JP2014079957A - Image formation device, image formation device control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To protect a device, data, and a system by maintaining a sleep mode even when a shutdown of commercial power supply occurs during the sleep mode in which the power is supplied from a storage battery.SOLUTION: An image formation device 102 performs power source changeover control so that, in a normal operation mode, power is supplied from the commercial power supply 1222 and, in a sleep mode, the power is supplied from a battery 1218. A CPU 1201 of the image formation device 102, when the shutdown of the external power source is detected by a power source state detection unit 1221 during the sleep mode, controls the returning means so as not to return from the sleep mode even when a return factor occurs.

Description

  The present invention relates to power saving control of an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, devices such as printers, fax machines, and multi-function devices have been put into a sleep mode that automatically enters standby mode in a power-saving state that automatically stops supplying unnecessary power after a certain period of non-operation. It has the function of conversion.

  In recent years, the level of power saving required for such standard power saving functions has been increasing, and manufacturers are obligated to reduce the level by various laws and regulations. Is the current situation.

  In response to this social need, a technique for utilizing a storage battery as a power source has been proposed as a method for realizing lower power consumption (Patent Document 1). This method supplies power consumed from the storage battery when the device is in the sleep mode.

  In general, the conversion efficiency of the power converter that converts commercial power into the power required for the device is often designed to be high efficiency during normal operation, whereas the efficiency when generating minute power during sleep is Lower. Therefore, the idea is to supply the low-efficiency part from the storage battery. This concept is useful in a power supply system that supplies power from an ideal source that is optimal within the range of individual consumption relative to power consumption, and achieves low power consumption for the entire product. It is considered to be one of the important technologies in the process.

  However, there are problems to be considered when actually commercializing this power supply system. There are points to consider in the actual office environment and commercial power supply environment. This includes the “stability” and “operational aspects” of commercial power.

  “Stability” means that a situation in which power supply from a commercial power supply is cut off, such as a power failure, occurs at an unintended timing with a certain probability. On the other hand, the “operational aspect” may be a case where the power is turned off at an intended timing, such as during building power supply maintenance.

  In addition, products that are not affected by power outages are becoming popular due to the spread of storage battery-driven products such as notebook computers and smartphones. Thus, it can be said that access from devices driven by such a stable power supply source is increasing.

  Considering how to stably provide functions for power supply sources that have an unstable factor of commercial power supply in such an environment surrounding products as well as reducing power consumption It is considered necessary.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-267641

  However, as described in the description of Patent Document 1, in the case of a configuration in which switching to storage battery driving is performed during sleep, when power supply from a commercial power source is cut off during driving of the storage battery, only the storage battery has power necessary for normal operation. It is assumed that it cannot be covered.

  For example, since the power consumed to complete the printing operation varies widely, it is difficult to guarantee the supply of power necessary to complete the print job with only the storage battery. In other words, it is assumed that the power supply of only the storage battery suddenly drops during the printing operation.

  Note that storage of program data and backup data processing during operation are performed during shutdown processing. Therefore, when the power is suddenly turned off, normal data processing is not performed, and the system may not be able to start up normally due to hard disk damage, data damage, or multiple factors.

  In this way, in the case of a storage battery configuration that covers minute electric power during sleep, it cannot be said that the necessary power can be supplied stably if it is returned to the normal operation mode, so there is a risk that the problems described above will occur. large. Therefore, when considering the “stability” and “operational aspects” of the commercial power supply in the office environment, it is appropriate to use the normal function by supplying power only from the storage battery when there is an abnormality in the commercial power supply. I can't say there is.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems.
An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of maintaining a sleep mode and protecting a device, data, or system even when a commercial power supply is interrupted during the sleep mode in which power is supplied from a storage battery. That is.

  The present invention switches the power supply source so that power is supplied from an external power source in the normal operation mode in which the job can be executed, and power is supplied from the storage battery in the sleep mode in which the power consumption is lower than that in the normal operation mode. Power control means for controlling, return means for returning from the sleep mode to the normal operation mode in response to occurrence of a return factor, monitoring means for monitoring the interruption and return of the external power supply, and the monitoring during the sleep mode Control means for performing sleep control during a power failure so that the return means does not return from the sleep mode even if the return factor occurs when the external power supply is detected by the means. Features.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even when interruption | blocking of commercial power supply generate | occur | produces during the sleep mode which supplies electric power from a storage battery, a sleep mode can be maintained and an apparatus, data, or a system can be protected.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration for explaining the features of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a power saving control method thereof. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an image forming apparatus 102. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an example of a configuration of an operation unit 140. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a functional structure of the power saving control program 400 for implement | achieving the power saving control method of the image forming apparatus in this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power saving control operation in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which masks the sleep return factor of S108 of FIG. 5, and maintains in sleep mode. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the commercial power supply interruption | blocking reset notification (power failure reset notification) of S110 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the system shutdown process of S111 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification content of a job return disabled status notified to an external host terminal by a job execution disabled status notification in S204 of FIG. 6 and a UI that receives a return notification selection. It is a figure which shows an example of the power failure recovery notification screen 1000 notified to an external host terminal by S304 of FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a power failure shutdown setting screen 1100 by operations of a power saving control unit 403 and a power supply control unit 406 of a power saving control program 400. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of host terminal ID1300 which the response content recording part 405 of the power saving control program based on the power saving control method of the image forming apparatus of this invention records on RAM1202.

  Hereinafter, carrying for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<System configuration diagram>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration for explaining the features of an image forming apparatus and its power saving control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The system according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 102 such as a printer, a multifunction peripheral, and a facsimile, an external terminal such as a smartphone, and a general-purpose computer 103 that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus 102. Yes.

  These devices are connected by a wired network 104 such as a LAN or a wireless network 105. In FIG. 1, only one external terminal 101, image forming apparatus 102, and general-purpose computer 103 are shown, but a plurality of external terminals 101, image forming apparatuses 102, and general-purpose computers 103 may be provided.

  The image forming apparatus 102 can accept operation settings from the external terminal 101 operated by the user and job execution such as copying and FAX by wireless connection. The image forming apparatus 102 operates with a commercial power source (external power source) in the normal operation mode in which a job can be executed. On the other hand, in the sleep mode in which power consumption is suppressed compared to the normal operation mode, the image forming apparatus 102 is configured to cover all necessary power from the storage battery. In other words, the image forming apparatus 102 is configured to perform power control that can switch the power supply source from the commercial power source to the battery so that the necessary power can be supplied from the battery during the sleep mode.

The general-purpose computer 103 operates only with a commercial power source. The external terminal 101 operates with a storage battery.
In the sleep mode, the image forming apparatus 102 is configured to switch the power source from the storage battery to the commercial power source and return to the normal mode by the access by the print execution from the general-purpose computer 103 or the external terminal 101.

  Note that, in the power saving control method in the image forming apparatus 102, when the commercial power supply is shut down due to a power failure or the like during the sleep mode in which power is supplied from the battery, even if there is a return request (for example, a storage battery) Control is performed so as not to return to the normal mode even if a print request or the like is accessed from a driving external terminal. Further, the image forming apparatus 102 controls the external device that is the access source to notify the status of the image forming apparatus.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus and the power saving control thereof according to the present invention are configured so that when the commercial power supply is interrupted during the sleep mode in the storage battery drive, the sleep is not resumed, and the image is transmitted to the external device that is the access source. It controls to notify the state of the forming apparatus.

<Image Forming Apparatus—Overall Configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 102.
The image forming apparatus 102 includes an operation unit 140, a scanner unit 10, a printer unit 20, and a controller 1200.
The operation unit 140 is for a user who uses the image forming apparatus 102 to perform various operations.
The scanner unit 10 includes a CPU that controls the scanner unit 10, an illumination lamp (not shown), a scanning mirror, and the like for reading a document, and reads image information in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 140.

The printer unit 20 includes a CPU that controls the printer unit and a photosensitive drum and a fixing unit (not shown) for performing image formation and fixing, and prints image data on paper.
The controller 1200 comprehensively controls the operations of the image forming apparatus connected to the scanner unit 10, the printer unit 20, the LAN 104, the public line (WAN), and the wireless LAN 105.

  Reference numeral 1223 denotes the power supply system A, which is indicated by a thick solid line in the figure. Reference numeral 1224 denotes a power supply system B, which is indicated by a broken line in the figure. These power supply systems are power supply systems linked with the power saving function of the image forming apparatus 102.

In the image forming apparatus 102, the power supply unit 1225 can be switched between a power supply source and a supply destination.
The power supply unit 1225 includes a power supply conversion unit 1219, a power supply state detection unit 1221, a battery 1218 capable of storing electricity, and a power supply control unit 1217. 1222 is an external power source such as a commercial power source.

  When the image forming apparatus 102 operates in the normal operation mode, the power supply unit 1225 supplies power from the commercial power supply 1222 to both the power supply system A (1223) and the power supply system B (1224), that is, a portion indicated by a thick solid line. , And supplied to both of the parts indicated by broken lines.

  When the image forming apparatus 102 operates in the sleep mode, the power supply unit 1225 supplies power from the battery 1218 only to the power supply system B (1224), that is, the portion indicated by the broken line.

  Switching of the power supply system of these power supply destinations is realized by the power supply control unit 1217 performing control to switch the supply of power based on an instruction (1215) from the CPU 1201. In addition, regarding switching of the power supply source, the power supply control unit 1217 performs control to switch between the battery 1218 and the power supplied from the commercial power supply 1222 and generated by the power supply conversion unit 1219.

  With these controls, the image forming apparatus 102 operates with the entire apparatus (power supply systems A and B) using power supplied from the commercial power supply in the normal operation mode, and with power supplied from the battery 1218 in the sleep mode. Only the power supply system B operates.

  The power supply state detection unit 1221 detects that the power supplied from the commercial power supply 1222 has been cut off or that the cut off state has been restored. It is a mechanism to detect with. The detection result of the power state detection unit 1221 is notified to the CPU 1201 as an interrupt signal (1216).

  The battery 1218 includes a charging circuit and a remaining amount monitoring circuit (not shown). The battery 1218 notifies the CPU 1201 of the remaining amount monitoring result as an interrupt signal (1226).

<Image forming apparatus-controller configuration>
Next, the inside of the controller 1200 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
The controller 1200 includes a raster image processor (RIP) 1250, a scanner image processing unit 1280, a printer image processing unit 1290, an image rotation unit 1230, an image compression unit 1240, and a device I / F 1220.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 1250 expands a PDL code included in a print job received from the general-purpose computer 103 on the LAN via the LAN 104 into a bitmap image. A scanner image processing unit 1280 corrects, processes, and edits image data input from the scanner unit 10.

  A printer image processing unit 1290 performs correction, resolution conversion, and the like on image data output (printed) by the printer unit 20. The image rotation unit 1230 rotates image data. The image compression unit 1240 performs JPEG compression / decompression processing for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, or MH for binary image data. A device I / F 1220 connects the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20 to the controller 1200 to perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  Furthermore, the controller 1200 is connected to the RIP 1250, the scanner image processing unit 1280, the printer image processing unit 1290, the image compression unit 1240, and the device I / F 1220, and has an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed.

  The controller 1200 includes a CPU 1201, an operation unit I / F 1206, a RAM 1202, a network unit (Network I / F) 1210, a wireless communication IF 1270, a real-time clock (RTC) 1211, a ROM 1212, a ROM 1203, a hard disk drive (HDD) 1204, a scanner A printer communication I / F 1208 is included.

The CPU 1201 functions as a control unit that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 102. An operation unit I / F 1206 is an interface unit with the operation unit 140 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 140 to the operation unit 140. Further, the operation unit I / F 1206 serves to transmit information input by the user who uses the image forming apparatus 102 from the operation unit 140 to the CPU 1201. The RAM 1202 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 1201, and stores image data. It is also an image memory for temporary storage. A network unit (Network I / F) 1210 is included. A network unit 1210 is connected to the LAN 104 and performs communication (transmission / reception) with the general-purpose computer 103 and other computer terminals (not shown) on the LAN 104.

  The wireless communication IF 1270 is connected to an external terminal (for example, the external terminal 101) through the wireless network 105. A real time clock (RTC) 1211 is included. The RTC 1211 measures time, and can operate by receiving power from the built-in battery while the image forming apparatus 102 is powered off. The ROM 1212 is a nonvolatile recording medium such as a flash memory provided for saving backup data.

  The ROM 1203 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1201. The HDD 1204 stores system software, image data, software counter values, and the like. A scanner / printer communication I / F 1208 performs communication with the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20, respectively.

  The controller 1200 further includes a system bus 1207 that connects the CPU 1201, RAM 1202, operation unit I / F 1206, network unit 1210, wireless communication IF 1270, RTC 1211, ROM 1212, ROM 1203, HDD 1204, and scanner / printer communication I / F 1208.

  Further, the controller 1200 has an image bus interface (Image Bus I / F) 1205. The image bus interface 1205 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 1207 and the image bus 2008 and converts the data structure.

<Operation Unit Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an example of the configuration of the operation unit 140.
In the operation unit 140, the liquid crystal operation panel 11 is a combination of a liquid crystal and a touch panel, displays an operation screen, and sends information to the controller 1200 when a display key is pressed by the user.

  The start key 12 is used when starting an operation for reading and printing a document image or for instructing start of other functions. The start key 12 incorporates LEDs of two colors, green and red, indicating that the start can be started when the green is lit, and that the start is not possible when the red is lit. The stop key 13 serves to stop the operation during operation.

The hard key group 14 includes a numeric keypad, a clear key, a reset key, a guide key, and a user mode key.
The power saving key 15 is used when the image forming apparatus is shifted from the operation unit 140 to the sleep mode or returned to the sleep mode. When the power saving key 15 is pressed by the user in the normal mode, the image forming apparatus shifts to the sleep mode. When the power saving key 15 is pressed by the user in the sleep mode, the image forming apparatus shifts to the normal mode.

  The operation unit 140 includes information necessary for creating job information such as a user name, the number of prints, and output attribute information input by the user using the liquid crystal operation panel 11 and the hard key group 14, and a start key 12, a stop key 13, and a power saving key. Information indicating that 15 is pressed is transmitted to the operation unit I / F 1206.

<Functional configuration of power saving control program>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the power saving control program 400 for realizing the power saving control method of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

The power saving control program 400 is stored in the HDD 1204 shown in FIG. 2, read into the RAM 1202, and executed by the CPU 1201.
The power saving control program 400 includes a power monitoring unit 404, a power saving control unit 403, a power control unit 406, an IF response control unit 402, a response content recording unit 405, a status notification unit 401, a setting recording unit 407, and a remaining battery level monitoring unit. 408.

  The power monitoring unit 404 has a functional role of receiving a detection result from the power state detection unit 1221 and notifying the power saving control unit 403. The detection results received from the power supply state detection unit 1221 include a detection result when the commercial power supply is shut off and a detection result when the commercial power supply is restored.

  The power saving control unit 403 has a functional role of performing overall power saving mode control of the image forming apparatus 102. The power saving control unit 403 determines and controls the power mode transition between the normal operation mode and the sleep mode. For example, the power saving control unit 403 determines whether or not to shift to the sleep mode by determining whether a certain period of time has elapsed during non-operation or setting the power saving key 15 of the operation unit 140 by pressing a timer set by the RTC 1211 (sleep transition event). Judgment of occurrence). Further, the power saving control unit 403 controls the power control unit 406 and the IF response control unit 402 to notify the power mode transition state and the like in conjunction with the power mode transition. Further, the power saving control unit 403 receives the remaining amount notification result from the battery remaining amount monitoring unit 408 and controls the execution of the system shutdown process of the image forming apparatus 102.

  The battery remaining amount monitoring unit 408 has a functional role of monitoring the remaining amount (remaining capacity) of the battery 1218. The battery remaining amount monitoring unit 408 monitors the remaining amount of the battery 1218 and notifies the power saving control unit 403 of the remaining amount detection result. When the power saving control unit 403 detects the shutdown of the commercial power supply during the sleep mode, the power saving control unit 403 performs a system shutdown in response to a shutdown setting described later and the battery remaining amount detection result.

  In response to the notification of the power mode transition state from the power saving control unit 403, the power control unit 406 instructs the power control unit 1217 of the power supply unit 1225 to change to the power supply state corresponding to the power mode. Has a functional role. This instruction is configured to be transmitted as a signal (1215) from the CPU 1201 to the power control unit 1217.

  The power saving control unit 403 receives the notification from the power supply monitoring unit 404 and notifies the IF response control unit 402 when the commercial power supply is interrupted during the sleep mode.

  The IF response control unit 402 has a functional role of controlling communication IF between the image forming apparatus 102 and an external apparatus. As a place related to power saving control, the IF response control unit 402 performs normal operation from the sleep mode based on communication from the general-purpose computer 103 or the external terminal 101 via the network unit 1210 or the wireless communication IF unit 1270, and pressing of the power saving key 15. A trigger for returning to the mode (occurrence of a return event) is detected and notified to the power saving control unit 403.

  When the IF response control unit 402 receives a notification from the power saving control unit 403 that the commercial power supply is shut down during the sleep mode, the IF response control unit 402 notifies the status notification unit 401 to that effect, The power saving control unit 403 is instructed not to notify even when a trigger for returning to the normal operation mode is detected.

In addition, the IF response control unit 402 notifies the response content recording unit 405 of information related to the user who has accessed during sleep in which the commercial power supply is shut off.
The response content recording unit 405 records information about the user notified from the IF response control unit 402 in the RAM 1202 or reads out the information from the RAM 1202 in response to a request from the IF response control unit 402 and notifies the information.

  The status notification unit 401 has a role of notifying an external device that a commercial power supply has been interrupted during the sleep mode based on a notification from the IF response control unit 402. More specifically, it notifies the external apparatus that has access to the image forming apparatus 102 that the job cannot be executed and that the cause is the interruption of the commercial power supply. Furthermore, the status notification unit 401 inquires whether the user who desires is willing to execute a job upon receiving a notification when the interruption is restored.

When the commercial power supply is interrupted from the sleep state, the IF response control unit 402 receives user information from the response content recording unit 405 and notifies the status notification unit 401 of the user information.
The setting recording unit 407 has a function of holding a setting for selectively instructing whether to maintain the sleep or immediately shut down when the power saving control unit 403 detects the interruption of the commercial power supply during the sleep mode. Have a specific role. This setting is performed by the user via the operation unit 140 and is recorded in the RAM 1202. This setting may be recorded in other storage devices such as the nonvolatile recording medium ROM 1212 and the HDD 1204.
The functional configuration of the power saving control program 400 has been described above.

  The power saving control program 400 detects that the commercial power supply has been shut down during the sleep mode, and performs control so as not to return to the sleep mode. In addition, when there is an access in this state, the user information is recorded. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example as long as the system has a mechanism capable of notifying the recorded user when the commercial power supply is shut off.

<Power saving control flow>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the power saving control operation in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. 5 to 8 are realized by the CPU 1201 reading out the power saving control program 400 recorded in the HDD 1204 so as to be readable by the computer to the RAM 1202 and executing it. Moreover, S101-S111 show each step.

  When executing the power saving control unit 403 of the power saving control program 400, the CPU 1201 determines whether a sleep transition event (transition factor) has occurred in S101. The sleep transition event refers to the transition event due to the timer setting based on the time count by the RTC 1211 or the transition event due to pressing of the power saving key 15 of the operation unit 140 described above.

If it is determined that a sleep transition event has occurred (Yes in S101), the CPU 1201 advances the process to S102.
In S102, the CPU 1201 shifts the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 102 to the sleep mode by executing the power control unit 406 of the power saving control program 400. Specifically, the power supply control unit 1217 is instructed to switch the power supply source from the commercial power supply 1222 to the battery 1218.

In step S <b> 103, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not a commercial power supply cutoff is detected by the execution of the power supply monitoring unit of the power saving control program 400.
When it is determined that the commercial power supply is not shut off (No in S103), the CPU 1201 advances the process to S104.

In step S <b> 104, the CPU 1201 determines whether a sleep recovery event (recovery factor) has been detected by executing the IF response control unit of the power saving control program 400.
If it is determined that the sleep recovery event has not been detected (No in S104), the CPU 1201 returns the process to S103 and detects the interruption of the commercial power supply.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S104 that a sleep return event is detected (Yes in S104), the CPU 1201 shifts the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 102 to the normal operation mode. More specifically, as in S102, the CPU 1201 instructs the power supply control unit 1217 to switch the source supply source from the battery 1218 to the commercial power supply 1222 by executing the power supply control unit 406 of the power saving control program 400. Then, the CPU 1201 returns the process to S101.

If it is determined in S103 that the commercial power supply has been cut off (Yes in S103), the CPU 1201 advances the process to S106.
In step S <b> 106, the CPU 1201 executes the power saving control unit 403 of the power saving control program 400 and determines whether to maintain sleep based on the shutdown setting by the setting recording unit 407.

Here, the shutdown setting will be described.
<Shutdown setting screen>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a power failure shutdown setting screen 1100 by the operations of the power saving control unit 403 and the power supply control unit 406 of the power saving control program 400.

The power outage shutdown setting screen 1100 receives settings from the user in advance.
A power failure shutdown setting screen 1100 includes a radio button 1101 for selecting immediate shutdown when a power failure is detected during sleep, a radio button 1102 for selecting shutdown when the battery capacity is exhausted, and an OK button 1103. , A cancel button 1104. Note that only one of the radio buttons 1101 and 1102 is selected. In the example of FIG. 11, a state where 1102 is in a selected state (ON) is shown.

  When the user of the image forming apparatus 102 selects the radio button 1101 or 1102 and presses the OK button 1103, the CPU 1201 records the shutdown setting in the RAM 1202 or the like.

  With this shutdown setting, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not to maintain sleep when the commercial power supply is interrupted during sleep in S106 of FIG. 5 and whether or not the remaining battery level is sufficient in S107 described later. Based on the judgment, control is performed to shut down the system.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG.
If the CPU 1201 determines that the setting to immediately shut down when the commercial power supply is interrupted during the sleep setting is on, the CPU 1201 determines that the sleep is not maintained (determined No in S106), and immediately shuts down the system. Is executed (S111). This flowchart is terminated when the shutdown is completed. Details of the system shutdown process in S111 are shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in S106, if the CPU 1201 determines that the setting for shutting down when the battery capacity is exhausted in the shutdown setting when the commercial power supply is interrupted during sleep, the CPU 1201 determines that the sleep is maintained (S106). (Yes) and the process proceeds to S107.

In step S <b> 107, the CPU 1201 determines whether the battery capacity is sufficient by executing the battery remaining amount monitoring unit 408.
If it is determined that the battery capacity is not sufficient to maintain the sleep state (below the threshold stored in the ROM 1212 or the like) (No in S107), the CPU 1201 immediately executes system shutdown (S111). .

On the other hand, when it is determined that the battery capacity is sufficient (the above threshold value or more) (Yes in S107), the CPU 1201 advances the process to S108.
In S108, the CPU 1201 performs control so as not to return even when a sleep return event occurs by executing the IF response control unit of the power saving control program 400 (a process of masking the sleep return factor and maintaining the sleep mode). Details of the process of masking the sleep return factor in S108 and maintaining the sleep mode are shown in FIG.

Next, in step S109, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not the commercial power cut-off state has been restored.
If it is determined that the commercial power cut-off state has not been restored (No in S109), the CPU 1201 returns the process to S107 and checks the remaining battery level.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S109 that the commercial power supply shut-off state has been restored (Yes in S109), the CPU 1201 advances the process to S110.
In S <b> 110, the CPU 1201 issues a return notification of the commercial power supply shutdown state by executing the state notification unit 401 of the power saving control program 400 (power failure return notification processing). Details of the power failure recovery notification process in S110 are shown in FIG. When the power failure recovery notification process in S110 is completed, the CPU 1201 returns the process to S102.
The operation flow of the power saving program based on the power saving method of the image forming apparatus of the present invention has been described above.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of masking the sleep recovery factor in S108 of FIG. 5 and maintaining the sleep mode. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 1201 executing the IF response control unit 402, the response content recording unit 405, and the status notification unit 401 of the power saving control program 400. S201 to S204, S208, and S209 indicate steps executed by the image forming apparatus 102. S205 to S207 indicate steps executed by the external host terminal.

  First, in step S201, the CPU 1201 masks the sleep return factor. The purpose of this processing is to prevent a sleep recovery by pressing the power saving key 15 of the operation unit 140, a sleep recovery by a network packet from the general-purpose computer 103 via the network unit 1210, or the like. For this purpose, the hardware interrupt signal that is normally used when returning from sleep is disabled, or the interpretation of the software sleep return command is disabled, so that the sleep is not restored (sleep control during power failure). ).

In such a state where the sleep is not resumed (during the sleep control at the time of power failure), the CPU 1201 executes the processing after S202.
First, in step S <b> 202, the CPU 1201 determines whether there is a status request from the general-purpose computer 103 or the external terminal 101 that is an external host terminal. Hereinafter, the general-purpose computer 103 and the external terminal 101 are referred to as an external host terminal.

  In the external host terminal, when a print job is issued, a status request is transmitted from the CPU on the external host terminal (not shown) to the image forming apparatus 102 in order to confirm the state of the image forming apparatus 102 (S205).

On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 102, the CPU 1201 continues to monitor the status request until there is a status request from the external host terminal.
If it is determined that there is a status request from the external host terminal (Yes in S202), the CPU 1201 advances the process to S203.

  In S203, the CPU 1201 records the host terminal ID of the external host terminal that has made a status request. The host terminal ID is identification information including the IP address of the external host terminal and the user name used. The CPU 1201 records this host terminal ID in the RAM 1202 by executing the response content recording unit 405 of the power saving control program 400.

Here, the recorded contents of the host terminal ID will be described.
<Recorded contents of host terminal ID>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the host terminal ID 1300 recorded in the RAM 1202 by the response content recording unit 405 of the power saving control program based on the power saving control method of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The host terminal ID 1300 may be stored in another storage device such as the nonvolatile recording medium ROM 1212 or the HDD 1204.

  The host terminal ID 1300 includes a user ID 1301 of a user using the host terminal, an IP address 1302 of the host terminal, an email address 1303, and a post-return notification request necessity / unnecessary column 1304.

  In S203 of FIG. 6, the host terminal ID 1300 includes a user ID 1301, an IP address 1302, and an email address 1303. Note that the post-return notification request necessity / unnecessary column 1304 is recorded in S209 described later.

  Although an example of the host terminal ID has been described above, the host terminal ID is not limited to the illustrated example as long as the host terminal ID includes information for identifying an external host terminal that has been accessed while the commercial power supply is shut off in the sleep mode. Absent.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG.
In step S <b> 204, the CPU 1201 transmits a job execution disabled status notification to the external host terminal that requested the status by executing the status notification unit 401 of the power saving control program 400. The job execution impossibility status notification notifies that the job cannot be executed and the cause thereof. Further, the CPU 1201 transmits a message for inquiring whether or not there is an intention to receive a notification after the commercial power supply is restored to the external host terminal.

  On the external host terminal side, a CPU on the external host terminal side (not shown) determines reception of a status notification (S206). If it is determined that a status notification has been received (Yes in S206), the CPU on the external host terminal (not shown) selects whether or not to receive a notification after the commercial power supply is restored in response to the notified message. And a return notification selection result is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 102 (S207).

Here, the UI for accepting job execution impossibility notification content and return notification selection will be described.
<UI that accepts job execution impossibility notification contents and return notification selection>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job return disabled status notification content notified to the external host terminal by the job execution disabled status notification in S204 of FIG. 6 and a UI that receives a return notification selection.

  The job return impossible status notification screen 900 is displayed on the display in S207 of FIG. 6 by the CPU of the external host terminal that has received the job execution impossible status notification transmitted in S204 of FIG.

  The job return impossible status notification screen 900 includes a notification message display field 901 and a check box 902 capable of selecting whether to receive a notification when the job can be executed.

  When the user of the external host terminal selects ON / OFF of the check box 902 and presses an OK button 903, the CPU of the external host terminal displays the return notification selection result based on the value of the check box 902 as an image. To the forming apparatus 102.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG.
On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 102, the CPU 1201 continues to monitor the reception of the return notification selection result until the return notification selection result is received from the external host terminal.
If it is determined that the return notification selection result has been received from the external host terminal (Yes in S208), the CPU 1201 advances the process to S209.

In S209, the CPU 1201 records the received return notification selection result in association with the host terminal ID recorded in S203. Here, the necessity / unnecessary column 1304 of the post-return notification request in FIG. 12 is recorded. When the process of S209 is completed, the CPU 1201 returns the process to the flowchart of FIG.
The processing flow of the flow S108 in which the sleep return factor is masked and maintained in the sleep mode in the operation flow of the power saving control in the image forming apparatus of the present invention has been described above.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the commercial power supply interruption return notification (power failure return notification) in S110 of FIG. This processing flow is performed by the CPU 1201 executing the IF response control unit 402, the response content recording unit 405, and the state notification unit 401 of the power saving control program 400. S301 to S304 indicate each step.

  First, in S301, the CPU 1201 validates the sleep return factor masked in S201 of FIG. This process is enabled as a return factor by enabling the hardware interrupt signal normally used when returning from sleep and enabling the interpretation of the software sleep return command (that is, canceling the sleep control at the time of power failure). Accordingly, control is performed to return from sleep.

  In step S302, the CPU 1201 determines whether there is a recorded host terminal ID. This process determines whether the status request from the external host terminal shown in FIG. 6 and the recording of the return notification selection result associated therewith are recorded in the host terminal ID 1300 (FIG. 12).

If it is determined that the recorded host terminal ID is not recorded (NO in S302), the CPU 301 returns the process to the flowchart of FIG.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the recorded host terminal ID is recorded (Yes in S302), the CPU 301 advances the process to S303.
In step S <b> 303, the CPU 301 reads the host terminal ID recorded from the RAM 1202.
In step S304, the CPU 1201 notifies the external host terminal that the commercial power supply has been restored and that job execution can be accepted (FIG. 10) according to the recorded contents of the host terminal ID read in step S303. . Then, the CPU 1201 returns the processing to the flowchart of FIG.

<Job execution notification contents>
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the power failure recovery notification screen 1000 notified to the external host terminal in S304 of FIG. This notification is performed by the operation of the state notification unit 401 of the power saving control program 400.

The power failure recovery notification screen 1000 includes at least a notification message column 1001 and has a screen configuration capable of notifying the user that the user has recovered from the power failure state.
The power failure recovery notification screen 1000 is displayed on the display by the CPU of the external host terminal that has received the power failure recovery status notification in S304 of FIG.
The operation flow of the return power failure notification S110 in the operation flow of the power saving control program based on the power saving control method of the image forming apparatus of the invention has been described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the system shutdown process in S111 of FIG. This processing flow is performed by the CPU 1201 executing the power saving control unit 403 and the power control unit 406 of the power saving control program 400. S401 to S402 indicate steps.

  In step S <b> 401, the CPU 1201 performs backup processing for saving system data, user data, image backup data, and the like stored in the RAM 1202 to the nonvolatile recording medium ROM 1212. This storage may be performed in the HDD 1204.

In step S <b> 402, the CPU 1201 issues an instruction to turn off the power to the power control unit 1217 (power-off process). As a result, the power supplied to the image forming apparatus 102 is cut off and the power is turned off.
The system is shut down according to the operation flow described above.

  As described above, in the power saving control program based on the power saving control method of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the system shutdown is performed from the sleep mode, the step of saving the data saved in the RAM 1202 in the nonvolatile recording medium; The configuration is not limited to the example shown in the drawing as long as it is configured at least from the step of turning off the power.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the commercial power supply is interrupted during the sleep mode in which power is supplied from the storage battery, the sleep return operation to the normal operation mode is prohibited and the host device It is possible to maintain a state in which response processing can be performed with respect to access.

  This makes it possible to wait in an emergency evacuation state until the commercial power supply returns and the job can be stably executed. In this case, the external host terminal can recognize the state of the image forming apparatus by notifying the external host terminal of the state during sleep during power failure.

  Therefore, even when the commercial power supply is interrupted during the sleep mode in which power is supplied from the storage battery, the sleep mode can be maintained to protect the device, data, or system, and to respond to access from the host device Can be maintained.

  Since it cannot be visually determined that the image forming apparatus 102 is in sleep control during a power failure with the sleep recovery factor masked, when the sleep recovery factor is masked in S201 of FIG. An LED (not shown) may be lit or blinked to notify the user that the sleep control is being performed during a power failure, and the LED may be turned off when the sleep return factor is validated in S301. With this configuration, the user can easily determine that the image forming apparatus 102 is in sleep control during a power failure while masking the cause of sleep recovery. Further, it may be configured to notify the user that the sleep control during power failure is being performed by another method such as mailing to a pre-registered mail address.

  In the case where the image forming apparatus 102 has a facsimile function and is provided with a facsimile backup battery for backing up facsimile data in the RAM 1202 when the commercial power supply is cut off, the facsimile data in the RAM 1202 does not exist. The facsimile backup battery may also be used as sleep maintenance power. In the case of this configuration, the determination of the remaining battery capacity in S107 of FIG. 5 may be made based on the combined capacity of the remaining capacity of the battery 1218 and the remaining capacity of the facsimile backup battery.

It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.
Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.
Moreover, all the structures which combined said each Example are also contained in this invention.

(Other examples)
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not. That is, the present invention includes all the combinations of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof.

101 External terminal 102 Image forming apparatus 103 General-purpose computer 104 Network

Claims (7)

In normal operation mode where jobs can be executed, power is supplied from an external power supply, and in sleep mode, which consumes less power than in the normal operation mode, power control that switches and controls the power supply source to supply power from the storage battery Means,
Return means for returning from the sleep mode to the normal operation mode in response to occurrence of a return factor;
Monitoring means for monitoring shutdown and recovery of the external power supply;
Control that performs sleep control at power failure so that the return means does not return from the sleep mode even if the return factor occurs when the monitoring means detects the interruption of the external power supply during the sleep mode Means,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a response unit configured to perform a response process on the host device when an access is made from the host device during the power failure sleep control. The control means is to release the sleep control at the time of a power failure when the monitoring means detects a return of the external power supply during the sleep control at the time of a power failure,
2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification unit configured to notify the host device accessed during the power failure sleep control that the external power source has been restored when the power failure sleep control is canceled. The image forming apparatus according to 2. A shutdown means for performing system shutdown for performing system data backup processing and power-off processing;
Setting means for accepting a setting as to whether or not to perform the system shutdown when the external power supply is interrupted during the sleep mode;
The control means controls the shutdown means to execute the system shutdown when the monitoring means detects the interruption of the external power supply during the sleep mode and the setting is a setting for performing a system shutdown. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. Detecting means for detecting the remaining capacity of the storage battery;
When the control unit detects that the external power source is shut off during the sleep mode, and the setting is a setting that does not perform the system shutdown, the detection unit determines whether the storage battery has a remaining capacity. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled to perform system shutdown. In normal operation mode where jobs can be executed, power is supplied from an external power supply, and in sleep mode, which consumes less power than in the normal operation mode, power control that switches and controls the power supply source to supply power from the storage battery A method for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a return means for returning from the sleep mode to the normal operation mode in response to occurrence of a return factor,
A monitoring step of monitoring the shutoff and recovery of the external power supply;
A step of performing sleep control during a power failure so that the return means does not return from the sleep mode even if the return factor occurs when the external power supply is detected in the monitoring step during the sleep mode When,
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:   The program for functioning a computer as a means as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5.

Images