JP2023131285A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that avoids a situation where power saving control frequently starts up a specific device having a limitation on the number of times of start-up, while preventing a decrease in the effect of the power saving control.SOLUTION: In an image forming apparatus, when a pause condition including a time condition in which the time elapsed from the completion of processing corresponding to a processing request reaches a set time is satisfied, a pause control unit stops power supply to a specific device. A history recording unit records restoration history information representing the history of restoration processing in a non-volatile storage device S301. When the restoration processing is executed, a time condition setting unit specifies the frequency of the restoration processing corresponding to the type of the processing request that causes the restoration processing based on the restoration history information, and sets the set time according to the specified frequency of the restoration processing S305, S308.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that suspends a specific device when a shutdown condition is met, and activates the specific device when a processing request is received.

Image forming apparatuses such as printers or multifunction peripherals perform power saving control. In the power saving control, the control unit executes a pause process when a pause condition is satisfied, and executes a recovery process when a recovery event occurs.

The suspension condition is, for example, a condition that the image forming apparatus is not requested to perform any processing for a predetermined period of time. The return event is, for example, receiving a processing request from another device, or detecting a person by a human sensor.

In the suspending process, the control unit suspends a plurality of target devices including an image forming unit and the like. Further, the control unit activates the plurality of target devices in the return process.

The plurality of target devices may include non-volatile storage devices such as hard disk drives or flash memory. Some of the image forming apparatuses, such as hard disk drives and flash memories, have a limited number of activations due to life span constraints.

On the other hand, it is known that the image forming apparatus limits the frequency of the return process when the number of times the return process is performed exceeds a reference number of times (for example, see Patent Document 1). The reference number of times is set according to the operating time of the image forming apparatus including a hard disk drive.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-208909

By the way, the image forming apparatus can communicate with a host device such as a personal computer. The host device may frequently send processing requests to the image forming device via a network due to the installation of a certain type of application program.

The image forming apparatus may frequently execute the return process by frequently receiving the process requests from the host apparatus. In this case, there is a possibility that the nonvolatile storage device reaches the end of its lifespan early before the operating time of the image forming apparatus reaches its designed lifespan.

Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus limits the number of times the return process is performed, the convenience for the user of the image forming apparatus is impaired.

Furthermore, if a condition that is met less frequently is set as the suspension condition, the effect of the power saving control may be significantly reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent a specific device having a restriction on the number of activations from being activated frequently by the power saving control while suppressing a decrease in the effect of the power saving control. be.

An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication device, a nonvolatile storage device, a pause control section, a return control section, a history recording section, and a time condition setting section. The communication device is capable of communicating with other devices. The suspension control unit stops power supply to the specific device when a suspension condition including a time condition that an elapsed time after the processing corresponding to the processing request is completed reaches a set time is satisfied. The recovery control unit supplies power to the specific device when the processing request that requires the specific device is received through the communication device in a situation where power supply to the specific device is stopped. Execute recovery processing. The history recording unit records return history information representing a history of the return processing in the nonvolatile storage device. The time condition setting unit specifies, when the return process is executed, the frequency of the return process corresponding to the type of the processing request that caused the return process based on the return history information, and The set time is set according to the frequency of the return process performed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent a specific device having a restriction on the number of times of activation from being activated frequently by the power saving control while suppressing a decrease in the effect of the power saving control. It becomes possible.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a plurality of processing modules in the CPU of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a normal state control procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for controlling the hibernation state in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of history management processing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples of embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[Configuration of image forming apparatus 10]
The image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment includes a printing device 1 that performs printing processing. The printing process is a process of forming an image on the sheet 91.

Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 also includes an image reading device 2 that executes an image reading process of reading an image from a document 92. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 is a copying machine or a multifunction peripheral having a copying function and a facsimile communication function.

The image forming device 10 can communicate with other devices such as the host device 9 through a network 90 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). For example, network 90 is connected to the Internet. The host device 9 is an information processing device that can communicate with the image forming device 10 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading device 2, a printing device 1, a user interface unit 3, a secondary storage device 4, a control device 5, a communication device 6, a switch circuit 7, and a human sensor 8. Equipped with etc.

The user interface unit 3 is a user interface that includes an operating device 3a and a display device 3b. The operating device 3a is a device that receives user operations, and includes, for example, a return button and a touch panel. The display device 3b includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel that can display information.

The communication device 6 is a communication interface device that can communicate with other devices such as the host device 9 through the network 90. The control device 5 performs all data transmission and reception with the other devices through the communication device 6.

The secondary storage device 4 is a computer-readable nonvolatile storage device. The secondary storage device 4 can store programs and various data. For example, one or a combination of a hard disk drive and an SSD (Solid State Drive) is employed as the secondary storage device 4.

The image reading device 2 is a device that executes a reading process of reading an image of a document 92. The image reading device 2 includes a light source 2a, a scanning mechanism 2b, an image sensor 2c, an AFE (Analog Front End) 2d, and the like.

Light source 2a emits light to document 92. The scanning mechanism 2b scans the original 92 with light from the light source 2a. The image sensor 2c receives reflected light from the original 92 and outputs a detection signal of the amount of received light as an image signal.

AFE (2d) converts the image signal into digital image data. In the following description, the image read from the document 92 by the reading process of the image reading device 2 will be referred to as a read image.

The printing device 1 is a device that executes printing processing to form an image on a sheet 91 using a predetermined method such as an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

In this embodiment, the printing device 1 can execute the printing process based on data of the read image or print data received from the host device 9 through the communication device 6. The print data is data representing an image to be subjected to the print processing.

For example, when the printing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that performs the printing process using an electrophotographic method, the printing apparatus 1 includes a sheet conveyance mechanism 1a, a photoreceptor 1b, a charging device 1c, a laser scanning unit 1d, a developing device 1e, a transfer device 1f and a fixing device 1g.

The sheet conveyance mechanism 1a conveys the sheet 91 along a predetermined path. The charging device 1c charges the surface of the photoreceptor 1b. The laser scanning unit 1d writes an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged photoreceptor 1b.

The developing device 1e develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 1b into a toner image. The photoreceptor 1b is an image carrier that rotates while supporting the toner image.

The transfer device 1f transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor 1b onto the sheet 91. The fixing device 1g fixes the toner image on the sheet 91 by heating the toner image on the sheet 91.

The human sensor 8 is a sensor that detects a person present in front of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the human sensor 8 may be an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like.

The control device 5 performs various calculations, data processing, and controls various electrical devices included in the image forming apparatus 10 . The control device 5 is capable of exchanging data and control signals with the image reading device 2, the printing device 1, the user interface unit 3, and the communication device 6.

The control device 5 includes a print engine 50, a CPU 51, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52, and the like. The print engine 50 causes the printing apparatus 1 to execute the printing process by controlling the printing apparatus 1 according to instructions from the CPU 51.

The print engine 50 is realized by a processor such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) (not shown).

The CPU 51 is a processor that performs various data processing and control by executing programs stored in the secondary storage device 4. It is also conceivable that another processor such as a DSP executes the data processing and control instead of the CPU 51.

The RAM 52 is a volatile storage device that temporarily stores the program executed by the CPU 51 and data output and referenced during the process of the CPU 51 executing the program.

The switch circuit 7 is a circuit that switches power supply lines to a plurality of predetermined target devices from one of an energized state and an energized state to the other in accordance with a switch control signal output from the CPU 51.

In this embodiment, the plurality of target devices include the printing device 1, the image reading device 2, the display device 3b, the secondary storage device 4, and the print engine 50.

The CPU 51 operates as a plurality of processing modules by executing the programs. The plurality of processing modules include a main control section 5a, a secondary control section 5b, a history management section 5c, etc. (see FIG. 2).

The main control unit 5a controls the display device 3b to display various information on the display device 3b. Furthermore, the main control unit 5a determines the content of a processing request input through the operating device 3a or the communication device 6, and executes processing according to the content of the processing request.

Furthermore, the main control unit 5a controls the print engine 50, the image reading device 2, and the like.

For example, when the communication device 6 receives print job data including a print request command and the print data from the host device 9, the main control unit 5a outputs a received print command to the print engine 50.

When the print engine 50 receives the received print command from the main control unit 5a, it causes the printing device 1 to execute the print process based on the print data.

Further, the main control unit 5a executes a suspension process when a predetermined suspension condition is satisfied. The suspension process is a process of stopping power supply to the plurality of target devices by controlling the switch circuit 7.

By executing the hibernation process, the image forming apparatus 10 transitions from the normal state to the hibernation state. The normal state is a state in which power is supplied to the plurality of target devices from a power supply circuit (not shown) through the switch circuit 7. The hibernation state is a state in which power consumption is lower than the normal state.

The image forming apparatus 10 is capable of executing image processing such as the printing process or the reading process when in the normal state. On the other hand, while the image forming apparatus 10 is in the dormant state, it can receive data through the communication device 6, but cannot perform the image processing.

Furthermore, in the hibernation process, the main control unit 5a shifts the CPU 51 to a sleep mode in which power consumption is lower than in the normal mode. For example, in the sleep mode, the CPU 51 operates with a clock having a lower frequency than in the normal mode.

The CPU 51 can execute the process of receiving data through the communication device 6 and the control of the switch circuit 7 in both the normal mode and the sleep mode.

In this embodiment, the pause condition is a condition that a time condition is satisfied and that the human sensor 8 does not detect a person.

The time condition is that the elapsed time after the processing corresponding to the processing request is completed reaches a preset time. The processing request may be received through the communication device 6. Further, the processing request may be input through the operating device 3a.

On the other hand, the secondary control unit 5b executes a return process when a predetermined return event occurs while the image forming apparatus 10 is in the hibernation state. The recovery process is a process of supplying power to the plurality of target devices.

Further, the secondary control unit 5b causes the CPU 51 to transition from the sleep mode to the normal mode in the return process. By executing the return process, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the hibernation state to the normal state.

When the image forming apparatus 10 is requested to execute the print process in the hibernation state, the secondary control unit 5b first executes the return process, and then the main control unit 5a and print engine 50 execute the print process. to execute the print processing.

For example, the return event is some or all of the following: a first return event, a second return event, and a third return event.

The first return event is an event in which a processing request requiring some or all of the plurality of target devices is received from the host device 9 through the communication device 6.

The second return event is an event in which a predetermined return operation is performed on the operating device 3a. The third return event is an event in which the human sensor 8 detects a person.

The suspension process by the main controller 5a and the return process by the secondary controller 5b are examples of power saving control.

The history management unit 5c executes history management processing, which will be described later, when the image forming apparatus 10 returns from the hibernation state to the normal state (see FIG. 5). The history management process will be described later.

By the way, the image forming apparatus 10 can communicate with a host device 9 such as a personal computer. The host device 9 may frequently send processing requests to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network 90 due to the installation of a certain type of application program.

Furthermore, if the secondary storage device 4 includes a hard disk drive or a flash memory, there is a limit to the number of times the secondary storage device 4 can be activated due to lifespan constraints.

If the image forming apparatus 10 frequently receives the processing request from the host device 9, the secondary control unit 5b may frequently execute the return processing. In this case, there is a risk that the secondary storage device 4 will reach the end of its lifespan early before the operating time of the image forming apparatus 10 reaches its designed lifespan.

Further, if the secondary control unit 5b limits the number of times the return process is performed, the convenience for the user of the image forming apparatus 10 is impaired.

Furthermore, if the suspension condition is set to a condition that is met less frequently, the effect of the power saving control may be significantly reduced.

On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 10, the CPU 51 executes normal state control and hibernation state control, which will be described later (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Thereby, the image forming apparatus 10 can prevent the power saving control from frequently starting up the secondary storage device 4, which has a restriction on the number of times of starting, while suppressing a decrease in the effect of the power saving control.

[Normal state control]
Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the normal state control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3.

The main control unit 5a executes the normal state control when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal state.

In the following description, S101, S102, . . . represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the normal state control. In the normal state control, first, the process of step S101 is executed.

<Step S101>
In step S101, the main control unit 5a determines whether the image forming apparatus 10 has returned from the hibernation state to the normal state.

When the main control unit 5a determines that the image forming apparatus 10 has returned from the hibernation state to the normal state, the main control unit 5a shifts the process to step S102.

On the other hand, if the main control unit 5a determines that the image forming apparatus 10 has not returned from the hibernation state, the main control unit 5a moves the process to step S103. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 is activated due to a factor such as turning on the power, the main control unit 5a determines that the image forming apparatus 10 has not returned from the hibernation state.

<Step S102>
In step S102, the history management unit 5c executes the history management process (see FIG. 5). The history management process is a process for managing the history of execution of the return process. An example of the history management process will be described later.

After executing the process in step S102, the history management unit 5c moves the process to step S103.

<Step S103>
In step S103, the main control unit 5a checks the status of the communication device 6, and when a processing request from the host device 9 is received, shifts the process to step S104.

On the other hand, when the processing request from the host device 9 is not received by the communication device 6, the main control unit 5a causes the process to proceed to step S105.

<Step S104>
In step S104, the main control unit 5a executes reception handling processing. The main control unit 5a executes processing corresponding to the processing request received through the communication device 6 in the reception handling processing.

For example, if the processing request is a print request, the main control unit 5a causes the printing device 1 to execute the print processing through the print engine 50. In this case, the printing device 1 executes the print process based on the print data received following the print request.

Furthermore, when the processing request is a data storage request, the main control unit 5a stores the storage target data received following the processing request in the secondary storage device 4.

After executing the reception handling process, the main control unit 5a moves the process to step S103.

<Step S105>
In step S105, the main control unit 5a checks whether the human sensor 8 detects a person.

The main control unit 5a causes the process to proceed to step S110 when the human sensor 8 detects a person. On the other hand, if the human sensor 8 does not detect a person, the main control unit 5a shifts the process to step S106.

<Step S106>
In step S106, the main control unit 5a determines whether the first time condition is satisfied. The first time condition is that the waiting time reaches a preset first set time. The waiting time is the elapsed time after the processing corresponding to the processing request is completed.

In the initial state of the image forming apparatus 10, the first set time is set to a predetermined time. Further, the main control unit 5a can change the first set time according to a setting operation on the operating device 3a.

When the main control unit 5a determines that the first time condition is satisfied, the main control unit 5a shifts the process to step S107. On the other hand, when the main control unit 5a determines that the first time condition is not satisfied, the main control unit 5a shifts the process to step S110.

<Step S107>
In step S107, the main control unit 5a determines whether the second time condition is satisfied. The second time condition is that the waiting time reaches a preset second set time.

In the initial state of the image forming apparatus 10, the second set time is set to the same time as the first set time. Further, the second set time may be automatically changed by the main control unit 5a in the history management process.

However, the second set time is set to be longer than the first set time. Therefore, if the second time condition is satisfied in step S107, the second set time is set to be the same as the first set time. Note that the process for setting the second set time will be described later.

When the main control unit 5a determines that the second time condition is satisfied, the main control unit 5a moves the process to step S108. On the other hand, when the main control unit 5a determines that the second time condition is not satisfied, the main control unit 5a shifts the process to step S109.

<Step S108>
In step S108, the main control unit 5a executes the suspension process. As a result, the power supply to the plurality of target devices is stopped, and the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the normal state to the hibernation state.

After executing the process of step S108, the main control unit 5a ends the normal state control.

Note that the suspension process in step S107 includes a process of stopping power supply to the secondary storage device 4. The secondary storage device 4 is an example of a specific device. Further, the suspending process includes a process of shifting the CPU 51 from the normal mode to the sleep mode.

<Step S109>
In step S109, the main control unit 5a executes a first pause process. The first suspension process includes a process of stopping power supply to devices other than the secondary storage device 4 among the plurality of target devices by controlling the switch circuit 7 .

Further, the first pause process includes a process of shifting the CPU 51 from the normal mode to the sleep mode.

The one or more devices whose power supply is stopped in step S109 is an example of one or more additional specific devices different from the secondary storage device 4.

By executing the process in step S109, the image forming apparatus 10 transitions from the normal state to a semi-dormant state.

The semi-dormant state in this embodiment is a state in which power supply to devices other than the secondary storage device 4 among the plurality of target devices is stopped and the CPU 51 operates in the slip mode. In the semi-dormant state, power supply to the secondary storage device 4 is maintained.

After executing the process of step S109, the main control unit 5a ends the normal state control. Note that the main control unit 5a that executes the processing in steps S105 to S109 is an example of a pause control unit.

The suspension processing in step S108 includes the first suspension processing in step S109. The first pause process is executed when a first pause condition including the condition that the human sensor 8 does not detect a person and the first time condition is satisfied (see steps S105 to S107).

<Step S110>
In step S110, the main control unit 5a checks the state of the operating device 3a, and when an operation requesting processing is detected in the operating device 3a, the process moves to step S111.

On the other hand, the main control unit 5a causes the process to proceed to step S103 when the operation requesting the process is not detected on the operating device 3a.

<Step S111>
In step S111, the main control unit 5a executes operation corresponding processing. In the operation corresponding process, the main control unit 5a executes a process corresponding to the operation of the processing request detected by the operating device 3a.

For example, when a copy operation is detected in the operating device 3a, the main control unit 5a causes the image reading device 2 to execute the reading process, and causes the printing device 1 to execute the print process via the print engine 50. At this time, the main control unit 5a causes the printing device 1 to execute the printing process based on the data of the read image.

Further, the main control unit 5a causes the printing device 1 to execute the printing process through the print engine 50 when a stored data output operation is detected in the operating device 3a. At this time, the main control unit 5a causes the printing device 1 to execute the printing process based on the image data stored in the secondary storage device 4.

Further, when a screen switching operation on the operating device 3a is detected, the main control unit 5a executes a process of switching the screen displayed on the display device 3b to a screen corresponding to the screen switching operation.

After executing the process in step S111, the main control unit 5a moves the process to step S103.

[Hibernation control]
Next, an example of a procedure for controlling the hibernation state will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4.

The secondary control unit 5b executes the hibernation state control when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the hibernation state. That is, the hibernation state control is executed under a situation where power supply to the plurality of target devices including the secondary storage device 4 is stopped.

In the following description, S201, S202, . . . represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the hibernation state control. In the hibernation state control, first, the process of step S201 is executed.

<Step S201>
In step S201, the secondary control unit 5b executes a process of checking whether the return event has occurred. For example, the return event is the first return event, the second return event, or the third return event.

The secondary control unit 5b causes the process to proceed to step S202 when the return event occurs. On the other hand, the secondary control unit 5b causes the process to proceed to step S203 when the return event has not occurred.

<Step S202>
In step S202, the secondary control unit 5b executes the return process. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 10 returns from the hibernation state to the normal state.

For example, the return process may be executed in response to the first return event. In this case, the secondary control unit 5b executes the return process when receiving the process request that requires the secondary storage device 4 from the host device 9 through the communication device 6. Note that the secondary control unit 5b that executes the process in step S202 is an example of a return control unit.

After executing the process of step S202, the secondary control unit 5b ends the hibernation state control.

<Step S203>
In step S203, the secondary control unit 5b checks the state of the communication device 6, and when the response request is received through the communication device 6, moves the process to step S204.

The response request is a request for response processing. The response process is a process for responding to what state the image forming apparatus 10 is in. The response request is an example of a request for processing that does not require the plurality of target devices.

If the response request is not received through the communication device 6, the secondary control unit 5b moves the process to step S205.

<Step S204>
In step S204, the secondary control unit 5b executes the response process corresponding to the response request. In the response process, the secondary control unit 5b transmits information representing the state of the image forming apparatus 10 to the sender of the response request.

After executing the process in step S204, the secondary control unit 5b moves the process to step S205.

<Step S205>
In step S205, the secondary control unit 5b checks whether or not the secondary storage device 4 is being supplied with power.

The secondary control unit 5b causes the process to proceed to step S206 when the secondary storage device 4 is in a state where power is being supplied. On the other hand, the secondary control unit 5b causes the process to proceed to step S201 when the secondary storage device 4 is in a state where power is not supplied.

<Step S206>
In step S206, the secondary control unit 5b determines whether the second time condition is satisfied. As described above, the second time condition is that the waiting time reaches the second set time.

If the second time condition is satisfied in step S207, the second set time is set to be longer than the first set time.

When the main control unit 5a determines that the second time condition is satisfied, the main control unit 5a shifts the process to step S207. On the other hand, when the main control section 5a determines that the second time condition is not satisfied, the main control section 5a shifts the process to step S201.

<Step S207>
In step S207, the secondary control unit 5b executes a second pause process. The second suspension process is a process of stopping power supply to the secondary storage device 4 by controlling the switch circuit 7.

By executing the process in step S207, the image forming apparatus 10 transitions from the semi-dormant state to the rest state.

After executing the process in step S207, the secondary control unit 5b moves the process to step S201. Note that the secondary control unit 5b that executes the processing in steps S205 to S207 is an example of a pause control unit.

The second pause process in step S207 is executed when a second pause condition including the second time condition and the condition that the second set time is longer than the first set time is satisfied (step S106 ~S107 and step S206).

[History management processing]
Next, an example of the procedure of the history management process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

As described above, the history management unit 5c executes the history management process in step S102 in the normal state control. That is, the history management unit 5c executes the history management process when the return process is executed.

In the following description, S301, S302, . . . represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the history management process. In the history management process, first, the process of step S301 is executed.

<Step S301>
In step S301, the history management unit 5c records restoration history information representing the history of the restoration process in the secondary storage device 4.

For example, the return history information includes return time information and return cause information. The return time information is information representing the time when the image forming apparatus 10 returns to the normal state by the return process. The return cause information is information representing the content of the return event that caused the return process.

For example, when the return event that caused the return process is the first return event, the return cause information includes information on the source of the process request, information on the content of the process request, and the like.

The source of the processing request is the host device 9 that sent the processing request. The information on the content of the processing request is an example of information that can identify the type of the processing request.

After executing the process in step S301, the history management unit 5c moves the process to step S302. Note that the history management unit 5c that executes the process in step S302 is an example of a history recording unit.

<Step S302>
In step S302, the history management unit 5c identifies a return frequency corresponding to the type of the return event that caused the return process, based on the return history information. The return frequency is the frequency of the return processing.

For example, the history management unit 5c specifies the number of times the return process is performed during a predetermined evaluation period as the return frequency.

Note that when the return event that caused the return process is the first return event, the type of the return event is the type of the process request.

After executing the process in step S302, the history management unit 5c moves the process to step S303.

<Step S303>
In step S303, the history management unit 5c determines whether the current time is within the change waiting period.

The change waiting period is a period from when the second set time is changed until a predetermined time has elapsed.

The history management unit 5c ends the history management process when determining that the current time is within the change waiting period. On the other hand, if the history management unit 5c determines that the current time has passed the change waiting period, the process moves to step S304.

<Step S304>
In step S304, the history management unit 5c determines whether the return frequency specified in step S302 is higher than a predetermined first reference frequency.

The first reference frequency is the upper limit frequency of activation of the secondary storage device 4 during a predetermined evaluation period. The first reference frequency is set in advance so that the estimated lifespan of the secondary storage device 4 is longer than the designed lifespan of the image forming apparatus 10.

When the history management unit 5c determines that the return frequency is higher than the first reference frequency, the history management unit 5c moves the process to step S305. On the other hand, when the history management unit 5c determines that the return frequency is less than or equal to the first reference frequency, the history management unit 5c moves the process to step S307.

<Step S305>
In step S305, the history management unit 5c executes extension setting of the second set time. The extension setting is a process of setting the second set time to a longer time than the original time.

In step S305, the history management unit 5c sets the second set time to a time longer than the first set time. The first set time is an example of a predetermined reference time.

For example, the history management unit 5c derives the extension time of the second set time according to the difference between the return frequency and the first reference frequency. Furthermore, the history management unit 5c may set a new second set time by adding a predetermined time to the original second set time.

In this embodiment, the history management unit 5c sets the second set time within a range that does not exceed a predetermined upper limit set time.

After executing the process in step S305, the history management unit 5c moves the process to step S306.

<Step S306>
In step S306, the history management unit 5c executes a return frequency notification process. The return frequency notification process is a process of transmitting notification information indicating the frequency of the return process to a predetermined destination.

The notification information is the return history information or information based on the return history information. For example, the notification information is information representing the number of times of return during the evaluation period for each type of return factor information.

For example, the history management unit 5c transmits the notification information as an e-mail via the communication device 6. The destination of the notification information is a device corresponding to the administrator of the image forming device 10. For example, the destination of the notification information is one of the host devices 9 or a management server on the Internet.

By executing the return frequency notification process, the administrator can understand the factors that cause the return process to occur frequently, and can take measures to reduce the frequency of the return process.

Note that the process of step S306 is executed when the frequency of the return process exceeds the first reference frequency. The history management unit 5c that executes the process in step S306 is an example of a notification unit.

After executing the process of step S306, the history management unit 5c ends the history management process.

<Step S307>
In step S307, the history management unit 5c determines whether the return frequency specified in step S302 is lower than a predetermined second reference frequency. The second reference frequency is a lower frequency than the first reference frequency.

When the history management unit 5c determines that the return frequency is lower than the second reference frequency, the history management unit 5c moves the process to step S308. On the other hand, the history management unit 5c ends the history management process when determining that the return frequency is equal to or higher than the second reference frequency.

<Step S308>
In step S308, the history management unit 5c executes the shortening setting of the second set time. The shortening setting is a process of setting the second set time to a shorter time than the original time.

For example, the history management unit 5c derives the reduction time of the second set time according to the difference between the return frequency and the second reference frequency. The history management unit 5c may also set a new second set time by subtracting a predetermined time from the original second set time.

The history management unit 5c sets the second set time within a range that is not less than the first set time. Further, the history management unit 5c may set the first set time as the second set time in step S308.

After executing the process of step S308, the history management unit 5c ends the history management process.

As shown above, the history management unit 5c can specify the return frequency corresponding to the type of processing request that caused the return processing (step S302). Further, the history management unit 5c sets the second set time according to the specified return frequency (steps S304, S305, S307, S308).

Note that the history management unit 5c that executes the processes of steps S302 to S305 and steps S307 to S308 is an example of a time condition setting unit.

Further, when the processing request that caused the return processing is a request that is received frequently, the history management unit 5c executes the extension setting of the second set time (step S304 in FIG. 5). ~See S305). This reduces the frequency of stopping and starting the secondary storage device 4 (see steps S107 and S109 in FIG. 3).

Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 can avoid frequently starting up the secondary storage device 4, which has a restriction on the number of times of starting, by the power saving control.

Furthermore, the control to reduce the frequency of stopping and starting the secondary storage device 4 is limitedly executed for the processing requests that are received frequently. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of activations of the secondary storage device 4 while suppressing a decrease in the effect of the power saving control.

[First application example]
A first application example of the embodiment will be described below.

In this application example, the main control unit 5a executes the processes of steps S302 to S308 in FIG. 5 during a preset specific time period. The processes of S302 to S308 are an example of a process of setting the second set time according to the frequency of the return process.

That is, the main control unit 5a in this application example does not execute the processes of steps S302 to S308 in FIG. 5 during a time period other than the specific time period.

The specific time period is, for example, a standard working time period in an office. Even when this application example is adopted, the same effects as when the above embodiment is adopted can be obtained.

[Second application example]
A second application example of the embodiment will be described below.

In this application example, the main control unit 5a executes the restriction on suspension of the secondary storage device 4 in steps S107 and S109 in FIG. 3 during the specific time period.

That is, the main control unit 5a in this application example executes the suspension process in step S108 when the first time condition is satisfied in a time period other than the specific time period. Even when this application example is adopted, the same effects as when the above embodiment is adopted can be obtained.

1: Printing device 1a: Sheet transport mechanism 1b: Photoconductor 1c: Charging device 1d: Laser scanning unit 1e: Developing device 1f: Transfer device 1g: Fixing device 2: Image reading device 2a: Light source 2b: Scanning mechanism 2c: Image sensor 3: User interface unit 6: Communication device 7: Switch circuit 8: Human sensor 9: Host device 10: Image forming device 90: Network

Claims (5)

a communication device capable of communicating with other devices;
a non-volatile storage device;
a suspension control unit that stops power supply to the specific device when a suspension condition including a time condition that the elapsed time after the processing corresponding to the processing request is completed reaches a set time;
Returning to perform a return process of supplying power to the specific device when the processing request requiring the specific device is received through the communication device under a situation where the power supply to the specific device is stopped. a control unit;
a history recording unit that records return history information representing a history of the return processing in the nonvolatile storage device;
When the return process is executed, the frequency of the return process corresponding to the type of processing request that caused the return process is specified based on the return history information, and the frequency of the specified return process is determined. an image forming apparatus comprising: a time condition setting section that sets the set time according to the set time; The time condition setting section includes:
If the frequency of the return process exceeds a first reference frequency, setting the set time to a time longer than a predetermined reference time;
If the frequency of the return process is lower than a second reference frequency that is lower than the first reference frequency, the set time is set to a time longer than the reference time and shorter than the original time, or to the reference time. 1. The image forming apparatus according to 1. Claim further comprising: a notification unit that transmits the return history information or information based on the return history information to a preset destination through the communication device when the frequency of the return process exceeds the first reference frequency. 2. The image forming apparatus according to 2. The specific device includes the nonvolatile storage device,
The suspension control unit controls power supply to one or more additional specific devices different from the nonvolatile storage device when a first suspension condition including a first time condition that the elapsed time reaches a first set time is satisfied. stop supply,
Furthermore, the hibernation control unit stops power supply to the nonvolatile storage device when a second hibernation condition including a second time condition that the elapsed time reaches a second set time is satisfied;
The return control unit supplies power to the nonvolatile storage device and the additional specific device in the return process,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the time condition setting unit sets the second set time that is greater than or equal to the first set time depending on the frequency of the return process. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the time condition setting unit sets the set time according to the frequency of the return process in a preset time slot.