JPH10173832A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the power consumption without decreasing the utility by providing two kinds of energy saving modes in response to the operating convenience to the facsimile equipment and selecting either of them automatically thereby realizing compatibility of a quick operation start and use of the energysaving mode. SOLUTION: The facsimile equipment is provided with the simple energy- saving mode that is quickly restored to the usual operating mode and with the complete energy-saving mode that minimizes the power consumption, a history of factors restored from the energysaving mode is stored in a RAM 17, and in the case of transition to a succeeding energy-saving mode, an energy- saving CPU 18transits the state of equipment to the simple energy-saving mode when the frequency of the operation instruction using a plotter 14 is high based on the history and when the consecutive time of the energy-saving mode counted by an energy-saving timer 19 counts reaches a setting time, the complete energy- saving mode is selected. Or the elapsed time from the operating instruction counted by the energy-saving timer 19 to transit to the energysaving mode may be reset through the depression of a start timer key only.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having an energy-saving mode, and more particularly, to reducing the usability by providing two or more energy-saving modes according to ease of use and shifting to any one of them. And can reduce power consumption.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a facsimile apparatus which transmits image data read from a document image via a communication line, or records received image data on paper and outputs an image. Since it is not known when image data is sent, it is common to always stand by with the power on.

[0003] This type of facsimile apparatus consumes power because it drives a display unit and the like even when it is in a standby state, and for example, a heater of a fixing roller for fixing an image formed on a sheet is not used. Since the fixing roller needs to be heated and held at a certain temperature or higher, a considerable amount of electric power is consumed even just in the standby mode. For this reason, if there is no operation command even after a certain period of time has passed since the standby state, it is possible to automatically turn off part of the power supply and shift to the energy saving mode to reduce the power consumption. For example, it is proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-8989. This facsimile machine has at least a minimum required function after shifting to an energy saving mode (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an energy saving mode).
Only means for detecting an incoming call, off-hook, document set, pressing of a switch, etc. is operated, and when an operation command is issued by any of these means, power supply is restarted (ON) to enable use from the energy saving mode. It returns to the state and executes the required operation.

[0004]

However, such a conventional facsimile apparatus having a fixing roller or the like which needs to be heated and maintained at a high temperature cannot be used from the energy saving mode even if the power supply is resumed. There is a problem that it takes time to return to a possible state, and it is necessary to wait for recording and outputting of image data until each unit of the apparatus returns to a normal state.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention is to reduce the power consumption to the extent that the power consumption can be quickly returned to the normal use state, or to automatically use two energy-saving modes to further reduce the power consumption according to usability. It is an object of the present invention to realize a balance between the start of a simple operation and the use of an energy saving mode, and to reduce power consumption without lowering the usability.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 has an energy saving mode for suppressing power consumption, and can be used as necessary after shifting to the energy saving mode. In a facsimile apparatus that performs facsimile communication and image data recording and output via a communication line by returning to the normal state,
It has a simple energy saving mode that can quickly return to a normal use state and an enhanced energy saving mode that suppresses power consumption lower than the simple energy saving mode, and retains a history of factors that return to a usable state. History storing means; and mode control means for shifting to the simple energy saving mode or the enhanced energy saving mode based on the history of the return factors held in the history holding means when shifting to the energy saving mode. Is what you do.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the history of the factors for returning from the energy saving mode to the usable state is retained, and when shifting to the energy saving mode again, based on the history of the factors for the restoration. The mode is shifted to the simple energy saving mode or the enhanced energy saving mode. Therefore, when the mode is again shifted to the energy saving mode, the mode is shifted to the simple energy saving mode or the enhanced energy saving mode based on the history of the operation command or the like that is a return factor, and a function that takes time to return is used. Alternatively, it is possible to return to a state in which an operation command that does not need to use the function can be executed without taking a long time.

Here, the return factor is not limited to the operation command but includes other factors such as a mere return command by the operator. In the following description, the return factor is set so as to be easily and easily grasped (understood). Is described as if there was an operation command. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the mode control means includes:
When switching to the energy saving mode, refer to the history of the return factors in the history holding unit, and if the frequency of the return factors by the operation command using the function that takes time to return to the usable state is high. The mode is shifted to a simple energy saving mode.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the operation mode is shifted to the energy saving mode again, the history of the operation command which is the cause of the return is referred to, and the function which requires time until the return is used. If the frequency of return is high (repeated), the mode is shifted to the simple energy saving mode. Therefore, power consumption is suppressed by the simple energy saving mode, and when an operation command is issued, the operation command can be executed without taking much time.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the mode control means refers to the history of the return factor in the history holding means when shifting to the energy saving mode. When the frequency of return factors by an operation command that uses a function that does not take time to return to a usable state is high, the mode is switched to the enhanced energy saving mode.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the operation mode is shifted to the energy saving mode again, the history of the operation instruction which is a return factor is referred to, and the operation using the function which does not require much time until the return is performed. If the frequency of return by the command is high (repeated), the mode is shifted to the enhanced energy saving mode. Therefore, the power consumption can be suppressed to be lower than that in the simple energy saving mode by the enhanced energy saving mode, and when the operation command is issued, the operation command can be executed without taking much time.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy-saving mode for suppressing power consumption, and after shifting to the energy-saving mode, the apparatus is returned to a usable state as required, such as facsimile communication via a communication line. In a facsimile apparatus for recording and outputting image data, the energy saving mode includes a simple energy saving mode capable of quickly returning to a normal use state, and an enhanced energy saving mode for suppressing power consumption lower than the simple energy saving mode. Has,
Energy-saving mode timer means for measuring the time during which the simple energy-saving mode continues without returning to the normal use state; and simple energy-saving mode when the duration time counted by the energy-saving mode timer means reaches a preset time. And a mode control means for shifting from the energy mode to the enhanced energy saving mode.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the duration of the simple energy saving mode is measured, and when the duration reaches the set time without returning to the normally usable state, the mode is enhanced from the simple energy saving mode. The mode is shifted to the energy saving mode. Therefore, even if there is an operation command that uses a function that takes time to recover, even if the operation command is promptly executable in the simple energy saving mode,
When there is little possibility that there is an operation command, the mode is shifted to the enhanced energy saving mode in which the power consumption can be further reduced.

[0014] The invention according to claim 5 provides the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the above, further comprising a normal state timing means that measures the time elapsed from the previous operation command to make the state normally usable and resets the elapsed time only by pressing the start key, The mode control means shifts to the energy saving mode when the elapsed time measured by the normal state time counting means reaches a preset time. The operation command mentioned here is not limited to a command for operating a provided function, but also includes, for example, a command for turning on a power supply to start a normal state.
The elapsed time may be, for example, an elapsed time after an operation command is issued or an elapsed time after a normal state is reached, and the time during which a normally usable state continues may be measured.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the time elapsed from the previous operation instruction for making the device normally usable is measured, and when the elapsed time reaches a preset time, the simple energy saving mode or The mode is shifted to the enhanced energy saving mode. The elapsed time during which the normally usable state continues to be counted for shifting to the energy saving mode is reset only by pressing the start key. Therefore, the mode automatically shifts from the usable state to the energy saving mode, and the elapsed time for measuring the normal usable state for this shift is reset only by the reliable operation of the operator, and erroneous operation and reception are not performed. Even if any, the mode is quickly shifted to the energy saving mode.

In the simple energy saving mode, it takes time to return the heater of the fixing roller, which needs to be heated and maintained at a high temperature, to a usable state from a power-off state. Is a so-called preheating mode in which power is suppressed to such an extent that it can be returned quickly. At the same time, the operation display unit is turned off while the electrical components remain on.
And so on. On the other hand, in the enhanced energy saving mode, the power consumption may be suppressed more than in the simple energy saving mode. However, in order to further reduce the power consumption, the heater and the electrical components are left with a function only for detecting an operation command. Parts that are not particularly necessary when not in use, such as the operation display
It is more preferable to set F to minimize power consumption.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. This embodiment corresponds to the first and second aspects of the present invention. First, the configuration will be described.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a facsimile apparatus having an energy saving mode for reducing power consumption. The facsimile apparatus 10 controls various parts of the apparatus according to a control program prepared in advance and executes various processes of the present invention. Main CPU 11 connected to a public line and a ringing signal or a calling signal (control signal) in a facsimile communication network.
And an NCU (network control unit) 12 for performing line connection when receiving (receiving) image data and performing line connection in accordance with an operation command for transmitting image data, and an image to be transmitted from the image side of the set original. A scanner 13 for reading data, a plotter 14 for recording received image data on paper and outputting an image, and an operation unit 15 including a display, operation keys, and the like, for displaying an operation state of the apparatus main body and for performing various operations by an operator. And an RO storing the control program
M16 and a RAM 17 for storing various information such as driving conditions and management data of each unit of the apparatus and for storing data necessary for operation. This facsimile machine 10
Is provided with an energy saving mode. In addition to the above components, the NCU 12 detects an incoming call, detects a document set on the scanner 13, and sets an energy saving key provided on the operation unit 15 in accordance with the control program in the ROM 16 in the energy saving mode. An energy-saving CPU 18 that maintains functions required during standby, such as detecting key operations such as pressing a key, and an energy-saving timer 19 that counts the time elapsed since an operation command to send or receive the previous image data. Is provided.

The facsimile machine 10 has, as an energy saving mode, a simple energy saving mode in which the power supplied to each section of the apparatus is limited to such an extent that all functions can be quickly returned to a usable state without any change. In order to reduce power consumption, there is provided a complete energy saving mode (enhanced energy saving mode) in which power supplied to each unit of the apparatus is limited so as to maintain only a minimum necessary function in a standby state in order to suppress the power consumption. ing.

Here, in the simple energy saving mode, the plotter
In the normal standby mode, the fixing roller (built-in heater) is heated to a high temperature so that the image recorded on the paper can be fixed during normal standby, but when the power supply is completely turned off, it returns to a usable state. Since it takes a long time to perform the operation, the fixing temperature of the fixing roller of the plotter 14 is reduced to an allowable range, and at the same time, the display output of the operation unit 15 is turned off to suppress power consumption. The mode is
This corresponds to a so-called preheating mode. On the other hand, in the complete energy saving mode, the scanner 13
The power supply to the electrical system such as the printer and the plotter 14 is turned off, and the heating of the fixing roller is also turned off. At the same time, the power supply to the main CPU 11 is turned off to minimize the power consumption. The complete energy saving mode detects ringing and ringing signals when image data arrives, off-hook detection when talking during manual transmission, etc.
By maintaining only the minimum necessary functions in a standby state such as detection of a set transmission original, power consumption is minimized while leaving only the function of detecting an operation command.

These energy saving modes include an energy saving timer 19
When the elapsed time during which there is no operation command such as transmission / reception of image data to be counted reaches a preset time (counter set value), the main C
Judging that the operation is not likely to be commanded even when the PU 11 is in the standby state in the normal state, the energy-saving CPU 18 supplies power according to the information stored in the RAM 17 to each part of the device according to the simple energy-saving mode or the complete energy-saving mode. The energy-saving mode is shifted to the energy-saving mode.After that, when the energy-saving CPU 18 detects any operation command such as ringing, a calling signal, off-hook, and detection of a set original, the trigger is used as a trigger. In addition, at least power for enabling the function of executing the operation is supplied to each unit of the apparatus and the apparatus is restored. Further, these energy saving modes can be shifted by pressing the energy saving key of the operation unit 15, and can be returned to the normal state by pressing the energy saving key again. Therefore, the facsimile machine 10 can automatically shift to the energy saving mode without operating the energy saving key of the operation unit 15 each time when the operator is absent or when there is no plan to use the energy saving mode. Power consumption can be reduced even if one forgets to do so. In this embodiment, the return factor from the energy saving mode is not different between the simple energy saving mode and the complete energy saving mode. Ringing and ringing signals are detected when image data arrives, and off-hook detection when transmitting image data. When any operation command such as the detection of a set transmission original is issued, the state returns to a normal usable state.

The selection of the simple energy saving mode or the complete energy saving mode when shifting to the energy saving mode is performed by storing the history of operation commands (return factors) for returning from the previous energy saving mode in the RAM 17 and storing the history. The energy saving mode to be shifted to next based on is set to either the simple energy saving mode or the complete energy saving mode,
In the present embodiment, the RAM 17 is set in the RAM 17 so as to shift to the simple energy saving mode as the next energy saving mode when the return by reception is repeated N times or more which is set in advance. That is, the energy-saving CPU 18
Constitute the mode control means, and the RAM 17 constitutes the history holding means. The frequency of the return factor may not be determined by repeating the reception, but may be determined based on the ratio of the same return factor during a certain period. When the facsimile machine 10 is started up, the RAM 17 may be set in advance in the simple energy saving mode or the complete energy saving mode.

Next, the selection of the energy saving mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the elapsed time measured by the energy saving timer 19 reaches the set time without being reset without any operation command, or the operation unit 15
When the energy-saving key is depressed, for example, in the complete energy-saving mode, the energy-saving CPU 18 detects a certain operation command and sends a command to return each part of the device to the normal state to the main CPU 11 to switch from the energy-saving mode. When returning (step P1), if the cause of the return is not the detection of ringing or a call signal (steps P2 and P3), the operation is not an instruction to use the plotter 14 but to receive image data. When switching to the mode, the RAM 17 is set in the RAM 17 so as to set the complete energy saving mode (step P4). The return factor is stored and stored in the RAM 17 and the energy saving timer 19 is reset (step P5). The process ends.

On the other hand, if the return factor for returning from the energy saving mode to the normal state in step P1 is detection of ringing or a call signal (steps P2 and P3), the history of the return factor stored in the RAM 17 is referred to. Then, it is confirmed whether the detection is continuous for N times or more which is set in advance (step P6). If the number has not reached N times, the process proceeds to step P4, and the energy saving mode is also set to the complete energy saving mode.
If the number of times is N or more, image data reception is repeated and the plotter 14 is frequently used.
This is set in the AM 17 (step P7), and the return factor is stored in the RAM 17 in step P5 and the energy saving timer 19 is reset.

Thereafter, when the elapsed time measured by the energy saving timer 19 reaches the set time or when the energy saving key of the operation unit 15 is pressed, the complete energy saving mode set in the RAM 17 as the next energy saving mode or Shift to simple energy saving mode. Therefore, the history of the factor for returning from the energy saving mode to the usable state is stored in the RAM 17, and when the mode is switched to the energy saving mode again, the simple energy saving mode or the enhanced The mode is shifted to the energy mode. At this time, in the present embodiment, when the ringing and the detection of the calling signal are repeated, and the frequency of receiving the image data and requesting the recording output by the plotter 14 is high, when shifting to the next energy saving mode, The mode is shifted to a simple energy saving mode (preheating mode) in which the fixing roller of the plotter 14 can be quickly returned to a usable state. Therefore, even when the recording output of the image data is repeated, the power is saved by the simple energy saving mode. It is possible to achieve both a reduction in power consumption and a quick return to a usable state. In addition to this, when a transition is made to the complete energy saving mode, power consumption can be reduced to the maximum.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the transition to the simple energy saving mode or the enhanced energy saving mode according to the usability is performed at the next transition to the energy saving mode, based on the history accumulated in the RAM 17 as the cause of the return from the energy saving mode. When the detection of a ringing signal or a call signal, which is an operation command for recording and outputting image data using the plotter 14 which takes time to recover, is repeated, the mode is shifted to the simple energy saving mode next time. be able to. Therefore, even when the RAM 17 is set to shift to the complete energy saving mode for minimizing power consumption, the mode shifts to the simple energy saving mode when image data is repeatedly received. When data is received, the image data recorded and output on paper can be quickly obtained by returning without taking time. Also at this time, power consumption can be reduced by the simple energy saving mode. As a result,
Power consumption can be reduced in an energy-saving mode suitable for usability without reducing usability. In addition,
When the return factor is the detection of the transmitted document set, the plotter 14 does not need to be used. Therefore, even if the mode is shifted to the simple energy saving mode or the enhanced energy saving mode, Facsimile transmission may be performed before returning to the normal state.

In the present embodiment, the reception of image data recorded and output by the plotter 14 is described as a return factor. However, in general, a facsimile apparatus records image data obtained by reading a document image by the scanner 13 on paper. Output, so-called copying can also be performed. In other words, it is necessary to return the plotter 14 to the usable state in the same manner as when the image data is received, so that the copy operation command may be processed as a return factor similar to the reception of the image data. The same applies to the embodiments described below.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. This embodiment corresponds to the first and third aspects of the present invention. In addition, since the present embodiment is configured substantially in the same manner as the above-described first embodiment,
1, the same components will be described using the same reference numerals, focusing on the characteristic portions. In FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the facsimile machine 10 shifts to the complete energy saving mode next time when the return by the operation command that does not require the use of the plotter 14 is repeated N times or more which is set in advance. Is set in the RAM 17 as described above.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the mode is returned from the energy saving mode by any operation command during the simple energy saving mode (step P1),
When the return factor is not due to the operation of the operator, such as detection of pressing of the energy saving key of the operation unit 15, detection of the transmission original set on the scanner 13 or detection of the on-hook key, but due to reception of image data. (Steps P11, P12, P13), the next time the mode shifts to the energy saving mode, the simple energy saving mode is set in the RAM 17 (step P14), and the return factor is set in the RAM 17.
In step P5, the energy-saving timer 19 is reset (step P5), and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the return factor for returning from the energy saving mode to the normal state in step P1 is an operator operation such as detection of pressing of the energy saving key of the operation unit 15 (steps P11, P12, P13), the RAM 17 With reference to the history of the return factors accumulated in the memory, it is confirmed whether or not the detection is continuously performed at least N times in advance (step P1).
5) If the number of times has not reached N times, the process proceeds to step P14, and the energy saving mode is also set to the simple energy saving mode. The power saving mode is set in the RAM 17 (step P16), and the return factor is set to R in step P5.
After storing the data in the AM 17 and resetting the energy-saving timer 19, the process is terminated.

Thereafter, when the elapsed time measured by the energy saving timer 19 reaches the set time or when the energy saving key of the operation unit 15 is pressed, the complete energy saving mode set in the RAM 17 as the next energy saving mode or Shift to simple energy saving mode. As described above, in the present embodiment, when shifting to the energy saving mode as in the first embodiment, the mode can be shifted to the simple energy saving mode or the enhanced energy saving mode according to the usability. If the return by the detection of the press is repeated and the frequency of the return factor by the operator's operation is high, when shifting to the next energy-saving mode, when the standby state such as the detection of the press of the energy-saving key of the operation unit 15 is performed. The mode is shifted to the complete energy saving mode that maintains only the minimum necessary functions. Therefore, even if the setting is made in the RAM 17 so as to shift to the simple energy saving mode in which the fixing roller of the plotter 14 can be quickly returned to a usable state, an operator who does not need to use the plotter 14 is required. Is repeated, the operation can be shifted to the complete energy saving mode for minimizing power consumption. At this time, the operation command is executed before or without returning the plotter 14 to a usable state. be able to. Therefore, facsimile transmission or the like can be performed without waiting for a long time before returning, and power consumption can be reduced to the maximum by the complete energy saving mode. As a result, power consumption can be reduced in the energy-saving mode suitable for usability without lowering the usability.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. This embodiment corresponds to the first, third and fourth aspects of the present invention. Note that, since the present embodiment is configured substantially in the same manner as the above-described second embodiment, the same components will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, in the facsimile apparatus 10, in the present embodiment, the energy saving timer 19 constitutes an energy saving mode timer, and also measures the duration of the mode after shifting to the energy saving mode. The energy saving CPU 18 has its duration set in RAM 17 in advance.
The energy saving mode is set to the complete energy saving mode when the time set in or more is reached. In other words, in the case of the simple energy saving mode, it is determined that the possibility of the operation command is low, and the power consumption is further reduced. It shifts to the complete energy saving mode.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the duration time measured by the energy saving timer 19 in the simple energy saving mode is less than the set time (step P3).
1) Similarly to the above-described second embodiment, when the cause of the return from the energy saving mode is not the operation of the operator but the reception of the image data (step P).
1, P11, P12, P13), the return factor is stored in the RAM 17 (step P32), and the mode is set to the simple energy saving mode at the time of transition to the next energy saving mode (step P33). By N
(Steps P1, P11, P11)
(12, P13, P15), the cause of the return is stored in the RAM 17 (step P34), and the mode is set to the complete energy saving mode at the time of transition to the next energy saving mode (step P35).

On the other hand, if the duration time measured by the energy saving timer 19 in the energy saving mode is equal to or longer than the set time in the energy saving mode without any operation command (step P31), the process directly proceeds to step P35, and the complete energy saving mode is set. At this time, if the mode is the simple energy saving mode, the mode shifts to the complete energy saving mode. As described above, in the present embodiment, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described second embodiment can be obtained, and the image data is stored in the simple energy saving mode in which the fixing roller of the plotter 14 can be quickly returned to a usable state. If the duration of the energy-saving mode is longer than a certain set time without receiving a message or an operator's operation, only the minimum necessary functions in the standby state such as detecting the pressing of the energy-saving key of the operation unit 15 The mode will be shifted to the complete energy saving mode to maintain and minimize power consumption. Therefore, even in the simple energy saving mode, even if the image data is in a standby state in which the image data can be quickly recorded and output, if there is a low possibility that the operation command is present, the mode is shifted to the complete energy saving mode in which the power consumption can be further reduced. Can be. As a result, it is possible to prevent beforehand from being able to shift to the complete energy saving mode without the operation command itself. For example, it is possible to wastefully wait and consume power in the simple energy saving mode at night or the like. Can be prevented.

In this embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the second embodiment has been described. However, it goes without saying that the present embodiment may be applied to the first embodiment. Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, and this embodiment corresponds to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention. Note that, since the present embodiment is configured substantially the same as the above-described first embodiment, the same components will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, in the facsimile apparatus 10, in this embodiment, the energy saving timer 19 constitutes a normal state timer, and only when the start key of the operation unit 15 is pressed, that is, when the operator issues a reliable operation command. Is reset only when an input operation is performed, the elapsed time counted from the previous operation command (the time during which there is no operation command) is otherwise reset. When the elapsed time is equal to or longer than a time (counter set value) preset in the RAM 17, the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the apparatus is in the complete energy saving mode and returns from the energy saving mode by any operation command (step P1),
While turning on the display of the operation unit 15 (step P41),
The counting of the energy saving timer 19 is started, and if it has been started, the energy saving timer 19 is continued (step P42). Even if the return factor is the detection of ringing or a call signal (steps P2 and P3), the energy saving timer 19 is reset. Without checking (step P43), it is checked whether or not the elapsed time counted by the energy saving timer 19 is equal to or greater than the counter set value in the RAM 17 (step P44). The mode is shifted to the simple energy saving mode or the complete energy saving mode which is set to shift (step P45), and this processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in steps P2 and P3 that the return from the energy saving mode is caused by the operation of the operator without detecting ringing or a calling signal (step P4).
6) Check whether the start key of the operation unit 15 has been pressed (step P47). If the start key has not been pressed due to an erroneous operation, the process proceeds to step P43, where the energy saving timer 19 measures the time without resetting the energy saving timer 19. If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the counter set value in the RAM 17, the mode is immediately shifted to the simple energy saving mode or the complete energy saving mode (steps P44 and P45). If the start key is pressed in step P47, the energy saving timer 19 is activated. After resetting the elapsed time to be counted (Step P48), the process proceeds to Step P44, and since the elapsed time of the energy saving timer 19 does not exceed the counter set value, this processing is ended as it is.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the same operation and effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained, and the elapsed time for standby in the normally usable state measured by the energy saving timer 19 for shifting to the energy saving mode is determined by the operation unit. Since the reset is performed only by pressing the 15 start key, the elapsed time is reset only by the return factor of the operation command due to the reliable operation of the operator, and there is a pressing of the energy saving key due to another erroneous operation or the reception of image data The mode is quickly shifted to the energy saving mode. Therefore, if the operator simply presses the operation key by mistake, or if it is unlikely that the image data will be repeatedly used by the operator in receiving the image data, the recovery factor is ignored and the operation mode is quickly switched to the energy saving mode. It is possible to prevent the power from shifting and wasting power.

It is to be noted that the present embodiment can obtain the same function and effect when applied to any of the first to third embodiments.

[0041]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the history of factors for returning to the usable state from the state shifted to the energy saving mode is retained, and when the mode is shifted again, the cause of the return factor is retained. Since the mode is shifted to the simple energy saving mode or the enhanced energy saving mode based on the history, when the energy saving mode is manually or automatically selected, the mode shifts to the simple energy saving mode or the enhanced energy saving mode based on the history according to usability. Power consumption can be suppressed, and the operation command can be promptly returned to be executable according to usability. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced in the energy-saving mode suitable for usability without lowering usability.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the operation mode shifts to the energy saving mode again, if the frequency of an operation command using a function that takes time to return is large as a return factor, a simple power saving mode is achieved. Since the mode is shifted to the energy mode, the operation command can be returned to be executable without taking a long time when returning, and power consumption can be suppressed by the simple energy saving mode.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when shifting to the energy saving mode again, if the frequency of operation commands that use a function that does not take a long time to return is increased as a return factor, it is enhanced. Since the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, even when the power consumption is suppressed to a lower level by the enhanced energy saving mode, the operation command can be returned to the executable state without taking much time.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the time during which the simple energy saving mode continues without the operation command has reached the set time, the mode is shifted to the enhanced energy saving mode. Even if there is an operation command to be used, it is possible to return quickly even if there is no operation command for a certain period of time and there is little possibility that there is an operation command even when waiting in the simple energy saving mode. It is possible to shift to the energy saving mode, and it is possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption by waiting in the simple energy saving mode.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the time elapsed from the normal use state reaches the preset time, the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, and the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode. Because the elapsed time to be counted is reset only by pressing the start key,
It is possible to automatically shift from the usable state to the energy saving mode, and the elapsed time of the normal usable state timed for this transition can be reset only by the reliable operation of the operator, and incorrect operation Since it is considered that there is little possibility that the operation will be performed after ignoring the key press or the reception, the power consumption can be reduced by promptly shifting to the energy saving mode.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram illustrating a relationship between components of the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the selection of the energy saving mode.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, and is a flowchart for explaining selection of an energy saving mode.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a third embodiment of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, and is a flowchart for explaining a transition to an energy saving mode.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a fourth embodiment of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, and is a flowchart for explaining a transition to an energy saving mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Facsimile machine 11 Main CPU 12 NCU (Network control unit) 13 Scanner 14 Plotter 15 Operation unit 16 ROM 17 RAM (History holding unit) 18 Energy saving CPU (Mode control unit) 19 Energy saving timer (Energy saving mode timer, Normal status timer) )

Claims (5)

[Claims] An energy-saving mode for suppressing power consumption is provided, and after shifting to the energy-saving mode, the apparatus is returned to a usable state as required, and facsimile communication via a communication line and recording and output of image data are performed. In the facsimile apparatus, the facsimile machine has, as the energy saving mode, a simple energy saving mode capable of quickly returning to a normal use state, and an enhanced energy saving mode for suppressing power consumption lower than the simple energy saving mode. A history holding means for holding a history of factors that return to the state, and a mode for shifting to the simple energy saving mode or the enhanced energy saving mode based on the history of the reset factors held in the history holding means when shifting to the energy saving mode. A facsimile apparatus provided with control means. 2. An operation in which the mode control means uses a function which takes time to return to a usable state by referring to the history of the return factor in the history holding means when shifting to the energy saving mode. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode is shifted to the simple energy saving mode when the frequency of the return factor by the instruction is high. 3. The mode control means refers to the history of the return factor in the history holding means when shifting to the energy saving mode, and uses a function that does not take much time to return to a usable state. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the frequency of the return factor by the operation command is high, the mode is shifted to the enhanced energy saving mode. 4. An energy-saving mode for suppressing power consumption is provided, and after shifting to the energy-saving mode, the apparatus is returned to a usable state as required, and facsimile communication via a communication line and recording and output of image data are performed. In the facsimile machine, the facsimile machine has, as the energy saving mode, a simple energy saving mode capable of quickly returning to a normal use state, and an enhanced energy saving mode for suppressing power consumption lower than the simple energy saving mode. Energy-saving mode timer means for measuring the time during which the simple energy-saving mode continues without returning to the normal state, and switching from the simple energy-saving mode when the duration time counted by the energy-saving mode timer means reaches a preset time. A facsimile apparatus provided with mode control means for shifting to an enhanced energy saving mode. . 5. A normal state timer means for measuring a time elapsed from an operation command preceding a normal use state and resetting the elapsed time only by pressing a start key, wherein said mode control means is in a normal state. 5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile apparatus shifts to the energy saving mode when an elapsed time measured by the timer reaches a preset time.