JP2000250642A - Power controller, image forming device and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power controller which can apply a power supply again during a power OFF sequence with a simple constitution and also to provide an image forming device. SOLUTION: In regard to an image forming device consisting of a reader part and a printer part, for example, the power cutoff is instructed via a switch 108 that is connected to a reader controller 106. Thus, the controller 106 instructs an engine control part 2002 to carry out the power cutoff preprocessing and never cuts off the supply of power to an outlet 2802 before the end of the power cutoff preprocessing is notified. If the switch 108 is pushed again and the application of power supply is instructed during the power supply cutoff preprocessing, the controller 106 disconnects and connects a relay 2803 to urge the initialization operation of the part 2002.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a power supply control device, and more particularly to a power supply control device for performing power-on / off control in an image processing apparatus having a power-off sequence.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus such as a printing apparatus having both a printing function and a copying function, a power supply
Immediately after instructing FF, power supply cannot be stopped,
Some devices required a power-off pre-processing sequence. Therefore, if the operator wants to use the power again after the power is turned off, if the processing time of the pre-power-off processing sequence is short, after the sequence processing is completed, wait until the power is turned off, and then turn the power off again. There was no particular problem in the method of turning the apparatus on and restarting the apparatus.

However, if the processing time of the sequence before the power-off is long, it is necessary to wait for a long time in front of the apparatus, so some kind of restarting means is required. The AC was directly turned off and on by a method such as plugging and unplugging from an outlet, or a special restarting process using a power control SW preset in the apparatus was performed.

[0004]

As described above, particularly in an image forming apparatus having a long power-off sequence, the A
Cutting and feeding C is not preferable in terms of operability, and performing a special restart sequence increases the load of software processing.

An object of the present invention is to turn off the power supply with a simple configuration.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply control device and an image forming apparatus capable of turning on power again during a sequence.

[0006]

That is, the gist of the present invention is to connect a main power supply to a main power supply and to supply the main power to a predetermined device.
First switch means for disconnecting, second switch means for inputting power on / off instructions, state of the second switch means, and supply state of main power to a predetermined device are detected. A power supply control device comprising: a detection unit that generates a detection signal according to a detection result; and a control unit that performs power control according to the detection signal, wherein the control unit indicates that the detection signal indicates an instruction to cut off a main power supply. If the detection signal changes to an instruction to turn on the main power during the predetermined process, the predetermined process is interrupted. The power supply control device is characterized in that:

Another gist of the present invention is to provide at least 2
An image forming apparatus configured by connecting two modules, wherein the first switch means is provided in one of the modules to turn on / off a connection between an external power supply and the module, and is provided in one of the modules. A second switch for instructing power-on / off of the entire image forming apparatus and a first module having the first switch;
Dependent module power control means for controlling power supply / disconnection to the second module connected to the first module; state of the second switch means provided in the first module; supply of external power to the first module; Detecting means for detecting a state and generating a detection signal according to the detection result; and when the detection signal changes to a state indicating an instruction to cut off the main power supply, a predetermined process is started, and an external power supply is started until the predetermined process is completed. And disconnection from the first module
When the detection signal changes to an instruction to connect the external power supply and the first module during the predetermined processing, the image forming apparatus includes a control unit that interrupts the predetermined processing.

Another aspect of the present invention is a storage medium for storing a program that can be executed by an apparatus, wherein the apparatus that has executed the program is connected to a main power supply, and is connected to a predetermined circuit. The first switch means for supplying / disconnecting, the second switch means for inputting an instruction to turn on / off the power, the state of the second switch means, and the state of main power supply to a predetermined circuit. Detecting and detecting means for generating a detection signal according to the detection result, and a power supply control device having a control means for performing power control according to the detection signal, wherein the control means,
When the detection signal changes to a state indicating the main power supply disconnection instruction,
A power control device that starts a predetermined process, does not turn off the main power until the predetermined process is completed, and interrupts the predetermined process when the detection signal changes to an instruction to turn on the main power during the predetermined process. A storage medium characterized by being operated.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Overall Configuration] First, an overall overview will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall position of a printer as a basic function of an image processing apparatus. 2101 is Video I
/ F, which communicates between a printer 2102 and a printer controller 2103 to be described later. Details of each I / F signal will be described later. Reference numeral 2102 denotes a printer, which forms an electric image signal received via the I / F 2101 in a visible form, transfers the signal to recording paper,
Output after fixing. In order to realize these image forming sequences, various loads are controlled. In addition, it also performs the function of detecting the status of the printer and notifying the printer controller.

Reference numeral 2103 denotes a printer controller;
The host computer shown in FIG. 2104 (FIG. 1A) or via a network shown in 2105 (FIG.
(B)), receive the transmitted data. This includes bitmap data and PDL (Page description Langu
age) It is sent in various formats such as description data. The data is developed in a memory and transferred to the printer 2102 as raster data. In this way, the data created by the host computer can be output to a printer. Although the printer controller and the printer are separately illustrated in FIG. 1 for convenience, the printer controller may be provided inside the printer, and such a configuration is generally used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing apparatus having a module configuration. In the figure,
Reference numeral 2001 denotes a printer body as a basic configuration.
Reference numeral 02 denotes an engine control unit that performs paper transport control and image forming control of the printer, and 2003 denotes an image forming unit. 21
Reference numeral 03 denotes the printer controller in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
2104 is a one-to-one or network 2105
1 is connected to the printer controller 2103 through the host computer. Reference numeral 2004 denotes a paper cassette deck that can be added as an option.
05 is a sorter that can be added as an option.
Is an option controller for controlling the option cassette deck and the option sorter. Reference numeral 2007 denotes a power switch connected to the engine control unit, and 2008 denotes an AC cable of the printer. In the following description, the entire mechanism related to the printing operation included in the printer body, in particular, the entire mechanism controlled by the engine control unit may be described as a “printer” for convenience.

[Configuration of Printer Controller and Printer] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a composite function such as a case where a module is attached to the above-described basic configuration to add a function. The configuration of the printer will be described.

First, the video I / F 2101 connecting the printer controller and the printer will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the engine control unit 2002 in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating representative signals transmitted and received between the printer controller 2103 and the printer controller 2103.

FIG. 4 shows a list of video I / F signals. Here, only the representative signals shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

First, / PPRDY 203 is a signal indicating that communication with the printer controller has become possible after power is supplied to the printer and processing such as initialization has been completed.

A signal / CPRDY 204 indicates that power has been supplied to the printer controller and communication with the engine control unit has been enabled after processing such as initialization has been completed.

The / RDY signal 205 is a signal indicating that the engine control unit has been enabled to perform a print operation in response to a print start instruction (/ PRNT signal described later) from the printer controller. The conditions under which this signal becomes true include various conditions of the printer, such as whether the temperature in the fixing unit has reached a predetermined temperature, whether recording paper has remained in the printer, and whether the polygon mirror is rotating at a predetermined speed. Only if the part is working properly.

The / PRNT signal of 206 is used by the printer controller to start the printing operation to the engine control unit.
Alternatively, it is a signal instructing continuation.

The / TOP signal 207 is a synchronization signal which is passed from the engine control unit to the printer controller and serves as a reference for vertical scanning of an image. This signal is 20
After the signal of No. 6 is output from the printer controller, it is output after a predetermined time.

The / LSYNC signal 208 is a synchronization signal that is used as a reference for horizontal scanning by the printer controller.
Similar to the TOP signal, the signal 206 is output from the printer controller and then output to the printer controller after a certain period of time.

The / VCLK signal of 209 is a signal / VCLK described later.
Synchronous clock for DOEN and / VDO signals,
A clock having a frequency corresponding to the image signal is generated from the printer controller.

The / VDOEN signal 210 is a signal for controlling the approach of the image signal output from the printer controller to the engine control unit. The engine control unit is / V
This signal is TRUE / FALSE in synchronization with the CLK signal.
Is detected, the image signal is fetched in the case of TRUE, and is not fetched in the case of FALSE.

The / VDO signal 211 is image data. The printer controller uses / T for the vertical direction.
The OP signal is output in the horizontal direction in synchronization with the / VCLK signal based on the / LSYNC signal.

The / CCLK signal 212 is a synchronous clock used when the printer controller sends a serial command to the engine controller and when the engine controller returns a serial status to the printer controller. Is done.

A / CBSY signal 213 is a signal indicating to the engine control unit that the printer controller is transmitting a serial command using a / CMD signal described later.

The / CMD signal 214 is a signal used when the printer controller transmits serial information to the engine control unit, and the serial information will be referred to as a command.

The / SBSY signal 215 is a signal indicating to the printer controller that the engine control unit is returning a serial status using the / STS signal.

The / STS signal 216 is a signal used when the engine control unit returns serial information to the printer controller, and the serial information is called a status.

The / CCRT signal 217 is a signal for reporting to the printer controller when the status inside the printer has changed. When the printer controller receives this report signal, it issues a command inquiring about what has changed in the state of the engine using the / CMD signal, and the engine control unit notifies the state with the / STS signal.

Next, a printer controlled by the engine control unit will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the mechanism of the printer and the transport path of the recording material.
FIG. 1 shows an electrophotographic color printer as an example.

Reference numeral 401 denotes a scanner, which is an image signal (/ V) sent from a printer controller (not shown).
DO), and irradiates the corresponding photoconductor with a laser beam 402 to form a charged image on the photoconductor. The photoconductor 402 reaches the black developing device 404 and the color developing device 403 while rotating counterclockwise. The developing devices 403 and 404 function to apply (develop) toner on the photoconductor in accordance with the charge on the photoconductor. 40 when the image is black and white
Only the black developing device of No. 4 operates, and in the case of color, 403 and 4
04 are sequentially used. Next, the toner image generated on the photoconductor is provided in contact with the photoconductor 402 and is transferred to an intermediate transfer body 405 that rotates clockwise. The intermediate transfer body is rotated once for black and white and four times for color, to generate a black and white or color toner image on the intermediate transfer body.

On the other hand, the upper cassette 408 or 4
Recording material such as recording paper fed from the lower cassette 09 by the pickup roller 411 or 412 is 41
The sheet is conveyed according to the feed roller 3 or 414,
The sheet is further conveyed to the position before the registration roller 420 by the conveying roller 5. When the recording paper is transported from the manual paper feed unit, the recording paper is transported by the transport roller 416 to a position before the registration roller 420.

Then, the registration roller 420 conveys the recording paper so that the recording paper reaches between the intermediate transfer body and the transfer belt 406 at the timing when the toner image generation is completed on the intermediate transfer body 405 described above. When the recording paper arrives here, the transfer belt contacts the intermediate transfer body via the recording paper, and the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 405 is transferred to the recording paper. The image transferred to the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper by heat and pressure by a fixing roller 407.

The recording paper on which the image has been fixed is conveyed to one of a face-up discharge port 417 and a face-down discharge port 418 designated in advance by the printer controller and discharged. When performing double-sided printing, the printing process is performed again via the transport path 421. Thus, the image information sent from the printer controller can be output.

FIG. 6 shows timings of signals exchanged between the video I / Fs. This is the video I
The signal description of / F is shown over time.

First, when the preparation of the image information is completed, the printer controller sets the / PRNT signal to Low (true) and notifies the engine controller of the completion of the preparation. At the same time, the image synchronization signal / VCL used for the transfer of the image signal
A K signal is also generated.

In response, the engine control unit performs various processing such as various settings inside the printer, and when the image signal can be received, the vertical synchronization signal / TOP
A signal and a horizontal synchronizing signal / LSYNC signal are output to the printer controller.

Then, the printer controller receives /
The image signal / VDO and the image valid signal / VDOEN are transferred to the engine control unit in accordance with the TOP signal and the / LSYNC signal. The whole printing is performed by repeating this series of processing.

Next, how commands and status are exchanged between the printer controller and the engine control unit during these printing operations will be described. FIG. 7 shows the timing of communication between the printer controller and the engine control unit. Communication takes place serially.

First, a case where the lowermost / CCRT signal is not used will be described. When the printer controller wants to issue (transmit) a command to the engine control unit, it sets the / CBSY signal to Low (true) and sends command data to the / CMD signal in synchronization with the clock signal / CCLK. The engine control unit that has received it, / CB
After confirming that the SY signal is High (false), / S
BSY is set to Low (true), and the status data on the engine side corresponding to the command is transmitted to the status signal / STS in synchronization with the / CCLK signal generated from the printer controller. This status data is received by the printer controller, and print control is continued or interrupted depending on the state.

Next, the case where the / CCRT signal is used will be described. This signal is Low (true) when there is a change in the state of the engine specified by the printer controller in advance. For example, it is assumed that the printer controller has set in advance / CMD so that the / CCRT signal is made effective when the paper runs out. Therefore, it is assumed that there is only one remaining recording sheet, and the printer controller issues a printout request for two sheets. For the first sheet, the print sequence operation is normally processed without any problem. However, since the second recording sheet does not exist, the printer engine detects the change in state at the stage when the second image formation is started, and changes the / CCRT signal from High to Low. This signal is transmitted to the printer controller. As soon as the printer controller detects this, the printer controller issues a command to the engine control unit requesting a paper feed unit paper presence status in order to know which paper feed cassette is out of paper. Accordingly, the engine control unit returns the status of the paperless cassette to the controller. The / CCRT signal is cleared to High at the timing when the status is returned and the / SBSY signal becomes Low.

FIG. 8 shows the exchange of commands / status between the printer controller and the engine control unit more specifically, and the printing operation will be described. FIG. 8 shows a case where color output is performed.

Upon receiving a print start request from the host computer or the like, the printer controller checks the ready state of the printer with the engine control unit while performing conversion processing of image data to be printed. When a ready state is received from the engine control unit, a command for designating a paper feed stage for recording paper is issued next. In this figure, the lower cassette is designated. For the designation of the cassette,
The engine control unit responds with the paper feeding state. Next, the controller issues a command requesting the recording paper size information in the designated cassette, and the engine control unit responds to this.

When the exchange of information on paper feeding is completed,
Next, the printer controller sends the output FU
The designated command is issued, and the engine control unit responds with the state of the designated sheet discharge port. Then, a page mode designation command for designating how many page images are to be formed, and finally a monochrome / color designation command are issued and the response is repeated, and all settings on the printer side are completed.

When the printer setting is completed, the printer controller issues a print request to the engine control unit (sets / PRNT to true) and generates a clock signal (/ VCLK). The engine control unit is / P
After waiting for a predetermined time after the RNT signal becomes true, / T
An OP signal and a horizontal synchronization signal (/ LSYNC) are output.
After receiving the / TOP signal, the printer controller outputs / LSY
After counting NC for a predetermined time, the image signal (/ VDO) is transferred to the engine control unit in synchronization with / VCLK while synchronizing the vertical scanning direction with / LSYNC and the horizontal direction with / LSYNC. Here, since the color mode is set, the data transfer process is repeated until an image for four colors of CMYK is formed and the process for one page is completed.

After receiving the final / TOP signal, the printer controller changes the / PRNT signal to High.
Return to (false). The engine control unit detects the end of the print request by confirming the state (false) of the / PRNT signal at the timing when the image forming process ends, and shifts to post-processing such as an intermediate transfer body cleaning operation. The recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred by the print processing passes through the fixing roller, and is discharged to a designated discharge port. Finally, the printer controller requests a print status from the engine control unit, and after confirming from the engine control unit that the recording paper is not being conveyed (the end of paper discharge), waits for a certain period of time and then ends the print. State, and waits in a ready state until the next print request occurs.

During the operation described above, the recording paper jams,
When an illegal state such as the absence of the recording paper or the door open by the user occurs, the engine controller immediately notifies the printer controller of the abnormality of the printer by using the / CCRT signal. The printer controller performs a corresponding process accordingly. The above is the processing performed between the printer controller and the engine control unit.

[Configuration when Reader Controller is Attached] FIG. 9 shows not only the image data output from the printer controller based on the data transferred from the host computer but also the original on the paper in the printer described above. FIG. 3 is an external view in the case where a reader controller that optically reads an image, converts the image into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal is mounted.

Reference numeral 801 denotes a document feeder for conveying a document to a portion where the document can be optically read, and reference numeral 802 denotes an optical reader. Reference numeral 805 denotes a platen glass of the optical reading device. The document feeding device 801 is an optical reading device 8
When the original image is transferred onto the original platen glass 805 by the feeding device 801, the reading unit provided in the optical reading device 802 moves the image in the left and right direction in FIG. Scanning is performed, and reflected light subjected to appropriate optical processing is sent to the photoelectric conversion unit 804. Reference numeral 803 denotes a printer main body.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a main part of the apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 9, and is a diagram showing a configuration when a document reading device (reader) is added to the configuration shown in FIG. In the figure, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, 101 is a reader frame, 102 is a document table, 103 is a light source, 104 is a photoelectric conversion means, and 105 is an analog / digital conversion means. 10
Reference numeral 6 denotes a reader controller. Reference numeral 107 denotes an operation unit, and reference numeral 108 denotes an operation unit power switch on the operation unit. 1
A power switch 09 is connected to a reader power supply (not shown). 2
Reference numeral 001 denotes a printer main body, and 2002, an engine control unit for controlling paper transport control and image formation control of the printer;
Reference numeral 2003 denotes an image forming unit. Reference numeral 2007 denotes a power switch connected to the engine control unit, and 2008 denotes an AC switch connected to the printer.
A power cord for supplying power. A printer controller 2103 is built in the printer main body 2001. Reference numeral 2104 denotes a host computer connected to the printer controller 2103 one-to-one or via a network 2105. Reference numeral 2004 denotes a paper cassette deck that can be added as an option.
Is a sorter that can be added as an option, and 2006 is an option controller that controls the optional cassette deck and the optional sorter.

The reader controller 106 includes a digital image processing unit output from the analog-to-digital conversion unit, a motor control unit (not shown) for reading an original, and communication control with the engine control unit 2002 and the printer controller 2103. It has the function of performing In the present invention, the reader controller 106 is arranged in the printer main body 2001 and does not have an external cable for controlling communication with the engine control unit 2002 and the printer controller 2103.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a signal transmission path in the device shown in FIG. As shown, the host computer-printer controller 210
3—Signal between engine control unit 2102 and reader 25
01-Reader Controller 106-Engine Control Unit 21
All signals between 02 are configured to pass through the selector unit 2201 in the reader controller. Here, in the figure, the remaining components of the reader except for the reader controller 106 are collectively shown as a reader 2501. In this figure, the selector unit 2201 is the reader controller 1
Although the configuration included in 06 is shown, a selector unit may be provided in the engine control unit by exchanging the positions of the reader controller and the engine control unit, or a configuration in which the reader controller, the engine control unit, and the selector unit are separated may be employed.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing an electrical connection among the printer controller, the engine control unit, and the reader controller in the configuration shown in FIG. That is, reference numeral 106 denotes a reader controller, which is a printer controller 2 shown in FIG.
103 and an engine control unit 2002. The types of signal lines between the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 106 and between the engine control unit 2002 and the reader controller 106 have the same functions as the types of signal lines shown in FIG. However, since signals between the printer controller 2103 and the signal between the engine control units 2002 are physically different,
In the following description, the printer controller 2103
"C" is added to the signal between the reader controller 106 and "P" is added to the signal between the reader controller 106 and the engine control unit.
Signals represented without suffixes mean both signals.

Reference numeral 902 denotes an image signal processing unit. Reference numeral 903 denotes a document scanning optical system control unit that controls the optical reading device 802 in FIG. 9, and reference numeral 904 denotes a document feeding device 801.
Is a document feed control unit for controlling the document feed. Reference numeral 905 denotes an operation unit of the reader. Reference numeral 906 denotes an image input unit. The image signal converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 804 in the optical reading device 802 is transmitted from the image input unit 906 to the reader controller 106.
And transferred to the internal image signal processing unit 902.

Next, the configuration of the reader controller will be described in detail. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a part related to the print controller and the engine control unit in the configuration of the reader controller 106.

Referring to FIG. 12, reference numeral 902 denotes the image processing unit shown in FIG. 12, and reference numeral 906 denotes the image input unit shown in FIG. Reference numeral 2201 denotes a selector, which selects either the output of the image processing unit 906 or the signal sent from the printer controller 2103 to select the signal from the engine control unit 210.
Output to 2. There are three signal systems to be switched by the selector: image clock / VCLK, image enable / VDOEN, and image data / VDO. Reference numeral 2202 denotes a serial communication controller that communicates with the engine control unit. 22
Reference numeral 03 denotes an input / output port for exchanging signals for supplementing communication in the communication controller. Reference numeral 2204 denotes an interrupt controller. The image leading end request signal / PTOP and the printer state change signal / PCCRT are input to the interrupt controller.

Reference numeral 2205 denotes a serial communication controller for communicating with the printer controller. Reference numeral 2206 denotes an input / output port for exchanging signals for supplementing communication in the communication controller. Reference numerals 2207 and 2210 denote first and second gates, which control whether a signal sent from the printer is sent to the printer controller. The gate control is performed on the image leading end request signal / TOP and the line synchronization signal / LSYNC. A control circuit 2208 having a gate function and a flag setting function controls the printer state change signal / CCRT. By opening / closing the gate, it is controlled whether or not the printer status change signal / PCCRT issued by the engine control unit is transmitted to the printer controller, and by setting a flag,
Printer status change signal / CC from reader controller
A CRT can be issued to a printer controller.

[Operation at Copying] Next, the operation at the time of reading a full-color original image and outputting it from the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 12 and 13. Operation unit 90
5 is input, the reader controller 106 recognizes that the mode is the copy mode, and sets the gate units 2207 and 2210 and the control circuit 22.
08 is closed, and the selector 2201 is set so as to output a signal from the image processing unit 902.

Next, the ready status signal / PPRDY of the printer is checked with respect to the engine control unit 2002 using the input / output port 2203. Then, various settings for the engine control unit are performed using the serial communication controller 2202 as described above. That is, a command for specifying a paper feed stage for a recording paper and a request for a paper size request for the specified paper feed stage are sequentially issued. In response to these series of commands, the engine control unit returns a corresponding status.

Next, the discharge port is determined by the discharge port designation command, and a page mode designation command for designating how many page images are formed is issued. Finally, by issuing a command for specifying monochrome / color, all settings on the printer side are completed.

After the original is fed onto the original table by the original feeder 801 via the original feed controller 904, the reader controller issues a print request / PPRNT signal to the engine controller. In response to this, a / PTOP signal is returned from the engine control unit after a predetermined time. / PTOP signal received interrupt controller 2
204 interrupts the CPU 2209, and
09 is an optical reading device 80 synchronized with the / PTOP signal.
The optical system control unit 903 is controlled so that the second unit operates. The signal input from the photoelectric conversion device 804 to the image processing unit 902 is used as the / PVDO signal, and the / PTOP signal has a vertical scanning direction, the / PLSYNC signal has a horizontal direction, and / PSYNC signal.
The data is transferred to the engine control unit in synchronization with VCLK. Here, since the color mode is set, the optical reading device 802 is operated four times, and an image corresponding to four colors of CMYK is formed in response to the / PTOP signal generated four times.

When the final / TOP signal is received, the printer controller changes the / PRNT signal to High.
Return to (false). Accordingly, the engine control unit detects that the print request has been completed, and shifts to post-processing such as an intermediate transfer body cleaning operation. The recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred by the print processing passes through the fixing roller, and is discharged to a designated discharge port. Finally, the printer controller requests a print status from the engine control unit, and after confirming from the engine control unit that the recording paper is not being conveyed (the end of paper discharge), waits for a certain period of time and then ends the print. State, and waits in a ready state until the next print request occurs.

[Operation During Printing] Next, a method for outputting (printing) an image from the printer controller from the image forming apparatus will be described. When the copying operation is completed, the reader controller 106 is in a ready state.
At this time, the reader controller opens the gate units 2207 and 2210 and the control circuit 2208 for the operation at the time of printing. The reader controller has an input / output port 220
Then, the ready status signal / PRDY of the printer is checked with respect to the engine control unit by using the input / output port 3 and the printer ready status signal / CRDY is set to the printer controller by using the input / output port 2206 if OK.

Next, the printer controller performs communication to the reader controller similar to the communication conventionally performed to the engine control unit in order to perform various settings. The reader controller communicates with the printer controller using the serial communication controller 2205. The reader controller interprets the data received from the printer controller by the CPU 2209 and performs various settings to the engine control unit according to the contents. Communication between the reader controller and the engine control unit is performed by the serial communication controller 22.
02. In response to a series of commands issued from the reader controller, the engine control unit returns a corresponding status to the reader controller, and the reader controller receives the status using the serial communication controller 2202. The received content is interpreted by the CPU 2209,
This time, the serial communication controller 2205 is used to communicate with the printer controller.

Next, the print controller issues a print request / CPRNT signal to the reader controller, and the reader controller receives the signal and issues a print request / PPRNT signal to the engine controller. In response to this, a / PTOP signal is returned from the engine control unit after a predetermined time. Since the gate 2210 is open, it reaches the printer controller as it is as a / CTOP signal. The printer controller receives the / CLO signal and the / CTOP signal in the vertical scanning direction through the gate control unit 2207 and outputs the / CLSY signal.
The horizontal direction is applied to the NC signal, that is, the / PLSYNC signal.
In addition, the data is transferred to the reader controller in synchronization with / CVCLK. In the reader controller, the selector 2
201 is set so as to select the signal sent from the controller, and the / CVCLK, / PVDOEN and / CVDO signals sent from the controller are sent to the engine control unit as / PVCLK, / PVDOEN and / PVDO, respectively. Is sent.

[Difference between Print Operation and Copy Operation] Here, the difference between the print operation and the copy operation will be described with respect to the image transmission timing.

Although a detailed description of the configuration of the print controller 2103 is omitted, an image memory is provided therein, and image data for printing is prepared in advance there. Therefore, in response to the image leading end request signal / TOP signal sent from the engine control unit, the print data /
The time required to output VDO is only the electrical delay time.

On the other hand, in the copy mode,
The original is read while moving the optical reading device 802, and image data is output. As shown in FIG. 14, it takes time to accelerate the reading device from the stopped state to the high-speed moving state for reading the original, for example, about several hundred milliseconds. Takes time. Therefore, when the engine control unit sends the image leading end request signal / TOP signal in the copy mode at the same timing as the signal in the print mode, the time for the image data / VDO to reach the engine control unit is longer in the copy mode. It will be delayed by 100 ms. As a method of reducing the time difference, the following two plans can be considered. 1. / TOP is transmitted earlier during printing than during printing. 2. Another signal (RSTART) is provided for the copy mode.

In order to carry out the plan 1, the reader controller 106
Of FIG. 13 may be the same as in FIG.
In response to the P signal, the reader controller starts the movement of the document reading device. More specifically, the movement start timing and the reading start timing in FIG.
What is necessary is just to send TOP. Also, in order to carry out plan 2, FIG.
The configuration shown in FIG. 15 differs from the configuration of FIG. 13 in that / RSTART is used as a new signal instead of the / PTOP signal.
Is input to the system. The image leading end request signal / PTOP sent from the engine control unit is a signal which is originally required only when the print controller performs printing. It is necessary to input the signal to the interrupt controller of the reader controller. Since the apparatus movement start request signal / RSTART is a signal required only in the copy mode and need not be sent to the print controller, such a configuration is possible. In the configuration of FIG. 15, the engine control unit is configured to operate at a timing that takes into account the operation delay of the document reading device.
By transmitting the RSTART signal, the time difference between the modes can be reduced.

[Control for Setting Command] As described above, since the reader controller is connected between the printer controller and the engine control unit, communication between the printer controller and the engine control unit is performed through the reader controller. . Hereinafter, a setting command, for example, a paper cassette change command, is issued from the printer controller to the printer in a state where the reader controller uses the optical system control unit to read and output a document image (copy mode). The operation in this case will be described.

First, in order to facilitate understanding, a command issuing sequence in the case where there is no reader controller, that is, in the configuration of FIG. 3, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
(A) is a processing sequence in the printer controller,
FIG. 16B shows a processing sequence in the engine control unit.

After issuing the paper cassette change command (S1801), the printer controller waits for a response from the engine control unit (S1802), and determines the success of the command when the response is received (S1803). To end. On the other hand, the engine control unit waits for a command to be issued from the printer controller (S181).
1) When the command is issued, the content of the command is determined (S1812). In the case of the paper cassette change command, the paper cassette is changed (S1813), and if the change is successful, the printer controller notifies the printer controller of the command execution success (S1815), and then returns to the command waiting state. On the other hand, in the case of a command other than the paper cassette change, processing corresponding to the command is performed (S1814).
Thereafter, the process returns to the command waiting state.

Next, a processing sequence when a reader controller is added will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the printer controller and the engine control unit
Control that is completely the same as that described above with reference to FIG. 16 is performed.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of control for receiving a command from the printer controller and returning a status to the printer controller. The reader controller is the same as that shown in FIG.
A command is received by the serial communication controller 2205 through the CCMD signal line (S1901), and it is determined whether the received command can be issued immediately and directly to the engine control unit (S1902).

For example, when a command can be issued, such as when there is no command being executed to the engine control unit in order for the reader controller to perform a copy mode operation, the engine control unit is notified to the engine control unit first. The same command as the command sent from the printer controller is transmitted to the signal line / PCM using the serial communication controller 2202.
Issued through D (S1903). The process waits for a response to the issued command (S1905). If the command is executed normally and the response is received, the print controller is notified of the execution success (S1908). On the other hand, if the command execution has failed, predetermined error processing such as re-issuing the command is performed (S1907).

On the other hand, for example, when the reader controller performs a copying operation by designating the sheet feeding cassette,
If the paper feed cassette change command sent from the printer controller is issued to the engine control unit as it is, the copying operation will not be executed normally. To
An engine command that stores commands issued from the printer controller to the engine control unit in the order of issue
It is stored in the queue (S1904).

Since a response to the command must be returned to the printer controller, a pseudo notification that the command has been successfully executed is sent to the serial communication controller 2.
205, the reader controller sends a reply to the printer controller via the / CSTS signal line (S1).
908).

Next, the processing of the command stored in the engine command queue will be described with reference to FIG. If the reader controller is ready to issue the command received from the printer controller to the engine controller without affecting the state of the reader controller (S200).
1), the reader controller gives the engine controller
By using the serial communication controller 2202, the oldest command stored in the engine command queue is issued via the signal line / PCMD (S2002) and a response is waited for (S2003). The command issued by the reader controller itself is also transmitted to the engine control unit through the / PCMD signal line.

When the command execution is completed by the engine control unit, a response is returned to the reader controller via the / PSTS signal line (S2004). If the execution is successful, the successful command is deleted from the engine command queue (S2005). On the other hand, if it is determined that the execution of the command has failed, it is processed as an error occurrence state (S2006).

As described above, even when the reader controller is inserted between the printer controllers, the command processing sequence can be operated without causing inconsistency in operation when issuing a normal command from the printer controller to the engine control unit.

[Control for State Change Signal] Next, in the configuration in which the reader controller is interposed, the state change on the engine side, for example, the occurrence of some error state is detected by the engine control unit side using the / PCCRT. The processing when the information is transmitted to the reader controller will be described.

In the case of a configuration in which the reader controller is interposed, there is a possibility that the type of the printer state whose change is to be detected is different between the reader controller side and the printer controller side. For example, this is a case where a state change occurs such that the paper being transported is jammed.

If a jam occurs while the engine is performing a copying operation under the control of the reader controller, this state is a state that only the reader controller wants to know. Since the printer controller is not in the process of outputting a jam while itself, the printer controller cannot execute appropriate post-processing even if notified of this state.

If a control system equivalent to a reader controller is to be mounted on the printer controller, both controllers also have jam processing control software which should be provided by the other controller. In terms of quality evaluation, a lot of waste occurs in the capacity of software.

Therefore, it is basically necessary to notify the printer controller in the print mode and notify the reader controller in the copy mode. However, even in the copy mode, the printer controller sometimes wants an engine state change signal. For example, it is necessary to notify the printer controller of information such as a change in the cassette size and the absence of paper. These do not strictly question the time from when a state change signal is issued by the engine control unit to when processing is performed by each controller.

Therefore, the following processing is performed. For example, in the configuration of FIG. 13, in the copy mode in which the reader controller controls the engine control unit, the control circuit 2208 transmits the state change signal / PCCRT notified from the engine control unit to the printer controller. Only the reader controller receives the message through the interrupt controller 2204.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reader controller when transmitting a state change to both the reader controller and the printer controller. First, when the / PCCRT signal becomes true in S2101, the reader controller issues a command for acquiring a state change to the engine control unit (S2102). After waiting for a response from the engine control unit (S2103), the contents of the state change of the engine are grasped from the returned status (S2104). Then, it is determined whether the content is a content to be notified to the printer controller (S210).
5). For example, a state change such as a change in the size of a sheet cassette is notified.

If it is determined that the notification is to be made, a flag is set using the control circuit 2208, and the state change signal /
A CCCRT is generated and notified to the printer controller (S2106). If there is an inquiry about the status change signal (S2107), the status change received from the engine control unit is transmitted to the print controller as a status (S2108). Then, after transmitting the status, the status change signal / CCCRT is set to false.

On the other hand, if the response from the engine control unit indicates a state change that does not require notification to the print controller, necessary processing is performed inside the reader controller (S
2110), no notification to the print controller is made.

In the print mode in which the printer controller controls the engine control unit, since the gate function of the control circuit 2208 is open as described above, the state change signal notified from the engine control unit is provided. / PCCRT is directly connected to the state change signal / CCC
The printer controller is notified as RT.

[Control for Execution Command] Next, control of the execution command will be described. For example, how the reader controller controls when the printer controller and the reader controller simultaneously issue a use request to the engine control unit will be described.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the location and exchange of data when a print request is issued during a copy operation. At this time, the engine control unit receives the image signal / PVDO sent from the reader controller and forms an image. In the operation, as described with reference to FIG. 8, the settings such as the sheet cassette designation, the sheet ejection port designation, and the image forming mode have been set by serial communication between the reader controller and the engine control unit. Reference numeral 1301 denotes a buffer for various setting values, which is provided inside the reader controller 106, for example, inside the CPU. In the buffer 1301, values set by the reader controller in the engine control unit and values set by the printer controller in the engine control unit are stored in different places.

If a print request is issued from the printer controller during a copy operation, it is difficult to consider interrupting the copy operation and performing print processing from the viewpoint of usability. Therefore, the print request in this situation is postponed until the copying operation is completed.

However, the status / CSTS corresponding to the command / CCMD from the printer controller must be returned within a predetermined time. Therefore, the buffer 130
/ C in the area for printer controller 1 (for PDL)
Only the setting values requested by the CMD are stored. When the set value for the reader is different from the set value for the PDL, the setting may be performed from the reader controller to the engine control unit before the copy operation is completed and the print operation is started.
A specific example will be described with reference to FIG.

At present, the copying operation is in progress, the paper is fed from the upper cassette, and the paper is discharged to the face-up discharge port. The image forming mode is set to the color mode based on the determination that the original is color. Suppose it had been. Here, when a print request is issued from the printer controller, the print execution itself is postponed, but various settings can be made. Here, the setting value at the time of print request is
It is assumed that the request is to feed paper from the upper cassette, discharge the paper to the face-down discharge port, and further output a monochrome image. In this case, the setting value according to the command from the print controller is stored in a predetermined area of the buffer 1301 (S220).
1) Return status / CSTS (S220)
2). When the copy operation is completed (S2203), the value already set at the time of the copy operation is compared with the value requested by the print controller for each core setting item in the buffer (S2204 to S2205). If the set value is the same, it is the same, otherwise, the command / PC
The set value is updated before issuing the MD and starting the printing operation (S2206).

That is, in this example, the upper cassette is designated for both the reader controller and the printer controller in the sheet cassette designation. Therefore, even when the copy operation is completed and the operation is switched to the print operation, there is no need to issue a paper feed cassette designation command to the engine control unit. On the other hand, as for the discharge port and the image forming mode, since the designation is different between the copy operation and the print operation, at the time when the copy operation is completed, the discharge port designation and the image forming mode designation are newly performed from the reader controller to the engine control unit. Issue a command. The above operation is repeated for all setting items (S2204 to S220)
7), the process ends.

As described above, the reader controller does not judge that the command from the printer controller is only postponed execution of the command to the engine control unit. On the other hand, for those already set, a determination is made so as not to duplicately set.

Next, a case where a copy request occurs during a printing operation will be described with reference to FIG. in this case,
In contrast to the case of FIG. 20, from the viewpoint of usability, even if the user presses the copy button in front of the copying machine, it is better to be able to execute the copy operation in an interrupted manner than to be able to copy during the print operation.

In the print mode, as shown in FIG. 22, the image data / CVDO sent from the printer controller 2103 is selected by the selector 2201, and / PVD is selected.
It is sent to the engine control unit 2102 as O. It is assumed that the settings from the printer controller are an upper cassette, a face-down discharge port, and a monochrome image mode. The engine control unit receives the / PPRN from the printer controller.
Since the end can be detected for the first time when the T signal becomes High (false), it is not known how many sheets are to be printed out. It is assumed here that the printer is about to print out four images. If the reader does not request a copy operation by interruption, four / PTOP signals are generated from the engine control unit as in the image timing as shown in FIG. Via the engine control unit.

Referring to FIG. 23, a description will be given of the processing timing when an interrupt copy request for copying one color original is issued to the reader controller during the second printout. In response to a / CPRNT request from the printer controller, the reader controller issues a / PPRNT request to the engine control unit, and the engine control unit issues a / PPRNT request.
The TOP signal is supplied to the print controller as a / CTOP signal via the reader controller. In this way, the printing operation of the first image 1501 and the second image 1502 is executed.

Here, a case will be described in which the reader controller issues an interrupt copy request during the printout operation of the second sheet. The reader controller generates a / CCCRT signal for the printer controller. This does not mean that the state of the engine has actually changed, but that the reader requests the printer controller to open the engine in order to acquire the printer engine. The generation method uses the control unit 2208 as described above. This / CCC
In response to the RT signal, the printer controller issues a command for checking the status status of the engine,
The reader controller responds “in the process of copying”
Is returned to the printer controller.

The printer controller normally uses / CPR
If / CTOP does not come while NT is kept Low (true), a timeout error occurs after a certain period of time. However, if a "copying operation" status is received, the timeout is canceled on the printer controller side and the CTOP
Because it is set to wait for a signal, / CPR
While the NT signal is kept Low (true), it is detected that the engine is performing a copy operation, and the CPU keeps waiting for the / CTOP signal to come.

Since the copy mode has been set, the reader controller switches the selector and the gate, and does not transmit the / PTOP signal sent from the engine control unit to the printer controller (1505). Then, the data received from the reader as image data / PVDO is transmitted to the engine control unit (1506). Then, after the interruption copy is completed (FIG. 23 shows a case where the number of interrupt copies is one), the printer returns to the print mode again, removes the mask of the / PTOP signal, and sends it to the printer controller as / CTOP. The print controller resumes the operation, and the third and fourth image data 1503 are output.
And 1504 can be transmitted to the engine control unit and printed out. According to the above description, the interruption copy operation during the print operation can be realized.

In this manner, the reader controller determines which printer engine is to be acquired and at what timing the command is issued, depending on the status of the printer controller and the reader controller.
By performing control, requests from two controllers can be realized for one engine.

[Control for Setting Content Confirmation Command] Next, control when the printer controller issues a setting content confirmation command will be described.

When the printer controller checks the status set in the engine control unit, the printer controller issues a setting content confirmation command through / CCMD. The reader controller that has received it checks the area corresponding to the current mode in the setting value storage buffer 1301 in FIG. 20 and, if there is a setting value requested by the printer controller to check, reads out the contents,
Notify the printer controller through the TS. Also,
If the request is a confirmation request for a setting value that does not exist in the buffer, the reader controller issues a setting content confirmation command to the engine control unit through / PCMD. The engine control unit reads the contents and notifies the reader controller of the setting contents via / PSTS, and the reader controller notifies the printer controller of the contents via / CSTS.

[Power Supply Control Method for Printer] FIG. 24 is a power supply control block diagram of the printer body. In the figure,
Reference numeral 2007 denotes a printer power switch (SW) shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 10, and 2008 denotes a power cord. 2
701 is a power supply unit, 2703 is a timer circuit, 27
04 is a reset circuit, and 2705 is a power control signal.

Next, the control sequence will be described. At the start of the operation, the operator turns on the power switch 2007 while the power cord 2702 is connected to an outlet (not shown) of an AC power supply source. As a result, the power control signal 2705 is turned on, and various voltages are supplied. At that time, the reset circuit 2704 is connected to the power supply unit 2
The 5V voltage 701 is monitored, and the reset signal is set to the reset release state after a predetermined time from the reset state. Thereby, each circuit inside the printer starts an initialization operation. Note that the output of the timer circuit 2703 is logically turned on by initialization. Of course, even when the power cord 2702 is plugged into a power outlet with the power switch 2007 turned on, the same sequence as described above is performed, and the printer operation starts.

Next, the operation at the end of the operation will be described. When the power is turned off, the printer according to the present embodiment waits for various data in a backup memory (not shown) and turns off a cooling fan (not shown) for a predetermined time.
Assume that the sequence needs to be executed. Therefore, when the power switch 2007 is turned off, the timer circuit 2703 detects the state, and the timer operation is started by hardware or software. Then, the O
After the execution of the FF sequence and the lapse of the set time, the timer output is logically turned off,
The power control signal 2705 is turned off, the supply of various voltages is stopped, and the operation ends.

Before the start of the operation or after the end of the operation, the power supply to the control system such as the engine control unit 2002 is all stopped. When the operation is started from this state, remote means such as communication with the outside cannot be used, and the AC power is forcibly supplied by turning on the power switch 2007 as described above.

[Power Control Method When Reader Is Connected] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a power control block when the reader is connected to the printer main body and is configured as a copying machine (FIG. 10). In the figure, reference numeral 2801 denotes a power supply unit for reader operation, and 2802 denotes an outlet for connecting a power cord of the printer body. Also, 28
A relay circuit 03 controls whether or not power is supplied to the outlet 2802. When configured as a copier, the power switch 2007 of the printer body is always kept ON.

Next, a control method will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the operator turns on the power supply SW 109, an AC voltage is supplied to the reader power supply 2801.
Some DC voltage is supplied to reader controller 106. In this state, by pressing (and immediately releasing) the operation unit power supply SW 108, the reader controller 106 causes the reader power supply 28 to supply all necessary DC voltages.
Change the level of the control line to 01. Also, a relay circuit 28 is provided so that power is supplied to the outlet 2802.
03, the level of the control line is changed. As a result, AC power is also supplied to the power supply 2701 of the printer main body (because the power supply SW 2007 is in the ON state). Therefore, both the reader and the printer body start operating.

Next, a case where the power is turned off will be described. First, the operator presses the operation unit power switch 108. As a result, the reader controller 106 starts preparations for terminating the operations of the reader and the printer main body. As described above, the printer body according to the present embodiment requires the OFF sequence. Therefore, the reader controller 10
6 issues a command to the engine control unit 2002 to enter the OFF sequence when the operation is terminated.

When the command is received, the engine control unit 2002 executes the above-described OFF sequence,
The timer circuit 2703 shown in FIG. 24 operates to wait for the set time to elapse. After the set time has passed,
As described above, the output of the timer circuit 2703 changes to the logic for turning off the power. In this case, however, the power is not turned off because the power switch 2007 of the printer main body is turned on. In this state, the engine control unit 2002 returns a status meaning “power off” to the reader controller 106. In response to this status, the reader controller 106 changes the relay circuit 2803 to a state where power is not supplied,
As a result, the supply of AC to the printer power supply unit 2701 is stopped, and the power of the printer body is turned off. Also,
Similarly, after receiving the "power off" status, the reader controller 106 also changes the level of the control line so that various DC power is not supplied to the reader power supply unit 2801. As a result, the operation of the reader unit also stops.

FIG. 26 is a main circuit diagram related to the power supply in the reader controller. In the figure, reference numeral 2901 denotes a CPU for controlling the whole, and 2902 denotes a watchdog circuit built in the CPU. This circuit does not need to have a built-in CPU, but may be an external dedicated IC. 29
A reset IC 03 has a voltage monitoring and an external input reset function. Reference numeral 2904 denotes an operation unit power SW register for knowing the state of the operation unit power SW 108;
Reference numeral 5 denotes a reader power control register for controlling the reader power 2801, and reference numeral 2906 denotes a relay control register for controlling the relay circuit 2803.

The registers 2905 and 2906 are cleared when the output reset signal of the reset IC 2903 is in the reset state, and the output of each register becomes "L". This state is logically the reader power supply 2801 and the relay 280.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a state in which the switch is turned off. 2907 receives the output of the relay control register 2906, and
3 is a relay drive circuit for driving the relay 3. Reference numeral 2908 denotes a logical sum logic for calculating a logical sum of (negation of) the power control from the operation unit power SW 108 and the power control from the power control register 2905. Reference numeral 2909 denotes an electrolytic capacitor or the like for temporarily storing electric charges. A capacitor 2910 receives the output of the OR logic 2908 and has a reader power supply 2801.
Is a drive circuit for controlling

Reference numeral 2911 denotes a current limiting resistor for charging the capacitor 2909, and reference numeral 2912 denotes a current limiting resistor for discharging the capacitor 2909, which has a time constant with the capacitance of the capacitor 2909. Here, the limiting resistor 2911 and the capacitor 2 during charging
909 must be set as short as possible, and the discharge time constant determined by the limiting resistor 2912 and the capacitor 2909 at the time of discharging needs to be set sufficiently longer than the reset holding time of the reset IC 2903. For example,
The charging time constant is about 20 ms, and the reset holding time is 100
mS and the discharge time constant is set to about 1000 mS.

In this figure, there are two systems of logic 5V power supply, and one system is a nighttime power supply 5V which is energized only by turning on the power supply SW 109 shown in FIG. The other system is usually 5V controlled and driven by the power supply control drive circuit 2801. In the same figure, the power supplied to the resistor connected to the operation unit power SW 108, the OR logic 2908
And the power supplied to the power supply drive circuit 2910 is 5 V at night.

FIG. 27 shows a reset control register 3101. When a reset is intentionally issued, the watchdog circuit 2902 is not used and the reset control register 3101 is used.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which the first embodiment is used. FIG.
, Reference numeral 3101 denotes a reset control register;
An OR circuit 102 outputs the OR of the output of the reset control register 3101 and the watchdog circuit 2902.

The detailed operation will be described below mainly with reference to FIG. [Turning ON / OFF the Operation with the Operation Unit Power SW] First, the case where the operation is turned ON will be described. Power supply S in FIG.
W109 is ON, that is, 5V is ON all night
When the operation unit power supply SW 108 is pressed in this state, the logical sum 2908 outputs a logical “H”. At this voltage, charging of the capacitor 2909 starts, and the potential at the point A in the figure rises. When the potential at the point A exceeds the threshold value for turning on the drive circuit 2910, the drive circuit 2910 turns on the reader power supply 2801 in FIG. As a result, 5 V is normally turned on, and the reset output of the reset IC 2903 monitoring the voltage is set to the reset release state after a certain period of time.
01 and other circuit components are in the reset release state, and the CPU 2901 starts executing control software stored in a ROM (not shown) or the like.

Then, by writing a logical "H" for keeping the power on in the power control register 2905, the output of the logical sum 2908 keeps the logical "H". As described above, the charging time constant is about 20 ms, the reset holding time is about 100 ms, and the discharging time constant is about 1000 ms.
If the operation unit power SW 108 is set to about tens of milliseconds, it is sufficient that the operation section power switch 108 is pressed for several tens of milliseconds.
Since S is enough to turn on the drive circuit and the reset holding time is about 100 mS, the CPU 2909 starts the execution of the control software and the “H” writing operation to the power control register is performed during that time as described above. Will be

The relay control register 2906 is "L" in the reset state as described above, and the relay circuit 2803 is turned off via the relay drive circuit 2907.
FF state. Therefore, no AC power is supplied to the printer body. After "H" is written in the power control register 2905 after reset release, "H" is also written in the relay control register 2906, thereby starting AC power supply to the printer main body.

Next, a case where the operation is turned off will be described.
When the operation unit power switch 108 is pressed while the operation is being performed, as described above, the CPU 2901 recognizes that the operator intends to turn off the operation, and
Execute the F sequence. In other words, a command to execute the OFF sequence is issued to the printer body, and since it cannot be operated as a device, the display means and the like of the operation unit are turned off. In this state, the power may be turned off from the printer described above.
Wait for status.

Thereafter, the engine control unit 20 of the printer body
When a “power off” status arrives from CPU 02, CPU 2901 relay control register 2906
Is written to the printer, and the AC power supply to the printer body is cut. Further, the power control register 2905 stores "
L ”is written, and as a result, the output of the logical sum 2908 becomes logical“ L ”. When the capacitor 2909 starts discharging and falls below a threshold value for turning on the power supply driving circuit 2910, the reader power supply 2801 is turned off. become.

[Restart during OFF sequence execution] One of the purposes of the printer OFF sequence required in this embodiment is to cool the apparatus.
The execution time of the OFF sequence may be tens of minutes. Therefore, it is sufficiently conceivable that the operator needs to operate the apparatus again in the meantime. The operation in such a case will be described below.

During the execution of the OFF sequence (the operator presses the power switch 108 once, the display means of the operation unit, etc. turns off).
If the user wants to operate the apparatus again (in the state of F), the operation unit power switch 108 is pressed. In this case, the CPU 2901 executes an initialization sequence for operating the apparatus again. That is, the watchdog timer 2902 built in the CPU 2901 (FIG. 26)
), The watchdog reset is forcibly issued. The watchdog reset signal is input to the reset IC 2903, and the reset IC 2903 resets the reset signal by an external reset function, and returns to the release state after a predetermined time. Therefore, CP
U2901 is operated from the power OFF state.
The initialization routine is executed in the same manner as when the power is turned on by pressing 8.

When the reset signal is in the reset state, as described above, the power supply control register 2905 has a logic "L", that is, a logic of turning off the power. However, the capacitor 2909 is sufficiently charged, and by setting the time constant as described above, the discharge time of the capacitor (10 ms) is longer than the time (100 mS) in which the reset IC 2903 maintains the reset state.
00mS) is sufficiently long, and during this reset state, the potential at the point A in FIG. 26 is sufficient to keep the drive circuit 2910 ON, and thus the reader power supply remains ON.

When the reset signal is in the reset state, as described above, the relay control register 290
6 is cleared, the relay drive circuit 2907 turns off the relay circuit 2803, and the AC power supplied to the printer body is temporarily cut off. Thereafter, the reset state is released, and “H” is set in the relay control register 2906.
And restarts the AC power supply to the printer body. In this way, once the AC power supply to the printer main body is cut off, the printer main body interrupts the OFF sequence and stops its operation. Then, when the supply of the AC power is restarted, the operation is normally restarted.

The means for forcibly issuing a watchdog reset is not limited to the watchdog circuit 2902 built in the CPU 2901. For example, if the timer set value for issuing the reset can be changed, A method of setting the set value to the lower limit value different from the normal value, or temporarily setting the operation of the CPU 2902 to HALT.
For example, a method of issuing a watchdog reset by setting the state may be used.

In some cases, a reset control register 3101 is provided as shown in FIG. As previously mentioned,
If you want to run the initialization sequence again,
A reset control register 3101 is set, thereby controlling the reset IC 2903 to generate a reset signal.

[Operation at Issue of Illegal Reset] Next, a case where a runaway of the CPU occurs will be described. Also in this case, a watchdog reset occurs.
In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 26, the reset signal to the entire apparatus is reset via the reset IC 2903 as described in the previous section, whereby the CPU 2901 is also reset, and can return from the runaway state. Then, after the set time of the reset IC elapses, it becomes the reset release state,
The initialization operation is performed normally. Since the relay control register 2906 is “L” while the reset signal is in the reset state, the relay circuit 2803
Is turned off, and the supply of AC power to the printer body is cut off. After the reset is released, the relay circuit 28
03 is turned on, the supply of AC power to the printer body is restarted, and the printer body is also initialized normally.

The power control register 2905 is also at "L" only while the reset signal is in the reset state (100 ms), and although the power is logically turned off, the discharge time of the capacitor 2909 is reduced. (For example, 1000 mS) is sufficiently longer, so that the driving circuit 291
0 remains in the ON state, and the power supply also remains in the ON state.

When the reset signal is fixed to the reset state for some reason or intentionally,
That is, when the CPU 2901 is in the non-control state during the reset, the power supply control register 2905
Is "L", which is logically a state in which the power supply is turned off, and is fixed to the reset state, so that the capacitor 2909 continues to discharge, and eventually the drive circuit 2910
Is turned off, and the power is turned off.

[0135]

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine) Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

An object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0141]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A power supply control device in a device that requires a power-off pre-processing sequence, with a simple configuration, without increasing hardware and software additions, and issuing a power-on instruction again during execution of the power-off pre-processing sequence. It has the effect of being able to respond quickly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the positioning of the entire printer as a basic function of an image processing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing apparatus having a module configuration.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating representative signals transmitted and received between an engine control unit and a printer controller in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a list of video I / F signals.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a mechanism of a printer and a conveyance path of a recording material.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating timings of signals exchanged between video I / Fs.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing timing of communication between a printer controller and an engine control unit. It is.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating exchange of commands / status between a printer controller and an engine control unit.

FIG. 9 is an external view when a reader controller is mounted on the printer main body.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a main part of an apparatus having the configuration of FIG. 9;

11 is a block diagram showing a signal transmission path in the device shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram illustrating electrical connections among a printer controller, an engine control unit, and three reader controllers in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a part of the reader controller related to a print controller and an engine control unit.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a timing difference between copying and printing.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the reader controller.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a command issuing sequence when there is no reader controller.

FIG. 17 is a communication sequence diagram when a reader is mounted.

FIG. 18 is a communication sequence diagram when a reader is attached.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation of the reader controller when transmitting a state change to both the reader controller and the printer controller.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the location of data and its exchange when a print request is issued during a copy operation.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating command processing when a print request is issued during a copy operation.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating processing of a copy request during a printing operation.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating processing timing when an interrupt copy request occurs during printout.

FIG. 24 is a power supply control block diagram of the printer.

FIG. 25 is a power supply control block diagram when a reader is added.

FIG. 26 is a detailed block diagram of power control in the reader.

FIG. 27 is a detailed block diagram of power control in the reader.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Reader Frame 106 Reader Controller 108 Power Control SW 2001 Printer Main Body 2103 Printer Controller 2002 Engine Controller 2104 Host Computer 2201 Selector 2207 Gate 2208 Control Circuit 1301 Set Value Buffer 2802 Outlet 2803 AC Relay 3101 Reset Control Register

Claims (10)

[Claims] A first switch unit connected to a main power supply for supplying and disconnecting the main power to a predetermined device; a second switch unit for inputting a power on / off instruction; Detecting means for detecting a state of the second switch means and a state of supply of the main power to the predetermined device and generating a detection signal according to a detection result; and performing power control according to the detection signal. A power supply control device having control means, wherein the control means starts predetermined processing when the detection signal changes to a state indicating an instruction to cut off the main power supply, and controls the main power supply until the predetermined processing ends. A power supply control device which does not perform disconnection and interrupts the predetermined processing when the detection signal changes to an instruction to turn on the main power supply during the predetermined processing. 2. The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined process is a preset power-off pre-process. A reset unit for instructing a start of an operation to be performed at the time of turning on the power; a storage unit; and storing the predetermined data indicating the power on as the operation at the time of turning on the power. 2. The power supply control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a data writing unit that stores data in the power supply. 4. The power supply control device according to claim 3, further comprising a process of instructing said reset means to start operation at power-on when said predetermined process is interrupted. 5. supply of the main power to the predetermined device;
In response to the disconnection, further comprising a relay control means for supplying power to another device, disconnecting, wherein the predetermined process includes a process of waiting for a necessary process to be completed before the other device is powered off. The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein: 6. An image forming apparatus comprising the power supply control device according to claim 1. 7. An image forming apparatus comprising at least two modules connected to each other, wherein said first switch means is provided in one of said modules and turns on / off a connection between an external power supply and said module. A second switch provided in one of the modules and instructing power on / off of the entire image forming apparatus; and a first module provided in a first module having the first switch. Dependent module power supply control means for controlling power supply / disconnection to a second module connected to the second module; and a state of the second switch means provided in the first module; and a state of the external power supply to the first module. Detecting means for detecting a supply state and generating a detection signal according to the detection result; and the detection signal changes to a state indicating an instruction to cut off the main power supply. Starting a predetermined process, not disconnecting the external power supply from the first module until the predetermined process is completed, and detecting the detection signal between the external power source and the first module during the predetermined process. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to interrupt the predetermined processing when the connection instruction is changed. 8. An instruction step for instructing the second module to start a pre-power-off process, a detecting step for detecting an end of the pre-power-off process, and a point in time when the end is detected in the detecting step A subordinate module disconnection instructing step of instructing the subordinate module power control means to cut off the power supply to the second module; and a total disconnection instructing step of instructing the first switch means to turn off after a predetermined time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: 9. A reset unit for instructing a start of an operation to be performed at a time of turning on the power, wherein the control unit stores predetermined data indicating power-on as the operation at the time of turning on the power. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a data writing unit that stores the data in the storage unit. 10. A storage medium for storing a program that can be executed by an apparatus, wherein the apparatus that has executed the program is connected to a main power supply, and supplies the main power to a predetermined circuit.
First switch means for disconnecting, second switch means for inputting a power-on / off instruction, state of the second switch means, and state of supply of the main power to the predetermined circuit. And a control means for performing a power control according to the detection signal, wherein the control means detects that the detection signal is the main signal. When changing to a state indicating a power-off instruction, a predetermined process is started, the main power is not turned off until the predetermined process is completed, and the detection signal is transmitted to the main power-on instruction during the predetermined process. A storage medium that is operated as a power supply control device that interrupts the predetermined processing when it changes.