JP5277734B2 - Image forming apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To analyze the state of an image forming apparatus when power is turned OFF later and to return to a state before the power is turned OFF, in an electronic device to which power is supplied from a main power source or an auxiliary power source. <P>SOLUTION: When a power source state detection means 4 detects a voltage reduction of an auxiliary power source 2 while the device is operated by an external power source 2, a control unit 6 is instructed to record device information. The control unit 6 stores the device information in a recording part 7. When power supply from the external power source 2 is stopped for one reason or another, the power of an image forming apparatus 1 is turned OFF. Subsequently, after power supply from the external power source 2 or from the auxiliary power source 3 is started to actuate the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 6 analyzes a state immediately before power-OFF or can return the apparatus to the state immediately before power-OFF by reading the device information stored in the recording part 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus to which power is supplied from a main power source and an auxiliary power source, and a control method thereof.

Conventionally, as such an image forming apparatus, there is an image forming apparatus that switches to an auxiliary power source when power supply from a main power source is interrupted due to a power failure (see Patent Document 1).

However, in this image forming apparatus, when the power supply from the main power supply is cut off, if the time elapses, the voltage of the auxiliary power supply decreases and the apparatus power must be turned off. There is a problem in that the state of the image forming apparatus cannot be analyzed later or returned to the state before the power is turned off. In addition, when the auxiliary power supply is not sufficiently charged or when the power supply from the main power supply is stopped in the state of failure, the power supply of the apparatus is also turned off.
JP 2005-1458581 A

The present invention, the state of such I der been made to solve the problems, and its object is to provide an image forming apparatus to which power is supplied from the main power supply and an auxiliary power source, an image forming apparatus when the power-off It is possible to analyze the data later or to restore the state before the power is turned off.

The present invention includes a power supply state detection means for detecting states of a main power supply and an auxiliary power supply, a power supply switching means for selecting one output of the main power supply or the auxiliary power supply, a recording means capable of recording information, and predetermined information a recording and an image forming apparatus and a control means for performing for the recording means reading said is operating in auxiliary power, who is also the power supply from the main power source, the power source state detection When the means detects that the voltage of the auxiliary power supply has dropped below a predetermined voltage, the instruction signal for switching the power supply to the image forming apparatus from the auxiliary power supply to the main power supply to the power supply switching means. after outputting the, internal information of the image forming apparatus outputs an instruction signal to be recorded on said recording means to said control means, said the internal information in response to said instruction signal Recorded in recording means, then the main stops the supply of power from the power source, when the electric power is supplied from the main power source or auxiliary power again, reading the internal information recorded in the recording means, characterized in that An image forming apparatus.
The present invention also provides a power supply state detection means for detecting the state of the main power supply and the auxiliary power supply, a power supply switching means for selecting one output of the main power supply or the auxiliary power supply, a recording means capable of recording information, the recording of information and the image forming apparatus and a control means for performing for the recording means reading, is operating in the auxiliary power supply, if there is also a supply of power from the main power supply, said power supply When the state detection unit detects that the voltage of the auxiliary power supply has dropped below a predetermined voltage, the state detection unit outputs an instruction signal for recording the internal information of the image forming apparatus on the recording unit to the control unit after outputs an instruction signal for switching the power supply to the image forming apparatus from the auxiliary power source to the power source switching unit to the main power supply, the control means, the internal information in response to said instruction signal The recording in the recording unit, stops the supply of electric power from then the main power source, when the electric power is supplied from the main power source or auxiliary power again, reading the internal information recorded in the recording means, that The image forming apparatus is characterized.
The present invention also provides a method for controlling an image forming apparatus that operates with power supplied from a main power source and an auxiliary power source, the power source state detecting step for detecting the state of the main power source and the auxiliary power source, and the main power source or a power supply switching step of selecting one of the output of the auxiliary power source, the recording and reading of predetermined information and a control step of performing for the recording means of the image forming apparatus, and operating in the auxiliary power supply, When there is also supply of power from the main power supply, the power supply state detection step detects that the voltage of the auxiliary power supply has dropped below a predetermined voltage, and then supplies the image forming apparatus with respect to the power supply switching step. after outputting the instruction signal for switching the main power supply power from the auxiliary power supply, it outputs an instruction signal for recording the internal information of the image forming apparatus to said controlling step to said recording means The control step records the internal information in the recording means in response to the instruction signal, and then the supply of power from the main power supply is stopped and power is supplied again from the main power supply or auxiliary power supply. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus, wherein the internal information recorded in the recording unit is read out.
The present invention also provides a method for controlling an image forming apparatus that operates with power supplied from a main power source and an auxiliary power source, the power source state detecting step for detecting the state of the main power source and the auxiliary power source, and the main power source or a power supply switching step of selecting one of the output of the auxiliary power source, the recording and reading of predetermined information and a control step of performing for the recording means of the image forming apparatus, and operating in the auxiliary power supply, When there is also power supply from the main power supply, when the power supply state detection step detects that the voltage of the auxiliary power supply has fallen below a predetermined voltage, internal information of the image forming apparatus with respect to the control step after outputting the instruction signal to be recorded on said recording means, outputs an instruction signal for switching the main power supply power from the auxiliary power supply to the image forming apparatus to the power supply switching step The control step records the internal information in the recording means in response to the instruction signal, and then the supply of power from the main power supply is stopped and power is supplied again from the main power supply or auxiliary power supply. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus, wherein the internal information recorded in the recording unit is read out.

[Action]
According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that operates with power supplied from the main power supply and the auxiliary power supply, when the auxiliary power supply operates and the power from the main power supply is supplied , the voltage of the auxiliary power supply is a predetermined voltage. When it is detected that the power supply voltage has decreased, an instruction signal for switching the power supply to the image forming apparatus from the auxiliary power supply to the main power supply is output, and an instruction signal for recording internal information of the image forming apparatus is output. Output. Further, when the internal information is recorded in the recording means of the image forming apparatus in response to the instruction signal, and then the power supply from the main power supply is stopped and the power is supplied again from the main power supply or the auxiliary power supply, the recording means The internal information recorded in is read.

According to the present invention, it is assumed that the power supply of the main power supply is stopped for some reason after switching to the main power supply from the state where the power supply of the main power supply is operating and the auxiliary power supply cannot supply power. also, by using the internal information of the power supply of the main power supply has been recorded before the stopping device, and analyze later state of the image forming apparatus when the power supply stops the main power supply, the power supply of the main power supply It is possible to return to the state before stopping .

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a thick solid line in the image forming apparatus 1 indicates a power supply line. A dotted line portion indicates a portion that may or may not be provided. Therefore, the recording unit 7 may be provided inside the image forming apparatus 1 or may be provided outside.

This image forming apparatus 1 is connected to an external power source (main power source) 2 having a function of rectifying a commercial AC power source and converting it to a predetermined voltage, and incorporates an auxiliary power source 3 such as a secondary battery. The auxiliary power source 3 is charged by the external power source 2. The power supply state detection means 4 monitors the power supply state of both power supplies by monitoring the voltages of both power supplies, and gives a power supply switching instruction to the power supply switching means 5. Further, the power supply state detection means 4 gives a device information recording instruction to the control unit 6 when the voltages of both power supplies are in a predetermined state .

When only the external power supply 2 or the auxiliary power supply 3 is supplied with power, the power supply state detection unit 4 detects a power supply that can supply power, and the power supply switching unit 5 issues a power supply switching instruction from the power supply state detection unit 4. In response, power from a power supply capable of supplying power is supplied to the control unit 6. When power is supplied from both power sources, the power source switching unit 5 receives a power source switching instruction from the control unit 6 and determines from which power source power is supplied.

The control unit 6 has a function of controlling the entire image forming apparatus 1, selects a power source according to the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1, and gives an instruction to the power source switching unit 5. Here, the power supply switching according to the operation mode refers to switching such as operation with only the auxiliary power supply 3 in the energy saving mode and operation with the external power supply 1 in the normal mode. The control unit 6 is connected to a recording unit 7 that can record device information (internal information of the device). When a device information recording instruction is received from the power supply state detection means 4, the device information at that time (for example, each power supply state, time, user Are recorded (stored) in the recording unit 7.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. When the image forming apparatus 1 is operated by the external power source 2, even when the auxiliary power source 3 cannot supply power due to a failure of the auxiliary power source 3 or the like, it can continue to operate normally. However, if the power supply from the external power supply 2 is stopped while the auxiliary power supply 3 cannot supply power, the power supply of the entire image forming apparatus 1 must be turned off. Therefore, when the auxiliary power supply 3 cannot supply power for some reason, a mechanism for immediately storing device information necessary for the subsequent return is required. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 realizes it.

  In step S1, when the power supply state detection unit 4 detects that the voltage of the auxiliary power supply 3 has dropped below a certain value (threshold), the power supply state detection unit 4 records device information to the control unit 6 in step S2. Instruct them to do so. In step S3, the control unit 6 immediately stores the device information in the recording unit 7.

  Thereafter, in step S4, when the power supply state detection means 4 detects that the voltage of the auxiliary power supply 3 has become a certain value (threshold value) or more, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, when the power supply state detection means 4 detects that the power supply of the external power supply 2 has been stopped for some reason (for example, disconnection of the outlet) while the voltage of the auxiliary power supply does not exceed a certain value (S3: NO) (step S3) (S5: YES), the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off in step S6. In step S6, the control unit 6 may turn off the image forming apparatus 1 itself.

  That is, when the voltage of the auxiliary power source 3 rises above a certain value, the device information recorded in the recording unit 7 is not necessary, but the external power source 3 does not rise above the certain value for some reason. When the power supply of the power supply is stopped, the power supply source disappears, and the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off.

  After that, in step S7, power supply is started again from the external power source 2 or the auxiliary power source 3, and after the image forming apparatus 1 is activated, the control unit 6 reads out device information stored in the recording unit 7 in step S8. Get. In step S9, it is possible to analyze the state immediately before the power is turned off by acquiring the auxiliary power source 3 that stopped the power supply first, the time when the power was turned off, abnormality detection information, and the like. I can do it. Further, by acquiring the individual setting contents and operation mode information by the user, it is possible to return to the state immediately before the power is turned off.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 is operating in the auxiliary power source 3 and no power is already supplied from the external power source 2, the amount of power that can be supplied from the auxiliary power source 3 is limited. Become. Accordingly, before the remaining power that can be supplied from the auxiliary power source 3 becomes less than or equal to the amount of power required for the control unit 6 to record the device information in the recording unit 7, the device information necessary for the subsequent recovery is stored. A mechanism to keep it is necessary. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 realizes this.

  Steps S11 to S13 in this figure are the same as steps S1 to S3 in FIG. In subsequent step S14, when the power supply state detection means 4 detects the start of power supply from the external power supply 2 during the operation of the auxiliary power supply 3 (S14: YES), the device information stored in the recording unit 7 is unnecessary. Therefore, the process returns to step S11. However, if there is no power supply from the external power supply 2 (S14: NO), the power of the auxiliary power supply 3 is stopped and the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off in step S15. The operation after power supply restart (steps S16 to S18) is the same as steps S7 to S9 in FIG.

  When the auxiliary power supply 3 is in a mode in which power is supplied from the external power supply 2, even if the auxiliary power supply 3 cannot supply power, the power supply from the external power supply 2 operates normally. Can continue. However, if the power supply of the external power supply 2 is stopped for some reason while the auxiliary power supply 3 cannot supply power, the entire image forming apparatus 1 must be turned off. Therefore, when the auxiliary power supply 3 can no longer supply power, a mechanism for immediately storing device information necessary for the subsequent return is required. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 realizes it.

In step S21, when the power supply state detection unit 4 detects that the voltage of the auxiliary power supply 3 has dropped, in step S22, the power supply switching unit 5 is instructed to switch the power supply source to the external power supply 2, and then in step S23. The power supply state detection unit 4 instructs the control unit 6 to record device information. In step S24, the control unit 6 immediately stores the device information in the recording unit 7. At this time, the amount of power that can be supplied from the auxiliary power source 3 can be estimated from the voltage drop curve (voltage drop characteristic curve) of the auxiliary power source 3, so that the power supply state detection means 4 When it is determined that power can be supplied for a while until 6 becomes equal to or less than the amount of power necessary for recording device information in the recording unit 7, the power supply state detection unit 4 causes the control unit 6 to record the device information. After giving the instruction, an instruction to switch the power supply source may be given. Subsequent steps S25 to S30 are the same as steps S4 to S9 in FIG.

The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has the following effects (1) to (4).
(1) When either an external power supply 2 or a built-in auxiliary power supply 3 is abnormal (for example, power is cut off) or inadequately charged, user settings, operation mode information, failure details, failure time, etc. Even when the device information is recorded and then the power of the apparatus is turned off, the device state when the power is turned off can be analyzed, or the device state when the power is turned off can be restored.
(2) Even when the external power supply 2 is operating, the voltage of the built-in auxiliary power supply 3 can be monitored, and if an abnormality occurs in the voltage, it can be detected. Also, by recording the device state at that time, the device state when the power supply from the auxiliary power source 3 is cut off is analyzed even if the external power source 2 stops the power supply for some reason. , And the state of the device when the power supply from the auxiliary power supply 3 is cut off can be restored.
(3) When operating with the auxiliary power source 3 and there is no power supply from the external power source 2, the auxiliary power source 3 will eventually stop supplying power, but before that, the state of the auxiliary power source 3 is monitored and the voltage drops. If the device information is recorded before the device is turned off, the device state when the device is turned off can be analyzed and restored to the device state before the device is turned off even if the device is turned off. .
(4) When operating with the auxiliary power supply 3 and there is power supply from the external power supply 2, even when switching to the external power supply 2, an abnormality occurs in the external power supply 2 with the voltage of the auxiliary power supply 3 lowered In this case, since the device is in a power-off state, the device information is recorded when the auxiliary power source 3 becomes a certain voltage or less, thereby analyzing the device state at the time of power-off, and the power-off state. The previous device state can be restored.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 5 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. 1 (first embodiment). The image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment adds a recording voltage setting unit 8 to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, so that a threshold value by which the power state detection unit 4 monitors the voltage of the auxiliary power source 3 is controlled. 6 is arbitrarily settable.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 of this embodiment. In step S31, the control unit 6 sets a lower limit value of the voltage that is a condition for recording device information to the recording voltage setting unit 8, and in step S32, the recording voltage setting unit 8 Notify the lower voltage limit. Subsequent step S33 is the same as all steps in any of FIGS.

  Depending on the type of auxiliary power supply, the voltage drop curve until the power supply is stopped differs. Further, the amount of power consumed by the image forming apparatus varies depending on the presence / absence / type of the option. According to the present embodiment, in accordance with the options of the auxiliary power supply and the image forming apparatus, the amount of power until the power supply from the auxiliary power supply stops is calculated in advance, and the device information is recorded according to the amount of power. By setting a voltage as a condition, it is possible to record device information immediately before the apparatus is turned off.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 are assigned to the same parts as those in FIG. 5 (second embodiment). The image forming apparatus 201 according to the present embodiment adds power consumption calculation means 9 to the image forming apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment, calculates the power consumption for each operation mode, and the voltage of the auxiliary power supply 3. From the descending curve, in the operation mode, etc., the remaining suppliable power amount is the device information necessary for the subsequent return before the control unit 6 becomes less than the power amount necessary for recording the device information in the recording unit 7. Is saved.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 201 of this embodiment. In step S41, the control unit 6 notifies the power consumption calculation means 9 of the operation mode or option information or auxiliary power supply information. In step S42, the power consumption calculation means 9 calculates the power consumption based on the notified information. To do. Next, in step S43, the power consumption calculating means 9 calculates a voltage lower limit value capable of recording device information from the voltage drop curve of the auxiliary power supply, and in step S44, the voltage lower limit value is stored in the recording voltage setting means 8. Set. In step S45, the recording voltage setting unit 8 notifies the power state notification unit 4 of the voltage lower limit value. Subsequent step S46 is the same as all steps in any of FIGS.

  According to the present embodiment, in addition to the options of the image forming apparatus and the type of auxiliary power supply, the operation mode of the apparatus that dynamically changes (energy saving mode) is also taken into consideration until the power supply from the auxiliary power supply stops. By calculating the amount of electric power and resetting a voltage that is a condition for recording the device information in accordance with the amount of electric power, the device information immediately before the apparatus is turned off can be recorded.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth 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. 1 (first embodiment). The image forming apparatus 301 of the present embodiment is obtained by adding a time measuring unit 10 to the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment .

  The time measuring means 10 starts time measurement when it is notified from the power supply state detection means 4 that the power supply of the external power supply 2 has stopped supplying power (power supply state information), and is controlled when a certain time has passed since the power supply stop. The device information recording instruction is notified to the unit 6. When the control unit 6 receives the device information recording instruction from the time measuring means 10, the device information at that time (for example, each power state, time, individual setting contents by the user, operation mode mode, abnormality detection information, etc.) is stored in the recording unit 7. Record.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 301 of the present embodiment.
In step S51, when the power supply state detection unit 4 detects the supply stop of the external power supply 2 (S51: YES), in step S52, the power supply state detection unit 4 notifies the time measurement unit 10 from the supply stop of the external power supply 2. Instruct to start time measurement.

  After that, in step S53, before the time measuring means 10 measures a certain time, it is checked whether or not the power supply state detecting means 4 has detected the power supply from the external power supply 2, and if not detected (S53: NO) In step S54, the time measuring means 10 instructs the control unit 6 to record device information. In step S55, the control unit 6 immediately stores the device information in the recording unit 7. Subsequent steps S56 to S60 are the same as steps S14 to S18 in FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, by recording the device information in accordance with the operable time of the auxiliary power supply, it is possible to record the device information immediately before the apparatus is turned off.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 9 are assigned to the same or corresponding parts as in FIG. 9 (fourth embodiment). The image forming apparatus 401 of the present embodiment controls the time from the detection of the supply stop of the external power supply 2 to the recording of device information by adding the recording time setting unit 11 to the image forming apparatus 301 of the fourth embodiment. This can be arbitrarily set from the unit 6.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 401 of this embodiment. In step S61, the control unit 6 sets the time from when the power supply from the external power supply 2 is stopped until the device information is recorded to the recording time setting unit 11, and in step S62, the recording time setting unit 11 The time setting means 10 is notified of the set time. The subsequent step S63 is the same as all steps in FIG.

  According to this embodiment, according to the options of the auxiliary power supply and the image forming apparatus, the time until the power supply from the auxiliary power supply is stopped is calculated in advance, and the device information is recorded according to the time. Device information immediately before the device is turned off can be recorded.

[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 11 are assigned to the same or corresponding parts as those in FIG. 11 (fifth embodiment). The image forming apparatus 501 of the present embodiment adds the power consumption calculating unit 12 to the image forming apparatus 401 of the fifth embodiment, calculates the power consumption for each operation mode, and the voltage drop curve of the auxiliary power supply 3. Therefore, in the operation mode, etc., the remaining suppliable power amount is stored in the device information necessary for the subsequent return before the control unit 6 becomes less than or equal to the power amount necessary for recording the device information in the recording unit 7. It is what I have to keep.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 501 of the present embodiment. In step S71, the control unit 6 notifies the power consumption calculating unit 12 of the operation mode or option information or auxiliary power information, and in step S72, the power consumption calculating unit 9 calculates the power consumption based on the notified information. To do. Next, in step S73, the power consumption calculating means 12 calculates the power supply time of the auxiliary power source 3 that can record the device information from the voltage drop curve of the auxiliary power source, and in step S74, the power supply time is recorded as the recording time. Set in the setting means 11. In step S75, the recording time setting unit 11 notifies the time measuring unit 10 of the set recording time. The subsequent step S76 is the same as all steps in FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, in addition to the options of the image forming apparatus and the type of auxiliary power supply, the operation mode of the apparatus that dynamically changes (energy saving mode) is also taken into consideration until the power supply from the auxiliary power supply stops. By calculating the time and resetting the voltage as a condition for recording the device information according to the time, the device information immediately before the power is turned off can be recorded.

[Seventh Embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is the same as FIG. 9 (fourth embodiment).

  In step S81, when the power supply state detection unit 4 detects the supply stop of the external power supply 2 (S81: YES), in step S82, the power supply state detection unit 4 sends the device information to the time measurement unit 10 every certain time. Is issued to the control unit 6.

  Next, in step S83, when the power supply state detection unit 4 does not detect either the start of power supply from the external power supply 2 or the stop of power supply from the auxiliary power supply 3 (S83: NO), the time is determined in step S84. The measuring means 10 instructs the control unit 6 to record device information at a certain time. In step S85, the control unit 6 immediately stores the device information in the recording unit 7.

  On the other hand, when the power supply state detection unit 4 detects the start of power supply from the external power supply 2 or the stop of power supply from the auxiliary power supply 3 in step S83 (S83: YES), the process proceeds to step S86. If it is determined in step S86 that power supply from the external power source 2 has started, the device information recorded in the recording unit 7 is no longer necessary, and the process returns to step S81. If it is determined that the power supply from the auxiliary power supply 3 has been stopped, the power of the auxiliary power supply 3 is also stopped, so that the power supply of the apparatus is turned off in step S87. The operation after power supply restart (steps S88 to S90) is the same as S57 to S60 in FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, even when the power supply from the external power supply is cut off, by recording the device state information including the operation mode (energy saving mode) of the device that dynamically changes at a certain time, Device status can be monitored continuously. After that, even when the apparatus is turned off, it is possible to analyze the progress of the equipment state in a state where the power supply from the external power supply is cut off.

[Eighth Embodiment]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is the same as FIG. 11 (fifth embodiment). In the present embodiment, the recording time setting means 11 is added to the seventh embodiment so that the time from the detection of the supply stop of the external power supply 2 to the device recording can be arbitrarily set from the control unit 6. .

  In step S91, the control unit 6 sets the time for recording the device information after the power supply from the external power source 2 is stopped to the recording time setting unit 11, and in step S92, the recording time setting unit 11 is set. The time measurement means 10 is notified. The subsequent step S93 is the same as all steps in FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, even when the power supply from the external power supply is cut off, the device information is set at an arbitrary time or time interval according to the option of the image forming apparatus, the operation mode (energy saving mode) of the apparatus, and the content of the failure. By recording, device information can be obtained as needed. After that, even when the power of the apparatus is turned off, the progress of the device state in a state where the power supply from the external power source is cut off can be analyzed based on the information for each necessary time interval.

[Ninth Embodiment]
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 7 (third embodiment) and FIG. 11 (fifth embodiment) are assigned to the same or corresponding parts. Moreover, although the part shown with the continuous line in this figure is an essential structure, the part of a broken line is a part which may be provided. That is, the essential configuration of the image forming apparatus 601 of the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1 (first embodiment), and the configuration in which a portion that may be included in the essential configuration is added is shown in FIG. Corresponds to FIG. 7 (third embodiment), FIG. 9 (fourth embodiment), FIG. 11 (fifth embodiment), and FIG. 13 (sixth embodiment).

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the image forming apparatus 601 of the present embodiment is operating with the external power supply 2. In step S101, when the power supply state detection unit 4 detects the stop of the power supply of the external power supply 2, the power supply state detection unit 4 instructs the power supply switching unit 5 to switch the power supply source to the auxiliary power supply 3 in step S102. In step S103, the power supply state detection unit 4 instructs the control unit 6 to record device information. In step S104, the control unit 6 immediately stores the device information in the recording unit 7.

  Next, in step S105, the power supply state detection unit 4 monitors the start of power supply of the external power supply 2, and if power supply start is detected (S105: YES), the process returns to step S101, and the power supply of the external power supply 2 is stopped. If the power supply from the auxiliary power supply 3 is stopped for some reason (discharge, failure, etc.) (S106: YES), the power supply source disappears, and the power supply of the device is turned off in step S107. Turns off. The operation after power supply restart (steps S108 to S110) is the same as S7 to S9 in FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation when the image forming apparatus 601 of the present embodiment is operated by the auxiliary power supply 3. In step S111, when the power supply state detection unit 4 detects the power supply stop of the external power supply 2, in step S112, the power supply state detection unit 4 instructs the control unit 6 to record the device information. In step S113, the control unit 6 immediately stores the device information in the recording unit 7. Subsequent steps S114 to S119 are the same as steps S105 to S110 in FIG.

  That is, in both cases of FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, when power supply from the external power source 2 is started after storing the device information in the recording unit 7, the stored device information is not necessary, but the auxiliary power source 3 is thereafter used. When the power supply is stopped due to factors such as discharge or failure, the power supply source is lost, and the image forming apparatus is turned off. Thereafter, the power supply is resumed, the device information stored in the recording unit 7 is acquired, the state immediately before the power is turned off is analyzed, or the state immediately before the power is turned off is restored.

  According to this embodiment, if power is not supplied from the external power supply, the built-in auxiliary power supply will eventually stop power supply, but the device information should be recorded when the power supply from the external power supply is stopped. After that, even when the power supply of the apparatus is turned off, it is possible to analyze the device state when the power supply of the external power supply is stopped and to restore the device state when the power supply of the external power supply is stopped.

  In addition, if the external power supply is not supplied, the built-in auxiliary power supply will eventually stop power supply, but even in the energy saving mode state where the external power supply is not used, the power supply state from the external power supply is detected, Since the device information is recorded when the supply is stopped, the device state when the power supply of the external power supply is stopped is analyzed and the power supply of the external power supply is stopped even if the power of the device is turned off. It becomes possible to restore the device state.

[Tenth embodiment]
FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 17 are assigned to the same or corresponding parts as those in FIG. 17 (the ninth embodiment).

  The image forming apparatus 701 according to the present exemplary embodiment is a recording unit such as a non-volatile memory incorporated in the image forming apparatus 701 or an output unit of a sheet on which the apparatus information output by the image forming apparatus 701 is printed. The unit 13 is provided in the image forming apparatus 701, and power is supplied to the recording unit 13 (nonvolatile memory, paper output unit). The operation of the image forming apparatus 701 is the same as that of the ninth embodiment except that the device information is recorded in the recording unit 13.

  According to this embodiment, it is possible to read the setting and state of the device before the apparatus is turned off from the printed paper. Even when the apparatus is turned off and then turned on again, the settings and state of the device before the power is turned off can be read from the nonvolatile memory built in the image forming apparatus.

[Eleventh embodiment]
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 20 are assigned to the same or corresponding parts as those in FIG. 20 (tenth embodiment).

  The image forming apparatus 801 according to the embodiment replaces the recording unit 13 according to the tenth embodiment with an external device, a mail receiving server, a FAX receiving apparatus, a management server for the image forming apparatus 801, and an external device connected via the network 14. One of the output sections of the paper on which the device information is printed by the image forming apparatus is used as the recording section 15. The operation of the image forming apparatus 701 is the same as that of the tenth embodiment except that the device information is recorded in the recording unit 15.

  According to the present embodiment, the device state of the image forming apparatus is recorded by the external recording unit, so that the previous device state is saved even when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off. In addition, the mail recipient can read the setting and state of the device before the apparatus is turned off. Further, the FAX receiver can read the setting and state of the device before the apparatus is turned off. Further, the management server of the external image forming apparatus can read and save the setting and state of the device before the apparatus is turned off. In addition, it is possible to read the setting and state of the device before the apparatus is turned off from a sheet printed outside.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is operating with an external power source. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention operates with an auxiliary power source and no power is supplied from an external power source. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is operated by an auxiliary power source and power is supplied from an external power source. 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 illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present 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 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. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming apparatus according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming apparatus according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of the 9th Embodiment of this invention. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image forming apparatus according to a ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is operating with an external power source. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an image forming apparatus according to a ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is operating with an auxiliary power source. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of the 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of the 11th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 801 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... External power supply, 3 ... Auxiliary power supply, 4 ... Power supply state detection means, 5 ... Power switching means, 6 ... control section, 7, 13, 15 ... recording section, 8 ... recording voltage setting means, 9 ... power consumption calculating means, 10 ... time measuring means, 11 ... Recording time setting means.

Claims (11)

Power supply state detection means for detecting the state of the main power supply and auxiliary power supply,
Power supply switching means for selecting one output of the main power supply or the auxiliary power supply;
A recording means capable of recording information;
And control means for performing for the recording and reading of predetermined information in the recording means,
An image forming apparatus having
When operating with the auxiliary power supply and there is also power supply from the main power supply, the power supply state detecting means detects the power supply switching means when detecting that the voltage of the auxiliary power supply has dropped below a predetermined voltage. After outputting an instruction signal for switching the power supply to the image forming apparatus from the auxiliary power supply to the main power supply, the internal information of the image forming apparatus is recorded in the recording means to the control means The control means records the internal information in the recording means in response to the instruction signal, and then the supply of power from the main power supply is stopped, and the main power supply or auxiliary power supply is again When the power is supplied from, the internal information recorded in the recording means is read out ,
An image forming apparatus. Power supply state detection means for detecting the state of the main power supply and auxiliary power supply,
Power supply switching means for selecting one output of the main power supply or the auxiliary power supply;
A recording means capable of recording information;
And control means for performing for the recording and reading of predetermined information in the recording means,
An image forming apparatus having
When operating with the auxiliary power supply and there is also power supply from the main power supply, the power supply state detecting means detects that the voltage of the auxiliary power supply has dropped below a predetermined voltage, and On the other hand, after outputting an instruction signal for recording the internal information of the image forming apparatus in the recording means, the power supply switching means is switched from the auxiliary power supply to the main power supply to the image forming apparatus. The control means records the internal information in the recording means in response to the instruction signal, and then the supply of power from the main power supply is stopped, and the main power supply or auxiliary power supply is again When the power is supplied from, the internal information recorded in the recording means is read out ,
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
An image forming apparatus comprising voltage setting means for variably setting the predetermined voltage. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the voltage setting unit determines the predetermined voltage according to an operation mode of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
Power consumption calculating means for calculating power consumption for each operation mode of the device, wherein the voltage setting means is configured to perform the predetermined operation according to the operation mode of the device based on the power consumption calculated by the power consumption calculation means. An image forming apparatus characterized by determining a voltage. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.
The power consumption calculating means calculates a lower limit value of a voltage at which the internal information can be recorded from a voltage drop characteristic of an auxiliary power supply, and the voltage setting means sets the calculated lower limit value. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the recording unit is a print medium on which apparatus information is printed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the recording unit is a non-volatile storage medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the recording unit is provided outside the apparatus. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus that operates by power supplied from a main power supply and an auxiliary power supply,
A power supply state detection step for detecting the state of the main power supply and the auxiliary power supply;
A power source switching step of selecting one output of the main power source or the auxiliary power source;
And a control step of performing for the recording and reading of predetermined information in the recording means of the image forming apparatus,
Have
When operating with the auxiliary power source and there is also supply of power from the main power source, the power source state detecting step detects that the voltage of the auxiliary power source has dropped below a predetermined voltage, and the power source switching step After outputting an instruction signal for switching the power supply to the image forming apparatus from the auxiliary power supply to the main power supply, the internal information of the image forming apparatus is recorded in the recording unit for the control step. In response to the instruction signal, the internal information is recorded in the recording means, and then the supply of power from the main power supply is stopped, and the main power supply or auxiliary power supply is again output. When the power is supplied from, the internal information recorded in the recording means is read out ,
A control method for an image forming apparatus. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus that operates by power supplied from a main power supply and an auxiliary power supply,
A power supply state detection step for detecting the state of the main power supply and the auxiliary power supply;
A power source switching step of selecting one output of the main power source or the auxiliary power source;
And a control step of performing for the recording and reading of predetermined information in the recording means of the image forming apparatus,
Have
When operating with the auxiliary power supply and there is also supply of power from the main power supply, the power supply state detecting step detects the fact that the voltage of the auxiliary power supply has dropped below a predetermined voltage. On the other hand, after outputting an instruction signal for recording the internal information of the image forming apparatus in the recording unit, the power supply to the image forming apparatus is switched from the auxiliary power source to the main power source for the power source switching step. In response to the instruction signal, the internal information is recorded in the recording means, and then the supply of power from the main power supply is stopped, and the main power supply or auxiliary power supply is again output. When the power is supplied from, the internal information recorded in the recording means is read out ,
A control method for an image forming apparatus.

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