JP2002120443A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus which can confirm set/held data (counter information, etc.), for each of a plurality of functions while suppressing power consumption. SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus has a power save mode in which a liquid crystal touch panel display of an operating section 23 is turned off, and holds counter information such as the number of copies/prints/faxes or the like to a nonvolatile memory 202 of a main control panel 20 which is operable at all times. Moreover, a counter key 47 is set which is directly connected to the main control panel 20. When the counter key 47 is depressed in the power save mode, the liquid crystal display of the operating section 23 is returned to an on state, and the counter information is read out from the nonvolatile memory 202 and displayed to the liquid crystal touch panel.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a power saving mode, such as a printer, a facsimile apparatus, or a multifunction apparatus having a printer / FAX function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, power saving on the main body side of an image forming apparatus has been advanced, and power consumption on the main body side can be changed from a normal state to a minimum state in a short time, and printing can be performed from the minimum state in a short time. Research and development has been done to start up to a state. For example, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile apparatus that performs printing by the heat fixing method, the specifications of the apparatus are being changed so as to greatly shorten the fixing start-up time of the heat fixing apparatus. There is a need for a control method that can respond to a reduction in the time required to return from the power state to the standby state and the time required to transition from the standby state to the power saving state.

In order to reduce the power consumption during the period when the heat fixing device is not used, if the "standby state" in which the printing operation can be started immediately continues for a certain period of time or longer, the fixing heater of the heat fixing device or Control that automatically shifts to a "power saving state" in which power supplied to some control circuits is reduced or cut off has been proposed and put into practical use. In this power saving state, the temperature of the heat fixing device is lower than that in the standby state. Therefore, in order to start the image forming operation, the temperature of the heat fixing device is raised to be the same as in the standby state.
Is required. Further, in the power saving state, only the power LED of the operation unit is turned on, only the power key switch and the preheating key switch can be received, the display of the other LEDs and the LCD is turned off, and the other key switches and the touch panel are turned off. Power consumption is reduced as compared with the standby state by setting the state in which no input is received.

Further, as a recent trend, multifunction machines having a plurality of functions other than copying have increased, and a device for counting the number of prints and the number of transmissions for each of a plurality of functions in a nonvolatile memory and holding the count value. Is increasing. Since these count values are checked in a state in which the apparatus main body is activated, if the apparatus has transitioned to the power saving state, it is necessary to return to the standby state only for checking the counter. Power will be consumed. In particular, the shorter the transition time from the standby state to the power saving state is, the more serious the disadvantage of the wasteful power consumption described above. In addition, it is desired to print and save data such as the number of prints and the number of prints for each of the above-described functions for use in maintenance and inspection.

[0005] Incidentally, those related to this type of apparatus are disclosed in JP-A-8-251317 and JP-A-9-026.
No. 730 publication. In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-251317, when the controller shifts to power saving, the power supply on the engine control side is turned off. In the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-026730, a power saving mode is provided in which only peripheral devices that need to operate are permitted to supply power.

[0006]

In the above prior art,
There is room for further study on how to print and save data such as the number of prints and the number of prints for each of the above-described functions while reducing the time required to shift from the standby state to the power saving state.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem, and to reduce the power consumption while setting and setting each of a plurality of functions.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of confirming held data (such as counter information).

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power saving state in which power supply to some units is stopped in a power saving mode from a standby state in which power is supplied to all units in a normal power mode. And an image forming apparatus capable of returning from the power saving state to the standby state, wherein the data storage unit stores data including counter information, and the data stored in the data storage unit is Display means for displaying, irrespective of the power mode, display instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction for displaying the data on the display means, and the display instruction receiving means stores the data in the data storage means. According to the current power saving mode, so that the displayed data is displayed on the display means,
It is characterized in that power is supplied to necessary units.

For example, a control unit for operating each unit (a plurality of control boards, a detection unit, a driving unit, etc.) mounted in the apparatus, and a power supply to each unit can be individually turned on / off. A power supply unit allows the user to make transitions between a plurality of preset power supply modes, and confirms data such as counter information with an image forming apparatus that supplies power to necessary units according to the power supply mode to be activated. A power saving start mode (including an operation mode for displaying the data stored in the data storage means on the display means upon reception of the display instruction receiving means) for displaying the counter information and the like. Is started up with only the minimum necessary power, and wasteful power consumption is suppressed.

A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the display instruction receiving means is a key switch other than a power switch.

By allocating a predetermined key other than a power switch (for example, a counter key 27 connected to the main control board 20) as a start-up means for starting a display operation of the counter information or the like with only the minimum necessary power, The main control board 20 can identify the range to which power is to be supplied at the time of startup.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the apparatus further comprises a print instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to print the data being displayed on the display means. It is characterized in that power is supplied to a unit necessary for the printing of (1).

When a counter print key or the like is pressed, a transition is made from a display operation mode in which data such as counter information is displayed with only necessary minimum power to a print operation mode in which the data being displayed is printed. The mode directly transitions to a mode in which data can be printed without using the normal device startup means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, a mode holding means for holding a power mode before displaying the data, and a termination instruction receiving means for receiving a display termination instruction of the display means are provided. It is characterized in that, upon reception of the end instruction receiving means, after the display is completed, a transition is made to the power mode held by the mode holding means and before the data is displayed.

The control unit (main control board, etc.) detects that the data display confirmation has been completed by receiving the termination instruction receiving means. For example, it is possible to automatically shift to the lowest energy state (power saving mode C). Therefore, the user does not need to set the power mode again.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third aspect, after the data is printed, a transition is made to a power saving state in which power supply to a unit required for printing the data is stopped.

After printing is completed, for example, by returning to an operation mode in which only counter information is displayed, power consumption is reduced as compared with the printing operation mode.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, when a predetermined time elapses before the printing preparation of the unit necessary for printing the data is completed, the printing instruction receiving means receives the printing instruction receiving means. It is characterized in that a transition is made to a power saving state in which power supply to a unit required for data printing is stopped, and then a transition is made to another power saving state.

When a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the transition to the data printing operation mode, the system transits to the data display operation mode and further to another operation mode (for example, the power saving mode C with the lowest energy consumption state). Since the transition is made sequentially, the power consumption can be reduced step by step so as not to waste power for a long time due to a user operation error or the like.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the end instruction receiving means is a key dedicated to an end instruction provided on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

Dedicated keys for operation unit (for example, low power keys)
Thus, since the end of the display is detected, the operation immediately shifts to the power saving mode by a user operation as soon as necessary processing is completed.

The invention according to an eighth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, the termination instruction receiving means receives a display termination instruction at a point in time when a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed by timer counting.

Since the control unit (main control board, etc.) detects the end of the display when the time is over by the timer measurement, it is possible to avoid wasting power for a long time due to a user operation error (forgetting to cancel the counter display). Become.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the termination instruction receiving means issues a display termination instruction based on detection information of a human body detection sensor that detects that a human body has approached the image forming apparatus. There is a characteristic in accepting.

Since the control section (main control board or the like) detects the end of display by a change in the on / off state of the human body detection sensor, wasteful power is consumed for a long time due to a user operation error (forgetting to cancel the counter display). Can be avoided.

[0026]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine (image forming apparatus) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 show control units of the digital copying machine. FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the digital copying machine.

Digital copier 100 is connected to a communication device such as a facsimile machine (not shown) via a public line, and is connected to a communication device such as a host computer (not shown) via a network. ing.

In FIG. 1, a main body 1 of the digital copying machine 100 includes a scanner section (scanner unit 21 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), an electrophotographic printer engine section (writing section, photoconductor section, developing section, etc.). ), A paper feed unit (paper feed unit 31 shown in FIG. 2), an operation unit 23 (shown in FIG. 2), etc., and a copy function of recording (printing) an image read and input by the scanner unit in an electrophotographic system. A facsimile function for recording (printing) an image received from the public line by the facsimile communication unit 8 and a printer function for recording (printing) an image from a host computer connected via a network interface (not shown). Have.

To realize these functions, the printer engine unit receives information from each unit of the printer engine unit via a serial communication line, and controls the respective units based on the information. 2, an optical system control unit for controlling an optical system such as a scanner motor and a laser, a temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of a fixing unit (including a fixing heater) 60 and detecting an abnormality, A transfer paper size detection unit for detecting a transfer paper size in a paper feed cassette of the paper feed units 5, 6, 9 (the paper feed unit 31 shown in FIG. 2);
A paper feed unit presence / absence detection unit that detects the presence / absence of transfer paper at each paper feed port of the optional cassette, a transfer paper transport control unit that controls the transport of transfer paper, and a sensor input unit (the human body detection sensor 48 shown in FIGS. And other sensors 33). The fixing rise time of the fixing heat roller (not shown) is determined by the roller temperature, the ambient temperature of the roller, the heat capacity of the roller, the output of the fixing heater, and the like, and is based on the longest rise time that can be raised from any state. Set the transition time to each power mode within the allowable range.

As shown in FIG. 4, a start key 64, a numeric key 62, a clear / stop key 63, a reset key 61, and a part of the operation unit 23 of the main body 1 are changed from a standby state (normal standby mode A). A low-power key 48 for stopping power supply to the unit and shifting to a power-saving state (power-saving mode B), and a counter key (counter confirmation switch) 47 for displaying a copy / print / fax number counter A key group such as a power key (power switch) 46 for turning on / off the power of each unit, an application switching key 25 for switching a copy / print / fax function, and a light emitting diode (LED) for displaying various keys. ), And a backlight-equipped liquid crystal touch panel 24 for setting / displaying an operation mode in the copy function. And operation start / stop instruction, or the power supply standby state all the units (normal standby mode A)
The transition time from the power saving mode (power saving mode B, C) to the power saving mode B and the transition time from the power saving mode B to the power saving mode C (the lowest energy state in the present embodiment) can be performed by a user operation. It is configured.

Here, the power switch 46 and the counter key 47 are provided on the operation unit 23, but their signal lines are directly connected to the main control board 20, and a power saving state (power saving state described later) is provided. The pressing operation is also effective in modes B and C). In particular, when the counter key 47 is pressed, counter information such as the number of copies is displayed in a window. If the counter key 47 is pressed again during this display, the window display is deleted. In addition, the liquid crystal touch panel 2
4 has an input operation unit including function keys that appear as appropriate for each screen, and a display unit that displays a message indicating the number of copies, device status, and the like. The setting contents by the user operation are as follows:
The RAM 2 transmitted from the operation unit 23 to the main control board 20
04 and the like.

The automatic document feeder 2 (ADF2 shown in FIG. 2)
In 2), the original placed on the original table is fed to the reading position of the scanner unit, and the read original is transported to the discharge tray and discharged.

The post-processing unit (finisher) 3 is for discharging transfer paper on which print request data from the host computer is printed or transfer paper on which an image read by the scanner unit is output. A shift tray capable of discharging a large amount of imaged paper (transfer paper on which print request data from the host computer is printed, transfer paper on which an image read by the scanner unit is output, etc.) is provided. Also, a post-processing unit (finisher) 7
Is for discharging transfer paper or the like on which facsimile reception data from the facsimile apparatus is printed.

The double-sided section 4 (double-sided unit 32) is a mechanism for reversing and conveying the transfer sheet after single-sided printing in order to perform double-sided printing. Paper feed units (paper feed trays) 5 and 9 and a large-volume paper feed unit (large-capacity paper feed tray (LCIT)) 6 store transfer paper. The manual paper feed unit 10 manually feeds the transfer paper one by one, and is configured to be folded and stored when not in use.

A facsimile communication unit (not shown in FIG. 2) 8 is provided on the back side of the main unit 1 and transmits image information stored in the image memory to a destination communication terminal through a public line. Then, the image received from the destination communication terminal is sent to the printer engine for output on a transfer sheet.

In FIG. 2, C of the scanner unit 21
The PU 201 and the MPU 200 of the main control board 20
They are connected by a serial interface (serial signal line), and are configured to control the mechanism of the digital copying machine 100. Here, MPU20
0 is an image forming sequence for facsimile / printer functions, fixing control, and system-related control (control of the entire copying machine).
And the CPU 201 controls the scanner function.

The main control board 20 is an NV-RAM 20
2, a memory such as the ROM 203 and the RAM 204, and a network interface (not shown) with an external device such as the host computer. This network interface is for receiving data from an external device such as a host computer. Also, N
The V-RAM 202 is a non-volatile memory for holding the number of copies (copy / fax / print number) for each application.

The main control board 20 converts data received from a host computer or the like via the network interface into raster data printable by a printer function and develops the raster data. Here, the print data transmitted from the host computer or the like is a description of a character type, a print width, a line feed width, and the like in a page description language (PDL). The data types are text, raster graphics, Vector graphics. The print data converted into the raster data by the main control board 20 is written to the RAM 204 and stored in a hard disk device (not shown) connected to the main control board 20, and sent to the engine control unit at the time of printing. Here, after being converted into write data, it is printed out.

In a standby state during normal operation (normal power mode A described later), the main control board 20 supplies power to all units to be operable, but terminates reading and printing of a document. After a predetermined transition time elapses, the power supply unit (AC / DC
The PSU activation signal to the power supply control board 40 is negated, and control is performed so as to automatically shift to a power saving state (power saving modes B and C described later). The transition condition (transition time) when transitioning from the standby state to the power saving state can be set by operating the operation unit 23 during the normal operation as described above, and the setting content is controlled by the operation unit 23 from the main control. Sent to the board 20 and
It is stored in the AM 204 or the like in an updatable manner.

Here, in the normal power mode A (standby state), power is supplied to all units including the operation unit 23, and the copying operation can be immediately executed. The backlight of the liquid crystal touch panel 24 is turned on by power supply to the operation unit 23.

In the power saving mode B, the power supplied to some units such as the fixing unit 60 is reduced. Specifically, of the units shown in FIG. 2 or FIG.
While the power to the F22, the scanner unit 21, the fixing unit 60, the other units 60 ', the fisher 41, the I / O control board 30 and the like is turned off, the main control board 20, the fax communication unit 8, the AC / DC power supply Control board 4
0, operation unit 23, human body detection sensor 48, counter key 4
7, the power switch 46, the original set sensor of the ADF 22 and the like are operably supplied with power.
An image signal bus (not shown) for exchanging image data with the engine control unit and the facsimile communication unit 8, a bus bridge in the engine control unit, a RAM, and the like can only be energized. In particular, power is supplied to the operation unit 23, but backlighting of the liquid crystal touch panel 24 is prohibited. Therefore, in the power saving mode B, by turning off the backlight of the liquid crystal touch panel 24, the power consumption of the operation unit 23 is reduced as compared with the standby state.

Further, in the power saving mode C, the power supply to each unit other than the main control board 20 is reduced.
Specifically, the main control board 20, the fax communication unit 8,
Power is minimized by operatively supplying power to the AC / DC power control board 40, the human body detection sensor 48, the counter key 47, the power switch 46, the document set sensor of the ADF 22, and the like. Therefore, in the power saving mode C,
The operation unit 23 is turned off, and the backlight of the liquid crystal touch panel 24 is also turned off.

The transition time t1 from the normal power mode A (standby state) to the power saving mode C, the normal power mode A
Transition conditions such as a transition time t2 from the (standby state) to the power saving mode B and a transition time t3 from the power saving mode B to the power saving mode C are set at the time of factory shipment. It can be updated by a key operation of the operation unit 23). The transition conditions when transitioning from the power saving mode B to the normal power mode A via the warm-up operation include pressing of the power switch 46, pressing of a key switch other than the start key 64, contact with the liquid crystal touch panel 24, Or opening and closing the ADF 22 (ON / OFF of the pressure plate opening / closing sensor), setting of a document on the ADF 22 or removal of the document (ON / OFF of the document set sensor),
Alternatively, print requests such as print request data reception (print data reception) and facsimile data reception (call from a public line) from a host computer or the like are included. The transition conditions when transitioning from the power saving mode C to the normal power mode A via the warm-up operation are the same as those described in (1) to (4) above.

Further, the +5 VE power is supplied to the main control board 20 even in the power saving state. However, the CPU 200 of the main control board 20 intermittently enters the power saving state based on the timer monitoring, and the clock is controlled. It is driven so as to reduce power consumption without stopping. Note that the CPU 200
The operation unit 23 notifies the user that a key group of the operation unit 23 has been pressed or a touch on the touch panel 24, or a power switch 46, a counter key 47, a human body detection sensor 48, a pressure plate open / close sensor (not shown), and a document set sensor. (Not shown)
When the instruction input information is notified, the power-saving state returns to the normal operation state. Here, the human body detection sensor 48
Is for on / off detection of the presence or absence of an object (a human body such as a user) near the copying machine, and is connected to the main control board 20.

The original image (read DATA) read by the scanner unit 21 is subjected to necessary image processing, and then written into the RAM 204 of the main control board 20 and then stored in the hard disk drive. ,
At the time of printing, it is converted into write data and printed out.

A fax control board (not shown) comprises a modem, a communication control section, a coding / decoding section (DCR) and the like, and is connected to a public line via a network control section (not shown). . The data received from the public line is converted into printable data by performing a decoding process or the like on the facsimile control board and then temporarily stored in the RAM 2 of the main control board 20.
04 and recorded on the hard disk device. Further, the print data is sent to the engine control unit, converted into write data, and then printed out.

The operation unit 23 includes an AC / DC power control board 40
In the power saving mode B, the operation of turning off the backlight of the liquid crystal touch panel 24 is continued, and an instruction input from the user is accepted. On the other hand, in the power saving mode C, power is not supplied from the AC / DC power control board 40, and the display of the liquid crystal touch panel 24 to the user and the instruction input from the user cannot be performed. The operation unit 23 supplies power from the AC / DC power control board 40 to the key groups 25, 48, 6.
The main control board 20 is notified of an instruction input signal (UART) by pressing 1 to 64 or touching the liquid crystal touch panel 24.

The power switch 46 and the counter key 4
7, an instruction input signal by the operation of 7, the pressure plate open / close sensor, A
The detection signal from the document set sensor in the DF is sent directly to the main control board 20 regardless of the power mode. Further, when the low power key 48 is pressed in the normal standby mode A, the MPU 200 of the main control board 20 controls the liquid crystal touch panel 24 to reduce the power consumption of the main body 1.
The backlight lighting of is prohibited.

The I / O control plate 30 includes a paper feed unit 31,
Double-sided unit 32, sensor 33, actuator 34,
It is connected to loads (I / O devices) such as a fan 35 and a motor 36, and drives these I / O devices according to a control signal from the main control board 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, the AC / DC power supply control board 40 includes a smoothing circuit 401 for inputting AC power through a main power switch 49, and various power supplies connected to the smoothing circuit 401. (+ 5VE power, + 5V power, +1
A converter 402 for supplying 2V power, -12V power, and + 24V power) and switches (SW) 50 to 52 for turning on / off the power supply to each unit are provided. While the main power SW 45 is ON (including the power saving state), AC / DC
The power control board 40 is operable, especially the main control board 2.
0 is always supplied with electric power (+ 5VE power supply). By the PSU activation signal from the main control board 20, AC
The / DC power control board 40 supplies power to each unit including the fixing unit 60.

More specifically, the AC / DC power control board 40
Are the operation unit 23, the scanner unit 21, the other unit 60 ', the finisher 41 of the peripheral machine, the main motor 4
4. Power is supplied to the high-voltage power supply unit 45 and the like. The AC / DC power control board 40 turns on / off power supply to the scanner unit 21, the operation unit 23, the I / O control board 30, and the like in response to a control signal from the main control board 20.
It is possible to turn it off. The on / off control of the power supply is performed in accordance with a preset condition for shifting to power modes A to C or a power key (power supply S) provided on the operation unit 23.
W) This is performed based on setting inputs from the 46, the counter key 47, and the low power key 48.

Next, a counter display operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the present embodiment, since the counter key 47 of the operation unit 23 is directly connected to the main control board 20, while the AC input is being made to the AC / DC power control board 40, the counter key 47 is pressed. The information is sent to the main control board 20 regardless of the power mode.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the counter key 47 is depressed (Yes in s101), a counter window is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 24 according to the current power mode (s102). Here, in the power mode A, the operation unit 23 is on as described above, the backlight of the liquid crystal touch panel 24 is lit, and the counter of copy / printer / fax number is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 24. If not present (shown in FIG. 6A), the MPU 200 of the main control board 20
-RAM) 202 to read out counter information (copy / printer / number of faxes) and display a counter window as shown in FIG. 6B (no in s103, s)
104, s105).

In the power mode A, the operation unit 23 is on as described above, the backlight of the liquid crystal touch panel 24 is lit, and the copy / printer / fax number counter is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 24. If the operation has already been performed (shown in FIG. 6B), the MPU 200 of the main control board 20 closes the currently displayed counter window by timer counting (yes in s103).
s, s106), refer to the power mode before the counter display held in the RAM 204 or the like (s107), and return to the power mode before the counter display. Here, when the mode before displaying the counter is the power saving mode C (C in s107).
Turns off the power of the operation unit 23 and ends the process (s1).
08). If the mode before the counter display is the power saving mode B (B in s107), the backlight of the liquid crystal touch panel 24 in the operation unit 23 is prohibited and turned off (s109). If the mode before the counter display is the power saving mode A (A in s107), the process is terminated as it is.

The current power mode is the power saving mode B.
In the case of (B in s102), MPU2 of the main control board 20
00 stores the power saving mode B in the RAM 204 or the like (s110), and then releases the backlight prohibition of the liquid crystal touch panel 24 in the operation unit 23 (s11).
1). After turning on the backlight of the liquid crystal touch panel 24 in this manner, the MPU 200 of the main control board 20
The counter information stored in the V-RAM 202 is read (s112), and the content is read from the liquid crystal touch panel 2
4 is displayed (s113).

The current power mode is the power saving mode C.
In the case of (C of s102), MPU2 of the main control board 20
00 stores the power saving mode C in the RAM 204 or the like (s114), supplies power to the operation unit 23 in the power-off state in the power saving mode C (s115), and turns on the backlight of the liquid crystal touch panel 24. (S116), NV
Reading out the counter information stored in the RAM 202 (s117), and reading the contents thereof into the liquid crystal touch panel 2;
4 is displayed (s118).

Here, while the counter information is being displayed, the counter display screen is erased by pressing the counter key 47 as described above, but the display of the counter screen is also closed by an event other than the pressing of the counter key 47. Perform processing.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the counter is being displayed in the normal standby mode A (yes in s201).
s), when the detection signal of the human body detection sensor 48 changes from on to off (yes in s202), the MPU 200 of the main control board 20 detects this, and performs the processing shown in FIG.
Jump to 106), close the counter display,
Shift to the power mode before the counter is displayed (s107 to s
109).

As shown in FIG. 7B, when the counter is being displayed in the normal standby mode A (Yes in s301),
For example, the main control board 20 counts the timer from the start of the counter display, and after a predetermined time elapses (yes in s302).
s), jumps to the processing (s106) shown in FIG.
The counter display is closed, and the mode shifts to the power mode before the counter display (s107 to s109).

In this embodiment, there are power saving modes B and C for turning off the liquid crystal touch panel display of the operation unit 23, and a counter key 47 directly connected to the main control board 20 is provided. Counter key 47 at C
Is pressed, the backlight of the liquid crystal touch panel 24 of the operation unit 23 is turned on, and counter information (copy / print / number of faxes, etc.) is read out from the nonvolatile memory 202 and displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 24. It is possible to check the counter information for each of a plurality of functions while suppressing.

The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. After the counter display screen is erased, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode C requiring the minimum power consumption regardless of the power mode before the counter display held in the RAM 204 or the like. It may be. With this method, power consumption can be further suppressed.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
9 shows a counter print key of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, and FIG. 9 shows a counter print operation by the counter print key ((a) is a process when the counter print key is pressed, (b)
Indicates timeout processing during preparation for counter printing. Note that the overall configuration is substantially the same as in the first embodiment,
1 to 4 and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that counter information is displayed by pressing a counter key 47, a counter print key is displayed on the display screen, and the counter is displayed by pressing the counter print key. In that the counter information is printed out. According to this method, the counter information for each of the plurality of functions is confirmed while suppressing the power consumption, and the counter information printed out can be used as needed.

In this embodiment, according to the first embodiment,
When the counter key 47 is pressed, if the current power mode is the power saving mode B or C, the power mode is held and the counter information is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 24. Thereafter, the human body detection sensor 48 is turned on. When the power is turned off or after a predetermined time has elapsed, the display of the counter information is terminated, and the mode is shifted to the stored power saving mode (corresponding to the operations shown in FIGS. 5 and 7). Here, when displaying the counter information on the liquid crystal touch panel 24, FIG.
The counter print key 65 is displayed as shown in FIG. FIG. 8A shows a normal display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel 24.

Next, the printing process of the counter information in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, when the counter information and the counter print key 65 are displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 24 while the operation unit 23 is on, when the counter print key 65 is pressed, the operation unit 23 Main control board 2
A push notification signal is transmitted for 0.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the main control plate 2
0, when the press notification signal is received and input, the AC / DC power control board 40 sends to the units (the fixing unit 60, the finisher 41, the I / O control board 30, etc.) other than the scanner unit 21 necessary for the printing operation. Power is supplied (s401), and a warm-up operation is performed. When the printing preparation is completed (yes of s402), the counter information displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 24 is printed (s403). Thereafter, the units necessary for the printing operation (fixing unit 60, finisher 41, I
Power supply to the / O control board 30 and the like is stopped (s
404).

At the time of printing the counter information, the MPU 200 of the main control board 20 shifts the power mode according to timer measurement. That is, as shown in FIG.
When a predetermined time has passed since the transition to the printing preparation state of the counter information (yes in s501 and s502), the MPU 200 of the main control board 20 determines that printing is not possible, and FIG.
The state transitions to (a), the power of each unit required for the printing operation is turned off (s404), and the mode returns to the mode for displaying the counter information again. Here, after returning to the mode in which the counter information is displayed again, the mode may be changed to the power saving mode C after a predetermined time has elapsed. According to this method, the power consumption can be suppressed to a necessary minimum after the counter information is displayed.

In each of the above embodiments, the display of the counter information such as the number of copies / prints / faxes has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the key switch (power key 46 is directly connected to the main control board 20). (Excluding), the power supply is turned on / off so that the data stored in the nonvolatile memory 202 is displayed according to the current power mode.
Off may be controlled.

In each of the above embodiments, the NV-RA
M202 and the like constitute the data storage means, the backlit liquid crystal touch panel 24 and the like constitute the display means, the counter key 47, the main control board 20 and the like constitute the display instruction receiving means, and the main control board 20 The low power key 48, the operation unit 23, the human body detection sensor 48, the main control board 20 and the like constitute the end instruction receiving means, and the counter print key 65,
The operation unit 23, the main control board 20, and the like constitute the print instruction receiving means.

[0072]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prepare a mode in which only a minimum amount of power is required to check the counter information, thereby suppressing unnecessary power consumption.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit can identify the range of power supply at the time of starting.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the display device is started up with only the minimum power required for checking the counter information and the like, and the normal device start-up means (power switch etc.) is used. Instead, it is possible to directly transition to a print mode for printing counter information and the like.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, as soon as necessary processing is completed, the display mode in which counter information and the like are displayed with only the minimum necessary power can be used immediately before the counter display without any special operation. (Power saving modes B, C, etc.).

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the apparatus by immediately returning to the power saving mode in which only the energy necessary for checking the counter is consumed immediately after the printing is completed. .

According to the present invention, when the print preparation operation is not completed within a predetermined time, a power saving mode is automatically switched to a power saving mode so as not to waste power for a long time due to a user operation error. Is possible.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to immediately shift to the power saving mode as soon as necessary processing is completed by the user's key operation.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the use of the timer prevents unnecessary power consumption for a long time due to a user's operation error (forgetting to cancel the counter display).
It is possible to automatically return to the power saving mode.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, by using the human body detection sensor, the power saving mode is automatically set so as not to waste power for a long time due to a user operation error (forgetting to cancel the counter display). It is possible to return.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of checking data (counter information and the like) set and held for each of a plurality of functions while suppressing power consumption. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control unit of the digital copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating power supply by a control unit of the digital copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation unit (operation panel) of the digital copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a counter information display operation of the digital copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen on a liquid crystal touch panel of the digital copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing for closing a counter screen display in the digital copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen on a liquid crystal touch panel of a digital copying machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a counter information printing operation of the digital copying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 20 main control board 21 scanner unit 22 ADF 23 operation unit 40 AC / DC power control board 46 power switch (SW) 47 counter key (counter confirmation switch (SW)) 48 human body detection sensor 49 main power switch (SW) 60 fixing unit 200 MPU 201 CPU 202 NV-RAM (non-volatile memory) 203 ROM 204 RAM

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/00 106 H04N 1/00 106B F term (Reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP07 AQ06 AR03 HH11 HK11 HK19 HQ20 HT13 2H027 DA29 DA38 DA44 DA45 DE07 EA16 EF15 EF16 EJ17 FA30 FA35 FB06 FB19 FD10 GA12 GA23 GA41 GB11 ZA01 ZA07 5C062 AA05 AB20 AB25 AB40 AB42 AC22 AE15 AF00 AF07

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A transition from a standby state in which power is supplied to all units in a normal power mode to a power saving state in which power supply to some units is stopped in a power saving mode, and the standby state from the power saving state. An image forming apparatus capable of returning to the data storage device, data storage means for storing data including counter information, display means for displaying data stored in the data storage means, Display instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction for displaying the data on the display means, and by receiving the display instruction receiving means, the data stored in the data storage means is displayed on the display means, Depending on the current power saving mode,
An image forming apparatus for supplying power to necessary units. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display instruction receiving means is a key switch other than a power switch. 3. A print instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to print the data being displayed on the display means, wherein power is supplied to a unit required for printing the data by receiving the print instruction receiving means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming is performed. 4. A display device comprising: a mode holding unit for holding a power mode before displaying the data; and a termination instruction receiving unit for receiving a display termination instruction of the display unit. The display is terminated by receiving the termination instruction receiving unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus shifts to a power mode before the data is displayed, the mode being held by the mode holding unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein after printing the data, a transition is made to a power saving state in which power supply to a unit required for printing the data is stopped. 6. A power supply to a unit necessary for printing the data is stopped if a predetermined time has passed before completion of preparation for printing of the unit necessary for printing the data upon reception of the print instruction receiving means. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus transitions to another power saving state. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said end instruction receiving means is a key dedicated to an end instruction provided on an operation unit of said image forming apparatus. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said end instruction receiving means receives a display end instruction at a point in time when a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed by timer counting. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the end instruction receiving unit receives a display end instruction based on detection information of a human body detection sensor that detects that a human body has approached the image forming apparatus. Image forming device.