JP2007114620A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus reducing power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is provided with a first memory 141 to which power is supplied in a normal mode but the power is not supplied in an energy saving mode and a second memory 142 to which the power is supplied even in the energy saving mode. When a control program is downloaded by modules by a control program acquiring control part 121 from an outside downloading source, and when the downloaded module is the one which is not operated in the energy saving mode, the module is stored in the first memory 141. When the downloaded module is the one which may be operated in the energy saving mode, the module is stored in the second memory 142. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for downloading a control program for an image forming apparatus from an external download source and storing it in a memory in the image forming apparatus.

  Recent operation of the image forming apparatus is controlled by a control program called firmware or the like operating on a processor such as a CPU. In the old days, this control program was stored in the mask ROM that is mounted on the image forming apparatus at the time of shipment. However, recently, the control ROM needs to be replaced when the version of the control program is updated. A program is often stored in a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM. When the version of the control program is updated, a new control program is downloaded from the outside via a network or the like, and the version is updated by rewriting the contents of the flash ROM (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

JP 2002-278409 A

JP 2003-29946 A

JP 2001-67228 A

  Usually, power is always supplied to the memory in which the control program is stored. However, the size of the control program has increased with the recent enhancement of functions of the image forming apparatus, and the power consumption supplied to the memory storing the control program cannot be ignored.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of further reducing power consumption.

  In order to solve the above problems, a first image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a first memory that is supplied with power in the normal mode but not supplied with power in the power saving mode, and a power supply in the power saving mode. When the second memory to which power is supplied, the control program acquisition means for downloading the control program for each module from an external download source, and the downloaded module is a module that does not operate in the power saving mode, the first When the module is stored in the first memory and can operate in the power saving mode, the storage control means stores in the second memory.

  With the configuration of the present invention, the power supply to the first memory can be stopped in the power saving mode, and the power consumption can be reduced. As an external download source, it is conceivable to set various recording media such as a USB memory in addition to an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer (PC), an image forming apparatus, and an image processing apparatus such as a scanner. The storage control means can determine the storage destination memory with reference to the file name of the module, for example, but is not limited to the file name, and other determination methods are possible.

  The first memory is a volatile memory, and the control program acquisition unit downloads a module to be stored in the first memory from the outside after shifting from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and stores the module. If the control means is configured to control the downloaded module to be stored in the first memory, the rewritable nonvolatile memory such as the flash ROM is compared with the case where the downloaded module is stored in the flash ROM or the like. The capacity of can be reduced.

  The second memory stores a control program for downloading a module to be stored in the first memory from the outside and executing processing for storing the downloaded module in the first memory. be able to. Of course, the module may be stored in a non-volatile memory mounted as a third memory. The third memory is a memory that may be mounted to store a module that operates when the image forming apparatus is turned on when the second memory is also a volatile memory.

  If the control program acquisition means is configured to download the module of the control program from the external device that has output the operation request when the operation request is transferred from the power saving mode to the normal mode due to the operation request from the external device, the download source It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation where the module cannot be downloaded due to the fact that the power source is not turned on.

  The control program acquisition unit may be configured to download a control program module from a preset external device when the power saving mode is shifted to the normal mode by an operation input to the image forming apparatus. Although it is possible to perform a process of sequentially searching for connected external devices, it is suitable for simplifying the processing contents of the control program and reducing the size of the module.

  A plurality of the preset external devices are set together with the priority order for trying to download, and the control program acquisition means can try to download the control program in order from the external device with the highest priority order. .

  Although the setting can be fixed, the image forming apparatus is configured to receive the setting of the download source external apparatus together with the priority order from an input unit provided in the image forming apparatus or from the outside. It is preferable that the setting can be changed. The set download source external device and / or the priority is preferably stored in a rewritable non-volatile memory, which is suitable for downloading at power-on.

  Power consumption can be further reduced by adopting a configuration that includes a detecting unit that detects an inoperable state in which image formation cannot be performed and shifts to a power saving mode when the inoperable state is obtained. The module stored in the second memory may include a module that monitors cancellation of the power saving mode.

  The second image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a detection unit that detects an inoperable state in which image formation cannot be performed, and a power source when the inoperable state is detected by the detection unit. The first memory that no longer supplies power, the second memory to which power is supplied even when the detection means detects that the operation is disabled, and the control program for each module from the external download source When the acquired control program acquisition module and the acquired module are a module that does not operate when in an inoperable state, the module is stored in the first memory and can operate when in an inoperable state. Storage control means for storing in the second memory.

  In this configuration, power supply to the first memory can be stopped even when the power-saving mode is not necessarily set in the inoperable state, and thus power consumption can be reduced.

  The detection means includes: expendable parts required for image formation, expendable life of the expendable parts, open cover for the expendable parts, out of paper, full paper on the discharge side, The occurrence of a paper jam, the detection of residual paper after the paper jam occurred, the mismatch between the paper size specified in the print request and the available paper size, the mismatch between the media specified in the print request and the available media It can be set as the structure which detects at least one as an inoperable state.

Examples of consumable parts include a developer cartridge for ink and toner, an image forming unit including a photosensitive drum, and the like. Further, the types of media specified in the print request include plain paper, cardboard, and OHP.
The module stored in the second memory may include a module that monitors the release of the inoperable state.

  The module stored in the second memory includes a module for detecting the mounting of a consumable part necessary for image formation, a module for detecting the expiry of the consumable part, and a cover for mounting the consumable part. The module that detects the open / close state of the paper, the module that detects the out of paper, the module that detects the full paper on the paper discharge side, the module that detects the occurrence of paper jam, the module that detects the remaining paper after the paper jam occurs, and the paper size It can be configured to include at least one of a module for setting and a module for setting the type of medium.

The module stored in the second memory preferably includes a communication module with the outside.
The second memory may be built in the same chip as the processor that executes the control program, and the first memory may be externally attached to the chip.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, there is no need to constantly supply power to the entire memory storing the control program, and it is possible to reduce power consumption.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case where an MFP (multifunction peripheral) is used as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that the MFP is an image forming apparatus in which functions such as copying, network printing, scanner, FAX, or document server are integrated. Sometimes called a multifunction device.

(1) Configuration of Print System FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a print system. The print system 1 is configured by connecting the MFP 100 of this embodiment and personal computers (PCs) 31A, 31B, and 31C via a network 500 such as a LAN. The number of PCs connected is arbitrary, and in the example of FIG. The number of connected image forming apparatuses such as MFPs is also arbitrary. As a communication protocol or communication standard of the network 500, for example, TCP / IP, FTP, IEEE 802.3 which is a wired LAN standard, IEEE 802.11 which is a wireless LAN standard, or the like is applied.

  The PC 31A, 31B, 31C (hereinafter also referred to as “PC 31A etc.”) is installed with a print request program that requests the MFP 100 to print, and in this embodiment, a hard disk provided in the PC 31A etc. A control program for MFP 100 is stored in storage means (not shown) or the like. The control program is stored for each module. Upon receiving a download request from the MFP 100, the control program can be downloaded for each module from the PC 31A or the like. A workstation, a portable information terminal, or the like can be used instead of the PC 31A or the like.

(2) Configuration of MFP 100 FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing an example of the configuration of MFP 100 according to the present embodiment. The MFP 100 includes a communication interface unit 110, a CPU 120, a power saving mode power supply control unit 130, a first memory 141, a second memory 142, and an inoperable state detection unit 150. In the figure, the parts normally provided in a general MFP such as operation buttons, a display panel, a scanner, an image forming unit, a document feeder, and a paper feeding device are not shown.

The communication interface unit 110 is a device for exchanging data with an external device such as the PC 31A. For example, a NIC (network interface card) can be used as the communication interface 16.
The CPU 120 includes a control program acquisition control unit 121, a nonvolatile memory 122, and a power saving mode control unit 123.

  The control program acquisition control unit 121 downloads a control program from an external device such as the PC 31A via the communication interface unit 110. In the present embodiment, a plurality of program memories for storing downloaded control programs are provided (first memory 141 and second memory 142). In this embodiment, volatile memory (for example, SRAM) is used, and a necessary control program is appropriately downloaded from an external device such as the PC 31A when the MFP 100 is turned on. It should be noted that a program for performing the minimum necessary processing when the MFP 100 is turned on is stored in the nonvolatile memory 122 built in the CPU 120. As the nonvolatile memory 122, a rewritable memory such as a flash ROM is preferably used.

  The power saving mode control unit 123 performs control to shift to the power saving mode, for example, when a job is not submitted for a certain period of time. When shifting to the power saving mode, the power saving mode power supply control unit 130 stops the power supply to the first memory 141. Since the first memory 141 according to the present embodiment is a volatile RAM, when the power saving mode is canceled and the normal mode is shifted, the control program may be stored in the first memory 141 again. The power is supplied to the second memory 142 even in the power saving mode. Therefore, a control program that may operate even in the power saving mode needs to be stored in the second memory 142. The control program acquisition control unit 121 determines whether the control program downloaded for each module from the external device such as the PC 31A is a program that does not operate in the power saving mode or a program that can operate in the power saving mode. 141 and the second memory 142 are controlled.

  The inoperable state detection unit 150 indicates that the consumable part necessary for image formation has not been mounted, that the consumable part has reached the end of its life, the cover for mounting the consumable part is open, , The paper on the output side is full, a paper jam has occurred, the remaining paper has been detected after a paper jam has occurred, the paper size specified in the print request does not match the available paper size, and specified in the print request It is detected that an image cannot be formed (inoperable state) such as a mismatch between the medium and the available medium. Specifically, it receives an output from a sensor provided in each unit, and detects that it has become inoperable. Examples of consumable parts include a developer cartridge for ink and toner, an image forming unit including a photosensitive drum, and the like. The media type specified in the print request includes plain paper, cardboard, OHP, and the like, and it is possible to detect inoperability when the specified media type is not available. When it may be used, it does not necessarily have to be disabled.

  The detection of the inoperable state and the detection of the release of the inoperable state are also realized by the control program, and the module of the control program for detecting these is stored in the second memory 142. Specifically, a module for detecting the mounting of a consumable part necessary for image formation, a module for detecting the expiry of the consumable part, a module for detecting an open / closed state of a cover for mounting the consumable part, a sheet A module that detects out-of-paper, a module that detects full paper on the output side, a module that detects occurrence of paper jam, a module that detects residual paper after a paper jam occurs, a module that sets paper size, and a media type setting The module to be stored is stored in the second memory 142. This is because the present embodiment shifts to the power saving mode even when an inoperable state is detected, and stops the power supply to the first memory 141. However, a configuration in which the power supply to the first memory 141 is stopped without necessarily shifting to the power saving mode is also possible.

  In addition, an external communication module, a module for downloading a module to be stored in the first memory 141 from the outside, a module for executing processing for storing the downloaded module in the first memory 141, and the like are stored in the second memory 142. Is done. Although these control programs may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 122, the capacity of the nonvolatile memory 122 can be reduced by storing the control program in the second memory 142. A program for monitoring the cancellation of the power saving mode is also stored in the second memory 142. This module monitors requests from external devices such as the PC 31A, operations of the MFP 100, etc., cancels the power saving mode, and shifts to the normal mode. The operation of the MFP 100 in the power saving mode, such as a module that controls the operation of a display unit, a fixing device, a driving device such as a motor, a module that receives the output of various sensors, etc. Are stored in the second memory 142.

(3) Operation of MFP 100 Hereinafter, the operation of MFP 100 when the control program is downloaded from an external device such as PC 31A will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing contents of CPU 120 when MFP 100 is powered on.

  When the power of the MFP 100 is turned on, first, the control program acquisition control unit 121 downloads a control program module to be stored in the second memory 142 from the external device and stores it in the second memory 142 (S101). ). The download source at this time is a preset external device. Here, the setting of the download source will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for setting a download source. This screen can be displayed on a display unit (not shown) such as a liquid crystal panel provided in the MFP 100 and can be set on the MFP 100 side, or can be displayed and set on an external device such as the PC 31A. Can also be transferred to.

  In the present embodiment, (1) when an operation request such as an image formation request is received from an external device such as the PC 31A and the power saving mode is canceled, and (2) some operation is performed on the MFP 100 side to save the operation. The download source of the control program is set separately when the power mode is canceled and when the MFP 100 is turned on. The setting can be performed by inputting information indicating the download source in the setting input boxes 201 to 203 or by selecting from the pull-down menu. In the present embodiment, the set contents are written into the nonvolatile memory 122.

  In the example shown in the figure, in the case of (1) above, the control program is set to be downloaded from the external device that has output the operation request. This setting is preferable in that it does not cause a problem that downloading cannot be performed due to, for example, the power source of the external device being downloaded being turned off. Of course, other settings may be used to support version update, for example.

  In order to cope with the case (2), the present embodiment is configured to set the external device having the first priority and the external device having the second priority. However, the number of devices to be set is not limited to two. For this setting, a box 204 for displaying a list of devices that can be designated as a download source is provided at the bottom of the screen. The box 204 can display a list of computer names of external devices connected via the network 500, for example.

  However, in the state in which an external device such as a USB memory is connected, it is possible to display the presence of them as possible download sources. However, if the USB memory is not connected or the control program is not stored in the connected USB memory when actually downloading, an error occurs, so the control program is stored properly. It is necessary to take measures such as connecting a recording medium such as a USB memory.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 3, when the download of the control program to be stored in the second memory 142 is completed (S102: YES), the operation of the partial program stored in the second memory 142 starts (S103). Here, as a program for actually starting the operation, there is a program for downloading a control program to the first memory 141. With this program, the control program is downloaded to the first memory 141 (S104). The module of the control program to be stored in the first memory 141 is a module that does not operate when the power supply to the first memory 141 is stopped, such as in the power saving mode.

  When the downloading to the first memory 141 is completed (S105: YES), the operation of the control program stored in the first memory is started (S106), and the image forming operation can be executed. When the shift to the power saving mode is instructed, the power supply to the first memory 141 is stopped.

  Next, an operation when the power saving mode is canceled will be described. Since the first memory 141 is a volatile memory, it is necessary to download a necessary control program again. As shown in FIG. 4 above, in the present embodiment, the setting of the download source of the control program differs depending on the cause of the cancellation of the power saving mode.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing contents of the CPU 120 when the power saving mode is canceled. When the power saving mode is canceled, when an operation request for image formation or the like is issued from an external device such as the PC 31A, or in other cases, that is, when an operation is input on the operation panel (not shown) of the MFP 100, In this embodiment, the case where the inoperable state is canceled is considered. In any case, the power source of the first memory 141 is first turned on (S201).

  When the power saving mode is canceled by a request from the external device such as the PC 31A (S202: YES), information (for example, computer name, IP address, etc.) of the external device that has output the operation request is acquired (S203). Then, an external device such as a PC that has output the request is set as a download source of the control program (S204).

  If the power saving mode is not canceled due to an operation request from the external device (S202: NO), it is determined whether or not the first priority external device shown in FIG. 4 is available (S205). If the first priority external device is available, the device is set as the download source (S206). If the first-priority external device is not available (such as when the power is off) (S205: NO), it is determined whether the second-priority external device is available (S207).

  If the second-priority external device is available, that device is set as the download source (S208). If the second-priority external device is not available (S207: NO), the present embodiment displays that there is no download source (abnormal) (S209) and stops the operation (S210). The control program for realizing these series of operations needs to be stored in the second memory 142 or stored in the nonvolatile memory 122.

  If there is an available download source, the control program is downloaded to the first memory 141 (S211). When the program download to the first memory 141 is completed (S212: YES), the program stored in the first memory 141 is made operable (S213). As a result, the MFP 100 is ready for an image forming operation.

(Modification)
The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the content of the present invention is not limited to the specific examples described in the above embodiment, and for example, the following modifications may be considered.

  (1) In the above embodiment, both the first memory 141 and the second memory 142 are volatile memories (for example, SRAM capable of high-speed access). There is no limitation, and other memory elements may be used. For example, it is possible to use a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM. Also in this case, in the power saving mode, the power supply to the first memory 141 can be stopped, and a certain power saving effect can be obtained. In addition, when returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, it is not necessary to download the control program again in principle. Further, a configuration in which one of the first memory 141 and the second memory 142 is a nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM is also possible. In the configuration in which the second memory 142 is a non-volatile memory, the second memory 142 may be physically the same memory as the non-volatile memory 122.

  (2) Although the case where both the first memory 141 and the second memory 142 are connected to the outside of the CPU 120 has been described in the above embodiment, a configuration in which the CPU 120 is provided inside the chip is also possible. In addition, a configuration in which only the first memory 141 is externally attached to the chip on which the CPU 120 is disposed is also possible. For example, when SOC (system on a chip) technology is applied, the nonvolatile memory 122 and the second memory 142 in the above embodiment are provided on the same chip as the CPU, and the first memory 141 is externally attached. It is possible. By doing so, the memory capacity in the SOC chip can be minimized, and a large capacity of the program storage area can be secured by the first memory 141.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the case where the control program is downloaded from an external device such as the PC 31A via the network (LAN) 500 has been described. In addition to the form of acquiring the control program from the USB memory as described above, for example, it may be performed via a memory card such as compact flash (registered trademark) or smart media, or various disk media such as MO, CD, or DVD. Is possible.

  The present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as an MFP.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a print system. 2 is a diagram for describing an example of a configuration of MFP 100. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for describing an example of processing contents of CPU 120 when MFP 100 is powered on. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which sets a download origin. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the processing content of CPU120 when a power saving mode is cancelled | released.

Explanation of symbols

1 Print system 31A, 31B, 31C Personal computer (PC)
100 MFP
110 Communication interface unit 120 CPU
121 Control Program Acquisition Control Unit 122 Non-Volatile Memory 123 Power Saving Mode Control Unit 130 Power Saving Mode Power Supply Control Unit 141 First Memory 142 Second Memory 150 Inoperable State Detection Unit 500 Network (LAN)

Claims (16)

A first memory that is powered in normal mode but not powered in power saving mode;
A second memory to which power is supplied even in the power saving mode;
Control program acquisition means for downloading a control program for each module from an external download source;
If the downloaded module is a module that does not operate in the power saving mode, it is stored in the first memory, and if it is a module that can operate in the power saving mode, the storage control means stores it in the second memory. An image forming apparatus comprising: The first memory is a volatile memory;
The control program acquisition means downloads a module to be stored in the first memory from the outside after shifting from the power saving mode to the normal mode,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage control unit controls the downloaded module to be stored in the first memory. In the second memory,
The control program which downloads the module which should be stored in the 1st memory from the outside, and performs the processing which stores the downloaded module in the 1st memory is stored. The claim 1 or 2 characterized by things. The image forming apparatus described. The control program acquisition means includes
The control program module is downloaded from the external device that has output the operation request when the power saving mode is shifted to the normal mode due to the operation request from the external device. The image forming apparatus described. The control program acquisition means includes
5. The control program module is downloaded from a preset external device when the power saving mode is shifted to the normal mode by an operation input to the image forming apparatus. Image forming apparatus. A plurality of the preset external devices are set together with the priority order to try download,
The control program acquisition means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein download of the control program is tried in order from an external device having a higher priority. The image forming apparatus includes:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the setting of the download source external apparatus is received together with the priority order from an input unit provided in the image forming apparatus or from the outside. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the set download source external device and / or the priority is stored in a rewritable nonvolatile memory. It has a detecting means for detecting that an inoperable state in which image formation cannot be performed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus shifts to a power saving mode when inoperable. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the module stored in the second memory includes a module that monitors cancellation of the power saving mode. A detecting means for detecting that an inoperable state in which image formation cannot be performed;
A first memory in which power is not supplied when it is detected that the detection unit has become inoperable; and
A second memory to which power is supplied even when it is detected by the detection means that the operation is disabled;
Control program acquisition means for acquiring a control program for each module from an external download source;
When the acquired module is a module that does not operate when it is inoperable, it is stored in the first memory, and when it is a module that can operate when it is inoperable, it is stored in the second memory. An image forming apparatus comprising: a storage control unit configured to perform storage control. The detection means includes
Consumable parts required for image formation are not installed, the consumable parts are out of service life, the cover for installing the consumable parts is open, out of paper, paper full on the output side, occurrence of paper jam, Operates at least one of detection of residual paper after paper jam occurs, discrepancy between the paper size specified in the print request and available media size, discrepancy between the media specified in the print request and available media The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus is detected as an impossible state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the module stored in the second memory includes a module that monitors the release of the inoperable state. The module stored in the second memory includes a module for detecting mounting of a consumable part necessary for image formation, a module for detecting the expiry of the consumable part, and opening and closing a cover for mounting the consumable part. Status detection module, out-of-paper detection module, output-side paper full detection module, paper jam occurrence detection module, residual paper detection module after paper jam occurrence, paper size setting The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, 11, 12, or 13, comprising at least one of a module and a module for setting a medium type. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the module stored in the second memory includes an external communication module. The second memory is built in the same chip as a processor that executes a control program, and the first memory is externally attached to the chip. The image forming apparatus described in 1.

Images