Image formation device, control method of image formation device, and control program of image formation device

Abstract

To avoid dissipation of facsimile data held in a volatile memory even in the case where reboot processing is executed in a state where a secondary battery is not sufficiently charged.SOLUTION: An image formation device includes: a first voltage detection part that detects a first voltage output by a secondary battery; a first voltage generation part that generates a second voltage on the basis of a commercial power supply; a first voltage supply part that supplies the first or second voltage to a volatile memory; a transmission and reception control part that controls facsimile data; a data detection part that detects whether or not the facsimile data is held in the volatile memory; and a power supply control part that supplies the second voltage to the volatile memory by controlling the first voltage supply part in the case where the first voltage detection part detects that the first voltage is lower than an operation voltage of the volatile memory at reboot processing to be executed at an abnormality occurs, and the data detection part detects that the facsimile data is held in the volatile memory.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a control program for the image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus having a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a sub CPU, when a reboot request occurs during an abnormal situation and an image forming operation is being performed, a technique is known in which a reboot process is performed after the completion of the image forming operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, in an image processing apparatus equipped with a FAX (facsimile) function, a technique is known in which facsimile data is stored in a memory operable with the power of a secondary battery, so that the data can be retained without being lost even when a power failure or the like occurs (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when a reboot process is performed in a state where the secondary battery is not sufficiently charged, there is a risk that the facsimile data held in the memory may be lost due to a shortage of the power supply voltage of the memory.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to avoid the loss of facsimile data held in a volatile memory even when a reboot process is performed in a state where the secondary battery is not sufficiently charged.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a volatile memory, a secondary battery charged by a commercial power supply and outputting a first voltage, a first voltage detection unit detecting a level of the first voltage, a first voltage generation unit generating a second voltage based on the commercial power supply, a first voltage supply unit supplying the first voltage output from the secondary battery or the second voltage output from the first voltage generation unit to the volatile memory as an operating voltage, a transmission / reception control unit controlling facsimile data transmitted and received via a communication port of a facsimile machine, a data detection unit detecting whether the facsimile data is held in the volatile memory, and a power supply control unit controlling the first voltage supply unit to supply the second voltage to the volatile memory when it is detected by the first voltage detection unit that the first voltage is lower than the operating voltage of the volatile memory and it is detected by the data detection unit that the facsimile data is held in the volatile memory during a reboot process performed when an abnormality occurs.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] Even when a reboot process is performed in a state where the secondary battery is not sufficiently charged, it is possible to avoid disappearance of facsimile data held in the volatile memory.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and duplicate explanations may be omitted. Hereinafter, the same reference numeral as the voltage name is used for the voltage line through which the voltage is transmitted, and the same reference numeral as the signal name is used for the signal line through which the signal is transmitted.

[0010] (Overall Configuration of the Image Forming Apparatus) FIG. 1 is a perspective sectional view showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP: Multi-Function Printer) having one or more of a facsimile function, a copying function, a printing function, a scanner function, and the like.

[0011] For example, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an automatic document feeder 2 (ADF: Auto Document Feeder), an image reading apparatus 3, a writing unit 4, a printer unit 5, an operation unit 11, a FAX control board 200, and a power supply device 100. The printer unit 5 includes a photosensitive drum 6, a developing device 7, a transfer belt 8, a fixing device 9, and a storage space in which a paper feed tray 10 is stored.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 1 can mutually switch operation modes for realizing various functions by an application switching key or the like of the operation unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 switches the internal state to a normal mode, a power saving mode, or the like according to the state of the internal circuit. For example, the normal mode has an operation mode (operating state) in which a facsimile function, a copying function, a printing function, or a scanner function is realized and a standby mode (standby state).

[0013] The standby mode is a mode in which the power supply device 100 generates various voltages and supplies them to each functional unit, so that each functional unit can immediately operate based on an operation instruction. The power saving mode is a mode in which the power supply device 100 stops generating various voltages, and the functional units except for the functional units operating with a battery (primary battery or secondary battery) stop operating. The transition from the power saving mode to the standby mode or the operation mode, and the transition from the standby mode to the operation mode are switched by an operation of the operation unit 11 by the user of the image forming apparatus 1 or control within the image forming apparatus 1 (for example, reception of a facsimile).

[0014] The power supply device 100 is connected to an alternating commercial power supply AC (Alternating Current) via a power cable. The power supply device 100 uses the alternating voltage supplied from the commercial power supply AC to generate various DC voltages used in the automatic document feeder 2, the image reading device 3, the writing unit 4, the printer unit 5, the operation unit 11, the FAX control board 200, and the like.

[0015] The printer unit 5 forms an image by creating a toner image to be transferred onto a paper medium or the like based on the image information of a document or facsimile data. The printer unit 5 is an example of an image forming unit that forms an image. Hereinafter, as an example of the flow of image formation in the image forming apparatus 1, the case where the operation mode is set to the copy mode will be briefly described.

[0016] In the copy mode, a stack of documents (a plurality of documents) to be copied is set in the automatic document feeder 2, or a document to be copied is set on the image reading device 3. When the start button displayed on the operation unit 11 is pressed, the automatic document feeder 2 feeds the documents one by one to the image reading device 3. The image reading device 3 reads the image information of each of the documents sequentially fed from the automatic document feeder 2 or the document set on the image reading device 3.

[0017] The writing unit 4 converts the image information read by the image reading device 3 into optical information. The photosensitive drum 6 is uniformly charged by a charger disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 6, and then exposed by a laser beam including the optical information converted by the writing unit 4. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 6 by the exposure. The developing device 7 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 6 to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 6. The transfer belt 8 transfers the toner image onto a paper medium or the like. The transfer belt 8 is an example of a transfer device. The fixing device 9 fixes the toner image onto a paper medium or the like. Then, the transfer paper on which the image of the original document is copied is discharged from the discharge unit. The operation unit 11 receives various inputs according to the user's operations and displays various information on the display unit of the operation unit 11.

[0018] The FAX control board 200 is equipped with various circuits such as a FAX control CPU (not shown in FIG. 2), etc., and controls the transmission and reception of FAX data to and from the communication port of the facsimile machine. An example of the FAX control board 200 is shown in FIG. 2. Note that the printer unit 5 may have a control board (not shown) that controls the formation of an image.

[0019] Note that the image forming apparatus 1 only needs to have at least a facsimile function. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 may form an image included in the FAX data received via the communication port.

[0020] (Examples of the power supply device and the FAX control board) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing examples of the power supply device 100 and the FAX control board 200 of FIG. 1. For example, the power supply device 100 includes an AC / DC converter 110, a DC / DC converter 120, and a secondary battery charging mechanism 130. The FAX control board 200 includes a secondary battery 210, a primary battery 220, a voltage detection circuit 230, a FAX control CPU 240, output control circuits 250, 260, and a volatile memory 270. The output control circuits 250, 260 are an example of a first voltage supply unit. Note that the secondary battery charging mechanism 130 may be mounted on the FAX control board 200.

[0021] The AC / DC converter 110 converts the AC voltage supplied from the commercial power supply AC into a plurality of types of DC voltages. In FIG. 2, only the power supply A used in the FAX control board 200 is shown. Although not particularly limited, for example, the power supply A is 5V, and the voltage of the power supply A is an example of the third voltage.

[0022] When the DC / DC converter 120 receives an assert level at the enable terminal EN, it generates the voltage C using the power supply A. When the DC / DC converter 120 receives a negate level at the enable terminal EN, it stops generating the voltage C. The DC / DC converter 120 is an example of the first voltage generation unit, and the voltage C is an example of the second voltage. Although not particularly limited, for example, the voltage C is 3.4V.

[0023] The secondary battery charging mechanism 130 charges the secondary battery 210 using the power supply A. That is, the secondary battery 210 is charged by the commercial power supply AC. Note that the secondary battery charging mechanism 130 may be provided on the FAX control board 200. The secondary battery 210 is charged by the voltage A and outputs the voltage B. Although not particularly limited, for example, the voltage B at full charge of the secondary battery 210 is 3.3V. The voltage B output from the secondary battery 210 is supplied to the power supply terminal of the volatile memory 270 via the output control circuit 260. The voltage B is an example of the first voltage and is used as the operating voltage of the volatile memory 270.

[0024] The volatile memory 270 stores facsimile data and the like. Although not particularly limited, the volatile memory 270 may be an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).

[0025] The primary battery 220 outputs the voltage D. The voltage D is an example of the fourth voltage and is used as the operating voltage for the power supply terminal of the FAX control CPU 240. Note that a stepped-down voltage obtained by stepping down the voltage C or the power supply A may be preferentially supplied to the power supply terminal of the FAX control CPU 240.

[0026] For example, the FAX control CPU 240, the voltage detection circuit 230, and the output control circuits 250 and 260 may operate by receiving voltage D during the power saving mode and may operate by receiving voltage C or the step-down voltage during the normal mode. In this case, the FAX control CPU 240, the voltage detection circuit 230, and the output control circuits 250 and 260 always operate regardless of the operation mode.

[0027] The voltage detection circuit 230 detects the voltage level of voltage B and outputs the detection result to the FAX control CPU 240. The voltage detection circuit 230 is an example of a first voltage detection unit.

[0028] The FAX control CPU 240 includes a transmission / reception control unit 241, a data detection unit 242, and a power supply control unit 243. The transmission / reception control unit 241, the data detection unit 242, and the power supply control unit 243 may be realized by the FAX control CPU 240 executing the control program of the image forming apparatus 1, or may be realized by hardware. Further, the transmission / reception control unit 241, the data detection unit 242, and the power supply control unit 243 may be realized by the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0029] The transmission / reception control unit 241 controls the facsimile data transmitted and received via the facsimile communication port. When transmitting a FAX, the transmission / reception control unit 241 reads the facsimile data from the volatile memory 270 and transmits the read facsimile data via the communication port. When receiving a FAX, the transmission / reception control unit 241 writes the facsimile data received via the communication port to the volatile memory 270.

[0030] The data detection unit 242 detects whether facsimile data is held in the volatile memory 270 and holds the detection result as a FAX transmission / reception data presence / absence flag DFLG. For example, the FAX transmission / reception data presence / absence flag DFLG may be managed as a variable used in the control program executed by the FAX control CPU 240, or may be held in a register managed by the FAX control CPU 240.

[0031] When the reboot process of the image forming apparatus 1 is performed when an abnormality occurs, the power control unit 243 generates a power control signal PCNT for controlling the DC / DC converter 120 and the output control circuit 260 based on the detection state of the voltage detection circuit 230 and the FAX transmission / reception data presence / absence flag DFLG.

[0032] For example, when the voltage B is lower than the operating voltage of the volatile memory 270 and facsimile data is held in the volatile memory 270, the power control unit 243 continues to assert the power control signal PCNT and causes the DC / DC converter 120 to maintain the generation of the voltage C. At this time, the power control unit 243 may control the output control circuit 260 to stop the supply of the voltage B to the volatile memory 270.

[0033] The output control circuit 250 controls the output of the voltage C to the volatile memory 270. For example, the output control circuit 250 has a backflow prevention diode and connects the output of the DC / DC converter 120 to the power supply terminal of the volatile memory 270 via the backflow prevention diode.

[0034] The output control circuit 260 connects the output (voltage B) of the secondary battery 210 to the power supply terminal of the volatile memory 270 when the power control signal PCNT is negated. The output control circuit 260 disconnects the connection of the output of the secondary battery 210 to the power supply terminal of the volatile memory 270 when the power control signal PCNT is asserted. For example, the output control circuit 260 has a backflow prevention diode and is connected to the power supply terminal of the volatile memory 270 via the backflow prevention diode.

[0035] Due to the backflow prevention diode, the higher of the voltage B and the voltage C is preferentially supplied to the power supply terminal of the volatile memory 270. Since the voltage C is higher than the voltage B, while the DC / DC converter 120 generates the voltage C, the voltage C is preferentially supplied to the power supply terminal of the volatile memory 270. By using a diode as the backflow prevention circuit, a mechanism for preferentially supplying the voltage C to the volatile memory 270 can be realized by a simple circuit. As a result, an increase in the cost of the FAX control board 200 can be suppressed.

[0036] During the power saving mode, since the AC / DC converter 110 stops operating, the DC / DC converter 120 also stops operating and does not generate the voltage C. In this case, the facsimile data held in the volatile memory 270 is held without being lost by the voltage B output from the secondary battery 210. Also, during the power saving mode, the FAX control CPU 240 can operate by receiving the voltage D from the primary battery 220.

[0037] As described above, in the first embodiment, when rebooting the image forming apparatus 1, if the voltage B is lower than the operating voltage of the volatile memory 270 and the facsimile data is held in the volatile memory 270, the power control unit 243 causes the DC / DC converter 120 to continue generating the voltage C. Thereby, even when the reboot process is performed in a state where the secondary battery 210 is not fully charged, it is possible to avoid the loss of the facsimile data held in the volatile memory 270.

[0038] Since the output control circuits 250 and 260 each have a backflow prevention diode, the power control unit 243 can preferentially supply the voltage C to the volatile memory 270 by controlling the operation of the DC / DC converter 120.

[0039] (Example of the power supply device and the FAX control board of the second embodiment) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a power supply device and a FAX control board mounted on an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same elements as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The power supply device 100 shown in FIG. 3 is the same as the power supply device 100 in FIG. 2. The FAX control board 200A shown in FIG. 3 has a voltage detection circuit 280 added to the FAX control board 200 in FIG. 2. For example, the FAX control board 200A is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 instead of the FAX control board 200.

[0040] The voltage detection circuit 280 detects the voltage level of the power supply A generated by the AC / DC converter 110 and outputs the detection result to the FAX control CPU 240. The voltage detection circuit 280 is an example of a first voltage detection unit. Note that the voltage detection circuit 280 may operate in response to the voltage D during the power saving mode, or may operate in response to the voltage C or the stepped-down voltage obtained by stepping down the voltage of the power supply A during the normal mode.

[0041] When the voltage detection circuit 280 detects a normal voltage of the power supply A, the power supply control unit 243 controls the DC / DC converter 120 to supply the voltage C to the volatile memory 270 with priority over the voltage B. The normal voltage of the power supply A is a voltage at which the DC / DC converter 120 can generate the voltage C at which the volatile memory 270 can operate.

[0042] For example, when the voltage detection circuit 280 detects a normal voltage of the power supply A, the power supply control unit 243 asserts the power supply control signal PCNT supplied to the enable terminal EN of the DC / DC converter 120 to continue the operation of the DC / DC converter 120.

[0043] Since the output control circuits 250 and 260 each have a backflow prevention diode, when the DC / DC converter 120 generates the voltage C (higher than the voltage B), the voltage C is supplied to the volatile memory 270 with priority. Thereby, the supply of power from the secondary battery 210 to the volatile memory 270 can be suppressed, and the consumption of the secondary battery 210 can be suppressed. Note that when the voltage detection circuit 280 detects a normal voltage of the power supply A, the power supply control unit 243 may control the output control circuit 260 by the power supply control signal PCNT to disconnect the connection between the secondary battery 210 and the power supply terminal of the volatile memory 270.

[0044] (Example of the operation flow of the FAX control CPU) FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the FAX control CPU 240 in FIG. 3. The flow shown in FIG. 4 shows an example of a control method of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the flow shown in FIG. 4 may be realized by the FAX control CPU 240 executing a control program of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0045] First, in step S10, the FAX control CPU 240 monitors the voltage of power supply A using the voltage detection circuit 280. Next, in step S11, the FAX control CPU 240 determines whether the voltage of power supply A is normal. If it is normal, step S13 is executed. If it is not normal, that is, if the DC / DC converter 120 is not operable, step S12 is executed.

[0046] In step S12, the FAX control CPU 240 determines whether voltage B is normal using the voltage detection circuit 230. If the FAX control CPU 240 determines that voltage B is normal, step S14 is executed. If it is not normal, that is, if voltage B is lower than the operating voltage of the volatile memory 270, the process returns to step S10.

[0047] Note that when the voltage of power supply A is not normal, the power cable may be temporarily disconnected from the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, by reconnecting the power cable to the image forming apparatus 1, the voltage of power supply A becomes normal and the loop of steps S10, S11, and S12 can be exited. Also, when the voltage of power supply A is not normal due to a failure of the AC / DC converter 110 or the like and the loop of steps S10, S11, and S12 continues for a predetermined time, the FAX control CPU 240 detects a timeout error and displays "Occurrence of abnormality in the power supply device" or the like on the display unit of the operation unit 11.

[0048] In step S13, the FAX control CPU 240 asserts the power control signal PCNT to cause the DC / DC converter 120 to generate voltage C, and ends the process shown in FIG. 4. In step S14, the FAX control CPU 240 negates the power control signal PCNT, stops the operation of the DC / DC converter 120, supplies power B to the volatile memory 270, and ends the process shown in FIG. 4.

[0049] Thus, when the voltage of power supply A (i.e., voltage C) is normal, the power supply from the secondary battery 210 to the volatile memory 270 can be suppressed, and the consumption of the secondary battery 210 can be suppressed. By using the voltage C generated by the DC / DC converter 120 as the operating power supply for the volatile memory 270, the volatile memory 270 can hold facsimile data without using the battery capacity of the secondary battery 210, and the battery capacity of the secondary battery can be saved.

[0050] As described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can also be obtained in the second embodiment. For example, even when the reboot process is performed in a state where the secondary battery 210 is not fully charged, the disappearance of the facsimile data held in the volatile memory 270 can be avoided.

[0051] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the AC cable is connected to the power supply device 100, the voltage C generated by the DC / DC converter 120 is supplied to the volatile memory 270. Thereby, the facsimile data held in the volatile memory 270 can be held without using the voltage B, and the battery capacity of the secondary battery 210 can be saved.

[0052] (Example of the power supply device and the FAX control board of the third embodiment) FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a power supply device and a FAX control board mounted on an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The same elements as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. The power supply device 100 shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the power supply device 100 in FIG. 2. The FAX control board 200B shown in FIG. 5 has a DC / DC converter 290 and diodes D1 and D2 added to the FAX control board 200A in FIG. 3. For example, the FAX control board 200B is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 instead of the FAX control board 200.

[0053] The DC / DC converter 290 generates a voltage E using the power supply A. The voltage E is an example of a fifth voltage. Although not particularly limited, for example, the voltage E is 3.4V, which is higher than the voltage D (3.3V).

[0054] The diode D1 is connected to the output of the DC / DC converter 290 and functions as a reverse current prevention circuit. The diode D2 is connected to the output of the primary battery 220 and functions as a reverse current prevention circuit. And, the DC / DC converter 290 is connected to the power supply terminal of the FAX control CPU 240 via the diode D1, and the primary battery 220 is connected to the power supply terminal of the FAX control CPU 240 via the diode D2.

[0055] Due to the reverse current prevention diodes D1 and D2, the higher of the voltages D and E is supplied to the power supply terminal of the FAX control CPU 240. That is, when the DC / DC converter 290 operates to generate the voltage E, the voltage E is supplied to the FAX control CPU 240. When the DC / DC converter 290 does not operate, the voltage D is supplied to the FAX control CPU 240.

[0056] Thereby, the voltage E generated by the DC / DC converter 290 during the generation of the power supply A can be supplied to the FAX control CPU 240, and the consumption of the primary battery 220 can be suppressed. Note that by using the diodes D1 and D2 as the reverse current prevention circuit, a mechanism for supplying the voltage D or the voltage E to the FAX control CPU 240 can be realized by a simple circuit. As a result, an increase in the cost of the FAX control board 200 can be suppressed.

[0057] (Example of the operation flow of the FAX control CPU) FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the FAX control CPU of FIG. 5. The flow shown in FIG. 6 shows an example of a control method of the image forming apparatus 1. Also, the flow shown in FIG. 6 may be realized by the FAX control CPU 240 executing a control program of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that steps S20 and S21 are operations of the image forming apparatus 1, but are included in the flow of FIG. 6 for easy explanation.

[0058] First, in step S20, the image forming apparatus 1 starts a reboot process based on the occurrence of an abnormality. Next, in step S21, the image forming apparatus 1 fails in the reboot process. For example, information indicating the failure of the reboot process is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 11. The user of the image forming apparatus 1 removes the AC cable based on the display of the failure of the reboot process. For example, in the image forming apparatus 1, when an abnormality such as the failure of the reboot process occurs, the AC cable may be unplugged and plugged back in to attempt recovery. When the AC cable is removed, the supply of commercial power AC to the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped.

[0059] After the AC cable is removed, in step S22, the FAX control CPU 240 detects a decrease in the voltage of power supply A. Even when the voltage of power supply A decreases, the FAX control CPU 240 can continue to operate with the voltage D output from the primary battery 220.

[0060] Next, in step S23, the FAX control CPU 240 determines whether the secondary battery 210 is fully charged based on the detection of voltage B by the voltage detection circuit 230. When the FAX control CPU 240 determines that the secondary battery 210 is fully charged, it performs step S24. When the FAX control CPU 240 determines that the secondary battery 210 is not fully charged, it ends the process shown in FIG. 6. Although not particularly limited, for example, the secondary battery 210 being fully charged means that the secondary battery 210 is charged to 50% or more of its charging capacity.

[0061] In step S24, the FAX control CPU 240 stops the operation of the DC / DC converter 120 by negating the power control signal PCNT, supplies the voltage B output from the secondary battery 210 to the volatile memory 270, and ends the process shown in FIG. 6. Thereby, even when the AC cable is removed and the generation of the voltage of power supply A and voltage C is stopped, the disappearance of the facsimile data held in the volatile memory 270 can be suppressed by the voltage B.

[0062] As described above, the third embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first and second embodiments. For example, even when the reboot process is performed while the secondary battery 210 is not fully charged, it is possible to avoid the loss of facsimile data held in the volatile memory 270. When connecting the AC cable to the power supply device 100, it is possible to hold the facsimile data held in the volatile memory 270 without using the voltage B, and the battery capacity of the secondary battery 210 can be saved.

[0063] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, even when the AC cable is unplugged due to a failure in the reboot process or the like, if the secondary battery 210 is fully charged, it is possible to suppress the loss of facsimile data held in the volatile memory 270.

[0064] (Example of FAX control board) FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the FAX control board 200 in FIG. 2. Note that the hardware configurations of the FAX control board 200A in FIG. 3 and the FAX control board 200B in FIG. 5 are also the same as that in FIG. 7.

[0065] The FAX control board 200 is equipped with a CPU 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The FAX control board 200 is also equipped with an input interface unit 204, an output interface unit 205, an input / output interface unit 206, and a communication interface unit 207.

[0066] For example, the CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, input interface unit 204, output interface unit 205, input / output interface unit 206, and communication interface unit 207 are interconnected via a bus BUS. Note that a plurality of the CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, input interface unit 204, output interface unit 205, input / output interface unit 206, and communication interface unit 207 may be integrated on one chip.

[0067] The CPU 201 corresponds to the FAX control CPU 240 shown in FIG. 2 and executes various programs such as an OS (Operating System) and applications. The ROM 202 holds basic programs and various parameters for making the various programs executable by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 corresponds to the volatile memory 270 shown in FIG. 2 and stores various programs executed by the CPU 201, data used in the programs, and facsimile data. Note that the various programs may include a control program that realizes the operation flow of FIG. 4 or FIG. 6.

[0068] The input interface unit 204 may be connected to a controller control board that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. Then, the input interface unit 204 may receive facsimile data transmitted from the communication port of the facsimile from the controller control board.

[0069] The output interface unit 205 may be connected to the controller control board. Then, the output interface unit 205 may transmit facsimile data received from the communication port of the facsimile to the controller control board. Further, the output interface unit 205 may be connected to a speaker or the like mounted on the image forming apparatus 1.

[0070] The input / output interface unit 206 may be detachably connected to a recording medium or the like in which a control program executed by the CPU 201 is stored. The communication interface unit 207 is connected to a communication port (for example, a LINE port) of the facsimile and may transmit and receive facsimile data. Note that the communication interface unit 207 may be connected to a TEL port to which an external telephone can be connected.

[0071] Note that the control program executed by the CPU 201 may be transferred from the controller control board via the input interface unit 204 or may be transferred from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication interface unit 207.

[0072] Aspects of the present invention are as follows, for example. <1> A volatile memory, A secondary battery charged by a commercial power supply and outputting a first voltage, A first voltage detection unit that detects the level of the first voltage, A first voltage generation unit that generates a second voltage based on the commercial power supply, A first voltage supply unit that supplies the volatile memory with the first voltage output from the secondary battery or the second voltage output from the first voltage generation unit as an operating voltage, A transmission / reception control unit that controls facsimile data transmitted and received via a communication port of a facsimile machine, A data detection unit that detects whether the facsimile data is held in the volatile memory, When the first voltage detection unit detects that the first voltage is lower than the operating voltage of the volatile memory and the data detection unit detects that the facsimile data is held in the volatile memory during a reboot process performed when an abnormality occurs, a power supply control unit that controls the first voltage supply unit to supply the second voltage to the volatile memory, An image forming apparatus characterized by the above. <2> Further comprising a second voltage detection unit that detects a third voltage supplied to the first voltage generation unit, When the second voltage detection unit detects the third voltage, the power supply control unit controls the first voltage supply unit to supply the second voltage to the volatile memory prior to the first voltage, The image forming apparatus according to <1>, characterized by the above. <3> A primary battery that outputs a fourth voltage which is the operating voltage of the transmission / reception control unit, A second voltage generation unit that generates a fifth voltage which is the operating voltage of the transmission / reception control unit based on the commercial power supply, Having a second voltage supply unit that supplies the fifth voltage to the transmission / reception control unit prior to the fourth voltage, The image forming apparatus according to <1> or <2>, characterized by the above. <4> The fifth voltage is higher than the fourth voltage, The second voltage supply unit has diodes for preventing reverse current of currents respectively connected to an output node of the fourth voltage and an output node of the fifth voltage The image forming apparatus according to <3>, characterized in that <5> When the supply of the commercial power supply is cut off due to the failure of the reboot process, and the first voltage equal to or higher than the operating voltage for operating the volatile memory is detected by the first voltage detection unit, the first voltage supply unit is controlled to switch the voltage supplied to the volatile memory from the second voltage to the first voltage The image forming apparatus according to any one of <1> to <4>, characterized in that <6> The second voltage is higher than the first voltage, The first voltage supply unit has diodes for preventing reverse current of currents respectively connected to an output node of the first voltage and an output node of the second voltage The image forming apparatus according to any one of <1> to <5>, characterized in that <7> Having an image forming unit that forms an image based on image information of a document or facsimile data The image forming apparatus according to any one of <1> to <6>, characterized in that <8> A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising a volatile memory, a secondary battery charged by a commercial power supply and outputting a first voltage, a first voltage detection unit detecting a level of the first voltage, a first voltage generation unit generating a second voltage based on the commercial power supply, and a first voltage supply unit supplying the first voltage output from the secondary battery or the second voltage output from the first voltage generation unit to the volatile memory as an operating voltage, A transmission / reception control unit included in the image forming apparatus controls facsimile data transmitted and received via a facsimile communication port, A data detection unit included in the image forming apparatus detects whether the facsimile data is stored in the volatile memory. When the first voltage detection unit detects that the first voltage is lower than the operating voltage of the volatile memory during a reboot process performed when an abnormality occurs, and the data detection unit detects that the facsimile data is stored in the volatile memory, the power supply control unit included in the image forming apparatus controls the first voltage supply unit to supply the second voltage to the volatile memory. A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by the above. <9> A control program for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a volatile memory; a secondary battery charged by a commercial power supply and outputting a first voltage; a first voltage detection unit detecting a level of the first voltage; a first voltage generation unit generating a second voltage based on the commercial power supply; and a first voltage supply unit supplying, as an operating voltage, the first voltage output from the secondary battery or the second voltage output from the first voltage generation unit to the volatile memory. Cause the transmission / reception control unit included in the image forming apparatus to control facsimile data transmitted / received via a facsimile communication port. Cause the data detection unit included in the image forming apparatus to detect whether the facsimile data is stored in the volatile memory. When the first voltage detection unit detects that the first voltage is lower than the operating voltage of the volatile memory during a reboot process performed when an abnormality occurs, and the data detection unit detects that the facsimile data is stored in the volatile memory, cause the power supply control unit included in the image forming apparatus to control the first voltage supply unit to supply the second voltage to the volatile memory. A control program for an image forming apparatus, characterized by the above. Although the present invention has been described based on each embodiment above, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. Regarding these points, it can be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0073] 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Automatic document feeder 3 Image reading device 4 Writing unit 5 Printer unit 6 Photoconductor drum 7 Developing device 8 Transfer belt 9 Fixing device 10 Paper feed tray 11 Operation unit 100 Power supply device 110 AC / DC converter 120 DC / DC converter 130 Secondary battery charging mechanism 200 FAX control board 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 204 Input interface section 205 Output interface section 206 Input / output interface section 207 Communication interface section 210 Secondary battery 220 Primary battery 230 Voltage detection circuit 240 FAX control CPU 241 Transmission / reception control section 242 Data detection section 243 Power supply control section 250, 260 Output control circuit 270 Volatile memory 280 Voltage detection circuit 290 DC / DC converter AC Commercial power supply BUS Bus D1, D2 Diode DFLG FAX transmission / reception data presence / absence flag EN Enable terminal PCNT Power supply control signal

Prior art documents

Patent Document

[0074]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Claims

1. A volatile memory; A secondary battery charged by a commercial power supply and outputting a first voltage; A first voltage detection unit that detects the level of the first voltage; A first voltage generation unit that generates a second voltage based on the commercial power supply; A first voltage supply unit that supplies the first voltage output from the secondary battery or the second voltage output from the first voltage generation unit to the volatile memory as an operating voltage; A transmission / reception control unit that controls facsimile data transmitted and received via a communication port of a facsimile machine; A data detection unit that detects whether the facsimile data is held in the volatile memory; When the first voltage detection unit detects that the first voltage is lower than the operating voltage of the volatile memory during a reboot process performed when an abnormality occurs, and the data detection unit detects that the facsimile data is held in the volatile memory, a power supply control unit that controls the first voltage supply unit to supply the second voltage to the volatile memory; An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.

2. Further comprising a second voltage detection unit that detects a third voltage supplied to the first voltage generation unit, When the second voltage detection unit detects the third voltage, the power supply control unit controls the first voltage supply unit to supply the second voltage to the volatile memory prior to the first voltage; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. A primary battery that outputs a fourth voltage which is an operating voltage of the transmission / reception control unit; A second voltage generation unit that generates a fifth voltage which is an operating voltage of the transmission / reception control unit based on the commercial power supply; Having a second voltage supply unit that supplies the fifth voltage to the transmission / reception control unit prior to the fourth voltage; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The fifth voltage is higher than the fourth voltage; The second voltage supply unit has diodes for preventing reverse current of currents connected to respective output nodes of the fourth voltage and the fifth voltage; The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. When the supply of the commercial power supply is interrupted due to the failure of the reboot process and the first voltage detection unit detects the first voltage that is equal to or higher than the operating voltage for operating the volatile memory, the power supply control unit controls the first voltage supply unit to switch the voltage supplied to the volatile memory from the second voltage to the first voltage; The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that...

6. The second voltage is higher than the first voltage, The first voltage supply unit has diodes for preventing reverse current of the currents connected to the output node of the first voltage and the output node of the second voltage respectively The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that...

7. Having an image forming unit that forms an image based on image information of a document or facsimile data The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that...

8. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a volatile memory; a secondary battery charged by a commercial power supply and outputting a first voltage; a first voltage detection unit for detecting the level of the first voltage; a first voltage generation unit for generating a second voltage based on the commercial power supply; and a first voltage supply unit for supplying the first voltage output from the secondary battery or the second voltage output from the first voltage generation unit to the volatile memory as an operating voltage, A transmission / reception control unit included in the image forming apparatus controls facsimile data transmitted and received via a facsimile communication port, A data detection unit included in the image forming apparatus detects whether the facsimile data is stored in the volatile memory, When the first voltage detection unit detects that the first voltage is lower than the operating voltage of the volatile memory and the data detection unit detects that the facsimile data is stored in the volatile memory during a reboot process performed when an abnormality occurs, a power supply control unit included in the image forming apparatus controls the first voltage supply unit to supply the second voltage to the volatile memory A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized in that...

9. A control program for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a volatile memory; a secondary battery charged by a commercial power supply and outputting a first voltage; a first voltage detection unit for detecting the level of the first voltage; a first voltage generation unit for generating a second voltage based on the commercial power supply; and a first voltage supply unit for supplying the first voltage output from the secondary battery or the second voltage output from the first voltage generation unit to the volatile memory as an operating voltage, Causing a transmission / reception control unit included in the image forming apparatus to control facsimile data transmitted and received via a facsimile communication port, Cause a data detection unit included in the image forming apparatus to detect whether the facsimile data is held in the volatile memory. When the first voltage detection unit detects that the first voltage is lower than the operating voltage of the volatile memory during a reboot process performed when an abnormality occurs, and the data detection unit detects that the facsimile data is held in the volatile memory, cause a power supply control unit included in the image forming apparatus to control the first voltage supply unit to supply the second voltage to the volatile memory. A control program for an image forming apparatus, characterized by the above.

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