Image forming device, storage medium and image forming method

Abstract

An image forming device, a storage medium and an image forming method, characterized in that they include: a unit group including a specific unit, the specific unit having a specific component for performing an action required for notifying that paper residue is on a loading surface; and a processor for controlling the power supply to the unit group when resuming from a sleep state according to a recovery event, the processor, when transitioning to the sleep state, when there is no paper on the loading surface, during the recovery, executing a first control for supplying power to a specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event, and when transitioning to the sleep state, when there is paper on the loading surface, during the recovery, executing a second control for supplying power to the specific unit even if the specific unit is not included in the specified power supply end in the unit group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming device, a storage medium and an image forming method. Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus having a light emitter that supports processing of paper on which an image has been formed is known. By lighting the light emitter, a user is notified of paper discharge or the presence of discharged paper. Alternatively, by lighting the light emitter, the discharged paper or its surroundings are illuminated. For example, a paper sensor is embedded in a loading surface of a paper discharge tray, and the light emitter is illuminated when the paper sensor detects paper.

[0003] The image forming apparatus transitions to the sleep state due to an operation for power saving or a prescribed time after the execution of the last job. In this case, usually, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus becomes a base level or a level corresponding thereto. In the sleep state, usually, power is not supplied to the paper sensor and power is not supplied to the above-mentioned light emitter. In this state, when there is a recovery operation, such as when the human sensor detects a user approaching the main body, the image forming apparatus recovers from the sleep state to a non-sleep state, i.e., an operating state, at a time point when a prescribed recovery condition is met.

[0004] As a function for saving power in an image forming apparatus, local power saving is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In local power saving, the portion of the image forming apparatus that is supplied with power is changed accordingly depending on the situation. In other words, from the perspective of power saving, power is supplied only to the portion that needs to be operated, and power supply to other portions is stopped. When resuming from a sleep state, power is supplied to the portion corresponding to the resume event, so that only the portion is restored. In addition, depending on the resume event, sometimes all image forming apparatuses are restored, but even in this case, the local power saving function is still valid, so that the state after the restoration can be said to be a local power saving state.

[0005] In addition, Patent Document 2 describes an image forming apparatus that notifies that a document has been forgotten to be picked up when resuming from a power saving mode. Patent Document 1 does not specifically disclose the content of power supply control at the time of resuming.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-054320

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-118255

[0008] In an image forming apparatus that transitions to a partial power saving state when resuming from a sleep state, in order to notify that paper is remaining after resuming, it is necessary to supply power to a specific component that functions as a notification of paper remaining. In partial power saving, the presence or absence of power supply is usually switched on a unit (i.e., component group) basis. In order to notify that paper is remaining when resuming, it is necessary to supply power to a specific unit including a specific component, but such power supply cannot be guaranteed in the case of partial resuming. When resuming, it is possible to consider supplying power to a specific unit including a specific component regardless of whether there is paper on the loading surface, but in this case, unnecessary power consumption will occur. Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to suppress unnecessary power consumption and enable notification of remaining paper when resuming from a sleep state.

[0010] The image forming device involved in Scheme 1 is characterized in that it includes: a unit group, including a specific unit, the specific unit having a specific component that performs an action required for notifying the residual paper on the loading surface; and a processor that controls the power supply to the unit group when resuming from a sleep state based on a recovery event, the processor, when transitioning to the sleep state, when there is no paper on the loading surface, during the recovery, executes a first control to supply power to a specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event, and when transitioning to the sleep state, when there is paper on the loading surface, during the recovery, executes a second control to supply power to the specific unit even if the specific unit is not included in the specified power supply end.

[0011] The image forming device involved in Scheme 2 is characterized in that, in the image forming device involved in Scheme 1, the specific unit is an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet of paper, a specified recovery event is included in the recovery event group that causes the recovery, the image forming unit is not included in the specified power supply end corresponding to the specified recovery event, and when transitioning to the sleep state, when there is paper on the loading surface and the specified recovery event occurs, power is supplied to the image forming unit in addition to the specified power supply end corresponding to the specified recovery event through the second control.

[0012] The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined restoration event includes detection of a person by a human sensor.

[0013] The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined recovery event includes an operation of canceling the sleep state.

[0014] The image forming device described in Scheme 5 is characterized in that, in the image forming device involved in Scheme 1, the processor, in the second control, determines the actual power supply end by adding the specific unit to the specified power supply end when the specific unit is not included in the specified power supply end.

[0015] The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor supplies power to all the unit groups in the second control regardless of the content of the recovery event.

[0016] The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific member is a paper sensor that detects the paper on the placement surface.

[0017] The image forming device involved in Scheme 8 is characterized in that, in the image forming device involved in Scheme 7, the specific unit is an image forming unit that forms an image on paper, and the loading surface is a paper discharge tray for loading image-formed paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit.

[0018] The image forming apparatus according to item 9 is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to item 8, a light emitter for notifying that the paper remains is included, and when the paper sensor detects the image-formed paper after the recovery, the processor causes the light emitter to emit light.

[0019] The image forming device involved in Scheme 10 is characterized in that, in the image forming device involved in Scheme 8, the recovery event group that causes the recovery includes a first recovery event and a second recovery event, the image forming unit is included in a prescribed power supply end corresponding to the first recovery event, and the image forming unit is not included in a prescribed power supply end corresponding to the second recovery event, when the first recovery event occurs, power is supplied to the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the first recovery event through the first control, and when the second recovery event occurs, power is supplied to the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the second recovery event and power is supplied to the image forming unit through the second control.

[0020] The image forming device involved in Scheme 11 is characterized in that, in the image forming device involved in Scheme 1, multiple specific components are provided as the specific components, and in the second control, power is supplied to the multiple specific units including the multiple specific components regardless of the structure of the specified power supply end.

[0021] The image forming device involved in Scheme 12 is characterized in that, in the image forming device involved in Scheme 11, the multiple specific components are a paper sensor arranged on the loading surface and a light emitter for notifying the residual paper, and the multiple specific units are a first specific unit including the paper sensor and a second specific unit including the light emitter.

[0022] The image forming apparatus according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of specific components are a plurality of paper sensors provided on a plurality of placement surfaces, and the plurality of specific units are a plurality of units including the plurality of paper sensors.

[0023] The image forming device involved in Scheme 14 is characterized in that it includes: a unit group, including a specific unit, the specific unit having a specific component that performs an action required for notifying the residual paper on the loading surface; and a processor, when recovering from a sleep state, controlling the power supply to the unit group, the processor, when transitioning to the sleep state, when there is no paper on the loading surface and a recovery event occurs in the sleep state, and when making the transition, when there is paper on the loading surface and the specific unit is included in the specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event occurring in the sleep state, is set to supply power to the specified power supply end, and when making the transition, when there is paper on the loading surface and the specific unit is not included in the specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event occurring in the sleep state, is set to supply power to the specific unit in addition to the specified power supply end.

[0024] The storage medium involved in Scheme 15 stores a program for power supply control executed in an image forming device, characterized in that the image forming device includes a unit group, the unit group includes a specific unit, and the specific unit has a specific component that is required to perform an action required for notifying the residual paper on the loading surface, and the program includes: when transitioning to a sleep state, when there is no paper on the loading surface, and when recovering from the sleep state, a first control function is executed to supply power to a specified power supply end corresponding to a recovery event; and when the transition is performed, when there is paper on the loading surface, and when recovering, a second control function is executed to supply power to the specific unit even if the specific unit is not included in the specified power supply end.

[0025] The image forming method involved in Scheme 16 is characterized in that it includes: when transitioning to a sleep state, when there is no paper on the loading surface, and when recovering from the sleep state, a first control step of supplying power to a specified power supply end corresponding to a recovery event is executed; and when performing the transition, when there is paper on the loading surface, and when recovering, a second control step of supplying power to the specific unit even if the specific unit is not included in the specified power supply end is executed.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, as long as paper remains, even if the specific unit is not included in the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the recovery event, the remaining paper is notified at the time of recovery.

[0028] According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, as long as paper remains, even if the image forming unit is not included in the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the recovery event, power is supplied to the image forming unit at the time of recovery.

[0029] According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, when performing restoration based on person detection, it is possible to notify the person of remaining paper.

[0030] According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the image forming apparatus is restored by the operation to release the sleep state, it is possible to notify the person who performed the operation that paper remains.

[0031] According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the actual power supply end is determined by adding a specifying unit to a prescribed power supply end.

[0032] According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the second control, it is not necessary to determine whether the specific unit is included in the prescribed power supply end.

[0033] According to the image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect of the present invention, when paper remains, power is supplied to the paper sensor during recovery.

[0034] According to the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention, when paper remains, power is supplied to the image forming unit including the paper sensor at the time of recovery.

[0035] According to the image forming apparatus of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the remaining paper is visually notified by the light emitted by the light emitter.

[0036] According to the image forming apparatus of the tenth aspect of the present invention, when paper remains, power is supplied to the image forming unit even if the image forming unit is not included in the predetermined power supply end.

[0037] According to the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the power required for notifying the remaining paper is supplied to the plurality of specific units.

[0038] According to the image forming apparatus of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the power required for notifying that paper remains is supplied to the plurality of units including the paper sensor and the light emitter.

[0039] According to the image forming apparatus of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the power required for notifying that paper remains is supplied to the plurality of units including the plurality of paper sensors.

[0040] According to the image forming device of the 14th scheme of the present invention, the storage medium of the 15th scheme of the present invention and the image forming method of the 16th scheme of the present invention, as long as there is paper residue, the paper residue is notified during recovery even if the specific unit is not included in the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the recovery event. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a structural example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0043] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a state change involved in a comparative example;

[0045] Figure 4 is a diagram showing state changes involved in an implementation mode;

[0046] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a management table;

[0047] Figure 6 It is a timing diagram that represents a sequence of actions;

[0048] Figure 7 is a flow chart showing the actions during the transition process;

[0049] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a first operation example in the recovery process;

[0050] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a second operation example in the recovery process;

[0051] Fig.10 is a flowchart showing a third example of operation during the recovery process;

[0052] Fig.11 is a flowchart showing the operation in the transition process according to the modification example;

[0053] Fig.12 is a flowchart showing the operations in the recovery process according to the modification;

[0054] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection screen.

[0055] Explanation of symbols

[0056] 10-image forming device, 12-image reading unit, 14-UI unit, 16-image forming unit, 24-cavity part, 26-upper paper discharge tray, 28-lower paper discharge tray, 30, 32-paper sensor, 34-light emitter, 36-light beam, 42-second human sensing sensor, 44, 46-detection range, 52-processor, 62-monitoring control unit, 66-state control unit, 68-light emission control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0058] (1) Overview of Implementation

[0059] The image forming apparatus involved in the embodiment has a unit group and a processor. The unit group includes a specific unit, and the specific unit has a specific component that performs an action required for notifying the residual paper on the loading surface. The processor controls the power supply to the unit group when resuming from a sleep state according to a recovery event. In detail, when transitioning to the sleep state, when there is no paper on the loading surface (that is, when there is "no paper transition"), when resuming, the processor executes a first control to supply power to a specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event. And, when transitioning to the sleep state, when there is paper on the loading surface (that is, when there is "paper transition"), when resuming, the processor executes a second control to supply power to the specific unit even if the specific unit is not included in the specified power supply end.

[0060] The above structure switches the power supply control or power supply condition after recovery according to the transition mode, that is, whether there is a transition without paper or with paper. When there is no paper transition, after recovery, the normal power saving control, that is, the first control, of supplying power to the specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event is performed. On the other hand, when there is a paper transition, the special control, that is, the second control, of supplying power to at least a specific unit is performed. When there is a paper transition, power is supplied to a specific component after recovery, so that the notification of paper residue can be reliably performed through the action of the specific component. Compared with the case where power is uniformly supplied to a specific unit during recovery regardless of the transition mode, the above control can suppress power consumption.

[0061] The concept of the loading surface includes the surface on which the paper with the image formed is placed, and also includes the surface on which the paper after the image is read is placed. The loading surface is, for example, a paper discharge tray in the main body, a paper discharge tray outside the main body, a manuscript tray, and a platen. The paper on the loading surface can be directly detected by a paper sensor or the like, or indirectly detected by a sensor or the like that determines the movement or posture of a member covering or surrounding the loading surface.

[0062] Each unit constituting the unit group is a structural unit of the image forming apparatus, and its entity is a component group. In other words, each unit is a physically existing part, that is, hardware. Usually, the presence or absence of power supply is controlled by unit unit. Hardware with specific components is a specific unit. As described in detail later, the concept of a processor includes various hardware, devices, circuits or equipment for data processing.

[0063] The sleep state is a state in which power consumption is suppressed more than the previous state and the state after recovery, and is typically a state in which only a part of the functions required for recovery (for example, the person detection unit, the recovery control unit) are in operation. The recovery event is a phenomenon that generates recovery, which is equivalent to a recovery trigger or the generation of a recovery trigger. From the perspective of local power saving after recovery, the structure of the unit actually restored according to the recovery event can change. From the perspective of local power saving, the power supply end is specified to include one or more units set according to the recovery event. The entity that specifies the power supply end is a list of units that determine the power supply end. In addition, usually, recovery is also a transition state, but in the specification of this application, in order to simplify the description, the transition from the operating state to the sleep state is called "transition", and the transition from the sleep state to the operating state is called "recovery".

[0064] In the second control executed when there is a paper transition, when the specified power supply end includes a specific unit, power may be supplied to the specified power supply end, and when the specified power supply end does not include the specific unit, power may be supplied to the specific unit in addition to the specified power supply end. This is to maintain local power saving and notify the paper residue. Alternatively, in the second control, power may be supplied to all unit groups. As a result, power is also supplied to the specific unit. This is to cancel the local power saving temporarily or later, limited to the case where there is a paper transition.

[0065] In an embodiment, the specific unit is an image forming unit that forms an image on paper. The recovery event group leading to recovery includes a predetermined recovery event. The predetermined recovery event is a specific recovery event having the property that the image forming unit is not included in the corresponding predetermined power supply end.

[0066] Under the above premise, when there is a paper transition and a specified recovery event occurs, the image forming unit is supplied with power in addition to the specified power supply terminal corresponding to the specified recovery event through the second control. The specified recovery event is, for example, the detection of a person by a human sensor, or an operation to release the sleep state. In this way, after there is a paper transition, when a specified recovery event occurs, from the perspective of power saving, even if the image forming unit does not need to be recovered, a notification of the remaining paper is required, so the image forming unit is included in the recovery object.

[0067] In the embodiment, the processor determines the actual power supply end by adding the specific unit to the specified power supply end when the specific unit is not included in the specified power supply end in the second control. However, in the second control, as already described, power may be supplied to all unit groups regardless of the content of the recovery event.

[0068] For example, the specific component is a paper sensor that detects paper on the loading surface, and the specific unit is an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper. The loading surface is, for example, a paper discharge tray that loads image-formed paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. For example, the image forming device includes a light emitter that notifies that paper is left. In this case, after recovery, when the paper sensor detects that an image-formed paper is left, the processor causes the light emitter to emit light.

[0069] For example, the loading surface is a paper discharge tray provided in a cavity of the main body, and light is irradiated toward the paper discharge tray by a light emitter. When there is paper on the paper discharge tray in the cavity, the paper and its surroundings tend to become dark, and the range in which the paper can be visually recognized is often limited. That is, a situation in which the paper is difficult to detect occurs. If light is irradiated to such a paper discharge tray, the work of removing becomes easy, and the presence of the paper becomes easy to detect.

[0070] In an embodiment, the recovery event group leading to recovery includes a first recovery event and a second recovery event. The prescribed power supply end corresponding to the first recovery event includes an image forming unit, and on the other hand, the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the second recovery event does not include an image forming unit. Under this premise, when the first recovery event occurs, power is supplied to the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the first recovery event through the first control. On the other hand, when the second recovery event occurs, power is supplied to the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the second recovery event and power is supplied to the image forming unit through the second control. This structure determines whether additional power is supplied based on the transition method and the content of the recovery event.

[0071] As specific components, multiple specific components may be provided. In this case, in the second control, power is supplied to multiple specific units including multiple specific components regardless of the structure of the specified power supply end. For example, the multiple specific components are a paper sensor provided on the loading surface and a light emitter for notifying that paper is remaining. In this case, the multiple specific units are a first specific unit including the paper sensor and a second specific unit including the light emitter. Alternatively, the multiple specific components are multiple paper sensors provided on multiple loading surfaces. In this case, the multiple specific units are multiple units including multiple paper sensors.

[0072] When the power supply is switched on and off in component units, the structure and control become quite complicated. In contrast, the structure and control can be simplified by switching the power supply on and off in unit units. Under this premise, the above structure reliably notifies the paper residue.

[0073] The image forming apparatus involved in the embodiment has a unit group and a processor. The unit group includes a specific unit, which has a specific component that performs the action required for notifying the paper residue on the loading surface. The processor controls the power supply to the unit group when resuming from a sleep state. In detail, the processor is set to supply power to the specified power supply end when there is no paper transition and a recovery event occurs in the sleep state, and when there is paper transition and the specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event includes the specific unit. On the other hand, when there is paper transition and the specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event does not include the specific unit, it is set to supply power to the specific unit in addition to the specified power supply end. This structure gives priority to the notification of paper residue and performs local power saving.

[0074] The power supply control method involved in the embodiment is a method executed in an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a unit group, the unit group includes a specific unit, and the specific unit includes a specific component that performs an action required for notifying the residual paper on the loading surface. The power supply control method includes a first control process and a second control process. In the first control process, when there is no paper transition, when recovering from a sleep state, power is supplied to a specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event. In the second control process, when there is paper transition, when recovering from a sleep state, power is supplied to the specific unit even if the specific unit is not included in the specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event.

[0075] The above method is implemented as a function of hardware or a function of software. In the latter case, a program for executing the above method is installed in an information processing device via a portable recording medium or via a network.

[0076] (2) Details of implementation methods

[0077] exist Figure 1 2 shows a structural example of an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The illustrated image forming apparatus 10 is a multifunctional apparatus having a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, a fax function, etc. Each of the techniques described below may be incorporated into an image forming apparatus having some of these functions or an apparatus having other functions.

[0078] The image forming apparatus 10 has a power saving priority mode, a paper residue notification priority mode, and an all-unit recovery mode as operation modes selectively applied when recovering from a sleep mode. When recovering, power supply is controlled according to the operation mode selected from these. The structure and operation of the image forming apparatus 10 are described below on the premise that the paper residue notification priority mode is selected.

[0079] In addition, Figure 1 In the diagram, the x direction is the first horizontal direction which is the depth direction or the front-back direction, the y direction is the second horizontal direction which is the left-right direction, and the z direction is the vertical direction which is the up-down direction. These three directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0080] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the image forming device 10 includes a plurality of functionally and physically distinguished units, i.e., a unit group. Specifically, the image forming device 10 includes a main body 11 that constitutes a main part or a basic part. The main body 11 has a generally box-shaped form as a whole, and in the illustrated structural example, it includes an image reading unit 12, a UI (User Interface) unit 14, and an image forming unit 16. A control unit or a sensor substrate is also provided in the main body 11, but in the embodiment, the control unit or the sensor substrate is not provided in the main body 11. Figure 1 Each unit is a structural unit, which is equivalent to a component group. In local power saving, the presence or absence of power supply is controlled by unit unit.

[0081] In the illustrated configuration example, the image reading unit 12 is composed of an upper reading unit 12A and a lower reading unit 12B. The upper reading unit 12A includes an automatic document feeder or an automatic document reading device that reads images from each document while feeding out a plurality of documents in sequence. The upper reading unit 12A includes a document tray on which the document to be read is placed and a paper discharge tray from which the read document is discharged. Each of these trays is provided with a paper sensor for determining the presence or absence of paper, but in the embodiment of FIG. Figure 1 The upper reading unit 12A opens and closes with the hinge portion provided at the back side of the main body 11 as a rotation axis. An opening and closing sensor (not shown) is provided at the hinge portion.

[0082] The lower reading unit 12B reads an image from a manuscript placed on the platen 18. When a manuscript is placed on the platen 18, the entire platen 18 is covered by the upper reading unit 12A. At this time, the upper reading unit 12A functions as a manuscript table cover. After reading the image, if a manuscript remains on the platen 18, it can be determined based on the output signal of the opening and closing sensor. It is also possible to determine whether the manuscript remains by irradiating light to the manuscript from the inside of the platen 18.

[0083] The UI unit 14 includes a touch panel 20. It includes a display and an input device. A detachable touch panel 20 may also be used. In this case, a so-called tablet terminal may also be used as the touch panel 20. The display is, for example, an LCD having a backlight. In the embodiment, the light emitter 34 described later constitutes a component in the UI unit 14 as a component group. When the power supply to the UI unit 14 is interrupted, the light emitter 34 stops operating.

[0084] The button group 22 includes a power button and a power saving button. If the power saving button is pressed, the system transitions to the sleep state. The transition to the sleep state may also be caused by other events such as timeout based on the last job execution. In the sleep state, when a recovery event occurs, the system resumes from the sleep state to the operating state (specifically, the partial power saving state).

[0085] The recovery event group includes the operation of the power saving button (i.e., the sleep release operation), the detection of a person, and the reception of a print job. The structure of the unit that supplies power in the partial power saving state changes according to the content or type of the recovery event that occurs. One or more units that are supplied with power are specified power supply ends.

[0086] The image forming unit 16 is a unit that forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method, and includes a transfer unit, a fixing unit, etc. A plurality of paper feed trays are provided below the image forming unit 16 .

[0087] In the main body 11, a transverse groove-shaped cavity portion 24 is formed between the image forming unit 16 and the lower reading unit 12B. The side surface in the x direction and the side surface in the y direction of the cavity portion 24 are open surfaces. In the illustrated structural example, an upper paper discharge tray 26 and a lower paper discharge tray 28 are provided in the cavity portion 24. Paper after image formation is discharged and placed on them. It is also possible to provide only one of the upper paper discharge tray 26 and the lower paper discharge tray 28, for example, only the latter. In addition, the multiple trays (including the paper discharge trays 26 and 28) and the platen 18 described above are paper loading surfaces.

[0088] The upper paper discharge tray 26 is provided with a paper sensor 30, and the level of its output signal determines whether there is paper on the upper paper discharge tray 26. The lower paper discharge tray 28 is provided with a paper sensor 32, and the level of its output signal determines whether there is paper on the lower paper discharge tray 28. The paper sensors 30 and 32 are composed of, for example, optical sensors and micro switches.

[0089] In the embodiment, the two paper sensors 30 and 32 constitute a part of the image forming unit 16. That is, a part of the power supplied to the image forming unit 16 is supplied to the two paper sensors 30 and 32. The two paper sensors 30 and 32 are each a component of the image forming unit 16 as a component group. In the sleep state, when the power supply to the image forming unit 16 is stopped, the power supply to the two paper sensors 30 and 32 is also stopped, so that they do not operate.

[0090] At the time point of recovery from the sleep state, as long as the image forming unit 16 is included in the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the recovery event, the power supply to the image forming unit 16 is restarted. At this time point, the power supply to the two paper sensors 30 and 32 is also restarted. On the other hand, at the time point of recovery from the sleep state, when the image forming unit 16 is not included in the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the recovery event, the image forming unit 16 is not supplied with power unless some special control is performed. Therefore, in the embodiment, when recovery is performed, when a paper residue notification is requested, it is set to supply power to the image forming unit including the two paper sensors 30 and 32 when recovery is performed. This will be described in detail later.

[0091] In the main body 11, a light emitter 34 is provided on the ceiling surface of the cavity 24. The light emitter 34 is lit, for example, when there is a sheet of paper on one of the two paper discharge trays 26 and 28, in other words, when the paper sensors 30 and 32 are operated and at least one detects a sheet of paper. Thus, a light beam 36 is irradiated from the light emitter 34 toward the two paper discharge trays 26 and 28. For example, the light emitter 34 is composed of an LED. The upper paper discharge tray 26 is composed of a transparent member that transmits the light beam 36. Alternatively, the light beam 36 is formed to span the two paper discharge trays 26 and 28.

[0092] When the light beam 36 is irradiated, the inside of the cavity 24 becomes brighter, thereby improving the visual recognition of the paper. In addition, by generating the light beam 36, it is possible to confirm that there is paper in the cavity 24. For example, the light emitter 34 starts flashing when paper discharge starts, and becomes lit after a certain period of time after paper discharge is completed. Of course, this operating state is just an example. In addition, multiple light emitters can be set inside or around the cavity 24. For example, a light emitter can be set for each paper discharge tray, and each paper discharge tray can be notified or illuminated separately.

[0093] In the main body 11, a column portion 38 as a wall portion is provided at a position adjacent to the cavity portion 24. Two paper discharge slits are formed in a vertical arrangement on the side surface of the column portion 38 facing the cavity portion 24. In the illustrated configuration example, a human sensing sensor 42 is built into the column portion 38. In practice, a sensor substrate having the human sensing sensor 42 is disposed inside the column portion 38, and an opening for transmitting light is formed on the front surface of the column portion 38.

[0094] The human sensing sensor 42 is composed of, for example, a reflective sensor as an object sensor. It includes a light emitter and a light receiver and is an active sensor. Figure 1 In the example shown, the detection range 46 of the second human-sensing sensor is limited to a local range in front of the main body 11. A passive sensor such as a pyroelectric sensor may be used as the human-sensing sensor 42. The human-sensing sensor 42 may be arranged at a position other than the position shown in the figure.

[0095] A primary human sensing sensor that operates in a preparatory manner and a secondary human sensing sensor that is activated when the primary human sensing sensor detects a person may also be provided. In this case, the secondary human sensing sensor becomes the main sensor for detecting a person. For example, the detection range 46 may be set as the detection range of the secondary human sensing sensor, and the detection range of the primary human sensing sensor may be set to a wider range including the detection range 46.

[0096] In addition, the side tray 39 is a paper discharge tray provided outside the main body 11. Other paper discharge trays may also be provided. A trimmer or the like may also be provided at a position adjacent to the main body 11.

[0097] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The block diagram of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 5 is an electronic circuit that processes information, and is equivalent to a control unit, which constitutes a main part of the control unit. The control unit also includes a storage unit 58. A part of the storage unit 58 functions as a register 60 and a management table 61 described later. The storage unit 58 can store programs executed by the processor 52.

[0098] The processor 52 has multiple functions. Figure 2 In the example, the main functions are represented by multiple boxes. Figure 2 2 shows a monitoring control unit 62, a state control unit 66, and a light emission control unit 68. The light emission control unit 68 functions as a notification control unit.

[0099] The processor 52 controls the operation of the unit group including the image reading unit 12, the UI unit 14, and the image forming unit 16. Specifically, the state control unit 66 has a power supply control unit 84, and the operation of the power supply circuit 80 and the power supply end selection circuit 82 are controlled by the power supply control unit 84. The power supply circuit 80 is a circuit for generating a plurality of power supply voltages required in the image forming apparatus. The plurality of power supply voltages are supplied to the unit group. The power supply end selection circuit 82 is provided for performing local power saving, and is a circuit capable of selecting whether to supply power in a unit unit.

[0100] The power supply control unit 84 limits the operation of the control unit or the power supplied thereto by making the control unit in the base state during the transition to the sleep state. Thus, only a part of the control unit operates to form a sleep state in which the other parts are stopped. This state is also the sleep state of the image forming apparatus.

[0101] If a recovery event occurs in the sleep state, the power supply control unit 84 controls the recovery to the operating state. Specifically, by controlling the power supply end selection circuit 82, the required power supply to one or more units constituting the specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event is restarted to form a local power saving state. The power supply to all units is restarted due to the recovery event, but even in this case, the local power saving function is still valid, so that the local power saving state remains unchanged. In addition, even in the sleep state, the action of the part related to the detection of the person is maintained, and the action of the part required for the recovery control is also maintained in the processor 52.

[0102] The UI unit 14 includes a touch panel 20 and a light emitter 34. In the sleep state, no power is supplied to the UI unit 14. That is, the light emitter 34 does not operate. The image forming unit 16 includes two paper sensors 30 and 32. In the sleep state, no power is supplied to the image forming unit 16, that is, no power is supplied to the two paper sensors 30 and 32.

[0103] The output signal of the human sensor 42 is input to the processor 52. The human sensor 42 is mounted on a sensor substrate (not shown). A circuit for processing the output signal is mounted on the sensor substrate. The monitoring control unit 62 in the processor 52 monitors the presence or absence of detection of a person in the sleep state, and generates a recovery trigger when a person is detected. That is, a recovery command is issued to the state control unit 66. In more detail, the monitoring control unit 62 has a determination unit 64. The determination unit 64 determines that a user approaching the main body has been detected based on the output signal of the human sensor 42 in the sleep state.

[0104] The detection of a person may also be determined in a signal processing circuit provided in the sensor substrate. For example, the detection of a user may also be determined in the signal processing circuit by comparing the output signal of the human sensing sensor 42 with a threshold value. In addition, the human sensing sensor 42, the signal processing circuit, and the determination unit 64 are equivalent to the human sensing unit. However, when a structure capable of determining the detection of a specified person is adopted in the signal processing circuit, the human sensing sensor 42 and the signal processing circuit are equivalent to the human sensing unit. When the detection of a specified person can be determined by the human sensing sensor itself, the human sensing sensor is equivalent to the human sensing unit.

[0105] The button group 22 is connected to the processor 52. The button group 22 includes a power button 54 and a power saving button 56. In the normal operation state, if the power saving button 56 is operated, the control of transitioning to the sleep state is executed. Then, in the sleep state, if the power saving button is operated again, the control of returning to the operation state is executed. The latter operation can be said to be an operation of commanding recovery.

[0106] The recovery event group includes various recovery events such as detection of a person by a human sensor, operation of command recovery, and reception of a print job from an information processing device. As already explained, the prescribed power supply end for local power saving changes according to the content of the recovery event. In addition, a print job is a print command, and usually the print job includes the original document data to be printed.

[0107] A part of the storage unit 58 functions as a register 60. In the embodiment, when the paper sensor 30 or 32 does not detect paper at the time of transition to the sleep state, 0 is set as a flag indicating that there is no paper in the register 60. On the other hand, when the paper sensor 30 or 32 detects paper at the time of transition to the sleep state, 1 is set as a flag indicating that there is paper in the register 60. In addition, even in the sleep state, the data stored in the storage unit 58 is maintained.

[0108] In the illustrated structural example, a management table 61 is established on the storage unit 58. The management table 61 is a table for managing the corresponding prescribed power supply end for each type of recovery event. When there is no paper transition, power is supplied to one or more units constituting the prescribed power supply end when recovery is performed. On the other hand, when there is paper transition, power is supplied to the prescribed power supply end when recovery is performed. At this time, even if the image forming unit 16 is not included in the prescribed power supply end, power is additionally supplied to the image forming unit 16. Thus, at the recovery time point, power is supplied to the two paper sensors 30 and 32, so that they become operable. When recovery is performed, power is usually supplied to the UI unit 14, so that when recovery is performed, the light emitter 34 becomes operable. The UI unit 14 can also be restored in the backlight off state. In addition, as described later, in the embodiment, when recovery is performed due to receiving a print job, the UI unit 14 is not included in the prescribed power supply end, but when a print job is received after the paper transition, power is additionally supplied to the UI unit 14 when recovery is performed. This is because the UI unit 14 includes the light emitter 34 which functions to notify when paper remains.

[0109] In the normal operation state, when the paper is detected by at least one of the paper sensor 30 and the paper sensor 32, the light control unit 68 performs control to light up the light emitter 34 (see Figure 2 ). Thus, the light beam is irradiated toward the two paper discharge trays in the cavity. Similarly, at the recovery time point after the paper transfer, when at least one of the paper sensor 30 and the paper sensor 32 detects the paper, the light control unit 68 performs control to light up the light emitter. Thus, the user is notified of the paper remaining. The paper remaining may also be notified by outputting a sound from a speaker, displaying a message on a display, or the like.

[0110] The communication unit 86 is a module for communicating with the information processing terminal via a network. The print job transmitted from the information processing terminal is received by the processor 52 via the communication unit 86.

[0111] exist Figure 3The state changes involved in the comparative example are shown in the figure. There is no difference between the transition without paper and the transition with paper in the comparative example. In the figure, U0, U1, U2, and U3 represent units respectively. Thus, a unit group is formed. Specifically, U0 represents a control unit, and U1 represents an image reading unit. U2 represents a UI unit. The UI unit U2 includes a light emitter. U3 represents an image forming unit. In the example shown in the figure, the image forming unit U3 includes a paper sensor. Figure 1 In the structure shown in the figure, the image forming unit has two paper sensors, but Figure 3 In the image forming unit U3, a paper sensor is provided. A finisher for post-processing the paper may be included in the unit group.

[0112] In addition, a white frame indicates a unit in a power-on state, i.e., a power-supplied state (see A). A gray frame indicates a power-off state, i.e., a state where power is not supplied (see C). A frame with medium brightness indicates a sleep state (see B).

[0113] Symbol 50A indicates the state before the transition. In the example shown in the figure, although local power saving is performed, power is supplied to all units and all units are in normal operation. Symbol 50B indicates a sleep state. The control unit U0 is in a sleep state, and the other multiple units are in a non-operating state. The image forming device as a whole is also in a sleep state. In the sleep state, only the minimum structure operates, and the power consumption of the image forming device becomes a base level or a level based on this.

[0114] When the button for commanding recovery is operated as indicated by reference numeral 56, the entire control unit U0 is put into operation as indicated by reference numeral 50C. In addition, power is supplied to the UI unit U2, which is put into operation. The other units are kept in a non-operational state.

[0115] As shown by symbol 60, when a person is detected, as shown by symbol 50D, the entire control unit U0 becomes in operation. In addition, power is supplied to the UI unit U2, which becomes in operation. However, power saving is prioritized, and the backlight remains off. After the UI unit U2 is restored, the backlight is turned on at the time when the touch panel is touched. Of course, it can also be set to light the backlight at the restoration time. The other units remain in a non-operational state.

[0116] When a print job is received, as indicated by symbol 62, the entire control unit U0 is in operation, as indicated by symbol 50E. In addition, power is supplied to the image forming unit U3, which is in operation. On the other hand, the image reading unit U1 and the UI unit U2 remain powered off.

[0117] In addition, as shown by symbol 68, when there is a copy operation or the like after the recovery, the necessary units are further put into operation. Figure 3 In the illustrated example, as indicated by reference numeral 50F, all units are in an operating state, that is, electric power is supplied to all units.

[0118] In the comparative example, when the recovery is performed based on the operation of the button that instructs the recovery and the detection of a person, power is not supplied to the image forming unit U3, and power is not supplied to the paper sensor included therein. At the recovery time point, power is supplied to the light emitter, but as long as the paper sensor is not operating, even if paper remains on the paper discharge tray, it is not possible to notify that paper remains at this time point. Furthermore, when the recovery is performed based on the reception of a print job, although power is supplied to the image forming unit U3, power is not supplied to the UI unit U2, so in this case, it is also not possible to notify that paper remains, as described above.

[0119] exist Figure 4 The state changes involved in the implementation are shown in FIG. Figure 4 In the drawings, the same symbols are given to the elements that have already been described, and their description is omitted. Figure 4 The premise is paper transition under local power saving.

[0120] Symbol 50B indicates the sleep state after the transition. As shown by symbol 56, when there is an operation of the button commanding recovery, as shown by symbol 50C1, in the case of a comparative example, power is also supplied to the image forming unit U3 that is not recovered, so that it recovers. Power is supplied to the paper sensor. At the recovery time point, as long as there is paper residue, the light emitter lights up to notify that paper residue exists. In addition, when recovery is performed, power is supplied to the UI unit U2, that is, when recovery is performed, the light emitter itself becomes in a state of being able to operate.

[0121] As shown in symbol 60, when the detection of a person is determined, as shown in symbol 50D1, in the same manner as described above, if it is normal, power is also supplied to the image forming unit U3 that is not restored, so that it is restored. In this case, power is also supplied to the paper sensor, and if there is paper residue, the light emitter is lit at the restoration time point, thereby notifying that there is paper residue. And, as shown in symbol 62, when a print job is received, as shown in symbol 50E1, if it is a comparative example, power is also supplied to the UI unit U2 that is not restored, so that it is restored. At this time point, if there is paper residue, the paper residue is detected by the paper sensor, and the light emitter is lit, thereby notifying that there is paper residue.

[0122] As described above, in the embodiment, when there is a paper transition, even if a specific unit such as an image forming unit or a UI unit (i.e., a unit that functions as a specific component having the function of notifying that paper remains) is not included in the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the recovery event, power is supplied to the specific unit during recovery. This allows timely notification of paper residue. Based on the necessity of control during switching recovery, it is determined whether there is a paper transition or no paper transition during the transition, and the determination result is recorded as a flag. In addition, in the embodiment, when there is no paper transition, it becomes the same as Figure 3 The same state changes as shown in the comparative example.

[0123] As shown by symbol 74, when there is a paper transfer, as shown by symbol 50F, when recovery is performed, power may be always supplied to all units. For example, local power saving may be automatically canceled. This will be described later.

[0124] exist Figure 5 An example of the structure of the management table is shown in FIG. The management table 61 is composed of a plurality of records 61a, each record 61a including data indicating a specified power supply end corresponding to each recovery event. The entity of the data is a list of power supply objects, i.e., a list of units. In the figure, if a recovery event occurs, power is supplied to the unit indicated as being turned on in the corresponding record. By referring to the management table 61, the unit to which power is supplied can be determined for each recovery event. Of course, the specified power supply end for each recovery event can also be managed by other methods.

[0125] exist Figure 6 The action sequence involved in the embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. Hereinafter, the image forming unit as a specific unit is focused. In the operating state 90, at the timing T0, if a transition event occurs, the state changes to the sleep state 94 through the transition process 92. In the transition process 92, at the timing T1, the presence or absence of paper on the paper discharge tray is checked based on the output signal of the paper sensor, and at the timing T2, a flag is set. If there is no paper, 0 is set as the flag, and if there is paper, 1 is set as the flag.

[0126] In the sleep state 94, at timing T3, if a recovery event occurs, the recovery to the operating state (specifically, the local power saving state) is performed through the recovery process 96. When recovering, refer to the value of the flag. If the flag is 0, power is supplied to the specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event, so that they are recovered. If the flag is 1, it is determined whether the image forming unit is included in the specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event. At this time, refer to the management table. When it is determined that the image forming unit is included, power is supplied to the specified power supply end. On the other hand, when it is determined that the image forming unit is not included, power is supplied to the specified power supply end and the image forming unit. That is, a power supply object is added. Specifically, by adding the image forming unit to the specified power supply end, the actual power supply object is determined. At timing T4, the paper sensor is recovered. If the paper sensor detects paper, it is notified at timing T5 that the paper is residual.

[0127] As described above, in the embodiment, when there is paper transfer, even if the image forming unit is not included in the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the recovery event, power is supplied to the image forming unit during recovery. During recovery, if paper remains, the paper is detected by the paper sensor, and the paper remains are notified based on the detection. Through this notification, the transaction processing of the paper as soon as possible is urged.

[0128] Alternatively, it is also possible to always restore all units or always restore the image forming unit when restoring regardless of whether or not there is paper during transition. However, in this case, unnecessary power consumption occurs when there is no paper during transition. In this regard, the above embodiment takes into account both power saving and paper remaining notification.

[0129] As already explained, it is also possible to output sound from the speaker instead of or together with the light emission. It is also possible to make a notification by displaying a message on the display. When making a notification based on the light emitter, it is also possible to use flashing instead of continuous lighting. In the above embodiment, the two paper discharge trays in the cavity portion become the management objects of paper residue, but other loading surfaces such as other paper discharge trays, original document trays (formed platen), etc. can also be set as the management objects of paper residue.

[0130] When power supply to a unit having a light emitter (specifically, a UI unit) is not guaranteed during recovery, it is sufficient to supply power to the unit at the recovery time point when paper transfer occurs, as described above. Generally speaking, in partial power saving, when paper transfer occurs, power supply control is performed in such a manner that power is supplied to a specific unit having a specific component that functions as a notification of paper residue during subsequent recovery. As long as there are multiple specific units having multiple specific components, power can be supplied to them during recovery.

[0131] The following describes the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, particularly the operation during transition and the operation during recovery. The following describes the content of control by the processor as the control unit.

[0132] exist Figure 7 The operation in the transition process is shown in a flowchart. In S10, it is determined on which of the two paper discharge trays to be managed that paper exists. When it is determined that there is no paper, the flag is set to 0 in S12. When it is determined that there is paper, the flag is set to 1 in S14. Other methods may be used instead of management based on flags.

[0133] exist Figure 8 The flowchart shows the first action example in the recovery process. In S20, if it is determined that a recovery event has occurred, then in S22, the management table is referred to to determine the specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event, and power is supplied to one or more units constituting it. On this basis, in S24, it is determined whether the flag is 0 or 1. If the flag is 1, in S26, it is determined whether a specific unit (for example, an image forming unit or a UI unit) is included in the specified power supply end. If the specific unit is not included, in S28, power is additionally supplied to the specific unit.

[0134] exist Fig. 9 The second action example in the recovery process is shown in a flowchart. The second action example is equivalent to an example of further specifying the first action example. In S40, S42, and S44, it is determined which recovery event in the recovery event group has occurred. Specifically, in S40, it is determined that a print job has been received, in S42, it is determined that a recovery operation has been performed, and in S44, it is determined that a person has been detected.

[0135] In S40, when it is determined that a print job has been received, S46 is executed. S46 is a step based on the premise that the image forming unit is included in the specified power supply end but the UI unit is not included. Specifically, in S46, the sleep state of the control unit is released and it is set to the operating state. In addition, power is supplied to the image forming unit. In the subsequent S54, referring to the flag, when the flag is 1, in S56, power is additionally supplied to the UI unit. At this point in time, as long as any one of the two paper sensors detects paper, the light emitter lights up to notify that paper is remaining.

[0136] On the other hand, in S42, when it is determined that a recovery operation has occurred and in S44, when it is determined that a person has been detected, S48 is executed. In S48, power is supplied to the prescribed power supply end. Specifically, the sleep state of the control unit is released, and power is supplied to the UI unit. When these recovery events occur, the image forming unit is not included in the prescribed power supply end.

[0137] In the subsequent S50 , the flag is referenced, and when the flag is 1, power is additionally supplied to the image forming unit in S52 . At this point in time, if any one of the two paper sensors detects paper, the light emitter lights up to notify that paper remains.

[0138] Even when another recovery event occurs, as long as the image forming unit is not included in the prescribed power supply end, the flag is referenced in S50 , and when the flag is 1, power is additionally supplied to the image forming unit in S52 .

[0139] The above first and second action examples are both examples in which, when there is a paper transition, based on determining or identifying whether a specific unit such as an image forming unit is included in a specified power supply end, if the specific unit is not included, power is additionally supplied to the specific unit.

[0140] exist Fig.10 The third action example in the recovery process is shown in a flowchart. In S60, if it is determined that a recovery event has occurred, a reference flag is used in S62. When the flag is 0, in S64, power is supplied to the specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event. On the other hand, when the flag is 1, power is supplied to all units including a specific unit. At this time point, as long as any one of the two paper sensors detects paper, the light emitter lights up to notify that paper remains. When the flag is 1, power can also be supplied to all units by canceling local power saving. In this case, it can also be set to temporarily cancel local power saving. In this case, the power supply to a specific unit can also be delayed and stopped at a time point after a specified time.

[0141] In the third embodiment, the possibility of causing power to be supplied to a unit that does not need to be operated can be indicated. On the other hand, according to the third embodiment, the determination of whether a specific unit is included in the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the recovery event can be omitted.

[0142] exist Fig.11 and Fig.12 . In this modified example, the image reading unit has a first paper discharge tray having a first paper sensor and a first light emitter for notifying that paper is left on the first paper discharge tray. In addition, the image forming unit has a second paper discharge tray having a second paper sensor and a second light emitter for notifying that paper is left on the second paper discharge tray.

[0143] exist Fig.11The flow chart shows the actions in the transition process in the modified example. In S70, the detection of paper is determined based on the output signal of the first paper sensor. When paper is not detected, the first flag is set to 0 in S72. When paper is detected, the first flag is set to 1 in S74. In S76, the detection of paper is determined based on the output signal of the second paper sensor. When paper is not detected, the second flag is set to 0 in S78. When paper is detected, the second flag is set to 1 in S80.

[0144] exist Fig.12 A part of the operation in the recovery process in the modified example is shown in a flowchart. When the image reading unit and the image forming unit are not included in the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the recovery event, the value of the first flag is referred to in S90. When the first flag is 1, power is supplied to the image reading unit in S92. As a result, the first paper sensor and the first light emitter become operable, and the first light emitter is lit as long as paper residue appears on the first paper discharge tray.

[0145] In S94, the value of the second flag is referred to. When the second flag is 1, power is supplied to the image forming unit in S96. As a result, the second paper sensor and the second light emitter become operable, and the second light emitter is lit as long as paper remains on the second paper discharge tray.

[0146] As described above, in the first modification, one or more units that require power supply in the notification of paper remaining at the time of recovery are determined based on the state of paper remaining at the time of transition, and power supply to the one or more units is ensured.

[0147] exist Fig.13 An example of a screen for selecting an action mode is shown in FIG. As has been described, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment has, with respect to local power saving, a power saving priority mode, a paper residue notification priority mode, and an all-unit recovery mode as action modes selectively applied when recovering from a sleep mode, and when recovering, power supply is controlled according to an action mode selected from among them.

[0148] The power saving priority mode is an operation mode in which power is not supplied to specific units during recovery even when there is a paper transition, giving priority to power saving. When the power saving priority mode is selected, button 122 is selected. The paper residue notification priority mode is an operation mode in which power is supplied to specific units during recovery, giving priority to paper residue notification, even when there is a paper transition. When the paper residue notification priority mode is selected, button 124 is selected. The all unit recovery mode is an operation mode in which power is supplied to all units during recovery, even when there is a paper transition. Power is supplied to specific units during recovery, so that as long as there is paper residue, the situation is notified. In the state in which the all unit recovery mode is selected, when there is no paper transition, the operation during recovery becomes the same as that in the power saving priority mode and the paper residue notification priority mode. When the all unit recovery mode is selected, button 126 is selected.

[0149] In the above embodiment, when recovery after paper transfer is performed, in the case where a specific unit is not included in the prescribed power supply end and power is additionally supplied to the specific unit, power supply to the specific unit may be stopped at the time when paper removal is detected by the paper sensor or at the time when a prescribed time has passed since recovery. That is, the state of supplying power only to the prescribed power supply end may be delayed.

[0150] The processor described in this application specification is a processor in a broad sense, and its concept includes general-purpose processors (such as CPU (Central Processing Unit)) and special-purpose processors (such as GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) and programmable logic devices, etc.). In addition, the processor described in this application specification can be composed of one physical processor or multiple physical processors. Part or all of the processing involved in the above-mentioned embodiments can also be performed by a processor on the network. The multiple processes that constitute the processing or action are not limited to the processes described above, and can also be performed in a different order from them. Some or all of the processes can also be executed in parallel.

[0151] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and explanation. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed methods. Obviously, various modifications and changes are self-evident to the technical personnel in the field to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention and its application in the easiest way. Thus, other technical personnel in the technical field can understand the present invention by determining various modified examples of optimization of the assumed various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that: Include: A unit set including a specific unit having a specific component that performs an action required for notifying that paper remains on the placement surface; and a processor, controlling power supply to the unit group when resuming from a sleep state according to a resume event, the processor, When the paper does not exist on the placement surface during the transition to the sleep state, a first control is performed to supply power to a predetermined power supply terminal corresponding to the recovery event during the recovery. When the paper is present on the placement surface during the transition to the sleep state, a second control is executed to supply power to the specific unit during the recovery even if the specific unit is not included in the prescribed power supply end in the unit group.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The specific unit is an image forming unit that forms an image on paper, including a specified recovery event in the recovery event group causing the recovery, The image forming unit is not included in the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the prescribed recovery event, When the paper is present on the placement surface and the predetermined restoration event occurs during the transition to the sleep state, the second control supplies power to the image forming unit in addition to a predetermined power supply terminal corresponding to the predetermined restoration event.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The predetermined restoration event includes detection of a person by a human sensing sensor.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The prescribed recovery event includes an operation of terminating the sleep state.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: In the second control, when the specific unit is not included in the predetermined power supply end, the processor specifies an actual power supply end by adding the specific unit to the predetermined power supply end.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The processor supplies power to all the cell groups regardless of the content of the recovery event during the second control.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The specific component is a paper sensor that detects the paper on the placement surface.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The specific unit is an image forming unit that forms an image on paper, The placement surface is a paper discharge tray on which image-formed paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit is placed.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: Include: A light emitter notifies said paper remains, When the paper sensor detects the image-formed paper after the restoration, the processor causes the light emitter to emit light.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: Include: The recovery event group leading to the recovery includes a first recovery event and a second recovery event, The image forming unit is included in the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the first restoration event, The image forming unit is not included in the prescribed power supply end corresponding to the second restoration event, When the first restoration event occurs, power is supplied to a predetermined power supply terminal corresponding to the first restoration event through the first control. When the second restoration event occurs, power is supplied to a predetermined power supply terminal corresponding to the second restoration event and power is supplied to the image forming unit through the second control.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: As the specific component, a plurality of specific components are provided. In the second control, power is supplied to the plurality of specific units including the plurality of specific components regardless of the configuration of the predetermined power supply end.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of specific components are a paper sensor disposed on the placement surface and a light emitter for notifying that the paper is remaining. The plurality of specific units are a first specific unit including the paper sensor and a second specific unit including the light emitter.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of specific components are a plurality of paper sensors disposed on a plurality of mounting surfaces, The plurality of specific units are a plurality of units including the plurality of paper sensors.

14. An image forming device, characterized in that: Include: A unit set including a specific unit having a specific component that performs an action required for notifying that paper remains on the placement surface; and a processor, when resuming from a sleep state, controlling the supply of power to the unit group, the processor, When transitioning to the sleep state, when there is no paper on the placement surface and a recovery event occurs in the sleep state, and when the transition is performed, when there is paper on the placement surface and the specified power supply end corresponding to the recovery event occurring in the sleep state includes the specific unit, it is set to supply power to the specified power supply end, When the transition is performed, if paper is present on the placement surface and the specific unit is not included in a predetermined power supply end corresponding to a recovery event occurring in the sleep state, power is supplied to the specific unit in addition to the predetermined power supply end.

15. A storage medium storing a power supply control program executed in an image forming apparatus, characterized in that: The image forming apparatus includes a unit group, the unit group includes a specific unit, the specific unit having a specific component that performs an operation required for notifying that paper remains on a placement surface. The program contains: When the paper does not exist on the placement surface during transition to the sleep state, when resuming from the sleep state, a first control function of supplying power to a predetermined power supply terminal corresponding to a resuming event is executed; and When the transition is performed, if there is a sheet on the placement surface, when the restoration is performed, a second control function of supplying power to the specific unit is executed even if the specific unit is not included in the prescribed power supply end.

16. An image forming method, characterized in that: include: When the paper does not exist on the placement surface during transition to the sleep state, when resuming from the sleep state, a first control step of supplying power to a predetermined power supply terminal corresponding to a resuming event is executed; and When the transition is performed, if there is a sheet on the placement surface, when the restoration is performed, a second control step of supplying power to the specific unit is performed even if the specific unit is not included in the prescribed power supply end.

Images