JP2013178628A - Image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention realizes optimal power consumption control in an image forming apparatus and suppresses wasteful power consumption.
A CPU clock adjustment unit of a printer, based on an interpretation result of input data by a PDL data processing unit, includes image data generated from input data constituting one job being processed by the PDL data processing unit. A first processing time (paper discharge time) that predicts a time required for processing the image data processed by the electrophotographic engine by the electrophotographic engine is acquired (S100-2), and the one job is configured. When the second processing time (internal processing time) indicating the time when the input data is actually processed by the PDL data processing unit or the image generation unit is acquired (S100-3), and the second processing time is longer than the first processing time The CPU operating clock frequency is increased (S100-4, S100-5). On the other hand, if the second processing time is shorter than the first processing time, the CPU operating clock frequency is increased. Lowering the wave number (S100-4, S100-6).
[Selection] Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to control of power consumption of an image forming apparatus.

[Relationship between processing speed and power consumption in conventional technology]
The power consumption of hardware represented by a CPU increases in proportion to its operating frequency. However, in many software, the execution speed does not increase in proportion to the CPU frequency. The reason is as follows.

  The operation speed of the storage device represented by the memory connected to the CPU is lower than the operation speed of the CPU. Therefore, the writing / reading speed of the memory performed by the CPU cannot catch up with the processing speed of the CPU, and as a result, a time for the CPU to enter a waiting state occurs. This waiting time of the CPU occurs for a certain time even if the CPU speed is increased. Therefore, even if the operating frequency of the CPU is improved, the overall processing speed is not improved proportionally.

  Therefore, even if the CPU operating frequency is increased until the power consumption is doubled, the software processing speed is not doubled. This tendency is the same not only in the CPU but also in hardware called LSI or ASIC.

  Therefore, in order to increase the processing speed of an image forming apparatus having such hardware by a factor of two, power consumption that is twice or more is required. With such a nonlinear relationship between processing speed and power consumption, the following power control techniques have been proposed in the past.

[Power consumption control method 1 in the prior art]
Conventionally, hardware capable of executing software represented by a CPU includes a general-purpose technique for controlling power consumption by controlling a voltage and an operating frequency.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for CPU power throttling performed based on CPU temperature or power consumption. However, in this technique, since it is not possible to perform power consumption control in consideration of the characteristics (image formation) of the image forming apparatus, wasteful power consumption has occurred. The reason for this will be described below.

  In the image forming apparatus, the time required for image formation, that is, printing on paper or the like is determined by the performance of an apparatus (for example, an electrophotographic engine) in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the software processing in the image forming apparatus does not need to operate faster than the time required for printing.

  For example, an image forming apparatus capable of printing 10 sheets per minute cannot form an image at a higher speed. Therefore, even if software processing for forming 10 or more images per minute is performed in the image forming apparatus, the time required for printing does not change. That is, the software processing for image formation does not need to operate at a speed higher than the time required for printing. Therefore, the power consumption required for processing at a speed higher than the time required for printing is wasted.

In other words, the general-purpose technique for controlling the power consumption cannot control the power consumption for the image forming process in consideration of the characteristics of the image forming apparatus.
[Power consumption control method 2 in the prior art]
Patent Document 2 also discloses a power consumption control technique in an image forming apparatus. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228688 discloses a technique for determining the progress of image forming processing based on the amount of accumulated image data and controlling the power consumption according to the progress.

However, this prior art does not take into account information that affects the time required for image formation of the image forming processing apparatus as exemplified below.
For example, in an image forming apparatus represented by a conventional printer, a color and a monochrome image may have different printing times. Many printers print monochrome images faster than color. Therefore, when the image formation target data represented by the PDL data is monochrome, it is required to perform the image formation process in a shorter time than the case of color data. However, in the prior art, information such as whether the data to be image-formed is monochrome or color is not taken into consideration.

  In another example, the print setting may be included in the data to be subjected to image formation. The print setting here is included in data represented by a print ticket, and is information indicating how the image forming apparatus should form an image.

  If this print setting includes information that an image should be formed in 2in1, image processing for two pages is required on one sheet of paper. In other words, the image forming process is required to perform image forming processing on the data to be image formed in a short time depending on the print settings as exemplified. However, the conventional technology does not take into account the print setting information of the data to be subjected to image formation.

  As described above, whether or not the image forming apparatus should process at high speed depends on the information of the data to be image formed. Therefore, in the prior art, it was not possible to perform optimal power consumption control of the image forming apparatus because the image forming apparatus did not determine whether or not to process at high speed based on the data to be image formed. .

Note that JDF is a representative technical standard for the above-described print ticket. Refer to Non-Patent Document 1 for JDF technical information.
Further, PostScript (R) is data to be subjected to image formation represented by the above-described PDL. Refer to Non-Patent Document 2 for technical information on PostScript (R).

Special Table 2002-529806 JP 2008-238592 A

CIP4 Website, http://www.cip4.org/ Adobe PostScript 3 Resources, http://www.adobe.com/products/postscript/resources.html

  As described above, conventionally, there is a general-purpose technique for controlling power consumption as a result of controlling voltage and operating frequency in hardware that can execute software represented by a CPU. However, this technique has a problem that wasteful electricity consumption occurs because power consumption control cannot be performed in consideration of image forming characteristics of the image forming apparatus.

  Note that, as described above, Patent Document 2 discloses a power consumption control technique in an image forming apparatus. According to this document, a technique is disclosed in which the progress of an image forming process is determined based on the amount of accumulated image data, and the power consumption is controlled according to the progress. However, whether or not the image forming apparatus should process at high speed differs depending on the information of the data to be image formed. In this conventional technique, whether or not the image forming apparatus should process at high speed has not been determined based on the data that is the object of image formation, and thus there is a problem that the image forming apparatus cannot perform optimal power consumption control. there were.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for realizing optimal power consumption control in an image forming apparatus and suppressing wasteful power consumption.

  The present invention provides a generation unit that performs generation processing for interpreting input data and generates image data, an image formation unit that forms an image on a visible medium based on the image data generated by the generation unit, and the generation unit Based on the interpretation result of the input data by the image forming unit, image data processed by the image forming unit out of image data generated from input data constituting one job being processed by the generating unit A first acquisition unit that acquires a first processing time that predicts a time required for image formation by the unit, and a time at which the generation unit actually processes the input data constituting the one job or a predetermined time A second acquisition unit that acquires a second processing time indicating a time obtained by adding the time; and a processing capability of the generation unit when the second processing time is greater than the first processing time. Subjected to gel control, whereas, if the second processing time is less than the first processing time and having a control means for controlling dropping the processing capacity of the generator.

  According to the present invention, optimal power consumption control in an image forming apparatus can be realized, and wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of PDL data (1000) in a present Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of JDF data (1001) in a present Example. It is a figure which shows the number of the logical pages which should be visualized on the single side | surface of a visible medium. It is a figure which shows the number of the logical pages which should be visualized on the single side | surface of a visible medium. It is a figure which shows the number of the logical pages which should be visualized on the single side | surface of a visible medium. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printer in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a software module that operates on a CPU in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a software module activation process in the printer according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data flow performed in a printer. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of clock adjustment processing executed by a CPU clock adjustment unit in the printer 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printer according to a second embodiment. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a software module 200 that operates on a multi-core CPU in Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a software module activation process in a printer according to a second exemplary embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of CPU core control processing executed by a CPU core control unit in the printer of Embodiment 2.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Description of printer connection mode]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system to which an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  A host computer (101) typified by a personal computer operates applications, middleware, and driver software, and PDL data (1000) (FIG. 2) and JDF data (1001) (FIG. 3) that are input data to the printer (100). ) Is generated.

  The host computer (101) and the printer (100) are connected to each other by a communication medium represented by the network (102). The printer (100) is an image forming apparatus that forms a visible image on a visible medium (400) typified by paper, using PDL data (1000) obtained via the network (102).

  In this embodiment, the host computer (101) is described by taking a personal computer as an example. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented as long as the apparatus can generate and transfer the following PDL data (1000) and JDF data (1001) and image data corresponding thereto. That is, the present invention can be implemented even if the host computer (101) is a workstation, a mainframe computer, a smartphone, a digital camera, or the like.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is described by taking a printer as an example. However, the present invention can also be implemented in general image forming apparatuses that can form visible images, such as other MFPs (multifunction printers), printing machines, plotters, and display devices. .

[Description of PDL data]
Next, the structure of the PDL data (1000) in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of PDL data (1000) in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the PDL data (1000) has at least a graphic drawing command (1000-1) and a character drawing command (1000-1). In addition, the PDL data (1000) can also have a raster bitmap drawing command (1000-3).

  The graphic drawing command (1000-1) here refers to a graphic drawing command that can be specified by geometric information. The character drawing command (1000-1) here refers to a command for drawing a designated character. The raster bitmap rendering command (1000-3) here refers to a rendering command for rendering a two-dimensional array having discrete color information. Of course, the present invention can be implemented even if the PDL data (1000) can have other instructions.

[Description of JDF data]
Next, the structure of JDF data (1001) in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of JDF data (1001) in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the JDF data (1001) can have print setting and color / monochrome setting information indicating how to process the PDL data (1000) input to the printer (100). . That is, the JDF data (1001) can have at least Nin1 setting information 1001-1 and double-sided print setting information 1001-2 as print setting information. In addition, the JDF data (1001) can have color / monochrome print setting information 1001-3 as color / monochrome setting information. Note that the Nin1 setting information 1001-1 is layout setting information indicating the number of pages of input data to be laid out on one surface of a visible medium to form an image. The double-sided printing setting information 1001-2 indicates whether to form an image on only one side of the visible medium or to form an image on both sides. The color / monochrome print setting information 1001-3 indicates whether to form a color image or a monochrome image on a visible medium.

  Of course, even if the JDF data (1001) can have instructions other than these, the present invention can be implemented. Processing performed based on information included in these JDF data (1001) will be described later.

[Description of devices in the printer]
Next, various devices included in the image processing apparatus in the printer (100) for PDL data (1000) and JDF data (1001) as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the printer (100) according to the first embodiment.
The USB interface (100-7) allows PDL data (1000) and JDF data (1001) to be input to the printer (100) from the outside through a USB standard external device.

  The IEEE1284 interface device (100-8) enables PDL data (1000) and JDF data (1001) to be input to the printer (100) from the outside through an external device having IEEE1284 standard hardware.

  The network device (100-9) allows PDL data (1000) and JDF data (1001) to be input to the printer (100) from the outside through an external device having network standard hardware.

  The USB interface (100-7), IEEE1284 interface device (100-8), and network device (100-9) described above are described above under the control of the communication control unit (200-0) shown in FIG. PDL data (1000) and JDF data (1001) can be received in the printer (100).

  The CPU (100-0) executes a software module (200) that realizes PDL interpretation processing, JDF interpretation processing, and the like shown in FIG. 8 to be described later by executing instructions stored in the RAM (100-1). To do.

  The RAM (100-1) is a volatile storage medium. The RAM (100-1) can store PDL data (1000) and instructions (programs) to be executed by the CPU (100-0). Further, the RAM (100-1) transfers PDL data (1000) and instructions to be executed by the CPU (100-0) to various devices including the CPU (100-0) through the bus (100-6). be able to. The RAM (100-1) is a volatile storage medium, and when the printer (100) is powered off, stored instructions and data are erased.

  The HDD (100-2) is a hard disk drive and is a non-volatile storage medium. The HDD (100-2) stores instructions (programs) and data to be processed by the CPU (100-0), and is lost from the RAM (100-1) when the power is turned off. 0) can store instructions and data to be processed. That is, the program of the CPU (100-0) held in the RAM (100-1) is loaded from the HDD (100-2) to the RAM (100-1).

  In this embodiment, since the HDD (100-2) has a larger capacity than the RAM (100-1), in this embodiment, data represented by the bitmap data for image formation (3000) is this data. It is stored in the HDD (100-2). Of course, in this embodiment, an HDD is shown as an example of a non-volatile storage medium. However, the present invention may be applied to a flash type EEPROM, a ferroelectric memory (FeRAM), a magnetoresistive memory (MRAM), etc. It goes without saying that can be implemented.

The ASIC (100-3) can receive raster data described later and generate raster bitmap data.
The electrophotographic engine (100-4) forms a visible image on a visible medium typified by paper, using raster bitmap data generated by the ASIC (100-3). In the present embodiment, a visible image is obtained on a visible medium using an electrophotographic engine, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented using other mechanisms as described below. That is, the present invention can be implemented using a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, a relief printing electrophotographic engine, an offset printing electrophotographic engine, an ink jet printing electrophotographic engine, or the like.

The bus (100-5) connects the above-described devices and enables data and instructions to be exchanged with each other.
[Description of software module]
Next, the software module (200) operating on the CPU (100-0) will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the software module (200) operating on the CPU (100-0) in the first embodiment.
The software module (200) is realized by the CPU (100-0) loading the program recorded in the HDD (100-2) into the RAM (100-1) and executing it. Details will be described below.

  The communication control unit (200-0) first controls the USB interface (100-7), the IEEE1284 interface device (100-8) to the network device (100-9), and communicates with the host computer (101). Establish a connection.

  Second, the communication control unit (200-0) controls the USB interface (100-7), the IEEE1284 interface device (100-8) to the network device (100-9), and thereby the PDL data (1000 ) Or JDF data (1001).

Third, the communication control unit (200-0) can record the received PDL data (1000) and JDF data (1001) in the RAM (100-1).
The PDL interpretation unit 200-1 performs an interpretation process on the PDL data (1000) recorded on the RAM (100-1) to generate intermediate data (2000) (FIG. 10).
The JDF interpretation unit (200-2) performs an interpretation process on the JDF data (1001) recorded on the RAM (100-1), and transmits the interpretation result to the job controller unit (200-6).

  The image processing unit (200-3) generates bitmap data for image formation (3000) (FIG. 10) by using the intermediate data (2000) and the ASIC (100-3) which are the processing results of the PDL interpretation unit. To do.

  The CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) can change the frequency of the operation clock of the CPU (100-0) through the OS (200-7) under the instruction of the job controller unit (200-6). it can.

The engine control unit (200-5) can perform image forming processing by using the image forming bitmap data (3000) and the electrophotographic engine (100-4).
The job controller (200-6) transmits information and a processing flow between the above-described software modules (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4, 200-5). . Thus, the job controller (200-6) realizes the image forming process of the image forming apparatus (100).

  The OS (200-7) performs task management for each of the above-described software modules (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4, 200-5). Further, the OS (200-7) receives a command from each software module (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4, 200-5), and receives a command from the CPU (100-0). RAM (100-1), HDD (100-2) ASIC (100-3), electrophotographic engine (100-4), bus (100-5), USB interface device (100-7), IEEE1284 interface device ( 100-8), enabling control of the network device (100-9). For example, the OS (200-7) sends the CPU (100-0) clock frequency to the software module (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4, 200-5). Provides a function to control the height of the.

[Task start processing]
Next, FIG. 9 shows the activation processing of the software modules (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4, 200-5, 200-6, 200-7) in the printer (100). Will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of activation processing of the software modules (200-0 to 200-7) in the printer (100) according to the first embodiment. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU (100-0) reading and executing a boot program recorded in the HDD (100-2) so as to be readable by a computer.

  The printer (100) is turned on, and the devices in the printer are activated. As a result, the CPU (100-0) is first activated. The CPU (100-0) executes the boot program stored in the HDD (100-2) and starts the task activation process.

  The CPU (100-0) reads the software code of the OS (200-7) in the HDD (100-2) into the RAM (100-1) and executes it. Thereby, the processing of the OS (200-7) is started by the CPU (100-0) (OS activation) (S10-0). Hereinafter, the processing of the OS (200-7) executed by the CPU (100-0) will be described using the OS (200-7) as a subject.

  When the process is started, the OS (200-7) first loads the software code of the electrophotographic engine control unit (200-5) in the HDD (100-2) on the RAM (100-1). Read. Next, the OS (200-7) starts executing the software code of the electrophotographic engine control unit (200-5) read into the RAM (100-1) on the CPU (100-0) (engine control unit). (Activation) (S10-1).

  Next, the OS (200-7) reads the software code of the job controller unit (200-6) in the HDD (100-2) onto the RAM (100-1). Next, the OS (200-7) starts executing the software code of the job controller unit (200-6) read into the RAM (100-1) on the CPU (job controller unit activation) (S10-2). .

  Next, the OS (200-7) reads the software code of the image generation unit (200-3) in the HDD (100-2) onto the RAM (100-1). Next, the OS (200-7) starts executing the software code of the job controller unit (200-3) read into the RAM (100-1) on the CPU (image generation unit activation) (S10-3). .

  Next, the OS (200-7) reads the software code of the PDL data processing unit (200-1) in the HDD (100-2) onto the RAM (100-1). Next, the OS (200-7) starts executing the software code of the PDL data processing unit (200-1) read into the RAM (100-1) on the CPU (PDL data processing unit activation) (S10-). 4).

  Next, the OS (200-7) reads the software code of the JDF interpretation unit (200-2) in the HDD (100-2) onto the RAM (100-1). Next, the OS (200-7) starts executing on the CPU the software code of the JDF interpretation unit (200-2) read into the RAM (100-1) (JDF interpretation unit activation) (S10-5). .

  Next, the OS (200-7) reads the software code of the communication control unit (200-0) in the HDD (100-2) onto the RAM (100-1). Next, the OS (200-7) starts executing the software code of the communication control unit (200-0) read into the RAM (100-1) on the CPU (communication control unit activation) (S10-6). .

  Next, the OS (200-7) reads the software code of the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) in the HDD (100-2) onto the RAM (100-1). Next, the OS (200-7) starts executing on the CPU the software code of the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) read into the RAM (100-1) (CPU clock adjustment unit activation) (S10-). 7).

  With the above processing, the OS (200-7) activates the software module (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4, 200-5). As a result, under the task management function of the OS (200-7), the software module (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4, 200-5) performs the processing. Start in parallel on the CPU (100-0).

[Data flow of PDL data and JDF data]
Next, before explaining the details of the processing flow, it will be outlined what kind of processing the above-described data and devices and software module group (200-0 to 200-7) perform. For this overview, FIG. 10 is used in terms of data flow.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data flow performed in the printer (100).
In this embodiment, the printer (100) receives PDL data (1000) and JDF data (1001) as input data.
First, a data flow using JDF data (1001) as an input will be described below.
The JDF interpretation unit (200-2) receives the JDF data (1001) and interprets it (S30). In this interpretation process (S30), the JDF interpretation unit (200-2) extracts the information in the JDF data (1001) shown in FIG. 3 and transmits it to the job controller unit (200-6). That is, the JDF interpretation unit (200-2) receives at least information of Nin1 setting information (1001-1), duplex printing setting information (1001-2), and color / monochrome printing setting information (1001-3) as a job controller unit. (200-6).

  Next, the job controller unit (200-6) performs PDL data interpretation processing (S20) and image generation based on the interpretation result information of the JDF data (1001) received from the JDF interpretation unit (200-2). Processing (S40) is performed (details will be described later). The setting information transmitted from the JDF interpretation unit (200-2) to the job controller unit (200-6) will be described below.

The Nin1 setting information (1001-1) indicates the number of logical pages to be visualized on one side of the visible medium (400) represented by paper (FIGS. 4 to 6).
4 to 6 are diagrams showing the number of logical pages to be visualized on one side of the visible medium.
For example, when the Nin1 setting information (1001-1) is “1”, the number of logical pages (400-1) to be visualized on one side of the visible medium (400) represented by paper is one. (Illustrated in FIG. 4). When the Nin1 setting information (1001-1) is “2”, the number of logical pages (400-1) to be visualized on one side of the visible medium (400) represented by paper is two. (Illustrated in FIG. 5). When the Nin1 setting information (1001-1) is “4”, the number of logical pages (400-1) to be visualized on one side of the visible medium (400) represented by paper is four. (Illustrated in FIG. 6).

  The duplex printing setting information (1001-2) indicates whether a logical page to be visualized is assigned to only one side of a visible medium (400) represented by paper or a logical page to be visualized is assigned to both sides. For example, when the duplex printing setting information (1001-2) is “single-sided”, the printer (100) should be visualized only on one side of a visible medium (400) represented by paper. Is visualized. When the duplex printing setting information (1001-2) is “both sides”, the printer (100) displays the logical page (400-1) to be visualized on both sides of the visible medium (400) represented by paper. Visualize.

  The color / monochrome print setting information (1001-3) is typified by information on whether a logical page to be visualized should be printed in color or monochrome on a visible medium (400) typified by paper. For each visible medium (400). For example, if the first piece of information in the color / monochrome print setting information (1001-3) is set to “monochrome”, the printer (100) has a color drawing command in the PDL data (1000). If so, it indicates that it should be printed in monochrome. If the first piece of information in the color / monochrome print setting information (1001-3) is set to “color”, the printer (100) outputs a color drawing command in the PDL data (1000). Indicates that printing is required.

  Based on the information in the JDF data (1001) described above, the job controller unit (200-6) should transmit it to the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) in a CPU clock adjustment process shown in FIG. Information (details will be described later) is generated.

Next, a data flow using PDL data (1000) as input data will be described below.
The software module group (200-0 to 200-7) in the printer (100) receives the PDL data (1000) as input and generates bitmap data (3000) for image formation.

  First, the PDL interpretation unit (200-2) interprets the PDL data (1000) under the control of the job controller unit (200-6) on the CPU (100-0), and performs intermediate data ( 2000) is generated (S20). The control of the job controller unit (200-6) is performed based on at least the interpretation result information of the JDF data (1001) described above.

  The image generation unit (200-3) receives the intermediate data (2000) as an input on the ASIC (100-3) and generates bitmap data (3000) for image formation (S40). Similarly, the image formation bitmap data (3000) is generated based on the interpretation result information of the JDF data (1001) described above.

  Next, although not shown in FIG. 10, the electrophotographic engine control unit (200-5) uses the electrophotographic engine (100-4) under the control of the job controller unit (200-6). Based on the bitmap data for image formation (3000), a visible image is generated on a visible medium (400) represented by paper.

[CPU clock adjustment processing]
Next, the CPU clock adjustment process performed by the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) executed on the CPU (100-0) performed during the PDL interpretation process (S20 in FIG. 10) will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of clock adjustment processing executed by the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) in the printer 100 according to the first embodiment. That is, the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU (100-0) loading and executing the program recorded in the HDD (100-2) into the RAM (100-1).

  First, in S100-0, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) determines whether or not the PDL data processing unit (200-1) is currently interpreting the PDL data (1000). The CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) inquires of the job controller unit (200-6) about whether the PDL data processing unit (200-1) is interpreting the PDL data (1000). Obtained by.

  If it is determined in S100-0 that the PDL data processing unit (200-1) is interpreting the PDL data (1000) (Yes), the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) The process proceeds to -1.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S100-0 that the PDL data processing unit (200-1) has not performed the interpretation processing of the PDL data (1000) (No), the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) does not change as it is. The process proceeds to S100-6.

  In S <b> 100-1, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) obtains the number of color faces and monochrome faces that have been processed (discharged) by the electrophotographic engine 100-4. The number of processed color planes and monochrome planes is obtained when the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) inquires of the job controller unit (200-6). These pieces of information are based on at least Nin1 setting information (1001-1) and color / monochrome print setting information (1001-3) obtained from the JDF interpretation unit (200-2) by the job controller unit (200-6). And is transmitted to the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4).

  Next, in S100-2, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) calculates the estimated paper discharge time by the following method. First, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) divides the processed color page number obtained from the job controller unit (200-6) by the color PPM value so that the image forming unit performs color Estimate the time required to form one image. The color PPM value indicates the number of sheets (predicted value, design value) that can be formed in color per minute. Next, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) divides the number of processed monochrome pages obtained from the job controller unit (200-6) by the monochrome PPM value so that the image forming unit performs monochrome. The time required to form one image is estimated. The monochrome PPM value indicates the number of sheets that can be formed in monochrome per minute (predicted value, design value). Next, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) obtains the shortest time (FPOT) necessary for the electrophotographic engine (100-4) to print the first sheet. These three values are added and substituted into a variable for the paper discharge time secured in the RAM 100-1.

  In this embodiment, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) obtains the color PPM value, monochrome PPM value, and FPOT by reading values stored in the HDD (100-2) in advance. In this embodiment, these three values (color PPM value, monochrome PPM value, FPOT) are fixed values associated with the electrophotographic engine (100-4), and are fixed to the printer (100). It is a given value. For this reason, in this embodiment, these three values are stored as fixed values in the HDD (100-2) at the time of factory shipment or the like.

  That is, in S100-2, based on the interpretation result of the input data by the PDL data processing unit (200-1), the PDL data processing unit (200-1) generates from the input data constituting one job being processed. Out of the processed image data, a paper discharge time (first processing time) that predicts the time required to process the image data processed by the electrophotographic engine 100-4 with the electrophotographic engine 100-4 is acquired (first processing time) ( First acquisition step).

  Next, in S100-3, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) obtains the internal processing time by the following method. First, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) obtains the sum of the accumulated internal processing time (real time) up to the previous page and the elapsed time (real time) of the currently processed logical page. The sum of these real times is obtained when the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) inquires of the job controller unit (200-6). The job controller unit (200-6) obtains the sum of the above times by obtaining the difference between the time when the input of the PDL data (1000) is started and the current time, and secures this value in the RAM 100-1. Assign to the internal processing time variable.

  That is, in S100-3, the internal processing time (second processing) indicating the time when the PDL data processing unit (200-1) or the image generation unit (200-3) actually processed the input data constituting the one job. Time) (second acquisition step).

Next, in S100-4, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) performs a process of comparing the paper discharge time and the internal processing time.
If the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) determines in S100-4 that the paper discharge time is shorter than the internal processing time (Yes), the process proceeds to S100-5.
On the other hand, if the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) determines in S100-4 that the paper discharge time is not shorter than the internal processing time (No), the process proceeds to S100-6.
In S100-5, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) performs a high clock processing as follows. The CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) uses the clock frequency control function of the CPU (100-0) provided by the OS (200-7) via the job controller unit (200-6), and the CPU (100 The high clock processing is executed by increasing the clock frequency of (-0). Then, the process proceeds to S100-7.

  In S100-6, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) performs the clock reduction process as follows. The CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) uses the clock frequency control function of the CPU (100-0) provided by the OS (200-7) via the job controller unit (200-6), and the CPU (100 The above clock reduction processing is executed by lowering the clock frequency of (-0). Then, the process proceeds to S100-7.

  Finally, in S100-7, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) performs a sleep process for a predetermined time by the following method. The CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) does not perform the processing of the CPU clock adjustment unit for a certain period of time using the task management function of the OS (200-7) described above, and other software module groups (200-0, 200). -1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-6, 200-7). Then, when a certain time has elapsed, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) returns the process to S100-0. Thus, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) performs the above-described clock frequency adjustment process while continuously determining whether the PDL data (1000) is being interpreted while the printer (100) is activated. Do.

  In this embodiment, the CPU (100-0) is configured to operate at the first frequency or the second frequency (a frequency lower than the first frequency). In the processing of S100-6, the CPU (100 The operation clock of (-0) is set to the first frequency, and the operation clock of the CPU (100-0) is controlled to the second frequency in the process of S100-7. However, the CPU (100-0) is configured to operate at any of three or more frequencies, and in S100-6, the operation clock of the CPU (100-0) is controlled to be changed to a higher frequency. The processing of S100-7 may be configured to control the operation clock of the CPU (100-0) to be changed to a lower frequency.

[Effect of this embodiment]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the printer (100) determines whether the above-described print setting, color data, or monochrome data by processing the PDL data (1000) or the JDF data (1001). can do. Further, the printer (100) can predict the time for image formation by the electrophotographic engine (100-4) based on at least the determination result (S100-2 in FIG. 11). Further, the printer (100) compares the time during which the electrophotographic engine forms an image (paper discharge time) and the time during which the PDL data processing unit 200-1 processes the PDL data (internal processing time) (see FIG. 11). S100-4) Based on the comparison result, the operation frequency control (S100-5, S100-6) of the CPU (100-0) is performed. Thus, it is possible to perform power consumption control in consideration of the characteristics of the printer (100) such as time required for image formation, and to suppress wasteful power consumption.

  In the first embodiment described above, the printer (100) compares the time prediction (paper discharge time) of the time for image formation by the electrophotographic engine with the internal processing time (S100-4 in FIG. 11), and the comparison result is obtained. Accordingly, the power consumption is controlled by executing the operating frequency control (S100-5, S100-6) of the CPU (100-0).

  In this embodiment, an example of a printer having a multi-core CPU is shown. In this embodiment, the printer having the multi-core CPU compares the time prediction (paper discharge time) of the time for image formation by the electrophotographic engine with the internal processing time, and controls the CPU core of the multi-core CPU according to the comparison result. To control the power consumption. Hereinafter, another embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Note that [Description of printer connection form], [Description of PDL data], and [Description of JDF data] are the same as those in the first embodiment, so that the description thereof will be omitted here, and only differences from the first embodiment will be described. .

[Description of devices in the printer]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the printer (100) according to the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.

  The printer 100 of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, in the present embodiment, the printer 100 of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it includes a multi-core CPU (100-10). The multi-core CPU (100-10) has a plurality of CPU cores that can perform processing by sharing the processing of the CPU, so that processing by software described later can be processed at high speed.

  The RAM (100-1) can store instructions (programs) to be executed by the multi-core CPU (100-0). The RAM (100-1) can transfer instructions to be executed by the multi-core CPU (100-10) through the bus (100-6) to various devices including the multi-core CPU (100-10).

  The HDD (100-2) stores instructions (programs) and data to be processed by the multi-core CPU (100-10), so that the multi-core CPU (100) lost from the RAM (100-1) when the power is turned off. -10) can store instructions and data to be processed. That is, the program of the multi-core CPU (100-10) held in the RAM (100-1) is loaded from the HDD (100-2) to the RAM (100-1).

The bus (100-5) connects the devices shown in FIG. 12 and enables data and instructions to be exchanged with each other.
[Description of software module]
Next, the software module 200 operating on the multi-core CPU (100-10) will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the software module 200 operating on the multi-core CPU (100-10) in the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.

  The soft module 200 of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, in the present embodiment, the soft module 200 of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it includes a CPU core control unit (200-8).

  The CPU core control unit (200-8) controls the CPU core in the multi-core CPU (100-10) to be operated through the OS (200-7) under the instruction of the job controller unit (200-6). can do. That is, the CPU core control unit (200-8) determines how many CPU cores among a plurality of CPU cores in the multi-core CPU (100-10) are enabled or disabled to execute processing by software. Can do. Thus, the CPU core control unit (200-8) can control the power consumption of the multi-core CPU (100-10) by controlling the number of CPU cores that consume power.

  The OS (200-7) performs task management of each software module (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-8, 200-5). In addition, the OS (200-7) receives a command from each software module (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-8, 200-5) and receives a multi-core CPU (100-10). RAM (100-1), HDD (100-2) ASIC (100-3), electrophotographic engine (100-4), bus (100-5), USB interface device (100-7), IEEE1284 interface device ( 100-8), enabling control of the network device (100-9). For example, the OS (200-7) is a CPU in the multi-core CPU (100-10) with respect to the software modules (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-8, 200-5). Provides the function to control the core.

[Task start processing]
Next, activation of the software modules (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-8, 200-5, 200-6, 200-7) in the printer (100) according to the second embodiment. The process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of activation processing of the software modules (200-0 to 200-3, 200-8, 200-5 to 200-7) in the printer (100) according to the second embodiment. Note that the processing in this flowchart is realized by the multi-core CPU (100-10) reading and executing a boot program recorded in the HDD (100-2) so as to be readable by a computer.

  The printer (100) is turned on, and the devices in the printer are activated. As a result, the multi-core CPU (100-10) is first activated. The multi-core CPU (100-10) executes the boot program stored in the HDD (100-2) and starts the task activation process.

  The multi-core CPU (100-10) reads the software code of the OS (200-7) in the HDD (100-2) into the RAM (100-1) and executes it. Thereby, the processing of the OS (200-7) is started by the multi-core CPU (100-10) (OS activation) (S11-0). Hereinafter, processing of the OS (200-7) executed by the multi-core CPU (100-10) will be described using the OS (200-7) as a subject.

Since S11-1 to S11-6 are the same processes as S10-1 to S10-6 in FIG.
In S11-7, the OS (200-7) reads the software code of the CPU core control unit (200-8) in the HDD (100-2) onto the RAM (100-1). Next, the OS (200-7) starts executing the software code of the CPU core control unit (200-8) read into the RAM (100-1) on the CPU (CPU core control unit activation).

  With the above processing, the OS (200-7) activates the software module (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-8, 200-5). As a result, the software module (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-8, 200-5) performs the processing under the task management function of the OS (200-7). Start in parallel on the multi-core CPU (100-10).

[Data flow of PDL data and JDF data]
Next, what kind of data and various devices and software module groups (200-0, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-8, 200-5, 200-6, 200-7) mentioned above The process will be outlined with reference to FIG. However, since the data flow of PDL data and JDF data is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, only the difference will be described below.

  In the first embodiment, based on information in the JDF data (1001), information that the job controller unit (200-6) should transmit to the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) in the CPU clock adjustment process (FIG. 11). Is generated.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, based on the information in the JDF data (1001), the job controller unit (200-6) performs CPU core control processing (200-8) in CPU core control processing (FIG. 15) described later. Generate information to communicate to

[CPU core control processing]
Next, the CPU core control process performed by the CPU core control unit (200-8) executed on the CPU (100-0) performed during the PDL interpretation process (S20 in FIG. 10) will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of CPU core control processing executed by the CPU core control unit (200-8) in the printer (100) according to the second embodiment. That is, the processing of this flowchart is realized by the multi-core CPU (100-10) loading the program recorded in the HDD (100-2) into the RAM (100-1) and executing it.

  First, in S101-0, the CPU core control unit (200-8) determines whether or not the PDL data processing unit (200-1) is currently interpreting the PDL data (1000). The CPU core control unit (200-8) inquires of the job controller unit (200-6) about whether the PDL data processing unit (200-1) is interpreting the PDL data (1000). Obtained by.

  If it is determined in S101-0 that the PDL data processing unit (200-1) is interpreting the PDL data (1000) (Yes), the CPU core control unit (200-8) The process proceeds to -1.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S101-0 that the PDL data processing unit (200-1) has not performed the interpretation processing of the PDL data (1000) (No), the CPU core control unit (200-8) remains unchanged. The process proceeds to S101-6.

  In S101-1, the CPU core control unit (200-8) obtains the number of color planes and monochrome planes that have been processed (discharged) by the electrophotographic engine 100-4. The number of processed color planes and monochrome planes can be obtained by the CPU core control unit (200-8) inquiring of the job controller unit (200-6). These pieces of information are based on at least Nin1 setting information (1001-1) and color / monochrome print setting information (1001-3) obtained from the JDF interpretation unit (200-2) by the job controller unit (200-6). Is generated and transmitted to the CPU core controller (200-8).

  Next, in S101-2, the CPU core control unit (200-8) calculates a predicted paper discharge time by the following method. First, the CPU core control unit (200-8) divides the processed color page number obtained from the job controller unit (200-6) by the color PPM value. Note that the PPM value indicates the number of images that can be formed per minute (design value). Next, the CPU core control unit (200-8) divides the processed monochrome page number obtained from the job controller unit (200-6) by the monochrome PPM value. Next, the CPU core control unit (200-8) obtains the shortest time (FPOT) necessary for the electrophotographic engine (100-4) to print the first sheet. These three values are added and substituted into a variable for the paper discharge time secured in the RAM 100-1.

  In this embodiment, the CPU core control unit (200-8) obtains the color PPM value, monochrome PPM value, and FPOT by reading the values stored in the HDD (100-2) in advance. In this embodiment, these three values (color PPM value, monochrome PPM value, FPOT) are fixed values associated with the electrophotographic engine (100-4), and are fixed to the printer (100). It is a given value. For this reason, in this embodiment, these three values are stored as fixed values in the HDD (100-2) at the time of factory shipment or the like.

  That is, in S101-2, based on the interpretation result of the input data by the PDL data processing unit (200-1), the PDL data processing unit (200-1) generates from the input data constituting one job being processed. Out of the processed image data, a paper discharge time (first processing time) that predicts the time required to process the image data processed by the electrophotographic engine 100-4 with the electrophotographic engine 100-4 is acquired (first processing time) ( First acquisition step).

  Next, in S101-3, the CPU core control unit (200-8) obtains the internal processing time by the following method. First, the CPU core controller (200-8) obtains the sum of the accumulated internal processing time (real time) up to the previous page and the elapsed time (real time) of the logical page currently being processed. The sum of these real times is obtained when the CPU core control unit (200-8) inquires of the job controller unit (200-6). The job controller unit (200-6) obtains the sum of the above times by obtaining the difference between the time when the input of the PDL data (1000) is started and the current time, and secures this value in the RAM 100-1. Assign to the internal processing time variable.

  That is, in S101-3, the internal processing time (second processing) indicating the time when the PDL data processing unit (200-1) or the image generation unit (200-3) actually processed the input data constituting the one job. Time) (second acquisition step).

Next, in S101-4, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) performs a process of comparing the paper discharge time and the internal processing time.
If the CPU core control unit (200-8) determines in S101-4 that the paper discharge time is shorter than the internal processing time (Yes), the process proceeds to S101-5.
On the other hand, when the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) determines in S101-4 that the paper discharge time is not shorter than the internal processing time (No), the process proceeds to S101-6.
In S101-5, the CPU core control unit (200-8) performs processing for enabling all the CPU cores of the multi-core CPU (100-10) as follows. The CPU core control unit (200-8) uses the control function of the CPU core in the multi-core CPU (100-10) provided by the OS (200-7) via the job controller unit 200-6, and uses all the CPUs. By enabling the core, a process for enabling all the CPU cores is executed. Then, the process proceeds to S101-7.

In S101-6, the CPU core control unit (200-8) performs a process of enabling only a part of the CPU core (a process of disabling a part of the CPU core) as follows. The CPU core control unit (200-8) uses a control function of the CPU core in the multi-core CPU (100-10) provided by the OS (200-7) via the job controller unit 200-6 to By disabling the CPU core, a process for enabling only a part of the CPU core (a process for disabling a part of the CPU core) is executed. For example, it is assumed here that the CPU core control unit (200-8) of the present embodiment invalidates all but one of the CPU cores of the multi-core CPU (100-10). The present invention is not limited to the configuration in which all but one of the CPU cores are invalidated. If one or more of the CPU cores of the multi-core CPU (100-10) is invalidated, It goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented.
When the processing of S101-6 is completed, the CPU core control unit (200-8) advances the processing to S101-7.

  Finally, in S101-7, the CPU core control unit (200-8) performs a sleep process for a certain time by the following method. The CPU core control unit (200-8) does not perform the processing of the CPU clock adjustment unit for a certain period of time using the task management function of the OS (200-7) described above, and other software module groups (200-0, 200). -1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-6, 200-7). Then, after a certain time has elapsed, the CPU core control unit (200-8) returns the process to S101-0. Thus, the CPU core control unit (200-8) performs the above-described CPU core control process while continuing to determine whether the PDL data (1000) is being interpreted while the printer (100) is activated. .

  In this embodiment, the multi-core CPU (100-10) is in a state where all the cores are enabled or in a state where only a predetermined part is enabled (a state other than the predetermined part is disabled). A configuration in which all the cores of the multi-core CPU (100-10) are activated in the process of S101-5 and only a predetermined part of the multi-CPU (100-10) is activated in the process of S101-6 ( It is assumed that control is performed so that a part other than a predetermined part is invalidated). However, in the processing of S101-6, control may be performed so that a part of the core of the multi CPU (100-10) is invalidated step by step (step by step until the last one).

[Effect of this embodiment]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the printer (100) determines whether the above-described print setting, color data, or monochrome data by processing the PDL data (1000) or the JDF data (1001). can do. Further, the printer (100) can predict the time for image formation by the electrophotographic engine (100-4) based on at least the determination result (S101-2 in FIG. 15). Further, the printer (100) compares the time during which the electrophotographic engine forms an image (paper discharge time) and the time during which the PDL data processing unit 200-1 processes the PDL data (internal processing time) (FIG. 15). S101-4) Based on the comparison result, CPU core control (S101-5 and S101-6 in FIG. 15) of the multi-core CPU (100-10) is performed. Thus, it is possible to perform power consumption control in consideration of the characteristics of the printer (100) such as time required for image formation, and to suppress wasteful power consumption.

  The CPU core control unit (200-8) may be configured to perform a process combining the [CPU clock adjustment process] of the first embodiment and the [CPU core control process] of the second embodiment.

  That is, when the CPU core control unit (200-8) determines that the paper discharge time is shorter than the internal processing time, the CPU core control unit (200-10) performs processing for enabling all the CPU cores in the multicore CPU (100-10). -10) Perform either or both of the processing to increase the clock. On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper discharge time is not shorter than the internal processing time, the CPU core control unit (200-8) disables some CPU cores in the multi-core CPU (100-10), and the multi-core CPU. (100-10) is configured to perform either or both of the processing to reduce the clock.

Another mode of the power consumption control described in [CPU clock adjustment processing] of the first embodiment and [CPU core control processing] of the second embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) performs a process of comparing the paper discharge time and the internal processing time as described above (S100-4 in FIG. 11). That is, if the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) determines that the paper discharge time is shorter than the internal processing time, the process proceeds to S100-5. On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper discharge time is not shorter than the internal processing time, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) advances the process to S100-6.

  In the second embodiment, the CPU core controller (200-8) performs the process of comparing the paper discharge time and the internal processing time as described above (S101-4 in FIG. 15). That is, if the CPU core control unit (200-8) determines that the paper discharge time is shorter than the internal processing time, the process proceeds to S101-5. On the other hand, when determining that the paper discharge time is not shorter than the internal processing time, the CPU core control unit (200-8) advances the processing to S101-6.

However, the power consumption control can also be performed by the determination process as described below. The difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment in this embodiment will be described below.
First, in the case of [CPU clock adjustment processing] of the first embodiment, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4), in S100-4 of FIG. Process to compare time. In other words, if the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) determines that the paper discharge time is smaller than the internal processing time multiplied by a predetermined value, the process proceeds to S100-5. On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper discharge time is not shorter than the internal processing time multiplied by a predetermined value, the CPU clock adjustment unit (200-4) is configured to advance the process to S100-6.

  Next, in the case of [CPU core control processing] in the second embodiment, the CPU core control unit (200-8)), in S101-4 of FIG. Process to compare time. That is, if the CPU core control unit (200-8) determines that the paper discharge time is smaller than the internal processing time multiplied by a predetermined value, the process proceeds to S101-5. On the other hand, when determining that the paper discharge time is not shorter than the internal processing time multiplied by a predetermined value, the CPU core controller (200-8) advances the processing to S101-6.

[Effect of this embodiment]
With the above processing, it is possible to perform power consumption control in consideration of the characteristic of the printer (100) such as time required for image formation. In addition, by comparing the internal processing time multiplied by a predetermined value with the paper discharge time, the following effects not found in the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

  That is, the control for reducing the power consumption only when the difference between the paper discharge time and the internal processing time becomes large (clock reduction processing in the first embodiment (S100-6 in FIG. 11) or part of the CPU core in the second embodiment. By performing the invalidation process (S101-6 in FIG. 15), the internal processing time is inadvertently reduced, and the process of reducing the power consumption by the CPU and the process of increasing the power consumption by the CPU are short. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation that repeats in time.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus of the present invention interprets input data represented by PDL data and JDF data to determine print settings and color / monochrome, and based on the determination results, an electrophotographic engine Predicts the design time (paper discharge time) required for image formation. Then, by controlling the power consumption based on the comparison result between the paper discharge time and the PDL processing time (internal time) of the input data, the power consumption control (image formation) of the image forming apparatus considering the image forming state is performed. Whether to improve the hardware processing capability represented by the CPU included in the apparatus to perform PDL processing of input data at high speed, or to decrease the hardware processing capability to perform PDL processing of input data at low speed Control). Accordingly, it is possible to suppress waste of power consumption of hardware represented by a CPU included in the image forming apparatus, and it is possible to suppress power consumption of the image forming apparatus.

  That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize optimal power consumption control in the image forming apparatus in consideration of the characteristics of the data to be subjected to the image forming process and the state of the image forming process, and it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption.

It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.
Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

Moreover, all the structures which combined said each Example are also contained in this invention.
(Other examples)
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not. That is, the present invention includes all the combinations of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof.

100 Printer 200 Host computer 100-0 CPU
100-4 Electrophotographic engine 200-6 Job controller unit 200-4 CPU clock adjustment unit

Claims (8)

Generation means for performing generation processing for interpreting input data and generating image data;
Image forming means for forming an image on a visible medium based on the image data generated by the generating means;
Based on the interpretation result of the input data by the generation unit, among the image data generated from the input data constituting the job being processed by the generation unit, the image data processed by the image forming unit is A first acquisition unit that acquires a first processing time that predicts a time required for image formation by the image forming unit;
Second acquisition means for acquiring a second processing time indicating a time when the generation means actually processes the input data constituting the one job or a time obtained by adding a predetermined time to the time;
When the second processing time is larger than the first processing time, control is performed to increase the processing capability of the generating means, while when the second processing time is smaller than the first processing time, the generation is performed. Control means for performing control to reduce the processing capacity of the means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   When the second processing time is longer than the first processing time, the control unit performs control to increase a frequency of an operation clock of hardware constituting the generation unit, while the second processing time is The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the time is shorter than the first processing time, control is performed to reduce a frequency of an operation clock of hardware constituting the generation unit. The hardware constituting the generating means has a plurality of cores that can be processed by sharing the generation processing,
The control means performs control to enable all the cores when the second processing time is larger than the first processing time, while the second processing time is smaller than the first processing time. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in some cases, control is performed to disable the part of the cores.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interpretation result of the input data includes at least print setting information.   The print setting information includes at least layout setting information indicating the number of pages of input data to be laid out and imaged on one surface of a visible medium, and whether to form an image on only one side of the visible medium or on both sides. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: double-sided printing setting information indicating color / monochrome printing setting information indicating whether to form a color image or a monochrome image on a visible medium. The first acquisition means includes
Using the print setting information, the number of color surfaces indicating the number of surfaces of the visible medium on which the image forming unit has actually formed a color image, and the surface of the visible medium on which the image forming unit has actually formed a monochrome image. The number of monochrome faces indicating the number,
The number of color planes, the number of monochrome planes, the time required for the image forming section to perform one color image formation, and the image forming section to perform monochrome image formation, which are stored in advance in the storage section The first processing time is obtained using the time required for performing the operation.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. An image forming apparatus control method comprising:
A generation step in which the generation means performs a generation process of interpreting input data and generating image data;
An image forming step in which an image forming unit forms an image on a visible medium based on the image data generated in the generating step;
The first acquisition means, based on the interpretation result of the input data in the generation step, out of the image data generated from the input data constituting one job being processed in the generation step, in the image formation step A first acquisition step of acquiring a first processing time in which a time required for forming the processed image data by the image forming unit is predicted;
A second acquisition step in which a second acquisition means acquires a second processing time indicating a time when the input data constituting the one job is actually processed in the generation step or a time obtained by adding a predetermined time to the time; ,
When the second processing time is larger than the first processing time, control is performed to increase the processing capability of the generating means, while when the second processing time is smaller than the first processing time, the generation is performed. A control step for performing control to reduce the processing capacity of the means;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:   The program for functioning a computer as a means as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.

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