JP2010277281A - Restoring condition announcement controller, image processor, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a restoring condition announcement controller for more correctly announcing a time from the release of power saving control until the restoration of a predetermined function, and also to provide an image processor, and a program. <P>SOLUTION: According to the kind of power saving control before release, a CPU 50 derive a restoring time from the release of the power saving control until the restoration of the predetermined function in a state that the power saving control for suppressing the amount of power consumption is performed with respect to an object to be controlled which performs the predetermined function. Then, by a time when the predetermined function is restored from the release of the power saving control, an operation part 14 is controlled so as to make the derived restoring time associated with the predetermined function, and to display them on a display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a return state notification control device, an image processing device, and a program.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 discloses a printer device having a communication function for communicating with other devices via a communication line and a transfer function for transferring print data from a host device to another printer device via a communication line. When the print data is received from the host device in the energy saving state, the investigation means for investigating the state of the other printer device in the communication line by the communication function and the other printer device not in the energy saving state investigated by the investigation means There is disclosed a printer device comprising selection means for selecting the print data, and print data transfer means for transferring the print data received from the host device to another printer device selected by the selection means.

  In Patent Document 2, in a printing apparatus in a printing communication line system to which at least one host apparatus or a plurality of printing apparatuses are connected, power saving mode switching means for switching to a power saving mode, and a host apparatus or When a print request is received from another printing device, an operation state detecting means for inquiring an operation state of another neighboring printing device, and an operation state of the own device in response to an operation state inquiry from another printing device. The operation status response means for detecting and responding to other printing devices is compared with the operating status of the other printing devices that have responded and the operating status of the own device, and printing is efficiently performed including the own device in response to a print request. There is disclosed a printing apparatus including a printing apparatus search unit that searches for a printing apparatus to perform.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228688 is for an image processing apparatus having a combination of various functions such as copying, facsimile, scanner, and printer, for selectively setting a desired item from among items related to the various functions. A limited user for selectively setting and operating a desired item from items related to functions selected from items provided separately from the main operation notification unit having the user interface function Power is supplied to both the main / sub operation notification means in the case of at least one of the power-on or sleep recovery in the case of the sub-operation notification means having an interface function and a shorter waiting time until the start completion than the main operation notification means. And an image processing apparatus including a control unit that performs power control to start the operation.

JP 2002-113925 A JP 2004-009341 A JP 2007-336325 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a return state notification control device, an image processing device, and a program that more accurately notify a return time from when power saving control is canceled until a predetermined function returns. .

  In order to achieve the above object, the return state notification control device according to claim 1 performs a plurality of power saving controls with different power consumption suppression states for a control target for executing a predetermined function. Power saving control means, receiving means for receiving an instruction to cancel power saving control, and canceling power saving control when the receiving means accepts cancellation of power saving control while power saving control is being performed A deriving unit for deriving a return time from when the power saving control is released until the predetermined function is restored according to the power saving control before being released by the releasing unit; The notifying means is controlled so that the return time derived by the deriving means and the predetermined function are notified in correspondence between the release of the control and the return of the predetermined function. It includes a known control means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the derivation unit derives the return time in a state where power saving control is performed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the deriving means releases the return time by the releasing means for each of the plurality of predetermined functions. This is derived according to the previous power saving control.

  An image processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect is supplied with the return state notification control apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, an image forming unit that forms a toner image on a recording medium, and power. And an image forming unit provided with a fixing unit that heats and fixes the toner image formed on the recording medium, and a temperature inside the apparatus including the image forming unit. Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature, and when the derivation means performs power saving control by stopping the supply of power to the fixing unit, the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and the power saving Based on the elapsed time since the transition to the control, the time until the fixing unit reaches the predetermined temperature is derived as the return time, and the power saving to the fixing unit other than the stoppage of power supply is derived. Power control When the operation is performed, the return time is derived without using the temperature and the elapsed time.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the derivation means is based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means before shifting to power saving control, and the elapsed time. The time required for the fixing unit to reach the predetermined temperature is derived.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the derivation means is in a state where the power saving control is performed, and the fixing unit is set to the predetermined temperature. The time to reach is periodically derived.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the derivation means derives a time until the fixing unit reaches the predetermined temperature according to the elapsed time. The interval is changed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, the power saving control is performed in accordance with the power saving control from another image processing apparatus on which the power saving control is performed. Receiving means for receiving derived return time information indicating the return time derived in the above, wherein the derivation means derives the return time in advance in a state where power saving control is performed, and the notification control means. Corresponds to the predetermined function and the return time derived by the derivation unit of the apparatus until the predetermined function is restored after the power saving control is canceled by the cancellation unit. The notification means so as to display the return time of the other image processing apparatus indicated by the derived return time information received by the receiving means and the predetermined function in association with each other. It is intended to control.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 8, in which the return time periodically derived by the deriving means is previously derived in a state where power saving control is performed. The apparatus further includes transmission means for transmitting the return time information different from the time to the other image processing apparatus.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, an instruction to cancel power saving control for the other image processing apparatus is received, and release instruction information indicating the instruction is received from the transmission unit. The image processing apparatus further includes a second accepting unit that transmits the image to the receiving unit, and the canceling unit is in a state where the power saving control is performed and the canceling instruction information is received by the receiving unit. The power saving control is canceled.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 10, wherein the power saving control means accepts cancellation of power saving control while the power saving control means is performing power saving control, and the release. After the unit cancels the power saving control, when the second receiving unit receives an instruction to cancel the power saving control for the other image processing apparatus, the power saving control is performed again.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects of the invention, the receiving unit includes the other image processing device from which power saving control is cancelled. Waiting time information indicating a waiting time until the use of the predetermined function is enabled is received, and the notification control unit has the predetermined function after the power saving control is released by the release unit. Before returning, the notification means is controlled so as to display the waiting time indicated by the waiting time information received by the receiving means in correspondence with the predetermined function.

  Furthermore, the program according to claim 13 includes: a power saving control unit configured to perform a plurality of power saving controls with different power consumption suppression states for a control target for executing a predetermined function; When the release of the power saving control is accepted in the state where the power saving control is being performed, the release means for releasing the power saving control and the predetermined function is restored after the power saving control is released. Derivation means for deriving the return time until the power saving control before being released by the release means, and the derivation means until the predetermined function is restored after the power saving control is released Is a program for functioning as notification control means for controlling the notification means so as to notify the return time derived by the above-mentioned function in correspondence with the predetermined function.

  Furthermore, the program according to claim 14 is a computer that controls the power saving control means, the release means, the derivation means, and the return state display control means according to any one of claims 1 to 3. It is a program for functioning as the notification control means.

  According to the first, thirteenth and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, the return time of the predetermined function is more accurately compared to the case where the return time is not notified according to the released power saving control. Informed.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the return time is notified more quickly than when the return time is derived after the power saving control is canceled.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, a more accurate return time is reported compared to a case where the return time is not derived for each predetermined function.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a more accurate return time is reported compared to a case where the time until the fixing unit reaches a predetermined temperature is not derived as the return time.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 5, compared with the case where temperature is detected after transfering to power saving control, the electric power consumption at the time of deriving | requiring return time is suppressed more.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the return time is notified more quickly than when the return time is derived after the power saving control is canceled.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 7, compared with the case where derived | recovered time is derived | led-out regularly at a predetermined time interval, the electric power consumption at the time of deriving | requiring return time is suppressed more.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the difference between the predetermined function return time in the present apparatus and the predetermined function return time in the other image processing apparatus is recognized by the user.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 9, compared with the case where derivation | leading-out return time information is transmitted whenever it derives | leads-out return time regularly, the power consumption in power saving control is suppressed more.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the convenience of the user is higher than when the power saving control of another image processing apparatus cannot be canceled by this apparatus.

  According to the invention of claim 11, it is possible to prevent the power saving control of the image processing apparatus that is not used by the user from being released.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined function return time in the apparatus and the use of the predetermined function in another image processing apparatus in which the power saving control is released become possible. The difference with time is recognized by the user.

1 is an external view of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a printer unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows the principal part structure of the electric system of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the power consumption of the power saving control of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the return time of each function after the power saving control of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment is cancelled | released. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the return time alerting | reporting program which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the return time information memorize | stored in the image processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 6 is an example of an image displayed on a display until power saving control of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment is canceled and each function is restored. It is a schematic diagram which shows the connection relation of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and another image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the information transmission / reception program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of the image displayed on a display until the power saving control of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is cancelled | released and each function returns.

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

[First Embodiment]
With reference to FIG. 1, an external configuration of an image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 10 includes a scanner unit 11 that acquires image information indicating an image formed on the surface of a document, and a printer unit 12 that forms an image on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic method. A display 14A that displays various information such as operation menus and messages and is provided with a transparent touch panel on the display surface; an operation unit 14 that includes operation buttons 14B for inputting various operation instructions; A release switch 15 is provided for receiving an instruction to cancel power saving control, which will be described later.

  The scanner unit 11 is provided with an image sensor including a document table, a light irradiation device, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor, and the like. The document table is transparent and a document is placed. The light irradiation device is disposed in a space below the document table, and moves relative to the document to irradiate light. The scanner unit 11 acquires image information indicating an image formed on the surface of the document by reading the light emitted from the light irradiation device and reflected by the surface of the document with an image sensor.

  Next, the internal configuration of the printer unit 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the printer unit 12 forms an image on the recording paper P using an image forming unit 16Y that forms an image on the recording paper P using yellow (Y) toner and magenta (M) toner. An image forming unit 16M that forms an image on the recording paper P using cyan (C) toner, and an image forming unit 16K that forms an image on the recording paper P using black (K) toner. It has. In the following description, when distinguishing the corresponding colors, the description is given with any of Y, M, C, and K added to the end of the code indicating the image forming unit as described above. When not distinguished, Y, M, C, and K are omitted.

  The image forming unit 16 includes a photosensitive drum 18. The photosensitive drum 18 has a rotation axis, and after the electrostatic latent image is formed on the light receiving surface 18A in the state of rotating in the arrow A direction (sub-scanning direction) about the rotation axis, the electrostatic latent image is Developed with each color toner.

  A charger 20 is provided below the photosensitive drum 18. The charger 20 contacts the light receiving surface 18 </ b> A of the photosensitive drum 18, thereby charging the light receiving surface 18 </ b> A with a superimposed voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage.

  An exposure device 22 is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction from the contact position of the photosensitive drum 18 with the charger 20. The exposure device 22 irradiates the charged light receiving surface 18A of the photosensitive drum 18 with a light beam based on the image information with respect to the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 18 to thereby receive the light receiving surface 18A. An electrostatic latent image is formed thereon.

  Further, a developing device 24 is provided downstream of the exposure device 22 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 18. The developing device 24 includes a developing roller 24 </ b> A that is disposed so that a distance from the light receiving surface 18 </ b> A of the photosensitive drum 18 is a predetermined distance. The developing device 24 stores therein toner corresponding to the color developed by each image forming unit 16, and the toner stored inside when the developing roller 24 </ b> A rotates rotates the light receiving surface 18 </ b> A of the photosensitive drum 18. The electrostatic latent image formed on the light receiving surface 18A is developed into a toner image by electrically adhering the toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the light receiving surface 18A.

  On the other hand, a cleaner 26 is provided upstream of the charger 20 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 18. After the toner image is transferred from the light receiving surface 18A of the photosensitive drum 18 to an intermediate transfer belt 30 described later, the cleaner 26 rubs the light receiving surface 18A and collects residual toner remaining on the light receiving surface 18A.

  Further, an intermediate transfer belt 30 as an intermediate transfer body on which an image to be transferred to the recording paper P is formed is provided so as to come into contact with the light receiving surface 18A of each photosensitive drum 18 provided in each image forming unit 16. Yes. The intermediate transfer belt 30 is wound around a plurality of rollers 30A, and is rotated by the plurality of rollers 30A in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1 opposite to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 18. As a result, the toner images of Y, M, C, and K formed on the light receiving surface 18A of the photosensitive drum 18 in a rotated state are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30 so as to overlap each other, thereby forming a color image. The

  Further, a plurality of paper feeding sections 32 are provided below the image forming unit 16.

  The paper feed unit 32 is provided with a take-out roller 31. The take-out roller 31 takes out the recording paper P from the paper feed unit 32 one by one by rotating. The recording paper P taken out by the take-out roller 31 is transported by the transport unit 34 from the intermediate transfer belt 30 to a transfer position where the toner image is transferred.

  At the transfer position, a transfer portion 36 composed of a transfer roller is provided. The transfer unit 36 transfers the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 30 to the recording sheet P by sandwiching the recording sheet P conveyed by the conveyance unit 34 with the rotating intermediate transfer belt 30. .

  A fixing unit 38 for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording paper P is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording paper P by the conveyance unit 34 from the position where the transfer unit 36 is disposed. 34, and is discharged to the paper discharge unit 40.

  The fixing unit 38 is provided with a heating roll 38A that is heated to a predetermined temperature (hereinafter referred to as “fixing temperature”) by supplying electric power, and the recording paper P is heated by the heated heating roll 38A. The toner image formed on the recording paper P is heated and fixed.

  Furthermore, the printer unit 12 according to the present embodiment is provided with a temperature sensor 42 that detects the ambient temperature in the apparatus. In the present embodiment, as an example, the temperature sensor 42 is provided at the upper end of the apparatus.

  FIG. 3 shows a main configuration of the electrical system of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The image processing apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 50 that controls the operation of the entire image processing apparatus 10, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52 in which various programs, various parameters, and various table information are stored in advance. A controller (Random Access Memory) 54 used as a work area or the like, and an external interface 56 that is connected to an external terminal device such as a personal computer and transmits / receives various information such as image information to / from the terminal device. 58. The image processing apparatus 10 transmits the image information input from the scanner unit 11 or the external interface 56 via a fax line, and receives the image information input via the fax line. Power supply for supplying power to an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 62 that stores image information and various information acquired by the interface 56 and the scanner unit 11, and the controller 58, the scanner unit 11, the printer unit 12, the operation unit 14, and the HDD 62. A portion 64 is provided. The printer unit 12 includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit) 66, and the MCU 66 controls the image forming unit 16, the fixing unit 38, the temperature sensor 42, and the like.

  The controller 58 according to the present embodiment is connected to the scanner unit 11, the printer unit 12, the operation unit 14, the fax unit 60, the HDD 62, and the power supply unit 64. Therefore, the controller 58 controls the operation of the scanner unit 11, controls the operation of the printer unit 12 via the MCU 66, controls the operation of the fax unit 60, grasps the operation state with respect to the operation unit 14, displays various messages, In addition, control of power supply to the scanner unit 11, the printer unit 12, the operation unit 14, the fax unit 60, and the HDD 62 via the power supply unit 64 is performed.

  Furthermore, the controller 58 according to the present embodiment consumes power for the scanner unit 11, the printer unit 12, the operation unit 14, the fax unit 60, and the HDD 62 that are control targets for executing a predetermined function. A plurality of power saving controls with different suppression states are performed.

  In the present embodiment, as the predetermined function, an image forming function for forming an image on the recording paper P based on the image information is provided. The image forming function includes a copy function (including a print) for executing image formation based on image information indicating an image of a document read by the scanner unit 11 and image information received via the external interface 56, and It is divided into a fax function for transmitting image information indicating an image of a document read by the scanner unit 11 by fax, or executing image formation based on image information input via a fax line. The copy function is executed by each control target of the scanner unit 11, the controller 58, the printer unit 12, and the HDD 62, and the fax function is controlled by each control unit of the controller 58, the scanner unit 11, the printer unit 12, and the fax unit 60. It is executed by.

  Further, as a predetermined function, a scan function that causes the scanner unit 11 to read a document and transmits image information indicating an image of the read document to a terminal device connected via the external interface 56. When the image processing apparatus 10 cannot execute image formation, the document processing unit 10 has a copy document pre-read function that causes the scanner unit 11 to read the document first and stores it in the HDD 62. Note that the scan function and the copy original read-ahead function are executed by the control objects of the controller 58, the scanner unit 11, and the HDD 62.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described by applying the copy function, the fax function, the scan function, and the copy document pre-read function as predetermined functions. As a predetermined function, a part of the four functions may be applied, or another function different from the four functions may be applied.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment holds the image processing apparatus 10 in a state in which the predetermined function can be quickly executed as shown in FIG. A low power mode (hereinafter referred to as “LP mode”) that consumes less power than the standby mode, and a sleep mode that consumes less power than the LP mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes with different power consumption suppression states may be provided.

  The controller 58 transmits an LP mode transition signal to the power supply unit 64 when performing the LP mode. When the power supply unit 64 receives the LP mode transition signal, the power supply unit 64 stops or reduces the power supply to the fixing unit 38 of the operation unit 14, the scanner unit 11, and the printer unit 12, and the controller 58, the fax unit 60, the HDD 62, and the like. Continue to supply power to control objects other than the above. Further, the controller 58 transmits a sleep mode transition signal to the power supply unit 64 when performing the sleep mode. When the power supply unit 64 receives the sleep mode transition signal, the power supply unit 64 stops supplying power to the controller 58 and the fax unit 60 other than the part responsible for reception. When the release switch 15 is pressed, the controller 58 transmits a release signal to the power supply unit 64, and when the power supply unit 64 receives the release signal, the controller 58 sends power to each control object that has stopped supplying power. Supply power.

  Furthermore, the controller 58 according to the present embodiment sets the return time from when the power saving control is released until each predetermined function is restored according to the power saving control before being released by the release switch 15. Derivation and control that controls the operation unit 14 to notify the predetermined return function in correspondence with each predetermined function until the predetermined function returns after the power saving control is released A time notification process is executed.

  Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the passage of time from when the power saving control is canceled until each function is restored. 5A shows a case where the LP mode is released, and FIG. 5B shows a case where the Sleep mode is released. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the modes are the same, the copy function and the fax function are longer than the scan time and the return time required for the return operation than the copy document pre-read function, and the return operation of each function. The recovery time required for is longer in the Sleep mode than in the LP mode.

  The release switch 15 is turned on when power saving control is being performed, and is turned off when pressed. When the release switch 15 is pressed, control is performed so that power is supplied to each control target by the controller 58 via the power supply unit 64. Thereby, each function starts a return operation, and the return time is displayed on the display 14A of the operation unit 14 for each predetermined function. When the return operation of the scan function and the copy original pre-read function is completed, the display state of the display 14A is switched to a display for selecting each function.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the return time notification program executed by the CPU 50 after the processing by each of the predetermined functions is finished and the mode is shifted to the standby mode will be described. . The program is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 52 which is a storage medium.

  First, in step 100, the process waits until the LP mode transition time for transitioning from the standby mode to the LP mode elapses. The LP mode transition time is a state in which the predetermined functions such as the copy function, the fax function, the scan function, and the copy document pre-read function are not used in the standby mode for a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes). It's time.

  In the next step 102, an LP mode shift signal is transmitted to the power supply unit 64 in order to shift to the LP mode. The power supply unit 64 that has received the LP mode transition signal stops or reduces the supply of power to the operation unit 14, the scanner unit 11, and the fixing unit 38 of the printer unit 12 as described above.

  In the next step 103, the MCU 66 is controlled so that the temperature sensor 42 detects the ambient temperature and the fixing device temperature (the fixing device temperature is detected by a temperature sensor for fixing device temperature control not shown).

  In the next step 104, a return time of a predetermined function in a state where power saving control is performed is derived in advance. In the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, return time information indicating a return time corresponding to a predetermined function is stored in advance in the ROM 52 according to the type of power saving control. By reading out information, a return time is derived for each of a plurality of predetermined functions.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the return time information. FIG. 7A is an example of a schematic diagram of return time information (hereinafter referred to as “first return time information”) stored in the ROM 52 indicating the return time of the scan function and the copy document prefetch function. B) is an example of a schematic diagram of return time information (hereinafter referred to as “second return time information”) stored in the ROM 52 indicating the return time of the copy function and the fax function. FIG. 7B shows an example of the sleep mode, and the LP mode case (not shown) has the same configuration.

  Here, since the copy function and the fax function are functions executed by operating the printer unit 12, the temperature of the heating roll 38A provided in the fixing unit 38 is set to the fixing temperature (in this embodiment, as an example). If it does not reach 170 ° C, it will not return as a function. That is, the return time of the fixing unit 38 is the return time of the copy function and the fax function. The return time of the fixing unit 38 depends on the ambient temperature, the fixing device temperature, and the elapsed time since the shift to the power saving control. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the ambient temperature and the fixing device. Based on the temperature and the elapsed time, the return time of the fixing unit 38 is derived.

  In the second return time information, the ambient temperature is divided into a plurality of temperature regions, and the elapsed time is divided into a plurality of time intervals. The return time is shown for each temperature region. The lower the temperature region and the longer the elapsed time, the longer the return time. Further, the second return time information according to the present embodiment is divided at longer time intervals as the elapsed time becomes longer.

  In the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, for example, the return time of the scan function and the copy document prefetch function is derived as 6 seconds from the first return time information. Information indicating each return time is stored in the RAM 54 as derived return time information.

  In the next step 106, it is determined whether or not the timing for deriving the return time of the fixing unit 38 has been reached. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 108, whereas if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 112. Transition. The timing corresponds to the elapsed time delimited by the second return time information. In the present embodiment, as an example, the elapsed time is 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 It is determined that the timing has been reached every minute, 40 minutes, and 60 minutes. That is, the CPU 50 changes the time interval for deriving the return time according to the elapsed time, and in this embodiment, the CPU 50 derives the return time for the copy function and the fax function at longer time intervals as the elapsed time becomes longer. The time interval is set according to the passage of time when the sleep mode is returned to the sleep mode after returning from the sleep mode.

  In the next step 108, the MCU 66 is controlled so that the temperature sensor 42 detects the ambient temperature and the fixing device temperature.

  In the next step 110, the return time of the fixing unit 38 is derived from the ambient temperature and the fixing device temperature detected in step 108 and the elapsed time based on the second return time information, and stored in the RAM 54 with the derived return time. The information indicating the return time of the copy function and fax function being updated is updated.

  In the next step 112, it is determined whether or not an instruction to cancel the power saving state has been received due to the pressing of the release switch 15. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 128, while the determination is negative. If YES, go to step 114.

  In step 114, it is determined whether or not the sleep mode transition time has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 116. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 106. The sleep mode transition time is a time in which a state where there is no instruction to cancel the power saving state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) since the transition to the LP mode in addition to the standby mode time.

  In the next step 116, the MCU 66 is controlled so that the temperature sensor 42 detects the ambient temperature and the fixing device temperature, and the detected ambient temperature and fixing device temperature are stored in the RAM 54. The reason for detecting the ambient temperature and the fixing device temperature in this step is that the supply of power to the MCU 66 is also stopped when the mode is shifted to the sleep mode. Therefore, the ambient temperature and the fixing temperature are maintained while the sleep mode is being performed. This is because the vessel temperature cannot be detected.

  In the next step 118, a sleep mode shift signal is transmitted to the power supply unit 64 so as to shift to the sleep mode. The power supply unit 64 that has received the sleep mode transition signal stops the supply of power to the parts other than the part that controls reception of the controller 58 and the fax unit 60 as described above.

  In the next step 120, the return time of the scan function and the copy original prefetch function in the sleep mode is derived based on the first return time information, and the copy function and the fax function in the sleep mode are derived based on the second return time information. The return time is derived, and the derived return time information indicating these return times is updated and stored in the RAM.

  In the next step 122, it is determined whether or not the timing for deriving the return time of the fixing unit 38 has been reached. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 124. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 126. Transition.

  In the next step 124, the return time of the fixing unit 38 is derived from the second return time information based on the ambient temperature and the fixing device temperature detected in step 116 and the elapsed time since the transition to the sleep mode. The return time information indicating the return time of the copy function and the fax function stored in the RAM 54 is updated with the return time. As an example, based on the ambient temperature and the fixing device temperature detected in the processing in step 116, the return time information of the fixing unit 38 is set as the return time in the sleep mode of the copy function and the fax function (FIG. 7B). ) To 50 seconds (60 minutes after entering Sleep mode). Further, for example, in the case of 1 minute after entering the sleep mode, it is derived as 30 seconds.

  In step 126, it is determined whether or not the cancel switch 15 is pressed and an instruction to cancel the power saving state is received. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 128. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 128. Return to 122.

  In step 128, a release signal is transmitted to the power supply unit 64, the supply of power is resumed to each control target that has stopped supplying power, and the standby mode is entered.

  In the next step 130, the recovery time indicated by the derived return time stored in the RAM 54 is associated with the predetermined function until the predetermined function returns after the power saving control is canceled. The program is displayed on the display 14A of the operation unit 14 (see FIG. 8), and the program is terminated. 8A shows an example of the return time displayed on the display 14A when returning from the LP mode, and FIG. 8B shows the return displayed on the display 14A when returning from the sleep mode. It is an example of time. Further, the function setting shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is a time until detailed setting of the scan function, the copy document pre-read function, the copy function, and the fax function can be performed by the operation unit 14. Note that the return time displayed on the display 14A is counted down until the corresponding function returns after being displayed on the display 14A. Alternatively, the elapsed time may be counted up without changing the return time.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, a predetermined function is obtained after the derived return time information is received from another image processing apparatus in a state where the power saving control is performed, and the power saving control of the apparatus is canceled. Before returning, the display 14A displays the return time in correspondence with the predetermined function, and the return time and the predetermined function of the other image processing apparatus 10 ′ indicated by the received derived return time information. An example of a display in which these are displayed in correspondence with each other will be described. The configuration of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as that according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 3), and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment has an external interface 56 via a communication line 70 and, as an example, two other image processing apparatuses 10′A and 10′B. Connected with. Then, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment receives the power saving control from the other image processing apparatuses 10′A and 10′B on which the power saving control is performed via the external interface 56. The derived return time information indicating the return time derived in accordance with is received, and when the power saving control is performed, the information is derived to the other image processing apparatuses 10′A and 10′B according to the power saving control. Derived return time information is transmitted. In the following description, when distinguishing the other image processing apparatuses 10′A and 10′B, the description will be given by attaching either A or B corresponding to the end of the code. , B are omitted.

  Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of an information transmission / reception program executed by the CPU 50 after shifting to power saving control, and the program is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 52 which is a storage medium.

  First, in step 200, it is determined whether or not the return time has been derived. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 202. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 206.

  In step 202, it is determined whether or not the return time periodically derived after shifting to the power saving control is different from the return time derived last time. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 204 and the external interface 56 is set. After the derivation return time information is transmitted to the other image processing apparatus 10 ′, the process proceeds to step 206. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 202, the process proceeds to step 206 without transmitting the derivation return time information to the other image processing apparatus 10 ′ via the external interface 56.

  In step 206, it is determined whether or not derivation return time information has been received from the other image processing apparatus 10 ′ via the external interface 56. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 208, where the received derivation return is received. After the time information is stored in the RAM 54 for each of the other image processing apparatuses 10 ′, the process returns to Step 200. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 206, the process proceeds to step 210.

  In step 210, it is determined whether or not the release switch 15 has been pressed and an instruction to cancel the power saving state has been received. If a negative determination is made, the process returns to step 200. finish.

  In addition, after this program is completed, as shown in FIG. 11A as an example, the display 14A is derived by the image processing apparatus 10 after the power saving control is released and the predetermined function is restored. The corresponding return time and the predetermined function are displayed in correspondence with each other, and the return time of the other image processing apparatus 10 ′ indicated by the received return time information and the predetermined function are displayed in correspondence with each other. Is done.

  The selection button shown in FIG. 11A receives an instruction to cancel the power saving control for the other image processing apparatus 10 ′, and receives the release instruction information indicating the instruction from the external interface 56 of the other image processing apparatus 10 ′. The buttons to be transmitted to the external interface 56 are shown. That is, when the selection button is pressed while the image shown in FIG. 11A is displayed on the display 14A, the release instruction information is sent to the other image processing apparatus 10 ′ corresponding to the pressed selection button. Is transmitted and the power saving control is performed, the other image processing apparatus 10 ′ that has received the release instruction information by the external interface 56 releases the power saving control.

  In the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the numeric keypad of the operation button 14B is used as the selection button. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a display 14A that is a touch panel may be used. When the display 14A is used as the selection button, the user presses a predetermined location such as a device name corresponding to the other image processing device 10 ′, for example, to cancel the power saving control. The processing device 10 ′ is selected.

  Furthermore, in the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the release button 15 accepts the cancellation of the power saving control in a state where the power saving control is being performed, and after the power saving control is released, the selection button is set to another image. When an instruction to cancel the power saving control for the processing apparatus 10 ′ is received, the power saving control is performed again.

  That is, after the image processing apparatus 10 for which power saving control is performed displays the image shown in FIG. 11A on the display 14A, the selection button corresponding to the other image processing apparatus 10′A as an example by the user. Is pressed, it indicates that the user uses another image processing apparatus 10′A. In this case, since the user does not use the image processing apparatus 10, the CPU 50 of the image processing apparatus 10 10 is again subjected to power saving control.

  In the image processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, the LP mode is applied as the power saving control mode to be performed again. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sleep mode may be applied or canceled. The same mode as the mode of power saving control before being performed may be applied.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when another image processing apparatus 10 ′ whose power saving control is released is connected to the external interface 56, from the other image processing apparatus in advance. Waiting time information indicating a waiting time until the use of a predetermined function becomes possible is received. As an example, as shown in FIG. 11B, a waiting time indicated by the received waiting time information is predetermined on the display 14A until the predetermined function is restored after the power saving control is canceled. Displayed in correspondence with the specified function.

  In FIG. 11B, the display of “RUN” in the power saving mode in the other image processing apparatus 10′B indicates that the power saving control is released in the other image processing apparatus 10′B. In addition, the display of “0 second” in the return time for the other image processing apparatus 10 ′ B in the scan function indicates that the user can use the scan function without waiting time. In addition, the display of “5 seconds” as the return time for the other image processing apparatus 10′B in the copy function indicates that the copy function of the other image processing apparatus 10′B is being executed, and the execution ends after 5 seconds. It is shown that. That is, the user can use the copy function after 5 seconds.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using said each embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in each said embodiment.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, when the predetermined function is restored and the predetermined return function is displayed on the display 14 </ b> A after the power saving control is canceled and the predetermined function returns. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the return time and a predetermined function may be associated with each other and notified by voice from a speaker (not shown) or via the external interface 56. It is also possible to display the return time and a predetermined function in correspondence with each other on the monitor of the connected personal computer.

  Further, although cases have been described with the above embodiments where the return time is derived in advance to a predetermined function in a state where power saving control is being performed, the present invention is not limited to this, It is also possible to derive the return time to a predetermined function after the power control is canceled.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the time until the fixing unit 38 reaches the fixing temperature is derived based on the return time information stored in the RAM 54 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Further, a calculation formula using the elapsed time and the ambient temperature as a variable after the shift to the power saving control is stored in the RAM 54, and the time until the fixing unit 38 reaches the fixing temperature is derived based on the calculation formula. Good.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case has been described where the time until the fixing unit 38 reaches the fixing temperature is derived at a longer time interval as the elapsed time from the shift to the power saving control becomes longer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the time until the fixing unit 38 reaches the fixing temperature may be derived every predetermined time interval (for example, one minute interval).

  The return time notification program and the information transmission / reception program according to the above embodiment are stored in advance in the ROM 52, stored in the HDD 62, or stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The present invention is applied to a provided form, a form distributed via wired or wireless communication means, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image processing apparatus 12 Printer part (image formation means)
14A display (notification means)
14B Operation button (second receiving means)
15 Release switch (reception means)
16 Image forming unit (image forming unit)
38 Fixing part 42 Temperature sensor (temperature detection means)
50 CPU (power saving control means, release means, derivation means, notification control means)
56 External interface (reception means, transmission means)
58 Controller (Return status notification control device)

Claims (14)

A power saving control means for performing a plurality of power saving controls, each of which has a different power consumption suppression state with respect to a control target for executing a predetermined function;
Receiving means for receiving an instruction to cancel the power saving control;
A canceling unit for canceling the power saving control when the receiving unit receives the cancellation of the power saving control while the power saving control is being performed;
Deriving means for deriving a return time from when the power saving control is released until the predetermined function is restored according to the power saving control before being released by the releasing means;
Controls the notification means so as to notify the predetermined time of the return time derived by the derivation means until the predetermined function returns after the power saving control is released. Notification control means for
A return state notification control device.   The return state notification control device according to claim 1, wherein the deriving unit derives the return time in advance in a state where power saving control is performed.   3. The return state notification control according to claim 1, wherein the deriving unit derives the return time for each of the plurality of predetermined functions according to power saving control before being released by the release unit. apparatus. A return state notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image forming unit for forming a toner image on a recording medium, and a fixing unit for heating and fixing the toner image formed on the recording medium while being heated to a predetermined temperature when power is supplied are provided. Image forming means;
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature in the apparatus provided with the image forming means;
With
When the deriving unit performs power saving control by stopping the supply of power to the fixing unit, based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit and the elapsed time after shifting to the power saving control. When the time until the fixing unit reaches the predetermined temperature is derived as the return time, and the power saving control other than the stop of the supply of power to the fixing unit is performed, the temperature And an image processing apparatus for deriving the return time without using the elapsed time.   The deriving unit derives a time until the fixing unit reaches the predetermined temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit and the elapsed time before shifting to power saving control. 4. The image processing apparatus according to 4.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the deriving unit periodically derives a time until the fixing unit reaches the predetermined temperature in a state where power saving control is performed.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the deriving unit changes a time interval for deriving a time until the fixing unit reaches the predetermined temperature according to the elapsed time. Receiving means for receiving derived return time information indicating the return time derived in accordance with the power saving control from another image processing apparatus in which power saving control is performed,
The derivation means derives the return time in a state where power saving control is performed,
The notification control means includes the return time derived by the derivation means of the apparatus and the predetermined function until the predetermined function is restored after the power saving control is canceled by the cancellation means. And correspondingly displaying the return time of the other image processing device indicated by the derived return time information received by the receiving means and the predetermined function. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, which controls the notification means.   Transmission that transmits the return time information that is different from the return time that was periodically derived by the derivation means to the other image processing device while the power saving control is being performed. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising means. A second receiving unit configured to receive an instruction to cancel the power saving control for the other image processing apparatus, and to transmit release instruction information indicating the instruction from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit of the other image processing apparatus; ,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the canceling unit cancels the power saving control when the canceling instruction information is received by the receiving unit in a state where the power saving control is performed.   The power saving control means is configured such that when the power saving control is performed, the accepting means accepts cancellation of the power saving control, and after the releasing means cancels the power saving control, the second accepting means The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the power saving control is performed again when an instruction to cancel the power saving control is received. The receiving means receives waiting time information indicating a waiting time until the use of the predetermined function is enabled from the other image processing apparatus whose power saving control is cancelled,
The notification control means sets the waiting time indicated by the waiting time information received by the receiving means until the predetermined function is restored after the power saving control is released by the releasing means. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the notification unit is controlled so as to display corresponding to the function. Computer
A power saving control means for performing a plurality of power saving controls, each of which has a different power consumption suppression state with respect to a control target for executing a predetermined function;
A canceling means for canceling the power saving control when the power saving control is canceled while the power saving control is being performed;
Deriving means for deriving a return time from when the power saving control is released until the predetermined function is restored according to the power saving control before being released by the releasing means;
Controls the notification means so as to notify the predetermined time of the return time derived by the derivation means until the predetermined function returns after the power saving control is released. Notification control means for
Program to make it function.   A program for causing a computer to function as the power saving control unit, the release unit, the derivation unit, and the notification control unit in the return state display control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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