JP2012101388A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of allowing a user to surely recognize the occurrence of an error and capable of reducing power consumption more tahn before.SOLUTION: A multifunctional machine 1 includes: an error detection part 10a detecting the error; a display device 15a displaying error information for informing the detected error; an operation panel 15 accepting the operation of the user; a transition permission/inhibition part 10b permitting transition into a super sleep mode (energy saving mode) in which the supply of power to the display device 15a is stopped, when the confirmation operation of the error by the user is accepted with respect to the displayed error information and inhibiting the transition into the super sleep mode, when the confirmation operation by the user is not accepted; and a power control part 10c transiting a power supply mode into the super sleep mode, on the basis of the permission/inhibition determination result by the transition permission/inhibition part 10b.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of taking an energy saving state.

In recent years, there has been a social demand for lower power consumption of electronic devices from the viewpoint of reducing CO ₂ emissions. For example, in a printer (image forming apparatus), when there is no job request such as a print job for a predetermined time, the apparatus can be saved by shifting to an energy saving state (low power consumption state) in which energization to a printer controller, a printer engine, etc. is stopped. The thing which aimed at electric power generation is known.

  By the way, in the printer, for example, when an error such as running out of toner occurs, in order to notify the user of the occurrence of the error, a display to that effect (error display) is performed. Here, if an error such as running out of toner occurs and the system shifts to an energy saving state (hereinafter also referred to as “energy saving” for short), the power supply to the display panel is stopped during the energy saving state and an error display is also displayed. Since it disappears, there is a possibility that the user may be delayed in noticing the occurrence of an error such as running out of toner.

  In order to cope with such a problem, in the facsimile apparatus described in Patent Document 1 below, “out of toner has occurred” and “abnormality requiring repair (repair required error) has occurred”. When the predetermined energy saving mode transition prohibition condition is satisfied, the transition to the energy saving mode is prevented. Further, in the image recording apparatus described in Patent Document 2 below, when an energy saving mode transition prohibition operation such as “toner cartridge not installed”, “paper cassette is open”, or “out of paper” occurs, the energy saving mode is set. I am trying not to move on.

JP 2001-257818 A JP 2001-103195 A

  However, it may take a relatively long time until the error is resolved (for example, until the toner cartridge is replaced). In such a case, if the device cannot be brought into an energy saving state until the error is resolved, the power consumption increases, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of reducing the power consumption of the device.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an image forming apparatus that allows a user to reliably recognize the occurrence of an error and can further reduce power consumption. For the purpose.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an error detection unit that detects an error, a display unit that displays error information for notifying an error detected by the error detection unit, an operation unit that receives a user operation, and a display When a confirmation operation by the user for the error information displayed on the means is accepted by the operation means, at least the transition to the energy saving mode in which the power supply to the display means is stopped is permitted, and the confirmation operation by the user is accepted. If not, a permission / rejection unit that prohibits the shift to the energy saving mode and a control unit that shifts the power supply mode to the energy saving mode based on a determination result of permission / rejection by the permission / rejection unit are provided.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the error information is displayed without entering the energy saving mode until the error information is confirmed by the user and the confirmation operation is performed. Therefore, the user can be surely recognized that an error has occurred. On the other hand, after the user confirms the error information, that is, the occurrence of the error, the shift to the energy saving mode is permitted even if the error is not eliminated (for example, the toner cartridge is not replaced). Therefore, further reduction in power consumption can be achieved. As a result, it is possible for the user to reliably recognize the occurrence of an error and to further reduce power consumption.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the confirmation operation by the user is accepted and the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, and when the error is not resolved after the return from the energy saving mode, the display unit displays error information. Is preferably displayed again.

  In this case, when the error is not solved when returning from the energy saving mode, the error information is displayed again. For this reason, since the error display disappears during the energy saving mode, for example, even if the user forgets the occurrence of the error, the error information is displayed again so that the user can recognize the error again. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to handle an error (for example, ordering a toner cartridge).

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a timing unit that operates even during the energy saving mode, counts the time, and outputs a return request from the energy saving mode when a preset return time is reached. However, in response to the return request output from the time measuring means, the power supply mode is returned from the energy saving mode, and when the error is not resolved when returning from the energy saving mode, the display means displays the error display again. It is preferable to display.

  In this case, for example, when the power saving mode is set at night (for example, from 22:00 to 8:00) and the next morning (8 hours in this example) is set to return from the energy saving mode, an error occurs when the return time is reached. If the error is not resolved, an error message is displayed again. Therefore, even if the user forgets the occurrence of the error because the error display disappears during the energy saving mode, the error information is displayed again, so that the user can recognize the error again. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to handle an error (for example, ordering a toner cartridge). In this case, since the error information can be displayed again only when the set return time is reached, the user's troublesomeness can be reduced.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the display unit is returned from the energy saving mode, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the error display is started, even if the confirmation operation by the user has not been accepted, It is preferable to allow the transition to the energy saving mode.

  By the way, when returning from the energy saving mode, the user may be absent. According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the return is received from the energy saving mode in response to the return request, the confirmation operation by the user is not accepted when a predetermined time has elapsed after the display of the error information is started. However, the transition to the energy saving mode is permitted. Therefore, the energy saving effect can be further enhanced.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can make a user recognize generation | occurrence | production of an error reliably, and it becomes possible to reduce power consumption more.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state transition of the electric power supply mode which the multifunctional device concerning embodiment can take. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of error information by the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of error information display / error confirmation operation reception processing by the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of super sleep mode transition / return processing by the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same element and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. Here, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Note that the image forming apparatus may be a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine having these functions. First, the overall configuration of the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the multifunction machine 1.

  The multi function device 1 has a print function for recording print data on paper, a scanner function for reading an original and generating image data, a copy function for recording image data read and generated on paper, and a FAX for transmitting and receiving image data by facsimile communication. It has functions.

  The multifunction device 1 has three power supply modes: a ready mode in which power is supplied to all the components and all functions can be executed; a deep sleep mode in which power supply to the scanner unit 20 and the printer unit 21 is stopped And, for example, a super sleep mode (corresponding to the energy saving mode described in the claims) in which power supply is stopped except for a part of the network board (NW board) 22 or NCU 17 that waits for an external processing request. Multifunction machine to get.

  Further, the multifunction device 1 displays error information in order to notify the user of the occurrence of an error when an error such as running out of toner occurs. After the user confirms the error information, that is, the occurrence of the error, the multifunction device 1 shifts to the super sleep mode even if the error is not eliminated (for example, the toner cartridge is not replaced). On the other hand, the multifunction device 1 continues to display the error information without entering the super sleep mode until the error information is confirmed by the user and the confirmation operation is performed.

  In order to realize the functions described above, the multi-function device 1 includes a CPU 10, a flash ROM 11, a main memory 12, an SRAM 13, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 14. The multifunction machine 1 also includes an operation panel 15, a modem 16, an NCU 17, an integrated chip set 18, an SDRAM 19, a scanner unit 20, a printer unit 21, a network board 22, and the like. The CPU 10, the flash ROM 11, the main memory 12, the SRAM 13, the RTC 14, the operation panel 15, the modem 16, and the integrated chipset 18 are connected via a system bus 40 so that they can communicate with each other. The integrated chip set 18 and the network board 22 are connected via a local bus 41 (for example, a PCI bus). Further, the integrated chipset 18 and each of the scanner unit 20 and the printer unit 21 are connected via a serial bus 42. Hereinafter, each component constituting the multifunction machine 1 will be described in detail.

  The CPU 10 performs arithmetic and processing in accordance with a program loaded and stored in the main memory 12, thereby controlling the multifunction device 1 in an integrated manner, as an error detection unit 10a, a transition permission / rejection unit 10b, and a power control unit 10c. Realize the function.

  The error detection unit 10a detects an error of the multifunction device 1 when the multifunction device 1 is in the ready mode or the deep sleep mode. That is, the error detection unit 10a functions as an error detection unit described in the claims. More specifically, a plurality of sensors (details will be described later) for detecting an error are connected to the error detection unit 10a, and the occurrence of an error is detected based on a signal input from the sensor. Here, examples of the error of the multifunction device 1 include toner out, paper out, paper jam (paper jam), cover open, paper cassette open, and the like. The information on the error detected by the error detection unit 10a is output to the migration permission / denial unit 10b, the operation panel 15 (display device 15a), and the SRAM 13.

  If the error detection operation by the user is accepted by the operation panel 15 when the error is detected by the error detection unit 10a, the transition permission / rejection unit 10b stops the power supply to the display device 15a of the operation panel 15. Allow transition to super sleep mode. On the other hand, the transition permission / refusal unit 10b prohibits transition to the super sleep mode when an error confirmation operation by the user is not accepted. However, when returning from the super sleep mode, the transition permission / refusal unit 10b, even if the error confirmation operation by the user has not been accepted when a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the error display started, Allow transition to super sleep mode. That is, the migration permission / refusal part 10b functions as permission / rejection means described in the claims. In addition, the permission determination result by the transition permission / rejection unit 10b is output to the power control unit 10c.

  The power control unit 10c selectively disconnects a plurality of power supply lines output from the main power supply, and switches the three power supply modes described above. The power control unit 10c shifts the power supply mode from the deep sleep mode to the super sleep mode when the shift is permitted based on the permission determination result input from the shift permission / rejection unit 10b. On the other hand, when the transition is prohibited by the transition permission / refusal section 10b, the power control unit 10c suspends the transition to the super sleep mode until the transition is permitted. Further, the power control unit 10c changes the power supply mode from the ready mode or the deep sleep mode to the super sleep mode when the RTC 14 receives a request for transition to the super sleep mode by time designation and the transition permission / rejection unit 10b permits the transition. Switch to mode. Furthermore, the power control unit 10c receives the return request (interrupt request signal) output from the RTC 14, and returns the power supply mode from the super sleep mode to the ready mode. That is, the power control unit 10c functions as a control unit described in the claims.

  Here, the three power supply modes switched by the power control unit 10c, that is, the ready mode, the deep sleep mode, and the super sleep mode will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

  The ready mode is a mode in which power is supplied from the main power source to all the components of the multifunction device 1, and all functions including printing, copying, and FAX can be used. When the main power supply is turned on, the multi-function device 1 enters the ready mode after the initialization process. On the other hand, the multifunction device 1 shifts from the ready mode to the deep sleep mode when a FAX reception, a PC print job request, or the like does not continue for a certain time (for example, 5 minutes). In the ready mode, power is also supplied to the operation panel 15 and the display device 15a.

  The deep sleep mode is a mode in which power supply to the scanner unit 20 and the printer unit 21 is stopped. In the deep sleep mode, power is supplied to the components other than the scanner unit 20 and the printer unit 21, and power is also supplied to the operation panel 15 and the display device 15a. In the deep sleep mode, a function that does not use the scanner unit 20 and the printer unit 21, for example, a Web function including network packet analysis can be used. The multifunction device 1 shifts from the deep sleep mode to the ready mode, for example, when receiving FAX data and a PC print job request. On the other hand, for example, when the MFP 1 has not received a job request or a network packet for a certain period of time (for example, 5 minutes), and the transition permission / rejection unit 10b described above permits the transition to the super sleep mode. Then, transition from the deep sleep mode to the super sleep mode. Further, the multifunction device 1 shifts from the deep sleep mode to the super sleep mode when it receives a request to shift to the super sleep mode by the time designation from the RTC 14 and the shift permission / rejection unit 10b permits the shift.

  In the super sleep mode, power supply from the main power supply to the operation panel 15 (display device 15a), the modem 16, the integrated chipset 18, the SDRAM 19, and the like is stopped in addition to the scanner unit 20 and the printer unit 21. In the super sleep mode, the clock of the CPU 10 is stopped. Further, the network board 22 stops energization to other than the PHY circuit and the sub CPU that detect the specific packet, and the NCU 17 stops energization to other than the call signal detection circuit that detects the call signal.

  The multifunction device 1 shifts from the super sleep mode to the ready mode when an operation for returning to the ready mode is performed by the user (when the energy saving mode key is pressed). Further, the multifunction device 1 receives the return request (interrupt request signal) by the time designation output from the RTC 14, and shifts from the super sleep mode to the ready mode. On the other hand, when a specific packet is detected by the PHY circuit of the network board 22 and the sub CPU, a return request (interrupt request signal) is output from the sub CPU to the CPU 10, and the multi-function device 1 goes deep from the super sleep mode. Enter sleep mode. Also, when a call signal is detected by the call signal detection circuit of the NCU 17, a return request (interrupt request signal) is output from the call signal detection circuit to the CPU 10, and the multi-function device 1 goes from the super sleep mode to the deep sleep mode. Enter mode.

  Returning to FIG. 1 and continuing the description, the flash ROM 11 is a non-volatile memory that stores a program, data, and the like for causing the CPU 10 to execute each process. The flash ROM 11 stores a program for each process (details will be described later) shown in FIGS. A program or the like stored in the flash ROM 11 is loaded into the main memory 12 composed of SDRAM or the like at the time of startup. The CPU 10 executes each process according to a program loaded in the main memory 12.

  The SRAM 13 temporarily stores various data such as its own error information, error acceptance flag, and super sleep mode transition / return time. In the ready mode, deep sleep mode, and super sleep mode, power is supplied from the main power supply to the SRAM 13. On the other hand, when the power supply from the main power supply is stopped, the power is supplied from the battery to the SRAM 13 and the data is backed up.

  The RTC 14 always operates and keeps time. The RTC 14 functions as a time measuring unit described in the claims. The RTC 14 is supplied with power from the main power supply in the ready mode, deep sleep mode, and super sleep mode. On the other hand, when the power supply from the main power supply is stopped, power is supplied from the battery to the RTC 14.

  Here, when the transition time to the super sleep mode (for example, 22:00) is set in advance, when the transition time is reached, the RTC 14 performs the above-described CPU 10 (power control unit 10c). Outputs a request to enter super sleep mode. On the other hand, the RTC 14 operates even in the super sleep mode, measures the time, and when the time for returning from the preset super sleep mode (for example, 8:00) is reached, the CPU 10 (power control unit) described above. 10c), a return request (interrupt request signal) from the super sleep mode is output.

  The operation panel 15 includes a display device 15a such as an LCD for displaying the operation state of the multifunction device 1 and / or various settings. The display device 15a notifies the error detected by the error detection unit 10a described above, and displays error information for prompting the user to confirm the error. Here, a display example of error information is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a display example when the toner runs out. In addition, when the error confirmation operation by the user is accepted and a transition is made to the super sleep mode and a return request is received from the RTC 14 and the ready mode (or deep sleep mode) is restored, the error is not resolved. The device 15a displays the error information again. That is, the display device 15a functions as display means described in the claims.

  The operation panel 15 is provided with a plurality of keys used for using each function of the multifunction machine 1, such as a numeric keypad, a shortened key, a start key, a stop key, and various function keys. The operation panel 15 also includes an OK button 100 (see FIG. 3) for accepting an error checking operation by the user, an energy saving mode key for switching to / returning to the super sleep mode, and turning on / off the main power supply A main power switch or the like is provided. That is, the operation panel 15 functions as an operation means described in the claims. Here, in the example of FIG. 3, the case where a part of the operation panel 15 (OK button 100) is configured by a touch panel is shown. When the OK button 100 is pressed, information indicating that an error confirmation operation by the user has been accepted is output to the above-described CPU 10 (migration permission / refusal unit 10b).

  A modem (modem / demodulator) 16 performs modulation / demodulation of facsimile data. An NCU (Network Control Unit) 17 is connected to the modem 16 and controls the connection between the modem 16 and the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 51. The NCU 17 has a function of sending a call signal corresponding to a destination facsimile number and detecting the incoming call.

  The integrated chip set 18 includes a dedicated LSI that specially executes image processing and the like, a memory controller that executes DMA transfer, and the like. The integrated chipset 18 is connected to the scanner unit 20, the printer unit 21, and the like via a serial bus 42. For example, after performing predetermined image processing on image data read by the scanner unit 20, The data is output to the printer unit 21.

  An SDRAM 19 is connected to the integrated chip set 18. The SDRAM 19 is composed of a DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM, which is a volatile memory, and receives image data encoded and compressed by a codec, image data received by FAX, and an external personal computer or the like. The image data that has been encoded and compressed is stored. The SDRAM 19 is supplied with power from the main power supply in the ready mode and the deep sleep mode. On the other hand, the power supply is stopped when the main power is off and in the super sleep mode.

  The scanner unit 20 includes a light source, a CCD, and the like, and reads an original such as a paper document for each line in accordance with a set sub-scanning line density, and generates image data. The image data read and generated is output to the printer unit 21 or the SDRAM 19 via the integrated chipset 18.

  The printer unit 21 is an electrophotographic printer, and prints out image data on a sheet by executing an image forming process such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing. For example, the printer unit 21 prints out, on a sheet, PC print data received from an external PC, image data read and generated by the scanner unit 20, image data received by FAX, and the like.

  The printer unit 21 is provided with a plurality of sensors (not shown) that detect errors. Here, as an error detection sensor, for example, a toner out sensor for detecting toner out, a jam sensor for detecting paper jam (paper jam), a paper out sensor for detecting paper out, and a main body cover are open. A cover sensor for detecting the paper cassette and a cassette sensor for detecting that the paper cassette is pulled out. As described above, these sensors are connected to the CPU 10, and detection signals from the sensors are output to the CPU 10.

  The network board 22 is a network interface that performs transmission / reception control processing of various communication protocols, data analysis processing and data creation processing on various communication protocols. The network board 22 is connected to the integrated chipset 18 via the local bus 41. Even in the super sleep mode, power is supplied to the PHY circuit, sub CPU, and the like of the network board 22 in order to wait for packet data from the LAN 50, for example.

  Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of error information display / error confirmation operation reception processing by the multifunction device 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of super sleep mode transition / return processing by the multifunction device 1. First, an error information display / error confirmation operation acceptance process performed by the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is executed by the CPU 10 at a predetermined timing.

  In step S100, a determination is made as to whether an error (for example, out of toner) has been detected by the error detection unit 10a. Here, when no error is detected, this step is repeatedly executed while the error is detected. On the other hand, when an error is detected, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, a determination is made as to whether an error acceptance flag indicating that an error confirmation operation by the user has been accepted is on. If the error acceptance flag is on, that is, if an error confirmation operation by the user has already been accepted, the process proceeds to step S100 described above, and the processes in steps S100 and S102 are executed again. . On the other hand, when the error acceptance flag is off, that is, when the error confirmation operation by the user has not been accepted yet, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, it is determined whether or not the return from the super sleep mode is a time-designated return due to a preset time (for example, 8:00). Here, in the case of a time designation return, the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, when it is not the time designation return, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, error information for notifying the detected error and prompting the user to confirm the error is displayed on the display device 15a of the operation panel 15 (see FIG. 3). Subsequently, in step S108, it is determined whether or not an error confirmation operation by the user has been accepted, that is, whether or not the OK button 100 shown in FIG. 3 has been pressed. If an error confirmation operation by the user is accepted, that is, if the OK button 100 is pressed, an error acceptance flag indicating that the error confirmation operation has been accepted is turned on in step S110. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S100 described above, and the processes after step S100 are executed again. On the other hand, when the error confirmation operation by the user is not accepted, that is, when the OK button 100 is not pressed, this step is repeatedly executed until the error confirmation operation is accepted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the time is designated return, error information for notifying the detected error and prompting the user to confirm the error is displayed on the operation panel 15 in step S112. Displayed on the device 15a.

  Subsequently, in step S114, a determination is made as to whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the error information was displayed. Here, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has not yet elapsed, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, it is determined whether or not an error confirmation operation by the user has been accepted, that is, whether or not the OK button 100 shown in FIG. 3 has been pressed. Here, when the error confirmation operation by the user is accepted, that is, when the OK button 100 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when the error confirmation operation is not accepted, that is, when the OK button 100 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S114, and steps S114 and S116 are performed until a predetermined time elapses or the error confirmation operation is accepted. Is executed repeatedly.

  If it is determined in step S114 that a predetermined time has elapsed, or if it is determined in step S116 that an error confirmation operation has been accepted, an error acceptance flag indicating that the error confirmation operation has been accepted in step S110. Is turned on. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S100 described above, and the processes after step S100 are executed again.

  Next, the super sleep mode transition / return processing by the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is executed by the CPU 10 at a predetermined timing.

  In step S200, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to shift to the super sleep mode. If there is an instruction to shift to the super sleep mode, the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, when there is no instruction to shift to the super sleep mode, this step is repeatedly executed until there is an instruction to shift to the super sleep mode.

  In step S202, it is determined whether or not the transition to the super sleep mode is possible, that is, whether or not an error is detected. Here, if the transition to the super sleep mode is possible, that is, if no error is detected, the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, when the transition to the super sleep mode is not possible, that is, when an error is detected, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, a determination is made as to whether an error acceptance flag indicating that an error confirmation operation has been accepted is on. If the error acceptance flag is on, the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, when the error acceptance flag is off, the process proceeds to step S200, and the processes after step S200 described above are executed again.

  If no error has been detected, or if an error has been detected but the error acceptance flag is on, in step S206, the power supply mode is shifted to the super sleep mode. In the super sleep mode, the power supply to the display device 15a is stopped and the error information display disappears.

  In the subsequent step S208, it is determined whether or not there is a request for return from the super sleep mode. If there is a return request from the super sleep mode, the process proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, when there is no return request from the super sleep mode, this step is repeatedly executed until there is a return request.

  In step S210, it is determined whether or not the return from the super sleep mode is a time-designated return due to a preset time. Here, in the case of time designation return, after the error acceptance flag is turned off in step S212, the process proceeds to step S200. On the other hand, when it is not the time designation return, the process proceeds to step S200 without turning off the error acceptance flag. And the process after step S200 mentioned above is performed again.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the error information is not entered until the error information is recognized by the user and the confirmation operation is performed, that is, until the OK button 100 is pressed, without entering the super sleep mode. Information is displayed. Therefore, the user can be surely recognized that an error has occurred. On the other hand, after the user confirms the error information, that is, the occurrence of the error, the transition to the super sleep mode is permitted even if the error has not been eliminated (for example, the toner cartridge has not been replaced). Therefore, further reduction in power consumption can be achieved. As a result, it is possible for the user to reliably recognize the occurrence of an error and to further reduce power consumption.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, when the super sleep mode is set at night (for example, from 22:00 to 8 o'clock), and the next morning (8 o'clock in this example) is set to return from the super sleep mode, If the error has not been resolved when the return time is reached, the error is displayed again. Therefore, since the error display disappeared during the super sleep mode, for example, even if the user forgets the occurrence of the error, the error information is displayed again, so that the user can recognize the error again. . As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to handle an error (for example, ordering a toner cartridge). Further, since the error information can be displayed again only when the set return time is reached, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of the user.

  By the way, there is a case where the user is absent when automatically returning from the super sleep mode at a preset time (for example, 8:00). According to the present embodiment, when a return request is received from the RTC 14 and a return is made from the super sleep mode, a confirmation operation by the user has not been accepted when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of error information display. In addition, the transition to the super sleep mode is permitted. Therefore, the energy saving effect can be further enhanced.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the MFP 1 is configured to be able to take three power supply modes (ready mode, deep sleep mode, and super sleep mode), but there are three possible power supply modes as described above. Not limited. Further, the target to which power is supplied in each power supply mode is not limited to the above embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, the error information is re-displayed only at the time of the designated time return. However, every time the mode is returned from the super sleep mode by unconditionally turning off the error acceptance flag when the mode is changed to the super sleep mode ( The error information may be redisplayed (at the time of normal return). In this way, when the error has not been eliminated, the error information is displayed again every time the mode returns from the super sleep mode. Therefore, the occurrence of an error can be notified to the user every time the system returns from the super sleep mode. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from forgetting to deal with an error (for example, ordering a toner cartridge).

  In addition, when the error information is confirmed by the user once by not turning off the error acceptance flag when the mode is shifted to the super sleep mode, the display may not be displayed again. In this case, the troublesomeness given to the user can be reduced.

1 MFP 10 CPU
10a Error detection unit 10b Migration permission / rejection unit 10c Power control unit 11 Flash ROM
12 Main memory 13 SRAM
14 RTC
15 Operation panel 15a Display device 16 Modem 17 NCU
18 Integrated chipset 19 SDRAM
20 Scanner unit 21 Printer unit 22 Network board 40 System bus 41 Local bus 42 Serial bus 100 OK button

Claims (4)

An error detection means for detecting an error;
Display means for displaying error information for notifying an error detected by the error detection means;
An operation means for accepting a user operation;
When a confirmation operation by the user with respect to the error information displayed on the display unit is accepted by the operation unit, at least the transition to the energy saving mode in which the power supply to the display unit is stopped is permitted, and the confirmation by the user When the operation is not accepted, permission means for prohibiting the transition to the energy saving mode,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that shifts a power supply mode to an energy saving mode based on a determination result of permission / rejection by the permission / rejection unit.   The display means displays the error information again when the confirmation operation by the user is accepted and the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, and when the error is not resolved after the return from the energy saving mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. It also operates during the energy saving mode, measures the time, and has a time measuring means for outputting a return request from the energy saving mode when a preset return time is reached,
The control means receives the return request output from the time measuring means, returns the power supply mode from the energy saving mode,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the error is not resolved when the display unit returns from the energy saving mode, the error display is displayed again. The permission / refusal means, when the display means is returned from the energy saving mode, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the error display is started, even if a confirmation operation by the user has not been accepted, The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is permitted.

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