Image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method of the image forming apparatus, and a storage medium. The image forming apparatus includes: a first setting unit configured to set a first setting related to a function of automatically turning off a power supply of the image forming apparatus in a predetermined state in which data is not received through a local area network; and a second setting unit that sets a second setting related to the function in a state in which the data is received via the local area network. And the convenience of the user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] To date, products have been proposed that are equipped with a mechanism to automatically disconnect the power supply when the equipment is not in operation, thereby reducing electrical power consumption. From the perspective of contributing to global warming, energy saving is also an important function. Furthermore, in recent years, various countries have implemented laws and regulations related to energy conservation, and there is a growing trend where electrical appliances are increasingly required to comply with the laws and regulations of the regions where they are sold.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-230850 describes a technique for switching the duration from when a printer enters a non-operational state until the power is disconnected, depending on the power supply type (AC adapter connection or battery connection).

[0004] One of the laws and regulations related to energy conservation stipulates that power should be automatically disconnected within a specified time when the device is operating independently. However, in existing technology, electronic devices such as printers only offer one automatic shutdown setting, making it difficult to automatically shut down based on the printer's status. Therefore, this results in the inability to meet user needs and reduced usability.

[0005] According to the disclosure in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-230850, the problem can only be solved by adjusting the time from when the printer enters the non-operation state to when the power is turned off, depending on the power type. Summary of the Invention

[0006] When the printer is connected to a network, disabling the automatic shutdown setting is necessary to check the printer's status remotely. On the other hand, when the printer is not connected to a network (in stand-alone operation), since it only needs to be powered on when the user is near and using the printer, there is a need to set a shorter time before automatically shutting off the power.

[0007] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a storage medium that can improve user convenience.

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an image forming apparatus is provided, the image forming apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and one or more memories, the one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the image forming apparatus to: accept a first setting related to a function of automatically disconnecting the power supply of the image forming apparatus in a predetermined state where no data is received via a local area network; and accept a second setting related to the function in a state where data is received via a local area network.

[0009] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments will now be described by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the MFP in the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 The illustration shows a settings screen for setting up automatic shutdown in the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the automatic shutdown operation of the MFP in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is the flowchart in the first embodiment for determining whether the MFP is in an independent operating state or a non-independent operating state.

[0014] Figure 5 The illustration shows a settings screen for setting up automatic shutdown in the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the automatic shutdown operation of the MFP in the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 The illustration shows a settings screen for setting up automatic shutdown in another embodiment (invalid settings are grayed out).

[0017] Figure 8 The illustration shows a setup screen for setting up automatic shutdown in another embodiment (with added information indicating that the setting is valid). Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in these embodiments are necessary for the solutions of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will not be repeated. The various embodiments of the invention described below can be implemented individually, or in combination of multiple embodiments or features thereof, when necessary or where combining elements or features of the various embodiments into a single embodiment is beneficial.

[0019] First Embodiment

[0020] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multi-function peripheral device (MFP) 100, which is a model of an electronic device according to this disclosure. In the MFP 100, the central processing unit (CPU) 101 is the system control unit and controls the entire MFP 100. The read-only memory (ROM) 102 stores fixed data such as control programs to be executed by the CPU 101, data tables, and embedded operating system (OS) programs. According to this embodiment, software execution control, such as scheduling, task switching, or interrupt handling, is performed under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 102 through the various control programs stored in the ROM 102. The random access memory (RAM) 103 is composed of static random access memory (SRAM) using a backup power supply, and the data is maintained by a main battery (not shown) for data backup. The RAM 103 stores data that does not need to be erased, such as program control variables. In addition, a storage area is provided for storing user-registered settings, management data of the MFP 100, etc. For example, user-registered settings include network settings, and a storage area is provided to store the active / inactive status of each of the wired local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, and wireless direct connection. These settings are manually configured by the user using the display operation unit 108, which will be described below. After the MFP 100 is powered on, an initial screen (not shown in the figure) is displayed on the display operation unit 108. By sequentially selecting menus such as the settings menu, host settings, and LAN settings, the LAN settings screen is displayed, and these settings can be made.

[0021] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a storage area is provided to store setting information such as "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Connection)" and "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Not Connected)" (including six types: non-automatic shutdown, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, and 240 minutes). As their respective initial values, "Non-automatic shutdown" is saved in "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Connection)" and "15 minutes" is saved in "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Not Connected)". In this way, according to this embodiment, by setting a predetermined duration as the initial value of the setting duration for "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Not Connected)", the rule of automatically disconnecting the power supply within a specified duration in independent operation mode can also be satisfied.

[0022] Image memory 104 is composed of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and stores image data. Additionally, a portion of the area is reserved as a working area for performing software processing. Data conversion unit 105 performs parsing of Page Description Language (PDL) and the like, computer graphics (CG) rasterization of character data, and conversion of image data.

[0023] The reading control unit 106 causes the reading unit 107 to optically read the original document via a contact image sensor (CIS), and applies various types of image processing, such as binarization and halftone processing, to the image signal converted into electronic image data via an image processing control unit (not shown) to output high-resolution image data.

[0024] It should be noted that the read control unit 106 and the read unit 107 can adopt either of the following two control schemes. The first scheme is a sheet reading control scheme in which a fixed CIS image sensor reads the original document while it is being transported. The second scheme is a book reading control scheme in which a moving CIS image sensor scans the original document fixed on the printing plate glass. The display operation unit 108 consists of buttons such as numeric input keys, mode setting keys, confirm keys, and cancel keys, and a display unit such as a light-emitting diode (LED) or liquid crystal display (LCD) so that the user can activate various functions of the multifunction printer and make various types of settings. In addition, the display operation unit 108 can display the operation unit and a screen for setting "automatic power off (LAN / USB connection)" and "automatic power off (LAN / USB not connected)".

[0025] The fax communication control unit 109 is connected to a telephone line and transmits and receives fax images with a fax machine (not shown). The resolution conversion processing unit 110 controls the resolution conversion of input and output image data and performs magnification and reduction processing on the image data. The encoding and decoding processing unit 111 performs encoding and decoding processing or magnification and reduction processing on the image data (uncompressed, MH, MR, MMR, JBIG, JPEG, etc.) processed in the MFP100. The recording control unit 112, via an image processing control unit (not shown), applies various types of image processing to the image data to be printed, such as smoothing, recording density correction, and color correction processing, and converts the image data into high-resolution image data before outputting it to the recording unit 113. The recording unit 113 is a recording unit consisting of a laser beam printer, inkjet printer, etc., and prints the color or black-and-white image data generated by the recording control unit 112 onto a printing medium fed from the sheet feed port 114. Sheet feed port 114 comprises one or more sheet feed ports, such as an automatic sheet feeder (ASF) or sheet feed cassette, and sheets of different sizes can be inserted into each sheet feed port. USB function control unit 115 is configured to communicate with the USB interface and control it according to the USB communication standard protocol. Data from USB function control tasks executed by CPU 101 is converted into data packets for USB data packet transmission to a personal computer (PC) not shown in the figure; conversely, USB data packets from the PC are converted into data to be transmitted to CPU 101. Communication unit 116 communicates with terminals on a network system (a network capable of communication according to TCP / IP) via wireless communication or a wired LAN. Communication unit 116 is configured to communicate data (data packets) with an access point (AP) or PC not shown in the figure, for example, in a network system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series.

[0026] The automatic shutdown control unit 117 controls the settings for "automatic shutdown (LAN / USB connection)" and "automatic shutdown (LAN / USB not connected)," and sets an appropriate automatic shutdown duration based on the status of the MFP 100. Furthermore, the automatic shutdown control unit 117 counts the duration of inactivity of the MFP 100, and when the set automatic shutdown duration is reached, it controls the automatic shutdown function. The aforementioned components 101 to 106 and 108 to 117 are interconnected via the CPU bus 121 managed by the CPU 101.

[0027] According to this embodiment, the setting screen (energy-saving setting screen) of the display operation unit 108 displays items for setting two automatic shutdown settings, namely "automatic shutdown (LAN / USB connection)" and "automatic shutdown (LAN / USB not connected)". Then, the user can perform the two automatic shutdown settings, namely "automatic shutdown (LAN / USB connection)" and "automatic shutdown (LAN / USB not connected)", via the display operation unit 108. Then, the setting information for the two automatic shutdown settings, namely "automatic shutdown (LAN / USB connection)" and "automatic shutdown (LAN / USB not connected)", set according to the user's instructions, is stored in the RAM 103. It should be noted that, according to this embodiment, the following explanation will be given: Independent operation state refers to a state in which, for example, the electronic device can be used independently without being connected to other devices or networks (hereinafter also referred to as the first state); on the other hand, non-independent operation state refers to a state in which, for example, the electronic device can be used while connected to other devices or networks (hereinafter also referred to as the second state). Additionally, the following will be noted: Instead of the hard shutdown state (which involves unplugging the power cord from the power outlet and disconnecting from commercial power supply) as the shutdown state, a so-called soft shutdown state (which supplies power to at least some components) with lower power consumption than the normal startup state will be adopted.

[0028] Figure 2 The illustration shows an example of a setup screen for performing two automatic shutdown settings in the display operation unit 108 of the MFP 100 in this embodiment. After the MFP 100 is powered on, by sequentially selecting the setup menu, host settings, and energy-saving settings, the initial screen (not shown in the figure) displayed on the display operation unit 108 transitions to the energy-saving settings screen 200. On the energy-saving settings screen 200, three settings can be configured: "Automatic shutdown (LAN / USB connection)" 201, "Automatic shutdown (LAN / USB not connected)" 202, and "Automatic power on" 203. Furthermore, the current settings for the three items are stored in RAM 103 and are displayed by retrieving them from RAM 103 before displaying the energy-saving settings interface 200.

[0029] In "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Connection)" 201, the automatic power off duration when the MFP 100 is in a LAN or USB connected state (non-standalone operation state) can be changed. The current value is "Non-Automatic Power Off" obtained from RAM 103. When this section is selected, six options are displayed, including "Non-Automatic Power Off, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, and 240 minutes," and the setting can be changed. The changed value is then stored in RAM 103. Additionally, in "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Not Connected)" 202, the automatic power off duration when the MFP 100 is in a LAN or USB not connected state (standalone operation state) can be changed. The current value is "30 minutes" obtained from RAM 103. When this section is selected, similar to "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Connection)" 201, six options are displayed, and the setting can be changed. The changed value is stored in RAM 103.

[0030] Additionally, the automatic power-on setting can be changed in "Automatic Power-On" 203. The current value, "Automatic Power On," obtained from RAM 103, is displayed, and when this setting is selected, the "Non-Automatic Power Off" option is displayed, and the setting can be changed. The changed value is stored in RAM 103. When "Automatic Power On" is set in "Automatic Power-On," the automatic power-on function is activated. In the established power-off state, when a partial job is received from an external source, the MFP 100 enters a power-on state to execute the job. For example, when a scan job is received from a PC (not shown) via the USB function control unit 115, or a print job is received from a smartphone (not shown) via the communication unit 116, the MFP 100 is powered on to perform scanning or printing.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the automatic shutdown operation of the MFP 100 in this embodiment. When the MFP 100 is powered on, the automatic shutdown control unit 117 starts a timer at a fixed period. This flowchart begins when the timer processing starts at a fixed period. This flowchart is implemented when the CPU 101 reads the program for implementing various control modules stored in ROM 102 into RAM 103 and executes the program. It should be noted that... Figure 3 Some or all of the functions in each step can be implemented in hardware such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or electronic circuits. Additionally, the symbol "S" in the descriptions of each process refers to a step in the flowchart (hereinafter, the same applies to the flowcharts in this specification).

[0032] First, in S301, CPU 101 confirms whether MFP 100 is in standalone or non-standalone operating mode. The following will refer to... Figure 4 Describe the confirmation process.

[0033] Subsequently, in S302, CPU 101 determines whether the confirmation result in S301 has changed compared to the previous one. If the result has not changed, the process proceeds to S306; if the result has changed, the process proceeds to S303. In S303, CPU 101 determines whether the confirmation result in S301 indicates an independent operating state. If MFP 100 is in a non-independent operating state, the process proceeds to S304, and the duration for storing the "Automatic Shutdown (LAN / USB Connection)" setting information in RAM 103 is set in the automatic shutdown duration. On the other hand, if MFP 100 is in an independent operating state, the process proceeds to S305, and the duration for storing the "Automatic Shutdown (LAN / USB Not Connected)" setting information in RAM 103 is set in the automatic shutdown duration.

[0034] Here, the automatic shutdown duration set in S304 and S305 and stored in RAM 103 can be used by the user for reference. Figure 2 The energy-saving settings screen 200 described below and will be described below Figure 5 The power-saving settings can be configured via screen 500. Additionally, if the user has not set the automatic shutdown duration, the automatic shutdown duration is set to the initial value registered in RAM 103. Furthermore, in S304 and S305, the count used to measure non-operation time, which will be described below, can be cleared.

[0035] Subsequently, in S306, CPU 101 determines whether MFP 100 is operating. (Regarding...)

[0036] The determination of whether the MFP 100 is operating can be made by determining conditions such as not performing a job like printing or scanning, not operating the display operation unit 108, and not experiencing various malfunctions. When all conditions are met, it is determined that the MFP 100 is "not operating". However, it should be noted that this is an example of a method for determining whether the MFP 100 is operating, and the determination can be further based on other conditions, or the MFP 100 can be determined to be not operating if at least some of the above conditions are met. For example, whether to set the automatic shutdown duration set in S304 or S305 to "non-automatic shutdown" can be added to the conditions for determining whether the MFP 100 is operating. When the automatic shutdown duration is set to "non-automatic shutdown", since no automatic power disconnection is implemented, it is determined that the MFP 100 is operating normally. When it is determined that the MFP 100 is operating, the process proceeds to S307, and when it is determined that the MFP 100 is not operating, the process proceeds to S308.

[0037] In S307, CPU 101 clears the counter used to measure the non-operation duration to end the timer processing. Conversely, in S308, CPU 101 increments the counter used to measure the non-operation duration. Subsequently, in S309, CPU 101 compares the automatic shutdown duration set in S304 or S305 with the counter incremented in S308 to determine if the set automatic shutdown duration has been exceeded. If the automatic shutdown duration has not been exceeded, the timer processing ends; otherwise, the processing proceeds to S310. For example, when the 30-minute option is set to the "Automatic Shutdown (LAN / USB Not Connected)" setting information in RAM 103 and it is determined in S301 that the MFP100 is in standby mode, the 30-minute option is set to the automatic shutdown duration in S305. In this case, in S309, CPU 101 determines whether the counter value has exceeded 30 minutes. Subsequently, in S310, CPU 101 performs the shutdown process of MFP100, after which the timer process ends. The shutdown process in S310 is the same as the process performed when the user presses the power button located on the display operation button 108 (but not shown in the figure), and the power to MFP 100 is turned off.

[0038] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining whether the MFP 100 is in an independent or non-independent operating state in this embodiment. In S401, the CPU 101 determines whether the network settings of the MFP 100 are valid. These network settings include wired LAN, Wi-Fi, and wireless direct connection. When at least one of the three settings is set to valid, the network settings of the MFP 100 are determined to be valid, and the process proceeds to S405. Conversely, when all three settings—wired LAN, Wi-Fi, and wireless direct connection—are set to invalid, the process proceeds to S402. Subsequently, in S402, the USB function control unit 115 determines whether the MFP 100 is connected to a PC (not shown) via USB. As a method for determining whether the USB is connected, it is determined whether the USB's VBUS is enabled. When the MFP 100 is physically connected to a PC (not shown) via a USB cable and the PC is powered on, the VBUS is enabled; otherwise, it is disabled. When it is determined that the USB's VBUS is enabled and a USB connection is established, the process proceeds to S405. On the other hand, when it is determined that the USB VBUS is off and no USB connection is established, the process enters S403. Subsequently, in S403, CPU 101 determines whether the FAX communication control unit of MFP 100 is connected to the telephone line.

[0039] When the FAX communication control unit is connected to the telephone line, the process proceeds to S405. Conversely, when the FAM communication control unit is not connected to the telephone line, the process proceeds to S404. In S404, the CPU 101 determines that the MFP 100 is in an independent operating state and terminates the process. In S405, the CPU 101 determines that the MFP 100 is in a non-independent operating state and terminates the process.

[0040] As described above, according to this embodiment, the setting screen (energy-saving setting screen) of the display operation unit 108 displays settings for setting two automatic shutdown settings: "Automatic shutdown (LAN / USB connection)" and "Automatic shutdown (LAN / USB not connected)". The user can then perform both "Automatic shutdown (LAN / USB connection)" (non-standalone operation state) and "Automatic shutdown (LAN / USB not connected)" settings via the display operation unit 108.

[0041] Two automatic shutdown settings are available for (independent operation mode). This configuration improves user convenience. Furthermore, automatic shutdown can be implemented based on the electronic device's state (independent operation mode / non-independent operation mode), effectively reducing power consumption.

[0042] It should be noted that, according to this embodiment, the illustration shows a settings screen displayed on the display operation unit 108. Figure 2 Examples of changing "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Connection)" or "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Not Connected)" are provided, but the changes are not limited to these. Alternatively, settings can be changed by communicating with an application or drive on a PC (not shown) using the USB function control unit 115 or communication unit 116. Furthermore, settings can also be changed by communicating with a network server unit (not shown) of the MFP 100 from a browser on a PC (not shown).

[0043] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in order to... Figure 3 The example described uses the setting of the automatic shutdown duration in S301 to S305 within the timer processing to illustrate the mode, but it is not limited to this. The automatic shutdown duration can be reset using a change in independent running state as a trigger, or it can be set by the user from... Figure 2 The settings screen shown has been changed to a trigger, resetting the automatic shutdown duration.

[0044] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in Figure 4 The process for determining the independent operating state shown describes whether to enable network settings, but the configuration is not limited to this. Instead of determining whether network settings are enabled, it is possible to determine "whether there is an actual connection to the network" or "whether communication is being conducted via the network with a PC, etc., not shown in the figure." Furthermore, similarly for...

[0045] For USB, the determination of whether to establish a connection with a PC (not shown in the figure) is described, but the configuration is not limited to this. In the MFP 100, it is possible to determine whether to enable the USB connection.

[0046] Second Embodiment

[0047] Next, the second embodiment will be described. According to the first embodiment, a setting item is displayed on the setting screen (energy-saving setting screen) of the display operation unit 108 for setting two automatic shutdown settings: "Automatic shutdown (LAN / USB connection)" and "Automatic shutdown (LAN / USB not connected)". This configuration allows for both automatic shutdown settings. According to the second embodiment, the configuration for setting both automatic shutdown settings ("Automatic shutdown (LAN / USB connection)" and "Automatic shutdown (LAN / USB not connected)") using a single item will be described. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used for components described in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0048] Figure 5 An example of a settings screen displayed on the display operation unit 108 of the MFP 100 in this embodiment is illustrated. The energy-saving settings screen 500 in this embodiment displays two settings, including "Automatic Power Off" 501 and "Automatic Power On" 502, and the user can instruct and change each setting. According to this embodiment, two automatic power-off settings, including "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Connection)" and "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Not Connected)," can be performed through the single setting item "Automatic Power Off" 501. Three current setting values ​​(setting information), including "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Connection)," "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Not Connected)," and "Automatic Power On," are stored in RAM 103, and the setting information is obtained from RAM 103 before displaying the energy-saving settings screen 500. Which of the values ​​"Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Connection)" and "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Not Connected)" should be displayed in "Automatic Power Off" 501 to be set will be referred to below. Figure 6 Describe it.

[0049] exist Figure 5 In the "Automatic Shutdown" 501 shown, the "30 minutes" option obtained from RAM 103 is displayed as the current value. When this section is selected, six types of options are displayed, including "Non-Automatic Shutdown, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, and 240 minutes," and the settings can be changed. The changed value is stored in RAM 103. Furthermore, the same applies to "Automatic Power On" 502, and its description is omitted for brevity.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the automatic shutdown setting process in this embodiment, where a single setting item for automatic shutdown setting is displayed on the display operation unit 108 of the MFP 100. Since the processes in S601 and S602 are similar to those in S301 and S303, respectively, their descriptions are omitted.

[0051] In S603, since the current state of MFP 100 is not an independent operating state, therefore

[0052] CPU 101 obtains the value stored in RAM 103 for "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Connection)" and displays it as the current value in "Automatic Power Off" 501. If the user changes the current value, "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Connection)" in RAM 103 is updated to any one of the changed values, including "Non-Automatic Power Off, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, and 240 minutes".

[0053] On the other hand, in S604, since the MFP 100 is currently in an independent operating state, the CPU 101 obtains the value stored in RAM 103 for "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Not Connected)" and displays it as the current value in "Automatic Power Off" 501. Furthermore, when the user changes the current value, the "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Not Connected)" value in RAM 103 is updated to any one of the changed values, including "Non-Automatic Power Off, 15 Minutes, 30 Minutes, 60 Minutes, 120 Minutes, and 240 Minutes".

[0054] As a subsequent process, the same procedure is performed in this embodiment. Figure 3 The processing of steps S306 and subsequent steps is described in the figure. However, since it has already been described in the first embodiment, the subsequent processing will be omitted from the figure, and its description will also be omitted.

[0055] As described above, according to this embodiment, a single setting item is displayed on the setting screen (energy-saving setting screen) of the display operation unit 108, thus enabling automatic shutdown settings for the MFP 100 in its current state. In other words, with just a single setting item, automatic shutdown settings for independent operation mode can be performed when the MFP 100 enters independent operation mode, and automatic shutdown settings for non-independent operation mode can be performed when the MFP 100 enters non-independent operation mode. According to this embodiment, automatic shutdown (LAN / USB connection) can be performed via a single setting item.

[0056] Two automatic shutdown settings are available: "Automatic shutdown (non-standalone operation)" and "Automatic shutdown (LAN / USB not connected)" (standalone operation). This configuration improves user convenience. Furthermore, automatic shutdown can be set based on the electronic device's status (standalone operation / non-standalone operation), effectively reducing power consumption.

[0057] It should be noted that, according to this embodiment, the use of the display operation unit 108 has been modified. Figure 5The settings screen shown here describes the "Automatic Shutdown" setting change, but it is not limited to this. The settings can be changed by communicating with an application or drive of a PC (not shown) using the USB function control unit 115 or communication unit 116. Alternatively, the settings can be changed by communicating with a web server unit of the MFP 100 (not shown) from a browser on a PC (not shown).

[0058] Other embodiments

[0059] According to the first embodiment, the settings screen displayed on the display operation unit 108 ( Figure 2 On the device, you can set "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Connection)" and "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Not Connected)". However, it's difficult for users to know which automatic power off setting the MFP 100 is currently using.

[0060] Figure 7 The illustration shows a modified example of the settings screen for automatic shutdown settings (invalid settings are grayed out). Figure 7 In the example, the setting screen of the display operation unit 108 shows two automatic shutdown settings, and the currently invalid automatic shutdown setting is not implemented. That is, on the energy-saving setting screen 700, it is determined whether the status is an independent operation state of the display screen, and the currently invalid automatic shutdown setting is grayed out. Figure 7 The following example illustrates the situation: As a result of determining whether the status is independent operation, since the status is non-independent operation, "Automatic shutdown (LAN / USB not connected)" 701 will be grayed out, and even if this section is selected, setting changes will not be accepted (setting invalid). By providing such an energy-saving setting screen, users can easily know which setting the MFP 100 is currently operating under in the automatic shutdown settings.

[0061] in addition, Figure 8 The illustration shows a modified example of the settings screen for setting up automatic shutdown (with added information indicating that the setting is valid). Figure 8 In the example, the display operation unit 108 displays two automatic shutdown settings and clearly shows the currently valid automatic shutdown setting. That is, on the energy-saving setting screen 800, it determines whether the status is an independent operation state of the display screen, and adds information to the automatic shutdown setting settings to make the currently valid automatic shutdown setting clear to the user. Figure 8The following example is illustrated: As a result of determining whether the status is independent operation, since the status is non-independent operation, the display (information) "Application" 801 is added to make "Automatic Power Off (LAN / USB Connection)" clearly visible. By providing such an energy-saving setting screen, users can easily know under which automatic power-off setting the MFP 100 is currently operating.

[0062] Based on the above aspects of this disclosure, user convenience can be improved.

[0063] Embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a computer that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (also more fully referred to as a 'non-transitory computer-readable storage medium') to perform the functions of one or more of the above embodiments and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above embodiments. Embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a computer that, for example, reads and executes computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above embodiments and / or controls one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors that read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), storage devices for distributed computing systems, and optical discs (such as compressed optical discs (CDs), digital versatile optical discs (DVDs), or Blu-ray discs (BDs). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0064] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The appended claims should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus comprising: The first setting unit is configured to accept a first setting related to the function of automatically disconnecting the power supply of the image forming apparatus when a predetermined state of receiving data via a local area network is not performed. as well as The second setting unit is configured to accept a second setting related to the function when receiving data via a local area network.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A control unit configured to control the execution of the function based on the first setting in the predetermined state.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined state is the state in which no external device is connected via a universal serial bus.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The predetermined state is a state in which no connection with the telephone line has been established.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first setting is related to the duration of performing the function.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The second setting is a setting related to the duration of performing the function.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A determining unit is configured to determine whether to establish the predetermined state based on whether data is received via at least one local area network.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined state is the state in which the image forming apparatus operates in an independent mode, and the state in which the data is received via the local area network is the state in which the image forming apparatus operates in a non-independent mode.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first setting is the duration from the determination that the image forming apparatus is in a non-operational state until the power supply to the image forming apparatus is automatically disconnected in the predetermined state, and the second setting is the duration from the determination that the image forming apparatus is in a non-operational state until the power supply to the image forming apparatus is disconnected in the state of receiving the data via the local area network.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The non-operational state of the image forming apparatus is a state in which at least the image forming apparatus does not perform a printing job.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The non-operational state of the image forming apparatus is a state in which at least the user does not operate the image forming apparatus.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A printing unit configured to perform printing processing based on image data received via the local area network.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The display control unit is configured to cause the display unit to display whether the image forming apparatus operates according to the first setting or according to the second setting.

14. A control method for an image forming apparatus, the control method comprising: In a state where data is not intended to be received via a local area network, a first setting is accepted that relates to the function of automatically disconnecting the power supply of the image forming apparatus. as well as While receiving data via a local area network, accept the second setting related to the function.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program being executed by one or more processors to implement a method of an image forming apparatus, the method comprising: In a state where data is not intended to be received via a local area network, a first setting is accepted that relates to the function of automatically disconnecting the power supply of the image forming apparatus. as well as While receiving data via a local area network, accept the second setting related to the function.

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