Information processing apparatus, control method of information processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, a control method of an information processing apparatus, and a program that can reduce power consumption in the information processing apparatus according to the use state of the information processing apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 101 comprises: power control means (CPU 340) for controlling switching between a first power state and a second power state; operation means (setting screen 500) for performing a selection operation of selecting whether to enable or disable use of a USB host 407 on the image forming apparatus 101; and determination means (CPU 340) for determining that the USB host 407 is in a connected state or a disconnected state where the USB host 407 is not connected. Even when the USB host 407 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 and the use of the USB host 407 is enabled, the determination means determines that the state is the disconnected state if disable is selected by the operation means. When it is determined that the USB host is in the disconnected state, the power control means switches the image forming apparatus into the second power state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices can be in multiple standby states. Examples of standby states include a ready state, a sleep state, and an off state. The ready state warms up the image forming device while waiting for input of commands for the copy or print function. The sleep state is a standby state in which the image forming device is not in use by the user, reducing power consumption (standby power). The off state is a state in which the image forming device cannot be used immediately but consumes the least amount of power. Image forming devices also have a power-saving function that transitions from each standby state to a state with lower power consumption. This power-saving function enables each component of the image forming device to operate while in standby mode with low power consumption. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that displays a predetermined message if no operation is performed for a predetermined automatic shutdown time, and then automatically shuts down the device if no operation is received. The device described in Patent Document 1 can reduce power consumption through automatic shutdown. Furthermore, the device described in Patent Document 1 records automatic shutdown events and allows the automatic shutdown time to be changed (managed). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-133636 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, for example, when determining the connection status (usable status) of a USB device, the determination may be made simply based on whether the USB device is connected to a USB port of the device. In this case, even if there is no intention to use the USB device, it may be determined that the USB device is connected, and power may be supplied to the USB device, resulting in wasted power consumption. As such, the device described in Patent Document 1 may not be able to achieve the power consumption reduction effect depending on the usage status of the device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an information processing device, a control method for the information processing device, and a program that can reduce power consumption of the information processing device depending on the usage state of the information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device that can take a first power state in which it operates by supplying power, and a second power state in which power consumption is lower than the first power state, and to which a USB device is detachably connected, and is equipped with a power control means that performs switching control to switch between the first power state and the second power state, an operation means that performs a selection operation to select whether to enable or disable use of the USB device in the information processing device, and a judgment means that judges whether the USB device is in a connected state in which the USB device is connected, or an unconnected state in which the USB device is not connected, wherein even if the USB device is connected to the information processing device and the USB device can be used in the information processing device, if the operation means selects ``disable'', the judgment means judges that the USB device is in the unconnected state, and the power control means switches to the second power state when the judgment means judges that the USB device is in the unconnected state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce power consumption in an information processing device depending on the state of use of the information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming system having an image forming apparatus when an information processing apparatus is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a controller included in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration for power control of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a USB device controller and its peripherals included in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the startup process of a USB device controller when the image forming apparatus is started. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing a process for switching between enabling and disabling the USB device function on the setting screen shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating offline timer processing for automatically shutting down the image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart showing detailed processing in step S804 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. For example, each component constituting the present invention can be replaced with any component that can perform the same function. Furthermore, any component may be added.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus when an information processing device is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 101, a computer 109, and a finisher device 150. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having functions such as printing, scanning, and data communication, but is not limited thereto. The image forming apparatus 101 is configured to be capable of operating in a first power state in which it receives power and a second power state in which it consumes less power than the first power state. The power states of the image forming apparatus 101 include, for example, a normal state, a ready state, a sleep state, an off state, and a shutdown state. The "normal state" refers to a state in which desired functions such as printing, scanning, and data communication can be quickly executed. The "ready state" refers to a state in which the image forming apparatus 101 is warming up and waiting for input of commands for functions such as copying and printing. The "sleep state" refers to a state in which the image forming apparatus 101 is not being used by the user and is on standby while reducing power consumption (standby power). The "off state" refers to a state in which the image forming apparatus 101 cannot be used immediately but consumes the least power compared to the ready state and sleep state. The "shutdown state" refers to a state in which the power supply 301 (see FIG. 3) of the image forming apparatus 101 is turned off, i.e., the power supply from the power supply 301 is cut off. In this embodiment, for example, the first power state refers to a normal state, ready state, sleep state, or off state, and the second power state refers to a shutdown state, but is not limited to these.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 101 includes a scanner device 102, a controller (control device) 103, a printer device 104, an operation unit (display means) 105, a hard disk (HDD) 106, and a FAX device 107. The scanner device 102 optically reads an image from an original document and converts it into a digital image. In this embodiment, the scanner device 102 includes a document feed unit (DF unit) 121 and a scanner unit 122. The document feed unit 121 can automatically and sequentially feed a stack of original documents. The scanner unit 122 optically scans the original document and converts it into image data (digital image) of the original document. This image data is sent to the controller 103. The printer device 104 prints the image data on paper. In this embodiment, the printer device 104 includes a marking unit 141, a paper feed unit 142, and a paper discharge unit 143. The paper feed unit 142 sequentially supplies paper sheets one by one from a stack of paper sheets to the marking unit 141. Marking unit 141 prints image data on paper supplied from paper feed unit 142. Paper discharge unit 143 discharges the printed matter on which the image data has been printed.

[0012] The operation unit 105 has a touch panel, hard keys, etc. for accepting settings for the image forming apparatus 101 from a user and displaying the processing status of the image forming apparatus 101. The operation unit 105 can also be provided with, for example, setting switches for enabling or disabling suspend, hibernation, and hybrid sleep as a function for accepting settings for the image forming apparatus 101 from a user. The operation unit 105 can also reference set flags from an application. The hard disk 106 is a non-volatile storage device such as an SSD or eMMC that stores image data, control programs, etc. The control programs include, for example, programs for causing the controller 103 (computer) to execute each unit and each means (control method of an information processing apparatus) of the image forming apparatus 101. The FAX machine 107 can transmit various information to and receive various information from a telephone line 160, etc. The controller 103 is a computer that is communicably connected to the scanner device 102, printer device 104, operation unit 105, hard disk 106, and FAX device 107, and controls the operation of each of these units. The controller 103 controls the operation of each unit, thereby executing various jobs such as print jobs.

[0013] Examples of jobs (functions) that the image forming apparatus 101 can execute include a copy function, an image transmission function, an image storage function, and an image printing function. The "copy function" is a function for recording image data read by the scanner apparatus 102 on the hard disk 106 and printing the image data on the printer apparatus 104. The "image transmission function" is a function for transmitting image data read by the scanner apparatus 102 to the computer 109 via the LAN 108. The "image storage function" is a function for recording image data read by the scanner apparatus 102 on the hard disk 106 and transmitting or printing the image data as needed. The "image printing function" is a function for analyzing language data (e.g., a page description language) sent from the computer 109 and printing the language data on the printer apparatus 104.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 101 is communicably connected to a computer 109 via a LAN 108. This allows the image forming apparatus 101 to receive various jobs from the computer 109 and to send and receive image data to and from the computer 109. Note that while the number of computers connected to the image forming apparatus 101 is one in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, this is not limited to one and may be, for example, two or more. The image forming apparatus 101 and the computer 109 may also be communicably connected via a USB 110. In this case, the image forming apparatus 101 functions as a USB device. The finisher device 150 performs various processes, such as sorting, stapling, punching, and cutting, on printed materials output from a paper discharge unit 143 of the printer device 104 of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a controller included in an image forming apparatus. As shown in Fig. 2, the controller 103 includes a main board 200 and a sub-board 220. The main board 200 is a general-purpose CPU system and includes a boot ROM 202, a bus controller 204, a non-volatile memory 205, a disk controller 206, and a flash disk 207. The main board 200 also includes a USB host controller 208, a USB device controller 210, a network controller 211, an RTC 212, a watchdog timer (WDT) 230, a CPU 340, and a memory 341. These modules included in the main board 200 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0016] The boot ROM 202 stores a boot program. The bus controller 204 has a bridge function with an external bus. The nonvolatile memory 205 is a memory that retains data even when power is interrupted. The disk controller 206 controls a storage device. The flash disk 207 is a relatively small-capacity storage device configured with a semiconductor device, such as an SSD or eMMC. The USB host controller 208 functions as a USB host. The USB device controller 210 enables the image forming apparatus 101 to function as a USB device. The network controller 211 transmits and receives data to and from the computer 109 via the LAN 108. Note that while the configuration shown in FIG. 2 shows one network controller 211, the number is not limited to one and may be two or more. The network controller 211 may also be capable of controlling a wireless LAN. The network controller 211 may also be connected to the USB host controller 208. The RTC 212 sets the current time and the recovery time. The watchdog timer 230 resets the controller 103. The CPU 340 controls modules such as the boot ROM 202, i.e., controls the entire main board 200. The CPU 340 includes a large amount of hardware such as a chipset, a bus bridge, and a clock generator. The memory 341 is used as a work memory for the CPU 340. The USB memory 209, the operation unit 105, the hard disk 106, etc. are communicatively connected to the main board 200.

[0017] The sub-board 220 is composed of a relatively small general-purpose CPU system and image processing hardware. The sub-board 220 includes a CPU 221, a memory 223, a bus controller 224, a nonvolatile memory 225, a device controller 226, and an image processor 227, all of which are communicatively connected. The CPU 221 controls modules such as the memory 223, i.e., the entire sub-board 220, as well as the FAX device 107. Like the CPU 340, the CPU 221 includes numerous hardware components, such as a chipset, bus bridge, and clock generator. The memory 223 is used as a work memory for the CPU 221, and the bus controller 224 has a bridge function with an external bus. The nonvolatile memory 225 is a memory that retains data even when power is interrupted. In this embodiment, two device controllers 226 are provided. One of the two device controllers 226 is communicatively connected to the scanner device 102. This allows image data to be transmitted from the scanner device 102 to the sub-board 220. The printer device 104 is communicably connected to the other device controller 226. This allows image data to be transmitted from the sub-board 220 to the printer device 104. The image processor 227 performs digital image processing in real time.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration for power control of an image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 101 has, as a power control configuration, a power supply 301, a power supply control unit 303, a first power switch 310, a second power switch 311, a third power switch 312, a fourth power switch 313, and a power switch 110. The power supply 301, the first power switch 310 to the fourth power switch 313, and the power switch 110 are connected to the power supply control unit 303. As described above, the image forming apparatus 101 also has a scanner device 102, a controller 103, a printer device 104, and an operation unit 105. The scanner device 102 is connected to the power supply 301 and the power supply control unit 303 via the third power switch 312. The controller 103 is connected to the power supply 301 and the power supply control unit 303 via the first power switch 310. The printer device 104 is connected to the power supply 301 and the power supply control unit 303 via the fourth power switch 313. The operation unit 105 is connected to the power supply 301 and the power supply control unit 303 via a second power switch 311. The controller 103 has a built-in CPU 340. The printer device 104 has a built-in CPU 307. The operation unit 105 has a built-in CPU 305.

[0019] The power supply control unit 303 is constantly supplied with power from the power supply 301 via the power line. When the power is off, only the power supply control unit 303 is energized and power control is performed. This minimizes power consumption. In the image forming apparatus 101, when the power switch 110, which serves as the main power switch, is operated, i.e., pressed down, the power supply control unit 303 detects the operation. The power supply control unit 303 then controls the first power switch 310 to supply power to the CPU 340 of the controller 103, i.e., supplies power from the power supply 301. Similarly, the power supply control unit 303 controls the second power switch 311 to supply power to the CPU 305 of the operation unit 105, the third power switch 312 to supply power to the scanner device 102, and the fourth power switch 313 to supply power to the CPU 307 of the printer device 104.

[0020] The CPU 340 of the controller 103 can control the second power switch 311 to individually supply power to the CPU 305 of the operation unit 105 by notifying the power control unit 303. Similarly, the CPU 340 can control the third power switch 312 to individually supply power to the scanner device 102 or the fourth power switch 313 to individually supply power to the printer device 104 by notifying the power control unit 303. The power control unit 303 or the CPU 340 can also control the power supply to the marking unit 141, paper feed unit 142, and paper discharge unit 143 of the printer device 104. Power supply for each block can be achieved, for example, by configuring the first power switch 310 with two systems, and in the sleep state, turning off only the relay switch connected to the block that turns off the power supply 301 and leaving the other on. In the shutdown state, the relay switches of both systems are turned off. In this case, the power control signal is not a binary signal but a multi-value control signal corresponding to the power supply state. Power is supplied by such control in each power state such as sleep state, shutdown state, etc. In this control, the power supply control unit 303 may perform multi-value control of the first power switch 310 to supply power to each block connected to the controller 103. In this control, the CPU 340 of the controller 103 may perform multi-value control of the first power switch 310 in response to a notification to the power supply control unit 303 to supply power to each block connected to the controller 103.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a USB device controller and its peripherals included in an image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 4, the USB device controller 210 includes a LINK unit 401, a PHY unit 402, and a setting register 403. The LINK unit 401 is a unit within the USB device controller 210 that is controlled by the CPU 340. The PHY unit 402 is a unit connected to an external USB host (USB device) 407 via a USB device I / F 406. The USB host 407 is detachably connected to the USB device I / F 406. In this embodiment, the USB host 407 is the computer 109 or the USB memory 209 connectable via the USB 110. However, the USB host 407 is not limited to this and may be, for example, a USB device configured to be connectable via a USB cable or the like. The setting register 403 stores setting information for functioning as a USB device. For example, communication with the USB host 407 and settings for the USB device controller 210 are performed by a USB device driver controlled by the CPU 340 executing commands such as write and read to the LINK unit 401. A control register 404, which is external to the USB device controller 210, is a control register that exists so that the CPU 340 can reset the USB device controller 210. When the USB device controller 210 is connected to the USB host 407 via the USB device I / F 406, it detects the power supply from the VBUS line. The USB device controller 210 then notifies the CPU 340 via the interrupt line 405 that the VBUS line is on. At this time, data indicating that the VBUS line is on is also stored in the setting register 403. Depending on the type of USB host 407, power may be supplied to the USB host 407 from the USB device controller 210.

[0022] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. The setting screen (operation screen) 500 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the operation unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 101. The setting screen 500 includes a setting (operation means) 501. In the setting 501, a selection operation is performed to switch between enabling and disabling the USB device function of the image forming apparatus 101, that is, to select an "ON" state that enables use of the USB host 407 of the image forming apparatus 101 and an "OFF" state that disables use of the USB host 407 (operation step). The CPU 340 can save the setting state on the setting screen 500 in a storage device (storage means), such as the HDD 106, the nonvolatile memory 205, or the flash disk 207.

[0023] 6 is a flowchart showing the startup process of the USB device controller when the image forming apparatus is started. As shown in FIG. 6, in step S601, CPU 340 reads the setting state of setting screen 500 stored in the storage device and determines whether setting 501 on setting screen 500 is enabled. If it is determined in step S601 that setting 501 is enabled, the process proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S601 that setting 501 is not enabled, i.e., that setting 501 is disabled, the process ends.

[0024] In step S602, the CPU 340 executes initialization processing for the USB device controller 210. The initialization processing involves writing descriptor information to the setting register 403. This initialization processing completes preparations for communication between the USB device controller 210 and the USB host 407. After step S602 is executed, the processing proceeds to step S603.

[0025] In step S603, the CPU 340 stores in the memory 341 a flag indicating that preparations for communication between the USB device controller 210 and the USB host 407 are complete, i.e., that the USB host 407 can be used in the image forming apparatus 101. Note that this flag is generated by, for example, the CPU 340 (information generating means).

[0026] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing when switching between enabling and disabling the USB device function on the setting screen shown in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 7, in step S701, CPU 340 accepts an operational change to setting 501 on setting screen 500. This "operational change" refers to a change (switch) from enabled to disabled in setting 501, or conversely, a change from disabled to enabled in setting 501.

[0027] In step S702, the CPU 340 saves the operational changes (changed setting values) to the settings 501 accepted in step S701 in the storage device.

[0028] In step S703, CPU 340 displays a message prompting the user to restart the image forming apparatus 101. This message is displayed, for example, in area 502 below setting 501 on setting screen 500. The user of image forming apparatus 101 can then check the message displayed in area 502 and operate a restart button (not shown) that is displayed in area 502 along with the message.

[0029] In step S704, CPU 340 determines whether the restart button has been operated and a restart instruction has been received. If it is determined in step S704 that a restart instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S705. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S704 that a restart instruction has not been received, the process ends.

[0030] In step S705, CPU 340 restarts image forming apparatus 101. This restart puts image forming apparatus 101 into a state in which the operational change made to setting 501 on setting screen 500 has been reflected. For example, if the operational change made in step S701 is from enabled to disabled, image forming apparatus 101 will have its USB device function disabled. Also, if the operational change made in step S701 is from disabled to enabled, image forming apparatus 101 will have its USB device function enabled.

[0031] 8 is a flowchart showing offline timer processing for automatically shutting down the image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 8, in step S801, CPU 340 starts the operation of an offline timer (not shown). The offline timer is built into main board 200, for example.

[0032] In step S802, the CPU 340 waits for one second. Note that the wait time is not limited to one second.

[0033] In step S803, CPU 340 waits for one second and determines whether the offline timer has expired, that is, whether the time is up. After the offline timer has expired, the process proceeds to step S804.

[0034] In step S804, the CPU 340 controls the USB device controller 210 and the network controller 211 to determine whether the image forming apparatus 101 is in a USB-connected state or a USB-disconnected state (determination step). The "USB-connected state" refers to a connected state in which the USB host 407 is connected to the USB device I / F 406. The "USB-disconnected state" refers to a disconnected state in which the USB host 407 is not connected to the USB device I / F 406. In this manner, in this embodiment, the CPU 340 also functions as a determination unit that determines whether the image forming apparatus 101 is in a USB-connected state or a USB-disconnected state. Note that the image forming apparatus 101 may have a function separate from the CPU 340 as the determination unit. Furthermore, when determining whether the image forming apparatus 101 is in a USB-connected state or a USB-disconnected state in step S804, the image forming apparatus 101 waits for one second (a predetermined time) before making the determination (step S802). Then, after one second has elapsed, the determination in step S804 is made. With this configuration, the determination in step S804 can be made stably, for example, with a margin of one second. If the determination in step S804 determines that the device is in a USB-connected state, the process proceeds to step S806. On the other hand, if the determination in step S804 determines that the device is in a USB-disconnected state, the process proceeds to step S805.

[0035] In step S805, the CPU 340 executes shutdown processing to set the power state of the image forming apparatus 101 to the shutdown state (second power state). Note that the shutdown processing in step S805 is preferably executed, for example, 10 seconds (a predetermined time) after it is determined in step S804 that the image forming apparatus 101 is in a non-USB connected state. In this case, for example, a countdown until the shutdown processing is executed is displayed on the operation unit 105. This prevents the user from feeling that the image forming apparatus 101 has suddenly entered the shutdown state.

[0036] In step S806, CPU 340 resets the offline timer. CPU 340 also sets the power state of image forming apparatus 101 to the first power state. In this manner, in this embodiment, CPU 340 also functions as a power control unit that performs switching control (power control step) to switch the power state of image forming apparatus 101 between the first power state and the second power state. Note that in image forming apparatus 101, a functional unit that functions as the power control unit may be provided separately from CPU 340.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing of step S804 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the connection state determination processing for determining whether the image forming apparatus 101 is in a USB-connected state or a USB-disconnected state. As shown in FIG. 9, in step S901, the CPU 340 determines whether communication preparation is complete between the USB device controller 210 and the USB host 407 based on whether a flag was stored in the memory 341 in step S603. If it is determined in step S901 that communication preparation is complete, the process proceeds to step S902. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S901 that communication preparation is not complete, the process proceeds to step S905. As described above, the setting state on the setting screen 500 (setting 501) is saved in the storage device. In this case, the determination in step S901 may be made based on the setting state on the setting screen 500 saved in the storage device.

[0038] In step S902, the CPU 340 acquires the state of the VBUS line stored in the setting register 403, that is, information regarding the presence or absence of power supply from the VBUS line to the USB device controller 210. After step S902 is executed, the process proceeds to step S903.

[0039] In step S903, CPU 340 determines whether the VBUS line is in the ON state based on the information about the state of the VBUS line acquired in step S902. If it is determined in step S903 that the VBUS line is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S904. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S903 that the VBUS line is not in the ON state, i.e., is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S905.

[0040] In step S904, the CPU 340 determines that the device is in a USB connection state.

[0041] In step S905, the CPU 340 determines that the USB is in a non-connected state.

[0042] As described above, the image forming apparatus 101 determines whether it is in a USB-connected state or a USB-disconnected state based on whether the USB host 407 is connected to the USB device controller 210 (image forming apparatus 101) and the setting state in the setting 501. Specifically, if the USB host 407 is connected, the image forming apparatus 101 can use the USB host 407, and enable is selected in the setting 501 (step S901; Yes, step S903; Yes), it is determined to be in a USB-connected state. On the other hand, even if the USB host 407 is connected and the image forming apparatus 101 can use the USB host 407, if disable is selected in the setting 501 (step S901; No), it is determined to be in a USB-disconnected state. In this way, if disable is selected in the setting 501, the determination of whether power is being supplied to the USB device controller 210 (USB host 407) (step S903) is omitted, and it is determined to be in a USB-disconnected state. Also, even if "valid" is selected in the setting 501, if the USB host 407 is not currently connected to the image forming apparatus 101 (step S901; Yes, step S903; No), it is determined to be in a USB non-connected state.

[0043] For example, even if the USB host 407 is connected, the image forming apparatus 101 determines that the USB host 407 is in a non-connected state if there is no intention to use the USB host 407. This allows power to be supplied to the USB host 407, thereby reducing wasted power consumption. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 101 can reduce power consumption in the image forming apparatus 101 depending on whether the USB host 407 is connected or not, the setting status in the settings 501, i.e., the usage status of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0044] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist thereof. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. Furthermore, although an image forming apparatus is used in the above-described embodiments as an apparatus to which the information processing device can be applied, the present invention is not limited to this and may also be, for example, a desktop or notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc.

[0045] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An information processing device that can assume a first power state in which it operates by receiving power and a second power state in which power consumption is lower than that of the first power state, and to which a USB device is detachably connected, a power control unit that performs switching control to switch between the first power state and the second power state; an operation means for performing a selection operation to select whether to enable or disable use of the USB device in the information processing device; a determination means for determining whether the USB device is in a connected state in which it is connected, or in a non-connected state in which it is not connected, The determining means determines the USB device to be in the disconnected state when the disablement is selected by the operating means, even if the USB device is connected to the information processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus is enabled to use the USB device, The information processing apparatus is characterized in that the power control means switches the information processing apparatus to the second power state when the determination means determines that the information processing apparatus is in the non-connected state. (Configuration 2) The information processing device according to configuration 1, wherein the determining means determines that the USB device is in the unconnected state when the USB device is not currently connected to the information processing device. (Configuration 3) The information processing device according to configuration 1, wherein the power control means switches the information processing device to the second power state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination means determined that the information processing device is in the non-connected state. (Configuration 4) The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the determination means determines that the USB device is in the connected state when the USB device is connected to the information processing device, the USB device becomes available for use in the information processing device, and the enabled state is selected by the operation means. (Configuration 5) The information processing device according to configuration 4, wherein the power control means sets the information processing device to the first power state when the determination means determines that the information processing device is in the connected state. (Configuration 6) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the determination means waits for a predetermined time before making a determination as to whether the device is in the connected state or the non-connected state. (Configuration 7) The information processing device according to configuration 6, wherein the determining means determines whether the device is in the connected state or the non-connected state after the predetermined time has elapsed. (Configuration 8) The information processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the determining means is capable of determining whether or not power is being supplied to the USB device. (Configuration 9) The information processing device according to configuration 8, wherein the determination means, when the disable is selected by the operation means, skips determining whether power is being supplied to the USB device and determines that the USB device is in the disconnected state. (Configuration 10) The information processing device according to configuration 8, characterized in that the determination means determines that the USB device is in the disconnected state when the operation means selects the enabled state and determines that no power is being supplied to the USB device. (Configuration 11) An information generating unit generates information indicating that the USB device can be used in the information processing device when the enable is selected by the operation unit, 11. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the determining means determines that the USB device can be used in the information processing device based on the information from the information generating means. (Configuration 12) A display means capable of displaying a screen is provided, 12. The information processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the operation means displays on a display means an operation screen on which the selection operation is performed. (Configuration 13) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the second power state is a shutdown state. (Configuration 14) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, which is an image forming device. (Method 1) A method for controlling an information processing device that can assume a first power state in which it operates by receiving power and a second power state in which power consumption is lower than that of the first power state, and to which a USB device is detachably connected, comprising: a power control step of performing switching control to switch between the first power state and the second power state; an operation step of performing a selection operation to select whether to enable or disable use of the USB device in the information processing device; a determining step of determining whether the USB device is in a connected state in which it is connected, or whether the USB device is in a non-connected state in which it is not connected, In the determination step, even if the USB device is connected to the information processing device and becomes usable in the information processing device, if the disablement is selected in the operation step, the USB device is determined to be in the non-connected state; In the power control step, when the determination step determines that the device is in the disconnected state, the device is set to the second power state. 2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising: (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 101 Image forming device 105 Operation section 10. USB Device Controller 340 CPU 406 USB Device I / F 407 USB Host 500 Settings screen 501 Settings

Claims

1. An information processing device that can assume a first power state in which it operates by being supplied with power and a second power state in which power consumption is lower than that of the first power state, and to which a USB device is detachably connected, a power control unit that performs switching control between the first power state and the second power state; an operation means for performing a selection operation to select whether to enable or disable use of the USB device in the information processing device; a determination means for determining whether the USB device is in a connected state in which it is connected, or in a non-connected state in which it is not connected, the determining means determines the USB device to be in the disconnected state when the disablement is selected by the operating means even if the USB device is connected to the information processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus is enabled to use the USB device; The information processing apparatus is characterized in that the power control means sets the information processing apparatus to the second power state when the determination means determines that the information processing apparatus is in the non-connected state.

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said determining means determines that the USB device is in the non-connected state when the USB device is not currently connected to the information processing apparatus.

3. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control means sets the information processing apparatus to the second power state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the determining means determined that the information processing apparatus is in the non-connected state.

4. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the determining means determines that the USB device is in the connected state when the USB device is connected to the information processing device, the USB device can be used in the information processing device, and the enabled state is selected by the operating means.

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the power control means sets the information processing apparatus to the first power state when the determining means determines that the information processing apparatus is in the connected state.

6. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said determining means waits for a predetermined time before determining whether the state is the connected state or the non-connected state.

7. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the determining means determines whether the state is the connected state or the non-connected state after the predetermined time has elapsed.

8. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining means is capable of determining whether or not power is being supplied to the USB device.

9. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, when the disable is selected by the operation means, the determination means omits determining whether or not power is being supplied to the USB device and determines that the USB device is in the disconnected state.

10. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the determining means determines the USB device to be in the disconnected state when the operating means selects the enabled state and the determining means determines that no power is being supplied to the USB device.

11. an information generating unit configured to generate information indicating that the USB device can be used in the information processing device when the enable is selected by the operation unit; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining means determines that the USB device can be used in the information processing apparatus based on the information from the information generating means.

12. A display means capable of displaying a screen is provided, 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation means is displayed on a display means as an operation screen on which the selection operation is performed.

13. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second power state is a shutdown state.

14. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

15. 1. A method for controlling an information processing device that can assume a first power state in which power is supplied and that operates, and a second power state in which power consumption is lower than that of the first power state, and to which a USB device is detachably connected, comprising: a power control step of performing switching control to switch between the first power state and the second power state; an operation step of performing a selection operation to select whether to enable or disable use of the USB device in the information processing device; a determining step of determining whether the USB device is in a connected state where the USB device is connected or in a non-connected state where the USB device is not connected, In the determination step, even if the USB device is connected to the information processing apparatus and becomes usable in the information processing apparatus, if the disablement is selected in the operation step, the USB device is determined to be in the non-connected state; In the power control step, when the determination step determines that the device is in the disconnected state, the device is set to the second power state.

2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising:

16. 2. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images