S192), the temperature adjustment F is adjusted. Set to 0 (step S193) and return. Accordingly, when F = 0 is determined in step S131 in FIG. 34, power supply to the heater 53 is started by the fixing temperature control in step S132. An operation to return to the normal mode is executed.

  In this way, the power saving mode is configured to switch in stages in the order of standby temperature control, low power temperature control, and sleep control in principle, but depending on the contents of the operation plan created this month, the target for reducing power consumption (A) Control that executes only low power temperature control and sleep control (disables standby temperature control) and (b) executes only sleep control (by standby temperature control and low There is a case of switching to control that prohibits power control.

  Further, (c) when the print number priority mode is selected when the operation plan is created, the low power temperature control parameter (time) is set to 0 (S213). Thereby, in step S146, it is determined that the low power temperature adjustment integration time t2> the upper limit value (= 0), the temperature control F is not set to 2, and the low power temperature control is prohibited. In this case, it may be possible to perform control for executing only standby temperature control and sleep control (low power is prohibited) from the beginning of the month, and further, standby temperature control integration time t1> upper limit until the last day of this month. For example, standby temperature control is also prohibited, and only sleep control may be executed.

By switching the temperature control of the fixing unit in this manner, the power consumption desired by the operator can be reduced without greatly deviating from the reduction target of the operation plan for this month.
In the above, after the operation plan is created, for each of the standby temperature control function and the low-power temperature control function, the execution of the function is automatically performed when the integrated value of the time due to the execution of the function reaches the upper limit value for each function. Is prohibited, but it is not limited to this. Similar to the image forming function described above, a message indicating that the upper limit value has been reached may be output by display or the like, or a message indicating that the upper limit value is approached (a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the upper limit value) will be displayed. It may be allowed to.
(8-6) Manual switching by the operator In the above description, an example of the control for automatically prohibiting the standby temperature control and the low power temperature control when the prohibition condition is satisfied has been described. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which an operator manually instructs prohibition of temperature control.

  Specifically, every time standby temperature control (control to maintain the target temperature T2) is executed in the control unit 60, the elapsed time from the start is measured with a timer. The time t1 is updated by adding this measurement time to the temperature adjustment integration time t1 stored in the integration time storage unit 109, for example, in units of one second. Each time it is updated, it is determined whether or not the current time t1 ≧ the upper limit value. When it is determined that the time t1 ≧ the upper limit value is reached, a warning A indicating that the standby temperature control has reached the upper limit is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 71.

  The operator can know that the standby temperature control has reached the upper limit by visually checking the warning A, and it is necessary to prohibit the standby temperature control in order to realize the reduction target of power consumption of this month. I understand that. The operator can instruct the prohibition of the standby temperature control by operating the key A provided on the operation panel 70. When the key A is operated, the control unit 60 sets a prohibition flag A indicating prohibition of standby temperature control.

  As for the low power temperature control (control for maintaining the target temperature T3), the elapsed time from the start is measured every time the control is executed, as in the standby temperature control. The time t2 is updated by adding this measurement time to the temperature adjustment integration time t2 stored in the integration time storage unit 109, for example, in units of one second. Each time it is updated, it is determined whether or not the current time t2 ≧ the upper limit value, and if it is determined that the time t2 ≧ the upper limit value is reached, a warning B that the low power temperature control has reached the upper limit is issued. It is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 71.

  From the warning B, the operator knows that the low power temperature control has reached the upper limit, and that it is necessary to prohibit the low power temperature control in order to achieve the power consumption reduction target. The operator can instruct prohibition of the low power temperature control by operating the key B provided on the operation panel 70. When the key B is operated, the control unit 60 sets a prohibition flag B indicating prohibition of the low power temperature control.

In this configuration, the control unit 60 prohibits the standby temperature adjustment control when the prohibition flag A is set and performs the standby temperature control control when the prohibition flag B is set by the processing shown in FIG. Control to prohibit low power temperature control.
That is, as shown in FIG. 39, during the execution of the fixing temperature control (step S401), if the power saving transition condition is satisfied (“YES” in step S402), whether or not the prohibition flag B is set is determined. Is determined (step S403). If the prohibition flag B is not set (“NO” in step S403), it is determined whether or not the prohibition flag A is set (step S404). When the prohibition flag A is not set (“NO” in step S404), the process proceeds to standby temperature control (step S405).

  If the power saving cancellation condition is satisfied during execution of the standby temperature control (“YES” in step S406), the power saving is canceled and the process proceeds to fixing temperature control (step S401). If the power saving cancellation condition is not satisfied (“NO” in step S406), it is determined whether the condition for shifting to low power is satisfied (step S407). If the condition for shifting to low power is not satisfied ("NO" in step S407), standby temperature control is continued (step S405). If the conditions for shifting to low power are satisfied (“YES” in step S407), the flow shifts to low power temperature control (step S408).

  If the power saving cancellation condition is satisfied during execution of the low power temperature control (“YES” in step S409), the power saving is canceled and the process proceeds to fixing temperature control (step S401). If the power saving cancellation condition is not satisfied (“NO” in step S409), it is determined whether the sleep transition condition is satisfied (step S410). When the sleep transition condition is not satisfied (“NO” in step S410), the low power temperature control is continued (step S408). When the conditions for shifting to sleep are satisfied (“YES” in step S410), the process shifts to sleep control (step S411).

If the power saving cancellation condition is satisfied during execution of the sleep control (“YES” in step S412), the power saving is canceled and the process proceeds to fixing temperature control (step S401). If the power saving cancellation condition is not satisfied (“NO” in step S412), the sleep control is continued.
When the prohibition flag A is set (“YES” in step S404), the process proceeds to low power temperature control (step S408). As a result, the standby temperature control is prohibited, and the low power temperature control is executed first when shifting to the power saving state.

  On the other hand, when the prohibition flag B is set (“YES” in step S403), the process proceeds to soup control (step S411). As a result, both the standby temperature control and the low power temperature control are prohibited, and only the sleep control is executed in the power saving state. Note that once the prohibition flags A and B are set, the state is maintained until the next operation plan is created, and when the operation plan is next created, Is not set). The accumulated times t1 and t2 are similarly reset to 0 when the next operation plan is created.

  The present invention is not limited to an image forming apparatus that creates an operation plan, and may be an operation plan creation method that creates an operation plan. Furthermore, the method may be a program executed by a computer. The program according to the present invention includes, for example, a magnetic disk such as a magnetic tape and a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R, MO, and PD, and a flash memory recording medium. It can be recorded on various computer-readable recording media, and may be produced, transferred, etc. in the form of the recording medium, wired and wireless various networks including the Internet in the form of programs, In some cases, the data is transmitted and supplied via broadcasting, telecommunication lines, satellite communications, or the like.

<Modification>
As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modifications may be considered.
(1) In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of reduction modes that specify different ratios of power consumption reduction for the image forming function (first function) and the functions other than image forming (second function) are equally used. Mode (power consumption reduction rate A for the first function is equal to power consumption reduction rate B for the second function), print number priority mode (reduction rate B is greater than reduction rate A), convenience Although the configuration example with three priority modes (the reduction rate A is larger than the reduction rate B) has been described, the configuration example is not limited to these three. Either two of them may be used, and the number of print priority mode and convenience priority mode are each selected from a total of five modes by dividing into two modes: a mode with a larger reduction rate difference and a mode with a smaller reduction rate. It can also be set as the structure to do. For the operator, the options of the mode desired by the operator are expanded, and the operation plan 701 is created along the subdivided reduction ratio.

  (2) In the above embodiment, an example in which an idle function (temperature control of the fixing unit) and a calibration function (registration correction, etc.) are included as the second function other than image formation has been described. Absent. For example, some apparatuses may not execute the calibration function. In this case, the second function includes an idle function and does not include a calibration function. Even if the calibration function can be executed, the second function may not include the calibration function. In this case, the power consumption is reduced according to a rule predetermined for the reduction mode for each of a plurality of different reduction modes for the first function as the image forming function and the second function as the temperature control. Reduction of power consumption of each function (parameter change) is executed.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the operation plan 701 includes the items of target reduction rate Z, reduction mode, number of sheets, temperature control, expected reduction rate Z1 (Z2), and print image quality. If at least the number of copies or the like and the temperature adjustment time of the fixing unit are known, the number and time can be known as a guideline for the upper limit of the number of copies in this month. In this sense, it can be said that the operation plan 701 may be created so as to include at least information that associates function names such as copying and temperature control with parameters such as the number of sheets and time.

  In the above, to reduce the power consumption, the number of sheets, time, and temperature that are parameters of each function are variable, but considering that the billing by the electricity charge of power consumption per unit time is normal, Reducing power consumption is synonymous with reducing electricity bills. Even if the above-mentioned power consumption is replaced with an electricity bill, a similar operation plan can be created. Therefore, when the amount of power consumption is reduced, it can be understood that it also means a reduction in the electricity bill.

(4) In the above embodiment, the first function is the function other than the image forming function and the second function is a function other than the image forming function. For example, one of the different image forming functions is the first function ( It is also possible to create an operation plan for each of the reduction modes for both of these functions as a second function (monochrome copy or the like) different from the first one, such as color copy.
As the different reduction modes, when the power consumption per sheet is different between the color copy and the monochrome copy, for example, equality, color priority, monochrome priority and the like can be set. Color priority mode is a mode in which the reduction rate of power consumption is smaller for color copy than monochrome, and monochrome priority mode is a mode in which the reduction rate of power consumption is lower for monochrome copy than color. Can do.

  For example, if the operator selects the color priority mode, the parameter (number of sheets) for monochrome copying is reduced more than the previous month, while the parameter (number of sheets) for color copying is reduced compared to the previous month. It is possible to create an operation plan according to the operator's intention. Note that the combination of the first and second functions is not limited to color and monochrome copying, and may be copying and printing, printing and scanning, for example.

(5) In addition, charging is performed for each function related to image formation by executing the function. Specifically, for each function, a predetermined usage fee is added to one sheet by executing the function. If it is a device to be managed, it is possible to create an operation plan showing the following billing amount instead of the operation plan based on the reduction in power consumption.
Specifically, the calculation method is changed so that the parameter (number of sheets) is calculated from the charge (charge amount) per sheet instead of the power consumption per sheet.

  For example, when the functions related to image formation are color copying and monochrome copying, and charging is performed separately for each function, A (yen) per color copy, B (yen) per monochrome copy, If the total number of color copies in the last month is 10000 [sheets] and the total number of monochrome copies is 5000 [sheets], the charge amount for last month is 10000 × A [yen] for color copies and 5000 × B [ Yen].

  As an example of information indicating the amount of charge to be reduced, an input of a target reduction rate Z is accepted from the operator, and the rate of charge reduction for the first and second image forming functions is defined by different values. As an example of a plurality of reduction modes, a configuration is adopted in which selection of one reduction mode among the uniform mode, color priority mode, and monochrome priority mode is accepted from the operator, and the target reduction rate Z is 10% and the selected reduction is performed. Assuming that the mode is the uniform mode and the charge is reduced by 10%, the charge for color copy in this month is 9000 × A [yen] and the charge for monochrome copy is 4500 × B [yen]. In this example, the parameters (number of sheets) are color copy = 9000 [sheets] and monochrome copy = 4500 [sheets], and an operation plan showing the values of these parameters (number of sheets) is created.

For example, when a mode with a reduction rate of color copy is smaller than that of monochrome copy is selected as the color priority mode instead of the uniform mode, color and monochrome are selected according to the reduction rate and the target reduction rate Z. The number of sheets (parameter) is calculated.
For example, if A = 10 (yen / sheet) and B = 5 (yen / sheet), the total billing amount of last month in the above example is 125,000 yen, and the target reduction rate Z for this month is 10%. The amount of time reduction will be 12,500 yen. If the color reduction rate is set to 5%, for example, the number of color reductions this month with respect to 10,000 sheets last month is 500, and the amount is 5000 yen. The color can be reduced by 5000 yen, but in order to achieve the target reduction rate Z = 10%, it is necessary to reduce 7500 yen in monochrome. In order to reduce 7500 yen in monochrome, the number of reductions may be set to 1500. In the case of this example, the charge reduction ratio for color and monochrome is 4: 6, and it can be seen that the color priority mode is a mode in which the reduction ratio is larger for monochrome than for color.

Thus, the parameters (number of sheets) for this month in the color priority mode are color copy = 9500 [sheets] and monochrome copy = 3500 [sheets], and an operation plan showing the values of these parameters (number of sheets) is created. This is suitable when the reduction rate of monochrome copies is desired to be increased when reducing the total billing amount this month to the target reduction rate Z.
Further, as a monochrome priority mode, for example, when a mode in which monochrome copy has a lower reduction rate than color copy is selected, color priority is given according to the reduction rate and the target reduction rate Z as described above. The number of color (monochrome) sheets (parameters) in which the rate of charge reduction is opposite to that of the mode is calculated, and an operation plan indicating the calculated parameter (number of sheets) value is created.

  The parameter (number of sheets) has an effect on the amount of charge for the execution of the function related to image formation. The function name (color copy in the above example) and the parameter of each function in the past predetermined period ( In the above example, 10000 sheets etc. are acquired, and a rule for reducing the charge amount is determined in advance for each reduction mode with the target charge amount (10% in the above example) to be reduced. By varying the parameters included in the information in accordance with the rules in place (in the above example, the total number of colors and monochrome is reduced by 10% in the uniform mode, etc.) Because of the size of the parameter, the operation plan based on the billing amount indicating how much the number of sheets to be reduced this month compared to the billing amount (total amount) of the previous month is It is possible to create by de.

  When the administrator manages the charge amount based on the use of the image forming apparatus by the user, the function is not limited to the case where the power saving effect by reducing the power consumption is managed on a monthly basis as in the above embodiment. The amount of billing for the function can be determined from the operation plan to see how much the parameter for that function (the amount of change from the previous month) will be reduced from the previous month, and the number of copies etc. can be managed according to the amount charged It becomes easy to do.

The first and second functions are not limited to color and monochrome, but a single-sided image forming mode for forming an image only on one side of the sheet and a double-sided image forming mode for forming an image on both sides (front and back) of the sheet Also, other functions may be used and the reduction mode is not limited to the above three, as in the above (4).
(6) In the above description, the past predetermined period is the last month (from the present to the past one month), but is not limited thereto. For example, the past one week, the past two weeks, the past ten days, the past two months (last month and last month) may be used. Since the operation plan is created based on the total power consumption (integrated value) in the past predetermined period, if the predetermined period is, for example, the past one week, the operation plan for this week is based on the total power consumption in the past one week. Will be created. In this case, an operation plan can be created on a weekly basis, and the degree of power reduction can be determined on a weekly basis. Further, an average of one month in a plurality of past months may be taken and this average value may be regarded as the total power consumption in the past month.

Further, the reduction of the power consumption is not limited to creating the current month's operation plan for the previous month, and for example, the operation plan for the next month may be created for the previous month. In this case, the created operation plan may be applied from the next month.
(7) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the display unit that displays the operation plan on the display unit is described as an example of the output unit. However, if the operation plan can be provided to the operator by outputting the operation plan, The display means is not limited. For example, a printer unit that forms an image showing an operation plan on a sheet and outputs the sheet can be used as the output unit.

  In addition, although the unit of the parameter in the image forming function is the number of sheets to be image formed, for example, an apparatus for performing double-sided printing that separately forms images on one surface and the other surface of one sheet Therefore, with regard to the function of fixing by a heater such as copying, printing, FAX reception, etc., the number of times of image formation when the operation of forming an image on one surface of each sheet is defined as one time Can be considered.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the configuration example in which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a copier capable of forming a full-color image has been described. However, the image forming function (first function) and the temperature of the fixing unit are described. As long as the adjustment function (second function) can be executed, the present invention is not limited to a copying machine or full-color or monochrome image formation, and can be applied to general image forming apparatuses such as printers and facsimile machines. Further, functions that can be executed by the image forming apparatus are not limited to the above functions. Furthermore, it goes without saying that numerical values such as the number of sheets and the temperature of each table are not limited to the above values.

  Further, the above embodiment and the above modification examples may be combined.

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer and an operation plan creation method, and is useful as a technique for providing an operation plan desired by an operator while reducing power consumption.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Copy machine 11 Scanner part 12 Printer part 50 Fixing part 53 Heater 60 Control part 70 Operation panel 71 Liquid crystal display part 102 CPU
108 Operation Planning Unit 111 Image Forming Operation Table 112 Idle Operation Table 113 Calibration Operation Table 121 Power Reduction Rate Reception Unit 122 Reduction Mode Selection Reception Unit 124 Operation Plan Display Instruction Unit 125 Operation History Management Unit 130 Last Month Power Consumption Calculation Unit 131 Current Month Power Consumption Calculation Unit 132 Operation Plan Creation Unit 133 Operation Plan Update Unit 701 Operation Plan 711 Target Power Consumption Reduction Rate Display Field 712 Reduction Mode Display Field 713 Number (Parameter) Display Field 735 Parameter Change Acceptance Screen 741 Temperature Control Time etc. (Parameter) display field 752 Expected reduction rate display field

Claims (14)

An image forming apparatus capable of executing a first function as one of image forming functions and a second function different from the first function,
First accepting means for accepting input of information indicating the amount of power to be reduced from an operator;
A second accepting means for accepting selection from the operator of one reduction mode among a plurality of reduction modes that define different rates of power consumption reduction for the first function and the second function;
For each function that is Oite executed in the past within a predetermined period, acquiring means for acquiring the correspondence between parameters affecting the magnitude of the power consumption due to execution of the function names and function within a predetermined period information When,
Variable means for varying a parameter included in the information according to a rule predetermined for the selected reduction mode as a rule for reducing power consumption with a target of the amount of power to be reduced;
And creation means for creating an operating plan, including the variable means information correlated with the changed parameter by corresponding to the function name and the function,
Output means for outputting the created operation plan;
Equipped with a,
The first function is a function of performing an image forming operation of forming an image on a sheet and thermally fixing the image to the sheet using a fixing member heated to a fixing temperature by a heater of a fixing unit.
The second function restricts the power supplied to the heater at a time other than when the first function is executed, compared to when the first function is executed, and sets the temperature of the fixing member at a temperature lower than the fixing temperature. Yes, it is a power-saving function that reduces the temperature to a power-saving temperature where image formation cannot be performed.
The plurality of reduction modes include a uniform mode in which a reduction rate of power consumption is uniform between the first function and the second function, and a print number priority mode in which the second function is larger than the first function, An image forming apparatus comprising at least two convenience priority modes in which the first function is larger than the second function . The total estimated power consumption by each function executed within the predetermined period is Wa, and the total estimate that would be required when it is assumed that the same function as each executed function is executed based on the changed parameter. A calculation means for calculating a ratio of the predicted power consumption Wb to the total power consumption Wa as an expected reduction rate Z1 when the power consumption is Wb;
The creating means includes
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation plan including the calculated expected reduction rate Z1 is created in addition to the correspondence between the function name and the changed parameter. Third receiving means for receiving a change in parameters included in the operation plan from an operator;
Updating means for updating a parameter included in the operation plan to the changed value;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: First rule which is determined for the previous SL equally mode,
Change the parameters for each of the first function and the second function so that the power consumption of each of the first function and the second function is reduced by the same rate as when the power is reduced to the target. It is what
The second rule determined for the print number priority mode is:
The parameter for the first function is changed only when the reduction amount of the power consumption does not achieve the target even if the parameter for the second function is changed by a predetermined amount.
The third rule determined for the convenience priority mode is:
Claim 1 the parameters for the first function, only when the reduction of a fixed amount changed so even power consumption does not achieve the target, and characterized in that to change the parameters for the second function The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The parameter corresponding to the first function is the number of times of image formation when an operation for forming an image on one surface of the sheet is set to one time for each sheet.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the parameter corresponding to the second function is at least one of a length of a power saving time maintained at the power saving temperature and a value of the power saving temperature. The variable parameter for the first function is:
The number of image formations is made less than the total number of image formations related to image formation performed within the predetermined period,
The variable parameter for the second function is:
The length of the power saving time is made shorter than the total power saving time in the power saving function executed in the predetermined period, and the power saving temperature is set in the power saving function executed in the predetermined period. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is performed by at least one of lowering. The power saving function includes
A standby temperature control function for maintaining the temperature of the fixing member at a first temperature lower than the fixing temperature, and a low power temperature control function for maintaining the temperature of the fixing member at a second temperature lower than the first temperature;
The standby temperature adjustment function is executed first among the standby temperature adjustment function and the low power temperature adjustment function, and if the transition condition to the predetermined low power temperature adjustment function is satisfied during the execution of the standby temperature adjustment function, the low power temperature adjustment function is executed. Configured to transition to
In the power saving time,
A first time maintained at the first temperature by the standby temperature control function and a second time maintained at the second temperature by the low power temperature control function are included,
The variable parameter for the second function is:
If it is determined whether the target is achieved by reducing the amount of power consumption that would be reduced when the length of the second time is shortened to the first predetermined time, and the target is not achieved 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the determination is made by shortening the length of the first time by a second predetermined time. The power saving function further includes a sleep function for cutting off power to the heater,
It is configured to shift from the low power temperature control function to the sleep function when the transition condition to the predetermined sleep function is satisfied during the execution of the low power temperature control function,
When the first predetermined time is 0 hour,
The execution of the low-power temperature control function is prohibited, and when the transition condition to the specified low-power temperature control function is satisfied during the execution of the standby temperature control function, the standby temperature control function shifts to the sleep function. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. The second function further includes a calibration function for executing an image stabilization operation for maintaining a constant image quality in image formation of the apparatus when the first function and the power saving function are not executed. Is included,
The parameter corresponding to the first function is:
The number of times of image formation when the operation of forming an image on one side of the sheet for each sheet is one time,
The parameter corresponding to the second function is
5. The power saving function is at least one of a length of a power saving time maintained at the power saving temperature and a value of the power saving temperature, and the calibration function is a number of times of image stabilization operations. The image forming apparatus described. When the expected power consumption that would be required when assuming that the same function as each function executed within the predetermined period is executed based on the updated parameter is Wc,
The calculating means includes
Recalculate the ratio of the predicted power consumption Wc to the total power consumption Wa as the expected reduction rate Z2,
The creating means includes
When the expected reduction rate Z2 is calculated, an operation plan including the expected reduction rate Z2 instead of the expected reduction rate Z1 is recreated.
The output means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further outputting the re-created operation plan. The output means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a display unit that displays the operation plan. Having control means,
The parameter included in the acquired information corresponds to a value obtained by accumulating an amount indicating that the function is executed once every time the corresponding function is executed within a predetermined period in the past.
The parameter after the change indicates an upper limit value when executing a function corresponding to the parameter,
The control means includes
After the operation plan is created, when the integrated value of the amount by execution of the function reaches the upper limit value indicated by the corresponding changed parameter for each function, the execution of the function is prohibited and the upper limit value is reached. That the output means outputs the fact that the integrated value of the amount has reached a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the upper limit value indicated by the corresponding changed parameter. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following is executed. An image forming apparatus capable of executing different first and second image forming functions and charging for the execution of each image forming function,
First accepting means for accepting input of information indicating the amount of charge to be reduced from the operator;
A second accepting unit for accepting selection from the operator of one reduction mode among a plurality of reduction modes that define different rates of charge reduction for the first and second image forming functions;
For each function that is Oite executed in the past within a predetermined period, and obtaining means for obtaining information associating the parameters affecting the size of the charge amount by the execution of the function names and function within the predetermined time period ,
Variable means for varying a parameter included in the information in accordance with a rule predetermined for the selected reduction mode as a rule for reducing the charge amount with a target charge amount to be reduced;
And creation means for creating an operating plan, including the variable means information correlated with the changed parameter by corresponding to the function name and the function,
Output means for outputting the created operation plan;
Equipped with a,
The first function is a function of performing an image forming operation of forming an image on a sheet and thermally fixing the image to the sheet using a fixing member heated to a fixing temperature by a heater of a fixing unit.
The second function restricts the power supplied to the heater at a time other than when the first function is executed, compared to when the first function is executed, and sets the temperature of the fixing member at a temperature lower than the fixing temperature. Yes, it is a power-saving function that reduces the temperature to a power-saving temperature where image formation cannot be performed.
The plurality of reduction modes include a uniform mode in which a reduction rate of power consumption is uniform between the first function and the second function, and a print number priority mode in which the second function is larger than the first function, An image forming apparatus comprising at least two convenience priority modes in which the first function is larger than the second function . An operation plan creation method in an image forming apparatus capable of executing a first function which is one of image forming functions and a second function different from the first function,
A first step of accepting input of information indicating the amount of power to be reduced from an operator;
A second step of accepting, from the operator, selection of one reduction mode among a plurality of reduction modes that define different ratios of power consumption for the first function and the second function;
For each function that is Oite executed in the past within a predetermined period, a third that obtains the information associating the parameters affecting the size of the power consumption due to execution of the function names and function within a predetermined time period Steps,
A fourth step of varying a parameter included in the information in accordance with a rule predetermined for the selected reduction mode as a rule for reducing power consumption with the magnitude of power to be reduced as a target;
A fifth step of the operating schedule including information correlated with the parameter after the change by the fourth step corresponding to the function name and the function,
Perform the steps including,
The first function is a function of performing an image forming operation of forming an image on a sheet and thermally fixing the image to the sheet using a fixing member heated to a fixing temperature by a heater of a fixing unit.
The second function restricts the power supplied to the heater at a time other than when the first function is executed, compared to when the first function is executed, and sets the temperature of the fixing member at a temperature lower than the fixing temperature. Yes, it is a power-saving function that reduces the temperature to a power-saving temperature where image formation cannot be performed.
The plurality of reduction modes include a uniform mode in which a reduction rate of power consumption is uniform between the first function and the second function, and a print number priority mode in which the second function is larger than the first function, An operation plan creation method, comprising at least two convenience priority modes in which the first function is larger than the second function .

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