Unit, device, control method for the unit, and program

Abstract

This allows for early power-on control when a recovery issue is detected. [Solution] The unit is a unit comprising: detection means for detecting a recovery factor in the unit; and control means for performing power-on control on the unit in either case: when a recovery factor is detected by the detection means or when a signal indicating recovery is received from another unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a unit, a device, a method for controlling the unit, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] An information processing device such as an image forming apparatus performs power control according to the usage status of a user for the purpose of power saving. Power control means that when not used for a certain period of time, a power saving mode is provided that operates with less power, and upon receiving an input from the user, it returns to the normal power mode. The user input includes, for example, an input from a user operation unit such as a touch panel or a numeric keypad, or a remote operation via a network, and the necessary user input function is provided according to the device. In an image forming apparatus, in addition to operations via the operation unit or the network, there are FAX reception, document detection, open / close detection, etc.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for accelerating the return from the power saving mode in accordance with control for switching devices that supply power according to the state of the power saving mode. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 realizes the acceleration of the return from the power saving mode by performing return control in parallel instead of performing start-up control in order when returning from the power saving mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the time for return control between devices is shortened, the power supply from the user input to each device is the same, so the return time of each device itself cannot be shortened.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to enable early power-on control when a recovery factor is detected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The unit is a unit comprising: detection means for detecting a recovery factor in the unit; and control means for performing power-on control on the unit in either case: when a recovery factor is detected by the detection means or when a signal indicating recovery is received from another unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, power-on control can be performed early when a recovery factor is detected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware details of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] This is a power supply diagram for an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] This block diagram shows the details of the power control signal for the control unit. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the control for recovering from power-saving mode. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the control for recovering from power-saving mode. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the communication flow for controlling the return from power-saving mode. [Figure 9] This block shows the details of the scanner's power control signal. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the control for recovering from power-saving mode. [Figure 11]This diagram shows the communication flow for controlling the return from power-saving mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the system to only those components.

[0011] (First embodiment) <System Configuration> Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an image forming system 110 according to the first embodiment. The image forming system 110 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a LAN 101, and a plurality of personal computers 103, 104, and 105.

[0012] Image forming apparatus 100 is an example of an information processing device. An example in which the information processing device is an image forming apparatus that performs image forming will be described. Note that image forming apparatus 100 is applicable to any information processing device that has a control unit for generating image data for screen display, a display unit, and an operation unit that displays a screen on the display unit based on the image data generated by the control unit and accepts user operations. For example, image forming apparatus 100 is also applicable to information processing devices such as printing devices, reading devices, photocopiers, and facsimile devices.

[0013] In the image forming system 110 shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to multiple personal computers (PCs) 103, 104, and 105 via a LAN 101.

[0014] PC103 generates a print job containing data written in a printing language such as PDL or data in a specific data format (compressed with JBIG, etc.) according to user operations. PC103 transmits the generated print job to the image forming apparatus 100 via LAN101. When the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job from an external device such as PC103, it performs image forming (printing) according to the received print job.

[0015] The PC 103 can remotely access the image forming apparatus 100 via the LAN 101. The PC 103 is configured to be able to operate the image forming apparatus 100 and monitor the state of the image forming apparatus 100 by remote access. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to be able to notify the state of its own apparatus to an external apparatus such as the PC 103.

[0016] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a scanner 201, an operation unit 202, a paper feed cassette 204, an opening / closing unit 203 for toner replacement, a manual paper feed cassette 205, and the like.

[0017] The scanner 201 is a unit that reads a document set by a user, and captures image data by reading a document placed manually on the document table or continuously reading a document placed in an Auto Document Feeder (ADF).

[0018] The operation unit 202 is a unit that receives a user's operation, and has an LCD panel for screen display and a touch panel for receiving the input coordinates of the user.

[0019] Further, the image forming apparatus 100 has paper feed cassettes 204 and 205 for setting paper to be printed, and executes printing on the paper set by the user. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 has consumable parts. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 has a unit 203 that opens and closes for replacing toner or ink used for printing.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing details of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 301, a main control unit 320, a scanner unit 340, and a printer unit 350. [[ID=​​The operation unit 301 includes an operation unit control unit 302, a touch panel 305, an LCD unit 310, and a speaker 311. The operation unit control unit 302 includes an operation unit power supply unit 303, a touch panel control unit 304, an operation unit power control generation unit 306, a recovery signal generation unit 307, a sub-CPU 308, and an image output unit 309.

[0022] The main control unit 320 includes a main control power supply unit 321, a power control unit 322, a LAN controller 323, a main CPU 324, a ROM 325, a RAM 326, and a storage 327.

[0023] The scanner unit 340 includes a user input detection unit 341 and a scanner processing unit 342. The printer unit 350 includes a user input detection unit 351 and a printer processing unit 352.

[0024] The main control unit 320 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main CPU 324 and controls the entire image forming apparatus 100.

[0025] The operation unit 301 functions as a user interface (UI) and includes a sub-CPU 308, an input device (touch panel 305) that accepts user input, and a display device (LCD unit 310) that displays the screen.

[0026] In this embodiment, one example described is a configuration in which the main control unit 320 generates image data for screen display on the LCD unit 310 and outputs it to the operation unit 301.

[0027] The operation unit 301 has an LCD unit 310 (display unit) and displays a screen on the LCD unit 310 (display unit) based on image data generated by the main control unit 320, and accepts user operations. Note that the image data for screen display is not limited to being generated by the main control unit 320 as in this embodiment, but may also be generated by a sub-CPU 308 or the like in the operation unit 301.

[0028] The printer unit 350 performs image formation processing on a sheet-shaped recording medium (paper), for example, according to an electrophotographic method. The printer unit 350 is not limited to the electrophotographic method; it may also employ other recording methods such as an inkjet method or a thermal transfer method.

[0029] The main control unit 320 comprises a main CPU 324, ROM 325, RAM 326, storage 327, LAN controller 323, and power supply control unit 322 and main control unit power supply unit 321. The main control unit 320 implements a printing function by controlling the printer processing unit 352 of the printer unit 350 to print images according to print jobs received from external devices. The main control unit 320 also implements a copying function by controlling the scanner unit 340 and the printer unit 350 to print images based on image data obtained by the scanner processing unit 342 of the scanner unit 340 reading the original image.

[0030] The main CPU 324 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. The main CPU 324 reads and executes programs stored in the ROM 325 or storage 327 to realize the functions of the image forming apparatus 100, such as printing and copying functions.

[0031] RAM326 consists of volatile memory such as DDR SDRAM. RAM326 is used to store programs executed by the main CPU324 and temporary data used by the main CPU324.

[0032] Storage 327 is a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) connected to the main CPU 324 via Serial ATA. Storage 327 is used to temporarily store various setting information related to the image forming apparatus 100, as well as image data used for the print function or copy function.

[0033] The LAN controller 323 is connected to the main CPU 324 and LAN 101. The LAN controller 323 controls communication with external devices such as the PC 103 via LAN 101.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 100 has a function to detect user input. For example, the scanner unit 340 has a user input detection unit 341 which includes an ADF document detection sensor and an open / close detection sensor that detects the opening and closing operation for detecting paper on the document glass. The printer unit 350 also has a user input detection unit 351 which includes an open / close detection sensor for the toner replacement opening / closing section, an open / close detection sensor for the paper feed cassette, and an document detection sensor for the manual feed cassette.

[0035] The image forming apparatus 100 has multiple power modes, including a job execution mode for executing jobs such as printing, a standby mode for receiving jobs, and a power-saving mode that supplies minimal power and detects user input. The power supply state in job execution mode and standby mode may be the same, or the power supply unit may be changed based on user operation. For example, the control may be configured to supply power to the scanner unit 340 when a job requiring the scanner unit 340 is input.

[0036] The power control unit 322 controls the power supply of the entire image forming apparatus 100. When power is not supplied to the main CPU 324 and the printer unit 350 / scanner unit 340, the power control unit 322 controls the on / off of the power supply within the image forming apparatus 100, which is provided in the main control unit 320. When power is supplied to the main CPU 324 and the printer unit 350 / scanner unit 340, the main CPU 324 controls the power control unit 322 to control the on / off of the power supply to each unit. Note that the power control by the power control unit 322 may be implemented by the CPU of the power control unit 322 executing a program, or it may be implemented by hardware logic such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

[0037] The power control unit 322 controls the power supply within the image forming apparatus 100 by triggering a recovery signal 3023 from the operation unit 301 or a recovery signal (not shown) from the LAN controller 323. This causes the power control unit 322 to switch the image forming apparatus 100 from power-saving mode to standby mode. Furthermore, the power control unit 322 controls the power supply to the operation unit 301.

[0038] The operation unit 301 is connected to the main control unit 320 via image data signal 3026, image communication signal 3025, and sub-CPU communication signal 3022. The operation unit 301 is further connected to the main control unit 320 via READY signal 3021, READY signal 3024, recovery signal 3023, and power mode notification signal 3020.

[0039] The READY signal 3021 indicates that the sub-CPU 308 is in an operational state (capable of receiving the communication signal 2010).

[0040] The READY signal 3024 is a signal indicating that the image output unit 309 is in a state where it can receive the communication signal 3025 and the image data signal 3026, and is a signal that is notified from the image output unit 309 to the main CPU 324 and the sub-CPU 308 in the operation unit 301.

[0041] The recovery signal 3023 is a signal for recovering the image forming apparatus 100 from power saving mode, and is transmitted from the recovery signal generation unit 307 to the power control unit 322.

[0042] The power mode notification signal 3020 is a signal that notifies the power control generation unit 306 of the operation unit 301 whether the image forming apparatus 100 is in power saving mode or standby mode.

[0043] The image output unit 309 of the operation unit 301 receives instructions or information from the main control unit 320 via image data signal 3026, communication signal 3025, and sub-CPU communication signal 3022, and controls the display of the LCD unit 310.

[0044] Furthermore, the operation unit 301 notifies the sub-CPU 308 of user operations received via the touch panel 305, and notifies the main control unit 320 via the sub-CPU communication signal 3022.

[0045] Meanwhile, the main CPU 324 monitors the READY signal 3021 to determine whether the sub-CPU 308 is operational (i.e., capable of receiving the sub-CPU communication signal 3022). The main CPU 324 further monitors the READY signal 3024 to determine whether the image output unit 309 is capable of receiving the image data signal 3026 and the image data signal 3026.

[0046] The control unit 301 includes a sub-CPU 308, a touch panel 305, an LCD unit 310, and a speaker 311. The control unit control unit 302 is equipped with a sub-CPU 308, a touch panel control unit 304, an image output unit 309, a control unit power supply unit 303, a control unit power control generation unit 306, and a recovery signal generation unit 307.

[0047] The touch panel control unit 304 is connected to the sub-CPU 308, the touch panel 305, and the return signal generation unit 307. The touch panel control unit 304 is also connected to the touch panel 305 by a control signal 3001, and detects touch input to the touch panel 305 by monitoring the signal of the control signal 3001.

[0048] Furthermore, the touch panel control unit 304 uses the touch detection signal 3004 to notify the sub-CPU 308 and the return signal generation unit 307 that a touch input has been received from the user to the touch panel 305.

[0049] Furthermore, the touch panel control unit 304 communicates with the sub-CPU 308 via the control signal 3002.

[0050] The sub-CPU 308, also known as the operation unit CPU, transmits setting information to the touch panel control unit 304 via the control signal 3002, such as correcting touch sensitivity and touch coordinate deviations for the touch panel 305, in order to properly detect touch input.

[0051] Furthermore, the sub-CPU 308 receives information from the touch panel control unit 304 via the touch detection signal 3004 indicating that a touch input has been received on the touch panel 305. In addition, when the sub-CPU 308 receives information from the touch panel control unit 304 indicating that a touch input has been received on the touch panel 305, it reads input operation data (touched coordinates and pressing pressure) corresponding to the user's input operation received on the touch panel 305 from the touch panel control unit 304 via the control signal 3002.

[0052] The sub-CPU 308 transmits the input operation data received from the touch panel control unit 304 to the main CPU 324 via the sub-CPU communication signal 3022.

[0053] The image output unit 309 is connected to the LCD unit 310 and controls the display of images on the LCD unit 310. That is, the image output unit 309 functions as an example of an image output circuit that generates an image signal for screen display based on image data received from the main control unit 320 and outputs it to the LCD unit 310. The image output unit 309 controls the LCD unit 310 using the image output signal 3007 and the backlight control signal 3008. The backlight control signal 3008 is used for on / off control (lighting control) of the backlight of the LCD unit 310, and for setting brightness, etc.

[0054] The image output unit 309 is also connected to the main CPU 324 and the sub-CPU 308. The image output unit 309 exchanges control signals 3006 with the sub-CPU 308. The image output unit 309 also exchanges image data signals 3026, communication signals 3025, and READY signals 3024 with the main CPU 324. The READY signal 3024 is a signal output from the image output unit 309 to the main CPU 324 and is used to indicate whether the image output unit 309 is able to receive communication signals 3025 and image data signals 3026.

[0055] The image reception signal 3005 is output from the image output unit 309 and is used to notify the image output unit 309 from the main CPU 324 whether it is receiving an image data signal 3026 to be displayed on the LCD unit 310. The image reception signal 3005 is connected to the sub-CPU 308 so that it can be monitored by the sub-CPU 308.

[0056] Furthermore, the READY signal 3024 output from the image output unit 309 is connected not only to the main CPU 324 but also to the sub-CPU 308 so that the sub-CPU 308 can monitor the READY signal 3024. This allows the sub-CPU 308 to monitor the image reception signal 3005 and the READY signal 3024, which indicates whether the image output unit is able to receive image data.

[0057] The main CPU 324 transmits image data of the screen to be displayed on the LCD unit 310 as image data signal 3026 to the image output unit 309 mounted on the operation unit 301. The main CPU 324 also transmits setting information for screen display settings, such as the size or orientation of the screen displayed on the LCD unit 310, to the image output unit 309 using a communication signal 3025.

[0058] The image output unit 309 generates an image signal that the LCD unit 310 can receive based on the image data received from the main CPU 324 as image data signal 3026 and the setting information received as communication signal 3025. The image output unit 309 transmits the generated image signal to the LCD unit 310 as image output signal 3007. The image output unit 309 generates, for example, an LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) signal or an analog or digital RGB signal as an image signal that the LCD unit 310 can receive.

[0059] The LCD unit 310 displays the screen according to the image output signal 3007 received from the image output unit 309. After receiving image data and setting information from the main CPU 324, the image output unit 309 notifies the sub-CPU 308 using the image reception signal 3005 when it is ready to output an image to the LCD unit 310.

[0060] The sub-CPU 308 controls the image output unit 309 via the control signal 3006 to turn the backlight of the LCD unit 310 on / off (lighting control) and set the brightness, etc. The sub-CPU 308 uses the control signal 3009 to control the speaker 311. For example, the sub-CPU 308 causes the speaker 311 to output a push tone indicating that user input has been received, and audio indicating operation instructions to the user or information such as the status of the image forming apparatus 100. Note that the control of the speaker 311 may be performed by the main CPU 324 instead of the sub-CPU 308.

[0061] The recovery signal generation unit 307 receives information from the touch panel control unit 304 via the touch detection signal 3004 from the touch panel control unit 304 indicating a change in user input to the touch panel 305. The recovery signal generation unit 307 uses the received touch detection signal 3004 to notify the power control unit 322, thereby returning the image forming apparatus 100 from power saving mode to standby mode. At this time, the touch detection signal 3004 is an interrupt signal whose logic (H / L) changes according to user input, and the recovery signal is a circuit that detects the change in logic and generates a signal that latches until the system returns from power saving mode, but the details are not described in this embodiment. In addition, if there are multiple power saving modes and power is supplied to the sub-CPU 308, a circuit that outputs the recovery signal from the sub-CPU 308 may be used.

[0062] The operation unit power control generation unit 306 has two input signals. One is a return signal received from within the unit, such as the touch detection signal 3004, which receives information indicating a change in user input to the touch panel 305 via the touch detection signal 3004 from the touch panel control unit 304. The other is a return signal 3020 received from another unit, which is received by the main control unit 320.

[0063] The operation unit power control generation unit 306 has a touch detection signal 3004, which is a recovery signal within the unit, and a recovery signal 3020 that is received from other units. This allows the unit to recover via the recovery signal within the unit when the operation unit 301 is operated, or when the user input detection unit 341 of the scanner unit 340 detects a document, and the main control unit 320 recovers from this signal. By recovering from power-saving mode with two recovery signals, the unit can recover without waiting for instructions from the main control unit 320 when the user input is made from the operation unit 301, thus speeding up the recovery from power-saving mode. On the other hand, it is also possible for the main control unit 320 to recover when other units such as the scanner unit 340 are operated. In this way, having two recovery signal receiving circuits enables recovery control from power-saving mode according to user operation.

[0064] Furthermore, the operation unit 301 also uses the touch detection signal 3004 output from the touch panel control unit 304 as information indicating a change in user input to the touch panel 305, for recovery control from power saving mode. Specifically, it transmits the recovery signal 3023, which is sent to other units via the recovery signal generation unit 307, as a recovery signal to the operation unit power control generation unit 306, which controls the power supply within the unit. By transmitting the recovery signal 3023, which is sent to other units, to the operation unit power control generation unit 306, which controls the power supply within the unit, in this way, when user input is detected, the power recovery control of the operation unit 301 and the power recovery control of the image forming apparatus 100 are executed in parallel, thereby enabling the operation unit 301 to recover from power saving mode more quickly when it is restored by the operation unit 301.

[0065] By having a configuration in which a unit with a recovery signal, such as the operation unit 301, transmits multiple recovery signals and receives multiple recovery signals, it becomes possible to speed up the recovery from power-saving mode in the unit's own recovery control while simultaneously achieving recovery control of other units and recovery control from other units.

[0066] To recover from power-saving mode using such a recovery signal, the power control signal 3003 output from the operation unit power control generation unit 306 is used to recover from power-saving mode, and the operation unit power supply unit 303 supplies power to the entire operation unit 301.

[0067] Figure 4 shows an example of the power supply system of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a main CPU 324, storage 327, LAN controller 323, operation unit 301, printer unit 350, and scanner unit 340. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main CPU power supply unit 400, storage power supply unit 401, LAN controller power supply unit 402, operation unit return detection unit 403, operation unit power supply unit 303, printer return detection unit 405, and printer power supply unit 406. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a scanner return detection unit 407, scanner power supply unit 408, first power supply unit 409, and second power supply unit 410.

[0068] The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to an outlet by a power cord 432 and to a first power supply unit 409 and a second power supply unit 410 by power lines 420. Power is supplied to the first power supply unit 409 when the power cord 432 is connected to the outlet, while the second power supply unit 410 starts supplying power when it receives a user instruction to turn on the power using a seesaw switch or push switch, etc., and is instructed by the power control unit 322.

[0069] Furthermore, the power control unit 322 also controls the supply of power to the second power supply unit 410 to stop even when it is in power-saving mode. The power control unit 322 receives power from the first power supply unit 409 via the power line 421. Power to the power control unit 322 may be supplied in conjunction with the outlet connection, or it may be supplied only when the power is turned on using a seesaw switch.

[0070] The power control unit 322 supplies power according to the power mode of the image forming apparatus 100. In the power-off mode, when only connected to a power outlet, power is not supplied to anything other than the power control unit 322. In standby mode or job execution mode, when printing or scanning is possible, power is supplied to all units. In standby mode, the system may be set to only accept user commands, and power supply to the scanner unit 340 and printer unit 350 may be turned off.

[0071] The image forming apparatus 100 has power-saving modes in addition to power-off and standby modes, and a power mode that supplies only power that can be restored from user input. Therefore, power is supplied to each block according to the power mode. For example, the power control unit 322 controls the power supply of the main CPU power supply unit 400 with a power control signal 440 that controls the power supply to the main CPU 324 according to the power mode.

[0072] Not only the power supply for the main CPU 324, but also the power supply sections of other blocks may be controlled using multiple signal lines to supply power to only a portion of them, rather than controlling all power with a single control signal. In this embodiment, the details of the control of each block are not described, but an example of using multiple signal lines is described. For example, if the CPU or other IC has a power saving mode, power supply control is performed using multiple signal lines to supply power to only a portion of it.

[0073] Similar to the power supply to the main CPU 324, the power control unit 322 controls the power supply to the storage power supply unit 401 using a power control signal 441 that controls the power supply to the storage 327 according to the power mode, and controls the power supply to each block using power control signals that control the power supply according to the power mode. Among these, units that have the function of receiving user input, such as the operation unit 301, printer unit 350, and scanner unit 340, have a separate power supply for recovery from power saving mode and have power control signals for the power supply unit of each unit.

[0074] Specifically, the operation unit 301 is connected to the operation unit return detection unit 403 and the operation unit power supply unit 303. The operation unit return detection unit 403 has a signal 450 for control of the return to the operation unit power supply unit 303. Similarly, the printer unit 350 and the scanner unit 340 also have return detection units 405 and 407. The return detection units 405 and 407 have return signals 451 and 452 to the power supply units 406 and 408, and have power control signals that enable power restoration within the unit when user input is received. The printer unit 350 and the scanner unit 340 may have their own power supply units outside the unit.

[0075] The operation unit 301 may be supplied with power via the main control unit 320, or it may be supplied directly from the first power supply unit 409. In this way, a unit that has the function of receiving user input can not only receive a control signal (recovery signal) from the power control unit 322, but also generate and receive a recovery signal within the unit itself, thereby speeding up the recovery from power-saving mode in the unit's own recovery control.

[0076] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the details of the power control signal for the operation unit 301. The operation unit 301 includes an operation unit power supply unit 303, a touch panel control unit 304, an operation unit power control generation unit 306, and a return signal generation unit 307. The operation unit power control generation unit 306 includes a latch circuit 501, logic 502, and logic 503. The main control unit 320 includes a power control unit 322.

[0077] The operation unit 301 uses the touch detection signal 3004, which is output when the touch panel control unit 304 determines that there has been input from the user, to control the return from power saving mode. The touch detection signal 3004 is output to the return signal generation unit 307 and the operation unit power control generation unit 306. The return signal generation unit 307 is connected to the power control unit 322 with the return signal 3023, which is output to the main control unit 320 to execute the return of the entire image forming apparatus 100 from power saving mode. When the power control unit 322 receives the return signal 3023, it starts the process of returning from power saving mode.

[0078] The recovery signal generation unit 307 performs control such as outputting only in power-saving mode to prevent false detection in standby mode, and outputting a signal with a width greater than a certain amount to ensure reliable reception of the touch detection signal 3004, but details are not described in this embodiment.

[0079] The operation unit power control generation unit 306 controls the power supply of the operation unit 301. The touch detection signal 3004 is connected to the latch circuit 501. The latch circuit 501 is controlled using, for example, a flip-flop. One example of the latch circuit 501 is that it has a clear pin and is configured to issue an OFF instruction when the operation unit power supply unit 303 is ON and the power control unit 322 is in standby mode.

[0080] Specifically, the logic 502 has a mechanism that clears the system when both the power status notification signal 3010, which indicates that the power supply unit 303 is powered on, and the power mode notification signal 3020, which indicates that the power control unit 322 is in standby mode. The clear signal 5001 output by the logic 502 is connected to the clear pin of the latch circuit 501, and when the latch circuit 501 is cleared by the clear signal 5001, the latch return signal 5002 is set to L (low level).

[0081] Furthermore, the latch circuit 501 controls the latch return signal 5002 so that it returns from power-saving mode when the logic changes due to user input detection, based on the touch detection signal 3004. Specifically, the latch circuit 501 uses the power supply of the operation unit return detection unit 403, which is powered even in power-saving mode, as its input signal, and ensures that the input is always H (high level), so that the latch return signal 5002 becomes H in response to the touch detection signal 3004.

[0082] The power control unit 322 outputs a power mode notification signal 3020 to control the power supply of the operation unit 301, and the operation unit power supply unit 303 is power-controlled according to the power mode notification signal 3020. The return signal 450 output by the operation unit power control generation unit 306 is output by logic 503 such that if either the latch return signal 5002 or the power mode notification signal 3020 outputs a signal to turn on the operation unit power supply unit 303, it outputs H to indicate that it is on.

[0083] Thus, in the unit of the operation unit 301, which has the function of receiving user input, not only does it send a recovery signal 3023 to the power control unit 322 of the main control unit 320 as a recovery signal of user input, but it also generates and sends a recovery signal 450 within the unit itself, which makes it possible to speed up the recovery from power saving mode in the unit's own recovery control.

[0084] Furthermore, it is preferable that the operation unit power control generation unit 306 be used for recovery control from power saving mode, and that the transition process be performed only from the power control unit 322. The reason for this is that if it is used when transitioning from power saving mode, the main control unit 320 may cause an error because the communication partner becomes unable to communicate without instructions from the main control unit 320.

[0085] Figure 6 shows a control flowchart of a comparative example in which the user-input-enabled operation unit 301 controls the power supply using only the power control unit 322 of the main control unit 320. Figure 7 shows a control flowchart of this embodiment in which the user-input-enabled operation unit 301 controls the return within the unit based on user input.

[0086] First, let's explain the details of the control flowchart in Figure 6. When the operating unit 301 is in power-saving mode (power off control), the processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 6 begins.

[0087] In step S1101, the operation unit 301 receives a power mode notification signal 3020 from the main control unit 320 while the operation unit 301 is in power saving mode. The operation unit 301 then determines whether the power mode notification signal 3020 is a signal indicating a return from power saving mode to another mode (standby mode or job execution mode). The power mode notification signal 3020 is an example of a return signal. If the operation unit 301 determines that the signal is not an indication of returning from power saving mode, it returns to step S1101 and maintains power saving mode until it returns. If the operation unit 301 determines that the signal is an indication of returning from power saving mode, it proceeds to step S1102.

[0088] In step S1102, the control unit power supply 303 performs a process to return from power-saving mode to another mode (standby mode or job execution mode). Specifically, the control unit power supply 303 functions as a control unit and, as part of the return process, performs power-on control for the control unit 301. In the power-saving mode before the return, the control unit power supply 303 performs power-off control for the control unit 301. After returning from power-saving mode in step S1102, the process proceeds to step S1103.

[0089] In step S1103, the control unit 302 performs initialization processing for the control unit 301.

[0090] In step S1104, the operation unit control 302 determines whether or not there is communication from the main control unit 320, including the start of communication. Specifically, the operation unit 301 checks the status of the status signal indicating that communication is possible from the main control unit 320 and the status signal indicating that communication is possible from the operation unit 301, and determines whether an initial communication has been received. If the configuration allows the communication state to be established with only the initial communication, a status signal indicating that communication is possible is not necessary. If it is determined that there is no communication, the process returns to step S1104. If it is determined that there is communication, the process proceeds to step S1105.

[0091] In step S1105, the operation control unit 302 initiates communication with the main control unit 320.

[0092] Next, the flowchart of this embodiment shown in Figure 7 will be described. The explanation of Figure 7 will focus on the differences from the flowchart in Figure 6. The operation unit 301 is an operation unit. The main control unit 320 is a main control unit. When the operation unit 301 is in power-saving mode (power-off control), the processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 7 begins. The control method of the operation unit 301 will be described below.

[0093] In step S601, the power control generation unit 306 receives a touch detection signal 3004 from the touch panel control unit 304 while the power control unit 301 is in power-saving mode. The power control generation unit 306 then determines whether the touch detection signal 3004 indicates that a user touch has been made. If the power control generation unit 306 determines that a user input has been made, it proceeds to step S603, assuming that a reset instruction has been given. If the power control generation unit 306 does not determine that a user input has been made, it proceeds to step S602, assuming that there is no reset instruction.

[0094] Note that user input via touch is just one example of a recovery factor. The touch panel control unit 304 functions as a detection unit and only needs to detect recovery factors in the operation unit 301 and output a touch detection signal 3004. Recovery factors include, for example, user operation on the operation unit 301. If the operation unit power control generation unit 306 detects a recovery factor in the operation unit 301, it proceeds to step S603, assuming that a recovery instruction has been given. If the operation unit power control generation unit 306 does not detect a recovery factor in the operation unit 301, it proceeds to step S602, assuming that there is no recovery instruction.

[0095] Step S602 is the same process as step S1101 in Figure 6. If the control unit power supply control generation unit 306 determines that the signal is not an indication of recovery from power saving mode, it returns to step S601 and maintains power saving mode until recovery is achieved. If the control unit power supply control generation unit 306 determines that the signal is an indication of recovery from power saving mode, it sends a recovery signal 450 to the control unit power supply unit 303 and proceeds to step S604.

[0096] In step S603, the operation unit power control generation unit 306 transmits a recovery signal 450 to the operation unit power supply unit 303 and proceeds to step S604. In this way, by performing the two determinations in steps S601 and S602, recovery from power saving mode becomes possible based on a recovery instruction from either the operation unit 301 or the main control unit 320. The recovery signal generation unit 307 also transmits a recovery signal 3023 to the power control unit 322 of the main control unit 320. The recovery signal 3023 is a signal indicating recovery.

[0097] Steps S604 to S607 are the same as steps S1102 to S1105 in Figure 6, so their description is omitted.

[0098] Figure 8 shows the communication flow of each block for the recovery process from power saving mode. Figure 8(A) shows the recovery control from the operation unit 301, and Figure 8(B) shows the recovery control from the main control unit 320, which is a recovery control from a source other than the operation unit 301.

[0099] Let's start with a detailed explanation of Figure 8(A). When the touch panel control unit 304 detects a touch, which is a user input, it sends a power-on instruction to the operation unit power supply unit 303 and the power control unit 322. When the operation unit power supply unit 303 receives the power-on instruction, it supplies power to the entire operation unit 301 through power-on control. When the power control unit 322 receives the power-on instruction, it issues an instruction to the entire image forming apparatus 100 to return from power-saving mode. In Figure 8, the explanation is limited to the period up to the start of communication with the operation unit 301, so only the main control unit 320 is shown as a representative.

[0100] The power control unit 322 transmits a power-on instruction to the main control unit power supply unit 321. The main control unit power supply unit 321 starts supplying power to the main CPU 324 through power-on control. When power is supplied, the operation unit 301 and the main CPU 324 begin initialization, and the main CPU 324 outputs a communication start request to the operation unit 301, and the operation unit 301 outputs a communication start response from the main CPU 324. When both the operation unit 301 and the main CPU 324 are able to communicate, communication begins.

[0101] The initialization times for the control unit 301 and the main CPU 324 are different. Therefore, if the initialization of the control unit 301 is slower than that of the main CPU 324, the main CPU 324 would have to wait for the control unit 301 to initialize. However, by performing the initialization process from power supply in parallel, the waiting time can be reduced, making it possible to start communication.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main CPU 324 outputs a communication start request first, and the operation unit 301 responds. However, the status may be notified using H / L logic and communication may be initiated using logic, or the status may be confirmed through communication without status notification. Since there are differences in initialization time, if status notification is not performed, it is necessary to implement retransmission flow, retry processing, timeout settings, etc., to prevent errors at the start of communication, but details are not described here.

[0103] Next, we will explain the details of Figure 8(B). Figure 8(B) shows the communication flow when the device returns from power-saving mode through means other than input from the control unit 301. Examples of returning from power-saving mode through means other than input from the control unit 301 include paper detection by the scanner unit 340 or printer unit 350, and printing processing via the network.

[0104] When the image forming apparatus 100 detects a return from power-saving mode, the power supply control unit 322 issues a power supply instruction. At that time, the power supply control unit 322 may supply power to all units of the image forming apparatus 100, or it may supply power only to the necessary units. Specifically, supplying power only to the necessary units means that, in the case of printing via a network, power is not supplied to the operation unit 301 and the scanner unit 340, and power is supplied only to the main control unit 320 and the printer unit 350.

[0105] In Figure 8(B), as an example of an embodiment, the unit that supplies power every time the system recovers from power-saving mode is shown with a solid line as the main control unit 320, and the unit that may not receive power is shown with a dotted line as the operation unit 301. In Figure 8(B), although shown with solid and dotted lines, the communication flow will be explained assuming that the operation unit 301 also recovers.

[0106] The power control unit 322 transmits a power-on instruction to the operation unit power supply unit 303 and the main control unit power supply unit 321. Upon receiving the power-on instruction, the operation unit power supply unit 303 supplies power to the entire operation unit 301 through power-on control. Upon receiving the power-on instruction, the main control unit power supply unit 321 starts supplying power to the main CPU 324 through power-on control.

[0107] When power is supplied, the control unit 301 and the main CPU 324 begin initialization. The main CPU 324 outputs a communication start request to the control unit 301, and the control unit 301 outputs a communication start response from the main CPU 324. When both the control unit 301 and the main CPU 324 become capable of communication, communication begins.

[0108] Thus, in a unit that has a function to receive user input, such as the operation unit 301, it is possible to speed up the recovery from power-saving mode in the unit's own recovery control by not only sending a recovery control signal of the user input to the power control unit 322 of the main control unit 320, but also by generating and sending a recovery signal within the unit itself.

[0109] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the operation unit 301 was used as an example to explain the recovery control from power-saving mode. In the second embodiment, the recovery control from the scanner unit 340 will be explained as an example. Furthermore, the user inputs expected in the scanner unit 340 and the printer unit 350 are paper detection and open / close detection, and the processing is similar, so the scanner unit 340 will be used as a representative example for the explanation.

[0110] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the details of the power control signal for the scanner unit 340. The scanner unit 340 includes a user input detection unit 341, a scanner unit power control generation unit 801, and a return signal generation unit 802. The scanner unit power control generation unit 801 includes a latch circuit 803, logic 804, and logic 805.

[0111] The main control unit 320 includes a power supply control unit 322. The second power supply unit 410 includes a scanner power supply unit 408.

[0112] The scanner unit 340 uses a user input detection signal 8001, which is output when the user input detection unit 341 determines that there has been input from the user, to perform recovery control from power saving mode. User input to the scanner unit 340 includes paper detection of the document and detection of opening and closing for pressure plate scanning. The user input detection signal 8001 is output to the recovery signal generation unit 802 and the scanner unit power control generation unit 801.

[0113] The recovery signal generation unit 802 is connected to the power supply control unit 322 via a recovery signal 3028 that is output to the main control unit 320 to recover the entire image forming apparatus 100 from power saving mode.

[0114] When the power control unit 322 receives the recovery signal 3028, it starts the process of recovering from power saving mode. The recovery signal generation unit 802 performs controls to prevent false detection in standby mode, such as outputting only in power saving mode, and to output a signal with a width of a certain magnitude or more to ensure reliable reception of the user input detection signal 8001, but details are not described in this embodiment.

[0115] The scanner unit power control generation unit 801 controls the power supply of the scanner unit 340. The user input detection signal 8001 is connected to the latch circuit 803. The latch circuit 803 is controlled using, for example, a flip-flop. As an example of the latch circuit 803, the latch circuit 803 has a clear pin and is configured to issue an OFF instruction when the scanner power supply unit 408 is ON and the power control unit 322 is in standby mode.

[0116] Specifically, when both the power status notification signal 8003, which indicates that the scanner power supply unit 408 is powered on, and the power mode notification signal 448 indicate standby mode, the scanner power control generation unit 801 has logic 804 that clears the latch circuit 803. The latch circuit 803 connects the clear signal 8004 to the clear pin, and in the clear state, the latch return signal 8002 becomes low.

[0117] Furthermore, the latch circuit 803 controls the latch return signal 8002 via the user input detection signal 8001 to return from power-saving mode when the logic changes due to user input detection. Specifically, the latch circuit 803 uses the power supply of the scanner return detection unit 407, which is powered even in power-saving mode, as its input signal, and ensures that the input is always high so that the latch return signal 8002 becomes high via the user input detection signal 8001.

[0118] The power control unit 322 outputs a power mode notification signal 448 to control the power supply of the scanner unit 340, and the scanner power supply unit 408 is power-controlled according to the power mode notification signal 448. The return signal 452 that controls the output of the scanner power supply unit 408 is output by logic 805 such that it outputs H to indicate ON if either the latch return signal 8002 or the power mode notification signal 448 is a signal that turns ON.

[0119] Thus, in a unit that has the function of receiving user input, not only is the user input recovery signal 3028 sent to the power control unit 322 of the main control unit 320, but the unit also generates and sends a recovery signal 452 within the unit itself, which makes it possible to speed up the recovery from power saving mode in the unit's own recovery control.

[0120] Furthermore, it is preferable that the scanner unit power control generation unit 801 be used for recovery control from power saving mode, and that the transition process be performed only by the power control unit 322. The reason for this is that if it is used when transitioning from power saving mode, the main control unit 320 may cause an error because the communication partner becomes unable to communicate without instructions from the main control unit 320.

[0121] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the recovery control from power-saving mode according to the second embodiment. The scanner unit 340 is a scanner unit. The main control unit 320 is a main control unit. When the scanner unit 340 is in power-saving mode (power-off control), the processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 10 begins. The control method for the scanner unit 340 will be described below.

[0122] In step S901, the scanner unit power control generation unit 801 receives a user input detection signal 8001 from the user input detection unit 341 while the scanner unit 340 is in power-saving mode. The scanner unit power control generation unit 801 then determines whether the user input detection signal 8001 indicates that user input has been received. User input for the scanner unit 340 includes paper detection of the document and opening / closing detection for pressure plate scanning. If the scanner unit power control generation unit 801 indicates that user input has been received, it proceeds to step S903, assuming that a reset instruction has been given. If the scanner unit power control generation unit 801 does not indicate that user input has been received, it proceeds to step S902, assuming that there is no reset instruction.

[0123] Note that user input is just one example of a recovery factor. The user input detection unit 341 only needs to function as a detection unit, detect a recovery factor in the scanner unit 340, and output a detection signal 8001. A recovery factor is, for example, document detection or opening / closing detection in the scanner unit 340. If the scanner unit power control generation unit 801 detects a recovery factor in the scanner unit 340, it proceeds to step S903 as if a recovery instruction has been given. If the scanner unit power control generation unit 801 does not detect a recovery factor in the scanner unit 340, it proceeds to step S902 as if there is no recovery instruction.

[0124] In step S902, the scanner unit power control generation unit 801 receives a power mode notification signal 448 from the main control unit 320 while the scanner unit 340 is in power saving mode. The scanner unit power control generation unit 801 then determines whether the power mode notification signal 448 is a signal indicating a return from power saving mode to another mode (standby mode or job execution mode). The power mode notification signal 448 is an example of a return signal. If the scanner unit power control generation unit 801 determines that the signal is not an indication of a return from power saving mode, it returns to step S901 and maintains power saving mode until a return is made. If the scanner unit power control generation unit 801 determines that the signal is an indication of a return from power saving mode, it sends a return signal 452 to the scanner power supply unit 408 and proceeds to step S904.

[0125] In step S903, the scanner unit power control generation unit 801 transmits a recovery signal 452 to the scanner power supply unit 408 and proceeds to step S904. In this way, by performing the two determinations in steps S901 and S902, recovery from power saving mode becomes possible based on a recovery instruction from either the scanner unit 340 or the main control unit 320. The recovery signal generation unit 802 also transmits a recovery signal 3028 to the power control unit 322 of the main control unit 320. The recovery signal 3028 is a signal indicating recovery.

[0126] In step S904, the scanner unit 340 performs a process to return from power-saving mode to another mode (standby mode or job execution mode). Specifically, the scanner unit 340 functions as a control unit and, as part of the return process, performs power-on control for the scanner unit 340. In power-saving mode before returning, the scanner unit 340 performs power-off control for the scanner unit 340. After returning from power-saving mode in step S904, the process proceeds to step S905.

[0127] In step S905, the scanner unit 340 performs an initialization process.

[0128] In step S906, the scanner unit 340 determines whether or not there is communication from the main control unit 320, including the start of communication. Specifically, the scanner unit 340 checks the status of the status signal indicating that communication is possible from the main control unit 320 and the status signal indicating that communication is possible from the scanner unit 340, and determines whether an initial communication has been received. If the configuration allows the communication state to be established with only the initial communication, a status signal indicating that communication is possible is not necessary. If it is determined that there is no communication, the process returns to step S906. If it is determined that there is communication, the process proceeds to step S907.

[0129] In step S907, the scanner unit 340 initiates communication with the main control unit 320.

[0130] Figure 11 shows the communication flow of each block for the recovery process from power saving mode. Figure 11(A) shows the recovery control from the scanner unit 340, and Figure 11(B) shows the recovery control from the main control unit 320, which is a recovery control from a unit other than the scanner unit 340.

[0131] Let's start with a detailed explanation of Figure 11(A). When the user input detection unit 341 detects user input, it sends a power-on instruction to the scanner power supply unit 408 and the power control unit 322. When the scanner power supply unit 408 receives the power-on instruction, it supplies power to the entire scanner unit 340 through power-on control. At this time, the scanner power supply unit 408 may have power on / off control within the scanner unit 340, or it may have a power supply and power control circuit outside the scanner unit 340, but details will not be described.

[0132] When the power control unit 322 receives a power-on instruction, it instructs the entire image forming apparatus 100 to return from power-saving mode. In Figure 11, the explanation is limited to the period up to the start of communication with the scanner unit 340, so only the main control unit 320 is shown as a representative. The power control unit 322 transmits a power-on instruction to the main control unit power supply unit 321. The main control unit power supply unit 321 starts supplying power to the main CPU 324 through power-on control.

[0133] When power is supplied, the scanner unit 340 and the main CPU 324 begin initialization. The main CPU 324 sends a communication start request to the scanner unit 340, and the scanner unit 340 sends a communication start response to the main CPU 324. When both the scanner unit 340 and the main CPU 324 are able to communicate, communication begins.

[0134] The initialization time for the scanner unit 340 and the initialization time for the main CPU 324 are different. Therefore, if the initialization of the scanner unit 340 is slower than that of the main CPU 324, the main CPU 324 had to wait for the scanner unit 340 to initialize. However, by performing the initialization process from power supply in parallel, the waiting time can be reduced, making it possible to start communication.

[0135] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main CPU 324 outputs a communication start request first, and the scanner unit 340 responds. However, the status may be notified using H / L logic and communication may be initiated using logic, or the status may be confirmed through communication without status notification. Since there are differences in initialization time, if status notification is not performed, it is necessary to implement retransmission flow, retry processing, timeout settings, etc., to prevent errors at the start of communication, but details are not described here.

[0136] Next, we will explain the details of Figure 11(B). Figure 11(B) shows the communication flow when the scanner unit 340 returns from power-saving mode for reasons other than user input. Examples of returning from power-saving mode for reasons other than user input from the scanner unit 340 include touching the touch panel 305 of the operation unit 301, paper detection by the printer unit 350, and printing via the network.

[0137] When the image forming apparatus 100 detects a return from power-saving mode, the power supply control unit 322 issues a power supply instruction. At that time, power may be supplied to all units of the image forming apparatus 100, or power may be supplied only to the necessary units. Specifically, when power is supplied only to the necessary units, for example, when the touch panel 305 of the operation unit 301 is touched, power is not immediately supplied to the scanner unit 340 or printer unit 350 even after receiving input, but only to the main control unit 320 and the operation unit 301.

[0138] In Figure 11(B), as an example of an embodiment, the unit that receives power every time it returns from power-saving mode is shown with a solid line as the main control unit 320, and the unit that may not receive power is shown with a dotted line as the scanner unit 340. In Figure 11(B), although shown with solid and dotted lines, the communication flow will be explained assuming that the scanner unit 340 also returns to operation.

[0139] The power control unit 322 sends a power-on instruction to the scanner power supply unit 408 and the main control unit power supply unit 321. Upon receiving the power-on instruction, the scanner power supply unit 408 supplies power to the entire scanner unit 340 through power-on control. Upon receiving the power-on instruction, the main control unit power supply unit 321 starts supplying power to the main CPU 324 through power-on control.

[0140] When power is supplied, the scanner unit 340 and the main CPU 324 begin initialization. The main CPU 324 sends a communication start request to the scanner unit 340, and the scanner unit 340 sends a communication start response to the main CPU 324. When both the scanner unit 340 and the main CPU 324 are able to communicate, communication begins.

[0141] Thus, similar to the first embodiment, in a unit that has a function to receive user input, such as the scanner unit 340, not only is the user input recovery signal 3028 transmitted to the power control unit 322 of the main control unit 320, but the unit also generates and transmits a recovery signal 452 within the unit itself, thereby enabling faster recovery from power-saving mode in the unit's own recovery control.

[0142] Although the above explanation used the scanner unit 340 as an example, the printer unit 350 is similar to the scanner unit 340. The printer unit 350 is a printer unit. The user input detection unit 351 of the printer unit 350 detects the cause of the printer unit 350's return. The cause of the return is, for example, the detection of a document or the detection of opening / closing by the printer unit 350.

[0143] As described above, the first and second embodiments are applicable to units such as the operation unit 301, the scanner unit 340, or the printer unit 350. By accelerating the power supply to each unit after receiving user input, the recovery control time can be shortened. When each unit recovers from power-saving mode, it is possible to shorten the time it takes to supply power to the unit that caused the recovery.

[0144] (Other embodiments) This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0145] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely examples illustrating how to implement this disclosure, and they should not be interpreted as limiting the technical scope of this disclosure. In other words, this disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0146] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Item 1) It is a unit, A detection means for detecting the recovery factor in the unit, In either case, when the recovery factor is detected by the detection means, or when a signal indicating recovery is received from another unit, the control means performs power-on control on the unit. A unit characterized by having the following features. (Item 2) The unit according to item 1, characterized in that the control means transmits a signal indicating recovery to the other units when a recovery factor is detected by the detection means. (Item 3) The unit according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means performs an initialization process of the unit after the power-on control. (Item 4) The control means is characterized in that it communicates with the other units after the power-on control, as described in any one of items 1 to 3. (Item 5) The unit according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means performs a process to return from power-saving mode to another mode in either case when a recovery factor is detected by the detection means or when a signal indicating recovery is received from another unit. (Item 6) The control means is characterized in that, when the unit is under power-off control, it performs power-on control on the unit in either case the detection means detects a recovery factor or receives a signal indicating recovery from another unit. This is the unit according to any one of items 1 to 5. (Item 7) The unit is characterized in that the unit is an operating unit, as described in any one of items 1 to 6. (Item 8) The unit according to item 7, characterized in that the recovery factor is an operation by the user of the operation unit. (Item 9) The unit according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that the unit is a scanner unit. (Item 10) The unit according to item 9, characterized in that the recovery factor is the detection of a document or the detection of opening / closing of the scanner unit. (Item 11) The unit is a printer unit, as described in any one of items 1 to 6. (Item 12) The unit according to item 11, characterized in that the recovery factor is the detection of a document or the detection of opening / closing of the printer unit. (Item 13) The units listed in item 2, Having the aforementioned other units, The apparatus is characterized in that when the other unit receives the signal indicating the return from the unit, it performs power-on control for the other unit. (Item 14) A method for controlling a unit, A detection step for detecting the recovery factor in the aforementioned unit, In either case, when a recovery factor is detected by the detection step, or when a signal indicating recovery is received from another unit, a control step is performed to power on the unit. A method for controlling a unit, characterized by having the following features. (Item 15) A program to cause a computer to function as one of the units described in items 1 through 12. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0147] 301 Operation Unit, 303 Operation Unit Power Supply Unit, 304 Touch Panel Control Unit, 306 Operation Unit Power Control Generation Unit, 307 Reset Signal Generation Unit

Claims

1. It is a unit, A detection means for detecting the recovery factor in the unit, In either case, when the recovery factor is detected by the detection means, or when a signal indicating recovery is received from another unit, the control means performs power-on control on the unit. A unit characterized by having the following features.

2. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means transmits a signal indicating a return to the other unit when a return factor is detected by the detection means.

3. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means performs an initialization process of the unit after the power-on control.

4. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means communicates with the other unit after the power-on control.

5. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means performs a process to return from power-saving mode to another mode in either case when a recovery factor is detected by the detection means or when a signal indicating recovery is received from another unit.

6. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means performs power-on control on the unit in either case when a recovery factor is detected by the detection means or when a signal indicating recovery is received from another unit while the unit is under power-off control.

7. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the unit is an operating unit.

8. The unit according to claim 7, characterized in that the recovery factor is an operation by the user of the operation unit.

9. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the unit is a scanner unit.

10. The unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the recovery factor is the detection of a document or the detection of opening / closing of the scanner unit.

11. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the unit is a printer unit.

12. The unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the recovery factor is the detection of an original document or the detection of opening / closing of the printer unit.

13. The unit according to claim 2, Having the aforementioned other units, The apparatus is characterized in that when the other unit receives the signal indicating the return from the unit, it performs power-on control for the other unit.

14. A method for controlling a unit, A detection step for detecting the recovery factor in the aforementioned unit, In either case, when a recovery factor is detected by the detection step, or when a signal indicating recovery is received from another unit, a control step is performed to power on the unit. A method for controlling a unit, characterized by having the following features.

15. A program for causing a computer to function as the unit described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images