JP2014123825A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of properly transferring, to an image forming apparatus body, data acquired by facsimile communication started upon reception of an incoming call during a power saving mode.SOLUTION: A communication interface 7 includes a power saving control unit 75. During the execution of a power saving mode of supplying drive power to the communication interface 7 and a network control device 90 without supplying the drive power to a logic circuit unit L and a main body unit 300, when an event occurs, the power saving control unit 75 stops the execution of the power saving mode and starts the execution of a normal power mode of supplying the drive power to the logic circuit unit L, the main body unit 300, the communication interface 7, and the network control device 90. The logic circuit unit L includes a facsimile communication control unit 91 that starts facsimile communication, acquires data, stores the data in a data storage unit 96, and transfers the data to the main body unit 300.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  As a power saving technique in the image forming apparatus, in addition to the normal power mode for supplying power to each part of the image forming apparatus, a power saving mode for supplying power to only a part of each part is provided. A technique for switching the mode of the image forming apparatus from the normal power mode to the power saving mode when no operation is performed on the image forming apparatus for a predetermined time or when an instruction to switch to the power saving mode is input to the image forming apparatus. Widely adopted.

  By the way, in an image forming apparatus having a communication function, even in a power saving mode, it is usually determined whether data transmitted on a network is destined for the own apparatus or not. In order to make it possible to communicate with other communication devices, such as receiving the data or sending status information of the own device to other devices via the network, It is necessary to supply power to the part related to communication through the network. Here, if the power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be reduced without stopping the function related to data communication, the power saving of the image forming apparatus having the communication function can be further achieved.

  As a technical document regarding this power saving, there is Patent Document 1 below. In Patent Document 1 below, it is determined whether or not the protocol of a packet received via a network is a protocol type packet corresponding to a predetermined return condition. If so, the normal operation mode is changed from the power saving mode. A technique for returning to the above is disclosed.

JP 2006-309731 A

  By the way, an image forming apparatus having a communication function is configured by separating a communication board that controls a communication function and a main board for comprehensively controlling the entire image forming apparatus. Thus, driving power is supplied only to the communication board. In the normal power mode, driving power is supplied to both the communication board and the main board by the power supply circuit.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus controls the operation of a power supply circuit that supplies driving power to each substrate in order to change the substrate to which driving power is supplied depending on whether the power saving mode or the normal power mode is used. In some cases, the function of the power supply control unit is provided on the main board.

  In this case, in order for the power supply control unit to be able to switch from the power supply state in the power saving mode to the power supply state in the normal mode at any time, power is continuously supplied to the main board during the power saving mode. There is a need.

  However, since the main board consumes relatively large power, there is room for power saving. Patent Document 1 does not describe this point. Therefore, it is desired to develop an image forming apparatus that can further reduce power consumption while maintaining a state where communication is possible even in the power saving mode.

  As an image forming apparatus that can further reduce power consumption while maintaining communication even in the power saving mode, for example, the function of the power control unit that controls the operation of the power circuit is consumed more than the main board. An image forming apparatus that has a small power and is provided in a communication interface that controls communication and supplies power only to the communication interface during the power saving mode.

  By the way, in an image forming apparatus, a facsimile module that includes a network control device and has a function of performing facsimile communication may be provided as an optional device. Such a facsimile module is configured to transfer image data sent from another communication apparatus to the image memory of the image forming apparatus main body while acquiring facsimile data.

  Such a facsimile module has a function of the above-described image forming apparatus, that is, a power supply control unit for controlling the operation of the power supply circuit, in the communication interface that controls communication. In the power saving mode, only the communication interface is powered. When the image forming apparatus is provided in the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus preferably performs the following processing in order to reduce power consumption.

  For example, the image forming apparatus executes a power saving mode that leaves a function of performing communication using a communication network and a function of detecting an incoming call through a public line network, and receives data through the communication network or uses a public line. When an incoming call through the network is detected, a process of switching the running mode from the power saving mode to the normal power mode is performed.

  By the way, the image forming apparatus main body may take longer to start than the facsimile module. As described above, when the time required for starting the image forming apparatus main body becomes longer than the time required for starting the facsimile module, the image forming apparatus main body is not started yet when the facsimile module is started.

  In addition, since there is a restriction on the time for actually starting facsimile communication after receiving an incoming call through the public line network, the facsimile module must be activated and start facsimile communication prior to the image forming apparatus main body. There are circumstances.

  As a result, the facsimile module starts facsimile reception in a state where the image forming apparatus main body is not activated.

  However, in this case, since the image forming apparatus main body is not activated, the facsimile module cannot transfer the data received by facsimile to the image forming apparatus main body. In this case, the image forming apparatus main body cannot perform preset processing (for example, transfer onto recording paper) to data acquired by facsimile communication.

  The present invention is proposed in order to solve the above-described problem. In an image forming apparatus in which a facsimile communication unit can be optionally attached, a communication function through a communication network and a public line network can be used even in a power saving mode. Power consumption can be reduced while leaving a function to detect an incoming call, and data acquired by facsimile communication started upon receiving an incoming call in the power saving mode can be appropriately transferred to the image forming apparatus main body. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

  An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication interface for performing communication using a communication network, and a network control apparatus for forming a communication path between other communication devices having a facsimile communication function. A facsimile communication unit comprising: a logic circuit unit for performing facsimile communication through a communication path formed by the network control device; and a data storage unit for storing data acquired by the facsimile communication; and the communication interface And a main body unit that accepts transfer of the data acquired by the facsimile communication unit and the data acquired by the facsimile communication unit and performs a preset process, and the communication interface includes the facsimile communication Without supplying driving power to the logic circuit unit and the main body unit. When executing a power saving mode for supplying driving power to the network control device of the interface and the facsimile communication unit, the execution of the power saving mode is stopped, and the logic of the facsimile communication unit is stopped. When an event to start execution of the normal power mode for supplying driving power to the network control device of the circuit unit, the main body unit, the communication interface, and the facsimile communication unit occurs, the power saving mode A power saving control unit that stops execution and starts execution of the normal power mode, and the logic circuit unit starts the facsimile communication and acquires data by the facsimile communication, and stores the data in the data storage unit. A facsimile communication control unit for storing and transferring the data stored in the data storage unit to the main unit; Wherein (claim 1).

  According to this configuration, the power saving control unit is provided in the communication interface for performing communication using the communication network. During the power saving mode, the entire communication interface including the power saving control unit, Driving power is supplied only to the network control device of the facsimile communication unit, and supply of driving power to the main body unit and the logic circuit unit of the facsimile communication unit is cut off.

  Thereby, even in the power saving mode, it is possible to appropriately reduce power consumption while leaving only the communication function through the communication network and the function of detecting an incoming call through the public line network.

  Further, according to this configuration, the logic circuit unit of the facsimile communication unit starts facsimile communication, acquires data by the facsimile communication, stores the data in the data storage unit, and stores the data stored in the data storage unit in the main body Forward to department.

  As a result, the facsimile communication unit temporarily accumulates data acquired by facsimile reception and then transfers the data to the main unit.

  Therefore, even when the power saving mode is switched to the normal power mode and the facsimile communication unit is activated prior to the main unit to start facsimile communication, the data acquired by the facsimile communication is appropriately transferred to the main unit.

  As described above, according to this configuration, even in the power saving mode, it is possible to reduce the power consumption while retaining the communication function through the communication network and the function of detecting an incoming call through the public line network. It is possible to appropriately transfer data acquired by facsimile communication started upon receipt of an incoming call to the image memory of the image forming apparatus main body.

  In the above configuration, it is preferable that the data storage unit is configured by a non-volatile memory.

  According to this configuration, since the data storage unit is configured by a nonvolatile memory, power supply to the facsimile communication unit is interrupted due to a power failure or the like before data is transferred from the data storage unit to the main unit. Even if the data is stored, the data stored in the data storage unit does not disappear.

  In the above configuration, a notification for notifying that the transfer of the data stored in the data storage unit to the main unit has not been completed during a preset time after the facsimile communication is started. The facsimile communication unit is configured to be detachable from the main body unit, and the facsimile communication control unit has passed the preset time from the start of the facsimile communication. Sometimes, it is determined whether or not the transfer of the data stored in the data storage unit to the main body unit is completed, and when the transfer is not completed, the notification unit is preferably driven. 3).

  According to this configuration, the notification unit is driven if the transfer of the data stored in the data storage unit to the main body unit is not completed when a preset time has elapsed since the start of facsimile communication. The As a result, the person in charge of maintenance of the image forming apparatus or the user can know that the data remains in the facsimile communication unit.

  In addition, since the facsimile communication unit is configured to be detachable from the main unit, a maintenance person or a user who knows that data remains in the facsimile communication unit can remove the facsimile communication unit from the main unit and perform other operations. It can be attached to an image forming apparatus and the remaining data can be transferred to the other image forming apparatus. Thereby, the loss of the data remaining in the facsimile communication unit can be suppressed.

  In the above configuration, it is preferable that the notification unit is formed of a solid light emitting element.

  According to this configuration, since the notification unit is composed of a fixed light emitting element, a maintenance person or a user can easily confirm that data remains in the facsimile communication unit.

  In the above configuration, the first power supply unit that supplies driving power to the communication interface and the network control device when energized, and the driving power to the main body unit and the logic circuit unit when energized. A second power supply unit that supplies the first power supply unit without energizing the second power supply unit during execution of the power saving mode. It is preferable to energize only the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit during the execution of the normal power mode.

  According to this configuration, during execution of the power saving mode, the first power supply unit is energized, but the second power supply unit that supplies driving power larger than the first power supply unit is not energized. Moreover, during execution of the normal power mode, both the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit are energized.

  Thus, the drive power is supplied only to the communication interface and the network control device during execution of the power saving mode, and the communication interface, the network control device, the main unit, and the logic circuit unit during execution of the normal power mode. It is possible to supply driving power to

  According to the present invention, even in the power saving mode, it is possible to reduce power consumption while retaining the communication function through the communication network and the function of detecting an incoming call through the public line network. Data acquired by facsimile communication started upon receipt of a call can be appropriately transferred to the image forming apparatus main body.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the front view which showed an example of the structure of the user interface part. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the basic operation | movement of a power saving control part. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a basic operation of a FAX unit control unit.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 200 and an apparatus main body 3. A user interface unit I having a display unit 5 and an operation unit 18 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus body 3. In this user interface unit I, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 10 (notification unit), which is one of solid light emitting elements, is disposed so as to be visible to the user.

  The apparatus body 3 includes an NCU (network control unit) that controls connection to the public line network as an option board, and a facsimile communication unit (FAX unit) for performing facsimile communication through a communication path formed by the NCU. 9) is configured to be detachable. A cable C through which a current output from the facsimile communication unit 9 flows is derived from the facsimile communication unit 9, and an LED 10 is connected to the cable C.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 200 and an apparatus main body 3. The image reading unit 200 includes a document feeding unit 210, a scanner unit 220, a CIS 231, a user interface unit I, and a reversing mechanism described later.

  The document feeder 210 includes an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), and includes a document tray 211, a pickup roller 212, a platen 213, a paper discharge roller 214, and a paper discharge tray 215. A document to be read is placed on the document tray 211. Documents placed on the document tray 211 are picked up one by one by the pickup roller 212 and sequentially conveyed to the platen 213 through the gap. Documents that have passed through the platen 213 are sequentially discharged to the discharge tray 215 by the discharge rollers 214.

  Of the positions facing the peripheral surface of the platen 213, a timing sensor (not shown) for detecting paper is installed at a predetermined position before the reading position P in the document transport direction. The document transport timing to the reading position P is achieved based on the output request. The timing sensor is configured by, for example, a photo interrupter.

  The scanner unit 220 optically reads an image of a document and generates image data. The scanner unit 220 includes a glass 221, a light source 222, a first mirror 223, a second mirror 224, a third mirror 225, a first carriage 226, a second carriage 227, an imaging lens 228, and a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) 229. .

  In the scanner unit 220, a white fluorescent lamp such as a cold cathode fluorescent tube is used as the light source 222, and the first mirror 223, the second mirror 224, the third mirror 225, the first carriage 226, the second carriage 227, and the imaging. A lens 228 guides light from the document to the CCD 229. Since the scanner unit 220 is configured using a white fluorescent lamp such as a cold cathode fluorescent tube as the light source 222, the scanner unit 220 is superior in color reproducibility to a CIS 231 described later in which a three-color LED or the like is used as the light source.

  On the glass 221, a document is manually placed by the user when reading the document without using the document feeder 210. The light source 222 and the first mirror 223 are supported by the first carriage 226, and the second mirror 224 and the third mirror 225 are supported by the second carriage 227.

  As a document reading method of the image reading unit 200, the scanner unit 220 reads a document placed on the glass 221 and the document is read by the document feeding unit 210 (ADF). There is an ADF reading mode for reading.

  In the flatbed reading mode, the light source 222 irradiates a document placed on the glass 221, and reflected light for one line in the main scanning direction is reflected in the order of the first mirror 223, the second mirror 224, and the third mirror 225. Then, the light enters the imaging lens 228. The light incident on the imaging lens 228 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 229.

  The CCD 229 is a one-dimensional image sensor and processes the image data of one line of the document in an overlapping manner. The first carriage 226 and the second carriage 227 are configured to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction (sub-scanning direction, arrow Y direction). When reading for one line is completed, the first carriage 226 and the second carriage 227 are moved in the sub-scanning direction. The first carriage 226 and the second carriage 227 move, and the next line is read.

  In the ADF reading mode, the document feeder 210 takes in the documents placed on the document tray 211 one by one by the pickup roller 212. At this time, the first carriage 226 and the second carriage 227 are disposed at a predetermined reading position P located below the reading window 230.

  When the document is transported by the document feeder 210, when the document passes over the reading window 230 provided in the transport path from the platen 213 to the paper discharge tray 215, the light source 222 irradiates the document, and the main scanning one line. The reflected light is reflected in the order of the first mirror 223, the second mirror 224, and the third mirror 225 and enters the imaging lens 228. The light incident on the imaging lens 228 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 229. Subsequently, the document is conveyed by the document feeder 210 and the next line is read.

  Further, the document feeder 210 has a document reversing mechanism including a switching guide 216, a reversing roller 217, and a reversing conveyance path 218. This document reversing mechanism reverses the front and back of the original whose surface has been read by the first ADF reading and transports it again to the reading window 230, whereby the CCD 229 reads the back side again.

  This document reversing mechanism operates only when reading both sides, and does not operate when reading one side. After reading the back side during single-sided reading and double-sided reading, the switching guide 216 is switched to the upper side, and the document that has passed through the platen 213 is discharged to the discharge tray 215 by the discharge roller 214.

  After the front side reading at the time of double-sided reading, the switching guide 216 is switched to the lower side, and the document that has passed through the platen 213 is transported to the reverse transport path 218 by the reverse roller 217. Thereafter, the switching guide 216 is switched upward, and the reverse roller 217 rotates in the reverse direction to re-feed the document to the platen 213. Hereinafter, a mode in which both sides of a document are read using the document reversing mechanism is referred to as a double-sided reversal reading mode.

  Further, when the image reading unit 200 according to the present embodiment causes the CCD 229 (scanner unit 220) to read the surface of the document while the document is being conveyed as described above in the ADF reading mode, the image reading unit 200 substantially overlaps (substantially parallel). Thus, the back side of the document can be read by the CIS 231. In this case, the surface of the document conveyed from the document tray 211 by the document feeder 210 is read by the CCD 229 when passing through the reading window 230, and the back surface is read when passing through the location where the CIS 231 is arranged. In CIS231, RGB three-color LEDs or the like are used as light sources.

  By using the CCD 229 and the CIS 231 in this way, it is possible to read both the front and back sides of a document by a single document transport operation (one pass) from the document tray 211 to the discharge tray 215 by the document feeding unit 210. Hereinafter, a mode in which both sides of a document are read using the CCD 229 and the CIS 231 in this way is referred to as a double-sided simultaneous reading mode.

  The double-sided reverse reading mode and the double-sided simultaneous reading mode are provided as reading modes when performing double-sided reading of a document using the ADF reading mode. The double-sided reverse reading mode is used when you want to match the image quality of both-side printed images, while the double-sided simultaneous reading mode gives priority to shortening the reading time even if there is a difference in the image quality of both-side printed images Used in cases. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment is initially set to the double-sided simultaneous reading mode, and when an image forming instruction is input without performing any mode setting operation in the reading mode, the double-sided simultaneous reading mode is set. A document image reading operation is performed in the reading mode.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 3 and a stack tray 6 disposed on the left side of the apparatus main body 3. The apparatus main body 3 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 461, a paper feed roller 462 that feeds recording paper from the paper feed cassette 461 one by one and transports it to the image forming unit 40, and a recording paper transported from the paper feed cassette 461. And an image forming unit 40 for forming an image. The apparatus body 3 also includes a paper feed tray 471 and a feed roller 472 that feeds the originals placed on the paper feed tray 471 one by one toward the image forming unit 40.

  The image forming unit 40 includes a charge removing device 421 that removes residual charges from the surface of the photosensitive drum 43, a charging device 422 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 43 after charge removal, and image data acquired by the scanner unit 220. Based on the electrostatic latent image, an exposure device 423 that outputs a laser beam to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 43 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 43. Above, developing devices 44K, 44Y, 44M, and 44C that form toner images of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), and various colors formed on the photosensitive drum 43. A transfer drum 49 on which the toner image is transferred and superimposed, a transfer device 41 for transferring the toner image on the transfer drum 49 to the paper, and the paper on which the toner image is transferred to the toner by heating The and a fixing device 45 for fixing on the paper.

  Note that toner is supplied to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colors from a toner cartridge (not shown). Further, conveyance rollers 463 and 464 that convey the recording paper that has passed through the image forming unit 40 to the stack tray 6 or the discharge tray 48 are provided.

  When forming images on both sides of the recording paper, the image forming unit 40 forms an image on one side of the recording paper, and then the recording paper is nipped by the conveyance roller 463 on the discharge tray 48 side. In this state, the conveyance roller 463 is reversed to switch back the recording paper, and the recording paper is sent to the paper conveyance path L to be conveyed again to the upstream area of the image forming unit 40. After the formation, the recording paper is discharged to the stack tray 6 or the discharge tray 48.

  Further, in front of the apparatus main body 3, a display unit 5 including an LED 10 and a touch panel and a user interface unit I in which an operation unit 18 having various operation buttons is incorporated are exposed in front of the apparatus main body 3. It is provided to do.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the user interface unit I. The user interface unit I includes operation buttons 18 </ b> A to 18 </ b> H as the operation unit 18. The operation buttons 18A to 18D constitute a function selection button group 180 in a collective state. Each of the operation buttons 18A to 18D is an operation button operated by the user in order to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute any one function of copy, printer, scanner, and FAX.

  The operation buttons 18H constitute a number key group in a state where a plurality of the operation buttons 18H are collected. This number key group is for inputting, for example, the number of copies when the image forming apparatus 1 operates the copy function, and the destination telephone number when operating the facsimile function.

  The power saving button 18E constitutes a power saving button, and is a button operated by the user to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the power saving mode.

  The operation button 18F constitutes a stop / clear button, and is a button for stopping the copy operation and the scanner operation and canceling the input operation. The operation button 18G constitutes a start button, and is a button for starting a copy operation, a scanner operation, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body unit 300, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) unit 7, and a power supply unit 8. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 is detachably equipped with a facsimile communication unit 9 including an option board.

  The main body unit 300 includes an image processing unit 30, data interface units 31 and 35, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 32, an image memory 33 including a hard disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 34, and a main body control unit 36. Is provided. The main body unit 300 may include all or at least a part of the electric circuit portion related to the image forming unit 40.

  The image processing unit 30 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data. The data interface unit 31 is a buffer device for the main body unit 300 to communicate various data including image data with the NIC unit 7. The RAM 32 has a function of temporarily storing data and a function as a work area. The image memory 33 is a memory for temporarily storing image data.

  The ROM 34 stores a program for operating the main body unit 300. The data interface unit 35 is a buffer device for the main body unit 300 to communicate various data including image data with the facsimile communication unit 9.

  The main body control unit 36 includes components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the main body unit 300 in an integrated manner. The main body control unit 36 performs a preset process on the image data stored in the image memory 33.

  For example, the main body control unit 36 forms the image data stored in the image memory 33 on a recording sheet, transfers the image data to another facsimile apparatus by facsimile communication, or transfers the image data to another communication device through a communication network.

  In addition, the main body control unit 36 sets the timing to switch from the normal power mode to the power saving mode when the power saving button 18E (see FIG. 3) is operated or the image forming apparatus 1 is not used for a predetermined time. The NIC unit 7 is notified of this.

  The power supply unit 8 receives the commercial power AC and generates drive power for the image forming apparatus 1 from the commercial power AC. The power supply unit 8 includes an AC interruption detection circuit 80 that detects the interruption of the commercial power AC, a power saving power supply unit (first power supply unit) 81, and a normal power supply unit (second power supply unit) 82. With.

  The power supply unit 8 drives the power saving power supply unit 81 and the normal power supply unit 82 to drive the power saving power supply unit 81 and the normal power supply unit 82 when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on. 82 is energized.

  The power supply unit 8 includes a backup power supply (not shown) because the supply of the commercial power AC is interrupted due to a power failure or the like. For example, the backup power source can be configured by a capacitor that accumulates electric charges when the power supply unit 8 is supplied with the commercial power AC. When the supply of the commercial power AC is cut off, the backup power source cuts off the AC. The detection circuit 80, the power saving power supply unit 81, and the normal power supply unit 82 are energized.

  The AC disconnection detection circuit 80 detects that the supply of the commercial power AC is interrupted, and outputs an AC disconnection detection signal to the NIC unit 7. For example, when the AC interruption detection circuit 80 does not accept a preset number (for example, four) of commercial power AC pulses that are alternately repeated between positive and negative, the supply of the commercial power AC is cut off. And an AC disconnection detection signal is output.

  The power saving power supply unit 81 supplies drive power at a power level necessary for the NIC unit 7 to drive to the NIC unit 7. The normal power supply unit 82 supplies the main unit 300 and the logic circuit unit L with driving power at a power level necessary for driving the main unit 300 and the logic circuit unit L of the facsimile communication unit 9. .

  Here, the power level required for driving the NIC unit 7 is smaller than the power level required for driving the main body unit 300 and the logic circuit unit L of the facsimile communication unit 9, so that the power saving power supply unit 81 can be configured using a power supply circuit having a smaller power capacity than the normal power supply unit 82.

  Such a power supply circuit with a small power capacity can use components with small power ratings for switching elements, coils, and the like. In general, since a component with a large power rating has a large power loss, the power supply unit 81 for power saving is configured to use a power supply circuit with a small power capacity to supply power for the normal power supply unit 82 in a power saving mode. It is possible to reduce the power loss as compared with the case of using for the above.

  In the power supply unit 8, the power saving power supply unit 81 and the normal power supply unit 82 are controlled by the power saving control unit 75 of the NIC unit 7. The contents of this control will be described together with the description of the operation of the NIC unit 7 (described later).

  The facsimile communication unit 9 includes an NCU 90 that is connected to the public line network N2 and controls connection to the public line network N2, and a logic circuit unit L.

  The NCU 90 makes a call to another communication device through the public line network N2, or detects an incoming call from another communication device through the public line network N2. When the NCU 90 detects an incoming call from another communication device, the NCU 90 outputs an incoming call detection signal to the NIC unit 7.

  Here, when the NCU 90 calls another communication device, if there is a response from the other communication device, a communication path with the other communication device is formed. Further, when the NCU 90 detects an incoming call from another communication device and responds, a communication path with the other communication device is formed.

  The logic circuit unit L includes a FAX unit control unit (facsimile communication control unit) 91 including a CPU, a data interface unit 92, an image processing unit 93, a modem 94, a memory 95 including a RAM and a ROM, and an EEPROM. An image memory (data storage unit) 96 composed of a nonvolatile memory and an LED drive unit 97 are provided.

  The data interface unit 92 is a buffer device for the facsimile communication unit 9 to communicate various data with the main body unit 300. The image processing unit 93 performs predetermined image processing on image data acquired by facsimile communication. Here, the predetermined processing includes encoding and decoding of image data.

  The modem 94 demodulates the image data sent from the public line network N2 in the form of audio data into the form of digital data, or modulates the image data to be sent to the public line network N2 from the digital data to the form of audio data. . The memory 95 stores various data necessary for the facsimile communication unit 9 to drive.

  The image memory 96 stores image data acquired by facsimile communication. The LED drive unit 97 causes a current to flow through the cable C to the LED 10 to cause the LED 10 to emit light.

  The FAX unit control unit 91 controls the facsimile communication unit 9 in an integrated manner. When the NCU 90 forms a communication path with another communication device via the public line network N2, the FAX section control section 91 performs facsimile communication via the communication path to transmit or receive image data. I do.

  Note that the FAX unit control unit 91 determines whether all the image data stored in the image memory 96 has been transferred to the image memory 33 of the main body unit 300 when a preset time has elapsed. A timer (not shown) is provided.

  The NIC unit 7 is configured as a communication interface that performs communication according to a predetermined protocol with other communication devices on a LAN (Local Area Network) N1 that is one of the communication networks.

  On the LAN (N1), a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 12, a server (indicated as “Server” in FIG. 4) 13, and a hub (concentrator) in which the PC 12 and the server 13 are connected; 11) (referred to as “HUB”).

  The NIC unit 7 communicates with the PC 12 and the server 13 arranged on the LAN (N1). For this purpose, the NIC unit 7 includes a MAC (Media Access Control) controller 70 and a memory 71 that stores various data necessary for the NIC unit 7 to drive.

  The MAC controller 70 corresponds to the part of the second layer (data link layer) of the seven layers represented by the OSI basic reference model. An operation based on a protocol called MAC (medium access control) is executed.

  For example, the MAC controller 70 determines whether or not the data transmitted on the communication network is destined for its own device, and whether the MAC address included in the data is the same as the MAC address assigned to itself. Judgment is made based on whether or not the address is a MAC address, and when it is so, the transmission timing is set according to the MAC so as not to cause a communication collision with data transmitted from other communication devices. Process to control.

  In addition to the MAC controller 70 and the memory 71, the NIC unit 7 includes signal interface units 72 and 73, a data interface unit 74, and a power saving control unit 75 including a CPU.

  The signal interface unit 72 is a buffer device for the NIC unit 7 to communicate various signals with the power supply unit 8, and an AC disconnection detection that indicates that the AC disconnection detection circuit 80 detects the disconnection of the commercial power AC. The signal is received and relayed to the power saving control unit 75.

  The signal interface unit 73 is a buffer device for the NIC unit 7 to communicate various signals with the facsimile communication unit 9, and an incoming call detection signal indicating that the NCU 90 has detected an incoming call through the public line network. Is relayed to the power saving control unit 75.

  The data interface unit 74 is a buffer device for the NIC unit 7 to communicate various data with the main body unit 300. The power saving control unit 75 controls the NIC 7 as a whole and also controls the power supply unit 8.

  The power saving control unit 75 executes either the normal power mode or the power saving mode. In the normal power mode, the power saving control unit 75 energizes the power saving power supply unit 81 and the normal power supply unit 82 to supply drive power to the NIC unit 7, the main body unit 300, and the facsimile communication unit 9. Supply. In FIG. 4, in the normal power mode, not only the power-saving power supply unit 81, the NIC unit 7, and the NCU 90 but also the main body unit 300 and the logic circuit unit L are energized. Represents.

  On the other hand, in the power saving mode, the power saving control unit 75 energizes only the power saving power supply unit 81 without energizing the normal power power supply unit 82, and supplies drive power to only the NCU 90 and the NIC unit 7. Supply. In FIG. 4, the fact that only the normal power supply unit 82, the NCU 90, and the NIC unit 7 are energized during the power saving mode is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

  The power saving control unit 75 having such a configuration has reached a timing for switching from the normal power mode to the power saving mode because the power saving button 18E is operated or the image forming apparatus 1 is not used for a predetermined time. When the notification to that effect is received from the main body control unit 36, the execution of the normal power mode is stopped and the execution of the power saving mode is started.

  As a result, drive power is supplied only to the NIC unit 7 and the NCU 90. At this time, since driving power is not supplied to the main body unit 300 and the logic circuit unit L of the facsimile communication unit 9, a function of performing data communication using the LAN (N1) and other communication devices through the public line network N2 are used. The power consumption can be reduced with the function of detecting the incoming call remaining.

  Further, the power saving control unit 75 monitors whether data has arrived through the LAN (N1) during the power saving mode. That is, when data is received by the MAC controller 311 during the power saving mode, the power saving control unit 75 recognizes a protocol related to the data.

  Here, as a protocol, in addition to a protocol related to a print job (print job protocol), for example, a maintenance protocol for performing maintenance and inspection of the image forming apparatus 1 such as a toner amount, and Ethernet (registered trademark) from an IP address. As an example, there is a protocol called ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) used for obtaining a MAC address.

  The power saving control unit 75 determines whether to maintain the power saving mode or to stop the power saving mode and execute the normal power mode according to the recognized protocol.

  For example, when the recognized protocol is a print job protocol or a maintenance protocol, the power saving control unit 75 stops the power saving mode and executes the normal power mode. On the other hand, when the recognized protocol is ARP, the power saving control unit 75 maintains the power saving mode.

  This is based on the fact that when the operation based on the data related to the ARP is performed, the main body 300 is not involved in the operation, and thus it is not necessary to supply power to the main body 300.

  Further, the power saving control unit 75 monitors whether an incoming call detection signal is output from the NCU 90 during the power saving mode. When the incoming call detection signal is output from the NCU 90, the power saving control unit 75 stops the power saving mode and executes the normal power mode.

  This is based on the fact that image data acquired by facsimile communication is stored in the image memory 33 of the main body 300 and the main body 300 performs a preset process on the image data stored in the image memory 33. .

  Further, when the power saving control unit 75 receives an AC disconnection detection signal from the AC disconnection detection circuit 80 through the signal interface unit 72, the power supply unit 82 for normal power causes the main unit 300 to be connected to the main unit 300. The image data transferred from the facsimile communication unit 9 is supplied to the image memory 33 and supplied only with a drive power having a magnitude necessary for storage.

  For this process, the power supply unit for normal power 82 receives the control by the power saving control unit 75, stops energization of the logic circuit unit L, and the main unit 300 is connected to the main unit 300. It is necessary that the image data transferred from the facsimile communication unit 9 be supplied to the image memory 33 and be supplied with driving power of a magnitude necessary for storage.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the basic operation of the power saving control unit 75. Assuming that the following processing is performed, it is assumed that the normal power mode is being executed. At this time, as described above, the power saving power supply unit 81 and the normal power supply unit 82 are energized.

  When the power saving control unit 75 should shift to the power saving mode, that is, when it is time to switch from the normal power mode to the power saving mode from the main body control unit 36 (YES in step S1), the normal power The energization of the power supply unit 82 is interrupted, and the supply of drive power to the main body 300 and the logic circuit unit L by the power supply unit 82 for normal power is stopped (step S2). Thereby, the execution of the normal power mode is stopped, and the execution of the power saving mode is started.

  During the power saving mode, the power saving control unit 75 operates as follows. That is, when the MAC controller 70 receives data transmitted through the LAN (N1) (YES in step S3), the power saving control unit 75 recognizes a protocol related to the received data (step S4).

  When the recognized protocol is a protocol for canceling the power saving mode and executing the normal power mode (YES in step S5), the power saving control unit 75 energizes the normal power supply unit 82 to The supply of drive power to the unit 300 and the logic circuit unit L is resumed (step S7).

  On the other hand, when the recognized protocol is not a protocol for canceling the power saving mode and executing the normal power mode (NO in step S5), the power saving control unit 75 outputs an incoming call detection signal from the NCU 90. It is determined whether or not (step S6).

  In step S6, when an incoming call detection signal is output from the NCU 90 (YES in step S6), the power saving control unit 75 energizes the normal power supply unit 82, and the main unit 300 and the logic circuit unit L. The supply of drive power to is resumed (step S7).

  On the other hand, when an incoming call detection signal is not output from the NCU 90 in step S6 (YES in step S6), the process returns to step S3.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 does not supply driving power to the main body unit 300 and the logic circuit unit L in the power saving mode, and the NIC unit consumes less power than the main body unit 300 and the logic circuit unit L. 7 and NCU 90 are supplied with drive power only.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives data in accordance with the protocol to stop the power saving mode and execute the normal power mode during the power saving mode, or when an incoming call detection signal is output from the NCU 90, Cancel the power saving mode and execute the normal power mode.

  As a result, even in the power saving mode, it is possible to reduce power consumption while retaining the communication function through the communication network and the function of detecting an incoming call through the public line network.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the basic operation of the FAX unit control unit 91. When the NCU 90 forms a communication path with another communication device via the public line network N2, the FAX unit control unit 91 starts facsimile communication with the other communication device (step S10). At this time, the FAX unit control unit 91 turns on the timer and starts measuring time T (step S11).

  Next, the FAX unit control unit 91 sequentially receives image data from other communication devices in units of pages by facsimile communication (step S12), and the received image data is decoded and processed by the image processing unit 93 (step S12). S13 and S14), the image memory 96 is stored (step S15).

  When the facsimile communication is completed (YES in step S16), the image data stored in the image memory 96 is sequentially transferred to the image memory 33 of the main body 300 (step S17).

  Thereafter, when the time measurement by the timer is completed (YES in step S18), the FAX unit control unit 91 determines whether all the image data stored in the image memory 96 has been transferred to the image memory 33 of the main body unit 300. It is determined whether or not (step 19).

  Here, the processing in step S19 can be realized by the FAX unit control unit 91 as follows. For example, for the image data acquired in units of one page by facsimile communication, the FAX unit control unit 91 adds a reception time in band units to the image data of each page. At this time, the reception time is written in the memory 95.

  Here, the band means image data for a predetermined line obtained when image data for one page is divided into predetermined lines in the sub-scanning direction.

  Then, when transferring the image data stored in the image memory 96 to the image memory 33 of the main body unit 300, the FAX unit control unit 91 transfers the image data stored in the image memory 96 in band units. At this time, the reception time added to the transferred band is deleted from the memory 95.

  Then, the FAX unit control unit 91 refers to the reception time written in the memory 95 to determine whether or not there is a band in the image memory 96 that has not yet been transferred.

  As described above, by using the memory 95 as the image data management memory, the processing in step S19 can be realized.

  If the transfer of all the image data stored in the image memory 96 is completed in step S19 (YES in step S19), the FAX unit control unit 91 stands by for the next facsimile communication. On the other hand, if the transfer of all the image data stored in the image memory 96 has not been completed (NO in step S19), the FAX unit control unit 91 causes the LED drive unit 97 to emit light (step S20).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 switches from the power saving mode to the normal power mode in order to store the image data acquired by the facsimile communication in the image memory 96 and then transfer the image data to the image memory 33 of the main body 300. Thus, even when the facsimile communication unit 9 is activated prior to the main body unit 300 to start facsimile communication, the data acquired by the facsimile communication can be appropriately transferred to the main body unit 300.

  Further, since the image forming apparatus 1 stores the image data acquired by the facsimile communication in the image memory 96 including a nonvolatile memory, a power failure occurs before the data is transferred from the image memory 96 to the image memory 33. Even when the power supply to the facsimile communication unit 9 is interrupted, the data stored in the image memory 96 is not lost.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the LED 10 is informed that the transfer of the data stored in the image memory 96 to the image memory 33 is not completed when a preset time T has elapsed since the facsimile communication was started. Emits light. Thereby, a maintenance person or user of the image forming apparatus 1 can easily confirm that data remains in the facsimile communication unit 9.

  In the present embodiment, during the power saving mode, the power saving power supply unit 81 supplies drive power to the operation unit 18 in addition to the NIC unit 7 and the NCU 90, and the operation unit 18 operates the operation keys. If there is, the operation unit 18 may notify the power saving control unit 75 that the operation key has been operated.

  In this way, the power saving control unit 75 can stop the execution of the power saving mode and execute the normal power mode even when the operation key of the operation unit 18 is operated during the power saving mode. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 3 Apparatus main body 7 NIC part 9 Facsimile communication part 10 LED
12 PC
13 server 81 power supply unit for power saving 82 power supply unit for normal power 90 NCU
91 FAX unit control unit 96 Image memory 97 LED drive unit 300 Main unit N1 LAN
N2 public network

Claims (5)

A communication interface for performing communication using a communication network;
A network control device for forming a communication path with another communication device having a facsimile communication function, a logic circuit unit for performing facsimile communication through a communication path formed by the network control device, and the facsimile A facsimile communication unit including a data storage unit that stores data acquired by communication; and
A main unit that accepts transfer of data acquired by the communication interface and data acquired by the facsimile communication unit and performs a preset process;
With
The communication interface is
Saving power for supplying driving power to the network control device of the communication interface and the facsimile communication unit without supplying driving power to the logic circuit unit and the main unit of the facsimile communication unit. When executing the power mode, the execution of the power saving mode is stopped, and the logic circuit unit of the facsimile communication unit, the main body unit, the communication interface, and the network control device of the facsimile communication unit A power saving control unit for stopping execution of the power saving mode and starting execution of the normal power mode when an event that should start execution of the normal power mode for supplying driving power to the vehicle occurs. ,
The logic circuit unit starts facsimile communication, acquires data by the facsimile communication, stores the data in the data storage unit, and transfers the data stored in the data storage unit to the main body unit. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data storage unit includes a nonvolatile memory. A notification unit for notifying that the transfer of the data stored in the data storage unit to the main unit is not completed during a preset time after the facsimile communication is started; And
The facsimile communication unit is configured to be detachable from the main body unit,
The facsimile communication control unit determines whether or not the transfer of the data stored in the data storage unit to the main unit is completed when the preset time has elapsed after the facsimile communication is started. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is driven when the transfer is not completed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notification unit includes a solid light emitting element. A first power supply unit that supplies driving power to the communication interface and the network control device when energized;
A second power supply unit that supplies driving power to the main body unit and the logic circuit unit when energized;
Further comprising
The power saving control unit
During the execution of the power saving mode, only the first power supply unit is energized without energizing the second power supply unit, and during the execution of the normal power mode, the first power supply unit and the The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second power supply unit is energized.

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