JP2002278378A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which can display which of power-saving states is currently entered. SOLUTION: The image forming device which is equipped with a peripheral function such as a facsimile function and has a plurality of power-saving states always supplies the electric power to a state transition display part (composed of, e.g. a liquid crystal display unit) provided to its console panel 104 and visually displays the name of the current power-saving state as respective power- saving states transition.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having peripheral functions such as a facsimile function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having a copying function, a facsimile function and the like has a plurality of power saving modes (power saving mode) and a non-power saving mode for energy saving. This was visually displayed on an operation panel or the like.

[0003]

However, according to the above-mentioned conventional technology, which power saving mode among a plurality of power saving modes is not displayed, the operator recognizes what power saving mode is currently in use. It was not easy to do.

An object of the present invention is to improve such a problem and to provide an image forming apparatus capable of displaying which power saving state is present among a plurality of power saving states.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a transition from a standby state in which power is supplied to all units to a plurality of power saving states in which power supply to some units is stopped and a plurality of power saving states are provided. An image forming apparatus capable of returning from the power-saving state to the standby state, characterized in that a state display unit for displaying the current power-saving state is provided.

In an image forming apparatus equipped with peripheral functions such as a facsimile function and having a plurality of power saving states, power is constantly supplied to the state transition display means.
A state name or the like indicating the current power saving state can be visually displayed with each transition of the power saving state.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printer according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of power saving states process image data input from an image reading means for reading an image surface of a document or an external communication device. It includes a power saving state in which power supply to the CPU of the controller is stopped, and this power saving state is displayed on the state transition display means.

Power saving state in which the main CPU power of the printer controller is turned off (main CPU OFF mode)
However, it is possible to display that this power saving state is in effect, thereby promoting energy saving.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, power is supplied in a power saving state in which power supply to the CPU of the printer controller is stopped, and a condition for returning from the power saving state to the standby state is satisfied. It is characterized in that CPU start-up means for sending a drive signal of the CPU to the power supply unit when the condition is satisfied is provided.

When the predetermined return condition is satisfied,
Since the main CPU of the printer controller is immediately turned on to transition to the standby state (standby mode) or the print state (plotter output mode), energy saving is promoted without impairing the printing function.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the state transition display means indicates a first member indicating a plurality of power saving states and any one of the plurality of power saving states. It is characterized in that a display instruction mechanism made of a second member to be operated and a driving means for moving the first member or the second member so as to display the current power saving state are provided.

[0012] Only when the power saving state transits, the driving means such as a motor is driven to change the power saving state to be instructed. Therefore, it is not possible to consume power while displaying the power saving state. Absent. Therefore, it is not necessary to always use electric power for the status display, and energy saving is promoted.

[0013]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a CPU 101 controls the system of the image forming apparatus.
According to the program stored in the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is controlled while using the RAM 103 as a work area. The operation panel 104 is, as shown in FIG.
In addition to a display device such as an LED 104a and an LED 104b, and a key group 104c such as a numeric keypad and a start key, a state transition display unit (constituted of LEDs) 104d for displaying a current power saving state (power saving state) is provided. Prepare. The state transition display unit 104d displays which of the power saving modes is currently turned on with an LED, thereby allowing the operator to visually recognize the current power saving mode.

The various sensors 105 include a group of sensors (document set sensor,
Width sensor, registration sensor, etc.).
The various motors 106 are drive motors (including a paper feeding motor, a paper discharging motor, and the like) that perform mechanical operations such as paper discharging and paper feeding. The I / O control unit 107 detects input signals from various sensors 105 and the like, and controls driving of various motors 106. The scanner unit 108 reads an image surface of a document. The reading control unit 109 includes the scanner unit 1
From 08, control such as image processing on the image data read is performed. The plotter unit 110 plots out image data on recording paper. The writing control unit 111 performs writing control for plotting out to the plotter unit 110. The network control device 112 performs network control as an interface between the image forming apparatus and a telephone line. Communication control unit 113
Performs all communication system management and control including the control of the network control device 112. Interface circuit (I / F circuit) 1
Reference numeral 14 is for connecting the image forming apparatus to the ISDN line. PC 100 is a CPU (not shown), RA
M, memory such as ROM, input device such as keyboard,
And an output device such as a CRT.

The printer controller 115 performs image processing by developing a signal input from the personal computer (PC) 100 or the scanner unit 108. The printer controller 115 has a main C
PU11, Off start-up circuit (Main CPU Off
Circuit 12 is provided (shown in FIG. 3).
The time rising circuit 12 includes an OR circuit 21 and a transistor 22.
(Shown in FIG. 4).

Here, referring to FIG. 3, the main CP
The operation when the printer starts up in the OFF mode of U will be described.

In FIG. 3, first, when a CPU start trigger such as opening / closing of the pressure plate of the scanner unit 108 or turning on of a power key on the operation panel 104 is detected by the OFF start circuit 12 on the printer controller 115, the power is turned on. The main CPU drive signal is sent to start up the main CPU, and further, the communication control unit 113, the write control unit 111, the read control unit 1
09, the power supply to the I / O control unit 107, the operation panel 104, and the like is started up, and the mode shifts to the standby mode or the plotter output mode. Note that the CPU start-up trigger is “return conditions 1 to N” shown in FIG. 4, and specifically, the opening and closing of the pressure plate of the scanner unit 108 and the operation panel 104.
The upper power key is ON. At least one of these return conditions is determined by the OR
When detected by the circuit 21, the power supply (PSU) 10 is notified from the transistor 22.

Next, a power saving state transition display method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in the normal standby mode, the operation panel 1
The LCD on the LCD 04 displays a normal display, and a preheating LED (not shown) indicating whether or not the fixing heater is in a preheating state is not lit, so that printing or copying can be performed at any time. . Here, if the preheating key (included in the key group 104c) on the operation panel 104 is pressed or the image forming apparatus is not accessed for a predetermined period of time, the LCD on the operation panel 104 Disappears, the mode shifts to a preheating mode in which the temperature of the fixing heater is kept lower than usual, and L indicating the preheating mode is displayed on the state transition display unit 104d.
ED is lit.

In this preheating mode, the operation panel 10
The operation returns to the standby mode from the preheating mode by performing a key operation or the like on the operation panel 4. However, the image forming apparatus is not accessed for a predetermined period of time, or the operation panel 10
If the key operation on No. 4 is not performed for a certain period of time, the mode shifts to a low power mode in which the temperature of the fixing heater is further lowered than usual, and an LED indicating the low power mode is lit on the state transition display unit 104d. .

Further, when there is a print request from the PC 100 in the preheating mode or the low power mode, the operation panel 1
With the LCD on the LCD 04 turned off (after the temperature of the fixing heater is raised to normal in the low power mode), the mode shifts to the night output mode for printing, and the LED indicating the night output mode is lit on the state transition display unit 104d. Is displayed.

Further, if the image forming apparatus is not accessed for a predetermined period of time in the low power mode, or if a key operation on the operation panel 104 is not performed for a predetermined period of time, the fixing heater is further increased. Is turned off, and the LED indicating the fixing OFF mode is lit on the state transition display unit 104d.

In the fixing OFF mode, the operation panel 1
When the power key on the printer 04 is turned on, the mode shifts to the standby mode. When a print request is issued from the PC 100, the fixing heater is heated to a predetermined temperature without turning on the preheating LED on the operation panel 104. The mode is shifted to the night output mode in which printing is performed, and the LED indicating the night output mode is lit on the state transition display unit 104d.

The night output mode is a night standby mode after the output, and when a power key (not shown) on the operation panel 104 is turned off, the mode shifts to a fixing OFF mode, and the power key is turned on or key operation is performed. Then, the mode shifts to the standby mode, and there is no access to the image forming apparatus for a predetermined period of time or the operation panel 104.
If the key operation above is not performed for a certain period of time,
Shift to FF mode. Further, even if the power key on the operation panel 104 is turned off in the standby mode, the fixing OFF is performed.
The mode shifts to the mode, and the LED indicating the fixing mode is lit on the state transition display unit 104d.

Further, even in the fixing OFF mode, the image forming apparatus is not accessed for a predetermined period of time, or the power key on the operation panel 104 is
If N is not set, a transition is made to the sleep mode in which all of the +5 V power supply and the +24 V system power supply are turned off, and the LED indicating the sleep mode is lit on the state transition display unit 104 d.

Further, in the sleep mode, the operation panel 10
4 when the power key on is turned on, the mode shifts to a standby mode.
The mode shifts to the night output mode via the FF mode, and the LED indicating the night output mode is lit on the state transition display unit 104d.

Further, in the pause mode, if there is no access to the image forming apparatus for a predetermined period of time or if the power key on the operation panel 104 is not turned on, the start-up circuit 12 is further turned off. Main CPU that turns off all + 5V power supply systems except power supply
The mode shifts to the OFF mode, and the LED indicating the main CPU OFF mode is lit on the state transition display unit 104d.

In the main CPU OFF mode, when the power key on the operation panel 104 is turned on, the mode returns to the standby mode. When a print request is issued from the PC 100, the mode returns to the plotter output mode.

When the main CPU OFF mode is entered, FAX calls cannot be received. Therefore, when the FAX function is installed, shifting to the main CPU OFF mode is prohibited.

The energy saving mode transition method for each power supply system is as shown in FIG. 6. Only the +5 VE is energized in the main CPU OFF mode. The other power supply system (+ 24V, + 5V) of the PSU 10 is started up.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. In addition,
Except for the OFF state display circuit 116, the configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6 will be used, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. I do.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that O
FF state display circuit (CPU OFF state display circuit) 11
6 is provided. With this configuration, the present power saving state (power saving state) can be displayed even when the main CPU 11 is off.

In FIG. 7, the OFF state display circuit 116
Is configured to turn on an LED using a driving element such as a transistor. And the main CPU O
In the FF mode, the power supply (+ 5VE) supplied to the OFF start-up circuit 12 (shown in FIG. 3) is used to control the LED to light up. Alternatively, using + 5VE (shown in FIG. 6), the state transition display unit 104d (shown in FIG. 2)
The "main CPU OFF mode" may be configured to light the LED.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 8 shows the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Since the configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment except for the state display power saving unit 117, FIG. 5 will be used and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a state display power saving unit 117 is provided. With this configuration, even when the main CPU 11 is off, the current power saving state (power saving state) can be displayed, and since an LED or the like that supplies current and consumes power at the time of display is not used, the power saving state (power saving mode) display There is an effect that it is not necessary to constantly supply the power.

The status display power saving section 117 shown in FIG. 8 describes each power saving mode, and has a dial 3 (shown in FIG. 9) having a display window 30 for displaying the current power saving mode. A motor 40 (for example, a stepping motor) configured to rotate according to the transition of the power saving mode is provided (shown in FIG. 10). Immediately before shifting to the next power saving mode, the motor 40
Is driven to rotate the dial 3 indicating each power saving mode, so that only the current power saving mode name is displayed on the visible portion of the dial 3 (display window 30). In this case, unnecessary power consumption is always avoided except immediately before shifting to the next power saving mode.

The installation position of the status display power saving unit 117 may be any position that allows the operator to view the original when inserting a document or operating it while facing the operation panel 104. For example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the dial 3 of the status display power saving unit 117 may be provided so as to be exposed on the operation panel 104.

Here, the state transition display section 104d, the CPU
The OFF state display circuit 116, the state display power saving unit 117, and the like constitute the state display means, and the main CPU OFF.
The time starting circuit 12 and the like constitute the CPU starting means, the dial 3 and the like constitute the first member, the display window 30 and the like constitute the second member, the dial 3, the display window 30 and the like. Constitute the display instruction mechanism, and the motor 40 and the like constitute the driving means.

[0040]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to visually recognize the current state of the plurality of transitioning power saving modes, so that the operator can easily recognize which power saving mode is in. This has the effect.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the power saving state can be displayed even when the main CPU of the printer controller is off, so that the power saving state is more accurately compared to the method of displaying only the power saving state. The status can be displayed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the main CPU of the printer controller can be started immediately when a predetermined return condition is satisfied, so that only the power saving state is displayed. In comparison, the power saving state can be displayed more accurately without impairing the printing function.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, power for displaying the power saving state is not consumed except at the time of shifting to the power saving state, so that the power saving display can be performed with lower power consumption than a liquid crystal display or the like. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an operation panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration and operation of the printer controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a main CPU according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
It is a block diagram of an OFF start-up circuit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state transition including a power saving mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the ON state of the power supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a timing chart showing the relationship between / OFF and state transition.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a dial of a status display power saving unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a dial and a motor of a status display power saving unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an operation panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 Dial 11 Main CPU 12 Main CPU OFF startup circuit 30 Display window 40 Motor 100 Personal computer (PC) 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 Operation panel 104d State transition display section 105 Various sensors 106 Various motors 107 I / O control section 108 Scanner unit 109 Read control unit 110 Plotter unit 111 Write control unit 112 Network control unit 113 Communication control unit 114 I / F circuit 115 Printer controller 116 CPU OFF state display circuit 117 State display power saving unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/00 H04N 1/00 C 106 106B

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A transition from a standby state in which power is supplied to all units to a plurality of power saving states in which power supply to some units is stopped and a return from the plurality of power saving states to the standby state are possible. Claims: 1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a state display unit for displaying a current power saving state. 2. A printer controller according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of power saving states include an image reading means for reading an image surface of a document or image data inputted from an external communication device.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power saving state in which power supply to the PU is stopped, and displaying the power saving state on a state transition display unit. 3. A power supply is received in a power saving state in which the power supply to the CPU of the printer controller is stopped, and when a condition for returning from the power saving state to the standby state is satisfied, the CPU of the printer unit is instructed to the power supply unit. C for sending drive signal
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a PU starting unit. 4. The state transition display means includes: a first member indicating a plurality of power saving states; and a display instruction mechanism including a second member indicating one of the plurality of power saving states. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a driving unit configured to move the first member or the second member so as to display a current power saving state.