JP2008068548A - Image formation system, power supply control method and power supply control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation system, a power supply control method and a power supply control program which enables the designing of a user's convenience even in case a commercial power supply stops. <P>SOLUTION: The image formation system is equipped with a secondary battery 113 capable of charging and discharging. As for a control part 121, an electric power is supplied from either the commercial power supply or the secondary battery 113. A power supply selection part 116 chooses any one of the powers which are supplied from the commercial power supply and the secondary battery 113. The control part 121 judges whether the power is supplied from the commercial power supply. If it is judged that the power is not supplied from the commercial power supply, the power supply selection part 116 is controlled so that the power may be supplied from the secondary battery 113. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a power control method, and a power control program.

  Conventionally, a memory backup circuit that backs up a memory with a secondary battery charged by the main power supply when the main power supply is turned off is generally known. In such a circuit, when power is supplied from the commercial power source to the circuit unit, power is also supplied to the secondary battery, and the secondary battery is discharged when the commercial power source is turned off or momentarily interrupted. There is a problem that the life is shortened when the number of times of charging and discharging is large.

  As a solution to such a problem, a backup circuit that reduces the power consumption of a secondary battery by using an energy saving mode is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3396983

  However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 can back up the memory when the commercial power supply is stopped. However, in an emergency such as a power failure or pulling out of the power plug, the image forming apparatus is connected to the network. If data is received from the information processing apparatus, the data reception stops without completion. As a result, the transmitted data is lost, and it is necessary for the user who tried to print the data to make a print instruction again after confirming that the data is not printed, which is not convenient.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an image forming apparatus, a power supply control method, and a power supply control program that can achieve user convenience even when the commercial power supply is stopped. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is charged with electric power supplied from an external power supply, and is capable of being discharged and supplied from the auxiliary power supply means and the auxiliary power supply means. Power selection means for selecting one of the power to be supplied and the power supplied from the external power supply, a determination means for determining whether power is supplied from the external power supply, and a network. Data receiving means for receiving data transmitted from another device, and when the determination means determines that power is not supplied from the external power source, and the data receiving means has completed receiving data Control means for controlling the power supply selection means so as to select the power supplied from the auxiliary power supply means in the absence of the auxiliary power supply means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the control unit is supplied with power from the auxiliary power unit, it communicates the data reception speed of the data reception unit. Of the possible speeds, the lowest speed is set.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the image forming apparatus further includes a storage unit that is a nonvolatile storage medium, and the control unit receives the data by the data reception unit. The stored data is stored in the storage means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the data receiving unit receives data when the auxiliary power unit is selected from the external power source by the power source selecting unit. A transmission unit that interrupts and transmits a data retransmission request to a destination device of the data received by the data reception unit, and the control unit erases the data stored in the storage unit The image forming apparatus is turned off after a request for data retransmission is transmitted by the transmission unit.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, when the transmission unit is selected from the external power source to the auxiliary power unit by the power source selection unit, the data reception unit After the fact that the image forming apparatus is abnormal is transmitted to the destination apparatus of the received data, the control means transmits the fact that the image forming apparatus is abnormal, and then the image forming apparatus The power supply is cut off.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, when the external power source is selected from the external power source by the power source selecting unit, the external power source is selected. Display means for displaying that power is not supplied from the control means, and the control means turns off the power supply of the image forming apparatus after the display means displays that power is not supplied from the external power supply. It is characterized by.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the control unit is configured to switch the power of the image forming apparatus before turning off the power. The log information indicating the state is output.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided auxiliary power supply means that can be charged and discharged with power supplied from an external power source, and a power source selecting step that selects any one of power supplied from the external power source. A determination step of determining whether power is supplied from the external power source, a data reception step of receiving data transmitted from another device connected via a network, and the determination step When it is determined that power is not supplied from the power source, and when the data reception step has not completed data reception, the power source selection step is controlled to select the power supplied from the auxiliary power source means. And a control step.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply control method according to the eighth aspect, when the control step is supplied with power from the auxiliary power supply means, the data reception speed of the data reception means is communicated. Of the possible speeds, the lowest speed is set.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply control method according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the control step stores the data received in the data receiving step as a nonvolatile storage medium. It memorize | stores in.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the power control method according to the tenth aspect, when the data receiving step is selected from the external power source to the auxiliary power source means in the power source selecting step, the data receiving step is performed. A transmission step of interrupting and transmitting a request for retransmission of data to the transmission destination device of the data received in the data reception step, wherein the control step stores the data stored in the storage means The image forming apparatus is turned off after the request for data retransmission is transmitted in the transmission step.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the power control method according to the eleventh aspect, when the transmission step is selected from the external power source to the auxiliary power source means by the power source selection step, the data reception step. A message indicating that the image forming apparatus is abnormal is transmitted to the apparatus to which the received data is transmitted, and the control step transmits the fact that the image forming apparatus is abnormal in the transmitting step. The power supply is cut off.

  Further, the invention according to claim 13 is the power control method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein when the auxiliary power means is selected from the external power by the power selection step, the external power A display step for displaying that power is not supplied from the power source, and the control step turns off the power source of the image forming apparatus after the display step indicates that power is not supplied from the external power source. It is characterized by this.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply control method according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects, the control step includes the step of controlling the image forming apparatus before turning off the power of the image forming apparatus. The log information indicating the state is output.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided auxiliary power supply means that can be charged and discharged with electric power supplied from an external power source, and a power source selecting step that selects any one of electric power supplied from the external power source. A determination step of determining whether power is supplied from the external power source, a data reception step of receiving data transmitted from another device connected via a network, and the determination step When it is determined that power is not supplied from the power source, and when the data reception step has not completed data reception, the power source selection step is controlled to select the power supplied from the auxiliary power source means. And a control step for causing the computer to execute a power supply control method.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the power control program according to the fifteenth aspect, the control step communicates the data reception speed of the data reception means when power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply means. It is characterized by causing a computer to execute a power control method characterized by setting the slowest speed among possible speeds.

  The invention according to claim 17 is the power control program according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the control step stores the data received by the data reception step as a nonvolatile storage medium. The computer is caused to execute a power supply control method characterized by storing the information in a computer.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the power control program according to the seventeenth aspect, when the data receiving step is selected from the external power source to the auxiliary power source means by the power source selecting step, data reception is performed. A transmission step of interrupting and transmitting a request for retransmission of data to the transmission destination device of the data received in the data reception step, wherein the control step stores the data stored in the storage means And deleting the power of the image forming apparatus after the request for data retransmission is transmitted in the transmitting step, and causing the computer to execute a power control method.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the power control program according to the eighteenth aspect, when the transmission step is selected from the external power source to the auxiliary power source means by the power source selection step, the data reception step. A message indicating that the image forming apparatus is abnormal is transmitted to the apparatus to which the received data is transmitted, and the control step transmits the fact that the image forming apparatus is abnormal in the transmitting step. A computer is caused to execute a power control method characterized by cutting off the power.

  The invention according to claim 20 is the power control program according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein when the auxiliary power means is selected from the external power source by the power source selecting step, the external power source is selected. A display step for displaying that power is not supplied from the power source, and the control step turns off the power source of the image forming apparatus after the display step indicates that power is not supplied from the external power source. The computer is caused to execute a power control method characterized by the above.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the power supply control program according to any one of the fifteenth to twentieth aspects, the control step includes the step of controlling the image forming apparatus before turning off the power of the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by causing a computer to execute a power supply control method characterized by outputting log information indicating a state.

  According to the present invention, the power source selection unit is charged with the power supplied from the external power source, and either one of the power supplied from the dischargeable auxiliary power unit or the power supplied from the external power source is used. Select, determine by the determination means whether or not power is supplied from the external power supply, receive data transmitted from other devices connected via the network by the data reception means, and by the control means When it is determined that power is not supplied from the external power source and the data receiving unit has not received the data, the power source selecting unit is controlled to select the power supplied from the auxiliary power unit. Therefore, even when the power supply from the external power supply is stopped, the power is continuously supplied to the control unit, and data reception is not terminated halfway. It is not necessary to perform a transmission instruction of the data, there is an effect that it is possible convenience for users achieved.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply means, the control means sets the data reception speed at the data reception means to the lowest possible communication speed, thereby receiving the data. The amount of power required for the power supply can be reduced, so that the power of the auxiliary power source can be used for a long time.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the control means stores the data received by the data receiving means in the storage means that is a nonvolatile storage medium, so that the data can be retained even when the power is turned off. There is an effect that data need not be transmitted again.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the data receiving means is selected from the external power supply to the auxiliary power supply means, the data receiving means interrupts the data reception, and the transmission means sends the data received by the data receiving means to the destination device of the data. On the other hand, a request for data retransmission is transmitted, and the control unit erases the data stored in the storage unit, and after the request for data retransmission is transmitted by the transmission unit, the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off. Thus, since a retransmission request is transmitted without holding data in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to secure high security and improve user convenience.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the transmission unit is selected as the auxiliary power unit from the external power source, the image forming apparatus is abnormal with respect to the transmission destination apparatus of the data received by the data reception unit. The control means transmits a message indicating that the abnormality is detected by the transmission means, and then turns off the power of the image forming apparatus so that the user of the data transmission source can know the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, there is an effect that convenience for the user can be achieved.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the display means selects from the external power supply to the auxiliary power supply means, it is displayed that power is not supplied from the external power supply, and the control means is not supplied with power from the external power supply by the display means. After the message is displayed, it is possible to clearly indicate that the image forming apparatus is operating with power from the auxiliary power source by turning off the power source of the image forming apparatus. Play.

  According to the present invention, the control unit outputs log information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus before turning off the power of the image forming apparatus, so that the user can recognize the status of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

  Further, according to the present invention, the power selection step charges one of the power supplied from the external power supply and the power supplied from the dischargeable auxiliary power supply means or the power supplied from the external power supply. Select one, determine whether power is supplied from the external power source in the determination step, receive data transmitted from other devices connected via the network, and control by the data reception step If it is determined in the step that power is not supplied from the external power source, and the data reception step has not completed data reception, a power selection step is performed to select the power supplied from the auxiliary power supply means. By controlling, even when power supply from the external power supply is stopped, power is continuously supplied to the control unit, and data reception is in progress Since it will not be terminated, an effect that again it is not necessary to perform a transmission instruction of the data, it is possible to improve convenience of the user.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply means, the control step sets the data reception speed in the data reception step to the lowest possible communication speed, thereby receiving the data reception. The amount of power required for the power supply can be reduced, so that the power of the auxiliary power source can be used for a long time.

  Further, according to the present invention, the control step stores the data received in the data reception step in the storage means that is a nonvolatile storage medium, so that the data can be retained even when the power is turned off. There is an effect that data need not be transmitted again.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the data reception step is selected from the external power source to the auxiliary power source means, the data reception step is interrupted, and the transmission step is performed to the transmission destination device of the data received by the data reception step. On the other hand, a data retransmission request is transmitted, and the control step erases the data stored in the storage means, and after the data retransmission request is transmitted by the transmission step, the image forming apparatus is turned off. Thus, since a retransmission request is transmitted without holding data in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to secure high security and improve user convenience.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the transmission step is selected from the external power supply to the auxiliary power supply means, the image forming apparatus is abnormal with respect to the transmission destination apparatus of the data received in the data reception step. And the control step is notified that the image forming apparatus is abnormal by the transmitting step, and then the user of the data transmission source can know the state of the image forming apparatus by turning off the power of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, there is an effect that convenience for the user can be achieved.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the auxiliary power means is selected from the external power source by the display step, it is displayed that the power is not supplied from the external power source, and the control step is not supplied with the power from the external power source by the display step. After the message is displayed, it is possible to clearly indicate that the image forming apparatus is operating with power from the auxiliary power source by turning off the power source of the image forming apparatus. Play.

  According to the present invention, the control step outputs log information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus before turning off the power of the image forming apparatus, so that the user can recognize the status of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus, a power supply control method, and a power supply control program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The MFP (Multi-Functional Peripherals) according to the present embodiment supplies power from an auxiliary power source when power from an external power source such as a commercial power source is stopped while the operation of the control unit continues. To complete the operation. In this embodiment, a multifunction peripheral is described as an example of the image forming apparatus, but an apparatus including an image forming unit such as a laser printer (LP) may be used instead of the multifunction peripheral.

  First, a configuration example of a multifunction machine to which the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. The multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes a power control unit 110, a main body unit 120, and an image forming unit 130. The multifunction device 100 is connected to another information processing terminal 300 or the like via the network 300. The network 300 may be a public line connected to the outside in addition to a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The main body 120 further includes a control unit 121, a transmission / reception unit 122, a data storage unit 123, and a display unit 124.

  The control unit 121 controls each unit of the multifunction device 100. The control unit 121 is supplied with power from either the AC power selected by the power selection unit 116 or the secondary battery 113. The control unit 121 transmits a control signal to the secondary battery control unit 115 and the power source selection unit 116 to control the charger 112 and control the power source selection. In addition, the control unit 121 determines whether or not power is supplied from the commercial power source according to a control signal transmitted from a power cutoff monitoring unit 119 described later. Here, the commercial power source is an example of an external power source, and the external power source is a power source that is constantly supplied in addition to the commercial power source. The control part 121 comprises the determination means concerning this invention.

  The transmission / reception unit 122 transmits / receives data transmitted from the information processing terminal 200 connected via the network 300. The data storage unit 123 stores the data received by the transmission / reception unit 122. The data storage unit 123 is a non-volatile storage medium, and retains data even after the multifunction device 100 is powered off. The display unit 124 displays information related to the multifunction device 100. The image forming unit 130 prints data and logs by transferring toner onto recording paper or the like.

  The power supply control unit 110 further includes an AC-DC power supply unit 111, a charger 112, a secondary battery 113, a voltage monitoring unit 114, a secondary battery control unit 115, a power supply selection unit 116, and a DC-DC power supply. Unit 117, AC outlet 118, and power shutoff monitoring unit 119.

  The AC-DC power supply unit 111 converts AC power (AC) 100 V supplied from commercial power into DC power (DC). The charger 112 charges the secondary battery 113 in accordance with an instruction from the secondary battery control unit 115. The secondary battery 113 supplies the stored charge to the main body 120 as a DC power source. The secondary battery 113 constitutes chargeable / dischargeable auxiliary power supply means according to the present invention.

  The voltage monitoring unit 114 monitors the voltage level of the secondary battery 113 and notifies the secondary battery control unit 115 of the discharge state. The secondary battery control unit 115 instructs the charger 112 to charge or detect a full charge based on an instruction from the main body unit 120 or a detection signal from the voltage monitoring unit 114.

  The power source selection unit 116 selects either the DC power source from the AC-DC power source unit 111 or the DC power source from the secondary battery 113 as the power source supplied to the main body unit 120. The DC-DC power source unit 117 supplies the DC power supplied from the power source selection unit 116 to the main body unit 120. The AC outlet 118 is a relay for supplying AC power to the image forming unit 130.

  The power shutoff monitoring unit 119 monitors whether or not the power supplied from the commercial power supply has stopped. Specifically, the input current is monitored, and a control signal is sent to the control unit 121 when the input current becomes a predetermined current amount or less.

  Note that the power control unit 110 may be disposed within the housing of the multifunction device 100 or may be disposed outside the housing of the multifunction device 100.

  Next, power control processing by the multi-function device 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a power control procedure performed by the control unit and the transmission / reception unit according to the first embodiment.

  First, the control unit 121 determines whether or not the commercial power supply is shut off (step S201). Specifically, it is determined that the commercial power supply has been cut off when a control signal indicating that the power supply sent from the power cut-off monitoring unit 119 has been cut off is received. If it is determined that the commercial power source is not shut off (step S201: No), the process returns to step S201 to determine again whether the commercial power source is shut off.

  When it is determined that the commercial power source is cut off (step S201: Yes), the control unit 121 switches the power supply from the commercial power source to the secondary battery 113 (step S202). Specifically, the control unit 121 sends a control signal to the power supply selection unit 116 and controls the power supply selection unit 116 to supply power from the secondary battery 113.

  Next, the control unit 121 determines whether or not the transmission / reception unit 122 is receiving data (step S203). When the transmission / reception unit 122 determines that data is being received (step S203: Yes), the control unit 121 determines whether reception of data has been completed (step S204). If it is determined that the data reception has not ended (step S204: No), the process returns to step S204 to determine again whether the data reception has ended. Thereby, even when the supply of power from the commercial power supply is stopped, the power is supplied from the secondary battery until the reception of data from the transmission source is completed, and the reception of data can be completed.

  If it is determined that the data reception has been completed (step S204: Yes), the received data is stored from the memory into the data storage unit 123 (step S205). As a result, even if the power storage amount of the auxiliary power supply decreases immediately after this and the power supply is cut off, the data is retained, and after the supply of commercial power resumes, the data stored in the data storage unit 123 is printed. Is possible.

  The control unit 121 controls the image forming unit 130 to print data (step S206). In this case, since the supply of power from the commercial power supply is stopped, the power from the secondary battery 113 is supplied to the image forming unit 130 via the DC-DC power supply unit 117, and image forming processing is performed. As a result, power is supplied until the printing of data transmitted from the information processing terminal 200 on the LAN is completed, and the printing of the data can be completed, so that the convenience of the user can be achieved.

  Thereafter, the control unit 121 turns off the power supply (step S207). If it is determined in step S203 that the transmission / reception unit 122 is not receiving data (step S203: No), the process proceeds to step S207, and the power is turned off (step S207).

  In this way, even when the supply of power from the commercial power supply is stopped, the process that has not been completed can be continued using the power from the secondary battery, so that the process can be completed. The user does not need to give an instruction again and wait for the process, so that convenience can be achieved for the user.

  Note that the multifunction peripheral 100 is not limited to data reception processing, and when power from the commercial power supply is stopped while the document is being read by the scanner, the power is supplied from the secondary battery until the reading of the document is completed. Thereafter, the power may be turned off. Furthermore, the power may be turned off after the read data is transmitted to the information processing terminal 200 instructed to read via the network.

  In addition, when the power supply from the commercial power supply is stopped while the MFP 100 is using the facsimile function, the original is read, power is supplied from the secondary battery until transmission of the read data is completed, and then the power is turned on. It may be cut.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment performs transmission / reception at the slowest data transmission / reception speed when data is transmitted / received to / from another apparatus when power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply.

  Since the configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the MFP according to the first embodiment, the description in the first embodiment is referred to, and here the first embodiment is described. Only the parts different from the form will be described.

  In addition to the functions and configurations described above, the control unit 121 sets a data transmission / reception speed for the transmission / reception unit 122.

  Next, power control processing by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a power control procedure performed by the control unit and the transmission / reception unit according to the second embodiment. 3 is almost the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, only the different parts will be described. For steps S301 to S303 and steps S305 to S308, refer to the description in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S303 that the transmission / reception unit 122 is receiving data (step S303: Yes), the control unit 121 sets the data reception speed to the lowest possible communication speed (step S304). . As a result, the amount of power required to receive data can be reduced.

  For example, if the data transmission / reception speed is set from 1 Gbit / s to 100 Mbit / s, the power consumption can be reduced to ½. Furthermore, if the data transmission / reception speed is set from 100 Mbit / s to 10 Mbit / s, the power consumption can be further reduced to 2/3.

  As described above, when data transmission / reception is performed by the auxiliary power supply, the power consumption can be reduced by performing data transmission / reception at a low speed, so that the possibility of completing data transmission / reception only by the auxiliary power supply is increased. Can do.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment transmits information regarding the power source of the multifunction peripheral to the data transmission source when the supply of power from the commercial power source is interrupted.

  Since the configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the MFP according to the first embodiment, the description in the first embodiment is referred to, and here the first embodiment is described. Only the parts different from the form will be described.

  In addition to the functions and configurations described above, the control unit 121 transmits information related to the power supply of the MFP 100 to other devices when data is transmitted to or received from other devices connected on the network. Control to do.

  Next, power control processing by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a power control procedure performed by the control unit and the transmission / reception unit according to the third embodiment. Note that FIG. 4 is almost the same as the flowcharts shown in FIGS. For steps S401 to S403 and steps S405 to S409, refer to the descriptions in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

  If it is determined in step S403 that the transmission / reception unit 122 is receiving data (step S403: Yes), the transmission / reception unit 122 informs the information processing terminal 200 that is the data transmission source to turn off the power of the MFP 100. Transmit (step S404). On the other hand, the information processing terminal 200 receives information that the power of the multi-function device 100 is turned off and displays the information on the display unit. Note that the display unit 124 of the multifunction peripheral 100 may display that power is being supplied from the secondary battery 113. For example, a light indicating that power is supplied from the secondary battery 113 may be turned on on the operation panel, or a letter indicating that power is being supplied from the secondary battery 113 may be displayed.

  As described above, when the power supply from the commercial power supply is stopped in the multi-function peripheral 100, the user of the data transmission source can recognize that the power is cut off in the multi-function peripheral 100. It is possible to take other measures without moving to the installation location of the printer and confirming whether or not the data is printed (for example, sending a print instruction to another multifunction device). Can be improved.

  The information transmitted to the information processing terminal 200 includes not only that the power supply from the commercial power supply is stopped, but also that the transmitted data is stored in the data storage unit 123 of the multi-function peripheral 100 and printing of the transmitted data. Information on the power source such as the completion may be transmitted.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The multi-function device according to the fourth embodiment clears data received from other devices and prints log information indicating the status of the multi-function device.

  Since the configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the MFP according to the first embodiment, the description in the first embodiment is referred to, and here the first embodiment is described. Only the parts different from the form will be described.

  In addition to the functions and configurations described above, the control unit 121 controls clearing of received data stored in the memory and printing of logs.

  Next, power control processing by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a power control procedure performed by the control unit and the transmission / reception unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 5 is partially the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. Steps S501 to S504 refer to the description in FIG.

  In step S505, the control unit 121 clears the received data on the memory (step S505). In addition, when electric power is supplied from a commercial power supply, when reception data is stored in the data storage unit 123 from the memory, the reception data stored in the data storage unit 123 is cleared. The control unit 121 prints log information (step S506). Here, the log information indicates the state of the multifunction device 100. For example, the remaining amount of power of the secondary battery, the IP address assigned to the multifunction device 100, whether or not data has been received, This is the cause of cutting. Thereafter, the control unit 121 turns off the power supply (step S507).

  As described above, the security can be improved by clearing the received data stored in the memory or in the data storage unit 123 before the multifunction device 100 is powered off (before shutting down). Further, by outputting the log, it is possible to grasp the status of the multifunction peripheral 100 before the power is turned off, and the user can take appropriate measures, so that the convenience of the user can be improved. .

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the main body of the multi-function peripheral according to the first to fourth embodiments. As shown in the figure, the main unit 120 of the multifunction peripheral 100 has a configuration in which the controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire MFP 100 and controls drawing, communication, and input from the operation unit 20. The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 18, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the multifunction peripheral 100, has a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and the AGP bus 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading / writing with respect to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 15, the PCI bus, the HDD 18, and the MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform rotation of image data by hardware logic. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. An FCU (Fax Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 50 are connected to the ASIC 16 via a PCI bus.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 18 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. It is.

  AGP is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card that has been proposed to speed up graphics processing, and makes the graphics accelerator card faster by directly accessing the MEM-P12 with high throughput. .

  Note that the power supply control program executed by the multifunction peripheral 100 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The power supply control program executed by the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. It may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, the power supply control program executed by the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. In addition, the power control program executed by the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The power supply control program executed by the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units (control unit, transmission / reception unit, etc.). As actual hardware, the CPU (processor) is the ROM. By reading and executing the power supply control program from the above, the above-described units are loaded on the main storage device, and the control unit, the transmission / reception unit, and the like are generated on the main storage device.

  In the above-described embodiment, the multifunction peripheral that is the image forming apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to an information processing apparatus, an electronic device, and the like in addition to the image forming apparatus.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control procedure which the control part concerning 1st Embodiment and a transmission / reception part perform. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control procedure which the control part concerning 2nd Embodiment and a transmission / reception part perform. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control procedure which the control part concerning 3rd Embodiment and a transmission / reception part perform. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control procedure which the control part and transmission / reception part concerning 4th Embodiment perform. It is explanatory drawing which shows the hardware constitutions of the main-body part of the multifunctional device concerning 1st-4th embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 110 Power supply control part 111 AC-DC power supply part 112 Charger 113 Secondary battery 114 Voltage monitoring part 115 Secondary battery control part 116 Power supply selection part 117 DC-DC power supply part 118 AC outlet 120 Main body part 121 Control part 122 Transmission / reception unit 123 Data storage unit 124 Display unit 130 Image forming unit 200 Information processing terminal 300 Network

Claims (21)

Auxiliary power supply means that can be charged and discharged with power supplied from an external power source,
Power supply selection means for selecting one of power supplied from the auxiliary power supply means and power supplied from the external power supply;
Determining means for determining whether power is supplied from the external power source;
Data receiving means for receiving data transmitted from other devices connected via a network;
When it is determined by the determination means that power is not supplied from the external power supply, and the data reception means has not completed data reception, the power supplied from the auxiliary power supply means is selected. Control means for controlling the power source selection means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the power is supplied from the auxiliary power unit, the control unit sets the data reception speed of the data reception unit to the lowest speed among communicable speeds. The image forming apparatus described. Storage means that is a non-volatile storage medium,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores the data received by the data receiving unit in the storage unit. The data receiving means interrupts data reception when the auxiliary power means is selected from the external power source by the power source selecting means,
A transmission means for transmitting a data retransmission request to a destination device of the data received by the data reception means;
4. The control unit according to claim 3, wherein the control unit erases the data stored in the storage unit, and turns off the power of the image forming apparatus after a request for data retransmission is transmitted by the transmission unit. The image forming apparatus described. When the transmission means is selected from the external power supply to the auxiliary power supply means by the power supply selection means, the image forming apparatus is abnormal with respect to a data transmission destination apparatus received by the data reception means. Send a notice,
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit turns off the power of the image forming apparatus after the fact that the abnormality is transmitted by the transmission unit. 6. Display means for displaying that power is not supplied from the external power supply when the power selection means selects the auxiliary power supply from the external power supply;
6. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein after the display unit displays that the power is not supplied from the external power source, the power source of the image forming apparatus is turned off. The image forming apparatus described.   The image according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs log information indicating a state of the image forming apparatus before the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off. Forming equipment. Auxiliary power supply means that is charged with power supplied from an external power supply and can be discharged, and a power supply selection step of selecting any one of the power supplied from the external power supply,
A determination step of determining whether power is supplied from the external power source;
A data receiving step for receiving data transmitted from other devices connected via the network;
When it is determined in the determination step that power is not supplied from the external power supply, and the data reception step is not completed, the power supplied from the auxiliary power supply means is selected. A control step for controlling the power source selection step;
A power supply control method characterized by comprising:   9. The control step according to claim 8, wherein when power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply means, the data reception speed of the data reception means is set to the lowest speed among communicable speeds. The power supply control method described.   The power control method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control step stores the data received in the data reception step in a storage unit that is a nonvolatile storage medium. In the data reception step, when the auxiliary power supply means is selected from the external power source in the power source selection step, reception of data is interrupted,
A transmission step of transmitting a request for retransmission of data to a transmission destination device of the data received by the data reception step;
11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control step erases the data stored in the storage unit, and turns off the power of the image forming apparatus after a data retransmission request is transmitted in the transmission step. The power supply control method described. In the transmission step, when the auxiliary power supply unit is selected from the external power source in the power source selection step, the image forming apparatus is abnormal with respect to the data transmission destination apparatus received in the data reception step. Send a notice,
The power control method according to claim 11, wherein the control step is to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus after the fact that the transmission step is abnormal is transmitted. A display step of displaying that power is not supplied from the external power source when the power source selection step selects the auxiliary power source from the external power source;
The power supply of the said image forming apparatus is cut | disconnected from the said control step, after it is displayed that the electric power is not supplied from the said external power supply by the said display step. The power supply control method described.   The power source according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the control step outputs log information indicating a state of the image forming apparatus before the power source of the image forming apparatus is turned off. Control method. Auxiliary power supply means that is charged with power supplied from an external power supply and can be discharged, and a power supply selection step of selecting any one of the power supplied from the external power supply,
A determination step of determining whether power is supplied from the external power source;
A data receiving step for receiving data transmitted from other devices connected via the network;
When it is determined in the determination step that power is not supplied from the external power source, and the data reception step does not complete reception of data, the power supplied from the auxiliary power source is selected. A control step for controlling the power source selection step;
A power supply control program for causing a computer to execute a power supply control method characterized by comprising:   A power control method characterized in that, when power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply means, the control step sets the data reception speed of the data reception means to the lowest speed among communicable speeds; The power control program according to claim 15, which is executed by a computer.   16. The control step causes a computer to execute a power control method, wherein the data received in the data reception step is stored in a storage unit that is a non-volatile storage medium. Or the power supply control program of Claim 16. In the data reception step, when the auxiliary power supply means is selected from the external power source in the power source selection step, reception of data is interrupted,
A transmission step of transmitting a request for retransmission of data to a transmission destination device of the data received by the data reception step;
A power control method comprising: erasing data stored in the storage unit; and turning off the power of the image forming apparatus after a request for data retransmission is transmitted in the transmission step. The power supply control program according to claim 17, which is executed by a computer. In the transmission step, when the auxiliary power supply unit is selected from the external power source in the power source selection step, the image forming apparatus is abnormal with respect to the data transmission destination apparatus received in the data reception step. Send a message,
19. The computer control method according to claim 18, wherein the control step causes the computer to execute a power control method characterized in that the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off after the fact that the transmission step is abnormal is transmitted. The power supply control program described in 1. A display step of displaying that power is not supplied from the external power supply when the auxiliary power supply means is selected from the external power supply in the power supply selection step;
The control step causes a computer to execute a power supply control method, wherein after the display step displays that power is not supplied from the external power supply, the image forming apparatus is turned off. The power supply control program according to any one of claims 15 to 19.   The control step causes a computer to execute a power control method that outputs log information indicating a state of the image forming apparatus before the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off. Item 20. The power supply control program according to any one of Items 15 to 20.

Images