JP2021027421A - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To properly supply power to an information processing device.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to an embodiment of a disclosed technology that operates in a first operating state or in a second operating state that consumes less power than the first operating state includes a power supply unit that supplies power to an information processing device in either a first power supply or a second power supply that supplies less power than the first power supply, and a switching control unit that switches from the first power supply to the second power supply according to the operating state of the information processing device, and the switching control unit controls the switching from the first power supply to the second power supply when a factor for returning from the second operating state to the first operating state occurs while the information processing device transitions from the first operating state to the second operating state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present application relates to information processing devices, information processing methods and programs.

Conventionally, it is known that an image forming apparatus reduces power consumption by shifting an operating state from a first operating state to a second operating state in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first operating state under a predetermined condition. ing.

Further, a device that turns on the scanner power to transition to the first operating state when returning from the second operating state to the first operating state, and then controls the on / off of the scanner power according to the returning factor is disclosed. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, in the conventional apparatus, it may not be possible to appropriately supply electric power to an information processing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus.

The disclosed technology has an object of appropriately supplying electric power to an information processing apparatus.

The information processing device according to one aspect of the disclosed technology is an information processing device that operates in a first operating state or a second operating state in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first operating state, and is the first power supply or the first operating state. Switching from the first power supply to the second power supply according to the power supply unit that supplies power to the information processing apparatus and the operating state of the information processing apparatus, whichever is smaller than the first power supply. The switching control unit includes a switching control unit, and the switching control unit returns from the second operating state to the first operating state while the information processing device is transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state. When a factor occurs, the switching from the first power source to the second power source is controlled.

According to the disclosed technology, electric power can be appropriately supplied to the information processing apparatus.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the hardware configuration example of the controller which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure of the whole configuration example of various operation states of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the power supply source and supply destination of the state (1), (2). It is a block diagram which shows an example of the power supply source and supply destination of the state (3), (4). It is a block diagram which shows an example of the power supply source and supply destination of the state (5). It is a block diagram which shows an example of the power supply source and supply destination of the state (6). It is a block diagram which shows an example of the power supply source and supply destination of the state (7). It is a block diagram which shows an example of the power supply source and supply destination of the state (8). It is a block diagram which shows an example of the power supply source and supply destination of the state (9). It is a block diagram of the functional configuration example of the controller which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart of the processing example by the switching control unit which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components may be designated by the same reference numerals and duplicate description may be omitted.

In the embodiment, in the information processing apparatus operating in the first operating state or the second operating state in which the power consumption is smaller than that of the first operating state, the first power source or the second power source whose power supply is smaller than that of the first power source is Power is supplied to the information processing device on either side, and the first power source is switched to the second power source according to the operating state of the information processing device. Further, when a factor for returning from the second operating state to the first operating state occurs during the transition from the first operating state to the second operating state, the information processing device is switched from the first power source to the second power source. To control. For example, the switching is stopped. This prevents the second power supply, which has a small supply power, from supplying power even though the information processing device has returned to the first operating state due to the occurrence of the return factor, and appropriately supplies power to the information processing device. To do.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described using an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral Product / Printer) that forms an image on a recording medium in an electrophotographic manner as an example of an information processing apparatus.

<Structure of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment>
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a power supply unit 11, an operation unit 12, a controller 13, a scanner 14, a printer 15, an engine control unit 16, and a power switch 17.

Of these, the power supply unit 11 includes a main power supply 111, a sub power supply 112, and a power supply switching circuit 113, and supplies electric power to each unit included in the image forming apparatus 1. The main power supply 111 and the sub power supply 112 are PSUs (Power Supply Units) that supply electric power to each part of the image forming apparatus 1. The amount of power supplied by the sub power supply 112 is smaller than that of the main power supply 111. Power is supplied to the image forming apparatus 1 from either the main power supply 111 or the sub power supply 112. Here, the main power supply 111 is an example of the "first power supply", and the sub power supply 112 is an example of the "second power supply". The conditions for supplying electric power to the main power supply 111 and the sub power supply 112 and the supply destinations will be described separately with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10.

The power supply switching circuit 113 is an electric circuit that switches the power supply for supplying electric power to each part of the image forming apparatus 1 to either the main power supply 111 or the sub power supply 112 based on the control signal from the controller 13.

The operation unit 12 displays a current setting value, a selection screen, etc., and receives a panel display unit such as a touch panel that receives input from an operator, and a numeric keypad and a copy that receive setting values of conditions related to image formation such as density setting conditions. It is equipped with an operation panel consisting of a start key or the like that receives a start instruction. The operation unit 12 is provided with a low power button for transitioning the operating state of the image forming apparatus 1 to a low power state, which will be described later, and for transitioning from the low power state to another state.

The controller 13 is a control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1, and controls, for example, drawing, communication, input from the operation unit 12, and the like. Further, the controller 13 includes a timer 131 and a power supply switching control circuit 132.

The timer 131 is an electric circuit that measures the elapsed time under the control of the controller 13 in order to change the operating state of the image forming apparatus 1. After measuring the time, the timer 131 is reset after the operating state of the image forming apparatus 1 transitions based on the measurement time by the timer 131, and the time measurement for the transition to the next operating state is started. Alternatively, time measurement is prepared for the transition to the next operating state. In addition, the timer 131 can also measure a plurality of elapsed times in parallel.

The power supply switching control circuit 132 is an electric circuit that outputs a control signal to the power supply switching circuit 113 to switch the power supply that supplies power to the image forming apparatus 1 to either the main power supply 111 or the sub power supply 112.

Although only the timer 131 and the power supply switching control circuit 132 are displayed as the configuration of the controller 13 in FIG. 1, the controller 13 also includes other components. Details of these configurations will be described below with reference to FIG.

The scanner 14 reads a document installed on a document reading table. The printer 15 forms an image on a recording medium based on the image data read by the scanner 14 or the image data input from the external device 2. Further, the scanner 14 and the printer 15 include image processing portions such as error diffusion and gamma conversion. The engine control unit 16 controls an image forming unit (engine) in the scanner 14 and the printer 15.

The image forming apparatus 1 can sequentially switch and select the document box function, the copy function, and the printer function by the application switching key of the operation unit 12. When the document box function is selected, the document box mode is set, when the copy function is selected, the copy mode is set, and when the printer function is selected, the printer mode is set.

The power switch 17 is a switch provided in the image forming apparatus 1. When the power switch 17 is pressed by the user of the image forming apparatus 1, the input of the AC voltage from the commercial power source to the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on or off.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is electrically connected to an external device 2 such as a PC (Personal Computer) by wire or wirelessly, and image data to be image-formed can be input from the external device 2.

Here, the arrow shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 indicates the signal, and the arrow shown by the broken line indicates the electric power.

<Hardware configuration of controller 13>
Next, the hardware configuration of the controller 13 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the controller 13.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 13 includes a timer 131, a power switching control circuit 132, a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 133, a sub CPU 134, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 135, and a RAM (Random Access Memory). ) 136, a memory 137, and an input / output I / F (Interface) 138. These are electrically connected to each other via the system bus B.

The main CPU 133 is composed of a processor or the like, and controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1 and the overall operation. The sub CPU 134 is composed of a processor or the like, and controls a part of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the energy-saving operation state and the power of the main CPU 133 is turned off.

The ROM 135 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor storage device or the like, and stores various programs and various parameters that operate in the image forming apparatus 1. The RAM 136 is composed of a volatile semiconductor storage device or the like, and is used as a work area for the main CPU 133 and the sub CPU 134. The RAM 136 provides a storage area for temporarily storing data when performing various signal processing and image processing. The RAM 136 may be composed of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) serving as a work area for the main CPU 133 and a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) serving as a work area for the sub CPU 134.

The memory 137 stores various information such as data used in various programs and image data input from the external device 2 (see FIG. 1). The memory 137 is composed of a volatile or non-volatile semiconductor memory, a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory 137 may include a ROM 135 and / or a RAM 136.

The input / output I / F 138 is an interface for transmitting / receiving data or a signal to / from the external device 2.

The program is stored in advance in ROM 135, memory 137, or the like. The program is read from the ROM 135, the memory 137, etc. into the RAM 136 by the main CPU 133 and the sub CPU 134, and is expanded. The main CPU 133 and the sub CPU 134 execute each coded instruction in the program expanded in the RAM 136. The program is not limited to the ROM 135 and the memory 137, and may be stored in a recording medium such as a recording disk. Further, the program may be transmitted via a wired network, a wireless network, broadcasting, or the like and incorporated into the RAM 136.

The functions of the timer 131 and the power supply switching control circuit 132 may be realized by executing predetermined software.

[First Embodiment]
<Examples of various operating states of the image forming apparatus 1>
Next, various operating states of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10. First, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of various operating states of the image forming apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 has a standby state (1), a printing state (2), a low power state (3), an engine off state (4), and an STR (Suspend To RAM) state (5). , The plug-in state (6), the plug-off state (7), the operation unit setting state (8), and the controller setting state (9) are included.

In the figure, the arrows shown between the states indicate the factors for the transition between the states. Further, the "power supply switching determination process" in the figure indicates that the determination process for switching between the main power source 111 and the sub power source 112 is performed, and the transition of the operating state is performed according to the determination process result. Since the process performed in the “power switching determination process” will be described separately with reference to FIG. 12, duplicate description will be omitted here. Each state will be described below.

Standby state (1)
It is ready to print if there is a print request. When there is a print request, the state transitions from the standby state (1) to the printing state (2). Further, when the low power button on the operation unit 12 (see FIG. 1) is pressed, or when the passage of a predetermined time is measured by the timer 131, the standby state (1) to the low power state (3) Transition to. Further, when the low power button is pressed, or when the passage of a predetermined time is measured by the timer 131, the state shifts from the standby state (1) to the engine off state (4). Further, when the power switch 17 (see FIG. 1) is pressed, the state transitions from the standby state (1) to the plug-in state (6).

Printing state (2)
This is a state in which the image forming apparatus 1 is in the process of printing. If there is no print request, the state transitions from the printing state (2) to the standby state (1). Further, when the low power button on the operation unit 12 is pressed, or when the passage of a predetermined time is measured by the timer 131, the printing state (2) is changed to the low power state (3). Further, although not shown, when the power switch 17 is pressed, the transition from the printing state (2) to the plug-in state (6) occurs.

Low power state (3)
The power of the scanner 14, the printer 15, the engine control unit 16 (see FIG. 1) and the like is turned off, and the state can be immediately changed to the standby state. When the passage of a predetermined time is measured by the timer 131, the transition from the low power state (3) to the engine off state (4) occurs. Further, when the low power button is pressed, or when the passage of a predetermined time is measured by the timer 131, the state transitions from the low power state (3) to the printing state (2). Further, when the low power button is pressed and held, or when the passage of a predetermined time is measured by the timer 131, the state transitions from the low power state (3) to the standby state (1). Further, although not shown, when the power switch 17 is pressed, the transition from the low power state (3) to the plug-in state (6) occurs. The transition destinations when the low power button is pressed and when the low power button is pressed for a long time may be appropriately exchanged.

Engine off state (4)
The power of the engine control unit 16 is turned off. When the elapse of a predetermined time is measured by the timer 131, the state transitions from the engine off state (4) to the standby state (1). Further, when the passage of a predetermined time is measured by the timer 131, the state transitions from the engine off state (4) to the low power state (3). Further, when the low power button is pressed, or when the passage of a predetermined time is measured by the timer 131, the power switching control circuit 132 makes a switching determination.

STR state (5)
Power is being supplied only to a part of the controller 13 such as the sub CPU 134 (see FIG. 2). According to the switching determination by the power supply switching control circuit 132, the transition from the predetermined operating state to the STR state (5) is performed. Further, by pressing the power switch 17, the STR state (5) is changed to the engine off state (4). Further, by pressing and holding the power switch 17, the STR state (5) is changed to the plug-in state (6). The transition destinations when the power switch 17 is pressed and when the power switch 17 is pressed for a long time may be appropriately exchanged.

Plug-in state (6)
A power plug is plugged into a commercial power outlet (connected), and power is supplied only to the power switching control circuit 132 of the controller 13. By pressing the power switch 17, the plug-in state (6) is changed to the standby state (1). Further, by removing the power plug, the plug-in state (6) is changed to the plug-off state (7).

Plug-off state (7)
The power plug is not plugged into the commercial power outlet (not connected).

Operation unit setting status (8)
Power is supplied only to the operation unit 12, and various setting operations using the operation unit 12 are possible. The setting operation of the operation unit 12 transitions from the operation unit setting state (8) to the plug-in state (6).

Controller setting status (9)
Power is supplied only to the controller 13, and various setting operations can be performed by the controller 13. The setting operation by the controller 13 transitions from the controller setting state (9) to the plug-in state (6).

Next, FIGS. 4 to 10 are diagrams showing an example of a power supply source and a power supply destination in each operating state. In FIGS. 4 to 10, the portion indicated by diagonal hatching indicates a portion to which electric power is supplied, and the portion indicated by satin hatching indicates a portion to which electric power is not supplied. Further, in FIGS. 4 to 10, the arrow shown by the solid line indicates the signal, and the arrow shown by the broken line indicates the supplied electric power. The arrow indicated by the alternate long and short dash line indicates the power that is not supplied, and the arrow indicated by the alternate long and short dash line indicates the power that is supplied from the commercial power supply.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply source and a power supply destination in the standby state (1) and the printing state (2). As shown in FIG. 4, in these states, the main power supply 111, the power supply switching circuit 113, the operation unit 12, the controller 13, the timer 131, the power supply switching control circuit 132, the scanner 14, the printer 15, and the engine control unit 16 are respectively. Is supplied with power. On the other hand, no power is supplied to the sub power supply 112.

Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply source and a power supply destination in the low power state (3) and the engine off state (4). As shown in FIG. 5, in these states, power is supplied to each of the main power supply 111, the power supply switching circuit 113, the operation unit 12, the controller 13, the timer 131, and the power supply switching control circuit 132. On the other hand, power is not supplied to each of the sub power supply 112, the scanner 14, the printer 15, and the engine control unit 16.

Next, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply source and a power supply destination in the STR state (5). As shown in FIG. 6, in this state, power is supplied to each of the sub power supply 112, the power supply switching circuit 113, the operation unit 12, the controller 13, the timer 131, and the power supply switching control circuit 132. On the other hand, power is not supplied to each of the main power supply 111, the scanner 14, the printer 15, and the engine control unit 16.

Next, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply source and a supply destination in the plug-in state (6). As shown in FIG. 7, in this state, power is supplied to each of the sub power supply 112 and the power supply switching circuit 113. On the other hand, power is not supplied to each of the main power supply 111, the operation unit 12, the controller 13, the timer 131, the power supply switching control circuit 132, the scanner 14, the printer 15, and the engine control unit 16.

Next, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply source and a power supply destination in the plug-off state (7). As shown in FIG. 8, in this state, the main power supply 111, the sub power supply 112, the power supply switching circuit 113, the operation unit 12, the controller 13, the timer 131, the power supply switching control circuit 132, the scanner 14, the printer 15, and the engine control unit 16. No power is supplied to each of them.

Next, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply source and a power supply destination in the operation unit setting state (8). As shown in FIG. 9, in this state, power is supplied to each of the main power supply 111, the power supply switching circuit 113, the operation unit 12, the timer 131, and the power supply switching control circuit 132. On the other hand, power is not supplied to each of the sub power supply 112, the controller 13, the scanner 14, the printer 15, and the engine control unit 16.

Next, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply source and a power supply destination in the controller setting state (9). As shown in FIG. 10, in this state, power is supplied to each of the main power supply 111, the power supply switching circuit 113, the controller 13, the timer 131, and the power supply switching control circuit 132. On the other hand, power is not supplied to each of the sub power supply 112, the operation unit 12, the scanner 14, the printer 15, and the engine control unit 16.

<Functional configuration of controller 13>
Among the various operating states described above, the standby state (1), the printing state (2), the low power state (3), the engine off state (4), and the operation unit setting state (8) in which power is supplied from the main power supply 111. ) And the controller setting state (9) are examples of the "first operating state".

Further, each of the STR state (5) and the plug-in state (6) in which power is not supplied from the main power supply 111 and power is supplied from the sub power supply 112 is an example of the “second operating state”. When the image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the first operating state to the second operating state, the controller 13 switches the power supply for supplying power from the main power supply 111 to the sub power supply 112.

Here, in the middle of the above transition, a second operation state such that the user of the image forming apparatus 1 touches the touch panel of the operation unit 12 or the document to be read is placed on the document mounting table of the scanner 14. In some cases, a factor for returning to the first operating state may occur. In this case, when the power supply that supplies power to the image forming apparatus 1 is switched from the main power supply 111 to the sub power supply 112, a small amount of electric power is supplied from the sub power supply 112 to the image forming apparatus 1 that has returned to the first operating state. Appropriate power may not be supplied for the operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

Therefore, when the controller 13 transitions from the first operating state to the second operating state, the controller 13 waits for the switching from the main power supply 111 to the sub power supply 112 until the image forming apparatus 1 reaches a predetermined state, and is in standby. When the above recovery factor occurs, the switching from the main power supply 111 to the sub power supply 112 is stopped.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of such a functional configuration of the controller 13. As shown in FIG. 11, the controller 13 includes a state transition control unit 141, a switching standby unit 142, a return factor detection unit 143, and a switching control unit 144.

Of these, the functions of the switching standby unit 142 are realized by the timer 131 and the like in FIG. 2, and the functions of the state transition control unit 141 and the return factor detection unit 143 are such that the CPU 132 in FIG. 2 executes a predetermined program. It will be realized by such things. Further, the function of the switching control unit 144 is realized by the power supply switching control circuit 132 or the like shown in FIG.

The state transition control unit 141 controls transitions between various operating states of the image forming apparatus 1 described above based on the occurrence of a return factor, preset conditions, and / or notification from the switching standby unit 142. The state transition control unit 141 can output a signal for identifying the transitional operating state to the switching control unit 144.

When transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state, the switching standby unit 142 waits for the switching control from the main power supply 111 to the sub power supply 112 by the switching control unit 144 until a predetermined state is reached. Here, the predetermined state is, for example, a state in which a predetermined time threshold th has elapsed from the time when the transition from the first operating state to the second operating state is started. Such an elapsed time is measured by a timer 131 (see FIG. 2), and when the time of the time threshold th th has elapsed, the switching standby unit 142 informs the state transition control unit 141 and the switching control unit 144 to that effect. Notice.

The return factor detection unit 143 is the first from the second operation state, such as when the user of the image forming apparatus 1 touches the touch panel of the operation unit 12, or the document to be read is placed on the document mounting table of the scanner 14. The occurrence of the return factor to the operating state is detected by inputting the return factor signal. Then, the detection result is output to the switching control unit 144. The recovery factor is not limited to the above, and various predetermined operations can be set as the recovery factor.

The switching control unit 144 outputs a switching control signal to the power supply unit 11 according to various operating states of the image forming apparatus 1 described above, and supplies a power source for supplying electric power to each unit of the image forming apparatus 1. Switch to either the main power supply 111 or the sub power supply 112 included in the above. In particular, when the image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the first operating state to the second operating state, the switching control unit 144 switches the power supply for supplying power from the main power supply 111 to the sub power supply 112.

Further, when the switching control unit 144 transitions from the first operating state to the second operating state, the switching standby unit 142 switches from the main power supply 111 to the sub power supply 112 until the time threshold th elapses. I'm forced to wait. Then, when the return factor detection unit 143 detects the occurrence of the return factor during this standby, the switching from the main power supply 111 to the sub power supply 112 is stopped. An arbitrary value can be set for the time threshold value th.

<Processing by controller 13>
Next, the processing by the controller 13 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the controller 13. Here, the process shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the “power switching determination process” shown in FIG. That is, it is a determination process for transitioning from the engine off state (4) to the STR state (5), the plug-in state (6), the operation unit setting state (8), and the controller setting state (9).

In the engine off state (4), power is supplied to the image forming apparatus 1 from the main power supply 111, and in the STR state (5) and the plug-in state (6), electric power is supplied to the image forming apparatus 1 from the sub power supply 112. Will be done. Therefore, the transition from the engine off state (4) to the STR state (5) or the plug-in state (6) corresponds to the transition from the first operating state to the second operating state.

When the transition from the engine off state (4) is started, first, in step S121, the switching standby unit 142 starts time measurement by the timer 131, and the switching control unit 144 switches from the main power supply 111 to the sub power supply 112. Start waiting for control.

Subsequently, in step S122, the return factor detection unit 143 detects the occurrence of the return factor.

When the return factor is detected in step S122 (step S122, Yes), in step S123, the state transition control unit 141 shifts the image forming apparatus 1 to the engine off state (4). After that, the process ends.

Here, the process of step S123 is the STR state when a factor for returning from the second operating state to the first operating state occurs during the transition of the image forming apparatus 1 from the first operating state to the second operating state. This is a process of returning to the engine off state (4) without transitioning to the (5) or the plug-in state (6). Therefore, in this process, when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the process of transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state and a factor for returning from the second operating state to the first operating state occurs, the switching control unit 144 performs the processing. It corresponds to the process of stopping the switching from the main power supply 111 to the sub power supply 112.

On the other hand, if the return factor is not detected in step S122 (step S122, No), in step S124, the switching standby unit 142 determines whether or not the elapsed time is smaller than the time threshold value th.

If it is determined in step S124 that the elapsed time is smaller than the time threshold th (step S124, Yes), the process of step S122 is repeated again. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S124 that the elapsed time is not smaller than the time threshold th (step S124, No), in step S125, whether or not the state transition control unit 141 transitions to the STR state (5). To judge.

If it is determined in step S125 to transition to the STR state (5) (step S125, Yes), in step S126, the state transition control unit 141 shifts the image forming apparatus 1 to the STR state (5). Since the STR state (5) is an operating state included in the second operating state, at the time of transition to the STR state (5), the switching control unit 144 switches the power supply for supplying power from the main power supply 111 to the sub power supply. Switch to 112. After that, the process proceeds to step S131.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S125 that the state does not transition to the STR state (5) (step S125, No), in step S127, whether or not the state transition control unit 141 transitions to the operation unit setting state (8). Is determined.

If it is determined in step S127 that the transition to the operation unit setting state (8) is made (step S127, Yes), the state transition control unit 141 puts the image forming apparatus 1 into the operation unit setting state (8) in step S128. Make a transition. After that, the process proceeds to step S131.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S127 that the transition to the operation unit setting state (8) does not occur (step S125, No), does the state transition control unit 141 transition to the controller setting state (9) in step S129? Judge whether or not.

If it is determined in step S129 that the transition to the controller setting state (9) is made (step S129, Yes), the state transition control unit 141 shifts the image forming apparatus 1 to the controller setting state (9) in step S130. .. After that, the process proceeds to step S131.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S129 that the transition to the controller setting state (9) does not occur (step S129, No), the process proceeds to step S131.

Subsequently, in step S131, the state transition control unit 141 shifts the image forming apparatus 1 to the plug-in state (6). Since the plug-in state (6) is an operating state included in the second operating state, at the time of transition to the plug-in state (6), the switching control unit 144 transfers the power supply for supplying power from the main power supply 111. Switch to the sub power supply 112.

In this way, the controller 13 determines the transition from the engine off state (4) to the STR state (5), the plug-in state (6), the operation unit setting state (8), and the controller setting state (9). The process can be executed.

<Action and effect of image forming apparatus 1>
Conventionally, it is known that an image forming apparatus reduces power consumption by shifting an operating state from a first operating state to a second operating state in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first operating state under a predetermined condition. ing. Further, a device that turns on the scanner power to transition to the first operating state when returning from the second operating state to the first operating state, and then controls the on / off of the scanner power according to the return factor is disclosed. Has been done.

However, in the middle of the transition from the first operating state to the second operating state, the user of the image forming apparatus 1 touches the touch panel of the operation unit 12, or the document to be read is placed on the document mounting table of the scanner 14. In some cases, a factor for returning from the second operating state to the first operating state may occur. In this case, when the power supply for supplying power to the image forming apparatus 1 is switched to the sub power supply 112, the image forming apparatus 1 which has returned to the first operating state is supplied with a small amount of electric power from the sub power supply 112 to form an image. In some cases, the device 1 may not be supplied with appropriate power for operation.

In the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the process of transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state and a factor for returning from the second operating state to the first operating state occurs, the main power supply 111 is used as the sub power supply. Controls switching to 112. For example, the switching is stopped. As a result, although the image forming apparatus 1 operates in the first operating state due to the occurrence of the return factor, it is possible to prevent the power supply from the sub power source 112 and appropriately supply the electric power to the image forming apparatus 1.

Further, in the present embodiment, the switching standby unit 142 and the return factor detection unit 143 are provided, and the switching control unit 144 is the main power supply 111 based on the detection result of the return factor detection unit 143 during standby by the switching standby unit 142. Controls switching from to the sub power supply 112. As a result, when the image forming apparatus 1 returns to the first operating state due to the occurrence of the return factor, it is possible to reliably prevent the switching from the main power supply 111 to the sub power supply 112.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, the process of determining the transition from the engine off state (4) to the STR state (5), the plug-in state (6), the operation unit setting state (8), and the controller setting state (9) is determined. An example has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the transition is from an operating state in which the main power supply 111 supplies power to an operating state in which the sub power supply 112 supplies power, the determination processing example described in the first embodiment can be applied to various transitions in the operating state. ..

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments specifically disclosed, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of claims. ..

The embodiment also includes an information processing method. For example, the information processing method is an information processing method by an information processing device that operates in a first operating state or a second operating state in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first operating state, and is a first power supply or the first power supply. A step of supplying power to the information processing apparatus with either one of the second power supplies having a smaller supply power, and a switching step of switching from the first power supply to the second power supply according to the operating state of the information processing apparatus. In the switching step, when a factor for returning from the second operating state to the first operating state occurs while the information processing apparatus is transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state. In addition, the switching from the first power source to the second power source is controlled. By such an information processing method, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned information processing apparatus can be obtained.

The embodiment also includes a program. For example, the program is a program executed by an information processing device that operates in the first operating state or the second operating state in which the power consumption is smaller than that of the first operating state, and is from the first power supply or the first power supply. Power is supplied to either one of the second power sources having a small supply power, and a switching process of switching from the first power source to the second power source is executed according to the operating state of the information processing apparatus. In the switching process, the switching process is performed. When a factor for returning from the second operating state to the first operating state occurs while the information processing apparatus is transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state, the first power source causes the first. 2 Executes the process of controlling switching to the power supply. With such a program, the same effect as that of the information processing apparatus described above can be obtained.

Further, each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or a plurality of processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present specification is a processor programmed to execute each function by software such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function described above. It shall include devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (field programmable gate array) and conventional circuit modules.

1 Image forming device (an example of information processing device)
2 External device 11 Power supply unit 111 Main power supply unit (example of first power supply)
112 Sub power supply (example of second power supply)
113 Power switching circuit 12 Operation unit 13 Controller 131 Timer 132 Power switching control circuit 133 Main CPU
134 sub CPU
135 ROM
136 RAM
137 Memory 138 I / O I / F
14 Scanner 141 State transition control unit 142 Switching standby unit 143 Return factor detection unit 144 Switching control unit 15 Printer 16 Engine control unit 17 Power switch th time threshold

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-21133

Claims (5)

An information processing device that operates in a first operating state or a second operating state in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first operating state.
A power supply unit that supplies power to the information processing apparatus, either the first power supply or the second power supply that supplies less power than the first power supply.
A switching control unit for switching from the first power source to the second power source according to the operating state of the information processing device is provided.
The switching control unit
When a factor for returning from the second operating state to the first operating state occurs while the information processing apparatus is transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state, the first power supply causes the first. An information processing device that controls switching to two power sources. A switching standby unit that waits for the switching until a predetermined state is reached,
It is provided with a return factor detection unit that detects the occurrence of the return factor.
The switching control unit
The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the switching is controlled based on the detection result of the return factor detection unit during standby by the switching standby unit. The switching control unit
The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching is stopped when the return factor occurs while the information processing device is transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state. An information processing method using an information processing device that operates in a first operating state or a second operating state in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first operating state.
A step of supplying power to the information processing apparatus with either a first power supply or a second power supply having a power supply smaller than that of the first power supply.
A switching step of switching from the first power source to the second power source according to the operating state of the information processing apparatus is included.
The switching step is
When a factor for returning from the second operating state to the first operating state occurs while the information processing apparatus is transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state, the first power supply causes the first. An information processing method that controls switching to two power sources. A program executed by an information processing device that operates in a first operating state or a second operating state that consumes less power than the first operating state.
Power is supplied to either the first power source or the second power source whose power supply is smaller than that of the first power source.
A switching process for switching from the first power supply to the second power supply is executed according to the operating state of the information processing device.
In the switching process,
When a factor for returning from the second operating state to the first operating state occurs while the information processing apparatus is transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state, the first power supply causes the first. 2 A program that executes processing that controls switching to a power source.

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