JP2010201707A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing power consumption before the start of a printing operation.
A liquid crystal display that analyzes the received print data and displays the state of the image forming apparatus as characters or images in order to determine whether the print data received from a host computer is normal print data. And an image forming apparatus for providing the light irradiation means for irradiating light to the liquid crystal display means and turning off the liquid crystal display means and the light irradiation means when the received print data is determined to be normal. .
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a power saving technique of an image forming apparatus provided with liquid crystal display means.

  In recent years, large LCDs with backlights have been increasingly adopted in place of character-type small LCDs used for operation panels because of the ease of viewing the display portion. Generally, after the power is turned on, the large LCD is energized to display the state of the image forming apparatus, and when print data is received from the host computer, “printing” is displayed on the large LCD. However, in the case of a large-format printer that performs printing of a large size such as long printing and a long printing time, “printing” is displayed on the large LCD even when there is no user near the image forming apparatus. There is a problem that wasteful power is consumed for a long time.

  In consideration of extending the life, the light emission time of the backlight LED for irradiating the large LCD with light greatly affects the life of the large LCD.

  In recent years, therefore, there has been a demand for lower power consumption and longer life even in the printing mode. Conventionally, in the printing mode and in the standby mode, a large LCD that has been turned on is also a target for power saving, and a technique for turning off the power during printing has been proposed.

  Some multifunction peripherals equipped with a plurality of application functions perform power saving control of each unit of the apparatus according to a selected application. For example, when a printer application is selected, power saving is achieved by turning off other applications such as an operation panel and an image scanner unit during a printing operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-201986

  However, in the conventional example, the operation for the selected application is uniquely determined, and an appropriate response is given as an error notification method to the user when an output image abnormality due to a user setting error or a failure occurs in the image forming apparatus. There is a problem that is not removed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing power consumption before the start of a printing operation.

  In order to determine whether the print data received from the host computer is normal print data, the present invention analyzes the received print data and displays the state of the image forming apparatus as characters or images. And an image forming apparatus for providing the light irradiation means for irradiating light to the liquid crystal display means and turning off the liquid crystal display means and the light irradiation means when the received print data is determined to be normal. .

  According to the present invention, the main body setting data included in the head portion of the print data from the host computer is analyzed, and the power supply to the large LCD and the backlight LED is immediately turned off. There is an effect that can be suppressed.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 10 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus 10. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of Example 2 of this invention.

  The mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is connected to the host computer 1.

  The host computer 1 uses the installed drawing application to create print data and transmit the print data to the image forming apparatus 10.

  The host interface 11 receives print data from the host computer 1 and temporarily stores it in the print buffer 24. Further, the print data once stored in the print buffer 24 may be stored in the HDD 28. When stored in the HDD 28, the print data remains stored even after printing is completed, so that printing can be performed as many times as necessary.

  The MPU 12 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. Further, the MPU 12 determines whether the print data once stored in the print buffer 24 is normal data, and turns on / off the LCD power supply of the operation panel 20. For this purpose, the MPU 12 also performs on / off control of the transistor 22 and the transistor 23. Further, the MPU 12 monitors whether an abnormality such as a jam or ink has occurred in the image forming apparatus 10 during printing.

  The ROM 13 stores a startup program and a compressed control program, and the compressed control program is expanded in the system memory 14 at startup. The operation panel 20 includes a large LCD 27 for inputting main body settings of the image forming apparatus 10 and displaying the state of the image forming apparatus 10 with characters and images. The paper detection sensor 21 detects whether or not the printing paper 30 is set in the image forming apparatus 10.

  The sub operation motor 18 drives a conveyance roller R <b> 1 that conveys the printing paper 30. The main operation motor 19 drives the belt B1 to which the print head 16 is fixed. The print control unit 15 performs control of the motor controller 17 for controlling the sub operation motor 18 and the main operation motor 19 and ink discharge control of the print head 16.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a belt B1 and a conveyance roller R1, and the operation panel 20 is provided with a data LED 25, an error LED 26, and a large LCD 27.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The number of steps is denoted by S. Each step will be described below with reference to a flowchart. In S101, a necessary initialization operation is performed before printing. Here, the clogging of the print head 16 is eliminated, and the printing paper 30 is conveyed to the printing start position. The display control means included in the function of the MPU 12 displays the current operation status of the image forming apparatus 10 on the large LCD 27 incorporated in the operation panel 20.

  When the initialization operation is completed in S102, a transition is made to the standby mode. Also, when the printing is finished, the standby mode is entered. In the standby mode, the time from when the user stops operating the image forming apparatus 10 or when print data is no longer input from the host computer 1 to the power saving mode is counted, whichever is later. .

  In S103, it is determined whether the power saving mode transition time has elapsed during the standby mode. The power saving mode transition time is set by the user through the operation panel 20, or a predetermined power saving mode transition time is set by default. When the power saving transition time elapses, the process shifts to the power saving mode in S104.

  In S105, the display control means included in the function of the MPU 12 performs control so as to turn off the power of the large LCD 27 incorporated in the operation panel 20 and the backlight LED. Also, the clock speed supplied to the MPU 12 is reduced, and the print controller 15 is turned off.

  In step S106, it is determined whether the user has operated the image forming apparatus 10 during the power saving mode. When the user operates, the process shifts to the standby mode in S102. In S107, it is determined whether print data from the host computer 1 is received during the power saving mode. If print data is not received, the process proceeds to the power saving mode of S104 and the power saving mode is continued. When print data is received, the process proceeds to S109.

  In S108, it is determined whether print data has been received from the host computer 1 during the standby mode. If print data is not received, the process proceeds to the standby mode in S102, and the standby mode is continued. When print data is received, the process proceeds to S109.

  In S109, when print data is received in S107 in the power saving mode or in S108 in the standby mode, the data LED 25 indicating that the print data has been received from the host computer 1 is turned on.

  In S110, the print data is analyzed. The print data analyzing unit included in the function of the MPU 12 selects the main body setting from among the main body setting data related to the main body setting of the image forming apparatus 10 and the drawing data related to the image setting included in the received print data. Analyze the data.

  The print data analysis unit compares the setting value related to the main body setting set by the operation panel 20 with the main body setting data, and analyzes whether or not printing can be performed normally. For example, the main body setting data set by the operation panel 20 includes the size of the printing paper 30. However, the size of the printing paper 30 is also set in the main body setting data included in the received print data, and if both are the same size, it is determined that printing can be performed normally. to decide.

  In S111, based on the result of the print data analysis unit in S110, it is determined whether printing can be performed normally. If it is determined that printing can be performed normally, the process proceeds to S112. If it is determined that printing cannot be performed normally, the process proceeds to S118. In S112, the display control means included in the function of the MPU 12 performs control so that the large LCD 27 and the backlight LED incorporated in the operation panel 20 are turned off.

  In S113, the print mode is set. In S <b> 114, the print control unit prints on the printing paper 30 based on the drawing data included in the print data. In S115, the monitoring unit included in the function of the MPU 12 monitors whether an abnormality has occurred during printing. For example, when the printing unit 30 causes a jam during printing, the monitoring unit determines the jam by the torque fluctuation or lock detection function of the sub operation motor 18 or the main operation motor 19 and cannot print normally any more. to decide.

  In S116, based on the result of the printing status monitoring unit in S115, it is determined whether printing can be performed normally. If it is determined that printing can be normally continued, the process proceeds to S117. If it is determined that printing cannot be performed normally, the process proceeds to S118. In step S117, it is determined whether printing has ended. If printing has ended, the process proceeds to the standby mode in S102. If printing has not ended, the process proceeds to S114, and printing is continued.

  In S118, if the print data analysis unit in S110 determines that printing cannot be performed normally, or if the print status monitoring unit in S115 determines that printing cannot be performed normally during printing, the error LED is turned on. Then, the error content is notified to the host computer 1 via the host interface 11.

  In S119, the display control means included in the function of the MPU 12 controls the large LCD 27 incorporated in the operation panel 20 and the backlight LED to be turned on. In S120, the display control means included in the function of the MPU 12 notifies the error contents to the large LCD 27 incorporated in the operation panel 20.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the power of the large LCD and the backlight LED can be turned off immediately after analyzing the main body setting data, so that the power consumption can be suppressed before the start of the printing operation. Also, based on the analysis result of the main unit setting data, if it is determined that the data that causes an abnormality in printing is included, the error content is notified to the host computer, and the large LCD and the backlight LED are turned off. Without error, the user can be notified of the error accurately.

  In the above description of the first embodiment, an example of comparative analysis of the difference in size of the printing paper 30 as the setting value related to the main body setting has been described. However, for other printing conditions such as when the type of the printing paper 30 is different. However, the first embodiment can be applied.

  Furthermore, in the above description of the first embodiment, the jam is described as an example of the abnormal state during printing. However, when the remaining amount detection function for ink or roll paper determines that the ink or the printing paper 30 has run out during printing, etc. The first embodiment can be applied to other conditions.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The number of steps is denoted by S. If the monitoring means included in the function of the MPU 12 determines in S201 that printing cannot be performed normally during printing, the error LED is turned on, and the host computer 1 is notified of the error content via the host interface 11. .

  In S202, the display control means included in the function of the MPU 12 controls to turn on the power of the large LCD 27 and the backlight LED incorporated in the operation panel 20. In S203, the display control means included in the function of the MPU 12 notifies the error contents to the large LCD 27 incorporated in the operation panel 20.

  In S204, it is determined whether the cause of the error has been removed. For example, when the monitoring unit detects a jam during printing of the printing paper 30 and issues an error, the following is performed. That is, when the paper detection sensor 21 can confirm the resetting of the printing paper 30, it is determined that the error factor has been removed. While the error factor is not removed, the process proceeds to S201, and error notification is repeated. In S205, the display control means included in the function of the MPU 12 controls the large LCD 27 and the backlight LED incorporated in the operation panel 20 to be turned off.

  In S206, the print mode is set. In step S <b> 207, the print control unit automatically performs reprinting on the print paper 30 based on the drawing data included in the print data stored in the HDD 28. In step S208, the monitoring unit included in the function of the MPU 12 monitors whether an abnormality has occurred during printing. For example, if the printing paper 30 is jammed during printing, the monitoring unit determines the torque fluctuation of the sub operation motor 18 or the main operation motor 19 or a lock detection function, and determines that printing cannot be performed normally. In step S209, it is determined whether printing can be normally performed based on the result of the print state monitoring unit in step S208. If it is determined that normal printing can be continued, the process proceeds to S210. If it is determined that normal printing cannot be performed, the process proceeds to S201.

  In step S210, it is determined whether printing has ended. If printing has ended, the process proceeds to the standby mode in S211 (equivalent to S102 in the first embodiment). If printing has not ended, the process proceeds to S207, and reprinting is continued.

  As described above, in this embodiment, power consumption during printing can be suppressed immediately after an error is canceled, and further, printing is automatically resumed, so that user convenience is good.

  In this embodiment, a jam is described as an example of an abnormal state during printing. However, even when other conditions are met, such as when the printing paper 30 runs out during printing by the remaining amount detection function of the roll paper. The above embodiment can be applied.

  According to the above embodiment, the main body setting data included in the head portion of the print data from the host computer is analyzed, and the power supply to the large LCD and the backlight LED is immediately turned off. Power can be reduced.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, when it is determined from the analysis result of the main body setting data that data that causes an abnormality in printing is included, an error can be accurately notified to the user. In other words, according to the above embodiment, the error content can be notified to the host computer, and the user can be notified of the error accurately without turning off the power of the large LCD and the backlight LED.

  In the above embodiment, the host interface 11 is an example of a host interface unit that receives print data from a host computer. The MPU 12 is an example of print data analyzing means for analyzing the received print data in order to determine whether the received print data is normal print data. The large LCD 27 is an example of liquid crystal display means for displaying the state of the image forming apparatus with characters or images. Light irradiation means for irradiating the liquid crystal display means with light is provided. The operation panel 20 is an example of an operation panel that combines the liquid crystal display means, the light irradiation means, and a switch for inputting instructions or settings to the image forming apparatus.

  The MPU 12 is an example of a display control unit that turns off the liquid crystal display unit and the light irradiation unit when the print data analysis unit determines that the received print data is normal. The print data from the host computer It is an example of a data reception notification means for notifying reception. The MPU 12 is an example of an error notification unit that notifies an error indicating an abnormality of the image forming apparatus, and is an example of a monitoring unit that monitors the state of the image forming apparatus 10 during printing.

  In this case, when the print data analyzing means determines that the data is not normal, the display control means displays the error content on the liquid crystal display means without turning off the liquid crystal display means and the light irradiation means, The error notification means notifies an error. Also, the error content is notified to the host computer via the host interface unit.

  Further, during reception of print data from the host computer, the data reception notifying unit notifies the reception of data regardless of whether the print data analyzing unit determines normal / not normal. In addition, the print data analyzing means is set by the main body setting data and the operation panel among the main body setting data related to the main body setting of the image forming apparatus included in the print data and the drawing data related to the image setting. Compare the setting value for the main unit setting. By this comparison, it is analyzed whether printing can be performed normally. When the monitoring means determines that a failure that cannot be normally printed during printing has occurred, the display control means turns on the liquid crystal display means and the light irradiation means, and displays the error content on the liquid crystal display means. To do. In addition, the error notification means notifies the host computer of the error content via the error notification and the host interface unit.

1 ... Host computer,
10: Image forming apparatus,
11: Host interface,
12 ... MPU,
15 ... Print control unit,
20 ... operation panel,
21 ... Paper detection sensor,
27 ... Large LCD,
28: HDD.

Claims (5)

A host interface unit for receiving print data from the host computer;
Print data analysis means for analyzing the received print data in order to determine whether the received print data is normal print data;
Liquid crystal display means for displaying the state of the image forming apparatus as characters or images;
Light irradiating means for irradiating the liquid crystal display means with light;
An operation panel in which the liquid crystal display means, the light irradiation means, and a switch for inputting instructions or settings to the image forming apparatus are combined;
Display control means for turning off the liquid crystal display means and the light irradiation means when the print data analyzing means determines that the received print data is normal;
Data receiving notification means for notifying that print data is being received from the host computer;
An error notification means for notifying an error indicating an abnormality of the image forming apparatus;
Monitoring means for monitoring the state of the image forming apparatus during printing;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Claim 1 wherein
When the print data analysis means determines that the data is not normal, the display control means displays the error content on the liquid crystal display means without turning off the liquid crystal display means and the light irradiation means, and An image forming apparatus, wherein an error notification means notifies an error and notifies the host computer of the error content via the host interface unit. Claim 1 wherein
An image forming apparatus characterized in that, during reception of print data from a host computer, the data reception notifying unit notifies the reception of data regardless of whether the print data analysis unit determines normal or not. Claim 1 wherein
The print data analyzing means includes the main body setting data and the main body setting set by the operation panel among the main body setting data related to the main body setting of the image forming apparatus included in the print data and the drawing data related to the image setting. An image forming apparatus characterized by comparing with a set value relating to whether or not normal printing is possible. Claim 1 wherein
When the monitoring means determines that a failure that cannot be normally printed during printing has occurred, the display control means turns on the liquid crystal display means and the light irradiation means, and displays the error content on the liquid crystal display means. The image forming apparatus, wherein the error notification means notifies the host computer of an error notification and error contents via the host interface unit.

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