electronic machinery

Abstract

This enables appropriate control of the power supply to a storage device, including switching it on and off, in accordance with the operating status of the electronic device in which the storage device is installed. [Solution] When the operating mode transitions from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode, the control unit 21 sets the standby time in the first power saving mode to the second-first timer time if the operating time in the second power saving mode immediately before the transition exceeds the second determination threshold (S58: NO) (S59), and sets the standby time in the first power saving mode to the second-second timer time which is longer than the second-first timer time (S62) if the operating time in the second power saving mode immediately before the transition is less than or equal to the second determination threshold (S58: YES), and transitions to the second power saving mode and turns off the power supply to the storage unit 35 when the second-first timer time or the second-second timer time has elapsed (S63).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device that controls the on and off of power supply to a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, from the perspective of environmental protection, power consumption reduction of various electronic devices such as image forming devices has been demanded. To achieve this, a method has been adopted in which the power supply to each module in an electronic device, such as a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive), is turned off as needed, and the device transitions to a power saving mode.

[0003] By the way, in storage devices such as SSDs and HDDs, the number of times the power supply to the storage device can be turned on or the number of times the power supply to the storage device can be turned off (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the "power on / off guarantee count") without the storage device malfunctioning is guaranteed. Also, for an electronic device, the time during which the electronic device operates without malfunctioning (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the "product life") is guaranteed. If the on and off of the power supply to the storage device are frequently repeated, the time until the number of times the power supply to the storage device is turned on or off reaches the power on / off guarantee count guaranteed for the storage device becomes shorter. As a result, there is a problem that an electronic device equipped with the storage device becomes unusable before reaching its product life.

[0004] Therefore, the product lifespan of an electronic device equipped with a storage device is divided by the guaranteed number of power on / off cycles for the storage device, and the result of this division is used as a reference time. When the time elapsed since the power supply to the storage device was turned on reaches the reference time, the power supply to the storage device is turned off. This reduces the likelihood that the number of times the power supply to the storage device is turned on or off will reach the guaranteed number of power on / off cycles for the storage device before the product lifespan of the electronic device expires (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-295144 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] By the way, the reference time obtained by dividing the product lifespan of an electronic device by the guaranteed number of power on / off cycles for the storage device is a fixed value, so it does not control the on / off of power supply to the storage device in response to changes in the operating status of the electronic device equipped with the storage device.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to extend the lifespan and reduce power consumption of electronic devices equipped with storage devices by controlling the on / off switching of power supply to storage devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention is an electronic device comprising a storage device and a control unit that controls the operation of the storage device, wherein the control unit sets the electronic device to at least one of a first mode that allows the power supply to the storage device to be turned on, and a second mode that turns off the power supply to the storage device, and when the operating mode of the electronic device is in the second mode, the control unit transitions the operating mode from the second mode to the first mode based on the occurrence of a predetermined event that causes a transition from the second mode to the first mode, and when the operating mode of the first mode is in operation, the control unit transitions the operating mode from the first mode to the second mode when the waiting time during which processing associated with the event is not being performed reaches a predetermined threshold, and when the operating mode is transitioned from the second mode to the first mode, the control unit determines that the operating time in the second mode immediately before the transition exceeds a predetermined determination threshold, the control unit sets the threshold to a predetermined first reference time that is longer than the first reference time, and when the operating time in the second mode immediately before the transition is determined to be less than or equal to the determination threshold, the control unit sets the threshold to a predetermined second reference time that is longer than the first reference time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, by setting a threshold used to transition the operating mode from the first mode to the second mode, setting the operating time in the second mode immediately before the transition to a first reference time when it exceeds the judgment threshold, and setting the operating time to a second reference time that is longer than the first reference time when it is below the judgment threshold, it is possible to control the on / off switching of the power supply to the storage device and thereby extend the lifespan and reduce the power consumption of electronic devices equipped with a storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of an image forming apparatus as an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3]Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the mode control process performed by the control unit. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the processing procedure by the control unit in the first control process of the mode control process shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the processing procedure by the control unit in the second control process of the mode control process shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the processing procedure of the mode control processing by the control unit in the second control processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the processing procedure of the mode control processing by the control unit in the second control processing in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] ≪First Embodiment≫ Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 1 as an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of an image forming apparatus 1 as an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in Figure 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device that combines multiple functions such as a facsimile function, a copier function, a printer function, and a scanner function. The image forming apparatus 1 is just one example of an electronic device, and the electronic device may be something other than the image forming apparatus 1.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 3, a paper feeding unit 4, a paper discharge unit 6, an operation unit 10, a display unit 11, an image forming unit 31, a fixing unit 32, an image processing unit 33, an image memory 34, a storage unit 35, a facsimile communication unit 36, a network interface unit 37, and a control unit 20, etc. The housing 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 houses multiple devices such as the image reading unit 3, the image forming unit 31, the fixing unit 32, and the paper feeding unit 4, which are necessary to realize the various functions of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0014] The image reading unit 3 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) that includes a document conveyance unit 5 for conveying the document, and a scanner for optically reading the document conveyed by the document conveyance unit 5 or the document placed on a contact glass (not shown). The image reading unit 3 irradiates the document with the light irradiation unit, and receives the reflected light with the CCD sensor to read an image from the document and acquire image data.

[0015] The image processing unit 33 includes an image processing circuit and performs image processing on the image data acquired by the image reading unit 3 or the image data sent from a personal computer and other facsimile devices connected via a network line.

[0016] The image memory 34 includes an area for temporarily storing the image data subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 33. For example, the image memory 34 temporarily stores the image data to be the object of image formation by the image forming unit 31.

[0017] The image forming unit 31 includes a photoreceptor drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer device. The image forming unit 31 forms a toner image on the recording paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 4 based on the image data temporarily stored in the image memory 34.

[0018] The fixing unit 32 performs a fixing process of heating and pressing the recording paper with a toner image formed on its surface by the image forming process of the image forming unit 31 and fixing the toner image on the recording paper by thermocompression bonding. After receiving the fixing process by the fixing unit 32, the recorded paper with the image formed is discharged to the paper discharge unit 6. The paper discharge unit 6 includes a paper discharge tray 7 for placing the discharged recorded paper with the image formed. The paper feeding unit 4 pulls out one by one the recording paper accommodated in the paper feeding cassette or placed on the manual feed tray and sends it to the image forming unit 3.

[0019] The operation unit 10 and the display unit 11 are in the vicinity of the image reading unit 5 and are disposed on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. The display unit 11 includes a display panel and the like, and displays various screens including a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen for a user to perform various operations on various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 under the control of the control unit 21, for example, a home screen, a login screen, a copy screen, a transmission screen, and a job history screen. The operation unit 10 includes a touch panel laminated on the display panel of the display unit 11, a keypad, and the like, and receives an instruction input by the user regarding processing related to various functions that the image forming apparatus 1 can execute.

[0020] The storage unit 35 is a large-capacity storage device that stores various data and various control programs for realizing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. In the first embodiment, the storage unit 35 stores a mode control program for the control unit 20 to execute the mode control process whose processing procedures are shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. In the second embodiment to be described later, the storage unit 35 stores a mode control program for the control unit 20 to execute the mode control process whose processing procedures are shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 7.

[0021] The storage unit 35 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive) that operates without failure and whose number of times of power supply being turned on or off is guaranteed. The storage unit 35 is an example of the storage device in the claims.

[0022] The facsimile communication unit 36 is a facsimile communication mechanism that connects to a public line and transmits and receives image data via the public line. The network interface unit 37 is an interface with a LAN or an Internet network. The control unit 21 performs data communication with a personal computer 40 or the like on the LAN or Internet network via this network interface unit 37.

[0023] The control unit 20 includes a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the image reading unit 3 with an image transport unit 5, a paper feeding unit 4, a paper ejection unit 6, an operation unit 10, a display unit 11, an image forming unit 31, a fixing unit 32, an image processing unit 33, an image memory 34, a storage unit 35, a facsimile communication unit 36, and a network interface unit 37, etc.

[0024] The control unit 20 includes a control unit 21. The control unit 20 functions as a control unit 21 through operation by the processor in accordance with a control program, such as a mode control program, stored in the memory unit 35, and the control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1. However, the control unit 21 can also be configured by hardware circuits, rather than through operation by the control unit 20 in accordance with a control program, such as a mode control program. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0025] Each part of the image forming apparatus 1 is powered by a power supply (not shown), which is connected to the image forming apparatus 1, and the parts of the image forming apparatus 1 operate accordingly. In this embodiment, the control unit 21 controls the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0026] In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 includes three modes: a normal mode, a first power-saving mode, and a second power-saving mode.

[0027] The normal mode is a mode in which processing related to various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 can be executed quickly, and is a mode in which power is supplied to each part (control unit 20 (control unit 21), image reading unit 3 with document transport unit 5, paper feeding unit 4, paper output unit 6, operation unit 10, display unit 11, image forming unit 31, fixing unit 32, image processing unit 33, image memory 34, storage unit 35, facsimile communication unit 36, network interface unit 37, etc.).

[0028] The first power-saving mode is a mode that reduces power consumption in the image forming apparatus 1 by turning off the power supply to a predetermined display unit 11 and turning on the power supply to all other parts of the image forming apparatus 1. In the first embodiment, the first power-saving mode is a mode in which the power supply to the storage unit 35, which is a storage device, is always on, or a mode that allows the power supply to the storage unit 35 to be turned on. In the second embodiment, the first power-saving mode is a mode in which the power supply to the storage unit 35, which is a storage device, may be turned on or off, or a mode that allows the power supply to the storage unit 35 to be turned on. The first power-saving mode is an example of the first mode in the claims.

[0029] The second power-saving mode is a mode that further reduces power consumption in the image forming apparatus 1 than the first power consumption mode, by turning on the power supply to predetermined parts of the image forming apparatus 1, such as the control unit 20 (control unit 21), and turning off the power supply to predetermined parts, such as the display unit 11 and the storage unit 35. The second power consumption mode is an example of the second mode in the claims.

[0030] The control unit 21 controls the operation of the storage unit 35.

[0031] The control unit 21 sets the image forming apparatus 1 to one of the following modes: normal mode, first power consumption mode, or second power consumption mode.

[0032] The control unit 21 transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the second power consumption mode to the first power consumption mode based on the occurrence of a predetermined event that causes a transition from the second power consumption mode to the first power consumption mode when the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is in the second power consumption mode.

[0033] When the control unit 21 is operating in the first power consumption mode, if the waiting time during which no processing associated with the event is being performed reaches a predetermined threshold, it transitions the operating mode from the first power consumption mode to the second power consumption mode.

[0034] When the control unit 21 transitions the operating mode from the second power consumption mode to the first power consumption mode, if it determines that the operating time in the second power consumption mode immediately before the transition exceeds a predetermined determination threshold (in this embodiment, the second determination threshold), it sets the threshold to a predetermined first reference time (in this embodiment, the 2-1 timer time). If it determines that the operating time in the second power consumption mode immediately before the transition is less than or equal to the determination threshold (in this embodiment, the second determination threshold), it sets the threshold to a predetermined second reference time (in this embodiment, the 2-2 timer time) that is longer than the first reference time.

[0035] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the mode control process performed by the control unit 21 in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the control unit 21 in the first control process of the mode control process in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the control unit 21 in the second control process of the mode control process in Figure 3. The control unit 20 operates as a control unit 21 that performs the mode control process shown in Figures 3 to 5 by executing the mode control program stored in the storage unit 35.

[0036] While the image forming apparatus 1 is operating in normal mode, the control unit 21 determines whether there is a storage device, such as an HDD or SSD, that operates without failure and has a guaranteed number of times it can be powered on or off, when a predetermined event occurs, such as transitioning from normal mode to second power-saving mode or when no image forming process is performed in the image forming apparatus 1 for a predetermined period of time (step S1).

[0037] If the control unit 21 determines that there is no storage device (S1: NO), the control unit 21 performs the first control process shown in Figure 4 (step S2).

[0038] On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that there is a storage device (S1: YES), the control unit 21 performs the second control process shown in Figure 5 (step 3).

[0039] While the image forming apparatus 1 is operating in the first power saving mode or the second power saving mode, when a predetermined event occurs, such as the operation of the operation unit 10, the control unit 21 completes the mode control processing shown in Figures 3 to 5, which transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the first power saving mode or the second power saving mode to the normal mode, and turns on the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 1 that is currently powered off.

[0040] In the first control process shown in Figure 4, the control unit 21 transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from normal mode or first power saving mode to second power saving mode, and turns off the power supply to each of the predetermined parts that are powered on in the second power saving mode of the image forming apparatus 1 (step S11).

[0041] Following the processing in step S11, the control unit 21 obtains the time at which the system transitioned to the second power-saving mode, and sets the obtained time as the sleep reference time (step S12).

[0042] Following step S12, the control unit 21 determines whether a predetermined event has occurred, such as a print job being submitted that causes a transition from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode (the event will be referred to as the "second-to-first transition event" as appropriate) (step S13). If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S13 that the predetermined event (second-to-first transition event) has not occurred (S13: NO), the control unit 21 performs the process of step S13.

[0043] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S13 that the predetermined event (second-to-first transition event) has occurred (S13: YES), the control unit 21 transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode, and turns on the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 1 that is powered on in the first power saving mode, and starts up the respective parts (step S14).

[0044] Following the processing in step S14, the control unit 21 obtains the time at which the system transitioned to the first power-saving mode, and sets the obtained time as the sleep recovery time (step S15).

[0045] Following step S15, the control unit 21 calculates the operating time (operating time = sleep recovery time - sleep reference time) during operation in the second power saving mode from the sleep reference time to the sleep recovery time (step S16).

[0046] Following step S16, the control unit 21 determines whether the operating time in the second power-saving mode is less than or equal to a predetermined first determination threshold (3 minutes in this embodiment) (step S17).

[0047] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S17 that the operation time is not less than or equal to the first determination time (S17: NO), the control unit 21 sets the timer to a predetermined first-1 timer time (1 second in this embodiment) (step S18) and proceeds to the process of step S20.

[0048] On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S17 that the operating time is less than or equal to the first determination threshold (S17: YES), the control unit 21 sets the timer to a predetermined first-second timer time (3 minutes in this embodiment) that is longer than the first-first timer time (step S19), and proceeds to the process of step S20.

[0049] The control unit 21 starts the timer when it enters a standby state in which it is not performing any processing associated with the second-first transition event. When the first-first timer time set in step S18 or the first-second timer time set in step S19 has elapsed and a timeout occurs (step S20), it returns to the processing in step S11. In step S11, the control unit 21 transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode, and turns off the power supply to each of the predetermined parts of the image forming apparatus 1 that are powered on, in which case the power supply is turned off. However, the control unit 21 resets the timer upon the occurrence of the second-first transition event and resets the first-first timer time or the first-second timer time.

[0050] In the second control process shown in Figure 5, the control unit 21 sets N=0 (step S51) and proceeds to the process in step S52.

[0051] The control unit 21 transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from normal mode or first power saving mode to second power saving mode, and turns off the power supply to each of the predetermined parts that are powered on in the second power saving mode of the image forming apparatus 1 (such as the storage unit 35, which is a storage device) (step S52).

[0052] Following the processing in step S52, the control unit 21 obtains the time at which the system transitioned to the second power-saving mode, and sets the obtained time as the sleep reference time (step S53).

[0053] Following step S53, the control unit 21 determines whether a predetermined event (second-to-first transition event) that causes a transition from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode has occurred (step S54). If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S54 that the predetermined event (second-to-first transition event) has not occurred (S54: NO), the control unit 21 performs the process of step S54.

[0054] In the determination process of step S54, if the control unit 21 determines that the predetermined event (second-to-first transition event) has occurred (S54: YES), the control unit 21 transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode, and turns on the power supply to each part (such as the storage unit 35, which is a storage device) that is turned off among the parts that are powered on in the first power saving mode of the image forming apparatus 1, thereby starting up each part (such as the storage unit 35, which is a storage device).

[0055] Following the processing in step S55, the control unit 21 obtains the time at which the system transitioned to the first power-saving mode, and sets the obtained time as the sleep recovery time (step S56).

[0056] Following step S56, the control unit 21 calculates the operating time (operating time = sleep recovery time - sleep reference time) during operation in the second power saving mode from the sleep reference time to the sleep recovery time (step S57).

[0057] Following step S57, the control unit 21 determines whether the operating time in the second power-saving mode is less than or equal to a predetermined second determination threshold (30 minutes in this embodiment) (step S58). The second determination threshold is an example of a determination threshold in the claims.

[0058] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S58 that the operating time is not less than or equal to the second determination threshold (S58: NO), the control unit 21 sets the timer to a predetermined second-first timer time (1 second in this embodiment) (step S59). The second-first timer time is an example of the first reference time in the claims. Following the process of step S59, the control unit 21 sets N=0 (step S60) and proceeds to the process of step S63.

[0059] On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S58 that the operating time is less than or equal to the second determination threshold (S58: YES), the control unit 21 increases the value of N by 1 (step S61). Subsequently, the control unit 21 sets the timer to a predetermined second-second timer time (in this embodiment, N × 5 (minutes)) that is longer than the second-first timer time (step S62), and proceeds to the process of step S63. However, in step S62, if N × 5 (minutes) exceeds 30 (minutes), the control unit 21 sets the second-second timer time to 30 minutes. The second-second timer time is an example of the second reference time in the claims.

[0060] The control unit 21 starts the timer when it enters a standby state in which it is not performing any processing associated with the second-first transition event. When the second-first timer time set in step S59 or the second-second timer time set in step S62 has elapsed and a timeout occurs (step S63), it returns to the process in step S52. In step S52, the control unit 21 transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode, and turns off the power supply to each of the predetermined parts whose power supply is turned off in the second power saving mode of the image forming apparatus 1, specifically those parts whose power supply is still on (such as the storage unit 35, which is a storage device). However, the control unit 21 resets the timer upon the occurrence of the second-first transition event and resets the second-first timer time or the second-second timer time.

[0061] When transitioning from the second power-saving mode to the first power-saving mode, if the operating time in the second power-saving mode immediately prior to the transition is less than or equal to the second determination threshold, it can be assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 is used frequently. If the operating time in the second power-saving mode immediately prior to the transition is longer than the second determination threshold, it can be assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 is used infrequently.

[0062] In the first embodiment described above, the waiting time (second-second timer time) during which processing associated with the second-first transition event is not performed in the transitioned first power-saving mode when the operating time in the second power-saving mode immediately preceding the transition, which is assumed to be frequently used by the image forming apparatus 1, is less than or equal to the second determination threshold, is made longer than the waiting time (second-first timer time) during which processing associated with the second-first transition event is not performed in the transitioned first power-saving mode when the operating time in the second power-saving mode immediately preceding the transition, which is assumed to be less frequently used by the image forming apparatus 1, is longer than the second determination threshold.

[0063] This makes it possible to suppress the frequency with which the power supply to the storage unit 35 switches from on to off when the image forming apparatus 1 is expected to be used frequently, and as a result, the lifespan of the image forming apparatus 1 equipped with the storage unit 35 can be extended.

[0064] Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 1 is expected to be used infrequently, the operating time of the second power-saving mode can be increased as a percentage of the total operating time of the first and second power-saving modes, thereby reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0065] ≪Second Embodiment≫ Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 1 as an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0066] The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment turns on the power supply to the storage unit 35 when transitioning from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode. In contrast, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment determines the timing for turning on the power supply to the storage unit 35 when transitioning from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode, taking into consideration the access status to the storage unit 35. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in that it performs a second control process of the processing procedure shown in the flowchart in Figures 6 and 7, which is different from the second control process of the processing procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 5 performed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, but is otherwise the same as the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0067] The control unit 21 sets the image forming apparatus 1 to one of the following modes: normal mode, first power consumption mode, or second power consumption mode.

[0068] The control unit 21 transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the second power consumption mode to the first power consumption mode based on the occurrence of a predetermined event that causes a transition from the second power consumption mode to the first power consumption mode when the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is in the second power consumption mode.

[0069] When the control unit 21 is operating in the first power consumption mode, if the waiting time during which no processing associated with the event is being performed reaches a predetermined threshold, it transitions the operating mode from the first power consumption mode to the second power consumption mode.

[0070] When the control unit 21 transitions the operating mode from the second power consumption mode to the first power consumption mode, if it determines that the operating time in the second power consumption mode immediately before the transition exceeds a predetermined determination threshold (in this embodiment, the second determination threshold), it sets the threshold to a predetermined first reference time (in this embodiment, the 2-1 timer time). If it determines that the operating time in the second power consumption mode immediately before the transition is less than or equal to the determination threshold (in this embodiment, the second determination threshold), it sets the threshold to a predetermined second reference time (in this embodiment, the 2-2 timer time) that is longer than the first reference time.

[0071] When the control unit 21 transitions the operating mode from the second power-saving mode to the first power-saving mode, if it determines that the access status to the storage device, memory unit 35, is in a predetermined high-frequency access state, it turns on the power supply to the storage device, memory unit 35, when transitioning the operating mode from the second power-saving mode to the first power-saving mode, and starts up the storage unit 35. If it determines that the access status to the storage device, memory unit 35, is not in the high-frequency access state, it transitions the operating mode from the second power-saving mode to the first power-saving mode, and then turns on the power supply to the storage device, memory unit 35, when accessing the storage device, memory unit 35 during operation in the first power-saving mode, and starts up the storage unit 35.

[0072] During the first power saving operation resulting from the transition from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode, the control unit 21 detects the time interval between the transition to the first power saving mode and the access to the storage device, the memory unit 35. During the first power saving operation resulting from the transition from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode, if the time interval detected during the operation in the first mode is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit 21 determines that the frequency of access to the storage device is high, and if the time interval is greater than the predetermined value, the control unit 21 determines that the frequency of access to the storage device is low.

[0073] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the control unit in the second control process in the second embodiment. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the control unit in the second control process in the second embodiment. The control unit 20 operates as a control unit 21 that performs mode control processing as shown in Figures 3, 4, 6, and 7 by executing the mode control program stored in the storage unit 35.

[0074] In the second control process shown in Figures 6 and 7, the control unit 21 sets N=0 (step S101) and proceeds to step S102.

[0075] The control unit 21 transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from normal mode or first power saving mode to second power saving mode, and turns off the power supply to each of the predetermined parts that are powered on in the second power saving mode of the image forming apparatus 1 (such as the storage unit 35, which is a storage device) (step S102).

[0076] Following the processing in step S102, the control unit 21 obtains the time at which the system transitioned to the second power-saving mode, and sets the obtained time as the sleep reference time (step S103).

[0077] Following step S103, the control unit 21 determines whether a predetermined event (second-to-first transition event) that causes a transition from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode has occurred (step S104). If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S104 that the predetermined event (second-to-first transition event) has not occurred (S104: NO), the control unit 21 performs the process of step S104.

[0078] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S104 that the predetermined event (second-to-first transition event) has occurred (S104: YES), the control unit 21 transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode (step S105).

[0079] Following the processing in step S105, the control unit 21 obtains the time at which the system transitioned to the first power-saving mode, and sets the obtained time as the sleep recovery time (step S106).

[0080] Following the processing in step S106, the control unit 21 determines whether the access status to the storage device (in the case of the image forming apparatus 1, the storage unit 35) is in a high-frequency access state, which is predetermined as a high frequency of access to the storage device (step S107). In this embodiment, the control unit 21 determines whether the access status to the storage device is in a high-frequency access state based on the determination in step S120 as to whether the access frequency to the storage device is high or not. For example, the control unit 21 determines that the access status to the storage device is not in a high-frequency access state if it is determined that the access frequency to the storage device has been low for a predetermined number of consecutive times (e.g., 3 times) or more, or if it is determined that the access frequency to the storage device has been low for a predetermined number of times (e.g., 3 times) or more in the most recent predetermined number of times (e.g., 5 times).

[0081] In the determination process of step S107, if the control unit 21 determines that the access status to the storage device is in a high-frequency access state (S107: YES), the control unit 21 turns on the power supply to each part that is turned off in the first power-saving mode of the image forming apparatus 1 (such as the storage unit 35 which is a storage device) and starts up each part (such as the storage unit 35 which is a storage device) (step S108), and proceeds to step S110.

[0082] In the determination process of step S107, if the control unit 21 determines that the access status to the storage device is not in a high-frequency access state (S107: NO), the control unit 21 turns on the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 1 that is currently powered off, excluding the storage device, the memory unit 35, which is included in the parts that are powered on in the first power-saving mode of the image forming apparatus 1, and starts up those parts (step S109), and proceeds to step S110. In step S109, the control unit 21 does not turn on the power supply to the storage device, the memory unit 35, and keeps it off, so the storage device, the memory unit 35, does not start up.

[0083] The control unit 21 calculates the operating time (operating time = sleep recovery time - sleep reference time) during operation in the second power saving mode from the sleep reference time to the sleep recovery time (step S110).

[0084] Following step S110, the control unit 21 determines whether the operating time in the second power-saving mode is less than or equal to a predetermined second determination threshold (30 minutes in this embodiment) (step S111). The second determination threshold is an example of a determination threshold in the claims.

[0085] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S111 that the operating time is not less than or equal to the second determination threshold (S111: NO), the control unit 21 sets the timer to a predetermined second-first timer time (1 second in this embodiment) (step S112). The second-first timer time is an example of the first reference time in the claims. Following the process of step S112, the control unit 21 sets N=0 (step S113) and proceeds to the process of step S116.

[0086] On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S111 that the operating time is less than or equal to the second determination threshold (S111: YES), the control unit 21 increases the value of N by 1 (step S114). Subsequently, the control unit 21 sets the timer to a predetermined second-second timer time that is longer than the second-first timer time (in this embodiment, N × 5 (minutes)) (step S115), and proceeds to the process of step S116. However, in step S115, if N × 5 (minutes) exceeds 30 (minutes), the control unit 21 sets the second-second timer time to 30 minutes. The second-second timer time is an example of the second reference time in the claims.

[0087] The control unit 21 determines whether or not there is access to the storage device (in the case of the image forming apparatus 1, the storage unit 35) (step S116). If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S116 that there is no access to the storage device (S116: NO), the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S120.

[0088] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S116 that there is access to the storage device (S116: YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the storage device (storage unit 35 in the case of the image forming apparatus 1) has been started up (step S117). If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S117 that the storage device has been started up (S117: YES), the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S119.

[0089] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S116 that the storage device is not already started (S117: NO), the control unit 21 turns on the power supply to the storage device (storage unit 35 in the case of the image forming apparatus 1) and starts the storage device (storage unit 35 in the case of the image forming apparatus 1) (step S118), and proceeds to the process of step S119.

[0090] The control unit 21 obtains the time when the storage device was accessed. During the operation of the first power saving mode resulting from the first transition from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode, the obtained time is used as the access reference time. During the operation of the first power saving mode resulting from the second and subsequent transitions from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode, the obtained time is used as the access time (step S119), and the process proceeds to step S120.

[0091] The control unit 21 determines whether the frequency of access to the storage device (storage unit 35 in the case of the image forming apparatus 1) is high or low (step S120).

[0092] In step S120, the control unit 21 determines whether the frequency of access to the storage device is high or low based on the time interval from the sleep recovery time (the sleep recovery time of the processing result of step S106 in the operating first power saving mode) to the access reference time (the access reference time of the processing result of step S119 in the operating first power saving mode) while the first power saving mode is operating due to the first transition from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode. For example, the control unit 21 determines that the frequency of access to the storage device is high if the time interval is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and determines that the frequency of access to the storage device is low if the time interval is greater than the predetermined value. However, if there is no access to the storage device in the operating first power saving mode, for example, the control unit 21 may determine that the frequency of access to the storage device is low.

[0093] In step S120, during operation of the first power saving mode resulting from the second or subsequent transition from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode, the control unit 21 determines whether the frequency of access to the storage device is high or low based on the time interval from the sleep recovery time (the sleep recovery time of the processing result of step S106 in the operating first power saving mode) to the access reference time (the access reference time of the processing result of step S119 in the operating first power saving mode), and the access time interval from the access reference time (the access reference time of the processing result of step S121 in the first power saving mode where there was access to the storage device before transitioning to the operating first power saving mode) to the access time (the access time of the processing result of step S119 in the operating first power saving mode). For example, the control unit 21 determines that the frequency of access to the storage device is high if the time interval is less than or equal to a predetermined first value, or if the access time interval is less than or equal to a predetermined second value, and determines that the frequency of access to the storage device is low otherwise. However, if there is no access to the storage device during operation in the first power-saving mode, the control unit 21 may determine, for example, that the frequency of access to the storage device is low.

[0094] The control unit 21 determines whether the frequency of access to the storage device is high or low based on the time interval from the sleep wake time to the access reference time, and the access time interval from the access reference time to the access time, during operation of the first power saving mode resulting from the second transition to the first power saving mode for the second time or later. However, it is not limited to this, and it may also determine whether the frequency of access to the storage device is high or low based on the time interval from the sleep wake time to the access reference time, or it may determine whether the frequency of access to the storage device is high or low based on the access time interval from the access reference time to the access time. In the former case, for example, the control unit 21 may determine that the frequency of access to the storage device is high if the time interval is less than or equal to a predetermined first value, and otherwise determine that the frequency of access to the storage device is low. In the first power saving mode that is in operation, if there is no access to the storage device, it may also determine that the frequency of access to the storage device is low. In the latter case, for example, the control unit 21 may determine that the frequency of access to the storage device is high if the access time interval is less than or equal to a predetermined second value, and that the frequency of access to the storage device is low otherwise, and that the frequency of access to the storage device is low if there is no access to the storage device during operation in the first power-saving mode.

[0095] Following the processing in step S120, the control unit 21 uses the time of access to the storage device (the access time in the processing result of step S119) as the access reference time during operation of the first power saving mode resulting from the second and subsequent transitions from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode (step S121).

[0096] Following the processing in step S121, the control unit 21 starts the timer when a standby state begins in which no processing associated with the second-first transition event has been performed. When the second-first timer time set in step S112 or the second-second timer time set in step S115 has elapsed and a timeout occurs (step S122), the control unit returns to the processing in step S102. In step S102, the control unit 21 transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode, and turns off the power supply to each of the predetermined parts whose power supply is turned off in the second power saving mode of the image forming apparatus 1 (such as the storage unit 35). However, the control unit 21 resets the timer upon the occurrence of the second-first transition event and resets the second-first timer time or the second-second timer time.

[0097] According to the second embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0098] In the first power-saving mode, which is transitioned from the second power-saving mode, there may be no access to the storage device (storage unit 35 in the case of the image forming apparatus 1) before transitioning from the first power-saving mode to the second power-saving mode.

[0099] According to the second embodiment described above, if the access status to the storage device (storage unit 35 in the case of the image forming apparatus 1) is not in a high-frequency access state, after transitioning from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode, the power supply to the storage device is turned on and the storage device is started when access to the storage device occurs. As a result, if there is no access to the storage device in the first power saving mode transitioned from the second power saving mode, and the system transitions from the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode, the power supply to the storage device remains off, reducing the number of times the power supply to the storage device is turned on and off. As a result, the lifespan of the image forming apparatus 1 equipped with the storage unit 35 can be extended.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment described above, if the access status to the storage device (storage unit 35 in the case of the image forming apparatus 1) is in a high-frequency access state, the power supply to the storage device is turned on and the storage device is started when transitioning from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode. This enables quick access to the storage device.

[0101] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments and various modifications are possible. Furthermore, the configuration and process shown in the above embodiments using Figures 1 to 7 are merely one embodiment of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to such configuration and process. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1. Image forming apparatus 20 Control Units 21 Control Unit 35 Storage section

Claims

1. Storage devices and A control unit that controls the operation of the storage device, Electronic equipment equipped with, The control unit, The electronic device is set to at least one of two modes: a first mode that allows the power supply to the storage device to be turned on, and a second mode that turns off the power supply to the storage device. When the operating mode of the electronic device is the second mode, the operating mode is transitioned from the second mode to the first mode based on the occurrence of a predetermined event that causes a transition from the second mode to the first mode. When operating in the first mode, if the waiting time during which no processing associated with the event is performed reaches a predetermined threshold, the operating mode is transitioned from the first mode to the second mode. When the operating mode is transitioned from the second mode to the first mode, When it is determined that the operating time in the second mode immediately before the transition exceeds a predetermined threshold, the threshold is set to a predetermined first reference time. When it is determined that the operating time in the second mode immediately preceding the transition is less than or equal to the determination threshold, the threshold is set to a predetermined second reference time that is longer than the first reference time. electronic equipment.

2. The control unit, When the operating mode is transitioned from the second mode to the first mode, When it is determined that the access status to the storage device is in a high-frequency access state, which is predetermined as a high frequency of access to the storage device, the power supply to the storage device is turned on and the storage device is started when the operating mode is transitioned from the second mode to the first mode. When it is determined that the access status to the storage device is not in the high-frequency access state, the operating mode is transitioned from the second mode to the first mode, and when accessing the storage device while operating in the first mode, the power supply to the storage device is turned on to start the storage device. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, During operation in the first mode resulting from a transition from the second mode to the first mode, the time interval between the transition to the first mode and access to the storage device is detected. During operation in the first mode resulting from a transition from the second mode to the first mode, if the time interval detected during operation in the first mode is less than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined that the access frequency to the storage device is high; if the time interval is greater than the predetermined value, it is determined that the access frequency to the storage device is low. The electronic device according to claim 2.

4. Storage devices and A control unit that controls the operation of the storage device, Electronic equipment equipped with, The control unit, The electronic device is set to at least one of two modes: a first mode that allows the power supply to the storage device to be turned on, and a second mode that turns off the power supply to the storage device. When the operating mode of the electronic device is the second mode, the operating mode is transitioned from the second mode to the first mode based on the occurrence of a predetermined event that causes a transition from the second mode to the first mode. When the operating mode is transitioned from the second mode to the first mode, When it is determined that the access status to the storage device is in a high-frequency access state, which is predetermined as a high frequency of access to the storage device, the power supply to the storage device is turned on and the storage device is started when the operating mode is transitioned from the second mode to the first mode. When it is determined that the access status to the storage device is not in the high-frequency access state, the operating mode is transitioned from the second mode to the first mode, and when accessing the storage device while operating in the first mode, the power supply to the storage device is turned on to start the storage device. electronic equipment.

5. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the storage device is an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

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