Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus which can be switched to a mode with less power consumption than a sleep mode by a method designated by a user in advance.SOLUTION: In a state in which the auto power-OFF period is stored in the memory 103, CPU101 indicates that the auto power-OFF period has elapsed since the power of predetermined hardware other than CPU101 and the memory 103 was turned OFF in a state in which the power of the fixing device 7 was OFF. In addition, it is possible to execute a process of turning off the power of the hardware including the CPU101 and the memory 103 when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and a process of turning off the power of the hardware including the CPU101 and the memory 103 when the time scheduled by the schedule has passed and the predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where the power of the fixing device 7 and the power of the predetermined hardware other than the CPU101 and the memory 103 are off in a state where the schedule is stored in the memory 103.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to an image forming apparatus that can be switched to a mode that consumes less power than a sleep mode. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that can be switched to a sleep mode when it has not been used for a predetermined period of time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-78678 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 does not mention switching to a mode that consumes less power than the sleep mode.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be switched to a mode that consumes less power than the sleep mode by a method designated in advance by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus described in an embodiment is an image forming apparatus comprising: a print engine capable of printing on sheets by an electrophotographic method; a fuser located downstream of the print engine in a sheet transport path and fuses the print on the sheet by the print engine to the sheet; a user interface; a memory; and a controller, wherein the controller is capable of storing an auto power off time in the memory in response to receiving an input specifying an auto power off time via the user interface; and is capable of storing a schedule in the memory in response to receiving an input specifying a schedule including a time via the user interface; and when the auto power off time is stored in the memory, the controller is capable of executing auto power off processing to turn off the power of hardware including the controller and memory when the auto power off time has elapsed and a predetermined condition is met after the power of the fuser unit and the power of predetermined hardware other than the controller and memory are off; and when the schedule is stored in the memory, the controller is capable of executing scheduled power off processing to turn off the power of hardware including the controller and memory when the time scheduled in the schedule has passed and a predetermined condition is met with the power of the fuser unit and the power of predetermined hardware other than the controller and memory being off. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the image forming apparatus of the embodiment, it is possible to execute a process for switching to a mode that consumes less power than the sleep mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the MFP. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the MFP. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the setting screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information stored in a memory. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state transition of an MFP. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a power off mode transition determination process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process for determining whether or not auto power off / scheduled power off is possible. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process for determining whether or not to execute Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a schedule power-on function setting process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a warming-up transition determination process. [Figure 12] 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a modified example of the power off mode transition determination process of FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below using an MFP (abbreviation for Multifunction Peripheral) 1 as an example. The MFP 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a CPU 101, a user IF 102, a memory 103, a print engine 104, a scanner 105, a communication IF 106, a FAX IF 107, an RTC 108, and a power supply IC 109, which are electrically connected to one another via a bus 110. "IF" is an abbreviation for Interface. "RTC" is an abbreviation for Real Time Clock. "IC" is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit. The MFP 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus. The CPU 101 is an example of a controller.

[0010] CPU 101 executes various processes in accordance with control program 103A read from memory 103 and based on user operations. Note that MFP 1 may include a single piece of hardware as CPU 101, or may include multiple pieces of hardware corresponding to the respective functions. Memory 103 stores various programs and various data, including control program 103A and setting information 103B. Control program 103A is a program that causes MFP 1 to perform various operations. Details of each program and data will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10. Memory 103 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. A buffer provided in CPU 101 is also an example of memory. Setting information 103B includes information stored in volatile memory such as RAM and information stored in non-volatile memory such as NVRAM.

[0011] Note that examples of memory 103 are not limited to ROM, RAM, NVRAM, HDD, etc. built into MFP1, but may also be storage media readable and writable by CPU 101. For example, external memories such as a USB memory or HDD connected to MFP1 via communication IF 106, and memories or HDDs provided in devices connected to MFP1 via communication IF 106 are also examples of memory 103. Note that computer-readable storage media are non-transitory media. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals carrying programs downloaded from a server on the Internet are computer-readable signal media, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0012] User IF 102 is an interface between the user who operates MFP 1 and CPU 101, and includes, for example, a touch panel or physical operation keys. Print engine 104 includes a configuration for printing an image on a print medium such as a sheet using an electrophotographic method. Scanner 105 generates scan data (image data) by reading an original. MFP 1 can also perform composite operations that combine multiple operations, such as combining an operation to generate scan data with an operation to print.

[0013] The communication IF 106 is an interface that connects the MFP 1 to a network (not shown). The FAX IF 107 can execute a FAX reception process that receives FAX data (image data) via a telephone line (not shown) and causes the print engine 104 to print the FAX data, and a FAX transmission process that transmits scan data read by the scanner 105 to a predetermined address via the telephone line.

[0014] The RTC 108 is a clock built into the MFP 1. A power supply voltage is always supplied to the RTC 108 from the battery 111, and the RTC 108 continues to keep time even if the power supply to the MFP 1 is stopped. The current time can be set in the RTC 108 by the CPU 101 in response to a user instruction via the user IF 102.

[0015] Power supply IC 109 is connected to power key 102A and commercial AC power supply 200, and has the function of switching on / off the supply of commercial AC power 200 to each component of MFP 1, such as CPU 101 and memory 103, in response to the on / off operation of power key 102A. Furthermore, power supply IC 109 has an automatic power-on function, which will be described later. Note that power key 102A is a physical key.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1 uses a process unit 6 to form a toner image on a sheet S supplied from a supply tray 3 or manual feed tray 4 located at the bottom inside the main body housing 2. The process unit 6 corresponds to the print engine 104 in FIG. 1. The MFP 1 then heats the sheet S on which the toner image has been formed using a fuser 7 to perform a fixing process. The MFP 1 then discharges the sheet S onto a discharge tray 8 located at the top of the main body housing 2 using discharge rollers 24.

[0017] The process unit 6 includes a scanner unit 10, a developing cartridge 13, a photosensitive drum 17, a charger 18, a transfer roller 19, and the like.

[0018] Scanner unit 10 is located at the top of main body housing 2 and includes a laser emitting unit (not shown), a polygon mirror 11, a plurality of reflecting mirrors 12, a plurality of lenses (not shown), etc. In scanner unit 10, laser light emitted from the laser emitting unit is irradiated onto the surface of photosensitive drum 17 in a high-speed scanning manner as shown by the dashed dotted line via polygon mirror 11, reflecting mirror 12, and lenses.

[0019] The developing cartridge 13 is detachably mounted in the main body casing 2 and contains toner therein. A developing roller 14 and a supply roller 15 are disposed opposite each other at the toner supply port of the developing cartridge 13. The toner in the developing cartridge 13 is supplied to the developing roller 14 by the rotation of the supply roller 15 and is carried by the developing roller 14.

[0020] A charger 18 is disposed above the photosensitive drum 17 at a distance. A transfer roller 19 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 17 facing the photosensitive drum 17. While the surface of the photosensitive drum 17 is being rotated, it is first uniformly charged, for example, to a positive polarity by the charger 18. Next, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 17 by a laser beam from the scanner unit 10.

[0021] Thereafter, when the photosensitive drum 17 rotates in contact with the developing roller 14, the toner carried on the developing roller 14 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 17, thereby forming a toner image. Thereafter, the toner image is transferred to the sheet S by a transfer bias applied to the transfer roller 19 while the sheet S passes between the photosensitive drum 17 and the transfer roller 19.

[0022] The fixing unit 7 is disposed downstream of the process unit 6 in the sheet conveying direction, and includes a fixing roller 22, a pressure roller 23 that presses the fixing roller 22, and a heater 31 that heats the fixing roller 22. The MFP 1 also includes a display unit 27 that displays print information and the like. The display unit 27 is included in the user IF 102.

[0023] The MFP 1 is configured to allow various settings to be made as ecology settings. Fig. 3(a) shows an ecology settings screen 120 displayed on the user IF 102. The ecology settings screen 120 displays an Eco Mode label 120A, a Toner Save label 120B, a Sleep Time label 120C, a Quiet Mode label 120D, an Auto Power Off label 120E, a Scheduled Power On label 120F, and a Scheduled Power Off label 120G.

[0024] For example, when Eco Mode label 120A is operated, CPU 101 displays an Eco Mode setting screen (not shown) on user IF 102 for setting Eco Mode. Then, by selecting, for example, either Eco Mode On or Eco Mode Off from the Eco Mode setting screen, Eco Mode can be set. Similarly, when any of Toner Save label 120B, Sleep Time label 120C, Quiet Mode label 120D, Auto Power Off label 120E, Scheduled Power On label 120F, and Scheduled Power Off label 120G is operated, CPU 101 displays a setting screen on user IF 102 for setting the corresponding setting. Then, by selecting a setting value from the displayed setting screen, the corresponding setting can be made.

[0025] Eco Mode is a mode that allows the MFP 1 to operate in an environmentally friendly manner. For example, by turning on the Toner Save setting, toner-saving printing is performed, or by turning on the Quiet Mode setting, the sheet S is conveyed at a slower speed than normal and the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 7 is set lower than normal to reduce power consumption. It also transitions to the Sleep state earlier than the time set in the Sleep Time setting. Therefore, by operating the Eco Mode label 120A to display the Eco Mode setting screen and selecting Eco Mode On from the Eco Mode setting screen, the Toner Save setting and Quiet Mode setting are also set to On. Of course, only one of the Toner Save setting and Quiet Mode setting may be set to On, or both may be kept Off and the transition to the Sleep state may be made in a shorter time (e.g., 10 seconds) than the time set in the Sleep Time setting (1 minute in the illustrated example).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 6, the MFP 1 has two power-off modes, Auto Power Off Mode and Manual Power Off Mode, which consume less power than the Deep Sleep Mode. When the MFP 1 automatically enters the Power Off Mode, for example, by a scheduled power-off function or an auto power-off function (described later), that Power Off Mode is called Auto Power Off Mode. When the MFP 1 enters the Power Off Mode in response to a user operation, for example, an operation on the power key 102A, that Power Off Mode is called Manual Power Off Mode. In the Deep Sleep Mode, the power to at least the CPU 101 and memory 103 is turned on. In contrast, in the Power Off Mode, the power to the CPU 101 and memory 103 is also turned off, and only the power to the RTC 108 and power supply IC 109 is turned on, enabling the functions of the RTC 108, including the function of keeping time, and the functions of the power supply IC 109, including the function of detecting the operation of the power key 102A.

[0027] The device transitions to Auto Power Off Mode from the Deep Sleep state according to the decision made in the Power Off Mode determination process (described later with reference to FIG. 7) when a valid Auto Power Off setting has been made or a valid Scheduled Power Off setting has been made. In other words, even when a valid Auto Power Off setting and Scheduled Power Off setting have been made, the device can only transition to Auto Power Off Mode from the Deep Sleep state, and several other conditions must also be met.

[0028] On the other hand, the MFP 1 can enter Manual Power Off Mode from the Ready state, the Sleep state, or the Deep Sleep state by pressing and holding the power key 102A. The Ready state is a state in which at least the power to the fuser 7 is turned on and printing is possible immediately upon receiving a print instruction. The Sleep state is a state in which at least the power to the fuser 7 is turned off. The Deep Sleep state is a state in which, in addition to the Sleep state, power to some components, such as the user IF 102, is turned off. Because the components that are turned on / off include at least hardware, these components may also be referred to as hardware resources. The Ready state transitions to the Sleep state, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed without a print instruction. The Sleep state transitions to the Deep Sleep state, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed without a print instruction from the Sleep state. The Deep Sleep state transitions to the Sleep state, for example, when data is received via the communication IF 106 or the FAX IF 107.

[0029] Furthermore, the state transitions from Auto Power Off Mode and Manual Power Off Mode to the Warming Up state according to the determination made in the Warming Up transition determination process (described later with reference to FIG. 11). The state transitions from the Warming Up state to the Ready state when the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 7, which has been turned on, reaches the target temperature.

[0030] Returning to Fig. 3(a), the setting screen for the scheduled power off function, which will be described later, will be described. When the Scheduled Power Off label 120G is operated, the CPU 101 displays the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121 shown in Fig. 3(b) on the user IF 102. On the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121, a schedule for automatically transitioning from the Deep Sleep state to the Auto Power Off Mode is set. On the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121, a Scheduled Power Off Date label 121A and a Scheduled Power Off Time label 121B are displayed. Therefore, on the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121, the setting items Scheduled Power Off Date and Scheduled Power Off Time can be set.

[0031] 5 shows an example of setting items and setting values ​​that can be set as setting information 103B. The setting item Scheduled Power Off Date can be set to one of four values: Off, Every Day, Every Weekday, and Custom. When the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121 of FIG. 3(b) is displayed, the setting item Scheduled Power Off Date 121A is set to Off. In other words, no schedule has been set for automatically transitioning from the Deep Sleep state to the Auto Power Off Mode. For this reason, the setting item Scheduled Power Off Time cannot be set, and on the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121, the Scheduled Power Off Time label 121B is displayed in grayscale, making it impossible to operate the Scheduled Power Off Time label 121B.

[0032] When the Scheduled Power Off Date label 121A on the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121 is operated, the CPU 101 displays a Scheduled Power Off Date setting screen 122 shown in FIG. 3(c) on the user IF 102. The Scheduled Power Off Date setting screen 122 displays labels 122A to 122D for selecting the four setting values ​​Off, Every Day, Every Weekday, and Custom, respectively. When the user selects, for example, the Custom label 122D, the CPU 101 displays a Custom content setting screen 123 shown in FIG. 3(d) on the user IF 102. As shown in FIG. 5, the setting item Scheduled Power Off Custom can be set to any one or all of seven types, from Every Monday to Every Sunday, as setting values. Therefore, the Custom content setting screen 123 displays labels 123A to 123D for selecting Every Monday to Every Thursday, respectively. However, since Custom content setting screen 123 does not have enough display area to display all seven types (Every Monday to Every Sunday), labels 123A to 123D for selecting each of the four types (Every Monday to Every Thursday) are displayed instead. The labels for selecting each of the three types (Every Friday to Every Sunday) are displayed in the display area by operating up icon 123E and down icon 123F. Each operation of the labels for selecting each of Every Monday to Every Sunday, including labels 123A to 123D, toggles between selected and unselected, and when selected, a check mark is displayed in the check box within the label. When OK icon 123G is operated, CPU 101 stores the current setting contents in memory 103 as setting information 103B, and switches the display on user IF 102 from Custom content setting screen 123 to Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121′ shown in FIG. 3(e).

[0033] 3(b). On the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121, the Date label 121A displays "Off," whereas on the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121', the Date label 121A' displays "Custom." Furthermore, on the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121, the Time label 121B is displayed in grayscale, whereas on the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121', the Time label 121B' is displayed in a normal display in which the setting item Scheduled Power Off Time can be set.

[0034] 4(a) shows the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 130 when "Every Weekday" is set as the setting value for the setting item Scheduled Power Off Date. When the Time label 130B on the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 130 is operated, the CPU 101 displays the Scheduled Power Off Time setting screen 131 shown in FIG. 4(b) on the user IF 102. The Scheduled Power Off Time setting screen 131 displays a setting value display area 131A for displaying the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Time, a left icon 131B and a right icon 131C for instructing leftward and rightward movement of a cursor (not shown) indicating each value constituting the setting value displayed in the setting value display area 131A, a delete icon 131D for instructing deletion of the value at the cursor position, a numeric keypad 131E, and an AM icon 131F and a PM icon 131G for selecting AM and PM, respectively. By operating icons 131B to 131G including numeric keypad 131E, the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Time can be changed. The Scheduled Power Off Time setting screen 131 of Fig. 4(b) shows an example in which the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Time has been changed from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. When OK icon 131H is operated, CPU 101 stores the current setting content in memory 103 as setting information 103B, and switches the display on user IF 102 from Scheduled Power Off Time setting screen 131 to Scheduled Power Off setting screen 130' shown in Fig. 4(c).

[0035] 4(a) Scheduled Power Off setting screen 130′ is a screen corresponding to Scheduled Power Off setting screen 130. Scheduled Power Off setting screen 130′ and Scheduled Power Off setting screen 130 are the same in that Date label 130A displays Every Weekday, but the display of Time label 130B′ has been changed from 7:00 AM displayed in Time label 130B to 8:00 AM.

[0036] Next, a setting screen for the scheduled power-on function, which will be described later, will be described. When the Scheduled Power On label 120F on the Ecology setting screen 120 in FIG. 3(a) is operated, the CPU 101 displays a Scheduled Power On setting screen (not shown) on the user IF 102. The Scheduled Power On setting screen allows the user to set a schedule for automatically transitioning from Power Off Mode to Warming Up Mode. As shown in FIG. 5, the Scheduled Power On setting allows the user to set the setting items Scheduled Power On Date, Scheduled Power On Custom, and Scheduled Power On Time, just like the Scheduled Power Off setting. The setting values ​​for each setting item are the same for the Scheduled Power On setting and the Scheduled Power Off setting. Therefore, the Scheduled Power On setting screen for setting the Scheduled Power On setting can be the Scheduled Power Off setting screen 121, with the display of "Scheduled Power Off" replaced by "Scheduled Power On." Furthermore, the Scheduled Power On Date setting screen, Custom content setting screen, and Scheduled Power On Time setting screen, which are transitioned from the Scheduled Power On setting screen, may be similar to the Scheduled Power Off Date setting screen 122, Custom content setting screen 123, and Scheduled Power Off Time setting screen 131, respectively. For this reason, illustrations of the Scheduled Power On setting screens and explanations of specific methods for setting Scheduled Power On will be omitted.

[0037] Next, a setting screen for the auto power off function, which will be described later, will be described. When the Auto Power Off label 120E on the Ecology setting screen 120 in FIG. 3(a) is operated, the CPU 101 displays an Auto Power Off setting screen (not shown) on the user IF 102 for setting Auto Power Off. The Auto Power Off setting screen allows the user to set the duration of the Deep Sleep state for automatically transitioning from the Deep Sleep state to Auto Power Off Mode. As shown in FIG. 5, there are five setting values ​​for the setting item Auto Power Off: Off, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 8 hours, and the user can set any one of these. The Auto Power Off setting screen displays labels corresponding to the five setting values, and the user can set the setting value of the setting item Auto Power Off by operating any one of the labels.

[0038] 5, the setting items "Date," "Time," and "Day" indicate the current date and time. As described above, the initial settings of these setting items are performed by the CPU 101 in response to a user instruction via the user IF 102. Thereafter, the RTC 108 keeps time.

[0039] FIG. 4(d) shows the Ecology setting screen 120′ after the Scheduled Power Off setting has been enabled, that is, after the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Date has been set to a value other than Off. This Ecology setting screen 120′ corresponds to the Ecology setting screen 120 of FIG. 3(a). The Ecology setting screen 120′ differs from the Ecology setting screen 120 in that the Auto Power Off label 120E′ is displayed in grayscale. This means that only one of the Auto Power Off setting and the Scheduled Power Off setting is enabled, not both. The example of FIG. 4(d) shows that the Scheduled Power Off setting is enabled and the Auto Power Off setting is disabled. However, this is not a limitation, and both the Auto Power Off setting and the Scheduled Power Off setting may be enabled, and operation may be performed according to each setting.

[0040] In response to an operation received via the Scheduled Power Off setting screen, CPU 101 stores a value indicating a setting for the scheduled power off function in memory 103. In response to an operation received via the Scheduled Power On setting screen, CPU 101 stores a value indicating a setting for the scheduled power on function in memory 103. In response to an operation received via the Auto Power Off setting screen, CPU 101 stores a value indicating a setting for the auto power off function in memory 103.

[0041] Next, the operation of the MFP 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. Note that the following processing refers to processing by the CPU 101 in accordance with instructions written in a program. That is, in the following description, processing such as "determination," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "reception," and "control" refer to processing by the CPU 101. Processing by the CPU 101 also includes hardware control using an OS API. In this specification, the operation of each program will be described without mentioning the OS. That is, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may also mean that "program B controls hardware C using the OS API." Also, processing by the CPU 101 in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms, such as "performed by the CPU 101."

[0042] Note that "acquire" is used as a concept that does not require a request. In other words, the process of CPU 101 receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "CPU acquires data." Furthermore, "data" in this specification is represented by a bit string that can be read by a computer. Data that has the same substantial meaning but different formats is treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Furthermore, "request" and "instruct" are concepts that indicate outputting information indicating a request or an instruction to the other party. Furthermore, information indicating a request or an instruction is also simply referred to as a "request" or "instruction."

[0043] Furthermore, the process by CPU 101 to determine whether information A indicates event B may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B is present from information A." The process by CPU 101 to determine whether information A indicates event B or event C may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B or event C is present from information A."

[0044] 7 shows the procedure for the power off mode transition determination process executed by the MFP 1, particularly the CPU 101. The power off mode transition determination process is started when the MFP 1 transitions to the deep sleep state. Hereinafter, in the description of each process, steps will be represented as "S."

[0045] 7, CPU 101 determines whether power key 102A has been pressed and held (S10). If power key 102A has not been pressed and held (S10: NO), CPU 101 executes an Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off enable / disable determination process (S11). FIG. 8 shows detailed steps of the Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off enable / disable determination process. In FIG. 8, CPU 101 determines whether a telephone line is connected via FAXIF 107 (S20). If the telephone line is not connected (S20: NO), CPU 101 determines whether print data for stored printing is stored in memory 103 (S21). Stored printing is a method of reading and printing print data stored in memory 103 later. If the print data for stored printing is not stored in memory 103 (S21: NO), CPU 101 determines whether Eco Mode is Off (S22). As shown in FIG. 5, the setting value of the setting item Eco Mode is stored in memory 103 as setting information 103B, so in S22, CPU 101 reads the setting value of the setting item Eco Mode from memory 103 and makes a determination based on that setting value.

[0046] If it is determined in S22 that Eco Mode is Off (S22: YES), CPU 101 determines whether MFP 1 is connected to a network via communication IF 106 (S23). If it is determined that MFP 1 is not connected to a network (S23: NO), CPU 101 determines that power off is possible (S24) and then ends the Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off possibility determination process. On the other hand, if it is determined in S23 that MFP 1 is connected to a network (S23: YES), CPU 101 determines that power off is not possible (S25) and then ends the Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off possibility determination process.

[0047] On the other hand, if the determination in S22 is that Eco Mode is On (S22: NO), CPU 101 determines that Power Off is possible (S24) without making the determination in S23, and then ends the Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off possibility determination process. When Eco Mode is On, that is, enabled, CPU 101 determines that Auto Power Off is possible regardless of whether MFP 1 is connected to a network, because it is desirable to minimize the overall power consumption of MFP 1. In this way, when Eco Mode is On, there are fewer conditions for determining that Auto Power Off is possible than when Eco Mode is Off. Specifically, when Eco Mode is Off, it is determined that Auto Power Off is possible when the following three conditions are met: a telephone line is not connected (S20: NO), print data for accumulated printing is not saved in memory 13 (S21: NO), and there is no connection to a network (S23: NO). On the other hand, when Eco Mode is On, it is determined that Auto Power Off is possible when two conditions are met, excluding the condition that the device is not connected to a network (S23: NO). Note that the above conditions are merely examples and are not limited to these. Furthermore, the number of conditions to be excluded when Eco Mode is On is not limited to one, and may be two or more.

[0048] On the other hand, if the determination in S20 shows that the telephone line is connected (S20: YES), or if the determination in S21 shows that print data for stored printing is stored in memory 103 (S21: YES), CPU 101 determines that power off is not possible (S25) and then terminates the Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off possibility determination process. If the telephone line is connected, it is assumed that MFP 1 is exchanging data with an external device via FAXIF 107, so CPU 101 determines that power off is not possible. Also, if print data for stored printing is stored in memory 103, CPU 101 determines that power off is not possible so that the user can immediately perform stored printing at any time.

[0049] 7, CPU 101 determines whether power off is possible (S12). When the auto power off / scheduled power off possibility determination process of S11 is executed, it is determined whether power off is possible or not, and CPU 101 can make the determination of S12 in accordance with this determination. If it is determined in S12 that power off is possible (S12: YES), CPU 101 executes auto power off / scheduled power off implementation / non-implementation determination process (S13).

[0050] 9 shows detailed steps of the process for determining whether or not to perform Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off. First, CPU 101 starts processing for the auto power off function. Specifically, CPU 101 determines whether or not the setting value of the setting item Auto Power Off is other than Off (S30). As described above with reference to FIG. 5, there are five setting values ​​for the setting item Auto Power Off: Off, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 8 hours. Therefore, in S30, CPU 101 determines whether or not the setting value of the setting item Auto Power Off is set to any of 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 8 hours.

[0051] If the determination in S30 is that the setting value of the setting item Auto Power Off is other than Off (S30: YES), CPU 101 acquires the time elapsed since MFP 1 entered the Deep Sleep state (S31) and determines whether the acquired elapsed time has exceeded the time indicated by the setting value of the setting item Auto Power Off (S32). If the determination is that the acquired elapsed time is equal to or greater than the time indicated by the setting value of the setting item Auto Power Off (S32: YES), CPU 101 determines that power off should be performed (S37) and then terminates the Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off implementation / non-implementation determination process. On the other hand, if the determination in S32 is that the acquired elapsed time is less than the time indicated by the setting value of the setting item Auto Power Off (S32: NO), CPU 101 proceeds to S33.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined in S30 that the setting value of the setting item Auto Power Off is Off (S30: NO), then CPU 101 starts processing for the scheduled power off function. Specifically, CPU 101 advances the processing to S33. In S33, CPU 101 determines whether or not the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Date is other than Off. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, there are four setting values ​​for the setting item Scheduled Power Off Date: Off, Every Day, Every Weekday, and Custom. Therefore, in S30, CPU 101 determines whether or not any of the setting values ​​Every Day, Every Weekday, and Custom is set for the setting item Scheduled Power Off Date.

[0053] If the determination in S33 is that the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Date is other than Off (S33: YES), CPU 101 acquires the current date and time (S34) and determines whether the acquired current date and time has reached the set date and time of Scheduled Power Off (S35). Here, the set date and time of Scheduled Power Off is determined based on the set values ​​of the setting items Scheduled Power Off Date and Scheduled Power Off Time. Specifically, if the set value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Date is Custom, the Custom content is, for example, Every Monday, and the set value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Time is 7:00 AM, it is determined whether the current date and time has reached 7:00 AM every Monday. Also, if the Custom content is, for example, Every Day, and the set value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Time is 12:00 AM, it is determined whether the current date and time has reached 12:00 AM every day. Furthermore, if the Custom content is, for example, Every Weekday and the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Time is 0:00 AM, it is determined whether the current date and time reaches 0:00 AM every Monday through Friday. In this embodiment, the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Time can be freely set by the user, but this is not limitative and the setting value may not be freely set by the user. In this case, the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Time may be set in advance by the manufacturer of the MFP 1 or by the seller of the MFP 1. Alternatively, the setting value may be set in advance by the administrator of the MFP 1 using a method other than the setting screen.In addition, in this embodiment, the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Time can be freely specified by the user in one-minute increments using Scheduled Power Off Time setting screen 131 in Fig. 4(b), but this is not limiting and the setting may be limited to a predetermined time, for example, in one-hour increments or a time range such as morning or afternoon. In this case, the manufacturer, seller, or administrator of MFP 1 may be allowed to freely set all times including the predetermined time.

[0054] If the CPU 101 determines in S35 that the acquired current date and time has not reached the set date and time for Scheduled Power Off (S35: YES), it determines that Power Off should be performed (S37) and then ends the Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off implementation / non-implementation determination process. On the other hand, if the acquired current date and time has reached the set date and time for Scheduled Power Off (S35: NO), it determines that Power Off should not be performed (S36) and then ends the Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off implementation / non-implementation determination process.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined in S33 that the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power Off Date is Off (S33: NO), CPU 101 determines that power off will not be performed (S36), and then ends the Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off performance / non-performance determination process. Note that in the Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off performance / non-performance determination process, CPU 101 first starts processing for the auto power off function (S30), and if either S30 or S32 is NO, starts processing for the scheduled power off function (S33), but this order may be reversed. That is, CPU 101 may first start processing for the scheduled power off function (S33), and if either S33 or S35 is NO, start processing for the auto power off function (S30).

[0056] 7, CPU 101 determines whether power off is to be performed (S14). If the result of the Auto Power Off / Scheduled Power Off performance / non-performance determination process in S13 is that power off is not to be performed (S14: NO), CPU 101 determines to continue the Deep Sleep state (S15) and then terminates the Power Off Mode transition determination process. On the other hand, if the result of S13 is that power off is to be performed (S14: YES), CPU 101 determines to transition to Auto Power Off Mode (S16) and then executes scheduled power on function setting process (S17).

[0057] Fig. 10 shows detailed steps of the scheduled power-on function setting process. In Fig. 10, CPU 101 determines whether the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power On Date is other than Off (S40). As described above with reference to Fig. 5, there are four setting values ​​for the setting item Scheduled Power On Date: Off, Every Day, Every Weekday, and Custom. Therefore, in S40, CPU 101 determines whether any of the setting values ​​Every Day, Every Weekday, and Custom is set for the setting item Scheduled Power On Date.

[0058] If the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power On Date is determined to be other than Off (S40: YES), CPU 101 enables the automatic power-on function of power supply IC 109 (S41) and acquires the current date and time (S42). CPU 101 then calculates the time from the acquired current date and time to the Scheduled Power On setting date and time (S43). The Scheduled Power On setting date and time is determined based on the setting values ​​of the setting items Scheduled Power On Date and Scheduled Power On Time. Specifically, if the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power On Date is Every Weekday and the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power On Time is 8:00 AM, the time from the current date and time to 8:00 AM on the next weekday is calculated. Next, CPU 101 sets the time until automatic power-on, i.e., the time calculated in S43, in power supply IC 109 (S44), and then terminates the Scheduled Power On setting process. The automatic power-on function of power supply IC 109 will now be described. The power supply IC 109 is configured so that a value corresponding to the time can be set by the CPU 101. The value may be, for example, an integer value. When the automatic power-on function is enabled, the power supply IC 109 is configured to decrement the value at predetermined time intervals, and when the value reaches "0", the power supply IC 109 is configured to supply commercial AC power 200, which had not been supplied to the MFP 1 until then, to the MFP 1.

[0059] On the other hand, if the determination in S40 is that the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power On Date is Off (S40: NO), the CPU 101 disables the automatic power-on function of the power IC 109 (S45) and then terminates the scheduled power-on function setting process.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 7, the CPU 101 instructs the power supply IC 109 to turn off the power (S18), and then ends the Power Off Mode transition determination process.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined in S10 that the power key 102A has been pressed and held (S10: YES), the CPU 101 determines to transition to the Manual Power Off Mode (S19) and then proceeds to S17. After executing the processes of S17 and S18, the CPU 101 ends the Power Off Mode transition determination process. The processes of S17 and S18 have been described above, so they will not be described again here.

[0062] FIG. 11 shows the procedure for the warming-up transition determination process. Note that FIG. 11 includes a mixture of processes executed by CPU 101 and power supply IC 109. The warming-up transition determination process is initiated when MFP 1 transitions to power-off mode (see FIG. 6). In FIG. 11, power supply IC 109 determines whether power key 102A has been pressed (S100). If power key 102A has been pressed (S100: YES), MFP 1 turns on the supply of commercial AC power 200 to CPU 101 and memory 103 (S104). After power is turned on, CPU 101 determines to transition to warming-up (S105) and then terminates the warming-up transition determination process. Having determined to transition to warming-up, CPU 101 instructs power supply IC 109 to turn on the power to fuser 7. Note that power supply IC 109 may automatically turn on power to fixing unit 7 in S104. Also, power supply IC 109 may also turn on power to other components of MFP 1 in S104. Also, CPU 101, which has decided to transition to Warming Up, may instruct power supply IC 109 to also turn on power to other components of MFP 1.

[0063] On the other hand, if the determination in S100 shows that the power key 102A has not been pressed (S100: NO), the power supply IC 109 determines whether its own automatic power-on function is enabled (S101). If the determination shows that the automatic power-on function is enabled (S101: YES), the power supply IC 109 determines whether the set time for the scheduled power-on function has elapsed (S102). As described above, the CPU 101 enables the automatic power-on function of the power supply IC 109 in S41 and sets the time until automatic power-on in the power supply IC 109 in S44. As described above, the power supply IC 109 with the automatic power-on function enabled is configured to decrement an integer value corresponding to the set time at predetermined intervals. That is, in S102, the power supply IC 109 specifically determines whether the decremented value has reached "0."

[0064] If it is determined in S102 that the set time for the scheduled power-on function has elapsed (S102: YES), the power supply IC 109 proceeds to S104. On the other hand, if the set time for the scheduled power-on function has not elapsed (S102: NO), the power supply IC 109 ends the Warming UP transition determination process without turning on the supply of commercial AC power 200 to the MFP 1. In other words, the Power Off Mode continues.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined in S101 that the automatic power-on function is disabled (S101: NO), the power supply IC 109 does not turn on the supply of commercial AC power 200 to the MFP 1, and ends the Warming-UP transition determination process.

[0066] Figure 12 shows a modified example of the Power Off Mode transition determination process of Figure 7. In the Power Off Mode transition determination process of Figure 7, even when it is decided to transition to Manual Power Off Mode (S19), the Scheduled Power On setting process is executed, and if the setting value of the setting item Scheduled Power On Date is other than Off, the power supply to power supply IC 109 to MFP1 is turned on when the set date and time of Scheduled Power On is reached. In contrast, in the modified example of the Power Off Mode transition determination process of Figure 12, when it is decided to transition to Manual Power Off Mode (S19), the Scheduled Power On setting process is not executed, and the power supply to power supply IC 109 to MFP1 is not automatically turned on.

[0067] To achieve this processing, in the modified example of the Power Off Mode transition determination processing in FIG. 12, S18 is executed following S19, while S18 is executed after S16 is followed by the execution of the scheduled power on function setting processing (S17).

[0068] As described above, in the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, the Auto Power Off setting can be stored in memory 103 in response to receiving the Auto Power Off setting via user IF 102, and the Scheduled Power Off setting can be stored in memory 103 in response to receiving the Scheduled Power Off setting via user IF 102. When the Auto Power Off setting is stored in memory 103, the MFP 1 can execute auto power off processing to turn off the power of the hardware including CPU 101 and memory 103 when the power of the fuser 7 is off, the power of predetermined hardware other than CPU 101 and memory 103 has been turned off, the auto power off time indicated in the Auto Power Off setting has elapsed, and predetermined conditions are met. Furthermore, when the Scheduled Power Off setting is stored in memory 103, the MFP 1 can execute scheduled power off processing to turn off the power of the hardware including CPU 101 and memory 103 when the time scheduled in the Scheduled Power Off setting has elapsed and predetermined conditions are met, with the power of the fuser 7 and the power of predetermined hardware other than CPU 101 and memory 103 being off. This makes it possible to switch to and execute auto power-off processing or scheduled power-off processing, which are modes that consume less power than the sleep mode.

[0069] (Variation) In the MFP 1 of this embodiment, Ecology settings, including settings related to the scheduled power-off function, the scheduled power-on function, and the auto-power-off function, are configured via the user IF 102. Alternatively, Ecology settings may be configured using a PC (not shown) connected via the communication IF 106. Specifically, the control program 103A may include a program that functions as a web server for an EWS (Embedded Web Server) when executed by the CPU 101. When an administrator of the MFP 1 launches a browser on the PC and enters a specific URL for the EWS in the browser's URL input field, the browser can access the EWS. When accessed from the browser, the CPU 101 transmits screen data, such as web page data, for displaying a browser screen for configuring the MFP 1 on the PC's display (not shown). In response to receiving a configuration operation via the browser screen, the CPU 101 may proceed with a setting change process to configure Ecology settings.

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0071] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the processes shown in Figures 3 to 10 and 12 are executed by CPU 101. However, these processes may be executed not only by CPU 101 but also by ASIC or other logic integrated circuits, or these processes may be executed by cooperation between CPUs, ASICs, and other logic integrated circuits.

[0072] (2) In the above embodiment, the Scheduled Power Off setting and the Scheduled Power On setting allow the user to specify a time and a day of the week as a schedule. However, the user may also specify a date. If the Scheduled Power Off setting specifies a date and a time, the CPU 101 determines in S35 whether the current date and time has reached the specified time on the specified date. If the Scheduled Power Off setting specifies a date but not a time, the CPU 101 determines in S35 whether the current date and time has reached a specific time on the specified date. If the Scheduled Power Off setting specifies a date and a time, the CPU 101 calculates in S43 the time from the current date and time to the specified time on the specified date. Furthermore, the Scheduled Power On setting may allow the user to specify the time from when the power is turned off to when the power is automatically turned on. If the Scheduled Power On setting specifies the time from when the power is turned off to when the power is automatically turned on, the CPU 101 sets the specified time in the power supply IC 19 in S44. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1...MFP, 6...processing unit, 7...fuser, 101...CPU, 102...user IF, 102A...power key, 103...memory, 103A...control program, 103B...setting information, 104...print engine, 105...scanner, 106...communication IF, 107...FAX IF, 108...RTC, 109...power IC, S...sheet.

Claims

1. A print engine capable of printing on sheets using an electrophotographic method, a fixing unit located downstream of the print engine in a conveyance path of the sheet, the fixing unit fixing the print on the sheet by the print engine to the sheet; A user interface; Memory and A controller; An image forming apparatus comprising: The controller In response to receiving an input specifying an auto power off time via the user interface, the auto power off time can be stored in the memory, In response to receiving an input specifying a schedule including a time via the user interface, the schedule can be stored in the memory; When the auto power off time is stored in the memory, When the power supply of the fixing unit is turned off and the power supply of predetermined hardware other than the controller and the memory is turned off, if the auto power off time has elapsed and a predetermined condition is met, an auto power off process can be executed to turn off the power supply of the hardware including the controller and the memory, With the schedule stored in the memory, When the time scheduled by the schedule has passed and a predetermined condition is met while the power supply of the fixing unit and the power supply of predetermined hardware other than the controller and the memory are off, a scheduled power-off process can be executed to turn off the power supply of the hardware including the controller and the memory. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. Turning off the power to the controller and the predetermined hardware other than the memory while the power to the fixing unit is off means in response to a predetermined time having elapsed without receiving a print instruction while the power supply of the fixing unit is on, turning off the power supply of the fixing unit, and in response to a predetermined time having elapsed without receiving a print instruction after the power supply of the fixing unit is turned off, further turning off the power supply of the predetermined hardware other than the controller and the memory, The state in which the power supply of the fixing unit and the power supply of predetermined hardware other than the controller and the memory are turned off is a state in which, in a state in which the power supply of the fixing unit is on, the power supply of the fixing unit is turned off in response to the lapse of a predetermined time without receiving a print instruction, and, in response to the lapse of a predetermined time without receiving a print instruction after the power supply of the fixing unit is turned off, the power supply of the predetermined hardware other than the controller and the memory is further turned off; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The controller The input specifying the schedule including the time can be an input specifying a time and a day of the week, In the scheduled power-off process, On a day of the week scheduled by the schedule, when the time scheduled by the schedule has passed and the predetermined condition is met while the power supply of the fixing unit and the power supply of predetermined hardware other than the controller and the memory are turned off, the power supply of the hardware including the controller and the memory can be turned off.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. The controller The eco mode can be enabled in response to receiving an input to enable the eco mode via the user interface, In the auto power off process, The auto power-off time has elapsed since the power of the fixing unit was turned off and the power of the predetermined hardware other than the controller and the memory was turned off, and When the eco-mode is enabled, if a first number of predetermined conditions are met, powering off the hardware including the controller and the memory; When the eco-mode is disabled, if a second number of predetermined conditions, which is greater than the first number, are met, powering off the hardware including the controller and the memory; In the scheduled power-off process, The scheduled time has passed with the power supply of the fixing unit and the power supply of predetermined hardware other than the controller and the memory turned off, and When the eco mode is enabled, if the first number of predetermined conditions are met, powering off the hardware including the controller and the memory; When the eco-mode is disabled, if the second number of predetermined conditions, which is greater than the first number, is satisfied, powering off the hardware including the controller and the memory.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. The eco mode is a mode for reducing power consumption of the image forming apparatus; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The controller When the eco mode is disabled, after the printing on the sheet by the print engine and the fixing unit has finished, if a first time period has elapsed during which no print instruction has been received, the power to the fixing unit is turned off; When the eco mode is enabled, the power supply to the fixing unit is turned off before a first period of time has elapsed during which no print instruction is accepted after the printing on the sheet by the print engine and the fixing unit has finished.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. The controller When the eco mode is enabled, the sheet is conveyed at a speed slower than a normal speed, and the fixing temperature of the fixing unit is set to a temperature lower than a normal temperature.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

8. The image forming apparatus further comprises: network interface, Equipped with the second number of predetermined conditions includes, in addition to the first number of predetermined conditions, at least a condition that the image forming apparatus is not connected to a network via the network interface; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

9. The image forming apparatus further comprises: FAX interface, Equipped with the predetermined condition includes at least a condition that the image forming apparatus is not connected to a telephone line via the FAX interface; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

10. The controller further comprises: The storage printing process is capable of storing print data based on a received print job in the memory, and reading and printing the print data stored in the memory in response to receiving an instruction via the user interface, the predetermined condition includes at least a condition that the print data to be processed by the stored print process is not stored in the memory; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

11. The controller the auto power off process can be enabled in response to receiving an input to enable the auto power off process via the user interface, the scheduled power-off process can be enabled in response to receiving an input to enable the scheduled power-off process via the user interface; If the auto power off process is enabled and the auto power off time is stored in the memory, the auto power off process can be executed, If the scheduled power-off process is enabled and the schedule is stored in the memory, the scheduled power-off process can be executed.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

12. The controller Both the auto power-off process and the scheduled power-off process can be enabled.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The controller Both the auto power-off process and the scheduled power-off process cannot be enabled.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

14. The controller a schedule for scheduled power-on can be stored in the memory in response to receiving an input specifying a schedule including a time for scheduled power-on via the user interface; With the schedule for scheduled power-on stored in the memory, after the auto power-off process is executed, when the time scheduled by the schedule for scheduled power-on has passed, the power supply of the controller can be automatically turned on, With the schedule for scheduled power-on stored in the memory, after the scheduled power-off process is executed, when the time scheduled by the schedule for scheduled power-on has passed, the power of the controller can be automatically turned on.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

15. The controller The power supply of the controller can be turned off in accordance with an operation via the user interface; with the schedule for scheduled power-on stored in the memory, after the power of the controller is turned off in accordance with an operation via the user interface, the power of the controller is not automatically turned on even after the time scheduled by the schedule for scheduled power-on has passed.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

16. The image forming apparatus further comprises: power supply IC, Equipped with The power supply IC can turn on the power supply of the controller after a set time has elapsed, The controller When the auto power off process is executed, the auto power off time can be set in the power supply IC, and then the power supply of the controller can be turned off. When the scheduled power-off process is executed, the time until the scheduled time is calculated, and the calculated time is set in the power supply IC, and then the power supply of the controller is turned off.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

Images