JP4958235B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of performing error notification while maintaining an energy saving mode, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of reducing power consumption required for error notification.

  In recent years, for information processing equipment and home appliances, when they have not been used for a certain period of time based on environmental standards such as the International Energy Program (ENERGY STAR), the equipment functions are automatically reduced. The power consumption is reduced by, for example, pausing.

  However, in the past, when an error has occurred in the energy saving mode, the energy saving mode is generally canceled and an error message is displayed on a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). I could n’t.

  Therefore, in order to solve this problem, a sub CPU is provided in the device separately from the main CPU (Central Processing Unit), and when an error occurs in the device in the energy saving mode in which the power of the main CPU is off, the sub CPU Has proposed a multi-function terminal device capable of performing error notification while maintaining the energy saving mode by detecting an error and notifying the user by voice (see Patent Document 1).

However, in this multi-function terminal device, since energy for voice output is required until the user notices an error notification by voice and performs a voice output stop operation, it does not lead to power saving. Further, the case where an error occurs in the main CPU (main control means) is not taken into consideration.

Japanese Patent No. 361883

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and a first object of the present invention is to form an image capable of notifying an error while maintaining an energy saving mode in which the power source of the main control unit is turned off. In the apparatus, the power required for error notification is reduced. The second object is to enable error detection and notification of the main control means .

The invention according to claim 1 functions as main control means for controlling each part of the own apparatus, means for turning off the power of the main control means in the energy saving mode of the own apparatus, and main memory or work area of the main control means and, wherein the energy-saving mode storage means for operating in self-refresh mode, and error monitoring means for monitoring the error of the main control unit, when said error monitoring means determines that an error exists in the main control unit, an outer An image forming apparatus comprising: a notification unit configured to notify an error to the image forming unit, wherein the error monitoring unit detects an error of the main control unit during the energy saving mode and when returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. console log of the written software to determine the normal or not in the storage means whether And wherein the door.
A second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising means for turning off the power of the notification means when the error notification is made .
The invention according to claim 3, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, a return detecting means for detecting the recovery from the error, based on the output of the restoration detection means, means for the supply of the notification unit to on- It is characterized by having.
The invention according to claim 4, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a return detecting means for detecting the recovery from the error, the notification unit based on the output of the return detecting means, has recovered from the error This message is notified to the external device .
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the error monitoring means detects an error in the energy saving mode, an error display means for displaying an error message and an error notification by the notification means are executed. in response, characterized by chromatic and means for turning off the power of the error display unit.

According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus capable of performing error notification while maintaining the energy saving mode in which the power of the main control unit is turned off, the error notification is performed while maintaining the energy saving mode, and the power required for error notification Can be reduced compared with the case of error notification by voice output. In addition, an error of the main control means can be detected and notified.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus which is an electronic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This image forming apparatus is an MFP (multifunction printer) having a plurality of functions such as a facsimile communication function, an Internet facsimile function, a copying function, and a network printer function.

  The image forming apparatus includes a main configuration unit 1, a sub configuration unit 2, a main power supply unit 3, a sub power supply unit 4, a reading unit 15, a writing unit 16, and an operation unit 17. The main configuration unit 1, the reading unit 15, the writing unit 16, and the operation unit 17 are supplied with power (power) from the main power supply unit 3, and the sub configuration unit 2 is supplied with power from the sub power supply unit 4. .

  The main configuration unit 1 includes a main CPU 12, a main ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14, and a LAN (Local Area Network) I / F (interface) 18. The main CPU 12, main ROM 13, and RAM 14 are connected to each other by a bus 11. The sub structure unit 2 includes a state notification control unit 21 and a sub ROM 22. The status notification control unit 21 is connected to the sub ROM 22, the bus 11, and the main CPU 12. The LAN I / F 18 of the main configuration unit 1 is connected to client PCs (personal computers) 6 to 8 which are host devices (external devices) via a LAN 5.

  The main CPU 12 functions as a control unit that controls each part of the image forming apparatus according to a control program stored in the main ROM 13. The RAM 14 functions as a main memory or work area for the main CPU 12. The LAN I / F 18 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus and the LAN 5. Through this, the image forming apparatus communicates with the client PCs 6 to 8 connected to the LAN 5, and other electronic mail transmitting / receiving terminals (see FIG. (Not shown) and Internet facsimile communication.

  The reading unit 15 reads an image of a document or the like by a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and generates image data. The writing unit 16 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data generated by the reading unit 15 and the print data input from the client PCs 6 to 8. The operation unit 17 includes various operation keys and a display unit such as an LCD.

  The state notification control unit 21 is connected to the LAN I / F 18. That is, the main CPU 12 and the state notification control unit 21 share the LAN I / F 18. Further, the state notification control unit 21 includes a sub CPU. The sub CPU executes predetermined control according to the control program stored in the sub ROM 22. Note that a dedicated LAN I / F may be provided in the state notification control unit 21. An LSI such as an ASIC may be used instead of the sub CPU and sub ROM of the state notification control unit 21.

  When this image forming apparatus is not used for a certain time, for example, when there is no operation input from the operation unit 17 for a certain time, or when there is no data input from the client PCs 6 to 8 for a certain time, the main power source is controlled by the state control notification unit 21. By controlling the control unit 3 and the like, the apparatus shifts to an energy saving mode (hereinafter referred to as an energy saving mode). In the energy saving mode, the main CPU 12 and the main ROM 13 are turned off (that is, the power supply from the main power supply unit 3 is cut off), and the RAM 14 operates in the self-refresh mode.

  When a malfunction occurs in the apparatus during the energy saving mode, the state notification control unit 21 notifies the host PCs 6 to 8 through the LAN I / F 18 of an error. For example, when an error occurs in the reading unit 15, an error interrupt signal is sent from the reading unit 15 to the state notification control unit 21 via the bus 11. When the status notification control unit 21 recognizes the error interrupt signal, it reads the network packet from the sub-ROM 22, adds the error content to make an error notification packet, and transmits it to the host PCs 6 to 8 through the LAN I / F 18 and the LAN 5.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, when a malfunction occurs in the energy saving mode, the status notification control unit 21 only transmits an error notification packet to the host PCs 6 to 8, so that audio output is performed. Compared with the conventional apparatus to perform, power consumption is reduced and the power saving effect is improved.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are assigned to the same or corresponding parts as those in FIG. In the drawings of the third to sixth embodiments, which will be described later, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are assigned to the same or corresponding parts as those in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus of this embodiment is obtained by adding a CPU error monitoring unit 23 in the sub-configuration unit 2 of the image forming apparatus of FIG. The CPU error monitoring unit 23 detects an error generated in the main CPU 12 during the energy saving mode of the image forming apparatus and when the image forming apparatus returns from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, and sends a detection signal to the state notification control unit 21.

  Assume that an error occurs during the energy saving mode and when returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode and shifting to a printable state. In this case, there are the following three methods for determining whether the main CPU 12 has an error.

(1) Whether or not power is normally supplied to the main CPU 12 (2) When the state notification control unit 21 wakes up the main CPU 12, a signal (for example, from the state notification control unit 21) is a mark indicating that the main CPU 12 has returned to normal. (3) Whether the console log of the software written in the RAM 14 is normal or not (whether there is an acknowledgment response (Ack) signal from the main CPU 12 with respect to the wake-up signal)

  When an error of the main CPU 12 is detected by these methods, the state notification control unit 21 notifies the host PCs 6 to 8 of the error via the LAN I / F 18 to notify the user of the error of the main CPU 12 in the energy saving mode. be able to. Hereinafter, the three methods will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the first method. A in this figure is a case where power is normally supplied to the main CPU 12, and B is a case where power is not normally supplied.

  As shown in step S1 of A in this figure, when the apparatus is operating in the energy saving mode, an energy saving return target signal (signal for returning to the normal mode) transmitted from at least one of the host PCs 6 to 8 is received. The data is input to the LAN I / F 18 and sent to the state notification control unit 21. The state notification control unit 21 instructs the main power supply unit 3 to supply power to the main CPU 12 and the main ROM 13 based on the reception of the energy saving return target signal. Here, the energy saving return target signal is print data or the like.

  In step S2, the state notification control unit 21 instructs the CPU error monitoring unit 23 to check the voltage of the power supply line L1 from the main power supply unit 3 to the main CPU 12, and the CPU error monitoring unit 23 Execute. Here, it is confirmed in step S3 that the voltage value is normal.

  Further, as shown in steps S1 and S2 of FIG. 3B, even when the power is not normally supplied, the CPU error monitoring unit 23 checks the voltage of the power supply line L1 from the main power supply unit 3 to the main CPU 12. The process is the same as when the supply is normally performed.

  However, in the next step S <b> 4, the CPU error monitoring unit 23 confirms that the voltage value is not normal and notifies the state notification control unit 21. The state notification control unit 21 creates an error packet indicating that the power supply voltage value of the main CPU 12 is not normally output based on the notification from the CPU error monitoring notification unit 23, and saves energy through the LAN 5. Notify the host PC that sent the signal or all the host PCs on the LAN 5.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the second method. A in this figure is a case where there is an Ack signal from the main CPU 12 with respect to a wakeup signal of the state notification control unit 21, and B is a case where there is no such signal.

  Step S11 in FIG. 3A is the same as step S1 in FIG. 3A. In the next step S12, the state notification control unit 21 instructs the CPU error monitoring unit 23 to transmit a wakeup signal to the main CPU 12, and the CPU error monitoring unit 23 executes it.

  In step S <b> 13, the main CPU 12 returns to the normal mode upon reception of the wakeup signal, and transmits an Ack signal indicating the return to the CPU error monitoring unit 23. In the next step S14, the CPU error monitoring unit 23 determines that the main CPU 12 has returned to normal by receiving the Ack signal.

  Further, as shown in steps S11 and S12 of FIG. 4B, even when there is no Ack signal from the main CPU 12 for the wake-up signal of the CPU error monitoring unit 23, the CPU error monitoring unit 23 transmits a wake-up signal to the main CPU 12. The process up to is the same as when the Ack signal is present.

  However, in step S14, the main CPU 12 has some trouble, and even if it receives the wake-up signal, it cannot return to normal, so the Ack signal cannot be transmitted to the CPU error monitoring unit 23.

  As a result, in step S15, the CPU error monitoring unit 23 determines that an error has occurred in the main CPU 12 because the Ack signal is not received even after a lapse of a certain time since the transmission of the wakeup signal, and the status notification Notify the control unit 21.

  The state notification control unit 21 creates an error packet indicating that an error has occurred in the main CPU 12 based on the notification from the CPU error monitoring notification unit 23 and transmits the error packet to the host PC via the LAN 5.

  In the above description, the CPU error monitoring / notifying unit 23 transmits the wakeup signal and receives the Ack signal. However, the state notification control unit 21 may be configured to perform them.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the third method. A in this figure is a case where it is determined from the console log that the main CPU 12 is operating normally, and B is a case where it is determined that the main CPU 12 is not operating normally.

  Step S21 in FIG. 3A is the same as step S1 in FIG. 3A. In the next step S22, the state notification control unit 21 instructs the CPU error monitoring unit 23 to check the console log of the software written in the RAM 14, and the CPU error monitoring unit 23 executes it. Here, in step S23, it is determined from the console log that the main CPU 12 is operating normally.

  Further, as shown in steps S21 and S22 of FIG. 5B, when it is determined from the console log that the main CPU 12 is not operating normally, the CPU error monitoring unit 23 checks the software console log written in the RAM 14. The processing up to this is the same as that for determining that the operation is normal.

  However, in step S24, since the main CPU 12 does not operate normally for some reason, the software console log is not normal. As a result, in step S25, the CPU error monitoring unit 23 confirms that the main CPU 12 is not operating normally, and notifies the state notification control unit 21 of it.

  The status notification control unit 21 creates an error packet indicating that an error has occurred in the main CPU 12 based on the notification from the CPU error monitoring notification unit 23, and notifies the host PC via the LAN 5.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured such that, in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1, the status notification control unit 21 immediately turns off the sub power supply unit 4 after transmitting an error notification packet to the host PC. It is. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce power consumption of the sub configuration unit 2 including the state notification control unit 21 and the sub ROM 22.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, after the error notification packet is transmitted to the host PC, the sub power supply unit 4 is turned off. In addition, when returning from an error in this state, the main power supply unit 3 turns on the sub power supply unit 4 at that timing, and when returning from the error in the normal mode (when printing is possible), the main power supply unit 3 is turned on at that timing. The CPU 12 is configured to turn on the sub power supply unit 4. Thereby, when there is no error in the apparatus, the power supply of the state notification control unit 21 is always turned on, so that an error in the apparatus can always be detected and notified to the host PC.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the fourth embodiment, the state notification control unit 21 is configured to transmit a packet indicating that the apparatus has recovered from an error to the host PC via the LAN 5. With this configuration, the user of the host PC can recognize that the apparatus has recovered from the error.

[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the fourth embodiment, after the status notification control unit 21 transmits an error packet to the host PC, the operation unit 17 or the like that displays an error to the main power supply unit 3 The power supply is instructed to be turned off, and the main power supply unit 3 is configured to execute it. Thereby, the power consumption of the entire apparatus can be further reduced.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart of processing for determining whether or not there is an error in the main CPU depending on whether or not the power supply voltage value of the main CPU is normal. 6 is a flowchart of processing for determining whether or not there is an error in the main CPU based on the presence or absence of an Ack signal from the main CPU 12 in response to a wake-up signal from the state notification control unit. 6 is a flowchart of processing for determining whether or not there is an error in the main CPU depending on whether or not the console log of software written in a RAM is normal. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of the 6th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  3 ... main power supply unit, 4 ... sub power supply unit, 5 ... LAN, 6-8 ... host PC, 12 ... main CPU, 13 ... main ROM, 17 ... Operation unit, 18 ... LAN I / F, 21 ... status notification control unit, 23 ... CPU error monitoring unit.

Claims (5)

Main control means for controlling each part of the device itself ;
Means for turning off the power of the main control means during the energy saving mode of its own device ;
Storage means that functions as a main memory or work area of the main control means and operates in a self-refresh mode during the energy saving mode;
An error monitoring means for monitoring an error of the main control means;
When the error monitoring unit determines that an error exists in the main control unit, a notification unit that performs error notification to an external device,
An image forming apparatus comprising:
The error monitoring means determines whether or not there is an error in the main control means based on whether or not the console log of the software written in the storage means is normal during the energy saving mode and when returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
An image forming apparatus comprising: means for turning off the power of the notification means when the error notification is made . The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .
A return detecting means for detecting the recovery from the error, based on the output of the restoration detection unit, an image forming apparatus characterized by comprising means for the supply of the notification unit to on-. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .
An image forming system comprising: a return detection unit that detects a return from an error; and the notification unit notifies the external device of a message indicating that a return from the error has occurred based on an output of the return detection unit. apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
An error display means for displaying an error message when the error monitoring means detects an error in the energy saving mode; and means for turning off the power of the error display means in response to execution of the error notification by the notification means. An image forming apparatus.

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