JP2011193118A - Image forming apparatus and control program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a waiting time when the release of a power saving state is instructed, while suppressing power consumption more than, when the power saving state of the entire function module is released upon instruction of the release of the power saving state. <P>SOLUTION: When the release of the power saving state is instructed, apparatus configuration information is read (50), a function usable by its own apparatus is recognized (54), and if a communication line is not connected regardless of a configuration in which the communication line can be connected, the presence of a function module to be used in common by a usable function is determined (62) after excluding a function for connecting the communication line from usable functions (56 to 60). If a corresponding function module exists, power supply is started to display a menu screen on an operation panel (64 and 68). Further, when a function module whose use is determined appears in the process where a user operates the operation panel to select a function, or the like, if power supply is not being supplied to the corresponding function module, the power supply is started (74 to 78). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  In Patent Document 1, in a complex system including an operation panel, a button is provided for each function of a copy, a document box, a fax, a printer, and a scanner so that the user cannot recover from the energy saving state unless one of the buttons is selected and pressed. Furthermore, there is disclosed a technology for suppressing power consumption when returning from an energy saving state by performing power recovery only for a portion necessary for the function.

JP 2004-222234 A

  The present invention realizes a reduction in waiting time when the power saving state is instructed while suppressing power consumption compared to the case where the power saving state of all the functional modules is canceled when the power saving state is instructed. It is an object to obtain an image forming apparatus and a control program for the image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention provides apparatus configuration information for identifying which functional module is mounted among a plurality of functional modules that can be mounted on the apparatus. When an instruction is issued to cancel the power saving state in which the storage means for storing and the power supply to the individual functional modules mounted on the device itself are stopped or lower than the power supply in the operating state, the device configuration information is When it is determined that there is a functional module that is commonly used in each process that can be executed in the current configuration of the device that is represented, only the functional module that is used in common Control means for switching the power supplied to the commonly used functional modules to the power supplied in the operating state before the execution of any one of the processes is instructed. There.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when the control means is instructed to cancel the power saving state, at least the power supplied to the display / operation unit of the device itself is in an operating state. By switching to power supply and displaying the function selection screen for the user to select the function to be used on the display / operation unit, the user can select the function to be used via the display / operation unit and use it. When it is determined that there is a function module that is commonly used in each process belonging to the function selected by the user, any one of the processes is only applied to the commonly used function module. Before the execution of such processing is instructed, the power supplied to the commonly used functional modules is switched to the power supplied in the operating state.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the control unit causes the storage unit to store operation mode information indicating an operation mode of power saving cancellation set by a user, and If the power saving mode is set as the power saving cancellation operation mode when the cancellation of the power saving state is instructed, the execution of any one of the processes is performed only on the commonly used function modules. Prior to being instructed, the first control for switching the power supplied to the commonly used functional modules to the power supplied in the operating state is performed, and the convenience priority mode is set as an operation mode for canceling power saving. In such a case, before the execution of any one of the processes is instructed, the second power to switch the power supplied to the individual functional modules mounted on the own device to the power supplied in the operating state. It performs control.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the control means corresponds to the information indicating the configuration of the own apparatus when the operation mode for canceling power saving is set by the user. In addition, each time the power of the own device is turned on, it is determined whether information indicating the current configuration of the own device is stored in the storage means in association with the operation mode information. If the information indicating the current configuration of the own device is stored in association with the operation mode information, it corresponds to the information indicating the current configuration of the own device when the cancellation of the power saving state is instructed. When the first control or the second control is performed based on the stored operation mode information, and information indicating the current configuration of the device is not stored in association with the operation mode information Is the operation mode for canceling power saving. By displaying a mode setting screen for the user to set the mode on the display / operation unit of the own device, the operation mode for canceling power saving in the current configuration of the own device is displayed to the user via the display / operation unit. Let it be set.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus further comprises identification means for identifying a user who uses the device, and the control means is configured to receive the operation mode information from the power saving cancellation operation by the user. The information indicating the configuration of the own device when the mode is set and the identification information of the user who has set the operation mode of power saving cancellation are stored in the storage means, and the cancellation of the power saving state is instructed. The identification information of the user identified by the identification means, and the operation mode information stored in the storage means in association with the information representing the current configuration of the own device represented by the device configuration information. Each time the first control or the second control is performed and a user is identified by the identification unit, the current configuration of the own device represented by the device configuration information is the operation mode information and the identification The If the current configuration of the own device is not stored in association with the operation mode information and the identification information, the power saving cancellation is performed. By displaying a mode setting screen for the user to set the operation mode on the display / operation unit of the own device, the operation mode of the power saving cancellation in the combination of the current configuration of the own device and the identified user is The user is set via the display / operation unit.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means is not executing processing in its own device or is not instructed to execute processing. When it is determined that there is a functional module that is commonly used in each process that can be executed in the current configuration of the device represented by the device configuration information when the state continues for a preset first time or more In the functional modules installed in the own device, the power supplied to the functional modules other than the commonly used functional modules is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state, and the processing is performed in the own device. If the state in which the process is not executed or the execution of the process is not instructed further continues for a preset second time or longer, the supply power to the commonly used function module is stopped or Operation It is lower than the power supplied by state.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising detection means for detecting whether or not a communication line is connected to the own apparatus, wherein the control means comprises: When the detection means detects that the communication line is not connected to its own device, as a function module used in common, a process that excludes the process using the communication line among the processes It is determined whether or not a common function module exists.

  An image forming apparatus control program according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for identifying which function module is mounted among a plurality of function modules that are built in the image forming apparatus and that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus. The computer connected to the storage means for storing the configuration information is instructed to cancel the power saving state in which the power supplied to the individual function modules installed in the device is stopped or lower than the power supplied in the operating state. When it is determined that there is a functional module that is used in common in each process that can be executed in the current configuration of the own device represented by the device configuration information, the function module that is used in common Only for the power supply to the function module used in common before the execution of any one of the processes is instructed. To function as a control means for switching.

  The inventions according to claims 1 and 8 are more effective when the power saving state is instructed to be canceled while suppressing power consumption than when the power saving state of all the functional modules is canceled when the power saving state is instructed. There is an effect that the waiting time can be shortened.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, even when an instruction to cancel a power saving state is given, execution of a process using a function module whose use is determined by selecting a function to be used is also waited for. There is an effect that the time can be shortened.

  The invention according to claim 3 has an effect that the user can select whether the operation when canceling the power saving state is an operation giving priority to suppression of power consumption or an operation giving priority to convenience.

  The invention according to claim 4 has an effect that when the device configuration is changed, the operability for the user to instruct switching of the operation when canceling the power saving state can be improved.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operation at the time of canceling the power saving state can be switched for each individual user according to the preference of the individual user using the own device, and the device configuration is changed. In this case, it is possible to improve the operability for each user to instruct the switching of the operation.

  The invention according to claim 6 has an effect that the average waiting time when the cancellation of the power saving state is instructed can be further shortened.

  The invention according to claim 7 has an effect that the function module used in common can be determined more accurately.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the power saving cancellation | release process performed by the controller. It is an image figure which shows an example of each screen displayed on the display part of an operation panel. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process at the time of the user authentication performed by a controller.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a controller 12 including a microcomputer 12 and a CPU 12A, a memory 12B, a nonvolatile storage unit 12C including a hard disk drive (HDD) and a flash memory. The storage unit 12C stores device configuration information and an operation mode table (both described later), and a power saving control program is installed in advance. The power saving control program includes a program for executing a power saving cancellation process, which will be described later, and is an example of a control program for the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. When the CPU 12A executes the power saving control program, the controller 12 functions as an example of the control means according to the present invention (specifically, the control means described in claims 2, 3, 6, and 7). The image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment functions as an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The storage unit 12C is an example of a storage unit according to the present invention.

  The controller 12 is connected to a first power supply unit 22, and the first power supply unit 22 is connected to a commercial power supply via a power switch 30 that is turned on and off by a user operation. The first power supply unit 22 supplies power to the controller 12 while the power switch 30 is turned on. The controller 12 uses the power supplied from the first power supply unit 22 while the power switch 30 is turned on. The operation is continued.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes at least an image reading unit 14 that optically reads a set document (paper original) to be read and outputs read image data, and displays an image represented by the input image data on a recording sheet. Each of the functional modules includes an image forming unit 16 to be formed on an operation panel 18 provided with an operation receiving unit 18B that includes a numeric keypad, a touch panel, and the like, and an operation receiving unit 18B that receives a user operation. Yes. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image information transmission / reception unit 20 that transmits / receives image information (facsimile communication) to / from other devices having a function as a facsimile apparatus via a telephone line and a public communication network (not shown), and a PC. A network communication control unit 32 for transmitting / receiving information via an information processing apparatus such as (Personal Computer), a network cable and a computer network (not shown), and a part of the storage area connected to the controller 12 is used as a confidential box. One or more functional modules of the HDD 34 can be mounted. Furthermore, an application program (scanning application) for causing the image forming apparatus 10 to function as a scanner can be installed in the storage unit 12C of the controller 12.

  Table 1 below shows the image forming apparatus 10 in various apparatus configurations that can be adopted by the image forming apparatus 10 (combination of mounting / non-mounting of the image information transmitting / receiving unit 20, the network communication control unit 32, the HDD 34, and the scanning application). Indicates functions that can be provided to users (available functions). The information shown in Table 1 is stored in advance in the storage unit 12C.

  The operation accepting unit 18B of the operation panel 18 is provided with a power saving return switch (not shown) for instructing the image forming apparatus 10 in the power saving state to cancel the power saving state. Is directly connected to the controller 12, and when the power saving return switch is operated by the user, the controller 12 detects the operation if power is supplied to the controller 12. The device configuration information stored in the storage unit of the controller 12 is the current device configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 (the image information transmission / reception unit 20, the network communication control unit 32, the HDD 34, and the implementation / non-use of each of the scanning applications). Mounting), and each time the device configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 is changed, such as additional mounting of an arbitrary functional module, removal of an arbitrary mounted functional module, or the like. Updated to information representing the device configuration.

  Each functional module mounted on the image forming apparatus 10 is connected to the second power supply unit 24 via the power supply switch 26 and is operated by the power supplied from the second power supply unit 24 via the power supply switch 26. . The power supply switch 26 is composed of, for example, a relay or a semiconductor element and can be switched on / off by an on / off signal supplied from the outside. The power supply switch 26 is connected to the controller 12 and is turned on / off by an on / off signal supplied from the controller 12. Is switched. The second power supply unit 24 is connected to the power switch 30 via a power supply switch 28 whose on / off state is switched by an on / off signal supplied from the controller 12 in the same manner as the power supply switch 26. While each of the switches 28 is turned on, power is supplied to the function module in which the corresponding power supply switch 26 is turned on.

  In the configuration in which the image information transmission / reception unit 20 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10, an incoming call detection unit (not shown) constituting a part of the image information transmission / reception unit 20 is connected to the first power supply unit 22. The first power supply unit 22 supplies power to the incoming detection unit of the image information transmission / reception unit 20 while the power switch 30 is turned on, and the incoming detection unit of the image information transmission / reception unit 20 is connected to the first power supply unit 22. The operation is continued while the power switch 30 is turned on by the supplied power. The incoming call detection unit of the image information transmission / reception unit 20 includes a telephone line connection detection unit 20A that detects whether a telephone line is connected to the telephone line connection terminal. The telephone line connection detection unit 20 </ b> A is connected to the controller 12, and outputs a detection result of presence / absence of telephone line connection to the telephone line connection terminal to the controller 12 while the power switch 30 is turned on.

  Further, in the configuration in which the network communication control unit 32 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10, a reception detection unit (not shown) that constitutes a part of the network communication control unit 32 is also connected to the first power supply unit 22. The first power supply unit 22 supplies power to the reception detection unit of the network communication control unit 32 while the power switch 30 is turned on, and the reception detection unit of the network communication control unit 32 is supplied from the first power supply unit 22. The operation is continued while the power switch 30 is turned on by the supplied power. The reception detection unit of the network communication control unit 32 includes a communication line connection detection unit 32A that detects whether a network cable is connected to the network cable connection terminal. The communication line connection detection unit 32A is also connected to the controller 12, and outputs the detection result of the presence or absence of the network cable connection to the network cable connection terminal to the controller 12 while the power switch 30 is turned on. The telephone line connection detection unit 20A and the communication line connection detection unit 32A are examples of the detection unit according to the seventh aspect.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, when the power switch 30 is turned on and power is supplied from the first power supply unit 22 to the controller 12, the controller 12 first receives the device configuration information from the storage unit 12C. By reading, it recognizes the configuration of its own device (image information transmission / reception unit 20, network communication control unit 32, HDD 34, and whether or not a scanning application is installed), turns on the power supply switch 28, and is installed in its own device. By turning on all the power supply switches 26 corresponding to the individual functional modules, the second power supply unit 24 to the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, and the operation panel 18, all the devices mounted on the device itself are installed. Supply power to the functional module. Subsequently, the controller 12 recognizes the functions (see also Table 1 above) that can be used by the own apparatus based on the configuration of the own apparatus, and as shown in FIG. A menu screen on which “copy”, “print”, “scan”, and “fax” in the example of FIG. 3A are displayed as options is displayed on the display unit 18A of the operation panel 18.

  Here, when the user operates the operation receiving unit 18B of the operation panel 18 and the option “copy” in the menu screen is selected, the copy process is performed as shown in FIG. 3B as an example. A copy operation screen for designating processing contents is displayed on the display unit 18A. When the user operates the operation receiving unit 18B again to specify the content of the copy process to be executed and instruct the execution of the copy process, the image reading unit 14 that is a functional module used in the copy process and the image formation The copying process instructed to be executed by the unit 16 is performed.

  Further, when the user operates the operation accepting unit 18B of the operation panel 18 and the option “scan” in the menu screen is selected, the scan process is performed as shown in FIG. 3C as an example. A scan operation screen for designating contents is displayed on the display unit 18A. Further, when the operation receiving unit 18B is operated again by the user, the content of the scan process to be executed is specified and the execution of the scan process is instructed, the image reading unit 14 which is a functional module used in the scan process and The HDD 34 is caused to perform scan processing instructed to be executed. In this scanning process, a scanning application installed in the storage unit 12C is executed by the CPU 12A.

  Further, when the user selects the option “print” in the menu screen by operating the operation receiving unit 18B of the operation panel 18, the print processing is performed as confidential printing (information stored in the confidential box is stored). This is roughly divided into multiple types of processing, such as processing for printing a document to be represented) and media printing (processing for printing a document represented by information stored in a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory). As an example, as shown in FIG. 3D, the display unit 18A displays a print menu screen in which names of plural types of print processes are displayed as options. When the user operates the operation receiving unit 18B again and selects any option in the print menu screen, an operation screen (not shown) for designating the processing content of the selected process is displayed on the display unit 18A. Display. Subsequently, when the operation receiving unit 18B is operated again by the user, the content of the print process to be executed is designated and the execution of the print process is instructed, the image forming unit 16 which is a functional module used in the print process. Etc. (for example, if it is confidential printing, the image forming unit 16 and the HDD 34) cause the print processing instructed to be executed.

  The above is a case where the “print” function is selected via the operation panel 18, but in the print process, a document or the like represented by information received from a PC connected via a network is printed. When the execution of the process is instructed from a PC connected via the network, the execution is performed by the image forming unit 16 and the network communication control unit 32 which are functional modules used in the process. The instructed print process is performed.

  Further, when the user selects the option “FAX” in the menu screen by operating the operation accepting unit 18B of the operation panel 18, the facsimile transmission process is performed as shown in FIG. A facsimile operation screen for designating processing contents is displayed on the display unit 18A. When the user operates the operation accepting unit 18B again to specify the processing contents of the facsimile transmission process to be executed and instruct the execution of the facsimile transmission process, the image reading unit 14 which is a functional module used in the facsimile transmission process. The image information transmission / reception unit 20 performs facsimile transmission processing instructed to be executed.

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when the state in which the execution of processing is not instructed continues for a long period of time, the controller 12 applies to each functional module for the purpose of reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 10. By stopping the supply of power, the power saving state is entered. Although processing at the time of shifting to the power saving state will be described later, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment implements power supply to individual functional modules by turning on / off individual power supply switches 26. Each function module unit can be turned on and off, so that when the power saving return switch is operated to instruct the return from the power saving state, the power switch 30 described above is turned on. Instead of resuming power supply to all functional modules, power supply should be resumed only for the functional modules used in the processing that is instructed to be executed following the instruction to return from the power saving state. Thus, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced.

  However, when returning from the power saving state described above, if the user is instructed to execute the process and then starts supplying power to the functional module used in the process instructed to execute, the user The function module warm-up time (the time required from the start of supplying power to the function module until it is ready to operate until the execution of the process is actually started ). In particular, when the user instructs the power-saving state image forming apparatus 10 to return from the power-saving state by operating the power-saving return switch, and then instructing the execution of a desired process, the individual functional modules. Since power has not been supplied for a relatively long time, the warm-up time is prolonged (particularly, this tendency is remarkable in the image forming unit 16 including the fixing device), and the user is more You will have to wait for a long time.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, the power saving state in which power is supplied only to the controller 12 (however, if the image information transmission / reception unit 20 is mounted, the image information transmission / reception unit 20 receives an incoming call). If the power is supplied to the detection unit and the network communication control unit 32 is mounted, the user is provided to the image forming apparatus 10 in a state where the power is also supplied to the reception detection unit of the network communication control unit 32. When the power saving return switch is operated to instruct to cancel the power saving state, the controller 12 performs power saving cancellation processing (FIG. 2).

  In this power saving cancellation process, the device configuration information is first read from the storage unit 12C in step 50, and the device configuration (image information transmission / reception unit 20, network communication control unit 32, HDD 34, scan 34) of its own device is based on the read device configuration information. Recognizing whether or not an application is installed. In step 52, the operation mode table stored in the storage unit 12C is referred to, and the process branches according to the operation mode at the time of canceling the power saving set in the operation mode table. In this embodiment, a power saving mode that prioritizes reduction of power consumption and a convenience priority mode that prioritizes reduction of waiting time are provided as operation modes at the time of canceling power saving. The user can select whether to apply this mode, and the mode selected by the user is registered in the operation mode table as the operation mode at the time of canceling power saving.

  When the convenience priority mode is set as the operation mode at the time of canceling power saving in the operation mode table, the process proceeds from step 52 to step 66, and the power supply switch 26 corresponding to each functional module mounted on the own device. By turning on all the power, the supply of power to all the functional modules installed in the own device is resumed, and the process proceeds to step 68. In this convenience priority mode, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 10 is not reduced, but the user who has instructed the cancellation of the power saving state subsequently instructs execution of processing belonging to any of the various functions that can be used. Even so, execution of the instructed process is started with the shortest waiting time.

  On the other hand, when the power saving mode is set as the operation mode at the time of canceling power saving in the operation mode table, the process proceeds from step 52 to step 54, and the current configuration is determined based on the device configuration information read in the previous step 50. Are recognized in the image forming apparatus 10 (see also Table 1 above). In the next step 56, when the image information transmission / reception unit 20 is installed in the own apparatus, the detection result of the presence / absence of telephone line connection from the telephone line connection detection unit 20A of the image information transmission / reception unit 20 to the telephone line connection terminal. When the network communication control unit 32 is mounted on the own device, the detection result of the presence or absence of the network cable connection from the communication line connection detection unit 32A of the network communication control unit 32 to the network cable connection terminal is acquired. To do.

  In step 56, on the basis of the detection result acquired in step 54, the device itself is in a state where the telephone line is not connected to the telephone line connection terminal even though the image information transmission / reception unit 20 is mounted, and network communication. Whether or not the network cable is not connected to the network cable connection terminal regardless of whether or not the control unit 32 is mounted is determined. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 62. If the determination in step 58 is positive, the process proceeds to step 60, and it is detected that the available functions recognized in the previous step 54 are not connected. After performing the process of excluding the function using the telephone line or network cable from the available functions, the process proceeds to step 68.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in Table 2 below, this processing is performed by a substantial apparatus configuration under each condition of the network cable not connected, the telephone line not connected, and the telephone line and network cable not connected. (Another device configuration in which the available functions are equivalent because the available functions are limited according to each of the above conditions) is defined as information (Table 2) for each case where the original device configuration is each configuration. The information shown is also stored in the storage unit 12C), and it matches the device configuration of the own device recognized in the previous step 50 and the connection state of the telephone line and the network cable represented by the information acquired in the previous step 56 This can be done by determining the substantial device configuration, and then determining the available functions in the determined substantial device configuration based on the information shown in Table 1 above.

  As an example, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 16, an image reading unit 14, an operation panel 18, a network communication control unit 32, and an HDD 34 as functional modules, and a scanning application is installed in the storage unit 12 </ b> C. In the case of (so-called “CPS machine”), the available functions are “copy”, “print”, “scan”, and “confidential print” as shown in Table 1, but it is assumed that the network cable is not connected here. As shown in Table 2, it is determined that the substantial device configuration is a so-called “DC machine” (a configuration in which only the image forming unit 16, the image reading unit 14, and the operation panel 18 are mounted). The function that can be used in the case of “DC machine” is determined to be only “copy” based on Table 1 (“print”, “scan”, and “confidential print” are available machines) Excluded from the) will be.

  In the next step 62, it is determined whether or not there is a functional module that is commonly used by the available functions. As shown in Table 1, when the device configuration (or substantial device configuration) of the device is “DC machine”, the only function that can be used is “copy”, and “copy” (each process belonging to) In either case, the determination is affirmed because the image forming unit 16 and the image reading unit 14 are used.

  In addition, the device configuration (or substantial device configuration) of its own device is “CP machine (HDD not mounted)” (the image forming unit 16, the image reading unit 14, the operation panel 18 and the network communication control unit 32 are mounted as functional modules. In the case of the device configuration), available functions are “copy” and “print”, but if the HDD 34 is not installed, the only function that can be instructed to operate by operating the operation panel 18 is “copy”. In each of “copy” (each process belonging to), the image forming unit 16 and the image reading unit 14 are used, so the above determination is affirmed.

  In addition, the device configuration (or a substantial device configuration) of the own device is “CP machine (HDD mounting)” (the image forming unit 16, the image reading unit 14, the operation panel 18, the network communication control unit 32, and the HDD 34 as functional modules). In the case of an installed device configuration), the available functions are “copy”, “print”, and “confidential print”, and the functions that can be instructed to execute by operating the operation panel 18 are “copy” and “confidential print”. However, since the image forming unit 16 is used for both “copy” (each process belonging to) and “confidential print” (each process belonging to), the above determination is affirmed.

  As described above, when the determination in step 62 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 64 to turn on the power supply switch 28 and to turn on the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the function module commonly used in the available function. Then, after the supply of power from the second power supply unit 24 to the commonly used functional modules is resumed, the process proceeds to step 68. In this case, the warm-up process in the commonly used function module is completed earlier than in the case where the supply of power to the function module instructed to be executed is resumed after the execution of the process is instructed. Further, if the device configuration (or the substantial device configuration) of the own device is other than the “DC machine” and the “CP” machine, there is no functional module that is commonly used in the available functions, so step 62 This determination is denied, and the routine proceeds to step 68.

  In step 68, the power switch 26 corresponding to the operation panel 18 is turned on to supply power to the operation panel 18 from the second power supply unit 24 and used in the device configuration (or substantial device configuration) of the own device. A menu screen (an example is shown in FIG. 3A) on which the names of possible functions are displayed as options is displayed on the display unit 18A of the operation panel 18. In the next step 70, it is determined whether or not the operation accepting unit 18B has been operated by the user, and step 70 is repeated until the determination is affirmed. When the operation accepting unit 18B is operated by the user, the determination in step 70 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 72, and is displayed on the display unit 18A of the operation panel 18 in accordance with the operation performed by the user. A process of switching the display in the screen or a process of switching the screen displayed on the display unit 18A is performed.

  Specifically, for example, when the menu screen illustrated in FIG. 3A is displayed on the display unit 18A, the user operates the operation reception unit 18B, and among the plurality of options displayed in the menu screen, Select an option corresponding to the process that you want to execute. When this type of operation is performed, in step 72, the display screen displayed on the display unit 18A is a screen corresponding to the option selected by the user (for example, the screen shown in FIGS. 3B to 3E). The process of switching to any one of the above is performed. When any one of the operation screens shown in FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 3E (or an operation screen for print processing (not shown)) is displayed on the display unit 18A, the user receives the operation reception unit 18B. And an operation for designating the processing content of the process desired to be executed is performed through the operation screen displayed on the display unit 18A. When this kind of operation is performed, in step 72, a process of switching the display in the display screen displayed on the display unit 18A according to the operation by the user (for example, in the copy operation screen shown in FIG. 3B). When “full color” is selected as the color mode, processing such as highlighting the selected “full color” is performed.

  In the next step 74, it is determined whether or not a functional module that has been confirmed to be used in the process instructed to execute has appeared in accordance with the operation of the operation receiving unit 18B by the user. In step 76, it is determined whether or not the functional module determined to be used in the process instructed to execute is in the power supply stop state. If this determination is also affirmed, the routine proceeds to step 78, where the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the functional module determined to be used in the subsequent processing is turned on to be used in the subsequent processing. The supply of power to the functional module that is determined to be confirmed is resumed.

  Specifically, for example, when the option “copy” in the menu screen is selected by the user, the process instructed to execute can be determined as any process belonging to the “copy” function. Since the image reading unit 14 and the image forming unit 16 are used in any of the processes to which the image reading unit belongs, even if the processing content of the process instructed to be executed is in an uncertain stage, the image reading unit 14 is in the process instructed to execute. It is determined that the image forming unit 16 is used. For this reason, in step 74 to step 78, if at least one of the image reading unit 14 and the image forming unit 16 is in the power supply stop in the above case, the supply of power to the functional module in the power supply stop is resumed.

  For example, when the user selects the option “print” on the menu screen, the process instructed to execute can be determined as any process belonging to the “confidential print” function, but belongs to the “confidential print” function. Since the image forming unit 16 is used in all processes, the image forming unit 16 may be used in the process instructed to execute even when the processing content of the process instructed to execute is in an uncertain stage. Determine. For this reason, in step 74 to step 78, if the image forming unit 16 is in the power supply stop state in the above case, the supply of power to the image forming unit 16 is resumed.

  Also, for example, when the user selects the option “Fax” in the menu screen, the process instructed to execute can be determined to be a facsimile transmission process among the processes belonging to the “Fax” function. In either case, since the image reading unit 14 and the image information transmission / reception unit 20 are used, even if the processing content of the facsimile transmission processing is in an uncertain stage, the image reading unit 14 and the image information transmission / reception are performed in a process instructed to execute. It is determined that the part 20 is used. For this reason, in step 74 to step 78, if at least one of the image reading unit 14 and the image information transmitting / receiving unit 20 is in a power supply stop in the above case, the supply of power to the functional module in the power supply stop is restarted.

  Further, for example, when the user selects the option “scan” in the menu screen, the process instructed to execute can be determined as any process belonging to the “scan” function, but in the process belonging to the “scan” function, In any case, since the image reading unit 14 is used, it is determined that the image reading unit 14 is used in the process instructed to execute even if the processing content of the process instructed to execute is in an uncertain stage. . For this reason, in step 74 to step 78, if the image reading unit 14 is in the power supply stop state in the above case, the supply of power to the image reading unit 14 is resumed. In these cases, the warm-up process in the function module used in the process instructed to execute is compared with the case where the supply of power to the function module instructed to execute is restarted after the instruction to execute the process is issued. Ends early.

  In the next step 80, it is determined whether or not the content of processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus 10 has been confirmed by the operation performed by the user. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 70, and step 70 to step 80 are repeated until the determination of step 80 is affirmed. When the specification of the processing content through the operation screen displayed on the display unit 18A is completed, the user operates the operation receiving unit 18B to instruct the execution of the processing specifying the processing content. When this operation is performed, the determination in step 80 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 82, where it is determined whether or not the functional module used in the process instructed to be executed is operable, and step is performed until the determination is affirmed. Repeat 82. When the warm-up process in the function module used in the process instructed to be executed is completed, the determination in step 82 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 84. The function module that is ready for operation instructs the execution from the user. The process at the time of canceling power saving is terminated.

  Next, processing of the controller 12 at the time of shifting to the power saving state will be described. Note that the processing described below is also realized by the CPU 12A of the controller 12 executing a power saving control program.

  The controller 12 is provided with a timer, and the controller 12 measures the elapsed time since the last processing in the image forming apparatus 10 by this timer. The timer value of this timer is reset when execution of a new process is started in the image forming apparatus 10, but when the timer value reaches a value corresponding to a preset first power saving state transition time, first, Similarly to step 62 in the power saving cancellation process (FIG. 2), it is determined whether or not there is a function module that is commonly used among the functions that can be used by the own apparatus. When the corresponding functional module does not exist, the power to all the functional modules mounted on the own device is turned off by turning off the power supply switch 26 corresponding to each functional module mounted on the own device. Stop supplying.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a function module that can be used in common among the functions that can be used in the own device, the controller 12 first uses the function module that is commonly used among the function modules installed in the own device. By turning off the power supply switches 26 corresponding to the other functional modules, the supply of power to the functional modules other than the commonly used functional modules among the functional modules mounted on the own device is stopped. Subsequently, the controller 12 starts a timer, and measures the elapsed time after stopping the supply of power to the functional modules other than the commonly used functional modules.

  When the timer value of the timer reaches a value corresponding to the preset second power saving state transition time, the controller 12 commonly turns off the power supply switch 26 corresponding to the commonly used functional module. The supply of power to the function module to be used is stopped, and the image forming apparatus 10 is shifted to a power saving state in which power is supplied only to the controller 12 or the like. In addition, when the user gives an instruction to execute a new process before the timer value reaches the value corresponding to the second power saving state transition time, the controller 12 resets the timer value of the timer. At this time, since the power supply is continued for the function modules that are used in common, the warm-up process of the function modules that are used in common is unnecessary, and the instructed process Execution begins early. Note that the processing at the time of shifting to the power saving state described above is an example of processing by the control means according to claim 6.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted. FIG. 4 shows an image forming apparatus 36 according to the second embodiment. In the image forming apparatus 36, an authentication unit 38 for authenticating a user who uses the image forming apparatus 36 is connected to the controller 12, and user authentication information for authenticating the user is stored in the storage unit of the controller 12. The image forming apparatus 10 is different from the image forming apparatus 10 described in the first embodiment in that it is stored in 12C and that a user authentication program is installed in the storage unit 12C of the controller 12. In the second embodiment, the controller 12 functions as an example of control means according to the present invention (specifically, control means described in claims 2, 3, 5 to 7).

  The authentication unit 38 is constituted by a card reader or the like that can read information recorded on the IC card, for example, if each user using the image forming apparatus 36 has an IC card. be able to. The following description is based on this aspect. The user authentication information is configured by previously registering authentication information such as a user ID and a password for each user who uses the image forming apparatus 36.

  In addition, the operation mode table according to the second embodiment includes information indicating which of the power saving mode and the convenience priority mode is applied as the operation mode at the time of power saving cancellation, as shown in Table 3 below as an example. Each of the combinations of individual users who use the image forming apparatus 36 and a plurality of types of apparatus configurations of the image forming apparatus 36 can be registered.

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. A user who desires to use the image forming apparatus 36 first goes to the place where the image forming apparatus 10 is installed, and performs a personal authentication operation such as holding an IC card held by the user over the authentication unit 38. When this personal authentication operation is performed, the CPU 12A of the controller 12 executes the user authentication program, whereby the user authentication processing shown in FIG. In executing the user authentication process, the image forming apparatus 36 may be in a power saving state in which power is supplied only to the controller 12 or the like, or power is supplied to some or all functional modules. It may be in an operating state.

  In this user authentication process, first, in step 100, when the above-described personal authentication operation is performed by the user, the authentication such as the user ID and password read from the user's IC card by the authentication unit 38 is performed. Information is acquired from the authentication unit 38, whether or not the combination of the acquired user ID and authentication information is registered in the user authentication information, and the combination of the user ID and authentication information is registered in the user authentication information If so, user authentication processing is performed to determine “authentication success”.

  If the result of the user authentication process in step 100 is “authentication failure”, the process ends (not shown), but if it is “authentication successful”, the process proceeds to step 102 and the current apparatus configuration of the image forming apparatus 36 is changed. The device configuration information to be represented is read from the storage unit 12C. In step 104, the power saving cancellation corresponding to the combination of the current apparatus configuration of the image forming apparatus 36 indicated by the apparatus configuration information read in step 102 and the current user indicated by the user ID acquired in step 100 is shown. Whether or not the operation mode information is registered in the operation mode table is searched, and in the next step 106, it is determined whether or not the corresponding operation mode information is extracted from the operation mode table in the search processing in step 104.

  If the determination in step 106 is negative, the process proceeds to step 108 to determine whether or not the own apparatus is in a power saving state. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 112. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110, and the power switch 28 is turned on and the power switch 26 corresponding to the operation panel 18 is turned on. (2) After power is supplied from the power supply unit 24 to the operation panel 18, the process proceeds to step 112. In step 112, an operation mode selection in which “power saving mode” and “convenience priority mode” are displayed as options of the operation mode at the time of canceling power saving in the combination of the current apparatus configuration of the image forming apparatus 36 and the current user. The screen is displayed on the display unit 18 </ b> A of the operation panel 18. In the next step 114, it is determined whether any option on the operation mode selection screen has been selected by the user, and step 114 is repeated until the determination is affirmed.

  When the operation mode selection screen is displayed on the display unit 18A of the operation panel 18, the user performs an operation of selecting the power saving mode or the convenience priority mode as the operation mode at the time of canceling the power saving according to his / her preference or the like. . When this operation is performed, the determination in step 114 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 116, and the mode (power saving mode or convenience priority mode) selected by the user on the operation mode selection screen is changed to the operation mode when power saving is canceled. And stored in the memory 12B. In step 118, the mode selected by the user is registered in the operation mode table in association with the current device configuration and the current user combination.

  In the next step 122, it is determined whether or not the own device is in a power saving state. If the determination is negative (when the image forming apparatus 36 is in the operating state), the user authentication process is terminated. If the determination in step 122 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 124, and the power saving cancellation process is performed. After that, the user authentication process is terminated. As the power saving cancellation process in step 124, the power saving cancellation process described in the first embodiment (FIG. 2) can be applied. The power saving cancellation process in step 124 differs from the power saving cancellation process described in the first embodiment (FIG. 2) in that the memory in the previous step 116 instead of referring to the operation mode table in the step 52. Since the operation mode is determined by referring to the operation mode at the time of power saving cancellation stored in 12B and the operation panel 18 has already been supplied with power, the supply of power to the operation panel 18 is started in step 68. It is only a point that the process to perform becomes unnecessary.

  As described above, once the operation mode at the time of power saving cancellation in a combination of a certain device configuration and a certain user is once registered in the operation mode table, if the combination of the device configuration and the user is the same, The determination in step 106 is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 120, where the mode corresponding to the combination of the current device configuration and the current user, that is, the mode previously set by the user is set as the operation mode at the time of canceling power saving. Will be.

  Further, when the device configuration of the image forming apparatus 36 is changed by adding a new functional module to the image forming apparatus 36, each user who uses the image forming apparatus 36 operates when power saving is canceled. Although an operation for setting each mode is required, when a part of the function modules mounted on the image forming apparatus 36 is removed, the apparatus configuration of the image forming apparatus 36 returns to the previous configuration. The operation mode at the time of power saving cancellation in the combination of the previous device configuration and individual users is already registered in the operation mode table, so that individual users can perform individual use without performing new setting operations etc. Each user will return to the mode previously set by the individual user.

  In the second embodiment, an operation mode at the time of canceling power saving is set and registered for each combination of individual users who use the image forming apparatus 36 and a plurality of types of apparatus configurations of the image forming apparatus 36. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation mode when power saving is canceled may be set and registered for each device configuration of the image forming apparatus 36. Specifically, the operation mode at the time of power saving cancellation set by the user is registered in the operation mode table in association with the information representing the device configuration of the device at the time of setting the operation mode, and Every time the power is turned on, it is determined whether or not information representing the current device configuration of its own device is registered in the operation mode table, and information representing the current device configuration is registered in the operation mode table When the operation mode registered in the operation mode table in association with the information indicating the current device configuration is set as the operation mode at the time of power saving cancellation, and the information indicating the current device configuration is not registered in the operation mode table The operation mode selection screen is displayed on the display unit 18A of the operation panel 18, and the operation mode selected by the user on the operation mode selection screen is displayed as information indicating the current device configuration. The process of registering the operating mode table in association with can be realized by causing the controller 12. This aspect is an example of the invention described in claim 4.

  In addition, the operation mode at the time of canceling power saving may be set only by the administrator, or the power saving mode may be always applied as the operation mode at the time of canceling power saving regardless of the configuration of the image forming apparatus and the user. Good. These aspects are also included in the present invention.

  In the above description, the power supply to each functional module constituting the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped in the power saving state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For the function module that has continued for the set first time or longer, the power to be supplied may be reduced as compared to the time of operation, or the function module having the power to be supplied lower than that at the time of operation may not be used. The power supply to the functional module may be stopped when it continues for a preset second time or more.

  Furthermore, in the above description, a mode has been described in which power is supplied to all the functional modules when the power switch 30 is initially turned on, and then the power saving state is entered. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the power switch 2 may be performed from the beginning when is turned on (a process for supplying power only to a functional module used in a process instructed to execute).

  In the above description, the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, the operation panel 18, the image information transmitting / receiving unit 20, and the network communication control unit 32 have been described as examples of functional modules in the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the case where at least one of the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 16, the image information transmitting / receiving unit 20, and the network communication control unit 32 is composed of a plurality of modules, each of the plurality of modules is included in the present invention. It is also possible to apply the present invention as a functional module.

  Moreover, although the power saving control program which is an example of the control program which concerns on this invention was previously memorize | stored (installed) in the memory | storage part 12C of the controller 12, the control program which concerns on this invention is CD-ROM. It is also possible to provide it in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD-ROM.

10, 36 Image forming apparatus 12 Controller 12C Storage unit 14 Image reading unit 16 Image forming unit 18 Operation panel 20 Image information transmission / reception unit 20A Telephone line connection detection unit 26 Power supply switch 30 Power switch 32 Network communication control unit 32A Communication line connection detection unit 38 Authentication unit

Claims (8)

Storage means for storing device configuration information for identifying which functional module is mounted among a plurality of functional modules mountable on the own device;
When an instruction is issued to cancel the power saving state in which the power supply to each functional module installed in the own device is stopped or lower than the power supply in the operating state, the current state of the own device indicated by the device configuration information If it is determined that there is a function module that is commonly used in each process that can be executed in the configuration, only one of the processes is performed only for the function module that is commonly used. Before the execution of is instructed, control means for switching the power supplied to the commonly used functional modules to the power supplied in the operating state;
An image forming apparatus including:   When the control unit is instructed to cancel the power saving state, at least the power supplied to the display / operation unit of the own device is switched to the power supplied in the operating state, and the user selects a function to be used. By displaying the function selection screen on the display / operation unit, the user selects a function to be used via the display / operation unit, and is used in common for each process belonging to the function selected by the user. If it is determined that a functional module exists, only the functional module that is used in common is informed before the execution of any of the processes is instructed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power supply to the function module to be used is switched to the power supply in the operating state.   The control means stores operation mode information indicating an operation mode of power saving cancellation set by a user in the storage means, and when an instruction to cancel the power saving state is given, a power saving mode is set as an operation mode of power saving cancellation. Is set, the power supplied to the commonly used function module is reduced before the execution of any of the processes is instructed only for the commonly used function module. In the case where the first control for switching to the power supply in the operating state is performed and the convenience priority mode is set as the operation mode for canceling the power saving, before the execution of any of the processes is instructed, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second control is performed to switch the power supplied to each functional module mounted on the apparatus to the power supplied in the operating state.   The control means stores the operation mode information in the storage means in association with information representing the configuration of the own apparatus when the power saving cancellation operation mode is set by the user, and the power of the own apparatus is turned on. Each time, it is determined whether information indicating the current configuration of the device is stored in the storage unit in association with the operation mode information, and information indicating the current configuration of the device is the operation mode information. Is stored in association with the first mode based on the operation mode information stored in association with the information representing the current configuration of the device when the cancellation of the power saving state is instructed. A mode in which the user sets the operation mode for canceling power saving when the information indicating the current configuration of the device is not stored in association with the operation mode information. Setting screen By displaying on the display and operation unit, the current image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the operation mode of the release power saving in the structure is set to the user via the display and operation unit of the apparatus. An identification means for identifying a user who uses the device;
The control means corresponds to the operation mode information corresponding to information indicating a configuration of the own device when the power saving cancellation operation mode is set by the user, and identification information of the user who sets the power saving cancellation operation mode. In addition, when the storage unit is instructed to cancel the power saving state, the identification information of the user identified by the identification unit and the current configuration of the device represented by the device configuration information are represented. When the first control or the second control is performed based on the operation mode information stored in the storage unit in association with information, and the user is identified by the identification unit, the device configuration information is It is determined whether or not the current configuration of the own device to be represented is stored in association with the operation mode information and the identification information of the identified user, and the current configuration of the own device is the operation mode information. And If it is not stored in association with the identification information, the current setting of the own device is displayed by displaying on the display / operation unit of the own device a mode setting screen for the user to set the operation mode of power saving cancellation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the operation mode for canceling power saving in the combination of the configuration and the identified user is set by the user via the display / operation unit.   The control means, when the process is not executed by the own apparatus or when a state in which the execution of the process is not instructed continues for the preset first time or more, If it is determined that there is a functional module that is used in common in each process that can be executed in the current configuration, among the functional modules that are installed in the device itself, other than the commonly used functional module The power supply to the functional module is stopped or lowered from the power supply in the operating state, and the state in which the processing is not executed by the own device or the execution of the processing is not instructed is further set in advance. The power supply to the function module used in common is reduced from the power supply in a stop or operation state when it continues for more than 2 hours. Picture Forming apparatus. It further comprises detecting means for detecting whether or not a communication line is connected to the own device,
The control means, when the detection means detects that the communication line is not connected to its own device, the process using the communication line among the processes as the function module used in common The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not there is a functional module that is commonly used in the processing that excludes. A computer connected to storage means for storing device configuration information for identifying which one of a plurality of functional modules mounted in the image forming apparatus is mountable in the image forming apparatus;
When an instruction is issued to cancel the power saving state in which the power supply to each functional module installed in the own device is stopped or lower than the power supply in the operating state, the current state of the own device indicated by the device configuration information If it is determined that there is a function module that is commonly used in each process that can be executed in the configuration, only one of the processes is performed only for the function module that is commonly used. A control program for an image forming apparatus for functioning as control means for switching the power supplied to the commonly used functional modules to the power supplied in the operating state before the execution of is executed.

Images