JP2017188044A - Information processing apparatus and control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience of users by automatic transition to a state enabling automatic power on, during automatic power source off when the user unintentionally invalidates an automatic power-on function and validates an automatic power-off function.MEANS: There is provided an information processing apparatus which comprises: a communication function for communicating with an external device; and a power source-on function in which a power source state is put into a power source-on state when a condition of a power source-on about the communication function is satisfied, when the power source state is in a power source-off state. The information processing apparatus includes: detection means capable of detecting occurrence of events when the information processing apparatus is in a prescribed power source-off state; and execution means that, in the case when the information processing apparatus becomes the prescribed power source-off state when the power source-on function is invalid and in a prescribed state, and the event corresponding to the power source-on condition is detected by the detection means in the prescribed power source-off state, executes prescribed processing for changing the power source-on function into a valid state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

  Conventionally, as one function of a printing apparatus, there is an automatic power-on function that automatically turns on the power when print data is received when the power is turned off (Patent Document 1).

  In general, the transition from the power-off state to the power-on state is performed when the device detects the activation factor, and if many factors can be detected at that time, the convenience to the user is high. On the other hand, it is known that power consumption in the power-off state increases because various state changes must be monitored in the power-off state. Also in the automatic power-on function, the power-off state in which this function is disabled consumes less power than the power-off state in which this function is enabled. For this reason, there is a printing apparatus in which the user can set the validity of the automatic power-on function.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-070713

  When the user is using the printer from a remote location via the network, if the user unintentionally turns off the printer with the automatic power on setting disabled, printing from outside It becomes impossible.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the power-on function under a predetermined power-on condition is disabled when the information processing apparatus is powered off, so that the power-off is maintained against the user's intention. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of reducing the above.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. That is, an information processing apparatus comprising: a communication function for communicating with an external device; and a power-on function that enters a power-on state when a power-on condition related to the communication function is satisfied when the power is off. Detecting means capable of detecting the occurrence of an event when the information processing apparatus is in a predetermined power-off state; and when the power-on function is invalid and in the predetermined state, the information processing apparatus Execution means for executing a predetermined process for effectively changing the power-on function when an event corresponding to the power-on condition is detected by the detection means in the predetermined power-off state. Have

  According to the present invention, the power-on function under a predetermined power-on condition is disabled when the information processing apparatus is powered off, so that the power-off is maintained against the user's intention. This can be reduced.

1 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration of an MFP according to the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an MFP according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state transition diagram of an MFP according to the present invention. 10 is a flowchart of processing when an erroneous setting prevention processing of the MFP according to the present invention is performed. 6 is a flowchart of processing after an erroneous setting prevention processing of the MFP according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of MFP activation factor settings according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of processing when an erroneous setting prevention processing of an MFP according to a second embodiment is performed. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of MFP activation factor settings according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of processing when an erroneous setting prevention processing of an MFP according to a third embodiment is performed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be exemplarily described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the relative arrangement of components, the display screen, and the like described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified.

<First embodiment>
In this embodiment, a multifunction printer (hereinafter referred to as MFP), which is an image forming apparatus having functions such as copying and scanning, and a communication function capable of communicating with an external device via a network, will be described as an example. . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is applicable to any information processing apparatus that should perform power supply control.

  FIG. 1 shows an outline of the configuration of an MFP according to this embodiment. The MFP 200 includes a scanner unit 100, an operation UI unit 101, a control unit 102, a print unit 103, and an I / F unit 104. The scanner unit 100 reads an image of a document. The operation UI unit 101 includes an operation unit 209 and a display unit 221 to be described later, and receives an operation from the user. The control unit 102 controls the entire MFP 200. For example, the control unit 102 includes a CPU 202, a ROM 203, and a RAM 204, which will be described later. When the CPU 202 executes a program stored in the ROM 204 on the RAM 203, the CPU 202 controls the entire MFP 200. The printing unit 103 includes a paper feeding unit 210, a recording unit 211, and a recording control unit 212, which will be described later, and is a printing unit that performs printing on a recording medium such as paper. The I / F unit 104 includes an I / F unit 220 and a WLAN unit 215, which will be described later, and communicates with an external device when connected to the MFP 200. With the above configuration, the MFP 200 has a print function, a copy function, and a scan function.

  The I / F unit 104 is capable of a wired / wireless local area network (hereinafter referred to as LAN) communication function, USB communication, and fax communication. The MFP 200 uses the I / F unit 104 to communicate with an external device. Communication is possible. The MFP 200 may include a USB host as the I / F unit 104 and be capable of communicating with a device such as a card or a USB memory.

  Further, the MFP 200 has an automatic power-off function that automatically turns off the power when a predetermined condition (factor) is satisfied in the power-on state. This automatic power-off function can be set valid / invalid by the operation of the operation UI unit 101 by the user. Here, the predetermined condition (power-off condition) corresponds to, for example, the case where the apparatus is left unused for a certain period in the power-on state. Further, the MFP 200 has an automatic power-on function that automatically turns on the power when a predetermined condition (factor) is satisfied in the power-off state. This automatic power-on function can be set valid / invalid by the operation of the operation UI unit 101 by the user. Here, the predetermined condition (power-on condition) corresponds to, for example, a case where data or a job is received when the power is turned off, or a time specified in advance by the user in the power-off state. Details of the predetermined condition for turning the power on and off will be described later.

  The operation UI unit 101 receives user operations such as button operations. The operation UI unit 101 displays an automatic power-on function setting indicating whether the automatic power-on function and the automatic power-off function are enabled / disabled, and an automatic power-off function setting. Further, the operation UI unit 101 accepts a change in automatic power on function setting and automatic power off function setting by a user operation. In the automatic power-off function, the MFP 200 allows the user to change an automatic power-off time that indicates a certain time from when the power is turned on to when the power is turned off. The change method here may be such that an arbitrary time can be set by a button operation in the operation UI unit 101, or a format in which a plurality of candidate times can be selected. MFP 200 accepts a power-off instruction and a power-on instruction at operation UI unit 101.

  The MFP 200 may have a timer-off function that automatically turns off the power when the power is on at the time specified by the user. In this case, the MFP 200 accepts the setting or change by the user of the time (date and hour and minute) used in the timer off function in the operation UI unit 101. The MFP 200 may have a timer-on function that automatically turns on the power when the power is off at the time specified by the user. Also in this case, the MFP 200 accepts the setting or change by the user of the time (date and hour and minute) used in the timer-on function in the operation UI unit 101.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the MFP 200 according to the present embodiment. The MFP 200 includes a main board 201, a WLAN unit 215, and an AC power connection unit 216. The main board 201 performs main control of the MFP 200. The WLAN unit 215 performs wireless LAN (hereinafter referred to as WLAN) communication. The AC power connection unit 216 can connect the AC power supply device 400.

  In the main board 201, the CPU 202 controls the entire MFP 200. The ROM 203 is a nonvolatile storage unit, and stores a control program executed by the CPU 202, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 203 is executed by the CPU 202 to control scheduling and task switching under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 203. The RAM 204 is a volatile storage unit, and is configured by an SRAM (static RAM) or the like, and stores program control variables and the like. The RAM 204 stores MFP setting values (including those registered by the user) that are setting values of the MFP 200, management data of the MFP 200, and the like, and various work buffer areas are provided. The nonvolatile memory 205 is configured by a flash memory or the like, and stores data to be retained without being erased even when the power is turned off. Specifically, network connection information, user data, and the like are applicable. The image memory 206 is configured by a DRAM (dynamic RAM) or the like, and stores image data received via each communication unit, image data processed by the encoding / decoding processing unit 207, and the like. The memory configuration is not limited to the above.

  The code decoding processing unit 207 performs code decoding processing and enlargement / reduction processing of image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the MFP 200. The data conversion unit 208 analyzes a page description language or the like, or converts image data into print data. The operation unit 209 receives user operations such as button operations. In the operation unit 209, the user can set the automatic power-on function and the automatic power-off function, change the automatic power-off time, and change the timer off time. The automatic power-on function setting, automatic power-off function setting, automatic power-off time, and timer off time are stored in the ROM 203, RAM 204, or nonvolatile memory 205. The user can also change the setting value of the MFP 200 via the operation unit 209.

  The paper supply unit 210 holds a recording medium (paper) such as paper for printing. Paper is fed from the paper feed unit 210 under the control of the recording control unit 212. In order to hold a plurality of types of paper in one apparatus, a plurality of paper feeding units may be prepared, and the recording control unit 212 may be configured to control which paper feeding unit is used for paper feeding. The recording control unit 212 performs various types of image processing such as smoothing processing, recording density correction processing, and color correction on the image data to be printed via an image processing control unit (not shown), and converts the image data into high-definition image data. The data is converted and output to the recording unit 211. In addition, the recording control unit 212 periodically reads the information in the recording unit 211 and updates the information in the RAM 204. Specifically, the recording control unit 212 updates the remaining amount of the ink tank, the state of the print head, and the like.

  The WLAN unit 215 is a unit for performing communication by WLAN, and is connected to the main board 201 by a bus cable 214 or the like. In addition, you may have a unit which can implement | achieve another communication means, such as near field communication. In FIG. 2, the WLAN is used, but the configuration is not limited to wireless, and a configuration having a wired LAN may be used. The power control unit 213 controls power necessary for driving the MFP 200. The fax unit 219 performs control for realizing fax communication. A scanner unit 218 is an image reading device, and has a reading function when the MFP 200 realizes a copy function, a scan function, and a fax transmission function.

  The I / F unit 220 has an external interface function such as a USB, and communicates with an external device. The display unit 221 reads MFP setting values from the ROM 203, the RAM 204, and the nonvolatile memory 205, and displays a notification screen and a screen for informing an operation method to the user. The display unit 221 also performs setting of an automatic power-on function and an automatic power-off function, an automatic power-off time, or a timer off time. The display unit 221 may further display a description of the automatic power on function and the automatic power off function. The above components are connected to each other via a system bus 222 managed by the CPU 202. The return monitoring unit 217 monitors whether or not a factor to shift to the power-on state has occurred when the MFP 200 is in the power-off state. An example of a factor to be transferred corresponds to a case where a button operation by the user is detected by the operation unit 209.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of state transition of the MFP 200. The MFP 200 according to the present embodiment is assumed to be capable of transitioning to four power states, that is, a power-on state (P304) and three power-off states (P301 to P303). As for power consumption, the power-off state 1 (P301) is the lowest, followed by the power-off state 2 (P302), the higher state is the power-off state 3 (P303), and the highest state is the power-on state (P304). That is, the relationship of power consumption is P304> P303> P302> P301. In the present embodiment, the case of three power-off states is shown, but the number of states may actually change, and the transition paths thereof are not limited to the transitions shown here. .

  The power-off state 1 (P301) is a state in which almost all modules of the MFP 200 are stopped, but a predetermined activation factor 1 is a state that can be detected. The module corresponds to, for example, the block (component) shown in FIG. However, the module is not limited to the block in FIG. 2 and may be set in a finer unit. In the present embodiment, only necessary modules are required according to the operation state of the apparatus such as the power-off state 1 (P301), the power-off state 2 (P302), the power-off state 3 (P303), and the power-on state (P304). To work. As a result, unnecessary modules are stopped or shifted to the power saving operation state, and the entire apparatus can be saved in power. In the state of P301, the MFP 200 shifts to the power-on state (P304) only when the activation factor 1 is detected, and does not process other commands. That is, even when a factor (command) other than the activation factor 1 occurs, the MFP 200 maintains the current power state (P301). Activation factor 1 is, for example, when the user presses a power key (not shown).

  The power-off state 2 (P302) is a state in which some of the modules including the network module in the MFP 200 are stopped, and can be detected with respect to the activation factor 2 in addition to the activation factor 1. In the state of P302, the MFP 200 shifts to the power-on state (P304) only when the activation factor 1 and the activation factor 2 occur, and does not process other commands. The activation factor 2 is, for example, execution of a copy operation from the user or reception of a print job via USB when the automatic power-on function is valid.

  The power-off state 3 (P303) is a state in which some modules that do not include the network module in the MFP 200 are stopped. In addition to the activation factors 1 and 2, the activation factor 3 can be detected. That is, in the power-off state 3 (P303), the network module is activated. The network module corresponds to, for example, the WLAN unit 215 shown in FIG. In the state of P303, the MFP 200 shifts to the power-on state (P304) only when the activation factor 1, the activation factor 2, and the activation factor 3 occur, and does not process other commands. The activation factor 3 is, for example, reception of a print job via a network, device operation via a network, or use of a function usage of the MFP 200 via an external server when the automatic power-on function is valid. is there. The activation factors 1 to 3 are not limited to the above example.

  The power-on state (P304) is a state in which all modules of the MFP 200 are activated. In the state of P304, the MFP 200 can change the setting of the MFP and the setting of the automatic power on and the automatic power off. In the state of P304, the MFP 200 can receive a command for a function included in the MFP 200, such as a print command, and execute processing based on the command.

  State transition from the power-on state (P304) to any one of the power-off state 1 (P301), the power-off state 2 (P302), and the power-off state 3 (P303) is a power off command (power off Command). Depending on the state of the main body when receiving the power-off command, it is determined which power-off state. Examples of the power-off command include a case where a preset power-off time has elapsed in the absence of an external event. Here, the external event corresponds to an external event to be processed by the MFP 200, for example, when the operation unit 209 detects a user operation of the user or when a print command is received. The main body state is a state of the MFP 200 including whether the automatic power-on function is valid.

[flowchart]
FIG. 4 is a transition flow from the power-on state (P304) to each power-off state according to the present embodiment. First, a flow for shifting to the power-off state 3 (P303) using the erroneous setting prevention process will be described. When the MFP 200 receives a power-off command in the power-on state (P304), this processing flow starts. This process is realized by the CPU 202 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 203 or the like.

  In S401, the CPU 202 determines whether the automatic power-on function is valid or invalid. If invalid (NO in S401), the process proceeds to S402. If valid (YES in S401), the process proceeds to S404.

  In S402, the CPU 202 determines a network (communication function) usage state. For example, it is determined whether or not the communication function can be used. The determination of the network (communication function) use state may be made, for example, when the network setting of the MFP setting value of the MFP 200 stored in the ROM 203, the RAM 204, or the nonvolatile memory 205 is valid. Or you may determine from the use condition of the WLAN unit 215 which performs WLAN communication. Alternatively, the determination may be made when the WLAN unit 215 is actually communicating with an access point or the like. If it is determined that the network is being used (YES in S402), the process proceeds to S403. If it is determined that the network is not being used (NO in S402), the process proceeds to S405.

  In this embodiment, when a power off command is received in the network use state, for example, when data is transmitted through the network when the printer is in a power off state, the user receives the data and processes the data. Despite desiring to do so, the auto power on function may be disabled and the power key may be pressed. Alternatively, it is determined that the user may have erroneously set the automatic power-off function to be valid and the automatic power-on function to be invalid in spite of the above-mentioned hope. Then, in consideration of the possibility that the user has invalidated the automatic power-on function by mistake, the erroneous setting prevention process is started. Therefore, in S403, the CPU 202 sets 1 indicating the start to the start FLG indicating whether or not the nonvolatile memory 205 is to specify the start of the erroneous setting prevention process. (Starting FLG = 1). Then, the process proceeds to S406.

  In S406, CPU 202 shifts the power state of MFP 200 to power off state 3 (P303).

  In the present embodiment, the erroneous setting prevention process is a predetermined activation factor when the user erroneously disables the automatic power-on function and determines that the power is turned off despite being in the network usage state. If it is detected, this is a process of notifying the user that an incorrect setting has been made and prompting the user to change the setting. That is, in this embodiment, when the start FLG is set to 1, it is determined that the user may have invalidated the automatic power-on function by mistake, and this is indicated.

  In S404, the CPU 202 determines the network usage state in the same manner as in S402. If it is determined that the network is in use (YES in S404), in S406, CPU 202 sets the power status of MFP 200 to power off so that automatic power-on can be performed even with activation factor 3 including the activation factor related to the network. Transition to state 3 (P303). If it is determined that the network is not in use (NO in S404), the process proceeds to S407, and the CPU 202 is in the power off state 2 (so that the power can be automatically turned on by the activation factor 2 that does not include the activation factor related to the network. P302).

  In step S405, the CPU 202 changes the power state of the MFP 200 to the power off state 1 (P301).

  In this embodiment, when there is a user who is using the MFP 200 via the network, an erroneous setting prevention process is executed. Therefore, when it is determined in S402 that the network is not in use, the erroneous setting prevention process is not executed. In this embodiment, if the network is not used, the user is likely to be near the apparatus, and even if the power is turned off in an automatic power-on invalid state, there is little disadvantage to the user. In addition, priority is given to the advantage that standby power is reduced by not performing the erroneous setting prevention processing.

(Flow when power is off)
The control after the erroneous setting prevention process is started and automatically shifted to the power-off state 3 (P303) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As described above, the power-off state 3 (P303) shifts to the power-on state (P304) when any of the activation factors 1 to 3 occurs. When any of the activation factors 1 to 3 occurs in the power-off state 3 (P303), the MFP 200 uses the return monitoring unit 217 to detect which of the activation factors 1 to 3 has occurred. Then, the return monitoring unit 217 stores which activation factor among the activation factors 1 to 3 has occurred in a memory such as the RAM 204 and the nonvolatile memory 205. Based on this information, the CPU 202 executes the following processing. This process is realized by the CPU 202 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 203 or the like.

  In step S <b> 501, the CPU 202 determines whether information indicating that the erroneous setting prevention processing has been started is stored in the nonvolatile memory 205. That is, it is determined whether or not start FLG = 1. If start FLG = 1 (YES in S501), the process proceeds to S502. If start FLG = 1 is not satisfied (NO in S501), the process proceeds to S506.

  In S502, CPU 202 sets 0 to start FLG.

  In S503, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the detected activation factor is an automatic power-on return factor. Here, the automatic power-on return factor is an activation factor that automatically turns on when detected in an off state when the automatic power-on function is valid. Corresponds to activation factor 3. In this embodiment, the return factor other than the automatic power-on return factor corresponds to the activation factor 1 (for example, the power key is pressed). If it is determined that the recovery is due to the automatic power-on recovery factor (YES in S503), the process proceeds to S504. If the recovery factor is other than that (NO in S503), the process proceeds to S506.

  In step S504, the CPU 202 notifies the user that the automatic power-on function setting has been disabled and is turned off. That is, if the automatic power-on function is valid, the power-on state (P304) should be originally set in step S504. However, when the process of S504 is actually performed, the automatic power-on function is invalid, and thus the notification in S504 notifies the user that there is a possibility that the setting may not be performed as intended by the user. As a notification method, a method of displaying a notification screen on the operation UI unit 101 or a method of notifying the user by printing the notification content may be used. In the above notification, the contents of the return factor determined in S503 or that the power is automatically turned on by the return factor may be notified if the automatic power-on function is enabled.

  In S505, the CPU 202 changes the setting of the automatic power-on function to be valid. The setting change here may be configured to change the setting only when the user is asked for permission at the time of notification in S504 and the user's consent is obtained.

  In S506, CPU 202 returns the power state of MFP 200 to the power-on state (P304). Note that the transition to the power-on state (P304) starts from the stage of receiving the above-described activation factor, and after the transition to the power-on state is S505 or after NO in S503 and S501. It is not limited to start.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a device having an automatic power-on function and an automatic power-of-function, even when the user has erroneously set each function, it is possible to promote setting changes and improve usability.

  In addition, the timing (S504) at which an automatic power-on return factor has occurred in the power-off state where the automatic power-on function is invalid has been described as an example of the notification timing regarding the possibility of erroneous setting in the above embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the power is turned off when the automatic power-on function is invalid and the network is in use (YES in S402), the notification in S504 may be performed. Then, when the user receives the above notification and instructs to turn off the power again, the power may be turned off.

<Second Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, a control example of an MFP that has functions such as copying and scanning and can be connected to a network will be described. The MFP according to the present embodiment is compatible with the cloud print service. In addition, in the following description, description is abbreviate | omitted about the location which overlaps with 1st embodiment.

  The configuration of the MFP according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration of FIG. 1 shown in the first embodiment. Here, since this embodiment supports the cloud print service, this will be described. The user makes a registration request to the cloud print service using the operation UI unit 101, and performs registration processing to an external server (not shown) via the I / F unit 104. By performing the registration process, the cloud service associates the user with the MFP. When the registration process is completed, a print job can be sent to the MFP 200 by issuing a print request from an external network (such as the Internet) via a site providing a cloud service or a mail server. Registration and association with the MFP and the cloud service are not limited to those shown in the present embodiment, and a registration method using an external device may be used. The associated data is managed by, for example, an external server, and the description of the method for using the cloud print service is omitted.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by using the display unit 221 and the operation unit 209 of FIG. 2, the user can make a registration request to the cloud service, and can make a registration request to the external server via the WLAN unit 215. Thereafter, when registration with the cloud service is completed, information indicating that the MFP 200 has already been registered with the cloud service is stored in the nonvolatile memory 205.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the activation factor of the MFP 200 according to this embodiment. The power-off state 1 (P301) is a state in which almost all modules of the MFP 200 are stopped, but the activation factor 1 can be detected. In the state of P301, the MFP 200 shifts to the power-on state (P304) only when the activation factor 1 is detected, and does not process other commands. That is, even when a factor (command) other than the activation factor 1 occurs, the MFP 200 maintains the current power state (P301). In the present embodiment, the activation factor 1 is a press of a power key (not shown).

  The power-off state 2 (P302) is a state in which some of the modules including the network module in the MFP 200 are stopped, and can be detected with respect to the activation factor 2 in addition to the activation factor 1. In the state of P302, the MFP 200 shifts to the power-on state (P304) only when the activation factors 1 and 2 occur, and does not process other commands. In the present embodiment, the activation factor 2 is a key operation other than reception of a print job via USB, insertion of a memory card, FAX reception, and a power key (not shown).

  The power-off state 3 (P303) is a state in which some modules that do not include the network module in the MFP 200 are stopped. In addition to the activation factors 1 and 2, the activation factor 3 can be detected. In the state of P303, the MFP 200 shifts to the power-on state (P304) only when the activation factors 1 to 3 occur, and does not process other commands. In the present embodiment, the activation factor 3 is a job reception via the network and a user operation of a function of the MFP 200 via the network. Note that the activation factors 1 to 3 are not limited to the above example.

[Processing flow]
A transition flow from the power-on state (P304) to the power-off state 1 (P301), the power-off state 2 (P302), and the power-off state 3 (P303) will be described with reference to FIG. When the MFP 200 receives a power-off command in the power-on state (P304), this processing flow starts. This process is realized by the CPU 202 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 203 or the like.

  In S701, the CPU 202 determines whether the automatic power-on function is valid or invalid. If invalid (NO in S701), the process proceeds to S702, and if valid (YES in S701), the process proceeds to S704.

  In S702, the CPU 202 determines the registration status with the cloud service. As a method for determining the registration status to the cloud service, it is determined whether the registration to the cloud service is completed based on the setting information of the MFP 200 stored in various memories such as the ROM 203, the RAM 204, the nonvolatile memory 205, and the image memory 206. Here, in addition to the completion of registration with the cloud service, whether or not the connection to the network can be made may be added to the determination criteria. If registration to the cloud service has been completed (YES in S702), the process proceeds to S703, and if not completed (NO in S702), the process proceeds to S705.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined that there is a high possibility of a user's misconfiguration when automatic power-off in a state where registration with the cloud service is completed. Then, in consideration of the possibility that the user has invalidated the automatic power-on function by mistake, the erroneous setting prevention process is started. Therefore, in S703, the CPU 202 sets 1 indicating the start to the start FLG indicating whether or not the erroneous setting prevention process has been started in the nonvolatile memory 205. (Starting FLG = 1). Then, the process proceeds to S704.

  In S704, the CPU 202 determines the network usage state. The determination of the network usage state may be made, for example, when the network setting of the MFP setting value of the MFP 200 stored in the ROM 203, the RAM 204, or the nonvolatile memory 205 is valid. Or you may determine from the use condition of the WLAN unit 215 which performs WLAN communication. Alternatively, the determination may be made when the WLAN unit 215 is actually communicating with an access point or the like. If it is determined that the network is in use (YES in S704), the process proceeds to S707. If it is determined that the network is not used (NO in S704), the process proceeds to S706.

  In step S705, the CPU 202 shifts the power state of the MFP 200 to the power off state 1 (P301). In step S706, the CPU 202 shifts the power state of the MFP 200 to the power off state 2 (P302). In step S707, the CPU 202 shifts the power state of the MFP 200 to the power off state 3 (P303).

  In the present embodiment, an erroneous setting prevention process is performed for a user who has completed registration in a cloud service used in the network. A user who uses a cloud service can execute printing even when away from home. Also, in this embodiment, if the registration to the cloud service is not completed, the user is likely to be near the device, and even if the power is accidentally turned off with automatic power-on disabled, There are few disadvantages. In other words, for users who are not registered in the cloud service, priority is given to the advantage that standby power is low by not performing erroneous setting prevention processing.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained for a user who has registered a cloud service.

<Third embodiment>
In the present embodiment, an MFP having functions such as copying and scanning and connectable to a facsimile line will be described as an example. In addition, in the following description, description is abbreviate | omitted about the location which overlaps with 1st embodiment.

  The configuration of the MFP according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration of FIG. 1 shown in the first embodiment. Here, in the present embodiment, since there is a facsimile line, a description will be given of facsimile control. The MFP 200 is configured to be able to perform facsimile communication with an external apparatus from the I / F unit 104 via a public line network and an IP network, and includes a fax modem.

  In this embodiment, at the time of facsimile transmission, the user instructs the MFP 200 to perform transmission using the display unit 221 and the operation unit 209 in FIG. 2 and causes the scanner unit 218 to read a fax transmission image. The MFP 200 stores the image data read by the image memory 206. The MFP 200 encodes image data in a known compression format such as MH, MR, or MMR in the code decoding processing unit 207, and transmits the fax data to the opposite device via the I / F unit 104. When receiving a fax, the MFP 200 stores the image data encoded by the MH, MR, MMR, etc. received via the I / F unit 104 in the image memory 206 and decodes it by the encoding / decoding processing unit 207. To do. Then, after decoding into image data, the MFP 200 converts the image data into print data at the data conversion unit 208. Thereafter, the MFP 200 feeds paper from the paper feed unit 210 under the control of the recording control unit 212, performs various image processing such as color correction in the recording control unit 212, converts the image data into high-definition image data, and the recording unit 211. Output to.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the activation factor of the MFP 200 according to this embodiment. The power-off state 1 (P301) is a state in which almost all modules of the MFP 200 are stopped, and the activation factor 1 can be detected. In the state of P301, the MFP 200 shifts to the power-on state (P304) only when the activation factor 1 is detected, and does not process other commands. That is, even when a factor (command) other than the activation factor 1 occurs, the MFP 200 maintains the current power state (P301). In the present embodiment, the activation factor 1 is a power key press.

  The power-off state 2 (P302) is a state in which some modules including the fax module of the MFP 200 are stopped, and the activation factor 2 can be detected in addition to the activation factor 1. In the state of P302, the MFP 200 shifts to the power-on state (P304) only when the activation factors 1 and 2 occur, and does not process other commands. In the present embodiment, the activation factor 2 is other than a print job reception via USB, a memory card insertion, a job reception via a network, a user operation of a function of the MFP 200 via a network, and a power key (not shown). Key operation.

  The power-off state 3 (P303) is a state in which some modules of the MFP 200 that do not include the fax module are stopped, and the activation factor 3 can be detected in addition to the activation factors 1 and 2. In the state of P303, the MFP 200 shifts to the power-on state (P304) only when the activation factors 1 to 3 occur, and does not process other commands. In the present embodiment, the activation factor 3 is fax reception. Note that the activation factors 1 to 3 are not limited to the above example.

[Processing flow]
A transition flow from the power-on state (P304) to the power-off state 1 (P301), the power-off state 2 (P302), and the power-off state 3 (P303) will be described using the flowchart of FIG. When the MFP 200 receives a power-off command in the power-on state (P304), this processing flow starts. This process is realized by the CPU 202 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 203 or the like.

  In step S901, the CPU 202 determines whether the automatic power-on function is valid or invalid. If invalid (NO in S901), the process proceeds to S902, and if valid (YES in S901), the process proceeds to S904.

  In step S902, the CPU 202 determines whether the MFP 200 is connected to a fax line or not connected. In this determination method, the I / F unit 104 may measure the line voltage using a fax modem to detect the line connection state. Further, the I / F unit 104 may be configured to include a circuit capable of detecting the voltage of the fax line so that the circuit connection state can be detected by the circuit. Further, the fax line connection information may be stored in advance as setting information of the MFP 200 in various memories, and it may be determined whether the fax line connection is established by referring to the setting information. In addition, the detection means which can detect the event and state used for determination are not limited to the above, and other methods may be used. If it is connected to the fax line (YES in S902), the process proceeds to S903. If it is not connected (NO in S902), the process proceeds to S905.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined that there is a high possibility of a user's erroneous setting when automatic power-off is in a fax line connection state. Then, in consideration of the possibility that the user has invalidated the automatic power-on function by mistake, the erroneous setting prevention process is started. Therefore, in S903, the CPU 202 sets 1 indicating the start to the start FLG indicating whether or not the erroneous setting prevention process has been started in the nonvolatile memory 205. (Starting FLG = 1). Then, the process proceeds to S906.

  In step S904, the CPU 202 determines the fax line connection state in the same manner as in step S902. If it is connected to a fax line (YES in S904), the process proceeds to S906, and if not connected (NO in S904), the process proceeds to S907.

  In step S905, the CPU 202 shifts the power state of the MFP 200 to the power off state 1 (P301). In step S906, the CPU 202 shifts the power state of the MFP 200 to the power-off state 3 (P303). In step S907, the CPU 202 shifts the power state of the MFP 200 to the power off state 2 (P302).

  In the present embodiment, erroneous setting prevention processing is performed for a user who is connected to a fax line and who may receive a fax. Users connected to the fax line are likely to be using the fax function, and there are many disadvantages because if the user mistakenly disables automatic power-on, the user will switch to an off state where no fax can be received. In the present embodiment, priority is given to the advantage that the standby power is low by not performing the erroneous setting prevention process for users who are not connected to the fax line.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment for a user who may perform fax reception.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

200 ... MFP, 202 ... CPU, 213 ... Power supply control unit, 216 ... AC power connection unit, 217 ... Return monitoring unit

Claims (14)

An information processing apparatus comprising: a communication function for communicating with an external device; and a power-on function that enters a power-on state when a power-on condition related to the communication function is satisfied when the power is off.
Detection means capable of detecting the occurrence of an event when the information processing apparatus is in a predetermined power-off state;
When the power-on function is invalid and in a predetermined state, the information processing apparatus enters the predetermined power-off state, and an event corresponding to the power-on condition is detected by the detection means in the predetermined power-off state. And an execution means for executing a predetermined process for effectively changing the power-on function. A control unit for controlling a power state of the information processing apparatus;
When the power-on function is invalid and the communication function is in the predetermined state, the information processing apparatus enters the predetermined power-off state, and the detection unit sets the power-on condition in the predetermined power-off state. 2. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein when a corresponding event is detected, the execution unit executes the predetermined process, and the control unit causes the information processing apparatus to transition to a power-on state. apparatus. When the power-on function is invalid and the communication function is in the predetermined state, if there is a power-off command for setting the information processing apparatus to the predetermined power-off state, predetermined information is stored. And further storing means for storing in the section,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit performs the predetermined process when the predetermined information is stored in the storage unit by the storage unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit effectively changes the power-on function as the predetermined process.   The execution means performs a notification prompting a user to change the power-on function to be effective as the predetermined process, and changes the power-on function to be effective according to a user instruction for the notification. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. The information processing apparatus further includes a power-off function that enters a power-off state when a predetermined power-off condition is satisfied when the power-on state is satisfied,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined power-off state is a power-off state by the power-off function. The information processing apparatus is capable of transitioning to a plurality of power-off states including the predetermined power-off state, each having different power consumption
When the predetermined power-off condition is satisfied when the power-on state is satisfied, the first function is enabled and the communication function state is selected from among the plurality of power-off states. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information processing apparatus transitions to any one of them.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined state is that the information processing apparatus is connected to an external network. The information processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus corresponding to a print service via a network by the communication function,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined state is that registration with the print service has been completed. The information processing apparatus includes a fax function based on the communication function,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined state is a connection state of a fax line.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power-on condition related to the communication function is that communication with an external apparatus using the communication function is performed.   The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a printing unit for printing an image. A communication function for communicating with an external device, and a power-on function that turns on when a power-on condition related to the communication function is satisfied when the power is off, and is in a predetermined power-off state A method of controlling an information processing apparatus capable of detecting the occurrence of an event,
When the information processing apparatus is in the predetermined power off state when the power on function is invalid and in a predetermined state, and an event corresponding to the power on condition is detected in the predetermined power off state, A control method comprising an execution step of executing a predetermined process for effectively changing the power-on function. A communication function for communicating with an external device, and a power-on function that turns on when a power-on condition related to the communication function is satisfied when the power is off, and is in a predetermined power-off state A program executed by an information processing apparatus capable of detecting the occurrence of an event,
When the information processing apparatus is in the predetermined power off state when the power on function is invalid and in a predetermined state, and an event corresponding to the power on condition is detected in the predetermined power off state, A program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute an execution step of executing a predetermined process for effectively changing the power-on function.

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