JP6184543B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of receiving an instruction to turn off the image forming apparatus from an external device via a network, and a control method for the image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printer system that turns on or off a printer from a remote server or computer is known (see Patent Document 1). In the printer system of Patent Document 1, a plurality of computers are communicably connected to a printer via a server. When the computer outputs a power-off request for turning off the printer power to the server, the server checks the operating status of the other computer, and if the other computer is not operating, the printer is turned off. Outputs a request and turns off the printer.

JP 2000-20179 A

  Here, it is assumed that the user performs settings for executing copying using the operation unit of the printer or sets the address book. At this time, when the power-off request disclosed in Patent Document 1 is output from the printer to the computer, the printer is turned off despite the above-described setting. As described above, although there is a user who operates the printer, the printer is forcibly turned off, and the setting operation by the user is interrupted. Therefore, in order for the user to resume the setting operation described above, the printer must be activated, which reduces the convenience for the user.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that even if an instruction to turn off an image forming apparatus is received from an external device while the user operates an operation unit, the convenience of the user is prevented from being deteriorated.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an external apparatus, and includes an operation unit that receives a user operation, and the image forming apparatus from the external apparatus via a network. Receiving means for receiving a power-off instruction to turn off; and control means for turning off the image forming apparatus in accordance with the power-off instruction received by the receiving means. If the power-off instruction is received from the external device before a predetermined time elapses from the operation of, the image forming apparatus is turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power-off instruction was received. The power-off instruction is received from the external device after the predetermined time has elapsed since the user's last operation on the operation means. Expediently, turning off the image forming apparatus from the reception of the power-off instruction without waiting for the passage of the predetermined time.

  According to the present invention, even when an instruction to turn off the image forming apparatus is received from an external device while the user is operating the operation unit, it is possible to prevent user convenience from being deteriorated.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main body controller of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the controller control part shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the detail of the operation part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the display screen of the operation part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the display screen which inquires a user whether the work in this embodiment is continued. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment receives a power-off request from an external device. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment receives a power-off request from an external device. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment receives a power-off request from an external device. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment receives a power-off request from an external device. It is the figure which showed the state which displayed the user authentication screen on the LCD display part of the operation part. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus in a state where a finisher is shifted. FIG.

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

<First Embodiment>
(Configuration of image forming apparatus 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes an image reader 200 and a printer unit 300. A document conveying device 100 is mounted on the upper part of the image reader 200. The image forming apparatus 1 is in a power state such as a normal power state (first power state), a sleep state (second power state), and a power-off state (specific power state).

  The document feeder 100 feeds documents set on the document tray 105 one by one in order from the first page. The fed document is conveyed onto the document table glass 205 through a curved path. As a method for reading a single-sided document, there are a document fixed reading mode and a document flow reading mode. In the document fixed reading mode, the document is conveyed so that the trailing edge of the document stops at the reading position R1 on the document table glass 205. Then, the stopped original is read by moving the scanner unit 206 from the reading position R1 in a direction away from the reading position R1 (from left to right on the paper surface). In the document flow reading mode, the document is conveyed at a predetermined reading speed until the trailing edge of the document reaches the reading position R1 of the document table glass 205. At this time, the scanner unit 206 reads the document while being fixed at the reading position R1. The document read in the above-described mode is discharged to the paper discharge tray 106.

  As a method of reading a double-sided document, there is a method of reading the surface of the document with the scanner unit 206 and reading the back surface of the document with the optical unit 110 disposed in the document transport apparatus 100. Details will be described later. In the optical unit 110, an image sensor and a light source (not shown) are arranged.

  A document image read by the image sensor 208 via the lens 207 is subjected to image processing, stored in a hard disk (not shown), and sent to the exposure control unit 305. The exposure control unit 305 outputs a laser beam corresponding to an image signal corresponding to the document image. When this laser light is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 306, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 306. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 306 is developed by the developing device 307. Then, the developer on the photosensitive drum 306 is transferred by the transfer unit 312 to a sheet supplied from any of the cassette 308, the cassette 309, the manual sheet feeding unit 310, and the duplex conveyance path 311.

  The sheet onto which the developer has been transferred is supplied to the fixing unit 313, where the fixing unit 313 performs a developer fixing process. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 313 is once guided from the path 315 to the path 314 by a flapper (not shown). After the trailing edge of the sheet passes path 315, the sheet is switched back. Then, the sheet is guided to the discharge roller 317 from the path 316. As a result, the sheet with the developer transferred surface facing downward (face down) is discharged from the printer unit 300 by the discharge roller 317. In this way, by discharging the sheets face down, it is possible to form an image in the correct page order from the first page, such as when copying a plurality of documents set on the document conveying apparatus 100.

  When an image is formed on the hard sheet such as an OHP sheet from the manual sheet feeding unit 310, a sheet with the developer transferred surface facing upward without facing the sheet to the path 315 (face up) is obtained. The paper is discharged from the discharge roller 317.

  Further, when image formation is performed on both sides of the sheet, the sheet on which the image is formed on the surface is guided from the fixing unit 313 to the path 314 via the path 315. After the trailing edge of the sheet passes path 315, the sheet is switched back. Then, the sheet is guided to the duplex conveyance path 311 by a flapper (not shown). On the back surface of the sheet guided to the duplex conveyance path 311, the developer is transferred by the transfer unit 312, and the fixing process of the developer is performed by the fixing unit 313.

  In this way, the transfer unit 312 can pass through the double-sided conveyance path 311 so that it can be conveyed even in a state where five half-size sheets such as A4 and B5 are included in a single path that returns to the transfer unit 312 again. The path length, the roller arrangement, and the drive system are divided. Note that the discharge page order by these processes is discharged so that the odd-numbered pages face down, so that the page order during double-sided copying can be matched.

  Next, the main body controller 900 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The main body controller 900 is connected to the external computer 453 via the external bus 452. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body controller 900 includes a controller control unit 400, a document conveying device control unit 101, an image reader control unit 201, a printer control unit 301, an external I / F 451, a counter unit 202, and the like. , RIP unit 500, document management unit 454, and output image processing unit 600.

  The controller control unit 400 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 based on settings in the operation unit 800, instructions from the external computer 453, and the like. The controller control unit 400 communicates with the document conveyance device control unit 101 that controls the document conveyance device 100 and the image reader control unit 201 that controls the image reader 200, and acquires image data of the read document. The controller control unit 400 communicates with the printer control unit 301 that controls the printer unit 300 to print image data on a sheet. When a PDL job is input from the external computer 453, the RIP unit 500 performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing. The image data developed by the RIP unit 500 is held by the document management unit 454. Further, the output image processing unit 600 performs image processing on the image printed by the printer unit 300 as necessary.

  Further, the counter unit 202 measures a time during which the user does not operate the operation unit 800 (hereinafter, referred to as a no-operation continuation time). Specifically, the counter unit 202 receives a signal indicating that the operation of the operation unit 800 has been detected from the main control unit 304 and starts measuring time. In the present embodiment, a request to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus 1 by remote operation from the external computer 453 (data for shifting the power state of the image forming apparatus 1 to the power off state) (hereinafter referred to as a power off request). In such a case, the power on or off of the image forming apparatus 1 is controlled based on the no-operation duration time measured by the counter unit 202. Details will be described later.

  The external I / F 451 is an interface that connects the external computer 453 and the image forming apparatus 1 in a communicable manner. For example, the external I / F 451 receives data from an external computer 453 connected via a network and an external bus 452 such as a USB.

  Next, details of the controller control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The controller control unit 400 includes a communication control unit 456 and a main control unit 304. The main control unit 304 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 based on an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS). In addition, the communication control unit 456 controls the external I / F 451. Further, the main control unit 304 executes a power-off sequence when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off. The main control unit 304 drives a solenoid (not shown) to turn off the power switch 302 to turn off the image forming apparatus 1. When starting the image forming apparatus 1, the user turns on the power switch 302. The main control unit 304 is connected to the above-described document conveying device control unit 101, image reader control unit 201, printer control unit 301, document management unit 454, RIP unit 500, output image processing unit 600, operation unit 800, and the like. Control these.

  In this embodiment, when the external I / F 451 receives a power-off request from the external computer 453, the communication control unit 456 notifies the main control unit 304 that the power-off request has been received. Then, the main control unit 304 determines whether or not the operation unit 800 of the image forming apparatus 1 has been operated within a certain time before receiving the power-off request. Specifically, the main control unit 304 acquires the no-operation duration from the counter unit 202, and determines whether or not the no-operation duration is less than a first time set in advance by the user. If the operation unit 800 has not been operated within a certain time before receiving the power-off request, the main control unit 304 performs power-on transition processing to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus 1. An off sequence is executed to turn off the power switch 302. As a result, power supply from the power source 303 to the main control unit 304 is stopped. Details of the determination by the main control unit 304 will be described later.

  Next, the configuration of the operation unit 800 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The operation unit 800 includes an LCD display unit 801 and a key operation unit 850 provided with various keys. The LCD display unit 801 has a touch panel sheet attached to the surface. The LCD display unit 801 displays an operation screen of the image forming apparatus 1. When a key displayed on the operation screen is pressed via the touch panel, the pressed position information is transmitted to the controller control unit 400.

  The key operation unit 850 is provided with a numeric keypad 851, a start key 852, a stop key 853, and a reset key 854. The numeric keypad 851 is used when inputting numbers such as the number of copies. The start key 852 is used when a user sets a desired condition using the operation unit 800 and then starts a printing operation or a reading operation. A stop key 853 is used to stop a printing operation or a reading operation during operation. The reset key 854 is used to reset the content set by the user using the operation unit 800.

(Flow until the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off by remote control)
Next, a flow until the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off by remote operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the external I / F 451 receives a power-off request transmitted from the external computer 453 to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network (S701), the main control unit 304 performs a certain process before receiving the power-off request. It is determined whether or not there is any evidence that the operation unit 800 has been operated within the time (S702). Specifically, the main control unit 304 acquires the no-operation time measured by the counter unit 202, and determines whether or not the acquired time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (S702). The time measured by the counter unit 202 is the above-described no-operation continuation time. If the time acquired from the counter unit 202 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (first time or longer) as a result of the determination by the main control unit 304 (S702: No), the main control unit 304 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 A power-off sequence for shutting down is executed (S713). At this time, as shown in FIG. 5A, the LCD display unit 801 has a screen indicating that the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off (in FIG. 5A, “Power is off. Power cord Do not remove etc. ”screen is displayed. When the main control unit 304 executes the power-off sequence, the power switch 302 is turned off, and the power supplied from the power source 303 to each unit such as the main control unit 304 is stopped. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination by the main control unit 304, when the no-operation time acquired from the counter unit 202 is less than a predetermined time (less than the first time) (S702: Yes), the main control unit (display control unit) 304 The screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the LCD display unit 801 of the operation unit 800 (S703). The screen in FIG. 5B is a screen indicating that the power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off after the predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as delay time) has elapsed. At this time, the screen displayed on the LCD display portion 801 is as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, since the main control unit 304 starts executing the power-off sequence 3 minutes after receiving the power-off request, the screen shown in FIG. Is displayed. As a result, the user who is operating the operation unit 800 can be alerted.

  When the time until the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off becomes less than a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) (S704: Yes), the main control unit 304 displays the LCD of the operation unit 800. The screen of FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 801 (S705). The screen in FIG. 6 is a screen for inquiring the user whether or not to continue the operation of the operation unit 800. At this time, the screen displayed on the LCD display unit 801 is as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed 30 seconds before the main control unit 304 executes the power-off sequence. Therefore, the screen shown in FIG. Do you want to stop powering off and continue working? " As a result, the user who is operating the operation unit 800 can be alerted.

  On the screen shown in FIG. 6, an option 602 that allows the user to select whether to stop or continue the process of turning off the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed. Here, the main control unit 304 determines whether or not the option 602 has been pressed by the user (S706). When the main control unit 304 determines that any one of the options 602 (Yes button or No button) is pressed (S706: Yes), it is determined whether the pressed button is a Yes button (S707). If the main control unit 304 determines that the Yes button has been pressed (S707: Yes), the main control unit 304 interrupts execution of the power-off sequence (S710). On the other hand, when determining that the No button has been pressed by the main control unit 304 (S707: No), the main control unit 304 executes a power-off sequence (S713).

  In addition, when the main control unit 304 determines that 30 seconds have passed without any button of the option 602 being pressed after the screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed (S706: No) (S708: Yes), the main control is performed. The unit 304 executes a power off sequence (S713).

  In S710, when the user inputs a copy job or the like after interrupting the main controller 304 from executing the power-off sequence, the job ends (S711: Yes), and a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). ) After the elapse (S712: Yes), the main control unit 304 executes a power-off sequence (S713). Although an example in which the power-off sequence is executed after a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has been described here, the main control unit 304 may execute the power-off sequence as soon as the job ends. When the no-operation time measured by the counter unit 202 is 30 seconds or longer (S711: Yes, S712: Yes), the main control unit 304 executes a power-off sequence (S713).

  According to the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, if the non-operation time measured by the counter unit 202 is less than the first time, the power state of the image forming apparatus 1 does not change until the delay time elapses (the power is turned off). Must not). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 1 from being turned off while the user is operating the operation unit 800. As a result, even when a power-off request is received from the external computer 453, the user can continue setting using the operation unit 800. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the contents set so far from being erased due to the power state of the image forming apparatus 1 being turned off. Thereby, since the user does not need to input the set content again, the convenience for the user is improved.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment described above, when a power-off request is transmitted from the external computer 453 to the image forming apparatus 1, the operation unit 800 is operated within a certain time before receiving the power-off request. Then, the screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the LCD display portion 801. On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the operation unit 800 is operated within a certain time before receiving the power-off request, the screen shown in FIG. Is not displayed and the screen of FIG. 6 is displayed. The screen in FIG. 6 is a screen for inquiring the user whether to continue setting using the operation unit 800 on the LCD display unit 801.

  Next, a flow until the power of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is turned off by remote operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when a power-off request is issued from the external computer 453 to the image forming apparatus via the network (S801), the main control unit 304 determines that the operation unit 800 is within a certain time before receiving the power-off request. It is determined whether or not an operation has been performed (S802). Since a specific determination method by the main control unit 304 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. As a result of the determination by the main control unit 304, when the time acquired from the counter unit 202 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (S802: No), the main control unit 304 executes a power-off sequence for shutting down the image forming apparatus. (S813).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination by the main control unit 304, when the no-operation time acquired from the counter unit 202 is less than the predetermined time (S802: Yes), the main control unit 304 displays the LCD display unit 801 of the operation unit 800 on The screen of FIG. 6 is displayed.

  Steps S806, S807, S808, S810, S811, and S812 executed in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment are performed in steps S706, S707, S708, S710, executed in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Since it is the same as each step of S711 and S712, the description is omitted.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, whether or not to continue the operation on the LCD display unit 801 of the operation unit 800 if the operation unit 800 has not been operated within a certain time before receiving the power-off request. A screen for inquiring the user is displayed. As a result, when the setting operation is completed using the operation unit 800, the user can immediately turn off the image forming apparatus by pressing the Yes button of the option 602.

<Third Embodiment>
In the first embodiment described above, when a power-off request transmitted by remote operation from the external computer 453 is received, the operation unit 800 of the image forming apparatus is operated within a certain time before receiving the power-off request. 5B, the screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the LCD display portion 801. The screen in FIG. 5B is a screen indicating that the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned off after the delay time has elapsed. In contrast, in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the user may be alerted using sound or light, and the power-off sequence may be executed after the delay time has elapsed.

  The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment includes a buzzer for outputting sound or an LED for outputting light in addition to the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a flow until the power of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment is turned off by remote control will be described.

  First, when a power-off request is made from the external computer 453 to the image forming apparatus via the network (S901), the main control unit 304 determines that the operation unit 800 is within a certain time before receiving the power-off request. It is determined whether or not an operation has been performed (S902). Since a specific determination method by the main control unit 304 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. As a result of the determination by the main control unit 304, when the time acquired from the counter unit 202 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (S902: No), the main control unit 304 executes a power-off sequence for shutting down the image forming apparatus (S913). ).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination by the main control unit 304, when the time acquired from the counter unit 202 is less than a predetermined time (S902: Yes), the main control unit 304 controls the buzzer or LED to generate sound or light. Output. As a result, the user who is operating the operation unit 800 can be alerted.

  The main control unit 304 executes a power-off sequence after a delay time (3 minutes in the present embodiment) has elapsed after receiving the power-off request (S912: Yes) (S913).

  As described above, in the third embodiment, even when there is no LCD display unit 801 or when the display capability of the LCD display unit 801 is low, a user who operates the operation unit 800 using a buzzer, an LED, or the like is used. It is possible to notify that the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the first embodiment described above, when a power-off request transmitted by remote operation from the external computer 453 is received, the operation unit 800 of the image forming apparatus is operated within a certain time before receiving the power-off request. If so, the execution of the power-off sequence is delayed. In contrast, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when a power-off request is transmitted from the external computer 453 to the image forming apparatus by remote operation, the image forming apparatus according to the power state of the image forming apparatus. The power of the image forming apparatus is controlled. Specifically, when the power state of the image forming apparatus is the first power state (for example, the standby state), the power-off sequence is executed after the delay time has elapsed, and the power state of the image forming apparatus is the first power state. In the case of the two power state (for example, the sleep state), the power-off sequence is executed without waiting for the delay time.

The image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is in one of the following power states.
Standby state: a state in which power is supplied to each part of the image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus in the standby state, power is supplied to each unit such as the printer unit 300, the image reader 200, the controller control unit 400, and the external I / F 451.
The sleep state is a power state that saves more power than the standby state. The image forming apparatus shifts to the sleep state when the sleep shift condition is satisfied. The sleep transition condition is a condition such that the operation unit 800 is not operated for a certain period of time. In the image forming apparatus in the sleep state, power is not supplied to the printer unit 300 and the image reader 200, but power is supplied to the controller control unit 400 and the external I / F 451.
The power-off state is a state where no power is supplied to each part of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus shifts to the power-off state after executing the power-off sequence based on the power-off request. The image forming apparatus shifts to a power-off state when the power switch is turned off. In the image forming apparatus in the power-off state, the power supply to each unit such as the printer unit 300, the image reader 200, the controller control unit 400, and the external I / F 451 is interrupted.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, when the power-off request is received, the image forming apparatus is immediately turned off or the image is output after the delay time has elapsed according to the power state of the image forming apparatus. Controls whether the forming apparatus is powered off. In this image forming apparatus, when the power-off request is received, if the power state of the image forming apparatus is in the standby state, the power state of the image forming apparatus is set to the power-off state after the delay time has elapsed. When the power-off request is received, if the power state of the image forming apparatus is in the sleep state, the power state of the image forming apparatus is immediately turned off.

  With reference to FIG. 10, the flow until the power of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is turned off by remote control will be described. Note that the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment includes a power state storage unit 430 (FIG. 2) that stores information indicating that the power state of the image forming apparatus is in a standby state or information indicating that the image forming apparatus is in a sleep state. See).

  First, when a power-off request is made to the image forming apparatus via the network from the external computer 453 (S1001), the main control unit 304 refers to the power state storage unit 430 to determine the power state of the image forming apparatus. Confirm (S1002). When the main control unit 304 determines that the power state of the image forming apparatus is the sleep state (S1002: No), the main control unit 304 sets the power state of the image forming apparatus to the power-off state. Specifically, the main control unit 304 executes a power-off sequence for shutting down the image forming apparatus (S1013).

  On the other hand, when the main control unit 304 determines that the power state of the image forming apparatus is the standby state (S1002: Yes), the main control unit 304 turns off the power of the image forming apparatus on the LCD display unit 801 after the delay time has elapsed. A screen indicating that this is to be displayed is displayed (S1003). Since the processing after S1004 is the same as the processing after S704 of the first embodiment described above, description thereof will be omitted.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment, when the power state of the image forming apparatus is in the standby state, even if the power off request is received, the power state of the image forming apparatus does not immediately become the power off state. When the delay time elapses after receiving the power-off request, the power-off state is entered. That is, if the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment is in a standby state, the power of the image forming apparatus is not turned off before the delay time elapses even after receiving a power-off request. That is, in the standby state in which the image forming apparatus is used, the power of the image forming apparatus does not immediately turn off after receiving the power off request. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the contents set by the user using the operation unit 800 from becoming invalid due to the power of the image forming apparatus being turned off. As a result, the user does not have to set the set contents again, and the convenience for the user is improved.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

<Modification>
In the first to third embodiments described above, the power of the image forming apparatus is immediately turned off when the user does not operate the operation unit 800 within a certain time before receiving the power-off request. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus by entering the ID and password using the user authentication screen of FIG. 11A, the power-off of the image forming apparatus is delayed. The screen in FIG. 11B is a screen in a state where the user has logged in using the user authentication screen described above. When the user is not logged in to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is immediately turned off.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the modified example, as shown in FIG. 12, when a paper jam or the like occurs, the finisher 130 may be shifted for maintenance. The image forming apparatus according to the modification shown in FIG. 12 includes a sensor 721 that detects that the finisher 130 has been shifted. Information detected by the sensor 721 is transmitted to the main control unit 304 via the cable 722 or the like. Thus, the main control unit 304 can determine that the finisher 130 has been shifted. When the image forming apparatus according to this modification receives a power-off request, the image forming apparatus controls whether to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus according to whether maintenance is being performed. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus according to the modification is under maintenance when the power-off request is received, the image forming apparatus is turned off after the delay time has elapsed and is not under maintenance. Turns off the power of the image forming apparatus.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, when the operation unit 800 of the image forming apparatus 1 is not operated by the user for a certain period of time before receiving the power-off request, the image forming apparatus. An example of immediately turning off the power of the above has been described. Note that this fixed time may be a value that can be changed according to user settings.

  The image forming apparatus has a function of auto clear that returns the display screen of the operation unit 800 to the initial screen when the operation unit 800 is not operated by the user for a certain period of time (hereinafter referred to as auto clear time). In the image forming apparatuses according to the first to fourth embodiments described above, an image is formed based on a power-off request when the operation unit 800 is not operated by a user within a predetermined time before receiving the power-off request. Control to turn off the power of the device was performed. You may substitute this fixed time with the above-mentioned auto clear time.

In the fourth embodiment described above, when the power-off request is received, the timing for changing the power state of the image forming apparatus is changed according to the power state of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when a power-off request is received, the timing for changing the power state of the image forming apparatus depends on whether or not the display unit of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus is lit. It may be changed.

In the above-described embodiment and modification, the example in which the power state of the image forming apparatus is turned off has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when data for shifting the power state of the image forming apparatus to the sleep state is received from an external device, whether or not the operation unit 800 of the image forming apparatus 1 is operated within a certain time before receiving the data. Based on this, the change in the power state of the image forming apparatus may be controlled.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the drawing) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus directly or from a remote external device. In addition, this includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the information processing according to the present invention is implemented by a computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. That is, the present invention includes the computer program itself for realizing the information processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include the following. Floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) .

  As another program supply method, the program can be supplied by downloading it from a homepage on the Internet to a recording medium such as a hard disk using a browser of a client computer. That is, it connects to a homepage and downloads the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function from the homepage. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and distributed to users. Then, the user who has cleared the predetermined condition is allowed to download key information for decryption from the homepage via the Internet. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. In addition, the function of the above-described embodiment can be realized by an OS running on the computer based on an instruction of the program and performing part or all of the actual processing.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized even after the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. That is, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by performing a part or all of the actual processing by the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit based on the instructions of the program.

1 Image forming apparatus 453 External computer 451 External I / F
202 Counter unit 304 Main control unit 801 LCD display unit 602 Options

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an external device,
An operation means for accepting a user operation;
Receiving means for receiving a power- off instruction to turn off the image forming apparatus from the external apparatus via a network;
Control means for turning off the image forming apparatus in accordance with the power- off instruction received by the receiving means,
Wherein, when the power-off instruction during the last operation of the user until a predetermined time has elapsed is received from the external device with respect to said operating means, the power-off instruction predetermined time from the reception of The image forming apparatus is turned off after waiting for elapse of time, and when the power-off instruction is received from the external apparatus after the predetermined time has elapsed since the user's last operation on the operation unit, An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is turned off without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined time from reception of a power-off instruction . Further comprising time measuring means for starting time measurement of no operation elapsed time in accordance with a user operation on the operation means,
When the power-off instruction is received while the no-operation elapsed time measured by the time-counting means is smaller than the predetermined time, the control means waits for the elapse of the predetermined time from reception of the power-off instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is turned off after waiting . The control means determines whether or not the power- off instruction has been received before the predetermined time elapses from a user operation on the operation means, and the predetermined time elapses from the user operation on the operation means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the power- off instruction has been received before the power-off, the image forming apparatus is turned off after a lapse of the predetermined time from the reception of the power-off instruction. The image forming apparatus according to 2. The control means acquires the no-operation elapsed time when the receiving means receives the power- off instruction, and when the acquired no-operation elapsed time is smaller than the predetermined time, from reception of the power-off instruction The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is turned off after the predetermined time has elapsed . The control unit is configured to turn off the image forming apparatus without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined time from the reception of the power-off instruction when the acquired no-operation elapsed time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. And a notification means for notifying a user of predetermined information when the power-off instruction is received before the predetermined time elapses after the user's last operation on the operation means. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . When the power-off instruction is received before the predetermined time elapses from the user's last operation on the operation means, at least one of a light emission means for emitting light and a sound output means for outputting sound is provided. further comprising, an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that. And a display control means for displaying predetermined information on a display unit when the power-off instruction is received before the predetermined time elapses after the user's last operation on the operation means. the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein. It said operating means comprises a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit for displaying information, an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that. An image forming apparatus control method capable of communicating with an external device,
A receiving step of receiving a power- off instruction to turn off the image forming apparatus from the external apparatus via a network;
A control step of turning off the image forming apparatus according to the power- off instruction received in the reception step,
Wherein the control step, wherein the last if the power-off instruction is received from the external device during the operation until a predetermined time elapses of the user to the operation unit of the image forming apparatus, the power-off off the image forming apparatus waits for a lapse of a predetermined time period from the reception of an instruction, the power-off instruction after the elapse of the predetermined time from the last operation of a user on the operating means is received from the external device In the case of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is turned off without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined time from the reception of the power-off instruction .

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