JP2009159569A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To start the warming up of a heater and to shorten a period of time between when power is supplied and when a printer is printable by executing a temperature control program of the heater before expanding a program compressed and stored in a nonvolatile memory by storing the temperature control program of the heater for heating and fixing a medium as a non-compressed program in the nonvolatile memory. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10 having a heater for heating and fixing a medium comprises: a nonvolatile memory 12 for storing a non-compressed program including the temperature control program of the heater and a compressed program; a volatile memory 13 for expanding a program to be executed; and a control part for extending the non-compressed program on the volatile memory 13, executing the temperature control program of the heater, and expanding the compressed program and extending the compressed program on the volatile memory 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a multi-function printer (MFP), a program for controlling the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus in order to effectively use a nonvolatile memory. Are stored in a non-volatile memory, and when the power is turned on, the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus is controlled by decompressing the program and executing the program.

For example, by performing time-division expansion of a program stored in a compressed state in a non-volatile memory, and controlling to update the display content on the display unit during the gap time in this time-division expansion operation An image forming apparatus capable of confirming and displaying an operation state has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-018418 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, since the program for controlling the heater of the fixing unit is also compressed and stored in the nonvolatile memory, the program for controlling the heater is executed after decompression of the compressed program. The heater is warmed up. Therefore, there is a problem that the time from when the power is turned on until when printing is possible is delayed.

  The present invention solves the problems of the conventional image forming apparatus and stores the temperature control program of the heater for heating and fixing the medium as a non-compressed program in the non-volatile memory so as to be compressed and stored in the non-volatile memory. The heater temperature control program can be executed before the current program is expanded, and the heater warm-up can be started, and the time from when the power is turned on until printing is possible can be reduced. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, an image forming apparatus having a heater for heating and fixing a medium, a non-compressed program including a temperature control program for the heater, and a non-volatile memory for storing a compressed program; Volatile memory for expanding a program to be executed and control for expanding the non-compressed program on the volatile memory, executing the heater temperature control program, and expanding the compressed program on the volatile memory Part.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the temperature control program of the heater for heating and fixing the medium is stored in the nonvolatile memory as an uncompressed program. As a result, the heater temperature control program can be executed before the program stored in the nonvolatile memory after being compressed is expanded to start warming up the heater, and printing can be performed after the power is turned on. The time to become can be shortened.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the non-volatile memory and volatile memory in the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a printer, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or the like, and forms a black and white (monochrome) or color image on a medium such as a printing paper, an envelope, or an OHP (Over Head Projector) sheet. Any type of apparatus may be used as long as it is present, but here, a description will be given on the assumption that it is a composite printer having the functions of a printer, a facsimile machine, and a copier, that is, an MFP. The image forming method of the image forming apparatus 10 may be any type such as an ink jet method, an electrophotographic method, or a thermal transfer method, and may form a black and white image or form a color image. In this example, it is assumed that a black and white image is formed by an electrophotographic method.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is communicably connected to an external device (not shown) via a network 21 as an external network. The network 21 is, for example, the Internet, an intranet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like, but may be of any type as long as it can perform data communication by wire or wireless. The network 21 may be connected as an external device with devices such as a personal computer, a server, and an information terminal (not shown) that function as a host device of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU 11, a nonvolatile memory 12, a volatile memory 13, an operation display unit 14, an image reading unit 15, an image forming unit 16, a transfer unit 17, a fixing unit 18, and a communication control unit 19. Each unit is communicably connected by a bus 20 as a communication line.

  The CPU 11 develops a system program for controlling the image forming apparatus 10 stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 on the volatile memory 13, and cooperates with the developed system program to develop the image forming apparatus. 10 overall control is performed.

  Further, the CPU 11 cooperates with various processing programs developed on the volatile memory 13 in accordance with operation signals input from the operation display unit 14 and data input via the communication control unit 19. Execute the process. For example, the CPU 11 copies a document placed on the contact glass 15 a of the image reading unit 15 in accordance with a pressing operation of the operation display unit 14 by the user according to various processing programs developed on the volatile memory 13. Copy processing, print processing that receives data transmitted from an external device via the network 21, prints out based on the data, reads a document placed on the contact glass 15a of the image reading unit 15, A scanner process for outputting the read image data to an external device via the network 21 is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 develops a non-compressed program on the volatile memory 13, executes a heater temperature control program, and expands the compressed program to be developed on the volatile memory 13. Function. The CPU 11 also functions as an initialization determination unit that outputs a signal that prompts the control unit to execute program expansion after the power is turned on. Furthermore, the CPU 11 also functions as a power save control unit that stops energization of the volatile memory 13 when a predetermined condition is detected. Further, the CPU 11 also functions as a power save return control unit that energizes the volatile memory 13 when a predetermined input is detected and outputs a signal that prompts the control unit to execute program development. The predetermined input is, for example, a G3 facsimile ring signal, a G4 facsimile D channel signal, an Internet facsimile packet signal, or the like received from an external device via the network 21.

  The nonvolatile memory 12 is a read-only or electrically rewritable memory configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and is executed on the system program corresponding to the image forming apparatus 10 and the system program. Various possible processing programs are stored. These programs are stored in the form of computer readable program codes, and the CPU 11 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the nonvolatile memory 12 stores a hard initialization program 12a, an expansion and heater control program 12b, and a compressed program 12c. The hardware initialization program 12a and the decompression / heater control program 12b are stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 in an uncompressed state. In addition, a startup program such as a program for generating a task to be started when the power is turned on, and various processing programs are stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 in a compressed state as a compressed program 12c.

  The volatile memory 13 is a rewritable memory at any time. In various processes executed and controlled by the CPU 11, the expanded and heater control that is a program read and expanded from the nonvolatile memory 12 is performed. This is a temporary storage area for the program 13a, the expanded program 13b, and input data, output data, parameters, and the like 13c.

  The operation display unit 14 includes display means such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Various operation buttons, image states, and functions are displayed on the screen of the display means according to instructions of display signals input from the CPU 11. Display the operating status of. The display means is preferably a touch panel that also functions as an input means. In this case, the display means is covered with a transparent sheet panel, and outputs position information input by the user touching the surface with a finger or a dedicated stylus pen to the CPU 11 as input information.

  Further, the operation display unit 14 includes various operation buttons such as a power button for turning on the power, a start button, a numeric button, and a function button for switching various settings. Output to.

  The image reading unit 15 includes a scanner 15b below the contact glass 15a on which the document is placed, and the scanner 15b reads an image of the document. The scanner 15b includes a light source 15c, an image pickup unit 15d including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like, and forms an image of reflected light of the light scanned from the light source 15c onto the document and photoelectrically converts the light. The original image is read as image data, and the read image data is output to the image forming unit 16. Note that the image data includes not only image data such as graphics and photographs but also text data such as characters and symbols.

  Further, the image forming unit 16 receives an instruction input from the operation display unit 14 or a communication control unit with respect to the image data input from the image reading unit 15 and the image data received by the communication control unit 19. The image processing unit 19 performs image processing such as enlargement, reduction, rotation, and position change in accordance with the instruction data included in the received image data, and outputs the image processed image data to the transfer unit 17.

  The transfer unit 17 includes a photosensitive drum 17a as an image carrier, a toner 17b as a developer, a discharge unit 17c, a paper feeding unit 17d that stores a medium such as printing paper, and the like. Then, in accordance with the print instruction from the CPU 11, the transfer unit 17 uses a medium of the size and orientation designated by the instruction input from the operation display unit 14 or the instruction data included in the data received from the communication control unit 19. It is conveyed from the paper supply unit 17d. The transfer unit 17 forms an electrostatic latent image of the image data input from the image forming unit 16 on the surface of the photosensitive drum 17a. Further, the transfer unit 17 develops the toner 17b by attaching the toner 17b to an area including the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 17a, and transfers the toner image to the medium conveyed from the paper feeding unit 17d. Is conveyed to the fixing unit 18 to fix the toner image, and is discharged from the discharge portion 17c.

  The fixing unit 18 includes a heat roller 18a that is rotated by a drive source (not shown), a backup roller 18b that is pressed against the heat roller 18a, and rotates together with the heat roller 18a, and a heat roller 18a as a heater for heat fixing. And a fixing temperature sensor 18d for detecting the temperature of the heat roller 18a as a fixing temperature, and a toner image transferred to the medium by the transfer unit 17 in accordance with a printing instruction from the CPU 11 To heat and fix.

  The communication control unit 19 includes a communication modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), a router, and the like, and performs control for communicating with an external device connected to the network 21.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 having the above configuration will be described. First, the power-on process at the time of power-on will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the power-on process when the power is turned on according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4A is a time chart of the conventional image forming apparatus shown for comparison, and FIG. 4B is a time chart of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on and turned on, the CPU 11 executes a hardware initialization program 12 a stored at the beginning of the nonvolatile memory 12. Next, the CPU 11 expands the decompression and heater control program 12 b that is an uncompressed program of the nonvolatile memory 12 on the volatile memory 13. Next, the CPU 11 executes a heater control process in accordance with the heater control program developed from the nonvolatile memory 12 onto the volatile memory 13. Next, the CPU 11 starts the interval timer in order to start the interval timer interrupt process. Next, the CPU 11 executes decompression processing according to the decompression program expanded from the nonvolatile memory 12 onto the volatile memory l3, and ends the power-on processing.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S1: The hardware initialization program 12a is executed.
Step S2: The decompression and heater control program 12b, which is an uncompressed program in the nonvolatile memory 12, is expanded on the volatile memory 13.
Step S3 A heater control process is executed.
Step S4: Interval timer interrupt processing is started.
Step S5: The decompression process is executed, and the power-on process is terminated.

  Next, a subroutine for the heater control process in the power-on process will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the heater control process in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the heater control process, the CPU 11 first determines whether the operation of the fixing unit 18, that is, whether or not the fixing control is possible. If the fixing control is possible, the CPU 11 determines that the fixing control is determined for the fixing control determined in the interval timer interruption process. On the other hand, if the fixing control is not possible, the CPU 11 terminates the process by regarding the fixing control determined in the interval timer interruption process as no fixing control.

Next, a flowchart showing a subroutine of the heater control process will be described.
Step S3-1: It is determined whether or not fixing control is possible. If the fixing control is possible, the process proceeds to step S3-2. If the fixing control is not possible, the process proceeds to step S3-3.
Step S3-2: The processing is terminated with fixing control being performed.
Step S3-3: The process is terminated with no fixing control.

  Next, a subroutine for interval timer interrupt processing in power-on processing will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of interval timer interrupt processing in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the interval timer interrupt process, the CPU 11 first updates a common constant cycle counter that can be used in various processes. Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is fixing control for the fixing control processed in the interval timer interrupt processing. If there is fixing control, the CPU 11 executes heater control interruption processing. Finally, the CPU 11 cancels the interrupt of the interval timer and ends the process. If there is no fixing control by determining whether or not fixing control is present, the CPU 11 cancels the interrupt of the interval timer without executing the heater control interrupt processing, and ends the processing.

Next, a flowchart showing a subroutine of interval timer interrupt processing will be described.
Step S4-1: The constant cycle counter is updated.
Step S4-2: It is determined whether or not there is fixing control. If there is fixing control, the process proceeds to step S4-3. If there is no fixing control, the process proceeds to step S4-4.
Step S4-3: A heater control interruption process is executed.
Step S4-4: The interval timer interrupt is canceled and the process is terminated.

  Next, a subroutine for heater control interrupt processing in interval timer interrupt processing will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the heater control interrupt process in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the heater control interruption process, the CPU 11 first determines whether or not the fixing temperature detected by the fixing temperature sensor 18d of the fixing unit 18 is normal. When the fixing temperature is normal, the CPU 11 determines whether the fixing temperature is lower than a preset target temperature. Here, when the fixing temperature is lower than the target temperature, the CPU 11 turns on the halogen lamp 18 c of the fixing unit 18. That is, the process is terminated as halogen-on.

  If the fixing temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature, the CPU 11 turns off the halogen lamp 18c of the fixing unit 18. That is, the process is terminated by keeping the fixing temperature at a constant temperature by turning off the halogen.

  Further, it is determined whether or not the fixing temperature of the fixing temperature sensor 18d of the fixing unit 18 is normal. If the fixing temperature is abnormal, the CPU 11 turns off the halogen lamp 18c of the fixing unit 18 to turn off the halogen. Then, the heater is abnormal, and finally, the fixing control determined in the interval timer interruption processing is not performed, and the processing is terminated.

Next, a flowchart showing a subroutine of heater control interrupt processing will be described.
Step S4-3-1: It is determined whether or not the fixing temperature is normal. If the fixing temperature is normal, the process proceeds to step S4-3-2, and if the fixing temperature is not normal, the process proceeds to step S4-3-5.
Step S4-3-2: It is determined whether or not the fixing temperature is lower than a preset target temperature. If the fixing temperature is lower than the preset target temperature, the process proceeds to step S4-3-3. If the fixing temperature is equal to or higher than the preset target temperature, the process proceeds to step SS4-3-4.
Step S4-3-3: Halogen is turned on and the process is terminated.
Step S4-3-4: Halogen is turned off and the process is terminated.
Step S4-3-5: Halogen is turned off.
Step S4-3-6: The heater is abnormal.
Step S4-3-7: The processing is terminated with no fixing control.

  Next, a decompression process subroutine in the power-on process will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of decompression processing in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the decompression process, the CPU 11 first stores StartADR in the counter i and initializes it. Subsequently, the CPU 11 decompresses the program compressed at the i address stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 while reading it, and expands it on the volatile memory 13.

  Subsequently, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the compressed program has ended, that is, whether or not the counter i is equal to or greater than EndADR. If the counter i is not equal to or greater than EndADR, the compressed program has not ended. Therefore, the CPU 11 updates the address, i + 1 is set to i, and the counter i is incremented. Then, the CPU 11 again decompresses while reading the compressed program of the i address stored in the nonvolatile memory 12, develops it on the volatile memory 13, and repeats the subsequent operations.

  On the other hand, if it is determined whether the counter i is equal to or greater than EndADR and the counter i is equal to or greater than EndADR, the compressed program is terminated, and the CPU 11 executes the decompressed program on the volatile memory 13. Then, the process ends.

Next, a flowchart showing a subroutine for decompression processing will be described.
Step S5-1: StartADR is stored in the counter i and initialized.
Step S5-2: The program compressed at the i-address stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 is expanded while being read and expanded on the volatile memory 13.
Step S5-3: It is determined whether or not the compressed program has ended, that is, whether or not the counter i is equal to or greater than EndADR. If the counter i is equal to or greater than EndADR, the process proceeds to step S5-5. If the counter i is not equal to or greater than EndADR, the process proceeds to step S5-4.
Step S5-4: Update the address, set i + 1 to i, increment the counter i, and return to step S5-2.
Step S5-5: The decompressed program on the volatile memory 13 is executed, and the process is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the interval timer interrupt process and the decompression process are executed in parallel in a time-sharing manner by starting the interval timer before performing the decompression process. Heater control can be executed quickly.

  As a result, the heater control program can be executed to warm up the halogen lamp 18c as a heater before the program block is extended when the power is turned on, and the power is turned on for the extension time of the program block. It is possible to shorten the time until printing becomes possible.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about what has the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. The description of the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment is also omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data structure of a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the nonvolatile memory 12 stores a hard initialization program 12a, a decompression, heater and light source control program 12d, and a compressed program 12c as shown in the figure. The hardware initialization program 12a and the decompression / heater / light source control program 12d are stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 in an uncompressed state. In addition, a startup program such as a program for generating a task to be started when the power is turned on, and various processing programs are stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 in a compressed state as a compressed program 12c.

  The volatile memory 13 is a rewritable memory at any time. In various processes executed and controlled by the CPU 11, a decompressed expansion, a heater, and a program that are read and expanded from the nonvolatile memory 12. This is a temporary storage area for the light source control program 13d, the expanded program 13b, and input data, output data, parameters, and the like 13c.

  Here, the CPU 11, the non-volatile memory 12 and the volatile memory 13 function as control means in the present embodiment.

  The configuration of other points is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described. First, the power-on process at the time of power-on will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the power-on process when the power is turned on according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, (a) is a time chart of a conventional image forming apparatus shown for comparison, and (b) is a time chart of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on and turned on, the CPU 11 executes a hardware initialization program 12 a stored at the beginning of the nonvolatile memory 12. Next, the CPU 11 expands the decompression / heater / light source control program 12 d, which is an uncompressed program of the nonvolatile memory 12, on the volatile memory 13. Next, the CPU 11 executes a heater control process in accordance with the heater control program developed from the nonvolatile memory 12 onto the volatile memory 13. Next, the CPU 11 executes light source control processing according to the light source control program developed from the nonvolatile memory 12 onto the volatile memory 13. Next, the CPU 11 starts the interval timer in order to start the interval timer interrupt process. Next, the CPU 11 executes decompression processing according to the decompression program expanded from the nonvolatile memory 12 onto the volatile memory l3, and ends the power-on processing.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S11: The hardware initialization program 12a is executed.
Step S12: The decompression, heater and light source control program 12d, which is an uncompressed program in the nonvolatile memory 12, is expanded on the volatile memory 13.
Step S13: A heater control process is executed.
Step S14: A light source control process is executed.
Step S15: Interval timer interrupt processing is started.
Step S16: The decompression process is executed, and the power-on process is terminated.

  Next, a light source control process subroutine in the power-on process will be described. The heater control processing subroutine is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of light source control processing in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the light source control process, the CPU 11 first determines whether or not the control of the operation of the light source 15c of the image reading unit 15, that is, the light source control is possible. If the light source control is possible, the CPU 11 determines that the light source control is performed for the light source control determined in the interval timer interrupt process. Subsequently, the CPU 11 turns on the light source 15c of the image reading unit 15, initializes the light source on time, and ends the process.

  If it is determined whether or not light source control is possible and light source control is not possible, the CPU 11 terminates the process with no light source control for the light source control determined in the interval timer interrupt process.

Next, a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of light source control processing will be described.
Step S14-1: Determine whether light source control is possible. When light source control is possible, it progresses to step S14-2, and when light source control is not possible, it progresses to step S14-5.
Step S14-2: With light source control.
Step S14-3: The light source 15c of the image reading unit 15 is turned on.
Step S14-4: The light source on time is initialized and the process is terminated.
Step S14-5: The process is terminated with no light source control.

  Next, a subroutine for interval timer interrupt processing in power-on processing will be described. The decompression subroutine is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of interval timer interruption processing in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the interval timer interrupt process, the CPU 11 first updates a common constant cycle counter that can be used in various processes. Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is fixing control for the fixing control processed in the interval timer interrupt processing. If there is fixing control, the CPU 11 executes heater control interruption processing.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is light source control for the light source control processed in the interval timer interrupt process. If the fixing control is not performed and the fixing control is not performed, the CPU 11 determines whether the light source control is performed without executing the heater control interrupt process.

  When there is light source control, the CPU 11 executes light source control interruption processing. Finally, the CPU 11 cancels the interrupt of the interval timer and ends the process. If there is no light source control by determining whether or not there is light source control, the CPU 11 cancels the interval timer interrupt without executing the light source control interrupt processing, and ends the processing.

Next, a flowchart showing a subroutine of interval timer interrupt processing will be described.
Step S15-1: The constant cycle counter is updated.
Step S15-2: It is determined whether or not there is fixing control. If there is fixing control, the process proceeds to step S15-3, and if there is no fixing control, the process proceeds to step S15-4.
Step S15-3 A heater control interruption process is executed.
Step S15-4: It is determined whether or not there is light source control. If there is light source control, the process proceeds to step S15-5, and if there is no light source control, the process proceeds to step S15-6.
Step S15-5: Perform light source control interruption processing.
Step S15-6: The interval timer interrupt is canceled and the process is terminated.

  Next, a subroutine for light source control interrupt processing in interval timer interrupt processing will be described. The heater control interrupt process is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of light source control interrupt processing in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the light source control interrupt process, the CPU 11 first determines whether or not the light source 15c of the image reading unit 15 is normal. If the light source 15c is normal, the CPU 11 updates the light source on time and ends the process.

  If the light source 15c is abnormal, the CPU 11 turns off the light source 15c of the image reading unit 15 and subsequently sets the light source as abnormal, and performs the processing with no light source control for the light source control determined in the interval timer interrupt processing. finish.

Next, a flowchart showing a subroutine of light source control interrupt processing will be described.
Step S15-5-1: Determine whether the light source 15c is normal. If the light source 15c is normal, the process proceeds to step S15-5-2, and if the light source 15c is not normal, the process proceeds to step S15-5-3.
Step S15-5-2: The light source on time is updated and the process is terminated.
Step S15-5-3: Turn off the light source 15c.
Step S15-5-4: The light source is abnormal.
Step S15-5-5: The processing is terminated with no light source control.

  Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Thus, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the interval timer interrupt process and the decompression process are executed in parallel in a time division manner by starting the interval timer before performing the decompression process. Heater control and light source control can be executed quickly.

  This makes it possible to execute the heater control program and the light source control program before extending the program block at power-on, and to warm up the halogen lamp 18c and the light source 15c as heaters. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time from when the power is turned on to when printing and document reading are possible.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the image forming apparatus 10 is an MFP has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a scanner, a copier, a facsimile machine, a printer, and the like.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made based on the spirit of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the non-volatile memory and volatile memory in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a time chart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart about the power-on process at the time of power-on in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the heater control process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the interval timer interruption process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the heater control interruption process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the expansion | extension process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the non-volatile memory and volatile memory in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a time chart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart about the power-on process at the time of power-on in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the light source control process in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the interval timer interruption process in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the light source control interruption process in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Image forming apparatus 11 CPU
12 Nonvolatile memory 13 Volatile memory 18c Halogen lamp

Claims (6)

(A) An image forming apparatus having a heater for heating and fixing a medium,
(B) a non-volatile memory for storing an uncompressed program and a compressed program including a temperature control program for the heater;
(C) a volatile memory for developing a program to be executed;
(D) a controller that expands the uncompressed program on a volatile memory, executes a temperature control program for the heater, and expands the compressed program to be expanded on the volatile memory. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an initialization determination unit that outputs a signal that prompts the control unit to execute program development after the power is turned on. A power save control unit that stops energization of the volatile memory when detecting a predetermined condition;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a power save return control unit that energizes the volatile memory when a predetermined input is detected and outputs a signal that prompts the control unit to execute program development. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a ring signal of a G3 facsimile is used as the predetermined input. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a D4 signal of a G4 facsimile is used as the predetermined input. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an Internet facsimile packet signal is used as the predetermined input.

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