JP6455401B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a sleep mode for reducing power consumption.

  Some image forming apparatuses are provided with a sleep mode in which the power of each unit is turned off to reduce power consumption when the image forming apparatus is not used for a predetermined time. When the operation panel is operated in the sleep mode, each part is energized again, and the image forming apparatus returns from the sleep mode to the normal mode. When returning to the normal mode, the image forming apparatus displays an operation screen corresponding to a predetermined function and operates according to an instruction from the user. When the image forming apparatus is a multi-function machine having a plurality of functions, when returning from the sleep mode to the normal mode, only the device corresponding to the function designated by the user or the function set in advance is energized. Some devices suppress power consumption by keeping the power supply of a device corresponding to a function not used turned off (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

JP 11-252289 A JP 2004-222234 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-262130

  However, it is common for users to perform operations via the operation screen. With the technology that enables the functions specified in advance to be used when returning from sleep mode, as in the prior art, the user operates the operation screen. There was a problem that it was difficult to understand whether the corresponding function returned from the sleep state and was usable.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said subject, and it aims at providing the technique which can solve the said subject.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes any one of a print function, a copy function, a fax function, a network communication function, and a box function, and the power consumption of each device necessary for executing each function is in a normal state. An image forming apparatus provided with a sleep mode that is further reduced to a sleep state, the operation panel displaying any one of a plurality of operation screens respectively corresponding to the plurality of functions, and when returning from the sleep mode As an initial screen that is initially displayed on the operation panel, an initial screen setting unit that allows a user to set any one of the plurality of operation screens, and the function that corresponds to the operation screen for each operation screen. A return device management table that associates and registers the device, and the return device when returning from the sleep mode A sleep control unit that returns only the device associated with the initial screen set by the initial screen setting unit to the normal state from the sleep state with reference to a management table, and the sleep control unit includes: When a screen transition is made by a button indicating another function displayed on the operation screen, whether the device associated with the operation screen at the transition destination is in the sleep state with reference to the return device management table The print function that uses the operation panel, the box storage unit, and the recording unit as the device, and the operation panel and the document reading unit as the device. And the fax function using a fax unit, the operation panel as the device, and the document The network communication function using the capture unit and the communication unit, and the box function using the operation panel, the box storage unit, the recording unit, the fax unit, and the communication unit as the device as the function, In the return device management table, only the operation panel and the box storage unit are registered in association with the box screen corresponding to the box function, and the box screen is printed as the button for instructing another function. A print button for instructing mail, a mail transmission button for instructing mail transmission, and a fax transmission button for instructing fax transmission are displayed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the technique which can perform sleep cancellation | release control convenient for a user can be provided.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the operation panel shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is an example of a registration of the return device management table shown in FIG. It is an example of the setting screen of the initial screen displayed on the operation panel shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the sleep control part shown in FIG. It is a display example of the box screen displayed on the operation panel shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to configurations showing similar functions.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is a multifunction device 1 having a plurality of functions such as a print function, a copy function, a fax function, a network communication function, and a box function. And a normal mode in which the operation instruction is received. The multifunction device 1 shifts from the normal mode to the sleep mode when it has not been used for a predetermined time, and shifts from the sleep mode to the normal mode when the operation panel 6 is operated during the sleep mode. Note that the multifunction device 1 only needs to have at least any two or more of a plurality of functions such as a print function, a copy function, a fax function, a network communication function, and a box function.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the multi-function device 1 includes a document reading unit 2, a document feeding unit 3, a main body unit 5, and an operation panel 6. The document reading unit 2 is disposed on the upper portion of the main body unit 5, and a recording paper discharge tray 51 is formed between the document reading unit 2 and the main body unit 5. The document feeding unit 3 is disposed on the upper part of the document reading unit 2. Further, the document feeding unit 3 is configured to be retractable, and is configured such that the upper surface of the document reading unit 2 can be opened by opening the document feeding unit 3 upward. The operation panel 6 is disposed on the front side of the multifunction machine 1.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the operation panel 6 has a touch panel 61 provided with a transparent pressure sensor on the surface of the liquid crystal display panel, a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values such as the number of printed sheets, Various operation keys 62 such as a reset key for inputting an instruction for initializing setting information, a start key for inputting an output instruction for starting a printing operation, and a stop key for stopping a printing operation are provided. Yes.

  The operation panel 6 also has a copy key 64 for instructing a copy function, a fax key 65 for instructing a fax transmission function, and a mail transmission as a screen switching key 63 for switching to display an operation screen corresponding to the function on the touch panel 61. A mail key 66 for designating a function and a box key 67 for designating a box function are provided. An operation screen corresponding to the function instructed by the screen switching key 63 is displayed on the touch panel 61.

  The copy function is a function for printing the image data of the document MS read by the document reading unit 2 on a recording sheet by the recording unit 7. The fax function is a function for faxing image data of the document MS read by the document reading unit 2 via the public line network. The mail transmission function is a function for mailing image data of the document MS read by the document reading unit 2 via the network. Furthermore, the box function displays image data stored in a box storage unit 13 (to be described later) on the touch panel 61, prints it on a recording sheet by the recording unit 7, sends a fax via a public network, It is a function to send mail via.

  The document reading unit 2 includes a scanner 21, a document reading slit 22, and a platen glass 23. The scanner 21 includes an exposure lamp, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, and the like, and is configured to be movable in the feeding direction of the document MS by the document feeding unit 3. The document reading slit 22 is a gap formed in a direction orthogonal to the document feeding direction of the document MS by the document feeding unit 3, and a transparent member such as glass is fitted therein. The platen glass 23 is an original table made of a transparent member such as glass.

  When reading the document MS placed on the platen glass 23, the scanner 21 is moved to a position facing the platen glass 23 and reads the document MS while scanning the document MS placed on the platen glass 23. Image data is acquired, and the acquired image data is output to the main unit 5. When reading the document MS fed by the document feeding unit 3, the scanner 21 is moved to a position facing the document reading slit 22, and the document by the document feeding unit 3 is moved through the document reading slit 22. In synchronization with the MS feeding operation, the document MS is read to acquire image data, and the acquired image data is output to the main unit 5.

  The document feeding unit 3 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and includes a document placing unit 31, a document discharge tray 32, and a document feeding mechanism 33. The documents MS placed on the document placement unit 31 are sequentially fed out one by one by the document feeding mechanism 33 and fed to a position facing the document reading slit 22, and then discharged to the document discharge tray 32. The

  The main body 5 includes the recording unit 7, and includes a paper feeding unit 52, a recording paper conveyance path 53, a recording paper conveyance roller 54, and a recording paper discharge roller 55. The paper feed unit 52 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 52a1 to 52an and recording paper feed rollers 52b1 to 52bn for feeding recording paper from the paper feed cassettes 52a1 to 52an one by one to the recording paper transport path 53. The recording paper feed rollers 52b1 to 52bn, the recording paper transport roller 54, and the recording paper discharge roller 55 function as a recording paper transport unit, and the recording paper is transported. The recording paper fed to the recording paper transport path 53 by the recording paper feed rollers 52 b 1 to 52 bn is transported to the recording unit 7 by the recording paper transport roller 54. Then, the recording paper on which recording has been performed by the recording unit 7 is discharged to the recording paper discharge tray 51 by the recording paper discharge roller 55.

  The recording unit 7 includes a photosensitive drum 71, an exposure unit 72, a developing unit 73, a transfer unit 74, and a fixing unit 75. The exposure unit 72 is an optical unit including a laser device, a mirror, and the like, and outputs a laser beam based on image data to expose the photosensitive drum 71 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 71. To do. The developing unit 73 is a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 71 using toner, and forms a toner image based on the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 71. The transfer unit 74 transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 71 by the developing unit 73 onto a recording sheet. The fixing unit 75 is a fixing unit including a heater or the like, and heats the recording paper on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 74 to fix the toner image on the recording paper.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine 1. The document reading unit 2, the document feeding unit 3, the transport unit (the recording paper feed rollers 52 b 1 to 52 bn, the recording paper transport roller 54, the recording paper discharge roller 55), the operation panel 6 and the recording unit 7 are the control unit 12. And the operation is controlled by the control unit 12. The control unit 12 is connected to an image processing unit 8, a storage unit 9, a communication unit 10, and a fax unit 11.

  The image processing unit 8 is a unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image data. For example, image improvement processing such as enlargement / reduction processing, gradation adjustment, and density adjustment is performed.

  The storage unit 9 is a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory or an HDD. The storage unit 9 temporarily stores image data acquired by reading the document MS by the document reading unit 2, and stores various management information. .

  The storage unit 9 stores a return device management table 91. In the return device management table 91, for each operation screen, a device for returning from the sleep state corresponding to the operation screen is associated and registered.

  FIG. 4 is a registration example of the return device management table 91. In the return device management table 91, “copy screen”, “mail transmission screen”, “fax transmission screen”, “box screen”, and “print screen” are registered as operation screens. 2, one or more of the recording unit 7, the communication unit 10, the fax unit 11, and the box storage unit 13 are registered in association with the operation screen. The operation panel 6, the document reading unit 2, the recording unit 7, the communication unit 10, the fax unit 11, and the box storage unit 13 are all devices that are controlled in the sleep mode in the sleep mode. The association between the operation screen and the device shown here is an example, and it goes without saying that, for example, a device necessary for executing a plurality of functions may be associated with one operation screen.

  The operation panel 6, the document reading unit 2, and the recording unit 7 are associated with the “copy screen”. On the copy screen, the document MS can be read and printed by the document reading unit 2. When the “copy screen” is displayed on the touch panel 61, the operation panel 6, the document reading unit 2, and the recording unit 7 are energized and the copy function can be used. In this case, the communication unit 10, the fax unit 11, and the box storage unit 13 are maintained in the sleep state.

  The operation panel 6, the document reading unit 2, and the fax unit 11 are associated with the “fax transmission screen”. When the “fax transmission screen” is displayed on the touch panel 61, the operation panel 6, the document reading unit 2, and the fax unit 11 are energized and the fax function can be used. In this case, the recording unit 7, the communication unit 10, and the box storage unit 13 are maintained in the sleep state. Silence can be maintained by leaving the recording unit 7 in the sleep state.

  The operation panel 6, the document reading unit 2, and the communication unit 10 are associated with the “mail transmission screen”. When the “mail transmission screen” is displayed on the touch panel 61, the operation panel 6, the document reading unit 2, and the communication unit 10 are energized and the scan function can be used. In this case, the recording unit 7, the fax unit 11, and the box storage unit 13 are maintained in the sleep state.

  The operation panel 6 and the box storage unit 13 are associated with the “box screen”. When the “box screen” is displayed, the operation panel 6 and the box storage unit 13 are energized, and a box screen capable of accessing the document data stored in the box storage unit 13 is displayed. When the box screen is displayed, the document reading unit 2, the recording unit 7, the communication unit 10, and the fax unit 11 remain in the sleep state. On the User Box screen, after the user selects document data from the user box, the user can select "Display (Preview Display)", "Print", "Mail Send", or "Fax Send" for the selected document data. The function of is indicated. For this reason, when the box screen is displayed, only the operation panel 6 and the box storage unit 13 are returned from the sleep state to the normal state, and when the function is instructed for the document data, it corresponds to the instructed function. The device associated with the operation screen is controlled to return from the sleep state to the normal state. The instruction may be performed on the box screen or may be performed by operating the screen switching key 63.

  The “print screen” is associated with the operation panel 6, the box storage unit 13, and the recording unit 7. On the print screen, the document data in the box storage unit 13 can be printed via the operation panel 6. When the “print screen” is displayed on the touch panel 61, the operation panel 6, the box storage unit 13, and the recording unit 7 are energized and the print function can be used. In this case, the document reading unit 2, the communication unit 10, and the fax unit 11 are maintained in the sleep state.

  The communication unit 10 has a function of transmitting / receiving various data to / from an external terminal via a network such as a LAN.

  The fax unit 11 has a modem, generates a facsimile signal from image data read and converted into data by the document reading unit 2, and transmits a generated facsimile signal through a telephone line network, and a telephone line network. A facsimile reception function for receiving a facsimile signal and generating image data from the received facsimile signal.

  The box storage unit 13 is a large-capacity storage unit such as an HDD, and stores image data such as document data (for example, document names “ABC” and “DEF” shown in FIG. 7) received from an external terminal.

  The control unit 12 is an information processing unit such as a microcomputer including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The ROM stores a control program for controlling the operation of the multifunction device 1. The control unit 12 reads the control program stored in the ROM and develops the control program in the RAM, thereby controlling the entire apparatus according to predetermined instruction information input from the operation panel 6.

  In addition, the control unit 12 functions as an initial screen setting unit 120 and a sleep control unit 121.

  The initial screen setting unit 120 sets an operation screen designated by the user as an initial screen that is first displayed on the operation panel 6 when the multifunction device 1 returns from the sleep mode. FIG. 5 is an example of an initial screen setting screen G60 for accepting initial screen settings. In the initial screen setting screen G60, a “copy screen” that is an operation screen corresponding to the copy function, a “fax transmission screen” that is an operation screen corresponding to the fax transmission function, and an operation screen corresponding to the mail transmission function (network communication function). Any one of the “mail transmission screen” and the “box screen” that is an operation screen corresponding to the box function can be set as the initial screen. The initial screen setting unit 120 displays an initial screen setting screen G60 on the touch panel 61 in response to a user operation, and sets an operation screen specified by the user as an initial screen.

  The sleep control unit 121 includes a power control unit (not shown) for each unit (including at least the operation panel 6, the communication unit 10, the fax unit 11, the recording unit 7, the document reading unit 2, and the box storage unit 13). The power supply is controlled to control the sleep state of the multifunction device 1.

  Specifically, when the multifunction device 1 has not been used for a predetermined time, the sleep control unit 121 turns off the power supply other than the minimum necessary functions to place the multifunction device 1 in the sleep mode. The sleep mode is a mode for reducing standby power of the multifunction device 1. Thereby, for example, the power of the backlight in the touch panel 61 of the operation panel 6 is turned off, or the power of the heater in the fixing unit 75 of the recording unit 7 is turned off. Sleep mode with reduced power consumption. In the sleep state, it is necessary for the multifunction device 1 to detect a user operation on the operation panel 6, to receive a print job via the communication unit 10, or to receive a facsimile signal via the fax unit 11. Only minimal functions are powered. Note that the sleep control for the operation panel 6 here is in a state where display on the touch panel 61 is not performed. The user's operation on at least one of the various operation keys 62 in the sleep state (not the touch panel 61) can be detected so that it can be detected as a trigger for returning from the sleep state to the normal state. .

  When the user operates the operation key 62 or the like of the operation panel 6 while the multifunction device 1 is in the sleep state, the sleep control unit 121 returns the multifunction device 1 to the normal mode. However, when the MFP 1 is returned to the normal mode by detecting the operation of the operation key 62 or the like, the sleep control unit 121 refers to the return device management table 91 and corresponds to the initial screen set by the user. Only to return from the sleep state to the normal state. Thereafter, the sleep control unit 121 displays the initial screen set by the user on the touch panel 61, and enables only the function corresponding to the initial screen. Therefore, the multifunction device 1 can save energy.

  Specifically, the flow of processing of the sleep control unit 121 will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the initial screen is set in advance by the user.

  When the multifunction device 1 enters the sleep mode (step s11), the sleep control unit 121 waits until an event such as panel operation, data reception, or facsimile reception is detected (No in steps s12 and s12). When an event is detected (Yes in step s12), the sleep control unit 121 determines whether the detected event is a panel operation (operation on the operation panel 6) (step s13). If it is not a panel operation (No in step s13), the sleep control unit 121 performs background processing corresponding to the detected event (step s14), and returns the process to step s12.

  When the panel is operated (Yes in step s13), the sleep control unit 121 refers to the return device management table 91 and identifies the device associated with the initial screen set by the user (step s15). A device recovery process is performed (step s16). As a result, the normal state power is supplied to the device associated with the initial screen set by the user, and the device returns from the sleep state. When the device associated with the initial screen returns to the normal state, the sleep control unit 121 displays the initial screen set by the user on the touch panel 61 (step s17). As a result, the multifunction device 1 enters the normal mode. In addition, since the function that can be operated on the initial screen displayed on the touch panel 61 has returned from the sleep state, when the user operates on the operation screen, it is unclear whether the function to be operated can be used. You do n’t have to.

  Subsequently, the sleep control unit 121 determines whether a screen transition operation has been performed (step s18). When the user presses the screen switching key 63 or instructs a function such as printing or fax transmission on the operation screen, the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 61 changes to an operation screen corresponding to the user operation. When the screen transition operation is not performed (No in step s18), the process proceeds to step s23.

  When a screen transition operation is performed (Yes in step s18), the sleep control unit 121 refers to the return device management table 91 to determine whether there is a device associated with the transition destination operation screen (step s19). If there is no associated device (No in step s19), the process proceeds to step s23. If there is an associated device (Yes in step s19), the sleep control unit 121 determines whether the device is in the sleep state (step s20). If the device is not in the sleep state (No in step s20), that is, in the normal state. If so, the process proceeds to step s22.

  When the device associated with the transition destination operation screen is in the sleep state (Yes in step s20), the sleep control unit 121 performs a return process for the device in the sleep state (step s21), and displays the transition destination operation screen on the touch panel. 61 is displayed (step s22). When there are a plurality of devices associated with the operation screen at the transition destination, the sleep control unit 121 determines whether or not each device is in a sleep state, and performs a recovery process for the device in the sleep state.

  Subsequently, the sleep control unit 121 determines whether all the devices have returned to the normal state (step s23). If all the devices are in the normal state (Yes in step s23), the process ends. Here, all devices are all devices that can be controlled by the sleep control unit 121. In addition, the sleep control unit 121 has a function of managing whether or not each device is in a sleep state.

  On the other hand, if all the devices are not in the normal state (No in step s23), that is, if the devices in the sleep state remain, the process returns to step s18.

  That is, while the sleep state device remains, the return device management table 91 is referred to every time the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 61 transitions, and the device associated with the transition destination operation screen is set to the sleep state. Processing to return from is performed.

  For example, assume that the box screen is set as the initial screen. In the return device management table 91 shown in FIG. 4, only the operation panel 6 and the box storage unit 13 are registered as related devices on the box screen. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, when the box screen G80 is displayed on the touch panel 61 as the initial screen, only the operation panel 6 and the box storage unit 13 are restored from the sleep state to the normal state, and the MFP 1 Energy saving is high.

The box screen G80 includes document data 801, a print button B81 for instructing printing, a mail transmission button B82 for instructing mail transmission, and a fax for instructing fax transmission as buttons for instructing functions to be used for the document data 801. A transmission button B83 and a preview button B84 for instructing preview display are displayed.

  When the user selects the document data 801 and presses the print button B81, for example, the transition destination operation screen becomes a print screen. Referring to the return device management table 91 shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 6, the box storage unit 13, and the recording unit 7 are associated with the print screen. Since the operation panel 6 and the box storage unit 13 have already been returned from the sleep state, the sleep control unit 121 performs processing for returning only the recording unit 7 in the sleep state from the sleep state among the devices associated with the print screen. After that, the print screen is displayed. Until the print screen is displayed, the recording unit 7 is in the sleep state, so that the quietness of the multifunction device 1 can be maintained and energy saving can be achieved. This print screen is not an initial screen that is displayed first when returning from the sleep mode, but is a transition destination screen when the print button B81 is pressed on the box screen.

  That is, in response to the screen transition, the sleep control unit 121 determines whether or not the device associated with the transition destination operation screen is in the sleep state, and controls to return only the sleep state device to the normal state. Yes. For this reason, every time the operation screen transitions, the device associated with the transition destination operation screen is controlled to return from the sleep state. Therefore, only necessary devices can be returned from the sleep state when necessary, and the energy saving performance of the multifunction device 1 can be improved. In addition, since the functions that can be operated on the operation screen are restored from the sleep state, the user-friendliness can be improved.

  As described above, the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment includes any one of a print function, a copy function, a fax function, a network communication function, and a box function, and includes a device necessary for executing each function. An operation panel 6 for displaying any one of a plurality of operation screens respectively corresponding to one or more of a plurality of functions, the image forming apparatus having a sleep mode in which power consumption is reduced from a normal state to a sleep state; The initial screen that is initially displayed on the operation panel 6 when returning from the sleep mode, the initial screen setting unit 120 that allows the user to set one of a plurality of operation screens, and the operation screen for each operation screen And a return device management table 91 in which devices necessary for the function to be associated are registered and a return device management table when returning from the sleep mode. Referring to table 91, and a only the device associated with the set initial screen in the initial screen setting unit 120 from the sleep state and the sleep control unit 121 to return to the normal state.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when returning from the sleep mode, the function corresponding to the operation screen is controlled to return from the sleep state, so that the user can perform sleep release control that is convenient for the user, The multifunction device 1 having high usability can be provided. Further, since the function corresponding to the operation screen set as the initial screen by the user is released from the sleep mode, the user need only set the desired operation screen as the initial screen without being aware of the type of function to be released from the sleep mode. In addition, depending on the operation screen, there are cases where multiple functions can be operated. In this case as well, each device required to execute the multiple functions corresponding to the operation screen returns from the sleep state. It can be operated intuitively without being aware of whether the function should be released from sleep.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to the multifunction machine 1 and may be any image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions, and may be a printer having a print function and a network communication function.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunctional device 2 Original reading part 3 Original feeding part 5 Main body part 6 Operation panel 7 Recording part 8 Image processing part 9 Storage part 10 Communication part 11 Fax part 12 Control part 13 Box storage part 21 Scanner 22 Original reading slit 23 Platen glass 31 Document Placement Section 32 Document Discharge Tray 33 Document Feeding Mechanism 51 Recording Paper Discharge Tray 52 Paper Feed Sections 52a1 to 52an Paper Feed Cassettes 52b1 to 52bn Recording Paper Feed Roller 53 Recording Paper Transport Path 54 Recording Paper Transport Roller 55 Recording Paper Discharge roller 61 Touch panel 62 Operation key 63 Screen switching key 64 Copy key 65 Fax key 66 Mail key 67 Box key 71 Photosensitive drum 72 Exposure unit 73 Development unit 74 Transfer unit 75 Fixing unit 91 Return device management table 120 Initial screen setting unit 121 Sleep control unit G60 initial screen setting Surface G80 box screen 801 document data B81~84 button

Claims (1)

It is equipped with any one of the print function, copy function, fax function, network communication function, and box function, and reduces the power consumption of multiple devices required to execute the multiple functions from the normal state and sleep state An image forming apparatus having a sleep mode
An operation panel for displaying one of a plurality of operation screens respectively corresponding to the plurality of functions;
As an initial screen that is initially displayed on the operation panel when returning from the sleep mode, an initial screen setting unit that allows a user to set one of the plurality of operation screens;
For each operation screen, a return device management table in which the devices necessary for the function corresponding to the operation screen are associated and registered;
When returning from the sleep mode, referring to the return device management table, a sleep for returning only the device associated with the initial screen set by the initial screen setting unit from the sleep state to the normal state. A control unit,
The sleep control unit
When a screen transition is made by a button indicating another function displayed on the operation screen, whether the device associated with the operation screen at the transition destination is in the sleep state with reference to the return device management table Determine whether to return the device in the sleep state to the normal state ,
The printing function using the operation panel, box storage unit and recording unit as the device, the fax function using the operation panel, document reading unit and fax unit as the device, and the operation panel as the device, The network communication function using the document reading unit and the communication unit, and the box function using the operation panel, the box storage unit, the recording unit, the fax unit, and the communication unit as the device are provided as the functions. ,
In the return device management table, only the operation panel and the box storage unit are registered in association with the box screen corresponding to the box function,
The box screen displays a print button for instructing printing, a mail transmission button for instructing mail transmission, and a fax transmission button for instructing fax transmission as the buttons for instructing other functions. An image forming apparatus.

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