IMAGE GENERATING DEVICE AND POWER CONTROL METHOD FOR IT

Abstract

An image-generating device is controlled as follows. In a case where a first control unit receives a termination process event, the first control unit, which causes the image-generating device to enter a power-saving state, causes the image-generating device to enter a sleep state, in a case where the transition to the sleep state is enabled, and loads a program into memory for a second control unit and causes the image-generating device to enter a suspend state, in a case where the transition to the suspend state is enabled.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a current control method for the image forming apparatus. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Computers provide a variety of functions while consuming low power, using power-saving techniques including suspend, hibernation, and hybrid standby.

[0003] Suspend achieves low power consumption by placing a peripheral device in a stop state while applying power to memory, and by placing a central processing unit (CPU) in a stop state, such as stopping a clock, waiting for an interrupt (WFI), or powering down. In hibernation, low power consumption is achieved by storing information in memory or a register in a non-volatile storage device, stopping power to memory, a peripheral device, and a CPU, and stopping a clock.

[0004] The computer receives notification of a power-saving transition event, such as the expiration of a timer in a wait state, and performs a suspend or hibernation process, transitioning to a power-saving state, such as a sleep state or an off state, from which the computer can quickly return (a wait-for-quick-start state). Conversely, in the sleep state, the computer receives notification of a power-saving return event and performs a resume process, returning to the wait state.

[0005] Hybrid standby is a function achieved by combining suspend and hibernation, in which the computer suspends in a power-saving state until a specified time has elapsed and then enters hibernation. Suspend, hibernation, and hybrid standby are used according to the user's purpose or convenience and contribute to saving computer power.

[0006] JP 2015-022493 discusses a sleep state return method for an electronic device including a main CPU and a sub-CPU, and a technique for retracting and restoring data in a memory of the main CPU and the sub-CPU. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Suspend, hibernation, and hybrid standby are each referred to as “fast startup mode.”

[0008] Unlike the aforementioned computers, an image forming device includes two central processing units (CPUs): a main CPU that controls the system of the image forming device and a sub-CPU that controls image processing. Typically, the sub-CPU that controls image processing is used only in image processing to execute a job. Therefore, starting up from a power-off state allows the sub-CPU to transition or return faster than returning from quick start mode at the time of system backup. Thus, the image forming device performs an operation different from returning from quick start mode and involving the sub-CPU.

[0009] As a quick start mode for an image forming device, a quick start is usually achieved by loading programs for the sub-CPU into memory before the image forming device enters the suspend state. In today's energy-saving era, a quick start from a sleep state, where standby power is lower than in the hibernation state, is attracting attention. The hibernation state is a sleep state, or sleep, in which no power is applied to the memory. Therefore, there is a problem that, similar to the suspend state, returning to the time of loading programs for the sub-CPU in the hibernation state is unsuccessful.

[0010] Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish the timing of loading programs into memory between the suspend state, which is a sleep state in which power is applied to the memory, and the hibernation state, which is a sleep state in which no power is applied to the memory.

[0011] Furthermore, the hybrid standby mode in which the image forming device enters the sleep state after a certain time after the image forming device enters the suspend state also includes controlling the timing of loading programs for the sub-CPU based on the state.

[0012] The present invention aims to achieve transition into and return from the fast boot mode in a fast boot mode including suspend, hibernation, and hybrid standby by controlling the timing of loading programs for a sub-CPU.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a first controller and a second controller that performs at least image processing, and a memory, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of transitioning to a normal state, a suspend state, which is a power-saving state in which power is applied to the memory and a quick start can be performed, and a sleep state, which is a power-saving state in which no power is applied to the memory. The image forming apparatus includes a first controller configured to cause the image forming apparatus to transition to a power-saving state when the first controller receives a termination process event.In a case where the first control means determines that the transition to the sleep state is enabled, the first control means performs control to cause the image forming apparatus to enter the sleep state, and in a case where the first control means determines that the transition to the suspend state is enabled, the first control means performs control to load a program for the second control means into the memory and then cause the image forming apparatus to enter the suspend state.

[0014] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a control device. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a power supply system of the image forming apparatus. Fig. 4 is a flowchart according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a flowchart according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are flowcharts according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a flowchart according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Suspend, hibernation, and hybrid standby modes are each referred to as "quick-start mode" or "quick-start capable power-saving mode." Imaging devices according to embodiments are capable of transitioning to a suspend state and a hibernation state.

[0016] Since an image forming device also has a server function, the system state of the image forming device changes from moment to moment, even while the system is waiting. Therefore, a main central processing unit (CPU) saves the previous running state of the system and enters and returns from quick start mode, which shortens the time until a user can use the system than with a normal start. However, normally, a sub-CPU is used in image processing to execute a job and is not used while the system is waiting. Therefore, a normal start from the power off state allows the sub-CPU to transition or return faster than if it saves the previous running state of the system and enters and returns from quick start mode when the system is saved.To handle this situation and get the main CPU to enter and return from fast boot mode and get the sub-CPU to perform a normal boot, there are a few issues.

[0017] For example, in the case of suspend, a main memory can be self-refreshed during suspend, retaining data within itself, while a sub-memory is shut down to save power. Thus, an execution program for the main CPU is stored in an OS (operating system) internal management area of ​​the main memory, and an execution program for the sub-CPU is stored in an OS-external management area of ​​the main memory. When the imaging device returns from suspend, the execution program for the sub-CPU stored in the OS-external management area of ​​the main memory can be loaded into the sub-memory, and the sub-CPU can be started.

[0018] However, in the case of hibernation, the data in the main memory is retired to a non-volatile storage device. The data to be retired is located in the area managed by the OS (the OS internal management area), while the data in the area not managed by the OS (the OS external management area) is not retired. Since both the main memory and the sub-memory are turned off, a contiguous area in the OS external management area of ​​the main memory, where the execution program for the sub-CPU is stored, is also erased. Therefore, the sub-CPU in hibernation cannot be started after the image forming device returns from hibernation.

[0019] Hybrid standby mode is a function achieved by combining suspend and hibernation. The imaging device suspends in quick start mode until a specified time has elapsed, and then enters hibernation after the specified time has elapsed. Hybrid standby mode is similar to hibernation in that it shuts down the main memory and sub-memory. Therefore, it suffers from the same problem as hibernation: the execution program for the sub-CPU is deleted.

[0020] Exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems will be described with reference to the drawings. <Konfiguration des Systems>

[0021] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. In this embodiment, a multifunctional peripheral device having a printing function, a scanning function, and a data communication function is used as an example.

[0022] At Fig. 1, an image forming device 101 is configured to receive jobs from a computer 109 via a local area network (LAN) 108. The number of computers connected to the image forming device 101 may be greater than or equal to one. A scanner device 102 optically reads an image from a document and converts the read image into a digital image. A printer device 104 outputs a digital image onto a paper device referred to as a "sheet." An operation unit 105 includes a touch panel and a hardware key for receiving the settings of the image forming device 101 from the user and displaying the processing status of the image forming device 101. A hard disk (HD) (also referred to as "HDD" ("Hard Drive Disk")) 106 stores digital images and control programs. The HDD 106 is a non-volatile storage device, such as a flash drive. B.a solid-state drive (SSD) or an embedded multimedia card (eMMC). A fax device 107 transmits and receives digital images to and from a telephone line. A controller 103 is connected to the scanner device 102, the printer device 104, the operating unit 105, the hard disk 106, and the fax device 107 and issues instructions to each module to execute a job on the image forming device 101.

[0023] Switches for setting flags for enabling and disabling suspend, hibernation, and hybrid standby mode are provided using the function of the operation unit 105 to receive the settings of the imaging device 101 from the user, thereby making it possible to save the set flags and to reference the set flags from an application.

[0024] The image forming device 101 can also input and output digital images to and from the computer 109 via the LAN 108, issue jobs, and instruct devices. The scanner device 102 includes a document feeder unit 121 that automatically and sequentially replaces one document with another in a document bundle, and a scanner unit 122 that optically scans each document and converts the scanned image into a digital image. The image data obtained by converting the scanned image is transmitted to the controller 103.

[0025] The printer device 104 includes a sheet feed unit 142 that sequentially feeds one sheet at a time from a bundle of sheets, a marking unit 141 that prints image data on the fed sheet, and a sheet discharge unit 143 that discharges the sheet after printing. A finisher device 150 performs processing such as sheet discharge, sorting, stapling, punching, and cutting on a sheet discharged from the sheet discharge unit 143 of the printer device 104 to the image forming device 101. <Funktionen des Systems>

[0026] Examples of jobs (functions) that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 101 are described below. [Copy function]

[0027] The image forming device 101 has a copy function for recording an image read by the scanner device 102 on the hard disk 106 and simultaneously printing the image using the printer device 104. [Image transfer function]

[0028] The image forming device 101 has an image transmission function for transmitting an image read by the scanner device 102 to the computer 109 via the LAN 108. [Image storage function]

[0029] The image forming device 101 has an image storage function for recording an image read by the scanner device 102 on the hard disk 106 and for transferring the image or printing the image if necessary. [Image printing function]

[0030] The image forming device 101 has an image printing function for analyzing, for example, a page description language transmitted from the computer 109 and performing printing using the printer device 104. <Blockdiagramm der Steuereinrichtung 103>

[0031] A block diagram of the controller 103 and the peripheral devices will now be described with reference to Fig. 2 described.

[0032] The control device 103 includes a main board 200 and a sub-board 220.

[0033] The mainboard 200 is a so-called multi-purpose CPU system. The mainboard 200 includes a CPU 340 that controls the entire mainboard 200, a boot read-only memory (ROM) 202 containing a boot program, and a memory 341 used by the CPU 340 as working memory. The mainboard 200 also includes a bus controller 204 that bridges the mainboard 200 and an external bus, and a non-volatile memory 205 in which data is not erased even when the non-volatile memory 205 is turned off. The memory 341 includes an OS-internal management area and an OS-external management area. The OS internal management area extends from a starting address to an end address defined by the kernel and is a memory area that includes sections such as text, data, BSS, stack and heap that are used by the kernel or the user.In other words, the OS-external management area is a different memory area than the OS-internal management area. The OS-external management area is used, for example, for a contiguous or continuous area with a large capacity that should not be fragmented in memory 341 and is used for direct memory access (DMA).

[0034] The CPU 340 also controls a watchdog timer (also referred to as a "WDT") 230, which resets the controller 103. The CPU 340 controls a network controller 211 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the computer 109 via the LAN 108. The CPU 340 controls a real-time clock (RTC) 212 to set a current time and a return time.

[0035] The mainboard 200 further includes a hard disk controller 206 that controls storage devices, and a flash disk 207, such as an SSD or an eMMC, which is a relatively small-capacity storage device including a semiconductor device. The mainboard 200 also includes a USB controller 208 that controls a universal serial bus (USB) port. A USB storage device 209, the control unit 105, and the hard disk 106 are externally connected to the mainboard 200.

[0036] The subboard 220 includes a relatively small general-purpose CPU system and image processing hardware. The subboard 220 also includes a CPU 221 that controls the entire subboard 220, a memory 223 used by the CPU 221 as working memory, a bus controller 224 that acts as a bridge between the subboard 220 and an external bus, and a non-volatile memory 225 in which data is not erased even when the non-volatile memory 225 is turned off.

[0037] The sub-board 220 further includes an image processor 227 that performs real-time digital image processing, as well as device controllers 226. The scanner device 102 and the printer device 104, which are externally connected to the controller 103, transmit and receive digital image data to and from the image processor 227 via the device controllers 226. A paper device output from the printer device 104 is processed by the finisher device 150. The fax device 107 is directly controlled by the CPU 221.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a simplified block diagram. For example, CPUs 340 and 221 each include many pieces of CPU peripheral hardware, such as a chipset, a bus bridge, and a clock generator. However, these pieces of CPU peripheral hardware are unnecessary in view of the granularity of the description, and therefore CPUs 340 and 221 are shown in simplified form. This block configuration therefore does not limit the present invention.

[0039] The operation of the control device 103 will now be described using the example of copying an image onto a paper device.

[0040] When the user issues an instruction to copy an image via the operation unit 105, the CPU 340 sends an image reading command to the scanner device 102 via the CPU 221. The scanner device 102 optically scans a paper document, converts the scanned image into digital image data, and outputs the digital image data to the image processor 227 via one of the device controllers 226. The image processor 227 DMA-transfers the digital image data to the memory 223 via the CPU 221 and temporarily stores the digital image data.

[0041] When the CPU 340 confirms that a certain amount or all of the digital image data is stored in the memory 223, the CPU 340 issues an image output instruction to the printer device 104 via the CPU 221.

[0042] The CPU 221 notifies the image processor 227 of the address of the image data in the memory 223. The image data in the memory 223 is transferred to the printer device 104 via the image processor 227 and the other device controller 226 based on synchronization signals from the printer device 104.

[0043] The printer device 104 prints the digital image data onto a paper device.

[0044] When printing a plurality of copies, the CPU 340 stores the image data in the memory 223 on the hard disk 106. From the second copy onward, the CPU 340 may send the image data from the hard disk 106 or the memory 223 to the printer device 104 without receiving the image data from the scanner device 102. <stromversorgungskonfiguration>

[0045] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the power supply configuration of the Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 3, configurations related to the present invention of a power supply 301, a power supply control unit 303, the control device 103, the operating unit 105, the scanner device 102, and the printer device 104 in the image forming device 101 are described. Fig. 3, the power supply 301 always supplies power to the power supply control unit 303 via a power supply line. However, in order to limit the power supply to a low power consumption, the power is controlled by applying power only to the power supply control unit 303 when the image forming apparatus 101 is turned off.

[0046] When a power switch 110 is pressed, the power control unit 303 detects the operation, and the image forming device 101 controls a power switch P 310 to supply power to the CPU 340 of the controller 103. Similarly, the power control unit 303 controls a power switch Q 311 to supply power to a CPU 305 of the operation unit 105, controls a power switch R 312 to supply power to the scanner device 102, and controls a power switch L 313 to supply power to a CPU 307 of the printer device 104.

[0047] The CPU 340 of the controller 103 notifies the power supply control unit 303 to control the power switch Q 311 to individually supply power to the CPU 305 of the operation unit 105. At the same time, the CPU 340 of the controller 103 can also control the power switch R 312 to individually supply power from the power supply 301 to the scanner device 102 and the power switch L 313 to individually supply power from the power supply 301 to the CPU 307 of the printer device 104.

[0048] At this time, it is also possible to individually control the power supply of the marking unit 141, the sheet feeding unit 142, and the sheet discharging unit 143 of the printer device 104. However, this is digressive and is therefore not described. Fig. The power supply to the individual blocks shown in Figure 3 can be achieved, for example, by equipping the power switch P 310 with two channels and turning off only one relay switch in one of the channels, which is connected to a block to be turned off, and leaving a relay switch in the other channel turned on in a sleep state. In a shutdown state, the relay switches in both channels are turned off. In this case, a power supply control signal is not a two-value control signal, but a multi-value control signal corresponding to the current application state. Although not described in detail in this example, power is supplied by such control in the power states including the sleep state and the shutdown state.In this control, the power supply control unit 303 can perform multi-value control of the power switch P 310 to supply power to the blocks of the control device 103. This control can be performed in any form. For example, the CPU 340 of the control device 103 can notify the power supply control unit 303 and perform multi-value control of the power switch P 310 to supply power to the blocks of the control device 103. <Einspeisung von Strom von der Stromversorgungssteuereinheit 303 beim Neustart der Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung 101>

[0049] A reboot process of the image forming device 101 is described below. The CPU 340 of the controller 103 of the image forming device 101 receives a reboot event after starting in a waiting state. The reboot event may be issued by an application running on the CPU 340 or may be received from the CPU 340 by the computer 109 via the LAN 108.

[0050] Next, the CPU 340 performs an application termination process and the process of saving information in the memory 341 to the HDD 106. The CPU 340 also performs a peripheral device termination process and a termination process of the printer device 104, the scanner device 102, the fax device 107, and the finisher device 150. The CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303 and enters a power-off state.

[0051] In the off state, the power supply control unit 303 turns off the power switches 310, 311, 312, and 313. As a result, the power supply control unit 303 stops the power supply to the controller 103, the printer device 104, the scanner device 102, the fax device 107, and the finisher device 150. The power supply control unit 303 waits until an analog signal from the power supply 301 becomes weak and the power supply 301 is completely turned off. Regarding turning off the devices, the devices can also be reset instead of turning them off, which shortens the waiting time for the signal. However, this is digressive and therefore will not be described.

[0052] Next, the power supply control unit 303 turns on the power switches 310, 311, 312, and 313 and supplies power to the controller 103, the printer device 104, the scanner device 102, the fax device 107, and the finisher device 150. The CPU 340 of the controller 103 performs a startup process and a peripheral device initialization process. The printer device 104, the scanner device 102, the fax device 107, and the finisher device 150 also perform their startup processes. <Einspeisung von Strom von der Stromversorgungssteuereinheit 303 beim Übergang der Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung 101 in den Schlafzustand>

[0053] The following describes a sleep transition process of the control device 103. When an active state in which the user is not using the image forming device 101 continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 340 enters the sleep state using an auto sleep timer. The CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303 of the transition to the sleep state and changes the power supply to the control device 103.

[0054] As described above, power supply to each block is achieved, for example, by mounting relay switches 310 in two channels, turning off only one of the relay switches 310 connected to a block to be turned off, and leaving the other relay switch 310 on in the sleep state. At this time, the CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303, turns off the power switch Q 311, and stops the power supply from the power supply 301 to the operation unit 105 to also enter the sleep state.

[0055] At this time, the CPU 340 also notifies the CPU 305 of the operation unit 105 via serial communication, and the CPU 305 of the operation unit 105 puts an operation panel or peripheral devices into a power-saving state to also enter the sleep state. Similarly, the scanner device 102 and the printer device 104 may also enter the sleep state. However, this is digressive and therefore will not be described. <Einspeisung von Strom von der Stromversorgungssteuereinheit 303, wenn die Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung 101 schläft>

[0056] The sleep state of the image forming device 101 is described below. The sleep state is the state in which, with reduced power consumption, the startup time can be earlier than during a normal startup. When a certain time elapses in the state in which the user does not operate the image forming device 101, when the touch panel or a power-saving button of the operation unit 105 is pressed, or when a set time arrives, the image forming device 101 enters the sleep state. In the sleep state, power is supplied to the memory 341, an interrupt controller, the network controller 211, the RTC 212, and the USB controller 208 of the controller 103. The power-saving button of the operation unit 105, part of the fax device 107, and various sensors are also supplied with power.However, a sleep return trigger varies depending on the system, so the power supply in the sleep state is not limited to this configuration. <Einspeisung von Strom von der Stromversorgungssteuereinheit 303, wenn die Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung 101 aus dem Schlafzustand zurückkehrt>

[0057] The operation of the software when the image forming device 101 returns from the sleep state is described below. During the sleep state, the power supply control unit 303 receives one or more interrupts from the network, from the RTC 212, which detects a timer and an alarm, from the fax device 107, which detects reception and an off-hook state, from a software switch, from the various sensors, and from the USB port, which detects plugging and unplugging, as well as communication. The power supply control unit 303 then begins supplying power. More specifically, the interrupts relate toInterrupts refer to the opening and closing of a front door cover of the printer device 104, the loading and unloading of printed sheets into and from a manual feed unit of the printer device 104, the opening and closing of a printing plate of the scanner device 102, and the detection of a document by an automatic document feeder of the scanner device 102. Furthermore, the interrupts refer to the detection of a card by a near-field communication (NFC) card reader, the detection of a human sensor, the off-hook state of a fax handset, and the reception of a fax. The power supply control unit 303 notifies the CPU 340 of the sources of the interrupts, and the CPU 340 receives the notification and performs the process of returning the software state to a normal state, i.e., a sleep return process.

[0058] The sleep return process of the controller 103 is described below. During sleep, when the power control unit 303 receives an event handler for pressing the power-saving button as one of the sleep return triggers, the power control unit 303 turns on the power switch 310 and resumes the CPU 340 of the controller 103 from sleep. At this time, the power control unit 303 performs, for example, multi-value control of the power switch 310 to supply power to the blocks of the controller 103. In addition, the power control unit 303 may also resume the CPU 340 from sleep by issuing an interrupt signal. However, this complicates the process and is digressive, so it will not be described.The CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303, and the power supply control unit 303 turns on the power switches 311, 312, and 313, supplying power to the operation unit 105, the scanner device 102, and the printer device 104. The power supply to a device, such as the fax device 107, is not shown, but may also be prepared as a signal (not shown).

[0059] While the above sleep return trigger is pressing the power-saving button, the image forming device 101 can also return from sleep with packets on the network and process packets on the network in an intermediate sleep state. When the power supply control unit 303 receives a packet on the network as a sleep return trigger during sleep, the power supply control unit 303 turns on the power switch 310 and resumes the CPU 340 of the controller 103 from sleep. At this time, if the received packet on the network is interpreted as a print job, the CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303, and the power supply control unit 303 turns on the power switch 313 and supplies power to the printer device 104. In this case, the power supply control unit 303 can perform processing without supplying power to the operation unit 105 or the scanner device 102.That is, it is sufficient for the power control unit 303 not to supply power to the operation unit 105 when the user is not using the touch panel. It is also sufficient for the power control unit 303 not to supply power to the printer device 104 and the scanner device 102 when no print job is being generated or when it is not necessary to acquire device information. <Einspeisung von Strom von der Stromversorgungssteuereinheit 303, wenn die Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung 101 wieder in den Schlafzustand übergeht>

[0060] When the user finishes copying or a print job over the network, the CPU 340 returns to the sleep state. That is, the CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303 of the transition to the sleep state. Based on a power supply control signal, the power supply control unit 303 turns off the power switches 311, 312, and 313 to stop the power supply to devices other than the controller 103. At this time, the power supply control unit 303, for example, puts the CPU 340 into a state of waiting for an interrupt signal, performs multi-value control of the power switch 310, and turns off the blocks of the controller 103 to also put the CPU 340 into the sleep state. However, this complicates the sequence and is digressive, so it will not be described. <Einspeisung von Strom von der Stromversorgungssteuereinrichtung 303 im Schnellstartmodus>

[0061] Suspend is a power-saving state in which the state is maintained by applying power to the memory. It can be used in sleep mode and fast boot mode. The CPU 340 of the motherboard 200 is referred to as "main CPU 340." The memory 341 of the motherboard 200 is referred to as "main memory 341." The CPU 221 of the sub-board 220 is referred to as "sub-CPU 221." The memory 223 of the sub-board 220 is referred to as "sub-memory 223."

[0062] The main memory 341 maintains an OS-internal management area and an OS-external management area on the main memory 341.

[0063] When the power switch 110 is turned off, the power control unit 303 notifies the CPU 340. The CPU 340 loads an execution program for the sub-CPU 221 from the non-volatile storage device 106 into a contiguous area to transfer the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 to the OS-external management area of ​​the main memory 341 via DMA, and notifies the power control unit 303. The power control unit 303 performs multi-value control of the power switch 310 to turn off the sub-CPU 221 and the sub-memory 223. At the same time, the power control unit 303 also places the main memory 341 into a self-refresh state in which power is saved by reducing the refresh rate. The CPU 340 then places the controller 103 into the suspend state.

[0064] Next, when the power switch 110 is turned on, the power control unit 303 releases the main memory 341 from the self-refresh state and turns on the sub-CPU 221 and sub-memory 223 to return from the suspend state. The main CPU 340 transfers the execution program for the sub-CPU 221, which was loaded into the OS-external management area of ​​the main memory 341 before the suspend state, to the sub-memory 223 via DMA and clears the reset of the sub-CPU 221. As a result, the sub-CPU 221 reads the program in the sub-memory 223 and starts.

[0065] A trigger for transitioning into or returning from the suspend state is not limited to turning a power switch on or off, and the imaging device 101 may also perform the transition based on a software event. However, this is digressive and therefore will not be described. <Beschreibung des Schnellstartmodus als Schlafzustand und Aus-Zustand>

[0066] The quick start mode as a sleep state, which is defined with reference to Fig. 3 is a form of suspend that is triggered by receiving a state transition event. The fast start mode as an off state, which is described with reference to Fig. 3 is a form of suspend that uses turning off the power switch as the trigger. Suspend in fast boot mode as a sleep state and suspend in fast boot mode as an off state differ from each other in the power value because the imaging device 101 waits by stopping the power supply to a peripheral chip and an IP (Intellectual Property) core that are not used for return, and by stopping a clock, but the same basic sequence is used.

[0067] The times for entering and returning from Fast Boot mode are shorter in Suspend and longer in Hibernation, depending on whether the times for retracting and restoring memory are present or not. Therefore, Fast Boot mode has been implemented as a sleep state in Fig. 3 as a form of suspend that uses a software event as a trigger. Fast boot mode as an off state in Fig. 3 has been described as a form of suspend where turning off the power switch serves as the trigger.

[0068] Fast Boot Mode is described as a form of suspend, hibernation, or hybrid standby that begins with turning off the power button as the trigger. Since suspend is referred to Fig. 3, the sleep state is mainly described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, and the hybrid standby mode is mainly described with reference to Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 7 described.

[0069] Memory retraction and recovery times are short in suspend because memory data is not retired, and long in hibernation because memory data is retired.

[0070] In terms of memory power savings, power consumption is high during suspend because the data in memory is not retired and the power supply cannot be turned off. In hibernation, power consumption is low because the data in memory is retired and the power supply can be turned off. Both receiving a state transition event and turning off the power switch can be used as a trigger for startup. Thus, fast startup mode can be replaced according to a design guideline, for example, by prioritizing the transition and return times or power consumption. However, this is digressive and therefore not described. <Beschreibung der Flussdiagramme gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0071] Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart according to the first embodiment in which the image forming apparatus 101 enters the sleep state and suspends. Fig. 5 illustrates a flowchart according to the first embodiment, in which the image forming apparatus 101 returns from the sleep state and suspend state. The CPU 340 of the main board 200 is referred to as "main CPU 340." The memory 341 of the main board 200 is referred to as "main memory 341." The CPU 221 of the sub-board 220 is referred to as "sub-CPU 221." The memory 223 of the sub-board 220 is referred to as "sub-memory 223." The main memory 341 maintains an OS-internal management area and an OS-external management area on the main memory 341. Sleep is a power-saving state in which data and a register in the OS-internal management area on the main memory 341 are retired, and the main memory 341 is turned off.

[0072] The following describes a sequence with a problem. Before the main CPU 340 enters the sleep state, the main CPU 340 loads the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 into the OS-external management area in the main memory 341, similar to suspend. The main CPU 340 does not store the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 in the OS-external management area of ​​the main memory 341 in the non-volatile storage device 106. As a result, the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 is erased by the main CPU 340 entering the sleep state while the main memory 341 is simultaneously turned off.

[0073] Thus, the return from sleep state differs from the return from suspend in that the main CPU 340 determines whether the image forming device 101 returns from sleep state when starting the image forming device 101, and the main CPU 340 loads the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 into the OS external management area in the main memory 341 and further loads the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 into the sub-memory 223.

[0074] The flowchart in Fig. 4 is described below. The main CPU 340 of the image forming device 101 starts in a wait state in which a termination process event can be received. At step S410, the main CPU 340 receives a termination process event for the system, such as detecting the turning off of the power switch 110, which is one of the termination process events (YES at step S410). The termination process events include transitioning to a wait state in which a quick start can be performed, shutting down, and restarting.

[0075] If the termination process event received by the main CPU 340 is the transition to the wait state in which a quick start can be performed, and if the sleep state is enabled (on) at step S430 (YES at step S430), the main CPU 340 stores data and information regarding a register of the main CPU 340 in the OS internal management area on the main memory 341 in the non-volatile storage device 106 at step S431. The data stored in the non-volatile storage device 106 is referred to as a "sleep state image."

[0076] Then, at step S432, the main CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303. The power supply control unit 303 performs multi-value control of the power switch 310 to turn off the sub-CPU 221 and the sub-memory 223, and to turn off the main memory 341. Consequently, the CPU 340 causes the controller 103 to enter the sleep state.

[0077] If the termination process event received by the main CPU 340 is an event corresponding to the transition to the wait state in which a quick start can be performed, and if the sleep state is disabled (off) at step S430 (NO at step S430), and if suspend is enabled (on) at step S440 (YES at step S440), the processing proceeds to step S441. At step S441, the main CPU 340 loads the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 into the OS-external management area in the main memory 341. Then, at step S442, the main CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303 and causes the system to transition to the suspend state. That is, before the system enters the suspend state, the main CPU 340 loads the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 into the OS-external management area of ​​the main memory 341.If the received termination process event at steps S430 and S440 is not the transition to the standby state where a quick start can be performed, but rather a shutdown or a restart (NO at step S430 and NO at step S440), the main CPU 340 performs a termination process at step S450. The main CPU 340 then notifies the power supply control unit 303 and causes the system to enter a termination state.

[0078] A supplementary description of the flowchart for entering the rest state at Fig. 4 is given below. The termination process event for the system (step S410) is not limited to turning off the power switch 110. The termination process event can occur in any form. For example, the CPU 340 can start processing based on a system event or based on an event received from the computer 109 via the LAN 108 or the telephone line. Examples of the system event include an auto-shutdown timer, an auto-shutdown time by the RTC 212, and an external remote shutdown. However, the description of these examples is digressive and is therefore omitted.

[0079] The determination of whether the hibernation mode is enabled (on) (step S430) may be made by the main CPU 340 by referring to the hibernation enable / disable flag. The hibernation enable / disable flag is an initial system setting value or is stored in the non-volatile storage device 106 or a memory by the user providing input to the operation unit 105. The determination of whether the hibernation mode is enabled (on) (step S430) may also be made based on information about the flag included in the system termination process event received by the main CPU 340 (step S410). These determinations are not limited to the hibernation mode, but may also be made similarly for another function, such as suspend. However, this is digressive and therefore not described.

[0080] Fig. Fig. 5 is a flowchart according to the first embodiment in which the image forming apparatus 101 returns from the sleep state, and most clearly illustrates the feature of the present invention. The flowchart in Fig. 5 is described below. The main CPU 340 of the image forming apparatus 101 starts in a wait state in which a start event can be received, that is, in the quick start mode or in the power-off state.

[0081] At step S510, the main CPU 340 receives a system startup process event (YES at step S510). If the power switch 110 is turned on, the power control unit 303 starts a startup process of the main CPU 340.

[0082] Next, at step S540, the main CPU 340 determines whether the image forming device 101 is returning from the sleep state. If the image forming device 101 is returning from the sleep state (YES at step S540), at step S541, the main CPU 340 loads a sleep state image stored in the nonvolatile memory device 106 before the sleep state into the OS-internal management area of ​​the memory 341 for the main CPU 340 and restores the register of the main CPU 340.

[0083] Next, at step S542, the main CPU 340 loads the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 into the OS-external management area of ​​the main memory 341. That is, when the image forming apparatus 101 returns from the sleep state, the main CPU 340 loads the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 into the main memory 341 after power is applied to the main memory 341. Then, the main CPU 340 transfers the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 in the OS-external management area to the sub-memory 223 via DMA and clears the reset of the sub-CPU 221. As a result, at step S550, the sub-CPU 221 reads the program in the sub-memory 223 and starts. On the other hand, if the image forming device 101 does not return from the sleep state (No at step S540), the image forming device 101 returns from the suspended state. Thus, the processing proceeds to step S550.

[0084] A supplementary description of the flowchart of returning from rest in Fig. 5 is given below. The system startup process event (step S510) is not limited to turning on the power switch 110. The startup process event can take any form. For example, the CPU 340 can start processing based on a system operation or based on an event received from the computer 109 via the LAN 108 or the telephone line. Examples of system operation include an auto-boot timer and auto-boot time by the RTC 212 and an external remote boot. However, the description of these examples is digressive and therefore omitted.

[0085] Examples of the method for determining whether the power state before returning is the sleep state (step S540) include determining the presence or absence of the setting for enabling or disabling the sleep state, determining the presence or absence of a sleep state image, and determining the presence or absence of the flag in the non-volatile memory device 106. (Effects of the first exemplary embodiment)

[0086] As a result of the first exemplary embodiment, the main CPU 340 can return from the sleep state, allowing the sub-CPU 221 to start normally. As a result, the controller 103 can quickly start from the sleep state.

[0087] A second exemplary embodiment is described below. <Beschreibung der Flussdiagramme gemäß dem zweiten beispielhaften Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0088] Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B illustrate flowcharts according to the second exemplary embodiment in which the imaging device 101 enters the hybrid standby mode. Fig. 7 illustrates a flowchart according to the second exemplary embodiment in which the imaging device 101 returns from the hybrid standby mode.

[0089] Hybrid standby mode is a function achieved by combining suspend and hibernation. In hybrid standby mode, when the main CPU 340 receives a power transition event, it enters the suspend state within a specified time and then enters the hibernation state after the specified time or longer. Then, when the main CPU 340 receives a power return event and the main CPU 340 is off for a short time, the main CPU 340 performs suspend and can thus start up faster. When the main CPU 340 is off for an extended period, the main CPU 340 performs hibernation and can thus save more power.

[0090] The following describes a sequence with a problem. Before the main CPU 340 enters the hybrid standby mode, the main CPU 340 loads the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 into the OS-external management area of ​​the main memory 341, similar to Suspend. When the image forming device 101 returns from the Suspend state, the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 loaded into the OS-external management area in the main memory 341 can be used, and thus the image forming device 101 can return from the Suspend state. However, when the image forming device 101 returns from the Sleep state, the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 loaded into the OS-external management area of ​​the main memory 341 is deleted by turning off the main memory 341. Therefore, the image forming device 101 cannot return from the Sleep state.

[0091] Therefore, when the image forming device 101 starts up, the main CPU 340 determines whether the image forming device 101 is returning from suspend or hibernation in the hybrid standby mode. When the image forming device 101 returns from hibernation, the main CPU 340 loads the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 into the OS-external management area of ​​the main memory 341 and also loads the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 into the sub-memory 223. As described above, this return from hibernation differs from the normal return from hibernation in that the main CPU 340 determines whether the previous state is suspend or hibernation when the image forming device 101 returns.

[0092] The flowchart in Fig. 6A is described below.

[0093] The main CPU 340 of the image forming device 101 starts in a wait state where a termination process event can be received. At step S610, the main CPU 340 receives a termination process event for the system, such as detecting the turning off of the power switch 110, which is one of the termination process events (YES at step S610). The termination process events include transitioning to a wait state where a quick start can be performed, a shutdown, and a reboot.

[0094] At step S610, when the received termination process event is a transition to the wait state in which a quick start can be performed, and when hybrid standby mode is enabled (on) at step S620 (YES at step S620), the main CPU 340 performs the following processing.

[0095] At step S621, the main CPU 340 loads the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 into the OS external management area of ​​the main memory 341.

[0096] Next, at step S622, the main CPU 340 stores data and information regarding the register of the main CPU 340 in the OS internal management area in the main memory 341 in the non-volatile storage device 106. The data stored in the non-volatile storage device 106 is referred to as a "hibernation image."

[0097] Next, at step S623, the main CPU 340 sets the time at which the main CPU 340 receives a notification, for example, in four hours, in an RTC alarm, and starts the RTC alarm.

[0098] Next, at step S624, the main CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303. The power supply control unit 303 performs multi-value control of the power switch 310 to turn off the sub-CPU 221 and the sub-memory 223 and place the main memory 341 in the self-refresh state. Consequently, the CPU 340 causes the controller 103 to enter the suspend state.

[0099] At step S610, when the received termination process event is the transition to the wait state in which a quick start can be performed, and at step S620, when the hybrid standby mode is disabled (off) (NO at step S620), and at step S630, when the sleep mode is enabled (on) (YES at step S630), the main CPU 340 performs the following processing.

[0100] At step S631, the main CPU 340 stores data and information regarding the register of the main CPU 340 in the OS internal management area in the main memory 341 in the non-volatile storage device 106. The data stored in the non-volatile storage device 106 is referred to as a "hibernation image."

[0101] Next, at step S632, the main CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303. The power supply control unit 303 performs multi-value control of the power switch 310 to turn off the sub-CPU 221 and the sub-memory 223, and to turn off the main memory 341. Consequently, the CPU 340 causes the controller 103 to enter the sleep state.

[0102] At step S610, the main CPU 340 confirms whether the received termination process event is an event corresponding to the transition to the standby state where a quick start can be performed. At step S620, the main CPU 340 confirms whether the hybrid standby mode is disabled (off). At step S630, the main CPU 340 confirms whether the hibernation mode is disabled (off). Further, at step S640, if suspend is enabled (on) (YES at step S640), the main CPU 340 executes the following processing.

[0103] Next, at step S642, the main CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303. The power supply control unit 303 performs multi-value control of the power switch 310 to turn off the sub-CPU 221 and the sub-memory 223 and place the main memory 341 in the self-refresh state. Consequently, the CPU 340 causes the controller 103 to enter the suspend state.

[0104] If the received termination process event is not a transition to the wait state where a quick start can be performed and is a shutdown or a restart or reboot (YES at step S610, NO at step S620, NO at step S630, and NO at step S640), the main CPU 340 performs a termination process.

[0105] At step S650, the main CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303. The power supply control unit 303 shuts down the sub-CPU 221 and the sub-memory 223, and shuts down the main memory 341. Consequently, the CPU 340 causes the controller 103 to enter the termination state.

[0106] A supplementary description of the flowchart for entering hybrid standby mode in Fig. 6A is given below.

[0107] The system shutdown event (step S610) is not limited to turning off the power switch 110. The shutdown event can occur in any form. For example, the CPU 340 can start processing based on a system operation or based on an event received from the computer 109 via the LAN 108 or the telephone line. Examples of system operation include an auto-shutdown timer and auto-shutdown time by the RTC 212 and an external remote shutdown. However, the description of these examples is digressive and therefore omitted.

[0108] The determination of whether the hybrid standby mode function is enabled (on) (step S620) may be made by the main CPU 340 by referring to the flag for enabling and disabling the hybrid standby mode function. The flag for enabling and disabling the hybrid standby mode is an initial system setting value or is stored in the non-volatile storage device 106 or a memory by the user providing input to the operation unit 105. The determination of whether the hybrid standby mode is enabled (on) (step S620) may also be made using information regarding the flag included in the system shutdown process event received by the main CPU 340 (step S610). These determinations are not limited to the hybrid standby mode and may also be made similarly for other functions, such as hibernation or suspend.However, this is digressive and will therefore not be described.

[0109] The flowchart in Fig. 6B is described below.

[0110] The main CPU 340 of the image forming device 101 starts in a wait state where an RTC timer expiration event can be received after the image forming device 101 enters the suspend state based on the hybrid standby mode setting. If a certain time elapses in the suspend state, the main CPU 340 receives a timer expiration event from the RTC 212 at step S680 (YES at step S680). Subsequently, the main CPU 340 turns off the power supply to enter the sleep state at step S690. The main CPU 340 notifies the power supply control unit 303. The power supply control unit 303 turns off the sub-CPU 221 and the sub-memory 223, and turns off the main memory 341. Since the idle state image has already been stored at step S621, the main CPU 340 causes the controller 103 to enter the idle state at step S690.In the present exemplary embodiment, a timer expiration event was described as an example of a trigger for transitioning from the suspend state to the sleep state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be used in which a long press of a tactile switch such as a power switch 110 is detected as a predetermined condition, causing the image forming device 101 to transition from the suspend state to the sleep state.

[0111] Examples of the power switch 110 include a variety of switches, such as a push button switch in which two states, on and off, can be distinguished from the outside, a toggle switch in which a lever is moved downward, and a rocker switch in which a rocker is moved downward. Examples of the power switch 110 also include a tactile switch and a slide switch, which detect a push or slide and return to the original state when the push or slide is released, and which can represent both an on and an off state so that the on and off states cannot be distinguished from the outside, or which can be pressed or slid for a long time. The state transition described above can also be achieved with various types of power switches 110, for example, the tactile switch or the slide switch.However, this is digressive and therefore not described.

[0112] A supplementary description of the flowchart for entering hybrid standby mode in Fig. 6B is given below.

[0113] The timer expiration event can be the return from an interrupt due to the expiration of the RTC timer.

[0114] A form may also be used in which the main CPU 340 does not receive notification of the RTC timer expiration, but the power supply control unit 303 directly receives a signal notification and performs multi-value control of the power switch 310 to stop the power supply to the components of the controller 103. In this case, the RTC timer may be the RTC 212 from which the CPU 340 receives a signal notification, or another RTC from which the power supply control unit 303 receives a notification. However, this is digressive and therefore not described in detail.

[0115] Fig. 7 illustrates a flowchart according to the second exemplary embodiment in which the image forming device 101 returns from the hybrid standby mode. The flowchart in Fig. 7 is described below.

[0116] The main CPU 340 of the image forming apparatus 101 starts in a wait state in which a start event can be received, that is, in the quick start mode or in the power-off state.

[0117] At step S510, the main CPU 340 receives a system startup process event (Yes at step S510). That is, at step S510, if the power switch 110 is turned on, the power control unit 303 starts a startup process of the main CPU 340.

[0118] Next, at step S731, the main CPU 340 clears the RTC return time setting.

[0119] Next, at step S540, the main CPU 340 determines whether the image forming device 101 is returning from the sleep state. If the image forming device 101 is returning from the sleep state (Yes at step S540), at step S541, the main CPU 340 loads a sleep state image stored in the nonvolatile storage device 106 before the sleep state into the OS-internal management area in the memory 341 for the main CPU 340 and restores the register of the main CPU 340.

[0120] Next, at step S542, the main CPU 340 loads the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 into the OS-external management area in the main memory 341. Then, the main CPU 340 transfers the execution program for the sub-CPU 221 in the OS-external management area to the sub-memory 223 via DMA and clears the reset of the sub-CPU 221. As a result, at step S550, the sub-CPU 221 reads the program in the sub-memory 223 and starts.

[0121] On the other hand, if the image forming device 101 does not return from the sleep state (No at step S540), the image forming device 101 returns from the suspended state. Therefore, the processing proceeds to step S550.

[0122] A supplementary description of the flowchart for returning from hybrid standby mode in Fig. 7 is given below.

[0123] The system startup process event (step S510) is not limited to turning on the power switch 110. The startup process event can take any form. For example, the CPU 340 can start processing based on a system event or based on an event received from the computer 109 via the LAN 108 or the telephone line. Examples of the system event include an auto-boot timer and auto-boot time by the RTC 212, and an external remote boot. Regarding the RTC 212, a single RTC can issue various interrupt notifications such as a timer and an alarm, and a plurality of RTCs can also be incorporated in hardware. Thus, the RTC return, which determines the elapsed time of the suspend, and other RTC returns can be distinguished. However, the descriptions of these examples are digressive and therefore omitted.

[0124] Examples of the method for determining whether the power state before return is the sleep state (step S540) include determining the elapsed time from the transition to the state where a quick start can be performed until the return. Examples of the method further include determining the presence or absence of the setting for enabling or disabling the sleep state, determining the presence or absence of a sleep state image, and determining the presence or absence of the flag in the non-volatile memory device 106. (Effects of the Second Exemplary Embodiment) (Effects of the second exemplary embodiment)

[0125] As an effect of the second exemplary embodiment, the main CPU 340 determines whether the image forming device 101 returns to the hybrid standby mode from suspend or hibernation based on the configuration of the main CPU 340 and the sub-CPU 221. The sub-CPU 221 normally starts an execution program, allowing the controller 103 to quickly start from both suspend and hibernation. Other embodiments

[0126] The embodiment(s) of the present invention may also be implemented by a computer, system, or apparatus that retrieves and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more of the embodiments described above, and / or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits).: "application specific integrated circuit", ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments, and by a method executed by the computer of the system or device, for example, by reading the computer-executable instructions from the storage medium and executing them to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments and / or controlling the one or more controllers to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments. The computer may have 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 for reading and executing the computer-executable instructions.The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, via a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), distributed computing system memory, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray Disc™ (BD)), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

[0127] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted as broadly as possible to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2015-022493

[0006] < / stromversorgungskonfiguration>

Claims

[1] An image forming apparatus comprising a first control device and a second control device which performs at least one image processing, and a memory, the image forming apparatus being capable of entering a standby state, a suspend state which is a power-saving state in which power is applied to the memory and a quick start can be performed, and a sleep state which is a power-saving state in which no power is applied to the memory, the image forming apparatus comprising: a first control device configured to cause the image forming apparatus to enter a power saving state in a case where the first control device receives a termination process event, wherein, in a case where the first control means determines that the transition to the sleep state is enabled, the first control means performs control to cause the image forming apparatus to enter the sleep state, and in a case where the first control means determines that the transition to the suspend state is enabled, the first control means performs control to load a program for the second control means into the memory and then cause the image forming apparatus to enter the suspend state. [2] The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a non-volatile memory unit, wherein in a case where the first control means determines that the transition to the sleep state is enabled, the first control means performs control to store data in an operating system, OS, internal management area in the memory in the memory unit and turn off application of power to the memory and the second control means. [3] The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where the first control means determines that the transition to the suspend state is enabled, the first control means performs control to load the program for the second control means into an OS-external management area in the memory and turn off application of power to the second control means. [4] The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply control means configured to control at least a power supply to the second control means and the memory, wherein, in a case where the first control means notifies the power supply control means that the image forming apparatus is to enter the sleep state, the power supply control means performs control not to supply power to the second control means and the memory. [5] The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein in a case where the first control means notifies the power supply control means that the image forming apparatus is to enter the suspend state, the power supply control means performs control not to supply power to the second control means. [6] The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second control device configured to return the image forming apparatus from a power saving state to the standby state in a case where the second control device receives a return process event, wherein in a case where the image forming apparatus returns from the suspend state, the second control device performs control to return the image forming apparatus to the standby state by reading the program loaded into the memory before the transition to the suspend state. [7] The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second control device configured to return the image forming apparatus from a power saving state to the standby state in a case where the second control device receives a return process event, wherein in a case where the image forming apparatus returns from the sleep state, the second control device performs control to return the image forming apparatus to the standby state by loading the program for the second control device into the memory after power is applied to the memory and reading the loaded program. [8] The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power switch, wherein the termination process event is received by detecting turning off the power switch, and a return process event is received by detecting turning on the power switch. [9] An image forming apparatus comprising a first control device and a second control device which performs at least one image processing, and a memory, the image forming apparatus being capable of entering a standby state, a suspend state which is a power-saving state in which power is applied to the memory and a quick start can be performed, and a sleep state which is a power-saving state in which no power is applied to the memory, the image forming apparatus comprising: a first control device configured to perform, in a case where the first control device receives a termination process event, control to load a program for the second control device into the memory and cause the image forming apparatus to enter the suspend state; and a second control device configured to perform control to cause the image forming apparatus to enter the sleep state in a case where the image forming apparatus enters the suspend state and a predetermined condition is satisfied. [10] An image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a power supply control means configured to perform at least one control of the power supply to the second control means and the memory, wherein, in a case where the first control means receives the termination process event, the first control means performs control to load the program for the second control means into the memory and notify the power supply control means that the image forming apparatus is to enter the suspend state, and wherein the power supply control device that has received the notification performs control not to supply power to the second control device. [11] An image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a non-volatile memory unit, wherein, in a case where the image forming apparatus enters the suspend state and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the second control means performs control to store data in an OS-internal management area in the memory in the storage unit and notify the power supply control means that the image forming apparatus should enter the sleep state, and wherein the power supply control device that has received the notification performs control not to supply power to the second control device and the memory. [12] The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a third control device configured to return the image forming apparatus from a power saving state to the standby state in a case where the third control device receives a return process event, wherein, in a case where the third control means determines that the image forming apparatus should return from the standby state, the third control means performs control to load the program for the second control means into the memory after power is applied to the memory, and return the image forming apparatus to the standby state by the second control means reading the loaded program. [13] The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a timer, wherein in a case where the third control means receives the return process event, the third control means performs control to stop the timer. [14] The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a third control device configured to return the image forming apparatus from a power saving state to the standby state in a case where the third control device receives a return process event, wherein in a case where the third control device determines that the image forming apparatus should return from the suspend state, the third control device performs control to return the image forming apparatus to the standby state by the second control device reading the program loaded into the memory before the image forming apparatus transitioned to the suspend state. [15] An image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a setting unit configured to set the activation of a hybrid standby mode function for transitioning to the sleep state in a case where a predetermined time elapses after the image forming apparatus enters the suspend state; and a timer, wherein in a case where the first control device receives the termination process event and in a case where the hybrid standby mode function is enabled, the first control device performs control to start the timer immediately before the image forming apparatus enters the suspend state. [16] The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a power switch, wherein the termination process event is received by detecting the turning off of the power switch, and a return process event is received by detecting the turning off of the power switch. [17] A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a first control device and a second control device which performs at least one image processing, and a memory, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of entering a standby state, a suspend state which is a power-saving state in which power is applied to the memory and a quick start can be performed, and a sleep state which is a power-saving state in which no power is applied to the memory, the control method comprising: Receiving a termination process event, and in a case where it is determined that the transition to the sleep state is enabled, performing control to cause the image forming device to enter the sleep state, and in a case where it is determined that the transition to the suspend state is enabled, performing control to load a program for the second control device into the memory and cause the image forming device to enter the suspend state. [18] A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a first control device and a second control device which performs at least one image processing, and a memory, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of entering a standby state, a suspend state which is a power-saving state in which power is applied to the memory and a quick start can be performed, and a sleep state which is a power-saving state in which no power is applied to the memory, the control method comprising: in a case where a termination process event is received, performing control to load a program for the second control means into the memory and cause the image forming apparatus to enter the suspend state; and in a case where a predetermined time elapses after the image forming apparatus enters the suspend state, performing control to cause the image forming apparatus to enter the sleep state.

Images