Image formation device

Abstract

To improve network monitoring performance during a sleep mode while preventing long startup times at a device startup time.SOLUTION: A sub RAM 24 has data reading-writing speed faster than a sub FLUSH memory 26. A sub CPU 22 copies a packet monitoring function 75 and a standby mode return function 76 from the sub FLASH memory 26 to the sub RAM 24 when switching to a sleep mode, reads out the packet monitoring function 75 and the standby mode return function 76 from the sub RAM 24 during the sleep mode and executes the same to control an NIC 30, and when a printer 2 starts up a device, copies a sub FLASH memory acceleration function 72 with a capacity smaller than that of firmware during the sleep mode from the sub FLASH memory 26 to the sub RAM 24, and reads out the sub FLASH memory acceleration function 72 from the sub RAM 24 and executes the same during the standby mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and is suitable for application to, for example, an image forming apparatus having a sleep mode. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been image forming apparatuses that have a sleep mode and that achieve power saving by using a sub-processor to monitor a network during the sleep mode (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-852 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such an image forming apparatus, it is desirable to prevent the startup time from becoming too long when the apparatus is started up, while improving the network monitoring performance during sleep mode.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose an image forming device that can improve network monitoring performance during sleep mode while preventing the startup time from becoming too long when the device is started up. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve this problem, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that can transition between a standby mode and a sleep mode that is more power-efficient than the standby mode, and is provided with a network control unit that controls communication with the outside world, a first control unit that controls the network control unit in the sleep mode and controls the return from the sleep mode to the standby mode, a first memory that is accessible by the first control unit and stores firmware that is read and executed by the first control unit, and a second memory that is accessible by the first control unit and has a faster data read / write speed than the first memory, and when transitioning from standby mode to sleep mode, the first control unit copies the first firmware, which is firmware that operates in sleep mode, from the first memory to the second memory, and reads and executes the first firmware from the second memory during sleep mode to control the network control unit, and when the image forming apparatus starts up, copies the second firmware, which is firmware that operates in standby mode and has a smaller capacity than the first firmware, from the first memory to the second memory, and reads and executes the second firmware from the second memory during standby mode.

[0007] When transitioning to sleep mode, the present invention copies the first firmware from the first memory to a second memory that has a faster data read / write speed than the first memory, and reads and executes it from the second memory, thereby monitoring the network with good responsiveness; when starting up the device, the second firmware, which has a smaller capacity than the first firmware, is copied from the first memory to the second memory, and read and executes it, thereby preventing the startup time from becoming too long. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when transitioning to sleep mode, the first firmware is copied from the first memory to the second memory, which has a faster data read / write speed than the first memory, and read from the second memory and executed, thereby monitoring the network with good responsiveness, and when starting up the device, the second firmware, which has a smaller capacity than the first firmware, is copied from the first memory to the second memory, read and executed, thereby preventing the startup time from becoming long. Thus, an image forming device can be realized that can improve the network monitoring performance during sleep mode while preventing the startup time from becoming long when starting up the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main flash memory and the functional configuration of a main firmware. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sub-FLASH memory and the functional configuration of a first sub-FW and a second sub-FW. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing how the sub-FLASH memory speed-up function is copied to the sub-RAM. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing how the second sub-FW is copied to the sub-RAM. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a sub-CPU processing procedure when the device is started up and shifts to a sleep mode according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a sub-CPU processing procedure when the device is started up and shifts to a sleep mode according to the second embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings. 1. First Embodiment [1-1. Image Forming System Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 is composed of a printer 2 and a group of PCs 3. The printer 2 is a page printer that prints on paper and has a sleep mode function. The sleep mode, which is a second power state, is a mode in which power supply to specific components within the printer 2 is cut off or reduced to a level lower than that of the standby mode, which is the first power state, thereby saving power. The group of PCs 3, which serve as communication devices, is composed of multiple PCs (personal computers) 4a, 4b, and 4c (hereinafter collectively referred to as PC4). In the image forming system 1, the printer 2 and PC4 are connected to a local area network (LAN) 6 via a switching hub 5. The PC4 submits a print job to the printer 2 via the LAN 6, causing the printer 2 to print.

[0011] [1-2. Printer configuration] [1-2-1. Overall Printer Configuration] The printer 2 receives a print job from the PC 4 and executes printing of print data corresponding to the print job. As shown in Fig. 2, the printer 2 has a main CPU 10, a main RAM 12, a main FLASH memory 14, an image processing unit 16, an image forming unit 18, a power supply control unit 20, a sub-CPU 22, a sub-RAM 24, a sub-FLASH memory 26, an inter-CPU communication control unit 28, a NIC 30, an operation display unit 32, and a program copy unit 33.

[0012] The main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 is configured with a microprocessor, and realizes each function of the printer 2 by executing the main FW 40 (Fig. 3) stored in the main flash memory 14. This main CPU 10, which serves as a second control unit, controls each unit in accordance with its function, and reduces power consumption by cutting off the power supply in sleep mode (i.e., achieves power saving).

[0013] The main RAM 12 is composed of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and provides the calculation area required when the main CPU 10 executes the control program. For this reason, the main RAM 12 has a sufficiently large storage capacity. This main RAM 12 is set to self-refresh mode during sleep mode, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0014] The main flash memory 14 is made up of non-volatile memory that retains its contents even when the power to the printer 2 is cut off, and stores predetermined setting values ​​for controlling the printer 2, the main FW 40 (FIG. 3), etc.

[0015] The image processing unit 16 is a circuit that performs certain processing on the print job sent from the PC 4 in response to instructions from the main CPU 10, converts it into print data in a printable format, and supplies it to the image forming unit 18 via the sub-CPU 22. The image forming unit 18 is made up of a mechanical unit including a motor and the like, and an image forming process unit that forms an image from an electric signal, and forms an image indicated by the print data supplied from the sub-CPU 22 on paper.

[0016] The power supply control unit 20 is a circuit that controls all power supplies within the printer 2. In Fig. 2, apart from the power supply to the entire printer 2, thick arrows indicate connections between the power supply control unit 20 and parts to which power can be individually supplied or stopped by the power supply control unit 20. Furthermore, parts surrounded by a sleep mode power saving area 34 shown by a dashed line in Fig. 2 are parts to which power supply is cut off or reduced in sleep mode.

[0017] The sub-CPU 22 is configured by a CPU that consumes less power than the main CPU 10, and controls the image forming unit 18 in the standby mode, while controlling the NIC 30 in the sleep mode.

[0018] The sub-RAM 24 is configured by an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), and is a memory that provides an arithmetic area required when the sub-CPU 22 executes a control program and an area for expanding the program.

[0019] The sub-flash memory 26 is made up of non-volatile memory that retains its stored contents even when the power to the printer 2 is cut off, and stores a first sub-FW 42 (FIG. 4) that is a control command in the standby mode of the sub-CPU 22, and a second sub-FW 44 (FIG. 4) that is a control command in the sleep mode of the sub-CPU 22. The control command in the sleep mode includes a control command for the NIC 30 and a program for transmitting and receiving data over the network.

[0020] The inter-CPU communication control unit 28 is a circuit that controls the transmission and reception of commands and data between the main CPU 10 and the sub-CPU 22.

[0021] The NIC (Network Interface Card) 30 is a circuit that controls the network connection with the LAN 6 (FIG. 1). This NIC 30 is controlled by the main CPU 10 in standby mode, and by the sub-CPU 22 in sleep mode. The operation display unit 32 is configured with, for example, a touch panel, and outputs information to the user by displaying a setting screen or the like, and also acquires operation inputs from the user.

[0022] The program copy unit 33 is a circuit that, in response to an instruction from the sub-CPU 22, expands (i.e., copies) the program (firmware) stored in the sub-FLASH memory 26 into the sub-RAM 24. This program copy unit 33 cannot copy only a portion of the firmware stored in the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24, but copies all of the firmware stored in the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24. Furthermore, the program copy unit 33 performs copying using a function configured by a circuit without going through the sub-CPU 22, and therefore the copying speed is faster than when the sub-CPU 22 itself copies a program from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 using a partial program copy function 70 (FIG. 4) (described later).

[0023] [1-2-2. Main FLASH memory configuration] As shown in FIG. 3, main FLASH memory 14 stores main FW (firmware) 40. Main CPU 10 reads and executes main FW 40 from main FLASH memory 14 to execute image processing function 50, network printing function 51, and sleep mode transition function 52 in standby mode. Image processing function 50 is a function that analyzes print packets included in a print job and forms print data using image processing unit 16 (FIG. 1). Network printing function 51 is a function that processes print requests received via LAN 6. Sleep mode transition function 52 is a function that controls transition to sleep mode while communicating with sub-CPU 22.

[0024] [1-2-3. Sub-FLASH memory configuration] 4, the sub-FLASH memory 26 stores a first sub-FW 42 and a second sub-FW 44. The sub-CPU 22 executes an image forming function 60 and an all-program copy function 61 in standby mode by reading and executing the first sub-FW 42 from the sub-FLASH memory 26. The image forming function 60 is a function that forms an image of print data transmitted from the main CPU 10 on paper using the image forming unit 18 in standby mode. The all-program copy function 61 is a function that copies the first sub-FW 42 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 using the program copy unit 33 in standby mode.

[0025] In addition, the sub-CPU 22 reads and executes the second sub-FW 44 from the sub-FLASH memory 26, thereby executing a partial program copy function 70, a full program copy function 71, a sub-FLASH memory high-speed function 72, a main FW startup function 73, a sleep mode transition function 74, a packet monitoring function 75, and a standby mode return function 76 when the printer 2 is powered on and the device is started up, when the printer 2 is transitioning from standby mode to sleep mode, and during sleep mode.

[0026] The partial program copy function 70 is a function that copies the sub-FLASH memory speed-up function 72 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 when the device is started up without using the program copy unit 33. The full program copy function 71 is a function that copies the entire second sub-FW 44 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 using the program copy unit 33 when the device is switched to sleep mode.

[0027] The sub-FLASH memory acceleration function 72 is a function that accelerates the reading and writing of data from and to the sub-FLASH memory 26. When the device is started, the sub-CPU 22 copies the sub-FLASH memory acceleration function 72 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 using the partial program copy function 70, and fetches and executes the sub-FLASH memory acceleration function 72 from the sub-RAM 24. The main firmware startup function 73 is a function that starts the main CPU 10 and loads the main firmware 40 when the device is started.

[0028] The sleep mode transition function 74 is a function that controls the transition from standby mode to sleep mode. The packet monitoring function 75 is a function that monitors packets of connection requests to TCP ports that are on standby in sleep mode. This packet monitoring function 75 occupies most of the capacity of the second sub-FW 44 and has a significantly larger capacity than the sub-FLASH memory acceleration function 72. The standby mode return function 76 is a function that controls the return from sleep mode to standby mode.

[0029] [1-3. Sub-CPU processing when starting the device and transitioning to sleep mode] Next, using the flowchart shown in Figure 7, we will explain the sub-CPU processing procedure RT1 at device startup when transitioning to sleep mode, which is a specific processing procedure of the sub-CPU processing at device startup when transitioning to sleep mode according to the first embodiment, which is processing performed by the sub-CPU 22 executing the second sub-FW44 when the device is started up or when transitioning from standby mode to sleep mode.

[0030] In step SP1, the sub-CPU 22 determines whether the device is starting up or transitioning to sleep mode. Specifically, the sub-CPU 22 determines that the device is starting up when power is applied to the sub-CPU 22, and determines that the device is transitioning to sleep mode when a flag for transitioning to sleep mode has been set by the main CPU 10. If the device is starting up, the sub-CPU 22 proceeds from step SP1 to step SP2.

[0031] In step SP2, the sub-CPU 22 copies the sub-FLASH memory speed-up function 72 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 using the partial program copy function 70, thereby changing the sub-RAM 24 from the state shown in Fig. 5(A) to the state shown in Fig. 5(B), and then proceeds to step SP3. At this time, the sub-CPU 22 copies the sub-FLASH memory speed-up function 72 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 using only the partial program copy function 70 without using the program copy unit 33. Note that data in the sub-RAM 24 other than that of the sub-FLASH memory speed-up function 72 is not shown in Figs. 5(A) and 5(B).

[0032] In step SP3, the sub-CPU 22 fetches the sub-FLASH memory acceleration function 72 from the sub-RAM 24 and executes it to accelerate the sub-FLASH memory 26, and then proceeds to step SP4. In step SP4, the sub-CPU 22 fetches the main firmware startup function 73 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 and executes it to activate the main CPU 10 and load the main firmware 40, and then proceeds to step SP11, where the sub-CPU processing procedure RT1 for transitioning to sleep mode at device startup is completed.

[0033] On the other hand, if the transition to sleep mode has occurred, the sub-CPU 22 proceeds from step SP1 to step SP5. In step SP5, the sub-CPU 22 starts copying the second sub-FW 44 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 using the all-program copy function 71, and proceeds to step SP6. At this time, the sub-CPU 22 uses the all-program copy function 71 to copy the second sub-FW 44 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 using the program copy unit 33.

[0034] In step SP6, the sub-CPU 22 completes the transition to the sleep mode by performing a sleep mode transition process using the sleep mode transition function 52, and then proceeds to step SP7. Specifically, the sleep mode transition function 52 controls the power supply control unit 20 to cut off the power supply to the main CPU 10.

[0035] In step SP7, the sub-CPU 22 waits until the copying of the second sub-FW 44 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 is completed, thereby changing the state of the sub-RAM 24 from that shown in Fig. 6(A) to that shown in Fig. 6(B), and then proceeds to step SP8. Note that data other than the second sub-FW 44 in the sub-RAM 24 is not shown in Figs. 6(A) and 6(B).

[0036] Here, it is assumed that copying of the second sub-FW 44 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 is completed after a certain time (for example, 400 ms) has elapsed since the sub-CPU 22 started copying the second sub-FW 44 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 in step SP5. In other words, it is assumed that it takes about 400 ms for the sub-CPU 22 to copy the second sub-FW 44 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24.

[0037] In step SP8, the sub-CPU 22 switches the fetch destination of the second sub-FW 44 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24, and then proceeds to step SP9.

[0038] In step SP9, the sub-CPU 22 fetches and executes the packet monitoring function 75 from the sub-RAM 24, thereby starting IF monitoring processing for monitoring packets of connection requests to TCP ports, and then proceeds to step SP10.

[0039] In step SP10, when the sub-CPU 22 detects the occurrence of a standby mode return factor that causes the printer 2 to return from sleep mode to standby mode, it fetches and executes the standby mode return function 76 from the sub-RAM 24, starts the standby mode return process, proceeds to step SP11, and ends the sub-CPU processing procedure RT1 for transitioning to sleep mode at device startup. Factors that cause the printer 2 to return from sleep mode to standby mode include, for example, pressing the power-saving button on the printer 2, the printer 2 receiving data via USB (Universal Serial Bus) or LAN 6, or the USB cable being inserted into the printer 2.

[0040] [1-4. Effects, etc.] In the above configuration, the printer 2 executes the second sub-FW 44 using the sub-CPU 22, and during sleep mode, it monitors the interface (NIC 30) and returns to standby mode, and when the device is started, it speeds up the sub-FLASH memory 26 and starts up the main CPU 10.

[0041] Furthermore, when the printer 2 transitions to sleep mode, it copies all of the second sub-FW 44 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 using a program copy unit 33 configured as a hardware circuit. Once copying is complete, the printer 2 performs IF monitoring processing by fetching a packet monitoring function 75 of the second sub-FW 44 from the sub-RAM 24 and executing it using the sub-CPU 22 in sleep mode. Furthermore, when a factor for returning from standby mode occurs, the printer 2 fetches a standby mode return function 76 of the second sub-FW 44 from the sub-RAM 24 and executes it using the sub-CPU 22 to start the standby mode return processing.

[0042] Here, the sub-RAM 24 has a much faster data read speed than the sub-FLASH memory 26. Therefore, the printer 2 can operate faster, improve the interface monitoring performance, and enhance network responsiveness compared to when the sub-CPU 22 reads and executes the packet monitoring function 75 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 during sleep mode.

[0043] On the other hand, when the printer 2 is started up, the sub-CPU 22 itself copies only the sub-FLASH memory speed-up function 72, which is a part of the second sub-FW 44, from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 without using the program copy unit 33. When the copying is completed, the printer 2 causes the sub-CPU 22 to fetch the sub-FLASH memory speed-up function 72 from the sub-RAM 24 and execute it to speed up the sub-FLASH memory 26, and also fetch the main FW startup function 73 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 and execute it to start up the main CPU 10.

[0044] Therefore, when the printer 2 starts up, it takes less time to copy the program compared to when all of the second sub-FW 44 is copied from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24, as occurs when the printer transitions to sleep mode, and as a result, the startup time can be shortened.

[0045] This allows the printer 2 to prevent the startup time from becoming too long when the device is started up, while improving the network monitoring performance during sleep mode.

[0046] According to the above configuration, the printer 2 is capable of transitioning between a standby mode and a sleep mode that saves more power than the standby mode, and is provided with a NIC 30 that controls communication with the outside, a sub-CPU 22 that controls the NIC 30 in the sleep mode and controls the return from the sleep mode to the standby mode, a sub-FLASH memory 26 that is accessible to the sub-CPU 22 and stores firmware that is read and executed by the sub-CPU 22, and a sub-RAM 24 that is accessible to the sub-CPU 22 and has a high data read / write speed compared to the sub-FLASH memory 26, and when transitioning from the standby mode to the sleep mode, the sub-CPU 22 reads and writes firmware that operates in the sleep mode. A packet monitoring function 75 and a standby mode return function 76 as standby mode firmware (first firmware) are copied from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24, the packet monitoring function 75 is read out from the sub-RAM 24 during sleep mode and executed to control the NIC 30, and when the printer 2 starts up, a sub-FLASH memory high-speed function 72 as standby mode firmware (second firmware) which is firmware that operates during standby mode and has a smaller capacity than the sleep mode firmware is copied from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24, and the sub-FLASH memory high-speed function 72 is read out from the sub-RAM 24 during standby mode and executed.

[0047] As a result, when the printer 2 transitions to sleep mode, it copies the packet monitoring function 75 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24, which has a faster data read / write speed than the sub-FLASH memory 26, and reads it out from the sub-RAM 24 and executes it, thereby monitoring the network with good responsiveness, and when the device is started up, it copies the sub-FLASH memory speed-up function 72, which has a smaller capacity than the firmware for sleep mode, from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24, reads it out and executes it, thereby preventing the start-up time from becoming too long.

[0048] 2. Second Embodiment [2-1. Image formation system configuration] The image forming system 101 (Figure 1) according to the second embodiment differs from the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a printer 102 instead of printer 2, but is otherwise configured similarly.

[0049] [2-2. Printer configuration] The printer 102 (FIG. 2) according to the second embodiment differs from the printer 2 according to the first embodiment in that it has a sub-CPU 122 instead of the sub-CPU 22, but is otherwise configured similarly. The sub-FLASH memory 26 stores a second sub-FW 144 instead of the second sub-FW 44 (FIG. 4).

[0050] [2-3. Sub-CPU processing when starting the device and transitioning to sleep mode] Next, the sub-CPU processing procedure RT101 at device startup when transitioning to sleep mode, which is a specific processing procedure of the sub-CPU processing at device startup when transitioning to sleep mode according to the second embodiment, which is processing performed by the sub-CPU 122 that executes the second sub-FW 144, will be described using the flowchart shown in Figure 8, in which the same reference numerals are used for steps corresponding to those in Figure 7. The sub-CPU processing procedure RT101 at device startup when transitioning to sleep mode compared to the sub-CPU processing procedure RT1 at device startup when transitioning to sleep mode (Figure 7) has the addition of steps SP101, SP102, SP103, and SP104, but is otherwise configured in the same way.

[0051] In steps SP1 to SP4, the sub-CPU 122 performs the same processing as the sub-CPU processing procedure RT1 (FIG. 7) when transitioning to sleep mode at device startup. On the other hand, if transition to sleep mode has occurred, the sub-CPU 122 proceeds from step SP1 to step SP5, and in steps SP5 and SP6 performs the same processing as the sub-CPU processing procedure RT1 (FIG. 7) when transitioning to sleep mode at device startup, before proceeding to step SP101.

[0052] In step SP101, the sub-CPU 122 determines whether or not a standby mode return factor has been detected while copying the second sub-FW 144. At the time step SP101 is executed, a certain amount of time (e.g., 400 ms) may not have elapsed since step SP5, so copying of the second sub-FW 144 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 may not be complete and may still be in progress. If a negative result is obtained here, this indicates that a transition to sleep mode will occur as usual, and the sub-CPU 122 then proceeds to step SP7, where it performs processing similar to the sub-CPU processing procedure RT1 (FIG. 7) for transitioning to sleep mode at device startup.

[0053] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP101, this indicates a return to standby mode, and the sub-CPU 122 then proceeds to step SP102. In step SP102, the sub-CPU 122 determines whether or not copying of the second sub-FW 144 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 is complete. If a negative result is obtained here, this indicates that copying of the second sub-FW 144 is in progress, and therefore it is preferable to perform copy cancel processing to cancel the copying of the second sub-FW 144 in order to immediately start processing to return to standby mode, and the sub-CPU 122 then proceeds to step SP103.

[0054] In step SP103, the sub CPU 122 performs copy cancellation processing and proceeds to step SP104. In step SP104, the sub CPU 122 starts standby mode return processing by fetching and executing the standby mode return function 76 from the sub FLASH memory 26, proceeds to step SP11, and ends the sub CPU processing procedure RT101 for transitioning to sleep mode at device startup.

[0055] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP102, this indicates that the copying of the second sub-FW 144 has been completed and therefore there is no need to perform a copy cancellation process to cancel the copying of the second sub-FW 144 in order to immediately start the standby mode return process.In this case, the sub-CPU 122 skips step SP103 and proceeds to step SP104, where it starts the standby mode return process by fetching and executing the standby mode return function 76 from the sub-FLASH memory 26, proceeds to step SP11, and ends the sub-CPU processing procedure RT101 for transitioning to sleep mode at device startup.

[0056] [2-4. Effects, etc.] In the above configuration, if a standby mode return trigger occurs during the fixed time period from the start to the completion of copying of the second sub-FW 144 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 (i.e., during copying of the second sub-FW 144), the printer 102 does not wait until the copying of the second sub-FW 144 is completed before starting the standby mode return process, but instead immediately performs a copy cancel process to end the copying of the second sub-FW 144 and start the standby mode return process.

[0057] Therefore, if a trigger for returning to standby mode occurs while the second sub-FW 144 is copying, the printer 102 can immediately return to standby mode without making the user wait until the copying is complete in the second sub-FW 144. As a result, when the printer 102 transitions from standby mode to sleep mode and then immediately returns to standby mode, it can return to standby mode more quickly than the printer 2, thereby improving usability.

[0058] In other respects as well, the printer 102 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the printer 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0059] 3. Other Embodiments In the first embodiment described above, the printer 2 copies the sub-FLASH memory speed-up function 72, which is part of the second sub-FW 44 written in the sub-FLASH memory 26, to the sub-RAM 24 as standby mode firmware in step SP2 of the sub-CPU processing procedure RT1 (FIG. 7) for transitioning to sleep mode at device startup. The present invention is not limited to this example. The printer 2 may copy various other functions to the sub-RAM 24 as standby mode firmware, along with the sub-FLASH memory speed-up function 72, which is part of the firmware of the second sub-FW 44 written in the sub-FLASH memory 26, or instead of the sub-FLASH memory speed-up function 72. In this case, the standby mode firmware must be at least smaller in size than the sleep mode firmware. The same is true in the second embodiment.

[0060] In the first embodiment described above, the printer 2 has been described as copying the sub-FLASH memory acceleration function 72 to the sub-RAM 24 using the partial program copy function 70, which is a function of the second sub-FW 44, by the sub-CPU 22 without using the program copy unit 33 in step SP2 of the sub-CPU processing procedure RT1 (FIG. 7) for transitioning to sleep mode at device startup. The present invention is not limited to this, and if the program copy unit 33 can copy only a portion of the firmware, the printer 2 may also copy the sub-FLASH memory acceleration function 72 to the sub-RAM 24 by the sub-CPU 22 using the program copy unit 33. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0061] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the printer 2 has been described as fetching and executing the main firmware startup function 73 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 by the sub-CPU 22 in step SP4 of the sub-CPU processing procedure RT1 (FIG. 7) for transitioning to sleep mode at device startup. The present invention is not limited to this, and although it takes time to copy the main firmware startup function 73, the main firmware startup function 73 may be copied from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 together with the sub-FLASH memory acceleration function 72 in step SP2, and then the sub-CPU 22 may fetch and execute the main firmware startup function 73 from the sub-RAM 24 in step SP4. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0062] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the printer 2 was described as having the sub-CPU 22 copy all of the second sub-FW 44 from the sub-FLASH memory 26 to the sub-RAM 24 as sleep mode firmware in steps SP5 to SP7 of the sub-CPU processing procedure RT1 (FIG. 7) for transitioning to sleep mode at device startup. The present invention is not limited to this, and the printer 2 only needs to copy at least the packet monitoring function 75 and the standby mode return function 76 to the sub-RAM 24 as sleep mode firmware. However, because the packet monitoring function 75 occupies most of the capacity of the second sub-FW 44, the time required does not change significantly between when the sub-CPU 22 copies all of the second sub-FW 44 and when it copies only the packet monitoring function 75 and the standby mode return function 76. The same is true in the second embodiment.

[0063] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the printer 2 has been described as having the sub-CPU 22 copy all of the second sub-FW 44 to the sub-RAM 24 using the program copy unit 33 in step SP5 of the sub-CPU processing procedure RT1 (FIG. 7) for transitioning to sleep mode at device startup. The present invention is not limited to this, and the printer 2 may copy all of the second sub-FW 44 to the sub-RAM 24 using the function of the second sub-FW 44 by the sub-CPU 22 without using the program copy unit 33. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0064] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, when the printer 102 detects the occurrence of a factor for returning from standby mode in step SP101 of the sub-CPU processing procedure RT101 (FIG. 8) for transitioning to sleep mode at device startup, and if the second sub-FW 144 is in the middle of copying in step SP102, the printer 102 performs copy cancellation processing in step SP103 and then starts standby mode return processing in step SP104. The present invention is not limited to this, and the printer 102 may omit steps SP102 and SP103, and start standby mode return processing in step SP104 if the printer 102 detects the occurrence of a factor for returning from standby mode in step SP101.

[0065] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the printer 2 is configured with the sub-FLASH memory 26 as the low-speed memory from which the firmware is copied, and the sub-RAM 24 as the high-speed memory to which the firmware is copied. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The printer 2 may be configured with various other storage units such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) as the low-speed memory from which the firmware is copied, and various other storage units with faster read / write speeds than the low-speed memory as the high-speed memory to which the firmware is copied. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0066] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the printer 2 cuts off the power supply to the main CPU 10 in sleep mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the printer 2 reduces the power supply to the main CPU 10 in sleep mode at least more than in standby mode. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to the printer 2 or 102. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to various devices that perform various image-related processes, such as a facsimile, an MFP (Multi Function Printer), or a copier.

[0068] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and other embodiments. That is, the scope of application of the present invention also extends to embodiments in which the above-described embodiments are combined in part or in whole with any of the above-described other embodiments. The scope of application of the present invention also extends to embodiments in which part of the configuration described in any of the above-described embodiments and other embodiments is extracted and used as part of the configuration of any of the above-described embodiments and other embodiments, or in which part of the extracted configuration is added to any of the above-described embodiments.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the printer 2 as an image forming apparatus is configured with the NIC 30 as a network control unit, the sub-CPU 22 as a first control unit, the sub-FLASH memory 26 as a first memory (low-speed memory), and the sub-RAM 24 as a second memory (high-speed memory). The present invention is not limited to this, and the image forming apparatus may be configured with a network control unit, a first control unit, a low-speed memory, and a high-speed memory having various other configurations. [Industrial Applicability]

[0070] The present invention can be used in, for example, an image forming apparatus that goes into a sleep mode to save power. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1, 101...Image forming system, 2, 102...Printer, 3...PC group, 4...PC, 5...Switching hub, 6...LAN, 10...Main CPU, 12...Main RAM, 14...Main FLASH memory, 16...Image processing unit, 18...Image forming unit, 20...Power supply control unit, 22, 122...Sub CPU, 24...Sub RAM, 26...Sub FLASH memory, 28...Inter-CPU communication control unit, 30...NIC, 32...Operation display unit, 33...Program copy unit, 34...Sleep mode Power saving area during loading, 40...Main FW, 42...First sub-FW, 44...Second sub-FW, 50...Image processing function, 51...Network printing function, 52...Sleep mode transition function, 60...Image formation function, 61...All program copy function, 70...Partial program copy function, 71...All program copy function, 72...Sub-FLASH memory high-speed function, 73...Main FW startup function, 74...Sleep mode transition function, 75...Packet monitoring function, 76...Standby mode return function.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus capable of transitioning between a standby mode and a sleep mode that is more power-efficient than the standby mode, a network control unit that controls communication with the outside; a first control unit that controls the network control unit in the sleep mode and controls a return from the sleep mode to the standby mode; a first memory accessible to the first control unit and storing firmware that is read and executed by the first control unit; a second memory accessible by the first control unit and having a data read / write speed faster than that of the first memory; and The first control unit When transitioning from the standby mode to the sleep mode, copying first firmware, which is firmware that operates during the sleep mode, from the first memory to the second memory, and reading and executing the first firmware from the second memory during the sleep mode to control the network control unit; When the image forming apparatus is started up, second firmware, which is firmware that operates in the standby mode and has a smaller capacity than the first firmware, is copied from the first memory to the second memory, and the second firmware is read from the second memory and executed in the standby mode. Image forming device.

2. The first control unit When the standby mode is switched to the sleep mode, at least firmware for controlling the network control unit and firmware for returning from the sleep mode to the standby mode are copied from the first memory to the second memory as the first firmware. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The first control unit When the standby mode is switched to the sleep mode, all firmware of the first control unit is copied from the first memory to the second memory as the first firmware. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. The first control unit When transitioning from the standby mode to the sleep mode, the first firmware is copied from the first memory to the second memory by a program copy unit configured as a circuit outside the first control unit; When the device is started, the second firmware is copied from the first memory to the second memory by the function of the first control unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. a second control unit that operates in the standby mode, controls the network control unit, and controls the sleep mode to a lower power consumption state than the standby mode; and The first control unit When the device is started, at least firmware for increasing the speed of the first memory is copied from the first memory to the second memory as the second firmware. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

6. The first control unit When a standby mode return factor occurs during copying of the first firmware, the device returns from the sleep mode to the standby mode without waiting for the copying to be completed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

7. the first memory is a flash memory; The second memory is a RAM. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

Images