JP2005181495A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which energy is effectively saved. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 has two or more functions selected from a group consisting of a copying machine function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a printer function. The image forming apparatus 1 includes: a fixing part 161 for fixing toner to recording paper; a heating part 162 which heats the fixing part 161 to fixing temperature; execution control part 181 which switches a first mode in which the heating part 162 is not operated to a second mode in which the heating part 162 is operated or vice versa; a condition control part 182 which brings the image forming apparatus 1 into one of a plurality of conditions defined for the image forming apparatus 1 in advance; and a mode-condition relating information storage part 171 which stores each condition in relation to the first or second mode. The execution control part 181 switches the mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the mode related to the present condition of the image forming apparatus 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having functions such as a copying function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a printer function.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus that has a function of stopping power supply to a predetermined portion when there is no input to the apparatus for a predetermined period of time, called an energy saving mode, in order to reduce power consumption. Further, during the energy saving mode, there is an apparatus that reduces power consumption by lowering the temperature of a fixing unit that performs a function of fixing toner onto a recording sheet.

Further, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, in a multi-function machine having a copy function and a FAX function, a first temperature used for a recording operation and a second temperature lower than this temperature are prepared as the temperature of the fixing device, and copying is performed. When the function is selected, the temperature of the fixing device is set to the first temperature in conjunction with this, while when the FAX function is selected, the temperature of the fixing device is set to the second temperature in conjunction with this. A multi-function machine that sets the temperature to a temperature of is disclosed.
JP 2002-281188 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus according to the above-described prior art, when the image forming apparatus is used, it is necessary to cancel the energy saving mode. When the energy saving mode is canceled, the printing function using the fixing unit is not used. Even in this case, since the temperature of the fixing unit is controlled to be increased, power consumption cannot be effectively reduced.

  In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a function such as a scanner function or a printer function is executed in an image forming apparatus having a function other than a copy function or a FAX function, such as a scanner function or a printer function. The temperature control of the fixing unit is not described, and the temperature control of the fixing unit when a plurality of functions (copy, FAX, scanner, printer, etc.) are executed simultaneously is not described.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an image forming apparatus having a scanner function or a printer function in addition to a copying function and a facsimile function, image formation capable of reducing power consumption more effectively. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus having a copying function, a fixing unit for fixing toner on a recording sheet, a heating unit for heating the fixing unit to a fixing temperature, and the heating unit. A switching unit that switches between a first mode in which the image forming apparatus is operated and a second mode in which the heating unit is operated, and the image is changed from one of a plurality of states defined in advance to the image forming apparatus. State transition means for transitioning the state of the forming apparatus; and storage means for storing each of the states in association with either the first mode or the second mode, and the second of the plurality of states. The states stored in association with these modes are the copy function setting state as a state when setting execution conditions for the copying function and the state when reading an image as the copying function. At least a copy image output state as a state when outputting an image as the copying function, and the switching unit sets the mode of the image forming apparatus to the current state of the image forming apparatus. The mode is switched to the associated mode.

  An image forming apparatus according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a facsimile function, and is stored in association with the second mode among the plurality of states. The state further includes a fax output state as a state of outputting an image as the facsimile function.

  An image forming apparatus according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a printer function, wherein the image forming apparatus is associated with the second mode among the plurality of states. The stored state further includes a printer output state as a state of outputting an image as the printer function.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the power saving unit stops the supply of power to a predetermined portion of the image forming apparatus. Is further provided.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, further comprising input means for a user to input an instruction to the image forming apparatus, and the power saving means is predetermined. The image forming apparatus operates when the input unit does not detect the input for a predetermined period and when the operation of the image forming apparatus is not performed.

  An image forming apparatus according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a saving instruction input means for inputting an instruction to operate the power saving means, and the power saving means. Is operated when the saving instruction input means receives the input of the instruction to operate.

  An image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the state transition unit can generate another state before the state ends. Features.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having a copying function, the state of the image forming apparatus changes from one of a plurality of states defined in advance to the image forming apparatus to one of the states. The switching unit switches the mode of the image forming apparatus to the mode associated with the current state in accordance with the association between each state stored in the storage unit and either the first mode or the second mode. When the mode is the first mode, the heating unit is not operated, and when the mode is the second mode, the heating unit is operated to overheat the fixing unit. As a result, the temperature of the fixing unit is controlled according to the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the temperature of the fixing unit can be controlled in more detail by defining the state of the image forming apparatus in more detail. It becomes.

  The state associated with the second mode includes a copy function setting state as a state when setting execution conditions for the copy function, an image reading state as a state when reading an image as the copy function, and a copy function. At least a copy image output state as a state when an image is output. Since these states are states in which the fixing unit is used in the copying function and a state in which the fixing state is likely to be changed to a used state, the fixing unit is used and the fixing unit is used. The fixing unit is heated only when there is a high possibility of transition to (when the fixing unit is expected to be used), and the power consumption can be reduced more effectively in an image forming apparatus having a copying function.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect further comprising a facsimile function, the state associated with the second mode is a facsimile output for outputting an image as a facsimile function. In addition, the fixing unit is heated only when the fixing unit is used and when there is a high possibility that the fixing unit is used (when the fixing unit is expected to be used). In an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function, power consumption can be reduced more effectively.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the state associated with the second mode is the above for the printer function. Since the printer function further includes a printer output state in which an image is output as a printer function, when the fixing unit is used and when there is a high possibility of transition to a state in which the fixing unit is used (when the fixing unit is expected to be used) Only the fixing unit is heated, and the power consumption can be more effectively reduced in the image forming apparatus having the printer function.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the power supply to the predetermined portion of the image forming apparatus is stopped by the power saving means, the power consumption is further reduced by operating the power saving means. obtain.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the power saving unit is activated when the input unit does not detect an input for a predetermined period and when the operation of the image forming apparatus is not performed. The power saving means operates automatically, and can reduce power consumption more efficiently when the image forming apparatus is not used.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is known that the power saving means is activated when an instruction to activate the power saving means is received by the saving instruction input means, and therefore the image forming apparatus is not used for a while. In some cases, power consumption can be reduced more efficiently.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since one state can be generated before one state is completed by the state transition means, the image forming apparatus can take a plurality of states at the same time. Processing using resources and the like can be performed in parallel, and processing as an image forming apparatus can be performed more efficiently.

  Hereinafter, a digital multifunction peripheral will be described with reference to the drawings as an example of an image transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram mainly showing an electrical configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. The digital multifunction machine 1 is a digital copying machine having complex functions such as a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a copy function. In the digital multi-function peripheral 1, various functions are realized by combining the above functions. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 mainly includes an image memory 11, a communication unit 12, a scanner unit 13, an operation panel 14, a timer 15, a printer unit 16, an HDD (hard disk drive) 17, and a control unit 18. The printer unit 16 includes a fixing unit 161 and a heating unit 162. The HDD 17 includes a mode-state correspondence information storage unit 171 and a transition information storage unit 172. The control unit 18 includes an execution control unit 181 and a state control unit 182.

  The image memory 11 stores an image read by the scanner unit 13 as image data, and stores facsimile reception data or print data received by the communication unit 12 in the form of print image data. Further, the stored image data is transmitted to the printer unit 16 in accordance with an instruction from the printer unit 16.

  The communication unit 12 includes a public line interface such as a telephone line, a network I / F (interface) such as 10 / 100Base-TX, a parallel I / F conforming to IEEE 1284, and a serial I / F such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). For transmitting image data stored in the image memory 11 to a facsimile apparatus or the like via a telephone line, receiving image data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus or the like, and being connected via a LAN or the like. Control is performed such as transmitting / receiving various data to / from the client PC, for example, receiving print data transmitted from the client PC or the like.

  When the image data (facsimile reception data) is received by the facsimile (reception) function of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the communication unit 12 stores the image data in the image memory 11 under the control of the execution control unit 181. When the communication unit 12 receives document data or the like (print data) by the printer function of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the communication unit 12 converts the document data or the like into a printable image data format under the control of the execution control unit 181. Image data is stored in the image memory 11. The communication unit 12 transmits to the state control unit 182 that facsimile reception data or print data has been received.

  The scanner unit 13 reads an image from a document placed on a document placement table by the copy function, facsimile (transmission) function, or scanner function of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The scanner unit 13 reads an image under the control of the execution control unit 181, transmits image data of the image read under the control of the execution control unit 181 to the image memory 11, and the image memory 11 stores the image data.

  The operation panel 14 is an input / output device that includes a start key, various function keys (copy function key, facsimile function key, printer function key, scanner function key), operation keys such as a numeric keypad, and a touch panel. The operation panel 14 is used for a user to perform operations related to a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, and the like, and to display a message from the digital multifunction peripheral.

  The operation panel 14 detects when an operation key (including one displayed on the touch panel) is pressed by the user, and inputs a key to the timer 15 when an arbitrary operation key is pressed. When the start key or various function keys are pressed, the state control unit 182 is notified that the start key or various function keys have been pressed.

  The timer 15 performs time measurement for switching the digital multifunction peripheral 1 to the sleep state. The timer 15 receives a key input from the operation panel 14 and restarts timing every time it receives this. As a result, the time measured represents the time when there was no key input. The timer 15 transmits the fact to the state control unit 182 when a predetermined time, for example, 1 minute has elapsed. The state control unit 182 uses this information for control to switch the digital multi-function peripheral 1 to the sleep state. Here, the sleep state is a state in which power is supplied only to a part for detecting an input to the operation panel 14, for example, of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and power supply to other parts is stopped. belongs to.

  The printer unit 16 prints image data stored in the image memory 11 on a recording sheet. The printer unit 16 includes a fixing unit 161 and a heating unit 162. The fixing unit 161 fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording paper to the transfer paper by heating. The heating unit 162 heats the fixing unit 161 to the fixing temperature. The heating unit 162 performs heating according to the control of the execution control unit 181.

  The HDD 17 stores non-temporary information used by the apparatus, and includes a mode-state correspondence information storage unit 171 and a transition information storage unit 172. The mode-state correspondence information storage unit 171 stores the mode-state correspondence information 8. The mode-state correspondence information 8 is information indicating correspondence between each state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the fixing unit heating mode (mode in which the heating unit is operated) and the fixing unit non-heating mode (mode in which the heating unit is not operated). Each state corresponds to one of the above modes.

  The transition information storage unit 172 stores state transition information 4, state generation information 5, state disappearance information 6, and exclusive state information 7. The state transition information 4 is the state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, information such as a state that can be transitioned from a certain state, the state generation information 5 is the information such as the condition for generating a new state as the state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and the state disappearance information Reference numeral 6 denotes information such as conditions for extinguishing the state, and exclusive state information 7 is information about a state (exclusive state) incapable of operating simultaneously with a certain state as the state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Details of the state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the various information will be described later.

  The control unit 18 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a ROM, and functions by executing a program stored in the ROM. The control unit 18 mainly controls the operation of the entire apparatus, and includes an execution control unit 181 and a state control unit 182.

  The state control unit 182 controls the state transition (transition, generation, disappearance) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Based on the above information stored in the transition information storage unit 172, the state control unit 182 receives information as a condition for changing the state from the communication unit 12, the operation panel 14, the timer 15, and the execution control unit 181. Control the state. In addition, the execution control unit 181 is instructed to control the execution of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 for each state. Details of each state and transition condition will be described later.

  The execution control unit 181 controls the execution of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 with respect to the state designated by the state control unit 182. The execution control unit 181 is a mode-state stored in the mode-state correspondence information storage unit 171 as to whether the state instructed to execute belongs to the fixing unit heating mode or the fixing unit non-heating mode, particularly as control according to the present invention. A determination is made based on the correspondence information 8, and when the state belonging to the fixing unit heating mode is executed, the heating unit 162 is controlled to operate. As other general control, one of an image reading state 321 (see FIG. 2), an image reading / transmission state (FAX) 322 (see FIG. 2), or an image reading / transmission state (scanner) 323 (see FIG. 2). When executing the above state, the scanner unit 13 is operated. Further, any one of an image output state 331 (see FIG. 2), an image reception / output state (FAX) 332 (see FIG. 2), or an image reception / output state (printer) 333 (see FIG. 2) is executed. In this case, the printer unit 16 is activated.

  The scanner function of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is mainly based on the combination of the scanner unit 13, the image memory 11, the operation panel 14, the communication unit 12, and the control unit 18, and the facsimile function mainly includes the scanner unit 13, the image memory 11, and the printer unit. 16, the combination of the operation panel 14, the communication unit 12, and the control unit 18, the printer function is mainly the combination of the image memory 11, the printer unit 16, the operation panel 14, the communication unit 12, and the control unit 18, and the copy function is It is mainly realized by a combination of the scanner unit 13, the image memory 11, the printer unit 16, the operation panel 14, the communication unit 12, and the control unit 18.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating state transition in the digital multi-function peripheral 1. In this digital multi-function peripheral, a copy function setting state 311, a FAX function setting state 312, a scanner function setting state 313, a printer function setting state 314, an image reading state 321, an image reading / transmitting state (FAX) 322, an image reading / transmitting. The state (scanner) 323, the image output state 331, the image reception / output state (FAX) 332, and the image reception / output state (printer) 333 are set. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 can basically have a plurality of states at the same time. However, a plurality of states surrounded by solid lines 31, 32, and 33 cannot simultaneously exist with each other because they use the same hard resource. These states are referred to as exclusive states in the sense that they are in an exclusive relationship. The copy function setting state 311, the FAX function setting state 312, the scanner function setting state 313, and the printer function setting state 314 are all exclusive states because the operation panel 14 is used. The three states of the image reading state 321, the image reading / transmission state (FAX) 322, and the image reading / transmission state (scanner) 323 are exclusive states because the scanner unit 13 is used. The three states of the image output state 331, the image reception / output state (FAX) 332, and the image reception / output state (printer) 333 are all exclusive states because the printer unit 16 is used.

  A solid line arrow in this figure indicates a state transition, and a broken line arrow indicates the generation of a new state. The state that is the instruction source of the solid line arrow transitions to the state that is the instruction destination of the arrow when the state ends. The state that is not the instruction source of the solid line arrow disappears when the state ends. The state that is indicated by the dashed arrow is a state that is newly generated when the control of the arrow occurs.

  The copy function setting state 311 is a state in which various settings relating to the copy function (for example, setting of the number of copies, etc.) are performed using the operation panel 14. When the press of the start key is accepted in the copy function setting state 311, the state transitions to the image reading state 321. The image reading state 321 is a state in which an image from a document is read as a copy function. When the image reading state ends, the state automatically transitions to the image output state 331. The image output state 331 is a state in which an image is printed as a copy function. When the image output state 331 ends, the state disappears.

  The FAX function setting state 312 is a state in which various settings related to the facsimile function (for example, setting of transmission destination settings) are performed using the operation panel 14. When pressing of the start key is accepted in the FAX function setting state 312, the state transitions to an image reading / transmission state (FAX) 322. The image reading / transmission state (FAX) 322 is a state in which an image is read from an original as a facsimile function, and an image is transmitted to a FAX transmission destination in parallel. When the image reading / transmission state (FAX) 322 ends, the state disappears.

  The scanner function setting state 313 is a state in which various settings relating to the scanner function (for example, setting of the transmission destination of the read image data) are performed using the operation panel 14. When pressing of the start key is accepted in the scanner function setting state 313, the state transitions to the image reading / transmission state (scanner) 323. An image reading / transmission state (scanner) 323 is a state in which an image is read from an original as a scanner function, and an image is transmitted to a scanned image transmission destination in parallel therewith. When the image reading / transmission state (scanner) 323 is completed, the state disappears.

  The printer function setting state 314 is a state in which various settings relating to the printer function (for example, paper selection settings) are performed using the operation panel 14. This state does not end except when there is no key input for a predetermined time or when a function key is input.

  The image reception / output state (FAX) 332 is a state in which image data is received as a facsimile reception function and received image data is printed in parallel. This state is newly generated when a facsimile is received, and disappears when the state ends. An image reception / output state (printer) 333 is a state in which print data is received as a printer function, and received print data is printed in parallel therewith. This state is newly generated when print data is received, and disappears when the state ends.

  When the function key is pressed, the copy function setting state 311, the FAX function setting state 312, the scanner function setting state 313, and the printer function setting state 314 transition to the function setting state corresponding to the pressed function key. Further, the state disappears when there is no key input for a predetermined time, for example, 1 minute.

  When all the states disappear, the state transits to a sleep state (not shown). The sleep state is a state for reducing the power consumption described above. The sleep state continues until it is accepted that an arbitrary function key has been pressed. When it is accepted that a function key has been pressed in states other than the function setting states 311, 312, 313, and 314 (including the sleep state), a function setting state corresponding to the pressed function key is generated. The In addition, for example, a copy function setting state is generated when the digital multifunction peripheral is activated.

  FIG. 3 shows state transition information 4, which shows a list of states that can be changed in each state. For example, when the FAX function key is pressed when the current state is the copy function setting state 311, the transition state of the field 45 in which the current state column 41 is the copy function setting state 44 and the transition condition column 43 is the FAX function key. The state is changed to the FAX function setting state 46 in the column 42. Here, a state not shown in the current state column 41 does not transition to another state.

  FIG. 4 shows state generation information 5 that shows a list of states generated in each state. For example, when facsimile data is received as a facsimile reception function when the current state is the copy function setting state, the current state column 51 is a copy function setting state 54 and the generation condition column 53 is a FAX reception state column 55 generation state column. 52 shows that an image reception / output state (FAX) 56 in 52 is generated. Here, no new state is generated in a state not shown in the current state column 51.

  FIG. 5 shows a list of conditions when the state disappears in each state as state disappearance information 6. For example, when the current state (current state column 61) is the copy function setting state 63 and the key input is not accepted for a predetermined time, for example, 1 minute (column 63 of the erasure condition column 62), the state disappears. Show. Here, a state not shown in the current state column 61 does not disappear.

  FIG. 6 shows a list of states (exclusive states) that cannot be taken at the same time as exclusive state information 7. For example, the copy function setting state 311, FAX function setting state 312, scanner function setting state 313 state and printer function setting state 314 shown in the exclusive state column 72 of the group 1 in the exclusive state group column 71 indicate that they are in an exclusive state. Yes.

  FIG. 7 shows mode-state correspondence information 8 showing a list of states belonging to the fixing unit heating mode (in which the fixing unit heating unit is operated). For example, the copy function setting state 311, the image reading state 321, the image output state 331, the image reception / output state (FAX) 332 and the image reception / output state (printer) 333 belong to the fixing unit heating mode. The states not shown in this figure are all states corresponding to the fixing unit non-heating mode (in which the fixing unit heating unit is not operated).

  8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts showing the processing flow of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present invention. In step S1, the operation panel 14 detects the presence or absence of key input or the like (including touch panel operation) by the user. When the key input or the like is received (YES in step S1), a timer indicating that the key input has been received is displayed. 15 and the received key type is transmitted to the state control unit 182 and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the timer 15 starts measuring time. If it is already timed, clear it and restart. In step S <b> 5, the state control unit 182 confirms a list of the current state (current state) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 stored in the state control unit 182. Here, the state is one of the states shown in FIG. 2, and the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can take a plurality of states at the same time.

  In step S7, the state control unit 182 has one of the current states of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 in the current state column 41 of the state transition information 4, and the type of key received from the operation panel 14 in the transition condition column 43 of that column. Check if there is any. If there is a match (YES in step S7), the process proceeds to step S9. In step S <b> 9, the state control unit 182 confirms a list of the current state (current state) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 stored in the state control unit 182. In step S <b> 11, the state control unit 182 checks the exclusive state information 7 and confirms whether any of the current states is in an exclusive relationship with the state indicated in the transition state column 42 of the matched column. If there is a current state in an exclusive relationship (YES in step S11), the process returns to step S9, and steps S9 and S11 are repeated until the current state ends. If there is no current state in the exclusive relationship (NO in step S11), the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the state control unit 182 shifts the state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 to the state indicated in the transition state column 42 of the matched column. In addition, the state control unit 182 notifies the execution control unit 181 of the transitioned state, and the execution control unit 181 controls execution so that the digital multifunction peripheral 1 performs an operation for this state. If none of the state transition information 4 corresponds to the branch of step S7 (NO in step S7) and if the process of step S13 is completed, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the state control unit 182 indicates that one of the current states of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is in the current state column 51 of the state generation information 5, and the type of the key received from the operation panel 14 in the generation condition 53 of that column. Check if it exists. If there is a match (YES in step S15), the process proceeds to step S17. In step S <b> 17, the state control unit 182 confirms a list of the current state (current state) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 stored in the state control unit 182. In step S19, the state control unit 182 checks the exclusive state information 7, and confirms whether any of the current states is in an exclusive relationship with the state indicated in the generation state column 52 of the matched column. If there is a current state in an exclusive relationship (YES in step S19), the process returns to step S17, and steps S17 and S19 are repeated until the current state ends. If there is no current state in the exclusive relationship (NO in step S19), the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S <b> 21, the state control unit 182 newly generates the state indicated in the generation state column 52 of the matched column as the state of the digital multifunction peripheral 1. Further, the state control unit 182 notifies the execution control unit 181 of the generated state, and the execution control unit 181 controls the execution so that the digital multifunction peripheral 1 performs an operation for this state. When no key input is accepted at the branch of step S1 (NO at step S1), when there is no state generation information 5 at the branch of step S15 (NO at step S15), and the process of step S21 is completed. In the case, the process proceeds to step S23.

  When the execution of the state instructed by the state control unit 182 is completed, the execution control unit 181 transmits a message to that effect to the state control unit 182. In step S23, if the state control unit 182 receives from the execution control unit 181 that there is a state in which execution has ended (YES in step S23), the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, the state control unit 182 determines whether or not the above-described finished state is in the current state column 41 of the state transition information 4, and whether or not the state (finished state) has been finished in the transition condition column 43 of that column. Check. If there is a match (YES in step S25), the process proceeds to step S27. In step S <b> 27, the state control unit 182 confirms a list of the current state (current state) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 stored in the state control unit 182. In step S29, the state control unit 182 checks the exclusive state information 7, and confirms whether any of the current states is in an exclusive relationship with the state indicated in the transition state column 42 of the matched column. If there is a current state in an exclusive relationship (YES in step S29), the process returns to step S27, and steps S27 and S29 are repeated until the current state ends. Wait until the current state of the exclusive relationship ends. If there is no current state in the exclusive relationship (NO in step S29), the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, the state control unit 182 shifts the state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 to the state indicated in the transition state column 42 of the matched column. In addition, the state control unit 182 notifies the execution control unit 181 of the transitioned state, and the execution control unit 181 controls the execution so that the digital multifunction peripheral 1 performs an operation for this state. When there is no corresponding state transition information 4 in the branch of step S23 (NO in step S23) and when the process of step S31 is completed, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the state control unit 182 checks whether the completed state is in the current state column 61 of the state disappearance information 6, and whether the state (terminated state) has been terminated in the disappearance condition 62 of that column. . If there is a match (YES in step S33), the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, the state control unit 182 extinguishes the state. When there is no finished state in the branch of step S23 (NO in step S23), when the finished state in the branch of step S33 is not in the extinction condition 62 (NO in step S33), and when the process of step S35 is finished The process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S <b> 37, the communication unit 12 checks whether facsimile data has been received by the facsimile reception function of the digital multifunction device 1 or whether print data has been received by the printer function of the digital multifunction device 1. If any of the above data is received (YES in step S37), the process proceeds to step S39. In step S <b> 39, the state control unit 182 confirms a list of the current state (current state) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 stored in the state control unit 182. In step S41, the state control unit 182 checks the exclusive state information 7, and the state corresponding to any of the current state and the received data (image reception / output state (FAX) 332 for facsimile data, print data) It is confirmed whether or not the image reception / output state (printer) 333) is in an exclusive relationship. If the exclusive state is in the current state (YES in step S41), the process returns to step S39, and steps S39 and S41 are repeated until the current state in the exclusive relationship ends. If the exclusive state is not the current state (NO in step S41), the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the state control unit 182 generates a state corresponding to the received data as the state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Further, the state control unit 182 notifies the execution control unit 181 of the generated state, and the execution control unit 181 controls the execution so that the digital multifunction peripheral 1 performs an operation for this state. If no data is received in the branch of step S37 (NO in step S37) and if the process of step S43 is completed, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the timer 15 checks whether or not a predetermined time, for example, 1 minute has elapsed, and if the predetermined time, for example, 1 minute has elapsed (YES in step S45). The fact is transmitted to the state control unit 182 and the process proceeds to step S47. In step S47, the state control unit 182 checks whether any of the current states is in the current state column 61 of the state annihilation information 6 and the erasure condition 62 in that column is that there is no key input for a predetermined time. . If there is a match (YES in step S47), the process proceeds to step S49. In step S49, the state control unit 182 extinguishes the state. In the branch of step S45, when the time measured by the timer 15 has not exceeded the predetermined time, for example, 1 minute (NO in step S45), in the branch of step S47, there is no case corresponding to the state disappearance information 6 (in step S47). NO) and when the process of step S49 ends, the process proceeds to step S51.

  In step S51, the state control unit 182 checks whether or not all states have disappeared. If all states have disappeared (YES in step S51), the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, the state control unit 182 shifts the state of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 to the sleep state. Further, the state control unit 182 instructs the execution control unit 181 to perform execution control for the sleep state, and the execution control unit 181 controls the digital multifunction peripheral 1 to enter the sleep state. Specifically, power supply to the part where power supply is stopped in the sleep state is stopped. When all the states have not disappeared in the branch of step S51 (NO in step S51) and when the process of step S53 is completed, the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S55, the execution control unit 181 checks whether or not the state instructed to be executed from the state control unit 182 is a state belonging to the fixing unit heating mode based on the mode-state correspondence information 8, and the state instructed to execute is determined. If the state belongs to the fixing unit heating mode (YES in step S55), the process proceeds to step S57. In step S57, the execution control unit 181 starts the heating operation of the heating unit 162 (continues the heating operation if already started) as a process for setting the digital multi-function peripheral 1 to the fixing unit heating mode. The unit 161 is heated to a predetermined temperature for fixing the toner, and the processing from step S1 is repeated. If the state instructed to execute in the branch of step S55 does not belong to the fixing unit heating mode (NO in step S55), the process proceeds to step S59. In step S <b> 59, the execution control unit 181 stops the heating operation of the heating unit 162 as a process for setting the digital multi-function peripheral 1 to the fixing unit non-heating mode (continues to stop if already stopped). 161 is not performed, and the processing from step S1 is repeated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 that is an image forming apparatus having a copy function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a printer function includes a fixing unit 161 as a fixing unit, a heating unit 162 as a heating unit, An execution control unit 181 serving as a switching unit, a state control unit 182 serving as a state transition unit, and a mode-state correspondence information storage unit 171 serving as a storage unit are provided and stored in association with a second mode in which the fixing unit 161 is operated. The copy function setting state 311 as the copy function setting state, the image reading state 321 as the image reading state, the image output state 331 as the copy image output state, the image reception / output state (FAX as the fax output state) 332 and an image reception / output state (printer) 333 as a printer output state The execution control unit 181 switches between the fixing unit heating mode and the fixing unit non-heating mode according to the mode-state correspondence information 8 stored in the mode-state correspondence information storage unit 171 and the current state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The fixing unit 161 is heated only when the fixing unit 161 is used and when the fixing unit 161 is likely to be used (when it is expected to be used), and the power consumption can be reduced more effectively.

  In addition, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 has a sleep state in which power supply to a predetermined portion of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is stopped by the state control unit 182 as a power saving unit. Power consumption can be further reduced by putting the machine 1 in the sleep state. Further, the digital multifunction device 1 automatically enters the sleep state when the user's input to the operation panel 14 as the input means is not detected for a predetermined period and when the digital multifunction device 1 is not operating. When the digital multifunction device 1 is not used, the power consumption can be reduced more efficiently. In addition, since the state control unit 182 as the state transition unit can generate another state before the state ends, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can simultaneously perform a plurality of operations (for example, document reading and image printing) Processing as an image forming apparatus can be performed more efficiently.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the thing of the said embodiment, The aspect described below can be employ | adopted. For example, in the present embodiment, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 can perform a plurality of operations at the same time, but may be an image forming apparatus that can perform all operations only in series. In the present embodiment, when there is no input to the operation panel 14 for a predetermined period and when the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is not operating, the user enters the sleep state, but the user uses the operation panel 14. When an instruction for transition to the sleep state is input, the transition to the sleep state may be performed. In this case, when it is known that the image forming apparatus is not used for a while, the power consumption can be reduced more efficiently. Moreover, you may make it change to a sleep state in both the case where a key input is not received for a predetermined period, and the case where a sleep state is instruct | indicated by the user.

1 is a block diagram mainly showing an electrical configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral that is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a state transition diagram showing a state transition of the apparatus of the digital multi-function peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a chart which shows the state transition information in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a graph which shows the state production | generation information in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a chart which shows the state disappearance information in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a chart which shows the exclusive status information in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the mode-state corresponding | compatible information in one Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the processing flow of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the processing flow of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital MFP (image forming device)
11 Image memory 12 Communication unit 13 Scanner unit 14 Operation panel (input means, saving instruction input means)
15 Timer 16 Printer unit 161 Fixing unit (fixing means)
162 Heating part (heating means)
17 HDD
171 Mode-state correspondence information storage unit (storage means)
172 Transition information storage unit 18 Control unit 181 Execution control unit (switching means)
182 State controller (state transition means, power saving means)
311 Copy function setting status (Copy function setting status)
321 Image reading state (image reading state)
331 Image output status (copy image output status)
332 Image reception / output status (FAX) (fax output status)
333 Image reception / output status (printer) (printer output status)

Claims (7)

In an image forming apparatus having a copying function,
Fixing means for fixing the toner to the recording paper;
Heating means for heating the fixing means to a temperature capable of fixing;
Switching means for switching between a first mode in which the heating means is not operated and a second mode in which the heating means is operated;
State transition means for transitioning the state of the image forming apparatus from one of a plurality of states defined in advance to the image forming apparatus;
Storage means for storing each of the states in association with either the first mode or the second mode;
The state stored in association with the second mode among the plurality of states is a copy function setting state as a state when setting execution conditions for the copy function,
An image reading state as a state when the image is read as the copying function;
At least a copy image output state as a state when outputting an image as the copying function,
The switching unit switches the mode of the image forming apparatus to the mode associated with the current state of the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus further having a facsimile function,
2. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein a state stored in association with the second mode among the plurality of states further includes a fax output state as a state of outputting an image as the facsimile function. apparatus. An image forming apparatus further having a printer function,
The state stored in association with the second mode among the plurality of states further includes a printer output state as a state of outputting an image as the printer function. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power saving unit that stops supplying power to a predetermined portion of the image forming apparatus. An input unit for a user to input an instruction to the image forming apparatus;
5. The power saving unit is activated when the input unit does not detect the input for a predetermined period and when the operation of the image forming apparatus is not performed. The image forming apparatus described. A saving instruction input means for inputting an instruction to operate the power saving means;
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the power saving unit operates when the saving instruction input unit receives an input of the operation instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the state transition unit can generate another state before the state ends.

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