JP2012137802A - Information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device which can perform a high-speed return from a power-saving mode to a normal mode by switching a start program according to start conditions of the device and presence of attachment of an extended memory to the device, and also can be started even when information stored in the extended memory is damaged.SOLUTION: When an information processing device with a first memory M1 switches to a power-saving mode in a state of which a second memory M2 as an extended memory is attached to the device, a main body control unit 6 causes the second memory M2 to store snapshot data of the device just before switching modes, and also when a power supply of the device starts and the device returns to a normal mode, the main body control unit 6 reads information stored in the first memory M1 or the second memory M2. When the device returns to the normal mode, only if the device detects the second memory M2 being attached to the device, a memory control unit 72 switches a reading destination of the main body control unit 6 to the second memory M2, on the other hand, when the power supply of the device starts, the memory control unit 72 switches the reading destination of the main body control unit 6 to the first memory M1.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that activates an apparatus by switching a plurality of programs.

  Conventionally, various techniques for starting up a computer using a plurality of versions of an operating system (OS) or a program selected from a plurality of programs have been proposed. For example, in the apparatus of Patent Document 1, when updating the OS image, the latest OS image with the updated OS image is written to the external storage device, and prior to the update, the OS image is a snapshot of the OS image before the update. A snapshot OS image is generated and stored in an external storage device. When the computer system is activated, one of the latest OS image and the snapshot OS image is selected as the boot OS image and is read from the external storage device.

  By storing the snapshot OS image, it becomes possible to return the OS image to the previous version when there is a problem in updating the OS image.

  Further, in the apparatus of Patent Document 2, it is confirmed whether or not the second recording medium storing predetermined authentication information is connected to the apparatus during the activation of the BIOS. When the second program stored in the recording medium is activated while the connection cannot be confirmed, the first program stored in the first recording medium is activated.

  On the device side, by performing authentication such as whether or not predetermined authentication information is stored, only the second program (specific program) stored in the second recording medium together with the predetermined authentication information is activated. Permitted, and other programs (unspecified programs) are not permitted to start. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an unspecified program stored in the second recording medium is started and the program in the information processing apparatus is accessed using the unspecified program. As a result, the boot drive can be switched to the second recording medium, which is an external device, at the BIOS level while ensuring the security of the apparatus.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-3815 (see claim 1, paragraph [0003], etc.) JP 2008-192126 A (refer to claim 1, paragraphs [0024] to [0025], etc.)

  By the way, when the device is switched from the normal mode to the power saving mode (sleep mode) due to non-use for a certain period after the power is turned on, the next time the device returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode, it takes a short time There are cases where the user wishes to return. Although Patent Document 1 generates snapshot data, it does not disclose any configuration for quickly returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode using the snapshot data, and requests for fast recovery. If there is, we cannot meet that demand.

  Further, in the device of Patent Document 2, when a second recording medium (external storage device, extended memory) is attached to the device, activation from the second program stored in the second recording medium is selected. However, the startup program is selected from the first program or the second program depending on the startup condition (return from the power saving mode to the normal mode or the power supply startup of the apparatus). Not. For this reason, when the second recording medium is loaded in the apparatus, if the booting is performed uniformly from the second program regardless of the booting conditions, the second program is damaged, for example, when the power is turned on. In this case, since the second program cannot be activated, the device cannot be activated permanently.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to switch from a power saving mode to a normal mode by switching a startup program according to the startup conditions of the device and whether or not an expansion memory is installed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus that can start up the apparatus even when information (program, data) stored in an extended memory is damaged while enabling a high-speed return to the storage.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a first memory that stores a program necessary for starting the apparatus, a mounting detection unit that detects whether or not a second memory as an expansion memory is mounted on the apparatus, When the operation mode of the apparatus shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode with the second memory attached to the apparatus, the snapshot data of the apparatus immediately before the shift is stored in the second memory, and the apparatus A main body control unit that reads information stored in the first memory or the second memory when the power is turned on and when the apparatus is returned from the power saving mode to the normal mode. A memory control unit that switches a reading destination of the main body control unit between the first memory and the second memory when returning from the power mode to the normal mode; When the device returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode, only when the mounting detection unit detects that the second memory is mounted, the reading unit of the main body control unit On the other hand, when the apparatus is powered on, the reading destination of the main body control unit is switched to the first memory regardless of whether or not the second memory is installed.

  According to the above configuration, when the second memory is mounted when the apparatus returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the main body control unit stores the snapshot data stored in the second memory. Unfold and activate the device. Thereby, when returning to the normal mode, the apparatus can be returned to the state immediately before the transition to the power saving mode in a short time, and the apparatus can be started at high speed. On the other hand, when the apparatus is powered on, the main body control unit always starts the apparatus by executing the program stored in the first memory (regardless of whether or not the second memory is installed). Therefore, for example, even when the second memory is installed and the snapshot data stored in the second memory is damaged, the apparatus can be started up normally.

  In this way, the memory control unit is connected to the main body according to the start conditions of the device (return from the power saving mode to the normal mode or whether the device is powered on) and whether or not the expansion memory (second memory) is attached. By switching the reading destination of the control unit, the second memory can be used, and the snapshot data is assumed to be damaged when the second memory is used while responding to the request for the quick return to the normal mode. Can also respond sufficiently.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the memory control unit selects a first memory or the second memory as a reading destination of the main body control unit, and the apparatus operates from a normal mode to a power saving mode. Only when it is detected that the second memory is mounted by the mounting detection unit at the time of shifting to the above, the main body control unit when the apparatus returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode next time And a selector control unit that controls the selector so as to select the second memory as a read destination.

  If the second memory is installed when the device enters the power saving mode, the second memory is selected by the selector as the reading destination of the main body control unit when the device returns to the normal mode next time. Therefore, the main body control unit can reliably start the apparatus at a high speed by expanding the snapshot data stored in the second memory when returning to the normal mode.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the selector is set to select the first memory as a reading destination of the main body control unit regardless of whether or not the second memory is installed when the apparatus is powered on. It is desirable that

  In this case, the main body control unit can always start the apparatus by executing the program stored in the first memory selected by the selector whenever the apparatus is powered on.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the memory control unit switches the setting of the selector when a state transition signal indicating that the apparatus has shifted from the normal mode to the power saving mode is output from the main body control unit. A switching signal output unit that outputs a switching signal to be instructed to the selector control unit; the selector control unit detects that the second memory is mounted by the mounting detection unit; When the switching signal is output from the output unit, the reading destination of the main body control unit when the apparatus returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode is switched from the first memory to the second memory. As described above, the selector may be controlled.

  When the switching signal is output from the switching signal output unit, the selector control unit can recognize that the apparatus has shifted from the normal mode to the power saving mode. Thereby, the selector control unit satisfies the two conditions that the device has shifted from the normal mode to the power saving mode and that the mounting detection unit detects the mounting of the second memory. The selector can be reliably controlled to switch the reading destination of the main body control unit to the second memory. As a result, the main body control unit can reliably access the second memory when returning to the normal mode.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the memory control unit is configured such that when the mounting detection unit does not detect the mounting of the second memory, the main body control unit when the device returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode. It is desirable to set the reading destination of the first memory.

  Even when the second memory is not attached to the apparatus, the main body control unit can execute the program stored in the first memory to return the apparatus to the normal mode. In addition, since the second memory is not attached to the apparatus, high-speed recovery cannot be realized, but the cost burden on the user due to the use of the second memory can be eliminated.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention may include an image forming unit that is controlled by the main body control unit and forms an image on a recording medium.

  In this case, in the configuration in which the second memory as the expansion memory can be mounted for the purpose of fast return from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and the image forming unit forms an image on the recording medium, the above-described effect of the present invention. Can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, the memory control unit responds to a request for a high-speed sleep return by switching (selecting) the reading destination of the main body control unit according to the activation conditions of the device and whether or not the expansion memory is installed. However, when the power is turned on, the apparatus can be normally started even if the snapshot data is damaged.

1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine as an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the copying machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration relating to start-up control of the copying machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement at the time of power activation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of an operation mode. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement when transfering from normal mode to power saving mode. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement when transfering from power saving mode to normal mode.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an outline of a copying machine as an image forming apparatus constituting the information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described.

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a front sectional view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine 200 that forms an image using an electrophotographic system. The copying machine 200 includes an image reading unit 1 and a document conveying unit 2.

  The image reading unit 1 reads an image of a document that is transported by the document transport unit 2 and passes over the transport reading contact glass 11 or an image of a document placed on the placement reading contact glass 12. The image reading unit 1 moves a carriage having a light source to a reading position at the time of reading an image of the document conveyed by the document conveying unit 2, and irradiates the document with light through the conveyance reading contact glass 11 at the reading position. Then, the reflected image from the original is received by the image sensor, whereby the image of the original is read for each line in the main scanning direction. The image reading unit 1 irradiates the document with light through the placement reading contact glass 12 while moving the carriage in the sub-scanning direction when reading the image of the document placed on the placement reading contact glass 12. Then, the image of the original is read by receiving reflected light from the original with an image sensor.

  The document transport unit 2 is a document transport device that automatically and continuously transports read documents one by one on the transport reading contact glass 11, and is provided above the image reading unit 1. The document conveying unit 2 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft (not shown) horizontally disposed on the back side of the copying machine. 12) constitutes an upper surface cover that opens and closes in the vertical direction when placing a document. Further, when reading an image of a book document placed on the placement reading contact glass 12, the document transport unit 2 also functions as a document pressing unit for pressing the book document from above. Instead of the document conveying unit 2, an upper surface cover having only a function as a document pressing unit may be provided.

  The copying machine 200 has an operation panel 3 on the front side of the image reading unit 1. The operation panel 3 is an input unit that receives a setting input by the user while displaying setting keys for the copying machine 200, and includes a liquid crystal display unit 30 including a touch panel, and a numeric keypad unit 31 for inputting numbers such as the number of copies. And a start key 32 for inputting an instruction to start printing.

  Further, the copying machine 200 includes a paper feeding unit 4A, a conveyance path 4B, an image forming unit 5A, an intermediate transfer unit 5B, a fixing unit 5C, and the like, and forms an image read by the image reading unit 1 on a recording medium. To do. Note that the copying machine 200 can also form an image on a recording medium based on image data transmitted from the outside.

  A plurality of paper feed units 4A are provided in the main body of the copying machine 200, and each size (for example, A-type, B-type A-type, B-type paper, etc.) and various papers (for example, copy paper, recycled paper). , Thick paper, OHP sheets, etc.) as a recording medium. Each paper feed unit 4A includes a paper feed roller 41 that is driven to rotate, and feeds paper one by one to the transport path 4B during printing.

  The transport path 4B is a path for transporting paper in the apparatus. Then, on the conveyance path 4B, a guide plate for guiding the sheet, a pair of conveyance rollers 42 that are rotationally driven during conveyance of the sheet (in FIG. 1, a total of three of 42A, 42B, and 42C from the top) are conveyed. A registration roller pair 43 or the like is provided that waits in front of the image forming unit 5A and feeds the paper in accordance with the transfer timing of the formed toner image. In addition, a pair of discharge rollers 45 for discharging the sheet after the completion of fixing to the discharge tray 44 is also provided.

  The image forming unit 5A includes a plurality of image forming units 50 (50Bk for black, 50Y for yellow, 50C for cyan, 50M for magenta) and an exposure device 51. The exposure device 51 outputs laser light while turning it on and off based on the image data of the image read by the image reading unit 1, and scans and exposes each photosensitive drum. The image forming unit 50 includes a photosensitive drum that is rotatably supported, and a charging device, a developing device, a cleaning device, and the like disposed around the photosensitive drum. Then, a toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum by each image forming unit 50 and the exposure device 51.

  The intermediate transfer unit 5B receives the primary transfer of the toner image from each image forming unit 50 and performs the secondary transfer on the paper. The intermediate transfer unit 5B includes primary transfer rollers 52Bk to 52M, an intermediate transfer belt 53, a driving roller 54, a plurality of driven rollers 55, a secondary transfer roller 56, a belt cleaning device 57, and the like. Each primary transfer roller 52Bk to 52M sandwiches an endless intermediate transfer belt 53 with a corresponding photosensitive drum. A transfer voltage is applied to each of the primary transfer rollers 52 </ b> Bk to 52 </ b> M, and the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 53.

  The intermediate transfer belt 53 is stretched around a driving roller 54 and the like, and rotates around the driving roller 54 connected to a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a motor. The driving roller 54 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 53 with the secondary transfer roller 56. The toner images (black, yellow, cyan, and magenta colors) formed by each image forming unit 50 are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 53 in a superimposed manner without deviation, and then applied with a predetermined voltage. The image is transferred onto the paper by the secondary transfer roller 56.

  The fixing unit 5C fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The fixing unit 5C mainly includes a heating roller 58 containing a heating element and a pressure roller 59 in pressure contact therewith. When the sheet passes through the nip formed between the heating roller 58 and the pressure roller 59, the toner is melted and heated, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet. The sheet discharged from the fixing unit 5C is sent to the discharge tray 44.

(Hardware configuration of copier)
Next, the hardware configuration of the copying machine 200 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the copying machine 200. The copying machine 200 includes a main body control unit 6 and a storage unit 61.

  The storage unit 61 includes nonvolatile and volatile memories such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a flash ROM, and controls the copying machine 200. Program, data, etc. are stored. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 61 is provided outside the main body control unit 6, but may be provided inside.

  The main body control unit 6 uses the program and data stored in the storage unit 61 to control each unit and perform printing. Specifically, the main body control unit 6 is connected to the image reading unit 1, the document conveying unit 2, the operation panel 3, the paper feeding unit 4A, the conveying path 4B, the image forming unit 5A, the intermediate transfer unit 5B, and the fixing unit 5C. The CPU 6a is a central processing unit that controls the operation of each unit, such as paper conveyance and toner image formation. Settings and copy execution instructions on the operation panel 3 are transmitted to the main body control unit 6. The main body control unit 6 gives an operation instruction to the image reading unit 1 and the document conveying unit 2 based on the above settings and instructions. Then, the main body control unit 6 performs printing (copying) based on the document image data received from the image reading unit 1.

  The main body control unit 6 includes a main control unit that performs overall control, communication control, and image processing, an engine control unit that controls printing by performing ON / OFF of a motor that rotates an image forming and various rotating bodies, and the like. Multiple types may be provided for each function. Here, these control units are shown and described in a combined form.

  The main body control unit 6 is provided with an image processing unit 6b. The image processing unit 6b includes an ASIC, a memory, and the like, and performs various image processing such as density conversion processing, enlargement / reduction processing, rotation processing, image data compression / decompression processing, and the like. In addition, the image processing unit 6b can perform other known image processing (for example, frame erasing processing). The main body control unit 6 is connected to a communication line via the communication I / F unit 62, and can transmit and receive data to and from an external device (for example, a personal computer).

(About startup control)
Next, activation control of the copying machine 200 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration relating to the activation control of the copying machine 200. In addition to the main body control unit 6 described above, the copying machine 200 further includes a first memory M1, a mounting detection unit 71, and a memory control unit 72.

  The first memory M1 is a non-volatile memory (program memory) that stores a program necessary for starting the apparatus (here, the copying machine 200). The first memory M1 can be configured by the ROM of the storage unit 61 of the main body control unit 6 described above, for example, but may be another memory different from the ROM as long as it stores a startup program. There may be.

  The attachment detection unit 71 is a circuit that detects whether or not a second memory M2 (extended memory) that is a nonvolatile option memory is attached to the apparatus. When the mounting detection unit 71 detects the mounting of the second memory M <b> 2, a mounting detection signal is output from the mounting detection unit 71 to the selector control unit 82 described later of the memory control unit 72. Note that the attachment detection unit 71 may output the attachment detection signal to the selector control unit 82 only when the attachment of the second memory M2 is detected, or becomes high when the second memory M2 is attached. A signal that becomes a low level at the time of mounting may be always output.

  When the operation mode of the apparatus shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode (sleep mode) with the second memory M2 attached to the apparatus, the main body control unit 6 takes a snapshot of the apparatus immediately before the shift. The data is stored in the second memory M2, and the first memory M1 or the second memory M2 is accessed when the apparatus is powered on (including restart) and when the apparatus returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Then, the information stored in them is read, and the apparatus is activated or restored. Note that the reading destination of the main body control unit 6 is determined by the setting in the selector 81 described later.

  Here, the normal mode refers to an operation mode in which the apparatus can perform a normal operation by supplying power to each functional block of the apparatus. On the other hand, in the power saving mode, power is supplied to only the minimum necessary function blocks and power supply to the other function blocks is cut off, thereby reducing power consumption compared to the normal mode and saving power. Refers to the operation mode. The power supply to each functional block is controlled by a selector control unit 82 described later.

  Further, as the snapshot data, for example, an operating system, an application program, and a device driver are stored in a work area (for example, a volatile RAM of the storage unit 61) used when the main body control unit 6 (CPU 6a) executes. Can think of the information that is being. Note that the contents of the ASIC registers of the CPU 6a and the image processing unit 6b may be included in the snapshot data. The snapshot data of the apparatus immediately before the shift to the power saving mode of the apparatus is stored in the second memory M2, and then the snapshot data is read and expanded when returning to the normal mode, thereby shortening the apparatus. It is possible to return to the state immediately before the transition to the power saving mode with time, and to quickly return to the normal mode.

  Further, when the apparatus shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode, the main body control unit 6 outputs a state transition signal (sleep signal) indicating the shift to the latch circuit 83 described later. As a sleep signal at this time, for example, a signal that becomes high level when the apparatus shifts to the power saving mode and becomes low level when shifts to the normal mode can be assumed.

  The memory control unit 72 performs control for switching the reading destination of the main body control unit 6 between the first memory M1 and the second memory M2 when the apparatus is powered on and when the apparatus returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Is what you do. Such a memory control unit 72 includes a selector 81, a selector control unit 82, and a latch circuit 83.

  The selector 81 is a circuit that selects one of the first memory M1 and the second memory M2 as a reading destination of the main body control unit 6. The selector 81 is set to select the first memory M1 as the reading destination of the main body control unit 6 regardless of whether or not the second memory M2 is attached when the apparatus is powered on. When the apparatus returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the selector control unit 82 sets the selection of the reading destination of the main body control unit 6 in the selector 81.

  Specifically, only when the mounting detection unit 71 detects the mounting of the second memory M2 at the time when the device shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode, the device next changes from the power saving mode to the normal mode. The selector 81 is controlled by the selector 81 so that the second memory M2 is selected as the reading destination of the main body controller 6 when returning to the state. As a result, the main body control unit 6 can rapidly return the apparatus to the normal mode using the snapshot data stored in the second memory M2.

  On the other hand, when the mounting detection unit 71 does not detect the mounting of the second memory M2, the reading destination of the main body control unit 6 is switched to the first memory M1 when the apparatus returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode. As described above, the selector 81 is controlled by the selector control unit 82. Therefore, even when the user does not request a fast return and does not use the second memory M2, the main body control unit 6 can execute the program of the first memory M1 to return the apparatus to the normal mode. Become.

  The selector control unit 82 also functions as a controller (power control unit) that controls power supply to each unit of the copier 200, and is always energized in the power saving mode to control power supply to each unit. . For example, the selector control unit 82 transmits data from an external device (personal computer) to the copier 200, cancels the power saving mode by operating the operation panel 3, or opens and closes the document transport unit 2 to load a document. When it is determined that it is necessary to perform a printing operation or a copying operation on the contact glass 12 for reading and reading (when the condition for returning to the normal mode is satisfied) Electric power is supplied, and the copying machine 200 is returned to the normal mode. As a result, the copying machine 200 can perform a printing operation and a copying operation. From the above, the selector control unit 82 determines whether or not the return condition from the power saving mode to the normal mode is satisfied, and also functions as a return condition determination unit that returns the apparatus to the normal mode when satisfied. I can say that.

  The latch circuit 83 sends a switching signal for instructing switching of the setting of the selector 81 to the selector control unit 82 when a sleep signal indicating that the apparatus has shifted from the normal mode to the power saving mode is output from the main body control unit 6. It is the switching signal output part which outputs. For example, when the device shifts to the power saving mode, the latch circuit 83 holds the input of the sleep signal, and sets the reading destination of the main body control unit 6 when returning to the normal mode next to the first memory M1. A switching signal for switching to the second memory M2 is output to the selector control unit 82. Thereby, the selector control unit 82 switches the memory in the selector 81 (switches the reading destination of the main body control unit 6) based on the mounting detection signal of the second memory M2 and the switching signal from the latch circuit 83. It can be carried out. The operation of the latch circuit 83 is reset by a reset signal from the selector control unit 82 as the apparatus returns to the normal mode, and is prepared for the transition to the next power saving mode.

(About operation)
Next, operations related to the activation control of the apparatus will be described. The activation control of the apparatus is roughly classified into activation by turning on the apparatus (power activation) and activation by returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode (sleep return). Therefore, in the following, these will be described separately, and since there is always an operation of shifting from the normal mode to the power saving mode before the sleep recovery, this operation will also be described.

<Power on>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation flow when the apparatus is powered on. First, when the apparatus is turned on (S1), the selector 81 selects the first memory M1 as a reading destination of the main body control unit 6 regardless of the presence or absence of the second memory M2 (S2). Thereby, the main body control unit 6 confirms the setting of the selector 81, reads and executes the program stored in the first memory M1, and starts the apparatus (S3). Thereafter, the apparatus continues to operate until the apparatus is turned off (S4), and the operation of the apparatus is terminated by the operation of turning off the power.

  Here, during operation of the apparatus, the operation mode of the apparatus transitions between the normal mode and the power saving mode by the power control by the selector control unit 82 described above. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing transition of the operation mode of the apparatus. As shown in the figure, in the normal mode, if the conditions for shifting to the power saving mode are satisfied, for example, the copying operation is not performed for a predetermined time, the operation mode is saved from the normal mode to save power. Transition to power mode. On the other hand, when data is transmitted from an external device and printing operation is performed during the power saving mode, the operation mode shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Such an operation mode transition is actually repeated between S3 and S4 in FIG.

  Since the power supply to the selector control unit 82 is also stopped before the apparatus is powered on, the selector 81 is not subjected to memory switching control by the selector control unit 82 when the power is activated.

<Transition from normal mode to power saving mode>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation flow when the apparatus shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode. In the normal mode, when the condition for shifting to the power saving mode is satisfied, for example, a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of copying (S11), the main body control unit 6 operates the latch circuit 83 by the first sleep signal after the power is turned on (S12). Thereby, the latch circuit 83 outputs a switching signal for selecting the second memory M2 as a reading destination of the main body control unit 6 at the time of return from sleep to the selector control unit 82 (S13).

  Next, when the selector control unit 82 determines that the second memory M2 is attached to the apparatus based on the attachment detection signal from the attachment detection unit 71 (Yes in S14), the selector control unit 82 enters the power saving mode. The snapshot data of the device immediately before the shift is stored in the second memory M2 from the main body control unit 6 (S15). Based on the switching signal, the selector control unit 82 sets the selector 81 so as to select the second memory M2 as a reading destination of the main body control unit 6 when returning from sleep (S16). Thereafter, the selector control unit 82 cuts off the power supply to each unit of the device, and shifts the device to the power saving mode (S17).

  If the second memory M2 is not attached to the apparatus in S14, the selector control unit 82 does not switch the setting of the selector 81 and proceeds to S17 as it is. At the time of power activation, the selector 81 is set to select the first memory M1 as the reading destination of the main body control unit 6 as described above. Therefore, in the case of No in S14, the selector 81 The above setting (selection of the first memory M1) is maintained as it is.

<Transition from power saving mode to normal mode>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation flow when the apparatus shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode. When the selector control unit 82 determines in the power saving mode that the condition for shifting to the normal mode (return condition) is satisfied, for example, when data to be printed is transmitted from an external device (S21), the device Power is supplied to each part of (S22).

  Next, the main body control unit 6 determines whether the setting of the reading destination in the selector 81 is the second memory M2 or the first memory M1 (S23), and the setting is the second memory M2. Is read, the snapshot data stored in the second memory M2 is read and expanded in the RAM of the storage unit 61 (S24). If the setting is the first memory M1, the first data is stored. The program stored in the memory M1 is read and executed (S25). As a result, the transition to the normal mode is completed, and the apparatus can perform operations such as printing.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the memory control unit 72 (the selector 81, the selector control unit 82, and the latch circuit 83) controls the main body according to the activation conditions of the apparatus and whether or not the second memory M2 is attached. The information reading destination by the unit 6 is switched. That is, when the second memory M2 is mounted at the time of return from sleep, the main body control unit 6 expands the snapshot data stored in the second memory and activates the apparatus. Therefore, in this case, the apparatus can be returned to the state immediately before the transition to the power saving mode in a short time, and the apparatus can be started at high speed. On the other hand, when the apparatus is powered on, the main body control unit 6 activates the apparatus by executing a program stored in the first memory M1, regardless of whether or not the second memory M2 is installed. Thereby, even when the second memory M2 is attached to the apparatus and the snapshot data stored in the second memory M2 is damaged, the apparatus can be normally started.

  Further, when the second memory M2 is mounted when the device shifts to the power saving mode, the main body control unit 6 when the device returns to the normal mode next time is controlled by the selector control unit 82. Since the second memory M2 is selected by the selector 81 as a read destination, the main body control unit 6 expands the snapshot data stored in the second memory M2 at the time of returning to the normal mode, thereby speeding up the apparatus. It can be activated reliably.

  The selector 81 is set to select the first memory M1 as the reading destination of the main body control unit 6 regardless of whether or not the second memory M2 is mounted when the apparatus is powered on. The main body control unit 6 can always start the apparatus by executing the program stored in the first memory M1 whenever the apparatus is powered on.

  Further, the selector control unit 82 selects the second memory M2 as a reading destination of the main body control unit 6 based on the switching signal from the latch circuit 83 and the mounting detection signal from the mounting detection unit 71. 81 is controlled. That is, the selector control unit 82 recognizes that the apparatus has shifted from the normal mode to the power saving mode by outputting the switching signal from the latch circuit 83, and the second detection signal from the mounting detection unit 71 determines the second. When it is recognized that the installation of the memory M2 is detected, the selector 81 is made to select the second memory M2. Thereby, the main body control unit 6 can reliably access the second memory M2 when returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

  In addition, when the second memory M2 is not attached to the device, the memory control unit 72 sets the reading destination of the main body control unit 6 to the first memory M1 when the device returns from sleep. The unit 6 can return to the device by accessing the first memory M1 when returning from sleep. In addition, since the second memory M2 is not used, it is impossible to realize sleep recovery at a high speed, but it is possible to eliminate the cost burden on the user due to the use of the second memory M2.

  In the present embodiment, since the above-described activation control is performed in the copying machine 200 having at least the image forming unit 5A, the above-described effects can be obtained in the copying machine 200.

  In this embodiment, the configuration in which the memory control unit 72 includes the selector 81 as hardware has been described. However, the selector control unit 82 is provided with the function of the selector 81, and the selector control unit 82 performs software processing. May be performed. In the present embodiment, the main body control unit 6 accesses the first memory M1 or the second memory M2 and reads information stored in them, but is set (selected) by the selector 81. ) (The first memory M1 or the second memory M2) itself may output the stored contents to the main body control unit 6, or the selector 81 may be the first memory M1 or the second memory M2. The memory contents of the memory M2 may be taken out and sent to the main body control unit 6.

  In this embodiment, the configuration in which the memory control unit 72 includes the latch circuit 83 has been described. However, the configuration is such that the sleep signal from the main body control unit 6 is directly input to the selector control unit 82, and the selector control unit 82 Based on the mounting detection signal from the mounting detection unit 71 and the sleep signal from the main body control unit 6, the memory selection in the selector 81 may be controlled.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus has been described as an example of the configuration of the information processing apparatus. However, the entire apparatus can be turned on and off, and the normal mode and the power saving mode can be switched. The present invention can be applied to other devices such as a personal computer as long as the operation mode transitions between them.

  In this embodiment, the copying machine 200 is taken as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is also applicable to other image forming apparatuses such as a multifunction peripheral and a facsimile machine. In this embodiment, the tandem color image forming apparatus has been described. However, the configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to a rotary color image forming apparatus and a monochrome image forming apparatus. is there.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention can be used for an image forming apparatus and a personal computer, for example.

5A Image forming unit 6 Main body control unit 71 Mounting detection unit 72 Memory control unit 81 Selector 82 Selector control unit 83 Latch circuit (switching signal output unit)
200 Copier (information processing equipment)
M1 first memory M2 second memory

Claims (6)

A first memory for storing a program necessary for starting the apparatus;
A mounting detection unit that detects whether or not a second memory as an expansion memory is mounted in the device;
When the operation mode of the device shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode with the second memory attached to the device, the snapshot data of the device immediately before the transfer is stored in the second memory, and A main body controller that reads information stored in the first memory or the second memory when the apparatus is powered on and when the apparatus returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode;
A memory control unit that switches a reading destination of the main body control unit between the first memory and the second memory when the apparatus is powered on and when the apparatus returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode;
The memory control unit reads the reading destination of the main body control unit only when the mounting detection unit detects that the second memory is mounted when the apparatus returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Is switched to the second memory, and when the apparatus is powered on, the reading destination of the main body control unit is switched to the first memory regardless of whether or not the second memory is installed. Processing equipment. The memory control unit
A selector for selecting one of the first memory and the second memory as a reading destination of the main body control unit;
Only when the mounting detection unit detects that the second memory is mounted when the device transitions from the normal mode to the power saving mode, the device next switches from the power saving mode to the normal mode. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a selector control unit that controls the selector so as to select the second memory as a reading destination of the main body control unit when returning. .   The selector is set to select the first memory as a reading destination of the main body control unit, regardless of whether or not the second memory is mounted when the apparatus is powered on. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. The memory control unit controls a selector signal for instructing switching of the selector setting when a state transition signal indicating that the apparatus has shifted from a normal mode to a power saving mode is output from the main body control unit. A switching signal output unit for outputting to the unit,
The selector control unit detects that the second memory is mounted by the mounting detection unit, and when the switching signal is output from the switching signal output unit, the device is set to a power saving mode next. 4. The selector according to claim 2, wherein the selector is controlled so that a reading destination of the main body control unit when returning from the first memory to the normal mode is switched from the first memory to the second memory. Information processing device.   The memory control unit sets the reading destination of the main body control unit to the first control unit when the mounting detection unit does not detect the mounting of the second memory and the apparatus returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is set in a memory.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image forming unit that is controlled by the main body control unit to form an image on a recording medium.

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