JP2018157603A - Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that resume processing responding to a later received return request cannot be executed until the resume processing is completed if the resume processing is executed with a first return request as a trigger in an information processing device for performing power transition from a power-saving state to a normal power state with a hardware interruption as a trigger.SOLUTION: An information processing device records return factor information showing a kind of a return request source device in the case that a return request is notified in a power-saving mode. The information processing device records state information of the return request source device before transiting to the power-saving state, and when the information processing device transits from the power-saving state to a normal power state, the information processing device acquires state information of the return request source device again, and compares both state information. If there is a return request source device whose state is transited as result of comparison, a kind of the return request source device is added to the return factor information. A selection part selects a power transition mode for transiting the information processing device to a normal power state from the return factor information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a method for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a computer program. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a suspend function for setting a power saving state when the image forming apparatus is not used, and the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a control method and a computer program.

  In recent years, some image forming apparatuses and information processing apparatuses have a suspend function that puts the system in a power saving state in order to reduce power consumption when the user is not using the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus. Further, some image forming apparatuses and information processing apparatuses having a suspend function have a resume function for switching the system state from the power saving state to the normal power state. In the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus having the resume function, when the system detects a return request from the user in the suspend mode, the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus can return to the state immediately before entering the suspend mode.

  Examples of return requests include acceptance of key operations on the operation panel, timer interruption, reception of network packets by a NIC (network interface card), and detection of document placement on the reading unit of the image forming apparatus. Is done. The system starts the resume process after receiving the return request, and the system hardware is reset and the software is read in the resume process. When the resume process by the system is completed, the system is restored to an operable state by the reconfigured hardware and the loaded software. Generally, it takes about several seconds until the system completes the resume process, during which time the function of the system is limited.

  In Patent Literature 1, when any return request is detected when the system is in a power saving state, the cause of the return request is recorded in a storage unit, and then energization of the system is resumed. A data processing apparatus to be released is disclosed. With the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1, after the system returns to the normal power state, the data processing apparatus can execute a resume process according to the type of return request recorded in the storage unit.

  For example, when there is a return request indicating that the NIC has received a network packet from the LAN, the user is not necessarily near the data processing apparatus. Therefore, the data processing apparatus can execute the resume process in a mode that does not resume power supply to the operation panel. On the other hand, when there is a return request indicating that a key operation on the operation panel has been accepted, it is assumed that the user is near the data processing apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to execute the resume process in a mode in which power supply to the operation panel is immediately resumed.

JP 2006-074747 A

  However, after the system receives the return request and the resume process is started, the software executing the resume process may lose the interrupt request process until the resume process is completed. When the system receives the return request after the system receives the return request and resume processing, the software that executes the resume processing receives the return factor as an interrupt. However, if the system receives the return factor before the activation of the software is completed, the software may lose the return factor. Therefore, after the system receives the return request and resume processing is started, when the return request due to another factor is received until the resume processing is completed, the resume processing corresponding to the received return request is executed later. There was a problem that it was not possible.

  The present invention provides display means for displaying a screen, reading means for conveying and reading a document placed on a document table, generating an image, driving a driving unit to convey a sheet, and reading the sheet on the sheet. A first power state in which power is supplied to the printing unit and the display unit is turned on, and includes a printing unit that prints an image generated by the receiving unit and a receiving unit that receives a packet from an external device. And operating in a second power state in which power is not supplied to the printing means and the display means is not lit, based on reception of the packet by the receiving means in the second power state, In the image forming apparatus capable of starting the printing unit without turning on the display unit, the printing unit is started after receiving the packet by the receiving unit in the second power state. If the documents on the platen is placed on, and having a power control means for turning on said display means.

  The image forming apparatus, the control method for the image forming apparatus, and the computer program according to the present invention have been made in view of the above problems. In other words, after a resume request is received by the system and resume processing is started, if a resume request due to another factor occurs before completing the resume processing, the resume processing corresponding to the later received resume request is executed. An object is to provide a possible image forming apparatus.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a figure explaining the content of the category table in embodiment. 6 is a time chart illustrating an operation at the time of power state transition of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment along a time series. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a software functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing contents of a suspend process of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing content of the power supply control part in the suspend in embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a resume process of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the processing content of the step before the resume process in embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the processing content of the step of the back | latter stage of the resume process in embodiment. It is an example of the circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure of the power supply control part and peripheral device in embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the constituent elements described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 which is an example of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 can be a multi-function device (multifunction device) having a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, a storage function, and the like.

  In FIG. 1, the controller 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU 101, and the CPU 101 performs overall control of each device connected to the system bus 100 according to an instructed instruction set and input values.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 102 is a nonvolatile memory device, and stores various programs for giving instructions to the CPU 101. The HDD 102 further stores data such as an OS as basic software on the system, a boot loader for selecting an OS, firmware for controlling hardware such as each device, and a file system for efficiently managing files. Has been.

  A RAM 103 is a volatile memory, and is used as a main memory or work area of the CPU 101. Various programs stored in the HDD 102 are expanded in the RAM 103, and the expanded processing contents are interpreted by the CPU 101, whereby the various programs are executed.

  A NIC (network interface card) 104 transmits and receives data transmitted from an external device such as a file server via a network such as a LAN.

  The operation panel 3 includes an operation unit 106 that receives an instruction input from a user, and a display unit 108 for displaying system information. The operation unit 106 may be a keyboard, a touch screen display, or the like, for example. The display unit 108 can be a liquid crystal display or the like. Note that the operation unit 106 and the display unit 108 may be integrated with each other using a touch screen display.

  An operation unit I / F (interface; hereinafter, “I / F” indicates an interface) 107 detects and controls an instruction input from the operation unit 106. The display unit I / F 107 controls display on the display unit.

  The USB host controller 109 is an interface that enables a device having a USB interface, such as a mass storage device or an IC card reader, to be connected to the controller 2.

  The EEPROM 110 is a rewritable small-capacity nonvolatile memory device, and stores setting information of the image forming apparatus 1 and the like.

  The timer 111 includes a secondary battery and always measures the elapsed time from the reference time, and measures the elapsed time according to an instruction from the CPU 101. The switch 112 can generate a power control instruction to the CPU 101.

  The modem 113 communicates with an external device connected via a public line, and transmits / receives facsimile data transmitted from the external device via the public line.

  The proximity sensor 114 can detect whether or not the user has approached the image forming apparatus 1.

  The power control unit 115 performs power control of the image forming apparatus 1. The power supply control unit 115 includes a storage unit 116 that stores return factor information described later.

  The image reading unit 4 includes a document reading unit 117 including a document feeder, a scanner, a manual feed tray, and the like. The user can read a document set on the document reading unit 117 and convert the document into electronic data.

  For the document reading unit 117 having an opening / closing mechanism for placing a document, the CPU 101 can notify the CPU 101 of the opening / closing state in response to the opening / closing sensor 118 detecting an opening / closing operation to the opening / closing mechanism. it can. Further, the document reading unit 117 includes a document detection sensor 119. In response to the document detection sensor 119 detecting the placement of the document, the CPU 101 generates an interrupt process to execute the installation process and the document. The size can be detected.

  In the hardware block diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the hardware block indicated by shading is a return request source device capable of generating a return request in the power saving state. Each return request source device generates an interrupt when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and notifies the power supply control unit 115 of the interrupt. For example, when the return request source device generates an interrupt, when a document is placed on the document reading unit 117, when the proximity sensor 114 detects an object close within a specified distance, the NIC 104 performs data such as a network packet. Is received.

  When the power supply control unit 115 receives an interrupt during the power saving state, the power supply control unit 115 stores the return factor information indicating the type of the generation device of the return request in the storage unit 116 in the power supply control unit 115.

  After the image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the power saving state to the normal power state, the CPU 101 determines the type of device that has caused the return request from the return factor information stored in the storage unit 116 of the power supply control unit 115. Can do. Further, the CPU 101 can detect which state the return request source device is in by referring to a register included in each return request source device.

  In response to a power control instruction from the switch 112, the CPU 101 performs power transition processing such as startup processing of the image forming apparatus 1, shutdown processing, or processing for transitioning to a power saving state. When the switch is turned on in the OFF state after the shutdown process, the activation process of the image forming apparatus 1 is started. When the activation process is completed, the image forming apparatus 1 enters a normal power state and waits for an instruction input from the user. In the restart process of the image forming apparatus 1, the startup process is executed immediately after the shutdown process is completed.

  In the power saving state, the CPU 101, the RAM 103, and the hardware blocks other than the hardware blocks indicated by shading in FIG. 1 are not energized, and the power supply control unit 115 receives the instructions from the hardware blocks indicated by the shading. Transition to the normal power state.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the category table 200 in which the type of return request source device, the category to which it belongs, and the state in which each return request source device transitions are stored in association with each other. A category is set for each return request source device type. In the present embodiment, the categories include a first category with high priority (category 1) and a second category with lower priority than the first category (category 2).

  In the present embodiment, the category table 200 is referred to during the resume process of the image forming apparatus 1, and the power transition mode corresponding to the category of the return request source device that generated the return request is selected. Then, the power supply control unit 115 executes the resume process of the image forming apparatus 1 in the selected power transition mode. When a plurality of return requests are generated, a category with a high priority is applied.

  That is, when the type of the return request source device is only NIC 104, the selection unit 307, which is a part of the software function that operates on the CPU 101, determines that it is category 2. On the other hand, if the return request source device has two types, that is, the NIC 104 and the image reading unit 4 (the document reading unit 117 or the open / close sensor 118), it is determined that the category 1 has a high priority.

  Further, these return request source devices generate an interrupt only when the state A, which is the first state, transitions to the state B, which is the second state, and the interrupt is used as a return request in the power saving state. It is transmitted to the control unit 115. For example, a return request is generated when a document is placed in the document reading unit 117 in the power saving state, but no return request is generated when the document is removed. The CPU 101 can detect whether the device is in the state A or the state B by referring to the register of each return request source device.

  FIG. 3 is a time chart showing a power state transition between the power saving state and the normal power state of the image forming apparatus 1, which is a main part in the present embodiment. In the time chart shown in FIG. 3, the control of the CPU 101 and the power supply control unit 115 and the occurrence of a plurality of interrupt events will be described in time series.

  In FIG. 3, an example will be described in which continuous interruption processing is performed by the NIC 104 and the document reading unit 117 as a return request source device. The control in the power saving state by the power control unit 115 will be described later in the description of FIG. Similarly, the suspend process, resume process A, and resume process B performed by the CPU 101 will be described later in the description of FIGS.

  The CPU 101 causes the power supply control unit 115 to execute a power supply stop process by executing a suspend process. The CPU 101 acquires the state of the document reading unit 117 at t1, and stores state information indicating whether the document reading unit 117 is in the state A or the state B in the RAM 103. Thereafter, after the RAM 103 is set in the self-refresh state, the CPU 101 itself is shifted to the power saving state. The power supply control unit 115 stops power supply in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 101, and then enters a state of waiting for an interrupt from the return request source device.

  At t2, the NIC 104 receives a network packet transmitted from the external apparatus via the network, and notifies the power supply control unit 115 of a return request. The power supply control unit 115 that has received the return request restarts the power supply to the image forming apparatus 1, stores that the return request is generated from the NIC 104 in the storage unit 116, and restarts the CPU 101 when the power supply is completed. Process A is executed. Note that the hardware blocks to be supplied with the return request at t2 as a trigger are the hardware blocks shown in white in FIG.

  At t3, when the CPU 101 is executing the resume process A, the document reading unit 117 detects the document and generates an interrupt. However, since the CPU 101 executes interrupt initialization in the resume process A at t4, it cannot handle the interrupt from the document reading unit. This is because the software operating on the CPU 101 can execute an interrupt handler process corresponding to an interrupt from each return request source device upon completion of the interrupt initialization process.

  At t5, the CPU 101 executes the resume process B. The CPU 101 can determine that the recovery is due to the event of the NIC 104 by acquiring the return factor information stored in the power control unit 115.

  At t6, the acquisition unit 301 acquires the state of the document reading unit 117 again, and determines that an event by the document reading unit 117 has occurred because the state has changed from the state acquired at t1. Thus, the CPU 101 can energize the display unit without missing the return request for category 1 (original reading unit 117) generated at t3.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a software functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. This program is expanded in the RAM 103, and various functions described below are realized by the CPU 101 executing the expanded processing content.

  When the acquisition unit 301 executes a suspend process for switching the image forming apparatus 1 from the normal power state to the power saving state, the acquisition unit 301 determines whether the plurality of return request source devices are in the state A or the state B, respectively. Information is acquired (t1).

  At this time, the state information recording unit 302 records the acquired state information in the RAM 103 (t1).

  When the image forming apparatus 1 is in the power saving state, the notification unit 303 notifies the power supply control unit 115 of the return request in response to the change of the state of the return request source device (t2).

  At this time, the return factor information recording unit 304 records the return factor information indicating the type of the return request source device that has notified the return request in the storage unit 106 of the power supply control unit 115 (t2).

  When the comparison unit 305 executes the resume process for switching the image forming apparatus 1 from the power saving state to the normal power state, the state information recorded in the RAM 103 and the status information of each return request source device acquired by the acquisition unit 301 again. The information is compared (t6).

  When there is a return request source device whose state has changed from state A to state B as a result of comparison by the comparison unit 305, the adding unit 306 sets the type of the return request source device to the power supply control unit 115. It adds to the return factor information which the memory | storage part 116 memorize | stores (t6).

  The selection unit 307 refers to the category table using the return factor information stored in the storage unit 116 of the power control unit 115 as a key. As a result of the reference, when a return request source device associated with category 1 having a high priority is included, a power transition mode that emphasizes responsiveness to the user, which is the first power transition mode, is selected. When the first power transition mode is selected, the power control unit 115 energizes the operation unit 106 and the printing unit 5 as a device of the image forming apparatus 1 necessary for a response to the user's operation. Perform power transition processing.

  On the other hand, when only the return request source device associated with the category 2 with low priority is included, the second power transition mode, which is a power transition mode that emphasizes power saving, is selected. When the second power transition mode is selected, the power control unit 115 delays energization of the operation unit 106 and the printing unit 5 as a device of the image forming apparatus 1 required for a response to the user's operation. The power transition process is executed.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing contents of a suspend process executed by the CPU 101 when the image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the normal power state to the power saving state.

  In step S <b> 401, the acquisition unit 301 acquires the state of each return request source device, and the state information recording unit 302 records the state information in the RAM 103. The status information recorded in S401 is referred to in the resume process B at the subsequent stage.

  In step S <b> 402, the CPU 101 causes the hardware of the image forming apparatus 1 to transition to the suspended state. Specifically, the current register setting value is saved in the RAM 103, and the register setting for the suspended state or the power failure state is performed.

  In step S403, the CPU 101 switches the power supply control unit 115 to the power saving mode, sets the RAM 103 to the self refresh mode, and performs a stop process for the CPU 101 itself. When the CPU 101 executes the process of S403, the image forming apparatus 11 transitions to a power saving state.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing contents of the power control unit 115 in the power saving state.

  In FIG. 6, the power supply control unit 115 waits for a return request interrupt and performs storage processing of return factor information in the storage unit 116 provided in the power supply control unit 115.

  In S501, when the image forming apparatus 1 shifts to the power saving state, the power control unit 115 clears the currently stored return factor information. Next, the power control unit 115 waits for a return request interrupt from each return request source device.

  In S502, it is determined whether there is a return reservation to the power supply control unit 115. Here, the return reservation refers to a process in which, for example, during the suspend process (FIG. 3), the power supply control unit 115 receives a reservation for a return factor and stores it in advance in the storage unit 116 of the power supply control unit 115 as a reservation register. In step S <b> 502, the power supply control unit 115 can determine whether or not there is a return reservation to the power supply control unit 115 by referring to whether or not the reservation register is stored in the storage unit 116. As a specific use case, a case where a packet for causing the printing unit 5 to perform a printing process is received from the NIC 104 while the image forming apparatus 1 is executing a suspend process. At this time, after the image forming apparatus 1 once enters the power saving state, the power supply control unit 115 determines that there is a return reservation, and immediately executes the resume process.

  In step S503, the power supply control unit 115 determines whether there is network reception. At this time, the power supply control unit 115 waits for an interrupt for a packet reception interrupt from the NIC 104, and when the interrupt from the NIC 104 is received, the determination in S503 is affirmed.

  In step S504, the power control unit 115 determines whether there is a FAX incoming call. At this time, the power supply control unit 115 waits for a FAX incoming interrupt from the modem 113, and when the interrupt from the modem 113 is received, the determination in S504 is affirmed.

  In step S505, the power control unit 115 determines whether the return time has come. At this time, the power supply control unit 115 waits for the specified time alarm interrupt from the timer 111, and when the interrupt from the timer is received, the determination in S505 is affirmed.

  In step S <b> 506, the power control unit 115 determines whether a job has been received from the USB host controller 109. At this time, the power control unit 115 waits for a job reception interrupt from the USB host controller 109. When the interrupt from the USB host controller 109 is received, the determination in S506 is affirmed.

  In step S <b> 507, the power control unit 115 determines whether the operation unit 106 has been operated. At this time, the power supply control unit 115 waits for an interrupt from the operation unit I / F 107 by an operation on the operation unit 106, and when the interrupt from the operation unit I / F 107 is received, the determination in S507 is positive. Is done.

  In step S <b> 508, the power supply control unit 115 determines whether there is a proximity to the proximity sensor 114. At this time, the power supply control unit 115 waits for a proximity detection interrupt from the proximity sensor 114, and when the interrupt from the proximity sensor 114 is received, the determination in S508 is affirmed.

  In step S <b> 509, the power control unit 115 determines whether a document has been placed on the document reading unit 117. At this time, the power supply control unit 115 performs an interrupt waiting process from the document detection sensor 119 of the document reading unit 117, and when the interrupt from the document detection sensor 119 is received, the determination in S509 is affirmed.

  In step S <b> 510, the power control unit 115 determines whether opening / closing of the document reading unit 117 is detected. At this time, the power supply control unit 115 performs an open / close interrupt waiting process from the open / close sensor 118, and when the interrupt from the open / close sensor 118 is received, the determination in S510 is affirmed. On the other hand, when the determination in S510 is negative (S510: No), the process returns to S502 again, and the determination process of S502 is performed.

  In S511, when a return request interrupt from any of the return request source devices occurs, the return factor information recording unit 304 displays return factor information indicating which return request source device is the return request. The data is recorded in the storage unit 116 provided in the unit 115.

  In step S512, the power supply control unit 115 performs control to guarantee the minimum suspend time in order to avoid a reset failure of the CPU 101.

  In step S513, the power control unit 115 resumes the operation of the CPU 101 and executes a resume process by software. The contents of the resume processing after S513 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the resume process for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to transition from the power saving state to the normal power state.

  The resume process in the present embodiment is configured by a two-stage resume process, that is, a resume process A (S600) which is a preceding step and a resume process B (S700) which is a subsequent step.

  The resume process A (S600) will be described in detail in FIG. 8, and the resume process B (S700) will be described in detail in FIG. In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the CPU 101 cannot perform hardware interrupt processing until the resume processing A is completed. Therefore, the CPU 101 cannot handle an interrupt from the return request source device notified from the power control unit 115.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the preceding step (resume processing A) in the resume processing of the present embodiment.

  The CPU 101 performs hardware initialization and interrupt processing setting by executing each processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. Each process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is read by the RAM 103 and executed by the function of the program executed by the CPU 101.

  In step S601, the CPU 101 executes a resume process for each piece of hardware that is in a suspended state or a power failure state. At this time, for example, the CPU 101 executes setting of register initial values for each hardware.

  In step S602, the CPU 101 executes an interrupt initialization process. The reason for executing the processing of S602 is to eliminate chattering caused by unintended interruption in the unstable power supply state during the state transition from the power saving state to the normal power state.

  In step S603, the CPU 101 executes an interrupt validation process. Thereby, since an interrupt from the return request source device can be effectively received after S603, the CPU 101 can recognize the user operation corresponding to the return request.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the subsequent step (resume processing B) in the resume processing of the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the contents of the resume process in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the resume process according to the present embodiment, a process of detecting a state change of the return request source device from the return factor information recorded in the storage unit 116 of the power control unit 115 and selecting a power transition mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is executed. To do. Further, the power control unit 115 executes a power transition process for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to transition from the power saving state to the normal power state according to the power transition mode.

  In step S701, the acquisition unit 301 acquires again the status information of each return request source device.

  In step S <b> 702, the comparison unit 305 displays the status information of each return request source device stored when the image forming apparatus 1 switches from the normal power state to the power saving state, and each return request source device acquired again by the acquisition unit 301. Compare the status information. As a result of the comparison, it is determined whether or not there is a return request source device whose state has changed from state A to state B. If the determination in S702 is affirmative (S702: Yes), the adding unit 306 adds the type of the return request source device whose state has changed to the return factor information (S703).

  In step S <b> 704, the comparison unit 305 acquires return factor information (S <b> 511) recorded in the storage unit 116 of the power supply control unit 115.

  As a specific example of the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the document detection sensor 119 has not detected the installation of the document in S401, and the document detection sensor 119 has detected the installation of the document in S701. In this case, when the state information recorded in S401 is different from the state of the document reading unit 117 acquired by the acquisition unit 301 in S701 (S702: Yes), the comparison unit 305 also detects from the device whose state has changed. It is determined that a return request has occurred.

  In step S <b> 705, the selection unit 307 refers to the category table 200 and determines whether the return factor information includes a return request source device associated with category 1 having a high priority.

  In this embodiment, the return request source devices associated with category 1 are the USB host controller 109, the operation unit I / F 105, the proximity sensor 114, the document reading unit 117, and the open / close sensor 118. Any of these return request source devices generates an interrupt for a return request due to the presence or operation of the user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Therefore, when it is determined that the category 1 device is included in the return factor information (S705: Yes), the selection unit 307 determines that there is a user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1 for user convenience. The first power transition mode is selected. When the first power transition mode is selected, the power control unit 115 performs a responsiveness-oriented resume process that energizes the device of the image forming apparatus 1 that is necessary for a response to a user operation.

  When it is determined that the category 1 device is included in the return factor information (S705: Yes), the power supply control unit 115 resumes energization of the operation panel 3 in S706. In step S707, the power control unit 115 activates the printing unit 5 in the high speed mode.

  When the printing unit 5 is activated in the high speed mode, the power control unit 115 activates both the logic unit and the mechanical drive unit of the printing unit 5. By activating both the logic unit and the mechanical drive unit of the printing unit 5, not only can the user directly receive an instruction input to the operation panel 3, but also a print output request that depends on the operation of the mechanical drive unit. Can respond quickly.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the restoration request source devices associated with category 2 having a lower priority than category 1 are NIC 104, timer 111, modem 113, and power supply control unit 115. Any of these return request source devices generates an interrupt for a return request even when the user is not in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Therefore, when it is determined that only the category 2 device is included in the return factor information (S705: No), the selection unit 307 determines that there is no user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1, and image formation is performed. The second power transition mode is selected for power saving of the device 1. When the second power transition mode is selected, the power control unit 115 executes a resume process emphasizing power saving that delays energization of the device of the image forming apparatus 1 necessary for a response to the user's operation. .

  When it is determined that the return factor information does not include the category 1 return request source device (S705: No), the power control unit 115 executes the power saving priority resume process.

  In step S <b> 708, the power control unit 115 delays energization to the operation panel 3. Next, in step S709, the power control unit 115 activates the printing unit 5 in the silent mode.

  The power supply control unit 115 activates only the logic unit of the printing unit 5 when the printing unit 5 is activated in the silent mode. By activating only the logic unit of the printing unit 5, the mechanical drive unit with relatively high power consumption is not activated until a user instruction is given, and the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 can be suppressed.

  In step S <b> 710, the power control unit 115 executes a resume process specific to the return request source device. Examples of the resume unique to the return request source device include a process of sounding an operation sound simultaneously with the return by the operation panel 3.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment acquires the return request source device state information stored in the storage unit 116 provided in the power control unit 115 and the acquisition unit 301 at the time of suspend and resume. Compare the status information of the return request source device. By comparing the states of the return request source devices in this manner, the resume process of the image forming apparatus 1 can be executed without missing the return request from each return request source device.

  FIG. 10 is an example of a circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the power control unit 115 and peripheral devices in the present embodiment.

  In the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 10, the power supply control unit 115 and the return request source device portion are shown for the sake of brevity. However, in the actual circuit, the power supply control unit 115 includes a plurality of other return request sources. The device is connected.

  The FET 11001 has a function of separating the sub power supply system and the main power supply system based on the state of the Q output applied to the gate side of the flip-flop 11002. As described above, when the sub power supply system and the main power supply system are disconnected and the image forming apparatus 1 shifts to the power saving state, the power supply to the parts other than the main part of the image forming apparatus 1 is cut off, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption. It becomes possible to suppress.

  The storage unit 116 belongs to the sub power supply system and is configured to be able to accept the first to fourth request instructions for canceling the power saving mode even during the power saving mode. In the present embodiment, the corresponding first to fourth request instructions are received from the document detection sensor 119, the NIC 104, the operation unit I / F 105, and the timer 111, respectively. The first to fourth request instructions are factors for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to transition from the power saving state to the normal power state, and are input to the CPU 101 via the buffer group. The first to fourth request instructions are input to the clock input terminal of the flip-flop 11002 via the OR gate 11004, converted into, for example, 4-bit data, and stored in the storage unit 116. When the CPU 101 transitions from the power saving state to the normal power state, if the flag set in the flip-flop 11005 is “1”, the CPU 101 acquires the 4-bit data.

  The CPU 101 can determine the contents of the first to fourth request instructions by referring to the bit determination table associated in advance. The flip-flop 11005 belongs to the sub power supply system, and the general-purpose output port GPO <1> of the CPU 101 changes from the “L” state to the “H” state even after the image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the normal power state to the power saving state. The contents of the flag generated by the operation are stored. The flip-flop 11005 applies a reset signal from the reset IC belonging to the sub power supply system to the clear terminal (CLR), and outputs a signal indicating that from the Q output to the input GPI <0> of the CPU 101 via the buffer. Output.

  The reset IC belongs to the sub power supply system and outputs a reset signal to the flip-flop 11002 belonging to the sub power supply system. The buffer 11007 outputs a power-off signal to the flip-flop 11002. The buffers 11006, 11007, and 11008 belong to the main power supply system, and have a function of preventing current from flowing into the CPU 101 when transitioning from the normal power state to the power saving state. The reset IC 11003 monitors the power supply system all night, and has a function of clearing the flag of the flip-flop 11005 and the latch data of the storage unit at the start-up after the power-off described later. The logic OR gate has a function of collecting factors for returning from the power saving mode.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a return request due to another factor is generated after the resume process is started and before the resume process is completed, the resume process corresponding to the received return request can be executed later. Image forming apparatus can be provided. Therefore, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can execute the resume process without missing a return request from each return request source device.

[Other execution 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, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

  Further, the program code for realizing the function of the present embodiment may be executed by one computer (CPU, MPU), or may be executed by a plurality of computers cooperating. Also good. Further, the program code may be executed by a computer, or hardware such as a circuit for realizing the function of the program code may be provided. Alternatively, a part of the program code may be realized by hardware and the remaining part may be executed by a computer.

Claims (14)

Display means for displaying a screen;
Reading means for conveying and reading a document placed on a document table and generating an image;
Printing means for driving the drive unit to convey the paper and printing the image generated by the reading means on the paper;
Receiving means for receiving packets from an external device,
It is operable in a first power state where power is supplied to the printing means and the display means is lit, and in a second power state where power is not supplied to the printing means and the display means is not lit. In the image forming apparatus capable of starting the printing unit without lighting the display unit based on reception of the packet by the receiving unit in the second power state,
After receiving the packet by the receiving means in the second power state, and before starting the printing means, it has power control means for turning on the display means when a document is placed on the document table. An image forming apparatus. The second power state is a power state in which power is not supplied to the display means,
The power control means, in the second power state, after receiving the packet by the receiving means and when the original is not placed on the original table before the printing means is activated, to the display means The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied to the printing unit without supplying power.   In the second power state, the power control unit turns on the display unit based on the fact that the document is placed on the document table before the packet is received by the receiving unit, and the printing unit 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is activated. The second power state is a state where power is not supplied to the display means,
In the second power state, the power control unit is configured to supply power to the display unit and the printing unit based on the fact that the document is placed on the document table before the reception unit receives the packet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the supply is started. The document table has detection means for detecting whether or not a document is placed;
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit acquires a detection result of the detection unit after receiving the packet by the reception unit. 6.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the power control unit acquires a detection result of the detection unit at a predetermined timing after the packet is received by the reception unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the packet includes a packet for causing the printing unit to execute a printing process from the external apparatus via a network.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit is an auto document feeder, and the document table is a document table on which a document conveyed by the auto document feeder is placed. apparatus.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit outputs an interrupt signal to the power control unit in accordance with reception of the packet.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit can turn on the display unit before the printing unit is activated. Display means for displaying a screen;
Reading means for conveying and reading a document placed on a document table and generating an image;
Printing means for printing the image generated by the reading means on paper;
Receiving means for receiving packets from an external device,
The second power is operable in a first power state in which power is supplied to both the display means and the printing means, and in a second power state in which power is not supplied to the display means and the printing means. In the image forming apparatus that starts supplying power to the printing unit without supplying power to the display unit based on reception of the packet by the receiving unit in a state.
When a document is placed on the document table after the reception of the packet by the reception unit in the second power state and before the supply of power to the printing unit is started, to the display unit An image forming apparatus comprising power control means for starting the power supply and lighting the display means. Display means for displaying a screen;
Reading means for conveying a document placed on a document table and generating a read image;
Printing means for printing the image generated by the reading means on paper,
Operable in a first power state in which the display means is lit and power is supplied to the printing means, and a second power state in which the display means is turned off and no power is supplied to the printing means,
In the control method of the image forming apparatus capable of starting the printing unit without lighting the display unit based on reception of a packet from an external device in the second power state.
Receiving the packet in the second power state;
A power control step of turning on the display means based on the fact that the original is placed on the original table after the receiving step;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:   13. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising an activation step of executing an activation process of the printing unit after the power control step.   A computer program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 12 or 13.

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