JP2011180506A - Image forming apparatus and control program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve reduction of waiting time when release of a power saving state is directed while suppressing power consumption more than in a case where a power saving state of all functional modules is released when release of the power saving state is directed. <P>SOLUTION: When return from a power saving state is directed, a functional module which is in an unusable state is determined based on failure detection information (72-78). In a case where an image forming section is in an unusable state, an image reading section is used in all the processing that an image forming apparatus can execute, so power supply to the image reading section is started (88) before execution of the processing is directed. In a case where the image reading section is in an unusable state, the image forming section is used in all the processing that the image forming apparatus can execute, so power supply to the image reading section is started (98) when the kind of print processing to be executed is selected (YES in 96). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  In Patent Document 1, while power supply to the printer unit is controlled by the printer relay, power supply to the scanner unit is controlled by the scanner relay, and the operation of the printer unit and the operation of the scanner unit are made independent. Technology that allows the scanner operation to continue even if the printer engine operation is immediately interrupted due to a paper jam, etc., and allows the printer operation to continue even if the document cover is opened and the reading operation is interrupted during document scanning Is disclosed.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, in a complex system including an operation panel, a button is provided for each function of a copy, a document box, a fax, a printer, and a scanner. In addition, there is disclosed a technique for suppressing power consumption when returning from an energy saving state by performing power supply recovery only for a portion necessary for the function.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-328433 JP 2004-222234 A

  The present invention realizes a reduction in waiting time when the power saving state is instructed while suppressing power consumption compared to the case where the power saving state of all the functional modules is canceled when the power saving state is instructed. It is an object to obtain an image forming apparatus and a control program for the image forming apparatus.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores identification information for identifying an unusable function module among a plurality of function modules constituting the self apparatus; and each of the plurality of function modules. When the release of the power saving state is instructed to reduce the supply power of the power supply to stop or lower than the power supply in the operating state, based on the identification information, some functional modules are in the unusable state, When there is a function module determined to be used in the process, the determination is made only for the determined function module before the execution of the process using the determined function module is instructed. And control means for switching the power supplied to the functional module to the power supplied in the operating state.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there are a plurality of executable processes that can be determined from the identification information when the control means is instructed to cancel the power saving state. In this case, a type selection screen for displaying a list of the plurality of types of processing as options is displayed on the display unit, and when any of the plurality of types of processing displayed on the type selection screen is selected, When a designation screen corresponding to the type of the selected process is displayed on the display unit among the designation screens prepared for each type and designating the contents of the corresponding process, when the cancellation of the power saving state is instructed In the case where only one type of executable process can be determined from the identification information, the designation screen corresponding to the one type of process is displayed on the display unit without displaying the type selection screen on the display unit. Displayed That.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, when the control unit is instructed to cancel the power-saving state, there is one kind of executable process that can be determined from the identification information. Only, it is determined that the function module used in the process is confirmed to be used in the subsequent process, the power supplied to the function module is switched to the power supplied in the operating state, and the power saving state When there are a plurality of types of executable processes that can be determined from the identification information when an instruction to cancel is issued, any one of the plurality of types of processes is selected. It is determined that the functional module used in the processing is confirmed to be used in the subsequent processing, and the power supplied to the functional module is switched to the power supplied in the operating state.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the control unit is instructed to cancel the power-saving state, the control unit is stored in advance in the storage unit. By referring to the configuration information representing the configuration of the device, a plurality of functional modules constituting the device itself is recognized, and the determined function module is determined based on the recognition result of the function module constituting the device and the identification information. Determine if it exists.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus control program, which is stored in the image forming apparatus and stores identification information for identifying an unusable functional module among a plurality of functional modules constituting the apparatus. The computer connected to the plurality of functional modules is stopped based on the identification information when the power saving state is instructed to stop the power supply to each of the plurality of functional modules or to lower the power supply in the operating state. When there is a function module that is determined to be used in the subsequent processing because the function module is in the unusable state, the determined function module is used only for the determined function module. Before the execution of the process to be performed is instructed, the power supply to the determined function module is switched to the power supply in the operating state. To function as a means.

  According to the first, third, and fifth aspects of the invention, when the power saving state is instructed to be released, the power saving state is instructed to be canceled while the power consumption is suppressed as compared with the case of releasing the power saving state of all the functional modules. It is possible to reduce the waiting time.

  The invention according to claim 2 has an effect that it is possible to simplify the operation of the user and shorten the operation time for executing a desired process after instructing the release of the power saving state.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, even when the device configuration is changed such that a part of the function modules is added, the function modules used in the subsequent processing can be accurately determined. Has an effect.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process at the time of the abnormality detection performed by a controller. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the power saving cancellation | release process performed by the controller. It is an image figure which shows an example of each screen displayed on the display part of an operation panel. It is a diagram for demonstrating the time until execution of a process is started from the power-saving disclosure instruction | indication in each condition.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a controller 12 including a CPU 12A, a memory 12B including a RAM, a nonvolatile storage unit 12C including an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, and the like. A power saving control program is preinstalled in the storage unit 12C. This power saving control program includes a program for executing an abnormality detection process and a power saving cancellation process, which will be described later, and is an example of an image forming apparatus control program according to the present invention. When the CPU 12A of the controller 12 executes the power saving control program, the controller 12 functions as an example of the control means according to the present invention (specifically, the control means described in claims 2 to 4). The image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment functions as an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. A part of the storage area of the storage unit 12C is used as a confidential box.

  The controller 12 is connected to a first power supply unit 22, and the first power supply unit 22 is connected to a commercial power supply via a power switch 30 that is turned on and off by a user operation. The first power supply unit 22 supplies power to the controller 12 while the power switch 30 is turned on. The controller 12 uses the power supplied from the first power supply unit 22 while the power switch 30 is turned on. The operation is continued.

  The image forming apparatus 10 also has a function as a copying machine, a function as a printer, a function as a scanner, and a function as a facsimile machine, and optically sets a document to be read (paper document) optically. An image reading unit 14 that reads and outputs read image data, an image forming unit 16 that forms an image represented by the input image data on a recording sheet, and other equipment having a function as a facsimile apparatus and a public communication network An image information transmitting / receiving unit 18 that transmits and receives image information (facsimile communication) via (not shown), a display unit 20A composed of an LCD or the like, and an operation accepting unit 20B that includes a numeric keypad, a touch panel, etc., and accepts an operation by a user The operation panel 20 and each functional module are configured.

  The operation receiving unit 20B of the operation panel 20 is provided with a power saving return switch (not shown) for instructing the image forming apparatus 10 in the power saving state to return from the power saving state. The switch is directly connected to the controller 12, and when the power saving return switch is operated by the user, the controller 12 detects the operation if power is supplied to the controller 12. In the present embodiment, the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18 is a functional module that is added as an option to the basic image forming apparatus 10 provided with the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, and the operation panel 20 as functional modules. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a first configuration in which the image information transmission / reception unit 18 is provided, and a second configuration in which the image information transmission / reception unit 18 is omitted.

  Each of the functional modules is connected to the second power supply unit 24 through the power supply switch 26 and is operated by the power supplied from the second power supply unit 24 through the power supply switch 26. The power supply switch 26 is composed of, for example, a relay or a semiconductor element and can be switched on / off by an on / off signal supplied from the outside. The power supply switch 26 is connected to the controller 12 and is turned on / off by an on / off signal supplied from the controller 12. Is switched. The second power supply unit 24 is connected to the power switch 30 via a power supply switch 28 whose on / off state is switched by an on / off signal supplied from the controller 12 in the same manner as the power supply switch 26. While each of the switches 28 is turned on, power is supplied to the function module in which the corresponding power supply switch 26 is turned on.

  In the first configuration, an incoming call detection unit (not shown) constituting a part of the image information transmission / reception unit 18 is connected to the first power supply unit 22. While the power switch 30 is turned on, the first power supply unit 22 supplies power to the incoming detection unit of the image information transmission / reception unit 18, and the incoming detection unit of the image information transmission / reception unit 18 is connected to the first power supply unit 22. The operation is continued while the power switch 30 is turned on by the supplied power.

  In addition, among the functional modules, the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, and the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18 each include an abnormality detection sensor 32 for detecting various abnormalities that occur during the operation of the individual functional modules. Installed. Note that the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection sensor 32 attached to each functional module is a minor abnormality that can be restored by the user, such as, for example, a defective conveyance of the recording paper or a shortage of remaining consumables. There are a wide variety of serious abnormalities that require maintenance work such as board replacement by a service engineer, and the abnormality detection sensors 32 attached to the individual functional modules are actually a plurality of types that detect different abnormalities. It consists of sensors.

  The abnormality detection sensor 32 attached to each functional module is connected to the controller 12. The memory 12B of the controller 12 is provided with an abnormality detection information register for storing information on an abnormality detected by the abnormality detection sensor 32 (abnormality detection information). Each time it is notified that an abnormality is detected from the abnormality detection sensor 32 attached to the function module, abnormality detection information indicating the detected abnormality is stored in the abnormality detection information register. The abnormality detection information register is provided in detail on a volatile memory (RAM) constituting the memory 12B. When the power switch 30 is turned off and the power supply to the controller 12 is temporarily stopped, the abnormality detection information register is provided. The register is reset, and the abnormality detection information (described later) registered in the abnormality detection information register is also deleted. The memory 12B is an example of a storage unit according to the present invention.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when the power switch 30 is turned on and power is supplied from the first power supply unit 22 to the controller 12, the controller 12 turns on the power feed switch 28 and all the power feed switches. By turning on 26, power is supplied from the second power supply unit 24 to the functional modules of the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18, and the operation panel 20. In each functional module to which power is supplied, first, a diagnosis process for diagnosing the presence or absence of an abnormality such as a failure is performed by the abnormality detection sensor 32.

  When an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection sensor 32 attached to the functional module in the diagnostic process in any of the functional modules, the controller 12 is notified that the abnormality has been detected. Thus, the abnormality detection processing shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the abnormality detection process will be described. This abnormality detection process is performed not only when an abnormality is detected when the image forming apparatus 10 is activated as described above, but also during the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. This is also executed when an abnormality is detected in step (b) and the controller 12 is notified of the detection of the abnormality.

  In the abnormality detection process, first, in step 50, the type of abnormality detected by the abnormality detection sensor 32 based on which abnormality detection sensor 32 is notified of abnormality detection and the notification content from the abnormality detection sensor 32, Recognize each functional module where an error occurred. Note that a message notifying the user of the occurrence of an abnormality detected by the abnormality detection sensor 32 is displayed on the display unit 20A of the operation panel 20. In the next step 52, the abnormality ID representing the type of abnormality recognized in step 50 and the module ID representing the functional module recognized in step 50 are registered in the abnormality detection information register as abnormality detection information.

  In the next step 54, based on the type of abnormality recognized in step 50, it is determined whether or not the functional module in which the abnormality has occurred is in an unusable state. For example, if the abnormality recognized in step 50 is a minor abnormality that can be recovered by the user and the use of the function module can be continued, such as out of a part of the recording paper of some sizes, the determination in step 54 Is denied and the process upon abnormality detection is terminated. On the other hand, the abnormality recognized in step 50 is an abnormality that can be restored by the user but difficult to continue using the function module, such as a recording paper conveyance failure, or maintenance work such as board replacement by a service engineer. In the case of a serious abnormality that requires an affirmative determination, the determination in step 54 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 56, and the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the functional module in which the abnormality has occurred is turned off, whereby the functional module in which the abnormality has occurred. Is stopped, and the abnormality detection process is terminated.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, each time an abnormality occurs in any of the functional modules, information on the abnormality that has occurred is registered in the abnormality detection information register, and the functional module in which the abnormality has occurred is abnormal. In the case of the unusable state due to the occurrence of, the power supply to the functional module is stopped. It should be noted that the abnormality that occurred is a minor abnormality that can be recovered by the user, and the recovery work (for example, removal of recording paper that has failed to be transported or replenishment or replacement of consumables) is performed by the user. Is performed, the corresponding abnormality detection information is erased from the abnormality detection information register. On the other hand, the abnormality detection information corresponding to a severe abnormality requiring maintenance work by the service engineer is erased when the power switch 30 is temporarily turned off in accordance with the maintenance work by the service engineer.

  On the other hand, when the diagnostic processing in each functional module is completed, the controller 12, as shown in FIG. 4A as an example, names of a plurality of types of processing that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 10 (example in FIG. 4A). Then, a menu screen on which “copy”, “print”, “scan”, and “fax”) are displayed as options is displayed on the display unit 20A of the operation panel 20. In addition, when displaying a menu screen on the display unit 20A of the operation panel 20, if there is a function module that cannot be used due to an abnormality, the name of the process that uses the function module is not displayed. .

  Here, when the user operates the operation receiving unit 20B of the operation panel 20 and the option “copy” in the menu screen is selected, the copy process is performed as shown in FIG. 4B as an example. A copy operation screen for designating processing contents is displayed on the display unit 20A. When the operation receiving unit 20B is operated again by the user, the content of the copy process to be executed is designated and the execution of the copy process is instructed, the image reading unit 14 which is a functional module used in the copy process and the image formation The copying process instructed to be executed by the unit 16 is performed.

  In addition, when the option “scan” in the menu screen is selected by the operation of the operation receiving unit 20B of the operation panel 20 by the user, as illustrated in FIG. A scan operation screen for designating the contents is displayed on the display unit 20A. Further, when the operation receiving unit 20B is operated again by the user, the processing content of the scanning process to be executed is specified and the execution of the scanning process is instructed, the image reading unit 14 which is a functional module used in the scanning process. The scan process instructed to be executed is performed.

  In addition, when the user selects the option “print” in the menu screen by operating the operation accepting unit 20B of the operation panel 20, the print processing is confidential print (information stored in the confidential box is stored). This is roughly divided into multiple types of processing, such as processing for printing a document to be represented) and media printing (processing for printing a document represented by information stored in a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory). As an example, as shown in FIG. 4D, the display unit 20A displays a print menu screen in which a plurality of types of print processing names are listed as options. When the user operates the operation accepting unit 20B again and selects any option in the print menu screen, an operation screen (not shown) for designating the processing content of the selected process is displayed on the display unit 20A. Display. Subsequently, when the operation receiving unit 20B is operated again by the user, the content of the print process to be executed is designated and the execution of the print process is instructed, the image forming unit 16 which is a functional module used in the print process. Thus, the print processing instructed to be executed is performed.

  In addition, when the user selects the option “FAX” in the menu screen by operating the operation reception unit 20B of the operation panel 20, as shown in FIG. A facsimile operation screen for designating processing contents is displayed on the display unit 20A. When the user operates the operation accepting unit 20B again, the processing content of the facsimile transmission process to be executed is specified and the execution of the facsimile transmission process is instructed, the image reading unit 14 which is a functional module used in the facsimile transmission process. The image information transmission / reception unit 18 performs a scan process instructed to be executed.

  By the way, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment turns on the individual power supply switches 26 to turn on / off the individual function modules (the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18 (other than the incoming detection unit). And the operation panel 20) can be turned on / off in units of individual functional modules. For this reason, the controller 12 performs power saving control described below for the purpose of reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 10. The following power saving control is realized by the CPU 12A of the controller 12 executing a power saving control program.

  That is, the controller 12 is provided with timers corresponding to any of the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, and the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18, and the controller 12 uses these timers for the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit. 16 and the image information transmission / reception unit 18 measure the elapsed time since the last processing. The timer values of these timers are reset when a new process is started in the corresponding functional module. However, when the timer value reaches a value corresponding to a preset power saving state transition time, the controller 12 By turning off the power supply switch 26, the supply of power to the functional module corresponding to the timer whose timer value has reached a value corresponding to the power saving state transition time is stopped.

  The controller 12 continues to supply power to the operation panel 20 while power is supplied to at least one of the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, and the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18. The power supply to the image forming unit 16 and the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18 (parts other than the incoming detection unit) is stopped, or the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, and the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18 ( The power supply to the operation panel 20 is also stopped after a preset time has elapsed since the supply of power to all the parts other than the incoming call detection unit is stopped. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 enters a power saving state in which power is supplied only to the controller 12 and the incoming call detection unit of the image information transmission / reception unit 18. The transition to the power saving state is not limited to the case where the elapsed time since the last processing has reached a value corresponding to the preset power saving state transition time. Even when an operation that indicates a transition instruction to the power saving state is performed by the user, such as “Pressed”, the transition to the power saving state is performed regardless of the elapsed time since the last processing. It may be.

  When the controller 12 performs the power saving control described above, for example, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 10 is significantly larger than when the power supply to each functional module is turned on / off in conjunction with the on / off of the power switch 30. Reduced to However, when returning from the power saving state described above, if the user is instructed to execute the process and then starts supplying power to the functional module used in the process instructed to execute, the user The function module warm-up time (the time required from the start of supplying power to the function module until it is ready to operate until the execution of the process is actually started ). In particular, when the user instructs the power-saving state image forming apparatus 10 to return from the power-saving state by operating the power-saving return switch, and then instructing the execution of a desired process, the individual functional modules. Since power has not been supplied for a relatively long time, the warm-up time is prolonged (particularly, this tendency is remarkable in the image forming unit 16 including the fixing device), and the user is more You will have to wait for a long time.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, a power saving return switch is provided by the user to the power saving image forming apparatus 10 in which power is supplied only to the controller 12 and the incoming call detection unit of the image information transmission / reception unit 18. Is operated to instruct to return from the power saving state, the controller 12 performs a power saving cancellation process (FIG. 3).

  In the power saving cancellation process, first, in step 70, the device configuration information stored in advance in the storage unit 12C is read. The apparatus configuration information is information indicating the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 and includes information indicating the type of functional module that configures the image forming apparatus 10 and is updated when, for example, the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18 is added. Based on the apparatus configuration information, it can be determined whether the current configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 is the first configuration or the second configuration (whether or not the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18 is added). In step 70, the type of processing that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 10 having the current configuration is recognized based on the read device configuration information.

  In step 72, all the abnormality detection information registered in the abnormality detection information register is read, and in the next step 74, an image is displayed based on the type of abnormality represented by the abnormality ID set in each of the read abnormality detection information. It is determined whether or not there is a functional module in which an abnormality that is difficult to continue using, that is, a functional module in an unusable state exists among the functional modules constituting the forming apparatus 10. If this determination is negative, the image forming apparatus 10 can determine that all of the processing recognized in the previous step 70 can be executed, and the process proceeds to step 76 to perform normal power saving control.

  That is, in step 76, the power supply switch 28 is turned on and the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the operation panel 20 is turned on to supply power to the operation panel 20 from the second power supply unit 24. As an example, FIG. ) Is displayed on the display unit 20A of the operation panel 20. In the example of the menu screen shown in FIG. 4A, “copy”, “print”, “scan”, and “fax” are displayed as options, but the current configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 is the second configuration (image information). If the transmission / reception unit 18 is not added), a menu screen from which the option of “FAX” is deleted is displayed on the display unit 20A.

  If the process of step 76 is performed, it will transfer to step 102, it will be determined whether the operation reception part 20B was operated by the user, and step 102 will be repeated until determination is affirmed. When the operation accepting unit 20B is operated by the user, the determination in step 102 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 104, which is displayed on the display unit 20A of the operation panel 20 in accordance with the operation performed by the user. A process of switching the display in the screen or a process of switching the screen displayed on the display unit 20A is performed.

  Specifically, for example, when the menu screen shown in FIG. 4A is displayed on the display unit 20A, the user operates the operation receiving unit 20B, and among the plurality of options displayed in the menu screen, Select an option corresponding to the process that you want to execute. When this type of operation is performed, in step 104, the display screen displayed on the display unit 20A is a screen corresponding to the option selected by the user (for example, the screen shown in FIGS. 4B to 4E). The process of switching to any one of the above is performed. If any one of the operation screens shown in FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 4E (or an operation screen for print processing (not shown)) is displayed on the display unit 20A, the user receives the operation reception unit 20B. And an operation for designating the processing content of the processing desired to be executed is performed through the operation screen displayed on the display unit 20A. When this type of operation is performed, in step 104, a process of switching the display in the display screen displayed on the display unit 20A according to the operation by the user (for example, in the copy operation screen shown in FIG. 4B). When “full color” is selected as the color mode, processing such as highlighting the selected “full color” is performed.

  In the next step 106, it is determined whether or not a functional module that has been determined to be used in the process instructed to execute has appeared in accordance with the operation of the operation receiving unit 20B by the user. In step 108, it is determined whether or not the functional module that has been determined to be used in the process instructed to execute is in the power supply stop state. If this determination is also affirmed, the routine proceeds to step 110, where the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the functional module determined to be used in the subsequent processing is turned on to be used in the subsequent processing. The power supply to the functional module determined to be confirmed is started.

  Specifically, for example, when the option “copy” in the menu screen is selected by the user, the process instructed to execute is a copy process, and the process content of the copy process is in an uncertain stage. In addition, since it is determined that the image reading unit 14 and the image forming unit 16 are used in the copying process instructed to be executed, if at least one of the image reading unit 14 and the image forming unit 16 is in a power supply stop state, Supply of power to the functional module whose power supply is stopped is started. Further, for example, when the user selects the option “print” in the menu screen, the process instructed to execute is a print process, and the process is executed even when the processing content of the print process is not yet determined. Since it is determined that the image forming unit 16 is used in the print process instructed to supply power, the power supply to the image forming unit 16 is started if the power supply is stopped.

  Also, for example, when the user selects the option “scan” in the menu screen, the process instructed to execute is the scan process, and the process is executed even if the process content of the scan process is uncertain Since it is determined that the image reading unit 14 is used in the scanning process instructed to supply power, the power supply to the image reading unit 14 is started if the power supply is stopped. Further, for example, when the user selects the option “FAX” in the menu screen, the process instructed to execute is a facsimile transmission process, and even if the processing content of the facsimile transmission process is not yet determined. Since it is determined that the image reading unit 14 and the image information transmission / reception unit 18 are used in the facsimile transmission process instructed to be executed, if at least one of the image reading unit 14 and the image information transmission / reception unit 18 is in a power supply stop state, Then, the supply of power to the functional module for which power supply is stopped is started.

  In the next step 112, it is determined whether or not the content of processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus 10 has been confirmed by the operation performed by the user. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 102, and steps 102 to 112 are repeated until the determination of step 112 is affirmed. When the specification of the processing content through the operation screen displayed on the display unit 20A is completed, the user operates the operation receiving unit 20B to instruct execution of the processing specifying the processing content. When this operation is performed, the determination in step 112 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 114, where it is determined whether or not the functional module used in the process instructed to be executed is operable, and step is performed until the determination is affirmed. 114 is repeated. When the warm-up process in the function module used in the process instructed to be executed is completed, the determination in step 114 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 116, and the function module that is ready for operation instructs the execution from the user. The process at the time of canceling power saving is terminated.

  On the other hand, when there is an unusable function module among the function modules constituting the image forming apparatus 10, the determination in step 74 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 78, and the unusable function module is found. It is determined which of the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, and the image information transmission / reception unit 18 is performed, and the process branches according to the determination result. Here, if the functional module in the unusable state is the image reading unit 14 or the image forming unit 16, the image forming apparatus 10 is in a state in which some of the processes recognized in the previous step 70 cannot be executed and is used. The process instructed to be executed by the person is limited, and the function modules used in the process are also limited. For this reason, when the functional module in the unusable state is the image reading unit 14 or the image forming unit 16, the functional module used in the process instructed to be executed before the execution of the process is instructed by the user. Control for starting the supply of electric power to the device (control according to the present invention) is performed.

  That is, when the image forming unit 16 is in an unusable state, the process proceeds from step 78 to step 82, and the current configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 is changed to the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18 based on the apparatus configuration information read in the previous step 70. It is determined whether or not the configuration is provided. When this determination is negative, the process that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 10 is limited to the scan process, and the functional module used in the process instructed to be executed by the user is also limited to the image reading unit 14. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 84, the power switch 28 is turned on, and the power switch 26 corresponding to the operation panel 20 is turned on to supply power to the operation panel 20 from the second power supply unit 24. The scan operation screen shown in FIG. 4C is displayed on the display unit 20A of the operation panel 20. The scan operation screen displayed here is an example of a “designation screen corresponding to one type of processing” according to claim 2. In this case, there is no need for the user to perform an operation for selecting the “scan” option from the menu screen shown in FIG. In the next step 88, the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the image reading unit 14 is turned on to start the supply of power to the image reading unit 14, and the process proceeds to step 102.

  In this case, the user need not perform an operation of selecting the option “scan” in the menu screen, and as shown in FIG. 5C as an example, the user can change the processing contents of the scan process through the scan operation screen. Since the warm-up process of the image reading unit 14 is performed in parallel while the designated operation is being performed (determination of the previous step 108 is denied), as an example, the normal power saving shown in FIG. As is apparent from the comparison with the control, the waiting time from when the user gives an instruction to execute the scanning process to when the scanning process is actually started is shortened.

  Further, when the image forming unit 16 is in an unusable state and the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18, processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 10 are limited to scan processing or facsimile transmission processing. Since the image reading unit 14 is used in any process, it is determined that the image reading unit 14 is used in a process instructed to be executed by the user. Therefore, in the above case, the process proceeds from step 82 to step 86, the power supply switch 28 is turned on, and the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the operation panel 20 is turned on, so that the second power supply unit 24 switches to the operation panel 20. As shown in FIG. 4 (F) as an example, a scan / fax selection screen in which only “scan” and “fax” are displayed as executable process options is displayed on the display unit 20A of the operation panel 20 as shown in FIG. (The scan / fax selection screen is an example of a type selection screen according to claim 2). Then, the process proceeds to step 88, and the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the image reading unit 14 is turned on to start the supply of power to the image reading unit 14, and then the process proceeds to step 102.

  Also in this case, when the user selects the scan process or the facsimile transmission process, an operation screen corresponding to the selected process is displayed on the display unit 20A (this operation screen is the “selected process according to claim 2”). The image reading unit 14 is warmed up while an operation for specifying the processing content of the previously selected process through the operation screen displayed on the display unit 20A is being performed. Since the processes are performed in parallel (determination of the previous step 108 is negative), if the process selected by the user is a scan process, the user can execute the scan process as in FIG. The waiting time from when the execution is instructed to when the scanning process is actually started is shortened compared with the normal power saving control.

  In the power saving cancellation process shown in FIG. 3, when the process selected by the user is a facsimile transmission process, the power supply to the image information transmission / reception unit 18 (part other than the incoming call detection unit) is as shown in FIG. ) And the scan / fax selection screen shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the display unit 20A. The process is started when the user selects the “Fax” option (for the image information transmission / reception unit 18 in the previous step 108). However, the time required for the warm-up process of the image information transmission / reception unit 18 is usually very short compared to the image reading unit 14 and the image forming unit 16, and the image information transmission / reception unit 18 The warm-up process is completed while an operation for designating the processing content of the facsimile transmission process through the operation screen displayed on the display unit 20A is being performed by the user. Even if power supply to the image information transmission / reception unit 18 (part other than the incoming call detection unit) is started when the “Fax” option is selected, the user actually instructs execution of the facsimile transmission process. The waiting time until the facsimile transmission process is started is not affected.

  Further, when the image reading unit 14 is in an unusable state, the process proceeds from step 78 to step 90, and the current configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 is changed to the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18 based on the apparatus configuration information read in the previous step 70. It is determined whether or not the configuration is provided. When the image reading unit 14 is in an unusable state, the process that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 10 is limited to the print process, but the print process that can be executed when the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18 is provided is confidential print. Since each process of media print and confidential fax print (process for printing the image represented by the image information received by the facsimile reception process and stored in the confidential box) exists, the determination in step 90 is affirmed. In this case, the process proceeds to step 94, where the power supply switch 28 and the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the operation panel 20 are respectively turned on to start the power supply to the operation panel 20. As shown in FIG. Print menu screen that lists confidential print, media print, and confidential fax print as print processing options Is displayed on the display unit 20A, and the process proceeds to step 96.

  Since the print processing that can be executed when the image information transmission / reception unit 18 is not provided is confidential printing and media printing, if the determination in step 90 is negative, the process proceeds to step 92, and the power supply switch 28 and Each of the power supply switches 26 corresponding to the operation panel 20 is turned on to start power supply to the operation panel 20, and a print menu screen in which “confidential print” and “media print” are displayed as print processing options (FIG. 4 (D ) Is displayed on the display section 20A, and the process proceeds to step 96. The print menu screen displayed in step 92 or step 94 is also an example of the type selection screen according to claim 2.

  In step 96, the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the image forming unit 16 is turned on to start supplying power to the image forming unit 16. In step 98, it is determined whether any option in the print menu screen displayed on the display unit 20A has been selected by the user, and step 98 is repeated until the determination is affirmative. If any option in the print menu screen is selected by the user, the determination in step 98 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 100 to correspond to any option in the print menu screen selected by the user. A print processing operation screen (this operation screen is also an example of the “designation screen corresponding to the selected processing type” described in claim 2) is displayed on the operation panel 20, and the process proceeds to step 102.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B as an example, the user selects one of the options in the print menu screen, and then specifies the processing content of the print processing through the selected print processing operation screen. Since the warm-up process of the image forming unit 16 is performed in parallel during the operation (the determination of the previous step 108 is denied), the normal power saving control shown in FIG. As can be seen from the comparison with, the waiting time from when the user gives an instruction to execute the printing process to when the printing process is actually started is shortened.

  On the other hand, when the image information transmission / reception unit 18 is in an unusable state, the image information transmission / reception unit 18 is equivalent to a configuration in which the image information transmission / reception unit 18 is not added to the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, the process proceeds from step 78 to step 80, where the power supply switch 28 and the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the operation panel 20 are turned on to start the power supply to the operation panel 20, respectively. A menu screen from which the “FAX” option is deleted from the menu screen shown in FIG. 4A is displayed on the display unit 20A, and the process proceeds to step S102. In the power saving cancellation process shown in FIG. 3, the power supply to at least one of the image reading unit 14 and the image forming unit 16 in this case is any of the menu screens displayed on the display unit 20A in the previous step 80. It will be started when an option is selected by the user.

  In the power saving cancellation process shown in FIG. 3, when the image reading unit 14 is in an unusable state, an image is displayed before any option in the print menu screen displayed on the display unit 20A is selected by the user. Although the supply of power to the forming unit 16 is started, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the print menu screen displayed on the display unit 20A when the image reading unit 14 is in an unusable state. After any one of these options is selected by the user, the power supply to the image forming unit 16 may be started to perform the warm-up process. When the user operates the power saving return switch, although there is a high possibility that the image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to execute some processing, the execution of the processing may not be instructed. The power consumption of the image forming unit 16 is the largest among the functional modules. According to the another aspect, relatively large power is wasted when the execution of the process is not instructed even though the power supply to the image forming unit 16 is started and the warm-up process is performed. It can avoid being consumed.

  In the above, the abnormality detection information register is provided on the volatile memory, and among the abnormality detection information registered in the abnormality detection information register, the abnormality detection information corresponding to the severe abnormality requiring maintenance work by the service engineer is Although the embodiment has been described in which the power switch 30 is erased once the power switch 30 is turned off in accordance with the maintenance work by the engineer, the present invention is not limited to this, and an abnormality detection corresponding to a severe abnormality requiring a maintenance work by the service engineer The information is stored in the non-volatile storage unit 12C, and each time power supply to the controller 12 is started, it is confirmed whether or not the abnormality detection information is stored in the storage unit 12C. Is stored in the storage unit 12C and additionally registered in the abnormality detection information register. When the maintenance work by the engineer is performed and the abnormality is resolved, the abnormality detection information stored in the storage unit 12C may be automatically deleted, or the service engineer may delete it. .

  In the above description, the power supply to each functional module constituting the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped in the power saving state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For the function module that has continued for the set first time or longer, the power to be supplied may be reduced as compared to the time of operation, or the function module having the power to be supplied lower than that at the time of operation may not be used. The power supply to the functional module may be stopped when it continues for a preset second time or more.

  Furthermore, in the above description, when the power switch 30 is turned on, power is supplied to all functional modules to perform diagnostic processing, and then the mode is shifted to the power saving state. However, the present invention is limited to this. Instead, from the beginning when the power switch is turned on, the power saving cancellation processing (processing for supplying power only to the functional module used in the processing instructed to execute) in FIG. 3 may be performed. . In this case, the diagnosis process in each functional module may be performed when power supply to each functional module is started.

  In the above description, the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, the image information transmitting / receiving unit 18, and the operation panel 20 have been described as examples of functional modules in the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image When at least one of the reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, and the image information transmission / reception unit 18 is composed of a plurality of modules, the present invention can be applied as each of the plurality of modules as a functional module in the present invention. It is.

  Moreover, although the power saving control program which is an example of the control program which concerns on this invention was previously memorize | stored (installed) in the memory | storage part 12C of the controller 12, the control program which concerns on this invention is CD-ROM. It is also possible to provide it in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD-ROM.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Controller 14 Image reading part 16 Image forming part 18 Image information transmission / reception part 20 Operation panel 26 Power supply switch 30 Power switch 32 Abnormality detection sensor

Claims (5)

Storage means for storing identification information for identifying an unusable functional module among a plurality of functional modules constituting the device;
When an instruction is issued to cancel the power saving state in which the power supplied to each of the plurality of functional modules is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state, some of the functional modules cannot be used based on the identification information. When there is a function module that is determined to be used in the subsequent processing due to the state, execution of processing using the determined function module is instructed only to the determined function module. Control means for switching the power supplied to the determined functional module to the power supplied in the operating state,
An image forming apparatus including:   When there are a plurality of types of executable processes that can be determined from the identification information when an instruction to release the power saving state is given, the control means displays a list of the plurality of types of processes as options. A selection screen is displayed on the display unit, and when any of the plurality of types of processing displayed on the type selection screen is selected, designation is made for designating the content of the corresponding processing prepared for each type of processing. A designated screen corresponding to the type of the selected process is displayed on the display unit, and when the cancellation of the power saving state is instructed, only one type of executable process that can be determined from the identification information is displayed. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designation screen corresponding to the one type of processing is displayed on the display unit without causing the display unit to display the type selection screen.   When the control unit is instructed to cancel the power saving state and there is only one type of executable process that can be determined from the identification information, the function module used in the process is used in subsequent processes. When it is determined that the function module has been confirmed, the supply power to the functional module is switched to the supply power in the operating state, and when the cancellation of the power saving state is instructed, there is an executable process that can be determined from the identification information. When there are multiple types, when any of the multiple types of processing is selected, the function module used in the selected processing is confirmed to be used in the subsequent processing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power supply to the functional module is switched to the power supply in the operating state.   When the control unit is instructed to cancel the power saving state, the control unit recognizes a plurality of functional modules constituting the device by referring to configuration information representing the configuration of the device stored in advance in the storage unit. The image according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein it is determined whether or not the determined functional module exists based on a recognition result of the functional module constituting the device and the identification information. Forming equipment. A computer connected to a storage unit that stores identification information for identifying an unusable function module among a plurality of function modules included in the image forming apparatus and constituting the image forming apparatus.
When an instruction is issued to cancel the power saving state in which the power supplied to each of the plurality of functional modules is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state, some of the functional modules cannot be used based on the identification information. When there is a function module that is determined to be used in the subsequent processing due to the state, execution of processing using the determined function module is instructed only to the determined function module. A control program for an image forming apparatus for functioning as control means for switching power supplied to the determined functional module to power supplied in an operating state prior to operation.

Images