JP2011088292A - Image forming apparatus, control device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the generation of the situation that an image forming apparatus cannot return from a power-saving state. <P>SOLUTION: The main control unit 30 recognizes time points at each preliminarily set time interval or at each preliminarily set date in an operating state in which the main control part shifts itself to the power-saving state, thereby restarting a CPU 301 using a program stored in a ROM 303 and making the CPU 301 carry out initial setting to stored contents in a RAM 302. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

In an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine, for example, an image forming command is received from a terminal device via a communication unit, and printing processing is performed. At this time, for example, if the reception of the image forming command or the operation input by the user is not recognized even after a preset time, the power saving state is normally set to keep power consumption low.
For example, in Patent Document 1, the time difference between the previous image output time and the current image output time is obtained, the transition time to the energy saving mode is calculated from this time difference, and the elapsed time from the current image output time is calculated as the energy saving mode. An image forming apparatus that shifts to an energy saving mode when the transition time to is reached is described.

JP 2005-31333 A

In general, when a part of the data stored in the main storage device in the control unit responsible for the operation control of the image forming apparatus is lost when the image forming apparatus is set to the power saving state, It may become impossible to return.
An object of the present invention is to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which an image forming apparatus cannot return from a power saving state.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an operation state and a power saving state in which power consumption is lower than the operation state are set as the operation state, image data is acquired in the operation state, and based on the acquired image data An image forming means for forming an image on a sheet, a central control device, a main storage device, and a read-only storage device, and controlling the operation of the image forming means and corresponding to the operation state of the image forming means. Control means for transitioning its own operation state between the operation state and the power saving state, and at predetermined time intervals or preset in the operation state in which the control means transitions itself to the power saving state. By recognizing the time point for each date and time, the central control unit is restarted by using a program stored in the read-only storage unit, and the central control unit stores in the main storage unit An image forming apparatus is characterized in that a starting means for executing an initialization process for the contents.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the activation unit returns the control unit from the power saving state in a period other than the time point for each preset time interval or for each preset date and time, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the central control device is operated using a program stored in the main storage device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the control unit causes the control unit to transition itself to the power saving state, the activation unit is configured at each preset time interval or each preset date and time. It is instructed that the interrupt request signal to be generated is composed of an interrupt code designating an address of a table stored in the read-only storage device, and for each preset time interval or for each preset date and time 3. The image formation according to claim 2, wherein an instruction to generate an interrupt request signal generated in a period other than the point of time is an interrupt code designating an address of a table stored in the main storage device. Device.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the activation means restarts the central control unit using a program stored in the read-only storage unit, and is stored in the main storage unit in the central control unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an initial setting process for a kernel portion of the operating system is executed.
The invention according to claim 5 further includes a non-volatile storage means for storing a program and data, and the central control device executes the initial setting process for the stored contents in the main storage device. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the stored contents other than the operating system are copied to the nonvolatile storage means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the operation state of the image forming means for acquiring image data and forming an image on a sheet based on the acquired image data is an operation state and a power saving state in which power consumption is lower than the operation state. And a central control device that transitions its operation state between the operation state and the power saving state in correspondence with the operation state of the image forming unit, and the central control device is activated. The main storage device to which the program for operating the central control device is written and the program for operating the central control device are stored, and when the central control device is activated, the program is read, and the program is A read-only storage device copied to the main storage device, and the central control device accords with the operating state of the image forming means, By recognizing the time point for each preset time interval or for each preset date and time in the operating state that has been changed to the state, the central control unit is re-used using the program stored in the read-only storage device. A control apparatus comprising: an activation unit that is activated to cause the central control device to execute an initial setting process for the stored contents in the main storage device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the activation unit is configured to return the central control unit from the power saving state in a period other than the point in time at the preset time interval or the preset date and time. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the central control device is operated using a program stored in the main storage device.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, when the central control device shifts itself to the power saving state, the activation unit is configured at each preset time interval or at each preset date and time. The interrupt request signal to be generated is instructed to be composed of an interrupt code designating the address of the table stored in the read-only storage device, and at each preset time interval or at the preset date and time 8. The control according to claim 7, wherein an instruction to generate an interrupt request signal generated in a period other than each time point is an interrupt code designating an address of a table stored in the main storage device. Device.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the activation means restarts the central control device using a program stored in the read-only storage device, and is stored in the main storage device in the central control device. 8. The control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein an initial setting process for a kernel part of the operating system is executed.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when the central control unit executes an initial setting process for the storage contents in the main storage device, the storage contents other than the operating system in the main storage device are stored in the nonvolatile storage means. 8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein the control device performs copying.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a function of causing the computer to transition the operation state of the central control device between an operation state and a power saving state in which the power consumption is lower than the operation state, The function of measuring the time point for each set date and time, and the time point for each preset time interval or the preset date and time in the operation state in which the central control device is shifted to the power saving state is measured. By recognizing this, the central control unit is restarted using a program stored in the read-only storage device, and the central control unit is caused to execute an initial setting process for the stored contents in the main storage device. Functions and when returning the central control unit from the power saving state at a period other than the preset time interval or the preset date and time. The central control unit is a program for causing and a function to operate with a program stored in the main storage device.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the image forming apparatus cannot return from the power saving state as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the invention of claim 2, it is possible to return from the power saving state faster than when the control means is operated using the program stored in the read-only storage device.
According to the invention of claim 3, the central control unit is restarted by using a program stored in the read-only storage device at every preset time interval or every preset date and time, and the main memory is stored in the central control unit. The initial setting process for the stored contents in the apparatus is executed, and the central controller operates using a program stored in the main storage device at a time interval other than a preset time interval or a preset date and time. Can be made.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the initial setting process can be performed in a shorter time than when the present invention is not adopted.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to hold the stored contents other than the operating system in a state where they are not damaged.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the image forming apparatus cannot return from the power saving state as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to return from the power saving state faster than when the control means is operated using a program stored in the read-only storage device.
According to the invention of claim 8, the central control unit is restarted by using a program stored in the read-only storage device at every preset time interval or every preset date and time, and the main memory is stored in the central control unit. The initial setting process for the stored contents in the apparatus is executed, and the central controller operates using a program stored in the main storage device at a time interval other than a preset time interval or a preset date and time. Can be made.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the initial setting process can be performed in a shorter time than when the present invention is not adopted.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to hold the stored contents other than the operating system in a state where they are not damaged.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the image forming apparatus cannot return from the power saving state as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system to which an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment is connected. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of a terminal device. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of a main control part. It is a figure explaining the power consumption of each operation mode set with the image forming apparatus of this Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the content of the control processing regarding the operation mode which a main control part performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the content of the control processing regarding the operation mode which a main control part performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the content of the production | generation process of the interruption request signal which a main control part performs.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<Description of image forming system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system 1 to which an image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment is connected. In the image forming system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, a terminal device 2 installed in a user's work space (for example, a desk) or the like and an image on a sheet based on image data created / stored by the terminal device 2. Are connected so as to be capable of bidirectional communication via a network 4 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet, which is an example of a communication unit. As a communication means, a communication line such as a telephone line or a satellite communication line (for example, a spatial transmission line in digital satellite broadcasting) may be interposed.
Note that, normally, a plurality of terminal devices 2 and a plurality of image forming devices 3 can be connected on the network 4, but in FIG. 1, one terminal device 2 and one image are respectively shown as a part thereof. A configuration in which the forming apparatus 3 is connected is shown.

<Description of terminal device>
First, the terminal device 2 will be described.
The terminal device 2 connected to the network 4 uses, for example, a personal computer (PC), and creates / stores image data including documents, graphics, graphics, photographs, and the like.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal device 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 2 includes a main control unit 20 that performs operation control of the entire terminal device 2 and various information processing, an image data creation unit 21 that creates image data according to predetermined application software, and a user A user interface (UI) unit 22 for receiving an instruction input from the user and displaying various information to the user. Further, the terminal device 2 includes a communication unit 24 that communicates with the external storage unit 23 in which programs, various data, and the like are stored, and the network 4, and transmits an image formation command related to image data to the image forming device 3, for example. Yes. Further, the terminal device 2 includes a power supply unit 25 that supplies power to each component of the terminal device 2.
The main control unit 20, the image data creation unit 21, the UI unit 22, the external storage unit 23, the communication unit 24, and the power supply unit 25 are connected to the bus 26 and transmit / receive signals and information to / from each other.

  The above-described components of the terminal device 2 are realized by cooperation of software and hardware resources. Specifically, in the external storage unit 23, an operating system for controlling the operation of each component of the terminal device 2, application software for executing a specific function of each component in cooperation with the operating system, A printer that generates an image formation command (print command: hereinafter referred to as “print job”) to the image forming apparatus 3 regarding the image data generated by the image data generation unit 21, the image data stored in the external storage unit 23, and the like A driver program and the like are stored. Then, the CPU (not shown) of the terminal device 2 reads these programs from the external storage unit 23 into the main storage device (for example, RAM), and each component of the main control unit 20, the image data creation unit 21, the communication unit 24, and the like. The process which implement | achieves the function of a part is performed.

<Description of print job generation / transmission processing in terminal device>
When a print instruction from the user is input to the UI unit 22 in the terminal device 2, the main control unit 20 reads the printer driver program from the external storage unit 23 and activates it. Accordingly, the main control unit 20 executes print job generation processing related to the image data created by the image data creation unit 21 and the image data stored in the external storage unit 23 in accordance with the printer driver program. Then, the main control unit 20 transmits the generated print job from the communication unit 24 to the image forming apparatus 3.
The “image formation command (print job)” assigns N pages (logical pages) of an electronic document to image data, for example, the number of copies, paper size, and N-up (one page (physical page) of paper). Print) and a set of data (print job data) to which various attribute data for specifying a print format such as a margin size are added.

<Description of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, the image forming apparatus 3 will be described.
The image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment performs an image forming process when, for example, the next print job is not transmitted even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the transmission of the most recent print job from the terminal apparatus 2. It shifts to an operating state (power saving state) in which power consumption is reduced compared to the operating state (operating state) being executed. Then, in a state in which the power saving state is maintained, the main control unit provided in the image forming apparatus 3 is restarted (rebooted) at predetermined time intervals, and the power saving state is maintained again after the restart. I do. Thereby, initial setting (initialization) of the main storage device which is a volatile memory connected to the central control device of the main control unit is performed.

For example, in the main control unit of the image forming apparatus 3, the main storage device periodically executes self-refresh processing even during the setting of the power saving state. Thereby, the charge in the memory elements constituting the main memory device is replenished to prevent the stored contents from being lost. However, due to noise generated during the execution of self-refresh processing, memory leaks, etc., programs such as operating system stored in the main storage device, variables used in the program, stack information, register information, etc. In some cases, part of the information (stored contents) regarding the operation state of the image forming apparatus 3 is lost due to the self-refresh process. In this case, there is a possibility that the main control unit cannot return the image forming apparatus 3 from the power saving state to normal.
Therefore, the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment restarts the main control unit at a predetermined time interval using a program stored in the read-only storage device in a state where the power saving state is maintained. The memory contents of the main storage device are initialized. Accordingly, when the main control unit returns the image forming apparatus 3 from the power saving state, the possibility that the program or information (data) stored in the main storage apparatus is damaged is reduced. Occurrence of a situation where 3 does not return normally from the power saving state is reduced.

<Description of Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 of the present embodiment that performs the above-described processing will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a main control unit 30 as an example of a control unit (control apparatus) that performs various types of information processing including operation control of the entire image forming apparatus 3 and image processing, and a network 4. And a communication unit 31 that transmits and receives signals to and from the terminal device 2, for example.

The image forming apparatus 3 also includes an image reading unit 32 that reads an image on a document and generates image data, such as a facsimile (FAX) unit 33 that transmits and receives facsimile data via a public telephone line, such as a network 4. The image forming unit 34 is an example of an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on a print job transmitted from the terminal device 2 or image data read by the image reading unit 32. As the image forming unit 34, for example, an electrophotographic image forming engine is used.
In addition, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a user interface (UI) unit 35 that receives an instruction input from the user and displays various information to the user, and an application that executes a specific function of each component of the image forming apparatus 3 An auxiliary storage unit 36 is provided as an example of an auxiliary storage device (nonvolatile storage means) that stores various programs such as software and various data such as image data. As the auxiliary storage unit 36, for example, a hard disk (HDD) that realizes a relatively large storage capacity and has few restrictions on data to be stored is used.
The image forming apparatus 3 also includes a power supply unit 37 that converts, for example, 100 V AC power supplied from a commercial power source into DC voltage (for example, 24 V, 12 V, 5 V, 3 V) and supplies the power to each component. I have.

The main control unit 30, the communication unit 31, the image reading unit 32, the FAX unit 33, the image forming unit 34, the UI unit 35, the auxiliary storage unit 36, and the power supply unit 37 arranged in the image forming apparatus 3 are connected to the bus. 38 to transmit / receive signals to / from each other.
The above-described components of the image forming apparatus 3 are realized by cooperation of software and hardware resources. Specifically, the central control device of the main control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 3 transfers various programs such as an operating system and application software from the read-only storage device or the auxiliary storage unit 36 in the main control unit 30 to the main storage device. Processing for realizing the functions of each component such as reading, main control unit 30, communication unit 31, image reading unit 32, FAX unit 33, image forming unit 34, UI unit 35, auxiliary storage unit 36, and power supply unit 37 Also, operation control and information processing for each component are executed.

<Description of main controller>
Next, the main control unit 30 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the main control unit 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 301, a main storage device (RAM: Random Access Memory) 302, and a read-only storage device (ROM: Read Only Memory) 303. As an example of the activation means, an interrupt controller 304, a timer 305, a real time clock (RTC) 306, and an input / output interface (I / F) 307 are provided. These are connected to the internal bus 308 and transmit / receive signals to / from each other.
The ROM 303 stores information such as an operating system (hereinafter referred to as “OS”) for controlling the operation of each component constituting the image forming apparatus 3 and various variables used in the OS.
The timer 305 measures the remaining time until a preset time. Then, when the remaining time becomes “0”, the interrupt controller 304 is notified, and measurement of the remaining time up to a preset time is started again.
The RTC 306 always receives the power supply from a built-in power supply (not shown) and always measures the date and time. Then, when the preset day of the week, date, and time are measured, the interrupt controller 304 is notified.
The I / F 307 controls transmission / reception of signals and data to / from components such as the auxiliary storage unit 36, for example.

Further, the interrupt controller 304 according to the present embodiment receives an interrupt request from each component in the image forming apparatus 3, for example, and outputs an interrupt request signal to the CPU 301 in response to the interrupt request from each component.
Further, in a state where the image forming apparatus 3 is set in the power saving state (the “sleep mode” in the subsequent stage), the interrupt controller 304 is interrupted by receiving a notification from the timer 305 that a preset time has elapsed. A request signal is generated and an interrupt request signal is output to the CPU 301. In some cases, for example, an interrupt request signal is generated by receiving notification that the RTC 306 has measured a preset date and time, and the interrupt request signal is output to the CPU 301.

<Explanation regarding control function of operation mode of main control unit>
Here, the operation mode control function of the main control unit 30 will be described.
The main control unit 30 operates the operation mode (operation state) of the image forming apparatus 3 in accordance with the reception status of print jobs and image data from the communication unit 31 and the image reading unit 32, the operation input status from the user in the UI unit 35, and the like. ).
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the power consumption in each operation mode set in the image forming apparatus 3 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the main control unit 30 includes an “image forming operation mode” and an “standby mode”, which are examples of operation states as operation modes, and an example of a power saving state that consumes less power than the operation state. A certain “sleep mode” is selectively set.

The “image forming operation mode” is set, for example, when image data processed by the main control unit 30 is transferred to the image forming unit 34, and the image forming unit 34 executes an image forming operation on a sheet. It is an operating state. The “image forming operation mode” consumes the largest amount of power in the operation mode.
In the “standby mode”, for example, when a main power switch (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 3 is turned on, or when the “sleep mode” is set, a print job or image data is transmitted from the communication unit 31 or the image reading unit 32. This is an operation state that is set when an operation input is received from the user in the UI unit 35. Then, the “standby mode” immediately shifts to the “image forming operation mode” when the main control unit 30 finishes the image processing for all or part of the print job or image data, for example. Furthermore, the “standby mode” is also set during a predetermined period after the end of the image forming operation. In the “image forming operation mode” and the “standby mode” equivalent thereto, power for operating the drive system and the control system of each component is supplied from the power supply unit 37. Therefore, less power is consumed in the “standby mode” than in the “image forming operation mode”.

“Sleep mode” is a state in which an image forming operation is completed and “standby mode” is set from “image forming operation mode”, and a print job can be received even when a predetermined waiting time T has elapsed. This is an operation state set when there is no operation input from the user. In the “sleep mode”, the supply of control system power from the power supply unit 37 to the main control unit 30 is continued. On the other hand, the power for operating the drive system and the control system of each component that executes the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 3 and the operation related thereto from the power supply unit 37 is stopped. As a result, the amount of power consumption in the “sleep mode” is reduced, and power saving of the image forming apparatus 3 is achieved.
In the main control unit 30, power supply to the CPU 301 is stopped in the “sleep mode”. Thereby, the power consumption in the CPU 301 is reduced. On the other hand, power supply to the interrupt controller 304 that outputs an interrupt request signal to the CPU 301, the RAM 302 that needs to hold data, the timer 305 that measures time, date, and the like, and the RTC 306 is continued.

For example, when the standby time T after the “standby mode” is set, the main control unit 30 receives a print job at the communication unit 31 or does not receive an operation input from the user at the UI unit 35. Shifts (changes) the image forming apparatus 3 from the “standby mode” to the “sleep mode”.
On the other hand, when the “sleep mode” is set, for example, the main control unit 30 receives power from the communication unit 31 or when the UI unit 35 receives an operation input from the user. The power supply from the supply unit 37 to the drive system and control system of each component is restarted, and the image forming apparatus 3 is returned from the “sleep mode” to the “standby mode”.
Further, the main control unit 30 recognizes a setting state of a sub power switch (not shown) that receives an operation input from the user regarding on / off of power supply to the drive system and control system of each component from the power supply unit 37. Unlike the main power switch (not shown) that turns on and off the entire power supplied from the power supply unit 37, the sub power switch is used when transitioning between the “sleep mode” and the “standby mode”. It is a changeover switch. The main control unit 30 also performs a transition process between the “sleep mode” and the “standby mode” by recognizing an operation input from the user at the sub power switch.

<Explanation regarding initial setting processing for RAM in "sleep mode">
The main control unit 30 notifies that the preset time (for example, a time interval of about one week) has elapsed from the timer 305 by the interrupt controller 304 in a state where the image forming apparatus 3 is shifted to the “sleep mode”. Receive. Then, the interrupt controller 304 generates an interrupt request signal and outputs it to the CPU 301. In this case, the interrupt request signal generated by the interrupt controller 304 includes an interrupt code that instructs execution of the restart process of the main control unit 30 using the OS stored in the ROM 303. That is, the interrupt controller 304 specifies an address (address) in which “a process for restarting the CPU 301 using the OS and initializing the storage contents of the RAM 302” in the table (vector table) stored in the ROM 303 is stored. The code is output to the CPU 301 as an interrupt request signal.

The CPU 301 that has received the interrupt request signal from the interrupt controller 304 is a processing routine stored at the address specified by the interrupt code in the vector table stored in the ROM 303, “Restart CPU 301 using OS”. Then, a process for initializing the contents stored in the RAM 302 is executed. That is, the CPU 301 is restarted (rebooted) using the OS stored in the ROM 303, and the power supply is resumed. Then, the OS and various information stored in the ROM 303 and programs such as application software stored in the auxiliary storage unit 36 and various information are written (downloaded) into the RAM 302 again. Thereby, in the RAM 302, programs such as the OS and application software and various information are newly developed and initialized.
For this reason, when there is a print job received by the communication unit 31 or an operation input from the user by the UI unit 35 after that, and there is an interrupt request from the communication unit 31, the UI unit 35, or the sub power switch, the CPU 301 Is restored from the “sleep mode” by a program or the like newly written in the RAM 302.

  Then, after being restarted by the OS or the like stored in the ROM 303 and completing the initial setting in the RAM 302, the CPU 301 receives a print job in the communication unit 31, an operation input from the user in the UI unit 35, If no operation input from the user at the sub power switch is recognized, the CPU 301 shifts the image forming apparatus 3 to the “sleep mode” again. Furthermore, the CPU 301 also stops power supply to the CPU 301 itself.

When the CPU 301 shifts the image forming apparatus 3 to the “sleep mode” again, the CPU 301 outputs to the CPU 301 until the interrupt controller 304 receives a notification from the timer 305 that a preset time has elapsed. The interrupt request signal to be transmitted is instructed to be constituted by an interrupt code designating an address (address) in which “recovery processing from“ sleep mode ”” of a table (vector table) stored in the RAM 302 is stored. Accordingly, when the interrupt controller 304 receives an interrupt request from the communication unit 31, the UI unit 35, or the sub power switch and outputs an interrupt request signal to the CPU 301 in a state where the image forming apparatus 3 is shifted to the “sleep mode”. The interrupt request signal from the interrupt controller 304 to the CPU 301 is composed of an interrupt code for instructing an “OS execution instruction” stored in the RAM 302.
Accordingly, the CPU 301 that has received the interrupt request signal from the interrupt controller 304 performs the process (“return process from“ sleep mode ””) stored at the address specified by the interrupt code in the table stored in the RAM 302. Execute. In that case, by executing the “return processing from“ sleep mode ”” stored in the RAM 302, the return processing from the “sleep mode” is performed at high speed.

When the CPU 301 receives the notification that the preset time has elapsed from the timer 305 when the image forming apparatus 3 is shifted again to the “sleep mode”, the CPU 301 outputs the notification to the CPU 301. The interrupt request signal is constituted by an interrupt code designating an address (address) in which “a process for restarting the CPU 301 using the OS and initializing the stored contents of the RAM 302” of the vector table stored in the ROM 303 is stored. To instruct.
Accordingly, as described above, the interrupt controller 304 sends an interrupt code specifying an address in which “processing for restarting the CPU 301 using the OS and initializing the storage contents of the RAM 302” in the ROM 303 is stored. The signal is output to the CPU 301 as a signal.

As described above, in the main control unit 30 of the present embodiment, the CPU 301 is stored in the ROM 303 every time a preset time elapses in a state where the image forming apparatus 3 is shifted to the “sleep mode”. The system is restarted by the OS, and initial setting processing for newly rewriting the OS and various information stored in the ROM 303 and programs such as application software and various information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 36 is performed on the RAM 302.
For this reason, when the RAM 302 periodically executes the self-refresh process, the noise stored during the execution of the self-refresh process, memory leaks, and the like cause the program stored in the RAM 302, the variables used in the program, Even if a part of the information related to the operation state of the image forming apparatus 3 such as stack information and register information is lost, initial setting for newly writing a program and various information in the RAM 302 is performed. Accordingly, when the main control unit 30 returns the image forming apparatus 3 from the power saving state (“sleep mode”), the possibility that the program and information (data) stored in the RAM 302 are damaged is reduced. Therefore, the occurrence of a situation where the image forming apparatus 3 does not return normally from the power saving state is reduced. Therefore, convenience for the user is improved.

  Even when the image forming apparatus 3 is set to the “sleep mode” for a long period of time, the CPU 301 only returns at a frequency of, for example, about one week measured by the timer 305. The reduction in power consumption by setting the “sleep mode” is maintained.

  In this embodiment, a preset time measured by the timer 305 is used as a timing (time point) at which the interrupt controller 304 outputs an interrupt request signal including an interrupt code instructing execution by the ROM 303 to the CPU 301. (For example, a time interval of about one week) was used. In addition to this configuration, for example, by specifying the day of the week, date, and time (eg, date and time such as midnight on Monday) measured by the RTC 306, the timing (time point) for generating the interrupt request signal is set. May be. Thereby, for example, the convenience of the user whose use frequency of the image forming apparatus 3 is different depending on the day of the week, the time, etc. is enhanced.

  Further, when executing an initial setting process for re-reading a program or the like from the ROM 303 or the auxiliary storage unit 36 and writing it into the RAM 302, it is a part of the most central function such as direct management operation of hardware in the OS, for example. You may comprise so that only a kernel part may be initialized. In this case, the interrupt controller 304 outputs an interrupt code designating an address storing a processing routine for executing processing for initializing only the kernel part of the OS to the CPU 301 as an interrupt request signal. By initial setting only the kernel part, the initial setting process is performed in a short time.

In this case, information other than the kernel unit (information regarding the operation state of the image forming apparatus 3) is transferred (copied) to a nonvolatile storage device such as the auxiliary storage unit 36. When rewriting the kernel part to the RAM 302, other information (stored contents) other than the kernel part may be rewritten to the RAM 302 from information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 36 or the like. Good.
In addition, as a timing for transferring information other than the kernel unit (information regarding the operation state of the image forming apparatus 3) to the nonvolatile storage device such as the auxiliary storage unit 36, for example, the image forming apparatus 3 is set to “sleep”. It is preferable to perform the process before shifting to the “mode”. As a result, information other than the kernel part is held in the auxiliary storage part 36 and the like in a state that is not damaged by the self-refresh process.

Further, of the information held in the RAM 302, the information used for the communication processing in the communication unit 31 and the information used for the facsimile communication processing in the FAX unit 33 are related to the timeout set for the communication. This information is used immediately after the initial setting process is completed. Therefore, the initial setting process for the RAM 302 is immediately rewritten from the auxiliary storage unit 36 or the like to the RAM 302.
On the other hand, of the information held in the RAM 302, information used for copying (copying) in the image reading unit 32 and the image forming unit 34, and OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing in the image reading unit 32. The information to be used does not have strict time constraints such as timeout set for communication. For this reason, when performing the initial setting process for the RAM 302, application software that uses information used for copy processing and information used for OCR processing, which is less related to communication, is temporarily terminated. Then, when the CPU 301 is restarted (rebooted), the information used for the copying process or the information used for the OCR process may be rewritten to the RAM 302 from the auxiliary storage unit 36 or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 301 is restarted by the OS stored in the ROM 303, and the OS and various information stored in the ROM 303 and programs such as application software stored in the auxiliary storage unit 36 are stored in the RAM 302. And an initial setting process for newly rewriting various information. In addition to such settings, every time a preset time elapses in a state where the image forming apparatus 3 is shifted to the “sleep mode”, the CPU 301 is system-reset by software, and the contents stored in the RAM 302 are redeployed. You may comprise.

Further, when the CPU 301 recognizes a program download request from, for example, an external device (for example, the terminal device 2) at the timing when the CPU 301 is restarted by the OS stored in the ROM 303 and the stored contents in the RAM 302 are initialized. The CPU 301 may wait for the download to be completed, restart the CPU 301 with the OS stored in the ROM 303, and start processing for initializing the storage contents in the RAM 302. Similarly, when a download request for a program is made from the own apparatus to an external apparatus (for example, the terminal apparatus 2), the completion of the download may be similarly waited. As a result, the situation where the program is not downloaded is avoided.
Similarly, when the CPU 301 recognizes an incoming call of facsimile data by the FAX unit 33, for example, the CPU 301 is restarted by the OS stored in the ROM 303 after the incoming of the facsimile data, and the stored contents in the RAM 302 are initialized. The setting process may be started.

In addition, when the “sleep mode” is set, the CPU 301 is restarted by the OS stored in the ROM 303 and processing history information (Log) for initializing the storage contents in the RAM 302 is provided in the CPU 301 or the image forming apparatus 3. Alternatively, it may be stored in a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or in the auxiliary storage unit 36.
Further, the CPU 301 is restarted by the OS stored in the ROM 303, and statistical information such as the total accumulated time and the number of executions required for the process of initializing the storage contents in the RAM 302 is stored in the CPU 301 or the image forming apparatus 3. You may memorize | store in the non-volatile memory | storage devices, such as the provided flash memory, and the auxiliary memory part 36. FIG. Accordingly, these pieces of information are useful for improving the processing program that initially sets the RAM 302 set in the main control unit 30.

<Explanation regarding control processing of operation mode performed by main controller>
Next, the control process regarding the operation mode performed by the main control unit 30 will be described.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts illustrating an example of the contents of the control process related to the operation mode performed by the main control unit 30.
First, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, when the CPU 301 of the main control unit 30 ends the image forming operation and sets the “standby mode” from the “image forming operation mode” (step 101), a predetermined time is set. Until the long standby time T elapses, it waits for the reception of a print job at the communication unit 31 and the operation input from the user at the UI unit 35 or the sub power switch (No at step 102, No at step 103). If a print job is received or an operation input is received from the user before the predetermined waiting time T elapses (Yes in step 102), the CPU 301 receives the print job or receives a command from the user. Processing for executing the function of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the operation input is performed (step 104). After executing the function of the image forming apparatus 3, the process returns to step 102, and the CPU 301 again waits for reception of a print job or operation input from the user.

On the other hand, when the waiting time T has elapsed without receiving a print job and no instruction input from the user (No in step 102, Yes in step 103), the CPU 301 of the main control unit 30 sends an interrupt to the interrupt controller 304. Then, an interrupt code to be set in the interrupt request signal is indicated (step 105).
That is, the CPU 301 sends an interrupt request signal to be output to the CPU 301 in the vector table stored in the RAM 302 until the interrupt controller 304 is notified from the timer 305 that a preset time has elapsed. It is instructed to be constituted by an interrupt code designating an address in which “recovery processing from“ sleep mode ”” is stored. Also, when the interrupt controller 304 receives a notification from the timer 305 that a preset time has elapsed, an interrupt request signal to be output to the CPU 301 is sent to the CPU 301 using the OS in the vector table stored in the ROM 303. Is instructed to be constituted by an interrupt code for designating an address in which “processing for initializing stored contents of RAM 302” is stored.
Thereafter, the CPU 301 sets the “sleep mode” (step 106), and waits for the acquisition of an interrupt request signal from the interrupt controller 304 (No in step 107).

When the CPU 301 obtains an interrupt request signal from the interrupt controller 304 (Yes in Step 107), the CPU 301 determines an interrupt code constituting the interrupt request signal (Step 108).
Next, moving to FIG. 6B, the CPU 301 is configured by an interrupt code designating an address in which “return processing from“ sleep mode ”” of the vector table in which the interrupt request signal is stored in the RAM 302 is stored. (Yes in step 109), the process stored in the address specified in the interrupt code of the RAM 302 ("return process from" sleep mode "") is executed (step 110). Thereby, the CPU 301 returns from the “sleep mode” to the “standby mode” (step 111). Thereafter, the processing after step 104 is performed.

On the other hand, the CPU 301 is configured by an interrupt code for designating an address in which “a process for restarting the CPU 301 using the OS and initializing the storage contents of the RAM 302” of the vector table in which the interrupt request signal is stored in the ROM 303 is stored. If this is the case (No in step 109), the "process for restarting the CPU 301 using the OS and initializing the contents stored in the RAM 302" stored at the address specified in the interrupt code of the ROM 303 is executed (step S1). 112).
That is, the CPU 301 is restarted (rebooted) by the OS stored in the ROM 303. Then, the CPU 301 is restarted by the OS stored in the ROM 303, and writes the OS and various information stored in the ROM 303 and programs and various information such as application software stored in the auxiliary storage unit 36 into the RAM 302 again (download). Process). Thereby, in the RAM 302, programs such as the OS and application software and various information are newly developed and initialized.

If there is no reception of a print job and no operation input from the user during execution of “a process for restarting the CPU 301 using the OS and initializing the storage contents of the RAM 302” (No in step 113), the main control unit 30 The CPU 301 sets the “sleep mode” again (step 114). Then, the process returns to step 107 and waits for acquisition of an interrupt request signal from the interrupt controller 304.
Further, when the reception of a print job and the operation input from the user are acquired during the execution of “the process of restarting the CPU 301 using the OS and initializing the storage contents of the RAM 302” (Yes in step 113), Since the operation state has already been returned to the “standby mode”, the processing after step 104 is performed.

<Description of interrupt request signal generation processing performed by the main control unit>
Next, an interrupt request signal generation process performed by the main control unit 30 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the content of the interrupt request signal generation process performed by the main control unit 30.
First, as shown in FIG. 7, the interrupt controller 304 of the main control unit 30 receives an instruction of an interrupt code to be set as an interrupt request signal from the CPU 301 when the CPU 301 sets “sleep mode” (step 201). . When the CPU 301 sets the “sleep mode” (step 202), the interrupt controller 304 receives the notification that the preset time has elapsed from the timer 305 until the communication unit 31, the UI unit 35, and the sub power switch. (No in step 203, No in step 204).

  If there is an interrupt request before the notification from the timer 305 is acquired (Yes in step 204), the interrupt controller 304 performs “return processing from“ sleep mode ”” of the vector table stored in the RAM 302. An interrupt request signal composed of an interrupt code designating the address in which is stored is generated and output to the CPU 301 (step 205). Thereafter, the interrupt request signal generation process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the notification from the timer 305 is acquired (Yes in Step 203), the interrupt controller 304 “process for restarting the CPU 301 using the OS and initializing the storage contents of the RAM 302” in the vector table stored in the ROM 303. An interrupt request signal composed of an interrupt code designating the address in which is stored is generated and output to the CPU 301 (step 206).
After that, the process returns to step 202, the “sleep mode” is set again by the CPU 301, and the processing after step 203 is continued.

By the way, the time measurement by the timer 305 may be reset by receiving an interrupt request from the communication unit 31, the UI unit 35, or the sub power switch, or the time measurement is continued as it is regardless of the reception of the interrupt request. You may comprise as follows.
The preset time measured by the timer 305 sets a period that can be easily confirmed when the stored contents of the RAM 302 are normally maintained by the process of initializing the stored contents of the RAM 302 performed during the “sleep mode”. It is preferable. For example, if about one week is set as the time measured by the timer 305, confirmation of the result of correcting (debugging) an error (bug) in the processing program for initial setting of the RAM 302 set in the main control unit 30 is confirmed for about one week. It can be done in a relatively long period. On the other hand, if, for example, about one year is set, it is necessary to verify whether or not there is a bug in the processing program over one year, which is inconvenient.

As described above, in the main control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 3 of the present embodiment, every time a preset time elapses in a state where the image forming apparatus 3 is shifted to the “sleep mode”. Is an initial setting that is restarted by the OS stored in the ROM 303 and newly rewrites the OS and various information stored in the ROM 303 and programs and various information such as application software stored in the auxiliary storage unit 36 in the RAM 302. Process.
Thereby, a new program and various types of information are written in the RAM 302 at preset time intervals. Therefore, when the main control unit 30 returns the image forming apparatus 3 from the power saving state (“sleep mode”), The possibility that the program and information (data) stored in the RAM 302 are damaged decreases. Therefore, the occurrence of a situation where the image forming apparatus 3 does not return normally from the power saving state is reduced, and the convenience for the user is improved.

  Even when the image forming apparatus 3 is set to the “sleep mode” for a long period of time, the CPU 301 only returns at a frequency of, for example, about one week measured by the timer 305. The reduction in power consumption by setting the “sleep mode” is maintained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming system, 3 ... Image forming apparatus, 30 ... Main control part, 34 ... Image forming part, 301 ... Central control apparatus (CPU), 302 ... Main memory (RAM), 303 ... Read-only memory (ROM) 304 ... Interrupt controller 305 ... Timer 306 ... Real time clock (RTC)

Claims (11)

An image forming unit that sets an operating state and a power saving state with lower power consumption than the operating state as the operating state, acquires image data in the operating state, and forms an image on a sheet based on the acquired image data When,
A central control device, a main storage device, and a read-only storage device for controlling the operation of the image forming means, and corresponding to the operation state of the image forming means, Control means for transitioning to a power state;
By recognizing the time point for each preset time interval or for each preset date and time in the operating state in which the control means has transitioned itself to the power saving state, the central control device is set to the read-only storage device. An image forming apparatus comprising: an activation unit that is restarted using a program stored in the central processing unit and causes the central control unit to execute an initial setting process for the stored contents in the main storage device.   The activation unit sets the central control unit to the main storage device when returning the control unit from the power saving state at a period other than the preset time interval or the preset date and time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is operated using a program stored in the image forming apparatus.   The activation unit reads the interrupt request signal generated at the preset time interval or the preset date and time when the control unit shifts itself to the power saving state. It is instructed to be configured with an interrupt code that specifies the address of the table stored in the dedicated storage device, and is generated in a period other than the point in time at the preset time interval or the preset date and time. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the interrupt request signal is instructed to be composed of an interrupt code designating an address of a table stored in the main storage device.   The starting means restarts the central control device using a program stored in the read-only storage device, and initializes the kernel unit of the operating system stored in the main storage device in the central control device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein processing is executed. Non-volatile storage means for storing a program and data,
The central control device, when executing an initial setting process for storage contents in the main storage device, copies storage contents other than the operating system in the main storage device to the nonvolatile storage means. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 2. While acquiring image data and performing control to change the operation state of the image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the acquired image data to an operation state and a power saving state in which power consumption is lower than the operation state, A central control device that changes its operation state between the operation state and the power saving state in correspondence with the operation state of the image forming unit;
A main storage device in which a program for operating the central control device is written when the central control device is activated;
Storing the program for operating the central control unit, the central control unit is activated to read the program, and the read-only storage unit to copy the program to the main storage unit;
The central control unit recognizes a point in time at a preset time interval or a preset date and time in an operating state in which the central control unit transitions itself to the power saving state according to the operating state of the image forming unit. The central control device is restarted by using a program stored in the read-only storage device to cause the central control device to execute initial setting processing for the stored contents in the main storage device. A control device characterized by that.   The activation means stores the central control device in the main memory when returning the central control device from the power saving state at a time other than the preset time interval or the preset time and date. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the control device is operated using a program stored in the device.   The activation means generates an interrupt request signal that is generated at each preset time interval or every preset date and time when the central control device transitions itself to the power saving state. It is instructed to be configured with an interrupt code that specifies the address of the table stored in the read-only storage device, and is generated at a time other than the time at the preset time interval or at the preset date and time. 8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein an instruction to make an interrupt request signal to be configured with an interrupt code designating an address of a table stored in the main storage device is instructed.   The starting means restarts the central control device using a program stored in the read-only storage device, and initializes the kernel unit of the operating system stored in the main storage device in the central control device. The control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the process is executed.   The central control device, when executing an initial setting process for storage contents in the main storage device, copies storage contents other than the operating system in the main storage device to a nonvolatile storage means. 8. The control device according to 7. On the computer,
A function of transitioning the operation state of the central control device between an operation state and a power saving state in which power consumption is lower than the operation state;
A function for measuring a time point for each preset time interval or for each preset date and time;
By recognizing that the time point for each of the preset time intervals or the preset date and time is measured in the operation state in which the central control device is shifted to the power saving state, the central control device A function for causing the central control unit to execute an initial setting process for the stored contents in the main storage device, and restarting the program using a program stored in the read-only storage device;
When the central control device is returned from the power saving state at a time period other than the preset time interval or the preset date and time, the central control device is stored in the main storage device. A program characterized by realizing a function to be operated using the program.

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