Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that, when a forced shutdown instruction is received from a PC, requests the user for permission to perform the shutdown.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 comprises: a first transmission unit 171 that, after receiving a shutdown instruction for the apparatus from an information processing device 2, if there are one or more unprocessed jobs in the apparatus, transmits, to the information processing device 2, a first message for confirming execution of a forced shutdown of the apparatus; an output unit 172 that, after receiving permission to execute the forced shutdown transmitted by the information processing device 2 in response to the first message, outputs, from the apparatus, a second message for confirming execution of the forced shutdown of the apparatus; and a shutdown unit 173 that shuts down power of the apparatus in response to a user operation indicating permission to execute the forced shutdown of the apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming apparatus according to the background art is described in, for example, Patent Document 1, and is capable of communicating with a personal computer (hereinafter also referred to as a "PC") via a network.

[0003] When the image forming device receives a forced shutdown instruction from the PC, it cancels all print jobs and displays a shutdown execution screen on the operation unit of the image forming device, after which the image forming device executes its own shutdown process.

[0004] On the other hand, when an image forming device receives a normal shutdown instruction, it waits until its motion sensor no longer detects a person and all print jobs are cleared, and then displays a shutdown execution screen on its operation unit.The image forming device then executes its own shutdown process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-75478 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When an image forming device receives a forced shutdown command from a PC, it shuts down the device even if there are unprocessed print jobs on the device. This makes the printing system more user-friendly for users who are printing in front of the image forming device or PC users.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that is easy to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is directed to an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a first transmission unit, an output unit, and a shutdown unit. After receiving a shutdown instruction for the image forming apparatus from the information processing apparatus, the first transmission unit transmits a first message to the information processing apparatus to confirm execution of a forced shutdown of the image forming apparatus if an unprocessed job exists on the image forming apparatus. After receiving permission to execute the forced shutdown transmitted by the information processing apparatus in response to the first message, the output unit outputs a second message from the image forming apparatus to confirm execution of the forced shutdown of the image forming apparatus. The shutdown unit shuts down the power supply of the image forming apparatus in response to a user operation indicating permission to execute the forced shutdown of the image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is easy to use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a shutdown system 100. [Figure 2] 1. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of processing in the shutdown system 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 1. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the processing in the shutdown system 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 1. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a third example of the processing in the shutdown system 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 1. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a fourth example of the processing in the shutdown system 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 1. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a fifth example of the processing in the shutdown system 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a flowchart showing a process of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, a shutdown system 100 including an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be avoided.

[0012] [Shutdown System 100 (Configuration)] 1, the shutdown system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 1, an information processing apparatus 2, and a data transmission path 3. The image forming apparatus 1 is communicably connected to the information processing apparatus 2 via the transmission path 3. The image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 communicate with each other according to a communication protocol. The transmission path 3 is a communication cable, a wired communication network, a wireless communication network, or at least two or more of these.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1 is a printer, a facsimile, a copier, or a multifunction peripheral having the functions of these. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a storage unit 14, an image forming unit 15, a power supply 16, and a control unit 17.

[0014] The communication unit 11 transmits and receives data to and from the information processing device 2 via the transmission path 3. The communication unit 11 is, for example, a communication interface that complies with a communication protocol.

[0015] The operation unit 12 accepts user operations. The operation unit 12 includes physical keys or buttons. The operation unit 12 may also be a GUI (Graphical User Interface). That is, the operation unit 12 may also be software keys or software buttons displayed on the display unit 13.

[0016] The display unit 13 displays various screens and is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display.

[0017] The memory unit 14 stores various data. The memory unit 14 includes a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The main memory includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary memory includes an SSD (Solid State Drive) and / or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The ROM and RAM store computer programs executed by the control unit 17. A queue 141 is also created in the RAM by the control unit 17. Unprocessed jobs 142 can be queued in the queue 141. The jobs 142 are print commands to be processed by the image forming apparatus 1. Processed jobs 142 are dequeued from the queue 141.

[0018] The image forming unit 15 forms an image on one or more sheets by electrophotography in accordance with an unprocessed job 142 queued in a queue 141. In the case of electrophotography, the image forming unit 15 includes an exposure device, a charging device, a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a cleaning device, a transfer device, etc. The image forming unit 15 may also form an image on a sheet by inkjet recording.

[0019] The power supply 16 generates DC power for operating each component of the image forming apparatus 1 from power supplied from a commercial power source, for example.

[0020] The control unit 17 is a hardware circuit including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 17 controls the communication unit 11, the operation unit 12, the display unit 13, the storage unit 14, the image forming unit 15, and the power supply 16. The control unit 17 further executes a computer program to function as a first transmission unit 171, an output unit 172, a shutdown unit 173, a determination unit 174, and a second transmission unit 175.

[0021] The information processing device 2 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The information processing device 2 includes a communication unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0022] The communication unit 21 transmits and receives data to and from the image forming apparatus 1 via the transmission path 3. The communication unit 21 is a communication interface similar to the communication unit 11.

[0023] The operation unit 22 receives user operations and includes a keyboard, a mouse, or a trackpad, or a combination of at least two of these.

[0024] The display unit 23 displays various screens. Similar to the display unit 13, the display unit 23 may be a liquid crystal display.

[0025] The storage unit 24 stores various data. The storage unit 24 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device similar to the storage unit 14. The main storage device stores a computer program executed by the control unit 25.

[0026] The control unit 25 may be a hardware circuit similar to the control unit 17. The control unit 25 controls the communication unit 21, the operation unit 22, the display unit 23, and the storage unit 24.

[0027] [Processing of the shutdown system 100 (first example)] 1 and 2, in step S101, the information processing device 2 transmits a shutdown instruction to the image forming device 1 from the communication unit 21 in response to a user operation via the operation unit 22. The shutdown instruction is an instruction to shut down the power supply 16 of the image forming device 1. Note that the shutdown instruction may also be an instruction to transition the image forming device 1 to a low power consumption mode.

[0028] In step S102, the information processing device 2 receives the first message transmitted from the image forming device 1 via the transmission path 3 via the communication unit 21. The first message is a message for confirming with the user of the information processing device 2 that the image forming device 1 should be forcibly shut down.

[0029] In step S102, control unit 25 of information processing device 2 causes display unit 23 to display the received first message. Control unit 25 further prompts the user of information processing device 2 to specify, by user operation via operation unit 22, whether or not to permit image forming apparatus 1 to execute forced shutdown.

[0030] In step S102, when the execution of a forced shutdown is permitted by a user operation via the operation unit 22, the control unit 25 transmits an execution permission indicating that to the transmission path 3.

[0031] In step S103, the communication unit 11 receives the shutdown instruction transmitted by the information processing device 2 in step S101.

[0032] In step S104, if an unprocessed job 142 exists in the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 17 functions as the first transmission unit 171. The first transmission unit 171 transmits a first message to the information processing apparatus 2.

[0033] In step S105, the communication unit 11 receives, via the transmission path 3, the permission to execute shutdown transmitted by the information processing device 2 in step S102.

[0034] In step S106, control unit 17 functions as output unit 172. Output unit 172 outputs a second message from image forming apparatus 1 to confirm the execution of a forced shutdown of image forming apparatus 1. In the embodiment, output unit 172 displays the second message on display unit 13. In step S106, output unit 172 prompts the user of image forming apparatus 1 to specify, by user operation via operation unit 12, whether or not to allow image forming apparatus 1 to execute a forced shutdown.

[0035] If image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a speaker, output unit 172 may output the second message by voice from the speaker.

[0036] When execution of a forced shutdown is permitted by a user operation via the operation unit 12 (step S107), the control unit 17 functions as the shutdown unit 173. In step S108, the shutdown unit 173 shuts down the power supply 16 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0037] By transmitting the first message to the information processing device 2 and outputting the second message from the image forming device 1, it is possible to provide a user-friendly shutdown system and image forming device. In particular, when the image forming device 1 receives a shutdown instruction from the information processing device 2, if there is an unprocessed job 142 in the image forming device 1, the image forming device 1 transmits the first message to the information processing device 2 and also outputs the second message. This allows the user of the information processing device 2 to recognize that there is an unprocessed job in the image forming device 1. Furthermore, a user who is printing in front of the image forming device 1 can recognize that a forced shutdown is about to be executed. This improves user usability.

[0038] [Processing of the shutdown system 100 (second example)] After communication unit 11 receives the shutdown instruction in step S103, if there is no unprocessed job 142 in image forming apparatus 1, control unit 17 functions as output unit 172 in step S201. Output unit 172 outputs a second message from image forming apparatus 1, similar to step S106.

[0039] After executing step S201, the control unit 17 executes steps S107 and S108.

[0040] According to the processing (second example) of the shutdown system 100, if a user is present in front of the image forming apparatus 1, the user can be notified that a forced shutdown is about to be executed. This improves usability for the user.

[0041] [Processing of the shutdown system 100 (third example)] 1 and 4, after output unit 172 outputs the second message from image forming apparatus 1 in step S106, control unit 17 functions as shutdown unit 173 in step S301. After the second message is output in step S106, shutdown unit 173 shuts down power supply 16 of image forming apparatus 1 in response to a predetermined time period having elapsed in step S301.

[0042] According to the process (third example) of the shutdown system 100, even if the user is not in front of the image forming apparatus 1, a forced shutdown is executed.

[0043] As is clear from a comparison between Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, step S301 in Fig. 4 is executed instead of steps S107 and S108 in Fig. 2. However, this is not a limitation, and step S301 in Fig. 4 may be executed instead of steps S107 and S108 in Fig. 3.

[0044] [Processing of the shutdown system 100 (fourth example)] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, in step S401, the control unit 25 displays the received first message on the display unit 23, as described in step S102 (see Figure 2), and prompts the user of the information processing device 2 to specify whether or not to allow the image forming device 1 to perform a forced shutdown.

[0045] In step S401, unlike step S102, if the execution of forced shutdown is not permitted by a user operation via the operation unit 22, the control unit 25 transmits an execution denial indicating this to the transmission path 3.

[0046] In step S402, the communication unit 11 receives from the transmission path 3 the shutdown execution denial transmitted by the information processing device 2 in step S401.

[0047] In step S403, the control unit 17 functions as the determination unit 174. The determination unit 174 determines whether or not an unprocessed job 142 exists in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0048] If the determination unit 174 determines that an unprocessed job 142 exists in the image forming apparatus 1 (Yes in step S403), the control unit 17 executes step S104. Therefore, in step S404, the first transmission unit 171 retransmits the first message to the information processing apparatus 2.

[0049] After receiving the first message, the information processing device 2 executes step S102 (see FIG. 2) or step S402. Therefore, when there are no more unprocessed jobs 142 in the image forming device 1, the information processing device 2 can execute a forced shutdown without sending a new shutdown instruction.

[0050] If the determining unit 174 determines that there is no unprocessed job 142 in the image forming apparatus 1 (No in step S403), the control unit 17 executes steps S106 to S108 similar to those in FIG.

[0051] [Processing of the shutdown system 100 (fifth example)] 1 and 6, after the communication unit 11 receives the execution permission in step S105, the control unit 17 executes step S501. In step S501, the control unit 17 causes the second transmission unit 175 to perform a fault diagnosis on the display unit 13.

[0052] In step S502, control unit 17 functions as second transmission unit 175. If it is determined based on the diagnosis result that the second message cannot be output from image forming apparatus 1, second transmission unit 175 transmits a third message indicating that the second message cannot be output from communication unit 11 to information processing device 2. This allows the user of information processing device 2 to recognize the malfunction of image forming apparatus 1.

[0053] More specifically, in step S503, the information processing device 2 receives the third message transmitted from the image forming device 1 via the transmission path 3 through the communication unit 21. Furthermore, in step S503, the control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display the received third message.

[0054] [Processing of image forming apparatus 1] 1 and 7, steps S601 to S609 are executed in the image forming apparatus 1. In step S601, the control unit 17 receives the shutdown instruction (described above) transmitted by the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication unit 11.

[0055] In step S602, the control unit 17 determines whether or not an unprocessed job 142 is queued in the queue 141. If it is determined that the unprocessed job 142 is queued (Yes in step S602), the control unit 17 executes step S603. On the other hand, if it is determined that the unprocessed job 142 is not queued (No in step S602), the control unit 17 executes step S606.

[0056] In step S603, the control unit 17 functions as the first transmission unit 171 to transmit the first message (described above) addressed to the information processing device 2 from the communication unit 11 to the transmission path 3.

[0057] In step S604, the control unit 17 acquires the execution permission or execution denial (described above) transmitted by the information processing device 2 through the communication unit 11. In step S605, the control unit 17 determines whether or not the execution permission has been received. If it is determined that the execution permission has been received (Yes in step S605), the control unit 17 executes step S606. On the other hand, if the execution permission has not been received (i.e., if the execution denial has been received) (No in step S605), the control unit 17 executes step S602.

[0058] In step S606, the control unit 17 functions as the output unit 172 and displays the second message (described above) on the display unit 13, prompting the user of the image forming device 1 to specify, by user operation via the operation unit 12, whether or not to allow the image forming device 1 to perform a forced shutdown.

[0059] In step S607, control unit 17 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the second message. If it is determined that the time has elapsed (Yes in step S607), control unit 17 executes step S609. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time has not elapsed (No in step S607), control unit 17 executes step S608.

[0060] In step S608, the control unit 17 determines whether or not execution of a forced shutdown is permitted by a user operation via the operation unit 12. If it is determined that execution of a forced shutdown is not permitted (No in step S608), the process returns to step S607. On the other hand, if it is determined that execution of a forced shutdown is permitted (Yes in step S608), the control unit 17 executes step S609.

[0061] In step S609, the control unit 17 functions as the shutdown unit 173 and shuts down the power supply 16.

[0062] Furthermore, the drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual configuration due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiment is an example and is not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0063] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1: Image forming device 14: Storage section 142: Job 16: Power supply 17: Control section 171: First transmitter 172: Output section 173:Shutdown section 174: Judgment section 175: Second transmitter

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus, a first transmission unit that, after receiving a shutdown instruction from the information processing device, transmits a first message to the information processing device to confirm execution of a forced shutdown of the information processing device when an unprocessed job exists in the information processing device; an output unit that outputs, after receiving the permission to execute the forced shutdown transmitted by the information processing device in response to the first message, a second message for confirming the execution of the forced shutdown of the information processing device from the information processing device itself; a shutdown unit that shuts down a power supply of the device in response to a user operation indicating permission to execute the forced shutdown of the device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. the output unit outputs the second message from the host device when the unprocessed job does not exist in the host device after receiving the shutdown instruction; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the shutdown unit shuts down the power supply of the image forming apparatus in response to a user operation indicating permission to execute the forced shutdown of the image forming apparatus.

3. 3. The image forming device according to claim 1, wherein after the output unit outputs the second message from the device, the shutdown unit shuts down the power supply of the device in response to the passage of a predetermined time.

4. a determination unit that determines whether or not the unprocessed job exists in the information processing apparatus after receiving a notification of denial of the forced shutdown from the information processing apparatus; 3 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when the determining unit determines that the unprocessed job exists in the image forming apparatus, the first transmitting unit retransmits the first message to the information processing apparatus.

5. 3. The image forming device according to claim 1, further comprising a second transmission unit that transmits a third message to the information processing device indicating that the second message cannot be output when the output unit is unable to output the second message from the device.

Images