JP5262433B2 - Image forming apparatus, control apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control apparatus, and a program.

In general image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers, for example, when image data or the like is not input over a predetermined time, the apparatus is shifted to an operation state (power saving state) with low power consumption to save power of the apparatus. We are trying to make it. In this case, how the image forming apparatus is used differs depending on the user. For this reason, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus that can set a power saving state in accordance with the usage pattern of the user.
For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that can change and select components that are cut off from power supply when a power saving mode (power saving state) is set.

JP 2001-148751 A

Here, in general, in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printing function, a facsimile function, etc., any of the components that execute these functions is set to a state where the power supply is stopped during the power saving state. Even when the power is restored, power is supplied to the entire image forming apparatus when returning from the power saving state. For this reason, generally, immediately after returning from the power saving state, although only one of these functions is used, the entire function of the image forming apparatus is in an operating state, and power is wasted. There was a case.
An object of the present invention is to reduce the power consumed by an image forming apparatus after returning from a power saving state.

The invention described in claim 1 includes an image forming function unit that forms an image based on image information, and a plurality of control function units that transmit and receive information or signals related to image formation between the image forming function unit and the image forming function unit. A control unit that controls power supply to the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units, and a specification receiving unit that receives one or more designations of the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units, When the control unit returns the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to a power supply state, the designation receiving unit performs the image forming function unit and the plurality of control units. It is determined whether there is a default setting that accepts one or more specifications of the functional unit in advance, and if it is determined that the default setting exists, the default setting is determined. In which the specified the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit in an image forming apparatus characterized by setting the power supply state.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the control unit returns the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to a power supply state, the default setting does not exist. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determination is made, the designation receiving unit accepts one or more designations of the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units. .
According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the control unit returns the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to a power supply state, the default setting does not exist. If it is determined, the control function unit that is commonly used for any of the function contents of the plurality of function functions realized by the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units is set to the power supply state. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the designation accepting unit is configured to designate a part of the constituent elements constituting the image forming function unit and to configure the control function unit in which a power supply state is set by the control unit. The specification of a part of the element is further accepted as a detailed setting, and the control unit performs the specification when returning the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to the power supply state. any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to set a part of the portion of the image forming function unit based on the specified the Advanced and / or the control function unit to the power supply state by receiving means The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an image forming function unit that forms an image based on image information, and a plurality of control function units that transmit / receive information or signals related to image formation to / from the image forming function unit Control means for controlling power supply to the image forming apparatus, and designation receiving means for accepting one or more designations of the image forming function section and the plurality of control function sections, wherein the control means includes the image forming function section and the plurality of control function sections. When the power stop state set in the control function unit is returned to the power supply state, one or more designations of the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units are received in advance by the designation receiving unit. It is determined whether or not a default setting exists. If it is determined that the default setting exists, the image forming function unit specified by the default setting and / or the The control function unit is set to a power supply state .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the control unit returns the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to a power supply state, the default setting does not exist. 6. The control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the determination is made, the designation receiving unit accepts one or more designations of the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the control unit returns the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to a power supply state, the default setting does not exist. If it is determined, the control function unit that is commonly used for any of the function contents of the plurality of function functions realized by the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units is set to the power supply state. The control device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control device is characterized in that:
The invention according to claim 8 is a configuration in which the designation receiving unit designates a part of the constituent elements constituting the image forming function unit and the control function unit to which the power supply state is set by the control unit. The specification of a part of the element is further accepted as a detailed setting, and the control unit performs the specification when returning the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to the power supply state. 8. A part of the image forming function part and / or a part of the control function part are set to a power supply state based on the detailed setting designated by the accepting unit. The control device according to claim 1.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an image forming function unit that forms an image based on image information and a plurality of controls that transmit and receive information or signals related to image formation between the image forming function unit. A function of accepting one or more designations from the function unit, and when returning the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to the power supply state, the image forming function unit and the plurality of function units It is determined whether there is a default setting that has received one or more designations of the control function unit in advance, and if it is determined that the default setting exists, the image formation designated in the default setting A program for realizing a function unit and / or a function for setting the control function unit to a power supply state.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the default setting does not exist when the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units is returned to the power supply state. The program according to claim 9, further realizing a function of accepting one or more designations of the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the power consumed by the image forming apparatus after returning from the power saving state as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted , and from the power saving state. It is possible to shorten the return processing time required for the return .
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the function that the user wants to operate when returning from the power stop state can be designated again, and the convenience of the user can be improved compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted. .
According to claim 3 of the present invention, the power supply state is quickly set for the functional units that operate in common with any function, and when returning from the power stop state compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted. Even when a functional unit to be set in the power supply state is designated, the recovery processing time can be shortened.
According to claim 4 of the present invention, the power supply state is set for each component constituting the functional unit, and the power consumption in each functional unit can be reduced as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted. .

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, it is possible to reduce the power consumed by the image forming apparatus after returning from the power saving state, and from the power saving state. It is possible to shorten the return processing time required for the return .
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the function that the user wants to operate when returning from the power stop state can be designated again, and the convenience of the user can be improved compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted. .
According to claim 7 of the present invention, the power supply state is quickly set for the functional units that operate in common with any function, and when returning from the power stop state compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted. Even when a functional unit to be set in the power supply state is designated, the recovery processing time can be shortened.
According to claim 8 of the present invention, the power supply state is set for each component constituting the functional unit, and the power consumption in each functional unit can be reduced as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted. .
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the power consumed by the image forming apparatus after returning from the power saving state, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted , and from the power saving state. It is possible to shorten the return processing time required for the return .
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the function that the user wants to operate when returning from the power stop state can be specified again, and the convenience of the user can be improved as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted. .

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<Overall description of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 generates an image data by reading an image on an original, an image forming unit 2 as an example of an image forming function unit that forms an image based on image data (image information) of each color, and generates image data. An image reading unit 3 is provided as an example of a control function unit to be sent to the forming unit 2. In addition, a user interface (UI) unit 4 as an example of a control function unit that receives an operation input from a user and displays various information for the user, for example, a control function unit that transmits and receives image information via a public telephone line. As an example, a facsimile (FAX) unit 5 is provided.
Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is externally connected to an image forming unit 2 (image forming apparatus main body), and is a tray unit 6 as an example of a control function unit that supplies paper P to the image forming unit 2, for example, a hard disk drive ( A memory unit 7 which is an external storage device composed of an HDD) or a flash memory. Furthermore, a system control unit 8 as an example of a control unit that controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1 and communication via a communication line, and a power supply unit 9 that supplies power to each unit are provided.
The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a duplex unit 10 as an example of a control function unit that configures a duplex conveyance path R2 used for duplex printing on a sheet P, and a control that configures a sheet conveyance path R3 from a manual sheet storage unit. A manual feed unit 11 as an example of a function unit, and a post-processing unit 12 as an example of a control function unit that performs post-processing such as binding on the paper P after image formation by the image forming unit 2 are provided.

<Description of image forming unit>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 2 includes four image forming modules 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K (hereinafter, image forming module 30) arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval. Each image forming module 30 includes a photosensitive drum 31 that forms an electrostatic latent image and holds a toner image as an image forming mechanism (an image forming mechanism 24 in FIG. 3) as an example of a component, and a photosensitive drum. A charger 32 for charging the surface of the drum 31, an exposure device 33 for exposing the photosensitive drum 31 charged by the charger 32 based on image data, and developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 31. A developing unit 34 for cleaning and a cleaner 35 for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 after transfer are disposed.
Each image forming module 30 forms yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images.

Further, the image forming unit 2 has, as an image forming mechanism, an intermediate transfer belt 36 onto which each color toner image formed on the photoconductive drum 31 of each image forming module 30 is transferred in multiple, and each color toner by each image forming module 30. A primary transfer roll 37 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the image to the intermediate transfer belt 36, and a superimposed toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 36 is collectively transferred (secondary transfer) to a sheet P that is a recording material (recording paper). A secondary transfer roll 38 and a fixing device 39 for fixing the secondary transferred toner image onto the paper P.
Further, the image forming unit 2 includes a paper storage container 41 that stores the paper P1. Further, the paper feed mechanism unit 42 as an example of a component that feeds the paper P1 from the paper storage container 41 to the paper transport path R1, and the paper P1 from the paper storage container 41 and the paper P from the tray unit 6 to the paper transport path R1. A sheet transport mechanism unit 43 as an example of a component transported along is provided.
The image forming unit 2 receives image data from the image reading unit 3, print job data acquired by the system control unit 8 via the communication means (external LAN 14 in the subsequent stage FIG. 2), and facsimile data received by the FAX unit 5. Based on (image information), an image is formed on one side of the paper P stored in the paper storage container 41, the tray unit 6, and the manual feed unit 11. Also, images are formed on both sides using the duplex unit 10. Then, the image-formed paper P is conveyed to the post-processing unit 12.

<Description of image reading unit>
The image reading unit 3 reads an image on a document and generates, for example, R, G, and B color signals (image data). The image reading mechanism unit 3A is an example of a constituent element. Single-sided document conveyance mechanism unit 3B as an example of a component that conveys a document so as to be read, and double-sided document conveyance as an example of a component that conveys a document so that both sides of the document can be read by image reading mechanism unit 3A A mechanism 3C is provided.
Then, the image reading unit 3 reads an image from one side or both sides of the document to generate image data, and transmits the generated image data to the image forming unit 2.

<Description of tray unit>
The tray unit 6 includes three sub-tray mechanism units 6A to 6C as an example of components arranged in a column in the vertical direction, and a large example of components arranged in a row in the sub-tray mechanism units 6A to 6C. And a sub-tray mechanism 6D having a capacity. The sub-tray mechanism 6A accommodates the paper P2 and supplies the paper P2 to the image forming unit 2. The sub-tray mechanism 6B accommodates the paper P3 and supplies the paper P3 to the image forming unit 2 through the sub-tray mechanism 6A. The sub-tray mechanism 6C accommodates the paper P4 and supplies the paper P4 to the image forming unit 2 through the sub-tray mechanism 6A and the sub-tray mechanism 6B. The sub-tray mechanism 6D accommodates the paper P5 and supplies the paper P5 to the image forming unit 2.
Then, the tray unit 6 receives the paper P designated by the user's operation input in the UI unit 4 or the paper P designated by the print job data acquired by the system control unit 8 from any of the sub-tray mechanism units 6A to 6D. Supplied to the image forming unit 2.

<Description of post-processing unit>
The post-processing unit 12 applies to the punch mechanism 12A, which is an example of a component for punching (punching) holes such as 2 holes and 4 holes, on the paper P after the image is formed by the image forming unit 2. A folding mechanism portion 12B is provided as an example of a component that performs folding processing such as inner three-fold (C-fold) and outer three-fold (Z-fold). Further, an end binding mechanism unit 12C as an example of a component that executes staple binding (end binding) at the end of a sheet bundle in which a plurality of sheets P are stacked, and a central portion of a sheet bundle in which a plurality of sheets P are stacked In addition, a saddle stitching mechanism unit 12D is provided as an example of a component that executes staple binding (saddle stitching).
Then, the post-processing unit 12 performs image formation in the image forming unit 2 on processing designated by the user's operation input in the UI unit 4 and processing designated in the print job data acquired by the system control unit 8. Is applied to the paper P after being applied.

<Description of communication system and power supply system of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the communication system and the power supply system of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, an image forming unit 2 that is an image forming function unit, an image reading unit 3 that is a control function unit, a UI unit 4, a FAX unit 5, a tray unit 6, a memory unit 7, a duplex unit 10, and a manual feed unit. 11, a post-processing unit 12 and a system control unit 8 are connected to an in-machine LAN (Local Area Network) 13. In this embodiment, each unit is connected to one bus (in-machine LAN 13) to realize communication between units. Thereby, the system control unit 8 controls other units in an integrated manner.
The system control unit 8 is connected to an external device (external device) through an external LAN 14. Thereby, the system control unit 8 sends the print job data sent from the external device via the external LAN 14 to the image forming unit 2 and the memory unit 7 via the in-machine LAN 13.
Further, each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 (image forming unit 2, image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, memory unit 7, system control unit 8, duplex unit 10, manual feed unit 11, rear A power line 15 is connected to the processing unit 12), and power is supplied via a power supply unit 9 connected to the power line 15. The power supply unit 9 always supplies power of a predetermined voltage (24V) as a night-time power source.

<Description of power supply / stop control in each unit>
The power supply / stop control performed in each unit will be described using the image forming unit 2 as a representative example.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming unit 2. The image forming unit 2 that is an image forming function unit includes an image forming control unit 20 that controls the entire image forming unit 2. In addition, as a sub-control unit that individually controls each mechanism unit (the image forming mechanism unit 24, the sheet feeding mechanism unit 42, and the sheet conveying mechanism unit 43), a process control unit 21 that controls the image forming mechanism unit 24, a sheet feeding mechanism The sheet feeding control unit 22 that controls the unit 42 and the sheet conveyance control unit 23 that controls the sheet conveyance mechanism unit 43 are provided. Further, an image forming power supply unit 29 that supplies electric power to the image forming unit 2 is provided as a power supply unit.
The image forming control unit 20 is connected to each sub-control unit (process control unit 21, paper feed control unit 22, The paper conveyance control unit 23) and the image forming power supply unit 29 are controlled.

Further, the image forming control unit 20 controls the transition of the power mode (the operation state of the image forming unit 2) of the image forming unit 2 under the control of the system control unit 8. That is, the image formation control unit 20 controls the image formation power supply unit 29 to set (i) the sleep mode in which power supply is stopped set by the system control unit 8, and (ii) only control power 5V to each control unit. The image forming unit 2 is set with a power supply mode such as a standby mode to be supplied and (iii) a job mode for supplying 5 V of control power and 24 V of operating power to each mechanism.
Further, the image forming control unit 20 supplies / stops the control power 5V to each control unit when returning from the sleep mode under the control of the system control unit 8 which is an example of a control unit that controls power supply. Controls supply / stop of operating power 24V to each mechanism. Therefore, the image formation control unit 20 also functions as an example of a control unit that controls power supply.

  The image forming power supply unit 29 is constantly supplied with power of a predetermined voltage (24V) from the power supply unit 9 as a night power supply via the power line 15. Then, the image forming power supply unit 29 performs control with a low voltage by the DC-DC converter in accordance with the power supply / stop instruction set when the image forming control unit 20 returns from the power mode or the sleep mode. Electric power (5 V) is supplied to the image formation control unit 20 and each sub-control unit via the control power line 17 (power supply state). In addition, operating power (24V) is supplied to each mechanism unit and the paper feed detection unit 25B via the operating power line 18 (power supply state). Furthermore, the state (power stop state) in which both the control power (5 V) and the operating power (24 V) are stopped is set.

  In addition to the image forming unit 2, the image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, memory unit 7, duplex unit 10, manual feed unit 11, and post-processing unit 12, which are control function units, Under the control of the system control unit 8, the control of the operation state in the same power supply mode and the power supply / stop control at the return from the sleep mode are performed.

<Description of power supply / stop of each unit when returning from sleep mode>
In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when returning from the sleep mode, for example, power is supplied to a unit determined in advance by a user and / or a mechanism in the unit, and other units and / or The power supply to the mechanical unit in the unit is kept stopped. As a result, power is supplied to the units and the mechanical units in the unit necessary for functioning the image forming apparatus 1 when returning from the sleep mode, but the image forming apparatus 1 is allowed to function when returning from the sleep mode. The power supply stop state is maintained for unnecessary units and mechanical units in the units. As a result, the power consumed by the image forming apparatus 1 is reduced.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when the system control unit 8 controls power supply / stop to each unit when the image forming apparatus 1 is returned from the sleep mode.
For example, when the return button from the sleep mode arranged in the UI unit 4 is turned on by the user, the system control unit 8 returns from the sleep mode (step 101). Then, the system control unit 8 determines, for example, whether or not there is a preset (default setting) by the user for the function contents set in the image forming apparatus 1 when the image forming apparatus 1 is returned from the sleep mode ( Step 102).
Here, the pre-setting (default setting) by the user is stored (registered) in the storage unit (for example, the non-volatile memory 104 in the subsequent stage FIG. 9) of the system control unit 8 according to the user input from the UI unit 4 in advance. . Therefore, the UI unit 4 and the system control unit 8 also function as a designation receiving unit that accepts one or more designations of the image forming function unit and the control function unit.

If the default setting exists in step 102 (Yes in step 102), the system control unit 8 is the image forming unit 2 or the control function unit which is the image forming function unit corresponding to the default-set function content. Each unit is instructed to set the power supply state (ON) by the control power (5 V) and the operating power (24 V) (step 103). On the other hand, for the image forming unit 2 and each unit that do not correspond to the default-set function, an instruction to set the power stop state (OFF) related to the control power and the operating power is given (step 104).
Thus, by registering the default settings in advance, it is possible to speed up the return process from the sleep mode.

Here, FIG. 5 shows the power supply state (ON) and power stop set for the image forming unit 2 and each unit when the default function contents are “copy”, “image reading”, and “facsimile”. It is the figure which showed an example of the combination of a state (OFF). The system control unit 8 associates the combination of the image forming unit 2 and the ON / OFF setting in each unit shown as an example in FIG. 5 with the function content, for example, the storage unit (for example, the later FIG. 9). In the ROM 103). When the system control unit 8 returns from the sleep mode, the system control unit 8 controls (corresponds to) the image forming unit 2 and each unit that operate (corresponding) to the default function contents based on the stored table. Instructs ON setting for power and operating power. On the other hand, the image forming unit 2 that does not operate (does not support) corresponding to the default function content and each unit are instructed to set the control power and the operating power to OFF.
For example, “print” functions other than “copy”, “image reading”, and “facsimile” are always set when print job data is sent from an external device via the external LAN 14, for example. Therefore, regardless of the default setting when returning from the sleep mode, when print job data is sent, the image forming unit 2 that operates corresponding to the “print” function and the control power and operating power in each unit The power supply state (ON) is always set.

Next, when there is no default setting in step 102 (No in step 102), the system control unit 8 returns the UI unit 4 from the sleep mode (step 105). That is, when there is no default setting, the system control unit 8 controls the control function unit (in this case, the UI unit 4) that is commonly used in any of the function contents of “copy”, “image reading”, and “facsimile”. ) Is determined in advance, and this is returned from the sleep mode. As a result, the recovery process from the sleep mode can be shortened regardless of which function content is selected.
Then, the system control unit 8 instructs the UI unit 4 to display the function content set when returning from the sleep mode (step 106). Thereby, the UI unit 4 displays the function content set when returning from the sleep mode.
In addition to the configuration in which the display of the function contents is instructed when there is no default setting in step 102, the setting for displaying the function contents may be selected as the default setting.

  Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of selectable function contents presented to the user by the UI unit 4. The user selects any one of the function contents shown as an example in FIG. 6 from the UI unit 4. That is, the user selects, for example, “copy”, “image reading”, or “facsimile” from the UI unit 4.

When the function content to be set when the UI unit 4 returns from the sleep mode is selected (Yes in Step 107), the system control unit 8 instructs the display of the detailed setting items related to the selected function content (Step 107). 108). Thereby, the UI unit 4 displays the detailed setting items related to the selected function content.
Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of detailed setting items related to the selected function content (copy) presented to the user by the UI unit 4. The user selects one of the detailed setting items shown as an example in FIG. 7 from the UI unit 4 or sets not to select the detailed setting item.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of detailed setting items that can be selected according to the selected function content. FIG. 7 shows an example of the detailed setting items presented to the user in the UI unit 4 when the selected function content is “copy”, but the selected function content is “image reading”, “facsimile”. In this case, the selectable detailed setting items shown in FIG. 8 are displayed corresponding to the selected function contents.

When any one or more of the detailed setting items related to the function contents are selected in the UI unit 4 (Yes in Step 109), the system control unit 8 includes a unit corresponding to the function contents selected in Step 107, The power supply state (ON) is instructed for the unit and the mechanism corresponding to the one or more detailed setting items selected in step 109 (step 110).
For example, when “Copy” is selected as the function content in Step 107 and any of the detailed setting items is selected in Step 109, the unit corresponding to “Copy”, that is, the image shown in FIG. The reading unit 3 and the image forming unit 2 are set to the power supply state (ON) in addition to the system control unit 8 and the UI unit 4.
In addition, the unit corresponding to the selected detailed setting item or the mechanical unit in the unit is set to ON. Specifically, for example, when “single-sided reading” shown in FIG. 7 is selected, the single-sided document conveyance mechanism unit 3B (see FIG. 1) of the image reading unit 3 is set to the power supply state (ON). . When “double-sided scanning” is selected, the double-sided document transport mechanism 3C of the image reading unit 3 is set to ON. When “main body tray” is selected, the tray unit 6 is set to a power stop state (OFF). When any of “Tray 1” to “Tray 4” is selected, the sub-tray mechanism sections 6A to 6D corresponding to “Tray 1” to “Tray 4” in the tray unit 6 are set to ON. . When “manual feed” is selected, the manual feed unit 11 is set to ON. When “duplex printing” is selected, the duplex unit 10 is set to ON. When any one of “hole punching”, “C folding”, “Z folding”, “edge binding”, and “saddle stitching” is selected, the post-processing unit 12 is set to ON.

On the other hand, when the detailed setting item related to the function content is not selected in the UI unit 4 (No in Step 109), the system control unit 8 determines the power supply state to the unit corresponding to the function content selected in Step 107 ( ON) setting is instructed (step 111).
For example, if “Copy” is selected as the function content in Step 107 and the detailed setting item is not selected in Step 109, the unit corresponding to “Copy”, that is, the image reading unit 3 shown in FIG. The image forming unit 2 is set to the power supply state (ON) in addition to the system control unit 8 and the UI unit 4.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 1 is returned from the sleep mode, for example, power is supplied to a unit and / or a mechanism unit determined in advance by a user, and other units and / or mechanism units in the unit are supplied. The power supply is maintained in a stopped state. As a result, power is supplied to the units and mechanism units in the units necessary to make the image forming apparatus 1 function when returning from the sleep mode, and power supply is stopped to unnecessary units and mechanism units in the units. Maintained. As a result, the power consumed by the image forming apparatus 1 can be reduced.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the system control unit 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the system control unit 8 is a CPU 101 as an example of an arithmetic unit that executes digital arithmetic processing according to a predetermined program when executing power supply control and power mode transition control for each unit. A RAM 102 used as a work area of the CPU 101, a ROM 103 storing data such as setting values used in a program executed by the CPU 101, an EEPROM or a flash memory that can be rewritten and retains data even when power supply is interrupted A non-volatile memory 104 such as a memory, and an interface unit 105 for controlling input / output of signals to / from each sub-control unit connected via the system control unit 8 or the LAN 16 within the unit are provided.

  Here, the program executed by the system control unit 8 is stored in the memory unit 7, and when the system control unit 8 reads this program, the power supply control and the power mode control for each unit are executed. The That is, a program for performing power supply control and power mode transition control for each unit is read into the RAM 102 of the system control unit 8 from, for example, a hard disk or DVD-ROM as the memory unit 7. Then, based on the program read into the RAM 102, the CPU 101 performs various processes. As another providing form regarding this program, there is a form in which the program is provided in a state stored in the ROM 103 in advance and loaded into the RAM 102. Further, when a rewritable ROM 103 such as an EEPROM is provided, after the system control unit 8 is set, only the program is installed in the ROM 103 and loaded into the RAM 102. Further, there is a form in which a program is transmitted to the system control unit 8 via an external LAN 14 such as the Internet, installed in the ROM 103 of the system control unit 8 and loaded into the RAM 102.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is returned from the sleep mode, a unit and / or a mechanism in the unit that is predetermined when the image forming apparatus 1 returns from the sleep mode. The power is supplied to the unit, and the power supply to the other units and / or the mechanical units in the unit is maintained in a stopped state. As a result, power is supplied to the units and the mechanical units in the unit that are required to make the image forming apparatus 1 function when returning from the sleep mode, but it is not possible to make the image forming apparatus 1 function when returning from the sleep mode. The power supply to the necessary units and the mechanical units in the units is maintained in a stopped state. As a result, the power consumed by the image forming apparatus 1 is reduced.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. It is a figure explaining the communication system and power supply system of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming unit. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when the system control unit performs control of power supply / stop to each unit when the image forming apparatus returns from a sleep mode. It is the figure which showed an example of the combination of the electric power supply state and electric power stop state regarding the control electric power and operating electric power which are set to an image forming unit and each unit. It is the figure which showed an example of the selectable function content shown to a user in UI unit. It is the figure which showed an example of the detailed setting item regarding the selected function content (copy) shown to a user in a UI unit. It is the figure which showed an example of the detailed setting item which can be selected corresponding to the selected function content. It is the figure which showed the hardware constitutions of the system control unit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... Image forming unit, 3 ... Image reading unit, 4 ... User interface (UI) unit, 5 ... Facsimile (FAX) unit, 6 ... Tray unit, 6A-6D ... Sub-tray mechanism part, 7 ... Memory unit, 8 ... System control unit, 9 ... Power supply unit, 10 ... Double-sided unit, 11 ... Manual feed unit, 12 ... Post-processing unit, 13 ... In-machine LAN, 14 ... External LAN, 15 ... Power line, 16 ... Inside the unit LAN, 17 ... control power line, 18 ... operating power line, 20 ... image formation control unit, 29 ... image formation power supply unit

Claims (10)

An image forming function unit for forming an image based on image information;
A plurality of control function units for transmitting and receiving information or signals related to image formation with the image forming function unit;
Control means for controlling power supply to the image forming function section and the plurality of control function sections;
A designation receiving unit that receives one or more designations of the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units;
When the control unit returns the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to a power supply state, the designation receiving unit performs the image forming function unit and the plurality of control units. It is determined whether there is a default setting that accepts one or more designations of the functional unit in advance, and if it is determined that the default setting exists, the image forming functional unit specified by the default setting and An image forming apparatus characterized in that the control function unit is set to a power supply state. When the control unit determines that the default setting does not exist when returning the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to the power supply state, the control unit accepts the designation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or more designations of the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units are received by the unit. Wherein, when returning the set power stop state to the image forming function unit and a plurality of the control function unit to the power supply state, when it is determined that the default settings are not present, the image forming claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting the control function which is used in common in any of the functional content of the plurality of functional contents realized by the functional unit and the plurality of the control function unit to the power supply state Image forming apparatus. The designation accepting means, a part of the specification of the components forming part of the specified and the control function unit of the components constituting the image forming function unit power supply state is set by said control means, details Accept as further settings ,
The control unit is configured to return the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to a power supply state based on the detailed setting designated by the designation accepting unit. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of the image forming function part and / or a part of the control function part is set to a power supply state. Control means for controlling power supply to an image forming function unit that forms an image based on image information and a plurality of control function units that transmit and receive information or signals related to image formation between the image forming function unit; ,
A designation receiving unit that receives one or more designations of the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units;
When the control unit returns the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to a power supply state, the designation receiving unit performs the image forming function unit and the plurality of control units. It is determined whether there is a default setting that accepts one or more designations of the functional unit in advance, and if it is determined that the default setting exists, the image forming functional unit specified by the default setting and A control device that sets the control function unit to a power supply state. When the control unit determines that the default setting does not exist when returning the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to the power supply state, the control unit accepts the designation. 6. The control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein one or more designations of the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units are received by the means. When the control unit determines that the default setting does not exist when returning the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to the power supply state, the image forming function unit 7. The control function unit that is used in common in any function content of the function unit and a plurality of function contents realized by the plurality of control function units is set in a power supply state. Control device. The designation receiving unit is configured to specify a part of components constituting the image forming function unit and a part of components constituting the control function unit for which a power supply state is set by the control unit. Accept as further settings,
The control unit is configured to return the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to a power supply state based on the detailed setting designated by the designation accepting unit. The control device according to claim 5, wherein a part of the image forming function part and / or a part of the control function part is set to a power supply state. On the computer,
A function that accepts one or more designations from an image forming function unit that performs image formation based on image information and a plurality of control function units that transmit and receive information or signals related to image formation between the image forming function unit When,
When returning the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to the power supply state, one or more designations of the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units are specified in advance. It is determined whether or not the accepted default setting exists, and if it is determined that the default setting exists, the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit specified in the default setting are set in a power supply state. A program characterized by realizing a setting function. When it is determined that the default setting does not exist when returning the power stop state set in the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units to the power supply state, the image forming function unit and the plurality of control function units The program according to claim 9, further realizing a function of accepting one or more designations of the control function unit.

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